Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 25 April 2021

SSC CGL Current Affairs

Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 25 April 2021

::NATIONAL::

Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise 'Varuna-2021'

The 19th edition oftheIndian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ concluded on 27th April 2021.
Exercise VARUNA has been a key enabler in building interoperability and strengthening the coordination between the two navies. This exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation. Conducted from 25-27 Apr 2021 in the Arabian Sea, the exercise witnessed high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations including cross deck helicopter landings, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment and other maritime security operations. Units of both navies honed and enhanced their war-fighting skills to demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.
The common understanding of the two navies in executing maritime operations was evident right from the start of the exercise wherein the entire planning was carried out through virtual meeting and the exercises were conducted completely in the non-contact format.
The seamless coordination, precise execution of manoeuvres, and accuracy in complex exercises characterized the conduct of Varuna-2021 and has helped further strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and sharing of best practices between both Navies.
Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate Tarkash will continue to exercise with the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) from 28th April to 1st May 2021 participating in advanced surface, anti-submarine and air-defence operations with the French CSG.

::INTERNATIONAL::

America's International Climate Finance Plan

"Today we are issuing America's first ever international climate finance plan," Biden said at his virtual climate change summit. "This plan represents our vision for financing the global climate response in a coordinated way.
It lays out specific steps that federal agencies of the United States will take to increase both the quality and quantity of climate financing."
Under the plan, the U.S. aims to double its climate financing to developing countries by 2024 relative to the second half of the Obama administration and triple its adaptation funds in the same timeframe.
The White House's executive summary of the plan did not list specific funding numbers and said that the Biden administration "will work closely with Congress to meet these goals."
The plan defined climate finance as referring "in part to the provision or mobilization of financial resources to assist developing countries to reduce and/or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change."

::ECONOMY::

Processed food products export up 27% during Apr-Feb 20-21

India's export of processed food products grew by 26.51 per cent during April-February 2020-21 to Rs 43,798 crore despite the COVID-19 pandemic related challenges, according to official data released.
Major products exported from India include pulses, processed vegetables, processed fruits and juices, groundnuts, guar gum, cereals preparations, milled products, alcoholic beverages and oil meals, the commerce ministry said. Value added products such as processed vegetables and alcoholic beverages have witnessed a growth of more than 40 per cent in April-February 2020-21.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman M Angamuthu said this trend of increasing exports of processed food products is likely to continue in 2021-22.
There is an increase in demand of pulses, processed fruits and vegetables, and cereals preparations in markets like the Middle East, Far East, US and UK.

Non-Banking Financial Companies to work in GIFT City of Gujarat

GIFT City is an integrated development on 886 acres of land with 62 mn sq. ft. of Built Up area which includes Office spaces, Residential Apartments, Schools, Hospital, Hotels, Clubs, Retail and various Recreational facilities, which makes this City a truly “Walk to Work” City. GIFT City consist of a conducive Multi-Service SEZ (Special Economic Zone) and an exclusive Domestic Area.
This City is a Vertical City which will optimize land area consumption for development.
The City is located on the bank of river Sabarmati connecting the Business capital (Ahmedabad) and Political capital (Gandhinagar) of Gujarat State- The Growth Engine of India.
GIFT City is a new Financial & Technology Gateway of India for the World.

::SCIENCE AND TECH::

25 new manufacturing sites, production to soon go up to 3 lakh vials/day

In the fight against Covid 19, the Modi government has decided to ramp up Remdesivir production. The government informed that it has approved 25 new manufacturing sites for Remdesivir's production.
The government today announced to increase the production capacity of Remdesivir and 25 new manufacturing sites have been approved for the same.
Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers MansukhMandaviya said, “Production capacity is now ramped up to ≥90 lakhs vials per month, earlier it was 40 lakhs vials/month. Very soon, 3 lakh vial/day will be produced . Monitoring is being done on daily basis. We would not leave any stone unturned to supply Remdesivir."
Last week, the Union Minister had told ANI that the Central government has taken several steps to ensure the availability of the crucial injections which are part of COVID-19 treatment.
Mandaviya had said that the Central government is working continuously to ensure that the production of Remdesivir injection increases as soon as possible and its prices are reduced.