Daily GK Update- 24th April, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 22,000 crores in Dahod, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated the various projects worth 22,000 crore rupees at a function organized at Dahod in Gujarat. Dahod District Southern Area Regional Water Supply Scheme, constructed at Narmada River Basin (Rs 840 crore); Dahod Smart City (Rs 335 crore). These projects include Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) Building, Stormwater drainage system, Sewerage works, Solid Waste Management System and Rain Water Harvesting System.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, benefits worth Rs. 120 crore were provided to 10,000 tribal of Panchmahal and Dahod districts. Prime Minister also inaugurated 66 KV Ghodia substation, Panchayat Houses, and Anganwadis, among others. Manufacturing project of 9,000 HP Electric Locomotives at the Railway Production Unit in Dahod. 10,000 tribals of Panchmahal and Dahod districts (provided Rs 120 crore under PMAY).

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.

 

2. Government Officials to be trained in National Cyber Exercise: To bolster India’s cyber posture, the National Security Council Secretariat is holding a National Cyber Security Incident Response Exercise (NCX India) for government officials and key sector organisations.

Key Points:

a)      The National Cyber Security Incident Response Exercise was kicked off by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

b)      According to a statement from the National Security Council Secretariat, more than 140 officials would be trained through training sessions, Live Fire, and Strategic exercises.

c)       Intrusion Detection Techniques, Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), Vulnerability Handling & Penetration Testing, Network Protocols & Data Flows, and Digital Forensics are among the topics covered by the attendees.

d)      The practise comes in the wake of recent power grid hacking incidents in Ladakh, as well as a number of incidents involving ministry Twitter accounts being hacked.

e)      A couple of attempted efforts to breach networks of despatch centres responsible for real-time grid control and electricity dispatch, according to the Centre, have occurred in recent months.

 

3. World’s largest electric 3-wheeler making plant will set up in Telangana: Biliti Electric Inc (Biliti), based in California, United States of America, has announced its intention to establish the world’s largest electric three-wheeler manufacturing facility in Telangana. The plant will be built in 2 phases over an area of 200 acres. Phase I of 13.5 acres with a capacity to produce 18000 Electric Vehicles (EV) per year will become operational in 2023 and the larger facility of 200 acres with a production capacity of 240000 EV per year will become operational in 2024.

The facility will produce all the products of Biliti including the cargo model TaskmanTM and the passenger version UrbanTM. The facility is estimated to drive private investment of USD 150 million (around Rs 1,144 crore) and is expected to create more than 3000 jobs in Telangana.

Note: Telangana Capital: Hyderabad; Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan; Telangana Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao.

 

4. Ajay Kumar Sood named as Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI: Ajay Kumar Sood, a member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has been appointed to the post for a period of three years to succeed renowned biologist K VijayRaghavan. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sood as Principal Scientific Advisor to the government.

The PSA’s office aims to provide pragmatic and objective advice to the prime minister and cabinet on matters related to science, technology and innovation with a focus on the application of science and technology in critical infrastructure, economic and social sectors in partnership with government departments, institutions and industry.

 

5. National Panchayati Raj Day: 24th April: National Panchayati Raj Day is a national holiday in India that honours the Panchayati Raj system. Every year on April 24th, it is commemorated. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which was passed in 1992, is also commemorated on this day. The day was initially observed in April 2010 to commemorate the decentralisation of power, which is considered one of India’s most significant milestones.

The day is significant because, in 1957, a committee was formed under the head of Balwantrai Mehta with the goal of bringing about reforms in the central electricity system. The committee suggested a decentralised Panchayati Raj hierarchy, with Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi steps down as President of Yemen: The President of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi has stepped down from his position under pressure from Saudi Arabia. Hadi has also handed over his power to the newly created presidential council, which consists of eight political leaders led by Rashad al-Alimi. He had served as the president of Yemen from 2012 until 2022.

 

2. Cyber defense exercises called Locked Shields were conducted by NATO in Estonia: A cyber organisation recognised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation will undertake the world’s largest and most complicated “live-fire” cyber defence drills. The biennial Locked Shields event, according to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia, is designed to improve the skills of cybersecurity experts protecting national IT systems and vital infrastructure against real-time attacks. Key Points:

a)      The participants are sent to help a fake country deal with a massive cyberattack.

b)      Over 2,000 people from 32 countries, including Ukraine, are expected to take part in the event.

c)       The Locked Shields event this year takes place in the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, in which hacking has played a steady, albeit minor, role in Russia’s invasion. Hackers linked to the Russian government have been accused of assaulting Ukrainian government offices and attempting to break into the power infrastructure.

d)      Concerns about cyberattacks, though, have expanded well beyond the battlefield. Finland reported a cyber-attack on government websites earlier this month, just as rumours grew that the Nordic country may apply to join NATO. As a result, US President Joe Biden has advised American firms to brace for retaliatory cyberattacks.

e)      According to the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Centre, or FS-ISAC, which helped design the virtual systems to look realistic and the simulated attacks on the sector, five to ten large financial institutions will participate this year, including Mastercard Inc. and Banco Santander SA.

f)        The institution is one of more than two dozen worldwide military organisations that teach and educate leaders and specialists from NATO members and partners.

 

3. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: 24th April: The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed globally on 24 April. It was first observed by the United Nations (UN) on April 24, 2019. The day aims to spread knowledge about the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.

The Assembly proclaimed the day while considering that preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights. The Day is a reaffirmation of the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Wisden Almanack named Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah amongst “Five Cricketers of the Year”: The Wisden Almanack has named India Captain Rohit Sharma and bowler Jasprit Bumrah among the “Five Cricketers of the Year” for 2022. Rohit Sharma amassed 368 runs at an average of 52.57 in four Tests, completing an outstanding tour with a second-innings 127 at The Oval, his first Test century away from home. Key Points:

a)      Others that made the cut include England fast bowler Ollie Robinson, South African women’s player Dane van Niekerk, and New Zealand opener Devon Conway.

b)      Former England captain Joe Root has been crowned the World’s Leading Cricketer, while South African Lizelle Lee has been named the World’s Leading Woman Cricketer, and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan has been named the World’s Leading T20 Cricketer.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India Post Payments Bank launched ‘Fincluvation’ to partner with Startups: The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has launched an initiative called Fincluvation, as a part of the occasion of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. Fincluvation is a joint initiative to collaborate with the Fintech Startup community to co-create and innovate solutions for financial inclusion. Fincluvation will be a permanent platform of IPPB to co-create inclusive financial solutions with participating start-ups. Startups are encouraged to develop solutions aligned with any of the following tracks:

a)      Creditization – Develop Innovative & Inclusive credit products aligned with the use cases of target customers and take them to their doorsteps through Postal network.

b)      Digitization – Bring convenience through convergence of traditional services with Digital Payment Technologies such as making the traditional Money Order service as Interoperable Banking service.

c)       Any Market-led solutions that can help solve any other problem relevant to IPPB and/or DoP in serving the target customers.

Note: India Post Payments Bank Founded: 2018; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) MD & CEO: J Venkatramu; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Tag line: Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar.

 

2. IFSCA signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the NIA: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Insurance Academy with the goal of creating capacity and establishing a qualified talent pool in the insurance sector in International Financial Services Centres. Key Points:

a)      IFSCA aspires to build a strong worldwide connection and focus on the demands of the Indian economy, as well as function as a regional/global international financial platform.

b)      At IFSC, insurance is a growing sector, and the MoU with NIA will go a long way toward building insurance capacity.

c)       The National Insurance Academy (NIA) is a prestigious school dedicated to training the finest and brightest in the insurance sector.

d)      To address the needs of the ever-dynamic insurance sector, NIA has been involved in developing and regularly upgrading curriculums and offering training programmes in the insurance industry in India.

e)      This Memorandum of Understanding aims to develop the necessary trained people for the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

f)        IFSCA had already signed an MoU with the Insurance Institute of India to address the needs of IFSC insurance firms (III).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian-American Defense Expert Vivek Lall Selected for the 6th Entrepreneur Leadership Award 2022: The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce has picked Indian-American chief executive of General Atomics Global Corporation Vivek Lall for the prestigious Entrepreneur Leadership Awards in appreciation of his contribution to the defence sector. The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) was founded in 1968 and is the premier bi-lateral chamber for India-US commercial cooperation.

Lall, who has worked for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and now General Atomics, has been recognised by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin as a leader in the defence industry. Lall, who has worked for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and now General Atomics, has played a key role in advancing defence trade. He was recently named a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honour bestowed by the state. The most well-known honorary colonel is given by United States governors is Kentucky Colonel. Others who have received this honour include former US presidents George Bush, Jimmy Carter, Lynden Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. In January 2022, His Highness Mahmoud Salah Al Din Assaf of the Royal Order of Banu Assaf awarded Lall the Grand Cross.

 

2. NMDC will be presented the PRSI Awards in 2022: The National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (NMDC) swept the Public Relations Society of India’s (PRSI) Public Relations Awards 2022, taking first place in four categories. Shri V Srinivas Goud, Telangana Minister of Prohibition and Excise, Sports and Youth Services, Tourism and Culture, gave the award to NMDC’s Shri Praveen Kumar, ED (Personnel) and Shri Ch. Srinivasa Rao, DGM (Corporate Communications) on behalf of the Navratna PSU. The award was given to the mining company for its Corporate Website, Annual Report, Newsletter Layout and Design, and CSR Corporate Video.

Daily GK Update- 23rd April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first pure green hydrogen plant commissioned in Assam: India’s first 99.999% pure Green Hydrogen pilot plant has been commissioned by the Oil India Limited (OIL) at its Jorhat Pump Station in Assam. The plant has an installed capacity of 10 kg per day. The plant produces Green Hydrogen from the electricity generated by a 500kW Solar plant using a 100 kW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolyser array. The use of AEM technology is being used for the first time in India.

This plant is expected to increase its production of green hydrogen from 10 kg per day to 30 kg per day in future. The company has initiated a detailed study in collaboration with IIT Guwahati on the blending of Green Hydrogen with Natural Gas and its effect on the existing infrastructure of OIL. The company also plans to study use cases for commercial applications of the blended fuel.

Note: Assam Capital: Dispur; Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma; Assam Governor: Jagadish Mukhi.

 

2. “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers fighting COVID-19” extended for 180 days: The ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), insurance scheme for Health Care Workers Fighting COVID-19’ has been extended for a further period of 180 days. This will be effective from April 19, 2022. The extension has been given so as to provide the safety net to the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients. The PMGKP was launched on March, 30, 2020 to provide comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs. 50 Lakh to 22.12 lakh healthcare providers, including community health workers and private health workers dealing with COVID-19 patients and may be at risk of being impacted by the same.

 

3. J&K launched ‘Jan Nigrani’ app to help people lodge complaints: The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Jammu and Kashmir, under the e-governance initiative has launched an app ‘Jan Nigrani’, intended to help people lodge their complaints related to various schemes online. The Jan Nigrani app is a 24×7 internet-based platform aimed at reporting and resolving the grievances of the residents of J&K, against various government schemes launched by the department.

Benefits of the Jan Nigrani app:

a)      The app would act as a single link between the residents and the officials by mapping concerned authorities related to the complaint about faster grievance redressal. The app has been developed as an e-governance initiative to provide a 24×7 platform to the people for redressal of their grievances.

b)      The application has been set at the block level with a seven-day time slot to redress any particular grievance. It will also check bogus or false complaints and can be downloaded from the Google play store of android software.

c)       The app would also facilitate accurate reporting of grievances using customised scheme-specific input forms to ensure minimal rejections on account of incomplete information.

Note: J&K Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha; J&K Formation (Union territory): 31 October 2019; J&K Capital: Jammu (winter), Srinagar (summer).

 

4. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates a nationwide meeting on agriculture for the 2022 Kharif campaign: Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister, recently launched the National Conference on Agriculture for the Kharif Campaign 2022-23 at the NASC Complex in New Delhi.

a)      The Minister expressed his delight that, according to the 2nd Advance Estimates (2021-22), total food grain production in the country will reach 3160 lakh tonnes, a new high.

b)      The production of pulses and oilseeds will be 269.5 lakh tonnes and 371.5 lakh tonnes, respectively.

c)       Horticulture production is expected to reach 3310.5 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, the greatest level ever for Indian horticulture, according to third advanced projections.

d)      The Minister added that the centre and states will collaborate to secure the availability of herbicides and seeds, lowering farmers’ input prices.

e)      He argued that a method for replacing urea with Nano-urea should be developed. He stated that the government would continue to prioritise natural and organic agriculture.

f)        While agriculture exports have increased, the Minister stated that quality products must be prioritised in order to compete in international markets. Both farmers and exporters should benefit.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Patrick Achi re-appointed as Prime Minister of Ivory Coast: Patrick Achi has been re-appointed as Prime Minister of Ivory Coast by President Alassane Ouattara. He was appointed prime minister in March 2021. He was the third prime minister in the West African state (Ivory Coast) in the last three years after Amadou Gon Coulibaly (who died in 2020) and Hamed Bakayoko (who died in 2021). President has accepted Achi resignation ahead of a government reshuffle. Ivory Coast, also officially known as the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, is a country on the southwest coast of Africa.

Note: Ivory Coast Capital: Yamoussoukro; Ivory Coast Currency: West African CFA franc; Ivory Coast President: Alassane Ouattara.

 

2. World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO]: 23rd April: Every year on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day is observed to promote the love of reading. April 23 is significant in world literature because it commemorates the death on this date of prominent writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. This date was an obvious option for UNESCO’s General Conference, which was convened in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this day, urging everyone to read.

History: Every year on April 23 – the anniversary of the deaths of three great authors of world literature, Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega – we honour their enthralling ability to inspire creativity, knowledge, and alter minds.

 

3. English Language and Spanish Language Day: 23rd April: The United Nations launched Language Days in 2010 to promote equal usage of the organisation’s six official languages and to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity.

English Language Day: Every year on April 23, the United Nations celebrates English Day. The UN Department of Public Information created the event in 2010 to “celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as promote equal use of all six official languages within the Organisation. The date of April 23 was chosen for English Language Day because it is “traditionally honoured as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare.”

Spanish Language Day: The date was chosen since it is the anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s death in Spain, as well as William Shakespeare’s birth and death in England. Not only because of their historic status in the canon, but also because of how they represent the power of language in culture, politics, and business, these two literary titans are excellent icons. Their works continue to have an impact even after they have passed away.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. A first-of-its-kind mobile app launched for Khelo India University Games 2021: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the second edition of the Khelo India University Games to be held in the tech capital Bengaluru will have its own mobile application. A brainchild of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) and hosts Jain Deemed-to-be University, the unique ‘Khelo India Uni Games 2021’ mobile app promises to be a one-stop-shop for all information regarding the prestigious event scheduled to begin on the 24th April.

The coveted Games, which will be India’s first largest mass participation sporting event post-pandemic, will witness over 4,500 participants representing a total of about 189 universities vie for top honours in 20 disciplines.

 

2. West Indies All-Rounder Kieron Pollard announces retirement: West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from international cricket. Pollard, who was the captain of West Indies’ limited-overs teams, played a total of 123 ODIs and 101 T20Is. He has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians team in the Indian Premier League for several years now and was retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction in February this year. He was part of the West Indies team that won the 2012 ICC WT20 and missed out on his second T20 World Cup title in 2016 as he missed the tournament due to injury.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Dhanlaxmi Bank signed MoU with CBDT, CBIC for tax collection: For the collection of taxes, Dhanlaxmi Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Dhanlaxmi Bank said in a regulatory filing that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorised the bank to collect different taxes based on a recommendation from the Controller General of Accounts.

Key Points:

a)      The technical integration required to implement the seamless flow of remittances from the bank’s portal to the CBDT and CBIC portals will be implemented as soon as possible in order to give customers early access to the facilities.

b)      The bank was empanelled as a ‘Agency Bank’ by the RBI in October, allowing it to handle general banking activity for the federal and state governments on their behalf.

c)       It should be noted that RBI’s General Manager D K Kashyap was appointed to the bank’s board of directors for a two-year term in 2020.

d)      To avoid any conflict of interest, the central bank normally does not appoint its nominee to the boards of private banks unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

e)      Dhanlaxmi Bank, based in Kerala, was placed under the RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework in November 2015 due to its poor financial condition, and it was only last year that it was released. It has been profitable since then.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Jasleen Kohli named as MD & CEO of Digit Insurance: Digit Insurance has appointed Jasleen Kohli as the company’s new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) with effect from April 20, 2022. She succeeds Vijay Kumar who retired from the company on April 19, 2022. She served as chief distribution officer (CDO) at Digit, where she was responsible for all of the company’s sales and distribution channels.

In 2021, Digit increased its worth to USD 3.5 billion in less than six months after raising USD 200 million in a funding round. The company also announced it has promoted Adarsh Agarwal from the role of Appointed Actuary to Chief Distribution Officer (corporate business). Nikhil Kamdar has been appointed as the next Appointed Actuary, replacing Agarwal.

Note: Digit Insurance Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka; Digit Insurance Chairman: Kamesh Goyal.

 

2. LV Vaidyanathan appointed CEO of P&G India: Procter & Gamble India appointed LV Vaidyanathan, who leads the company’s business in Indonesia, as the new chief executive officer. He takes over from Madhusudan Gopalan who will move into a new role at the parent company. Vaidyanathan takes over as the CEO from July 1, 2022.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Scorpene-class Submarine ‘VAGSHEER’ inaugurated at Mazagon Dock Limited: The Indian Navy launched the sixth and last submarine, Yard 11880, of the French Scorpene-class under Project 75, at the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The submarine has been named ‘Vagsheer’. The submarine will now undergo rigorous harbour trials and sea trials, before being commissioned in the Indian Navy. These submarines are designed by French naval defence and energy company ‘DCNS’ while Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai has manufactured them.

 

2. Trishakti Corps of Indian Army conducts EX KRIPAN SHAKTI in Siliguri: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps conducted Ex Kripan Shakti at the Teesta Field Firing Firing Ranges (TFFR) near Siliguri in West Bengal on April 19, 2022. The Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the civil administration participated in the exercise. The exercise main aim was to synergise the capabilities of the Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to fight an integrated battle. Trishakti Corps, also known as XXXIII Corps, is a division of Indian Army headquartered at Sukna near Siliguri.

Daily GK Update- 22nd April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Who Global Center For Traditional Medicines: The World Health Organization launched its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine at a site in Gujarat, aimed at unlocking its potential by blending ancient practices with modern science. During the event, the WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus spoke in Hindi which surprised all. The WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus and Prime Minister of Mauritius Shri Pravind Kumar Jugnauth were present at the event.

Traditional medicines products abound globally and the centre will go a long way in bringing the promise of traditional medicine to fruition. The New Centre will focus on data, innovation and sustainability and will optimize the use of traditional medicine. He noted that the WHO global centre for traditional medicine is a truly global project. Through this centre, India will be able to take its knowledge of traditional medicine to the world and similarly, the world will come to India.

 

2. Nation’s first portable solar rooftop system unveiled in Gandhinagar: The first portable solar rooftop system in India has been inaugurated at Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The 10 Photovoltaic PV Port system has been manufactured by New Delhi-based Servotech Power Systems Ltd and designed by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The systems have been installed under the initiative of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to develop renewable energy cities across India.

The PV Ports have been manufactured by New Delhi-based Servotech Power Systems Ltd (SPSL), a leading maker of high-end solar products like LEDs, oxygen concentrators and EV charging equipment under the Make in India project, it added. The PV Port system is highly cost-effective, requires low maintenance, has a long shelf life of 25-30 years, can be easily installed by a single person and is ideal for the Indian climate.

 

3. Supreme Court reconstitutes expert committee for Delhi-Dehradun Corridor project: The Supreme Court of India has reconstituted the expert committee to monitor the compensatory afforestation and other mitigation measures for the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor Expressway project. The independent 12-member expert committee was formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to be headed by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand. About the committee:

a)      The Director-General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will be the Chairperson of the reconstituted Committee.

b)      Chandra Prakash Goyal is currently appointed as the Director-General of Forests and Special Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

c)       Apart from the new Chairperson, the Supreme Court has also included Anil Prakash Joshi (founder of Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation) and Vijay Dhamsana (environmentalist) as additional members in the committee.

 

4. Ayushman Bharat-Health & Wellness Centre Scheme marked 4th year anniversary; The Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya, organised a week-long celebration under the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, marking the fourth anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) from April 16 to April 22. The inauguration of the first AB-HWC on 14th April 2018, at Jangla, a serene village in the Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh.

Key Points:

a)      On April 16, 2022, a record of more than 3 lakh teleconsultations were done under the eSanjeevani platform of AB-HWCs. This is the highest number of telecommunications done on a single day, surpassing its earlier record of 1.8 Lakh teleconsultations per day.

b)      On the second day, i.e. On April 17, 2022, Yoga sessions were organised in all the AB-HWCs to highlight the integration of health and wellness in service provision at AB-HWCs.

c)       The third day begins with organising ‘Block Health Melas’ from 18 April to 22 April, in at least one block in each district of the State/Union Territories (UTs). Each Block Health Mela would be for one day and each block in the State/UTs is to be covered.

d)      The Block Health Melas provide screening for early diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB), Hypertension, diabetes, basic health care services with drugs and diagnostics along with teleconsultation with relevant health specialists.

e)      The Government of India is committed to establishing 1,50,000 AB-HWCs by December 2022. Of which 1,17,400 HWCs have been already established, also more than 1 Lakh Centres have registered for the e-Sanjeevani HWCs portal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Shanti Sethi appointed as Kamala Harris’s defence advisor: Indian-American Navyveteran Shanti Sethi has been appointed as USA Vice President Kamala Harris’s Defence Adviser. Shanti Sethi is the first Indian-American commander of a major US Navy combat ship. Shanti Sethi commanded the guided-missile destroyer, USS Decatur, from December 2010 to May 2012. She joined the Navy in 1993. When she joined the Navy in 1993, the combat exclusion law was still in effect so she was limited in what she could do. However, when she was an officer, the Exclusion Act was lifted.

Recently, US Senate has confirmed the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson (the first Black woman) to Supreme Court Judge.

 

2. Cyrus S. Poonawalla tops Hurun Global Healthcare Rich List 2022: Chairman and Managing Director of Serum Institute of India (SII), Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla has topped the Hurun Global Healthcare Rich List 2022 and became the richest billionaire in the healthcare sector 2022. He has topped the list with a new value of USD 26 billion (up 41%). Cyrus Poonawalla is followed by Thomas Frist Jr & Family of HCA Healthcare, Li Xiting and Xu Hang of Mindray at the 2nd position with a net value of USD 19 billion. Dilip Shanghvi & Family, of the Sun Pharmaceuticals, is at the 5th position with a net worth of USD 18 billion.

Country-Wise: China (34) has the most healthcare industry billionaires, followed by the United States of America (16), Switzerland (15), Germany (11), and India (9).

 

3. International Mother Earth Day: 22th April: World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is celebrated every year on April 22. The day focuses on the global climate crisis that is worsening with each passing day. World Earth Day 2022 will mark the 52nd Anniversary of the day since it started being observed in 1970. Earth Day was renamed officially by the UN in 2009 as International Mother Earth Day. The theme of Earth Day 2022 is to ‘Invest in our planet’.

History of Earth Day: Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. This was when the peace activist John Mc Connell proposed to honour Mother Earth and the concept of peace during a UNESCO conference in San Francisco. Notably, World Earth Day was earlier decided to be celebrated on March 21, 1970, as the day one of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Thereafter, US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed to hold nationwide environmental enlightenment on April 22, 1970, which was later renamed ‘Earth Day.

Note: UNEP Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya; UNEP Head: Inger Andersen; UNEP Founder: Maurice Strong; UNEP Founded: 5 June 1972, Nairobi, Kenya.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian GM D Gukesh won 48th La Roda International Open chess tournament title: Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has clinched the 48th La Roda International Open chess tournament title in Castile-La Mancha, Spain. He defeated Israel’s Victor Mikhalevski in the final round. GM Haik M. Martirosyan from Armenia placed second with 7.5 points. Indian GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa finished third followed by Raunak Sadhwani (India), Manuel Lopez Martinez Josep (Spain) and Ramon Martinez (Venezuela).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Reserve Bank of India capped lending limits of NBFCs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened the rules for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) relating to their large exposures. RBI capped aggregate exposure of NBFCs which are in the upper layer toward one entity at 20% of the capital base. The limit can only be extended by another 5% with the board’s approval.

For a particular borrower group, the cap is at 25%, with an additional 10% if exposure is towards infrastructure. The upper-layer NBFCs are typically the top 10 ones in terms of asset size. However, NBFCs that are into infrastructure finance can have exposure of 25 per cent, with an option of an additional 5 per cent of Tier I capital to a single counterparty. For a group of connected counterparties, infrastructure companies can have an exposure of 35 per cent of Tier-I capital. These norms will come into effect from October 1, 2022.

Note: RBI Founded: April 1, 1935; RBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IMF cuts India’s GDP growth forecast for FY23 to 8.2%: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for India in FY23 to 8.2 per cent in its latest World Economic Outlook report, released on April 19, 2022. Earlier in January report, this was estimated at 9 per cent. IMF has also cut India’s FY24 GDP growth forecast to 6.9 per cent. Earlier this was 7.1 per cent. In the case of the global economy, IMF has cut the growth forecast for the calendar year 2022 to 3.6 per cent from 4.4 per cent.

 

2. World Bank cuts global economy growth forecast to 3.2%: The World Bank has lowered the global growth forecast for 2022 to 3.2%. Earlier this was estimated at 4.1%. The downward revision is due to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the world economy. The reason for lowering the projection is that people are facing reduced commercial activity and trade, and the debt crisis and currency depreciations have placed a heavy burden on the poor. The world is also facing reversals in development in education, health and gender equality.

Note: World Bank Founded: July 1944, United States; World Bank Headquarters: Washington DC, USA; World Bank President: David Robert Malpass; World Bank Member Countries: 189 (including India).

 

3. Wipro named Satya Easwaran as country head of India: IT major Wipro has announced the appointment of Satya Easwaran as the Country Head for India. He will be in charge of strengthening Wipro’s business in India across segments through strategic consulting, transformation and modernisation engagements. He will help clients leverage Wipro’s capabilities and investments in cloud, digital, engineering R&D, data/analytics and cybersecurity. “India is a strategic market for Wipro.

Note: Wipro CEO: Thierry Delaporte; Wipro Founder: M.H. Hasham Premji; Wipro Founded: 29 December 1945, India; Wipro Owner: Azim Premji; Wipro Headquarters: Bengaluru.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IndusInd Bank won global ‘Celent Model Bank’ Award for its EPH initiative: IndusInd Bank has been awarded the global ‘Celent Model Bank’ award under the category of ‘Payments System Transformation’ for building a best-in-class Enterprise Payments Hub (EPH). The award recognises the Bank’s outstanding journey in creating a cloud-based central payments hub. The award is given by Celent, leading research and advisory firm focused on technology for financial institutions globally. This payment hub is capable of seamlessly processing high transaction loads originating across all forms of payment instructions, and across all originating client touchpoints.

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

 

DEFENCE

 

1. National Level Pollution Response Exercise ‘NATPOLREX-VIII’ of Indian Coast Guard begins: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) kicked off the 8th edition of the two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise, ‘NATPOLREX-VIII’, on April 19, 2022, off Mormugao harbour, Goa. The marine spill preparedness exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. The exercise is being attended by more than 85 participants from 50 agencies, including 29 observers from 22 friendly foreign countries & International Organisations and two Coast Guard ships from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The objective of the Exercise:

a)      The objective of NATPOLREX-VIII is to enhance the preparedness and response capability of all the stakeholders in combating marine spills.

b)      It aims at validating the procedures and guidelines as contained in the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) at the national and regional levels under the aegis of SACEP MoU to which India is a member state.

c)       During the exercise, various components of NOSDCP were invoked to validate and improve the contingency plans and evaluate the preparedness of the resource agencies as well as stakeholders to meet any marine spill disaster at sea.

Daily GK Update- 21st April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World’s Highest Tunnel connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh to be construed by BRO: BRO Director General Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhary announced that the Border Roads Organisation will build the world’s highest tunnel at Shinku La Pass, at 16,580 feet, to connect Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. He said this while opening the strategically crucial Himachal to Zanskar Road at Shinku La Pass, where more than a half-dozen vehicles crossed from the Zanskar side towards Manali. Key Points:

a)      The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), according to Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhary of PTI, would begin construction of the tunnel connecting Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh by July this year. He stated that the Centre has already established BRO’s ‘Mission Yojak’ to carry out this ambitious project.

b)      The tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will transform the economy of Zanskar Valley, according to the official.

c)       Currently, one must travel 101 kilometres on the Leh route from Manali to Darcha, then turn left towards Shinku La Pass and enter Zanskar valley.

d)      The tunnel’s south portal will be at Shinku La, and the tunnel’s north portal will be at Lhakhang.

e)      The D-G praised BRO personnel’s efforts in reopening the Shinku La-Padum and Manali-Leh roads in record time.

 

2. Karnataka named Robin Uthappa as brand ambassador for Brain Health Initiative: The Karnataka State Government in association with NIMHANS and Niti Ayog launched the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) in January. Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has been recently appointed as the brand ambassador for Karnataka- Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI). Note: Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru; Karnataka Chief Minister: Basavaraj S Bommai; Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot.

 

3. Lt Gen Manoj Pande named as India’s next Chief of Army Staff: Lieutenant General Manoj Pande has been appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff. Lt Gen Pande is the incumbent Vice-Chief of the Army. He will take over from General MM Naravane, who is set to retire on April 30, 2022. He has served as chief engineer in the UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. He was the Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) from June 2020 to May 2021. Outgoing army chief Gen MM Naravane is seen as the frontrunner for the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) post, that has been vacant since the death of India’s first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat in an air crash last December.

 

4. India Pulses and Grains Association named Bimal Kothari as Chairman: India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), the apex body for India’s pulses trade and industry, has appointed Bimal Kothari as the new Chairman with immediate effect. Kothari takes over from Jitu Bheda, who was the IPGA chairman since 2018. Kothari, one of the key founding members of the association, has been the Vice-Chairman of IPGA since 2011 when it was formed. Bimal Kothari takes over as the third chairman of the association after Pravin Dongre and Jitu Bheda.

 

5. Ethosh Digital has opened its first IT Training & Services centre in Leh: Leh has taken the first step in building an IT sector. SS Khandare, the Additional Director General of Police for Ladakh, has opened Ethosh Digital’s first IT Training and Services centre in Leh. Ethosh Digital is a multinational company established in California that specialises in digital communications and AR-VR products. Ethosh Digital was assisted in establishing the first IT office in Ladakh by Aseem Foundation, a Pune-based NGO that works in India’s border regions in the sectors of education, business, health, sports, and sustainable development.

 

6. A new Children’s Book titled “The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution” has been Released: On the occasion of Dr BR Ambedkar’s 131st birth anniversary, a new book titled “The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution: A play for Children on Human Rights” authored by Rajesh Talwar, a fact-based drama on Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s own recollections of his childhood has been released. It is published by Ponytale Books. Talwar’s also authored books include “The Vanishing of Subhash Bose”, “Gandhi, Ambedkar, and the Four-Legged Scorpion”, and “Aurangzeb”.

The essence of the day: This book conveys to the children about the challenging boyhood and grown-up years of Ambedkar who had written the Constitution of India and became India’s first law minister.

 

7. National Civil Services Day: 21st April: India observes National Civil Services Day on April 21 every year to acknowledge the works of officers engaged in several public service departments in the country. The day also marks a reminder for civil servants, who collectively run the country’s administrative machinery and their dedication to serving the citizens of the country.

History and Significance: Civil Services Day is celebrated on April 21 to commemorate the day when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of Independent India addressed probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Delhi’s Metcalf House in 1947. In his address, he called Civil Servants, the ‘Steel Frame of India’. This meant that civil servants, employed at various levels of the government, act as supporting pillars of the country’s administrative system.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russian vessel Moskva has sunk as a result of a ‘Neptune missile strike’ by Ukraine: According to a ministry message, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Moskva, was being hauled to port when it sank due to stormy waves. The 510-crew missile cruiser, which led Russia’s naval attack on Ukraine, was a symbol of the country’s military might.

Key Points:

a)      Kyiv claims that its rockets struck the cruiser. According to the United States, it was also targeted by Ukrainian missiles.

b)      Moscow has denied any attack and claims the ship sank due to a fire.

c)       According to Russia, the conflagration caused the warship’s ammunition to explode, and the whole crew was eventually evacuated to adjacent Russian boats in the Black Sea.

d)      After first stating that the battleship was floating, the Russian defence ministry revealed late Thursday that the Moskva had been lost.

e)      The 12,490-tonne warship is the largest Russian warship sunk in combat since WWII.

 

2. Tropical Storm Megi: Landslides and floods caused Mass Destruction in Philippines: Tropical Storm Megi wreaked havoc on the Philippines, killing at least 167 people in landslides and floods. According to the national disaster organisation, another 110 persons are missing, and 1.9 million people have been impacted. Hillside avalanches and overflowing rivers wreaked havoc on the villages surrounding Baybay city in central Leyte province.

About Tropical Storm Megi:

a)      Tropical Storm Megi, also known as Tropical Storm Agaton in the Philippines, was a minor but devastating tropical storm that hit the Philippines in April 2022.

b)      It’s the third tropical depression and second tropical storm of the typhoon season in the Pacific for 2022.

c)       Megi arose from a convection zone in the Philippine Sea, travelling northwestward into the Leyte Gulf, where it stayed nearly stationary, slowly tracking eastward. Megi made two landfalls, one at Guiuan’s Calicoan Island and the other in Samar’s Basey.

d)      Before fading, it continued southwestward and reentered the Philippine Sea.

 

3. World Creativity and Innovation Day: 21st April: World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated on April 21 every year. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem-solving and encourage creative multidisciplinary thinking at the individual and group levels. The World Creativity and Innovation Week is also observed from April 15-21. The theme of World Creativity and Innovation Day 2022: Collaboration

History of World Creativity and Innovation Day: World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) was founded on 25 May 2001 in Toronto, Canada. The founder of the day was the Canadian Marci Segal. Segal was studying creativity in 1977 at the International Center for Studies in Creativity. The United Nations on 27 April 2017 resolved to include World Creativity and Innovation Day on 21 April as a Day of observance to raise importance among people about the use of their creativity in problem-solving for all issues that may be related to achieving the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Haryana wins 12th Senior Men’s National Hockey Championship: Haryana has emerged as the champions of the 12th Senior Men’s National Hockey Championship by defeating Tamil Nadu 3-1 in the shootout after the final ended 1-1 in the regulation time. The tournament was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from April 6 to 17, 2022. Haryana has won the trophy for the first time since 2011. Karnataka prevailed over Maharashtra 4-3 in the third/fourth place classification match.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. WPI based inflation in March rose to 14.55%: The wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation in India in the month of March rose to 14.55% due to an increase in power prices and rising edible oil prices. In March 2022, the high rate of inflation was recorded due to a rise in prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, and basic metals owing as there was a disruption in the global supply chain caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In March 2021, the WPI-based inflation had stood at 7.89%.

The food index, which includes food products from the Manufactured Products group and food articles from the government’s Primary Articles group, has risen to 167.3 in March 2022 from 166.4 in February 2022. The WPI Food Index-based rate of inflation also increased to 8.71 % in March 2022 from 8.47 % in February 2022. In March 2022, the index for the major fuel and power group increased by 5.68 % to 146.9 from 139.0 in February 2022.

 

2. World bank Report States Extreme Poverty in India Decline by 12.3%: The extreme poverty rate in India fell from 22.5% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019 as per World Bank Policy Research Working Paper. This represents a decline of 12.3 percentage points in extreme poverty count between 2011 to 2019 in the country. The decline in rural areas was much higher than in urban areas. While the reduction in rural poverty dropped by 14.7 percentage points, the poverty in urban areas dropped by 7.9 percentage points.

Note: World Bank Founded: July 1944, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States; World Bank Headquarters: Washington DC, USA; World Bank President: David Robert Malpass; World Bank Member Countries: 189 (including India).

 

DEFENCE

 

1. In New Delhi, the Army Commanders’ Conference gets underway: In New Delhi, the Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, has commenced. The conference serves as an institutional forum for high–level discussions that lead to major policy decisions for the Indian Army. Key Points:

a)      The Indian Army’s senior command will analyse the operational posture along active borders, assess threats throughout the spectrum of conflict, and conduct an analysis of capability voids to focus on capability development and operational preparation plans during the five-day conference.

b)      Discussions on infrastructure projects in border areas, modernisation through reform, induction of Niche tech, and any influence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are also on the agenda.

c)       Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to meet with senior commanders and deliver a speech at the Conference.

d)      Apart from ideas for enhancing works, financial management, adopting e-vehicles, and digitalisation in the Indian Army, the top commanders will discuss a variety of agenda items sponsored by regional commands.

 

2. Trishakti Corps conducts EX KRIPAN SHAKTI in West Bengal: Exercise KRIPAN SHAKTI, an Integrated Fire Power exercise was recently conducted by The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps at the Teesta Field Firing Ranges (TFFR), near Siliguri, West Bengal. The exercise was led by Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar and General Officer Commanding Trishakti Corps. The aim of the exercise is to showcase the joint manship and synchronisation capabilities of the Indian Army and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to fight in an integrated battle.

Key Points of the exercise:

a)      The Firing involves the deployment of a range of weapons such as guns, mortars, infantry combat vehicles, helicopters and the deployment of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms to execute the ‘Sensor to Shooter’ concept.

b)      Almost Precision and Professionalism were shown while executing drills such as Integrated responses by The Indian Army troops and Simulated enemy airborne drills by the CAPFs.

c)       The most significant drill is the swift action by the Special Heliborne troops and rapid deployment of arty guns and equipment by helicopters was done with high precision.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Noted Odia singer and musician Prafulla Kar passes away: Popular Odia singer and music director Prafulla Kar has passed away following age-related ailments. Kar was an eminent musician, singer, lyricist, writer and columnist. He received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2015. He started his career as a singer in 1962 with the Odia film Shri Shri Patita Pabana. In 1975, he became a music composer in the film Mamata which turned out to be an instant hit. Some of the movies which would forever carry the legacy of his melodious music are Batighara, Shesha Shrabana, Sindura Bindu, Bandhu Mahanti, Balidaan and Ram Balaram.