Daily GK Update- 29th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first steel road featured in Gujarat: Surat, Gujarat, features a road created entirely of steel waste, which is one of the best instances of sustainable development. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India collaborated on the steel slag road with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) India, the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and the government think tank Niti Aayog.

Key Points:

a)      The Hazira Industrial Area in Surat, Gujarat, has created a one-of-a-kind road.

b)      The road was constructed entirely of 1000 percent processed steel slag. Steel slag is a major source of concern for the steel industry because it is regarded as a waste product.

c)       The trial project is a one-kilometre road with six lanes. So far, the path has proven to be reliable. Every day, almost 1,000 trucks, weighing between 18 and 30 tonnes, drive along the steel road.

d)      Various plants across the country produce millions of tonnes of steel waste each year, which is disposed of in landfills. This one-of-a-kind initiative will now not only make use of a previously underutilised resource but will also result in more durable roadways.

 

2. Ahmedabad IIM sets up retail tech consortium: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad’s Centre for Digital Transformation recently launched a retail tech consortium, with intentions to partner with a number of retail and technology companies in India. The consortium, according to the centre, will strive to improve collaboration among retail technology firms in the country. Flipkart has joined the consortium as a main partner for the first year, bringing its industry knowledge, experience, and consumer insights into the internet ecosystem to the table. This collaboration would bring neutral customer perspectives on retail digitalization to the fore, allowing merchants to better understand their customers.

 

3. AAI and BEL collaborated to develop indigenous Air Traffic Management Systems: Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed an agreement with Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the joint indigenous development of systems for air traffic management and surface movement of aircraft at airports across the country, which were previously imported.

Key Points:

a)      BEL and AAI will collaborate to develop the Civil Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) with Advanced-Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS), a complex ground surveillance system that manages air traffic at airports and in Indian civil airspace to ensure safe flight operations from take-off to landing.

b)      In order to guarantee safe surface mobility in all weather situations at the airport, ASMGCS provides routing, guidance, and surveillance services to aircraft and vehicles on the ground.

c)       The goal of ATMS with ASMGCS is to provide the air traffic controller with a complete air traffic picture of the coverage area while interacting with primary or secondary radar, ADS-B, Multilateration System (MLATs), and navigational equipment such as GPS, Instrument Landing System (ILS), and Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR).

d)      It also communicates with other systems such as the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN), the Airport Operational Database (AODB), the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM), and the Centralised Air Traffic Flow Management system (CATFM).

 

4. Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare appointed as Adviser in Defence Ministry: Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare (retired) has been appointed as Adviser in the Ministry of Defence, providing strategic insights and advise on matters relevant to defence strategy to the Defence Secretary. The role’s mandate would be to provide strategic inputs and advise on matters relating to defence strategy, readiness, and associated activities, such as the International Defense Corporation, maritime security, and defence space.

 

5. Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter launched a Website ‘Modi Story’: The granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi ‘Sumitra Gandhi Kulkarni’ has inaugurated the web portal ‘Modi Story’. The Modi story website is a volunteer-driven initiative which aims to bring together “inspiring” stories related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from those who have interacted with him during his life journey over the decades. The portal can be accessed at modistory.in

Any person who has closely witnessed the Prime Minister’s life can submit write-ups, audio or visual stories of any such experience or anecdote along with photos with PM Modi, letters or personal memorabilia associated with him. The website has several stories shared by the people who crossed paths with the Prime Minister at some point in his life.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NATO extended Jens Stoltenberg’s term by a year: According to a NATO statement, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) extended Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s tenure by a year until September 30, 2023. After a NATO conference in Brussels, US President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders decided to extend Stoltenberg’s tenure. In October 2014, Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, was named NATO Secretary-General. In September 2021, his term was set to end.

 

2. US, Philippines kick off ‘Balikatan 2022’ largest-ever military drills: The United States military and the military of the Philippines kicked off the military drill Balikatan 2022. The Philippine-led annual exercise will take place across Luzon in the Philippines region near Taiwan, from March 28 to April 8, 2022. Around 8,900 Filipino and American troops are participating in the military drill, making it the largest Balikatan military exercise ever.

According to the military, the drills will focus on “maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief”. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) gives US troops a legal basis to be in the Southeast Asian country for bilateral exercises and governs the conduct of American armed force personnel.

Note: Philippines Capital: Manila; Philippines Currency: Philippine peso; Philippines President: Rodrigo Duterte.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen wins 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) has won the Formula One 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari- Monaco) came second and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari – Spain) came third. It was the second edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the second round of the 2022 Formula One World Championship. Lewis Hamilton managed to get a point on the board after coming 10th.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Governor dedicates Varnika Ink Manufacturing Unit of BRBNMPL: Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) has set up an Ink Manufacturing Unit named “Varnika” at Mysuru, Karnataka, with an annual ink manufacturing capacity of 1,500 MT to enhance the security of banknotes. Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI. Shaktikanta Das (Governor of RBI) has dedicated “Varnika”, the Ink Manufacturing Unit of Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) to the nation.

It is a boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It ensures that the entire requirement of banknote printing inks is produced in-house. This unit also manufactures Colour Shift Intaglio Ink (CSII) and meets the entire requirements of banknote printing presses in India, which has resulted in cost efficiency and self-sufficiency in banknote ink production.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Russia- Ukraine Conflict affect on India’s GDP growth: According to a UN report released, India’s projected economic growth for 2022 has been downgraded by more than 2% to 4.6 percent, a decrease attributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine. New Delhi is expected to face restrictions on energy access and prices, as well as trade sanctions, food inflation, tightening policies, and financial instability.

Russia-Ukraine war effect on the worldwide economy:

a)      Due to disruptions from the Ukraine crisis and changes in macroeconomic policies that put developing nations in particular at risk, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has lowered its global economic growth prediction for 2022 to 2.6 percent from 3.6 percent.

b)      While Russia is anticipated to enter a serious recession this year, major economic slowdowns are expected in regions of Western Europe and Central Asia, according to the analysis.

c)       While some other economies in South and Western Asia may profit from rapid increase in energy demand and pricing, they will be plagued by difficulties in primary commodity markets, particularly food inflation, and will be further harmed by underlying financial instabilities.

d)      Trade with China and other partners will continue, but they will not be able to compensate for the large number of imported commodities that the Russian Federation is currently unable to obtain.

e)      The war has increased the upward pressure on worldwide energy and primary commodity prices, stretching household budgets and increasing production costs, while trade disruptions and sanctions are expected to chill long-term investment.

Effect on Indian Economy:

a)      In 2022, India was expected to grow at 6.7 percent, but UNCTAD has cut that forecast to 4.6 percent.

b)      India will be constrained on multiple fronts, including energy access and prices, primary commodity constraints, trade sanctions’ repercussions, food inflation, tighter policies, and financial instability.

c)       The currencies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China account for less than 3.5 percent of the USD 6.6 trillion daily turnover in the currency markets, a ratio that is less than one-tenth of the 44 percent held by the US dollar.

 

2. PFRDA and IRDAI granted licence to FinMapp to sell NPS, insurance: FinMapp, a financial services firm, announced that it has been granted a licence under the National Pension Scheme by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It has also obtained a registration certificate as a corporate agent from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai).

Key Points:

a)      The licences would allow FinMapp to provide insurance and NPS products to its clients as a verified seller, allowing the company to extend its customer base, according to the company’s statement.

b)      In the next months, the company will make NPS available as an investment tool on its app.

c)       The IRDAI & PFRDA certificate marks a crucial milestone in our development.

d)      It will assist us in strengthening our financial services and validating our status as a legitimate seller of NPS and other similar products.

e)      It will aid with the strengthening of our financial services and the validation of our status as a legitimate vendor of NPS and insurance products.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Prof Wilfried Brutsaert bags Stockholm Water Prize 2022: Professor Emeritus Wilfried Brutsaert has been named as the Stockholm Water Prize Laureate 2022. He has been awarded for his groundbreaking work to quantify environmental evaporation. Wilfried Brutsaert is Professor in Engineering Emeritus at Cornell University, USA. His innovative works on Evaporation and Hydrology are of lasting theoretical and practical importance, particularly in view of climate change. In addition, Wilfried Brutsaert has pioneered novel approaches to understanding changes in groundwater storage.

About the award: The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious water award and is often described as the Nobel Prize of water. The prestigious Prize has been awarded since 1991 to people and organizations for extraordinary water-related achievements. The Prize is awarded by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Note: SIWI Headquarters location: Stockholm, Sweden; SIWI Executive Director: Torgny Holmgren; SIWI Founded: 1991.

 

2. Cochin International Airport bagged ‘Covid champion’ award at Wings India 2022: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has won the ‘Covid champion’ award at Wings India 2022. The Covid champion award was received by CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS from Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia. CIAL has been awarded for the successful implementation of a meticulous project named ‘Mission Safeguarding’ during the pandemic time to ensure safe travel at Kochi Airport.

Other awardees:

a)      The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru won two the ‘Best Airport’ under the General Category and the ‘Aviation Innovation’ Award at the event.

b)      Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) won the ‘Aviation Sustainability & Environment’ award by Wings India Awards 2022 for its efficient green practices. The accolade comes as a recognition of CSMIA’s commitment and relentless efforts towards implementing sustainable initiatives as well as inching closer to being one of the country’s most eco-friendly airports.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Western Naval Command conducts security exercise ‘Prasthan’ in Mumbai Offshore: The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy organised an offshore security exercise, ‘Prasthan’ in the Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Mumbai. This exercise is conducted after every six months, to ensure offshore security. Apart from the Naval forces, the exercise saw participation from the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, ONGC, Mumbai Port Trust, Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, Customs, state fisheries department, Mercantile Marine Department and the Marine Police. The day-long exercise resulted in improving standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response-actions to a number of contingencies in the Offshore Defence Area off Mumbai.

About the exercise: The exercise was conducted on the B-193 platform of ONGC located about 38 nm west of Mumbai. Contingencies such as terrorist intrusion, bomb explosion, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, man overboard, major fire, oil spill and mass evacuation were exercised. The exercise provided all stakeholders a realistic experience to assess their readiness to respond and combat contingencies in the Western ODA, as also to operate together in a coordinated and synergised manner.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R Hari Kumar; Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950.

 

2. President Kovind presents President’s Colour to INS Valsura: President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has presented the prestigious President’s Colour to Indian Naval Ship (INS) Valsura at Jamnagar in Gujarat. The ‘Nishan Adhikari’ Lt Arun Singh Sambyal received the President’s Colour on behalf of the unit, for its 80 years of exceptional service. INS Valsura is a premier training facility of the Indian Navy established on December 05, 1942, in Jamnagar of Gujarat, to provide training in the domain of Torpedo handling (Underwater missile) and operations.

About the President’s Colour: The President’s Colour is bestowed upon a military unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Nation, both in peace and in war. The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force, to get President Colour by then President Dr Rajendra Prasad on 27 May 1951.

Daily GK Update- 28th Mar, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PMGKAY Scheme: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana extended by half a year: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme for another six months, till September 2022, in order to show care and compassion towards the underprivileged and vulnerable parts of society (Phase VI). Key Points:

a)      The PM-GKAY scheme’s Phase-V was set to finish in March 2022. It should be noted that the PM-GKAY has been in effect since April 2020, making it the world’s largest food security programme.

b)      So far, the government has spent over Rs. 2.60 lakh crore, with another Rs. 80,000 crore set to be invested over the next six months through September 2022, bringing the total expenditure under PM-GKAY to roughly Rs. 3.40 lakh crore.

c)       This will benefit over 80 million people across India and, like before, will be totally sponsored by the Indian government.

d)      Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided and economic activity is picking up, this PM-GKAY extension would ensure that no impoverished family goes to bed hungry during this period of recovery.

e)      In addition to his normal NFSA quota of foodgrains, each beneficiary under the extended PM-GKAY will receive an additional 5 kg free ration per person each month. This means that each disadvantaged family would receive roughly double the usual allotment.

 

2. Ministry of Jal Shakti launches Sujlam 2.0 Campaign: Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the Sujalam 2.0 campaign for greywater management. It was launched by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The theme for this year for Sujalam 2.0 campaign is ‘Groundwater: making the invisible visible’.  Objective of Sujalam 2.0 is  to manage greywater through people’s participation. Under the campaign, we plan to mobilize communities, our institutions like panchayats, schools, anganwadi to undertake greywater management.

 

3. NITI Aayog`s releases Export Preparedness Index 2021, Gujarat again tops: Gujarat topped Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2021, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka in second and third place, respectively. Gujarat has topped the Niti Aayog rankings for the second year in a row “s Export Preparedness Index 2021, which is intended to assess states’ preparation in terms of export potential and performance.

Key Points:

a)      According to the government think tank, Gujarat was followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Telengana “s document. Union territories and states such as Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Ladakh, and Meghalaya ranked worst. 

b)      NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, speaking at the launch of the study, claimed that India’s exports are growing at 36%, while global trade is growing at 30%. “

c)       After a long time, we will see India’s share of world goods trade increase from 1.6 to 1.7 percent,” he added, adding that sectors such as cars, electrical machinery, and iron and steel contributed to the expansion.

d)      The world trade is about USD 24 trillion, with India’s exports worth USD 400 billion, indicating “huge” potential.

e)      The Export Preparedness Index measures a state’s readiness to export in terms of potential and performance.

 

4. Smriti Irani inaugurates ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ mega Red Fort Festival: Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani has inaugurated the ten-day mega Red Fort Festival, ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ at Red Fort in Delhi. The Red Fort festival has been organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The ministry has collaborated with the Dalmia Bharat Group (DBG) to organise the event as DBG has adopted the Red Fort as its Monument Mitra. The festival will commemorate the heritage, culture and diversity of every part of India.

The festival aims to commemorate the heritage of the country and the culture of every part of India. The festival Bharat Bhagya Vidhata will help everyone to appreciate the diversity of India. More than 70 master craftsmen have displayed their craftsmanship at the venue.

 

5. An auspicious celebration of spirit of the Tribe culture: Aadi Bazaar: In keeping with the sequence of Aadi Bazaars – A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture and Cuisine, a new one opened on March 26th, 2022 in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Narmada district. The 11-day exhibition, which began on March 26 and ended on April 5, was inaugurated by Smt. Nimishaben Suthar, Minister of State for Tribal Development, Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Gujarat, in the august presence of Dr. Kuberbhai Manshukhbhai Dindor, Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Gujarat; Shri Ramsinh Rathwa, Chairperson, TRI. Key Points:

a)      More than 100 exhibitors will represent more than 10 states from throughout the country at the bright 11-day exhibition offering organic tribal goods and handcrafted wares at the landmark monument, Statue of Unity.

b)      The efforts of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s First Deputy Prime Minister, are largely responsible for the country’s unity. As a result, one of his key goals for the country was for it to be inclusive and united.

c)       This magnificent monument, the world’s tallest statue, is a homage to the values that Sardar Patel preached and upheld. In addition, this district is predominantly a tribal region.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UNEP Report: Dhaka is world’s most noise polluted city: Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been ranked as the most noise polluted city globally, according to the recent ‘Annual Frontier Report, 2022’ published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As per the report, the city recorded noise pollution of 119 decibels at its highest (dB) in 2021. Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad came second in the list with noise pollution of 114 decibels. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan is third, with maximum noise pollution of 105 dB.

Important points of the report:

a)      The quietest cities in the world as per the report are Irbrid at 60 dB, Lyon at 69 dB, Madrid at 69 dB, Stockholm at 70 dB, and Belgrade at 70 dB.

b)      The other four most noise polluted cities in India in the list are Kolkata (89 dB), Asansol (89 dB), Jaipur (84 dB), and Delhi (83 dB).

c)       A total of 61 cities from around the world have been ranked in the report, out of which 13 cities are from South Asia, while 5 among them are from India.

Guidelines of WHO: The WHO guidelines state that sounds with a frequency of over 70 dB are considered harmful to health. For residential areas, the sound limit of 55-dB are standard, while for traffic and business sectors, this limit is 70 dB.

Note: UNEP Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya; UNEP Head: Inger Andersen; UNEP Founder: Maurice Strong.

 

2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw named for Fellow of Royal Society of Edinburgh: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the executive chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in Scotland. She will be joining RSE’s current fellowship of around 1,700 fellows who are recognised as being some of the greatest researchers and practitioners working in or with Scotland.

RSE is one of the world’s oldest and most respected academic societies. Fellows are elected to join the RSE from across the fields of science, arts, education, business and public life in recognition of their impact in improving the world around them. The Biocon chief is among the 80 luminaries to be appointed to the RSE’s Fellowship this year.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship title 2022 won by Indian women’s team: India has been declared the winner of the 3rd edition of the SAFF U-18 Women’s Football Championship. The 2022 edition of the international football competition for women’s under-18 national teams was held in Jharkhand at JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur. The valuable player of the tournament and the highest goal scorer was Lynda Kom who scored five goals in total.

Although India lost to Bangladesh, 0-1 in the final league match, but still emerged champions of the tournament on account of better goal difference. India enjoyed a better goal difference of +11 in comparison to +3 of Bangladesh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated RBIH in Bengaluru: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was established with a Rs 100 crore initial capital contribution to foster and nurture financial innovation. According to the central bank, the Hub has an independent Board with Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan as Chairman and other notable people from industry and academics as members. Key Points:

a)      The RBIH was established as a Section 8 business under the Companies Act of 2013, with an initial capital contribution of Rs 100 crore, to stimulate and develop financial innovation in a long-term institutional setting.

b)      RBIH intends to build an ecosystem that promotes access to financial services and goods for the country’s low-income people.

c)       The Hub would bring together several stakeholders in the financial innovation area (BFSI sector, startup ecosystem, regulators, and academia).

 

2. Govt sets Rs 1-trillion infrastructure lending target for DFI for 2022-23: Central Government has set a target of about Rs 1 trillion for the National Bank for Financial Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for sanctioning loans to the infrastructure sector in the next financial year i.e 2022-23. NaBFID is a government-backed Development Finance Instit­ut­ion (DFI) and will start operations in the first quarter of 2022-23.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Kotak, Axis acquire 7.84% stake each in ONDC: Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank have acquired 7.84% stake each in Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Before this, SBI (7.84%) and PNB (9.5%) have also acquired a stake in ONDC. ONDC was incorporated in India on December 30, 2021. It aims for creating an open public digital infrastructure to develop and transform the Indian digital commerce ecosystem for both goods and services. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is been managed by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mario Marcel wins the Governor of the year award 2022: Mario Marcel, the Governor of the Central Bank of Chile, has won the Governor of the year award at the Central Banking Awards 2022. Banco Central de Chile is the name of the central bank of Chile.

When Mario Marcel was named governor of the Central Bank of Chile (BCCh) in October 2016, he took over the leadership of an institution that had secured a reputation as one of the most independent and well-run central banks in Latin America. Marcel took steps to further improve the institution. He changed its internal management structure, reducing the number of monetary policy meetings from 12 to eight. The BCCh also improved the quality of its communications in both English and Spanish. But the BCCh’s reputation, as well as Marcel’s own, would be put to a severe test from 2019.

 

Oscars Awards 2022: 94th Academy Awards 2022 announced: The 94th Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as the top films from the last year were honoured by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The show was hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, the first time the award ceremony has had multiple hosts since Anne Hathaway and James Franco co-hosted the 83rd instalment in 2011.

Full list of winners:

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Will Smith, “King Richard”

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye)

Best Picture: CODA

Best International Feature Film: Drive My Car

Documentary Short Subject: The Queen of Basketball

Best Directing: Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)’

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Troy Kotsur (CODA)

Best Makeup & Hairstyling: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Best Cinematography: Dune

Best Original Score: Hans Zimmer (Dune)

Best Visual Effects: Dune

Best Animated Feature Film: Encanto

Best Animated Short Film: The Windshield Wiper

Best Costume Design: Cruella

Best Original Screenplay: Kenneth Branagh (Belfast)

Best Adapted Screenplay: Sian Heder (Coda)

Best Live Action Short Film: The Long Goodbye

Best Sound: Dune

Best Documentary Feature: “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”

Best Original Song: “No Time To Die” from “No Time to Die,” music and lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

Best Production Design: Dune

Best Film Editing: Dune

 

  

Daily GK Update- 27th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI designates October 5 as National Dolphin Day: The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated the 5th of October to be celebrated as National Dolphin Day every year as a historic step in creating awareness for the conservation of Dolphins, beginning from 2022. This information was given by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav on March 25, 2022, during the 67th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life in New Delhi.

Dolphins act as ideal ecological indicators of a healthy aquatic ecosystem and conservation of the dolphins will, therefore, benefit the survival of the species and also, the people dependent on the aquatic system for their livelihood.

 

2. Yogi Adityanath take Oath as UP Chief Minister for 2nd Term: Yogi Adityanath takes oath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh for his second term in office. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adityanath at Lucknow’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and other central ministers.

Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak also took oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers in the new government. The BJP-led NDA secured 274 seats out of 403, becoming the first party in over three decades to form a government for a second consecutive time in the state.

The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government created history with its comeback as no other CM has been able to repeat a government in the state in 37 years. The Congress had returned to power with a majority in the state 37 years ago. After this, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has not just made history by completing five successful years of governance but by also returning to power with a thumping majority. He has become the first such BJP leader to become the CM for the second consecutive term.

 

3. Ministry of Heavy Industries extends Phase-II of FAME India Scheme for two years till 2024: Ministry of Heavy Industries had notified Phase-II of FAME India Scheme for three years from April 2019 to March 2022. However, the government has extended the FAME II scheme for 2 years. So now this scheme will be applicable till March 2024. Total budgetary support to Phase-II of FAME India Scheme for a period of five years is Rs. 10,000 crore, from financial year 2019-20 to 2023-24. Focus area of Phase II will be mainly on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation through demand incentive and creation of a network of charging infrastructure.

Objective of FAME India Scheme is to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in India.

 

4. A Children’s Book ‘The Little Book of Joy’ authored by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu: A picture book edition co-authored by Nobel Peace Prize winners 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) & Archbishop Desmond Tutu, titled “The Little Book of Joy” will be released in September 2022. The illustrations provided by artist Rafael López and Rachel Neumann & Douglas Abrams collaborated on the text. This book focuses on the meaning of true happiness, which is not in the materialistic world but lies in the nature of human beings.

In 2016, they also co-authored the book titled “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”, which became a bestseller & sold more than 1 million copies and translated into more than 40 languages.

 

5. ‘Ishan Manthan’ Festival organised in New Delhi: Union Minister for Culture, Tourism & DONER, G Kishan Reddy has inaugurated the three-day North-East festival called ‘Ishan Manthan’ at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi. The three-day Ishan Manthan programme will celebrate the rich ethnicity and colours of North East India, from March 25 to 27, 2022. The event will give an opportunity to know about the culture, art, music, folk dances, handicrafts and traditional cuisines of Northeast India.

Ishan Manthan is an attempt to celebrate the plural expressions of northeast India. It can be understood as “North East Brainstorming”. The inaugural session also witnessed the release of two books titled ‘Lok Beyond Folk’, a book on the Lok Culture which was edited by Shri J Nandalumar and ‘Jewels of North East India’.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First wildlife bond issued by World Bank to save Africa’s black rhino: The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) has issued the Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) to support of South Africa’s efforts to conserve endangered species of Black Rhino. Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) is also known as “Rhino Bond”. It is a five-year $150 million Sustainable Development Bond. It includes a potential performance payment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The bond will contribute to protecting and increasing black rhino populations in two protected areas in South Africa namely the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) and the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR).

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

 

2. Malaysia to host 4 nations for Bersama Shield 2022 military exercise: Malaysia will host armed forces from 4 nations namely, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom in the annual Bersama Shield 2022 training exercise. The exercise, referred to as BS22, is conducted within the framework of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) – a series of bilateral and multilateral defence agreements established in 1971. Bersama means together in Malay.

About the exercise: The exercise will involve sea and air drills, mostly in international waters but also in part of Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The exercise, referred to as BS22, is conducted within the framework of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA). The FPDA is the oldest defense arrangement in the region and includes counter-piracy operations as well as disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Note: Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia Currency: Malaysian ringgit; Malaysia Prime Minister: Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

 

3. World theatre Day: 27th March: World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27, promoted by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) through its centres, and supported by theatre communities all over the world. This year, the World Theatre Day celebration will focus on the young, the next generation, the emerging artists, who have been a strong special focus of ITI in the recent past. Through this 60-year-old ITI flagship event, ITI wishes to offer the next generation of artists and art professionals a platform to exchange ideas and present themselves to the world.

History of the day: The day was initiated by ITI, following President Arvi Kivimaa’s June 1961 proposal at the ninth World Congress of the ITI in Vienna — on behalf of the ITI’s Finnish Centre — for a World Theatre Day to be instituted. The proposal was supported by the Scandinavian centres of the ITI and publicized with enthusiasm. Since 1962, World Theatre Day has been celebrated by ITI Centres, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, theatre organizations, theatre universities and theatre lovers all over the world on the 27th of March.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Swiss Open Badminton title 2022: PV Sindhu won the title: India’s P.V. Sindhu has defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand to win the women’s singles title at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament. Playing her second successive final in the tournament, Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, took 49 minutes to get the better of the fourth-seeded Busanan 21-16, 21-8 at the St. Jakobshalle.

In the men’s singles title of the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament, Indian badminton player HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie (Indonesia). However, Prannoy suffered a 12-21, 18-21 defeat against Asian Games gold medallist and fourth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in a 48-minute summit clash to finish runner-up.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Pralay Mondal named as interim MD and CEO of CSB Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Pralay Mondal as the interim Managing Director and CEO of CSB Bank. Presently he is the Managing Director at CSB Bank. The post of MD and CEO at CSB Bank was lying vacant after its full-time MD and CEO, C V R Rajendran announces early retirement on health grounds (w.e.f March 31, 2022). RBI has approved the appointment of Pralay for three months from April 1, or till the appointment of a regular Managing Director and CEO of CSB Bank, whichever is earlier.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Hisashi Takeuchi named as MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki: Hisashi Takeuchi (from Japan) has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maruti Suzuki for a period of three years with effect from April 1, 2022. Takeuchi will succeed Kenichi Ayukawa as the MD and CEO. Ayukawa will now be designated as Executive Vice-Chairman for a period of six months with effect from 1st April, 2022 till 30th September 2022. Ayukawa joined as MD, MSIL in 2013.

Takeuchi, is a graduate from the Faculty of Economics, Yokohama National University, Japan. He joined Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) in 1986 and started his professional journey with Overseas Marketing Department, Europe Group of SMC. Prior to his joining as Joint Managing Director (Commercial) in MSIL in April last year, he was working as Managing Officer, Executive General Manager- Asia Automobile Marketing/ India Automobile Department at SMC.

Note: Maruti Suzuki Founded: 1982, Gurugram; Maruti Suzuki Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army with Maharashtra Police conducted “Suraksha Kavach 2” Exercise: Indian Army’s “Agnibaaz Division” organized a joint exercise “Suraksha Kavach 2” with Maharashtra Police at Lullanagar, Pune. The exercise aimed to counter any terrorist actions in Pune. The exercise involved the participation of the Counter-Terrorism Task Force (CTTF) of the Indian Army, Anti-Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra Police along with Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), Dog Squads, and Bomb Disposal Teams of both agencies. The exercise aimed to harmonize the drills and procedures undertaken by Army and Police to counter-terrorism.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Chief Justice of India R C Lahoti passes away: Former Chief Justice of India Ramesh Chandra Lahoti passed away at the age of 81 years. Justice Lahoti was appointed as the 35th chief justice of India on June 1, 2004. He retired on November 1, 2005.

 

2. Creator of the GIF format, Stephen Wilhite passes away: Stephen Wilhite, the creator of the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) format passed away at the age of 74 years due to Covid-19 related issues. Wilhite devised the Graphics Interchange Format, or GIF, in 1987 while working at Compuserve. The Oxford American Dictionary named GIF the word of the year in 2012. He was honoured with a Webby Lifetime Achievement award in 2013.