Morning Current Affairs: 29 December 2021

PETA India Person of the Year 2021 is Alia Bhatt

Bollywood actress Alia Bhat has been named PETA India Person of the Year 2021 for her active involvement in animal welfare activities and support towards creating an animal-friendly fashion industry.  Her vegan kidswear line Ed-a-Mamma had won the 2021 PETA India fashion award for helping nurture children's love for animals and nature.

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Delhi Metro, Delhi buses to operate at 50 percent capacity

In view of the latest restrictions imposed by the Delhi government to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Delhi Metro will operate at 50 percent seating capacity and no standing passengers will be allowed.

The public buses in Delhi will also run at 50 percent seating capacity to avoid crowding inside the bus and ensure physical distancing and adherence to COVID-19 protocols. 

Earthquake of 4.3 magnitude hits Andaman & Nicobar Islands

An earthquake of 4.3 magnitude occurred 165km SSE of Portblair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands at 5.30 am today, December 29, 2021, according to the National Centre of Seismology. 

Yesterday, an earthquake of the same magnitude was recorded 76km SSE of Fayzabad in Afghanistan. 

PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth over Rs 17,500 crore in Uttarakhand on December 30th

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 23 projects worth over Rs 17,500 crore in Uttarakhand's Haldwani on December 30, 2021. Among the 23 projects, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for 17 projects worth at least Rs 14,100 crore covering various sectors including irrigation, health infrastructure, housing, drinking and sanitation and housing. The Prime Minister will then inaugurate 6 projects worth over Rs 3400 crore that include road widening projects, hydropower project in Pithoragarh and projects to improve the sewage situation in Nainital. 

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Rishabh Pant becomes fastest Indian to reach 100 Test dismissals, breaks Dhoni's record

Rishabh Pant became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper on December 28, 2021 to reach 100 dismissals in Test cricket, breaking former skipper and wicketkeeper Dhoni's record. Pant achieved the feat during India's ongoing first test against South Africa at Centurion. 

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Uttarakhand CM to inaugurate Surai Ecotourism zone in Khatima today

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is scheduled to inaugurate the Surai Ecotourism zone and Kakra Crocodile Trail in Khatima today, December 29, 2021. The Surai Ecotourism zone will be the first such in the state, where tourists will be able to enjoy jungle safari. Jungle safaris are till now only conducted in national parks and biosphere reserves in the state. 

Haryana Cabinet Expansion- BJP's Kamal Gupta, JJP's Devender Singh Babli inducted into state cabinet

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inducted two Ministers on December 28, 2021 as a part of Haryana Cabinet expansion. The two Ministers include BJP's Kamal Gupta and JJP's Devender Singh Babli. This is the second cabinet expansion of the current Haryana government. The first cabinet expansion had taken place on November 14.