KERALA

Kerala government remains firm on banning single-use plastic

Reinforcing the complete ban on plastic in the state, the environment & climate change department has rejected the request from manufacturers of compostable plastic carry

bags to allow them to dispose of existing stock.

The ban on single-use plastic came into effect in the state on January 1, 2020.
The environment department while turning down the request of plastic manufacturers recalled the shocking images of plastic bottles/debris washing up on the banks of water bodies during the flood. The use of plastic carry bags was discussed in the review meeting of the task force held in November 2020 and decisions were taken to curtail the same.

INTERNATIONAL

IMF projects over 11 per cent growth rate for India in 2021

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected an 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021.

It makes India the only major economy of the world to register double-digit growth this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

With the latest projections, India regains the tag of the fastest developing economies of the world.

The IMF said that in 2020, the Indian economy is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent.

In its latest World Economic Outlook Update, China is next with 8.1 per cent growth in 2021 followed by Spain (5.9 per cent) and France (5.5 per cent).

India’s GDP to contract 8% this fiscal: FICCI Economic Outlook Survey

India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to contract by 8 per cent in 2020-21, according to the latest round of FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey.

The annual median growth forecast by the industry body is based on responses from leading economists representing industry, banking and financial services sector.

The median growth forecast for agriculture and allied activities has been pegged at 3.5 per cent for 2020-21.

Global Climate Survey done by UN

The United Nations released the largest public opinion survey on climate change in history, the “United Nations Global Climate Survey.” The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) conducted a People’s Climate Vote people from 50 countries/regions to prepare the report for 1.2 million.

In the investigation, the United Nations found that two-thirds of people believed this was a “global emergency.” The survey emphasized that people around the world support climate action. They also give politicians a clear mandate to take major actions to find solutions.

According to the survey, young people expressed the greatest concern. 69% of people aged 14-18 said there was a climate emergency, while 58% of people over 60 agreed. Therefore, there is no generation gap on climate issues.

UNDP provides assistance to countries only when different countries request assistance. UNDP is fully funded by voluntary contributions from United Nations Member States. UNDP operates in 177 countries. It also helps countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

NATIONAL

Economic Survey to be Tabled on 29 January

The 2020-2021 economic survey will be conducted in Parliament on January 29, 2021, before the coalition budget is presented on February 1, 2021. An economic survey will be released, focusing on the economic impact of lock-in and COVID -19.

The survey is expected to outline the economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. It will also provide a road map to revitalize the Indian economy. It is also expected to develop a road map for a $5 trillion economy.

The Economic Survey is an annual flagship document that reviews the development of the Indian economy.

The survey reviewed the economic development in the past fiscal year and gave a comprehensive introduction to the budget. It is issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance.

Padma Awards for 119 achievers including S P Balasubramaniam, Ram Vilas Paswan and former Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe

On the eve of 72nd Republic Day, the Government announced the Padma Awards.

Seven persons will get Padma Vibhushan.

They include former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo and Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.

Eminent Singer late S P Balasubramaniam will be awarded the 2nd highest civilian award posthumously.

Ten persons will get Padma Bhushan.

102 persons will get Padma Shri.

‘Into the Darkness’ bags Golden Peacock award

The 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held from 16 January to 24 January 2021 at Shyamaprasad Stadium near Panaji in Goa.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the festival was held in hybrid mode, there was physical and virtual screening of 50 films out of 224 films across various categories.

Bangladesh was the of focus in the festival.

Denmark’s ‘Into the Darkness’ which portrays dilemmas of the Danish population against the backdrop of World War II took home the coveted Golden Peacock at the 51st International Film Festival of India (Iffi).

Assamese film ‘Bridge’ by Kripal Kalita about the struggles of villagers living across a swelling river became the only Indian film at the 51st Iffi to win an award.

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