Daily GK Update- 31st Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and the WHO have agreed to establish a global traditional medicine centre in Jamnagar: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat. According to a WHO statement, the onsite opening of the new WHO global centre for traditional medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, will take place on April 21, 2022.

Key Points:

a)      In Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, a new WHO centre will be established. While Jamnagar will serve as the center’s hub, the new facility will engage and benefit people from all over the world.

b)      With a USD 250 million investment from the Indian government, this worldwide knowledge hub for traditional medicine intends to harness the potential of traditional medicine from around the world using modern science and technology to improve people’s and the planet’s health.

c)       According to the WHO declaration, “traditional medicine” includes ancient methods like acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, and herbal mixes, as well as modern pharmaceuticals used to preserve health and prevent, diagnose, and cure physical and mental illness.

 

2. Piyush Goyal inaugurates Indian Jewellery Exposition Centre building in Dubai: The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal has inaugurated the Indian Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) building in Dubai, UAE, during his visit to Dubai to participate in the India Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. During the launch of IJEX, the minister called upon the export members of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) to go for a USD 100 billion export target annually from the current USD 35 billion.

IJEX will be a one-stop destination for the world to source Indian jewellery in Dubai and the platform will enable GJEPC members to display goods and book orders throughout the year. From India, 15 states and nine central ministries are participating in Dubai Expo, which will end on March 31, 2022.

 

3. IFS officer Renu Singh appointed Forest Research Institute (FRI) director: Dr Renu Singh has been appointed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) as the next director of the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. She will be the institute’s second woman director. Singh joined as FRI director after AS Rawat, director-general, ICFRE, handed over his additional charge of director FRI to her.

 

4. NITI Aayog and FAO Launch Book Titled Indian Agriculture towards 2030: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), Narendra Singh Tomar has released a book titled “Indian Agriculture towards 2030: Pathways for Enhancing Farmers’ Income, Nutritional Security and Sustainable Food and Farm Systems”, at an event organized by NITI Aayog and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Indian Agriculture towards 2030 captures the outcomes of the deliberative process of national dialogue by NITI Aayog and the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and facilitated by FAO since 2019.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HURUN Global U40 Self-Made Billionaires 2022: India ranks 4th: Hurun Research Institute has released the Hurun Global Forty and Under Self-Made Billionaires 2022, which ranks the self-made billionaires in the world (in terms of US dollars) aged forty years and under. The Hurun Report 2022 lists 87 Self-Made Billionaires in the world aged 40 and under, which is up by 8 from last year.

Country-wise: The USA leads the list with 37 self-made billionaires. China is second with 25 billionaires, followed by the United Kingdom (8), India (6) and Sweden (3) respectively in the top five.

Individual: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the world’s richest self-made billionaire aged 40 and under with a total wealth of $76 billion. He is followed by ByteDance CEO Zhang Yiming, FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, and Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, respectively.

Immigrant Billionaires: 20 of the Hurun Global U40 are born and brought up in countries different to where they live today. These immigrant billionaires chose the USA (8), UK (7) and UAE (2) to live in today, and came originally from Russia mostly, followed by China, India and Ireland.

 

2. International Transgender Day of Visibility: 31st March: The International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) occurs annually on March 31 to raise awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, while also celebrating their contributions to society.

History of the Day: The day was founded by US-based transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan in 2009. As a reaction to the lack of LGBT recognition of transgender people, citing the frustration that the only well-known transgender-centred day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance which mourned the murders of transgender people but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community. The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009.

 

3. World Backup Day: 31st March: World Backup Day is marked every year on March 31. The day reminds us to protect our precious digital documents as we’ve become more reliant on technology. It is a day for people to learn about the increasing role of data in our lives and the importance of regular backups. Originally, World Backup Day began as World Backup Month, by a hard drive company named Maxtor which was later acquired by Seagate Technology.

 

4. International Day of Drug Checking: 31st March: The International Day of Drug Checking takes place on March 31 every year since 2017 to ensure people are educated on drugs and aware of their effects. The day aims to promote harm reduction initiatives of drugs and reduce drug-related risks. Along with it, it also marks promoting harm reduction actions of drugs and reduces drug-related risks. Their goal on the 31st of March is to raise public awareness of the availability of drug checking services and companies from across the planet.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Canada reaches Football World Cup for first time since 1986: Canada has qualified for the Qatar 2022 football World Cup for the first time in 36 years, after thoroughly beating Jamaica 4-0 in Toronto. The North American nation have booked their place at the finals for the first time since Mexico in 1986. Canada is top of the CONCACAF qualifying group and has now secured its place at a World Cup finals tournament for the first time since 1986. Canada becomes the 20th team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which will feature 32 nations vying for the ultimate prize in Qatar from November 21 to December 18. The remaining 12 teams will be decided in the coming days before the draw on April 1 to determine the eight groups.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI unveiled framework for geo-tagging of payment system touch points: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the framework for geo-tagging of payment system touchpoints. The framework is part of the central bank’s focus for deepening digital payments and providing inclusive access to all citizens of the country. Geo-tagging of payment system touchpoints will enable proper monitoring of the availability of payment acceptance infrastructure like Points of Sale (PoS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) codes, etc.

About the Geo-tagging of Payment System: Geo-tagging of Payment System TouchPoints/ acceptance infrastructure under Section 10 (2) read with Section 18 of Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007). This system will be deployed by banks / non-bank Payment System Operators (PSOs) to ensure proper monitoring of the availability of payment acceptance infrastructure. The framework was issued on the lines of the Monetary Policy Statement 2020-21of October 08, 2021.

There are broad categories of physical infrastructure for digital payment transactions carried out by customers using payment touch points. Firstly, banking infrastructure comprises bank branches, offices, extension counters, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) / Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs), micro-ATMs used by Business Correspondents (BCs), etc. Secondly, payment acceptance infrastructure such as Points of Sale (PoS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) codes deployed by banks/non-bank Payment System Operators (PSOs), etc.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. PVR & INOX Leisure announced merger combined entity to be called PVR Inox Ltd: Multiplex companies INOX Leisure Ltd and PVR Ltd have announced the merger of their two companies. Inox will have a 16.66% stake in the new firm and PVR will have a 10.62% stake. After the formalities of the merger, the company will be known as PVR Inox Limited. Ajay Bijli will be Managing Director of PVR Inox Limited, Sanjeev Kumar will be executive director and Pavan Kumar Jain will be non-executive chairman of the consolidated board.

The merger is subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), stock exchanges, and other regulatory approvals as required. Merger to bring together two of India’s best cinema brands to deliver an unparalleled consumer experience with a network of 1,546 screens across 341 properties in 109 cities.

Note: PVR Cinemas Founded: June 1997; PVR Cinemas Headquarters: Gurugram; PVR Cinemas Founder & CEO: Ajay Bijli.

 

2. FedEx appoints Indian-born Raj Subramaniam as new CEO: The world’s largest express transportation company FedEx has announced that its new Chief Executive Officer will be Indian American Raj Subramaniam. He has more than 30 years of global experience across strategy and operations and has led the company through a period of tremendous growth.

The US multinational courier delivery giant was previously helmed by Frederick W Smith. Smith, chairman and CEO, will step down from this position on June 1. He will now be its executive chairman. In his new role, Smith said he looks forward to focusing on Board governance as well as issues of global importance, including sustainability, innovation, and public policy. Smith had founded FedEx in 1971.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Kovind Confers National Water Awards 2022: The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has presented the 3rd National Water Awards in New Delhi. National Water Awards is given for exemplary work in the field of water resource management. The first National Water Award was launched in 2018, by the Jal Shakti Ministry. A total of 57 National Water Awards for 2022 have been conferred to states, organizations and others in 11 different categories.

 

Category	Zone	Awardees
Best State		1. Uttar Pradesh 2. Rajasthan 3. Tamil Nadu
Best District	North	Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) and Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar (Punjab);
	South	Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh);
	East	East Champaran (Bihar) and Godda (Jharkhand)
	West	Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Vadodara (Gujarat) and Banswara (Rajasthan)
	Northeast	Goalpara (Assam) and Siang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Best Village Panchayat	North	Dhaspad, Almora, Uttarakhand Jamola, Rajouri, J&K Balua, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
	South	Yelerampura Panchayat, Tumakuru District, Karnataka Vellaputhur Panchayat, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu Elappully Grama Panchayat, Palakkad District, Kerala
	East	Telari Panchayat, Gaya District, Bihar Chhindiya Panchayat, Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh Guni Panchayat, Khunti District, Jharkhand
	West	Takhatgadh, Sabarkantha, Gujarat Kankapar, Kachchh, Gujarat Surdi, Solapur, Maharashtra
	North-East	Sialsir, Sirchip, Mizoram Aminda Simsanggre , West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Chambagre, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Best Urban Local Body		Vapi Urban Local Body, Gujarat Dapoli Nagar Panchayat, Maharashtra Madurai Municipal Corporation, Tamil Nadu
Best Media (Print & Electronic)		Agrowon, Sakal Media Pvt. Ltd. (Adinath Dattatray Chavan) Sandesh Daily Bhuj Edition
Best Institution/RWA/Religious organization for Campus usage		Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat Indian Oil Corporation Limited Faridabad
Best Industry		Trident (Textile) Ltd., Punjab Steel Authority of India Ltd., New Delhi
Best NGO		Gramvikas Sanstha, Aurangabad Vivekananda Research and Training Institute, Bhavnagar

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Mar, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pramod Sawant takes oath as Chief Minister of Goa for 2nd term: Pramod Sawant took oath as the Chief Minister of Goa on March 28, 2022, for the second straight five-year term. Sawant led the BJP in the recently concluded 2022 Goa Assembly elections and won 20 seats in the 40-member Goa Assembly. Mr Sawant was administered the oath by Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai at the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee stadium near Panaji. Mr Sawant is an Ayurveda Medical practitioner by profession. He was sworn in as Chief Minister in March 2019 after the death of the sitting chief minister Manohar Parrikar. Mr Sawant represents the Sanquelim constituency.

 

2. Yamunotsav held at ITO Yamuna Ghat, organised by NMCG: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) conducted Yamunotsav at ASITA East River Front, ITO Bridge, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, in collaboration with a number of NGOs, to celebrate the splendour of Yamuna with a “pledge to keep it clean.”

Key Points:

a)      While under the Namami Gange Program, the focus was on the main stem of the Ganga Basin, and the positive results are now showing, Shri Kumar said.

b)      The target now is to clean River Yamuna and ensure that three large STPs being constructed are completed by December 2022 with the support of stakeholders, preventing all the major drains and dirty water from falling into Yamuna.

c)       He went on to say that by next year, the Yamuna should be significantly cleaner for Delhi residents.

d)      The NMCG is investing roughly Rs. 2300 crore in the construction of sewerage infrastructure for the River Yamuna.

 

3. Shashi Sinha named as new Chairman of Broadcast Audience Research Council India: The board of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has elected IPG Mediabrands India CEO Shashi Sinha as the new chairman. He will take over from Punit Goenka, who served as chairman of the TV viewership measurement agency for the last three years. Sinha, who also represents the Advertising Agencies Association of India as its board member, has played a key role in the formation of BARC.

Note: Broadcast Audience Research Council Founded: 2010; Broadcast Audience Research Council Headquarters: Mumbai; Broadcast Audience Research Council CEO: Nakul Chopra.

 

4. India’s Namit Malhotra on Oscars win for Dune: This year’s Oscars was named to Dune as the Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya starrer sci-fi thriller bagged six wins. Dune was nominated in 10 categories and it won in 6 of them. This win was a proud moment for India as Namit Malhotra, the CEO and Chairman of Double Negative (DNEG), the studio that did the VFX for the film, brought home this honour.

DNEG won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating Free Guy, Shang-Chi, Spider-Man: No Way Home and No Time to Die. Interestingly, this is DNEG’s seventh win at the Academy Awards, with the studio winning big for Inception (2011), Ex Machina (2016), First Man (2019), Tenet (2021), Interstellar (2015) and Blade Runner 2049 (2018).

Note: DNEG Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; DNEG Founded: 1998, London, United Kingdom.

 

5. A book titled ‘Spoorthi Pradatha Sri Somayya’ authored by K Syam Prasad: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, released a book titled ‘Spoorthi Pradatha Sri Somayya’ authored by Syam Prasad. The book is based on the life story of late Shri Somepalli Somaiah, a social worker from Andhra Pradesh. He inspired youth to dedicate their lives to social welfare.

Somepalli Somaiah was born in 1927 in the “Parlamili” village of Prakasham district. He dedicated his life to reform and the betterment of society for 50 years. He participated in the Satyagraha of 1948 and was against the ban on RSS (Rashtriya Seva Sangh) and was jailed for the same.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maltese PM Robert Abela sworn in after landslide election win: The Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela has been sworn in for a second term after his ruling Labour Party won the 2022 general election in a landslide victory. He was administered the oath of office by President George Vella. Abela was first sworn in as prime minister in January 2020 after the former Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat resigned.

It was the first electoral test for Abela, a 44-year-old lawyer since he took the helm of the tiny Mediterranean island nation in January 2020 following a Labour party vote. Labour secured a majority of almost 40,000 votes over its Nationalist Party rivals — a huge margin in the tiny EU state which has just 355,000 registered voters.

Note: Malta Capital: Valletta; Currency: Euro

 

2. Gilbert Houngbo named next Director-General of International Labour Organization: Gilbert Houngbo from Togo will be the next Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Houngbo was elected by the UN agency’s governing body, comprising representatives of governments, workers and employers during their meeting in Geneva. Houngbo, former Prime Minister of Togo, will be the 11th head of the agency and the first African to hold the post. His five-year term will begin on October 1, 2022. The current Director-General, Guy Ryder, from the United Kingdom, has held office since 2012.

Note: International Labour Organisation Founded: 1919; International Labour Organisation Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. The men’s and women’s team has won gold in the National Cross Country Championship: In Kohima, Darshan Singh of the Services and Varsha Devi of the Railways finally defended their men’s and women’s titles in the National Cross Country Championships by winning their 10 Km events on the picturesque but difficult course, which was made more difficult by 60 per cent humidity and wind gusts.

Key Points:

a)      After playing crucial roles in their respective teams’ successes, they were ecstatic to win the South Asian crowns at the second SAFF Cross Country Championships, which were held concurrently.

b)      They tasted international victory right away, despite missing out on the 2020 competition in Sri Lanka, which was first postponed and then relocated here.

c)       Darshan Singh was grouped at the front with his Services teammates Rajendra Nath, Deepak Singh Rawat, Dipak Suhaug, reigning champion Parasappa Madevappa Hajilol, and Railways Narendra Pratap Singh even before the runners had completed the first loop of 2 kilometres. He never lost his beat or his place.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Shaktikanta Das lays Foundation Stone of Learning and Development Centre of BRBNMPL in Mysuru: Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shaktikanta Das has laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a Learning and Development Centre (LDC) of the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) in Mysuru, Karnataka. Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI.

About the Learning and Development Centre: LDC is being established with active collaboration from Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) and Bank Note Paper Mill India Private Limited (BNPMIPL). LDC will act as a forum for robust knowledge dissemination, thus ensuring that the best practices, experiences, and innovations are shared efficiently in a congenial environment to ensure uniformity in banknote production, quality and supply.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Former SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar joins Dun & Bradstreet: The Former Chairman of the State Bank of India Rajnish Kumar has joined the International Strategic Advisory Board of data and analytics behemoth Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet has been a trusted brand in business decision-making data, analytics, and ratings for almost 180 years.

About Rajnish Kumar: In October 2020, Kumar stepped down as Chairman of SBI. He formerly worked for HSBC’s Asia division in Hong Kong as a non-executive director, as a senior adviser for Baring Private Equity Asia, and as a consultant for Kotak Investment Advisors. Rajnish Kumar serves on the boards of HSBC Asia Pacific, L&T Infotech, Hero MotoCorp, and BharatPe.

 

2. Ola to acquire neo bank Avail Finance: Ola, an Indian ride-hailing startup, has agreed to acquire neo-banking platform Avail Finance in order to expand its financial services offering.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by Ola, which owns a 9% share in Avail Finance. Ola intends to use Avail Finance’s product portfolio to enhance its lending operations and further its neo-banking expansion goals. The acquisition is a critical step in Ola’s bigger drive into the fintech market as it strives to develop a mobility-focused financial services business under Ola Financial. Ola Financial Services will expand its position in the credit underserved areas that include blue-collar employees, such as Ola’s driver-partner ecosystem, with this purchase.

 

3. Uday Kotak resigns as the Chairman of IL& FS: Uday Kotak has announced to step down as the Chairman of the board of the Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), after his term ends on April 2, 2022. CS Rajan, Managing Director, IL&FS has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director for six months with effect from April 3 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Crisis-hit Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) has resolved nearly 55% of the group’s outstanding debt over the last three-and-a-half years, managing director C.S. Rajan said on Tuesday. Among others, the company sold its iconic headquarters at Bandra Kurla Complex for ₹1,080 crore to reduce debt.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Actress Deepika Padukone named in inaugural TIME100 Impact Award: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has been named as one of the awardees of the TIME100 Impact Awards 2022. The actress has got featured on the inaugural TIME100 Impact Awards list for her work in mental health struggles and raising awareness, through her LiveLoveLaugh Foundation. The award recognizes global leaders who have gone above and beyond to move their industries and the world forward. Apart from Deepika, six other global leaders have also been honoured with the award. The awards were presented at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully test-fire Indian Army “MRSAM” Missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful flight tests of the Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) against high-speed aerial targets at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The first test launch was to intercept a medium-altitude long-range target and the second launch was for a low altitude short-range target. The Indian Army version of MRSAM is a Surface-to-Air Missile. It has been developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel.

About the Missile: This MRSAM version is a Surface-to-Air Missile developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel for use by the Indian Army. The MRSAM Army weapon system comprises multi-function radar, mobile launcher system and other vehicles. The flight tests were carried out with the weapon system in deliverable configuration.

Note: Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

 

2. IAF unveils ‘Fleet Card-Fuel on Move’ new initiative for refuelling: The Indian Air Force has unveiled a new initiative with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Under it, IAF’s convoys will be refuelled at fuel stations of the state-run energy major. As per the Defence Ministry, ‘Fleet Card-Fuel on Move’ has been rolled out to facilitate the refuelling of convoys belonging to the Indian Air Force. Under the existing system, the Indian Air Force procures fuel from various agencies and then distributes it within the Air Force establishment.

With the advent of the Fleet Cards, the IAF will be able to utilise the vast network of retail fuel distributors across the country to refuel its vehicles on the move. The availability of Fleet Card will permit the convoy to refuel at any IOCL fuel station, thus increasing the pace of movement and reducing the lead time for readiness at operational locations across the nation.

Note: Indian Airforce founded: 08th October 1932; Indian Airforce Headquarters: New Delhi; Indian Airforce Chief of Air Staff: Vivek Ram Chaudhari.

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.