KERALA
Kerala’s EV sector revs up as registrations soar 64%
Despite the high initial cost, environment-conscious Kerala is switching to electric vehicles (EVs) in a big way, thanks to more brands available in the market, lower taxes and increased awareness. The state witnessed a 64% increase in EV registrations in 2020 compared with the previous year, according to data from the central road transport and highways ministry. This compares with the 29.9% drop in overall vehicle registrations in the state over the same period.
The board collects Rs 13 per unit at its charging stations, while private players charge Rs 17-20 at their stations, he said.
Meanwhile Anert, the state government’s agency for non-conventional energy and rural technology, has gone ahead and installed four charging stations — three in Thiruvananthapuram and one in Ernakulam. Another 13 of its stations are expected to go online in a few weeks. Anert also provides electric vehicles on rent to various government departments.
INTERNATIONAL
International Customs Day: 26 January
The International Customs Day (ICD) is observed on 26 January every year.
The objective of this day is to recognise the role of customs officials and agencies and focus on the working conditions and challenges that customs officers face in their jobs.
The day was instituted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to commemorate the day in 1953 when the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) was held in Brussels, Belgium.
In 1994 the CCC was renamed World Customs Organization (WCO).
China surpasses United States as largest recipient of FDI
China was the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2020, according to a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
China overtook the United States to gain the top position in 2020.
The country attracted $163 billion inflows in 2020, compared to $134 billion attracted by the United States,
However, in 2019, the United States had received $251 billion in inflows and China received $140 billion.
Overall, the global FDI had fallen by 42% in 2020, attracting an inflow of an estimated $859 billion, compared to $1.5 trillion in 2019.
NATIONAL
Nation celebrates 72nd Republic Day
Nation celebrates its 72nd Republic Day on 26 January 2021.
The main function was held at Rajpath in the National Capital where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade.
The Republic Day Parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial.
The parade began from Vijay Chowk, as usual, but will culminate at the National Stadium instead of ending at the Red Fort.
This year, there was no Chief Guest from Foreign countries due to the pandemic.
Thirty-two tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories, nine from various Ministries or Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from the Ministry of Defence roll down the Rajpath.
India Ranks 7th in Global Climate Risk Index 2021 of Germanwatch
India has been placed among the top 10 most affected countries by climate change, in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021 published by the Bonn-based environmental think tank Germanwatch.
India ranked as the seventh worst-hit country in terms of climate change in 2019.
The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 is the 16th edition of the annual report and has taken into account the data available for 2019 and from 2000 to 2019.
The index analyses and ranks to what extent countries and regions have been affected by impacts of climate related extreme weather events (storms, floods, heatwaves etc.)
Top 3 countries : Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Bahamas were the top three most affected countries in 2019 respectively.
UP becomes first Indian State to have 2 Expressway airstrips for landing & take-off of fighter planes
In Uttar Pradesh, a new 3,300-metre-long airstrip has been constructed near Kurebhar on Purvanchal Expressway.
With this new airstrip, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India having two airstrips on expressways.
Uttar Pradesh also has an airstrip on Lucknow-Agra Expressway.
Airstrips on expressways are designed to facilitate emergency landing and take-off of fighter planes.
Joint Tri-service Exercise AMPHEX – 21 held in Andaman & Nicobar
A large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX – 21 was held in Andaman & Nicobar group of islands from 21 – 25 Jan 2021.
The exercise involved participation of troops of Army, Navy as well as the Indian Air Force.
The joint force executed multi-domain, high intensity offensive and defensive manoeuvres in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
The Ex KAVACH for defence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands was also a part of AMPHEX– 21.
The exercise AMPHEX – 21 was aimed at validating India’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of it’s island territories, enhance operational synergy and joint warfighting capabilities amongst the three Services.
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