23 Feb 2021, Chamoli, Corona pandemic, farmers protest, reducing yields

23 February 2021

• Artificial lake formed in Chamoli

  Union Home Secretary chaired a meeting about an artificial lake formed in Chamoli, due to avalanche, which caused huge loss of life and property. The water is flowing slowly out of the lake through a widened natural channel and the government is looking at other ways to increase this flow. Local government is watching this artificial lake situation very carefully.

• Corona active cases less than 1.5 Lacs in India

  The number of total active Corona cases are less than 1.5 Lacs at present in India. 21 States/UTs have not reported any cases in last 24 hours. The vaccination process is going smoothly across India.

• Protesting farmers feel insulted by Union Agriculture Minister's comment

  Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has commented that  "just gathering of a crowd  does not lead to going back on legislations". This refers to the protest by the farmers against the three laws passed by the Government. The farmers have felt insulted by this, claiming that they are not just a crowd but the "annadata" of the country, who feed everyone including the Government. They claimed they now have national and international support and they are the voters who brought this government to power.

• Yields reducing in Europe

  Total agricultural land available per person has kept reducing in Europe over the last century, due to increasing population. Yields are also reducing due to climate change which has caused floods, draughts and extreme weather conditions leading to failure of crops.

• Unseasonal rains affect crops in Maharashtra

  Unseasonal rains and storms have affected the crops in Maharashtra adversely. A number of regions in Maharashtra are facing this unexpected rainy weather which has proved to be harmful to the crops. Prices of food items are expected to increase due to shortage.

• UP Governor praises the grants for irrigation

  UP Governor, Mrs  Anandiben Patel has praised the budget for its focus on irrigation facilities in UP. Ganga Nahar Plan has been allocated 271 crore and Saryu Nahar Plan has been allocated 610 crore, which will improve the irrigation facilities for the farmers in UP. Government is encouraging Solar water pumps in Bundelkhand.

• Shortage of eggs in Poland

  There will be shortage in supply of eggs in Poland, the reason for this being the EU wide bird flu which has affected the chickens and hence the supply of eggs.

• New Jersey legalizes recreational cannabis

  Cannabis can be used as  recreational drug by adults in New Jersey, following passing of a legislation. However it will be available publicly for sale in a year's time. Some US States allow marijuana to be used for medical treatments.

• Disha Ravi given bail

  Disha Ravi the climate activist arrested by Delhi Police on sedition charges has been granted bail by the Delhi Court. She was accused of publishing a toolkit online as a guide on how to protest.