Daily GK Update- 14th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates scientific convention on ‘Homoeopathy: People’s Choice for Wellness’: The Union Minister of AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated a two-day scientific convention on the theme ‘Homoeopathy: People’s Choice for Wellness’ in New Delhi. The convention has been organised jointly by the three apex bodies under the Ministry of Ayush namely, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, the National Commission for Homoeopathy and the National Institute of Homoeopathy to mark the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day. Key points of the convention:

a)      This convention is an opportunity to review the achievements in the field of Homoeopathy and to formulate future strategies for the development of Homoeopathy.

b)      There is an imminent need to initiate a dialogue among the major stakeholders of Homoeopathy to address much-needed practice standards in clinical research informatics, data standards in clinical research, policy issues, educational standards, and instructional resources.

c)       This can be achieved by merging clinical care delivery and research as a part of a changing paradigm in global healthcare delivery in the context of rapid innovations in technology. A necessity to identify and propose strategic actions toward an effective and efficient inclusion of Homoeopathy in integrative care is indispensable.

 

2. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav chairs the 20th NTCA meeting: The 20th NTCA in Arunachal Pradesh is chaired by Bhupender Yadav. The 20th Meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was held in Pakke tiger reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and was led by Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.

Key Points: The first-ever NTCA meeting was held in Arunachal Pradesh, outside of the National Capital. He also released a technical manual on MEE of Tiger Reserves in India, as well as standard operating procedures for tiger reintroduction and supplementation in the wild, a forest fire audit protocol for tiger reserves, and a standard operating procedure for tiger reintroduction and supplementation in the wild.

 

3. Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Tea will get GI Tag from European Commission: Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Tea will soon get a European Commission Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag); this tag helps Kangra tea to get an opportunity to enter the European market. Kangra tea received the Indian GI tag in 2005. Since 1999, the cultivation and development of tea have improved constantly in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. The development and cultivation of Kangra tea is being promoted and looked after by four departments iTea Board of India Regional office Palampur, cooperative and agriculture departments of the state and CSIR, IHBT Palampur and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University, Palampur.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter); Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Arlekar; Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

4. UIDAI tieup with ISRO for technical collaboration: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), MeitY has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, Hyderabad for technical collaboration. NRSC will develop a Bhuvan-Aadhar portal for providing information and locations about the Aadhaar centres across India. The portal will provide the facility of complete geographic information, retrieval, analysis, and reporting for Aadhaar centres with a high-resolution backdrop of natural-colour satellite images. UIDAI has, so far, issued Aadhaar numbers to more than 132 crore residents and facilitates over 60 crore residents who have updated their Aadhaar.

Note: ISRO Founded: 15 August 1969; ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru; ISRO Chairman: S Somanath.

 

5. Eminent scholar-academician Manoj Soni new UPSC chairman: Currently a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Dr Manoj Soni has been appointed the chairman of the country’s premier government recruiting agency. He has been associated with the Swaminarayan sect’s Anoopam Mission, at Mogri in Anand district, since a young age and received diksha (initiation) as a nishkarma karmayogi (selfless worker) on Jan 10, 2020. Dr Soni has been appointed to replace the previous UPSC chairman Pradip Kumar Joshi. Prior to this assignment, Soni has also served as the vice-chancellor of two universities and has earned several national and international awards and recognitions.

 

6. Ambedkar Jayanti 2022: 14th April: Ambedkar Jayanti (also known as Bhim Jayanti) is celebrated on 14 April to commemorate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar. The Day has been observed as an official public holiday throughout India since 2015. In 2022, we are marking the 131st birth anniversary of Babasaheb. Dr Ambedkar is known as the Father (chief architect) of the Indian Constitution. He was the first Law and Justice Minister of the country after the independence. Dr Bhim has been bestowed with the country’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna in 1990 posthumously.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Fourth US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Ministers of Defense Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar to Washington, D.C. for the fourth US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. A virtual conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden preceded the Dialogue. With a shared commitment to democracy and pluralism, a multifaceted bilateral agenda, and growing convergence of strategic interests, the United States and independent India are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries seek to maintain a resilient, rules-based international order that protects sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.

Important Points Of Discussion Between Ministers:

a)      The Ministers analysed the broader consequences of the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, as well as their own attempts to respond to it. They demanded an immediate halt to hostilities.

b)      The Ministers were unanimous in their condemnation of civilian deaths. They emphasised that the modern global order is based on the UN Charter, international law, and all states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

c)       The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together at the UN Security Council and in international organisations. The US reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reconstituted UN Security Council as well as its admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

d)      The United States welcomed India’s commitment to participate in multilateral peacekeeping training in 2022, expand joint capacity-building efforts with third-country partners, and launch a new joint National Investigation Officers Training of Trainers course in partnership with the United Nations, recognising India’s distinguished history of leading peacekeeping missions.

 

2. World Chagas Disease Day: 14th April: World Chagas Disease Day is observed on 14 April to raise public awareness and visibility among people about Chagas Disease (also called American trypanosomiasis or silent or silenced disease) and the resources needed for the prevention, control or elimination of the disease. The theme for 2022 is finding and reporting every case to defeat chagas disease. It is often termed a “silent and silenced disease” as the infected majority have no symptoms or extremely mild symptoms. There are approximately 6-7 million people infected with Chagas disease worldwide, with 10,000 deaths, every year. It is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by WHO.

History of the day: The WHO approved the designation of Chagas Disease Day on May 24, 2019, at the 72nd World Health Assembly. The first World Chagas Disease Day was observed on 14 April 2020. The day has been named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case on 14 April 1909.

Note: Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; Director General of WHO: Tedros Adhanom; WHO was founded:  7 April 1948.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC Players of the Month for March 2022: Babar Azam, Rachael Haynes crowned: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Australia’s run-machine Rachael Haynes were named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for March 2022. Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative.

In the men’s category: Azam had several thrilling batting displays in Pakistan’s multi-format series against Australia recently. He amassed 390 runs in the three-Test series, which the hosts lost 0-1. Azam received the award ahead of West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite and Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins, and in doing so, became the first player to win the ICC Men’s ‘Player of the Month’ award on two occasions, after being crowned back in April 2021.

Among the women category: Rachael Haynes had a formidable set of displays on the road to Australia’s seventh ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy. She scored 429 runs in eight games at an average of 61.28, her feats at the top of the order proving crucial to her side’s unbeaten run to the final, where they thrashed England to lift the trophy at Christchurch in New Zealand. She overcame fellow nominees Sophie Ecclestone (England) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) for the award.

Note: ICC Chairman: Greg Barclay; ICC CEO: Geoff Allardice; ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; ICC Founded: 15 June 1909.

 

2. Ravichandran Ashwin becomes 1st player to get retired out in IPL History: Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to get retired out during the high-octane clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Ashwin played a crucial knock of 28-run off 23 balls to revive Rajasthan’s innings from a tricky stage when they were four down for 67. During the penultimate over, the veteran all-rounder made a sacrificing call of getting himself retired out to make way for Riyan Parag in the middle who has a slightly better ability to clear the boundary rope in the final overs. It did not happen before in the history of the tournament which started way back in 2008 but Ashwin being a trendsetter made the big decision so that Parag can come and attack the bowlers at the business end of the innings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Vikas Siri Sampat-1111 scheme introduced by the KVGB: P Gopi Krishna, Chairman, during the launch of the ‘Vikas Siri Sampat-1111′ plan in Dharwad announced that the 1,111-day deposit pays 5.70 percent interest to the general public and 6.20 percent to senior citizens. This scheme allows for a minimum deposit of ten thousand rupees and a maximum deposit of two crore rupees. Key Points:

a)      Customers should take advantage of the lower interest rate while it lasts because it is only available for a limited time, according to Gopi Krishna.

b)      He noted that the bank’s purpose is to encourage customers to save, and he anticipates a positive response throughout the current fiscal year.

c)       In the Karnataka districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada, the bank has 629 branches.

d)      The bank’s whole business in 2021-22 was Rs 30,750 crore. The entire amount of deposits was Rs 17,647 crore, with advances totaling Rs 13,103 crore.

Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank: Canara Bank sponsors the Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank, an Indian Regional Rural Bank. It is owned by the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India. The bank has 629 branches across Karnataka, mostly in North and Western Karnataka, that provide retail banking services to rural customers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IndusInd Bank’s ‘Indus Merchant Solutions’ App won Digital CX Awards 2022:  ‘Indus Merchant Solutions’, a mobile app for merchants of IndusInd Bank, got the Digital CX Awards 2022 for ‘Outstanding Digital CX – SME Payments’. The Digital CX Awards is organized by Digital Banker, a globally trusted financial news service provider. Indus Merchant Solutions being adjudged as a winner is a testament to its strength in offering customers a seamless banking experience, which aligns with the Bank’s ethos of ’customer-centricity.

About the ‘Indus Merchant Solutions’: ‘Indus Merchant Solutions’ was launched in November 2021. It is a mobile application (app) to enable merchants, retailers, and professionals to various facilities such as Accepting instant cashless payments through multiple digital modes, Tracking inventory via in-built dashboards, Apply for an exclusive Point of Sale (POS) machine to facilitate card-based payments, Avail small ticket business loans from the Bank, etc.

About the Digital CX Awards: The Digital CX Awards is organised by Digital Banker, a globally trusted financial news service provider that recognises the world’s leading Financial Services Organisations (FSO) that blend the best of technology, and innovation, with the power of their people to provide a superior customer experience and reinvent their industry. This year, the awards received over 600 submissions from 127 marquees FSOs across the globe.

Note: IndusInd Bank Founded: 1994; IndusInd Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; IndusInd Bank MD & CEO: Sumant Kathpalia; IndusInd Bank Tagline: We Make You Feel Richer.

 

2. Veteran Bengali Author Amar Mitra Wins Prestigious O. Henry Award: Veteran Bengali author Amar Mitra was awarded this year’s O.Henry prize for a short story he wrote 45 years back. He bagged the award for his short story titled ‘Gaonburo’- a Bengali short fiction, which was translated into English (The Old Man Of Kusumpur) earlier. The translated work was published in an American magazine in 2020. Mitra was awarded the Sahitya Academy

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Actor-screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam passes away: Actor-screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam has passed away, he was known for his roles in the serial Mukti Bandhan and Meenakshi Sundareshwar. He started his career by writing a screenplay for the 1989 film Parinda which was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Story for Hazaron Khawaishein Aisis. He has worked in films like 2 States, Hichki, Nail Polish, Rocky Handsome and more.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South-Central Railway launches ‘One station One Product’ initiative: The SCR has introduced the “One Station, One Product” campaign at six main stations across its six divisions. Arun Kumar Jain, SCR in-charge General Manager, has opened stalls at Secunderabad Station as part of the new initiative. Key Points:

a)      In addition to Vijayawada, Guntur, and Aurangabad, stalls have been set up in Kacheguda.

b)      The new programme was introduced by the government in the General Budget 2022-23 and is currently being tested in Tirupati.

c)      The Railway stations are ideal for promoting indigenous and local products, and the programme aims to turn them into a sales and promotional centre.

d)      The stalls will be open for two phases, starting on the 7th of next month and ending on the 7th of the following month.

e)      In Telangana, freshwater pearl jewellery and Hyderabad bangles will be promoted at Secunderabad stations, while Pochampally items will be promoted at Kachiguda stations.

 

2. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched ‘1064 Anti-Corruption Mobile App’: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched an anti-corruption mobile app named 1064 Anti-Corruption Mobile App. This mobile application has been developed by the vigilance department, Uttarakhand. It helps the citizens to lodge corruption-related complaints directly with the authorities. Currently, the app is available in both Hindi and English language. Registered complaints, data and the identity of the complainant will be protected. Government is committed to making the state corruption-free and ensuring that governance in the state is carried out in a transparent manner.

Note: Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer); Uttarakhand Governor:  Lt Gen Gurmit Singh.

 

3. UGC gives approval for establishment of Bhima Bhoi Chair at DU, GGV: The Bhima Bhoi Chair at Delhi University and Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, have been authorised by the University Grants Commission. In separate letters to the two central institutions, the UGC stated that the universities may create the Chair by filling existing vacant positions, and that other recurrent expenses could be charged to monies already allocated to them.

About Bhima Bhoi: Bhima Bhoi was a saint, poet, and philosopher from Odisha. He battled against the caste system in Hinduism. Bhima Bhoi, a saint, poet, and philosopher from Odisha, India, was born in 1850 and died in 1895.

 

4. ‘Not Just A Nightwatchman: My Innings with BCCI’, book by Former CAG Vinod Rai: Former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and chief of Supreme court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) in 2017, Vinod Rai has penned a book titled as, “Not Just A Nightwatchman: My Innings with BCCI” in which the former bureaucrat encapsulates his 33-month stint at the BCCI. In the book, Rai – whose stint of overseeing the administration of one of the richest sports bodies in the world ended in September 2019 – has made some major revelations.

 

5. 38th Siachen Day celebrates on 13 April 2022: Indian Army marks Siachen Day on April 13 every year. The day is observed to commemorate the courage of the Indian Army under “Operation Meghdoot”. The Day also honours Siachen Warriors serving their motherland successfully from the enemy. Every year this day is observed to pay solemn tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives to capture the icy heights of Siachen 38 years ago. The day commemorates the courage and fortitude displayed by Indian Army troops in securing the highest and coldest battlefield in the world.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Shehbaz Sharif elected as 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan: Pakistan’s opposition leader, Shehbaz Sharif has been elected unopposed as the 23rd Prime Minister of the country through voting in the National Assembly. The 70-year old Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Chief will succeed Imran Khan, who has been removed by a no-trust vote recently in the National Assembly. Shehbaz Sharif is the brother of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Sharif has secured 174 votes and has been declared as prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In the House of 342, the winning candidate should get the support of at least 172 lawmakers. He has served as chief minister of the country’s most populous and politically crucial Punjab province thrice. Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari had proposed Shehbaz’s name for the prime minister’s position in a joint opposition meeting to replace Khan through a no-confidence motion.

Note: Pakistan Capital: Islamabad; Pakistan President: Arif Alvi; Pakistan Currency: Pakistani rupee.

 

2. International Turban Day: 13th April: International Turban Day is celebrated every year on April 13 since 2004 to bring awareness of the strict requirement on Sikhs to put the turban as a mandatory part of their religion. The 2022 Turban Day marks the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and the festival of Baisakhi. The turban, also known as “dastar” or “pagri” or “pag” refers to the garment worn by both men and some women to cover their heads.

History of the day: Since 2004, on Turban Day, Sikhs worldwide organise various events to give information about the turban to the general community in their locality. Turbans of every hue are represented at these events and posters highlighting information about Sikhi are also displayed and handed out. Turban tying sessions are arranged so that youngsters and others get a chance to wear a turban for the first time and have their photos taken.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Saurav Ghosal wins first-ever gold medal at World Doubles Squash championships: The second-seeded Indian duo Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Saurav Ghosal won the mixed double title at the 2022 WSF World Doubles Squash championship at Glasglow, Scotland. The Indian duo thrashed the fourth-seeded pair of Adrian Waller and Alison Waters of England in the mixed doubles finals in straight sets 11-6, 11-8. This is the first gold medal for India at the WSF World Doubles Squash championship, which the country had never won before this. Meanwhile, England’s Declan James and James Willstrop beat Scotland’s Greg Lobban and Rory Stewart, 11-10; 11-6, to win the men’s doubles final. Apart from this, Dipika and Joshna Chinappa paired to win the women’s doubles final, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8 defeating England’s Sarah Jane Perry and Waters.

 

2. Thailand Open Boxing Tournament 2022: India Bags 10 medal with 3 gold: The 15-member Indian boxing contingents ended their campaign at the Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament 2022 in Phuket with 10 medals, including three golds, four silvers, and three bronze. Gold medal winners earned USD 2000 while silver and bronze medallists took home USD 1000 and USD 500 respectively as the tournament witnessed thrilling competition with the participation of 130 top boxers including 74 males and 56 females, from Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa. Medal Winners include:

Gold	Govind Sahani (48kg),
	Ananta Pralhad Chopde (54kg)
	Sumit (75kg)
Silver	Amit Panghal (52kg)
	Monika (48kg),
	Varinder Singh (60kg)
	Ashish Kumar (81kg)
Bronze	Manisha (57kg),
	Pooja (69kg)
	Bhagyabati Kachari (75kg)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI issues guidelines for setting up full day Digital Banking Units: The Reserve Bank of India announced that current banks can open digital banking units to provide products and services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in both self-serve and assisted modes. The government announced in the Union Budget that at least 75 such units will be established in 75 districts to commemorate the country’s 75th anniversary of independence as the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Key Points:

a)      The products and services to be supplied at a DBU, according to the requirements for the formation of Digital Banking Units (DBUs), include account opening, cash withdrawal and deposit, KYC updation, loans, and complaint registrations.

b)      Scheduled commercial banks with digital banking experience are allowed to open DBUs in Tier 1 to Tier 6 centres without obtaining RBI clearance, according to the guidelines.

c)      Each DBU must be housed separately, with its own entry and exit points. According to the recommendations, these units would be different from conventional banking outlets and will have forms and designs that are most ideal for digital banking consumers.

DBU: ‘DBU’ stands for Digital Banking Unit, which is a specialised fixed point business unit/hub that houses specific basic infrastructure for delivering digital banking goods and services to consumers in a simple and cost-effective manner.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Infosys and Rolls-Royce launched ‘Aerospace Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre’: IT major Infosys and leading industrial tech company Rolls-Royce opened their joint “aerospace engineering and digital innovation centre’’ in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This centre has been established to provide high-end R&D services integrated with advanced digital capabilities to Rolls-Royce’s engineering and group business services from India. As part of this collaboration, Infosys and Rolls-Royce will combine their aerospace, engineering and digital services capabilities to explore opportunities for driving digital and engineering innovation and associated cost optimisation strategies. Infosys and Rolls-Royce’s collaboration has been reinforced through strategic deals, aimed at yielding mutual benefits to both organisations over the next seven years.

Note: Infosys Founded: 7 July 1981; Infosys CEO: Salil Parekh; Infosys Headquarters: Bengaluru;

Rolls-Royce CEO: Torsten Müller-Ötvös (Mar 2010–); Rolls-Royce Founded: 1904; Rolls-Royce Headquarters: Westhampnett, United Kingdom; Rolls-Royce Founders: Henry Royce, Charles Rolls.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. World Press Photo of the Year 2022: Kamloops Residential School: A photograph by Canadian photographer Amber Bracken titled “Kamloops Residential School” has won the 2022 World Press Photo of the Year award. The photo shows children’s clothing hung on crosses commemorating the more than two hundred children who died of maltreatment, neglect and disease at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. Ms Bracken’s photo also won the Singles award in the regional North and Central America category. Another category:

a)      Australian photographer Matthew Abbott won the Photo Story of the Year prize for a series of images for National Geographic/Panos Pictures that document how the Nawarddeken people of West Arnhem Land in northern Australia fight fire with fire by deliberately burning off undergrowth to remove fuel that could spark far larger wildfires.

b)      The Long-Term Project award went to Lalo de Almeida of Brazil for a series of photos for Folha de São Paulo/Panos Pictures called “Amazonian Dystopia” that charts the effects of the exploitation of the Amazon region, particularly on Indigenous communities forced to deal with environmental degradation.

c)      In regional awards announced previously, Bram Janssen of The Associated Press won the Stories category in Asia with a series of photos from a Kabul cinema and AP photographer Dar Yasin earned an honourable mention for photos from Kashmir titled “Endless War.”

 

2. Venkaiah Naidu confers Sangeet Natak Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowships and Awards: The Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu has presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and Sangeet Natak Awards for the year 2018 to 43 eminent artists (4 Fellows and 40 awardees). Naidu also presented Fellowships and National Awards of Lalit Kala Akademi for the year 2021 to 23 people (3 Fellows and 20 National Awards). The awards were presented during the 62nd National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi and inaugurated by Minister of Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy on April 09, 2022, in New Delhi.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India successfully flight-tested Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System: The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Army successfully flight-tested a new version of the Pinaka rocket system at the Pokhran firing ranges. These included Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rocket systems. With these trails, the initial phase of technology absorption of EPRS by the industry has successfully been completed and the industry partners are ready for user trials/series production of the rocket system. The Pinaka rocket system has been developed by DRDO lab- Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune in collaboration with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune. About the EPRS system:

a)      The EPRS is the upgraded version of the Pinaka variant, which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade. The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements.

b)      After establishing the performance efficacy of the enhanced range version of Pinaka, the technology was transferred to the industries viz. Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Economic Explosives Limited Nagpur.

c)      Rockets manufactured by MIL under Transfer of Technology from DRDO were flight tested during this campaign. Different variants of munitions and fuzes which can be used in the Pinaka rocket system were also successfully test evaluated in the Pokhran Field Firing Range.

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

 

Daily GK Update- 12th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AAI launches ‘AVSAR’ Scheme to provide platform to SHGs: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has launched an initiative “AVSAR” to encourage the talent of women, artisans and craftsmen and provide them with the right opportunities. AVSAR stands for ‘Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans Of The Region’.  Under “AVSAR”, which is an initiative of AAI, an opportunity to help the indigent to mobilize their households into functionally effective self-earned groups for self-reliance and self-dependence, has been provided.

Under this scheme:

a)      An area of 100-200 square feet has been earmarked at each AAI operated airport. The space is being allotted to the self-help groups, turn on a turn basis, for a duration of 15 days.

b)      Few outlets have already been commissioned at Chennai, Agartala, Dehradun, Kushinagar, Udaipur & Amritsar Airport wherein SHGs operated by local women, are showcasing and marketing their homemade local products like Puffed Rice, Packaged Papad, Pickles, Bamboo based Ladies Bag/Bottle/Lamp Sets, local artefacts, traditional craft, natural dyes, embroidery and indigenous weaves with contemporary design to the air travellers.

c)      The initiative to strengthen SHGs by allotting space at AAI Airports will provide huge visibility to these small groups and prepare them to promote/market their products to the wider spectrum, reaching out to the larger population.

 

2. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting establishes the AVGC Promotion Task Force: An animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC) promotion task group has been established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The task force, which will be led by the I&B Secretary, will produce its first action plan within 90 days. Industry, academics, and state governments are all represented. Key Points:

a)      In her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of an AVGC promotion task team.

b)      The organisation will develop a national AVGC policy, recommend a national curriculum framework for graduation, post-graduate, and PhD courses in AVGC-related fields, and collaborate with academic institutions, vocational training centres, and industry to assist skilling programmes.

c)      It will increase job possibilities, assist in promotion and market development operations to expand Indian industry’s worldwide reach, increase exports, and recommend incentives to attract foreign direct investment in the sector.

 

3. Cabinet gives approval to extension of AIM till March Next year: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) until March 2023. AIM’s stated goals include developing 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), 101 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), and sponsoring 200 entrepreneurs through the Atal New India Challenges, according to the statement. Key Points:

a)      A total budgeted expenditure of Rs 2,000 crore plus will be incurred in the establishment and support of the beneficiaries.

b)      According to the finance minister’s proclamation in the 2015 Budget speech, the mission will be run by the NITI Aayog.

c)      The AIM’s goals are to foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country through interventions at the school, university, research, MSME, and industry levels.

d)      The AIM has concentrated on both infrastructural development and institution formation, according to the statement.

 

4. ‘Tomb of Sand’ becomes first Hindi novel to get shortlisted for International Booker Prize: In the history of the International Booker Prize, the novel ‘Tomb of Sand’, authored by Geetanjali Shree, has become the first Hindi language work of fiction to be shortlisted for the prestigious literary prize. The novel has been translated into English by Daisy Rockwell. The book Tomb of Sand will compete with five other novels from around the world. The literary prize comes with a cash award of 50,000 pounds, which is split equally between the author and translator. The other five titles in the shortlist were announced:

a)      London Book Fair include: ‘Cursed Bunny’ by Bora Chung, translated by Anton Hur from Korean;

b)      ‘A New Name: Septology VI-VII’ by Jon Fosse, translated by Damion Searls from Norwegian;

c)      ‘Heaven’ by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Samuel Bett and David Boyd from Japanese;

d)      ‘Elena Knows’ by Claudia Piñeiro, translated by Frances Riddle from Spanish; and

e)      ‘The Books of Jacob’ by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Jennifer Croft from Polish.

 

5. National Safe Motherhood Day: 11th April: In India, the National Safe Motherhood Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about adequate access to care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal services. National Safe Motherhood Day is an initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), to enforce that women must have availability and adequate access to care during pregnancy childbirth and postnatal services. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of the father of the Nation Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi.

History of the day: In 2003, upon the initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance, the Government of India declared the national safe motherhood day to be held on April 11. 2022 marks the 19th anniversary of the day. The first observation was held in 2003. India is the first country in the world to officially declare National Safe Motherhood Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Parkinson’s Day: 11th April: Every year, April 11 is observed as World Parkinson’s Day to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive nervous system disorder. This year, the theme is integrated healthcare. The day marks the birthday of Dr James Parkinson from London, who was the first person to systematically described the six individuals with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Additionally, the month of April is observed as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

 

2. International Day of Human Space Flight: 12th April: The International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated annually on April 12 to mark the anniversary of the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961. The day was proclaimed at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly on April 7, 2011, a few days before the 50th anniversary of the flight. In the Soviet Union, the day is observed as the International Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics.’

History of the day: On 12 April 1961, was the date of the 1st human space flight was carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen, who became the first person to journey into outer space. This historic incident opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all mankind. 12 April was also the date of the 1st Space Shuttle STS-1 of Columbia launched in 1981, which is also commemorated on this date.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. F1 Australian Grand Prix 2022 won by Charles Leclerc: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari- Monaco) has won the Formula One (F1) 2022 Australian Grand Prix, held on 10 April 2022 in Melbourne, Victoria. It was the third round of the 2022 Formula One World Championship. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull Racing-RBPT – Mexico) came second while George Russell (Mercedes – Britain) came third. Verstappen was on course for second place when his car failed with 18 laps to go. The second Red Bull of Sergio Perez finished second, ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank and IDBI Bank have each been fined Rs 93 lakh by the RBI: The Reserve Bank of India announced that it has fined IDBI bank and Axis Bank Rs 93 lakh each for a variety of infractions, including those connected to KYC standards. The RBI, on the other hand, stated that the penalties are based on regulatory compliance issues and are not intended to rule on the validity of any transaction or arrangement they have with their clients. Key Points:

a)      IDBI Bank has also been fined Rs 93 lakh by the Reserve Bank of India.

b)      Axis Bank has been fined Rs 93 lakh by the Reserve Bank of India for failing to follow certain recommendations provided by the regulator, according to a press release.

c)      The private sector lender also broke several loan and advance provisions, as well as Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines and the “levy of penal costs for non-maintenance of minimum balances in savings bank accounts,” according to the complaint.

d)      IDBI Bank was fined for failing to follow instructions on ‘fraud classification and reporting by commercial banks and select financial institutions.’

e)      According to another announcement, it was also punished for violating standards on’strengthening the controls of the payment ecosystem between sponsor banks and corporate customers such SCBs/UCBs’ and ‘cyber security framework.’

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Two separate SEBI panels to review ownership norms of MFs, trustees: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has formed two expert groups to look into the responsibilities, qualifications, and functions of sponsors and trustees at asset management firms (AMCs). A sponsor, similar to a promoter, provides funds for the establishment of an AMC, whereas a trustee serves as a supervisor and is responsible for safeguarding the interests of investors.

Key Points:

a)      SEBI stated in a statement that an alternative set of eligibility standards might be developed to allow new players who would otherwise be ineligible to function as a sponsor to do so.

b)      Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, will chair the working group on sponsors.

c)      The SEBI has intimated that it may enable private equity (PE) firms to establish AMCs.

d)      The working group’s mandate is to “recommend mechanisms for addressing conflict of interest that may arise if pooled investment vehicles/private equity act as sponsor; and to examine the need for sponsors to dilute their stake in asset management companies from the current requirement of holding at least 40% of the net worth and alternative pathways that may be adopted by sponsors in this regard,” according to the statement.

 

2. Amazon signed contract with three firms to launch its satellite internet: The tech firm has secured up to 83 launches over a five-year period, which the company claims is the greatest commercial launch vehicle procurement in history. Arianespace, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have agreed to deploy the majority of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites, which aim to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband to a wide variety of clients around the world. Key Points:

a)      The contracts call for 18 launches on Arianespace’s Ariane 6 rockets, 12 launches on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s New Glenn, with options for up to 15 more launches, and 38 flights on ULA’s newest heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Vulcan Centaur.

b)      The announcement brings Amazon’s satellite internet constellation one step closer to reality, as Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to launch more Starlink satellites, bringing the total number of Starlink satellites launched to about 2300, and increasing Starlink’s global subscriber base to about 2.5 lakh.

c)      Amazon’s current agreement with ULA comes in addition to a previous agreement with the space launch company to acquire nine Atlas V vehicles, which was revealed in April of last year.

d)      In addition, Project Kuiper hopes to fly two test missions aboard ABL Space Systems’ RS1 rocket later this year.

e)      According to Amazon, the two prototype satellites – KuiperSat-1 and 2 – will incorporate most of the technology and subsystems that will power the company’s production satellite design, and are an essential step in the development process.

f)       The US Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon’s Project Kuiper in July 2020, with a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

g)      The corporation unveiled Project Kuiper’s low-cost consumer terminal, which could deliver rates of up to 400 Mbps.

Note: Amazon CEO: Andrew R. Jassy;Amazon Founded: 5 July 1994

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully flight-tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested “Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet” (SFDR) booster on April 08, 2022, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The test met all the mission objectives. The SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds. It has an extremely high projected range of 350 km.

About the SFDR technology:

a)      The SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds. The performance of the system has been confirmed from the data captured by a number of range instruments like Telemetry, Radar and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR.

b)      The SFDR has been developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such as Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune.

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