Latest Current Affairs For January, 2022

Mansukh Mandaviya launches research portal of NIPER

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has launched research portal of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in New Delhi. 

Aim: at disseminating information of research activities, patents and publications of all NIPERs at one place.

It will enhance this industry-Academia collaboration, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has created this Research Portal to capture the research activities of all seven NIPERs.

Martyrs Day (Shaheed Divas): 30th January 2022

Martyrs' Day also called Shaheed Diwas, is observed in India on 30th January annually to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

It was on 30th January, 1948 that Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu) was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the Birla House.

To mark this occasion, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is screening documentary ‘Gandhi Rediscovered’ on its Films Division website and YouTube channel. 

Apart from this, March 23 is also observed as Martyrs Day. 

India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 approved

India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 has been approved during 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting.

It includes a system for combating the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets and WiFi Access network interface for nationwide public internet.

It also includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things, 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication and Cyber Forensics.

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: 30th January

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day) is observed every year on January 30 to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a critical public health challenge so that we can progress towards their elimination.

Theme 2022: Achieving health equity to end the neglect of poverty-related diseases.

Slogan 2022: From neglect to care.

World NTD Day was 1st held on 30 Jan 2020.

The proposal to recognize World NTD was made by United Arab Emirates. 

Meta partners with FICCI to support women-owned SMBs across India

Meta has partnered with FICCI to support 5 lakh women-led small businesses across India under its #SheMeansBusiness programme and FICCI’s ‘Empowering the Greater 50%’ initiative.

Meta will be extending support through three initiatives:

Facebook Business Coach (to train women through educational chatbot tool on WhatsApp). 

Grow your Business Hub (to provide necessary information, tools to MSMEs). 

Commerce Partners Programme (to help businesses go digital and D2C). 

SPMCIL sets up new bank note printing lines at Nashik and Dewas

Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) has set up a new bank note printing lines at its Currency Note Press, Nashik and Bank Note Press, Dewas.

SPMCIL: Government of India-owned Miniratna company and is engaged in the production of Currency-Bank Notes, Security Paper.

India has four printing presses for printing and supply of Banknotes:

Dewas in Madhya Pradesh

Nasik in Maharashtra 

Mysore in Karnataka

Salboni in West Bengal. 

India’s largest EV charging station opened at Gurgaon

India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station with a capacity of 100 charging points for 4 wheelers, was opened at Delhi-Jaipur National Highway in Gurugram.

Previously, India’s largest EV charging station was situated in Navi Mumbai with 16 AC & 4 DC charging ports for EVs. The new EV charging station has been developed by tech-piloting company Alektrify Private Limited.

This EV charging station will not only boost the electric vehicles industry in the region but will also act as a benchmark for large EV charging stations across the nation in future. The electric vehicle charging station of this size and magnitude is rare and will be instrumental for the industry to experience actual Ease of Doing Business in smooth ‘Certification Compliance’ and ‘Safety Standards’.

Data Privacy Day observed on 28 January

Data Privacy Day is celebrated on January 28, every year across the world. The objective of the day is to sensitize individuals and disseminate privacy practices and principles. It encourages everyone to own their privacy responsibilities to create a culture of privacy.

Observance of the day is “an international effort of creating awareness on the importance of respecting privacy, enabling trust and safeguarding data”. The theme for this year is ‘Privacy Matters’. It instils a sense of accountability that Privacy is integral to every individual’s life.

Data privacy has been one of the hot topics of discussion in a digitally connected world. The issue has become pertinent at the time of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic when more and more people are forced to spend time in the online world.

A Little Book of India: Celebrating 75 years of Independence’ authored by Ruskin Bond

A new book titled “A Little Book of India: Celebrating 75 years of Independence” authored by Ruskin Bond was released, marking 75 years of India’s Independence. The book is the blend of “physical and spiritual” attributes of India and also highlights the last 75 years of India’s progress as a nation.

It is published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). It is a record of some of my memories and impressions of this unique land — of its rivers and forests, literature and culture, sights, sounds and colours — an amalgamation of the physical and spiritual.

A new book titled “The $10 Trillion Dream” author by Subhash Garg

The former finance secretary of India, Subhash Chandra Garg has announced his debut book named “The $10 Trillion Dream”. The book is scheduled to hit stands towards the end of February 2022.

The new book explores the critical policy issues that India faces today and suggests reforms for it to become a USD 10 trillion economy by the mid-2030s. It is published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI).

Garg, a member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for over 36 years, has served in various key positions for both the Union government and the government of Rajasthan. He was designated finance secretary in March 2019.

WGC: Global gold demand rises 10% to 4,021 tonnes

According to the World Gold Council (WGC) report ‘Gold Demand Trends 2021’ has informed that the global gold demand rose 10 per cent in 2021 to 4,021.3 tonnes. The overall gold demand during 2020, which was impacted following Covid-19 related disruptions, stood at 3,658.8 tonnes.

The demand for the yellow metal was mainly driven by Central bank buying during the fourth quarter of 2021, recovery in jewellery consumption, mainly in India and China.

India’s gold consumption surged to 797.3 tonnes in 2021, on the back of the recovery in consumer sentiments and pent-up demand post Covid-19-related disruptions and the bullish trend is set to continue this year as well.

Important For All Exam 2022:

World Gold Council CEO: David Tait;

World Gold Council Headquarters: London, United Kingdom;

World Gold Council Founded: 1987;

World Gold Council President: Kelvin Dushnisky.

PM Narendra Modi Hosts First India-Central Asia Virtual Summit

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit, through the virtual platform. It was the first of its kind engagement between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders.

The central Asian region has five recognized countries. The Summit was attended by the Presidents of these five Central Asian countries. These are the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan), Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.

The first India-Central Asia Summit coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian countries. During the summit, the Leaders agreed to hold the Summit every 2 years (biennial). The summit is symbolic of the importance attached by the leaders of both sides to a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.

Google to invest upto $1 Billion in Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel and Google have announced a long-term partnership agreement, to accelerate the growth of India’s digital ecosystem. Under the deal, Google will invest USD 1 billion in Airtel.

From the total investment, Google will invest USD 700 million to acquire a 1.28 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel Ltd. The remaining USD 300 million will go toward multi-year commercial agreements with Airtel, including devices built together by the two tech giants.

The USD 1 billion funding is part of Google’s USD 10 billion ‘Google for India Digitization Fund’, launched in 2020. This is Google second investment in an Indian telecom service provider (after Reliance Jio). Discussion between the two companies had been going on since the first half of 2021 and culminated in an announcement.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Bharti Airtel CEO: Gopal Vittal.

Bharti Airtel Founder: Sunil Bharti Mittal.

Bharti Airtel Founded: 7 July 1995.

Google CEO: Sundar Pichai;

Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States;

Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

Pushp Kumar Joshi named to be new chairman and MD of HPCL

Pushp Kumar Joshi has been named to be the new chairman and managing director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), the nation’s third-largest oil refining and fuel marketing company.

Joshi, who is currently Director – Human Resources at HPCL has been on the board of HPCL for almost a decade now. He will replace Mukesh Kumar Surana, who superannuates on April 30 this year.

The recommendation will now go to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime Minister (PM) of India. ACC will decide on his selection after getting reports from anti-corruption agencies such as CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).

GoI appoints Anantha Nageshwaran as chief economic advisor

The Government of India has appointed Dr V Anantha Nageswaran as the new Chief Economic Adviser. The announcement came days ahead of the presentation of the 2022 Union Budget on February 1 and the tabling of the 2021-22 Economic Survey on January 31.

This post was lying vacant since December 17, 2021, when KV Subramanian left the office. He is a former member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC).

Dr Nageswaran, who is a noted writer, author, teacher, and economic consultant, has taught at several business schools and institutes of management across India and abroad. Before his appointment as the Chief Economic Adviser, he was the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business and a visiting professor of Economics at the Krea University in Andhra Pradesh.

World’s-largest canal lock unveiled in Netherlands

The world’s largest canal lock has been inaugurated at Ijmuiden, a small port city, in the Port of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The sea lock was inaugurated by Dutch King Willen-Alexander.

The Ijmuiden sea lock is 500-meter (1,640-feet) long and 70-meter wide. Construction on the massive infrastructure project began in 2016 and was meant to be done by 2019. It also went over the initially planned budget by around €300 million ($338 million).

The Ijmuiden lock was designed to allow large, modern cargo ships to reach the port of Amsterdam. The structure is also deep enough that ships will no longer have to wait for a favourable water level to enter the canal. With almost nine meters above the sea leave, the structure is also a defence against the threat of flooding.

Important For All Exam 2022:

The Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam;

The Netherlands Currency: Euro;

The Netherlands Prime minister: Mark Rutte.

Lok Sabha secretariat launches Digital Sansad app

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has launched the official mobile application of the Parliament named ‘Digital Sansad App’ on January 27, 2022, to allow citizens to access live proceedings of the House, including the Union Budget 2022 live.

The app will make the Parliament and Parliamentary proceedings accessible not only to the members but also to the public of the country.

Through the Digital Sansad App, citizens can check what their members of Parliament are doing, what debates they are participating in and what they are saying. Using the app, parliamentarians can also digitally log their attendance.

The app contains information on budget speeches since 1947 as well as House discussions from the 12th Lok Sabha to 17th Lok Sabha. It will also contain a live telecast of Sansad proceedings. 2022 Budget session can also be watched live on this App.

South Maubuang becomes Mizoram’s first ODF plus village

South Maubuang in Aibawk block of Aizawl district in Mizoram has been declared as the model ODF Plus village.

The village has fulfilled all the criteria as per SBM-G Phase II guidelines and all households and institutions have functional toilets and measures in place for effective management of solid and liquid waste.

It has a population of 649 individuals from 116 households has emerged as the first ODF Plus village in the State of Mizoram.

MoHUA launched Swachhata Start-Up Challenge

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in partnership with Dept of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has launched Swachhata Start-Up Challenge. 

Aim: to provide impetus to innovative start-ups in the sanitation and waste management sector.

It has four thematic areas:

social inclusion

zero dump (solid waste management)

plastic waste management

transparency through digital enablement.

National Regulator approves CMA of two COVID19 Vaccines

National Regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to conditional market authorization of two COVID-19 vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield.

Subject Expert Committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had recommended for upgradation of status for vaccines from restricted use in emergency situations. 

For this, firm shall submit data of overseas ongoing clinical trials of product with due analysis on six monthly basis.

First-ever Fit India Quiz Preliminary Round result announced

Results of Preliminary Round of first-ever Fit India Quiz, India's biggest sports and fitness quiz for students has been announced.

Organized by: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

Results has revealed that two students from Uttar Pradesh have outperformed students from all other states to become top scorers of Preliminary Round. 

Divyanshu Chamoli of Delhi Public School, Greater Noida won the top spot, followed by Shashwat Mishra of Sunbeam School, Varanasi.

Indian Railways constitutes committee to look into NTPC CBT-1 result

Indian Railways has constituted high power committee to look into the concerns and doubts raised by candidates in regard to the results of 1st Stage CBT of NTPC issued by Railway Recruitment Boards on 14-15th January.

Committee will investigate results of 1st Stage CBT and methodology used for shortlisting candidates for 2nd Stage CBT without affecting existing shortlisted candidates.

Railways postponed its NTPC and 1st Stage CBT following protests by job aspirants.

Veteran Marathi author and social activist Anil Awachat passes away

Renowned Marathi author and social activist Anil Awachat (77 years) passed away due to a prolonged illness.

He was the founder of a de-addiction center called Muktangan Rehabilitation Center in Pune in 1986.

He was known for his several Marathi books like Manasa, Swatahavishayi, Gard, Karyarat, Karyamagna and Kutuhalapoti.

He is known for his books ‘Purnia’.

Govt notifies Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Govt of India has notified ‘Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)’ to ensure minimum safety and quality requirements of drones.

UAS commonly known as Drones.

It will boost indigenous manufacturing of Drones and has been notified under Rule 7 of liberalized Drone Rules, 2021, which replaced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 2021.

Ministry of Civil Aviation had approved PLI scheme for drones and drone components with an allocation of Rs 120 crore.

Former Indian Hockey Team Captain Charanjit Singh passes away

Former Hockey mid-fielder Charanjit Singh (90 years) passed away at his residence in Una, Himachal Pradesh, after suffering a cardiac arrest and prolonged age-related illnesses.

He was the Captain of Indian hockey team, that won gold in the Tokyo Olympics of 1964.

He was also a member of Indian team that won silver medals in the 1960 Games in Rome, and in the 1962 Asian Games at Jakarta.

Awards: Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee

TerraPay partners with NPCI International to boost cashless transactions

TerraPay has signed MoU with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to allow Indian customers with an active UPI ID to receive real-time, international payments into their bank accounts via TerraPay’s secure payments technology.

It will enable seamless and convenient cross-border remittances experience.

NIPL: International arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

CEO of NIPL: Ritesh Shukla

TerraPay HQs: The Netherlands

CEO of TerraPay: Ambar Sur

Padma Awards 2022 conferred on 128 people

Padma Award 2022 has been conferred on 128 winners that included 4 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan awardees, and 107 Padma Shri awardees.

Padma Vibhushan: Prabha Are, Radheyshyam Khemka, Bipin Rawat (Posthumous), Kalyan Singh (Posthumous)

Padma Bhushan: Ghulam Nabi Azad (Public Affairs), Victor Banerjee (Art), Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Devendra Jhajharia, Pratibha Ray

Padma Shri: Prahlad Rai Agarwala (Trade and Industry), Najma Akhtar (Literature and Education)

Tata Group officially takes over Air India Operations

Govt of India has officially handed over India’s flag carrier, Air India to Tata Sons Limited, almost 69 years after acquiring the conglomerate.

Total value of the deal: Rs 18,000 crore (US$2.4 billion).

This strategic disinvestment transaction of Air India includes transfer of 100% stake of GoI in Air India to Tata Sons, along with management control.

The transaction covers three entities: Air India, Air India Express and Air India SATS (AI SATS).

Odisha Open 2022 begins at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack

Odisha badminton Open 2022 has been kicked off at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack.

It is a super 100 tournament, which is the third event of 2022 BWF World Tour calendar. 

It will be held till January 30.

It is the first edition of the Odisha Open and is being organized by the Badminton Association of India. 

Around 300 shuttlers from 18 countries will participate in the tournament.

Meenakashi Lekhi releases pictorial book on India’s Women Unsung Heroes

Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi has released pictorial book on India’s Women Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle in New Delhi as a part of Azadi ka Mahotsav. 

Book has been released in partnership with Amar Chitra Katha. 

It celebrates the lives of some of the women who led the charge and lit the flame of protest and rebellion throughout the country.

It contains the stories of queens who battled colonial powers in the struggle against imperial rule.

Meta’s new Supercomputer to be called world’s fastest

According to Meta (Facebook parent company), its newly unveiled artificial intelligence supercomputer will be the fastest in the world by mid-2022.

The company is introducing AI Research SuperCluster (RSC), which is believed to be among the fastest AI Supercomputers running today.

With this supercomputer, the company aims to accelerate AI research as it helps build for the metaverse.

Olympian Neeraj Chopra gets Param Vishisht Seva Medal

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has been bestowed the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on the eve of Republic Day by President Ram Nath Kovind.

The PVSM is usually accorded to three-star officers for distinguished service to the nation. Chopra is a Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles.

 He is the first track and field athlete to win a gold medal for India at the Olympics.

Neeraj was chosen for training at the Mission Olympics Wing and Army Sports Institute in Pune.

Lucknow IPL team to be called Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow’s IPL franchise (owned by Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group), has been renamed Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction.

Lucknow team roped in KL Rahul as their captain and also roped in Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.

Sanjiv Goenka decided to take public opinions from its fans.

India, France sign MoU with scope for cooperation in health research

India and France have signed an MoU with scope for cooperation in health research, Science and Technology Ministry.

The MoU was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Institut Pasteur, France.

CSIR and Institut Pasteur will jointly research and focus on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and inherited disorders and enable delivery of effective and affordable healthcare solutions.

Western Naval Command conducts Joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar XPL-22

Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conducted a joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar (XPL-2022) off the West Coast.

The exercise continued for 20 days and was conducted with an aim to enhance Inter-Service synergy among the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard. 

Three command–level formations of the Indian Navy

The Western Naval Command (HQ- Mumbai)

Eastern Naval Command (HQ- Visakhapatnam) and 

Southern Naval Command (HQ- Kochi). 

IMF lowers India’s FY22 growth forecast to 9% from 9.5%

According to the latest world economic outlook report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut India’s economic growth forecast for the current fiscal 2021-22 (FY22) to 9%, 

Earlier this was estimated at 9.5%. 

IMF has projected the growth forecast for India in FY 2022-23 at 7.1%. 

IMF has projected the global growth rate in 2022 to 4.4%, and in 2023 to 3.8%.

International Customs Day: 26th January

The International Customs Day (ICD) is being observed every year on 26th January.

The objective of the day is to recognise the role of customs officials and agencies and focus on the working conditions and challenges that customs officers face in their jobs.

Theme 2022: Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem.

AIIB will invest $150 million in development of data centres serving Asia

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a multilateral development bank, will spend $150 million in the creation of data centres that will primarily serve emerging Asia. 

This project is being AIIB’s 1st data centre project.

The Keppel Data Centre Fund II (KDCF II), a private equity company managed by Alpha Investment Partners Limited (Alpha), will route funds through the Beijing-based AIIB, of which India is a significant founding member. 

Armenia's president resigns over position's lack of power

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian tendered his resignation, saying he believes the country's constitution does not give him sufficient powers to influence events.

He served as the 4th President of Armenia from 9 April 2018 to 23 January 2022.

At a referendum in December 2015, Armenia became a parliamentary republic, while presidential powers were significantly curtailed.

India Celebrates 73rd Republic Day With Iconic Parade

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day with the iconic parade at Delhi's Rajpath showcasing its military prowess and cultural pageantry.

A flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters was the highlight of this year's parade.

President Kovind posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award, to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir.

The officer's wife received the award on his behalf.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: 27 January

International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) is observed on 27 January. In 2022, the theme guiding the United Nations Holocaust remembrance and education is “Memory, Dignity and Justice”.

The objective of the day is to commemorate the anniversary of the tragedy of the Holocaust that occurred during the Second World War. A genocide occurred during World War II in which Nazi Germany, aided by its collaborators, systematically murdered some six million European Jews, around two-thirds of the Jewish population of Europe, between 1941 and 1945.

United Nations designated the day in 2005 to serve as a date for official commemoration of the victims of the Nazi regime and to promote Holocaust education throughout the world.

Ministry of Home Affairs Padma Awards 2022 announced

The Union ministry of home affairs announced the Padma awards on the eve of the country’s 73rd Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service).

The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. The list comprises 4 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri Awards. 34 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 13 Posthumous awardees. In Duo case, the Award is counted as one.

Assam government awarded ‘Asom Baibhav Award’ to Ratan Tata

The government of Assam has conferred its highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav’ on Industrialist Ratan Tata. Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi conferred the award to the former chairman of Tata Sons. The Assam government conferred ‘Asom Baibhav’ to Ratan Tata for his contribution to setting up cancer treatment facilities in the state.

Assam Saurav award was conferred on Professor Dipak Chand Jain, Lovlina Borgohain, Professor Kamalendu Deb Krori, Dr Lakshmanan S, and Neel Pawan Baruah.

Assam Gaurav award was conferred on Manoj Kumar Basumatary, Munindra Nath Ngatey, Dharanidhar Boro, Hemoprabha Chutia, Dr Basanta Hazarika, Kaushik Baruah, Khorsing Terang, Akash Jyoti Gogoi, Namita Kalita, Dr Asif Iqbal, Kalpana Boro, Boby Hazarika, and Bormita Momin.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi;

Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Apple retained the title as world’s valuable brand in Brand Finance 2022

Apple has retained its position as the most valuable brand in 2022 as well, according to the Brand Finance 2022 Global 500 report. The brand valuation of Apple was recorded at $355.1 billion in 2022, which is an increase of 35% from last year. This is the highest brand value ever recorded in the Brand Finance Global 500 ranking history.

The Indian conglomerate Tata Group has emerged as the most valuable brand from India and also in South Asia. It is the only brand from the country in the top 100. The Global Rank of Tata Group 78. The brand value of Tata Group is US$23.9 billion.

TikTok (18th) has been named the world’s fastest-growing brand in the list. Its brand value increased from US$18.7 billion in 2021 to US$59.0 billion in 2022.

Tech remained the most valuable industry in the list in terms of sector. This was followed by Retail, Banking, Media and Telecoms in top 5 respectively.

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2021: India ranks 85th

Transparency International has released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2021 in which India has been ranked at 85th spot (Score of 40). The ranking has been topped jointly by three countries- Denmark, Finland and New Zealand (Score of 88).

This ranking measures how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). 180 countries are ranked in it.

Last year (for 2020) India was ranked 86th with a score of 40. This year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals that corruption levels are at a worldwide standstill. The global average remains unchanged for the tenth year in a row, at just 43 out of 100 points.

City Union Bank launches fitness watch debit card in tie-up with GOQii

City Union Bank in association with smart-tech-enabled preventive healthcare platform GOQii and powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched a wearable payment solution called CUB fitness watch debit card.

Customers need to hold this wristwatch in front of the PoS device during payment like tapping the card on PoS. For payments above Rs 5,000, customers need to tap and enter their PIN. The introductory price of a smartwatch debit card is Rs 3,499, as compared to an actual cost of Rs 6,499).

Important For All Exam 2022:

City Union Bank Headquarters: Kumbakonam;

City Union Bank CEO: Dr. N. Kamakodi (1 May 2011–);

City Union Bank Founded: 1904.

Govt notifies amalgamation of PMC Bank with Unity Small Finance Bank Ltd

The Government of India has sanctioned and notified the Scheme for the amalgamation of the Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank Ltd with Unity Small Finance Bank Ltd. This means that from January 25, 2022 all the branches of the PMC Bank will function as branches of Unity Small Finance Bank Ltd.

Unity Small Finance Bank Limited is promoted by Centrum Financial Services Limited along with Resilient Innovation Private Limited. Both the promoters have infused capital of Rs 1105.10 crore in the bank.

After the amalgamation of PMC Bank with Unity SFB, Unity SFB will pay the customers of PMC Bank the amount it receives from DICGC (maximum up to amount insured by DICGC i.e Rs 5 Lakh) in instalments of 10 years.

Section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 empowers the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a scheme of reconstruction or amalgamation of banking companies (which include co-operative banks).

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chairman Of PMC Bank: S. Balbir Singh Kochhar;

PMC Bank Founded: 1984;

PMC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Russia delivers all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles to India

Russia delivered all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles to the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Armed Forces had placed an order for 670,000 rifles, for which the contract was signed on December 06, 2021, between India and Kalashnikov (Russian defence manufacturing unit).

The total cost of the contract is around Rs 5,124 crore. The contract included procuring 70,000 rifles off the shelf. The remaining 600,000 rifles will be manufactured by an Indo-Russian joint venture company, Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), based at Amethi, Uttar Pradesh India under transfer of technology (ToT). [at Korwa Rifle Factory, Amethi]. The lightweight AK-203 Rifles will replace the military’s in-service INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) Rifle.

Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary set to be notified as 4th tiger reserve of Rajasthan

Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which is among the proposed five sites in the country, is expected to be formally notified as tiger reserve (TR) soon before the Global Tiger Summit, which is to be held at Vladivostok, Russia.

 The Centre also announced the development during the 4th Asia ministerial conference on tiger conservation. The Centre has already given its approval of granting tiger reserve status to Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, along with MM Hills in Karnataka, Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh.

The Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary will be spread across 1,071 sq kms. A 302 Sq Km area in the proposed tiger sanctuary will be left as critical habitat for Tigers and the rest of the area will act as a buffer zone for the Ranthambore National Park.

Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1982. The core areas of the sanctuary have 8 villages and are home to large numbers of wild animals like sambhars, caracals, wild boars, nilgai, and striped Hyena.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot;

Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

Kerala got its first-ever scientific bird atlas

Kerala Bird Atlas (KBA), the first-of-its-kind State-level bird atlas in India, has created solid baseline data about the distribution and abundance of bird species across all major habitats, giving an impetus to futuristic studies.

It is being conducted as a citizen science-driven exercise with the participation of over 1,000 volunteers of the birdwatching community KBA has been prepared based on systematic surveys held twice over 60 days a year.

Conducted as a citizen science-driven exercise with the participation of over 1000 volunteers of the bird watching community, KBA was prepared based on systematic surveys held twice over 60 days a year during the wet (July to September) and dry (January to March) seasons between 2015 and 2020.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram;

Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan;

Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.

Russia-China-Iran conducts joint naval exercise CHIRU-2Q22

The Russian, Chinese and Iranian navies undertook naval exercises CHIRU-2Q22 in the Gulf of Oman. The maritime drills conducted in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean aimed at deepening practical cooperation among the navies of the three countries.

The participants practised various tactics and operations, such as rescuing ablaze vessels, saving hijacked vessels, shooting at targets, nocturnal shooting at aerial targets, and other tactical manoeuvres as a part of the drill. At least 140 warships and over 60 aircraft with nearly 10,000 military personnel would be taking part in the military exercises.

India unveils 5-year roadmap to becoming $300-billion electronics powerhouse

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released a 5-year roadmap and Vision Document 2.0 for the electronics sector.

The Vision Document 2.0 titled “$300 bn Sustainable Electronics Manufacturing & Exports by 2026” has been prepared by MeitY in association with the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA).

It is the second volume of a two-part Vision Document. Vision Document 2.0 provides a year-wise break-up and production projections for the various products. This will help India to transform into a US$300 billion electronics manufacturing powerhouse by 2026, from the current US$75 billion.

This roadmap is the second volume of a two-part Vision Document – the first of which was released in November last year. The first part of the document titled “Increasing India’s Electronics Exports and Share in GVCs” was released in November 2021.

Jai Bhim & Marakkar shortlisted for the Oscars 2022

Indian Movie’s  Jai Bhim and Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham have been officially shortlisted for the Oscars 2022.  Jai Bhim is the fourth Indian film to get nominated for Oscars after Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan.

Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham has been also nominated for the Global Community Oscar Awards 2021. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has released the list of 276 films eligible for the awards this year.

Not just Jai Bhim and Marakkar, directors Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s Writing with Fire, a film about a newspaper run by Dalit women, has been shortlisted in the Best Documentary Feature category at the Oscars 2022.

Eminent archaeologist Thiru R. Nagaswamy passes away

Noted Indian historian, archaeologist and epigraphist from Tamil Nadu, Ramachandran Nagaswamy, has passed away. He was 91. He first director of the Tamil Nadu government’s Department of Archaeology.

Nagaswamy was known for his work on temple inscriptions and art history of Tamil Nadu. In 2018, Nagaswamy was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. He has authored more than 100 books and his latest book was ‘Senthamizh Naadum Pandbum’, published in January 2022.

National Tourism Day of India celebrated on 25 January

The Indian government established January 25 as the National Tourism Day to raise awareness about the importance of tourism for the country’s economy.

The day is observed to cultivate awareness among the global community on the importance of tourism and its social, political, financial and cultural worth.

The ministry of tourism is the nodal agency in India to form national policies for the promotion and development of tourism. It also coordinates with central, state agencies and the public sector.

National Voters Day celebrated on January 25

India observes “National Voters’ Day” every year on January 25 to encourage more young voters to take part in the political process. Election Commission of India is celebrating 12th National Voters Day on 25th January 2022.

The theme for this year’s NVD, ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’, envisages focus on ECI’s commitment to facilitate the active participation of voters during the elections and to make the complete process hassle-free and a memorable experience for all categories of voters.

Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year, all across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950.

Important For All Exam 2022:

1st Chief Election Commissioner of Independent India- Sukumar Sen.

Sushil Chandra is the current 24th Chief Election Commissioner.

Ladakh team wins 9th Women National Ice Hockey Championship 2022

The women’s team from Ladakh has lifted the 9th National Women’s Ice Hockey Championship in Himachal Pradesh. The championship was organised by the Ice Hockey Association of India at Kaza area in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.

A total of six teams participated in the championship from Delhi, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Telangana and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

Ice Hockey Association of India President: Dr Surinder Mohan Bali.

CDRI Develops Omicron Testing Kit named “OM”

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) has developed an indigenous RT-PCR diagnostic kit, ‘Om’, for the testing of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. It is the first kit made by any government institution, and the third to be made indigenously, for specific testing of Omicron.

Currently, two more such kits developed by private players are available in the market. The kit will give test results in around two hours.

Om enables quick and cost-effective detection of omicron variants over genome sequencing for a large population. It was made within two months and will cost around Rs 150.

Further, it will give the test results in around two hours. According to the scientists, it can also be aligned for the detection of other emerging variants of Covid infection and other respiratory infections.

India’s Koozhangal gets the best film award at Dhaka International Film Festival

P S Vinothraj directed film Koozhangal from India won the best film award in the Asian Film Competition section at the 20th Dhaka International Film Festival.

Information and Broadcasting Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud gave away the awards as Chief Guest during the concluding session organised at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka.

The list of the award for different categories are:

The best actor award was given to Jayasurya for Ranjith Sankar-directed film Sunny.

The Best Script Writer Award went to Indranil Roychowdhury and Sugata Sinha for Indranil Roychowdhury-directed India-Bangladesh film Mayar Jonjal.

The special audience award was given to Aimee Baruah Directed film Semkhor.

Sujit Bidari directed film Aina Jhyal Ko Putali from Nepal got the best director award.

In the Women film maker’s section, the best feature film award was given to Maryam Bahrololumi directed film Shahrbanoo (Lady from the City) from Iran.

Two Bangladeshi films, Nurul Alam Atique directed Lal Moroger Jhuti and N Rashed Chowdhury directed Chandrabati Kotha got the Audience Award.

Fullerton India partners with Paytm to expand digital lending to MSMEs

Fullerton India and One97 Communications Limited, which owns the brand Paytm, have announced a partnership to provide lending products to merchant partners and consumers.

With the partnership, the two established institutions will leverage data-driven insights and wide reach to bring credit to new-to-credit users. They aim to co-create innovative merchant loan products using customer payment behaviour and Fullerton’s years of experience of understanding of this segment.

The program will offer Paytm Postpaid (buy-now-pay-later) to millions of consumers on the Paytm platform while utilizing Fullerton’s deep risk assessment capabilities and scale.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Fullerton India CEO: Shantanu Mitra;

Fullerton India Founded: 1994;

Fullerton India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Swiggy turns decacorn with valuation of $10.7 billion

Food-ordering and instant grocery delivery platform, Swiggy has signed a $700 million funding round led by asset manager Invesco. With this, the total valuation of Swiggy has reached to $10.7 billion i.e. it is now a decacorn.

A decacorn is a startup with a valuation of more than $10 billion. Swiggy’s latest valuation is almost double that of Zomato before the latter went for its initial public offering. Zomato was valued at $5.4 billion before its IPO.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launched ‘Platina Fixed Deposit’ Scheme

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) has launched ‘Platina Fixed Deposit’, offering interest of 15 basis points (bps) higher than the regular term deposit rates provided by Ujjivan SFB.

The Platina FD is a non-callable deposit, where partial & premature withdrawal is not applicable. While the interest amount can be received on monthly, quarterly or at the end of the maturity period.

The general FD for 990 days tenure gives 6.75% interest for general citizens and 7.50% for senior citizens, while Platina FD offers 6.90% & 7.65% interest rates. 

FD limit: the minimum amount is Rs 20 lakh and the maximum amount is Rs 2 crores, with tenure ranging from 1 year to 5 years.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Founded: 2017;

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Headquarters: Bengaluru;

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank MD & CEO: Ittira Davis.

Govt appoints Vinodanand Jha as new chairperson to PMLA Adjudicating Authority

Vinodanand Jha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Adjudicating Authority, for a period of 5 years. Jha is a 1983-batch retired IRS officer, who was serving as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Pune before this.

The PMLA Adjudicating Authority is a three-member body whose mandated is to adjudicate the cases of attachment of assets orders issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and order for its continuity and further confiscation or release, considering the merits of the investigation.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted by the NDA government to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from money laundering. PMLA and the Rules notified there under came into force with effect from July 1, 2005.

Himachal Pradesh and Haryana govts tie-up for construction of Adi Badri Dam

Governments of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have signed an MoU at Panchkula, for the construction of Adi Badri Dam that would come upon 77 acres in Himachal Pradesh near the Adi Badri area of Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana. The proposed dam aims for the rejuvenation of the Saraswati river with an estimated cost of Rs 215.35 crore.

The Dam would get 224-hectare metre water from Himachal Pradesh’s Somb River that falls in the Yamuna near Adi Badri in Yamuna Nagar district. The executing agency for the construction of Adi Badri Dam would be Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. Adi Badri, also Sri Sarasvati Udgam Tirath, is located in the foothills of the Sivalik Hills in the Bhabar area. It is situated in the northern part of Haryana’s Yamunanagar district.

AIIB invests USD 150 million in data center development to serve emerging Asia

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a multilateral development bank has committed USD 150 million to invest in the development of data centres that mostly serve emerging Asia.

This project is being AIIB’s 1st data centre project. India is a key founding member of AIIB. AIIB’s investment of USD 100 million through a parallel fund structure and USD 50 million through co-investments mark the final close of KDCF II, a development fund making strategic investments in the fast-growing data center sector with a focus on the Asia Pacific.

Important For All Exam 2022:

AIIB Headquarters: Beijing, China;

AIIB Membership: 105 Members;

AIIB Formation: 16 January 2016;

AIIB Head: Jin Liqun.

29 Children Awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2022

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) for the year 2022 has been conferred to 29 children.

These winners include 15 Boys and 14 Girls, belonging to 21 States and UTs. The PMRBP award is given by the Government of India to children with exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in 6 categories. The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-.

Category wise distribution of awards is given below:

Innovation: 7

Social Service: 4

Scholastic: 1

Sports: 8

Art & Culture: 6

Bravery: 3

Kerala gets its first ever scientific bird atlas

Kerala Bird Atlas (KBA), first-of-its-kind State-level bird atlas in India, has created solid baseline data about distribution and abundance of bird species across all major habitats, giving an impetus to futuristic studies.

It is being conducted as a citizen science-driven exercise with participation of over 1,000 volunteers of the birdwatching community.

KBA has been prepared based on systematic surveys held twice over 60 days year.

Jahnavi Dangeti becomes first Indian to complete NASA’s IASP programme

Jahnavi Dangeti (19 years) from Andhra Pradesh has created history by becoming first and only Indian to undergo and complete International Air and Space Program (IASP) at NASA Launch Operations’ Kennedy Space Centre in Alabama, U.S.

She was one among only 20 young people from all over the world selected for IASP programme.

She hails from Palakollu, of West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh is currently pursuing her engineering second year from a private university in Punjab.

MNRE to infuse ₹1,000 crore in SECI for financing renewable energy capacity

Ministry of New and Renewable Ministry (MNRE) has announced to infuse ₹1,000 crores in Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

It has been done to enhance the capital asset base of SECI. 

As per present RBI norms, agency can extend loans on 20% of its net worth. 

With infusion of Rs 1000 crore in SECI its network will increase and hence it can extend more loans.

With this additional capital infusion, the government aims at financing renewable energy capacity of 3,300 MW. 

Govt announces subsidy to popularize drone in agriculture

Union Agriculture Ministry has amended guidelines of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to provide 40% to 100% subsidy until March 2023 in purchasing drones for farm mechanization.

After amendment, grant for the purchase of drones up to 100% of the cost of agriculture drones or ₹10 lakhs, whichever is less.

Existing CHCs or new ones or to be set up by cooperative society of farmers, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs are entitled to receive 40% subsidy. 

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2022

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2022 has been conferred to recognize and honour invaluable contribution and selfless service by individuals and organizations in the field of disaster management. 

Winners:

Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (Institutional category). 

Professor Vinod Sharma (Individual category). 

Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and certificate in case of an individual.

India emerges as largest exporters of cucumber and gherkins in the world

India has emerged as the World’s largest exporter of cucumber and gherkins after exporting cucumber and gherkins to the tune of 1,23,846 Metric Tonnes with a value of USD 114 million during April-October, 2021.

India has crossed $ 200 million mark of export of agricultural processed product, pickling cucumber, which is globally referred as gherkins or cornichons. 

India had shipped 2,23,515 Metric Tonnes of cucumber and gherkins with a value of USD 223 million in 2020-21. 

Scientists find evidence of secret ocean on Saturn’s moon Mimas

Scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), US have discovered underground ocean buried beneath the surface of ‘Death Star’ like moon of Saturn, named Mimas. 

It will help the scientists in understanding Saturn’s rings and pave the way for further investigation towards possible signs of life on the planet.

If the discovery turns out to be true, Mimas Ocean will represent a new class of small, ‘stealth’ ocean worlds.

This report was published recently in Icarus journal. 

Koozhangal won best film award at Dhaka International Film Festival

P S Vinothraj directed film Koozhangal from India won the best film award in Asian Film Competition section at 20th Dhaka International Film Festival. 

Apart from this, four more Indian movies were included among 17 awards. 

Best actor award: Jayasurya for Ranjith Sankar-directed film Sunny.

Best Script Writer Award: Indranil Roychowdhury and Sugata Sinha for India-Bangladesh film Mayar Jonjal.

Special audience award was given to Aimee Baruah Directed film Semkhor.

NATO partners commences 12-day maritime drills in Mediterranean Sea

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members kick off 12-day maritime exercise titled as ‘Neptune Strike ’22’ in the Mediterranean Sea.

Naval drill will conclude on February 4, 2022.

Aim: to demonstrate NATO’s ability to integrate high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group. 

NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 27 European countries, 2 North American countries, and 1 Eurasian country.

HQs: Brussels, Belgium. 

International Day of Education: 24th January

International Day of Education is observed every year on 24th January across the world to celebrate the role of education in bringing global peace and sustainable development.

Theme 2022: Changing Course, Transforming Education.

It was first observed in 2019.

United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution, proclaiming January 24 as International Day of Education on 3rd December 2018. 

It is led by UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe honoured with Netaji Award

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been conferred with Netaji Award 2022 by Netaji Research Bureau, based in Kolkata.

The award was accepted by Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, Nakamura Yutaka on behalf of Shinzo Abe.

Netaji award was presented on January 23, 2022 to commemorate 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter, Subhas Chandra Bose at his Elgin Road residence in Kolkata.

He revamped the Indian National Army (INA). 

Scientists name new species of rainfrog after Greta Thunberg

A new species of rainfrog, discovered in the Panama jungle, has been named after Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The species has been named as Pristimantis gretathunbergae, or popularly known as the Greta Thunberg Rainfrog.

The frog was originally discovered in 2012 and was thought to be part of the already categorised Pristimantis family. However, recent DNA analysis confirmed that the frog is a new species, according to the scientific journal Zookeys.

The new specimen of the tropical amphibian was discovered by an international team of biologists led by doctors Abel Batista, from Panama, and Konrad Mebert (Switzerland) in Cerro Chucantí, a private reserve located in the province of Darién.

Jerri hamlet declared as first ‘Milk Village’ of J&K

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has declared Jerri settlement in Reasi district as the first ‘Milk Village’ of the Union Territory and sanctioned 57 more dairy farms under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) for the hamlet.

The village, which houses 73 individual dairy units with 370 cows, will give the local farmers financial security. After being declared as ‘Milk Village’, a total of 57 units have been sanctioned under the IDDS for the village. Under the IDDS, dairy units of five animals are provided with a 50 per cent subsidy.

The scheme also has a provision for milking machine, bulk milk cooling unit at 50 per cent subsidy (maximum Rs 5 lakh), paneer making machine, khoya making, Dahi making, cream separator, ice cream making machine, butter and ghee making machine (max subsidy Rs 3. 5 lakh), milk van (maximum subsidy Rs 2 lakh), milk ATM subsidy of Rs 5 lakh.

A book titled ‘The Legend of Birsa Munda’ authored by Tuhin A Sinha & Ankita Verma

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has released a book titled ‘The Legend of Birsa Munda’, authored by Tuhin A Sinha and co-authored by Ankita Verma. The Book is the story of a lesser-known tribal hero, Birsa Munda, who courageously fought against the oppressive British Raj for the rights of his tribal community.

According to the authors, “The book based on true events is a tribute to Birsa Munda who in a very short life mobilized the tribal community, rebelled against forced conversions, envisioned a fair and just society and died fighting for it. The Legend of Birsa Munda is the story of a subaltern tribal hero whose contribution to India’s struggle for independence must never be forgotten.”

Sushmita Sen wins International Association of Working Women Award

Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen has been conferred with the International Association of Working Women Award at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) 2021. The former Miss Universe has been felicitated for outstanding performance by a female actor in a TV series for her show ‘Aarya 2’.

The Aarya 2 series is created by Ram Madhvani and had released on December 10, 2021, on Disney+Hotstar. The DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) 2021 is organised virtually from January 16 to January 30, to showcase the best in alternative cinema from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Sri Lanka.

UNCTAD report: FDI flows to India falls by 26% in 2021

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to India fell by 26 per cent in 2021, compared to 2020, as per the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Investment Trends Monitor published. In 2020, FDI to India was recorded at USD 64 billion. This was 27 per cent more compared to USD 51 billion in FDI in 2019.

UNCTAD said that low FDI in India was mainly because large cross-border mergers & acquisitions (M&A) deals recorded in 2020 were not repeated. The global FDI flows increased by 77 per cent to an estimated USD 1.65 trillion in 2021, from USD 929 billion in 2020.

Tripura celebrated 44th Kokborok Day

Kokborok Day, also known as the Tripuri Language Day is annually celebrated across the Indian State of Tripura on 19th January with an aim to develop the Kokborok Language. The day commemorates the initial recognition of Kokborok as the official language in 1979.

19th January 2022 marks the observance of the 44th Kokborok Day. The Kokborok language, the official language of Tripura, is also known as Tripuri or Tiprakok. In 1979, Kokborok, along with Bengali and English, was declared an official language of the state of Tripura, India by the state government.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chief Minister of Tripura: Biplab Kumar Deb;

Governor: Satyadeo Narain Arya.

Indonesia names new capital Nusantara, replacing sinking Jakarta

Indonesia will move its capital to mineral-rich East Kalimantan, an Indonesian province on the island of Borneo. The name of the new capital will be Nusantara, which means “archipelago” in Javanese. It will be based in the regions of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara.

The new project is likely to cost around 466 trillion rupiah ($32 billion). The heavily populated city of Jakarta is home to 10 million people (30 million if you include the greater metropolitan area) and has been facing the growing issue with the overuse of groundwater by home drilling due to large-scale city developments.

The problem is worsened when combined with rising sea levels. This shift of development is set to slow down the rate at which Jakarta sinks into the Java Sea.

PM Modi to unveil 216-foot statue of saint Ramanujacharya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 216-foot statue of Ramanujacharya in a sitting position in Hyderabad on February 5, 2022, to celebrate the 1,000th birth anniversary of the saint.

Ramanujacharya was an 11th-century saint and a revolutionary social reformer. The statue will be called as the ‘Statue of Equality’. It is located in a 45-acre complex at Shamshabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Telangana.

The project is built at a cost of Rs. 1,000-crore, which was funded entirely by donations from devotees globally.

President Ram Nath Kovind will unveil the inner chamber of the statue of Ramanujacharya on February 13, 2022.

The Statue of Equality is the world’s second-tallest statue in a sitting position. The Buddha statue in Thailand is considered as the world’s tallest statue in a sitting pose.

Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav se Swarnim Bharat Ki Ore’ programme launched by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated ‘Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav se Swarnim Bharat Ki Ore’ programme via video conferencing. The national-level program includes seven yearlong initiatives dedicated to the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by the Brahma Kumaris.

More than 30 campaigns and over 15000 programs and events will be conducted under these initiatives by the Brahma Kumaris. Brahma Kumaris is organising the event on the occasion of the 53rd Ascension Anniversary of Pitashree Prajapita Brahma, Founding Father of Brahma Kumaris.

GOI merges eternal flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti with National War Memorial flame

The government of India has merged the flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti at Delhi’s India Gate with the flame at the adjoining National War Memorial on January 21, 2022, ahead of Republic Day. The ceremony was led by the Integrated Defence Staff chief, Air Marshal Balabadhra Radha Krishna.

The decision to merge the two flames was taken keeping in mind that flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti payed homage to the martyrs of 1971 but none of their names are present there, while names of all Indian martyrs from all the wars, including 1971 and wars before and after it are housed at the National War Memorial.

So housing the flame at the same place along with the names will serve as a true tribute to martyrs. This will also do away with upkeeping two flames for the same purpose. This means that after 50 years of continuous lightning, the flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti will no longer be present there.

Suriya's Tamil socio-drama 'Jai Bhim' nominated for Best Featured Film

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the list of 276 films that is eligible for consideration at the 94th Oscars.

Suriya's hard-hitting Tamil socio-drama Jai Bhim is India's entry into The Academy.

Jai Bhim is the fourth Indian film to get nominated for Oscars after Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan. 

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s latest period drama Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham has also officially made it to the Oscars 2021 list.

Albert Bourla wins $1 million Genesis Prize for development of COVID-19 vac

Albert Bourla was awarded the prestigious Genesis Prize for his efforts in leading the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

He is the chairman and chief executive of global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.,

The $1 million awards are granted each year to a person for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. 

Bourla had received the largest number of votes in an online campaign (200,000 people in 71 countries participated).

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grand statue to be installed at India Gate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that a grand statue of iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chand Bose will be installed at India Gate.

He said, till the grand statue of Netaji Bose is completed, a hologram statue of his would be present at the same place.

Mr. Modi will unveil the hologram statue on 23rd January, Netaji’s birth anniversary.

Babar Azam named captain of ICC Men's ODI Team of Year 2021

According to the global cricket body, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been named as the captain of the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year.

He was also named the skipper of the Men's Team of the Year for 2021.

There were no Indians in the ICC T20I Men's Team of the Year but Smriti Mandhana found a spot in the Women's T20I Team of the Year.

India, Sri Lanka extend existing Science & Technology cooperation for three

India and Sri Lanka have extended the existing Science and Technology cooperation for three more years.

Now, the countries focus on new areas like waste-water technologies, sustainable agriculture, aerospace engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence.

The decision was taken during the 5th Joint Committee meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

M Modi inaugurates newly built Circuit House building near Somnath Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the newly built Circuit House building near Somnath Temple in Gujarat through video conferencing.

The new circuit house building has been constructed by the Gujarat government at a cost of more than 30 crore rupees.

The historic Somnath Temple is visited by lakhs of devotees from India and abroad every year.

The landscaping of the circuit house has been done in such a way that sea view is available from every room.

Over 76500 ‘Agri Nutri Gardens’ established under Agri Nutri Garden Week

Over 76 thousand 500 ‘Agri Nutri Gardens’ have been established under the Agri Nutri Garden Week’ as against the target of 7500.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) observed this week from 10th to 17th of this month.

It is the Mission’s agenda to support every rural poor household to have Agri Nutri Garden to fulfil the family’s nutritional needs.

Excess production can also be sold for income generation.

Amar Jawan Jyoti to merge with War Memorial flame

According to defence officials, the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame at India Gate will be merged with the flame at the newly constructed National War Memorial in the same complex.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti was erected as a memorial to fallen soldiers of the 1971 operations that led to the freedom of Bangladesh.

It is housed inside the India Gate, a British era memorial to soldiers who lost their lives in pre-independence operations.

Saturnino de la Fuente, the world's oldest man passes away at 112

The oldest person living (male) Saturnino de la Fuente García (112 years & 341 days) has passed away at home in León, a city in northwest Spain,

Saturnino claimed the record as the oldest person living (male) in September 2021 when he was exactly 112 years and 211 days.

De la Fuente was a cobbler by trade and started working in a shoe factory at age 13.

He was born in the Puente Castro neighbourhood of León on Feb. 11, 1909.

Bangladesh to make Unique Business ID mandatory for e-commerce entities

The Bangladesh government will make the Unique Business ID (UBID) mandatory for all e-commerce entities in the country. 

According to Zunaid Ahmed Palak(State Minister for IT),all digital commerce operators in the country will be required to register with the government using the UBID.

The use of these mechanisms to regulate the e-commerce sector will restore public confidence in the digital business. 

Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina

Capital:Dhaka

Currency: Bangladeshi taka

India successfully test fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with increased indigenous content and improved performance was successfully testfired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. 

The launch was conducted by Brahmos Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. 

The missile was equipped with advanced indigenous technologies and followed a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and improved performance. 

Dileep Sanghani elected as IFFCO chairman

Dileep Sanghani has been elected as chairman (17th) of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO).

He succeeds Balvinder Singh Nakai.

Sanghani was elected as the vice-chairman of IFFCO in the year 2019.

IFFCO is a multi-state cooperative society engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing fertilisers.

IFFCO Headquarters: New Delhi.

First BRICS Sherpas meeting of 2022 held under Chinese chairship

The first BRICS Sherpas meeting of 2022 was held virtually on January 18-19 2022, with the members thanking India for its BRICS chairship in 2021.

China has taken on the rotating chairmanship of BRICS in 2022.

BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

PM Modi addresses National Launch Ceremony of 'Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav

PM Modi addressed the national launch ceremony of Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav se Swarnim Bharat Ke Ore through video conferencing.

It includes more than 30 campaigns, over 15000 programs and events. 

He flagged off 7 initiatives of Brahma Kumaris.

My India Healthy India. 

Aatmanirbhar Bharat-Self Reliant Farmers. 

Women-Flag Bearers of India. 

Power of Peace Bus Campaign. 

Andekha Bharat Cycle Rally. 

United India Motor Bike Campaign. 

Green initiatives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. 

Indian-origin golfer Akshay Bhatia wins on Korn Ferry Tour

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay won the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay. 

The win made him the third-youngest player to win a Korn Ferry Tour event since the Tour’s establishment in 1990.

Bhatia’s 14-under 274 marked the second-lowest 72-hole score in the event’s five-season history.

Paul Haley II, who was second at -12, recorded his third runner-up finish and seventh top-10 in his last 35 Korn Ferry Tour starts.

RBI: Digital payments up 39.6% in Sept 2021

The RBI’s Digital Payment Index rose by 39.64% to 304.06 in September 2021 against 217.74 in the year-ago month.

RBI has introduced Digital Payments Index in January 2021 with March 2018 as the base year to capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country.

This means that the DPI score for March 2018 is set at 100.

RBI’s Digital Payment Index shows the deepening of payments through digital modes in India.

NIF Incubation Council ties up with Amazon India to boost Grassroot Innovat

National Innovation Foundation’s Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council and Amazon India have signed an MoU for online distribution of the product of grassroots innovations, student innovations, and outstanding traditional knowledge-based products.

These innovations have their genesis in addressing an unmet need in a particular locality.

Amazon will also create a storefront to boost the discoverability of these rural innovations among customers.

India tennis star Sania Mirza to retire after 2022 season

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza (35-year) has decided that she is bidding adieu to the sports at the end of 2022.

She already bowed out of singles competitions in 2013.

Sania has six Grand Slam titles in women's doubles and mixed doubles to her name.

Her last headline-grabbing win came with Chinese partner Shuai Zhang in women's doubles at the Ostrava Open on September 26, 2021.

Sania Mirza is married to ex-Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik.

Indonesia replaces sinking Jakarta with new capital city Nusantara

The Indonesian Parliament has passed a law to relocate the country’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara.

The initial relocation will start between 2022 and 2024.

In the next decade, the government centre will be relocated and by 2045, the vision of 'World City for All" will be realised.

The plan was formulated as Jakarta is prone to flooding amid climate change.

The sinking megacity also suffers from chronic congestion and air pollution.

Noted ecologist and ‘Save Silent Valley’ campaigner M.K. Prasad passes away

Noted ecologist Prof. M. K. Prasad (89-years) passed away due to complications of COVID-19. 

Prof. Prasad, who had served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Calicut University, was at the forefront of environmental protection activities in the State.

He played a leadership role in the ‘Save Silent Valley’ campaign in the state in the 1970s.

The campaign was considered the first popular campaign for protecting a forest ecosystem in the State.

Vikram Dev Dutt appointed new CMD of Air India

Senior bureaucrat Vikram Dev Dutt has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director of Air India Ltd.

Dutt, a 1993-batch IAS officer of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre, is at present Principal Secretary (Tourism) in Delhi government.

The Centre had accepted Tata Sons bid of Rs 18,000 crore to acquire 100 per cent of the debt-laden state-run carrier.

The takeover has not been completed yet.

Microsoft to buy gaming giant Activision Blizzard for $69 bn

Microsoft announced a landmark $69 billion deal to buy US gaming giant Activision Blizzard, betting big on the prospects of the video game market by scooping up the scandal-hit "Call of Duty" maker.

If the deal is confirmed, it will be the largest acquisition in the industry, far ahead of Take-Two's $12.7 billion purchase of Zynga announced last week.

After the deal, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.

Bangladesh: First National Dance Festival to begins on 20 January

A three day long National Dance Festival (first time) has been inaugurated at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka.

It has been organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in which 75 troupes from across the country will perform.

The performances will take place at the National Theatre auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy while some organisations will also hold programmes in their respective districts.

PM Modi, Mauritius PM jointly inaugurate India-assisted housing project

PM Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind K Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the India-assisted Social Housing Units project in Mauritius virtually.

They also launch the Civil Service College and 8MW Solar PV Farm projects in Mauritius that are being undertaken under India’s development support. 

An agreement on extending a 190 million US dollar  Line of Credit from India to Mauritius for the Metro Express Project and other infra. projects have been exchanged.

SEBI launches Saa₹thi mobile app for investor education

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched Saa₹thi, a mobile app for investor education.

Aim:  to empower investors with accurate knowledge about the securities market.

The app will be helpful in easily accessing all the relevant information like the basic concepts of Securities Market, KYC Process, trading and settlement, mutual funds, recent market developments, investor grievances redressal mechanism, etc.

SEBI Chairman: Ajai Tyagi.

MSDE sign MoU with IGNOU to link vocational education with higher education

Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has signed MoU with Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU) to further strengthen the vocational and technical training framework. 

Aim: to link vocational education and training with higher education, making India’s youth employable by creating avenues for them to access better work opportunities.

The trainees attached to National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI), Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), PMKK and JSS. 

ICAAP and NCDC jointly release Handbook on Good Practices for Cooperatives

ICAAP and NCDC has jointly released a policy recommendation handbook on SAHAKAR PRAGYA Good Practices for Cooperatives based on ‘Brain Storming Session on International Good Practices Platform for Cooperatives’.

It is a Compendium of Guidelines, Resources, Methodologies, Key Learning, and Case Studies of Best Performing Cooperatives in India and abroad. 

It will help Cooperatives to Innovate and Adopt Best Models for Competitive and Successful Commercial Entities. 

India-UK meet on Sustaining Food Production under Environmental Stress

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has virtually addressed joint India-UK meet on ‘Sustaining Food Production under Environmental Stress’ in New Delhi.

Joint collaboration may include events like students exchange, basic research, technology and product development, process demonstration, among others.

It is being jointly organized by National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, and University of Birmingham, UK and supported by Newton Bhabha Fund and British Council.

Fifth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha to be held in February

Fifth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha will be held in February 2020. 

Pariksha Pe Charcha contest has been launched from 28th December 2021 till 20th January at MyGov portal. 

Winners of this contest are likely to be called in person to participate in Pariksha Pe Charcha. 

Participants: Teachers, Parents, Students. 

Pariksha pe Charcha: programme in which the Prime Minister interacts with the cross-section of Students and Teachers from India and abroad to beat exam stress.

Shashank Goel appointed as Additional Secretary in Employment Ministry

Shashank Goel (1990 batch IAS officer) has been appointed as the Additional Secretary in Ministry of Labor and Employment.

Prior to this, he was serving as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana.

Apart from him, Shailesh Kumar Singh (IAS of 1991 batch) has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Manish Kumar Gupta has been appointed as Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority.

Winners of Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 announced

Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 ceremony has been held virtually in Zurich to crown outstanding players for excellent achievement in football.

List of Winners:

Best FIFA Men’s Player: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich, Poland). 

Best FIFA Women’s Player: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain). 

Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Édouard Mendy. 

Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper: Christiane Endler. 

FIFA Fair Play Award: Denmark national football team and medical staff. 

MobiKwik launches ‘ClickPay’ in collaboration with NBBL for faster payment

MobiKwik in collaboration with NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) has launched a new facility titled ‘ClickPay’. 

Aim: to enable its customers pay recurring online bills, such as mobile, gas, water, electricity, DTH, insurance, and loan EMIs, with ease. 

It eliminates the need to remember individual bill details and due dates.

It is a two-step payment feature wherein billers generate a unique payment link within the bill-pay message, so that customers can make payments directly. 

JK Lt Governor releases book titled ‘Prakrtik, Vaidik avem Jaivik Kheti’

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has released a book titled ‘Prakrtik, Vaidik avem Jaivik Kheti- Graameen Udyamita Ka Naya Swaroop’ at the Raj Bhavan, Jammu.

The book was published by Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, Kathua. 

It was released as a souvenir after the successful conduct of the Annual Festival and foundation day celebrations. 

In this research-oriented souvenir, scholars of Sanskrit-agricultural science, young researchers have written their research papers. 

Cartoonist Narayan Debnath passes away in Kolkata

Cartoonist Narayan Debnath (98 years) passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata.

He was the creator of Bengali comic strips of Handa Bhonda (1962), Bantul the Great (1965) and Nonte Phonte (1969).

He holds the record of longest running comics by an individual artiste for Handa Bhonda comics series.

Awards: Padma Shri (2021), Sahitya Academy Award, President's Special Recognition Award (2007), Banga Bibhushan (2013), D. Litt. by Rabindra Bharati University (2015).

Legendary Collarwali Tigress passes away in Pench Tiger Reserve

India’s Supermom tigress, popularly known as ‘Collarwali’ (16 years) passed away at Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh. 

She was known for giving birth to 29 cubs during her lifetime, which is believed to be a world record.

Official name given to the tigress by forest department was T-15 but she was fondly called ‘Collarwali’ by the native people. 

She became the first tigress in the park to be fitted with a radio collar in 2008.

Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma re-elected as National People’s Party Chief

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma has been re-elected as the Chief of National People’s Party (NPP) in the party’s main office in Shillong.

Election was held for three positions in the party: National President, National General Secretary and National Party Treasurer.

Conrad K Sangma was re-elected as the Party Chief and Thomas A. Sangma was elected as National General Secretary for 2022-2025 unopposed.

There was no application for the post of treasurer.

Roberta Metsola becomes youngest President of EU Parliament

Centre-right Maltese lawmaker Roberta Metsola (43 years) has been chosen as youngest President of European Union (EU) Parliament. 

She is the only 3rd woman to head European Parliament, despite controversy over anti-abortion stance. 

She is a member of the largest bloc, European People’s Party, who won large majority with 458 votes. 

She first elected to as a Member of European Parliament in 2013, representing Malta, and became First VP of European Parliament in Nov 2020. 

Former PM of Japan Toshiki Kaifu passes away

The former Prime Minister of Japan, Toshiki Kaifu has passed away at the age of 91 years in Japan. He served as the PM from 1989 to 1991. He is known for sending the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Persian Gulf in 1991.

After the Gulf War, the Japanese Self-Defense Force were deployed to the Gulf region to conduct minesweeping operations during Kaifu’s term of office.

Former Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita passes away

The former President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who was ousted in a military coup, has passed away. Mr Keita had ruled Mali for seven years, since September 2013, till he was overthrown in a military coup in August 2020.

He had also served as prime minister of the country from 1994 to 2000. He had promised to restore Mali’s honour as a model for democracy in West Africa as he campaigned as a unifying figure in his fractured country, pledging “zero tolerance” for corruption.

Padma Shri winning social activist Shanti Devi passes away

Odisha’s social worker and Padma Shri awardee Shanti Devi, who was remembered as the voice of the poor, has passed away. She was 88. She was also called Lugdi Devi.

She was known for her dedication towards the underprivileged community and restoring peace in the Maoist-affected areas in Odisha.

She has received the prestigious Padma Shri award from President Ram Nath Kovind on November 9, 2021.

Russia’s Aslan Karatsev wins Sydney Tennis Classic

In tennis, Aslan Karatsev defeated Andy Murray by 6-3, 6-3, to win men’s single title at the Sydney Tennis Classic final, to claim his third ATP Tour title.

The women’s single title was claimed by Spanish world number nine Paula Badosa, who defeated Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 4-6 7-6(4), to capture her third career title.

The winner’s list of Sydney Tennis Classic 2022

Men’s Single: Aslan Karatsev (Russia)

Women’s Single: Paula Badosa (Spain)

Men’s Double: John Peers (Australia and Filip Polášek (Slovakia)

Women’s Double: Anna Danilina (Kazakhstan) and Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil)

Oxfam India released ‘Inequality Kills’ Report

According to Oxfam India, “Inequality Kills” report, the wealth of India’s richest families reached to a record high in 2021. In the report, India was described as a ‘very unequal,’ country, as the top 10 people in India holds 57 per cent of the wealth.

On the other hand, the share of the bottom half is 13 per cent. The report states that 84% of Indian households witnessed an income decline amid the covid-19 pandemic.

The richest 98 Indians own the same wealth as the bottom 552 million people. The number of Indian billionaires increased from 102 to 142, during 2021. The wealth of the top 100 families is Rs 57.3 trillion.

PM Narendra Modi virtually address WEF’s Davos Agenda 2022 Summit

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Davos Agenda Summit 2022, through video-conferencing.

The “Davos Agenda 2022” summit is being held digitally from January 17 to January 21, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme of the event is “The State of the World.”

The week-long digital summit will begin with a special address by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The ‘Davos Agenda 2022’ will be the first global platform for Heads of state and government as well as CEOs and other leaders to share their visions for 2022 on critical collective challenges and how to address them. This is the second consecutive year that the event is being held virtually.

Important For All Exam 2022:

World Economic Forum Founded: January 1971;

World Economic Forum Founder & Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab;

World Economic Forum Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland.

Sumit Bhale won gold medal at the International Folk Art Festival

Lavni artist from Maharashtra, Sumit Bhale of Fulbari taluka has won a gold medal at the International Folk Art Festival in Dubai. With his splendid performance, Maharashtra’s splendour has been widely appreciated at the international platform.

Lavani is a genre of music popular in Maharashtra and is a combination of traditional song and dance, which is particularly performed to the beats of Dholki, a percussion instrument.

National Startup Awards 2021 announced

National Startup Awards 2021 is the second edition of the award ceremony, conceived by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

A total of 46 Startups have been recognized as winners of the National Startup Awards 2021 along with 1 incubator and 1 accelerator, by the Government of India. They have been felicitated for their contribution in their respective sectors.

Some winners in the list:

State-wise, Karnataka bagged the highest number of awards, which included 14 out of 46 national startup awards.

In fintech category’s financial inclusion sub-sector, Bengaluru-based Naffa Innovations Private Limited (ToneTag) was declared the winner.

In fintech category’s insurance sub-sector, Umbo Idtech Private Limited won the award.

In Robotics sub-sector, Sagar Defence was declared the winner.

In the women-led start-up category, Jaipur-headquartered Frontier Markets was honoured.

Mrs World 2022: Mrs America Shaylyn Ford Takes The Crown

37 Years old Shaylyn Ford was crowned as the winner of Mrs World 2022. She was crowned by the outgoing queen Kate Schneider from Ireland. Mrs Jordan Jaclyn Stapp & Mrs UAE Debanjali Kamstra were the runner up.

Shaylyn Ford represented America in the pageant and battled out 57 other contestants from across the globe to claim the title. This is the 8th time an American representative won the title of Mrs. World.

Shaylyn Ford hails from Granville, Ohio, USA. She won the annual Mrs American pageant on November 19, 2021. She is a professional makeup artist, who has worked in every setting, from movie sets to make-a-wish projects.

She has been married to her pastor husband for the past seven years and has three children. She also serves as a charitable director and does a lot of volunteer work to bring services to special needs families.

India’s Navdeep Kaur wins Best National Costume award at Mrs World 2022 pageant

India’s Navdeep Kaur has won the award for the Best National Costume at the prestigious Mrs World 2022 pageant in Nevada, Las Vegas. She is the winner of Mrs India World 2021, was representing the country at Mrs World 2022. Navdeep hails from a small town near Odisha’s Steel City, Rourkela.

The “avant garde” outfit was inspired by Kundalini Chakra, which “symbolises the movement of energy in chakras of the body from the base to the spine up through the crown”.

Cobra embellishments on the shoulder were added to represent the “mystical serpent native to India”, while the golden colour was chosen as it represents novelty, power and glory.

Narendra Kumar Goenka named as new chairman of AEPC

Narendra Kumar Goenka has been appointed as the new chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, AEPC. Former chairman Padma Dr A Sakthivel handed over the charge to him.

Mr. Goenka has been associated with the Council for more than two decades. He was the Vice Chairman of the apex body of Indian apparel exporters before taking charge as Chairman of AEPC.

AEPC is the official body of apparel exporters in India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, that provides invaluable assistance to Indian exporters as well as importers/international buyers.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Apparel Export Promotion Council Established: 1978;

Apparel Export Promotion Council HQ: Gurgaon.

9th women National Ice Hockey Championship-2022 begins

In Himachal Pradesh, the 9th women National Ice Hockey Championship-2022 was inaugurated at Ice Skating Rink, Kaza in Lahaul Spiti district. For the first time in the state, Ice Hockey competition & development camp is being organized at the national level.

Teams from Himachal Pradesh, Telengana, Ladakh, ITBP Ladakh, Chandigarh & Delhi are participating in this mega event. The state Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated the Championship.

This is the first time that National Level Ice Hockey Competition and Development Camp was being held in the State. In 2019, the first Basic Ice Hockey ten days Coaching Camp was organized at Kaza by State Youth Services and Sports Department, in collaboration with the Ladakh Women Ice Hockey Foundation.

The State Government has already announced the High-Altitude Sports Center at Kaza with an estimated cost of Rs. 16 crore.

Poet Maya Angelou becomes the first black woman to appear on US coin

The US Treasury has minted coins featuring poet Maya Angelou – the first black woman ever featured on the US 25-cent coin known as a quarter. Angelou, a poet and activist, was the first black woman to write and perform a poem at a presidential inauguration.

In 2010, she was given a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian award by President Barack Obama.

The new coin still features George Washington’s visage on the “heads” side, while the “tails” side honours Angelou by evoking one of her most famous works, the autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

South Africa Launches 1st ‘made In Africa’ Satellites

South Africa has launched its first satellite constellation developed entirely in the continent of Africa. Three locally produced nanosatellites, which made up the country’s first Maritime Domain Awareness Satellite (MDASat) constellation, were launched from Cape Canaveral in the United States, as part of American aerospace company SpaceX’s Transporter-3 mission.

Transporter-3, SpaceX’s third dedicated rideshare mission, carried a total of 105 spacecraft for various organisations and governments, including CubeSats, microsats, PocketQubes and orbital transfer vehicles.

Minister of State Subhas Sarkar launches Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar

Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar has launched the Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar (SVP) 2021 – 2022 virtually. The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar recognises, inspires and awards schools that have undertaken exemplary work in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene while also providing a benchmark and a roadmap for schools to make further improvements in future.

The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar was first distributed by the Department of School Education and Literacy, in 2016-17 to create self-motivation and awareness about sanitation.

A total of 40 schools will be selected under the overall category this year at the national level. The award money has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 per school under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Additionally, 6 sub-category awards have been introduced for the first time and entail award money of Rs. 20,000/- per school.

GoI launches stamp to mark 1 year of Covid vaccination

The government of India has released a commemorative postal stamp on the Covid-19 vaccination on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the country’s national immunization programme against the virus.

The commemorative stamp design features a healthcare worker inoculating a senior citizen with COVID-19 vaccine, along with an image of ‘COVAXIN’ vial.

This stamp signifies the remarkable work done by our frontline healthcare workers and scientific community across the country in protecting the people against the COVID pandemic.

Govt inaugurates India's first coal to methanol plant built by BHEL

Union govt has dedicated India's first BHEL-built 'coal to methanol' (CTM) pilot plant to the nation in Hyderabad.

The 0.25 TPD capacity CTM pilot plant is currently producing methanol with purity of more than 99% from high-ash coal.

This conversion of high-ash Indian coal to methanol through the gasification route is the first-of-its-kind technology demonstration in India.

An exhibition on Products Developed under Aatmanirbhar Bharat' has also been inaugurated.

Chhattisgarh govt to set up employment mission to create 15 lakh job

Chhattisgarh govt decided to set up an employment mission to create around 15 lakh job opportunities in the state in the next 5 years.

The mission will be headed by CM Bhupesh Baghel.

Under the mission, the State government will also leverage expertise of premiere institutions such as the IIT, IIIT, IIM and NIT, in the State to generate employment opportunities.

In the last 3 years, several innovative programmes were introduced to create employment opportunities.

China builds 'artificial moon' for gravity experiment

China built an "artificial moon" research facility that will enable them to simulate low-gravity environments using magnetism.

The gravity of this place can be controlled using powerful magnets by scientists to such low levels that it could successfully simulate the moon’s gravity.

The artificial moon research facility is scheduled for official launch in the year 2022.

It is first of its kind research facility in the world.

Arvind Kejriwal to flag off Delhi's first DTC electric bus

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged off Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC’s) first electric bus.

The electric buses will cover a minimum distance of 120 km and arrangements of charging points are underway.

300 such E-buses will start till April, the target is 2000.

These buses were manufactured by the JBM Auto Limited.

These buses were acquired under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and electric Vehicles in India (FAME – II) initiatives.

MEIL completes 5-km tunnelling work as part of Zojila project

Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) has completed 5-km-long tunnelling work as part of the 18-km-long all-weather Zojila Tunnel.

The project of the NHIDCL, being executed by the MEIL, is envisaged to ensure connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year.

Zojila project, Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel, is a challenging development project in India for strategic reasons too.

Navies of India, Russia Conduct Passing Exercise In Arabian Sea

The navies of India and Russia conducted a passing exercise in the Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Kochi exercised with Russian Navy's destroyer Admiral Tributs.

The exercise showcased cohesiveness and interoperability between the two navies.

A passing exercise is done to ensure that two navies participating in it are able to smoothly coordinate and communicate in times of any disaster or war.

Tamil Nadu govt to install statue of British officer in UK

The Tamil Nadu government will install a statue of Colonel John Pennycuick in the United Kingdom.

Colonel John Pennycuick was a British engineer who built the Mullaperiyar dam in 1895 in Kerala's Idukki.

The dam is currently operated by the Tamil Nadu government.

Pennycuick is highly respected by the people of the five districts in Tamil Nadu and is even worshipped by many.

‘Save Silent Valley’ campaigner M.K. Prasad passes away

Noted environmentalist Prof M K Prasad passed away on 17th January 2022.

He was a prominent figure in the historic grassroot level movement to save the evergreen tropical rain forests in Kerala's Silent Valley from destruction.

He had also led the popular science movement, ‘Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishath’.

That had undertaken campaigns for popularisation of science in everyday life.

Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away

Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj (Brij Mohan Nath Mishra) passed away at his home in Delhi after suffering a heart attack.

A recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan was born in a well-known family of Kathak dancers.

Pandit Birju Maharaj donned several hats during his lifetime.

While he was best known as a Kathak dancer, he was an equally prolific singer, poet and painter.

Lakshya sen clinches men's singles title of India Open 2022

India’s Lakshya Sen has won his maiden Super 500 title by winning Yonex-Sunrise India Open.

He defeated World Champion Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) in Men's single event.

Earlier in the day, India's top-ranked Men's Doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won double title.

They defeated top seeded Indonesian pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan in the final.

Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrunghphan bagged the Women’s Singles title. 

20th Dhaka International Film Festival begins

The 20th Dhaka International Film Festival begins at Dhaka, Bangladesh. The festival will showcase 225 films from 70 countries under 10 categories will be screened across various venues in Dhaka between 15-23 January.

The film festival is being organized in a hybrid mode with many films being streamed online during the festival. The DIFF will also organise the 8th edition of the ‘Women in Cinema’ international conference, as well as the 4th edition of the ‘West meets East’ screenplay lab during the festival.

The Indian entries to the 20th DIFF include films like Koozhangal directed by P S Vinothraj, Avijatrik directed by Subhrajit Mitra, Mayar Jonjal directed by Indranil Roychowdhury, and Aandaal directed by Shareef Easa among the 35 entries.

Indian Army Day observed on 15 January

The Army Day in India is celebrated on 15 January every year, to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens. This year marks the 74th Indian Army Day.

The day is marked to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Carriappa took over the command of the Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.

NIRAMAI & InnAccel received Global Women’s Health Tech Awards

DBT-BIRAC supported start-ups, NIRAMAI Health Analytix Pvt Ltd, and InnAccel Technologies Pvt Ltd have received World Bank Group and Consumer Technology Association’s Global Women’s Health Tech Awards.

The award recognizes innovative startups that leverage tech to improve women’s health and safety. NIRAMAI Health Analytix was selected for early-stage breast cancer medical device. InnAccel was selected for Fetal Lite, AI-powered fetal heart rate (FHR) monitor.

India’s forex reserves declines by $878 mn to $632.7 bn

As per the weekly Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the foreign exchange reserves of India declined by $878 million to USD 632.736 billion in the week ended January 7, 2022. In the previous week ended December 31, India’s reserves dropped by $1.466 billion to $633.614 billion.

The decline was mainly due to a fall in gold reserves and foreign currency assets (FCA). In the reporting week, FCAs decreased by $497 million to $569.392 billion. Gold reserves declined by $360 million to $39.044 billion.

The special drawing rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) fell by $16 million to $19.098 billion. India’s reserve position with the IMF dipped by $5 million to $5.202 billion.

‘North East on Wheels Expedition’ launched to promote Culture of Northeastern States

Minister of State for Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi has launched the ‘North East on Wheels Expedition’ in New Delhi to promote the Culture of Northeastern States. The Bike Expedition is scheduled between 8th to 16th April this year to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

75 Bikers participating in this expedition will be selected from all over the country and will cover about 9000 km in the North East Region in 6 groups.

The expedition will also promote the Dekho Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. The Riders will also carry the message of the importance of Road Safety.

Philippines to purchase BrahMos cruise missiles from India

Philippines has become the first foreign country to place an order for the purchase of the BrahMos Shore-Based cruise Missile System for its navy. This agreement will give a big boost to India’s defence manufacturing system.

The estimated deal cost is worth $374,9 million. The BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd will supply the missile, under the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System Acquisition Project, for Philippine Navy.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Philippines Capital: Manila;

Philippines Currency: Philippine peso;

Philippines President: Rodrigo Duterte.

Paytm Payments Bank became most preferred UPI beneficiary bank in India

Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) became the largest and fastest-growing UPI beneficiary bank in India. It becomes the first beneficiary bank in the country to achieve the landmark of over 926 million UPI transactions in a single month.

Beneficiary banks are the banks of the account holder who is receiving money. Paytm Payments Bank has also gained rapid traction as a remitter bank for UPI payments.

While State Bank of India (SBI) topped the chart of being the biggest remitter in December 2021, according to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). State Bank of India followed PPBL as the second-largest beneficiary with 664.89 million transactions.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Vijay Shekhar Sharma;

MD and CEO of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta;

Paytm Payments Bank Ltd Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Indifi tie-up with GPay to offer instant digital credit to SMEs

Small businesses-focused online lending platform Indifi Technologies has collaborated with Google Pay to provide instant loans to eligible medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) merchants through the Google Pay platform.

The borrowing process is entirely digital and eligible merchants on the Google Pay for the Business app can click on loan offerings from Indifi and submit an application online. The loans will be in the range of Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 lakh.

With a 35 per cent share of monthly UPI volumes, Google Pay has been growing its financial services play over the past year like other payments leaders in India. It already provides loans and short-term credit to individuals and small merchants in tie-ups with IIFL Loans, CASHe, and ZestMoney, among others.

Daniel Ortega sworn in as President of Nicaragua for 5th term

Nicaraguan President José Daniel Ortega Saavedra, leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), was sworn in for a new presidential term. This marks his 5th term and 4th consecutive term as the President of Nicaragua.

He will remain in the office until January 2027. He received the presidential sash from Gustavo Porras, head of the National Assembly. Ortega’s first stint in power ended in 1990 and upon returning as president in 2007, he quickly set about gaining control of key state institutions.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Nicaragua Capital: Managua;

Nicaragua Currency: Nicaraguan córdoba.

India give support to Sri Lanka to overcome forex crisis

India has announced financial assistance of USD 900 million loans to Sri Lanka to help the island nation in building up its depleted foreign reserves and for food imports. It must be noted that Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of almost all essential commodities due to a shortage of dollars to pay for the imports.

India is extending its support through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay met Cabraal and expressed India’s strong support to Sri Lanka in the wake of RBI extending over USD 900 million facilities.

These comprise deferment of Asian Clearing Union settlement of over USD 509 million and currency swap of USD 400 million.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Sri Lanka Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte;

Currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa;

Sri Lanka President: Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Badminton Association partners Sony for Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2022

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as its broadcast partner for the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2022.

The 11th edition of the tournament will see reigning world champion Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and bronze medallist Lakshya Sen as well as two-time Olympics medallist PV Sindhu and the 2015 India Open champion Saina Nehwal.

The tournament is being telecast live on Sony Ten 1 channel and is being streamed live on SonyLIV.

AYUSH Ministry hosts first-ever global Surya Namaskar event

On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti the Ministry of AYUSH hosted the 1st-ever global Surya Namaskar event.

Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed the people on the occasion and gave his message on Surya Namaskar.

Keeping in view the recent upsurge of corona cases, he had advised people to do 'Surya Namaskar' from home and upload videos on the links used for registration.

Leading Yoga masters and gurus from global institutions also shared their messages.

Armed Forces Veterans Day 2022: 14th January

Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed on January 14 every year, since 2017.

It is celebrated to honour the sacrifice of our veterans in serving the nation.

Armed Forces Veterans Day was called Armistice Day when it was announced and this year, the nation is celebrating the 6th Armed Forces Veterans Day.

Armed Forces Veterans Day recognises the services rendered by Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.

Posco, Adani Group to build $5 billion Mundra steel mill

POSCO and the Adani Group have agreed to explore business cooperation opportunities, including the establishment of a green, environment-friendly Integrated Steel Mill at Mundra, Gujarat.

The investment is estimated to be up to USD 5 billion.

The non-binding MoU signed between POSCO and Adani intends to further collaborate at the group business level in various industries such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and logistics in response to carbon reduction requirements.

Axis Bank ties up with MinkasuPay for smoother biometric-based net banking

Axis Bank has entered into a partnership with MinkasuPay to offer biometric authentication solution for its customers.

Now transaction time to execute net banking payment will be reduced from about 50-60 seconds currently, to just 2-3 seconds.

customers’ biometric authentication will be done with Fingerprint or Face ID authentication.

This will also increase transaction success rates significantly.

Axis Bank MD and CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry

Headquarter: Mumbai

Snapdeal ties up with BOB Financial to launch Rupay Credit Card

Snapdeal has joined hands with BOB Financial and NPCI to launch a co-branded contactless RuPay credit card.

This co-branded credit card aims to popularise the adoption and usage of credit cards among the growing number of online buyers from India’s smaller cities and towns.

The Snapdeal-BoB co-branded contactless card will be rolled out by March 2022.

BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda (BoB).

Paytm Payments Bank becomes most preferred UPI beneficiary bank

Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) becomes the largest and fastest growing UPI beneficiary bank in India.

It becomes the first beneficiary bank in the country to achieve the landmark of over 926 million UPI transactions in a single month.

Beneficiary banks are the banks of the account holder who is receiving money.

Paytm Payments Bank has also gained rapid traction as a remitter bank for UPI payments.

CEO Paytm Payments Bank: Satish Kumar Gupta

Headquarter: Noida

NDTV Lucknow Bureau Chief Kamal Khan passes away

NDTV's Lucknow Bureau Chief Kamal Khan passed away due to a heart attack.

Kamal’s reportage over the last decades stood out for its perceptiveness, integrity & the way he delivered hard truths with poetic dexterity.

Khan was working as Executive Editor with NDTV.

He was a recipient of Ramnath Goenka Award, and Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi Award from the President of India.

Kachai Lemon Festival began in Manipur

The 18th edition of Kachai Lemon Festival began in Manipur. 

Theme: 'Organic Kachai Lemon for Safe Environment and Rural Transformation'

Kachai Lemon has been accorded GI tag and widely grown in Kachai Village of Ukhrul district.

Kachai Lemon is considered to be unique as it is a rich source of ascorbic acid and famous for its juice content.

Kachai Lemon Festival is organized annually to promote this unique kind of lemon fruit and to encourage the lemon farmers.

Environment Minister releases India State of Forest Report 2021

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has released biennial India State of Forest Report 2021.

Highlights: 

Total forest and tree cover in India in 2021: 80.9 million hectares.

This is over 24.60% of the geographical area of the country.

17 states and union territories have above 33% of the geographical area under forest cover.

Largest forest cover: Madhya Pradesh

Max. increase in forest cover: Andhra Pradesh

Total carbon stock in India’s forest: 7,204 million tonnes.

Meenakshi Lekhi launches Bike Expedition to north-east

MoS for Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi has launched 'North East on Wheels Expedition’ in New Delhi to promote the Culture of Northeastern States.

It is scheduled to be held between 8th to 16th April this year to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

75 Bikers participating in this expedition will be selected from all over the country and will cover about 9000 km in the NE Region in 6 groups.

Aim: promote the Dekho Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of Tourism.

Savita Punia named captain of Indian women hockey team for Asia Cup

Goalkeeper Savita Punia will be the captain of Indian squad at the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022 to be held in Muscat, Oman. 

Indian women are the defending champions at the continental event.

Indian women’s hockey team features 16 players who were part of Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the Indian eves finished fourth.

Vice-captain: Deep Grace Ekka.

China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are the 7 other teams competing at the tournament.

David Bennett world first human receives a Pig Heart Transplant

A US man has become the first person in the world to get a heart transplant from a genetically-modified pig. David Bennett, 57, is doing well three days after the experimental seven-hour procedure in Baltimore.

The possibility of using animal organs for so-called xenotransplantation to meet the demand has long been considered, and using pig heart valves is already common. Pigs are increasingly becoming popular candidates for organ transplantation.

This is because their organs are anatomically similar to those of humans. What’s more, porcine components are more tuned for genetic engineering.

India’s oldest sloth bear ‘Gulabo’ passes away at Van Vihar National Park

India’s oldest female sloth bear, whose name was Gulabo, has passed away at the Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Gulabo was the oldest sloth bear of the country. She died at the age of 40.

She was rescued from a street performer (Madaari) in May 2006, when she was 25 years. Gulabo was one of the star attractions in the park.

The Van Vihar National Park, located on the banks of Bhopal’s Upper Lake, also runs a rescue and breeding centre for sloth bears.

A book on Arundhati Bhattacharya “Indomitable: A Working Woman’s Notes on Life, Work and Leadership” released

HarperCollins is set to publish “Indomitable: A Working Woman’s Notes on Life, Work and Leadership” the autobiography of Arundhati Bhattacharya, retired Indian banker and former first-ever woman Chairperson of the State Bank of India.

Indomitable features the story of Arundhati Bhattacharya’s life as a banker and the difficulties she faced in the male-dominated sector. She is the chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of salesforce India, a cloud-based Software as a service (SaaS) company headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States of America.

Tata group replaces Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo as IPL title sponsor

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed that Tata group has replaced Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Vivo as the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The multinational conglomerate will pay Rs. 300 crore per year as the title sponsor of IPL for the next two seasons. This is about 60% of what Vivo would have paid.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Tata group Founder: Jamsetji Tata;

Tata group Founded: 1868, Mumbai;

Tata group Headquarters: Mumbai;

Chairman of the Board at Tata Sons: Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Henley Passport Index 2022: India Ranks 83rd in Q1

India has improved its position by seven places to rank at 83rd place among 111 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index, released for Q1 of 2022. India ranked at 90th spot among 116 countries in Q4 of 2021 in October.

The Indian passport has visa-free access to 60 destinations worldwide in Q1 2022, as compared to 58 destinations in Q4 of 2021. Oman and Armenia are the latest destinations where Indian passport holders can visit without obtaining a visa.

Japan and Singapore have retained the joint top position in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2022 Q1. Their passports holders are allowed to travel visa-free to 192 countries. Afghanistan has the world’s least powerful passports, with a visa-free score of 26.

Supreme Court appoints 5-member panel headed by former judge Indu Malhotra

The Supreme Court of India has constituted a five-member committee to probe the security breach during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Punjab. The committee will be headed by former apex court judge Justice Indu Malhotra.

Other members of the panel include the Inspector General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Director-General of Police of Chandigarh, the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Additional DGP (Security) of Punjab.

To inquire who all are responsible for the security breach and to what extent the remedial measures are necessary.

Give suggestions on the security of constitutional functionaries ensuring that such incidents do not take place in future.

UBS Projects India’s GDP forecast at 9.1% in FY22

Swiss brokerage UBS Securities has lowered the growth forecast of the Indian economy for the current financial year (FY22) to 9.1 per cent due to a massive surge in Omicron infections. Earlier this was estimated at 9.5 per cent.

However, UBS Securities has revised upwards the real GDP forecast of India in FY23 to 8.2 per cent. This was projected at 7.7 per cent earlier.

Retail inflation rises to 5.59% in December 2021

Retail inflation in December 2021 rose to a six-month high of 5.59 per cent from 4.91 per cent in November 2021, mainly due to a sharp rise in food prices as food inflation for the period under review also rose steeply to 4.05 per cent against 1.87 per cent in November 2021.

According to data released by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, prices of cereals, egg, milk products and prepared meals went up during December 2021.

Apart from these items, prices of clothing and footwear, education, health as well as recreation activities and transportation too witnessed a rise in December 2021 compared to November 2021.

Centre will hold 35.8% stakes of Vodafone Idea in the form of equity

The Central Government of India is set to become the largest shareholder in Vodafone Idea. The company’s board approved the conversion of Rs 16,000 crores in interest into equity.

India’s third-largest network Vi or Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has approved the interest on the spectrum and Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues into government equity.

VIL accepted a four-year moratorium as well as accepted the equity conversion, which means the Indian government will own almost 35.8% of VIL’s stake followed by Vodafone Group which owns 28.5% and 17.8% by Aditya Birla Group.

RajKummar Rao named as brand ambassador of RenewBuy

RenewBuy, an online insurance platform, has appointed Rajkummar Rao as the brand ambassador for its 1st 360-degree consumer advertising campaign that highlights consumers’ insurance needs.

The campaign was designed and conceptualised by Havas Worldwide India. “Smart Tech, Right Advice” is the theme of the campaign. This program aims to increase the spread of insurance policies digitally for consumers from any part of the country.

Rocket scientist S Somanath appointed as new ISRO chief

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the appointment of the eminent rocket scientist Dr S Somanath as its new chairman and Space Secretary. He will succeed Kailasavadivoo Sivan who completes his extended tenure.

The post of the ISRO chairman, the Space Secretary and the Space Commission chief is usually held by one person only. Mr Somanath is an expert in a host of disciplines including launch vehicle design and has specialised in launch vehicle systems engineering, structural design, structural dynamics, integration designs and procedures, mechanism design, and pyrotechnics.

He is currently the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. He was a team leader for the Integration of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) during the early phases of his career.

Important For All Exam 2022:

ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka;

ISRO established: 15 August 1969.

Alikhan Smailov appointed as new Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

The parliament of Kazakhstan has unanimously approved the appointment of Alikhan Smailov as the new Prime Minister of the country. His name was nominated by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on January 11, 2022.

Prior to this, the 49-year-old Smailov served as the country’s finance minister from 2018 to 2020. He became the first deputy prime minister in the Cabinet in 2019.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Kazakhstan Capital: Nur-Sultan;

Kazakhstan Currency: Kazakhstani tenge.

World Bank forecasted Indian Economy to grow at 8.3%

World Bank has forecasted Indian economy to grow at 8.3% in the current financial year in its latest Global Economic Prospects. 

It has upgraded India's GDP growth for the next fiscal to 8.7%, reflecting higher investment from the private sector and in infrastructure, and dividends from ongoing reforms.

Global economic growth is estimated at 4.1% in current financial year and 3.2% in the next fiscal.

Mary Kom, Amit Panghal added to National Coaching Camps

Mary Kom have become part of National Coaching Camp in Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, and Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. 

The camp will continue till 14th March. 

Three Services boxers Amit Panghal, Manish Kaushik, Satish Kumar, Vikas Krishan, and Ashish Kumar have also been included in men’s camp in Patiala. 

As many as 63 men boxers across different weight categories and 27 coachings and support staff have been in National Camp in Patiala.

Delhi Police upgrades automation, digitization to provide on complaints

Delhi police has upgraded its online citizen services and has started providing automatically generated to complainants on the investigation of their cases. 

Apart from the registration of FIR, complainants will now also be informed about arrest of accused and filing of chargesheet and final report, on their mobile numbers and through email.

When there are multiple accused, the will be sent in case of arrest of each of the accused person, as and when they are arrested.

Odisha decided to raise upper age limit for state services from 32 to 38

Odisha Govt has decided to raise upper age limit for entry to state government services from 32 to 38. 

However, it will be effective only for the recruitment advertisements made in calendar years 2021 and 2022 or to be made in 2023.

This decision was taken in a cabinet meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the state capital Bhubaneswar.

The decision was taken to enable the youth to avail opportunities to enter govt jobs.

Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar announces mini-Olympics

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced that mini Olympics will be organized to promote and encourage Olympic sports among the youth. 

Competition will be arranged around 1st May, to mark Maharashtra Day. 

This event will be called ‘Maharashtra State Olympic Competition’. 

‘Olympics Vision Document’ will be prepared considering requirements of 2024, 2028, 2032 Olympics. 

He also approved proposal to celebrate birth anniversary of Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav. 

Hardeep Puri releases brochure themed ‘Smart Cities, Smart Urbanization’

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is organizing a series of 30 events under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by Prime Minister to commemorate 75th anniversary of Independence. 

It will culminate in a grand finale of ‘Smart Cities, Smart Urbanization’ conference, wherein 6 main events will be organized in Surat tentatively on the 4th and 5th of February, 2022. 

An illustrated brochure themed ‘Smart Cities, Smart Urbanization’ was also formally launched by Hardeep Puri virtually.

DRDO test-fired Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully flight tested Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile.

It is indigenously developed anti-tank missile and is low weight and fire & forget missile.

The missile successfully destroyed the target during the test flight.

The missile has miniaturized infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics for onboard control and guidance.

DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy.

India successfully test-fires naval variant of advanced supersonic BrahMos

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully test-fired an extended range sea-to-sea variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for Indian Navy. 

This advanced sea to sea variant of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise missile was launched from INS Visakhapatnam, stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.

Produced by: BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture.

It flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound. 

Union Minister launches AI Start-Up by IIT alumni for water purification

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has launched Artificial Intelligence-driven Start-Up by IIT alumni for water purification through innovative technology.

Aim: to provide clean drinking water at a price much lesser than the market price.

He asked private sector to come forward with tech solutions to cover nearly 14 crore households where clean drinking water is yet to reach.

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana are being taken up for this latest heli-borne survey.

Indian Railway launches Mission Amanat to track lost belonging of passenger

Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railways zone of Indian Railways has launched new initiative titled as ‘Mission Amanat’ to make it easier for the railway passengers to get back their lost luggage.

Under Mission Amanat, details of lost luggage and belongings along with photos will be uploaded on the official website of zonal railway, https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/.

This will help the passengers in tracking and getting back their lost belongings.

National Youth Day: 12 January

National Youth Day is celebrated every year in India on 12th January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The day was declared as Youth Day by the Government of India in 1984.

The day was first celebrated in 1985.

This year, we are observing 159th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand (12 January 1863).

Theme for National Youth Day 2022: ‘YUVAAH – Utsah Naye Bharat Ka’ (Youth- Excitement of New India)’.

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas appointed as next IMF’s Chief Economist

French-born economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas has been named as the next chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He will succeed Gita Gopinath, first woman to serve as the Fund’s chief economist.

He will initially join the IMF on a part-time basis from Jan 24, 2022 and will take up on role on full-time basis from April 1, 2022. 

Gita Gopinath will take over as 1st deputy managing director of IMF from January 21 2022. 

Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S. 

Actress Harshaali Malhotra receives Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award 2022

Actress Harshaali Malhotra has been awarded the 12th Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award 2022 for her performance in the 2015 film Bajrangi Bhaijaan. 

She received the award from Bhagat Singh Koshyari (Governor of Maharashtra). 

She played the role of Munni, who was mute young girl from Pakistan in Salman Khan starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Govt of Maharashtra organized Bharat Ranta Dr Ambedkar national Awards 2022 ceremony in the memory of Dr Ambedkar. 

It was first awarded in 1993. 

Golden Globe Awards 2022 announced

The Golden Globe Awards 2022 ceremony was held to recognise excellence in film, both American and international, and American television.

This was the 79th edition of the annual event, which honoured the best in American television, as well as film in 2021 as chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Two of the films namely The Power of the Dog and the West Side Story, won the most number of awards with 3 each.

‘Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Organization’ won ‘International Craft Award 2021

Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Organization (KACV) from Kovalam, Kerala was awarded the ‘International Craft Award for 2021’ for the best craft village in the world by the World Crafts Council International.

It is the only award India received in the non-individual category. The KACV was established by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (UL CCS) for the State Tourism Department of Kerala. In 2021, the Village of the Year award was won by ‘Kraf Komuniti Ku’ in Malaysia.

Kevadia railway station renamed as Ekta Nagar railway station

The Ministry of Railways has approved the renaming of the Kevadiya railway station in the Narmada district of Gujarat, as Ekta Nagar railway station. The Statue of Unity’s Kevadiya railway station falls under the Vadodara division. The station code of Ekta Nagar railway station will be EKNR.

The numerical code of the station will be 08224620. Last year, the Ministry of Railways had said tourists visiting the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat “Statue of Unity” will be able to experience the rich cultural history of the state at the Kevadiya railway station itself.

Under the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, the Vadodara Division of Western Railways had awarded first of its kind contract in the Indian Railways network for the development of an Art Gallery with a Souvenir shop at Gujarat’s Kevadiya Railway station.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2022: 11th January

This year National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on January 11, 2022, which is on Tuesday. The day aims at raising awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promoting and protecting their rights.

Though the entire month of January has already been recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention of illegal practice.

In 2007, the United States Senate ratified the resolution establishing January 11th as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In 2010, President Obama dedicated the entire month of January to awareness and prevention of human trafficking. Today, there are over 50 established organizations that globally combat this illegal practice, and more awareness has been raised than ever before.

Ratan Tata’s biography ‘Ratan N. Tata: The Authorized Biography’ to be out in Nov 2022

Tata Sons emeritus Chairman, veteran industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata’s authorized biography titled ‘Ratan N. Tata: The Authorized Biography’ is set to hit the stands in November 2022.

The biography is penned by a former senior bureaucrat and retired IAS officer Dr Thomas Matthew. It will be published by HarperCollins. The book chronicles around the 84-year-old Ratan Tata’s childhood, college years, and early influences, among other things.

Gael Monfils wins 2022 Adelaide International 1 tennis tournament

French tennis player Gael Monfils beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the men’s singles event of the 2022 Adelaide International 1 to claim the 11th ATP title of his career.

In the women’s category, World number one Australian star Ashleigh Barty beat Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan to win her second Adelaide International title. 2022 Adelaide International 1 was a combined ATP Tour 250 and WTA 500 tournament.

List of winners

Men’s single: Gaël Monfils (France)

Women’s single: Ashleigh Barty (Australia)

Men’s doubles: Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan (India)

Women’s double: Ashleigh Barty and Storm Sanders (Australia)

Chennai International Airport ranks 8th in Global List for ‘On-Time Performance’

The Chennai International Airport is one of the top 10 large international airports in the world that ensures ‘on-time’ departures.

In a review conducted by Cirium, an organisation that specialises in offering aviation data to travel, finance, aerospace, and aviation industries, the airport has been ranked 8th for ‘on-time performance’ for the year 2021.

According to the latest traffic figures of Chennai Airport, it has done recovery of 80 % in domestic traffic. It is the sixth busiest airport in India. Besides that, Chennai airport is the only Indian airport to figure in the top 10 positions of the list.

The first three positions have been bagged by United State’s Miami Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Haneda Airport in Japan.

Bhupender Yadav chaired 19th Meeting of National Tiger Conservation Authority

The 19th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was held under the chairmanship of the union minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.

Currently, there are 51 Tiger Reserves in India and more than 35 rivers originate from those areas which are crucial for water security.

The environment minister launched an action plan for the reintroduction, protection and conservation of 7 major big cats in India including the cheetah, which has become extinct in independent India.

Under the action plan, 50 of these big cats will be introduced in the next 5 years in various parks.

He announced that 14 Tiger reserves across India have received accreditation of the global Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS). He underlined the need to meetings of NTCA in the first week of April, August & December every year.

Finance Ministry: Deposits in Jan Dhan accounts cross Rs 1.5 lakh crore

According to the finance ministry, the deposits in bank accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) scheme have crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore mark. The total balance in accounts under the Jan Dhan scheme was recorded at Rs 1,50,939.36 crore as of December-end 2021.

The data revealed that over 44.23 crore accounts have been opened under the scheme. Of this, 34.9 crore accounts were opened with the public sector banks, 8.05 crore with regional rural banks, and the remaining 1.28 crore with private sector banks. RuPay Debit Cards were issued to 31.28 crores PMJDY beneficiaries under this scheme.

Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Appointed as Vice President of AIIB

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Urjit Patel has been appointed as Vice President of the multilateral funding institution Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for a period of three years.

He will be one of the five Vice Presidents of the AIIB. He is expected to take charge from February 2022.

He will succeed outgoing Vice President D J Pandian, who is in charge of sovereign and non-sovereign lending of the AIIB in South Asia, the Pacific Islands and South-East Asia.

Important For All Exam 2022:

President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Jin Liqun.

Headquarters of AIIB: Beijing, China.

AIIB established: 16 January 2016.

Uttar Pradesh Govt Declares 4 Villages Near Nepal Border as Revenue Villages

Uttar Pradesh government declared four villages located near the Nepal border in the district as revenue villages. District Magistrate of Bahraich, Dinesh Chandra Singh said the decision was taken before the announcement of the general elections to the UP Legislative Assembly.

These four villages are Bhavanipur, Tedhia, Dhakia and Bichhia located in Mihinpurwa tehsil of the district. All these villages are Vantangiya villages. The Vantangiya’ community comprises people brought from Myanmar during the colonial rule to plant trees. There are around 225 families in these four villages consisting of over 1,500 members.

A revenue village is a small administrative region with defined borders. One revenue village may contain many hamlets. A village administrative officer is the head officer of a revenue village. The people of these villages will now get the benefits of all the schemes of the government.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Uttar Pradesh Capital: Lucknow;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath;

Uttar Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel.

Rajnath Singh flags-in India’s 1st Multidimensional Adventure Expedition

Rajnath Singh flagged-in India’s 1st multi-dimensional Adventure Sports Expedition. 

It was conducted by National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in France.

The expedition was conducted in Nov 21.

The team comprising 12 people - eight Army personnel and four youths of Arunachal Pradesh.

The expedition team carried out over 250 Km of winter trekking in the Alps Mountain Ranges. 

The expedition was organised as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

RBL Bank collaborates with Google to advance next-gen customer experience

RBL Bank and Google announced a strategic collaboration to fuel the Bank’s customer experience strategy.

Through this the bank will expand its value proposition to serve its rapidly growing customer base through the digital platform, Abacus 2.0.

It will enable better customer data management, and analytics, enabling effective cross-selling within the Bank’s large customer base. 

The Bank aims to provide a holistic one-stop solution to its existing and new customers.

Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan win doubles title in Adelaide

India's Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan won the men's doubles title at the Adelaide International ATP 250 event.

The unseeded pair beat top seeds Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo in the final to mark a victorious debut on the ATP Tour.

This is Ramkumar's first ATP Tour title while Bopanna won his 20th.

The Adelaide tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open, the season's first Grand Slam.

Canada win ATP Cup with 2-0 win in singles over Spain

Felix Auger-Aliassime won the ATP Cup title for Canada with a victory over Roberto Bautista Agut to give his country an insurmountable 2-0 lead against Spain.

Denis Shapovalov opened the match for Canada with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Pablo Carreno Busta.

Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov won a deciding doubles against Russia in the semifinals to knock out the defending champions.

And with the title on the line, they played their best tennis to defeat 2-time finalists of Spain. 

Oscar-winning composer Marilyn Bergman passes away

Oscar-winning lyricist and composer, Marilyn Bergman (93) passed away in Los Angeles.

Bergman and her collaborator husband Alan, was nominated for 16 Academy Awards over the course of her career, winning three.

The song “The Way We Were” from the Barbara Streisand movie of the same name was one of those Oscar wins, which also won two Grammys.

The collaborating team of the Bergmans also won two other Oscars for their songs. 

World Hindi Day 2022: 10th January

World Hindi Day is celebrated every year on January 10 to mark the first World Hindi Conference that was held in 1975.

It is celebrated across the world to promote the use of the Hindi language.

The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur on January 10 in 1975.

1st World Hindi Day was celebrated in the year 2006.

The theme of this day is to make Hindi a part of public opinion, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that one has to leave their mother tongue.

December 26 to be observed as Veer Baal Diwas

Center has announced that Dec 26 will be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas' as a tribute to guru Gobind Singh's four sons who were executed by the Mughals.

This was announced by PM Modi on the occasion of the 365th birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh guru.

Veer Baal Diwas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.

Children’s Day in India is observed on November 14. 

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier begins another phase of sea trial

India's 1st indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant began another set of sea trials.

It is planned to be inducted in Aug 22.

The 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier is the largest and most complex warship to be built in India. 

It successfully completed a five-day maiden sea voyage in Aug and underwent 10-day sea trials in Oct 2021.

IAC-1 will operate the MiG-29K, Kamov-31 helicopters; Advanced Light Helicopters and the soon-to-be-inducted MH-60R multirole helicopters.

Rafael Nadal wins Melbourne Summer Set 1 ATP 250 tennis title

20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal won the Men’s Singles title in the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event.

He defeated Maxime Cressy of US in final. 

It was Nadal’s 89th tour-level crown. 

Nadal playing his first competitive tournament since Aug, was largely untroubled as he wrapped up the win in an hour 48 minutes.

In women category, former world number one Simona Halep defeated Veronika Kudermetova at the Melbourne Summer Set 1 final to claim her 23rd career title.

PM Modi to inaugurate 25th National Youth Festival on Jan 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing and inaugurating the five-day National Youth Festival on Jan 12, 2022

National Youth Festival will be held to celebrate the 159th birth anniversary of spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda.

The five-day festival will be held in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The festival aims to ignite, unit, motivate and activate the youth of India towards nation building.

CM of Puducherry: N. Rangaswamy 

First-ever Startup India Innovation Week to be held from today

DPIIT is organizing the first-ever Startup India Innovation Week from 10th to 16th January 2022.

This virtual week-long innovation celebration aims to commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

This is designed to showcase the spread and depth of entrepreneurship across India.

India is emerging as a global innovation hub, boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

DPIIT has recognised more than 61 thousand startups as on date.

Bharath Subramaniyam becomes India’s 73rd Chess Grandmaster

Fourteen-year-old Bharath Subramaniyam has become the 73rd Grandmaster of India.

The Chennai-based teenager completed his final GM Norm and crossed the requisite 2500 rating at Vergani Cup Open in Italy.

Subramaniyam finished seventh overall in the event held at Cattolica by scoring 6.5 points from nine rounds.

To achieve the Grandmaster (GM) title, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

MHA constitutes committee to enquire security lapses during PM Punjab visit

Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a committee to enquire into the serious lapses in the security arrangements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab.

It is a three-member committee and will be headed by Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat. 

It also comprises Balbir Singh, Joint Director, IB and S. Suresh, IG, SPG.

The committee has been advised to submit the report at the earliest.

Reliance launches India Inc's biggest bond sale abroad

Reliance Industries Ltd has launched its mega bond sale as the company sought to raise $3-5 billion from offshore investors.

This will be the largest-ever bond sale by an Indian company tapping overseas money and year's first fundraising from India. 

Proceeds will be used primarily to refinance existing debt with a likely funding cost benefit, apart from financing capital expenditure. 

Bonds are of three tenors: 10, 30 and 40 years.

RBI cancels CoA of Muthoot Asset Finance and Eko India Financial Services

RBI has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA), of Muthoot Vehicle and Asset Finance Ltd and Eko India Financial Services Private Ltd for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

Both the Payment System Operators (PSOs) had authorization for the issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments.

After CoA cancellation, these companies cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments.

Intra-State Transmission System of Green Energy Corridor Phase-II

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the scheme on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS). 

It will add 10,750 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 27,500 MVA transformation capacity of substations. 

It will facilitate grid integration and power evacuation of 20 GW of Renewable Energy power projects in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, TN, UP. 

Total estimated cost: Rs. 12,031.33 crores. 

ICAR-SBI launches tribal intervention project in Anamalai Tiger Reserve

ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), Coimbatore in collaboration with Anamalai Tiger Reserve has conducted campaign on ‘knowledge empowerment of tribals’ and launched its Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) project at Attakatti. 

Interventions by Institute for implementing STC, was finalized based on systematic need assessment by conduct of Focus groups among two tribes ‘Malasar’ and ‘Malai malasar’ tribes belonging to Nagaroothu, Old Sarkarpathy, Chinnarpathy. 

UP govt announces 50% rebate in electricity bills for private tube wells

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has announced 50% rebate in power bills of private tube wells used by farmers in the state with effect from January 2022. 

It covers the metered, unmetered, energy efficient and private tube wells of the farmers in rural areas and metered tube wells in urban areas.

It will benefit around 13 lakh farmers of the state directly.

According to the proposed new rates, now consumers in rural areas will have to pay Re 1 per unit.

FM releases monthly Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant to 17 States

Finance Minister has released monthly Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs 9,871 crore to 17 States.

The grants are released to the States as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post devolution. 

PDGD Grants are provided under Article 275 of the Constitution.

Eligibility of States to receive this grant and quantum of grant was decided by Commission. 

PM inaugurates Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated second campus of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata via video conferencing.

It has been built at a cost of over Rs 530 crores, out of which around Rs 400 crores have been provided by the Union govt and rest by West Bengal govt, in the ratio of 75:25.

It is a 460 bedded comprehensive cancer centre unit with cutting edge infrastructure for cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment and care.

India’s Biggest Skill Competition ‘IndiaSkills 2021’ commenced

National competition of IndiaSkills 2021 commenced in New Delhi. 

Organized by: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). 

It will witness participants from 26 states/ union territories competing in more than 50 skills such as car painting, patisserie and confectionery, welding, cyber security, among others.

It will be held at multiple locations, including Pragati Maidan, from 7 to 9 Jan under Covid-19 protocols mandated by local authorities and the state government.

Antigua and Barbuda join International Solar alliance

Antigua and Barbuda become 102nd country to join International Solar Alliance to catalyze global energy transition through a solar-led approach. 

ISA: action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.

ISA was launched by India, France in 2015. 

Headquarters of ISA: Gurugram, India.

RBI lays down eligibility norms for entities tapping credit bureau data

RBI has laid down eligibility norms for entities tapping into data from credit information companies (CICs) under Credit Information Companies (Amendment) Regulations, 2021. 

Under this, company must be owned-controlled by resident Indian citizens to become specified user with credit bureau, amid reports of lending apps with Chinese links operating in India. 

Governing statute of statutory corporation should allow the business or activity of processing of Information. 

Govt re-appoints Vijay Paul Sharma as CACP Chairman

Vijay Paul Sharma has been re-appointed as chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP). 

He was appointed for the first time in June 2016. 

He was critical in agreeing to govt's decision to set the MSP at 50% of the cost of production.

CACP:

Established: 1965 as Agricultural Prices Commission and was given its present name in 1985. 

Decentralized agency to recommend Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and to motivate farmers to adopt the latest technology. 

Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 24th Conference on e-Governance 2020-21

Union Minister Jitendra Singh will inaugurate 24th Conference on e-Governance 2020-21 in Hyderabad. 

Organized by: Dept of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in association with Govt of Telangana. 

Theme: India’s Techade: Digital Governance in a Post Pandemic World. 

It will be presented under 6 categories to 26 e-Governance initiatives at Central, State, District levels and Academic-Research Institutions and PSU. 

Zhang Ming takes over as new Secretary-General of SCO

Veteran Chinese diplomat, Zhang Ming has taken over as Secretary-General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with effect from 1st Jan 2021 for three years. 

He succeeded Vladimir Norov, former diplomat from Uzbekistan.

Before joining SCO, he served as the head of the Chinese mission to the European Union.

SCO comprises: India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

India took presidency of SCO for 2022-2023

HQs: Beijing, China

KVIC launched India’s first “Mobile Honey Processing Van”

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena has launched the country’s first Mobile Honey Processing Van at Village Sirora in Ghaziabad. The Mobile Van has been designed in-house by KVIC at its Multi-disciplinary Training Centre, Panjokehra, at a cost of Rs 15 lakh.

This mobile honey processing unit can process up to 300 KG of honey in 8 hours. The van is also equipped with a testing laboratory, that would instantly examine the quality of honey.

The Mobile Honey Processing Van comes as a major development under KVIC’s Honey Mission which aims at training beekeepers, distributing Bee Boxes to farmers and helping rural, educated as well as unemployed youth to earn extra income through beekeeping activities.

Hyderabad gets India’s first Open Rock Museum

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh has inaugurated India’s first Open Rock Museum in Hyderabad, Telangana. Museum displays around 35 different types of rocks from different parts of India with ages ranging from 3.3 billion years to around 55 million years of the Earth’s history.

The Open Rock Museum, set up with the aim of educating and enlightening the masses about several lesser-known facts, displays around 35 different types of rocks from different parts of India.

These rocks also represent the deepest part of the earth, up to 175 km from the surface of the earth. The rocks have been sourced from Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and others.

First black man to win Best Actor Oscar, Sidney Poitier passes away

Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964, has died at the age of 94. In 1963, Poitier had made a film in Arizona, Lilies of the Field. The performance led to a huge milestone making him the first black winner of a lead-acting Oscar.

He was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Obama for his work. Sidney Poitier started his career as an actor in theatre in the 1940s before his breakthrough film role in the 1950 release No Way Out. Over a five-decade career in films, he worked both as an actor and director. His last appearance on screen was in the 1997 film Jackal.

Shillong Chamber Choir founder Neil Nongkynrih passes away

Founder of Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC) and renowned Indian concert pianist Neil Nongkynrih passed away.

In 2010, SCC performed for former US President Barack Obama & Michelle Obama during their visit to India.

SCC’s version of ‘Vande Maataram’ was played during the live telecast program Indian space rocket Chandrayaan – 2’s landing on the moon. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri – India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

DPIIT and Commerce Ministry to organize Startup India Innovation Week

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have decided to organise a week-long virtual innovation celebration called ‘Startup India Innovation Week’ to showcase the spread and depth of entrepreneurship across India.

The virtual event will be organised from January 10 to January 16, 2022. The event also aims to commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

‘Startup India Innovation Week’ will have sessions ranging from topics such as enhancing market access opportunities, discussions with industry leaders, best practices by states, capacity building of enablers, reverse pitching by incubators, technology exhibitions, corporate connect and more.

“The programme is expected to bring together top policymakers, industry, academia, investors, startups, and all ecosystem enablers from across the globe,”.

A new book titled “Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India” by Dhirendra Jha

Dhirendra K. Jha, a Delhi-based journalist, has authored a new book titled “Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India”.

The book explores Godse’s relationship with the organizations that influenced his view and gave him a sense of purpose and draws out the gradual hardening of Godse’s resolve that led to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

Winter Olympics-bound Md Arif Khan included in Target Olympic Podium Scheme

Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of India has approved the inclusion of Alpine Skiing athlete Md Arif Khan in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group, until the Winter Olympics, scheduled this February in Beijing, China.

The feat earned Khan the unique distinction of becoming the first Indian to win direct quota spots in two different Winter Olympics events, besides being the first athlete from the country to seal a berth at the Winter Olympic games 2022.

Khan will take part in the Winter Olympics in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events. He has also been approved an amount of Rs 17.46 Lakh under TOPS towards training in Europe and procurement of equipment, ahead of the grand event in China. Khan’s current training base is in Austria, where he is accompanied by his coach and physio.

ICMR approves India-made first kit ‘OmiSure’ to detect Omicron

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a testing kit for detecting the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

The covid kit developed by Tata is called ‘OmiSure’ and will be an enhancement for the detection of the Omicron variant. The kit is manufactured by Tata Medical and Diagnostics.

The tests have been performed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Responsibility for batch-to-batch consistency lies with the manufacturer. The Tata Medical and Diagnostics has developed a kit ‘OmiSure’ that can detect the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2 in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens during the RT-PCR tests.

The test kit is compatible with all standard Real-Time PCR Machines. The test run time of this kit is 85 minutes. The result turnaround time, including sample collection and RNA extraction, is 130 minutes.

SBI General Insurance launched ‘#BahaneChhodoTaxBachao’ campaign

State Bank of India General Insurance Company Ltd has launched a campaign titled ‘#BahaneChhodoTaxBachao’ to increase awareness around the need to buy health insurance to save tax. It will also highlight the other benefits of opting for health insurance.

The campaign aims to increase the awareness of how buying health insurance can help people save tax which is crucial and seasonal in the last quarter of the financial year for all Indians. The campaign will also underline the other benefits of opting for health insurance.

Important For All Exam 2022:

SBI General Insurance Founded: 24 February 2009;

SBI General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra;

SBI General Insurance MD & CEO: Prakash Chandra Kandpal;

SBI General Insurance Tagline: Suraksha Aur Bharosa Dono.

Ind-Ra lowers India’s GDP growth forecast by 10 basis points to 9.3% in FY22

The rating agency India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has downgraded the GDP of India for the current fiscal FY 2021-2022. Ind-Ra expects the GDP to clock a growth rate of 9.3% y-o-y in FY22.

Earlier this estimate was 9.4%. Meanwhile, Brickworks Ratings has also revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal (FY22) to 8.5-9%. Earlier this was estimated at 10%. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant is the main driver to downgrade GDP growth projections.

Justice Ayesha Malik to be Pakistan’s first woman Supreme Court judge

Pakistan has moved closer to appointing the first woman judge of the Supreme Court, after a high-power panel approved the elevation of Lahore High Court judge Ayesha Malik to the apex court.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, approved Malik’s elevation by a majority of five votes against four.

This is the second time that the JCP held a meeting to decide on Justice Malik’s elevation. Justice Malik’s name first came before the JCP on September 9 last year but the panel was equally split, resulting in the rejection of her candidature.

OPEC appoints Kuwait’s Haitham Al Ghais as new secretary general

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has appointed Kuwaiti oil executive Haitham Al Ghais as its new secretary-general, as demand for oil continues to improve amid a mild recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Al Ghais, a veteran of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and Kuwait’s Opec governor from 2017 to June 2021, will take the group’s reins in August, replacing Mohammad Barkindo.

Important For All Exam 2022:

OPEC Headquarters: Vienna, Austria;

OPEC Founded: September 1960, Baghdad, Iraq.

Election Commission hikes expenditure limit for candidates in polls

The Election Commission of India has increased the existing election expenditure limit for candidates in Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, due to the rise in inflation. The new limits will be applicable in all upcoming elections in the country.

The previous major revision in the election expenditure limit was done in 2014. It was further increased by 10% in 2020. EC had formed a Committee to study the cost factors and other related issues, and make suitable recommendations.

The ceiling on parliamentary poll expenditure has been raised from 70 lakh to 95 lakh rupees in bigger states and 54 lakh to 75 lakhs in smaller states.

The bigger states include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka.

The smaller states include Goa, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and UTs.

The ceiling on poll expenditure in UT of Jammu and Kashmir has been raised to 95 lakhs.

For Assembly constituencies, expenditure limits have been enhanced from 28 lakh rupees to 40 lakh rupees in bigger states and from 20 lakhs to 28 lakhs in smaller states.

Indian-Origin Captain Harpreet Chandi reaches South Pole

Captain Harpreet Chandi, Indian-origin British Sikh Army officer and physiotherapist, also known as Polar Preet, has created history by becoming the first woman of colour to complete a solo unsupported trek to the South Pole.

Capt. Chandi announced her history-making feat at the end of Day 40 after travelling 700 miles (1,127 kilometres) while pulling a pulk or sledge with all of her kit and battling temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of around 60mph.

As part of a Medical Regiment in the northwest of England, Capt. Chandi’s primary role is to organise and validate training for medics in the Army as Clinical Training Officer.

Sindhutai Sapkal popular as ‘Mother of Orphans’ passes away

Social worker Sindhutai Sapkal, who was called as ‘Mother of Orphans’ passed away at the age of 73 years. She was also referred to just as ‘Sindhutai’ or ‘Mai’. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 in the Social Work category.

Apart from this, she had received more than 750 awards and honours in her lifetime. She adopted close to 2,000 orphans and is grandmother to even more. She was from Maharashtra. A biopic on her life titled “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal“ was released in the year 2010.

3-time Olympic Gold winning Triple Jump Champion Viktor Saneyev passes away

The Olympic triple jump 3-time gold medalist and former world record holder, Viktor Danilovich Saneyev passed away in Australia.

He was a triple long player who represented the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) in the Olympic games. Later he worked as a coach in Australia. He secured gold medals in European Games organized in 1969 Athens and 1974 Rome.

World Day of War Orphans 2022: History and Significance

World Day of War Orphans is marked on 6 January to create awareness about the plight of children who have lost their parents due to conflict. In any conflict, children are one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups present.

Children who have been injured in a gunfight or separated from their families require particular care in order to heal the mental wounds of war, begin school, and restart normal life.

World Day of War Orphans was started by the French organisation SOS Enfants en Detresses, which aimed to help children affected by conflict. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an orphan is defined as a “child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause of death”.

India records highest-ever monthly exports at $37 billion in December

The preliminary data released by the commerce and industry ministry, India exported goods worth $37.29 billion in December, the highest ever in a month, as demand for items such as engineering products, petroleum items, and gems and jewellery continued to soar.

India’s export has increased by 37 per cent from the figures of December 2020. The import has also increased by 38 per cent from last December. India’s exports of goods will cross 400 billion dollars in this fiscal year.

Google acquires Israeli cybersecurity startup Siemplify for $500 million

Alphabet Inc-owned, Google has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup Siemplify, in a deal worth $500 million. This acquisition will expand the U.S. tech giant’s security offerings in the country amid rising cyber-attacks.

Siemplify will be integrated into Google Cloud’s Chronicle operation. As a part of Google Cloud’s security team, Siemplify will help companies better manage their threat response.

This purchase marks the fourth acquisition of an Israeli company by Google and its first in the cybersecurity industry outside the US.

Siemplify was founded in 2015 by Amos Stern (CEO), Alon Cohen (CTO) and Garry Fatakhov (COO). It has offices in Tel Aviv and headquarters in New York.

Siemplify specializes in end-to-end security services for enterprises, typically referred to as security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) services.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Google CEO: Sundar Pichai;

Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States;

Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

NBBL launched UPMS to simplify recurring bill payments

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India has introduced a functionality called ‘Unified Presentment Management System’ (UPMS).

NBBL through UPMS will enable the customers to set up standing instructions – from any channel and for any mode on their recurring bill payments. The bills will be automatically fetched from the billers and presented to customers for their action, in terms of auto-debit and bill payment management.

The bills will be automatically fetched from the billers and presented to customers for their action, in terms of auto-debit and bill payment management.

UPMS will be available to customers through the centralized infrastructure and application support provided by Bharat BillPay Central Unit (BBPCU).

Important For All Exam 2022:

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd Founded: 2021;

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra;

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd CEO: Noopur Chaturvedi.

RBI issued framework for offline digital payments

Reserve Bank of India has issued a framework for facilitating small-value digital payments in offline mode using cards, wallets, mobile devices, etc, to push digital transactions in rural and semi-urban areas.

The upper limit of an offline payment transaction was fixed at Rs 200, with a total limit of Rs 2,000 at any point in time. The framework will enable the Authorised Payment System Operators (PSOs) and Payment System Participants (PSPs), Acquirers and Issuers (banks and non-banks) to conduct small value offline digital payments.

Under the offline mode, payments can be carried out face-to-face (proximity mode) using any channel or instrument like cards, wallets, and mobile devices.

These transactions will not require an additional factor of authentication (AFA), the Reserve Bank of India said, adding that since the transactions are offline, alerts (by way of SMS and/or e-mail) will be received by the customer after a time lag.

G Asok Kumar named as DG of National Mission for Clean Ganga

Additional Secretary under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, G Asok Kumar was appointed as the new Director-General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He succeeded Director-General, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.

Kumar is popularly known as ‘the Rain Man of India’ for his excellent work in rainwater harvesting under the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign.

National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) was registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act 1860. It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.

Atul Keshap appointed as President of US-India Business Council

Indian-origin American diplomat Atul Keshap has been appointed as the President of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) by the US Chambers of Commerce. His term is effective from January 05, 2022. The US Chambers of Commerce is the parent body of USIBC. Atul Keshap replaces Nisha Desai Biswal.

Prior to this, Keshap served in Delhi as United States Chargé d’Affaires to India, leading the US Embassy team. The USIBC represents top global companies operating across the United States, India, and the Indo-Pacific.

Kerala’s High Court: India’s First paperless court

The Kerala High Court is all set to become India’s first paperless court. Supreme Court judge Justice DY Chandrachud inaugurated the smart courtrooms on 1 January 2022. In the 1st phase six courtrooms, including the Chief Justice’s room, will be converted into smart courts. Also, case files will be made available to the lawyers on the computer screen.

Cases e-filed will be processed, verified and cured through e-mode, stakeholders can avail the option of hearing of cases in hybrid mode involving physical hearing as well as through videoconferencing, and orders and judgments will also be delivered through e-mode.

Every part of the process can be viewed, processed through the dashboard or virtual box of individual stakeholders and participants in the judicial process. All stakeholders, including litigants, could access, work and update cases from the comfort of their homes, offices or in transit, added the communication.

Himachal Pradesh became 1st LPG enabled & smoke free state of the country

Himachal Pradesh became the first LPG enables, also, smoke-free state. This milestone was achieved due to the Ujjwala Scheme and Grahini Suvidha Yojana by Centre.

The Ujjwala scheme was introduced by the government to get rid of the smoke. The Grahini Suvidha Scheme was introduced to assist the women of rural areas.

Ujjwalla Yojna was started by the Centre government with the view to free the women of the country from indoor pollution.

Along with this, the Himachal government also started the Grihini Suvidha Yojana to benefit as many women as possible, under the scheme.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter);

Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Arlekar;

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur.

Ayush Minister lays foundation stone of International Yoga Academy

Union Ayush Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has laid the foundation stone of the Heartfulness International Yoga Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana. He also launched 75 crores suryanamaskar initiative as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

The academy tries to reach all levels of society through training programmes and these will be overseen by an international team.

This the academy has therapeutic Yoga rooms for consultation, one to one training spaces or small group classes; pre-natal Yoga rooms; a lecture hall with  200 sitting capacity; a full-fledged recording studio with editing suites for pre-recorded wellness programs; a recording Yoga hall fully equipped for Live online Yoga Classes; a Yoga library with books from every Yoga Institutions and access to Yoga research articles.

PM chose Puducherry as host of National Youth Festival

Puducherry has been handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host the 25th National Youth Festival. The 25th National Youth Festival is going to be held in Puducherry from 12th to 16th January 2022.

The festival has been organised as part of the Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav marking the 75th year of Independence, said Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur.

The festival is likely to draw around 7000 youths in the age group of 18 to 22 from across the country. Around 500 youths from Puducherry will take part in the event.

The government of India holds National Youth Festival, as a part of National Youth Week celebrations. It is organised with the aim of propagating the concept of national integration, brotherhood, the spirit of communal harmony, courage and adventure amongst the youth.

This aim is achieved by organizing gatherings of youth and encouraging them to take part in different activities.

Raj Kumar Singh dedicates Automatic Generation Control to nation

Power and new and renewable energy minister, Raj Kumar Singh has dedicated Automatic Generation Control (AGC) to the nation.

The AGC sends signals to power plants every four seconds to maintain the frequency and thereby reliability of India’s power system. It will help in achieving the government’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030.

Automatic Generation Control will be operated by Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) through National Load Despatch Centre.

POSOCO will send signals to every power plant through AGC every 4 seconds to maintain the frequency and reliability of the Power System.

R.K. Singh has also released a report titled “Assessment of Inertia in Indian Power System”. It has been prepared by POSOCO with the help of IIT Bombay.

India has achieved an installed capacity of 150 GW of renewable energy and aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW in 2022.

Ladakh celebrated traditional new year ‘Losar Festival’

The Losar Festival in Ladakh is celebrated at the onset of the New Year in the traditional schedule of Tibetan Buddhism. It is celebrated by the Buddhist Community in the Ladakh region.

The Losar is a 15 days festival, from the start of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, marking the 1st day of the 11 months in the Tibetan Calendar. Losar is a Tibetan word that means ‘New Year’.

The festivities began with the celebration of Birth and Nirvana Anniversary Je Tsongkhapa with illuminations of religious places like Monasteries,  Stupas, residential and other places. The eve of the Losar festival is also celebrated with memorial food offerings for the departed loved ones.

Other popular festivals of Ladakh:

Phyang Tsedup Festival

Dosmoche Festival

Hemis Festival

Indian Navy’s 1971 war veteran Vice Admiral S H Sarma passes away

The Indian Navy’s 1971 Indo-Pak war veteran Vice Admiral S.H. Sarma has passed away, at the age of 100. He was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet during the 1971 war. India had defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war leading to the creation of Bangladesh.

Vice Admiral Sarma had celebrated his 100th birthday on December 1 last year. He also took part in the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebration in Delhi recently. Sarma was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet during the 1971 war. India had defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war leading to the creation of Bangladesh.

Legendary Kenyan Conservationist and Fossil-hunter Richard Leaky passes away

World-renowned Kenyan politician, conservationist and fossil hunter Richard Leakey has passed away. The legendary paleoanthropologist is credited for the discovery of ‘Turkana Boy’ in 1984 which led to groundbreaking discoveries proving that humankind evolved in Africa.

Turkana boy is the most complete fossil Skelton of a human ancestor ever found. Paleoanthropology is the study of human evolution through fossil and archaeological records. Leakey is also known to spearhead campaigns against the ivory trade to save the population of African elephants.

CryptoWire introduces India’s first global index of cryptocurrencies IC15

CryptoWire, a global crypto super app that is a special business unit of TickerPlant, announced the launch of India’s first index of Cryptocurrencies – IC15, which is a rule-based broad market index by market capitalisation.

The IC15 tracks and measures the performance of the top 15 widely traded liquid cryptocurrencies listed on leading crypto exchanges of the world, the company stated.

The Mumbai-based company has been designed to provide insights into crypto mining and the true benchmark and a mirror of the underlying crypto market, a barometer of the industry in a sense, with a diversified representation of overall market sentiments.

Zishaan A Latif won Ramnath Goenka Award in Photo journalism

Zishaan A Latif won Ramnath Goenka Award in the Photo Journalism category. He won the award for his photo essay, The arduous struggle for inclusion in the NRC, which was published in The Caravan in October 2019.

He documented the plight of people who were dropped from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and put a face to an untold human story. About a month after the NRC list was released, Latif made his way through four districts in Assam, documenting people’s struggle for inclusion in the NRC.

Nippon India MF launches India’s first Auto ETF

Nippon Life India Asset Management Limited, asset manager of Nippon India Mutual Fund (NIMF), has announced the launch of India’s First Auto sector ETF – Nippon India Nifty Auto ETF.

Nippon India Nifty Auto ETF will predominantly invest in stocks comprising of the Nifty Auto Index in the same proportion as the Index. It will provide exposure to Top 15 (as per Nifty Auto Index methodology) companies representing auto-related sectors like Automobiles 4 wheelers, Automobiles 2 & 3 wheelers, Auto Ancillaries, and Tyres.

The Nippon Auto ETF will start operation from January 5, 2022 to January 14, 2022. The minimum investment amount required is Rs 1,000 and in multiples of Rs 1 aftermath.

The investment objective of the scheme is “to provide investment returns closely corresponding to the total returns of the securities as represented by the Nifty Auto Index before expenses, subject to tracking error. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the Scheme will be achieved.

RBI: Airtel Payments Bank gets scheduled bank status

Airtel Payments Bank has been categorised as a scheduled bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the second schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. With this, Airtel Payments Bank can now pitch for the government.

Airtel Payments Bank is among the fastest-growing digital banks in the country, with a base of 115 million users. It offers a suite of digital solutions through the Airtel Thanks app and a retail network of over 500,000 neighbourhood banking points. The bank turned profitable in the quarter ended September 2021.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Airtel Payments Bank’s MD and CEO: Nubrata Biswas.

Airtel Payments Bank Headquarters: New Delhi.

Airtel Payments Bank Founded: January 2017.

RBI Retains SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank as D-SIBs 2022

Reserve Bank of India has retained State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). These three banks have continued to be on the D-SIBs list published by RBI, since Sep 04, 2017.

Domestic Systemically Important Banks are those banks which if fail would have a significant impact on the economy. The D-SIBs banks are classified into 5 buckets. Bucket 1, Bucket 2, Bucket 3, Bucket 4 and Bucket 5.

With Bucket 5 being the most important followed by rest in decreasing order. State Bank of India is in Bucket 3, while ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are in Bucket 1. The updated list is based on the data collected from banks as of March 31, 2021.

RBI approved Fino Payments Bank for international remittance business

Reserve Bank of India has approved Fino Payments Bank for commencing international (Cross Border) remittance business under the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS). The approval will enable the customers of Fino Payments Bank to receive money sent from foreign countries.

The Bank plans to implement the service in its mobile applications as well and it also plans to partner with more leading money transfer operators (MTOs) to improve its cross-border remittance.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chairman of Fino Payments Bank: Prof Mahendra Kumar Chouhan.

Fino Payments Bank established: 13 July 2006.

MD & CEO of Fino Payments Bank: Rishi Gupta.

Headquarters of Fino Payments Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

RBI named Ajay Kumar Choudhary and Deepak Kumar as new Executive Directors

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Deepak Kumar and Ajay Kumar Choudhary as new executive directors (ED) with effect from 03 January.

Prior to being promoted as ED, Deepak Kumar was heading the department of information technology of RBI, while Ajay Choudhary was Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Supervision.

Kumar has over a span of three decades working in RBI’s central office departments covering policy making and project management functions in the areas of information technology, cyber security, payment systems, currency management, human resource management, banking supervision, foreign exchange management.

Meanwhile, Choudhary has, over a span of three decades, served in supervision, regulation, currency management, payments and settlements, and other areas in the Reserve Bank, in its Central Office as well as Regional Offices. He will look after the fintech department, risk monitoring department and inspection department.

Alka Mittal becomes 1st women head of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

Director HR in ONGC, Alka Mittal has been given the additional charge as the new interim chairman and managing director (CMD) of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the largest oil and gas producer in India.

She is the first woman to head the top post at the Maharatna company. She replaces Subhash Kumar who superannuated on December 31. He was also serving as an interim head.

Alka Mittal has been appointed for a period of six months with effect from January 1, 2022, or till the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post, or until further order, whichever is the earliest.

Important For All Exam 2022:

ONGC Headquarters: Vasant Kunj, New Delhi;

ONGC Founded: 14 August 1956.

Odisha’s Ganjam district is now child marriage free

Odisha’s Ganjam has declared itself a child marriage free district, the first in the State. The district administration has been able to stop as many as 450 child marriages and video-record 48,383 marriages in two years — 2020 and 2021.

After verification, the Ganjam administration declared it a child marriage free district. Sarpanchs and task force committee members had sent recommendations that no child marriage had taken place in their respective areas.

Ganjam had started a programme Nirbhaya Kadhi (Fearless bud). All heads of educational institutes were directed to inform the administration if any girl aged between 12 and 18 remained absent from school for five days.

As many as one lakh teenagers have undergone counselling in the past two years. The administration also made the production of Aadhaar cards mandatory for any marriages to take place.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Odisha Capital: Bhubaneswar;

Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal;

Odisha Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik.

Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok announces resignation

Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok has announced his resignation on January 02, 2022. The decision follows a military coup that caused political deadlock and widespread pro-democracy protests in the country.

The 66-year-old Hamdok served as the 15th Prime Minister of Sudan from 2019 to 2022.

Mr Hamdok called for a dialogue to agree on a “national charter” and to “draw a roadmap” to complete the transition. The October coup had upended Sudan’s plans to move to democracy after a popular uprising forced the military’s overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government in April 2019.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Sudan Capital: Khartoum; 

Currency: Sudanese pound.

Apple becomes world’s first company to hit $3 trillion M-Cap

The stock market value of Apple Inc. hit $3 trillion and became the world’s first company to do so. The market cap of Apple hit $182.86 per share, which made it the world’s first company to touch the $3 trillion mark.

However shortly after hitting the mark, the share value dipped below it and did not rise again until the market closed. The iPhone maker passed $2 trillion in 2020 and over $1 trillion in 2018.

The world’s most valuable company reached the milestone as investors bet that consumers will continue to shell out top dollar for iPhones, MacBooks and services such as Apple TV and Apple Music.

In China, the world’s largest smartphone market, Apple continued to lead for the second straight month, beating rivals such as Vivo and Xiaomi, recent data from CounterPoint Research showed.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Apple Inc. CEO: Tim Cook;

Apple Inc. Founded: 1 April 1976, California, United States;

Apple Inc. Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States;

Apple Inc. Founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne.

Iran announces new space launch amid nuclear talks

Iran has announced new space launch, in a move likely to irk Western powers amid reviving 2015 nuclear deal.

Simorgh satellite launcher carried three research cargos into space.

Iran announced successful test of its most powerful solid fuel satellite launcher Zoljanah, boasting that it can put a 220-kg payload into orbit. 

Iran insists its space programme is for civilian and defence purposes only and does not breach the nuclear deal or any other international agreement.

Govt announces suspension of Biometric Attendance for govt employees

Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has announced the suspension of Biometric Attendance for govt employees with immediate effect due to rise in Covid cases.

It will remain suspended till 31st January.

Apart from this, physical attendance of Govt servants below the level of Under Secretary has been restricted to 50% of the actual strength and rest of the 50% of the staff will work from home.

DoPT has further ordered to follow staggered timing to avoid over crowding.

Sri Lanka to go bankrupt by 2022 with record-high inflation

Sri Lanka is reported to go bankrupt by 2022 as the country is facing a deepening financial and humanitarian crisis due to record-high inflation levels, food prices rocket and its coffers run dry.

Meltdown faced by government, led by president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is in part caused by Covid crisis and loss of tourism but is compounded by high government spending and tax cuts eroding state revenues, vast debt repayments to China.

Hong Kong news portal 'Citizen News' announces to cease its operations

Hong Kong online news portal titled ‘Citizen News’ has announced to cease operations from January 4th to ensure everyone is safe in this time of crisis and its website will also shut down soon.

The decision came just three days after another Hong Kong-based news portal ‘Stand News’ shut down as national security police booked seven people who worked at or were linked to the news portal for allegedly publishing anti-China content, stirring up hatred against the government.

Climate Awareness Campaign and National Photography Competition

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is organizing Climate Change Awareness Campaign and National Photography Competition. 

Campaign will have Municipal Commissioners and key heads of urban local bodies and Smart City CEOs creating awareness about Urban Climate Change and Sustainability. 

The competition will be open to all participants till 26th January 2022 on climate change. 

Both the campaign and competition to sensitize the challenges posed by climate change.

Manuals and Newsletter of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre released

Union Home Secretary has released three Manuals and Newsletter of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under Cyber and Information Security Division (CIS) in New Delhi.

Manuals and newsletter released were:

Cyber Hygiene for Cyber Space - Dos and Don’ts – Basic Manual. 

Cyber Hygiene for Cyber Space - Dos and Don’ts – Advanced Manual. 

Quarterly Newsletter ‘CyberPravah’ covers introduction to I4C, various activities of I4C, etc.

Prime Minister Hasina inaugurates Dhaka International Trade Fair

Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated 26th annual Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF). 

She also declared the ICT products and services as the ‘product of the year 2022’. 

It is a month-long trade fair for exploring new markets and diversify product basket.

It is being organized by Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau with the help of other agencies. 

DITF has 227 stalls including 23 pavilions where traders from 11 countries are taking part. 

Union Education Minister launches NEAT 3.0 ed-tech solutions

Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has launched NEAT 3.0, a single platform to provide best-developed ed-tech solutions, courses to students. 

AICTE prescribed technical books in regional languages was also launched. 

It will help more than 12 lakhs socially and economically disadvantaged students have received free ed-tech course coupons. 

National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT): initiative to provide the use of best-developed technological solutions. 

Foundation stone for Heartfulness International Yoga Academy laid

Union Ayush Minster, Sarbananda Sonowal has laid foundation stone for the Heartfulness International Yoga Academy for setting new benchmarks in yoga training at Hyderabad.

It comprises Yoga halls that can accommodate 100 Yoga students in each hall, therapeutic Yoga rooms for consultation, one to one training spaces, etc. 

It will have trainers from India, Europe, Australia, Uzbekistan and US.

It is registered with Yoga Certification Board as a Leading yoga Institution.

France takes over European Union Presidency for Six Months 2022

France takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time in 14 years with effect from 1st January 2022 till 30 June 2022. 

Presidency of the Council (Council of Ministers) organizes meetings, brokers compromise, submits conclusions.

Each Member State of EU holds the presidency of Council of the European Union for six months on a rotational basis.

It serves as the co-legislator of the European Union, along with European Parliament.

G Asok Kumar takes over as new DG for National Mission for Clean Ganga

G Asok Kumar (1991 batch IAS officer of Telangana Cadre) took over as the new Director General for the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti.

He has held several important post like Joint Secretary in Ministry of Civil Aviation and Director in Ministry of Power. 

He has also served as NMCG Executive Director Projects. 

NMCG: It was launched to reduce pollution and ensure rejuvenation of Ganga River, along with improvement in ecology, biodiversity. 

Vini Mahajan assumes charge as Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Vini Mahajan assumed the charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dept of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Prior to this, she was serving as the Punjab Chief Secretary from 26th June 2020.

She also served as Principal Secretary of Department of Medical Education and Research, and Principal Secretary Finance, Punjab.

She served as Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister of India from 2007-2012, and earlier in 2004-05 as Director in Department of Economic Affairs. 

Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science, Technology inaugurated

Raksha Mantri has inaugurated Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology at Chandigarh University.

He also launched Scholarship Scheme, worth Rs 10 crore, for the wards of Defence Personnel of the three Services.

It is established with the objective of training students in space science, satellite development and meet future challenges in space research. 

It would be the Ground Control Station for the Chandigarh University's Student Satellite.

Jawaharlal Nehru Road renamed as ‘Narendra Modi Marg’

Governor of Sikkim, Ganga Prasad, has named a new road Narendra Modi Marg. The Governor viewed the road under Kabi Lungchok from Kyongsala, 4th mile. This is an alternative to Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg.

The National Monument at National Highway 310 was built by Border Roads Organization. It will be easier for Indian tourists to reach Nathula Border. The stretch, constructed by Border Roads Organisation, has reduced the distance between Gangtok and Tsomgo lake by 15 km.

DRDO Celebrates 64th Foundation Day on 1st January 2022

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has observed the 64th Foundation Day of its establishment on January 01, 2022. DRDO was established in 1958 with just 10 laboratories to enhance the research work in the Defence sector.

At that time, it was tasked with designing and developing cutting edge defence technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.

As of now, DRDO is working in multiple cutting edge military technology areas, which include aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, life sciences and other technologies for defence.

Important For All Exam 2021:

Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy.

DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi.

DRDO Established: 1958.

New Zealand’s Ross Taylor announces retirement from international cricket

Veteran New Zealand batter, Ross Taylor has announced retirement from international cricket at the end of the ongoing domestic season.

Taylor hence will play his final appearance in the second Test against Bangladesh, where will equal Daniel Vettori’s record of 112 tests for New Zealand.

He will be part of the one-day international series in Australia. He is the first cricketer to play more than 100 matches for New Zealand in all 3 formats.

Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 46th GST council meet in Delhi

The GST Council’s 46th meeting was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

The GST Council has recommended deferring the decision to change the rates in textiles recommended in the 45th GST Council meeting. Consequently, the existing GST rates of 5 % instead of 12% in textile sector would continue.

This convention attains special significance as it comes days ahead of Sitharaman presenting the much-anticipated Union Budget 2022-23 on February 1, for which she has been holding a series of pre-budget consultations with stakeholders.

LIC inaugurates Digi Zone to sell policies online

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has inaugurated “Digi Zone”, at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, as part of its effort to enhance its digital footprint.

LIC’s Digi Zone can be used by the customers to purchase policies online, pay the premium and avail of other services. As a part of its efforts to become a tech-driven life insurer, LIC will offer information related to its products and services through kiosks installed on the Digi Zone premises.

Customers can use LIC’s Digi Zone to buy policies online, pay the premium and avail of other services. LIC plans to undertake the next wave of digital transformation to unlock several benefits of accelerating growth, driving customer satisfaction and improving intermediary productivity and loyalty.

Important For All Exam 2021:

LIC Chairperson: M R Kumar;

LIC Headquarters: Mumbai;

LIC Founded: 1 September 1956.

Tech Mahindra to acquire 100 percent stake in Allyis India, Green Investments

Tech Mahindra has approved a proposal for the acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Allyis India and Green Investments, for a total consideration of up to USD 125 million.

The acquisition will bolster Tech Mahindra’s capabilities in Digital Experience Solutions, Learning & Development, Marketing, Instructional Design; Engineering: Cloud & Automation, BI & Analytics, Technical support services.

Tech Mahindra will pay total consideration of up to $125 million, including employment-related and performance-related earnouts, as per a regulatory update filed with the exchanges.

Allyis India Pvt Ltd and Green Investments LLC offer technology consulting and managed services for organisations to help reduce costs, improve performance, and meet their objectives. Allyis India Pvt Ltd was incorporated in 2018 whole Green Investments LLC was incorporated in 2013.

Important For All Exam 2021:

Tech Mahindra CEO: C. P. Gurnani;

Tech Mahindra Headquarters: Pune;

Tech Mahindra Founder: Anand Mahindra;

Tech Mahindra Founded: 1986.

GST Collection Stood At Rs 1.29 Lakh Crore in December 2021

GST revenue collected in December 2021 was over Rs 1.29 lakh crore, 13 per cent higher than the same month in 2020.

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of December 2021 is ₹ 1,29,780 crore, of which CGST is ₹ 22,578 crore, SGST is ₹ 28,658 crore, IGST is Rs 69,155 crore (including Rs 37,527 crores collected on import of goods) and cess is Rs 9,389 crore.

RBI extended deadline for Periodic KYC Update till March 31, 2022

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it has extended the deadline for periodic KYC updates by 3 months till March 31, 2022. Extension in view of prevalent uncertainty due to a new variant of COVID-19 – Omicron. Earlier the deadline for periodic KYC updates was December 31.

Meanwhile, the government has also extended the deadline for businesses to file GST annual returns for the 2020-21 fiscal ended March 2021 by two months till February 28.

Important For All Exam 2021:

Reserve Bank of India Founded: April 1, 1935;

Reserve Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra;

Reserve Bank of India Governor: Shaktikanta Das.

SBI Card joined hands with Paytm for Card Tokenization

SBI Cards and Payment Services has tied up with Paytm for card tokenisation to protect the data of the cardholders. SBI Card has collaborated with Paytm to enable cardholders to tokenise their cards on devices and make payments through Paytm.

Tokenisation refers to masking the original card number by replacing it with a set of unique characters, termed as token, which secures the customer’s card details when a transaction is under process.

Currently, only cards issued in the Indian territory are enabled on the Paytm network. However, customers may transact using his/her SBI Card through the Paytm network in international locations.

Important For All Exam 2021:

SBI Card Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana;

SBI Card Managing Director & CEO: Rama Mohan Rao Amara.

Baldev Prakash named as MD & CEO of J&K Bank

Baldev Prakash has been appointed as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Jammu & Kashmir Bank for three years. His appointment will be effective from the date of taking charge or April 10, 2022, whichever is earlier.

Apart from him, R K Chhibber has been appointed as an additional director on the board of the bank.

Prakash has over 30 years of experience in banking. He had joined SBI as a probationary officer in 1991 and was the Chief General Manager (Digital and Transaction Banking Marketing Department) at SBI, Mumbai. The appointment is effective from the date of taking charge or April 10, 2022, whichever is earlier.

Important For All Exam 2021:

 Jammu & Kashmir Bank Headquarters: Srinagar;

 Jammu & Kashmir Bank Founded: 1 October 1938.

Odisha launched Digital Life Certificate system for pensioners 2022

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched an online service for the verification of identity and submission of life certificates for pensioners of the state government.

The chief minister virtually launched the new initiative while attending the orientation programme for newly recruited 153 officers of Odisha Civil Services.

Identification and life certificates can now be submitted by the pensioners using an artificial intelligence-based video-verification process.

It will be of immense help to the pensioners as they can submit their identification and life certificates digitally, without visiting any government office simply by using their mobile phones.

This facility will also be available at the ‘Mo Seva Kendras’ located across the state. Patnaik said the introduction of digital life certificates and E-dairy were part of his government’s 5T and ‘Mo Sarkar’ initiatives. 

Important For All Exam 2021:

Odisha Capital: Bhubaneswar;

Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal;

Odisha Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik.

China launches 5-year plan to become a hub of world robotics innovation

China has announced a five-year roadmap to achieve its goal of becoming a global robotics innovation hub by the year 2025. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealed operating income from the country’s robotics industry is expected to grow by around 20% per year between 2021 and 2025.

From 2016 to 2020, the sector expanded at an average growth rate of 15%. Last year, operating income surpassed 100 billion yuan ($15.69 billion) for the first time.

As per the 2021 World Robot Report, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan were the top three most automated countries in Asia-Pacific.

World’s longest Metro line opened in China

Shanghai has opened two new metro lines, upholding its rank as the city with the largest Metro network in the world. With the new lines, the total length of Shanghai’s metro network has extended to 831 km, continuing to be the longest in the world.

China’s Shanghai opened two new metro lines – Line 14 and Phase One of Line 18. The opening of the two new lines will bring the total number of fully automatic metro lines in Shanghai to five, with an operating length of 167 km, ranking first in the world for the first time. The city will now enjoy 20 metro lines with 508 stations, 83 of which are transfer ones.

Government approved 19th Tranche of Electoral Bonds

The government has approved the issuance of the 19th tranche of electoral bonds, which will be open for sale from January 1 to 10, 2022, ahead of assembly elections in five states Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Goa.

In the 19th tranche of sale, the State Bank of India (SBI), has been authorised to issue and encash electoral bonds through its 29 specialised branches. There is no limit on the number of bonds an individual or company can purchase. An electoral bond will be valid for 15 days.

Electoral bonds have been pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding. However, Opposition parties have been raising concerns about alleged opaqueness in funding through such bonds.

Dharmendra Pradhan launches reading campaign ‘Padhe Bharat’

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched a 100-day reading campaign ‘Padhe Bharat.

The launch of the 100 Days Reading Campaign is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which lays emphasis on the promotion of joyful reading culture for children by ensuring the availability of age-appropriate reading books for children in local/mother tongue/regional/tribal language.

Padhe Bharat campaign will focus on children studying in Balvatika to Grade 8. The reading campaign will be organized for 100 days (14 weeks) starting from January 1, 2022, to April 10, 2022.

The reading campaign aims to have the participation of all stakeholders at the national and state level including children, teachers, parents, community, educational administrators etc.

Static GK based on Current Affairs

1. India welcomed Egypt as the fourth new member of the New Development Bank (NDB) that was established by BRICS. 

➤ Member of BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South-Africa

● The BRICS Countries represent 41 percent of the global population, 24 percent of the global GDP, and 16 percent of the global trade.

➤ About New Development Bank (NDB):

● Aim –  To mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.

Members – The NDB admitted Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Uruguay as its new members in September 2021 whereas Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were admitted in July 2015.

➤ About Egypt:

● President – Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi

● Capital – Cairo

● Currency – Egyptian Pound (EGP)

➤ About National Development Bank (NDB):

● President – Marcos Prado Troyjo

● Establishment – 2015

● Headquarters – Shanghai, China

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2. Dr. Anupam Ray, a 1994 batch of Indian Foreign Service(IFS) officer, has been appointed as India’s next permanent representative(PR)/Ambassador to the United Nations(UN) Conference on Disarmament(CD) in Geneva, Switzerland.

➤ Recent Appointments - 

● Catherine Russell Appointed As The New Head Of UNICEF

● FICCI appoints Sanjiv Mehta as its President

● Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Named Ittira Davis As MD & CEO

● Ravindra Jadeja Ropes As Brand Ambassador Of Kinara Capital

● NHAI: Alka Upadhyaya Appointed As Chairperson Of NHAI

● Sambit Patra Named As Chairman Of India Tourism

● Smriti Mandhana Signed As Brand Ambassador Of GUVI

● Indian-Origin Executive Parag Agrawal New Twitter CEO

● Harshwanti Bisht becomes 1st women President of Indian Mountaineering Foundation

● Geoff Allardice Appointed As Permanent CEO Of ICC

● Rahul Dravid Appointed As Head Coach of Indian men’s cricket team by BCCI.

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3. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Digital Life Certificate system for pensioners virtually while attending the orientation programme for newly recruited 153 officers of Odisha Civil Services.

● Odisha is the first state in the country to implement such a digital service for pensioners.

➤ About Odisha - 

● C.M. - Naveen Patnaik

● Governor - Ganeshi Lal

● Capital - Bhubaneshwar

➤ National Parks - 

● Simlipal National Park 

● Bhitarkanika National Park

● Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary

● Chilika wildlife sanctuary

● Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary

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4. The Jharkhand Government partners with premier city-based B-school, Indian School of Business (ISB) to empower Jharkhand’s forest economy.

● Aim – To empower Jharkhand’s forest economy and create jobs and wealth through a sustainable development model.

➤ About Jharkhand:

● C.M. - Hemant Soren

● Capital - Ranchi

● Governor – Ramesh Bais

● Wildlife Sanctuary – Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary, Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary

● Tiger Reserve – Palamau Tiger Reserve

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5. Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to attract large investments for setting up semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities in India.

➤ Important Schemes Launched by Indian Government:

● Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) Insurance Scheme - To help Health Workers Fighting COVID-19. 

● E-Shram Portal - To help the unorganised sector

● Gram Ujala Scheme - this scheme aims to provide high quality energy efficient LED bulbs at just Rs 10 per piece Under Gram Ujala Scheme.

● PM Mentoring Yuva Scheme - this scheme envisions to groom young authors in the country

● Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana - this scheme aims to provide skill development training to youths.

● PM Daksh Yojana - PM DAKSH Yojana is a National Action Plan for skilling of marginalised persons covering SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Sanitation workers including waste pickers.

● PM Umeed Scheme - Its main objective is to provide skill training to 3 lakh youths to become entrepreneurs till 2025-26.

India, Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities

India and Pakistan have exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under Agreement on Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. 

Agreement provides that India and Pakistan inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under Agreement on 1st January of every calendar year.

This is the 31st consecutive exchange.

First one took place on January 1, 1992.

Amir Subhani appointed as the Chief Secretary of Bihar

Amir Subhani (1987-batch IAS officer) has been appointed as the chief secretary of Bihar by Chief minister Nitish Kumar with effect from 31st December 2021. 

He will replace Tripurari Sharan.

He is Bihar's first chief secretary belonging to the minority community and will retire in April 2024.

He was development commissioner of Bihar before his elevation at this post.

Atul Prasad has been made development commissioner in place of Subhani. 

PM releases 10th installment of financial benefit under PM-KISAN Scheme

PM Narendra Modi has released 10th installment of financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme.

More than Rs 20 thousand crore have been transferred to over than ten crore farmer families.

Under PM-KISAN scheme, financial benefit of six thousand rupees per year is provided to the eligible family of farmers.

The fund is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

It is a centrally sector scheme, which was launched in 2019.

MoHUA opens ‘Urban Geospatial Data Stories Challenge-2022’

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has announced opening of Urban Geospatial Data Stories Challenge to foster adoption of geospatial technologies, promoting innovation in India’s urban ecosystem. 

It has been organized with select Smart Cities that will be publishing high quality GIS datasets. 

More than 1000 geospatial datasets have been made available to registered participants. 

It will commence for registered participants on 1st Jan 2022 till January end 2022.

Union Minister launches 100 days reading campaign 'Padhe Bharat'

Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has launched 100 days reading campaign 'Padhe Bharat'.

It is in alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which emphasizes on promotion of joyful reading culture for children by ensuring availability of age appropriate reading books.

The campaign will focus on children studying in Balvatika to Grade 8.

It will be organized for 100 days (14 weeks) starting from 1st January 2022 to 10th April 2022.

Centre notifies new rules for consumer commissions

Centre has notified new rules for Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of the District Commission, the State Commission and National Commission) Rules, 2021. 

Revised pecuniary jurisdiction for entertaining consumer complaints shall be up to Rs50 lakh for District Commissions, more than 50 lakh to 2 crore for State Commissions and more than 2 crore for National Commission.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 promulgates a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism for consumer disputes. 

Vinay Kumar Tripathi appointed as new Chairman, CEO of Railway Board

Vinay Kumar Tripathi (1983 Batch of Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers) has been appointed as new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Railway Board with effect from January 1, 2022.

He is presently working as General Manager, Northeastern Railway to the post of Chairman of Railway Board.

Indian Railway Board is the apex body of the Indian Railways, which reports to parliament through the Ministry of Railways.

India defeat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets to lift U-19 Asia Cup 2021 title

India lifted under-19 Asia cricket Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in a rain-interrupted One-Day International final in Dubai through Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

In the match, Sri Lanka opted to bat first and scored 106 for nine in the stipulated 38 overs.

Raghuvanshi and Rasheed has stitched an unbeaten 96-run stand to take India home in the summit. 

Earlier, opting to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start as the side lost two wickets. 

Director General VS Pathania takes over as DG Coast Guard

Director General VS Pathania took over as the 24th Chief of Indian Coast Guard with effect from 31st December 2021. 

He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and National Defence College, New Delhi.

He was elevated to the rank of Additional Director General in Nov 2019 and took over the reins as Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard) at Visakhapatnam.

Awards: President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service, Tatrakshak Medal for gallantry. 

Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates Arts and Science Colleges in Lakshadweep

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated two Colleges of Arts & Sciences in Kadmat and Androth islands on his first State visit to Lakshadweep Union Territory.

Courses of two colleges will help the students of the islands, especially girl students to overcome the geographical constraints of the region and pursue quality higher education with employment potential.

Both the colleges are affiliated to Pondicherry University.

Street Photographer Sabine Weiss passes away

Swiss-French photographer Sabine Weiss passed away at the age of 97.

She was regarded as the last of the French humanist photography school of post-World War II.

Her work covered eight decades, pioneering what was to become known as street photography.

She photographed the condition of ordinary people in Paris, saying she wanted to immortalize “the snotty-nosed kids,” “the beggars” and “the little piss-takers” in her photos.

Jhansi Railway Station renamed as Veerangana Laxmibai Railway Station

The Uttar Pradesh government has renamed Jhansi Railway Station as 'Veerangana Laxmibai Railway Station' after Rani Laxmibai.

Earlier the Mughalsarai Railway station was renamed as Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction and the Faizabad Railway station as Ayodhya Cantt.

Since coming to power, Mr Adityanath government has changed names of several establishments including those of Faizabad and Allahabad districts, which were renamed as Ayodhya and Prayagraj, respectively.

Danish Siddiqui posthumously gets Mumbai Press Club's RedInk Award

Photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, who died during an assignment in Afghanistan, has been posthumously awarded as the 'Journalist of the Year' for 2020 by the Mumbai Press Club. 

CJI N V Ramana presented the annual 'RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism'. 

Danish Siddiqui's wife Frederike Siddiqui received the award. 

Senior journalist Prem Shankar Jha bestowed with the lifetime achievement award "for his long and distinguished career of incisive and analytical writing".

Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd to acquire UK's battery firm Faradion

Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd has signed definitive agreements to acquire sodium-ion battery technology company Faradion (UK). 

RNESL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), will acquire 100 per cent shareholding in Faradion Limited.

The sodium-ion technology developed by Faradion provides a globally leading energy storage and battery solution which is safe, sustainable, provides high energy density and is significantly cost competitive.