Latest Current Affairs For May, 2022

World's richest man, Elon Musk was 2021's highest paid CEO

According to the Fortune 500, the world’s richest man, Elon Musk was the top-paid chief executive officer (CEO) in 2021. He has received a salary of around $23.5 billion.

Tim Cook, Apple with USD 770.5 Million placed at second followed by Jensen Huang, NVIDIA (USD 561 Million); Reed Hastings, Netflix (USD 453.5 Million); Leonard Schleifer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (USD 452.9 Million).

Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella with USD 309.4 Million placed at seventh position.

Kuwait to build world's largest petroleum research centre

Kuwait is planning to build the world's largest petroleum research centre by the end of the year (2022).

The research centre will have 28 Laboratories and built in al-Ahmadi, south of Kuwait City.

The project will seek to develop improved production and refining techniques which can be used by the industry for different applications (include: extraction of heavy crude and non-associated gas).

Kuwait is a country which is highly-dependent on oil revenue.

WHO honoured Jharkhand for efforts in controlling tobacco consumption

The World Health Organization (WHO) has selected Jharkhand for the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Award-2022 for recognising its efforts in controlling tobacco consumption.

The award will be received by the Stata Tobacco Control Cell of the Health Department on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (31 May).

National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched in Jharkhand in 2012 when the tobacco prevalence rate in the state was 51.1%.

Gujarat becomes the first state to deliver the India Post mail by drone

For the first time in the country, The Department of Indian Posts has delivered mail using a drone as part of a pilot project in Gujarat's Kutch district.

This attempt was done by the drone from Habay village in Bhuj taluka to Ner village in Bhachau taluka of Kutch district by the postal department under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Communications.

It took 25 minutes to deliver the parcel to the destination located 46 km from the originating point.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez wins 2022 Monaco Grand Prix

Sergio Perez (Red Bull) has won Formula One Monaco Grand Prix after defeating Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari). It was Perez’s first win of the season

Mexican's Max Verstappen (Red Bull) has finished third, Leclerc at fourth.

Max Verstappen has clinched the title of Spanish Grand Prix, Miami Grand Prix, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Australia Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

Bahrain Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

WHO partners with Rajasthan to create health account

Rajasthan becomes the first state to attempt systematize of health accounts to track and monitoring of health expenditures over time and can serve as an important tool for evidence based policy making.

This project of Rajasthan will be aid by the WHO India country office by providing technical and financial support for conducting the first round of health accounts.

The state government has allocated more than 7% of the total budget for health.

Legendary jockey Lester Piggott dies at 86

Nine times Derby winner, legendary Lester Piggott has died aged 86.

Piggott was partially deaf, has won the Derby at Epsom for the first time in 1954 and ninth win came on Teenoso in 1983.

He also had 116 Royal Ascot victories and was named champion jockey 11 times between 1960 and 1982.

His career first trophy came at the age of 12 at Haydock in 1948, and he last won in 1994 at the same track.

He announced his retirement in 1995.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui honoured with Excellence in Cinema at French Riviera

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has received the Excellence in Cinema award at the French Riviera Film Festival.

He was received the honour from the two-time Emmy winner American actor-producer, Vincent De Paul.

Prior to this, he was chosen as one of the delegates to receive awards on behalf of the nation at the Cannes Film Festival.

He is the only actor in the cinema world to have eight films officially selected and screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Pope Francis elevates archbishops of Goa and Hyderabad to cardinal rank

Pope Francis will create 21 new Cardinals which include two Cardinals from India, Archbishop Filipe Neri António Sebastião di Rosário Ferrão (Archbishop of Goa and Damão)  and Archbishop Anthony Poola (Archbishop of Hyderabad).

The elevated ceremony will be held at the Vatican on August 27, 2022.

These cardinals represent the Church worldwide, and reflect a wide variety of cultures, contexts and pastoral ministries.

Single-Pick Cotton Pilot Project will launch by the Telangana Govt

The Telangana Government will launch a pilot project on single-pick cotton on about 50,000 acres.

Currently, the farmers pick cotton bolls at least three to four times, this method will help the farmers to extend the harvest by a few weeks and allow farmers to complete the harvest all at once.

Single-pick cotton: Cotton varieties that flower at one time and boll bursting happens at the same time.

Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan;

CM: K. Chandrashekar Rao

Real Madrid beat Liverpool to win UEFA Champions League Final 2022

Real Madrid has become the European champion for a record-extending 14th time after defeating Liverpool by 1-0 in a Champions League final.

The Real Madrid has claimed their fifth Champions League trophy in nine seasons.

The player of the match: Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (9 Saves), Real Madrid

The first UEFA Champions League was organized in 1955-56 when it was called the European Cup and in 1992-93, it became the champions League.

Gujarat Titans defeat Rajasthan Royals to win IPL 2022 title

Gujarat Titans has won the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions 2022  after defeating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Aramco Purple Cap: Yuzvendra Chahal (27 Wickets)

Aramco Orange Cap: Jos Buttler (863 Runs)

Player Of The Match: Hardik Pandy

Upstox Most Valuable Player: Jos Buttler

Punch Super Striker Of The Match: David Miller

Dream11 Game Changer Of The Match: Hardik Pandya

Tata IPL Catch Of the Season: Evin Lewis

Kolkata becomes first major metro to receive its biodiversity register

Kolkata has become the first major metropolitan city in India to make a detailed biodiversity register.

The 520-page long document listed 399 species of plants which include 138 trees, 126 Chinese vegetables, 33 medicinal plants and nearly 100 other plants.

The report also listed around 290 animal species, including about 70 species of butterflies, 47 (fish), 84 (birds) and 22 (mammals).

West Bengal Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar; Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee

India, UAE sign MoU to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate action

India has signed an MoU with United Arab Emirates to establish a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation on climate action.

Objective: To contributes towards implementing the Paris Agreement 2015.

United Arab Emirates will host COP28 in 2023.

Paris Agreement 2015:

Aims to reduce carbon emissions to restrict global temperature rise to preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius as compared to the pre-industrial area.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers: 29 May

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29 to pay tribute to the contributions of uniformed and civilian personnel to the organisation’s work.

Theme 2022:  People Peace Progress: The Power of Partnerships

The UN Peacekeepers are also known as the Blue Helmets.

Captain Abdelrazakh Hamit Bahar of Chad has received posthumously the highest award in UN peacekeeping, the ‘Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage’.

India’s GDP growth likely to be 8.2-8.5 per cent in FY22: SBI report

According to the State Bank of India’s research report Ecowrap, the growth rate of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to be in the range of 8.2 to 8.5% in the FY22.

In the report, the projected growth for the Q4 FY22 at 2.7%.

Early trend of Q4FY22 results for corporates, in the listed space, Sectors like IT-software, auto ancillary, steel, FMCG, chemicals, and paper has better growth numbers in report.

SBI Bank Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara

Delhi Customs launches Project ‘NIGAH’ in Gurugram

Surjit Bhujabal (Chief Commissioner of Delhi Customs Zone) has inaugurated project ‘NIGAH’ at ICD Garhi Harsaru, Gurugram with an aim to track container by using ICTM (ICD Container Tracking Module).

This initiative will help in better visibility of the container movement inside the ICD and also help Customs to speed up the long standing containers and monitor timely clearances.

ICTM was developed in collaboration with the Custodian M/s. GRFL. 

Olympic medalist, Lovlina Borgohain elected as IBA Athletes Committee Chair

Olympics bronze medallist, Lovlina Borgohain has been elected as the  voting member and chair on the Board of Directors for the Athletes’ Committee, the International Boxing Association (IBA).

She has received the highest number of votes at the 2022 Women’s World Championships election.

Shiva Thapa was elected by the boxers that participated during the men's world championships that was held in October 2021.

IBA Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland

Jitendra Singh inaugurates India’s first ‘Lavender Festival’ in Bhaderwah

Dr. Jitendra Singh (Union Minister) has inaugurated the nation's first  Lavender Festival in Jammu’s district Bhaderwah.

Lavender cultivation has changed the destiny of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under the government initiative of ‘Aroma Mission or Purple Revolution'.

Bhaderwah is in Doda district, is the best place for lavender cultivation in terms of land and climate.

Aroma Mission: To encourage the cultivation of aromatic crops for the production of essential oils

US becomes India's biggest trading partner in FY22

The US has replaced China to become the India's top trading partner in 2021-22, this is reflecting strong economic ties between the two countries.

The bilateral trade between two countries stood at $119.42 billion (2021-22) as against $80.51 billion in 2020-21, according to the data of the commerce ministry.

Other top trading partner: China ($115.42 billion), The UAE ($72.9 billion), Saudi Arabia ($42,85 billion), Iraq ($34.33 billion) and Singapore ($30 billion).

INS Gomati decommissioned at Naval Dockyard after 34 years

Indian Navy has decommissioned the third ship of the Godavari class guided-missile frigates, INS Gomati at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

INS Gomati was commissioned on 16 April 1988 by the then Defence Minister, KC Pant, at Mazgaon Dock Ltd, Bombay.

During its 34 years of service, the ship participated in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, and multinational naval exercises. 

The ship was awarded the coveted Unit Citation in 2007-08 and 2019-20.

'Triangle of Sadness' wins the Palme d’Or at 75th Cannes Film Festival

'Triangle of Sadness' directed by Ruben Ostlund has won the Palme d’Or at the 75th Cannes Film Festival for the second time.

Earlier, he had received the cinema’s most prestigious prizes for his movie 'The Square' in 2017.

Indian filmmaker Shaunak Sen has won the 'L'Oeil d'Or' award for his documentary 'All That Breathes'.

"A Night of Knowing Nothing" directed by Payal Kapadia has won the L'Oeil d'Or in 2021.

Best actor: Song Kang Ho

Best actress: Zar Amir Ebrahimi 

RBI issues norms for gold import by qualified jewellers through IIBX

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued norms for facilitating physical import of gold through India International Bullion Exchange IFSC (IIBX) or similar authorised exchange by Qualified Jewellers in India.

As per the guidelines, banks may allow Qualified Jewellers to remit advance payments for 11 days for import of gold through IIBX in compliance to the extant Foreign Trade Policy and regulations issued under IFSC Act.

Moody's cuts CY22 India GDP growth forecast to 8.8% amid rising inflation

Moody’s Investors Service has cut its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for India to 8.8% for calendar year 2022 (CY22) from its March estimate of 9.1%.

Reason: Rising inflation and interest rates will temper the economic growth momentum.

It projected inflation to be around 6.8% and 5.2% for 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Earlier, the S&P Global Ratings had cut India’s growth projection for 2022-23 to 7.3 per cent, from 7.8 per cent earlier.

Sebi withdraws permanent recognition granted to ICEX

SEBI has withdrawn the recognition granted to the Indian Commodity Exchange Limited (ICEX).

The withdrawal of recognition follows an order passed by SEBI on May 10 after finding the bourse non-compliant on several grounds like net worth and infrastructural requirements.

After this, the ICEX has been directed to transfer the money available in the Investor Protection Fund and Investor Services Fund of ICEX to Sebi's Investor Protection and Education Fund.

PARAM PORUL Supercomputer inaugurated at NIT, Tiruchirappalli

Param Porul (supercomputer) was inaugurated at NIT Tiruchirappalli under National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) for public use.

The NSM is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

This supercomputing facility is established under phase two of the national supercomputing mission to facilitate computational research.

Indian officer Anwar Hussain Shaik is new chair of WTO's committee

Ten years later, an Indian government officer, Anwar Hussain Shaik has been made the chair of the WTO's Committee on Technical Barriers on Trade(TBT).

He replaced Elisa Maria Olmeda de Alejandro from Mexico.

Aim: To ensure that standards and conformity assessment procedures, and technical regulations are non-discriminatory and do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.

WTO is a 164 member organisation that formulates rules for global exports and imports.

HDFC Securities launches robo-advisory platform for mutual fund investments

HDFC Securities has launched HDFC Money (robo-advisory platform) for all mutual fund investments.

HDFC Money is a 100% digital platform that doesn’t involve opening or having a Demat Account.

This also manages other aspects of finances such as accessing, managing, and tracking portfolios, starting goal planning, insurance planning, and managing/filing taxes.

One can track funds of their choice and get comprehensive reports about the fund performance history.

BOB Financial launched co-branded contactless RuPay Credit Card with HPCL

Bank of Baroda Financial and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) in partnership with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), have launched HPCL BoB co-branded contactless RuPay Credit Card.

The card includes various features such as rewards for spending on utilities, grocery and departmental stores.

This card can be used across merchants and ATMs globally through the JCB network.

BOB Financial is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of Baroda (BoB).

CCEA clears sale of govt's 29.5% stake in Hindustan Zinc

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has cleared the government's 29.5% stake sale in Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) to fetch around Rs 38,000 crore to the exchequer.

This decision will strengthen the government's disinvestment drive in the current fiscal year.

The government has budgeted Rs. 65,000 crore from PSU disinvestment and strategic sale.

In 2002, the government offloaded a 26% stake in HZL to Sterlite Opportunities and Ventures Ltd (SOVL).

RBI cuts net-worth requirement for non-bank Bharat Bill Payment units

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed the norms for non-bank entities to set up Bharat Bill Payment operating units (BBPOU) by reducing the net-worth requirement to Rs 25 crores.

Presently, the minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore is required to obtain authorisation for a non-bank BBPOU.

Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is an interoperable platform for bill payments and the scope and coverage of BBPS extends to all categories of billers who raise recurring bills.

Indian Bank partners with Northern Arc to offer financial solutions

Northern Arc (NBFC) has announced a joint venture (JV) with Indian Bank, which will help both institutions leverage synergies and offer customercentric financial solutions to borrowers in the retail segment.

This move will help Indian Bank by gaining access to Northen Arc's n-POS platform which helps fintechs, NBFCs and investors co-lend to retail loan borrowers.

MD & CEO, Northern Arc Capital: Ashish Mehrotra

MD and CEO of Indian Bank: Shanti Lal Jain

Govt revises motor third party insurance premium from June 1

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has increased the third-party (TP) motor insurance premium for various categories of vehicles with effect from June 1.

The premium for new private cars is hiked between 1% and 23%.

The premium of private cars with an engine capacity of 1,000 cc is being hiked by 23% (Rs 2,094).

For cars with an engine capacity between 1000 -1500 cc, the premium is hiked by 12% (Rs 3,416).

The premium for Cars above 1500cc is hiked by 1%.

Japan's MUFG Bank gets approval set up branch at GIFT City

MUFG Bank becomes the first Japanese bank to open a branch at Gujarat International Financial Tech City (GIFT City) in a bid to offer a wide range of banking services to both domestic and global clients.

MUFG Bank has already taken all necessary approvals from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (India) and the Financial Services Agency (Japan) to set up a branch at GIFT City.

MUFG had opened its first branch in Mumbai in 1953.

‘Tomb of Sand’ becomes 1st Hindi novel to win 2022 Booker Prize

Indian author Geetanjali Shree and American translator Daisy Rockwell won the 2022 International Booker Prize for “Tomb of Sand”.

The book "Tomb of Sand' was originally written in Hindi, it is the first book in any Indian language to win such a prestigious award.

The prize money of 50,000 pound will be split between Shree and Rockwell.

The book is about a widow who dares to confront her experiences during the 1947 partition into India and Pakistan.

Ruskin's book titled 'Listen to Your Heart: The London Adventure' released

Ruskin Bond has released his latest book titled "Listen to Your Heart: The London Adventure" on his 88th birthday (19th May 2022).

Published by: Penguin Random House India (PRHI).

The book highlighted how he spent four years of his life in the Channel Islands and England.

Ruskin Bond was born in 1934, in Kasauli, and he grew up in Dehradun, Shimla, Jamnagar, and New Delhi.

His first novel: The Room on the Roof

Awards: Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2014).

GIC buys 7.5% stake in Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail

GIC (sovereign wealth fund) is acquiring a 7.5% equity stake in Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) for Rs 2,195 crore.

The investment will be made by way of preferential equity and warrants.

In the first tranche, the GIC will invest Rs 770 crore, while the rest amount of Rs 1,425 crore would be infused within 18 months.

After the investment, Aditya Birla Group will hold a controlling stake of 51.9% in the company.

Aditya Birla Group Chairman: Kumar Mangalam Birla

UCO Bank ties up with NBFC Paisalo Digital for agriculture loan

UCO Bank has signed a co-lending agreement with NBFC Paisalo Digital Limited for agriculture business to capitalize the underbanked and under-serviced population.

The tie-up will give a boost to the agriculture advance of the bank and it is a win-win situation for the bank as well as the NBFC.

The Government of India aims to help agriculture and other small borrowers who are the backbone of the Indian economy.

UCO Bank MD & CEO: Soma Sankara Prasad

IndusInd Bank ties up with Mahagram to develop digital payments system

Mahagram (Rural NEO Bank) has signed a partnership with the IndusInd Bank to digitize the nation's payment ecosystem and provide a wider scope to transact for its customers in rural India.

Aim: To boost financial inclusion, encourage socio-economic development, mitigate the risks of a shadow economy, and accelerate the growth of a cashless society.

Mahagram was founded in 2015 to enable rural women to save money at the local Kirana stores.

Mahagram CEO: Ram Shriram

WEF का यात्रा और पर्यटन विकास सूचकांक 2021 जारी

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) has released the Travel & Tourism Development Index which comprises 117 countries.

Top 10: Japan, United States, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Italy. 

India is the top scorer in South Asia and placed at 54th (fall by 8 rankings).

The WEF's index has shown various positive trends but the tourism and travel industry is still facing hurdles to recover properly. 

World Tourism Day: 27 September

Gaurav Sachdeva appointed as CEO of e-commerce venture JSW One Platform

JSW group has appointed Gaurav Sachdeva as the CEO of e-commerce venture of the group JSW One Platforms.

He will be responsible for creating a strong and healthy transparent platform that will ease buying and selling of steel and other products for manufacturing and construction MSMEs in the country.

Prior to joining JSW Ventures, he worked in leading institutions like Citibank, Bank of America and Infosys.

JSW group Founder: Sajjan Jindal; 

headquarters: Mumbai

मणिपुर के उखरूल में शिरुई लिली उत्सव शुरू

The fourth edition of the Shirui Lily Festival has began at Shirui village in Ukhrul district, Manipur.

The four-day festival was inaugurated by the Governor La Ganesan, which is taking place after a gap of two years.

The Shirui Lily blooms from late May to early June only on the Shirui village hilltop.

Aim of festival: To spread awareness about the rare Shirui flower and encourage tourism in Manipur.

Chief Minister: N Biren Singh

PM Modi inaugurates India’s biggest drone festival

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s biggest drone festival at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and interact with kisan drone pilots as well as witness open-air drone demonstrations.

‘Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022’ is a two-day event and being held on May 27 and 28.

Many government officials, foreign diplomats, armed forces, public sector undertakings, private companies, central armed police forces, and drone startups will participate in the event.

National Achievement Survey 2021 report released by the Education Ministry

Department of School Education and Literacy has released the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 report to assesses the health of school education system in the country.

The survey has evaluated the children’s learning competencies at classes 3, 5, 8 and 10th with a cycle period of three years.

The survey conducted in 22 regional language.

About 34 lakh students of 1.18 lakh schools in 720 districts from both rural and urban areas have participated in NAS 2021.

NMCG signs quadripartite agreement for Sewage Infrastructure Development

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has signed two quadripartite agreements for development of sewage infrastructure.

First agreement: NMCG, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, M/s. Maheshtala Waste Water Management Private Limited and Union Bank of India, to stop the flow of sewerage into River Ganga from the town.

The other agreement is a Substitution Agreement between NMCG, KMDA, MWWMPL and Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank.

India launching Project WARDEC AI-powered wargame centre

The Army Training Command has signed an MoU with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to develop first-of-its-kind simulation-based training centre ‘Wargame Research and Development Centre’ in New Delhi.

A prototype name ‘WARDEC’ has been gove to this project and use artificial intelligence (AI) to design virtual reality wargames.

The centre will be used by the Army to train its soldiers and test their strategies through “metaverse-enabled gameplay”. 

Exercise Bongosagar begins at Mongla port

The third edition of Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy Bilateral exercise, Bongosagar has commenced at Port Mongla, Bangladesh.

Aim: Developing a high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills.

The exercise includes two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase

The harbour phase includes professional and social interactions and friendly sporting fixtures.

The sea phase facilitate ships from both the navies to participate in intensive surface warfare drills.

Captain Abhilasha Barak becomes first woman combat pilot in Indian Army

Captain Abhilasha Barak from Haryana, has become the first woman officer to join the Army Aviation Corps as a combat aviator after successfully completing her training.

She was awarded the coveted wings along with 36 other army pilots by the DG and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation in Nashik.

She was commissioned into the Indian Army from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai in 2018.

She has been assigned to the second flight of 2072 Army Aviation Squadron.

IFS Vivek Kumar appointed as PS to PM Modi

The appointment committee of the cabinet has approved the appointment of Vivek Kumar as the PS to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at joint secretary level.

He will take over as PM Modi’s private secretary from Sanjeev Kumar Singla.

Kumar has joined the PMO as a deputy secretary in 2014.

He is a BTech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.

PhonePe will acquire WealthDesk, OpenQ for $70 mn

Walmart-owned digital payments firm PhonePe will acquire wealth management firms WealthDesk for about $50 million and OpenQ for around $20 million.

PhonePe confirmed about the deal related to WealthDesk and OpenQ, but didn’t reveal the value of the transaction.

PhonePe has applied to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for a mutual fund (MF) licence in 2021, joining rivals in the race to set up an asset management company (AMC).

IIT-Kanpur & CSIS, USA signs to create a global ‘just transition’ network

Just Transition Research Centre (JTRC) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has signed an agreement with the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C., to work on just energy transition globally including in India.

Among Indian states, IIT- CSIS collaboration will engage with Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.

Delhi govt inducts two robots in firefighting fleet

The Delhi Government has undertaken a unique initiative of using robots for extinguishing fires in the city.

These remote-controlled fire fighting robots will have greater accessibility to places and will be able to navigate narrow lanes, reach spaces inaccessible to humans and perform tasks too risky for people.

These robots will also be capable of releasing high water pressure at the rate of 2,400 litres per minute.

New Development bank to set up regional office in India

The New Development Bank (NDB) will open its first regional office in India at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) to cater to infrastructure and sustainable development needs of the country.

The Indian Regional Office (IRO) will be instrumental in enhancing NDB’s engagement with borrowers and stakeholders.

IRO expands our on-the-ground presence, contributing to preparing and implementing projects. 

Nobel winner Jose Ramos-Horta sworn in as East Timor president

Former independence fighter and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta was sworn in as president of East Timor.

He defeated incumbent Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres (his fellow independence fighter) in election.

Ramos-Horta was prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and president from 2007 to 2012.

East Timor is marking the 20th anniversary of independence for Asia’s youngest country.

Capital: Dili

Currency: United States Dollar

Haryana win Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship in Imphal

Haryana Hockey team has emerged as the winners of the Hockey India sub-junior women's national Championship 2022 after defeating Hockey Jharkhand by 2-0 in the final in Imphal.

Uttar Pradesh Hockey has defeated Madhya Pradesh Hockey by 3-0 to secure third place in the tournament.

Pushpanjali Sonkar, Manisha Patel, and Purnima Yadav scored a goal each to help Uttar Pradesh Hockey seal third place in the competition for the second consecutive time.

Manchester City crowned 2021/22 Premier League champions

Manchester City (Football) have been crowned 2021/22 Premier League champions their fourth title success in the last five seasons.

Manchester City win over Aston Villa in the final game of the season.

In Manchester City’s 38 league matches this season, they have won 29, drawn six, and lost three, scoring 99 goals in the process.

City have now won four Premier League titles and eight major trophies under Pep Guardiola since his arrival in the summer of 2016.

Indian and Bangladesh Navies started Coordinated Patrol in Bay of Bengal

4th edition Indian and Bangladesh Navies has commenced two-day Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in Northern Bay of Bengal.

Indian Navy: Two indigenously built Ships - Kora (a guided-missile corvette) and Sumedha (an offshore patrol vessel) are participating in the exercise.

Bangladesh: Navy Ships BNS Ali Haider and BNS Abu Ubaidah are taking part in the coordinated patrol exercise.

Both navies of Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also participate.

WHO honours ASHA workers for contribution to advancing global health

World Health Organisation (WHO) awarded and honoured to India's one million all-women Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers for their 'outstanding' contribution to advancing global health, demonstrated leadership and commitment to regional health issues.

ASHAs workers worked to provide maternal care and immunization for children against vaccine-preventable diseases; community health care; treatment for hypertension and tuberculosis.

Labor Party’s Anthony Albanese sworn-in as the new PM of Australia

Labour Party leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as Australia's 31st Prime Minister with four key Cabinet members, including new Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Richard Marles is the new Deputy Prime Minister and Employment Minister, Jim Chalmers is Treasurer, and Katy Gallagher is Attorney General and Finance Minister.

It is Australia's first Labour Government in almost a decade.

Capital: Canberra 

Currency: Australian dollar

Anti-Terrorism Day is being observed today

Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on 21st of May every year.

The day is highly important for the nation as it has been a victim of terror attacks for several years.

The day came into being after on May 21, 1991, India’s former PM Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during a campaign in Tamil Nadu.

He became the victim of a suicide bombing, which also resulted in around 14 other people being killed. 

Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest PM when he was sworn in at the age of 40. 

RBL Bank ties up with Amazon Pay to offer UPI payment services

RBL Bank has tied up with Amazon Web Services to offer UPI payments. 

The bank has partnered with Amazon Pay to offer peer-to-peer and peer-to-merchant transactions.

With this integration, Amazon Pay will issue NPCI’s allocated UPI ID with the handle @rapl to RBL Bank.

The partnership will allow the bank to tap Amazon Pay’s growing customer base and transaction volumes.

It will expand the bank’s presence in the UPI segment with its payment processing platform hosted on AWS. 

Paytm sets up general insurance JV, plans to invest ₹950 cr in 10 years

Paytm has announced a Joint Venture general insurance company named as Paytm General Insurance Ltd (PGIL).

Paytm has announced plans to infuse ₹950 crore in PGIL in tranches, over a period of 10 years and to hold upfront equity stake of 74 per cent.

PGIL will become a subsidiary of the Paytm.

PGIL will seek a license for a general insurance business from the insurance regulator IRDAI.

Paytm reappoints Vijay Shekhar Sharma as MD and CEO for 5 yrs

Vijay Shekhar Sharma has been reappointed as as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm for another 5 yrs term.

His tenure will be from December 19, 2022, to December 18, 2027.

Madhur Deora has been appointed as the Whole-time Director of Paytm for a tenure of 5 years from May 20, 2022, to May 19, 2027.

Deora will also continue to act in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer of Paytm.

One 97 Communications is the parent company of Paytm

RBI decides to give ₹30,307 cr FY22 dividend to Centre

The RBI has approved a dividend payment of Rs. 30,307 crore to the Centre for the fiscal year 2021-22.

The bank’s central board of directors also decided to maintain the contingency risk buffer (CRB) at 5.50%.

In the 2022 budget, the government had estimated that it would receive Rs. 73,948 crore as dividend from the RBI and state-owned banks for FY22.

The budgeted dividend is 27% lower than the ₹1.01 trillion the Centre received in FY22.

FDI inflow at all-time high of $83.57 bn in 2021-22

As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India has recorded the "highest ever" annual FDI inflow of USD 83.57 billion in 2021-22.

In 2020-21, the inflow stood at USD 81.97 billion.

FDI equity inflow in manufacturing sectors has increased by 76% in 2021-22 (USD 21.34 bn) compared to 2020-21.

Top investors: Singapore (27%); USA (18%) and Mauritius (16%) 

Computer software and hardware attracted maximum inflows followed by the services sector and automobile industry. 

International Tea Day 2022: 21st May

International Tea Day is observed on May 21 every year by the United Nations.

The day aims to raise awareness of the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world. 

The UNGA in the year 2019 marked 21 May as International Tea Day.

The theme of the first International Tea Day was ‘harnessing benefits for all from field to cup.’ 

C-CAMP signs MoU with CFTRI to promote innovation in agriculture

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has signed an MoU with the Centre for Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) to foster innovation in agriculture.

The agreement will initiate a joint effort in nurturing deep-science innovation in agriculture, food technology, and allied areas toward sustainability and food security in India’s agriculture sector.

C-CAMP is India’s premier bio-innovation hub.

Preeti Shenoy's new novel, 'A Place Called Home' to be publish in June 22

Renowned author Preeti Shenoy is set to publish a new novel titled “A Place Called Home”.

The book published by HarperCollins Publishers India. 

The novel is about secrets, family, and finding yourself.

A story set in a coffee estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka with a strong female protagonist at its core.

Other Books of Preeti Shenoy: The Magic Mindset, When Love Came Calling, Wake Up Life is Calling, Life is What You Make it, The Rule Breakers.

Pieter Elbers appointed as new CEO of IndiGo

InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of low-cost carrier IndiGo, appointed Pieter Elbers as its new Chief Executivie Officer (CEO).

He succeeds Ronojoy Dutta, 71, who has decided to retire on September 30, 2022.

Since 2014, Mr Elbers, 52, has served as the President and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Air France – KLM Group.

MD of IndiGo: Rahul Bhatia

World Bee Day: 20 May

World Bee Day is observed annually on May 20 across the world with an aim to recognise the importance of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem.

The theme 2022:  “Bee Engaged: Celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping systems”.

The United Nations mark May 20 as World Bee Day to celebrate the birth anniversary of beekeeping pioneer Anton Jansa.

The Government of Slovenia has proposed the idea of celebrating May 20 as World Bee Day in 2016.

SC orders constitution of 25 special courts for cheque bounce cases

The Supreme Court has ordered to constitute 25 special courts with a retired judge in five states for expeditious disposal of cheque bounce cases.

The special courts under the Negotiable Instruments Act will be set up in Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in view of a large number of pending cases.

The special courts shall follow the same procedure with respect to trial as mandated by the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.

NEFT, RTGS facility available for post office savings account holder

According to a Department of Post circular, the NEFT facility has been made available for Post Office Savings Accounts holders from May 18, 2022, and RTGS facility will be available from May 31, 2022.

This facility enables POSB customers to transfer funds to and from other bank accounts to POSB Accounts in DoP-CBS (DoP-CBS stands for Department of Posts - Core Banking Solutions). 

HANSA-NG Aircraft successfully completed Engine Relight test in Air

HANSA-NG (flying trainer Aircraft) has successfully completed an in-flight engine relight test at DRDO’s Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) facility, Challakere, Karnataka.

The aircraft was designed & Developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL).

The flight test was carried out at an altitude of 7000-8000 feet with a speed range of 60 to 70 knots by Wg Cdr K V Prakash and Wg Cdr NDS Reddy.

Assam Rifles, Axis Bank and NIEDO ink MoU to establish Centre of Excellence

Assam Rifles inked a Tripartite MoU with Axis Bank and National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) to establish a Centre of Excellence and Wellness to secure a better future for the youth of Nagaland.

The centre named after Late Capt N Kenguruse MVC Centre of Excellence and Wellness will be located at Chieswema in Kohima district.

Free residential coaching will be provided to 30 children from economically weaker sections of Nagaland.

RBI directs banks to provide a cardless cash withdrawal facility

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks and ATM operators to provide cardless cash withdrawal facilities at all ATMs.

All banks, automated teller machine (ATM) networks, and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) may provide the option of ICCW at their ATMs.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been advised to facilitate Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration with all banks and ATM networks.

PM Modi to participate in Quad Summit in Tokyo

PM Narendra Modi will participate in the Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo held on the 24th of May at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The summit will be attended by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

During this meet, PM Modi will also review the India- Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Mr Morrison and exchange views on global and regional developments.

G7 countries approves to provide financial support to Ukraine

Group of Seven (G7) countries have agreed to provide financial support to Ukraine to meet its immediate financing needs.

The US Senate has approved a USD 40 billion package of military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Christian Lindner (German Finance Minister) has announced a contribution of USD 1.1 billion to Ukraine's budget.

The European Commission has pledged up to USD 9.5 billion of macro-financial assistance in the form of loans.

GeM signs MoU with SEWA to boost Women-led Enterprises

Government eMarketplace (GeM) and Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) have signed an MoU for the advocacy, outreach, mobilization and capacity-building of last-mile women-led enterprises.

The MoU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of GeM P. K. Singh and Vice-President of SEWA Rehana Riyawala.

GeM will train SEWA members to assist and enable women-led small enterprises with GeM processes related to seller registration and onboarding on the platform.

Nirmala Sitharaman chaired 7th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of NDB

Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharamana has chaired the 7th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of NDB through video-conferencing in New Delhi.

Theme 2022:  “NDB: Optimising Development Impact”.

FM Sitharamana has mentioned that India’s economic growth in the current financial year has been robust and is estimated to be 8.9%.

Attended by: Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and the newly joined members Bangladesh and UAE.

S&P cuts India growth forecast for FY23 to 7.3%

S&P Global Ratings cut India’s GDP projection for the current fiscal to 7.3% from 7.8% on rising inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

S&P Global Ratings suggestions: Central banks to raise rates more than what was currently priced in, risking a harder landing which includes a larger hit to output and employment.

World Bank: 8%

International Monetary Fund: 8.2%

Asian Development Bank: 7.5%

Reserve Bank of India: 7.2%

India to introduce “made in India” skin test for TB

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced to launch of a newly approved skin test for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis called c-TB in the country while addressing the 35th board meeting of the Stop TB Partnership through video-conferencing.

This TB Kit will be cost-effective and provide immense benefit to other high burden countries as well.

He also announced to launch of a new initiative “Adopt people with TB”.

World TB Day: 24 March

Nikhat Zareen wins gold at Women's World Boxing Championships

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won the gold medal in 52kg (Category) after defeating Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, Istanbul.

Nikhat became the fifth Indian woman to secure a gold medal at the World Boxing Championships after Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL, and Lekha KC.

It was also India’s first gold medal since boxing great Mary Kom won it in 2018.

Bronze winners: Manisha Moun (57 kg), Parveen Hooda (63 kg).

WCR develops battery-operated dual-mode locomotive ‘Navdoot’

West Central Railway has developed a battery-operated dual-mode locomotive named Navdoot. This engine runs on both modes i.e. battery and electricity. Currently, it is being used during the shunting of trains at Jabalpur, Mudwara, and other stations on a trial basis.

This Dual Mode Locomotive has also received the Best Innovation Award from the Railway Board. Railways will save 1000 litres of diesel every day with this new locomotive. After clearing all the trials, it will be used more widely.

About ‘Navdoot’:

This engine runs on both modes i.e. battery and electricity.

 This e-engine can pull 18 coaches at a speed of 30 kmph.

 It has 84 batteries and has a capacity to pull 400 tonnes at present.

 This has been developed by the Electric Department of New Katni Junction.

After clearing all the trials, it will be used more widely in other stations for purposes like carrying goods, coal, oil tankers etc.

World AIDS Vaccine Day Or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2022

World AIDS Vaccine Day is also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is annually observed across the globe on the 18th of May to create awareness and provide information about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its immunisation.

World AIDS Vaccine Day was conceptualised by the speech of former United States President Bill Clinton on 18th May 1997, at the Morgan State University, Maryland, the United States of America(USA). The first-ever World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day was observed on 18th May 1998, as a commemoration of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s 1997 declaration.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Released E-book Civil List-2022 of IAS officers

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State(MoS), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions released the e-book ‘Civil List – 2022 of IAS officers’ at North Block, Secretariat Building, New Delhi.

This is an effort by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) as a part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India. This is the 67th edition of the Civil List and the 2nd edition of the e-book in pdf with unique search facilities and hyperlinking of contents for ease of access of information.

This will support in selecting the right officer for the right assignment based on the available profile. This is also a vital source of information on the officers manning various posts for the general public.

HarperCollins India to publish Preeti Shenoy new novel, ‘A Place Called Home’

Bestselling author Preeti Shenoy is set to publish a new novel titled “A Place Called Home”, a story set in a coffee estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka with a strong female protagonist at its core.

The new novel is about secrets, family, and finding yourself. The book published by HarperCollins Publishers India is set to be released in June 2022.

Preeti Shenoy has authored around 15 novels which include, The Magic Mindset, When Love Came Calling, Wake Up Life is Calling, Life is What You Make it, The Rule Breakers, and A Hundred Little Flames. Her works have also been translated into many Indian languages and also into Turkish.

Ajay Piramal receives Order of the British Empire award

Chairman of the Piramal Group, Ajay Piramal has received an Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty The Queen. He received the award for services to the UK-India trade relationship as India Co-Chair of the UK-India CEO Forum.

As co-chair of the India-UK CEO forum since 2016, the endeavour has been to help strengthen the strong bilateral relations between the two countries through greater economic cooperation.

A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity. The award was Instituted in 1917 by King George V.

Panel of PM’s Office recommends urban job guarantee scheme

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has recommended that the government implement a guaranteed employment programme for the unemployed in cities and implement a universal basic income (UBI) scheme to eliminate income gaps.

Citing the country’s uneven income distribution, the report also advocated raising the minimum wage and increasing government investment on the social sector to make vulnerable groups more resilient to shocks and prevent them from falling into poverty.

According to the report that is titled, “The State of Inequality in India”, given the disparity in labour force participation rates between rural and urban areas, the urban equivalent of demand-based and guaranteed employment programmes such as MGNREGS should be implemented so that surplus labour can be rehabilitated.

Rajnath Singh launches India-made warships, INS Surat and INS Udaygiri 

Defence minister Rajnath Singh has launched two made-in-India warships INS ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai.

This is the first time that the two indigenously built warships have been launched together, the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL). Both warships have been designed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at MDL, Mumbai.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat is the fourth destroyer in Project 15B which is named after the second-largest commercial hub of western India.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri, named after a mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, is the third ship of Project 17A Frigates. It is a follow to the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems.

S&P Cuts India’s Economic Growth Forecast To 7.3% For 2022-23

S&P Global Ratings cut India’s growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from 7.8 per cent earlier on rising inflation and the longer-than-expected Russia-Ukraine conflict.

S&P had in December last year pegged India’s GDP growth in 2022-23 fiscal, which began on April 1, 2022, at 7.8 per cent. For the next fiscal the growth has been pegged at 6.5 per cent.

In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war and rising commodity prices, various global agencies have cut India’s growth forecast recently.

The World Bank in April slashed India’s GDP forecast for fiscal 2022-23 to 8 per cent from 8.7 per cent predicted earlier, while IMF has cut the projections to 8.2 per cent from 9 per cent.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s growth at 7.5 per cent, while the RBI, last month, cut its forecast to 7.2 per cent from 7.8 per cent amid volatile crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Patanjali Food Business will be acquired by Ruchi Soya for Rs. 690 crore

Ruchi Soya, an edible oil company, has announced that it will buy Patanjali Ayurved’s food division for Rs 690 crore. Ruchi Soya’s transition to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category is likely to be accelerated as a result of this.

After regulatory permissions, the name of Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd would be changed to Patanjali Foods Ltd. Ghee, honey, spices, juices, and wheat are among the 21 products in the acquired food industry. Ruchi Soya is India’s largest producer of edible oil. Patanjali Ayurved purchased it in 2019.

According to a survey issued by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ruchi Soya was rated 175 among the top 250 consumer products businesses in the Global Powers of the Consumer Products Industry 2012.

Bharti Airtel re-appoints Gopal Vittal as MD and CEO for 5 years

Bharti Airtel board has reappointed Gopal Vittal as Managing Director & CEO for a further period of five years ending on January 31, 2028.

The reappointment came on a day the telco posted a consolidated net profit at Rs 2,007.8 crore in the March quarter, up 141% sequentially and 164% on the year.

Analysts had an estimated net profit of around Rs 1,970 crore. This was Airtel’s sixth successive quarter in the black after six straight losses earlier.

For the India business, its revenue growth stood at 23 per cent during the fourth quarter, while mobile revenues rose 21 per cent on the back of an increase in Average Revenue Per User ARPU led by healthy flow-through of tariff revision and strong 4G customer additions during the year.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Bharti Airtel Founder: Sunil Bharti Mittal;

Bharti Airtel Founded: 7 July 1995, India.

After Pakistan shot SAARC in 2016, India will go bilateral

The future of SAARC seems bleak, with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal in economic limbo, and Afghanistan under Islamist Taliban control. This leaves India with little choice but to engage in bilateral engagement with its neighbours in order to protect its national security.

Ironically, the Taliban in Afghanistan are currently embroiled in a simmering war with their tutor, the Pakistan Army, which refuses to recognise the Durand Line, which splits the Pashtun tribe between the two countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is confronting a full-blown economic crisis and does not have a magic wand to miraculously address the country’s various problems, despite the fact that Imran Khan Niazi has been booted out of office, putting a stop to the political upheaval.

Afghanistan is ruled by a hardline Islamist Taliban administration eight years after the last summit, with a total budget of $2.6 billion for the current fiscal year.

The country is on the verge of famine and disease as the ISI-backed Haqqani Network, led by global terrorist Sirajuddin Haqqani, battles the Kandahar Taliban, led by Mullah Omar’s son Yaqub, for control of Kabul.

The country is on life support, with its primary international exports being terrorism and narcotics.

Supreme Court has ordered the release of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination suspect

The Supreme Court used Article 142 of the Constitution to grant AG Perarivalan, a convict in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, extraordinary powers to “do complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.”

Perarivalan was released free by a bench of justices led by L.N. Rao and B.R. Gavai, who took into account his lengthy incarceration. Perarivalan spent 29 of his 32 years in prison in solitary confinement until being granted bail by the Supreme Court in March 2022.

He spent 16 years on execution row before the court remitted his sentence to life imprisonment in 2014. The court further noted that Perarivalan had filed his clemency plea under Article 161 with the Tamil Nadu Governor in 2015, and that the state cabinet had instructed the state’s chief executive to accept it in September 2018.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Opened NIELIT Center in Leh, Ladakh

Union Cabinet Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, Communications and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre Leh, Extension Centre Kargil and IT Enabled Incubation Centre for Handicraft and Handloom Sector.

Union Minister, Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, while inaugurating the NIELIT Centres at Leh, Kargil and Incubation Centre at Leh, reiterated the commitment of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the development of UT of Ladakh.

International Museum Day 2022: 18 May

International Museum Day is observed annually on May 18, it is coordinated by the International Council of Museums.

The 2022 theme of International Museum Day is "Power of Museums".

The International Council of Museums has been organizing International Museum Day every year since 1977 for the museum community.

The National Gallery of Modern Art has also organised special activities and programs to mark the celebration of Museum Day from May 16-20.

Gram Unnati appoints former CEC Sunil Arora as non-executive chairman

Gram Unnati (Agritech startup) has appointed former chief election commissioner Sunil Arora as the new non-executive chairman of its board.

He is a retired civil servant (IAS) with an experience of over 36 years.

He has served as secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Gram Unnati was founded by IIT Kharagpur graduate Aneesh Jain in 2013.

CEO of Gram Unnati: Aneesh Jain

Government announces formation of Cotton Council of India

The Government has announced the formation of the Cotton Council of India under the Chairmanship of veteran cotton man Suresh Bhai Kotak.

The first meeting of the proposed council has been scheduled for the 28th of May 2022.

The council will discuss, deliberate, and prepare a robust action plan for bringing out a tangible improvement in this field.

The import of cotton will be permitted duty-free till the bill of lading is dated September 30, 2022.

Punjab CM launches 'Lok Milni' for redressal of public grievances

Punjab CM, Bhagwant Mann has launched the first-of-its-kind public interaction programme Lok Milni to hear the grievances of people and issued directions for their redressal.

Aim: Providing a single-window platform to the people for redressal of their complaints.

Previously, the Lok Milni program was named 'janta darbar'.

This event helps to facilitate the people for resolving their long-pending administrative issues

Emirates Telecom buys 9.8% stake in Vodafone for $4.4 billion

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC “e&" (Etisalat Group) has acquired approximately 2,766 million shares in Vodafone Group Plc aggregating to $4.4 billion.

The shares represent 9.8% of Vodafone's issued share capital.

The transaction is in process with e&’s ambition to be a global player in telecom and technology.

Vodafone Headquarters: Berkshire, United Kingdom; Chairman: Jean-Françols van Boxmeer

PNB MetLife launches India's first dental health insurance plan

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company has launched a dental health insurance plan.

A dental health insurance plan is the first insurance plan in India that covers fixed-benefit outpatient expenses and provides financial assistance with costs related to overall dental health.

PNB MetLife has tied up with more than 340 dental clinics to help customers to manage their dental health.

PNB MetLife Chairman: Kishore Ponnavolu; MD& CEO: Ashish Kumar Srivastava

Sebi notifies rules to strengthen the regulatory framework for CIS

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has enhanced the net worth criteria and track record requirements with an aim to strengthen the regulatory framework for collective investment schemes.

The SEBI has mandated a minimum of 20 investors and a subscription amount of at least Rs 20 crore for each Collective Investment Scheme (CIS).

SEBI has put a cap on cross-shareholding in Collective Investment Management Company (CIMC) to 10% to avoid conflict of interest.

World bank sanctions USD 350 billion to Gujarat' SRESTHA-G project

The World Bank has approved USD 350 million as financial aid for the Systems Reform Endeavors for Transformed Health Achievement in Gujarat -SRESTHA-G project.

The project will include transforming key health delivery systems in the state.

Focus area: Improve the quality, equity, and comprehensiveness of primary healthcare, services for adolescent girls and the capacity of disease surveillance systems.

Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; CM: Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel

PSBs frauds decline by 51% to Rs 40,295 crore

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Public sector banks have reported over a 51% dip in the amount involved in frauds to Rs 40,295.25 crore during the financial year ended March 2022.

The 12 PSBs had reported frauds worth Rs 81,921.54 crore in the preceding fiscal 2020-21.

But, the number of fraud cases has fallen slightly as a total of 7,940 frauds were reported by the PSBs in 2021-22, against 9,933 incidents reported in FY21.

India becomes 4th largest vehicle market

According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), India has sold 3,759,398 vehicles in 2021 as compared to 2,973,319 vehicles in Germany. This shows a difference of almost 26%.

The most number of vehicles were sold in China (sales remained almost stagnant), followed by the US (reported growth of 4%) and Japan (market shrunk compared to both 2020 and 2019.

OICA Headquarters: Paris, France

India won eight gold in the 2021 Deaflympics

India has won 16 medals (including eight golds, one silver and seven bronze) at the Deaflympics 2021 in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

India has finished in the ninth position in the medal tally.

India won three gold in shooting, three in Badminton, and each in Golf and Tennis.

Shooting: Dhanush Srikanth, Abhinav Deshwal, Dhanush Srikanth/Priyesha Deshmukh, Shourya Saini, Vedika Sharma

Badminton: Jerlin Jayaratchagan, Abhinav Sharma

Tennis: Prithvi Sekhar/Dhananjay Dubey

Naveen Srivastava appointed as new ambassador to Nepal

Naveen Srivastava, presently working as an additional secretary in the external affairs ministry has been appointed as the next ambassador to Nepal.

He succeeded Vinay Kwatra, who has recently become the foreign secretary.

He has played a key role in diplomatic and military talks with China to tackle the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During the recent visit of PM Modi to Nepal, both countries have signed six agreements to strengthen ties.

Former RBI deputy governor SS Mundra appointed as Chairman of BSE

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has approved the appointment of former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor SS Mundra (Public Interest Director) as the Chairman of the board of directors of the company.

He replaced Justice Vikramajit Sen who is the current chairman.

Mundra was appointed as Public Interest Director at BSE in January 2018.

He retired as Deputy Governor of the RBI on July 30, 2017, and also served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank of Baroda.

RBI appoints Sitikantha Pattanaik and Rajiv Ranjan as executive directors

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sitikantha Pattanaik and Rajiv Ranjan as executive directors with effect from May 1.

Ranjan will serve as an ex-officio member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) while Pattanaik will serve as the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR).

Prior to being promoted, Pattanaik was an Adviser in the DEPR and Ranjan served as Adviser-in-Charge of Monetary Policy Department and Secretary to the MPC.

WPI inflation at record high of 15.08% in April on price rise of items

Wholesale price-based inflation has risen to 15.08% in April on rising prices across segments from food to commodities.

The WPI-based inflation was 14.55% in March 2022 and 10.74% in April 2021.

Reason: due to the rise in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, crude petroleum & natural gas, food articles, non-food articles, food products etc.

The WPI inflation has remained double-digit for the 13th consecutive month since April 2021. 

RBI imposes monetary penalty on KEB Hana Bank

RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 59 lakh on KEB Hana Bank for non-compliance with certain norms related to the interest rates on deposits.

The bank has been penalised under the "Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016".

The RBI has conducted a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of KEB Hana Bank with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2020.

KEB Hana Bank HQ: Seoul, South Korea

World Telecommunication and Information society Day 2022: May 17

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed every year on May 17 to raise awareness about the benefit of the Internet and other information and communication technologies to society and economies.

The 2022 theme for World Telecommunication Day is Digital Technologies For Older Persons And Healthy Ageing.

The day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17, 1865.

PM Modi addresses Silver Jubilee celebrations of TRAI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed Silver Jubilee Celebrations programme of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) through video conferencing.

During the programme, PM Modi also launched a 5G Test Bed, developed as a multi-institutional collaborative project by a total of eight institutes led by IIT Madras. 

TRAI was established in 1997 through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. 

Rajnath Singh inducts two indigenously built warship into Indian Navy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the two frontline warships of the Indian Navy at Mazgaon Docks Limited, Mumbai which will mark a significant milestone in their construction.

The first ship is Surat, which is the fourth and last of the stealth destroyers under the 'Project 15B' programme.

The second ship is Udaygiri, part of the 'Project 17A' frigate programme. It is the third ship of Project 17A frigates.

World Hypertension Day 2022: May 17

World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 every year to raise awareness about the symptoms of hypertension.

The theme of WHD for 2022 is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.

Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure rises to an unhealthy level of 140/90.

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide.

World Hypertension Day was first observed in May 2005.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud elected as new president of Somalia

The former leader of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been elected as the new president of the country for four years, after defeating the current president, Mohamed Abudallahi Farmajo.

Out of 328 MPs, Mohamud has received 214 votes and Farmajo won 110 votes only.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, also served as Somalia's president between 2012 and 2017.

Somalia Capital: Mogadishu; Currency: Somali shilling

South Korea defeats China to win BWF Uber Cup title

South Korea has defeated China by 3-2 in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) 29th edition of the Uber Cup Final at Impact Arena in Bangkok.

This is the second Uber Cup title for South Korea after their first victory in 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.

Thomas and Uber Cup is the biennial international badminton championship contested by the men's and women's national teams of the member associations of Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Sift Kaur Samra clinched Gold at ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany

India's Sift Kaur Samra won the individual women’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) like Prone, the Standing and the Kneeling positions, event to take India’s gold medal tally to 10 at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2022 in Suhl, Germany.

She beat Julie Johannessen (Norway) by 17-9 in the final.

India's Ashi Chouksey has also won bronze in the same event.

Presently, India leads the tally with 25 medals which include 10 gold, 12 silver and three bronze.

Adani become India's second-biggest cement maker company

Adani Group has acquired a controlling stake in Swiss-based Holcim AG's cement businesses in India in a $10.5 billion deal.

The Group has acquired 63.19% of Ambuja Cements Ltd and its subsidiary ACC in the bidding with companies.

With this deal, Adani becomes the second biggest cement producer in the country after the Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech Cement.

The divestment of India businesses by Holcim is to reduce its reliance on carbon-intensive cement production.

Drake wins Billboard Music Awards 2022 in Top Artist category

Drake has won the Billboard Music Awards 2022 in the top artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album (for Certified Lover Boy) category.

BTS has also won three awards in the Top Duo/Group, Top Selling Song, and Top Song Sales Artist categories.

Top New Artist: Olivia Rodrigo

Top Female Artist: Olivia Rodrigo

Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Radio Songs Artist: Olivia Rodrigo

Top Billboard Global 2022 Artist (New): Olivia Rodrigo

Elisabeth Borne becomes France’s first female prime minister in 30 year

President of France, Emmanuel Macron has appointed Elisabeth Borne as the nation's new Prime Minister.

She becomes the second woman to hold this position after Edith Cresson (1991-1992) under President Francois Mitterrand.

She joined Macron’s centrist party in 2017.

She is a former Transport, Ecology and Labour minister.

She has succeeded Jean Castex, who had led the French cabinet since July 2020 and resigned recently.

Eminent Sanskrit and Hindi Scholar, Padma Shri Dr Rama Kant Shukla Passes Away

Padma Shri Dr Rama Kant Shukla, a profound Sanskrit and Hindi Scholar, has passed away in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh(UP). He was born in Khurja city in Bulandshahr district, UP.

Dr Rama Kant Shukla is the founder and general secretary of Devavani Parishad in Delhi, and the founding chairman and editor of “Arvacinasamskrtam”, a quarterly journal in Sanskrit. He was conferred the titles of Sanskrit Rashtrakavi, Kaviratna, and Kavi Siromani by literary and Sanskrit organizations.

UAE President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, passes away

UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away. He served as the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nation and the world over the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE.

Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.

World Migratory Bird Day 2022 observed on 14th May

World Migratory Bird Day is marked twice a year since its inauguration in 2006. International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on 14 May and 8 October 2022. The day is celebrated with an aim to safeguard migratory birds’ breeding, non-breeding as well as stopover habitats while preserving a healthy bird population. This is important because birds have an important role to play in the environment.

They are needed to maintain the ecological balance. Birds are nature’s ambassadors, which is why it is necessary to restore ecological connection and integrity in order to boost migratory bird migration.

The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2022 is light pollution. As artificial lighting has been increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per annum, this has had an adverse impact on many birds.

International Migratory Bird Day was marked in 2006 when the United Nations decided that the world’s population needs to be made aware of the worldwide migratory linkages.

Italian Cup 2022: Inter Milan Beat Juventus

Inter Milan defeated Juventus 4-2 after extra time in the Italian Cup final. Ivan Perisic scored twice in extra time after Hakan Çalhanoglu had converted a controversial late penalty. Nicolò Barella scored the other goal for Inter. The Italian Cup final soccer match between Juventus and Inter Milan was held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.

Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up from the penalty spot with 80 minutes on the clock to force extra time before another spot-kick was converted by Ivan Perisic to put the Nerazzurri within touching distance of the trophy.

Morgan Stanley cuts India’s FY23 growth forecast to 7.6%

Morgan Stanley downgraded India’s growth forecast to 7.6% from 7.9% for FY2023 amid a slowdown in global growth, higher commodity prices and risk aversion in global capital markets.

This 7.6% forecast is a baseline forecast for India while its bearish and bullish growth projections are 6.7% and 8%, respectively.

For FY24, it lowered its growth forecast to 6.7% from the 7% estimated earlier.

However, the Indian economy will expand at above pre-pandemic growth rates in FY23 and FY24.

On the global front, it projected growth at 2.9% in the calendar year 2022 as compared to 6.2% growth in 2021.

Within Asia, India would be the economy which will be most exposed to upside risks to inflation.

CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation is expected to be 6.5% for FY23.

The current account deficit to widen to a 10-year high of 3.3% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in FY23.

The Union Bank of India (UBI) has launched an online platform, ‘Trade nxt’, which enables corporate, and MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) to transact all cross-border export-import transactions from the comfort of their place, i.e. eliminates the need for companies to visit a bank branch for the same.

It offers seamless entry and processing of letters of credit (LC), bank guarantees, export/import bills, disbursement of export credit, outward & inward remittances, dealer financing etc.

‘Trade nxt’ platform will also enable the regulatory online auto reporting through Import Data Processing & Monitoring System (IDPMS), Export Data processing & Monitoring System (EDPMS) and other statutory reporting to Overseas Direct Investment (ODI)/ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)/ Liberalised Remittance Scheme LRS) which will make the process much more convenient.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Union Bank of India Managing Director & CEO: Rajkiran Rai G;

Union Bank of India Merged Banks: Andhra Bank, and Corporation Bank;

Union Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Ravinder Singh Dhillon appointed CMD of REC Ltd

REC Limited, (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) a Navratna company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, announced it has named Ravinder Singh Dhillon as Chairman and Managing Director of the company, with effect from May 10, 2022.

He is serving as the CMD of Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC). With over 36 years of varied experience spread across the entire value chain of the power sector, he is very diversified in his work.

The experience covers 3 years in Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, 6 years in Central Electricity Authority, and 27 years in PFC, playing a key role in project appraisal, financial modeling, project monitoring, and stressed asset resolution.

State of Chhattisgarh to reinstate an old pension scheme

In his Budget statement, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the government’s plan to revert to the old pension scheme (OPS) for state employees and quadruple the monthly MLA local area development money. He carried the Budget papers in a cow dung powder briefcase.

The fundamental distinction between the two pension systems is that, while an employee must make a voluntary contribution to their pension by deducting 10% of their basic income and dearness allowance, there is no such deduction under OPS.

The Chief Minister proposes in this Budget to restore the former pension programme for government employees.

The Chhattisgarh Rojgaar Mission will be given a sum of 2 crore to work on the prospects of creating new jobs through coordinating skill development programmes.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel

In Manipur, the Indian Army will open a coaching centre for poor pupils

The Indian Army has started providing residential tutoring to children from economically disadvantaged and deprived areas of the northeast to prepare them for all-India competitive tests such as engineering and medical admission.

The Indian Army’s Red Shield Division has inked a tripartite Memorandum of understanding with enterprise partner State Bank of India Foundation and mentoring partner National Integrity and Educational Development Organization to develop the Red Shield Centre for Excellence and Wellness, according to Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava, a spokesman for the Indian Army’s Red Shield Division.

According to the GOC Red Shield Division, the Indian Army has stayed at the forefront of nation-building and has consistently contributed across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in the area of young empowerment.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Manipur Governor: La Ganesan

GOC Red Shield Division Maj Gen Navin Sachdeva 

India Contributes USD 800,000 To Promote Hindi Language At UN

The government of India has contributed USD 800,000 to the United Nations(UN) as part of the initiative which aims to enhance public outreach of the organisation in Hindi.

R Ravindra, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, handed over a cheque for the ‘Hindi @ UN’ project to Mita Hosali, Deputy Director and Officer-In-Charge (News and Media Division), UN Department of Global Communications (DGC).

The project was launched by India in 2018 in collaboration with the UN Department of Public Information to disseminate information about the UN to the Hindi-speaking population across the world.

Since 2018, India has been partnering with the UN DGC by providing an extra-budgetary contribution to mainstream news and multimedia content of DGC in Hindi.

Hardeep S Puri launches ‘BHARAT TAP’ initiative at Plumbex India Exhibition

The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep S Puri has launched the BHARAT TAP initiative at the ‘Plumbex India’ exhibition.

Aim: Products and services related to the plumbing, water and sanitation industry.

This exhibition caters to a fundamental service in the development of the nation: water and sanitation.

He also launched NARDECO MAHI’s ‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative which will work for saving 500 crore ltr of water per year.

Frank Wilczek receives the 2022 Templeton Prize

Noble Prize laureate, theoretical physicist and author, and professor at four universities Frank Wilczek is awarded the 2022 Templeton Prize.

He received the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics along with David J. Gross, and H. David Politzer for his 1973 breakthrough in explaining the unusual properties of the strong force.

Templeton Prize was established in 1972 by the late philanthropist Sir John Templeton.

UN approves Czech Republic to replace Russia on UN Human Rights body

The UN General Assembly has voted for the Czech Republic to replace Russia on the world organizations leading human rights body after its suspension over horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

The Czech Republic was the only candidate for the seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council.

Out of 193 members, 180 of the General Assembly have deposited ballots (157 countries in favour).

UNHRC HQ: Geneva

Human Rights Day: 10 December

CBSE supports the Ministry of Tourism initiative ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’

The Ministry of Tourism has initiated the establishment of ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as a part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

Aims: To nurture and develop young ambassadors of Indian tourism.

To support this initiative, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has come forward and issued directions to all CBSE affiliated schools regarding the formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs.

Union Tourism Minister: G. Kishan Reddy

CBSE Chairman: Vineet Joshi

Tata Group named Campbell Wilson as CEO & MD of Air India

The Tata Group has appointed Campbell Wilson (CEO of Singapore Airlines) as Air India’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD).

Wilson is the second attempt of Tata Group as a CEO-MD for Air India after the former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci (declined to take up the position).

The appointment of a foreign national as CEO of an airline in India needs government clearance before it can proceed.

Lionel Messi tops Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes list 2022

Lionel Messi has topped the list of Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes 2022 with a reported income of $130 million, followed by Basketball player, Lebron James with $121.2 million while Cristiano Ronaldo was third with $115m.

Messi had moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021 and Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in the same month.

Forbes calculates the estimates based on prize money, salaries and bonuses, and sponsorship deals.

PM participated in the Second Global COVID Virtual Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the Second Global COVID Virtual Summit on the invitation of the President of the USA, Joseph R. Biden.

The theme of the summit: Preventing Pandemic Fatigue and Prioritizing Preparedness.

Highlights: India adopted a people-centric strategy to combat the pandemic; India plays an active role by sharing its low cost indigenous COVID mitigation technologies.

PM Modi had also participated in the first Global COVID.

Agriculture Ministry, UNDP signs MoU for Crop Insurance and credit

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme for the implementation of combined agriculture credit and crop insurance.

Aim: To provide technical support towards the Centre’s aspirational Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana scheme (PMFBY) and Kisan Credit Card - Modified Interest Subvention Scheme.

Chief Executive Officer of PMFBY: Ritesh Chauhan

Sanjiv Bajaj elected as CII President

Chairman of Bajaj Finserv Limited, Sanjiv Bajaj has assumed the office of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President for the year 2022-23 after replacing TV Narendran (CEO of Tata Steel).

The Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp Limited, Pawan Munjal has taken over as CII President-Designate for 2022-23.

Executive Vice Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, R Dinesh has been appointed as a Vice President of CII.

CII HQ: New Delhi

India won gold in the Mixed Team Pistol event in ISSF Junior World Cup

Indian pistol pairs Esha Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary clinched the mixed team pistol gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.

The team of Palak and Sarabjot Singh has settled for the silver medal in the same event.

Ramita and Paarth Makhija also won silver in the 10m air rifle mixed team competition.

In all, India has so far won 10 medals, including four gold.

PM Modi launches Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Madhya Pradesh “Startup Policy and Implementation Plan – 2022” via video conferencing and also address the startup community during the Madhya Pradesh Startup Conclave held in Indore.

Aim: To promote startups and encourage budding entrepreneurs in Madhya Pradesh.

PM Modi will also launch the Madhya Pradesh Startup portal to promote the startup ecosystem.

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Ranil Wickremesinghe (the United National Party leader) has taken an oath as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for the fifth time after the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has administrated his oath at a ceremony held in the President’s office in Colombo.

Wickremesinghe has been reappointed in an effort to bring stability to Sri Lanka, engulfed in a political and economic crisis.

World’s oldest chess grandmaster Yuri Averbakh passes away

Russian chess grandmaster, Yuri Averbakh who was among the world’s best players for a decade, trained world champions and was the last surviving participant in one of the greatest competitions in history, has died in Moscow at 100.

He won the Moscow Championship in 1949 and earned the Grandmaster title in 1952. In 1954, he became the champion of the USSR. He also chaired the Chess Federation of the USSR from 1972 to 1977.

International Day of Plant Health observed on 12th May 2022

The United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. The United Nations declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).

The Year was extended until 1 July 2021 due to the postponement of some key initiatives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.

Both our health and the health of our planet depend on plants. Plants makeup 80% of the food we eat and 98% of the oxygen we breathe and yet they are under threat. Up to 40% of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases every year.

International Nurses Day 2022 Observed on 12th May

May 12 is observed as International Nurses’ Day across the world to honour the services of nurses. It is the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the English social reformer, statistician and founder of modern nursing.

She was also known as Lady with the Lamp. She was the founder of modern nursing and was a British social reformer and statistician.

The theme for this year’s Nurses’ Day is “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in Nursing and respect rights to secure global health”. Many hospitals across the world are observing International Nurses Week from May 6 to 12. As part of it, several activities, including yoga sessions and seminars are being organised.

Nightingale gained prominence during the Crimean War between Russia and Britain in the 1850s. Along with her team of 38 women, she took care of British soldiers who were dealing with horrible sanitation facilities apart from battling Russian forces.

According to historical accounts, injured soldiers had dirty bandages covering rotting wounds, there were rats at their bases, and only one bathtub per 150 personnel. Making matters worse, a dead horse had been left to rot in their water supply.

VP Venkaiah Naidu releases ‘Modi @20: Dreams Meeting Delivery’ book

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has released the book “Modi@20 Dreams Meet Delivery” in New Delhi. The book presents different facets of the distinct thought process, the pioneering, pro-active approach and the quintessential, transformational leadership style that Narendrabhai Modi has come to be so closely identified with.

‘Modi@20’ is an anthology edited and compiled by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, and is a compilation of chapters authored by eminent intellectuals and domain experts, Rupa Publications.

The book encompasses the experiential journey of Modi since he left his house at the tender age of 17 and set out on a mission of knowing himself, and his country and finally define the mission of transforming India. In 2021, Modi completed twenty continuous years as the head of a government.

This book, a compilation of chapters authored by eminent intellectuals and domain experts, attempts a definitive and expansive exploration into the fundamental transformation of Gujarat and India over the last twenty years due to Modi’s unique model of governance.

12th IBA Womens World Boxing Championships kick-started in Istanbul

The 12th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships was kick-started in Istanbul, Turkey. In this event, more than 400 boxers from a record 93 countries are set to take part in this year’s event, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious event.

Olympian Lovlina Borgohain will represent the Indian country. The other representatives of this game are Pooja Rani (81 kg), Nandini (+81 kg) and Nikhat Zareen (52 kg), Nitu (48kg), Anamika (50kg), Shiksha (54kg), Manisha (57kg), Parveen (63kg) and Sweety (75kg).

Important For All Exam 2022:

International Boxing Association (IBA) was formed in 1946;

Headquarters of IBA: Lausanne, Switzerland;

President of IBA: Umar Nazarovich Kremlev.

Mamata Banerjee received Special Bangla Academy Award

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee received the Bangla Academy Award for her “relentless literary pursuit”. The award, introduced this year by Sahitya Academy, was presented to Banerjee for her book “Kabita Bitan”, which pays tribute to the best writers of West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Kabita Bitan’ was launched at the 2020 Kolkata Book Fair. The book contains 946 poems written by the TMC supremo.

Despite being on the stage, Mamata Banerjee did not accept the award on her own and it was received by state Education Minister Bratya Basu on her behalf.

Banerjee was given the award at the “Ravi Pranam” function organised by the government’s information and culture department on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary.

Bangla Academy has decided to reward those who are working tirelessly for the betterment of literature as well as other sectors of society.

GoI releases Rs 7,183.42 crore to 14 states as revenue deficit grant

The central government has released Rs 7,183.42 crore as a revenue deficit grant to 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam and Kerala. The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance released the money.

This is the 2nd monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant to states. The grant has been released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.

Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant to states. Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant is provided under Article 275 of the Indian Constitution.

The Fifteenth Finance Commission has recommended a total Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs 86,201 crore to 14 states for the financial year 2022-23.

The Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) will release the grant to the recommended states in 12 equated monthly instalments (EMIs). With the recent release, the total amount of Revenue Deficit Grants released to the States in 2022-23 has gone up to Rs 14,366.84 crore.

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister resigned after weeks of Protest 

Sri Lankan prime minister Mahindra Rajapaksa resigned from his position on 9th May 2022. He sent his resignation letter to the president of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He has been accused of misleading Sri Lanka’s economy and pushing Sri Lanka towards Bank corruption and economic crisis.

The Sri Lankan people have been protesting against the president and the prime minister. They demanded the resignation of prime minister Mahindra Rajapaksa. The supporters attack the Anti-government protesters outside the president’s office which leads to massive violence.  151 people were injured and admitted in the hospital.

Monkeypox Virus: History, Outbreak, Symptoms

Another virus, Monkeypox, has made an appearance in the United Kingdom. The patient has a recent travel history from Nigeria, where they are suspected to have contracted the infection, before travelling to the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which confirmed the case.

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family and is associated with diseases such as smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, and camelpox.

According to the WHO, the first large Monkeypox outbreak was detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1996–97, with lower case fatality and a greater attack rate.

Monkeypox has symptoms that are comparable to smallpox, which was proclaimed eradicated in the 1980s.

It was first discovered in humans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, two years after smallpox had been eradicated from the area.

According to WHO records, the majority of Monkeypox cases have been reported from rural, rainforest regions of the Congo Basin since 1970, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is currently considered endemic.

South Korea becomes 1st Asian country join NATO Cyber Defence Group

South Korea became the first Asian country join in North Atlantic Treaty Organization Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) is joined as a contributing participant in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

Now, the total NATO CCDCOE has 32 countries as its official members which include 27 NATO member countries and 5 five non-NATO states as contributing participants. South Korea has participated in the Locked Shields 2022, the largest and most complex annual international live-fire cyber defence exercise in the world.

It has been participating two years in a row since 2020. South Korea joining the CCDCOE would help it counter the cybersecurity threat perception due to North Korea.

RailTel introduced PM-WANI based access to its Wi-Fi at 100 Railway Stations

RailTel, a micro Ratna PSU, launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme on Monday, providing access to its Public WiFi services across 100 train stations in 22 states.

PM-WANI is a Department of Telecom (DoT) initiative to connect all silo Wi-Fi networks for simplicity of use and to increase broadband adoption among the general public.

This means of connecting to Wi-Fi via the ‘mobile app’ would be in addition to the present technique of connecting to WiFi at these stations by selecting the RailWire Service Set Identifier (SSID).

PM-WANI-based access will make it easier to use WANI-based Public WiFi by allowing one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) to bypass one-time password (OTP) based authentication.

The RailTel WiFi network now covers 6,102 railway stations across the country and has 17, 792 WiFi hotspots, with more on the way.

Mumbai Gets India’s First EV Charging Station Powered by bio-gas

India’s first EV charging station powered by bio-gas was inaugurated in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This station be will expected to generate 220 units of electricity from food waste collected from its nearby areas, mostly from bulk generators like hotels and offices.

This energy plant will be utilized to power street lights and also to charge electric vehicles. It was inaugurated by Maharashtra Environment Minister Aaditya Uddhav Thackeray.

The Biogas Electricity Generation Plant, set up in the year 2021, uses about 1.5 lakh kilograms of food waste to generate electricity. Also, to promote electric vehicles, BMC is planning to set up organic waste-powered EV charging stations in its 24 administrative wards.

5000-year-old jewellery factory rooted out in Haryana’s Indus Valley site Rakhi Garhi

With the excavation of a 5000-year-old jewellery-making factory, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been working in Rakhi Garhi, Haryana, for the past 32 years, has produced one of its most significant findings yet. Rakhi Garhi is a village in Haryana’s Hisar district and one of the oldest Indus Valley Civilisation archaeological sites.

The discovery of the structure of some dwellings, a kitchen complex, and a 5000-year-old jewellery-making factory indicates that the site was once a very major commercial centre.

India elected as Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities

India has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA) for 2022-2024 at the meeting of the Executive Board and General Assembly in Manila, Philippines.

Commission on Elections, Manila was the current chair of AAEA.

The new member of the Executive Board now includes Russia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Chief Election Commission of India: Sushil Chandra

Rajesh Unni takes over as Vice Chair at Maritime Anti-Corruption Network

Captain Rajesh Unni (Founder and CEO of Synergy Group) has been appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).

In 2006 he launched his own vessel ownership and management company named Synergy Marine Group.

Captain Unni is joint CEO of Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT) which he founded in 2017 and is a Governor at the Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli.

MACN founded: 2011; 

Chair of MACN: Ann Shazell; 

HQ: Denmark

Crossing in Ayodhya will be named after Lata Mangeshkar

A distinguished crossing in Ayodhya will be developed and named after legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar who passed away on February 6.

The Ayodhya administration has received directions from CM Yogi Adityanath to identify a prominent crossing in Ayodhya and send a proposal to the state government in the next 15 days for renaming it.

Construction of the Ram temple is likely to be completed by December 2023.

Former Union Minister Pandit Sukh Ram dies

Veteran Himachal Pradesh Congress leader and former Union minister Pandit Sukh Ram has passed away at 94.

He was the Union Minister of State, Communications (Independent Charge) from 1993 to 1996 and a member of Lok Sabha from the Mandi constituency (Himachal Pradesh).

He won the Lok Sabha elections three times and the Vidhan Sabha elections five times.

He also served as a junior minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government.

World oldest chess Grandmaster Yuri Averbakh dies

Yuri Averbakh (Russian chess grandmaster) who was among the world’s best players for a decade and trained world champions has died in Moscow at 100.

He won the Moscow Championship in 1949 and earned the Grandmaster title in 1952. In 1954, he became the champion of the USSR.

He also chaired the Chess Federation of the USSR from 1972 to 1977.

He was born on Feb 8, 1922, in Kaluga, Moscow, and learned to play chess at the age of seven.

National Technology Day: 11th May

India observed National Technology Day on May 11 to celebrate the achievements made by the scientists, engineers, teachers and researchers across the nation.

Theme 2022: Integrated Approach in science and technology for a sustainable future

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Former Prime Minister) declared 11 May as the National Technology Day as India has successfully carried out a series of nuclear tests in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.

HDFC Bank launches digital 30-minute ‘Xpress Car Loans

HDFC Bank has launched an end-to-end digital car loan scheme named ‘Xpress Car Loans’ for its existing customers as well as new customers.

Buyers can apply for a maximum of Rs 20 lakh and the loan amount will be credited to the dealers’ accounts within 30 minutes.

The facility is currently available for four-wheelers and will be soon rolled out to two-wheelers as well.

Aim: To simplify the car purchase process and increase car sales.

President Kovind presents Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces personnel

President Ram Nath Kovind has conferred Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony- 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

He presented Shaurya Chakras (13) including six posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed Forces for displaying courage, gallantry, and devotion to duty.

He also conferred Param Vishisht Seva Medals (14 ), Uttam Yudh Seva Medals(4), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (24) for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Prasar Bharati, ORTM sign MoU on cooperation and collaboration in Broadcast

An MoU on cooperation and collaboration in Broadcasting was signed between Prasar Bharati and ORTM (Office de la Radio et de la Television) in Madagascar.

It was signed by Abhay Kumar (India’s Ambassador to Madagascar) and ORTM DG Belalahy Jean Yves.

This MoU will give international exposure to the Prasar Bharati as Madagascar National Television (TVM) will broadcast programmes from internal productions of Prasar Bharati.

Madagascar capital: Antananarivo

Govt will set up 33 new domestic cargo terminals by 2024-2025

Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia has made an announcement to set up 33 new domestic cargo terminals by 2024-2025 while addressing the annual event of the Air Cargo Forum India.

Aim: It will allow India's cargo sector to flourish and grow.

Industry players need to focus on the transportation of smaller cargo loads from Tier II and III cities to metros to achieve the target of 10 million metric tons in cargo. 

Rodrigo Chaves elected as president of Costa Rica

Rodrigo Chaves (Economist and former finance minister) from Social Democratic Progressive Party was sworn in as Costa Rica's president for a four-years.

He will focus on reinvigorating one of Latin America's most stable economies, as foreign debt rises to 70% of GDP, the poverty rate of 23%, unemployment of 14% and public sector corruption.

He was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years.

Costa Rica Capital: San Jose;

Currency: Colon

Yoon Suk Yeol sworn in as South Korea's new President

Yoon Suk-yeol (a conservative former prosecutor) has been sworn in as the president of South Korea in a ceremony held at Seoul's National Assembly.

He served as South Korea's prosecutor general from 2019 to 2021 under Moon Jae-in (former president) rule.

He played an important role in the conviction of Park Geun-hye (former President) as a chief prosecutor of South Korea.

South Korea Capital: Seoul; Currency: South Korean won

Padma Shri Odia Writer Rajat Kumar Kar passes away

The eminent Odia litterateur Rajat Kumar Kar passed away due to heart-related ailments. He received Padma Shri in 2021 for literature and education.

He was known for his commentary during the annual Ratha Jatra (Jagannath culture) on TV and radio. His writing includes Upendra Bhanja literature and has seven non-fiction to his credit. He also contributed to the revival of the dying art of Pala of Odisha.

24th Deaflympics: Abhinav Deshwal won gold medal in men’s 10m air pistol

Abhinav Deshwal has won the second gold medal for India in shooting at the ongoing 24th Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. He was tied with silver winning Ukrainian Oleksii Lazebnyk before winning gold in a shoot-off.

India has four medals in the shooting competition at the 24th Deaflympics. Abhinav made the top eight final round after finishing second in the 60-shot qualification round with a score of 575 out of 600. He was tied on points there too with Kim Kihyeon, but the Korean topped on account of more inner 10s.

India’s Avinash Sable breaks 30-year-old 5000 metre record

India’s Avinash Sable broke a 30-year-old record of Bahadur Prasad in 5000m, setting a new national record with a timing of 13:25.65 at the Sound Running Track meet in San Juan Capistrano, USA. The 27-year-old from Maharashtra broke the old record of 13:29.70 set by Bahadur Prasad in 1992.

Sable’s growth in athletics has been extraordinary. Till about seven years ago, he was posted as a havildar with the Army in Siachen. From the frigid cold, he was transferred to a small cantonment in the desert town of Lalgarh Jattan, near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan.

The boy who walked 12 kilometres, to get to school and back, got his lucky break when he was selected to join a training group for a cross-country race organised by the Army.

Anurag Thakur launches mascot, logo and jersey of Khelo India Youth Games

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has launched the mascot ‘Dhakad’ along with the official logo and official jersey of the Fourth Khelo India Youth Games at Panchkula and lauded the effort of Haryana to host the games.

The competition is being organized by the Sports Authority of India and the state government of Haryana. In this edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, over 8,500 athletes will be participating.

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

Indian Navy plans to purchase the GISAT-2 satellite to increase its capacity

The Indian Navy plans to purchase a specialised earth imaging satellite Geo Imaging Satellite-2 (GISAT-2), this fiscal year as part of its modernisation and network-centric combat and communications programme. The satellite, if operational, is likely to improve the navy’s operating capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, which is strategically and geopolitically crucial, especially given China’s growing influence.

According to information from the Ministry of Defence, the GISAT-2 is one of 21 planned procurements, including several long-term buys. In addition, the navy’s capabilities development/modernization is being carried out in line with the long-term objectives in place for the next decade.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Minister of Defence: Shri Rajnath Singh

Indian Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral R. Hari Kumar

ICG commissions the 845th Air Squadron equipped with Dhruv ALH Mk III helicopters

At the Coast Guard Air Enclave at Nedumbassery in Kochi, the Coast Guard commissioned its second Air Squadron, 845 Squadron . The new Air Squadron was commissioned by Coast Guard Director General V S Pathania and is equipped with Advanced Mark III (ALH Mark III) helicopters produced in-house.

The commissioning represents a huge step forward in terms of self-reliance in search and rescue missions and long-range maritime surveillance. Four helicopters have been stationed in Kochi to cover the Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep coasts. Commandant Kunal Naik leads a squadron of nine officers and 35 soldiers.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Coast Guard Director General: V S Pathania

The Indian Chief of the Air Staff: Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

Bengali translation ‘Meursault, contre-enquête’ wins Romain Rolland Book Prize 2022 

The fifth Romain Rolland Book Prize – Romain Rolland Book Prize 2022 has been awarded to the Bengali translation of the French novel “Meursault, contre- enquête” (The Meursault Investigation).

The award ceremony was organized by the French Institute in India. Meursault, contre-enquête is the debut novel of Algerian writer and journalist Kamel Daoud.

The award was presented to translator Trinanjan Chakraborty and publisher Esha Chatterjee of Patra Bharati, a leading publisher of prestigious Bengali books, during the French Literary Festival-French LitFest 2022 at Bikaner House in New Delhi on May 07, 2022. This is the first time Patra Bharati, the publisher, has gotten this honour.

Pulitzer Prizes 2022 Announced: Complete List of Winners

The 106th class of Pulitzer Prize winners in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music were announced. The Pulitzer Prize is an award for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature and musical composition within the United States.

It was established in 1917 by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, who had made his fortune as a newspaper publisher, and is administered by Columbia University.

Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy receives British Honour ‘MBE’ For His Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy, CEO of Penlon, a world-class British medical technology firm, is likely to receive The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) Award 2022 – Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognition from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, London, UK.

Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy hails from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The British Honorary Awards are awarded twice a year, first during the new year and again in June, on the date of the Queen’s official birthday.

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

Tamil Nadu govt announced breakfast scheme for primary school students

Tamil Nadu chief minister, MK Stalin has announced that all government primary school students from 1st to 5th standards will be provided nutritious breakfast on all working days.

Tamil Nadu is set to become the first state to offer breakfast along with midday meals. This includes the launch of integrated urban health centres within the Corporation and Municipal limits.

The schemes are a free morning breakfast scheme for government school students, a scheme to eradicate nutrition deficiency, the establishment of schools of excellence and primary health centres in urban areas and the expansion of ‘CM in Your Constituency’, a public grievances redress system, to all 234 constituencies.

The free breakfast scheme was launched based on the available information that the government school children skip breakfast while going to school because of the distance and family situations.

Delhi govt will provide the “Mukhyamantri Muft Sewer Connection Yojana” 

Delhi govt will provide free sewer connections under the “Mukhyamantri Muft Sewer Connection Yojana”. 25,000 households located in East Delhi will be provided with free sewer connections under the ‘Mukhyamantri Muft Sewer Connection Yojana.’

The free sewer connections will be provided by the Delhi government in 12 colonies in Mustafabad and Karawal Nagar. The free sewer connections will be provided by the Delhi government in 12 colonies in Mustafabad and Karawal Nagar.

The colonies will be including Chandu Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, and parts of Khajuri Khas. Rs 19 crore has been allocated by the state government for the implementation of these connections. The board also decided to set up 30 RO plants at JJ colonies to increase the drinking water supply. Each plant will provide around 50,000 litres of water per day. The supply will be free.

Alkesh Kumar Sharma appointed as Ministry of Electronics and IT’s Secretary 

Alkesh Kumar Sharma, a senior IAS officer, has been named Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). He was previously the Cabinet Secretariat’s secretary (Coordination).

Alkesh Kumar Sharma previously served as Kerala’s additional chief secretary for industries from May 2020 to April 2021. Sharma served as the Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail and the CEO of the Cochin Smart City Mission from September 2019 until April 2021.

Alkesh Kumar Sharma, an IAS official from Kerala, has his work cut out for him at MEITY. He will be in charge of ensuring that the $10 billion semiconductor incentive scheme to increase chip manufacturing and design facilities in the country is implemented smoothly.

He will also be responsible for putting MEITY’s 1,000-day strategy into action, which aims to turn India into a $1 trillion digital economy in the next several years.

The Union ministry is tasked with becoming India the world’s most connected nation, providing clarity to digital government, simplifying laws and legislation for technology and social media companies, and emphasising on India’s high-tech expertise under the initiative.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Electoral Map released for Jammu and Kashmir

A three-member Delimitation Commission redrawing the electoral map of Jammu and Kashmir allotted 47 Assembly seats for Kashmir division and 43 for Jammu in its final decision submitted barely a day before its two-year term was to end.

After the panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, approved the final verdict, giving Jammu six additional seats and Kashmir one more, a gazette notification was released. Jammu had 37 Assembly constituencies and Kashmir had 46 before the restructure, which increased the overall number of Assembly seats in the Union Territory to 90.

Tangmarg has been renamed Gulmarg, Zoonimar has been renamed Zaidibal, Sonwar has been renamed Lal Chowk, Padder has been renamed Padder-Nagseni, Kathua North has been renamed Jasrota, Kathua South has been renamed Kathua, Khour has been renamed Chhamb, Mahore has been renamed Gulab. The Commission heard from Kashmiri migrants and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir at the public hearing.

A book titled ‘INDO-PAK WAR 1971- Reminiscences of Air Warriors’ released

Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister) has released a book titled ‘INDO-PAK WAR 1971- Reminiscences of Air Warriors’ at the 37th Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Memorial Lecture.

Edited by: Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh and Group Captain Shailendra Mohan.

The book has 50 Swarnim articles which are penned in detailed narrations by veterans.

Air Chief Marshal PC Lal was commissioned in the IAF in 1939 and awarded the Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1972).

Haryana Govt Launches 'e-Adhigam' Scheme for students

Haryana government has launched “e-Adhigam” scheme under which nearly three lakh tablets were distributed to government school students of Classes 10 and 12.

These tablets have pre-loaded content along with personalised and adaptive learning software, and 2GB of free data.

The country has set a target to implement the New Education Policy (NEP) by 2030, but the Haryana government it is 2025.

PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY complete 7 years of providing social security

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have completed seven years of providing social security net.

The schemes were launched by PM Narendra Modi on 9th May 2015 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

PMJJBY: More than 12.76 crore Cumulative Enrolments

PMSBY: More than 28.37 crore Cumulative Enrolments

APY: Over 4 Crore subscribers

MHA launches 'CAPF Punarvaas' to facilitate retired CAPF

Ministry of Home Affairs has launched ‘CAPF Punarvaas’ through Welfare & Rehabilitation Board (WARB) to facilitate retired Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Assam Rifle personnel.

This portal will help the retired personnel to find an appropriate job match by uploading their personal details on the WARB website.

MHA also runs a portal under Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA) for the registration of Private Security Agencies (PSAs).

Finance Minister launches NSDL’s investor awareness programme for students

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the National Securities Depository Limited’s (NSDL) investor awareness programme for students named ‘Market Ka Eklavya’.

Aim: To introduce the basics of the securities market and also impart training on financial markets for students.

This is available in Hindi and other regional languages.

NSDL has launched a new investor awareness programme as part of its silver jubilee celebration.

NSDL CEO: Padmaja Chunduru

Priyanka Mohite becomes first Indian woman to climb five peaks above 8,000

Priyanka Mohite (Satara in western Maharashtra) has become the first Indian woman to scale five peaks above 8,000 metres after her 5th climb Mount Kanchenjunga.

Priyanka received the Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award 2020.

Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest mountain on the planet.

She had climbed world's highest peak Mount Everest (8,849 m),  Mount Lhotse (8,516 m) in 2018, Mount Makalu (8,485 m), Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in 2016, Mt Annapurna (8,091 m).

Kerala government launches Shaili App for lifestyle diseases

The Kerala government is ready to launch an Android app named ‘Shaili App’ to diagnose and control lifestyle diseases among people in the southern State.

The app will help the citizen to provide an accurate picture of such ailments both locally and at the State-level.

The app was set up under the e-Health initiative, and will provide data to the government so that health plans can be formulated to control such diseases.

Reliance crosses USD 100 billion annual revenue

Reliance Industries become the first Indian company to record annual revenue of more than a whopping $100 billion.

The company has recorded a 22.5% rise in net profit for the quarter ended March 2022.

Reliance has recorded strong growth in retail, digital services, and the oil & gas business. 

The company has also reported the highest-ever quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of ₹33,968 crores (28% up) year-on-year.

Indian Bank launches digital broking solution

Indian Bank has unveiled a digital broking solution named E-Broking, which allows customers to open a Demat and trading account.

E-Broking is a strategic step toward a complete digitalisation of its offerings to customers.

IndOASIS (mobile banking application) also offer a seamless experience from Demat and trading account opening to discounted broking services.

This will help the bank to increase its CASA (current account, savings account).

Max Verstappen wins inaugural Miami Grand Prix title

F1 world champion Max Verstappen has won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix for Red Bull after defeating the Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc (Ferrari) finished second and Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) placed third in the Miami Grand Prix 2022.

Bahrain Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

Australian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

Carlos Alcaraz wins Madrid Open title 2022

Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) has clinched the men's singles Madrid Open title 2022 after beating the defending champion Alexander Zverev (Germany).

Alcaraz has also defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (world No.1) to reach the final.

It is his second Masters 1000 crown after Miami 2022 and his fourth title of the year.

Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) has clinched women's singles title to become the first African player to win a WTA 1000 event.

Railway Protection Force signs MoU with AVA for trafficking free nation

Railway Protection Force (RPF) has signed MoU with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for a trafficking free nation.

It will enhance the scale, reach and effectiveness of Operation AAHT (Action against Human Trafficking) launched by RPF across the nation.

RPF is entrusted with the responsibility of security of railway property, passenger area and passengers.

RPF has also set up Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at more than 740 locations across India. 

MHA and SECI sign MoU to realize India’s green energy initiative

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has signed MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) to promote renewable energy thereby moving towards a carbon neutral economy in Delhi

This MoU envisages collaboration between the two parties for jointly undertaking installation of Solar Rooftop PV Power Plants.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has estimated the total solar power potential of 71.68 MWs in the campuses of CAPFs & NSG.

Khelo India Mascot and Logo launched at Panchkula in Haryana

Mascot, Logo and Jersey and theme song of Khelo India Youth Games were launched in a special ceremony held at Indra Dhanush Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana. 

The Mascot and theme was launched by Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal along with Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur.

More than 8,000 athletes will be participating in the Khelo India Youth Games scheduled to take place from 4th to 13th of June at Panchkula, Ambala, Shahbad, Chandigarh and Delhi.

L&T Infotech announced to merge with Mindtree to become 5th-largest IT firm

L&T Infotech and Mindtree, two independently listed IT services companies under Larsen & Toubro Group have announced merger that would create India's fifth-largest IT services provider.

This combined entity will be known as LTIMindtree

This proposed integration will see Mindtree and LTI join strengths to create an efficient and scaled up IT services provider exceeding USD 3.5 billion. 

It will create a more distinctive employee value proposition.

Conference of Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) in Jaipur

Union Minister, Kailash Choudhary has inaugurated Conference of Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur.

Focus areas: expectations from CBBOs, Knowledge sharing by CBBOs on best practices, discussion on Training and Capacity Building of Stakeholders, and Open discussion on various issues/ suggestions.

Sudarshan Venu appointed Managing Director of TVS Motor

Sudarshan Venu has taken over as the Managing Director of TVS Motor Company.

Prior to this, he was the Joint Managing Director of the company.

His elevation coincides with the appointment of Prof Sir Ralf Dieter Speth as the Chairman of the company.

He succeeded Venu Srinivasan, who has become the Chairman Emeritus of the company.

TVS Motor Company: Indian motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is the 3rd largest motorcycle company in India. 

India's first Regional Rapid Transit System to be handed over to NCRTC

India's first semi-high-speed train set for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has been handed over to National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) at Alstom's Savli plan in Gujarat.

RRTS train sets are being manufactured under Make In India initiative and are capable of running at speed of 180 km per hour.

It will be brought to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh.

Implementing agency of India's first RRTS corridor between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut: NCRTC.

UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025 launched

United Nations has launched UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025 to catalyze large-scale action and support needed for transition to clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions.

Energy Compact Action Network was also launched to match those govt seeking support for their clean energy goals with those govt and businesses that have pledged over $600 billion. 

It sets out a framework for collective action by nearly 30 UN and international organizations. 

NASA climate research scientist wins World Food Prize

NASA climate research scientist, Cynthia Rosenzweig has been awarded World Food Prize.

She is an agronomist and climatologist and spent much of her career explaining how global food production must adapt to a changing climate. 

She was awarded $250,000 prize in recognition of her innovative modeling of the impact of climate change on food production.

She is a senior research scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Alkesh Kumar Sharma assumes charge as new Secretary for MeitY

Alkesh Kumar Sharma (1990 batch IAS of Kerala cadre) has assumed charge as Secretary of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).

Prior to this, he served as the Additional Secretary and Secretary in Cabinet Secretariat.

He was also chairman of Indian Highways Management Company and implemented FASTAG system of toll collection.

Minister of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Formula one driver Tony Brooks dies at 90

Tony Brooks who won six Formula One Grand Prix in the 1950s died at 90. He was known as a “Racing Dentist".

He won his F1 debut at the non-championship 1955 Syracuse Grand Prix.

He registered his first world championship victory at the British Grand Prix at Aintree in 1957.

He also won the Grand Prix of Belgium, Italy, France and Germany.

Vedika Sharma wins bronze in women's 10m air pistol in Deaflympics 2021

Vedika Sharma won the bronze medal in the 10 m air pistol at the ongoing Deaflympics 2021 in Caxias do Sol, Brazil.

Sharma’s bronze medal takes India in the medal tally to four at the quadrennial event.

Pranjali Dhumal has finished at fourth position in the same event.

currently, India stands at the eighth spot with two gold and two bronze medals.

Earlier in the event, the rifle shooter Dhanush Srikanth and the badminton team had won gold medals for India.

India remains on top in T20 in Annual ICC Rankings

India cricket team (captain Rohit Sharma) has been ranked as the world’s number one T20 team followed by England and Pakistan.

New Zealand has bagged the top spot in the ODI rankings, followed by England, Australia, and India.

Men's Test Team Rankings: Australia, India, and New Zealand

International Cricket Council Chairman: Greg Barclay; CEO: Geoff Allardice; Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

India's 'first' tribal health observatory set up in Odisha

Odisha is ready to come up with an observatory that will establish a repository on the health of the tribal population in the state.

This will be India's only tribal health observatory.

An MoU was signed between the ST and SC Development Department and the RMRC (Regional centre of ICMR).

It will perform systematic and ongoing observation on disease burden, health-seeking behaviour and healthcare delivery system pertaining to tribal health in the state.

Delhi Cabinet approves Startup Policy to aid the entrepreneur

The Delhi cabinet has approved the "Delhi Startup Policy” with an aim to create an ecosystem for people to launch startups and provide them with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, collateral-free loans, and free consultancy from experts, lawyers, and CA.

Aim: To encourage, facilitate, and support 15,000 startups by 2030

The 20 members task force will be set up including government officials and experts from business and trade.

Manipur CM Biren Singh launches DBT for organic farmers

Manipur CM N. Biren Singh has launched the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for 18,000 registered farmers under Horticulture Department for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23).

DBT of Rs. 11,250 per farmer, for the components of assistance for on-farm input for both 1st year and 2nd year and for off-farm inputs production for 1st was transferred to the individual registered farmer’s account.

The Second phase of mandatory hallmarking will come into force from June 1

The second phase of the mandatory hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts will come into effect on June 1, 2022.

This phase will cover additional three carat ages of gold jewellery and artefacts - 20 carats, 23 carats and 24 carats.

BIS also has made a provision to permit a consumer to get the purity of their unhallmarked gold jewellery tested at any of the BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.

Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates Health Summit in Gujarat

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated a three-day Swasthya Chintan Shivir (Health Summit) at Kevadiya in Gujarat.

Aim: Detailed discussion on various topics and policies related to the health sector and recommend ways and means for better implementation of these policies/programmes.

This summit is being organized as a part of the 14th Convention of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW). 

Haryana launches Vehicle Movement Tracking System

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar launched a Vehicle Movement Tracking System (VMTS) mobile app to track the vehicles carrying sand and other mining material.

The app will be used at different checkpoints in all the districts of Haryana.

All vehicle details including vehicle type, vehicle number, moving from, moving to, and driver details will be stored in it.

The non-registered individual will not be permitted to enter the zone of sand mining.

India’s Civil Registration System Report 2020 released

According to the annual report on Vital Statistics based on the Civil Registration System report 2020, Ladakh (1104) has recorded the highest sex ratio at birth in the country in 2020 followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tripura and Kerala.

Lowest sex ratio at birth: Manipur (880) followed by D& N Haveli & Daman & Diu (898) and Gujarat (909).

Published by: The Registrar General of India (Ministry of Home Affairs)

PM Modi addresses the inaugural session of JITO Connect 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of Jain International Trade Organisation’s - JITO Connect 2022 by video conferencing.

JITO is a global organisation which connects Jains all over the world.

JITO Connect is an attempt to help businesses and industries by providing a direction for mutual networking and personal interactions.

This is a three-day event being organized at Gangadham Annex, Pune from 6th May 2022.

ISRO plans to launch mission to Venus in December 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation is planning to launch a spacecraft to orbit Venus by December 2024 with an orbital manoeuvre.

Aim: To study the Venus atmosphere

The Orbital manoeuvre is the use of propulsion systems to change the orbit of a spacecraft.

It permits a spacecraft to enter a planet’s orbit.

ISRO eyeing the December 2024 window as Earth and Venus would be aligned in a manner so that the minimum amount of propellant would be required.

Dhanush Srikanth wins gold in Deaflympics

Shooter Dhanush Srikanth has won gold and Shourya Saini has also won the bronze in the men's 10m air rifle competition in the 24th Deaflympics at Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

Later, the Indian badminton team also won gold after beating Japan by 3-1 in the final to make it a double celebration for the country.

Ukraine is leading the chart with 19 gold, six silver and 13 bronze medals.

With two gold and one bronze medal, India has placed eighth on the medals table. 

Olympian discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur provisionally suspended

Olympian discus thrower player, Kamalpreet Kaur has been suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for testing positive for a banned substance.

The AIU has found the presence/use of the prohibited substance anabolic steroid called stanozolol in her sample.

Kaur had finished sixth with a throw of 63.7m in the Tokyo Olympics final.

Stanozolol was used by sprinter Ben Johnson during the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

Bangladesh uncover a new gas field of 20 MMCFD capacity

Bangladesh has uncovered a new gas field with the capacity to produce 20 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) at the Koilastila Gas field.

Koilastila Gas Field is one of the five gas fields which was purchased from the Shell Oil company by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.

Now, it is possible to supply 17-19 million cubic feet of gas daily to the national grid from the newly discovered well number 6 by May 10. 

Telangana govt extends insurance coverage under ‘Nethanna Bima’ scheme

Telangana Government has announced the extension of insurance coverage to handloom and power loom weavers under ‘Nethanna Bima’ (Weaver’s Insurance) Scheme.

The State Government has extended the insurance coverage of 5 lakh rupees for weavers under the Insurance Scheme on par with Rythu Bima insurance scheme.

The insurance coverage would be extended to weavers in the age group of 18 to 59 years.

Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan; CM: K. Chandrashekar Rao

Canara Bank & ASAP ties-up to launch skill loans

Canara Bank in association with the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) has launched ‘skill loans’.

Under this facility, the loan is ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1.5 lakh.

This loan can be availed of by students who are pursuing skill training programmes which are offered by ASAP Kerala or any other Central or State government-recognised agencies.

Collateral free loans will be provided to students and have a repayment period of three to seven years. 

RailTel, WHO jointly inaugurate mobile container hospital in Andhra Pradesh

The RailTel Corporation of India Ltd had designed and established a “Health Cloud" at Visakhapatnam premises of Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ).

AMTZ is the world’s first integrated medical device manufacturing hub.

The “Health Cloud" has been inaugurated by Louise Agersnap (Head of WHO Innovation Hub).

Health Cloud can also be operationalised on wheels and can dispense the medicines by Health ATM through Mobile App having a digital payment interface.

Railway Protection Force launched Operation Satark

Railway Protection Force(RPF) has launched a focused effort under “Operation Satark” from 5th April to 30th April 2022.

Aim: Taking action against illicit liquor/FICN/illegal tobacco products/unaccounted gold and any other items which are being transported through the railway network for the purpose of tax evasion and smuggling.

RPF is an armed force under the ownership of the Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways.

ICG commissions its second ALH Mk III Squadron in Kochi

Indian Coast Guard has commissioned its second Air Squadron, 845 Squadron (CG) at the Coast Guard Air Enclave at Nedumbassery in Kochi.

The new Air Squadron was commissioned by Coast Guard Director General V S Pathania.

It is equipped with indigenously developed Advanced Mark III (ALH Mark III) helicopters.

This second squadron of these choppers will boost the security of the western seaboard and enhance India’s search and rescue capability.

RBI raises repo rate by 40 basis points to 4.40%

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the Repo rate by 40 basis points to 4.40% and the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4.50%.

Aim: To bring down the raised inflation to the desired level and tackle the impact of geopolitical tensions.

Deposit rates and EMI on loans are likely to increase.

The hike in CRR by 50 bps will suck out Rs 87,000 crore from the banking system.

Consumer Price Index inflation stood at 6.95% in March 2022.

FISME to launch digital lending platform for MSMEs

The Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) has signed an MoU with Eqaro Surety (financial guarantee provider) to set up a digital lending platform for MSMEs in the country.

The platform will provide collateral-free capital up to Rs 25 lakh to fulfil MSMEs need for urgent funds post due diligence of their businesses.

The credit for MSMEs would be backed by guarantees from Eqaro.

Arvind Krishna elected to Board of New York Federal Reserve Bank

Arvind Krishna (IBM Chairman and CEO) has been elected to the Board of Directors as a Class B director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

He will remain in the office for the remaining portion of a three-year term ending December 31, 2023.

He has been an undergraduate from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He was senior VP of Cloud and Cognitive Software and also headed IBM Research.

India to be 'Country of Honour' at Cannes Marche' Du Film in France

Union Minister for I&B, Anurag Singh Thakur has informed that India will be the Official 'Country of Honour' at the upcoming Marche’ Du Film in France.

Festival will be organised from 17th May 2022.

This is for the first time when such an honour is being bestowed on any country.

The theme of the India Pavilion 2022 is 'India the Content Hub of the World'.

R Madhavan’s film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, based on the life of Nambi Narayanan will also premiere.

Ronnie O'Sullivan wins record seventh World Snooker title

Ronnie O'Sullivan (English snooker player) has won his seventh World Snooker Championship crown after beating Judd Trump (English snooker player) by 18-13.

With this win, he has been equalled Stephen Henry's modern-day record of seven world titles.

O'Sullivan has won his first world title in 2001.

He has also claimed snooker’s biggest prize in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2020 before his triumph over the Bristolian.

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 released

The Times Higher Education (THE) has released the 2022 edition of its Impact Rankings.

8 Universities from India are placed in the top 300 universities in the world.

The ranking is topped by Western Sydney University (Australia); followed by Arizona State University (The US), Western University (Canada).

In India: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (41st), Lovely Professional University (74th).

The Times Higher Education (THE) also publishes THE World University Rankings.

IRDAI raised investment up to 30% of assets in BFSI sector

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has increased the investment ceiling for insurance companies in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector to 30% from 25% of their investment corpus.

The existing sectoral investment cap of 25% has been fully utilised by most insurance firms.

This will help insurance companies to take a higher exposure in the BFSI sector.

IRDAI Chairperson: Debasish Panda

FidyPay ties-up with Yes Bank to push financial inclusion

FidyPay (fintech API platform) has joined hands with Yes Bank to expand the digital facility to a wide range of enterprises, including SMEs, fintech companies, and start-ups.

The fintech platform will provide Yes Bank customers with a smooth connected banking experience as part of the partnership.

FidyPay will also serve as UPI services solution provider.

FidyPay is backed by Mr. Pratekk Agarwal (the former CBO of BharatPe) and Mr. Ram Pathade (CEO of Mahagram).

DBS Bank joins Headstart and Anthill to support startups

DBS Bank India has partnered with Anthill Ventures (startup venture capital fund) and Headstart Network Foundation (evangelist network) to launch DBS Business Class foundED.

This forum will help modern-day founders, innovators, and game-changers to foster co-innovation and collaboration in the startup ecosystem.

The first event of DBS BusinessClass foundED was held in Hyderabad with actor Rana Daggubati.

HDFC ERGO launches 'Pay as you Drive’ program

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company has announced to launch of its ‘Pay as you Drive’ program, this insurance offers distance-based insurance to reduce upfront costs of premium.

The program will be available for owners of new Maruti Suzuki cars in selected cities up to May 14, 2022.

This program is applicable for 10,000 policies or ₹50 lacs of premium whichever happens earlier.

The driving distance will be measured with the help of a telematics device in the vehicle.

HDFC Life becomes signatory to United Nations

HDFC Life has signed up for the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) with the objective of sustainable growth and long term value creation.

The Company currently has Assets Under Management of over Rs. 2 lakh crores.

The company focuses on better understanding the investment implications of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Principles for Responsible Investment(PRI) was founded in 2005. 

MD and CEO of HDFC Life: Vibha Padalkar

Exercises Defender Europe 2022 and Swift Response 2022 begin

The United States Armed Forces has organised the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise to build preparedness and interoperability between Allies and partners of the USA and NATO.

Poland is one of the DE22 host countries and conduct training in Drawsko Pomorskie, Bemowo Piskie and Zagan.

Apart from Polish troops, the forces from the USA, France, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain will also participate. 

The exercises are scheduled to run from May 1-27.

Sangeeta Singh gets an additional charge of CBDT Chairman

Sangeeta Singh, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer has been given additional charge of Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a period of three months or till a regular Chairman is appointed.

She has replaced JB Mohapatra who retired as the head of the direct taxes administration body on April 30.

She is currently holding charge of Audit and Judicial and an additional charge of Income Tax and Revenue and Tax Payers services.

Chhattisgarh launches doorstep delivery Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojana

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has launched a doorstep delivery scheme named Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojna (Mitaan stands for a friend).

The scheme will be implemented as a pilot project in 14 civic bodies.

Citizens of Chhattisgarh can avail around 100 public services, including delivery of birth, caste, income and marriage certificates, at their doorstep under a new scheme launched by the state government.

First International Research Conference On Insolvency And Bankruptcy

The first International Research Conference on Insolvency and Bankruptcy was organised by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in association with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

Rao Inderjit Singh (Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation) has highlighted the journey of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.

Chairperson of IBBI: Dr. Navrang Saini

RSF 2022 World Press Freedom Index released

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released the 20th World Press Freedom Index 2022, which assesses the state of journalism in 180 countries and territories.

Index topped by: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and Finland

India's neighbouring countries: India (150th, falls 8 positions), Pakistan (157th), Sri Lanka (146th), Bangladesh (162nd), and Maynmar(176th)

North Korea is placed at the bottom of the list of the180 countries.

World Press Freedom Day: 3 May

Jain University won the title of Khelo India University Games 2021

JAIN University(Deemed-to-be University) with 20 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals has won the 2nd edition of the Khelo India University Games 2021.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) with 17 golds has placed second and Punjab University placed third with 15 gold medals.

Siva Sridhar has emerged as the star swimmer by winning 11 gold.

The closing ceremony of KIUG was held at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Bengaluru.

The mascot of KIUG 2021- Veera

Kerala lift the Santosh Trophy for seventh time

Kerala has defeated the 32-time champion West Bengal in a penalty shootout to win its 75th Santhosh Trophy National Tournament for the seventh time at the Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram, Kerala.

This is the first time that Kerala has won on home soil since 1993.

Player of the Tournament: Jijo Joseph (Midfielder, Kerala)

Top goalscorer: Jesin Tk. Thonikkara (Forward, Kerala), 9 goals

Best goalkeeper: Priyant Singh (West Bengal)

Rajiv Ranjan appointed as ex-officio member of Monetary Policy Committee

Rajiv Ranjan has been appointed as the ex-officio member of the monetary policy committee by RBI’s central board.

He replaced Mridul Saggar, who retired last month.

Prior to this, he was an advisor in-charge in the monetary policy department, before he was elevated as an executive director.

MPC is a 6-member body and is headed by RBI governor. There are 3 members from RBI and 3 members nominated by Govt.

Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das.

National Seminar on Indian Cinema and Soft Power inaugurated in Mumbai

Renowned Film Director Shekhar Kapoor has inaugurated National Seminar titled 'Indian Cinema and Soft Power' in Mumbai. 

Organized by: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (lCCR).

Key topics: Cinematic colonialism, Indian Cinema as a Vehicle of spreading awareness about idea of India abroad, regional cinema and its global influence, Indian cinema's engagement with foreign audience, global influence of Indian cinematic music.

Neobank ‘Open’ becomes 100th Unicorn of India

Bengaluru-based neo banking startup titled ‘Open’ becomes the country’s 100th unicorn after raising $50 Mn from IIFL.

Open operates neobank that offers small and medium-sized businesses as well as enterprises nearly all the features of the bank with additional tools to better serve the customer’s needs.

Co-founder and chief executive of Open: Anish Achuthan

The company is led by Google, Temasek, Visa, and Japan’s SoftBank Investments.

Harshada Sharad Garud wins gold at Junior World Weightlifting Championship

Harshada Sharad Garud became the first Indian to win a gold medal at IWF Junior World Championships 2022 in Heraklion, Greece.

She lifted 153-kilogram in the 45-kg weight category, that included 70 kg in Snatch and 83 kg in Clean and Jerk to finish on top of the podium.

Turkey's Bektas Cansu bagged silver medal and Moldova’s Teodora-Luminita Hincu won the bronze medal.

Tarun Kapoor appointed as advisor to Prime Minister Modi

Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former Petroleum Secretary, Tarun Kapoor has been appointed as the advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will superannuate as the secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on November 30, 2021.

Apart from him, Senior bureaucrats Hari Ranjan Rao and Atish Chandra have been appointed as the additional secretaries in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Gangtok hosts Symposium on Smart City Revolution

Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri addressed a symposium on ‘Urban Development in NE States: Smart City Revolution’. 

Hosted by: Gangtok (Capital of Sikkim)

It is a weeklong festival which is organized in all the eight NE States by Ministry of DoNER.

He also launched Online Building Permission System (OBPS) of Govt of Sikkim and praised Sikkim for being the first State to implement OBPS in the region.

DD National Pet Show Wins ENBA Award 2021

Doordarshan has won ENBA Award 2021 for the best in-depth Hindi series for its TV series based on pet care ‘Best Friend Forever’ at 14th edition of the Exchange4media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA).

Best Friend Forever:

Half-an-hour weekly live phone-in show on DD National. 

Here, two pet experts guide people on how to take care of their pets, about their food, nutrition, routine health check-ups, vaccination and other pet related issues.

Home Minister inaugurates NATGRID Bengaluru campus

Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah has inaugurated National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) Bengaluru campus.

We should have an in-built mechanism for continuous up-gradation and will create a database of modes operandi of various crimes committed within the country. 

It will be available to 11 central agencies and police of all States and Union Territories.

Technology partner: C-DAC, Pune.

Plan Management Consultant: IIT, Bhilai.

Nand Mulchandani appointed first-ever chief tech officer of CIA

Indian-Origin Nand Mulchandani has been appointed as the first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), first line of defense for the United States. 

Prior to this, he served as the CTO and acting director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Centre under US Department of Defence.

He served as the CEO of multiple successful startups like Oblix (acquired by Oracle), Determina, OpenDNS and ScaleXtreme .

CIA Director: William J. Burns.

Joydeep Karmakar appointed as National Chief Rifle Coach by NRAI

Joydeep Karmakar (42 years) has been appointed as the chief national rifle coach by National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

He will oversee Indian continent till 2025, including the Paris Olympics 2024.

He had missed a bronze medal by a whisker in men’s 50-metre rifle prone event at 2012 London Olympics.

He has been running his own shooting academy in Kolkata since 2015. 

NRAI was founded in 1951 to promote and popularize the shooting sports in India.

Air Asia to merge with Air India by Tata Group

Tata Sons has approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for a merger of Air India with Air Asia India.

AirAsia India was launched as a joint venture between the Tatas and Malaysia’s AirAsia Group.

Tatas had raised its stake in AirAsia India to 83.67% in December 2020.

In January 2022, Tata acquired Air India and Air India Express.

Tata group aviation companies:  Air India, Air India Express, Vistara, AirAsia India and Air India SATS Airport Services

World Tuna Day: May 2

World Tuna Day is being observed on 2nd May every year globally.

Aim: Promoting the importance of sustainable fishing practices and educating people on how Tuna become endangered species due to high demand.

UNGA has declared this day as World Tuna Day to create awareness to preserve species in 2016.

Tuna is an important source of Omega-3 and it also contains minerals, proteins, and vitamin B12, among other advantages.

Railways and C-DoT to work together for Public Safety & Security Services

Ministry of Railways has signed a pact with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) for the modernization of Telecommunication in Indian Railways for Public Safety and Security Services.

It will be done using the LTE-R following world standards, 5G Use Cases in Indian Railways in line with Make in India policy, Internet of Things, Unified Network Management System, Network Management System, Chatting application, Routers and Switches.

Haryana government to build stadium in Neeraj Chopra’s hometown

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced to build a stadium in Olympic gold-medallist Neeraj Chopra's native village Khandra, Panipat.

A stadium would cost ₹10 crores to the government.

In 2021, Chopra (Javelin thrower) became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Olympic track and field.

Khelo India Youth Games-2021 will be organised by the Haryana Government from June 4 to June 13.

Indian Bank launched pre-approved personal loan under Project WAVE

Indian Bank has unveiled a pre-approved personal loan (PAPL) product under Project World of Advance Virtual Experience (WAVE).

Aims: To provide customers with instant loan disbursements.

The loan would carry an interest rate of 10% p.a. with no foreclosure charges.

The service is available for existing customers (regular income and pension accounts) and can be availed of through a mobile application, website, and internet banking facility.

Narayan Rane launches MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme

Narayan Rane (Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) has launched the MSME Sustainable Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme.

MSMEs will get subsidies as per the following structure, on the cost of ZED certification - Micro Enterprises: 80%; Small Enterprises: 60%; Medium Enterprises: 50%

An additional subsidy of 10% for the MSMEs owned by Women/SC/ST Entrepreneurs OR MSMEs in NER/Himalayan/LWE/Island territories/aspirational districts.

Film and TV actor Salim Ghouse dies

Actor Salim Ghouse passed away at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest.

He made his debut with the film Swarg Narak in 1978 and acted in films like Charkha, Saransh, Manthan, Kalyug, Trikal, Aghaat, Drohi, Thiruda, Sardari Begum, Koyla, Soldier, Aks and several others.

He also played the roles of Rama, Krishna, and Tipu Sultan in Shyam Benegal’s TV Series Bharat Ek Khoj.

He has also worked in Malayalam and Tamil films.

GST Revenue collection for April 2022 highest ever at Rs 1.68 lakh crore

The gross revenue collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the month of April 2022 is Rs 1,67,540 crore out of which CGST is Rs 33,159 crores, SGST is Rs 41,793 crores, IGST is Rs 81,939 crores.

The gross GST collection in April 2022 is Rs 25,000 crores more than the collection in March 2022 (Rs. 1,42,095 crores).

This is the tenth month in a row that the GST revenues have crossed Rs 1 lakh crore mark.

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement comes into force

The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force that was signed on 18 February 2022.

BVR Subrahmanyam (Secretary, Department of Commerce) has flagged off the first consignment of goods comprising Jewellery products from India to UAE.

The agreement is expected to escalate the total value of bilateral trade in goods and trade in services to over US $100 billion and US $15 billion respectively, within five years.

Narayan Rane inaugurates Maharashtra MSME Expo 2022 in Mumbai

Narayan Rane (Union Minister for MSME) has inaugurated the Maharashtra MSME Expo 2022 in Mumbai.

The MSME sector contributes 50% of the country's total exports and 30% to economic growth.

MSME will set up 37 clusters in Maharashtra in the next two years.

During an event, he also launched the magazine 'Maharashtra MSME Achievers'.

The event was organized in collaboration with the MSME ministry and MSME Development Organization named "Zhep, Udyoginichi" and "We MSME".

Indian Army set up coaching centre for underprivileged students

Red Shield Division of the Indian Army has signed an MoU with the State Bank of India Foundation (SIBF) and training partner National Integrity and Educational Development Organization (NIEDO) to establish a Centre for Excellence and wellness.

The project is named Manipur Super 50 and will be fully functional for the first batch of 50 students by the first week of July 2022.

Aim: To provide residential coaching for competitive examinations including the NEET and JEE.

India clinches silver in Asian Girls Youth Beach Handball Champion

India has won a silver medal at the second Asian Girls Youth Beach Handball Championship, held in Bangkok.

The team of Indian girls has defeated Hong Kong.

India was represented by Anushka Chauhan, Jassi, Sanjana Kumari, Chetna Devi, Vanshika Mehta, and Isha Majumdar.

With this medal, the team also earned a spot in the World Youth Beach Handball Championship.

The senior women's team has finished with a bronze.

Film and TV actor Salim Ghouse passes away

Film and TV actor Salim Ghouse passed away in Mumbai after suffering a cardiac arrest. He started his acting journey in 1978 with the movie Swarg Narak, following which he featured in films like Chakra (1981), Saaransh (1984), Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1984), and several others.

He was also a known face in the television industry. He essayed the roles of Rama, Krishna and Tipu Sultan in Shyam Benegal’s TV Series Bharat Ek Khoj. He was also a part of the sitcom Wagle Ki Duniya (1988).

International Jazz Day 2022 Observed on 30 April

International Jazz Day is celebrated every year around the world on 30 April. This day is observed to promote Jazz and raise awareness about its significance.

According to United Nations, Jazz is recogniSed for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity, eradicating discrimination, promoting freedom of expression, fostering gender equality, and reinforcing the role of youth for social change.

The theme for International Jazz Day 2022 is ‘A Call for Global Peace and Unity’. It focuses on the importance of unity and peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day on November 2011.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay.

UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946.

UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France.

World Veterinary Day 2022: 30th April

World Veterinary Day is observed on the last Saturday of April every year. This year it falls on 30th April 2022. World Veterinary Association was established with an objective to provide global leadership for the veterinary profession and promote animal health and welfare and public health through advocacy, education, and partnership.

The theme for World Veterinary Day 2022 is “Strengthening Veterinary Resilience”. This essentially means providing veterinary doctors with all kinds of help, and resources they require in their journey.

In 2001 World veterinary Association came up with World veterinary day. It all started with an international veterinary congress meeting led by a person named John Gamgee who was a veterinary college professor.

New Space India Limited and OneWeb signed for satellite launches

One Web, a Bharti group company, and New Space India Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, have signed a satellite launch deal. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, is expected to launch New Space in 2022.

OneWeb’s whole in-orbit constellation of 428 satellites, or 66% of the intended total fleet, will be added to the global network to enable high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

This launch contract follows a separate agreement announced in March 2022 between OneWeb and SpaceX to allow the firm to resume satellite launches.

The upcoming launches will add to OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation of 428 satellites, accounting for 66% of the planned total fleet, in order to build a global network that will deliver high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband services to rural and remote areas around the world, including India.

OneWeb is launching a global fleet of 648 low-earth-orbit satellites.

Important For All Exam 2022:

NSIL CMD Radhakrishnan Durairaj

NSIL Director, Technical & Strategy: Arunachalam

ISRO Chairman: Kailasavadivoo Sivan

Snow leopard conservationist Charudutt Mishra wins Whitley Gold Award

Noted snow leopard expert and wildlife conservationist Charudutt Mishra has won the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for his contribution to involving indigenous communities in the conservation and recovery of big cat species in Asia’s high mountain ecosystems.

Princess Anne presented the award to Mishra at London’s Royal Geographic Society. This is his second Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) Award. He got the first in 2005.

Mishra is co-founder of Mysore (Karnataka)-based Nature Conservation Foundation and executive director of the Snow Leopard Trust.

Mishra established India’s first community-based initiatives to save the endangered snow leopard. These include innovative livestock insurance programmes to boost income and discourage retaliatory killings and locally-managed wildlife reserves on community land.

Air Asia to merge by Tata Group with Air India

The Tata Group has been attempting to improve Air India’s performance since its takeover in January 2022. That includes its on-time performance. The Tata’s most recent job is to consolidate their aviation operations. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has already been notified of Air India’s intention to merge with AirAsia India.

Regardless of how the relevant markets are defined, the airline claims that the Proposed Combination will neither transform the competitive environment or have a significant negative impact on competition in India.

Anshul Swami, former retail chief of RBL Bank, named as MD-CEO of Shivalik Small Finance Bank

Anshul Swami has been named managing director and chief executive officer of Shivalik Small Finance Bank. Swami’s nomination has already been accepted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Swami succeeds Suveer Kumar Gupta, who co-founded the bank and guided it through its transformation from an urban co-operative to a local finance institution. According to insiders, Gupta will now serve as an adviser to the Board of Directors.

Maharashtra became India’s 1st state to develop Migration Tracking System app

Maharashtra became the first state in India to develop a website-based Migration Tracking System (MTS) application to track the movement of migrant workers through individual unique identity numbers.

The MTS project aims to ensure the continuity of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for migrant beneficiaries, such as children under the age of 18, lactating mothers, and pregnant women who are registered with Anganwadi centres.

Migration workers will be tracked to ensure the portability of the ICDS for their families in their destination districts within or outside the state until their return to their native places. ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It was launched in 1975.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai;

Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari;

Maharashtra Chief minister: Uddhav Thackeray.

US lists India, Russia and China on its intellectual property protection priority watch list

India, China, Russia, and four other countries were added to the US’s annual ‘Priority Watch List’ for intellectual property protection and enforcement. Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, and Venezuela are among the other countries on the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s list. 

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai indicated in her Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights that these nations will be the focus of particularly intense bilateral engagement in the next year.

Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are among the countries on the Watch List, which require bilateral attention to address underlying IP issues.