Daily GK Update- 9th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tamil Nadu government launched ‘Kaaval Uthavi’ app for public during emergency: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M K Stalin has launched the ‘Kaaval Uthavi’ app which helps citizens to seek police assistance during any emergency. The app is containing sixty features that are used to send an emergency alert to the police control room. By pressing the emergency red button, the user’s live location will be shared with the control room. The user can also identify the nearest police station/patrol vehicle. The app comprises an emergency help and a dial facility (Dial-112/100/101). The Dial 100 facility has been integrated with the app. It also has a facility for mobile-based complaints and a location sharing facility.

Other features include Police Station Locator, Control Room Directory, Cyber Financial Related Complaint, Other Emergency Helplines, Alert / Notification messages, Vehicle Verification, e-payment of fines for traffic violations, Police Verification Services), Lost Document Report, TN Police Citizen App, 112-India App among others.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: K. Stalin; Tamil Nadu Governor: R. N. Ravi.

 

2. CM of Uttar Pradesh has launched the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ initiative: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath begins the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan‘ in order to secure 100 per cent enrollment in elementary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh. Citing an official announcement, the state government will make an effort to shape the future of primary education and the holistic development of elementary schools.

Key Points:

a)      The ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ is being implemented in Shravasti, which has the lowest literacy rate in the state.

b)      Bahraich, Balrampur, Badaun, and Rampur are the other districts in Uttar Pradesh with the lowest literacy rate.

c)       Under the initiative, students will receive uniforms, shoes, and socks.

d)      Government schools must achieve all of the goals of ‘Operation Kayakalp,’ which aims to give schools a facelift, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who told officials that not only will public representatives be involved with the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan,’ but that MLAs must also adopt a school each.

 

3. Government establishes a Semicon India advisory committee: The government announced the formation of a Semicon India advisory committee, which will include top government officials, established academicians, as well as industry and domain specialists. The Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, will head the Committee, with Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), as Vice-Chairperson. The convenor will be MeitY, the Secretary.

Key Points:

a)      The Union Cabinet recently approved the ‘Semicon India’ programme, which will spend a total of 76,000 crore to strengthen the country’s semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.

b)      Within Digital India Corporation, a specialised and dedicated “India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)” has been established to drive India’s ecosystem development strategies.

c)       The group would meet at least once every three months to provide crucial insights to help India’s ecosystem expand sustainably, it said, adding that the committee’s term will be one year, after which it will be reformed with the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology’s consent.

d)      The newly created Advisory Committee will lead the objectives in a systematic, efficient, and strategic manner, the government stated in a statement.

 

4. Dharmendra Pradhan releases book titled “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak”: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released a book titled “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak”. The book has been written by Prof. Alok Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. This book is a comprehensive attempt to bring to the fore the struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the contribution of forest dwellers in the freedom movement.

 

5. 57th CRPF Valour Day: 9th April: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day (Shaurya Diwas) is observed on 9 April every year, as a tribute to the brave men of the Force. The year 2022 marks the 57th CRPF Valour Day. It was on this day in 1965, a small contingent of CRPF created history by defeating an invading Pakistani army, several times larger, at the Sardar Post located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The CRPF men eliminated 34 Pakistani soldiers and captured four alive. In the conflict, CRPF lost six personnel who had attained martyrdom.

The Central Reserve Police Force is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force. It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. The CRPF’s primary role lies in assisting the State/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and counter-insurgency.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Central Reserve Police Force Formed: 27 July 1939; Central Reserve Police Force Motto: Service and Loyalty; CRPF director general: Kuldiep Singh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić wins new term: Aleksandar Vučić has been re-elected as the President of Serbia. The pollster organizations CeSID and Ipsos had predicted victory for Vucic. The pro-European and centrist Alliance for Victory coalition was represented by Zdravko Ponos, a retired army general. The pollsters had predicted that Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would win most of the votes with 43 per cent and they would be followed by the United for Victory of Serbia opposition.

About Aleksandar Vučić: Aleksandar Vučić is serving as Serbia’s president since 2017, and since 2012 he has been serving as the president of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). He has served as the President for two terms, from 2014 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, he was first elected as the country’s President and succeeded Tomislav Nikolić. Vučić’s rule has been described by observers as an autocratic, authoritarian, illiberal democratic regime, and he curtailed the freedom of the press.

Note: Serbia Capital: Belgrade; Serbia Currency: Serbian dinar; Serbia President: Aleksandar Vučić.

 

2. Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022: According to the list of Hurun Richest Self-Made Women In The World 2022 released by the Hurun Research Institute. According to the list, there are 124 Self-Made Women Billionaires in World and China contributes to two-thirds of the world’s self-made women billionaires with 78 followed by the United States with 25 and the United Kingdom with 5.

Top 3 on the list:

a)      Wu Yajun co-founder of Longfor (China has topped the list)

b)      Fan Hongwei, Chairman/President, Hengli Petrochemical Co Ltd (China)

c)       Wang Laichun of Luxshare Precision Industry (China).

Indian Scenario:

a)      Falguni Nayar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nykaa, is ranked 10th with a wealth of USD 7.6 billion. She is the only Indian among the top 10.

b)      Radha Vembu, co-founder & product manager of Zoho is the second-richest self-made woman billionaire in India with US$ 3.9 bn & ranked 25th in the global list. Radha Vembu is top in India, and second across the world, in the list of Biggest Risers.

c)       Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics, is 26th on the list, down two places from last year. She has a wealth of US $3.8 bn.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2022 begins in Bhopal: The 12th edition of the prestigious Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2022 kicked-off in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on April 06, 2022. The 12-day tournament will see participation of 28 teams.  The previous edition of the tournament was won by Hockey Punjab after they beat Uttar Pradesh Hockey.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Union Bank launches super-app UnionNXT and digital project SAMBHAV: Union Bank of India has launched its super-app named UnionNXT and digital transformation project SAMBHAV, with an investment outlay of around Rs 1,000 crore for the current financial year 2022-23 (FY23). The public sector lender expects recovery from the spending in two years and aims to have 50 per cent of business originating on the digital platform by 2025.

A banking super-app essentially combines a number of services, such as payments, online shopping, bill payments, recharges, investment, loans, and fund transfer, on a single platform. UBI’s super-apps is similar to the super-apps by other large lenders such as State Bank of India’s Yono, Bank of Baroda’s Bob world and HDFC Bank’s PayZapp and ICICI Bank’s iMobile.

Mumbai-based public sector lender will expand the ambit of super-app for the marketplace, that being able to use app features to make purchases of consumer products and services in the next phase. However, it did not specify a timeline for such an offering for the marketplace.

Note: Union Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Union Bank of India CEO: Rajkiran Rai G. (1 Jul 2017–); Union Bank of India Founded: 11 November 1919, Mumbai.

 

2. RBI approves re-appointment of Murli Natarajan as MD-CEO of DCB Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved an extension in the tenure of Murli M Natarajan as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of DCB Bank for a period of two years. His extended term will be applicable from April 29, 2022, to April 28, 2024. Natrajan is serving as MD & CEO of the bank since April 2009.

RBI has capped the tenure of bank chief executives at 15 years and Natrajan will complete 15 years at the helm of the bank in 2024. The re-appointment as above is subject to the approval of shareholders at the ensuing annual general meeting of the bank.

Note: DCB Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; DCB Bank CEO: Murali M. Natrajan (29 Apr 2009–); DCB Bank Founded: 1930.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ADB Projects India’s economy to grow by 7.5% in FY23: Asian Development Bank projected a 7 per cent collective growth for South Asian economies in 2022 with the subregion’s largest economy India growing by 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal year before picking up to eight per cent the next year. However, uncertainties stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the continuing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and tightening by the United States Federal Reserve pose risks to the outlook. The Manila-based multilateral funding agency, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected the GDP growth rate of the Indian economy, in its flagship Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022, as follows:

2022-23 (FY23): 7.5 per cent

2023-24 (FY24): 8.0 per cent

Note: Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines; Asian Development Bank President: Masatsugu Asakawa (from 17 January 2020); Asian Development Bank Membership: 68 countries; Asian Development Bank Founded: 19 December 1966.

 

2. Govt released data: India’s trade deficit rises 88% in FY22: According to government data released, India’s trade imbalance increased by 87.5 percent to $192.41 billion in 2021-22, up from $102.63 billion the previous year. While total exports hit a new high of $417.81 billion last fiscal year, imports also hit a new high of $610.22 billion, resulting in a $192.41 billion trade deficit. Key Points:

a)      As per the ministry of commerce and industry, “India’s merchandise imports in April 2021-March 2022 totaled $610.22 billion, up 71 percent from $394.44 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and 28.55 percent higher than $474.71 billion in April 2019-March 2020.”

b)      In March 2022, the trade deficit was $18.69 billion, compared to $192.41 billion for the entire fiscal year 2021-22.

c)       India’s monthly merchandise exports surpassed $40 billion for the first time in March 2022, reaching $40.38 billion, up 14.53 percent from $35.26 billion the previous month.

d)      It increased by 87.89% from $21.49 billion in March 2020.

e)      The country’s merchandise imports this month totaled $59.07 billion, up 20.79 percent from $48.90 billion the previous month, according to the ministry. It increased by 87.68% from $31.47 billion in March 2020.

f)        Non-petroleum exports totaled $33 billion in March 2022, up 4.28 percent from $31.65 billion in the same month a year before.

g)      Exports of non-petroleum goods increased by 74% from $18.97 billion in March 2020.

h)      Imports of non-petroleum goods totaled $40.66 billion in March 2022, up 5.26 percent from $38.63 billion the previous month. According to the ministry’s figures, it was up 89.79 percent from $21.42 billion in March 2020.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ramdarash Mishra named for Saraswati Samman 2021: Noted poet and litterateur Prof Ramdarash Mishra will be awarded the prestigious Saraswati Samman, 2021, for his collection of poems ‘Mein to Yahan Hun’, the KK Birla Foundation announced. The recipient is chosen by a selection committee, whose current head is Dr Subhash C Kashyap.

About the Saraswati Samman: Instituted in 1991, Saraswati Samman is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country. It is given every year to an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language by an Indian citizen and published within the last 10 years. It carries a citation, a plaque, and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs. The recipient is chosen by a selection committee, whose current head is Dr Subhash C Kashyap, former secretary-general of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Daily GK Update- 8th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister inaugurates 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated 13 new districts in the state via video conference in Tadepalli, Guntur district. The new districts were created using Parliamentary constituencies as a guide. With the addition of 13 new districts, Andhra Pradesh now has a total of 26 districts. The following is a list of the new districts and their headquarters:

1)      Alluri Sitharama Raju District – Paderu;

2)      Annamayya District – Rayachoty;

3)      Anakapalli – Anakapalli;

4)      Bapatla – Bapatla;

5)      Eluru – Eluru;

6)      Kakinada – Kakinada;

7)      Kona Seema – Amalapuram;

8)      Manyam District – Parvathipuram;

9)      Nandyal – Nandyal;

10)  NTR District – Vijayawada;

11)  Palnadu – Narsaraopeta;

12)  Sri Balaji District – Tirupati;

13)  Sri Satyasai District – Puttaparthy

As part of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh, there will now be 23 revenue divisions. The CM added that people have accepted and liked the decentralised system of government because the initiatives are given straight to their doorstep, and that the same is now being extended to the districts. The CM further mentioned that previously, one district served 38 lakh 15 thousand people, but today, with the establishment of 26 districts, each district will serve 19 lakh 7 thousand people.

 

2. GoI appoints Vinay Mohan Kwatra as new foreign secretary: The Government of India has appointed IFS Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Foreign Secretary of India. He is currently serving as India’s envoy to Nepal, from March 2020. He will replace the current foreign secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who will superannuate on April 30, 2022. Kwatra is a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, having more than 32 years of experience in Foreign Service. He has also worked in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office (PMO) from 2015 to 2017, as well as India’s ambassador to France from August 2017 to February 2020.

 

3. In Leh villages of Gya – Sasoma, a community museum is established: In Ladakh, a community museum opened in the Gya – Sasoma villages of the Leh district to preserve and promote the region’s rich cultural history. Tashi Gyaltson, Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, inaugurated the Community Museum. Traditional utilitarian items, fabrics, clothing, and artefacts from Gya-everyday Sasoma’s life are the main attractions of the Museum. The museum is housed in a traditional house with a variety of architectural spaces and features. Key Points:

a)      Ladakh culture is predominantly found in its settlements, which are among the world’s highest inhabited. The rich culture is still alive and well in its close-knit communities.

b)      Gya – Sasoma villagers in Leh have donated a range of artefacts and collections to construct the Community Museum in a typical Ladakhi house, making it the first of its sort in India.

c)       Gya is thought to be Upper Ladakh’s earliest village and oldest settlement. Along with the Gya-Sasoma villagers, the women’s groups in the villages, the Department of Museology at the National Museum Institute in New Delhi, and the Leh Area Housing Development Corporation (LAHDC) all contributed to the creation of the Community Museum.

 

4. Ministry of Ayush’s Yoga Mahotsav begins at the Red Fort in Delhi: On World Health Day and the 75th day of the countdown to International Day of Yoga, the Ministry of Ayush is hosting a magnificent programme for the presentation of the Common Yoga Protocol in the backdrop of 15th August Park, Lal Quila, (Red Fort) Delhi. The program’s Chief Guest is slated to be Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla. Several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors of several nations stationed in Delhi, famous Sports Celebrities, and Yoga Gurus are expected to attend the event. Key Points:

a)      The Ministry, in collaboration with its numerous stakeholders, has devised a 100-day countdown programme for the 8th International Day of Yoga, in which 100 organisations promote yoga in 100 different locations/cities.

b)      The Ministry of Ayush is the nodal ministry for the International Day of Yoga’s commemoration. The primary event of IDY is a Mass Yoga Demonstration, which is led by Prime Minister Modi every year. The IDY-2022 preparations are well underway.

c)       It’s worth noting that the 75-day countdown is an important part of the annual celebration of International Yoga Day. In the 75 days leading up to IDY-2022, the Ministry intends to create a Mass Movement for Health and Wellbeing through Yoga.

d)      Because the 8th International Day of Yoga falls within the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year, the Ministry advises commemorating IDY at 75 iconic locations around the country. This countdown effort is already underway, and IDY-2022 observation is gathering traction.

 

5. A new book titled “Decoding Indian Babudom” authored by Ashwini Shrivastava: A new book titled ‘’Decoding Indian Babudom’’ authored by Ashwini Shrivastava and published by Vitasta Publishing Private Limited launched. This is a first-of-its-kind book by a journalist covering the bureaucratic system of India. It highlights India’s administrative system and functioning of governance from a common man’s point of view. The author recommended “15 Sutras” to achieve good and effective governance that can bring in investment by boosting businessmen’s confidence in the administration.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Viktor Orban wins Fourth Term as Prime Minister of Hungary: Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban won a fourth successive term in office by a landslide victory in the country’s general elections for 2022. His right-wing Fidesz party secured 53.1% of the total 98% of the count complete. The 58-year-old is already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, since assuming the role of Prime Minister in May 2010. The 58-year-old, already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, was challenged by six united opposition parties seeking to roll back the “illiberal” revolution Orban’s Fidesz party has pursued during 12 consecutive years in office.

Note: Hungary Capital: Budapest; Hungary Currency: Hungarian forint.

 

2. President Ram Nath Kovind visits in Amsterdam and names a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri’: President Ram Nath Kovind landed in Amsterdam for the final leg of his two-nation journey — his first visit to the Netherlands in 34 years — during which he would hold talks with the Dutch top leadership names a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri‘. Key Points:

a)      President Kovind arrived from Turkmenistan, where he met with his Turkmen colleague Serdar Berdimuhamedov and pledged to expand bilateral economic and energy cooperation to improve the multifaceted relationship. He is the first Indian President to visit Turkmenistan since its independence.

b)      President Ram Nath Kovind will meet with King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima, as well as Prime Minister Mark Rutte, during his visit to the Netherlands from April 4 to 7.

c)       His visit is significant since, in 2022, India and the Netherlands will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

d)      Later, President Kovind paid a visit to Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens,  names a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri‘, and here  washe was met by Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra

e)      A Strategic Partnership on Water was started in 2021 during the Virtual Summit between the Prime Ministers of the two countries to increase the level of engagement between the two sides in this crucial sector.

f)        Agriculture, health, urban development, science, and technology cooperation are all important pillars of the bilateral relationship. The Netherlands is also an important economic and commercial partner of India since it is the country’s fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment. It is also home to the continent’s largest Indian diaspora.

 

3. UN Human Rights Council names Tuvalu negotiator Dr Ian Fry as climate expert: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has appointed Dr Ian Fry as the world’s first independent expert for human rights and climate change. Dr Fry has been appointed for a period of three years. He holds dual citizenship of Tuvalu and Australia. He has negotiated on behalf of least developed countries including at the 2015 Paris climate conference where he helped ensure that human rights were part of the final package.

The position of Special Rapporteur for human rights and climate change was created by UNHRC in October 2021. The new independent expert will have the mandate to “study and identify how the adverse effects of climate change, including sudden and slow-onset disasters, affect the full and effective enjoyment of human rights and make recommendations on how to address and prevent these adverse effects”.

Note: United Nations Human Rights Council President: Federico Villegas; United Nations Human Rights Council Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; United Nations Human Rights Council Founded: 15 March 2006.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI tie-up with BSF to offer curated benefits through CAPSP Scheme: The State Bank of India (SBI) has tied up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Border Security Force (BSF) to provide solutions for financial security to BSF personnel through the Central Armed Police Salary Package (CAPSP) Scheme. The MoU will offer a bouquet of benefits to the serving security forces, retired personnel as well as family pensioners. These may include complimentary Personal and Air Accidental Insurance (Death) cover, additional cover in case of on-duty death, and Permanent Total Disability / Partial Disability cover, support in child education and the marriage of girl children of deceased BSF personnel among other benefits.

Note: SBI Founded: 1 July 1955; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

 

2. The merger of HDFC Bank and HDFC Ltd has been announced: The Boards of Directors of HDFC Ltd. and HDFC Bank Ltd. approved a composite scheme for the amalgamation of HDFC Investments Ltd. and HDFC Holdings Ltd with and into HDFC Ltd; and HDFC Ltd with and into HDFC Bank, as well as their respective shareholders and creditors. As a result, when the scheme takes effect, public shareholders would control 100% of HDFC Bank, while existing HDFC Ltd. shareholders will own 41%. Key Points:

a)      Closing conditions for the Scheme and the Proposed Transaction are standard. Multiple approvals are required for the programme to be implemented.

b)      The subsidiaries/associates of HDFC Ltd. shall become subsidiaries/associates of HDFC Bank once the scheme takes effect.

c)       Shareholders of HDFC Ltd. as of the record date will receive 42 HDFC Bank shares (each with a face value of 1) in exchange for 25 HDFC Ltd. shares (each with a face value of 2), and HDFC Ltd.’s equity share(s) in HDFC Bank would be extinguished as per the scheme.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. March 2022: GoI had collected an all-time high of Rs 1.42 lakh crores as GST: The greatest ever GST was collected in March, which is a very good for the economy. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection totaled Rs 1,42,095 crore, breaking the previous high of Rs 1,40,986 crore set in January 2022. Key Points:

a)      The March 2022 revenues are 15% greater than the same month last year and 46% higher than the March 2020 revenues.

b)      Revenues from imports of products were 25% higher during the month, while revenues from domestic transactions (including imports of services) were 11% higher than in the same month last year.

c)       In the month of March 2022, the gross GST revenue collected was Rs 1,42,095 crore, with Central GST at Rs 25,830 crore, state GST at Rs 32,378 crore, integrated GST at Rs 74,470 crore, including Rs 39,131 crore collected on imports of goods, and cess at Rs 9,417 crore, including Rs 981 crore collected on imports of goods.

 

2. Flipkart Foundation launched for growth of rural area and women: Homegrown e-commerce giant, The Flipkart Group has constituted and launched the Flipkart Foundation, a new platform with a focus on development in rural areas and providing equitable access to growth opportunities for women and other disadvantaged communities. The Flipkart Foundation aims to positively influence 20 million lives directly and indirectly in the coming decade across a wide array of areas by utilising Flipkart’s learnings over the years.

About the operation: The operations of the Flipkart Foundation will be grant-based. The contributions will come from the Flipkart Group and through the ‘Charity Checkout’ feature available on Flipkart platforms. The Flipkart Foundation will engage with diverse stakeholders to enable transformational development work for society and the economy, by offering support to underprivileged sections of society and making them a part of the country’s growth story.

Note: Flipkart headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka; Flipkart CEO: Kalyan Krishnamurthy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Journalist Aarefa Johari awarded Chameli Devi Jain Award 2021: A journalist from Mumbai, Aarefa Johari was awarded the Chameli Devi Jain Award for an Outstanding Woman Media person 2021. It was announced by the Media Foundation. Aarefa Johari works for ‘Scroll. in’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra. In 2020, Neetu Singh got this award. She is associated with ‘Goan Connection’ media house. Jury: Nirupama Subramania, Githa Hariharan and Ashutosh.

About the Chameli Devi Jain Award: Chameli Devi Jain Award is the annual prestigious recognition in the field of Journalism for women media persons journalist in India who have reported on themes such as social development, politics, equity, gender justice, health, war and conflict, and consumer values. The award was instituted in 1980 by Verghese and the family of Chameli Devi.

Daily GK Update- 7th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The Environment Minister announces the launch of the ‘Prakriti’ green initiative: In the presence of Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, the mascotto ‘Prakriti’ was launched today to raise public awareness about small changes that can be made to our lifestyle for a better environment. As well as various green initiatives taken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to ensure effective Plastic Waste Management (PWM) in the country.

Key Points:

a)      To combat the problem of plastic pollution, India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, pledged to eliminate single-use plastics (SUPs) by 2022.

b)      The Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change also administered the ‘Swachh Bharat Harit Bharat Green Pledge’ to the crowd, carrying the momentum forward and emphasising the importance of active citizen engagement.

c)       Plastic has emerged as one of the most important environmental concerns of our day. India produces over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with per capita plastic waste creation nearly doubling in the last five years.

d)      Our ecosystems are harmed by plastic pollution, which is also linked to air pollution.

 

2. Delhi government launched scheme to set up ‘Hobby Hubs’ in government schools: The Delhi government has set up Hobby Hubs for government schools in Delhi after school hours to promote extra-curricular activities. This project will implement in the single shift government school. A project to set up ‘Hobby Hubs’ in government schools in Delhi with after-school dance, music, arts and crafts activities during this new academic session is in the works. The idea is to make optimum use of school infrastructure and to use it after school hours to promote these extra-curricular activities.

Private academies, individuals and NGOs will be roped in to provide free training in fields selected by the schools. They will also be allowed to train private students during these sessions and charge them, but government school students will have to make up 50 per cent of the total students enrolled and no student of the concerned school will be denied admission into hobby classes being conducted in their own school.

Note: Delhi Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal; Delhi Governor: Anil Baijal;

 

3. Pixxel a space data startup launches its first satellite aboard SpaceX: Pixxel, a space data startup, launched its first fully operational satellite, TD-2, on SpaceX’s Transporter-4 mission. TD-2 is Pixxel’s first full-fledged satellite, carrying one of the highest-resolution hyperspectral commercial cameras ever flown, taking the company one step closer to developing a global health monitoring system that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The launch, according to the business, brings it closer to completing its aim of assembling one of the world’s most advanced constellations of low-earth-orbit imaging satellites and bringing the benefits of space to Earth. 

About TD-2:

a)      TD-2 will begin gathering data and discovering the invisible changes wreaking havoc on our worlds, such as natural gas leakages, deforestation, melting ice caps, pollution, and poor crop health.

b)      Pixxel’s hyperspectral constellation will be able to cover any place on the world every 48 hours, thanks to six satellites in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) around a 550-kilometre altitude.

c)       Dimensions of TD-2: TD-2, which weighs less than 15 kilogrammes, can capture orbital images in more than 150 bands of colour from the visible and infrared spectrum with a resolution of 10-meters per pixel, far exceeding the specificity of 30-meter-per-pixel hyperspectral satellites launched by a few select organisations such as NASA, ESA, and ISRO, according to the company.

 

4. PharmEasy’s appoints Amir Khan Brand ambassador: PharmEasy, a consumer healthcare “super app,” has unveiled its new campaign, which introduces Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador. API Holdings Limited is in charge of the PharmEasy brand. This partnership will aid in the development of the brand and raising consumer awareness of healthcare in India.

PharmEasy is dedicated to offering a hassle-free healthcare experience. Aamir will promote the PharmEasy brand in a variety of ways. The IPL campaign in 2022 will also include TV commercials starring Aamir Khan. Amir Khan will also emphasise how medicines, diagnostic tests, and healthcare goods are easily accessible to clients as the brand’s face.

 

5. A new book titled “Queen of Fire” authored by Devika Rangachari: Award-winning children’s writer and historian, Devika Rangachari has authored a new novel titled “Queen of Fire”, which explores the story of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. The book focuses on the journey of Rani Lakshmibai as a queen, soldier, and statesman. The book provides a detailed account on how the queen took over the kingdom as a widow and joined the revolutionaries to rebel against the East India Company. Devika Rangachari is a historian who has conducted post-doctoral research on gender in early medieval Indian history.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India-Turkmenistan inks four agreements during President Ram Nath Kovind’s 3-day official visit to Turkmenistan: India and Turkmenistan witnessed signing of four agreements, during the state visit of President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Turkmenistan. He is the first-ever President of India to visit independent Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian President Mr. Kovind and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. President Kovind is on a week-long state visit to two nations, Turkmenistan (April 01-03) and the Netherlands (April 04-07).

The four MoUs signed between India and Turkmenistan includes:

a)      MoU between the Financial Monitoring Service at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, of Turkmenistan and Financial Intelligence Unit of India

b)      Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Governments of Turkmenistan and India for cooperation in the field of Disaster Management.

c)       Program of Cooperation in the Fields of Culture and Arts between Governments of Turkmenistan and India for the period 2022-2025.

d)      MoU between Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy, Turkmenistan and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India for cooperation in Youth Matters.

Note: Capital: Ashgabat; President: Serdar Berdimuhamedow; Currency: Turkmenistani manat

 

2. World Health Day: 7th April: World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated on the 7th April every year. Every year, World Health Day focuses on contemporary health issues that require immediate attention, with varied themes. The theme for World Health Day 2022 is ‘Our Planet, Our Health’. This year’s theme aims to direct global attention toward the well-being of our planet and the humans living in it.

History of the day: The World Health Organization (WHO) convened the first World Health Assembly in 1948, which called for the establishment of a “World Health Day.” The first World Health Day was held on April 7, 1950, and it has been observed on that date every year thereafter. The main goal of the day is to raise awareness about a certain health topic in order to highlight a World Health Organization priority area of concern.

Note: World Health Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; World Health Organization Founded: 7 April 1948; World Health Organization Director-General: Tedros Adhanom.

 

3. International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda: 7th April: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is commemorated by UNESCO on April 07, every year. 2022 marks the 28th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, one of the darkest chapters in human history. On April 7th, the date where the genocide against members of the Tutsi began.

History of the day: The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003. The day commemorates the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Miami Open Tennis Tournament 2022 Overview: The 2022 Miami Open tennis tournament was the 37th edition of the men’s and women’s event, held from March 22 to April 3, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami Open is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 event on the 2022 ATP Tour and a WTA 1000 event on the 2022 WTA Tour.

The Miami Open (also known as the Miami Masters, and currently branded as the Miami Open presented by Itaú for sponsorship reasons) is a tennis tournament held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is part of the men’s ATP Tour Masters 1000 circuit, and part of the women’s WTA 1000 circuit. The Miami Open is usually held between March and April.

Here is the complete list of winners:

 

Award	Winner	Runner-Up
Men’s Single	Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)	Casper Ruud (Norway)
Women’s Single	Iga Świątek  (Poland)	Naomi Osaka (Japan)
Men’s Double	Hubert Hurkacz / John Isner	Wesley Koolhof / Neal Skupski
Women’s Double	Laura Siegemund / Vera Zvonareva	Veronika Kudermetova / Elise Mertens

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank adjudged as Best Performing Bank in SHG Linkage by DAY-NRLM: HDFC Bank Limited has been adjudged Best Performing Bank in Self Help Group (SHG) Linkage by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India at the event organised at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. HDFC Bank is the only private bank to be honoured with the award for their contribution in SHGs by NRLM.

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development presented the award to K Venkatesh, Head of Sustainable Livelihood Initiative of HDFC Bank. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in June 2011 is a poverty alleviation project. This rural income generation scheme is also known as Aajeevika Mission.

Note:

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. HP acquires Poly with the goal of becoming a full-service hybrid work ecosystem provider: HP has completed its acquisition of Poly for $1.7 billion in an all-cash deal worth $3.3 billion when debt is factored in. Poly is a manufacturer of office communication devices such as headsets, AV conference room equipment such as desk phones, and software.

Key Points:

a)      The decision comes eight months after HP acquired Teradici, a remote desktop software supplier, with the goal of accelerating HP’s entrance into hybrid work. The resulting ecosystem will be able to deliver entire workforce solutions in a hybrid work environment that necessitates seamless transitions between office and home settings.

b)      HP and Poly, according to Lores, establish a “leading portfolio of hybrid work solutions across big and expanding markets, with Poly’s strong technology, complementary go-to-market, and experienced team helping to drive long-term profitable growth as we continue to build a better HP.”

c)       While the agreement would help Poly save production and overhead expenses, it will also assist improve sales because of the devices’ compatibility with PCs and laptops. According to this source, HP estimates that the purchase will boost Poly’s annual growth to 15% in the three years following the deal’s closing.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice chief Lt Gen Manoj Pande all set to become next Army chief: Vice Chief Lieutenant General, Manoj Pande is all set to become Chief of the Army Staff as the incumbent Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, who is being seen as the frontrunner for the Chief of Defence Staff’s post, is due to retire by the end of this month. Being senior-most in the office after General Naravane, Lt Gen Pande will take over the reign. Lt Gen Pande became the senior-most after a few top officers retired in the last three months. The incumbent Lt Gen Raj Shukla who was commanding Army’s training command (ARTRAC) retired on March 31.

Meanwhile, present Army Chief, Gen MM Naravane is ahead in the race for the post of Chief of Defence Staff after the post fell vacant in December last year as the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat passed away in a helicopter crash near Coimbatore.