News Flash (15th January 2021): Top 10 Stories Of The Day

1. CoWIN app to be available to the general public from next month

CoWIN an online portal developed by the Central government where citizens will need to register themselves for the COVID-19 vaccination drive, will be made available to the general public in the next month. “[It’ll] be available…in the form of an online website as well as a mobile application,” a government official informed The Times of India. As of now, CoWin is only available to healthcare workers.

2. Health Minister says COVID-19 vaccine’s side effects only mild, doesn’t cause infertility

On Thursday, the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan gave relevant information about the COVID-19 vaccine’s side effects. He mentioned that some individuals may experience “mild fever, pain at the jabbed site, and body ache, which is similar to the side effects that occur post any other vaccines”. Commenting on the rumors that have been doing the rounds related to the vaccine, the minister also added, “There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that vaccine could cause infertility in either men or women.”

3. The construction of India’s new parliament building begins in Delhi

On Friday, the construction of the new parliament building began after the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project under the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan. 

4. ‘Vaccination passports’ being created by health, and tech firms like Microsoft, Oracle

An association of health and tech firms know as the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VIC), including Microsoft, Oracle, and the Mayo Clinic, announced that they were creating a globally-accepted digital certificate that will help in identifying individuals who have and have not taken a COVID-19 vaccine. This technology of a digital passport is aimed at helping prevent people from falsely claiming to be immune to Coronavirus, the VIC said.

5. North Korea introduces new submarine-launched ballistic missile after successful testing

As the media is describing it, “the world’s most powerful weapon” has been unveiled by North Korea which is a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). During the launching of this missile, rockets too were put on display and were overseen by leader Kim Jong-un. It was a parade that followed the ruling party’s first congress since 2016. 

6. Retired Colonel Prithipal Singh who served in all 3 defence services receives Silver Salver

The only officer to serve in the Indian Army, Navy as well as the Air Force, Retired Colonel Prithipal Singh was awarded a Silver Salver by Major General GS Kahlon on behalf of CDS General Bipin Rawat on Veterans Day. The colonel has fought in World War II, and the 1965 Indo-Pak War among many others. 

7. Delhi borders continue to remain shut at multiple points as farmers’ protests enter 52nd day

As farmers’ protest enters its 52nd day, Delhi’s borders with Haryana and UP continue to remain shut at several points. As a result, those wanting to enter Delhi from UP have been asked to take routes passing through Anand Vihar, DND, Loni DND, and Apsara borders. Yet another discussion for the 9th time was held between the protesting farmers and the Central government today. 

8. Digit Insurance, a startup, becomes the first Indian unicorn of 2021

Earning the tag of becoming the first unicorn of India in 2021, Digit Insurance, a Bengaluru-based insurance technology startup hit $1.9 billion. The startup was founded by Kamlesh Goyal in 2016 and has investors that include Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Holdings, A91 Partners, Faering Capital, and TVS Capital. 

9. FBI informs about the arrest of around 100 in connection with the US Capitol Hill riots

Following the attack that occurred in US Capitol Hill, the US security agencies have arrested around 100 people in connection to the riots, the FBI Director Christopher Wray informed. He further informed that the agency is also keeping an eyes on the “concerning online chatter” ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. “Anybody who plots or attempts violence in the coming week should count on a visit [from the FBI],”  Christopher Wray added.

10. Samsung Galaxy S21 phones will not be providing chargers and earphone in their boxes

With Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 coming into the market, the company has announced that it will not be providing earphones and chargers along with the phone. Buyers will only be getting a USB-C to USB-C cable for free. If you don’t have a fast charger, you will have to buy one. This announcement comes from the company after its rival, Apple ceased to include earphones and chargers in iPhone boxes.