Daily GK Update- 26th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala becomes first state to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods: Kerala is set to become the first state in the country to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods in selected locations, for which the government has set aside Rs 6 crore in the 2022-23 Budget. In the first phase, carbon-neutral farming will be implemented in 13 farms under the Agriculture Department and tribal areas, and steps are on to convert the State Seed Farm at Aluva to a carbon-neutral farm. In the second phase, model carbon-neutral farms will be developed in all the 140 Assembly constituencies.

New farming methods: The Agriculture Department was involved in a process of adopting new farming methods in phases, which would reduce carbon emissions and help the carbon to be stored in the soil. The government had already initiated discussions with experts in this regard. Improving soil health through integrated farming methods, rotation of crops, adoption of fertigation, precision farming methods, changing the ways in which the soil is irrigated and limiting the indiscriminate use of fertilizers were important for preventing soil degradation and thus reducing carbon footprint in agriculture.

Note: Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan; Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram; Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.

 

2. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha addresses Gulf Countries’ Investment Summit: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has addressed the Gulf Countries’ Investment Summit at SKICC, Srinagar which is aimed at providing a platform for the foreign business delegates to explore a host of investment opportunities in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The Lt Governor highlighted the scope for J&K and GCC companies’ economic cooperation to make Jammu and Kashmir the most beautiful investment destination in the world.

The visit of CEOs of top companies, entrepreneurs, start-up representatives, exporters in Jammu and Kashmir is an expression of confidence of the industry leaders in the potential for business cooperation between J&K and Gulf countries. The development of the power sector, trade, horticulture, rural infrastructure, roads and air links, medical education and health services, Industrial Training Institutes, Information Technology and storage facilities for the products are the diverse areas that have been addressed.

 

3. Indian Psychiatric Society national conference begins in Visakhapatnam: The 73rd Annual National Conference of Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS) has been organized in Visakhapatnam. Experts from various parts of India and a few from abroad are participated in the three-day conference held at Vizag Conventions at Madhurawada. The last national conference was held 37 years ago in Visakhapatnam.

Focus of the conference: The focus areas was on drug and alcohol abuse in society, stress among students and growing incidence of suicides, depression and anxiety, old-age problems and dementia. The national conference, being hosted jointly by IPS, A.P. State branch, Government Hospital Mental Care and Visakha Psychiatric Society, inaugurated by Justice P. Laxmana Reddy, Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh. The theme is chosen for ANCIPS – 2022 ‘Bridging minds … Connecting generations’ was very appropriate in view of the growing generation gap and its impact on society.

 

4. IIT Madras established Policy Centre along with AquaMAP Water Management: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras builds a new interdisciplinary water management and policy centre known as ‘AquaMAP’ to address India’s water issues. The centre will build scalable models employing novel technology to provide smart solutions for water concerns. As proof of concept, these models will be installed in various areas across the country.

Key Points:

a)      AquaMAP’s Principal Investigator is Professor Ligy Philip. She will be aided by a group of 20 faculty members working on water-related topics from a variety of departments, including chemistry, civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, management, humanities, and social sciences.

b)      Aqua Map is governed by a board of directors directed by the director of IIT Madras and an advisory board made up of experts in the fields of water technology, management, and policy. AquaMAP will work with other water research institutions at IIT Madras, including Sutram, the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW) At IIT Madras, and the PCoE on Water and Sustainability, as well as other partners.

c)       In addition, a state-of-the-art hydro-informatics laboratory will be established, as well as a model for alumni and community participation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality Report: Delhi world’s most polluted capital: New Delhi has been ranked the world’s most polluted capital city for the second consecutive year as per IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality Report. New Delhi is followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh), N’Djamena (Chad), Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Muscat (Oman) as the top five most polluted capital cities respectively. Meanwhile, Bhiwadi was the most polluted city in India, followed by Ghaziabad, Delhi and Jaunpur.

Globally: Bangladesh was the most polluted country, followed by Chad, Pakistan and Tajikistan. India was the fifth most polluted country.

Key points of the report:

a)      The 2021 World Air Quality Report by Swiss organisation IQAir is the first major global air quality report based on updated annual WHO air quality guidelines for PM2.5.

b)      The new guidelines were released in September 2021 and cut existing annual PM2.5 guideline values from 10 Aug/m 3 to 5 Aug/m 3.

c)       The report has analysed PM2.5 air pollution measurements in 6,475 cities in 117 countries, regions and territories.

d)      Of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia in 2021, 12 were in India.

e)      PM2.5 concentration in New Delhi increased by 14.6 per cent in 2021 to 96.4 Ig/m3, compared to 84 Ig/m3 in 2020.

 

2. Knight Frank: India Placed 51st in Global House Price Index Q4 2021: India has improved its rank by five spots to be placed at 51st position in the ‘Global House Price Index Q4 2021’ released by property consultant Knight Frank. India was placed at 56th position in Q4 of 2020. India witnessed a 2.1 per cent annual appreciation in housing price rates during the October-December quarter of 2021 against Q4 of 2020.

Globally:

a)      Turkey saw the highest annual price growth rate by 59.6 per cent in Q4 2021.

b)      New Zealand (22.6 per cent), Czech Republic (22.1 per cent), Slovakia (22.1 per cent) and Australia (21.8 per cent) are among the top 5 countries respectively in the latest research report.

c)       Malaysia, Malta and Morocco markets recorded a decline in housing prices by 0.7 per cent, 3.1 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively, in the year 2021.

 

3. Earth Hour 2022 Celebrated on 26th March: Every year, the Earth Hour is celebrated worldwide on the last Saturday of March month to show support for the fight against climate change and commitment towards a better planet. Earth Hour 2022 is being marked on March 26, 2022. The Earth Hour 2022 theme will focus on ‘Shape Our Future.

History of the day: The Day is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), encouraging individuals, communities, corporates, and households to turn off their lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. It was started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 to raise awareness for energy consumption and its effects on the environment.

Note: World Wide Fund Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland; World Wide Fund Founded: 29 April 1961, Morges, Switzerland; World Wide Fund President and CEO: Carter Roberts.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. World tennis No.1 Ashleigh Barty announces retirement: Australian female tennis player Ashleigh Barty has announced retirement from tennis at the age of 25 years. She has won three Grand Slam singles titles — the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2022. Apart from playing tennis, she has also played semi-professional cricket during her break from tennis between 2014-2016.

Barty is retiring after winning three major singles titles on three different surfaces – the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon and, back in January, the Australian Open.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. DBS Bank India launches Green Deposits programme: DBS Bank India has announced the launch of its Green Deposit Programme for corporate clients providing a simple way for companies to support environmentally-friendly projects or avenues. DBS Bank is one of the few banks globally to integrate Sustainable Development Goals by offering lending & trade credit solutions to sustainable and environmentally-friendly green sectors and now offering a Green Deposit product.

Under the Bank’s sustainability programme:

a)      Green Deposits will fund green industries and initiatives such as; green building sustainable water initiatives that include wastewater management, renewable energy and clean transportation.

b)      The Green Deposits proposition combines all the benefits of a regular fixed deposit with a commitment from DBS to support green and sustainable loans disbursed by the bank.

c)       Green Deposits serve as an ideal opportunity for corporates looking to include sustainability agenda into their treasury activities or those having limited options for investing in environmentally-beneficial projects.

 

2. Chennai Super Kings and ICICI Bank partners for co-branded credit card: ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of India’s most successful cricket teams, to introduce a co-branded credit card. The card, dubbed the ‘Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank Credit Card,’ has been expressly developed with a range of exclusive perks for the iconic team’s millions of cricket fans.

Key Points:

a)      The new card is part of a limited-edition line of co-branded credit cards offered by the Bank to allow sports fans to interact with their favourite teams while also taking advantage of credit card features.

b)      The new card is another addition to an exclusive set of co-branded credit cards offered by the Bank to enable sports enthusiasts to connect with their favourite teams as well as avail benefits of a credit card.

c)       ICICI Bank and Manchester United, a professional football club in England, launched a co-branded credit card four years ago.

d)      Process to Apply for the ICICI Bank Chennai Super Kings Credit Card: Customers can apply for the ‘Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank Credit Card’ by sending an SMS to 5676766 with the word ‘KING’ in the subject line.

Note: ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi; ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Bank Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. OECD projects India’s GDP for FY23 at 8.1%: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has retained the outlook for India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) at 5.5% in FY24, lower than 8.1% in 2022-23. Driven by infrastructure spending and border reopenings, the GDP of emerging Asia – China, India and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- is projected to grow 5.8% this year, following a 7.4% expansion in 2021 and a 0.8% contraction in 2020, it said, adding that the Ukraine war adds to inflation and supply chain risks facing an emerging Asia attempting to break out of the Covid-19 slump.

 

2. TCS partnered with IIT Madras to launch M.Tech in Industrial Artificial Intelligence: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has teamed up with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to offer a web-based, user-friendly programme on “Industrial AI,” aimed at upskilling employees and incorporating AI applications to industrial concerns.

Key Points:

a)      IIT M will provide the 18-month programme, which was developed in collaboration with TCS, in a wholly online live teaching method via virtual classrooms. TCS students will make up the program’s initial cohort.

b)      This programme, established in conjunction with TCS, will offer strong theoretical courses and labs covering significant issues in data science and AI.

c)       Theoretical courses will address essential mathematical approaches needed to comprehend data science algorithms, time series analysis, multivariate data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.”

d)      This course will provide a unique perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence in industrial systems. Incorporating AI approaches into industry processes can result in systems that are more resilient, intrinsically safe, and ultimately more environmentally friendly. These are only a few of the important topics that will be discussed in this course.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Devendra Jhajharia became 1st para-athlete to receive Padma Bhushan: Devendra Jhajharia became the first para-athlete to receive the Padma Bhushan award. He has won many Paralympic medals, including gold at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens and 2016 Rio Games, and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Avani Lekhara (para-shooter) was also awarded the Padma Shri award in the Sports category. She is the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals in the same Games, as well as the first Indian woman to earn Paralympic gold.

 

2. Abel prize for 2022: American mathematician Dennis P. Sullivan: The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has awarded the Abel Prize for the year 2022 to American Mathematician Dennis Parnell Sullivan. The citation mentions that the award has been given, “For his groundbreaking contributions to topology in its broadest sense, and in particular its algebraic, geometric and dynamical aspects.”

Topology: Topology is a field of mathematics which was born in the nineteenth century and has to do with properties of surfaces that do not change when they are deformed. Topologically, a circle and a square are the same; similarly, surfaces of a doughnut and a coffee mug with one handle are topologically equivalent, however, the surface of a sphere and a coffee mug are not equivalent.

Abel Prize: The Prize recognises extraordinary contributions to the sector of mathematics & is funded by the Norwegian Government & supported the recommendations of the Abel Committee, which consists of 5 internationally recognized mathematicians, the Abel Laureates is chosen.

Daily GK Update- 25th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi virtually inaugurates Biplobi Bharat Gallery in Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas. The inauguration was done virtually via video conferencing. The purpose of this new gallery is to provide a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 and highlight the important role played by the revolutionaries.

About the gallery:

a)      The newly built gallery depicts the contribution of the revolutionaries towards the freedom struggle of India and provides a holistic view of the events that led to 1947, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

b)      The gallery displays the contribution of the revolutionaries in the freedom struggle and their armed resistance to British colonial rule. This aspect has often not been given its due place in the mainstream narrative of the freedom movement.

c)       The gallery will also showcase the revolutionary movement, formation of significant associations by revolutionary leaders, spread of the movement, formation of the Indian National Army, and the contribution of Naval Mutiny.

 

2. Government set the target to create 220 new airports by 2025: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the Government has set a target of building 220 new airports by 2025, citing the Civil Aviation industry as a critical component of India’s economy. In response to the Civil Aviation Ministry’s requests for grants for 2022-23, Scindia stated that India has made progress in both domestic and foreign travel during the COVID-19 period. “Cargo flights for perishable food items will be boosted by 30% in the next few years, with 133 new flights,” he stated. Key Points:

a)      Scindia stated that the pilot licence will be simplified in the coming days using cutting-edge technologies. The government intends to build 33 new domestic freight ports, 15 new pilot training schools, more jobs, and a stronger focus on the drone industry.

b)      In the last seven days, the minister informed the House that 3.82 lakh passengers travelled by air.

c)       The minister informed the House that women make up 15% of the country’s entire pilot force. Another illustration of women’s empowerment is this. In the last 20-25 years, the aviation business has seen significant transformations.”

 

3. Ministry of Civil Aviation & FICCI organized ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’ in Hyderabad: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and FICCI are jointly organizing Asia’s largest event on Civil Aviation (Commercial, General and Business Aviation), titled ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’. WINGS INDIA AWARDS will also be conferred during this event. The event focuses on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation, and regional connectivity. It is being held from 24th to 27th March 2022, at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. The theme of the event: India@75: New Horizon for Aviation Industry.

The event will provide a favourable forum catering to the rapidly changing dynamics of the sector. It focuses on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation and regional connectivity. It will provide a much-desired fillip to aviation, and restructured focused forums shall be instrumental in attaining the objective of connecting the buyers, sellers, investors, and other stakeholders. Several foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, representatives from various sectors of aviation will be taking part in the event.

Note: FICCI Founded: 1927; FICCI Headquarters: New Delhi; FICCI President: Sanjiv Mehta; FICCI Secretary General: Dilip Chenoy; FICCI Director-General: Arun Chawla.

 

4. A book titled “Unfilled Barrels India’s oil story” authored by Richa Mishra: A book titled “Unfilled Barrels: India’s oil story” authored by Richa Mishra will be released soon. Richa Mishra is a journalist with The Hindu BusinessLine. The book highlights the key role played by Keshav Dev Malaviya, who was the petroleum minister in the 1970s with a degree in oil technology, and the emergence of other stakeholders from public sector enterprises, including ONGC, to the fiercely competitive private players like Cairn Energy, and Mukesh Ambani’s RIL.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kuwait becomes hottest place on earth, records 53.2 degree Celsius: Kuwait reached a scorching temperature of 53.2 degrees Celsius (127.7 degrees Fahrenheit), making it among the hottest places on earth. It was so hot in Kuwait last summer that birds dropped dead from the sky. Sea horses boiled to death in the bay. Dead clams coated the rocks, their shells popped open like they’d been steamed.

The country continues to burn oil for electricity and ranks among the top global carbon emitters per capita, according to the World Resources Institute. As asphalt melts on highways, Kuwaitis bundle up for bone-chilling air-conditioning in malls. Renewable energy accounts for less than 1 per cent of demand – far below Kuwait’s target of 15 per cent by 2030.

Note: Kuwait Capital: Kuwait City; Kuwait Currency: Kuwaiti dinar.

 

2. International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: 25th March: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is marked on 25 March every year to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice. The Day is observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world. 2022 Theme: “Stories of Courage: Resistance to Slavery and Unity against Racism”.

History of the day: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observance designated in 2007 to be marked on 25 March every year. It was first observed in 2008 with the theme “Breaking the Silence, Lest We Forget”.

 

3. International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members: 25th March: The United Nations observes the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on 25 March every year. This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members has taken on even greater importance in recent years, as attacks against the United Nations intensify. This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.

History of the day: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lakshya Sen finishes runner-up; loses to Axelsen in final Of All England Championship’s: Lakshya Sen, who won bronze at the World Championships, placed second at the 2022 All England Open Badminton Championships after losing to world number one Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles final on Saturday. Sen, rated No. 11 in the world, was defeated by reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen 10-21, 15-21. On his route to the top of the podium, the world No. 1 was unstoppable and didn’t drop a single game.

Sen had upset world No. 7 Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the semi-finals on Saturday, 21-13, 12-21, 21-19, to become the first Indian to compete in the men’s singles final of the prestigious BWF Super 1000 event since Pullela Gopichand’s memorable victory in 2001.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancelled license of People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd Kanpur: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the license of People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh as the bank failed to adhere to the requirements of Sections 22(3) (a), 22 (3) (b), 22(3)(c), 22(3) (d) and 22(3)(e) – under Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The bank is found to lack adequate capital and earning prospects under the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) – under Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – ‘Act to apply to co-operative societies subject to modifications’.

The bank is prohibited from continuing its ‘banking’ business such as acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) as mentioned in Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with effect from the close of business on March 21, 2022.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. PhonePe acquires freelance entrepreneur network GigIndia: PhonePe, a digital payments and financial services company, has acquired GigIndia, a network for independent micro-entrepreneurs based in Pune. PhonePe will be able to integrate 1.5 million entrepreneurs and over 100 businesses as customers, in addition to its own employees, as a result of the acquisition. PhonePe will use GigIndia’s network of freelancing microentrepreneurs to assist corporations and businesses in expanding their customer bases and distribution channels. The acquisition will boost PhonePe’s products and value proposition to its enterprise clients, as well as create millions of opportunities for individual freelance micro-entrepreneurs in India.

India’s freelance community is expected to expand to $20-30 billion by 2025, according to projections.

About GigIndia: GigIndia was founded in 2017 by Sahil Sharma and Aditya Shirole. Former TCS CEO S Ramadorai, Beyond Next Ventures CEO and Founding Partner Tsuyoshi Ito, Incubate Fund India Founder Nao Murakami, and former Tech Mahindra CEO Kiran Deshpande are among the company’s investors and advisors.

About PhonePe: PhonePe is a market leader in digital payments. Former Flipkart executives Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari, and Burzin Engineer established PhonePe in 2015.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Francis Kéré becomes first African to win Pritzker Prize 2022: Architect, educator and social activist Francis kéré has been announced as the 2022 laureate of the Pritzker architecture prize 2022, the award often referred to as architecture’s highest honour. He was born in the small village of gando in Burkina Faso, kéré is the first black architect to win the coveted award.

Established by the Hyatt Foundation in 1979, the Pritzker architecture prize is bestowed on architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. in 2021, the award went to French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal while in 2020 saw Shelley McNamara and Yvonne Farrell of Grafton architects were honoured.

 

2. 75 Women felicitated by NITI Aayog at 5th Women Transforming India Awards: The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of the NITI Aayog organised the 5th edition of the Women Transforming India Awards (WTI). As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, the WTI Awards have been conferred 75 women achievers for their contribution towards a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’.

About the Women Transforming India Awards: The Women Transforming India Awards has been presented since 2018 by NITI Aayog, under the aegis of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), to highlight the commendable and ground-breaking endeavours of India’s women leaders and change-makers, with a special focus on entrepreneurship.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 5th in the series of Offshore Patrol Vessels “ICGS Saksham” commissioned: Defence Secretary of India, Dr Ajay Kumar has commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham. The fifth in the series of 105-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) class, at Goa. The first four of the five ICGS which have already been commissioned in 2020 are ICGS Sachet (1st); ICGS Sujeet (2nd); ICGS Sarthak (3rd); and ICGS Sajag (4th) in 2021.

The Indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel Project was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2016 under which five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were planned to be launched.

About the Ship: Goa Shipyard Limited designed and built the 105-meter OPV, which is equipped with advanced technology, navigation and communication systems, sensors, and machinery. The ship will be based in Kochi once it joins the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) force. Ship will be used extensively for surveillance in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and other missions mandated by the Coast Guard charter.

Note: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Formed: August 18, 1978; Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters: New Delhi; Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director-General: Virender Singh Pathania; Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Motto: Vayam Rakṣāmaḥ (We protect).

Daily GK Update- 24th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nagaland became first paperless assembly by implementing e-Vidhan application: Nagaland has created history by becoming the first State Assembly in the country to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme to become completely paperless. The Nagaland Assembly Secretariat has attached a tablet or e-book on each table in the 60 members’ assembly amid the ongoing Budget session.

About the NeVA:

a)      NeVA is a work-flow system deployed on NIC Cloud, MeghRaj which helps the Chair of the House to conduct the proceedings of the House smoothly and to conduct Legislative Business of the House in a Paperless manner.

b)      NeVA is a device neutral and member-centric application created to equip them to handle diverse House Business smartly by putting entire information regarding member contact details, rules of procedure, list of business, notices, bulletins, bills, starred/unstarred questions and answers, papers laid, committee reports etc. in their handheld devices/ tablets and equip all Legislatures/Departments to handle it efficiently.

Note: Nagaland Capital: Kohima; Nagaland Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio; Nagaland Governor: Jagdish Mukhi (additional charge).

 

2. Pushkar Singh Dhami takes oath as 11th CM of Uttarakhand: Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken oath as 11th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He will take over the reins of the state for the second time in a row. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh administered him the oath of office and secrecy at the Parade Ground in Dehradun.

The BJP contested the Assembly elections under Dhami’s leadership and secured a comfortable majority in the 70-member House, winning 47 seats. Dhami, who lost from the Khatima constituency in the Uttarakhand, led the party’s poll effort as Chief Minister during the assembly polls held last month.

 

3. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurates 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in New Delhi: India is hosted the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) on virtual platform from March 20 to 22, 2022. The Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 36th IGC in New Delhi on March 20, 2022. The theme of the event is “Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Future”. The 36th IGC has been organised jointly by the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Indian National Science Academy and the Science Academies of Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

 

4. Tamil Nadu’s Narasingapettai Nagaswaram got geographical identification tag: Geographical Indication tag has been awarded to the Narasingapettai Nagaswaram under the category of musical instruments of class 15. Narasinghapettai nagaswaram is a classical wind music instrument that is traditionally made in a village near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

On behalf of Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Industrial Society Limited, the application for receiving the GI tag was filed by Tamil Nadu’s Nodal Officer for GI Registration of Products.

About the Narasingapettai Nagaswaram: The nagaswaram that is being used by artists nowadays is named pari nagaswaram and that is longer than the thimiri. This musical instrument has a body that is cylindrical in shape and takes the shape of a bell at the bottom. This form of the nagaswaram provides volume and tone. The instrument’s length is two and a half feet.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Serdar Berdymukhamedov elected as President of Turkmenistan: Serdar Berdimuhamedow has been sworn in as the President of Turkmenistan. Berdimuhamedow succeeds his father and former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who became president in 2006 and served till 2022. It must be noted that the presidential elections in Turkmenistan are held every seven years. Serdar Berdymukhamedov, secured 72.97 per cent of the votes election to lead the gas-rich country.

Note: Turkmenistan Capital: Ashgabat; Turkmenistan Currency: Turkmenistani manat.

 

2. Indian Economist Jayati Ghosh named as member of UN’s Advisory Board: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has announced the appointment of Indian development economist Jayati Ghosh as a member of the UN’s newly established Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. The 12-member high-level advisory board on effective multilateralism will be co-chaired by former Liberian president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

The new advisory board will be asked to build on the ideas in Our Common Agenda including the centrality of women and girls, and the need to take into account the interests of young people and future generations to make concrete suggestions for more effective multilateral arrangements across a range of key global issues.

Jayati Ghosh is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was previously a professor of economics and chairperson of the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is also a member of the UN’s high-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs.

 

3. International Day for the Right to the Truth: 24th March: United Nations has recognised March 24 to be observed as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims every year. The day aims to pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives or lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all.

History of the day: This day is observed on 24th March every year to pay tribute to “Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero” as he was murdered on 24 March 1980. He was actively engaged in criticizing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in December 2010, to say no to all forms of violence, injustice and oppression against humanity.

 

4. World Tuberculosis Day: 24th March: World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24 March to create awareness among the public about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. The theme of World TB Day 2022 – ‘Invest to End TB. Save Lives.’ –conveys the urgent need to invest resources to ramp up the fight against TB and achieve the commitments to end TB made by global leaders.

Note: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the WHO’s Director-General; WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Super League: Hyderabad FC wins maiden trophy: Hyderabad FC has clinched their maiden Indian Super League title after defeating Kerala Blasters in the penalty shoot-out in the summit clash. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani made three stunning saves. Hyderabad beat Kerala 3-1 in the shoot-out after the match ended 1-1 in the regulation and extra time.

For Hyderabad, Joao Victor, Khassa Camara and Halicharan Narzary scored while only Ayush Adhikari found the target in the shoot-out as Kerala suffered heartbreak for the third time in the finals.

 

2. BNP Paribas Open Tournament 2022: The 2022 BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, also known as the 2022 Indian Wells Masters, was held from March 07 to 20, 2022 at Indian Wells, California, US. The BNP Paribas Open is the largest two-week combined event outside of the four Grand Slams and the most-attended WTA 1000 and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in the world.

Here is the list of winners given below:

Category	Winner
Women’s singles	Iga Świątek (Poland)
Men’s Singles	Taylor Fritz (United States)
Women’s Doubles	Xu Yifan / Yang Zhaoxuan
Men’s Doubles	John Isner / Jack Sock

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1.  Bank to launch “SmartHub Vyapar programme” & ‘AutoFirst’ app: HDFC Bank has announced to launch the “SmartHub Vyapar programme” & ‘AutoFirst’ app the following two initiatives/application to give a digital push to small business loans. The financial institution has onboarded over 2.7 million retailers and is buying 100 thousand retailers each month. HDFC Bank has plans to onboard 20 million retailers in three years. More than half of the newly onboarded retailers solely function by means of the app platform.

‘AutoFirst’ application: The financial institution now clocks not less than ₹1,000 crores in service provider loans each month and is wanting to triple the run fee. HDFC Bank can even launch a utility ‘AutoFirst’ that may provide totally automated auto loans.

SmartHub Vyapar programme: The SmartHub Vyapar programme for retailers will probably be launched quickly. It is an app that bundles all cost platforms – playing cards, UPI, QR code, faucet pay and SMS-based funds.

Note: HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994; HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; HDFC Bank Chairman: Atanu Chakraborty.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings reduce India’s FY23 growth forecast to 8.5%: Fitch Ratings has slashed India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal FY 2022-2023 to 8.5 per cent in its Global economic Outlook-March 2022. Earlier this rate was estimated at 10.3%. The downwards projection is due to sharply higher energy prices because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The Rating agency Fitch has revised upwards the GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal FY 2021-2022, by 0.6 percentage points to 8.7 percent.

With the Omicron wave subsiding quickly, containment measures have been scaled back, setting the stage for a pick-up in GDP growth momentum in the June quarter this year.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 9th India-Seychelles Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2022’ begins: The 9th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2022’ between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was held from March 22 to 31, 2022 at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles. The Indian Army contingent will be represented by the 2/3 GORKHA RIFLES group (PIRKANTHI Battalion).

About the exercise: Exercise LAMITIYE is a biennial training event, been conducted in Seychelles since 2001. The objective of this joint training exercise is to build and promote bilateral military relations, sharing experiences gained during various operations; exchanging skills and good practices between both armies.

Note: Seychelles Capital: Victoria; Seychelles President: Wavel Ramkalawan; Seychelles Continent: Africa.

 

2. EX-DUSTLIK between Indian and Uzbekistan armies begins: The 3rd edition of the joint training exercise named EX-DUSTLIK between the Indian army and Uzbekistan army begins at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from 22 to 31 March 2022. The last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) in March 2021. The Indian contingent will be represented by the Grenadiers Regiment and will join the Uzbekistan Army contingent represented by troops of the North-Western Military District.

About the Exercise: The joint exercise would focus on Counter-Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate. The training schedule will focus primarily on sharing of tactical level drills and learning of best practices from each other. The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two armies.

Note: Uzbekistan Capital: Tashkent; Uzbekistan President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev; Uzbekistan Currency: Uzbekistani soʻm.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Bangladesh’s former president Shahabuddin Ahmed passes away: Shahabuddin Ahmed, the former President of Bangladesh has passed away at the age of 92 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was the interim head of state as the consensus nominee of all parties amid a mass upsurge in 1990 to topple ex-military dictator HM Ershad. Shahabuddin Ahmed also served as the President of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001. He was responsible for holding a “free and credible” election in the country in February 1991.

 

2. Former Malian Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga passes away: The former Prime Minister of Mali, Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga has passed away due to illness. Maiga served as prime minister of Mali from 2017 until 2019. He had been detained since August 2021 after the country was taken over by a military junta. He was appointed Keita’s prime minister in 2017 but resigned in April 2019 over a massacre that left 160 people dead.

Mali has been struggling to contain a jihadist insurgency that first emerged in the north, before spreading to the centre, neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced in the conflict, crippling an already impoverished country.

Note: Mali Capital: Bamako; Mali Currency: West African CFA franc; Mali Continent: Africa.

Daily GK Update- 23rd Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. N Biren Singh takes oath as Chief Minister of Manipur for 2nd term: Senior BJP leader N Biren Singh took the oath as Chief Minister of Manipur for a second consecutive five-year term on March 21, 2022. The ruling BJP party contested all 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly election in 2022 and won 32 seats. Nongthombam (N) Biren Singh started his career as a footballer, then turned to journalism, before joining politics.

In the recently held Assembly polls, the BJP won an absolute majority by winning 32 seats in the 60-member House. Moreover, the Janata Dal (United), the NPF, the newly formed Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) and two Independent MLAs have extended their unconditional support to the saffron party. The JD(U) won six seats, NPF won five and the KPA won two seats.

Note: Manipur Capital: Imphal; Governor: La. Ganesan.

 

2. Govt. increased timeline to 10 years for startups for converting debt investment into equity: According to a news release from the DPIIT, the government has extended the deadline for companies to convert debt financing into equity shares by up to 10 years, a measure that is likely to provide comfort to emerging enterprises dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously, convertible notes may be converted into equity shares for up to five years after the initial convertible note was issued. That time frame has now been increased to ten years. Key Points:

a)      During the investment, the investor is given the option of asking the startup to issue equity shares in the firm in exchange for the money they had previously invested as a loan/debt if the startup does well or meets certain performance benchmarks in the future.

b)      Since its creation in 2017, convertible notes have become more viable financing vehicles for early-stage funding of businesses, according to experts.

c)       Convertible notes, unlike convertible debentures/debts, allow for optional conversion into equity without determining the conversion ratio ahead (and with fewer regulatory covenants), according to Sumit Singhania, Partner, Deloitte India.

d)      Extending this flexibility to ten years will make it easier for businesses to show their concept to early-stage investors (especially in highly inventive cases that require more gestation time to create scale) without having to make required pre-mature exits.

 

3. West Bengal celebrated ‘Dol Utsav’ or ‘Dol Jatra’: West Bengal celebrated the ‘Dol Utsav’ or ‘Dol Jatra’, the festival of colours, marking the onset of the spring season. The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and celebrated on full moon day. It also marks the last festival of the year as per the Bengali calendar. In the Eastern region of India, the festival of spring is celebrated as Dol Jatra, Dol Purnima, Dol Utsav, and Basanta Utsav. The majestic festival is celebrated by throwing ‘gulaal’ or ‘aabir’ on others and by singing and dancing in cultural programs.

Note: West Bengal Capital: Kolkata; West Bengal Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar; West Bengal Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee.

 

4. ‘Road to 1000’ book released by Sportstar and The Hindu group: Sportstar and The Hindu group released a coffee-table book, ‘Road to 1000’, at the 2022 Sportstar Aces Awards at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The book is a 520-page, special collection with 1000 pictures to commemorate Indian cricket’s journey. ‘Road to 1000’ was released by former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Chandrakant Pandit and Nilesh Kulkarni here.

On February 6, India played its 1,000th ODI against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to record the feat. India’s World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011, under Kapil Dev and M. S. Dhoni respectively, remain the major highlights in Indian ODI history. Sportstar reporters and photographers travelled the world to cover the Indian cricket team in the 1980s and 1990s. This is the best tribute to Indian cricket.

 

5. Autobiography of former cricketer G.R. Viswanath titled “Wrist Assured: An Autobiography”: Former Indian cricket captain Gundappa Ranganatha Vishwanath has penned his autobiography titled “Wrist Assured: An Autobiography”, co-authored by senior journalist R Kaushik. The book traces the cricketing journey of Gundappa Vishwanath who played Test Cricket for India between 1969 and 1986, making 91 appearances and scoring more than 6000 runs. Former Indian cricketers Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar released the book at the ceremony held on the first day of the 2nd day/night Test between India and Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

 

6. Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day: 23rd March: Every year, the Nation was observed on March 23rd as Martyrs Day (Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day). The day was observed to pay tribute to the death anniversary of the freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru, who laid their lives for the freedom of India. Also, 30 January is observed as Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.

Why is Martyr’s Day celebrated on 23rd March?

On March 23, three heroes of our nation were hanged to death, namely Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar by the British. No doubt, they also sacrificed their lives for the welfare of our nation. These heroes fought for the welfare of people and sacrificed their lives for the same cause. For many young Indians, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev have become a source of inspiration. Even during British rule, their sacrifice urged many people to come forth and fight for their freedom. Therefore, in order to homage to the three of these revolutionaries, India has commemorated March 23 as Shaheed Diwas.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NATO military exercise ‘Cold Response 2022’ begins in Norway: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has organised the massive military drill ‘Cold Response 2022’ in Norway from March 14, 2022, and will continue till April 01, 2022. The exercise is held in Norway every second year, for NATO Allies and partners. Cold Response is a long-planned and defensive exercise where Norway and its allies exercise in defending Norway against external threats. The exercise has been planned and informed about long before the war in Ukraine.

The Norwegian-led exercise provides an opportunity to train together in cold weather conditions over challenging terrain and demonstrates NATO’s ability to respond decisively to any threat, from any direction. Around 30,000 troops from 27 nations are taking part in the 2022 edition of the exercise, with about 220 aircraft and more than 50 vessels. This is the largest ‘Cold Response’ being exercise conducted in Norway since the 1980s.

Note: NATO chief: Jens Stoltenberg; NATO Founded: 4 April 1949, Washington, D.C., United States; NATO Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

 

2. UN World Happiness Report 2022: India Ranks 136th: India has improved its rank by three spots to acquire 136th position in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report for the year 2022, which ranked 146 countries. In 2021, India’s rank was 139. Finland has topped the 2022 World Happiness Report, for the fifth continuous year. Afghanistan has been ranked as the unhappiest country in the world, at 146th position.

Top 10 countries of the 2022 World Happiness Report:

(1) Finland; (2) Denmark; 3      Iceland; 4          Switzerland;5  The Netherlands; 6            Luxembourg; 7              Sweden; 8         Norway; 9         Israel; and (10) New Zealand

 

3. World Meteorological Day: 23rd March: World Meteorological Day is celebrated globally on March 23rd every year. The day is celebrated as the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and it concentrates on the behaviour of Earth’s atmosphere. The day also helps people be aware of their role in protecting Earth’s atmosphere. This year World Meteorological Day is celebrated keeping the theme of Early Warning and Early Action.

World Meteorological Day History: World Meteorological Day is celebrated as the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which was established on March 23, 1950. Today, it’s been 72 years of the organization, and it has made immense progress and helped the world to be a better place. WMO headquarters is situated in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jay Shah’s term extended by one year as a President of Asian Cricket Council: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unanimously extended the tenure of its incumbent President Jay Shah for a period of one year. The decision was taken during the annual general meeting of ACC on March 19, 2022. Jay Shah is the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019. Shah was first appointed as the President of ACC in January 2021, replacing Nazmul Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Shah’s extension was proposed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva and the nomination was backed unanimously by all the members of the ACC.

Note: Asian Cricket Council Chairman: Amitabh Choudhary; Asian Cricket Council Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka; Asian Cricket Council Founded: 19 September 1983; Asian Cricket Council Membership: 25 associations; Asian Cricket Council Parent organization: ICC.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NPCI designed “UPI Lite – On-Device wallet” functionality for UPI user: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) designed the “UPI Lite – On-Device wallet” (“UPI Lite”) functionality for UPI users for small value transactions. About 75% of the total volume of retail transactions (including cash) in India are below Rs 100 transaction value. Further, 50% of the total UPI transactions are having a transaction value of up to Rs 200/-. To easily process such small value transactions, NPCI has launched this facility of “UPI Lite”.

In phase 1

a)      UPI Lite will process transactions in near offline mode i.e. debit offline and credit online, and at a later point, UPI Lite will process transactions in complete offline mode i.e. debit and credit both offline.

b)      The upper limit of a UPI Lite payment transaction shall be Rs. 200. The total limit of UPI Lite balance for an “On-device wallet” shall be Rs. 2,000 at any point of time.

c)       Replenishment of funds in UPI Lite shall only be allowed in online mode with additional factor authentication (AFA) or using UPI AutoPay which has been registered by the User in online mode with AFA.

Note: NPCI Founded: 2008; NPCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; NPCI MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Rajesh Gopinathan re-appoints as MD and CEO of TCS for five years: The board of IT major, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the re-appointment of Rajesh Gopinathan as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company for five years. His second term will begin from February 21, 2022, to February 20, 2027. Rajesh Gopinathan was first appointed as the CEO and MD of TCS in 2017.

Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its position with the revenues increasing from $17.6 billion in the financial year ended March 31, 2017, to $22.2 billion in the financial year ended March 31, 2021.

Note: Tata Consultancy Services Founded: 1 April 1968; Tata Consultancy Services Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Suresh Raina felicitated with ‘Sports Icon’ award by Maldives government: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has been awarded the prestigious ‘Sports Icon’ award at the Maldives Sports Awards 2022. The Maldives government felicitated Raina for his various achievements throughout his career. Raina was nominated alongside 16 international sportspersons, including former Real Madrid player Roberto Carlos, Jamaican Sprinter Asafa Powell, former Sri Lankan captain and cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya and Dutch football legend Edgar Davids among others.

Career of Suresh Raina: Raina is known for aiding the Indian cricket team to its World Cup glory back in 2011 and has also won the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy four times with the Chennai Super Kings(CSK) franchise. He is the first Indian player to score 6000 as well as 8000 runs in a Twenty20 career and the first-ever cricketer to reach 5,000 runs in IPL. He also holds the record for scoring the most fifties in Champions League T20 history.

 

2. Neeraj Chopra wins Sportsman of the Year award: Sportstar Aces 2022: Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, Neeraj Chopra claimed the coveted ‘Sportstar of the Year (Male)’ award at the 2022 Sportstar Aces Awards. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who claimed the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, received the ‘Sportstar of the Year (Female)’ award. The Aces Awards celebrate the spirit of excellence in sport and hope to inspire our athletes and sportspersons to continue to strive to break new records and reach new pinnacles of glory.

Other awardee’s in the list:

a)      Lovlina Borgohain (Sportswoman of the Year, Individual Sports),

b)      Avani Lekhara (Parathlete of the Year, Female),

c)       Pramod Bhagat (Special Recognition award),

d)      Savita (Sportswoman of the Year, Team Sports), and Rupinder Pal Singh (Sportsman of the Year, Team Sports).

e)      Arif Khan wins Special Recognition Award at Sportstar Aces 2022.

f)      Former Indian hockey team captain Ajit Pal Singh was conferred the ‘Lifetime Achievement award. Ajit was part of two Olympic bronze-winning teams, including one at the 1972 Munich Games.