08th February 2021 Current Affairs

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated four projects worth around Rs 4700 crore in gas, oil and infrastructure sectors during his visit to Haldia, West Bengal on February 7, 2021. The projects include those of NHAI, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Gas Authority of India (GAIL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL).
2. Ishant Sharma became the third Indian pacer to take 300 wickets in the longest format of the game on February 8, 2021. Ishant reached the milestone during his 98th test match, after taking the wicket of Dan Lawrence on the fourth day of the ongoing India vs England test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
3. India’s first geothermal power project will be set up at eastern Ladakh’s Puga village. The village has been identified as the hotspot of geothermal energy in the country by the scientists. The project, known as Geothermal Field Development Project, is planned to be commissioned by the end of 2022.
4. US President Joe Biden informed on February 7, 2021 that he will not lift sanctions on Iran to re-engage Tehran in negotiations over the 2015 nuclear deal. Biden said that he would only lift sanctions if Iran stops enriching uranium beyond the limits of the nuclear deal.
5. The India-US joint military exercise “Yudh Abhyas 20” commenced on February 8, 2021 in Mahajan Field Firing Range of Bikaner district in Rajasthan. This is the 16th edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both the armies. It will conclude on February 21st.
6. The Square Kilometer Array Observatory is a new intergovernmental organisation dedicated to radio astronomy. Its headquarters have been set up in the United Kingdom.
7. The two radio telescope networks would be set up under the Square Kilometer Array Observatory. The two networks will be established in South Africa and Australia.
8. Koozhangal (Pebbles) became the first Tamil film to win the coveted Tiger Award at the 50th Rotterdam Film Festival 2021 on February 7, 2021. The film has been directed by debutant director Vinothraj P S and stars newcomers Karuththadaiyan and Chella Pandi in the lead roles.