India-Qatar signed 7 agreements:
- Seven agreements have been signed, including an agreement to enhance good relations between India and Qatar.
- A revised agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of financial irregularities was also signed.
- Apart from these, five more agreements were signed, including on economic cooperation, cooperation in the field of archives, youth welfare and cooperation in the field of sports.
- Liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas are India’s main imports from Qatar. Various chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea, and plastics are also imported.
- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
PM SHRI Scheme:
- The Central Government has not yet released the Rs 2,152 crore due to Tamil Nadu in the current academic year due to non-signing of the ‘PM SHRI’ scheme mentioned in the National Education Policy.
- PM SHRI Scheme is a scheme introduced under the National Education Policy of the Central Government.
- Through this scheme, the infrastructure facilities of schools are being improved.
- In this scheme, schools compete for support to become model schools.
- Under this scheme, art festivals, student welfare assistance schemes, and school development schemes are conducted in schools.
- This scheme is also known as the Prime Minister’s Schools for Developing India (PM SHRI).
Important Facts:
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the construction of new tidal parks in Trichy and Madurai at a cost of Rs 717 crore.
- In Chennai, a scheme to operate ‘pink’ autos with government subsidy is being implemented by the Social Welfare Department to ensure the safety of women and create self-employment opportunities for women.
- The ‘Made in Russia’ festival will be held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on February 21.
- India and the US have launched the Transforming Relationship Using Strategic Technology (TRUST) initiative to enhance bilateral cooperation in critical and strategic minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals.
- China’s deep-sea ‘space station’ to be built by 2030.
- Chief Minister M. K. Stalin presented the Living Craft Treasure Awards to 9 outstanding artisans and the Poompuhar State Awards to 9 outstanding artisans.
- The 9th season of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament begins in Pakistan.
