Daily GK Update- 15th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Haryana launched ‘Chaara-Bijaee Yojana’ for fodder cultivating farmers: Haryana Agriculture Minister, Jai Parkash Dalal launched the ‘Chaara – Bijaee Yojana’, a scheme launched to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre (Upto 10 acres) to farmers cultivating and supplying fodder to Gaushalas (Cowsheds). The rationale behind the scheme is to address the State’s fodder shortage and rising stray cattle. The Subsidy will be directly credited to the farmer’s account under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Under the scheme:

a)      The number of cow shelters in the state increased from 175 in 2017 to 600 in 2022. Most cow shelters remain overcrowded due to an increase in the stray cattle population.

b)      Also, the Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM) prepared from cow dung can be used as an alternative for synthetic fertilisers. The Prom is also prepared from various gaushalas of Pinjore, Hisar and Bhiwani districts of Haryana.

c)       The state government has been taking a number of steps in the interest of farmers, and the ‘Chaara-Bijaee Yojana’ is another step in that direction. In April, Rs 13.44 crore was distributed among 569 gaushalas in the state for purchasing fodder.”

Note: Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya; Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

2. In Bharuch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses ‘Utkarsh Samaroh’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used video conferencing to address the Utkarsh Samaroh in Bharuch, Gujarat. The event commemorates the district’s 100 percent saturation of four main state government initiatives that will help give prompt financial support to individuals in need. Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Gujarat’s Chief Minister, was among those in attendance.

Key Points:

a)      Women from the region gave the Prime Minister with a massive Rakhi, wishing him health and a long life and thanking him for what he has done for women’s dignity and ease of life in the country.

b)      The Prime Minister met with recipients of several government programmes.

c)       The Prime Minister told the crowd that today’s Utkarsh Samaroh is proof of the productive results that can be accomplished when the government honestly reaches out to the beneficiaries with a resolve.

d)      He praised the Bharuch district administration and the Gujarat government for fully implementing four social security initiatives. The Prime Minister remarked on the beneficiaries’ happiness and confidence.

e)      He claimed that a lack of awareness prevents many tribal, SC, and minority citizens from benefiting from the initiatives. He further mentioned that the Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas mentality and good intentions always yield positive results.

 

3. Outbreak of Tomato Flu in Southern Parts of India: In a few parts of Kerala, a new virus known as tomato flu has been detected after the covid-19 pandemic. Almost 80 children in Kollam city of Kerala have been diagnosed with tomato flu and it is spreading rapidly. All the cases that are confirmed have been diagnosed in children below 5 years. They have been admitted to the local government hospitals. The number of children admitted to the private hospitals is not yet been included in the tally it may be higher than 80 cases.

It is recognized as tomato flu because it causes tomato-shaped blisters on the body. The children diagnosed with tomato flu are experiencing fever, rashes, and skin irritation. Some children are also suffering from dehydration. The increasing effect of tomato flu in Kollam the neighboring districts like Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamrajnagara, and Mysuru are on high alert and are directed to keep an eye on the daily travelers. The flu has reached Aryankavu, Anchal, and Nedivathur in Kerala.

 

4. 5000-year-old jewellery factory rooted out in Haryana’s Indus Valley site Rakhi Garhi: With the excavation of a 5000-year-old jewellery-making factory, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been working in Rakhi Garhi, Haryana, for the past 32 years, has produced one of its most significant findings yet. Rakhi Garhi is a village in Haryana’s Hisar district and one of the oldest Indus Valley Civilisation archaeological sites. Key Points:

a)      The discovery of the structure of some dwellings, a kitchen complex, and a 5000-year-old jewellery-making factory indicates that the site was once a very major commercial centre.

b)      Copper and gold jewellery that had been concealed for thousands of years were also discovered.

c)       Graveyards have been discovered in the excavation sites at Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh, which gained attention for its Bronze Age solid-disk wheel carts discovered in 2018, which were interpreted by some as horse-pulled “chariots.”

d)      Archaeologists say the graveyards show that the civilisation believed in life after death.

e)      In the previous two months, ASI has made many findings in Rakhi Garhi, indicating that the civilisation is slowly heading toward maturity.

f)        There were also thousands of earthen jars, royal seals, and children’s toys discovered.

 

5. Rajiv Kumar appointed as next Chief Election Commissioner: Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the next chief election commissioner. He will assume charge on May 15 after incumbent Sushil Chandra demits office on May 14, a notification issued by the Law Ministry said. In pursuance of clause (2) of Article 324 of the Constitution, the President appointed Shri Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner with effect from the 15th of May 2022.

Note: Election Commission of India Formed: 25 January 1950; Election Commission of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Marcos Jr. Wins 2022 Presidential Election in Philippines: Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Junior, a son of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos claims the victory in the 2022 Presidential Election of the Philippines with more than 30.8 million votes. A win would return the Marcos dynasty to power. Hundreds gathered to protest the results of the election.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo are the president and vice president candidates in the election. Both the candidates promised economic recovery following the pandemic. Along with the two main candidates, eight other candidates, including former boxing star Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and former national police chief Sen. Panfilo Lacson, have lagged far behind in voter preference surveys.

Note: Philippines Capital City: Manila; Currency: Philippine peso.

 

2. International Day of Families: 15th May: The International Day of Families is observed every year on 15 May to reflect the importance that the international community attaches to families. The significance of families is highlighted on this day. The United Nations works on topics that are critical to the well-being of families worldwide, such as health, education, children’s rights, gender equality, work-family balance, and social inclusion, among others.

The theme for this year ‘Families and Urbanization’ aims to raise awareness about the necessity of family-friendly urban policy. One of the most important emerging trends impacting our planet and the lives and well-being of families throughout the world is urbanization.

History of the International Day of Families: On December 9, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Year of Families in a resolution. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 15 to be the International Day of Families. The fundamental purpose of reaffirming these goals is to demonstrate the United Nations’ willingness to inspire people to work for improved living conditions and social progress for families all around the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Italian Cup 2022: Inter Milan Beat Juventus: Inter Milan defeated Juventus 4-2 after extra time in the Italian Cup final. Ivan Perisic scored twice in extra time after Hakan Çalhanoglu had converted a controversial late penalty. Nicolò Barella scored the other goal for Inter. The Italian Cup final soccer match between Juventus and Inter Milan was held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.

Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up from the penalty spot with 80 minutes on the clock to force extra time before another spot-kick was converted by Ivan Perisic to put the Nerazzurri within touching distance of the trophy.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. InspiHE₹: Financial literacy campaign launched by Bharti AXA Life Insurance: Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises, one of India’s largest business groups, and AXA, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, announced the launch of its financial literacy campaign, ‘InspiHE₹– enabling an empowered future, a special effort to propagate financial awareness among women as well as allow people to make good investment decisions for a stable future. Key Points:

a)      According to research, 55% of women do not make well-informed financial decisions, and 59% of women do not have health or life insurance. Bharti AXA intends to improve this situation gradually.

b)      In honour of ‘International Mother’s Day’ and the upcoming ‘International Day of Families,’ the organisation has launched an initiative to empower women, particularly moms, by teaching them the fundamentals of financial planning and saving in order to ensure their future.

c)       The ‘InspiHE₹’ campaign will begin with on-the-ground teaching sessions for a group of Mumbai moms and will be disseminated through social media channels to generate interest. The corporation hopes to involve women, particularly moms, and their families with this campaign.

d)      They will teach their mothers, housekeepers, and other family members the essentials of financial planning on their own time, and they will encourage Indians on social media to promote financial literacy and further this programme.

Note: Bharti AXA General Insurance Company Limited CEO: Sanjeev Srinivasan

 

2. Campbell Wilson named as new MD & CEO of Air India: Campbell Wilson has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India. He has 26 years of aviation industry expertise across both full service and low-cost airlines. He is the chief executive of Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. Wilson’s appointment comes after Turkey’s Ilker Ayci decided not to take on the role of chief executive of Air India after the announcement of his appointment led to opposition in India over his previous political links.

Recently, Nipun Aggarwal was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and Suresh Dutt Tripathi as Chief Human Resources Officer. Aggarwal, who is also Senior Vice President at Tata Sons, replaced Air India veteran Meenakshi Malik, while Tripathi, who was Vice President of Human Resources at Tata Steel from 2012 to 2021, succeeded AI’s Amrita Sharan.

Note: Air India Founder: R. D. Tata;    Air India Founded: 1932; Air India Headquarters: New Delhi; Air India Chairman: N Chandrasekaran.

 

3. Deepika Padukone named as 1st Indian brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton: Actress Deepika Padukone has become the first-ever Indian brand ambassador of luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The news was announced by the French brand. The brand unveiled the role of a 36-year-old Bollywood actress during their new handbag campaign. It saw Padukone joining in actors Emma Stone and Zhou Dongyu for promotional shots.

Padukone is often pictured sporting Louis Vuitton outfits and bags, and she had also modelled for them previously. She became the first Indian actor to feature in the brand’s campaign in 2020 when she posed for a mock book cover with stars like Lea Seydoux and Sophie Turner.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Architect B V Doshi honoured with Royal Gold Medal 2022: Indian Architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi was bestowed with the prestigious Royal Gold Medal 2022. Royal Gold Medal, one of the world’s highest honours for architecture, by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), London, United Kingdom (UK). The Royal Gold Medal is approved personally by Queen Elizabeth II of the UK and the award is given to a person or group of people who have had a significant influence either directly or indirectly on the advancement of architecture. About BV Doshi:

a)      B V Doshi had a vivid work experience with noted Architect Le Corbusier as a Senior Designer (1951-54) in Paris, France and supervised projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat for four more years. Doshi also worked with Louis Kahn as an associate to build the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.

b)      He won Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018 which is considered a Nobel Prize in Architecture and he will be the only Indian Architect to hold both the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Royal Gold Medal.

c)       He was honoured with Padma Shri in 1976 for science and engineering and Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest Civilian in 2020 for his contribution to the field of architecture.

 

2. Dr. Frank Wilczek Receives 2022 Templeton Prize: American Theoretical physicist and author, Dr Frank Wilczek, who won the Nobel Prize (in Physics) in 2004, has been awarded the Templeton Prize 2022, the world’s largest individual lifetime achievement award, valued at over USD 1.3 million. He became the 6th Nobel laureate to receive the Templeton Prize since its inception in 1972. As a 2022 Templeton Prize laureate he will participate in several virtual and in­person events, including a 2022 Templeton Prize event.

About Templeton Prize: John Templeton establishes the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion (now known simply as the Templeton Prize in 1972. This was investor Sir John Templeton’s first major philanthropic venture. The inaugural Templeton Prize (1973) was presented to Mother Teresa.

About Dr Frank Wilczek: Dr Frank Wilczek is a distinguished Professor in Arizona State University’s Department of Physics. He continues to pioneer new concepts in physics, naming and developing the theories of anyons, time crystals and axions. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2004 for the discovery of asymptotic freedom in the theory of strong interaction. He shared the prize with David J. Gross and H. David Politzer.