News Flash (5th January 2021): Top 10 Stories Of The Day

1. Online exam on ‘cow science’ to be held by the Govt body on Feb 25

A government body named Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA), set up for cow welfare, recently announced its decision of conducting a nationwide online examination on ‘gau vigyan’ (cow science) on the 25th of February. Applicants of the cow science examination will not be expected to pay any fee. The body in its official statement stated, “Certificates will be given to all. Successful meritorious candidates will be given prizes and certificates afterwards.”

2. China blocks entry to investigators from WHO for studying origins of coronavirus

WHO has expressed its deep dissent over China as it has blocked the team of investigators from the World Health Organization from entering the country. These investigators are the ones who are researching the origins of the coronavirus. They have claimed that their visas have not yet been approved. 

3. World Bank predicts the contraction of Indian economy by 9.6% in FY21

The World Bank has predicted that the Indian economy is likely to contract by 9.6% in fiscal 2021 as a consequence of a drop in household spending and private investment. It further added that growth is expected to recover to 5.4% in 2021. A report by the World Bank also said that South Asia’s economic activity is estimated to have contracted by 6.7% in 2020, causing a deep recession in India.

4. Pro-Democracy Figures In Hong Kong Arrested: Report

Under the national security law, around 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were arrested by police on the charges of their involvement in an unofficial primary election which was held last year for the purpose of increasing their chances of controlling the legislature. The ones who are arrested include former lawmakers and pro-democracy activists.

5. Amid rising COVID-19 cases, 63rd Grammy Awards postponed to March 14

Considering the rising cases of COVID-19 infections, the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards has been rescheduled and postponed to March 14, the Recording Academy informed. “The deteriorating COVID-19 situation…with hospital services being overwhelmed…have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do,” the academy said. The awards were earlier scheduled to be broadcast on the 31st of January.

6. New Zealand becomes No.1 in ICC’s Test cricket for 1st time ever

For the first time in history, New Zealand has achieved the number one position in the ICC Test rankings after beating Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs in the second Test in Christchurch. Captain Kane Williamson’s double century helped the team to reach the top making it the sixth country in the past 10 years to be ranked number one in Test cricket.

7. Scientist alleged arsenic poisoning, says someone wanted to harm ISRO

ISRO scientist Tapan Misra has claimed that he was poisoned with arsenic trioxide in 2017. He said, “Someone definitely wanted to do some harm to ISRO. Surely it was no work of a street thug but some sophisticated espionage agency inside our organization. The only solution is to catch the culprit and punish them. Not provide security to 2,000 scientists.”

8. China used ‘unorthodox weapons’ along LAC in Ladakh: Defence Ministry

The Defence Ministry in its year-end review of 2020, has stated that China used “unorthodox weapons” and amassed a large number of troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The review further mentioned,  “India categorically conveyed to China that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo… is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

9. 50-yr-old woman gang-raped in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh; two arrested

As informed by the police of UP, the incident took place allegedly on the premises of a temple situated in a village in Badaun. The victim was said to an old visitor of the temple who visited almost daily for several years and also lived in the same vicinity. The woman was gang-raped and then murdered allegedly by the priest of the temple and two of his disciples. 

10. Joe Biden’s electoral win almost confirmed by the Congress over Donald Trump

The extraordinary effort to overturn the presidential election taken by President Donald Trump is going before Congress as the lawmakers have convened for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden. However, the president’s Republican allies in the House and Senate have planned to object to the election results, urging more supporters to “fight for Trump”.  This effort though is going to fail. Thus, Jow Biden, who won the Electoral College 306-232, is going to take the president’s seat on 20th January 2021.