Daily GK Update- 10th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Utkarsh Mahotsav organized by Central Sanskrit University begins: A three-day Utkarsh Mahotsav is being organized by Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi. The objective behind organising the Utkarsh Mahotsav is to promote the Sanskrit language across the country and beyond. They will leave no stone unturned to promote the Sanskrit language across the country and abroad. The Centralisation of three Sanskrit Universities reflects PM Modi’s strong commitment to preserving and promoting the Sanskrit language across the nation. The event is being jointly organised by the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, Shri Lal Bahadur National Sanskrit University, New Delhi and National Sanskrit University, Tirupati.

The focus of the Mahotsav is the New Educational Era – Moving Towards a Global Orientation of Sanskrit Studies. The main theme of this Mahotsav is ‘Global Orientation of Sanskrit Studies in the New Educational Era’ Vice-Chancellors of 17 Sanskrit Universities, Scholars and a large number of students participated in the event.

 

2. Manipur’s Poumai Naga Areas declared ‘drug Free Zone’: In Manipur, the Poumai tribe has declared that Poumai inhabited areas will be a Drug-Free Zone supporting the State government’s War on Drug campaign. A huge delegation of the Poumai tribe by MLA and leaders of the students union and civil organization met Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at Imphal and conveyed the resolution of the Drug-Free Zone in Poumai inhabited areas of the State. They also informed the Chief Minister that the poppy plantation will not be allowed in the Poumai areas. The Chief Minister welcomed the resolution of the Poumai Naga tribe and affirmed that the State government will not tolerate deforestation and poppy plantation in hill districts in Manipur. The leaders of the Paumai tribe also conveyed that the community will join the fight against the drug menace in the State.

Note: Manipur Chief Minister: N Biren Singh; Capital of Manipur: Imphal; Manipur Governor: La. Ganesan.

 

3. Kerala govt to launch ‘Shaili App’ for diagnosing, and controlling lifestyle diseases: The government of Kerala is set to launch an Android App ‘Shaili’, aimed at diagnosing and controlling lifestyle diseases among the people in the state of Kerala. The app has been set up as part of the population-based screening project launched by the Health Department under the Nava Kerala Karma plan. Under the health-screening project:

a)      The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers have been tasked with collecting information from persons over the age of 30 in their respective areas about any lifestyle diseases or risk factors they may have.

b)      The app, set up under the e-Health initiative, would help to collect and codify the information quickly.

c)       The app would primarily collect information about diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung diseases as well as other lifestyle-related ailments and cancers.

d)      The health status of the individuals would be scored and those with a score of above four would be asked to visit the nearest health centre for a check-up for lifestyle diseases.

Note: Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan; Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.

 

4. Haryana Govt Launches ‘e-Adhigam’ Scheme to distribute tablets to students: The Haryana State Government launches the ‘e-Adhigam’ scheme under which nearly 3 lakh students will be receiving tablet computers to aid their online education. The state government has planned to provide the gadget to five lakh students. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the Advance Digital Haryana Initiative of Government with Adaptive Modules (Adigham) scheme at Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana.

As per reports, the Class 11 students of Haryana government schools will get the tablets after they clear the Class 10 board exams and qualify for the succeeding year. These devices come with pre-loaded content along with personalised and adaptive learning software, and 2GB of free data. The tablet is the new classroom and “through e-books, it has become a full-fledged classroom.

 

5. Priyanka Mohite becomes first Indian woman to climb five peaks above 8,000 metres: Priyanka Mohite from Maharashtra’s Satara district has become the first Indian woman to climb five peaks above 8000 metres. Priyanka achieved the milestone after climbing Mount Kanchenjunga. Priyanka works for a pharmaceutical research company in Bengaluru.

In 2020, she also won the prestigious Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award. The 30-year-old climbed Mount Everest in 2013, Mount Lhotse in 2018, Mount Makalu in 2019 and Annapurna 1 in 2021. Notably, she is also the first Indian woman to climb Annapurna 1 and Makalu.

 

6. IRCTC’s Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to stop at Nepal’s Janakpur: The Indian Railway Catering and Ticketing Corporation (IRCTC) will launch its maiden Bharat Gaurav Tourist train, with a stop in Nepal’s Janakpur. This train will go around the Ramayana Circuit, which has been identified under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and includes major locations related with Lord Shri Rama’s life, such as the Ram Janaki temple in Janakpur, Nepal.

About Journey:

a)      After Ayodhya, the tourists will travel to Buxar, Bihar, where they will see Maharishi Vishwamitra’s hermitage and the Ramrekha Ghat, where they can take a holy plunge in the Ganga.

b)      The train then travels to Sitamarhi to see Sita’s birthplace before continuing on to Janakpur by road (Nepal).

c)       Tourists will spend the night in Janakpur hotels and visit the famed Ram-Janaki Temple.

d)      After Sitamarhi, the train travels to Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city.

e)      Tourists visiting Kashi will go about the temples of Varanasi, ‘Sita Samahit Sthal,’ Prayag, Shringverpur, and Chitrakoot. At Varanasi, Prayag, and Chitrakoot, hotel accommodations will be given.

f)        The train journey continues to Nasik, where passengers will spend the night in accommodations. Trayambakeshwar and Panchvati temples will be visited.

g)      After Nasik, the next stop is Hampi, the ancient city of Krishkindha, where you will spend the night.

h)      Guests will visit the temple on the Anjaneyadri Hills said to be the birthplace of Shri Hanuman, as well as other heritage and religious sites.

i)        The next stop on this rail excursion is Rameshwaram, where the Ramanathaswamy temple and Dhanushkodi will be seen, as well as an overnight stay at a hotel.

j)        The train’s next stop is Kanchipuram, where visitors can see the Shiv Kanchi, Vishnu Kanchi, and Kamakhshi temples.

k)      The train’s final stop on this journey is Bhadrachalam in Telengana state, often known as the Ayodhya of the South.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. John Lee Ka-Chiu elected as Hong Kong’s next Chief Executive: John Lee Ka-Chiu has been confirmed as Hong Kong’s next chief executive. He will replace Carrie Lam. He will be the first security official to hold the Chief Executive position of Hong Kong which witnessed years of political unrest and recent debilitating pandemic controls. Lee resigned from his position as the city’s No 2 official last month to run and was the only contender to secure Beijing’s backing.

The 64-year-old was sanctioned by the United States in 2020 for his role in implementing a Beijing-imposed national security law that has crushed the city’s democracy movement. His election places a security official in Hong Kong’s top job for the first time. The former secretary for security in Hong Kong ran under the slogan “Starting a new chapter for Hong Kong together” and was the sole candidate in the polls.

Note: Hong Kong Currency: Hong Kong dollar; Hong Kong Continent: Asia.

 

2. International Day of Argania: 10th May: The United Nations observed 10th May 2022, the second International Day of Argania. This celebration crowns the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting the Argan tree as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and an ancestral source of resilient and sustainable development. The day will be celebrated this year under the theme “The Argan tree, symbol of resilience” and will serve to raise international awareness around the tree, its ecosystem, and the important position it holds in Moroccan culture and heritage. The Argan tree

a)      The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, in the southwest of the country, which grows in arid and semiarid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. It is resilient to a harsh environment under water scarcity, risk of erosion and poor soils.

b)      The argan tree woodlands provide forest products, fruits and fodder. The leaves and the fruits are edible and highly appreciated, as is the undergrowth, and constitute a vital fodder reserve for all herds, even in periods of drought. The trees are also used as fuelwood for cooking and heating.

c)       The world-renowned argan oil is extracted from the seeds and has multiple applications, especially in traditional and complementary medicine and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.

History of the day: The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated in 1988 the endemic production area as the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Also, all know-how concerning the argan tree was inscribed in 2014 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Moreover, in December 2018, FAO recognized the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab – Ait Mansour in Morocco as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. And lastly, in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen won Miami Grand Prix 2022: F1 world champion Max Verstappen has won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix for Red Bull after defeating the Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc. Leclerc (Ferrari) finished second and Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) placed third in the Miami Grand Prix 2022. The victory cut Leclerc’s lead over Verstappen to 19 points in the championship, while the Monegasque’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz completed the podium.

List of 2022 F1 Race:

Bahrain Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari-Monaco)

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands)

Australian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

 

2. Anurag Thakur launches mascot, logo and jersey of Khelo India Youth Games: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has launched the mascot ‘Dhakad’ along with the official logo and official jersey of the Fourth Khelo India Youth Games at Panchkula and lauded the effort of Haryana to host the games. The competition is being organized by the Sports Authority of India and the state government of Haryana. In this edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, over 8,500 athletes will be participating.

Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Haryana will set an example by hosting the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games from June 4 to June 13 at Panchkula, Chandigarh, Shahabad, Ambala and Delhi. This was supposed to be held in the year 2021 but got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Reliance became 1st Indian company to cross USD 100 bn annual revenue: Reliance Industries become the first Indian company to record annual revenue of more than a whopping $100 billion. The company has recorded a 22.5% rise in net profit for the quarter ended March 2022. Reliance has recorded strong growth in retail, digital services, and the oil & gas business. The company has also reported the highest-ever quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of Rs 33,968 crores (28% up) year-on-year. Reliance’s earnings also rose because of a rise in broadband subscribers, online retail gaining traction and new energy investment picking roots.

Consolidated revenue of the nation’s biggest company by market value rose 35 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2.32 lakh crore in the fourth quarter of FY22. For the full fiscal 2021-22 (April 2021 to March 2022), Reliance reported a net profit of Rs 60,705 crore on a revenue of Rs 7.92 lakh crore (USD 102 billion). It is the first Indian company to have crossed USD 100 billion in revenue in a year.

Note: Reliance Industries Ltd CEO: Mukesh Ambani (31 Jul 2002–); Reliance Industries Ltd Founder: Dhirubhai Ambani; Reliance Industries Ltd Founded: 8 May 1973, Maharashtra; Reliance Industries Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

2. Pushp Kumar Joshi Named HPCL Chairman and Managing Director: Pushp Kumar Joshi, who recently took over as the interim chairman and managing director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), has been appointed to the Board of the nation’s third-largest oil refining and fuel marketing company. Joshi is also holding the additional charge of Director-Marketing of HPCL. Prior to this Dr Joshi was Director-HR of the Corporation from August 01, 2012. Joshi, the senior-most director on the HPCL board, was in January picked by the government headhunter PESB to replace Mukesh Kumar Surana. Surana superannuated from services on April 30, 2022, but in absence of a formal order from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime Minister, Joshi was named interim head.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy receives British Honour ‘MBE’ For His Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy, CEO of Penlon, a world-class British medical technology firm, is likely to receive The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) Award 2022 – Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognition from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, London, UK. The British Honorary Awards are awarded twice a year, first during the new year and again in June, on the date of the Queen’s official birthday.

Guruswamy’s Contribution: Guruswamy led a group of companies that formed a consortium with Penlon as its hub. In 12 weeks, 11,700 ventilators were provided to the United Kingdom government by employing around 4,000 people for three round-the-clock shifts. The effort also resulted in an award from the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK.

About the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): An MBE is the third-highest ranked Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood or damehood), after Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), the highest award, and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the second-highest award. The MBE is given in recognition of great achievement or contribution to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact and serves as an example to others.

 

2. Bengali translation ‘Meursault, contre-enquête’ wins Romain Rolland Book Prize 2022: The fifth Romain Rolland Book Prize – Romain Rolland Book Prize 2022 has been awarded to the Bengali translation of the French novel “Meursault, contre- enquête” (The Meursault Investigation). The award ceremony was organized by the French Institute in India. Meursault, contre-enquête is the debut novel of Algerian writer and journalist Kamel Daoud. The award was presented to translator Trinanjan Chakraborty and publisher Esha Chatterjee of Patra Bharati, a leading publisher of prestigious Bengali books, during the French Literary Festival-French LitFest 2022 at Bikaner House in New Delhi. This is the first time Patra Bharati, the publisher, has gotten this honour.

Romain Rolland Book Prize: The Romain Rolland Book Prize, which was established in 2017, honours the finest translation of a French title into any Indian language, including English. As part of the prize, the winning publisher and translator will each receive a guided trip to the Paris Book Fair 2023 (Livre Paris 2023).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma Shri Odia Writer Rajat Kumar Kar passes away: The eminent Odia litterateur Rajat Kumar Kar passed away due to heart-related ailments. He received Padma Shri in 2021 for literature and education. He was known for his commentary during the annual Ratha Jatra (Jagannath culture) on TV and radio. His writing includes Upendra Bhanja literature and has seven non-fiction to his credit. He also contributed to the revival of the dying art of Pala of Odisha.

Daily GK Update- 9th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SC appointed panel for the recovery of money from NSEL defaulters: The Supreme Court of India formed a high-level committee, headed by retired Bombay High Court Judge Pradeep Nandrajog, for recovery of money from the defaulters against whom the National Spot Exchange (NSEL) has secured money decrees. NSEL has already secured decrees and arbitration awards of Rs 3,534 crores against the defaulters. Further, defaulters’ liabilities of Rs 760 crores have already been crystallised by the committee appointed by the Bombay High Court.

Proceedings for a decree against NK Protein worth Rs 964 crores is pending before the Bombay High Court. In 2013, investors and traders in NSEL lost about Rs 5,600 crores after the exchange shut trading abruptly leading to a series of defaults. Two of the defaulters have already paid their liabilities worth Rs 196 crores. The claims will be verified by the Supreme Court-appointed committee. The Supreme Court-appointed committee will oversee the sale of assets, attached by the Maharashtra government under the MPID Act and Enforcement Directorate across India.

 

2. Prime Minister Modi addresses the JITO Connect 2022 launching session: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi used video conferencing to address the opening session of the Jain International Trade Organisation’s JITO Connect 2022. In his remarks, the Prime Minister referred to the spirit of Sabka Prayas in the topic of the programme, saying that the world is looking at India’s development resolutions as a method of attaining its objectives. Whether it’s for global peace, worldwide wealth, solutions to global difficulties, or the development of the global supply chain, the world looks to India with hope.

About EARTH: The Prime Minister exhorted everyone in attendance to work for EARTH.

a)      E stands for environmental prosperity. PM also encouraged them to talk on how they can help build at least 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district by August 15 of next year.

b)      A stands for increasing investment in natural farming, farming technology, and the food processing sector in order to make agriculture more profitable.

c)       Working for Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, the letter R stands for Recycling and the circular economy.

d)      The letter T stands for bringing technology to as many people as possible. PM challenged the audience to examine how other advanced technology, such as drone technology, may be made more accessible.

e)      H stands for healthcare, and that the government is now working hard to improve healthcare and medical colleges in every area across the country.

JITO Connect 2022: The prestigious JITO Connect 2022 – One of the World’s Largest and Most Desired Global Summits, a 3-day power packed Summit that is set to take people on a journey to Unravel the Future and embrace Change, the only constant, is set to take people on a journey to Unravel the Future and embrace Change, the only constant It will provide unsaid stories, thoughts, and discoveries that will encourage everyone to grasp other perspectives and see the big picture.

 

3. ‘Enterprise India National Coir Conclave 2022’ inaugurated by MSME Minister Narayan Rane: The ‘Enterprise India National Coir Conclave 2022’ was inaugurated at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, by Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane and Minister of State for MSME Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, as well as several State Ministers and top officials. The coir sector employs more than 7 lakh people in rural parts of coconut-growing states. Even more intriguing, 80 percent of these artists are women, although output has so far been limited to the country’s southern coconut-producing States/UTs. Key Points:

a)      The Ministry of MSME plans to expand coir production in other states around the country, and that the government has taken several measures to popularise the use of coir for consumer and industrial purposes, particularly as a substitute for many non-degradable materials.

b)      Coir industry awards were presented to 44 coir and coir products manufacturing/exporting entities at this event.

c)       Coir Board also unveiled new coir products such as a coir composite fruit bowl, a geo-textile shadow lamp, coir buttons, coir auto mirror covers, a flat rectangular tray, and a certificate holder, as well as the publication of the Manual of Coir Technologies, Books on Coir Pith, Geo-textiles, and Coir Floor Furnishing.

d)      A ‘Run for Coir’ will be held to promote the usage of coir as a natural, biodegradable, and environmentally beneficial commodity. Thousands of people are anticipated to attend, including dignitaries, college students, and the general public.

 

4. India logs 6.2 percent increase in death rate as per CRS during 2020: The Civil Registration System (CRS) report 2020, based on birth and death reports, has been released by the central government. According to the data, the number of registered births declined from 2.48 crore in 2019 to 2.42 crore in 2020, representing a 2.40 percent decrease. According to the Vital Statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System’s report for 2020, the number of registered deaths increased by 6.2 percent from 76.4 lakh in 2019 to 81.2 lakh in 2020.

Key Points:

a)      Males account for 60.2 percent of all registered deaths, while females account for 39.8 percent.

b)      Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, and Haryana are among the states and union territories that have contributed considerably to the increase in deaths from 2019 to 2020.

c)       The number of births and deaths included in the study are factual figures collected from roughly 3 lakh registration units across the country, according to NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. V K Paul.

d)      CRS is a system for recording births, deaths, and stillbirths that is universal, continuous, mandatory, and permanent.

e)      COVID-19 and other causes of death are included in these numbers.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nepal’s Kami Rita Sherpa climbs Mount Everest for 26th time: Nepal’s legendary climber Kami Rita Sherpa has climbed Mt Everest, the tallest peak in the world for the 26th time to set a new world record. Leading an 11-member rope fixing team, Kami Rita & his team reached the summit, breaking his own previous world record. The climbing route used by Kami Rita was pioneered by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepal’s sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953 and remains the most popular.

Everest has been climbed 10,657 times since it was first scaled in 1953 from Nepali and Tibetan sides – many have climbed multiple times, and 311 people have died so far, according to the Himalayan Database. The 52-year-old followed in his father’s footsteps and became a mountain guide, first summiting the peak in 1994. He has climbed Everest almost every year since.

 

2. Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War: 8th-9th May: Every year during May 8-9, the United Nations marks the Time of Remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War. The day pays tribute to all the victims of the Second World War. This year is the 77th Anniversary of World War II.

On 2 March 2010, by resolution 64/257, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe 8-9 May in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War. A special solemn meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of all victims of the war was held in the second week of May 2010, marking the sixty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh wins Sunway Formentera Open chess tournament: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has emerged as champion in the 1st Chessable Sunway Formentera Open 2022 chess tournament in Punta Prima. It was a hat-trick of titles for him after he had previously won the La Roda tournament and the Menorca Open in recent weeks. The 15-year old Gukesh (Elo 2637) settled for a draw with Armenian GM Haik M Martirosyan in the final round to win the title with eight points. He had defeated compatriot and second-seed K Sasikiran in the ninth and penultimate round. He has now moved up to no.64 in the world rankings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian Bank Launched Digital Broking Solution ‘E-Broking’: Indian Bank, a public sector bank, has introduced its digital broking solution – ‘E- Broking’, as a strategic move toward comprehensive digitalisation of its customer products. E-Broking, an instant and paperless demat & trading account opening service, is now available through the bank’s mobile banking app, IndOASIS. The product was introduced in collaboration with Fisdom, the bank’s financial technology partner. Highlights:

a)      The E-Broking initiative will assist the bank in increasing its CASA (Current Account Savings Account).

b)      This initiative also enables the customers to invest in the ongoing Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Initial Public Offering (IPO) effectively.

c)       IndOASIS, the bank’s mobile banking app, would provide users with a unified experience ranging from Demat and trading account opening to reduced broking services backed by research-based investment in the secondary market, starting with equity, futures, options, and initial public offerings on a single platform.

Note: Indian Bank MD & CEO: Shanti Lal Jain; Indian Bank Establishment: August 15, 1907; Indian Bank Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Indian Bank Tagline: Taking Banking Technology To The Common Man.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Adani Wilmar became India’s largest FMCG company surpassing HUL: Adani Wilmar Limited became the largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company (FMCG) in India beating Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), after the announcement of its Quarter Four results for the financial year 2022 (Q4FY2022). AWL has reported total operating revenue of Rs 54,214 crore in the Financial Year 2022 whereas HUL reported a revenue of Rs 51,468 crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2021-22. In Q4FY22 (January-March 2022), the AWL has seen a 40 per cent jump in revenue from operations to Rs 14,960 despite a 26 per cent i.e., Rs 234.29 crore hit in net profit in the same period.

Note: Adani Group Founded: 1988; Adani Group Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Adani Group Chairman: Gautam Adani; Adani Group Managing Director: Rajesh Adani.

 

2. Mindtree, L&T Infotech announce merger to create India’s 5th largest IT services: L&T Infotech and Mindtree, the two independently listed IT services companies under Larsen & Toubro Group announced a merger that would create India’s fifth-largest IT services provider. The combined entity will be known as “LTIMindtree”.

The Boards of Directors of Mindtree and L&T Infotech (LTI) at their respective meetings held on Friday approved a composite scheme of amalgamation of both these independently listed IT services companies under the Larsen & Toubro Group. The proposed integration will see Mindtree and LTI join strengths to create an efficient and scaled up IT services provider exceeding USD 3.5 billion. These opportunities will create a more distinctive employee value proposition and stronger partnerships with ecosystem players.

Note: Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited Founded: 23 December 1996; Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited Headquarters: Mumbai; Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited CEO: Sanjay Jalona.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy’s P-8i Fleet host to Boeing and Air Works collaboration: Air Works, an Indian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company, is partnering with the Boeing Company to conduct heavy maintenance checks on three Indian Navy P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft at Air Works, Hosur, demonstrating the success of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign.

This significantly expands the scope and size of MRO in India, demonstrating both firms’ commitment to helping India achieve Aatmanirbhar status in aerospace and defence. The partnership between Boeing and Air Works has resulted in quicker turnaround times and increased operating capability for important defence platforms in India. The relationship began with checks on the P-8I Poseidon aircraft and has since expanded to include checks and MRO on the Indian Air Force’s Boeing 737 VVIP aircraft’s landing gear.

Air Works Group: Air Works is a global leader in varied aviation services with operations on four continents. Air Works was founded in 1951 and serves the commercial and business aviation communities with engineering, asset management, safety, and technology solutions. They are worldwide aircraft leasing firms and airlines’ service providers, first-line service providers to leading OEMs, one of only seven IATA-certified safety auditors, the global market leader for charter safety ratings, and India’s largest independent MRO provider.

The Boeing Company: The Boeing Company is a multinational American firm that designs, manufactures, and sells planes, rotor-craft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles all over the world. Leasing and product support are also provided by the corporation. Boeing is one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, as well as the world’s third-largest defence contractor by 2020 revenue and the US’s largest exporter by dollar value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Daily GK Update- 8th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India embarks on the ‘World’s Largest’ Film Restoration Project: Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur said that an amount of Rs 363 crore has been allotted for the world’s largest film restoration project under the National Film Heritage Mission. The mission was launched in 2016 with an outlay of 597 crore rupees. It aims at preserving, restoring and digitizing the cinematic heritage.

The Minister informed that the process of restoring over 5900 short films, documentaries and features is underway. He said this exercise carried out by the National Film Archive of India proves to be one of the world’s biggest restoration, conservation, preservation and digitization process undertaken. The Minister also held a meeting to review the functioning of the Film and Television Institute of India, FTII and deliberated on the vision of taking FTII to international standards of excellence. Mr Thakur said FTII should nurture entrepreneurial skills and equip students to launch startups in film and television productions.

 

2. NCRTC to receive India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System train set at Salvi: At Alstom’s Savli project in Gujarat, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) will receive India’s first semi-high-speed train set for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will be present at the occasion.

Key Points:

a)      The RRTS train sets are produced under the Make in India initiative and can reach a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour. The train will be transported to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh, where it will be repaired and operated.

b)      Cushioned seating, laptop-mobile charging, luggage racks, and a dynamic route-map are among the modern commuter-centric features of the completely air-conditioned train.

c)       The NCRTC is in charge of putting India’s first RRTS corridor between Delhi and Meerut into action. The 82-kilometer-long route is now under construction.

d)      The 17-kilometer priority segment between Sahibabad and Duhai is expected to be operational by 2023, with the entire corridor completed by 2025.

 

3. Haryana launched ‘Vehicle Movement Tracking System’ mobile app: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched a Vehicle Movement Tracking System (VMTS) mobile app to track the vehicles carrying sand and other mining material. The app will be used at different checkpoints in all the districts of Haryana. All vehicle details including vehicle type, vehicle number, moving from, moving to, and driver details will be stored in it. The non-registered individual will not be permitted to enter the zone of sand mining. This App has been designed and developed in-house by National Informatics Centre, Haryana.

About the app: The app will be used at different checkpoints in all the districts of Haryana and vehicle details —like vehicle number, vehicle type, moving from, moving to — along with driver details, like name, driver mobile number and driver license number will be punched into it. If the vehicle is to move between source and destination checkpoints, then officials can mark the vehicle exit from the originating check post as an interim exit and at the destination checkpoint it will be marked as a final exit.

 

4. UP villages to get free high-speed internet connectivity: Uttar Pradesh government will provide free wi-fi facilities at more than 58 thousand places in the villages of the state. This internet facility will be available for the people within 50 meters of the Gram Sachivalaya (village secretariat) building which is being built in every Gram Panchayat of the state.

In order to make every village a smart village, high-speed internet connectivity will be provided to the village secretariats and a free high-speed Wi-Fi internet facility will be provided to the villagers within a radius of 50 meters of the village secretariat building. The process of establishment of village secretariats in 58,189-gram panchayats of the state is going on continuously. The government informed that the Gram Panchayat office was being established in the name of ‘Gram Sachivalaya’. Arrangements are also being made to ensure that all the documents/records/documents required by the villagers can be obtained through Panchayat Assistant/Common Service Center (CSC) in the village secretariat.

Note: Uttar Pradesh Capital: Lucknow; Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath; Uttar Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel.

 

5. Ministry of Skill Development signs MoU with ISRO to begin its Training Program: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signs an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Indian Space Research Organisation with the goal of upskilling the technical workforce at the Department of Space of ISRO. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary MSDE, and Shri S. Somanath, Secretary Department of Space/ Chairman ISRO, signed the MoU.

Key Points:

a)      The initiative aims to establish a formal framework for short-term courses to provide training for the skill development and capacity building of ISRO technical professionals in the space domain in the country, in accordance with industry requirements. Over the next five years, more than 4000 ISRO technical professionals will be taught in the programme.

b)      The training will take place at MSDE’s National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) throughout India.

c)       The training program’s goal is to improve the abilities of diverse technical professionals in ISRO centres and units under the Department of Space (DOS).

d)      The programme will provide training in certain disciplines to enhance employees’ skill sets in accordance with the latest industry trends and requirements, with the support of MSDE and its state-of-the-art training institutes around the country.

e)      Under the terms of the MoU, ISRO will collaborate with MSDE and the accompanying NSTI to develop a thorough training calendar, curriculum, and syllabus to meet the program’s larger goals. The trainees will receive trainee kits from ISRO.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India stays out of global declaration on future on Internet: India is not among the 60 countries that have signed a global declaration to keep the Internet open, free, and neutral. The countries that have signed the declaration include the US, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and France. Called the ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, the document is an agreement to prevent digital authoritarianism. Countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, the European Commission and Finland are among the signatories. India, China and Russia are among the large nations that are not part of this declaration.

 

2. World Red Cross Day: 8th May: World Red Cross Day is observed globally on 8th May every year. The day aims to broaden the public’s understanding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Red Crescent Societies are affiliated and work in cooperation with the World Red Cross to assist in the activities of the movement. National Red Crescent societies and Red Cross Societies are found in almost every nation worldwide. The theme of World Red Cross Day 2022 is #BeHUMANKIND (Believe in the power of Kindness).

History of the World Red Cross Day: Henry Dunant was born on 8th May, 1828 and also was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. World Red Cross Day is also known as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. In 1863, Henry Dunant established the Red Cross Committee International in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1934, the principles of the Red Cross Truce were presented at the 15th International Conference. It was approved at the same conference. World Red Cross Day is annually celebrated on May 8, 1948. In 1984 it was named as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Note: International Committee of the Red Cross Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Committee of the Red Cross Founder: Henry Dunant; International Committee of the Red Cross Founded: 17 February 1863, Geneva, Switzerland; International Committee of the Red Cross President: Peter Maurer.

 

3. World Thalassemia Day: 8th May: World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8 every year to commemorate Thalassemia victims and to encourage those who struggle to live with the disease. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that doesn’t let the body to create enough haemoglobin. The disease weakens and destroys the blood cells. There are two types of thalassemia, alpha and beta, along with Thalassemia minor, intermedia and major as its subcategories. The theme for this year’s World Thalassemia day is ‘Be Aware.Share.Care: Working with the global community as one to improve thalassemia knowledge.’

History of the World Thalassemia Day: In the year 1994, Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) announced May 8 as International Thalassemia Day. And it was on this day the president and the founder of TIF, Panos Englezos, created this day in the loving memory of his son George and the other thalassemia patients who fought this disease.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asian Games 2022 in China postponed to 2023: The Asian Games 2022, due to be held in Hangzhou, China in September, has been postponed to 2023 due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced. The Olympic Council of Asia, the governing body for the Asian Games, said it will announce the new dates for the 19th edition of the Games. The Asian Games 2022 were originally scheduled from September 10 to 25.

The host city of Hangzhou is less than 200km away from Shanghai, which is currently fighting another major COVID-19 outbreak and has strict restrictions in place, including a weeks-long lockdown. The OCA also announced that the third edition of the Asian Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Shantou in December, have been cancelled. The World University Games 2021, to be held from June 26 to July 27 in Chengdu this year, have also been pushed to 2023.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC ERGO launches ‘Pay as you Drive’ program to reduce costs of premium: HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company announced the launch of its ‘Pay as you Drive’ program; an insurance solution that offers distance-based insurance to reduce upfront costs of premium. This policy will be best suited for those customers who prefer to drive less or have multiple cars with some of those driven less than the others. This program, under the regulatory sandbox, is applicable for 10,000 policies or ₹50 lacs of premium whichever happens earlier and is being offered exclusively through Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Private Limited.

 

2. RBI board approves Rajiv Ranjan as MPC member after Mridul Saggar retires: The Reserve Bank of India’s central board approved the nomination of Rajiv Ranjan as a member of the monetary policy committee.Ranjan replaces Mridul Saggar, who retired last month. Ranjan was an advisor in-charge in the monetary policy department, before he was elevated as an executive director.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Sudarshan Venu has been named the Managing Director of TVS Motor Company: Sudarshan Venu was named Managing Director of TVS Motor Company at its board meeting. TVS Motor Company is a well-known global manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Sudarshan has shaped the destiny of one of India’s major two-wheeler manufacturers, making it the most award-winning two-wheeler company. He was instrumental in the company’s expansion in India and other significant overseas areas, such as Asia, Africa, and, more recently, Europe.

Note: Chairman, TVS Motor Company: Prof Sir Ralf Dieter Speth; Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company: Mr Venu Srinivasan

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Coast Guard launches Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Kamla Devi’: Indian Coast Guard launched Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Kamla Devi‘in Titagarh, West Bengal. The entire design of this Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Kamla Devi’ was developed in-house by the GRSE shipyard. ‘Kamla Devi’ was scheduled to be the fourth ship in the series of five such FPVs that GRSE was contracted to build for the ICG, but became the fifth as the fourth one was exported to the Republic of Seychelles as the ‘SCG PS Zoroaster’ in 2021.