Daily GK Update- 27th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First-ever national conference of female legislators to be inaugurated by President: At the Legislative Assembly complex, President Ram Nath Kovind will kick off the two-day National Women Legislators’ Conference-2022, which is expected to draw a large number of female parliamentarians and legislators from throughout the country. The first-ever such event, hosted by the state Assembly, is part of the nation-wide celebrations scheduled under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav‘ honouring India’s 75th anniversary of independence. Key Points:

a)      According to Assembly sources, the two-day conference will focus on modern issues such as women’s rights, gender equality, and enough female representation in decision-making bodies.

b)      Speakers in the session Constitution and Women’s Rights include Gujarat Assembly Speaker Nimaben Acharya, Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, and former Rajya Sabha member Brinda Karat.

c)       The panellists for the session “Role of Women in India’s Freedom Struggle” will be MPs Supriya Sule and Jebi Methar, as well as former MP Subhashini Ali, while the speakers for the session Women’s Rights and Legal Gaps will be West Bengal minister Shashi Panja, MP Jaya Bachchan, Delhi Assembly deputy speaker Rakhi Birla, and Kerala High Court justice Anu Sivaraman.

d)      In the last day session, “Under Representation of Women in Decision Making Bodies,” Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri, Telangana MLC Kavitha Kalvakuntla, and National Federation of India Women general secretary Annie Raja will express their perspectives.

 

2. MeitY hosts Digital India BHASHINI brainstorming session: Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, was present during a brainstorming session organised by MeiTY on Mission Digital India BHASHINI – the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM). According to him, Startups are an essential component of our digital ecosystem, and Mission Digital India Bhashini will support them in developing India-specific and Indian Languages enabled IT solutions.

Key Points:

a)      MSMEs, Startups, and Individual Innovators will have access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources through the Bhashini Platform.

b)      The goal of this mission is to empower Indian citizens by linking them to the country’s digital initiatives in their local language, resulting in digital inclusion. Bhashini is an interoperable platform that will catalyse the entire Digital Ecosystem. Realizing the goal of Digital Government is a huge step forward.

c)       The mission will create and cultivate an ecosystem that will bring together central and state government agencies, as well as start-ups, to develop and implement new products and services in Indian languages.

d)      Mission Digital India Bhashini also aspires to significantly enhance material in Indian languages on the Internet in areas of public interest, such as governance and policy, science and technology, and so on, encouraging Indians to use the Internet in their own language.

 

3. India to introduce made in India TB infection skin test called “c-TB”: India will introduce a newly approved “made in India” TB infection skin test called ‘c-TB’, said Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This cost-effective tool will be of immense benefit to other high burden countries as well. A new initiative, “Adopt people with TB” will be launched this year, based on Indian values of collectivism, which will call upon corporates, industries, organisations, political parties and individuals to come forward and adopt TB-infected people and families and provide them with nutritional and social support.

Among these are the ‘bidirectional testing’ of TB with Covid, house-to-house TB detection campaigns, scaling up of rapid molecular diagnostics at sub-district levels, use of artificial intelligence and digital tools, ‘Jan Andolan’, and most importantly, the decentralisation of TB services to Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as part of comprehensive primary healthcare.

 

4. India’s First Olympic Values Education launched in Odisha: The Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was launched in Odisha by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in collaboration with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT). The OVEP is a practical set of resources aimed at introducing young people to the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship. It will be a values-based curriculum, to be implemented initially in 90 schools in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, catering to about 32,000 children. The state of Odisha intends to take OVEP to all its schools and higher education institutions in a phased manner, thereby enabling its young population to truly take on board the Olympic values.

About Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP): It is a series of free and accessible teaching resources created by the IOC, to complement academic curricula using the context of Olympic sports and the core principles of Olympism. The programme aims to disseminate this values-based curriculum to help children become active, healthy and responsible citizens. A landmark initiative in India’s Olympic movement, the launch of OVEP comes as a build-up to the prestigious IOC 2023 Session.

Note: International Olympic Committee Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Olympic Committee Director-General: Christophe De Kepper; International Olympic Committee Founded: 23 June 1894, Paris, France.

 

5. Ruskin Bond’s book titled ‘Listen to Your Heart: The London Adventure’ Released: A new book titled “Listen to Your Heart: The London Adventure” authored by Ruskin Bond, was published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI) on Ruskin Bond’s 88th birthday (19th May 2022). Ruskin Bond, India’s famous Children’s book author, was born in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) and grew up in Jamnagar (Gujarat), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), New Delhi and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).

About the book: His latest book, Listen to Your Heart: The London Adventure, to be released on his 88th birthday, gives readers a peek into the four years he spent in the Channel Islands and England. The fifth – and final – volume of his memoir, talks about how he muses over his loneliness, switches jobs, falls in love, befriends the ocean and relentlessly chases his big dream of becoming a famous writer.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus re-elected as Director-General of World Health Organization: World Health Organization has re-appointed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director-General of WHO for the second term with effect from 16th August 2022. His re-election was confirmed during the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He was the sole candidate. Dr Tedros was first elected in 2017. Before joining the WHO, Dr Tedros was served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and as Minister of Health in Ethiopia.

Note: World Health Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; World Health Organization Founded: 7 April 1948.

 

2. World Air Power Index 2022: Indian Air Force Ranks 3rd: World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) has released the World Air Powers Ranking of 2022. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been placed at the third position on the World Air Power Index in terms of the total fighting strength of the various air services of different nations of the world. This report has placed the Indian Air Force (IAF) above the Chinese Aviation based armed forces (PLAAF), Japan Air Self-Preservation Power (JASDF), Israeli Aviation based armed forces, and French Air and Space Power. The report says that the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently counts 1,645 total units in its active aircraft inventory.

Key points of World Air Power Index 2022:

a)      The Global Air Powers Ranking (2022) report has given the highest TvR score to the United States Air Force (USAF). It comprises a broad mix of aircraft types and many products are locally sourced from the massive industrial base of the country. The highest attainable TvR score is 242.9 held by the United States Air Force (USAF).

b)      In addition, it maintains dedicated strategic-level bombers, a sizeable helo, CAS aircraft, fighter force and hundreds of transport aircraft and the USAF will be reinforced in the coming days with hundreds of units still on order.

c)       The report has evaluated the total fighting strength of the various air forces of different nations of the world and ranked them accordingly. Currently, WDMMA is following 98 nations, covering 124 air administrations and following 47,840 aeroplanes.

 

3. Time’s 100 most influential people 2022: Supreme Court lawyer Karuna Nundy, business tycoon Gautam Adani and prominent Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez have been named among the world’s 100 most influential people of 2022 by TIME magazine. The list has been divided into six categories: Icons, Pioneers, Titans, Artists, Leaders and Innovators.

While Adani has been named under the Titans category along with the likes of Apple CEO Tim Cook and American host Oprah Winfrey, Nundy and Parvez found their place under the Leaders category along with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India beats Indonesia 16-0 in Asia Cup 2022 hockey tournament: Indian men’s team slammed six goals in the final quarter to record a 16-0 win over Indonesia in a thrilling Pool A game of the Asia Cup 2022 to qualify for the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup. India joined Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea in the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup. India needed to win the contest by at least a 15-0 margin to qualify and the young side thrived under pressure.

Both India and Pakistan finished on four points each in Pool A behind Japan but the holders qualified for the Super 4s on the basis of a better goal difference. Pakistan had lost 2-3 to Japan earlier in the day. This was India’s first win in the ongoing edition of the Asia Cup as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Pakistan before suffering a 2-5 defeat at the hands of Japan, who finished first in Pool A. Japan won all of their three matches in the pool.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI formed a six-member group to examine customer service standards: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established a six-member committee to assess and review customer services in regulated firms with the goal of safeguarding customers’ interests. The committee will also examine the adequacy of customer service standards and provide recommendations to improve customer service, according to a statement from the banking regulator. The six-member committee will also assess the effectiveness of customer service regulations and make recommendations for improvements. Key Points:

a)      Former RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo will lead the committee, which will deliver its report three months after its first meeting.

b)      The RBI wants to improve customers’ banking experiences and ensure that complaints are rapidly addressed by both regulated firms and the central bank.

c)       The committee would assess the customer service landscape’s developing and evolving demands, particularly in the context of evolving digital and electronic financial products and distribution, and recommend appropriate regulatory measures.

d)      The group is also anticipated to recommend ways to use technology to improve customer service efficiency, upgrade internal grievance resolution mechanisms, and boost the central bank’s overall consumer protection framework.

e)      The Reserve Bank of India has taken stern action against banks for service deficiencies, particularly in digital banking. It has also ordered that these services be reviewed and audited.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SEBI Revoked the ICEX’s Permanent Recognition: SEBI, the market regulator, announced that it had revoked the Indian Commodity Exchange Limited’s (ICEX) recognition. The bourse’s recognition was revoked after Sebi issued an order declaring it non-compliant on many grounds, including net worth and infrastructure criteria. As a result of the withdrawal, ICEX has been directed to transfer the funds in its Investor Protection Fund and Investor Services Fund to the Investor Protection and Education Fund of Sebi.

Furthermore, it has been requested to set aside adequate assets to cover any claims, clear any outstanding Sebi debts, and pay Sebi registration costs in accordance with broker standards. ICEX has been told not to use the term “stock exchange” or any variation of it in its or its subsidiary companies’ names. The federal government recognised ICEX as a forward contract exchange on a permanent basis.

Note: SEBI Chairperson: Madhabi Puri Buch

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. A Gopalakrishnan won VASVIK industrial research award 2020: A Gopalakrishnan, Director of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has won the VASVIK (Vividhlaxi Audyogik Samshodhan Vikas Kendra) Industrial Research Award for the year 2020 in the category of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 1.51 lakh and citation, is in recognition of his significant contribution towards the research works related to fish genetics. The research works related to fish genetics which is relevant for conserving many commercially important and endangered species.

The award committee observed that Dr Gopalakrishnan’s genetic studies conducted and the technologies developed have served to produce molecular markers for many endangered fishes which is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Broodstock’s development techniques and mariculture technologies formulated and standardised by him have helped in the economic upliftment of the society by providing alternate livelihoods.

Daily GK Update- 26th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre launches Swachh Survekshan 2023: Union Government of India has launched the Eighth Edition of Swachh Survekshan – SS-2023 under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0. Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Manoj Joshi launched it at a virtual event in New Delhi. Designed with the theme of ‘Waste to Wealth’ as its driving philosophy, Swachh Survekshan- 2023 is curated towards achieving circularity in waste management. The survey would give priority to the principle of 3 Rs- Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

About the Swachh Survekshan: The Swachh Survekshan has developed into an inspiration tool, rather than being just an assessment tool. This largest survey undertaken anywhere has brought about substantive changes at the ground level, with cities performing well and having a sense of pride. Swachh Survekshan has emerged as the largest urban sanitation survey in the world. It was observed that whenever the Swachh Survey starts, there is an enhanced level of activities undertaken by the cities and cities are visibly cleaner during the months the survey is conducted. Therefore, in SS-2023, the evaluation will be conducted in four phases, instead of three phases in earlier editions.

 

2. Delhi government inducted two robots in their firefighting fleet: Delhi Government has undertaken a unique initiative of using robots for extinguishing fires in the city. Initially, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government inducted two robots into Delhi’s firefighting fleet that will be able to douse fires in narrow streets, warehouses, basements, stairs, forests and enter places like oil and chemical tankers and factories. These remote-controlled firefighting robots will have greater accessibility to places and will be able to navigate narrow lanes, reach spaces inaccessible to humans and perform tasks too risky for people.

Key points of the initiative:

a)      The firefighters of Delhi Fire Service have also been given specialised training to operate the robot and a separate SOP has also been prepared which will be followed to control the fire. The robots were bought from an Austrian company.

b)      This initiative will help reduce collateral damage and save precious lives. This machine can be operated remotely from a distance of 300 metres. It will not be affected by fire, smoke, heat, or any other adverse condition.

c)       With the help of remote control, it can be sent inside the areas affected by the fire and has a tracking system like army tanks, through which these robots can easily climb stairs. It has a 140-horsepower engine.

d)      The sensor and camera are installed in the front part of the robot. The sensor will go near the fire and release the water according to the temperature there.

e)      The fire-resistant robots equipped with modern technology can cover an area of about 100 metres at once and is capable of dousing the fire immediately.

Note: Delhi Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal; Delhi Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena.

 

3. JSW One Platforms appoints Gaurav Sachdeva as CEO: JSW group has appointed Gaurav Sachdeva as the CEO of JSW One Platforms, an e-commerce venture of the group. He has transitioned from his role at JSW Ventures where he led venture capital investments for the fund. In his role as the CEO of JSW One Platforms, Sachdeva will aim to create a nimble organization backed by the credibility and scale of JSW Group that will ease buying and selling of steel and other products for manufacturing and construction MSMEs in the country.

Note: JSW group Founder: Sajjan Jindal; JSW group Founded: 1982; JSW group headquarters location: Mumbai.

 

4. Uttarakhand Govt and BPCL inked MoU for renewable energy projects: An MoU was signed between the Uttarakhand government and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the promotion of the renewable energy industry and other projects in the state. The Uttarakhand government and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of new and renewable energy projects in the state.

Secretary of State for Energy R Meenakshi Sundaram signed the MoU on behalf of the state, while Shelly Abraham, BPCL’s chief general manager (renewable energy), and executive director Amit Garg signed the documents on behalf of BPCL. According to CM Dhami, the agreement will help the hill state grow in the field of renewable energy, notably solar energy.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India-Jordan struck an agreement to cooperate in fertilisers sector: A high-level group led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jordan in a first-of-its-kind endeavor with the goal of securing fertilizers and raw materials for the short and long term. The visit took place against the backdrop of the current global fertilizer crisis. Dr. Mandaviya noted that the Jordan visit was historic in terms of assuring India’s supply of phosphoric and potassium fertilizers. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called Jordan as India’s chosen fertilizer partner during the meetings.

Key Points:

a)      According to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, there is no shortage of fertilizers in the country.

b)      Government has taken proactive measures to assure adequate supplies for farmers ahead of the Kharif season, including increasing local production and forming cooperation with other countries.

c)       Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) inked MOUs with Indian public, cooperative, and private sector companies for supplies of 30 LMT Rock Phosphate, 2.50 LMT DAP, and 1 LMT phosphoric acid for the current year.

d)      He also mentioned that India has signed a 5-year MOU with Jordan for yearly shipments of 2.75 LMT of MoP, which will gradually increase to 3.25 LMT each year. These shipments will be critical for India’s continued fertilizer supply in the coming agricultural seasons.

Note: King of Jordan: Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein

 

2. Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, attended the 7th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting: Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, attended the 7th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting via video conference, which was hosted by the People’s Republic of China and attended by all BRICS Member Nations. Under the subject Establishing a Cultural Partnership Featuring Inclusiveness and Mutual Learning among BRICS, a discussion was conducted to promote and expand cultural activities among the BRICS countries.

Key Points:

a)      The debate focused on boosting cultural digitization growth and collaboration, enhancing cooperation on cultural heritage preservation, and pushing the development of BRICS nations’ cultural exchange platforms.

b)      The Ministers approved the BRICS Action Plan 2022-2026, which aims to expand cultural cooperation and execute the 2015 BRICS Cultural Cooperation Agreement.

c)       The Ministers of Culture of all BRICS Nations agreed and signed the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the BRICS States on Cooperation in the Field of Culture (2022-2026) at the end of the conference.

 

3. International Missing Children’s Day: 25th May: International Missing Children’s Day is an awareness event that is observed every year on 25th of May. The aims of the day are to place a spotlight on the issue of child abduction, educate parents on safeguarding measures to protect their children and also honour those who have never been found and celebrate those who have. This awareness event is run in conjunction with the Global Missing Children’s Network.

History of the Missing Children’s Day: Missing Children’s Day began as an observance in the USA in 1983. The date was chosen following the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz on 25th May 1979 from New York City. International Missing Children’s Day which observes the same date was launched a number of years later in 2001 and is now observed all over the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shikhar Dhawan becomes first player to hit 700 fours in IPL history: Punjab Kings opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has become the first player to hit 700 fours in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan reached this feat during the last league stage match of IPL 2022, between PBKS and Sunrisers Hyderabad, here at the Wankhede Stadium.  The batter has now a total of 701 IPL fours to his name. He is followed by David Warner and Virat Kohli, with 577 and 576 fours, respectively. PBKS ended their IPL 2022 campaign with a total of 14 points while SRH finished with 12 points.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Co-branded credit cards from HDFC Bank and Retailio launched: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, announced the launch of a new range of co-branded credit cards with Retailio, aimed largely at chemists and pharmacies in the merchant market. Retailio is the largest B2B pharma marketplace in the country. It is a useful app that is having a significant digital impact on the Pharma supply chain management in India. Chemists, retailers, distributors, pharmacists, and hospitals can use the Retailio mobile application and web interface to place orders with their respective distributors.

Features of credit cards with Retailio:

a)      Interest-free credit duration of up to 50 days

b)      Reward points on all purchases and spending across all merchants, as well as annual milestone incentives such as 500 Bonus Reward Points for spending 25,000 per month and 1,500 Bonus Reward Points for spending 50,000 per month (exclusive for RIO club members),

c)       5% Cashback on all business necessities such as utility, telecom, government, and tax payments (capped at Rs.250 per month)

d)      Other Smartbuy, SmartPay, and Payzapp subscription offerings

e)      Free and low-cost EMI options for all credit card customers, as well as term loan eligibility for business purposes

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Total Energies of France to purchase share in Adani’s hydrogen business: Under the newly formed company Adani New Industries Ltd, Total Energies, the French oil and gas major, is expected to acquire a minority share of 10% or more in Adani group’s hydrogen business (ANIL). The agreement is nearing completion, and an announcement is expected in the coming months.

In India, Total had earlier partnered with Adani in 2018 with investments in Adani Gas Limited, city gas distribution business, associated LNG terminal business and gas marketing business. Total acquired 37.4 per cent stake in Adani Gas Limited and 50 per cent stake in Dhamra LNG project. Then, Adani and Total had also agreed for an alliance into the wider sustainable energy space. Total and Adani agreed the acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in a 2.35 GWac portfolio of operating solar assets owned by Adani Gas and a 20 per cent stake in Adani Green Energy for a global investment of $2.5 billion.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rolls-Royce India president Kishore Jayaraman Receives British honour: Kishore Jayaraman, President, India and South Asia for Rolls-Royce, has received an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty The Queen, British Deputy High Commission. Jayaraman is a board member of the U.K.-India Business Council, which supports U.K. businesses set up in India. He has also been instrumental in promoting bilateral ties by setting up a strategic ecosystem for boosting manufacturing in India enabled by U.K.’s technology.

Under his leadership, the company set up the ‘Engineering Centre’ in Bengaluru in 2015, ‘Digital Centre of Excellence with over 60 digital technologists in 2017, and its first ‘Start-up Accelerator Programme’ in India in 2019.

 

2. Music Academy announced Sangita Kalanidhi awards 2020-22: Renowned vocalist and guru, Neyveli R Santanagopalan, eminent mridangam artiste and guru, ‘Tiruvarur’ Bhakthavathsalam, and Lalgudi violin duo, G J R Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi were named for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi awards of the Music Academy for 2020, 2021, and 2022.

The Music Academy announced Sangita Kalanidhi award winners for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The physical festival could not be conducted in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Minister M K Stalin will present the awards while inaugurating the 96th Annual Conference and Concerts on December 15, 2022, N Murali, President, Music Academy.

Sangita Kalanidhi awards: Santanagopalan will receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award for the year 2020 while Bhakthavathsalam has been chosen for the award for the year 2021. Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi, “torchbearers of the Lalgudi lineage of violinists and renowned performers” will receive the award for 2022.

For the Sangita Kala Acharya awards: The Academy has chosen nagaswaram exponent Kivalur N G Ganesan (2020), vocalist, musicologist, and guru Dr Ritha Rajan (2021), and Vainika and musicologist Dr R S Jayalakshmi (2022).

T T K Award for 2020, 2021, and 2022: Noted vocalist and guru Thamarakkad Govindan Namboodri, versatile percussionist Nemani Somayajulu, and noted Kanjra artiste A V Anand will receive the T T K Award for 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively.

Musicologist award: The Musicologist award for 2020 will be presented to Dr V Premalatha. Nritya Kalanidhi will be presented to Bharatanatyam exponents Rama Vaidyanathan (2020) and Narthaki Nataraj (2021). Bragha Bessell, widely respected Abhinaya expert and guru, will be awarded the prize for 2022.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Communist leader Shivaji Patnaik passes away: Veteran Communist leader and three-time Member of Parliament, Shivaji Patnaik passed away at the age of 93. Shivaji Patnaik is lauded as the founder of CPI (Marxist) in Odisha. He was born on August 10, 1930, the veteran leader had joined the State student’s movement at the age of 17 when he was studying in Ravenshaw College. He had a crucial role in the formation of CPI(M) when the Communist party faced division in 1964. He remained the party secretary from 1971 to 1990. He was also elected to the Central Committee of the party.

Daily GK Update- 25th May, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 4th edition of state-level Shirui Lily Festival 2022 begins in Manipur: In Manipur, the 4th Edition of State-Level Shirui Lily Festival 2022 has begun. This annual festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur with an aim to create and raise awareness of the Shirui Lily flower which is also the State Flower of Manipur. The four-day-long festival has inaugurated by the Governor of Manipur La. Ganesan and the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tomorrow at Shirui Village Ground in Ukhrul district.

About the festival: The festival is held around April and May as it is the blooming season of Shirui Lily. The flower is found in the Ukhrul district of Manipur only and cannot be replanted anywhere in the world. This year, some of the international rock bands will perform in the festival. Every year, tourists both domestic and international attend the function. Different events including traditional dances, songs and music, trekking, beauty contests, indigenous games and sports will be organised at different sites in the Ukhrul district.

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

 

2. Indian Railways and IIT Madras Partner to Develop India’s First Indigenous Hyperloop: The Ministry of Railways has announced that it’s going to collaborate with IIT Madras for the development of a made-in-India Hyperloop system. It has also announced that it’ll be setting up a Centre for Excellence for Hyperloop technologies at the aforementioned institution. India has shown interest in Hyperloop tech since 2017, by then Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. In fact, the ministry also held talks with US-based Hyperloop One, but nothing quite materialised.

About Hyperloop:

a)      Hyperloop is a concept of high-speed transportation where pressurised vehicles (or pods) travel through a low-pressure tunnel allowing for movement through the atmosphere at almost no resistance, similar to air travel.

b)      Imagine, an aircraft like speed on land, travelling through low-pressure tunnels from one terminal to another. The pods would move via mag-lev technology that would enable the frictionless ride.

c)       Apart from being extremely quick, it’s also eco-friendly as it consumes less power than an electric train and doesn’t really have any emissions unlike an aircraft or a diesel locomotive.

 

3. International Day of Yoga to be observed in Karnataka on June 21: The Union Ministry of Ayush has confirmed the observance of the 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Mysuru city, which is known as the cultural capital and major historic destination of Karnataka state on June 21. The Ministry of Ayush has written to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka P. Ravikumar regarding the matter and directed him to issue necessary directions to all the concerned to make arrangements for the successful organisation of the main event of IDY-2022.

The preparations for IDY-2022 are already underway. As the upcoming 8th IDY is falling in the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ year, this Ministry plans to observe IDY at 75 iconic sites across the country. This year, the IDY will be focused on Branding India on the global stage. Every year, the main event of IDY observation happens in a particular city where thousands of people participate in Mass Yoga Demonstration by following the Common Yoga Protocol. The main event of IDY observation is led by the Prime Minister himself. The main event of this IYD observation will be held in Mysuru, Karnataka.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Belgium becomes first country to make quarantine compulsory for monkeypox patients: Belgium has become the first country to make a 21-day quarantine compulsory for monkeypox patients after four cases of the disease were reported. The Belgian health authorities took this decision, Saudi Gazette reported citing Belgian media. The Belgian Institute of Tropical Medicine has said that the risk of a larger outbreak in the country is low.

Monkeypox Virus: The World Health Organization reported that there were a total of 92 confirmed monkeypox cases in 12 different countries, with 28 suspected cases under investigation. Cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the UK, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, the US, Canada and Australia, as reported by Saudi Gazette.

Monkeypox is a disease in the same family as smallpox and symptoms include a distinct bumpy rash, a fever, sore muscles, and a headache. Monkeypox is less deadly than smallpox, with a mortality rate below four per cent, but experts are worried about the unusual spread of the disease beyond Africa where it usually circulates.

Note: Belgium Capital: Brussels; Belgium Currency: Euro; Prime Minister of Belgium: Alexander De Croo.

 

2. Jose Ramos-Horta sworn in as president of East Timor: Former independence fighter and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta has been sworn in as president of East Timor (Timor-Leste) ahead of celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of independence for Asia’s youngest country. He defeated incumbent Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres, his fellow independence fighter, in the election. Ramos-Horta was prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and president from 2007 to 2012. East Timor is marking the 20th anniversary of independence for Asia’s youngest country.

Note: East Timor Capital: Dili; East Timor Currency: United States Dollar.

 

3. World Thyroid Awareness Day: 25th May: World Thyroid Day is observed on May 25 to promote awareness and understanding of thyroid diseases, their symptoms, prevention, and treatments. There’s no separate theme for World Thyroid Day this year. However, for Thyroid Awareness Week observed between May 22 and 28, Thyroid Federation international has announced the theme, “It’s not you. It’s your thyroid.” The theme focused on making sure that people understand the most common symptoms of thyroid disorders and take the necessary steps to cure it.

World Thyroid Awareness Day History: May 25 was officially adopted as World Thyroid Day during the Annual General Meeting prior to the European Thyroid Association (ETA) congress in September 2007. The date of May 25 also marks the anniversary of ETA’s foundation in 1965. Hence, it was chosen to be as a day dedicated to creating awareness about thyroid disorders.

 

4. International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories: 25th to 31st May: United Nations is observing “International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories” from May 25 to 31. Non-Self-Governing Territory is defined as a Territory “whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government.” To take effective measures to protect and guarantee the inalienable rights of the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to their natural resources, including land. To establish and maintain control over the future development of those resources and request the administering powers to take measures to protect the property rights of the peoples in these Territories.

History of International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/54/91 on 6th December 1999 and decided the annually observe the International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories starting from May 25. The week was first observed in 2000.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manchester City won 2021-22 Premier League Football championship: Manchester City has won 2021/22 Premier League champions their fourth title success. Manchester City won over Aston Villa in the final game of the season. In Manchester City’s 38 league matches this season, they have won 29, drawn six, and lost three, scoring 99 goals in the process.

Manchester City has now won four Premier League titles and eight major trophies under Pep Guardiola since his arrival in the summer of 2016. Manchester City clinched a sixth Premier League title in 11 seasons on Sunday by scoring three times in five minutes to come from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2 in the finale to avoid being toppled by challenger Liverpool.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI launched Real Time Xpress Credit on YONO platform: State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the introduction of Real-Time Xpress Credit on its Yono platform, allowing eligible customers to get personal loans of up to Rs 35 lakh. The bank said its flagship personal loan product for salaried customers “Xpress Credit” now has a digital avatar and customers can now avail of it through Yono. Under Real-Time Xpress Credit:

a)      Real-Time Xpress Credit, central, state government and defence salaried customers of SBI will no longer be required to visit the branch for availing of a personal loan. It would be a 100% paperless and digital experience and an end-to-end eight-step journey.

b)      The Xpress Credit product will enable our customers to experience a digital, hassle-free, and paperless loan process. SBI constantly endeavour to offer technology-led enhanced digital banking experience to the customers in order to simplify banking.”

Note: State Bank of India Founded: 1 July 1955; State Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; State Bank of India Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Jet Airways Gets DGCA approval To Start Commercial Flights: The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has granted air operator’s permit to Jet Airways. This will allow the airline to restart commercial flight operations after remaining grounded for more than three years. The approval comes after the airline conducted proving flights for the safety regulator between May 15 and May 17. The airline aims to start operations in the second quarter, i.e. between July and September. It will be a full-service carrier with business and economy classes.

With the grant of the permit, Jet Airways has fulfilled all the pre-conditions laid down by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) as part of the insolvency process for the transfer of the ownership of the airline to the successful resolution applicant- the consortium of UAE-based NRI Murari Lal Jalan and U.K.-based Kalrock Capital Management in London.

Note: Jet Airways CEO: Sanjiv Kapoor (4 Apr 2022–); Jet Airways Founder: Naresh Goyal; Jet Airways Founded: 1 April 1992, Mumbai; Jet Airways Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

2. ONGC First Indian Exploration and Production Firm To Trade Domestic Gas: The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has become the first gas producer to sell domestic gas on the Indian Gas Exchange, exchanging unidentified amounts from the KG-DWN-98/2 block off the coast of India. ONGC stated in a statement that it will gradually raise output. ONGC has made history by becoming India’s first exploration and production (E&P) company to trade domestic gas on the Indian Gas Exchange. 

ONGC Director (Onshore) & In-charge Marketing Anurag Sharma made the first online trade on India’s first automated national level Gas Exchange, IGX. The gas exchanged came from the ONGC Krishna Godavari 98/2 block, but did not identify the quantity sold. ONGC has geared itself to reap the benefits of the liberalization of the gas price ecosystem in 2000-21.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. WHO DG’s Global Health Leaders Awards: India’s ASHA Workers Among 6 Winners: India’s one million all-women Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers, were honoured with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award 2022 for their “crucial role” in providing direct access to healthcare facilities in rural areas and their indefatigable efforts to rein in the coronavirus pandemic in the country. The award recognises the outstanding contributions to advancing global health, demonstrated leadership and commitment to regional health issues.

Other Recipients of the Award:

a)      Dr Paul Farmer was Chair of the Department of Global Health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Partners in Health.

b)      Dr Ahmed Hankir, a British-Lebanese psychiatrist is a Senior Research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health Research in association with Cambridge University andAcademic Clinical Fellow in Psychiatry at King’s College London in the UnitedKingdom.

c)       Ludmila Sofia Oliveira Varela for her work to facilitate access to sports for all providers a healthy alternative to risky behaviours among young people, and tackles the growing threat of non-communicable diseases.

d)      Polio workers in Afghanistan include Mohamamd Zubair Khalazai, NajibullahKosha, Shadab Yosufi, Shareefullah Hemati, Haseeba Omari, Khadija Attaee, MuniraHakimi, Robina Yosufi and Shadab.

e)      Yōhei Sasakawa is the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, and Japan’s Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by leprosy.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India launching Project WARDEC AI-powered wargame centre: The Army Training Command and Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Wargame Research and Development Centre in New Delhi. The project, dubbed ‘WARDEC’ as a prototype, will be India’s first simulation-based training centre, which will use artificial intelligence (AI) to create virtual reality wargames.

Wargame Centre Purpose:

a)      The wargame simulations will be used to train for conflicts, counter-terrorist operations, and counter-insurgency operations.

b)      In the next three to four months, the RRU will collaborate with Tech Mahindra to develop the centre.

c)       Soldiers will put their talents to the test in the metaverse, which will combine virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to imitate their surroundings.

d)      The Army will give data to form the backdrop of the game, according to RRU officials, so that participants have a genuine experience.

e)      The BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, in addition to the armed forces, might benefit from metaverse-enabled simulation exercises for enhanced training.

f)        AI can deliver a completely immersive training experience by simulating a battlefield as closely as possible and mapping multiple scenarios in the unlikely case of a war.