Daily GK Update- 27th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Village Palli: India’s 1st carbon-neutral panchayat in J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated a 500 KV solar plant to the nation in the unassuming hamlet of Palli in Jammu and Kashmir’s border region of Samba making it the country’s first ‘carbon neutral panchayat.’

Officials added that under the national government’s ‘Gram Urja Swaraj’ programme, 1,500 solar panels with a total area of 6,408 square metres will provide clean electricity to 340 homes in the model panchayat. As India’s first carbon-neutral solar village, the village has made history. Officials said the project was finished in record time for a cost of 2.75 crore. The electricity generated will be distributed to the village through the local power grid station, which has a daily need of 2,000 units.

 

2. Karnataka govt launched Social Awareness Campaign “SAANS”: Health and Medical Education Minister of Karnataka, Keshava Reddy Sudhakar has launched the ‘Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully’ (SAANS) Campaign. SAANS is a campaign that has been launched to ensure early detection and greater awareness of pneumonia in children under the age of five. As per SRS 2018, Karnataka’s under-five mortality is at 28 per 1000 live births.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that is caused due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. By 2025, the state’s goal is to reduce the under-five mortality to 23 per 1,000 live. Also, to achieve the National Health Policy goals, pneumonia mortality has to be reduced to less than 3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Note: Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru; Karnataka Chief Minister: Basavaraj S Bommai; Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot.

 

3. Tamil Nadu govt to observe Minorities Rights Day every year on 18 December: Tamil Nadu government has announced that December 18, every year will be observed as Minorities Rights Day at the state level. The government, being the saviour of minorities, is striving tirelessly to promote the upliftment and economic advancement of the minorities through effective implementation of various development schemes and welfare measures. This day is being observed at the district level of Tamil Nadu under the concerned collectors. Henceforth, it will also be observed at the state level. Overview:

a)      Education aid to minority girl students: The minority girl students in rural areas to pursue their studies would provide education aid of Rs 500 to the students of Classes 3 to 5 and Rs 1,000 to the wards of Class 6.

b)      Establishment of e-libraries: In the state, e-libraries will also be established in 275 department-run college hostels at a cost of Rs 2.20 crore. This will be benefiting a large number of students who resides in these hostels.

c)       Medical assistance to hostellers: An amount of Rs 1000 towards medical assistance for the hostellers is being provided for three medical check-ups in a year and it will be increased to Rs 3,000.

d)      Setting-up of ready-made garment units: In an initiative that has been aimed to improve the economic conditions of the Most Backward Classes, Backward Classes, and Denotified Tribes, the government of the state will be forming 25 groups comprising 10 members (women and men) each and they will be encouraged set up ready-made garment units. For this purpose, they will be provided with an assistance of Rs 75 lakh.

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

 

4. N Chandrasekaran takes charge as Tata Digital Chairman: Tata Sons executive chairman N Chandrasekaran has formally taken charge as chairman of Tata Digital. At present, Tata’s digital strategy is being spearheaded by its CEO Pratik Pal along with Mukesh Bansal, founder of Cultfit. Chandrasekaran’s formal appointment is of significance considering its future plans of raising funds from external investors. For Chandrasekaran, who was reappointed as the chairman of Tata Sons for another five years in February, Tata Digital has been his brainchild since he took charge as Tata Sons chairman. He has been closely involved in its growth plans from the beginning as the Mumbai-based conglomerate eyes to make a dent in the Indian eCommerce universe.

 

5.  first Amrit Sarovar established in UP’s Rampur: India’s first ‘Amrit Sarovar’ has been completed at Rampur’s Gram Panchayat Patwai, thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government in Uttar Pradesh. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, 75 water bodies will be developed and regenerated as part of the Amrit Sarovar initiative.

In just a few weeks, a pond in Rampur was cleaned and revived. This pond has now become a major tourist attraction in the rural area. Work on the pond in Gram Panchayat Singan Kheda with the largest area (1.67 hectare) has also begun. In the next three months, this garbage-strewn pond will be transformed into ‘Amrit Sarovar’, a rural tourism destination.

 

6. India made Guinness Record for synchronic Waving of More than 78,000 National Flags: According to the Ministry of Culture, India entered the Guinness Book of World Records by simultaneously waving 78,220 flags at the ‘Veer Kunwar Singh Vijayotsav’ programme in Bhojpur, Bihar. India made history and entered the Guinness Book of World Records by simultaneously waving the largest number of national flags. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, was present at the historic event. The Guinness World Records certificate says, “The most people waving flags was accomplished by Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Government of India (India), to commemorate Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Jagdishpur, Bhojpur, Bihar, India on April 23, 2022.”

Background:

a)      Pakistan had previously established a world record when 56,000 Pakistanis hoisted their national flag at an occasion in Lahore roughly 18 years ago.

b)      On April 23, 1858, Veer Kunwar Singh fought his final fight near Jagdishpur, defeating the East India Company. After removing the Union Jack flag from Jagdishpur Fort, Kunwar Singh died in the service of the motherland.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Robert Golob elected as Prime Minister of Slovenia: Robert Golob has defeated three-time Prime Minister Janez Janša in the Slovenia Prime Minister election. State election authorities have confirmed that the Freedom Movement won nearly 34% of the votes as compared to around 24% for the governing conservative Slovenian Democratic Party. The New Slovenia party with 7%, followed by the Social Democrats with more than 6%, and the Left party with just 4%. The 55-year-old former power company manager has promised to restore “normality”, having billed the elections as a “referendum on democracy”.

Note: Slovenia Capital: Ljubljana; Slovenia Currency: Euro; Slovenia President: Borut Pahor.

 

2. World Stationery Day: 27th April: World Stationery day is celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of April. This year World Stationery Day 2022 is observed on the 27th of April. The day is celebrated to mark the importance of stationery and writing on paper than using computers. It is celebrated around the world by enthusiasts to protect and encourage the use of Stationery.

History of World Stationery Day: World Stationery Day is celebrated every year since 2012 to honour the 800th anniversary of the creation of the Magna Carta which is one of the most important written documents in British history. It stands as an excellent example to show the longevity of handwritten documents. Magna Carta was created in 1215. This day was designed to encourage the art of writing all around the world. Writing is a fundamental aspect of communication that deserves to maintain an active presence in people’s lives around the world. Celebrating World Stationery Day will preserve a special artform while helping participants grow closer with loved ones.

 

3. World Immunization Week: 24th to 30th April: World Immunization Week is celebrated worldwide in the last week of April, to highlight the collective action required and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all age groups against disease. This year, WHO is going to celebrate World Immunization Week from April 24 to April 30. To commemorate the day, WHO has decided the theme of this year’s Immunization Week as “Long Life for All”.

History of the day: In May 2012, the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO, endorsed World Immunization Week. The world’s first “World Immunization Week” was observed in 2012, which witnessed the simultaneous participation of more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asian Wrestling Championships 2022: India finished with 17 medals: The 30-member Indian contingent participated at the 35th Edition of Asian Wrestling Championships 2022 held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Indian wrestlers secured a total of 17 medals, that includes (1-Gold, 5-Silver, and 11-Bronze medals). Gold Medalist: Ravi Kumar Dahiyais the only Gold medalist representing India, in the men’s 57kg freestyle category, beating Kazakhstan’s Rakhat Kalzhan on technical superiority.

Ravi Kumar became the first Indian to win 3 Gold medals in Asian Wrestling Championships which includes 2020 in New Delhi, India, 2021 in Almaty, Kazakhstan and 2022 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia respectively.

2022 Asian Wrestling Championships Medals Table:

 

Rank	Country	Total
1	Japan	21
2	Iran	15
3	Kazakhstan	21
5	India	17

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Airtel Payments Bank tie-up with IndusInd Bank to offer FD Facility: Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with IndusInd Bank to offer fixed deposit (FD) facilities to its customers. A customer can open FD of Rs 500 up to Rs 190,000 on the Airtel Thanks app. With this partnership, customers of Airtel Payments Bank savings account will get an interest rate of up to 6.5 %p.a. and senior citizens will get an additional 0.5% on all fixed deposits.

Customers of the Airtel Payments Bank will be able to book several FDs for a fixed term of one, two, or three years. Customers can dissolve an FD before its maturity date via the Airtel Thanks app without incurring any penalties or processing fees for early withdrawals. Within minutes, the invested amount will be paid back to the associated account.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Prasar Bharati signed MoU with Public Broadcaster of Argentina: Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU with the Public Broadcaster of Argentina Radio Television Argentina (RTA) for collaboration in the field of broadcasting. The MoU encompasses a range of fronts in Media and Broadcasting that is set to exemplify the communication and transmission networking of both nations. India and Argentina share cordial relations and developmental partnerships in the areas of political, economic, scientific and technological cooperation. The Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, Shashi Shekhar Vempati and the president of RTA, Rosario Lufrano, signed the agreement in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Argentina Dinesh Bhatia.

About this MoU:

a)      The MoU will allow expanding cooperation between both media systems, with the exchange of programs, formats and cultural initiatives and share knowledge and experiences in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports and news.

b)      It also opens the doors for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as audiovisual platforms, documentaries, animation, comedies, series, installations and incentives for TV production, among others. It also has the possibility of developing personnel exchange for training.

Note: Prasar Bharati CEO: Shashi Shekhar Vempati (2017–); Prasar Bharati Founded: 23 November 1997, New Delhi; Prasar Bharati Headquarters: New Delhi; Prasar Bharati   Subsidiary: Doordarshan.

 

2. Aditya Birla Capital named Vishakha Mulye as next CEO: Vishakha Mulye has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of Aditya Birla Capital. The company said in its stock filing that the board of directors approved the appointment based on the recommendations of the Nomination, Remuneration and Compensation Committee. She replaces Ajay Srinivasan, who is taking up other responsibilities within the group, as per the exchange filing.

Mulye, currently the Executive Director of ICICI Bank, will join Aditya Birla Capital on June 1, 2022, and will operate as the CEO with Srinivasan for a month to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. She will take charge of her role as the CEO of Aditya Birla Capital Limited post this period

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sir David Attenborough earns UN ‘Champion of the Earth Lifetime Achievement award’: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has named Sir David Attenborough, English natural history broadcaster and naturalist, as the recipient of the Champions of the Earth Award 2021 under the Lifetime Achievement category. This award is given to him for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for the protection of nature and its restoration.

Sir David Attenborough is well known for his innovative educational television programs, especially the nine-part Life series forming the Life collection. His well-known documentaries include The Green Planet and A Plastic Ocean. He was knighted twice by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985 and again in 2020. He has won 3 Emmy Awards and 8 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.

Other Winners of 2021 Champions of the Earth Awards:

 

Category	Winners	Country
Policy Leadership	Mia Mottley (Prime Minister, Barbados)	Barbados
Inspiration And Action	Sea Women of Melanesia	Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
Science And Innovation	Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH))	Uganda
Enterpreneurial Vision	Maria Kolesnikova	Kyrgyz Republic

 

Note: United Nations Environment Programme Founded: 1972; United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya; United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director: Inger Andersen (Denmark).

 

2. Commonwealth Points of Light Award won by Kishore Kumar Das: The founder of the educational charity ‘Bidyanando’ Kishore Kumar Das from Bangladesh has been chosen for the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth Points of Light Award for his exceptional work in improving access to education for children from marginalised backgrounds. UK’s Commonwealth Point of Light Awards recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.

About Kishore Kumar Das:

a)      Kishore Das set up Bidyanando in 2013 with just 22 students. It now runs five primary schools which provide free education as well as academic coaching sessions and scholarship programmes to help children continue into higher education.

b)      Kishore has also started a meal programme, ‘Ek takay aahar’ (Meal for one Taka), which has provided more than 10,000 nutritious meals for vulnerable people, particularly children and those who are homeless.

c)       During the Corona pandemic, Bidyanondo ramped up its effort to distribute relief across the country.

Daily GK Update- 26th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog released draft battery swapping policy 2022: NITI Aayog has released a draft battery swapping policy, under which all metropolitan cities with a population above 40 lakh will be prioritized for the development of a battery swapping network under the first phase. All major cities such as state capitals, UT headquarters, and cities with populations above 5 lakh will be covered under the second phase. What is Battery Swapping?

a)      Battery swapping is an alternative which involves exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones. Battery swapping de-links the vehicle and fuel (battery in this case) and hence reduces the upfront cost of the vehicles.

b)      Battery swapping is popularly used for smaller vehicles such as 2 and 3 wheelers which have smaller batteries that are easier to swap compared to other automotive segments wherein the same can be implemented mechanically.

c)       Battery swapping offers three key advantages relative to charging: it is time, space, and cost-efficient, provided each swappable battery is actively used.

d)      Further, Battery Swapping provides a level playing field for innovative and sustainable business models such as “Battery As a Service”.

Note: NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015; NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi; NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi; NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson: Suman Bery; NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant.

 

2. NIXI-CSC and Tripura signed MOU to set up International Data Centre: The Tripura state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NIXI-CSC Data Services Centre to develop an international grade Data Centre in the state. To establish the projected Data Centre, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and CSE e-governance services Ltd have formed a joint venture called NIXI-CSC Data Services Centre. Key Points:

a)      On behalf of the state government, AK Bhattacharjee, in-charge director of the IT department, signed the MoU, while NIXI-CSC Data Services Centre CEO Anil Jain was the signatory.

b)      The joint venture company will invest Rs 150 crore in the Data Centre, while the state government will simply supply space.

c)       The NIXI-CSC Data Services Centre will begin operations in the next one or two months, despite the fact that it will take a year to turn the Data Centre to a world-class level.

d)      The joint venture will allow the state government to host all of its data in the projected Data Centre, as well as offer data to the state at no cost, according to the MoU. In addition to the state, the corporation will charge for data exchange with other government and private players.

 

3. Posoco ties up with IIT Delhi for research: Power System Operation Corp. Ltd.’s (Posoco) Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) to encourage research on issues relating to India’s power sector and strengthen interaction between academia and industry. Key Points:

a)      The partnership’s goals are to improve academia-industry interaction with the goal of knowledge sharing and capacity building through collaboration, as well as to promote research on topics related to India’s power sector, such as data sciences or data analytics, ancillary services for grid operations, short-term demand and RE forecasting using artificial intelligence and machine learning, dynamic security assessment, phasor measurement, and unit analytics, among others.

b)      Posoco, a state-owned company, is in charge of the national energy grid’s secure and integrated operations. The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) is one of five regional load despatch centres (RLDCs).

c)       India wants to increase its focus on clean energy, with the government aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and intermediate goals through 2030.

 

4. Babita Singh selected as new Global Peace Ambassador 2022: Babita Singh, a serial entrepreneur, was named a Global Peace Ambassador for her work in promoting peace through education, sports, art, culture, and diplomacy at the India International Conclave 2022, which was held in collaboration with the Asia Africa Consortium (AAC) in New Delhi. Key Points:

a)      Babita Singh has been awarded this honour because she is one of the very few people who have dedicated their lives to practises that promote Universal Moral Values, Interreligious cooperation, and International Harmony in accordance with the United Nations Human Rights Charter in order to improve the lives of billions of people around the world.

b)      The bureaucrats, politicians, international keynote speakers, celebrity artists, diplomats, and ambassadors from ten other nations were all in attendees.

c)       The conference was organised in collaboration with On Sky Global, the United Nations World Sports Alliance, the World Health Organization, CBSE, Primary Plus, George Washington University, and the Bangladesh Olympic Association, with support from CBSE, Primary Plus, George Washington University, and the Bangladesh Olympic Association.

 

5. Naveen Patnaik released 2 books “The Magic of Mangalajodi” & “The Sikh History of East India”: Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik released 2 books, a coffee table book titled “The Magic of Mangalajodi” by Avinash Khemka; and a compilation of the Sikh history of eastern India titled “Sikh History of Eastern India” by Abinash Mohapatra. The coffee table book “The Magic of Mangalajodi” provides a bird’s eye view of Mangalajodi in Chilika lake through various images and descriptions.

Sikh History of Eastern India is a result of the meticulous research work on Sikh history and philosophy by Abinash Mohapatra. This is a compilation of 8 books authored by Abinash Mohapatra, which includes a Sikh history of Bihar, Assam, Bangladesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russia test-fired the “RS-28 SARMAT,” world’s “most powerful” nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his military had successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a big nuclear payload, but the Pentagon said the missile did not pose a substantial danger to the US. Russia’s most powerful ICBM is the RS-28 Sarmat, dubbed “Satan 2” by NATO.

About SARMAT: It is a super-heavy, thermonuclear-armed intercontinental-range ballistic missile. The Sarmat was supposed to take the place of the Soviet-built Voevoda, which had three warheads and was designed in 1962. The Sarmat weighs 200 metric tonnes (220 tonnes) and has a longer range, allowing it to fly across the North and South poles and strike targets anywhere on the planet.

 

2. UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2022: Guadalajara, Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico was named World Book Capital for the year 2022 by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. The city, already a UNESCO Creative City since 2017, was selected for its comprehensive plan for policies around the book to trigger social change, combat violence and build a culture of peace.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Media, Arts Guadalajara has supported its local talents and advancing creative industries through initiatives that place media arts at the core of their programmes including in its world-famous International Book Fair. Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading and to organize activities over the year. As the twenty-second city to bear the title since 2001, Guadalajara follows Tbilisi (2021) Kuala Lumpur (2020).

Note: UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Members: 193 countries; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay.

 

3. World Intellectual Property Day: 26th April: World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on the 26th of April to learn about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The day recognizes the huge potential of young people to find new and better solutions that support the transition to a sustainable future.

History of World Intellectual Property Day: The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life.” April 26th was chosen as the day to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day as it coincides with the date when the convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization came into effect in 1970.

Note: World Intellectual Property Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Daren Tang; World Intellectual Property Organization Founded: 14 July 1967

 

4. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: 26th April: International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general.

How did this incident happen?

Built-in 1977, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was used to make electricity for the then Soviet Union, or in modern-day Pripyat, Ukraine. Before the horrifying incident, in 1982 the Chernobyl plant had a partial meltdown of reactor 1, which caused some damage and it took a few months to repair. This incident wasn’t reported until the Chernobyl disaster happened. In 1986, an explosion at the nuclear power plant spread a radioactive cloud over the large territories of Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. The seriousness of the disaster can be known by the fact that around 8.4 million people in the three European nations were exposed to the radiation.

History of the day: After the 30th anniversary of the accident, on December 8, 2016, the United Nations adopted the resolution and proclaimed April 26 as the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day. The General Assembly in its resolution recognised that even after three decades of the 1986 disaster, the long-term consequences remained seriously persistent and the affected communities and territories continued to experience the related needs.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Serbia Open title: Andrey Rublev defeated Novak Djokovic: Andrey Rublev (Russian) has defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) to win his third title in the Serbia Open. Andrey Rublev has saved five set points in the second set to force a tie-break, but he was unable to prevent Djokovic from levelling the match. Rublev has now equalled Rafael Nadal (Spain) for the most tour-level titles in 2022 He also clinched crowns in Marseille and Dubai in February 2022.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BHIM UPI became operational at NEOPAY terminals in the UAE: NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the International arm of the National Payment Corporation of India has announced that BHIM UPI is now live at NEOPAY terminals, across the UAE. This initiative will empower millions of Indians who travel to the UAE, to safely and conveniently make payments using BHIM UPI. NIPL and NEOPAY, the payment subsidiary of Mashreq bank, partnered last year to create the acceptance infrastructure in the UAE.

With the acceptance of BHIM UPI in the UAE, Indian tourists can now make seamless payments through BHIM UPI across NEOPAY enabled shops and merchant stores. This partnership will play a key role in transforming the P2M payment experience for Indian travellers in the UAE. The implementation of the BHIM UPI in the UAE is a stepping stone toward providing a major boost to digital payments in the country.

About the Unified Payments Interface: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India for facilitating inter-bank transactions. The simple, safe, cost-effective mobile-based payments system has become one of the most prominent forms of digital payments. In the Financial year 2022 (FY22), UPI enabled 45.6 Billion transactions, worth USD 1 Trillion, making it the best performing real-time payment eco-system in the world.

Note: NPCI International Payments Ltd Establishment: 2020; NPCI International Payments Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; NPCI International Payments Ltd CEO: Ritesh Shukla.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki Passes Away: Former president of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki passed away at the age of 90. He led the country from 2002 to 2013. During his rule, more than 1,100 people died in bloody ethnic battles after disputed 2007 polls, but to prevent such unrest he adopted a new constitution with reforms. His rule was ruined by uncontrolled corruption and lavish spending on flagship projects which increased the country’s debt.

Note: Kenya Capital: Nairobi; Kenya Currency: Shilling; Kenya President: Uhuru Kenyatta.

 

2. Noted Padma Shri writer Binapani Mohanty passes away: Eminent writer of Odisha and Padma Shri awardee (2020), Binapani Mohanty passed away at the age of 85. She was born in Berhampur and started her teaching career as a lecturer in Economy in 1960. Her many short stories have been translated into various languages (including Hindi, English, Kannada, Marathi).  She had founded an organisation of Odia women writers named ‘Odisha Lekhika Sansad.’

Daily GK Update- 25th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra is first state in India to launch a bus service with a totally digital ticketing system: Maharashtra State Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray inaugurated the tap-in tap-out service on the Gateway of India to Churchgate route in an effort to make commuting across Mumbai easier. Aditya Thackeray stated during the event that Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) is India’s first fully digital bus service. Key Points:

a)      In a few days, all 10 buses on this route will be equipped with this technology, which will eventually be expanded to all 438 routes.

b)      According to Lokesh Chandra, BEST’s General Manager (GM), this is the country’s first-ever 100 percent digital bus service, with the goal of increasing the digitalisation of the bus ticketing system.

c)       It provides travellers with comfort and convenience because they can tap-in using their smart card or the ‘Chalo’ app on their cellphones.

d)      If the tourist taps out using the app, they will receive a receipt on their phone, and if they used the smart card, they will be able to collect their ticket.

 

2. Rajiv Kumar, Niti Aayog’s vice chairman resigns from his post: The government-run organisation, Niti Aayog’s Vice Chairperson, Rajiv Kumar has resigned due to a government order. Suman Bery, an economist, will take over as the new head of the planning agency.

Key Points:

a)      The government has authorised Rajiv Kumar’s resignation and Suman Bery’s appointment, according to an order issued by the Cabinet Appointments Committee. Rajiv Kumar will be relieved of his duties, according to the ruling.

b)      The reason for Rajiv Kumar’s resignation was not stated in the order.

c)       After Arvind Panagariya resigned from the job in August 2017 to return to academia, Rajiv Kumar, an economist, was named vice chairman of the Niti Aayog.

 

3. As Co-Chair, Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini India, joins the UNICEF YuWaah Board: YuWaah (Generation Unlimited India) in India announced that Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini in India, has joined the organisation, starting immediately, alongside Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF Representative, as being the co -chair of the organisation. Key Points:

a)      The YuWaah Board would now serve as a decision-making body, with the majority of founding partners and board members providing time and resources to help the YuWaah Secretariat with money and functional expertise.

b)      They will play a critical role in influencing YuWaah’s long-term strategy and execution, as well as actively crafting shared-value partnerships with governments and the private sector to genuinely establish a collaborative platform.

c)       YuWaah has set a lofty goal of enlisting 300 young people as changemakers. Bold strategies and quick actions will be required to achieve this goal.

d)      The new YuWaah Board will work to provide the essential tools and assistance to youth in India, particularly those who are most marginalised, so that they can effectively traverse the challenges of the twenty-first century.

 

4. Khongjom Day was observed in Manipur at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex: Rich tributes were paid in Manipur to the valiant sons of the state who made tremendous sacrifices fighting against the British in the battle of Khongjom during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War to maintain Manipur’s independence. Key Points:

a)      Every year on the 23rd of April, Manipur commemorates Manipuri warriors who battled against the British, especially Major Paona Brajabashi.

b)      The Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur joined the people of Manipur in a floral homage to the heroes. At Khebaching, two minutes of silence were held, as well as a gun salute.

c)       Chief Minister also thanked the Centre for renaming Mount Harriet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur. He explained that the decision was made in honour of Manipur fighters’ sacrifice.

Note: Chief Minister of Manipur: Biren Singh; Governor of Manipur: Ganeshan

 

5. Lt Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar named as next DG of Military Operations: Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar has been appointed as the next Director-General of Military Operations. He would take charge of the new office on May 1st. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant General Katiyar was commissioned in the 23rd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment in June 1986. Lieutenant General Katiyar is presently the General Officer Commanding of 1 Corps, a strike formation responsible for offensive operations against both Pakistan and China.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to give additional $500 million Fuel Aid to Sri Lanka: India will provide an additional $500 million in financial aid to help the Srilanka island nation buy fuel, and that Bangladesh was willing to postpone $450 million in swap repayments to help Colombo. This is the second $500 million in gasoline credit that India has given to a Sri Lankan government grappling with the country’s greatest financial crisis in living memory. Key Points:

a)      After a shipment of 120,000 tonnes of diesel and 40,000 tonnes of gasoline earlier this month, the first line of credit was exhausted. India has supplied approximately 400,000 tonnes of petroleum so far.

b)      After fuel stockpiles were depleted, massive protests erupted. AFP claimed that thousands of irate motorists torched tyres and blocked a major road leading into Colombo, citing police and local officials. The protests erupted after the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation increased the price of 92 octane gasoline to LKR 338 per litre, an increase of LKR 84.

c)       The CPC raised its prices for the second time this month.

d)      The Lankan Indian oil giant raised its pricing for the fifth time in six months.

India’s Stand for Srilanka:

a)      India has given two credit lines totaling more than $2 billion to help with the purchase of food (rice has already been sent), medicines, and other necessities.

b)      India also requested the IMF, or International Monetary Fund, to offer financial support to Sri Lanka as soon as possible. On the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring conference in Washington, DC, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

c)       Sri Lanka had sought India’s assistance in securing foreign support for bridging funding as it started bailout talks with the IMF.

d)      Crisis-hit Sri Lanka defaulted on its external debt, which was estimated to be worth more than $51 billion. Foreign debt payments have been temporarily halted, according to officials, in order to prevent a hard default and conserve limited reserves for crucial imports. Sri Lanka is negotiating with the IMF for a rescue of at least $4 billion.

Note: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister: GL Peiris; Srilanka President: Gotabaya Rajapaks

 

2. India’s participated as the Guest of honour at the Paris Book Festival 2022: As announced in the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi – President Emmanuel Macron Joint Statement released in 2018 during the French President’s visit to New Delhi, India has been designated as the Guest of Honour Country at the Paris Book Festival 2022, which took place from April 21 to April 24, 2022. On April 21, 2022, the Paris Book Festival was launched. On the same day, the India Pavilion at the Paris Book Festival. The National Institute of Design (NID) developed the India Pavilion, which comprises over 15 digital and physical exhibitions showing over 400 books published in various Indian languages, representing the work of 65 Indian publishers.

Note: PrimeMinister of France: Jean Castex

 

3. World Malaria Day: 25th April: Every year on April 25th, World Malaria Day is commemorated to raise awareness about this life-threatening disease that continues to be a menace to humanity. The theme for World Malaria Day this year is “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives”. Malaria is spread through the female Anopheles mosquito’s bite (which is infected with the malaria-causing plasmodium parasite).

History: The day grew out of African Malaria Day. Since 2001, African governments have observed Malaria Day. However, it was only in 2007, during the World Health Organization’s 60th session, that it was recommended to designate Africa Malaria Day as World Malaria Day in order to recognise the disease’s global impact. In 2008, the inaugural World Malaria Day was observed.

 

4. International Delegate’s Day: 25th April: Every year on April 25th, the world celebrates International Delegates Day. This day is commemorated to increase awareness of the function of Member States‘representatives and delegates at the United Nations. The delegates speak and vote on behalf of their country at the UN General Assembly and other fora, such as the UN Security Council, unless a higher-ranking politician is present. The delegates are chosen by their respective governments.

History: The first day of the San Francisco Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization, is commemorated on International Delegates Day. Delegates from fifty countries met in San Francisco for the first meeting on April 25, 1945. Following the devastation of WWII, they came together to form an organisation that would restore world peace and enforce rules on the post-war world order. The General Assembly, in resolution 73/286 dated 2 April 2019, recalls the accomplishments of the San Francisco Conference and declares 25 April as International Delegates Day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. F-1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2022 won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen: Formula One champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Netherlands) won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Italy. It was Verstappen’s second win this season after Saudi Arabia, which has also included two retirements, and the 22nd of his career. Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Mexico) finished second and Lando Norris (McLaren-UK) finished third.

List of 2022 F1 Race Winners:

Bahrain Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari-Monaco);

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

Australian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari-Monaco).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Elon Musk to acquire Twitter in $44 Billion 2022: Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, agreed to acquire Twitter for $44 billion, ending a drama that included hostile takeover threats before handing him personal control of one of the world’s most powerful social media networks.

Key Points:

a)      According to Twitter, the publicly traded corporation will now become a private entity owned by Musk, who negotiated a $54.20 per-share purchase price.

b)      Musk secured $46.5 billion in funding last week to complete the deal, and Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, predicted earlier in the day that the board would likely approve his offer because no other buyer could be found.

c)       Twitter stock was trading 5.9% higher on Wall Street.

Elon Musk and Twitter: Musk, who has blasted Twitter’s overzealous moderation, bought a 9% interest in the firm in April and then offered to buy the entire company altogether, citing a goal to preserve free speech.

Note: Twitter Founder: Jack Dorsey is an American Web developer and entrepreneur who co-founded the online microblogging service Twitter with Evan Williams and Christopher Stone in 2006; Twitter CEO: Parag Aggarwal

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gets John F. Kennedy Award: The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, for the first time ever, awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award 2022 to five individuals. The award will be presented by Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg on May 22, 2022, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston, USA. These five individuals are:

a)      Ukrainian President: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

b)      United States (US) Representative: Liz Cheney

c)       Michigan Secretary of State: Jocelyn Benson

d)      Arizona Representative: Russell “Rusty” Bowers

e)      Fulton County, Georgia, elections worker: Wandrea “Shaye” Moss

About the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award:  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award was created by the family of the late president John Fitzgerald Kennedy to honour public figures who risk their careers by embracing unpopular positions for the greater good, and is named after Kennedy’s 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, ”Profiles in Courage”.