APRIL MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2022: Monthly Current Affairs are very important for every competitive exam and as we all know, in the upcoming months, many government exams.
Download ADDA247 Odia APP – Appear Latest Exam Test Series & Live Classes
Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana launches software FASTER (Fast and Secured
Transmission of Electronic Records) to transmit court orders swiftly and securely through
electronic mode
– AFSPA ambit to be reduced in three North-Eastern states Nagaland, Assam and Manipur:
Home Minister Amit Shah
– Navies of India and France start 5-day ‘Varuna’ Exercise in Arabian Sea
– Gurjar community leader Kirori Singh Bainsla dies at 84; was face of Gurjar quota
agitations in Rajasthan in 2007-08
– Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in New Delhi on two-day visit
– EAM S. Jaishankar holds bilateral consultations with UK Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss
in New Delhi
– Prof. Dr. Ashutosh Kumar appointed as 1st Visiting Professor to T. N. Seshan Chair at
IIIDEM, New Delhi
– RBI gives banks time till March 2023 to banks to implement its direction on use of only
lockable cassettes for replenishing cash in their ATMs
– Canara Bank cuts its stake in India Debt Resolution Company Ltd (IDRCL) to 5 per cent
– Non-linking of PAN-Aadhaar will attract Rs 500 fine after March 31; PAN to become
inoperative after March 2023 if not linked
– India’s external debt rose to $614.9 billion at end of December 2021
– Government to borrow Rs 8.45 lakh crore in first half of 2022-23
– Govt keeps interest rate of small savings schemes unchanged for Q1 of 2022-23
– Import allowed under open general licence to check edible oil prices
– ONGC to open Vindhyan Basin in MP for gas production in Damoh district
– Microsoft launches Founders Hub platform in India to support startups
– Amazon India announces ‘Smbhav Entrepreneurship Challenge 2022’ for startups in
India
– SpiceJet settles $24-mn financial dispute with Credit Suisse; the airline hadn’t paid bills
for maintenance, repairing, and overhauling of the aircraft engines and components
– China and the Solomon Islands sign a draft version of a security pact that could see
Chinese police and other forces take up duties in the Pacific Island nation
– Russian spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and two Russian
cosmonauts lands in Kazakhstan
– Train service between Jayanagar (Bihar) in India and Kurtha in Nepal, a stretch of 34.5
km, to start from April 2
– Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meets PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi
– President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan
– Nepal’s PM Sher Bahadur Deuba arrives in India on three-day visit
– Punjab Assembly passes unanimous resolution seeking transfer of Chandigarh to state;
Chandigarh is joint capital of Punjab & Haryana
– NCLT allows govt to take over management of Delhi Gymkhana Club; Centre cited
“violations” of companies law by the club
– UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs activation of anti-Romeo squads for safety of women
– Gujarat Assembly passes bill that aims to tackle stray cattle menace in urban areas
– BJP becomes 1st party to exceed 100 seats in Rajya Sabha after 1990
– Unity Small Finance Bank pays Rs 3,800 cr to 850,000 PMC (Punjab and Maharashtra
Cooperative Bank) Bank depositors; two banks were merged in January 2022
– India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 2 billion in the week to March 25 to USD
617.648 billion
– Vikas Kumar takes charge as new managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
(DMRC)
– US to release 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from its strategic
reserve in an effort to tame the elevated gas prices
– Russian troops leave heavily contaminated Chernobyl nuclear site after returning control
to the Ukrainians
– Khelo India University Games Logo and mascot launched in Bengaluru
April 4, 2022
– Andhra Pradesh to have 13 new districts starting from April 4; total now 26
– World Health Organization (WHO) suspends UN supply of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin
vaccine for Covid-19 following deficiencies found during inspection
– IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) holds maiden maritime exercise at Goa and in
the Arabian Sea from March 26 to 30
– Chandigarh to go by Central services rules
– India’s exports rose 40% in 2021-22 to hit a record $417.8 billion
– Pakistan: President Arif Alvi dissolves National Assembly on advice of PM Imran Khan;
election to be held within 90 days
– Sri Lanka: All Cabinet Ministers resign; PM Mahinda Rajapaksa remains in office
– Ukraine: Russia targets Black Sea port city of Odessa
– South Sudan: Rival leaders, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, agree on
creation of a unified armed forces command
– Afghanistan: Taliban announce ban on poppy cultivation; country world’s biggest opium
producer
– Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Delhi-based Council for Energy Environment and Water,
appointed member of the ‘High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions
Commitments of Non-State Entities’ constituted by UN Secretary General, Antonio
Guterres, to bolster action against global warming
– Australia (356/5) beat England (285/10 in 43.4) by 71 runs in final at Christchurch, NZ to
win seventh Women’s World Cup title
– Paris Marathon: Judith Jeptum (2:19:48) of Kenya win’s women’s race, Deso Gelmisa
(2:05:07) of Ethiopia wins men’s race
– M. Sreeshankar improves his own national record in men’s long jump with a jump of
8.36m at Federation Cup athletics in Kerala
– Miami Open tennis: Poland’s Iga Swiatek defeats Japan’s Naomi Osaka to win women’s
singles title
– Orleans Masters badminton tournament in France: India’s Mithun Manjunath loses in
men’s singles final
– Arjun Erigaisi wins Delhi International Open chess tournament
– Kiran George (men’s) and Anupama Upadhyaya (women’s) win singles titles at Polish
Open International Challenge badminton tournament in Arłamow
– Adidas unveils Al Rihla —the official match ball for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
– Lok Sabha passes Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill that seeks to take
measurements of convicts and other persons for purposes of identification and
investigation in criminal matters
– Vinay Mohan Kwatra appointed as India’s new Foreign Secretary
– President Ram Nath Kovind arrives in Amsterdam on 3-day tour of the Netherlands
– Over 48 percent rural households in the country receive tap water supply in their homes
so far, says govt
– Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur launches Broadcast Seva Portal
– UGC develops draft curricular framework, credit system for 4 Years’ Undergraduate
Programme
– Universities only to register on NTA (National Testing Agency) Website for CUET (Central
Universities Common Entrance Test) UG admissions; don’t have to pay any fees: UGC
– Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates exhibition on India’s Freedom Struggle in
Parliament Library
– India’s trade deficit rises 88% to $192.41 billion in FY22: Govt data
– HDFC Bank to merge with housing finance firm HDFC Ltd
– Indian Oil, L&T and ReNew Power to set up JV to develop green hydrogen business in the
country
– Hungary: PM Viktor Orban of Fidesz party wins fourth term in office
– Imran Khan nominates Pakistan’s former chief justice Gulzar Ahmed as caretaker PM
– Grammy Awards ceremony held at Las Vegas: Jon Batiste wins 5 Grammys including the
‘Album of the Year’
– Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa sacks brother and Finance Minister Basil
Rajapaksa
– 99% world’s population breathes poor-quality air: World Health Organisation
– International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action observed on April 4;
theme: “Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home”
– Parliament passes Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill; existing 3 Municipal
Corporations of Delhi to be unified into one Municipal Corporation of Delhi
– Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visits Singapore; meets Defence
Minister Ng Eng Hen
– India has 1.96 nurses per 1,000 population: Health ministry
– Parliament passes Chartered Accountants, Cost and Works Accountants and Company
Secretaries (Amendment) Bill to strengthen the disciplinary mechanism under these Acts
– Commerce, Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 3-day visit to Australia; holds talks with
Australian PM’s Special Trade Envoy for India, Tony Abbott in Melbourne
– Govt. extends timeline for disbursement of loan for ethanol projects under different
schemes till September 30
– IndiGo cofounder Rakesh Gangwal donates ₹100 crore to alma-mater IIT-Kanpur
– UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases its latest 3,000-page report on
how humanity can avoid compounding catastrophe if nations take sufficient action to do
so
– Sri Lanka: Ruling coalition loses majority; newly-appointed Finance Minister Ali Sabry
resigns
– International Day of Conscience celebrated by UN on April 5
– Parliament passes Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill 2022; will authorise taking
measurements of convicts and other persons for the purposes of identification and
investigation in criminal matters and to preserve records.
– Parliament passes Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2022;
enables inclusion of certain community in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Tripura
– Lok Sabha passes weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems (prohibition
of unlawful activities) amendment Bill, 2022
– IMF lauds India’s PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana program which prevented extreme
poverty in country during Covid Pandemic
– Netherlands: President Ram Nath Kovind meets PM Mark Rutte in Amsterdam
– Indian economy to grow 7.5% in 2022-23, 8% in 2023-24: Asian Development Bank
Outlook 2022
– Govt.-owned Union Bank of India launches super-app UnionNXT and digital
transformation project SMBHAV
– Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ties up with Israel Aerospace Industries to convert civil
aircraft to multi mission tanker transport aircraft
– Google rolling out toll prices on Maps in India to help users make the choice between toll
roads and regular roads
– Flipkart launches ‘Flipkart Health+’ app to provide access to medicines and healthcare
services
– EU declares a number of Russian diplomats working in Brussels “persona non grata”
and orders them to leave host nation Belgium
– Sri Lanka: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revokes state of emergency declared on April 1
– Serbia: Aleksandar Vučić of Serbian Progressive Party re-elected President
– International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6; theme:
“Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport”
– Both Houses of Parliament adjourned sine die
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases 3rd positive indigenisation list to develop India
as defence manufacturing hub
– IDFC to sell its mutual fund business to consortium led by Bandhan Financial Holding
Limited for Rs 4,500 crore
– Bandhan Financial is the holding company of Kolkata-based private sector lender
Bandhan Bank
– Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) notifies changes to the voluntary
liquidation regulations, timeframe for a corporate to exit the business reduced to 90 days
if no claims are received from any creditor
– Infosys and Rolls-Royce launch ‘Aerospace Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre’ in
Bengaluru
– Tata Group company Tata Digital launches super app Tata Neu
– Russia suspended from UN Human Rights Council by 193-member UN General
Assembly; voting: 93 in favour, 24 against, 58 abstentions, including India
– Deputy speaker’s ruling that dismissed a no-confidence motion faced by PM Imran
Khan’s government on April 3 prima facie violates rule: Pakistan Chief Justice
– World Health Day celebrated on April 7; theme: ‘Our planet, our health’
– International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
observed by UN on April 7
– Youth Affairs & Sports Ministry releases India’s contribution of 72,124 Dollars to UNESCO
Fund for Elimination of Doping in Sport in 2022
– DRDO flight-tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) booster at the Integrated Test Range,
Chandipur off the coast of Odisha
– SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range
at supersonic speeds
– Precaution dose of COVID vaccines allowed to those over 18 years of age from April 10 at
private vaccination centres
– Government to supply fortified rice through targeted public distribution system
– Amnesty International India Board Chairperson Aakar Patel can’t leave India without
court’s permission
– Continuation of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) approved till March 2023
– UIDAI and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) ink pact for technical
collaboration
– 365 new medical procedures to be covered under AB-PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)
– Home Ministry seeks another six-months to frame the rules of the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA)
– Indian Navy aircrew completes training on MH-60R helicopters in U.S.
– Six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) votes unanimously to keep the policy
repo rate unchanged at 4 per cent
– Reverse repo rate unchanged at 3.35 per cent
– Inflation projected at 5.7 per cent in 2022-23
– GDP growth projected at 7.2 percent in 2022-23
– RBI imposes penalties of Rs 93 lakh each on Axis and IDBI Bank for violating KYC norms,
imposing penalties for not keeping a minimum balance in Savings Accounts
– TRAI scraps charge on USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) messages for
mobile banking, payment services
– Govt creates task force to boost capacity in Animation and Gaming sector; headed by the
Information & Broadcasting Secretary
– Cabinet approves signing of bilateral MoU between SEBI and Financial Regulatory
Commission of Mongolia
– SpaceX launches 3 space tourists to International Space Station for $55 mn each from
Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida (US) for one week stay
– Motion picture academy bans Will Smith from attending Oscars for 10 years following his
slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards on March 27
– Pakistan: Supreme Court restores National Assembly, orders no-confidence vote against
PM Imran Khan’s government on April 9
– Pakistan: Court sentences 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed to 32 years in jail
– US Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson as Supreme Court Judge, first Black woman to
be elevated to the post
– Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi transfers powers to new council; Saudibacked
government and Houthi rebels began two-month truce on April 2
– Gujarat: PM virtually addresses foundation day celebrations of Umiya Mata Temple in
Junagadh
– Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Indo-Pak border viewing point in
Banaskantha District of Gujarat
– Indian Coast Guard commissions Advanced Light Helicopter MK-III squadron in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
– 2.71 lakh persons will be trained over 5 years under PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta
Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana: Govt.
– Pakistan: PM Imran Khan ousted after losing no-confidence motion in National
Assembly, the lower house of parliament
– World Homeopathy Day celebrated on April 10; birth anniversary of Dr Christian
Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
– 36th Forbes Annual World Billionaires list topped by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, with a net worth of $219 billion.
India flight-tests Anti-Tank Guided Missile HELINA fired from Advanced Light Helicopter
at high-altitude range
– PM Modi awarded first-ever Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award by Master Deenanath
Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan
– Tamil Nadu Assembly passes resolution urging Centre to withdraw CUET (Common
University Entrance Test) for admission to courses offered by central varsities
– Gujarat: Six workers killed in blast at chemical factory in Bharuch
– Veteran Bollywood character actor and screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam dies
– NITI Aayog CEO releases State Energy and Climate Index (SECI); Gujarat tops among
large states, Goa among small states
– Shares of Veranda Learning Solutions list at premium to issue price after 200-crore initial
public offering (IPO)
– Ruchi Soya to change the name of the company to Patanjali Foods
– Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif elected new PM of
Pakistan by country’s lower house of parliament (National Assembly)
– Russia claims to have destroyed S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems supplied to Ukraine
by a European country
– ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ author Jack Higgins dies at 92
– India and US reaffirm their commitment to promote regional stability and rule of law at
fourth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington; participants: Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh & External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Antony Blinken &
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
– UGC allows students to pursue two full-time degree programmes simultaneously in
physical mode
– Jharkhand: All tourists trapped in cable cars in ropeway on Trikut Hills in Deoghar district
rescued by IAF helicopters; death toll rises to 3
– Nepal Army chief Prabhuram Sharma holds talks with the Director General of Assam
Rifles Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair in New Delhi
– Retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rises to 6.95% in March,
highest in 17 months
– Index of industrial production (IIP) grows at 1.7% in February compared with 1.3% in
January.
– India, ADB sign 2 million Project Readiness Financing Loan to support municipal
resource mobilization in Nagaland
– Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addresses National Conference on Cooperation Policy
in New Delhi
– Crisis-hit Sri Lanka announces debt default due to low forex reserves
– UNDP and partners of the Adaptation Innovation Marketplace (AIM) announce $2.2
million in climate action grants for 22 local innovators across 19 countries, including India
– International Day of Human Space Flight celebrated on April 12; commemorates historic
space flight of Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin on 12 April, 1961
– Philippines: 25 killed in landslides and flooding after Tropical Storm Megi
– Trishakti Corps conduct EX KRIPAN SHAKTI at Teesta Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) near
Siliguri in West Bengal
– International Gandhi Award for Leprosy 2021 presented to Dr. Bhushan Kumar of
Chandigarh and Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust, Gujarat; award given by Gandhi Memorial
Leprosy Foundation
– Cabinet approves policy for use of land acquired under Coal Bearing Areas Act to
facilitate utilization of lands which are mined out or are practically unsuitable for coal
mining
– External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar meets with Commerce Secretary of US Gina
Raimondo
– Centre to continue Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) till March 2026 to develop
governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
– Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO e-commerce marketplace Nykaa, wins EY Entrepreneur
of the Year award
– World Bank cuts India’s FY23 GDP growth forecast to 8% from 8.7%
– Russia claims 1,026 soldiers of Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade surrendered in the
besieged port city of Mariupol
– Sabka Vikas Maha Quiz contest launched to build awareness about various Govt
schemes
– PM Modi inaugurates Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya at Teen Murti Estate in New Delhi; covers the lives and contributions of all the 14 former Prime Ministers of the country.
– IMD predicts normal South West Monsoon in country
– Govt. lays down norms for quota in promotions; departments asked to collect data on
SC/ST representation
– Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras sign MoU for
technology development and finding indigenous solutions towards sustenance of weapon
systems
– Contractor’s death: Karnataka Minister K. S. Eshwarappa announces resignation on
charges of abetment to suicide
– Finance Ministry waives customs duty on cotton imports till September 30
– Dornier 228 aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) takes first
commercial flight from Dibrugarh (Assam) to Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh)
– Telangana govt. to buy entire quantity of paddy cultivated in current rabi season after
centre’s refusal to buy
– Manufacture of Apple’s iPhone 13 begins in India at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu
– Economist Prabhat Patnaik wins Malcolm Adiseshiah Award
– World Chagas Disease Day observed by WHO on April 14
– More than 77 million people worldwide slipped into poverty in 2021: UN
– IMF to launch Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) in May to help “low-income and
vulnerable middle-income countries” cope with protracted challenges like pandemics and
climate change
– Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter for $41.39 billion
– Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa wins Reykjavik Open chess tournament in Iceland
– National basketball championships in Chennai: Tamil Nadu takes men’s crown, Railways win women’s title
Auction of 122 Coal and Lignite Mines
An auction of 122 Coal and Lignite Mines including 18 New Mines has been launched by
the Ministry of Coal.
Overview:
As of now, 42 coal mines have already been auctioned by the ministry.
The auctioning off of the mines will ensure the energy security of the country and
will also be providing employment opportunities to more than one lakh 17 thousand
citizens of the nation.
This sector is being reformed by the Coal Ministry.
The recent reforms have been done keeping in mind the government’s vision of
Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Details of the mines
Under different tranches that have been made for the auction of the mines the details of
the mines are:
Under the 5th Tranche of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, and
the 15th Tranche of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 there are 109 coal mines. Out
of these 109 mines that are on offer, 50 are mines that are partially explored and 59 are
mines that are fully explored.
Under the Second Attempt of the 4th Tranche of Mines and Minerals (Development &
Regulation) Act, 1957, and the second attempt of the 14th Tranche of Coal Mines (Special
Provisions) Act, 2015 four mines have been placed.
Under the Second Attempt of the 3rd Tranche of Mines and Minerals (Development &
Regulation) Act, 1957, and the second attempt of the 13th Tranche of Coal Mines (Special
Provisions) Act, 2015 a total of 9 coal mines are placed.
The key features of the auction process
The key features include the National Coal Index introduction, full flexibility in coal
utilization, ease in participation and there is no restriction for having any prior coal mining
experience, optimized payment structures, use of clean coal-related technology, and
promotion of efficiency through various incentives for early production.
Axis Bank- Citibank Deal
Citigroup has announced that Axis Bank will be acquiring Citibank’s India consumer
business for an amount of USD 1.6 billion in an all-cash deal. This transaction will be
including Citibank India’s consumer banking businesses, which include retail banking,
credit cards, consumer loans, and wealth management.
Overview:
This transaction will also be including the sale of Citibank’s non-banking financial
company consumer business, Citicorp Finance (India) Limited, which comprises a
financing business that is asset-backed and also includes construction equipment
and commercial vehicle loans, and a portfolio of personal loans.
Citi’s institutional client businesses in India are however excluded from this deal.
Citibank India’s consumer business employees, around 3,600, will be transferred to
Axis after the completion of this deal.
This deal has been announced after almost a year since Citibank’s announcement
regarding its exit from consumer franchises in 13 markets, including India.
Citibank will be focusing on wealth and institutional management businesses.
Citibank’s Indian consumer banking business includes home loans, credit cards, and
retail banking.
What is an all-cash deal?
It is an exchange of assets or a single asset for cash and no other monetary means, such
as exchange of stocks or financing are used. The most common way of settling all-cash
deal are wire transfers or check and the physical form of cash is generally avoided.
Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2022
The Lok Sabha has passed the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill so that three
municipal corporations of Delhi (MCD) can be merged into a single entity.
Overview:
This bill has been passed by a voice vote and various amendments that were moved
by the Opposition members have been rejected.
The Union Cabinet had approved this bill’s presentation.
A “Special officer” will be appointed to discharge the elected wing of councilors’
functions till the new corporation’s first meeting is held.
This amendment bill will be omitting the section related to local bodies, and directors
that govern the MCDs functioning.
Aim of this bill
The three municipal corporations will be merged into a single, well-equipped, and
integrated entity so that a robust mechanism can be implemented for ensuring optimal
utilization of resources and strategic planning.
About Municipal Corporation of Delhi
The MCD was Delhi’s former municipal corporation and used to govern 8 of the 9 districts
which have now increased to 11 districts of Delhi. In 2012, this corporation was later
replaced by three new bodies, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), the North
Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC).
The MCD was among the world’s largest municipal bodies and extended services to over
11 million citizens in Delhi.
World’s Biggest Electric Cruise Ship
The largest electric cruise ship in the world has returned back to port in Yichang in central
Hubei province, China after traveling up and down the Yangtze River for its maiden
voyage.
Overview:
This cruise ship has been powered by a 7,500-kilowatt-hour massive-sized marine
battery.
This battery has been provided by Contemporary Amperex Technology, the No. 1
battery manufacturer for electric cars in the world.
From the month of April 2022 this ship will be beginning commercial operations.
This ship will mainly be used for the purpose of conducting sightseeing trips.
The developer of this ship, China Yangtze Power has plans to use this electric ship as
the starting point for expanding the marine electric vehicle market in China.
About the ship
The name of the ship is Yangtze River Three Gorges 1 and it is a 100 percent electric cruise
ship that has been developed and built in China. Its main purpose will be to ferry
passengers who will be going on sightseeing trips on the River Yangtze. This ship is 16
meters wide and 100 meters long and has the capacity to carry around 1,300 passengers.
On a single charge, this ship can travel for around 100 kilometers thus saving fuel of
around 530 metric tons. This ship has been developed by China Yangtze Power which is
China Three Gorges Corp’s subsidiary, and Hubei Three Gorges Tourism Group and costs
150 million yuan or USD $23.66 million.
State of World Population Report
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) publishes the State of World Population
(SoWP) report annually. The 2022 version of this report has been released recently.
Overview:
The recently released State of World Population Report 2022 has been titled “Seeing the
Unseen: The case for action in the neglected crisis of unintended pregnancy.”
Key Findings of this report
Findings related to unintended pregnancies
Between the years 2015 to 2019, there was a rise in unintended pregnancies which
numbered around 121 million across the globe annually.
Findings related to lack of contraception
There was a lack of modern and safe methods of contraception and across the globe,
around 257 million women are not using such methods of contraception to avoid
pregnancies. During the first 12 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a disruption
in contraceptive supplies due to which around 1.4 million unintended pregnancies were
reported.
Findings related to rape-related pregnancies
The report states that there has been a rise in rape-related pregnancies. Among women
who have experienced partner violence contraceptive use is 53 percent lower. There is
more chance of pregnancies occurring due to rape than consensual sex.
Findings related to abortions
A rise in abortion has been noticed with more than 60 percent of pregnancies that are
unintended, and around 30 percent of all pregnancies, ending in abortion. Across the
globe, 45 percent of all abortions performed were unsafe. USD 553 million per year in
treatment costs is the cost of unsafe abortion in developing countries.
Findings related to humanitarian emergencies
There is a rise in humanitarian emergencies with the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war due to
which many women are facing sexual violence and losing access to contraception. Studies
have shown that more than 20 percent of refugee girls and women will and might have
faced sexual violence.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
In 1967, UNFPA was established. It is a sexual and reproductive health agency of the
United Nations. In 1969, the UNFPA became operational and it works as a subsidiary under
the UN General Assembly. Its earlier name was United Nations Fund for Population
Activities and in 1987 it was renamed as United Nations Population Fund but retained the
abbreviation ‘UNFPA.’
Ambedkar Young Entrepreneur-Mentor Programme
The government is looking to launch a scheme to help aspiring entrepreneurs who belong
to SCs and OBCs and are failing to receive venture capital funds (VCF).
Overview:
The name of the proposed scheme is Ambedkar Young Entrepreneur-Mentor
programme.
As the VCF scheme couldn’t make good progress despite being in operation for
many years, this programme’s need was felt and was devised.
Under the VCF scheme, the government provides financial assistance of up to Rs 15
Crore for a time period of a maximum of 6 years to the SC entrepreneurs.
Aim of this programme
This scheme has been developed to help them create their business enterprises, through
a “mentorship” programme that will be roping in established managers and industrialists
to guide and help them throughout the process. This scheme will also be aiming to build a
bridge for all those SC youth of the country who are facing challenges related to funding
mobilization and skills despite the social justice and empowerment ministry-run VCF
scheme.
Working of this programme
Under this mentorship programme, the IFCI Venture, which is the manager of the VCF
manager, will be empaneling established CEOs, businessmen, veterans of financial
institutions, as ‘mentors’. When the aspirants will be applying for the funds under the VCF
scheme, the IFCI will attach them to ‘mentors’ who will then be helping them to build
prototypes using the latest technologies while inculcating an approach that is solutionoriented.
They will also be imparted knowledge regarding leadership and start-up
ecosystems.
Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy
The Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy for the period of 2022-2027 has been cleared by
the State Government of Karnataka. This policy will be looking to maintain the state’s
reputation as a leader in the field of renewable energy.
Overview:
This policy aims that in the next five years, the state will have 10 GW renewable
power generation capacity.
By 2027, under this policy it has been aimed to have a share of 1 GW of energy
produced from rooftop solar alone.
Building of renewable energy parks in Karnataka
In the state of Karnataka, several renewable energy parks will be built in the coming years.
These parks will also include some hybrid ones. Under this policy, Karnataka will be
developed as a hub for the manufacturing of Renewable Energy equipment. The focus will
also be given to hybrid power generation units and floating solar power projects in
various hydel stations across the state of Karnataka.
Other plans of the government
The government of the state also has aimed to export renewable energy to other states of
the country. The policy also looks to emphasize on the state’s economic development
through the means of attracting investments in the renewable energy sector. Green
power corridors will be set up where there will be more private sector participation.
To have sustainable and balanced growth of storage capacity, the policy is also looking for
market creation in this sector. The reliability of the power supply will also be improved and
it will be ensured that renewable power is available 24×7.
MyGov Platform for Jammu and Kashmir
With the aim of achieving the goal of ‘Good Governance’ and taking forward the idea of
citizen engagement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched MyGov Jammu and
Kashmir.
About MyGov Platform
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the MyGov platform in 2014. The aim behind
this launch was to bring the Government closer to the common man of the country by
creating an interface that can be used for a healthy exchange of views and ideas so that
they can be implemented for transforming India both economically and socially.
At present, this platform has over 2.29 Crore registered users. They are known as MyGov
Saathis and they engage actively with MyGov and share all their suggestions and ideas
related to various policy issues. They also participate in quizzes, pledges, and contests on
this platform.
MyGov has been promoting the positive use of social media and has been identifying
unsung heroes and change-makers from across India who are contributing to the
development of society.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MyGov has emerged to be a trusted information source
for the citizens of the nation.
States in which MyGov has been implemented
In 15 states MyGov has been implemented. They are Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya
Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Nagaland,
Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Uttar Pradesh.
MyGov Jammu and Kashmir is the 16th implementation of the MyGov platform in a state
or UT. Also, this is the first UT in which the MyGov platform has been implemented.
Odisha Day- Utkal Divas
On 1st April annually Utkal Divas, also known as Utakala Dibasha or Odisha Day is
celebrated. This day is celebrated to remember Odisha’s formation after the struggle it
faced to be recognized as an independent state of the country.
Overview:
Earlier the state was called Orissa but in 2011 the Orissa Bill and Constitution Bill (113rd
amendment) was passed by the Lok Sabha and the state was renamed Odisha.
History of this day
The present-day Odisha was a major part of the ancient Kalinga. The epic Kalinga War was
witnessed by this region. This war was led by King Ashoka who in 260 BC had invaded and
conquered this region. Later, the Mughals invaded and took over this state and from
them, in 1803 the British took over power and divided this region into small units.
The northern and western districts were merged with Bengal while the coastal region was
the part of Orissa and Bihar. After struggling for decades, on 1st April 1936, the new
province of Odisha came into existence.
Celebrations held on this day
On this day the shops and houses are decorated. Various competitions are organized
across the state by local politicians such as fireworks competitions. Different types of
cultural programs are also organized to commemorate this day.
Changes in AFSPA
The Central Government has announced the reduction of areas under the Armed Forces
Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the Northeast states of the country. The impacted states are
Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.
Overview:
In the year 1958, AFSPA was enacted with the aim of bringing the situation under
control in all the conflict-hit areas of the country.
Under the AFSPA law, the armed forces are allowed to use any means that is deemed necessary to maintain public order in the states where AFSPA is applicable.
Under AFSPA, the Armed Forces can cause deaths, destroy structures that are being used as hideouts, training camps, or launch pads and also arrest anyone without
having a warrant.
Changes in AFSPA
In Assam
In Assam, from 23 districts AFSPA will be removed while in one district it will be applied partially.
In Manipur
In the state of Manipur, from 15 police stations in 6 districts, the AFSPA jurisdiction will be removed
In Arunachal Pradesh
In this state, in only 3 districts AFSPA will be applicable along with the jurisdiction of two police stations in another district.
In Nagaland
From 15 police stations in 7 districts of Nagaland, the jurisdiction of AFSPA will be
removed.
The demand to repeal AFSPA
The demand gained momentum in Nagaland after 6 coal mine laborers were killed by an ambush by security forces while they were returning to their village of Oting. In 2021, the security forces also opened fire on six civilians who were traveling in a truck in Nagaland after mistaking them to be terrorists of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
The citizens then started protesting after being anguished by the loss and massive
violence broke out.
Later, a five-member Committee was constituted by the Centre to look into the withdrawal of AFSPA law in the state of Nagaland. Home Minister Amit Shah also held key meetings with the respective Chief Ministers of the states.
FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records)
The Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records (FASTER) software has been launched by the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana so that court orders can be transmitted securely and swiftly via electronic mode thus ensuring that judicial orders can be communicated quickly.
Overview:
Through the use of this software orders that were passed by the high courts (HC)
and the Supreme Court (SC) will be transmitted safely without any third-party
interference.
73 nodal officers have been nominated at the HC level and jail authorities have also
been selected through a network of judicial communication.
For this software a secure pathway email id has also been established.
Usage of this software
Bail orders will be communicated via FASTER and for authentication purposes, it will have the digital signatures of the notified nodal officers of the SC as well as the Institutional digital signatures. In this manner, without much loss of time, bail orders would be received by all the concerned parties and quick necessary actions will be taken at their end. Communication will be restricted to the holders of email ids thus ensuring safety, confidentiality, and security. A total of 1,887 email ids of the selected nodal officers have been connected.
Need for such software
In the past, it was seen that even after bail orders were passed, inmates were not released by the prison authorities as the hard copies of the certified bail orders reached late. Thus, this software was implemented so that Article 21, Right to Life, could be implemented swiftly and the bail orders are executed on time.
Manthan- SEBI Ideathon
The Chairperson of SEBI, Madhabi Puri Buch has launched the ideathon ‘Manthan’, to promote innovations.
Overview:
India is currently well-positioned to develop and use technology in the securities
market sector so as to deliver customized solutions at minimal cost to every
individual across the nation.
The ideathon was launched after Buch highlighted that financial technology’s
(FinTech) adoption in India’s securities market presents a huge opportunity for the
stakeholders.
About Manthan
Manthan will be organized for a period of six-week. It is being organized by SEBI in
collaboration with NSE, BSE, CDSL, NSDL, CAMS, KFintech, MCX, and LinkInTime.
This event will help in the creation of various innovative solutions as well as ideas that will revolve around the country’s securities market. The various workable ideas that will come out from Manthan might be upgraded into various prototypes and possibilities through a hackathon.
From 30th March to 14th May the interested persons can register for this ideathon on the website ‘https://manthan.devfolio.co’. Cash prizes worth Rs 5,00,000 will be handed out to the ideathon’s top ten winners.
Events that will be organized in the ideathon
In this ideathon there will be interactive knowledge-sharing sessions for all the registered participants. It will be organized through webinars so that submission of innovative ideas can be done easily.
FinTech’s help in financial inclusion
FinTech can help in increasing the country’s financial inclusion by making services
cheaper, regularizing financial services, and making them available to the masses.
Also, Supervisory Technology (SupTech) and Regulatory Technology (RegTech) will help in the market’s effective regulation and will also lower compliance cost for the participants of the market.
Mes Aynak Site
Mes Aynak is a site that is located 40 km southeast of Kabul, Afghanistan. It is located in the Logar Province’s barren region. This region contains the largest copper deposit in Afghanistan. Also, in this region, there are remains to be found of an ancient settlement that has 400 Buddha stupas, statues, and a monastery complex of 100 acres.
Overview:
The remnants of a Bronze Age site that is 5,000-year-old are being discovered by
Archaeologists beneath the Buddhist level. The discoveries include an ancient copper smelter.
This site is said to be one of the most important archaeological sites that is present in the silk road.
This site also houses a vast complex of Buddhist homes, monasteries, and market
areas.
From this site artifacts have been recovered that date back to the Bronze Age, with
some dating back over 3000 years.
As this site is situated on the Silk Road, a lot of Indian and Chinese products have
also been found.
Afghanistan is trying to unearth the copper that has been found below this site
which is causing destruction to this site.
This site has been photographed by Archaeologists and the relics have also been
excavated.
In 1973-74, the archaeological wealth of this site was discovered by Afghan and
Russian geologists.
Mes Aynak is a site that is located 40 km southeast of Kabul, Afghanistan. It is located in
the Logar Province’s barren region. This region contains the largest copper deposit in
Afghanistan. Also, in this region, there are remains to be found of an ancient settlement
that has 400 Buddha stupas, statues, and a monastery complex of 100 acres.
Overview:
The remnants of a Bronze Age site that is 5,000-year-old are being discovered by
Archaeologists beneath the Buddhist level. The discoveries include an ancient copper
smelter.
This site is said to be one of the most important archaeological sites that is present in
the silk road.
This site also houses a vast complex of Buddhist homes, monasteries, and market
areas.
From this site artifacts have been recovered that date back to the Bronze Age, with
some dating back over 3000 years.
As this site is situated on the Silk Road, a lot of Indian and Chinese products have
also been found.
Afghanistan is trying to unearth the copper that has been found below this site
which is causing destruction to this site.
This site has been photographed by Archaeologists and the relics have also been
excavated.
In 1973-74, the archaeological wealth of this site was discovered by Afghan and
Russian geologists.
History of this site
Between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, this site reached its peak. Coins that were used
during the period of Mehama and Khingila, the Alchon Hun rulers were found at this site
which confirms their presence in this area in 450-500 CE.
In the 8th century, the decline of this site began in the 8th Century, and 200 years later the
settlement was abandoned. Brahman Shahi, the king of Kabul, Jaypaldeva ruled this site
during the 10th century but later this site was burned down by a Ghaznavid invasion.
Citizens of this site
Mes Aynak citizens mostly followed Hinduism and Buddhism. From the Kushan era, the
earliest dated Buddhist remains have been found. Later they gave way to Uyghur and
T’ang Chinese influences.
Mining lease for this site
In 2007, the China Metallurgical Group (MCC) was granted a 30-year lease for the amount
of USD 3 billion. This mine has been estimated by the afghan mining ministry to hold
around six million tons of copper. The value of this mine is expected to be billions of
dollars, and it will also generate economic activity for the country. But this mine threatens
the archaeological remains of this site. In 2001, the Taliban had demolished Buddhist
statues that were present on this site, but at present, they have had a change of heart and
are willing to preserve this site as it contains copper, and are willing to strike a deal with
China for economic benefits.
India-Sri Lanka Maritime Deal
On March 28th, India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding so that a
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) can be set up by Bharat Electronics Ltd
(BEL) in Colombo.
Overview:
This MoU was signed during the visit of S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister
to Colombo.
Since 23rd March, a team of the Indian Navy has been training the Navy and Air Force
of Sri Lanka in helicopter operations.
The Sri Lankan pilots are also being familiarised with the Advanced Light Helicopter
of India.
The navies of both the countries also conducted a joint exercise near Colombo. In
this exercise, INS Sharda and Sri Lankan OPV Sayurala took part.
Significance of this agreement
This agreement is important for both nations as it will enhance the maritime security
cooperation in the region of a part of the Indian Ocean where the rivalry between India
and China has taken a centre stage. Recently, India has provided two Dornier aircraft to
the Sri Lankan Air Force and a naval floating dock to the Sri Lankan Navy.
About Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC)
MRCCs form a part of an international network that falls under the ambit of the UN’s
International Maritime Organisation. The MRCCs monitor the sea lanes and provide quick
responses to various emergencies, like vessels in distress, prevention and containing
environmental disasters like oil spills, and rescue and evacuation of people. The Search
and Rescue Region (SRR) is the responsibility of each country. The MRCCs work is
Current coordinated with the Coast Guard or the Navy of each country and in India, the coordinating agency is the Coast Guard while in Sri Lanka, the Navy plays this role.
About the new MRCC being set up in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s small MRCC will be enhanced by BEL. It will set up advanced software systems
so that Sri Lanka’s capacities increase for coordination and communication in its SRR in
the Indian Ocean. A grant of USD 6 million has been given by India to set up the MRCC.
This enhanced MRCC will be working from the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Navy at
Colombo and will have a sub-centre at Hambantota. Along Sri Lanka’s coastline, seven
other sub-units will also be set up. In situations that require regional assistance, this
MRCC will share information with India.
Interest Rates of Small Savings Schemes
The interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF, NSC, and Sukanya Samriddhi
Yojana, have been kept unchanged for the first quarter of 2022-23. This decision has been
taken by the government keeping in mind the elevated level of inflation.
Overview:
Since the first quarter of 2020-21, the interest rate has not been revised.
On a quarterly basis, the interest rates for small savings schemes are notified.
Rates of the schemes
The annual interest rate for Public Provident Fund (PPF) is 7.1 percent. The annual interest
rate for National Savings Certificate (NSC) remains 6.8 percent in the first quarter. The
interest for the one-year term deposit scheme will continue to remain at 5.5 percent. The
interest rate in the girl child savings scheme named Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account
will remain at 7.6 percent. The interest rate remains at 7.4 percent for the five-year senior
citizens’ savings scheme. For the senior citizens’ scheme, the interest is paid on a
quarterly basis. 4 percent per annum is the interest rate on savings deposits and it will
continue to remain so in the first quarter of the financial year. A range between 5.5 to 6.7
percent remains the interest rate for term deposits of one to five years and it will be paid
quarterly. 5.8 percent is the interest rate that will be earned on five-year recurring
deposits.
Draft National Tourism Policy- Key Features
The Draft National Tourism Policy has been prepared by the Indian Government to focus
on digital, and green tourism. This policy has been forwarded to the state governments,
industry partners, and other allied ministries for getting their feedback before the policy is
sent for approval.
Overview:
Earlier, three draft strategies with roadmaps for developing Rural Tourism, promotion of
Medical and Wellness Tourism, and the Meetings, incentives, conferencing, and
exhibitions (MICE) Industry were formulated by the Indian tourism ministry.
Key areas that will be focused upon
In the next 10 years, the focus will be given to the areas of digital tourism, green tourism, skilling in the hospitality sector, destination management, and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) related tourism.
Relief Measures provided for the tourism industry
For the last two years, this industry has suffered the most due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence, it is of utmost necessity to provide relief measures to this industry like taxation
breaks so that this industry can flourish once again. This policy doesn’t deal with specific
operational related issues, but it offers conditions that will help this sector. The overall aim
of this policy is to improve the experience of the tourists who will be visiting these tourist
spots. To improve this sector focus will also be given to the development of infrastructure.
National Film Development Corporation Merger
The merger of four film media units which are the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Films
Division, Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI), and National Film Archive of India (NFAI)
with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has been announced by the
Central government of India.
Overview:
The mandate to produce short films and documentaries, organising various film
festivals and film preservation was transferred to the NFDC, by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting.
This was done with the aim of reducing the overlapping of various activities and also
ensuring better utilisation of the public resources.
The decision for the merger was taken up by the government in December 2020 and
the major policy decisions related to this were done after interactions with the film
industry held in Mumbai and Chennai in March 2022.
Budgetary allocation
A budgetary allocation of Rs 1304.52 crore up to the year 2026 was made by the
government towards this industry for the activities that will be undertaken by the NDFC.
Also, the revenues that will be generated through these activities will also be accrued to the NFDC.
Reason for the merger
The merger will be ensuring a beneficial development of Indian cinema and all of its
genres like documentaries, feature films, animation, children’s content, and short films.
This will lead to the utilization of existing manpower and infrastructure in an efficient
manner.
Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act – Update (April, 2022)
Joe Biden, the president of the US has signed a law that makes lynching a hate crime in
the United States of America. The bill for this was earlier passed by the Senate of the US in
March 2022.
Overview:
The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act is named after Emmett Till a Black boy of 14-years
of age who in the year 1955 was brutally killed in Mississippi after he was accused of
offending a white woman in the grocery store of her family.
By unanimous consent, this bill passed the US Senate.
In the House of Representatives this bill was passed by a vote of 422-3.
About the law
Under this law, a crime can be prosecuted as a lynching if a conspiracy to commit a hate
crime results in death or significant physical injury. It also specifies a maximum
punishment of 30 years in prison as well as fines that are to be levied.
Earlier anti-lynching legislations
The first anti-lynching legislation was first considered by the US Congress over 120 years
ago. They had failed to pass similar legislation around 200 times. The first bill that was put
forward was in the year 1900 by George Henry White, then North Carolina Rep who was
Congress’s only Black member at that time. Till’s murder and the dismissal of the charges
by an all-white jury against the two white men who committed the crime started a
movement in the country. The two men later confessed to the killing and this drew
national attention to the violence faced by the country’s African American populations and
civil rights rallying cry began.
‘Varuna’ Naval Exercise
The 20th edition of the bilateral naval exercise that is named ‘Varuna’ is being conducted
by India and France in the Arabian Sea from 30th March till 3rd April 2022.
Overview:
In this exercise, various units of the two navies which include submarines, ships, fighter
aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters are participating.
Why is this exercise conducted?
This exercise is conducted so that the participating units can sharpen and enhance their
operational skills in the maritime sector. The participating units also look to improve their
inter-operability so that they can undertake various maritime security operations. The
units also demonstrate their commitment, as an integrated force, to the promotion of the
region’s security, peace, and stability.
History of this exercise
In 1993, this bilateral naval exercises between the Navies of the two were countries were
first initiated. In 2001, the name of the exercise was christened ‘Varuna’ and it has become
an important part of the bilateral strategic relationship between India and France.
The objective of the exercise
The scope of this exercise has grown over the years. These exercises provide the navies of
both nations with various opportunities to the best possible practices from each other.
This exercise plays the role of the significant driver for interactions at the operational level
between the navies of India and France. Also, this exercise has highlighted the shared
commitment of both countries to the safety, security, and freedom of the global maritime
sector.
India’s Borrowing Estimate in the First Half of 2021-23
To fund the revenue gap for the economy’s revival Rs 8.45 lakh crore has been targeted by
the government of India that will be raised through borrowings in the first half of 2022-23.
Overview:
The gross market borrowing that is estimated for the next financial year is Rs 14.31
lakh crore.
The planned Rs 8.45 lakh crore borrowing will be targeted in the April to September
period.
60 percent of the borrowing for FY 2022-23 would be completed in the fiscal year’s
first six months.
For 2021-22, the gross borrowing was Rs 12,05,500 crore.
The objective of the borrowings
The borrowing’s objective is to push the capital expenditure due to which there will be a
multiplier effect on the country’s economy.
About Gross borrowings through dated securities
Rs 14,95,000 crore will be the gross market borrowing through dated securities for
2022-23. Considering the month of January 2022’s switch operations, for FY 2022-23 the
gross market borrowing through dated securities is expected to be Rs 14,31,352 crore.
How will the borrowing be conducted?
In 26 weekly tranches of Rs 32,000-33,000 crore, the borrowing will be completed. The
borrowings will be divided into 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 30, and 40-year securities as well as Floating
Rate Bonds (FRBs) of different tenors. Long-term securities of 14, 30, and 40 years, will
account for a major portion of the borrowings. On a fortnightly basis, the FRBs will be
issued.
India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement
An economic cooperation and trade agreement has been signed between India and
Australia. Under this agreement, Australia will be providing duty-free access for over 95
percent of Indian goods like leather, textiles, sports products, and jewellery in its market.
Overview:
Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan and Piyush Goyal,
Commerce and Industry Minister inked the India-Australia Economic Cooperation
and Trade Agreement via a virtual ceremony.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
were also present during the signing of this agreement.
This newly signed agreement will help to take the bilateral trade between both
countries to USD 45-50 billion from USD 27 billion in the next five years.
Key features of this agreement
For 96.4 percent of exports, zero-duty access to India is being offered by Australia from
day one. This will be covering many products that in Australia at present attract 4 to 5
percent customs duty. Various labour-intensive sectors that will be gaining immensely due
to this agreement include apparel, textiles, a few fish and agricultural products, footwear,
leather, sports goods, furniture, machinery, jewellery, railway wagons, and electrical
goods.
India’s trade with Australia
India is the 9th largest trading partner of Australia, while for India, Australia takes the 17th
rank among the trading partners. In 2021, the Bilateral trade between both countries in
services and goods amounted to USD 27.5 billion.
Public Emergency in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency in the
country which gives sweeping powers to the country’s security forces. This was declared
after hundreds of citizens of the county tried to storm his house seething with anger over
the economic crisis Sri Lanka is facing.
Overview:
The tough laws that were invoked give powers to the military to detain and arrest
any suspect without trial for long periods of time.
The citizens of the country are protesting and calling for his resignation as the
country is in turmoils.
The nation is facing severe essential shortages, rice is prices, crippling power cuts,
etc.
In the country, a night-time curfew has been imposed following continuous protests
against the President of the country.
Why was the emergency declared?
The emergency has been declared so that public order in the country can be maintained
as well as the protection of services and supplies that are essential to the community.
The economic condition of the country
Inflation in the country has hit 18.7 percent. Food prices have soared by 30.1 percent.
Diesel shortages have also sparked outrage across the country. Daily 13-hours of a power
cut is being imposed as there is no diesel for running the generators. The state-run
hospitals of the country are also facing shortages of life-saving medicines. The
International Monetary Fund has been approached by the government while more loans
have been asked for from India and China.
Reasons for the economic worsening of the country
Sri Lanka’s economic condition has taken a hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic, due to
which the tourism industry, the country’s major source of income, has suffered a lot. Many
economists believe that the crisis has increased due to mismanagement of the
government and accumulation of borrowings.
UPI: 500-crore Milestone in Volume
In March 2022, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has crossed the 500-crore mark in
terms of volume and in terms of value it was close to touching the Rs 10-lakh crore
milestone.
Overview:
Around 540.56 crore payments have been processed by UPI in March amounting to
Rs 9,60,581.66 crore.
This data has been revealed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
In February 2022, 452.74 crore transactions were processed by UPI that were worth
Rs 8,26,843 crore.
For FY 2021-22, the USD 1 trillion mark was crossed at Rs 84,17,572.48 crore
payments.
The 100-crore mark in terms of volume was crossed by UPI in October 2019.
A dip was witnessed in April 2020, and since then it has been gaining due to
widespread adoption.
How many banks are utilizing UPI?
By March 2022, 315 banks were a part of the UPI platform. Daily UPI has been processing
over 17 crore payments that are worth more than Rs 20,000 crore.
Role of the pandemic
Due to the pandemic, lots of merchants started preferring this form of payment. With the
use of QR codes, UPI’s volume has grown a lot. The pandemic gave a boost to the digital
payments sector of the country. It has been estimated that in 2021-22, 60 percent of retail
payments volumes came from UPI. With UPI being used in other countries like Nepal,
Bhutan, UAE, and Singapore, its volume will increase further.
India’s Warmest Days in 121 Years
The analysis of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has shown that India has
recorded its warmest March days, on average, in 121 years. The maximum temperature
across the nation crossed 1.86°C above normal.
Overview:
This figure was mostly due to large deviations in the northwest and central India’s
maximum temperature.
In terms of daily temperatures in March since 1901, the northwest region recorded
its highest average maximum while the central recorded its second warmest.
Heatwaves were also recorded in Northwest and central India in the second half of
March.
Reasons for this unusual heat
The primary reasons were the lack of rainfall and consistent hot and dry westerly winds
that was blowing into central and northwest India. The skies were also cloudless due to
which the Earth was directly exposed to the sun’s rays, thus, pushing the temperatures
higher. Also, there was a lack of rainfall due to which this heat increased. Global warming
across the globe is also one of the reasons for the record rise in temperature.
Average temperature recorded in the country in March
In March 2022, the average maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures that were
recorded were 33.10°C, 20.24°C, and 26.67°C respectively. The normal temperature is
considered to be 31.24°C, 18.87°C, and 25.06°C which is based on the averages for the
time period of 1981-2010.
World Autism Awareness Day
Annually, on 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated across the world to
spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a neurodevelopmental
disorder that affects the social interaction and communication skills of a person.
Overview
ASD symptoms can be detected before a child turns three years old.
This disorder is generally caused by biological differences in brain development and
genetics.
This disorder can be dealt with if the patient(s) seek medical help as quickly as they
can.
Aim of this day
The aim of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is to garner attention towards the
obstacles that are faced every day by people with autism. Autism is a major global health
issue and it needs to gain more understanding from people across the globe. This day
looks to teach people about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
World Autism Awareness Day 2022 theme
‘Inclusion in the Workplace’ is the theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day. A
discussion with individuals on the autism spectrum will be held. They will be talking about
the difficulties they have faced in the workplace. Also, due to the pandemic, the education
of many autistic students has been disrupted. Hence focus will also be given to their
education under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) which
concentrates on promoting lifelong learning opportunities and assures quality education
for all. This year’s theme promotes the fact that autistic people also have the right to
receive quality education like any normal person.
World Autism Awareness Day Past Years Themes
World Autism Awareness Day focussed on a specific theme determined by the United
Nations. The themes for past few years are as follows:
2012: “Launch of Official UN “Awareness Raising” Stamp”
2013: “Celebrating the ability within the disability of autism”
2014: “Opening Doors to Inclusive Education”
2015: “Employment: The Autism Advantage”
2016: “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity”
2017: “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”
2018: “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism”
2019: “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation”
2020: “The Transition to Adulthood”
2021: “Inclusion in the Workplace”
2022: “Inclusive Quality Education for All”
History of this day
The United Nations have always facilitated the well-being and rights of all persons with all
forms of disabilities. In early 2008, the United Nations General Assembly was announced
2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution was enacted and accepted in the
year 2007 and since then this day has been observed annually on 2nd April. World Autism
Day is one of the seven-official health-specific days of the UN.
India’s Contribution to UN Women
USD 500,000 has been contributed by India to the UN Women, the United Nations agency
for women empowerment and gender equality.
Overview:
The contribution was made by India to reaffirm the country’s valued partnership of
gender parity and development that are women-led.
India will be working with the UN Women to further boost their relationships.
This amount has been contributed towards the core budget of the Un Women.
The amount was handed over by T. S. Tirumurti, India’s permanent representative to
the UN to Dr. Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of UN Women.
About UN Women
The UN Women or also known as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women is an entity working under the United Nations for women’s
empowerment and gender equality. This organization works for the rights of girls,
women, and LGBTIQ+. It also focuses on issues related to violence against women and
LGBTIQ+ people.
UN Women became operational in 2011 with the merger of the United Nations
Development Fund for Women and other entities. The inaugural executive director was
Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile. The current executive director of this
organization is Sima Sami Bahous. This organization is also a member of the United
Nations Development Group.
Global Collaboration Advanced Vaccinology Training
Indian experts who are managing the programme for national covid-19 immunization are
collaborating with specialists from other countries to devise a comprehensive vaccinologyrelated
training programme.
Overview:
In a ‘Global Collaboration Advanced Vaccinology Training’ meeting, the Indian
specialists have participated.
This meeting was held in Geneva.
In this meeting discussions were held regarding the need for a basic vaccinology
training module for all the healthcare personnel around the globe to address the
present and upcoming healthcare crisis.
From around 70 countries, medical professionals participated in this meeting.
Who represented India?
Dr. N.K. Arora, covid-19 working group’s head in the National Immunization Technical
Advisory Group (NTAGI) represented India in this meeting. NTAGI makes
recommendations for vaccines on the basis of efficacy, disease burden, and costeffectiveness.
The objective of this meeting
The objective of the ‘Global Collaboration Advanced Vaccinology Training’ meeting was to find ways to facilitate and support training, sharing of best practices, review the impact of
covid impact and the ongoing vaccination programmes that are being carried out
worldwide, and identify the training needs for facilitating refresher courses.
Discussions that were held in this meeting
In this meeting, discussions were held on the topics such as ways to provide advanced vaccinology education to all the healthcare professionals across the world in the health crisis context, to help address the challenges in the priority areas, and to facilitate
information exchange. Also, ways were explored for the collaboration between the
different vaccinology courses that will be formalized in the future.
WWF Report on Online Wildlife Trade
The World Wildlife Fund has released a report stating that in Myanmar illegal purchases of wildlife online are increasing which is causing a threat to both endangered species and public health.
Findings of the report
Following the 2021 military takeover causing political turmoil, enforcement of bans
on such transactions has weakened.
By 74 percent such dealings rose in over a year.
Out of 173 species traded, 54 are facing global extinction.
639 Facebook accounts have been identified that belong to wildlife traders.
The largest online wildlife trading group consists of over 19,000 members and every
week dozens of posts are made.
The illegally traded species are also being kept close to each other, sometimes they
are even being put in the same cage.
What animals were traded?
Some of the animals that were traded included bears, elephants, gibbons, critically
endangered pangolins, Tibetan antelope, and an Asian giant tortoise. Various species of
monkeys were the most popular traded species online. Most advertised animals that were
put up for sale were from the wild and included civets, which have been identified as
potential vectors of diseases like COVID-19 and SARS.
Concerns regarding public health
The rise in the online trade of wildlife is concerning as it is causing interactions between
humans and wild species due to which there are risks of the spread of new and possibly
vaccine-resistant undetected mutations of diseases like COVID-19.
Diseases that have been traced back to animals
One of the many diseases that have been traced back to animals is COVID-19. The source
of Ebola has been said to be the sale of bushmeat in Africa. In 1997 in Hong Kong, from
the sale of chickens, Bird flu likely came. Measles is most likely traced back to a virus that
infected cattle.
Steps that are being taken to stop the online trade of wildlife
A worldwide effort to stop such online trading of wildlife has been joined by various Social media platforms. Facebook has been continuously removing and blocking accounts of people engaged in such activities but new accounts are popping up thus hindering the enforcement.
MoEFCC Order on Genome-edited Plants
The Indian government has issued an order for the first time exempting certain types of
crops that are genome-edited from the stringent regulations that are applicable in the
country on genetically modified or GM crops. This order will give a boost to their
development and research.
Overview:
The SDN1 and SDN2 genome-edited plants have been exempted by the ministry of
environment and forest from Rules 7-11 of the Environment Protect Act (EPA) for the
purpose of manufacturing, importing, or usage or exporting and storage of
microorganisms that are hazardous or organisms or cells that are genetically
engineered rules-1989.
This order would help the government to notify and approve the guidelines related
to genome-edited plants that are pending since 2020.
The order will also incentivize the researchers and breeders to utilize the power of
genome editing so that the farming community is developed further.
In 2012, genome editing was discovered.
Approval of genome-edited plants by various countries
Many countries have developed or approved the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, cereals,
and oilseeds that have been developed through genome editing like GABA tomato or
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, soybean, high oleic canola, etc.
China has also approved guidelines related to genome editing so that research into crops
can be done for the purpose of having high yields, climate change, and pest resistance.
Convention on Biological Diversity – Update (April, 2022)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty and has three goals
which are biological diversity conservation; the components are being used sustainably;
and the equitable and fair sharing of benefits that arise from the genetic resources.
Overview:
At the Earth Summit that was held in Rio De Janeiro in 1992, the CBD was opened for signature.
In the year 1993, the CBD came into force.
The only UN member state that has not ratified this convention is the United States.
The CBD has two supplementary agreements, the Nagoya Protocol and the
Cartagena Protocol.
The objective of the CBD
The CBD’s objective is the development of strategies so that biological diversity can be
conserved and sustainably used. CBD is generally seen as sustainable development’s key
document.
About the Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources is a supplementary agreement of the
CBD. Under this protocol, a transparent legal framework has been set for the
implementation of one of CBD’s three objectives which is the equitable and fair sharing of
benefits that arise from genetic resources. In 2010, in Nagoya, Japan, this protocol was
adopted and in 2014 it came into force.
About the Cartagena Protocol
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity governs the
movements from one country to another of all the living modified organisms (LMOs) that
result from modern biotechnology. In 2000 this protocol was adopted as CBD’s
supplementary agreement and in 2003 it came into force.
Latest Draft recommendation
A draft recommendation was released recently focusing on health and biodiversity. The
draft called for a unifying and integrated approach so that the health of people,
ecosystems, and animals is sustainably optimized and balanced. COVID-19 pandemic’s
impact on well-being, health, and biodiversity was also addressed by the draft. Also, ways
were outlined to reduce infection outbreaks and pathogen spillover. Early warning
surveillance and information sharing were also focused upon so that pandemics can be
prevented. It also stated the need for addressing the inequities in global health such as
access to medicines, diagnostics, vaccines, and medical equipment. The governments
were also encouraged to implement the One Health approach in their respective
COVID-19 recovery plan.
India’s First Steel Slag Road
Surat, Gujarat is the first Indian city to get a road built from processed steel slag
(industrial waste). This road has been developed as a joint-venture project by the Central
Road Research Institute (CRRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), NITI
Aayog, Union Steel Ministry, and ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel (AM/NS), at Hazira, a suburb
of Surat.
About the project
The construction of this road began a year ago. It was done by converting mounds of steel
waste into steel slag. This road has six lanes, with three lanes on either side. Heavy-duty
vehicles of multinationals that are located in the industrial estate on Surat’s outskirts are
using this road. This steels road’s construction cost is 30 percent cheaper than the roads
that are built using natural aggregates. Also, this road’s thickness is 30 percent lesser than
the normal ones. As steel slag is used to construct this road its durability is much longer.
This project has been implemented under the Waste to Wealth and Clean India Campaign
initiative.
The process of building this road
The slag that was used to build this road was generated from a steel furnace that was
burning at 1500 to 1600 degrees centigrade in the form of molten flux material. The
molten material was then poured into slag pits so that they can be cooled and was
processed further to develop the stable steel slag aggregates that were used to build the
road. The constructed road required around 1 lakh tons of processed steel slag.
Load test of this road
The steel slag road has been constructed using pressure cells, strain gauges,
thermocouples, and displacement gauges to measure deformation that is load-induced.
This road will be monitored by CSIR CRRI for another year. More than 30 heavy-loaded
trucks are using this road on a daily basis.
International Day of Mine Awareness 2022
On the 4th of April annually, the International Day for Mine Awareness is observed to
increase attention among people across the world regarding generating awareness about
landmines, assistance for mine action work, the threats that are faced by humans from
them, and the work done towards their eradication.
Overview:
This day is being organized by the United Nations-supported platforms and various
activities are being carried out so that the threat posed by explosives and mines can
be reduced.
The mine action community worldwide which is headed by the United Nations Mine
Action Service (UNMAS), has launched some activities a week in advance.
The theme for this year
“Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home” is the theme for this year’s International Day for
Mine Awareness. Under this theme, more focus will be given by the United Nations Mine
Action on the global mine action community’s remarkable achievements. “Safe Ground”,
concentrates on clearing the planet of explosives and landmines so that it can be made
safe for the purpose of development. “Safe Steps” highlights the fear of all those people
staying in places laden with landmines and explosives who move about not knowing if an
explosive will be detonated causing injury or death. “Safe Home” will be looking to restore
the communities and the individual’s personal security in post-conflict settings.
History of this day
In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly approved the decision to celebrate this day
on the 4th of April was declared. This day called for the promotion of the growth of
capacities related to national mine-action in all the places where explosives and mines act
as a threat to the lives of the people. For the last 20 years, UNMAS has been working
toward the needs of the affected individuals and the hazards that are encountered by
humans due to explosives and mines.
Significance of this day
This day is observed with the aim of freeing the planet from the dangers of explosives and
landmines.
Extension of Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20
The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 has been extended by the government by six months up to 30th September 2022.
Overview:
Till 31st March 2022, the existing Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 was valid.
It has now been extended till 30th September 2022.
This announcement was done by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
After the Covid-19 pandemic started, this policy was first extended by a year to
March 2020’s end and later till 30th
About the policy
This trade policy provides guidelines to enhance exports so as to create jobs and push economic growth and various incentives under different schemes like Export Promotion
Capital Goods (EPCG) and Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA). This policy also provides a framework that looks to increase the exports of goods and services and employment generation which will help in increasing the country’s value addition while keeping in
mind the “Make in India” vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The policy’s focus is on supporting both the services as well as manufacturing sectors. A special emphasis on improving the ease of doing business is also given under this policy. This trade policy also describes the product and market strategy and the measures that are required for the promotion of trade, development of infrastructure, and the trade ecosystem’s
enhancement.
Khelo India University Games 2021
2021 Khelo India University Games logo was unveiled recently. It will be held in Karnataka from 24th April 2022. At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru the logo was unveiled.
Overview:
The Jain University, Bengaluru will be hosting this event from 24th April to 3rd May
2022.
Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister, and Karnataka Governor TC Gehlot were
present during the launch event.
This event was postponed earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This edition will be the second edition of the games.
The first edition of the Khelo India University Games was held in Odisha in 2020.
The official jersey for the games was also launched.
The anthem for the 2021 Khelo India University Games has been sung by Nikhil Joshi and Chandan Shetty.
Mallakhamb and Yogasana along with 18 other sports will be featured in the
upcoming games.
Nearly 4,500 athletes will be participating from across India.
Khelo India App
An app named Khelo India App was also launched by the state for providing live updates on the Games.
Mascot
The official mascot of the Games is ‘Veera’, an elephant.
Logo of the Games
The iconic Vidhana Soudha building which is the state of Karnataka’s Legislative House and is located in Bengaluru features in this year’s logo along with two elephants on either side.
About Khelo India University Games
This is an initiative of the central government with the aim of identifying young talents at the university level and then helping them to turn into professional athletes.
Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022
Three Indian women Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon, Falguni Nayar of Nykaa, and Radha Vembu of Zoho have been featured in the latest Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022 (Hurun list of women self-made billionaires).
Who has topped this list?
Wu Yajun, a Beijing-based property developer has topped this list. Her estimated worth is
USD 17 billion. She cofounded Longfor in 1993 with her ex-husband Cai Kui. In 2021,
Longfor reported revenues of USD 34.6 billion.
Indians on this list
CEO and Founder of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar with 7.6 billion dollars has been placed in
the top 10 richest list. She overtook billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw to become
India’s richest self-made woman. She was also featured in first place in Hurun’s list
of Top 10 New Faces.
Among the biggest risers, Radha Vembu is first in India, and second across the
world. Vembu is India’s second-richest self-made woman billionaire with USD 3.9bn.
Vembu is Zoho’s product manager, a company she founded along with her brother.
On the Hurun list, she has been placed on the 25th rank.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and executive chairperson of Biocon Biologics and
Biocon Limited, has been placed 26th on the list with a wealth of USD 3.8 bn. From
last year she dropped down two places.
About the list
Two-thirds of women on this list are from China followed by the USA and the UK. The list
has been released by Hurun Research Institute. This is the 12th edition of this list.
According to this list, currently, in the world, there are 124 self-made women billionaires.
Arunachal Pradesh: Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
To develop the State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP) a pact has been inked by Arunachal Pradesh with WWF India. The SBSAP will be aligning with the Pakke
Declaration and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
Overview:
In New Delhi, the agreement between WWF India and Arunachal Pradesh State
Biodiversity Board (APSBB) was inked.
This meeting was presided by Mama Natung, state Environment, and Forest Minister.
How will the SBSAP be developed?
Through a participatory approach and multi-stakeholder consultations, the SBSAP will be developed.
Importance of this pact
This pact will be showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s participatory conservation initiatives
and will be looking to develop an action plan that will be inclusive in nature and will be looking to secure nature’s contribution to people. The plan will also be reflecting the
people as well as the state’s aspirations toward sustainable development.
About Pakke Declaration
In 2021, the “Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and
Responsive Arunachal Pradesh” was adopted by the state government and aims to
promote development that is climate-resilient in the state. This declaration also focuses
on multi-sectoral approaches for climate-resilient development and low emission which
are based on five themes which are Health and Well-being for all; Environment, Forest,
and Climate Change; Livelihoods, and opportunities; Sustainable and Adaptive living; and
Evidence generation, and collaborative action.
Broadcast Seva Portal
Anurag Thakur, the Information and Broadcasting Minister has launched the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting’s Broadcast Seva Portal. This portal was launched on 4th
April 2022 in New Delhi.
Overview:
The country’s media and entertainment sectors are rapidly growing.
In the next two years, it will reach the USD 30 billion mark, and currently it is at USD
25 billion.
The country has over 1762 multi-service operators, more than 900 satellite TV
channels, over 380 FM channels, and 350 community radio stations.
The Broadcast Seva Portal falls in line with the Make in India, Ease of Doing Business,
and Digital India initiatives.
The objective of this portal
This portal will be providing a single-point facility to the various applicants and
stakeholders who will be applying for various permissions, registrations, and licences that
are issued by the I&B Ministry for all broadcast related activities. This portal will establish a
transparent and efficient system for the management and growth of the country’s
Broadcast sector. This portal will also be enabling communications in a smooth manner
between the different stakeholders and applicants and will be speeding up the processing
of the applications.
Services that will be provided
A database of various institutions like news agencies, TV channels, OTT, TRP agencies,
local cable operators, Digital Media, FM channels, DTH Operators, Multi-System Operators,
community radio stations, Satellite TV Channels, user information systems and HITS
Operators will be available on this portal. Through this portal payment of annual
permission fees for Teleports or TV Channels can also be done. The portal will also help in
the setting up of Community Radio Stations. It will also help in the process guidelines for
registration as Multi-System Operators and will provide guidelines for the Temporary
uplink of various live events.
Viktor Orban: Hungary’s New Prime Minister
Viktor Orban has again been elected as the Prime Minister of Hungary for the fourth time.
He won the 4th term by a huge margin more than what was predicted in the pre-election
polls.
Overview:
After the win, he addressed a jubilant crowd who were chanting his name.
Many people in the gathering wore the orange party colour of Fidesz, the party of
Viktor Orban.
He is the longest-serving head of a government in the European Union.
Six oppositions united to challenge him in this election and they were seeking to roll
back the illiberal policies of Orban’s.
The opposition claimed that the vote was unfair as they were all banished from the
state media.
Orban however said that the elections were conducted in a fair manner.
Over 200 international observers monitored the Hungary elections along with
thousands of volunteers from both electoral camps.
69 percent was the turnout for this year’s election.
Repeated confrontations with the European Union
The administration of Orban has had repeated confrontations with the European Union
over matters that include the neutering of the country’s press as well as the judiciary. His
administration has also taken steps that target the LGBTQ community.
About Hungary
Hungary is located in Central Europe and is bordered by Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania,
Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. The capital of the country is Budapest and it is also
the country’s largest city.
New Chemical Reference Material
Six new and rare Reference Materials (RMs) have been indigenously developed by the
National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL). RMs are the purest form of chemical that is
required in all WADA-accredited laboratories across the world for anti-doping analysis.
Overview:
In less than a year, the six RMs have been indigenously developed by NDTL in
collaboration with the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu,
and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-
Guwahati.
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the RMs during
NDTL’s 15th Governing Body Meeting.
By creating these RMs, NDTL has become one of the few labs across the world where
such RMs have been developed.
These RMs are needed for anti-doping analysis and are not readily available around
the world.
Till now, India has been importing RMs from Australia and Canada. Hence, the
development of these RMs will be crucial for the country.
About the research work
To develop these RMs, the research work started last year after a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was signed by NDTL with CSIR-IIIM-Jammu and NIPER-Guwahati.
The MoUs were signed to indigenously develop and synthesize, over a period of 2 to 3
years, twenty RMs of prohibited substances. The government of India also contributed to
the development of these materials.
Out of the six, in collaboration with CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, and NIPER-Guwahati, three were
developed. Scientists of NIPER-Guwahati and NDTL last year also succeeded in
synthesizing two indigenously developed RMs.
How will these RMs help?
These materials that were launched will ensure that the anti-doping testing is improved so
that in India, the promotion and implementation of anti-doping programmes can be done
in a proper manner.
Merger of HDFC Limited and HDFC Bank
HDFC’s board of directors has approved the merger of HDFC Bank, India’s largest private
sector bank with HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation), India’s largest
housing finance firm.
Overview:
The deal will be building the housing loan portfolio of the bank and will also be
enhancing its existing customer base.
Under the agreement that has been proposed, public shareholders will be 100
percent owning HDFC Bank, and HDFC Limited’s existing shareholders will own 41
percent stake in HDFC Bank.
As per the share exchange ratio, for every 25 equity shares that are held by the
shareholders of HDFC, they will be receiving 42 equity shares of the combined
company.
After the announcement of the agreement, HDFC Bank shares rose by 14 percent,
and the share price of HDFC rose by more than 16 percent on BSE Sensex and NSE
Nifty.
Why was this agreement done?
The proposed agreement will be creating a large net worth as well as a balance sheet that
would allow a greater credit flow into the economy. Also, underwriting of larger ticket
loans such as infrastructure loans will be enabled due to this agreement.
About the merger
This will be a two-part merger. In the first step, HDFC Holdings Limited and HDFC
Investments Limited will be merging with HDFC Limited. In the next step, HDFC Limited
will be amalgamated with HDFC Bank. After merging, the total assets of HDFC Bank and
HDFC Ltd will be more than Rs 25 lakh crore. The turnover of HDFC is Rs 35,681.74 crore while for HDFC Bank it is Rs 1.16 lakh crore.
SpaceX and NASA are gearing up to launch astronauts to the International Space Station
(ISS) as part of the Commercial Crew Program of NASA. This will be the fourth crew
rotation mission and will be carrying an international crew consisting of four astronauts
on a science expedition to the ISS.
Overview:
This mission will be launched on 20th April from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s
Launch Complex 39A.
The Kennedy Space Center is located in Florida.
The crew that will be sent aboard the ISS will be spending several months conducting
various maintenance and science aboard the orbiting space station.
The astronauts will be returning to Earth in the fall of 2022.
The crew will be riding on a new Crew Dragon spacecraft and will be launched on a
Falcon 9 booster.
As a tradition of naming a new capsule by the first riding astronauts, the crew chose
the name “Freedom” to celebrate the fundamental human right.
After docking at the space station, the Crew-4 astronauts will be welcomed by
Expedition 67’s seven-member crew.
Several days after Crew-4’s arrival the astronauts of the Crew-3 mission will be
undocking from the ISS and will splash down off Florida’s coast.
About the crew
The crew consists of NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Kjell Lindgren, and Jessica Watkins, along
with Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency. The commander of the Crew-4
mission and the Crew Dragon spacecraft is Lindgren.
Experiments that will be conducted by Crew-4 astronauts
New scientific research will be conducted by the Crew-4 astronauts in the areas of health
technologies, materials science, and plant science wit the aim of preparing for human
exploration beyond the low-Earth orbit and to benefit life on Earth. The experiments will
be including studies on the immune systems aging, cardiorespiratory effects that are felt
during and after long-duration exposure to microgravity, and organic material concrete
alternatives.
International Air Connectivity Scheme
The International Air Connectivity Scheme (IACS) has been launched by the Ministry of
Civil Aviation with the objective of enhancing air connectivity from India’s certain states
with some selected international destinations so as to promote socio-economic growth.
Overview:
This newly launched scheme has been supported by the State Governments.
The State Governments of Manipur, Assam, and Tripura have already identified
routes to connect Imphal, Guwahati, and Agartala with international destinations like
Dhaka, Bangkok, Yangon, Kathmandu, Mandalay, Hanoi, Chittagong, and Kunming.
Development of airports to international standards
The up-gradation and development of the airports to international standards is a long and
continuous process and is mostly undertaken by the concerned airport’s operators
depending upon traffic demand, commercial viability, availability of land, etc.
International Airports in the North East region
Currently, in the North East region, there are two international airports at Imphal and
Guwahati. They are operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Guwahati
International Airport Limited (GIAL) respectively.
Development works in the airports of North East
Both AAI and GIAL have undertaken various kinds of construction of the New Integrated
Terminal Building (NITB) and several other associated works at their respective airports.
This has been done to improve the services like the increase in the passenger handling
capacity. In addition, AAI has developed the Agartala Airport’s new terminal building in
view of conducting international operations in the future. A New Integrated Terminal
Building for 2.4 Million Passengers Per Annum has also been constructed at the Imphal
Airport with the aim of augmenting passenger handling capacity.
National Maritime Day
On 5th April National Maritime Day is celebrated across the country annually. This day has
been dedicated to maritime trade’s role in the development of the country’s economy,
and also the country’s strategic location as well as the role in global trade.
Overview:
India was an essential part of the Silk Route and acted as the node connecting
Europe and the Middle East to the countries located in East Asia.
This day is celebrated annually with a particular theme based on which all events are
organized.
The day also looks to improve the condition of India’s maritime trade and provides
help so that it can reach new heights.
History of this day
In the year 1919, while India was ruled by the British, on 5th April, a ship named SS Loyalty,
sailed from Mumbai to London. The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd owned this
ship and this company was the biggest large-scale shipping company that was owned
entirely by Indians. Hence, this event became important as the waterways along with the
subcontinent of India were still under British rule.
Significance of this day
This day holds the significance of the historical journey of the country’s maritime sector
and is celebrated annually to cherish this history, the futuristic visions, and the ongoing
development in the sector of maritime trade across the country. This day also celebrates
the role of the maritime industry in boosting the Indian economy. Also, the participants
and the players in the maritime sector are applauded to recognize their contribution to
this sector. To the people who have contributed outstandingly to the country’s maritime
sector, the Varuna Award is awarded to them.
The theme of this day
‘Sustainable Shipping Beyond COVID-19’ is the theme for this day.
Indian Winners at the Grammy Awards 2022
At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, two Indian musicians were among the winners. Falu,
an Indian-American singer-songwriter won her maiden Grammy in the category of Best
Children’s Music Album. Composer Ricky Kej also won his second Grammy as he and
Stewart Copeland won the award in the category of Best New Age Album.
About Falu
Falguni Shah or Falu won the award for her album A Colorful World in the category of Best
Children’s Music Album. Falu is a New York-based musician and has collaborated with AR
Rahman for the movie Slumdog Millionaire. In Mumbai, under the legendary vocal master
and sarangi Ustad Sultan Khan, she had received her early music training. She also
performed in the opening number of the GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony and later won her
award.
About Ricky Kej
In 2015, Ricky Kej had won his first Grammy Award and this win was his second. He won the award with Stewart Copeland for the album Divine Tides. He won the award in the Best New Age Album category.
About 2022 Grammy Awards
The 2022 Grammy Awards were held on 3rd March at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Trevor Noah hosted this event. Jon Batiste won the Best Album of The Year award. The award for the Best New Artist as well as for Best Pop Vocal Album was won by Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat won the award for Best Pop Duo/ Group.
6 years of Stand-Up India Scheme
On 5th April 2016, The Stand-up India scheme was launched by the Indian government. On 5th April 2022, it completed six years.
Why was this scheme launched?
This scheme was launched by the central government with the aim of encouraging
entrepreneurship from the grass-root level so that job creation and economic
empowerment can be fostered especially among the ST, SC, and women entrepreneurs of
the country.
Accomplishments of this scheme
Under this scheme over 1.33 lakh new job-creators and entrepreneurs have been
facilitated.
Over 1 lakh women entrepreneurs have been benefited under this scheme in the last
six years.
Under this scheme, Rs. 30,160 crores have been sanctioned by the government to a
total of 1,33,995 accounts up to 21st March 2022.
Out of the total sanctioned accounts, 6,435 accounts belonged to ST borrowers with
Rs 1373.71 crore sanctioned and 19,310 accounts belonged to SC borrowers with Rs
3976.84 crore sanctioned.
To 1,08,250 women entrepreneurs who held accounts, Rs. 24809.89 crore has been
sanctioned.
Changes made to this scheme under Budget 2022
A few positive changes were introduced for this scheme in the 2022 Budget 2022 which
include the margin money extent that is to be brought by the borrower has been reduced
from 25 percent to 15 percent of the project cost though, the borrower has to keep on
contributing a minimum of 10 percent of the cost of the project as their own contribution.
Under this scheme, loans for allied agriculture activities like rearing, beekeeping, dairy,
poultry, grading, fishery, pisciculture, aggregation agro-industries, rearing, livestock,
sorting, grading, agribusiness centers, agriclinic, food & agro-processing, etc. and the
services supporting these, will be covered. A Credit Guarantee Fund for Stand-Up India
(CGFSI) has also been set up by the government in order to extend collateral-free
coverage. The scheme will also be extending handholding support to the borrowers along
with a credit facility.
How can one apply for this scheme?
Individuals who will be applying to receive the benefits under this scheme can apply
online via the www.standupmitra.in portal.
Rajasthan: Gangaur festival
The Gangaur festival is celebrated in Rajasthan and some parts of Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, and West Bengal. It is one of Rajasthan’s most important festivals and is observed
with great fervour across the state.
Overview:
The women worship Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva during the period of this festival
which is from March to April.
This festival celebrates the harvest, spring, childbearing, and marital fidelity.
The unmarried women worship Gauri to seek her blessings for finding a good
husband.
The married women worship her for health, welfare, happy married life, and long life
of their husbands.
Celebration of Gangaur Festival in West Bengal
The people who had migrated to Kolkata, West Bengal from Rajasthan started celebrating
the Gangaur festival. In Kolkata, this celebration is now being celebrated for more than
100 years.
Rituals of this festival
On the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi, this festival begins and continues for a
period of 16 days. For a girl who is newly wedded, it is mandatory to observe this festival.
Also, unmarried girls fast during this festival for 16 days and eat only one meal every day.
The festival ends on the third day of Shukla paksha of the Chaitra Month. Throughout this
period Gangaur Melas are held.
Images made for this festival
For this festival, images of Gauri and Isar are made of clay. Permanent wooden images
are painted in some Rajput families annually by reputed painters who are known as
matherans on the eve of this festival.
India’s Export in 2021-2022
In 2021-22 fiscal, the merchandise exports of India grew to touch a record high of USD 418
billion. This was due to higher exports of products including engineering goods,
petroleum products, jewellery, etc.
Overview:
During 2021-22, the goods trade (imports and exports) of the country crossed USD 1
trillion.
India’s imports also touched USD 610 billion a record of its own.
In March 2022, the outbound shipments of the country also touched a record high of
USD 40.38 billion.
In March 2021, the exports of India stood at USD 35.26 billion.
In 2020-21, the merchandise exports of the nation were worth USD 292 billion.
During the period of April 2021 to March 2022 the Agriculture exports crossed USD
48 billion.
Key export sectors
On 21st March 2022, India had crossed the merchandise exports target of USD 400 billion.
The sectors that played a key role in the increase of merchandise exports include
engineering, petroleum products, jewellery, gems, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Top export destinations
The US, Bangladesh, the UAE, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, Hong Kong, Germany,
and Belgium were the top export destinations for the products.
Which commodities recorded positive growth in exports?
During April 2021 to March 2022 time period, the commodities that recorded positive
growth include cotton yarn, petroleum, handloom, fabrics, jewellery, gems, electronic
engineering products, engineering goods, chemicals, leather goods, marine and plastic
products.
IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report- Highlights
The latest series of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth
Assessment Report has highlighted that without immediate emissions reductions across
all sectors, it would be difficult to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Overview:
The report also stated that to keep the temperature checked to 1.5 degrees Celsius,
the global emission of greenhouse gas has to peak before 2025 and by 2030 it must
be reduced by 43 percent.
The report highlights that even if greenhouse gas emission is checked it is possible
that the temperature will temporarily exceed the threshold but it could return below
the mark by this century’s end.
What does the report say about coal-fired plants?
The report highlights that by 2050 all unabated coal-fired power plants need to be shut
down or else it would be difficult to maintain the global temperature rise limit to 1.5
degrees Celsius. The global use of coal needs to fall by at least 95 percent by 2050.
Why was the report’s publication delayed?
The report’s publication was delayed as the rich nations wanted the text to be diluted on
climate financing for the small countries and developing nations.
Highlight on financing for climate change mitigation
The report highlighted that the annual private and public financing for the adaptation and
mitigation of climate change increased by 60 percent from 2013 to 2020. In recent years,
these gains have slowed down.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra: New Foreign Secretary
The Indian government has named Vinay Mohan Kwatra who is the country’s ambassador
to Nepal, as India’s next Foreign Secretary. He will be taking charge after incumbent
Harsh Vardhan Shringla retires on 30th April.
Overview:
Vinay Mohan Kwatra is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and has 32 years of
experience working in a range of assignments.
From 2015 to 2017, he has worked in the Prime Minister’s office and then went to
France as the ambassador of India.
Working in the permanent mission of India
In 1988, after joining the IFS he served as the Permanent Mission of India’s third secretary
and later he became the second secretary which he served till 1993. He used to handle
work related to the Human Rights Commission, and UN specialized agencies. He also
obtained a diploma in International Relations from the Graduate School of International
Studies located in Geneva.
Other postings
Between the years from 1993 to 2003, he served as a desk officer dealing with the United
Nations and also worked in diplomatic missions in Uzbekistan and South Africa. Between
the year’s 2003 to 2006, he served as the counsellor and was later promoted as the deputy
chief of mission in India’s Beijing embassy. He has also represented the country at the
SAARC Secretariat in Nepal as the head of the Trade, Finance Bureau, and Economy.
Heading the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs
He has also served as the minister (Commerce) in the embassy located in Washington. He
also headed the Ministry of External Affairs’ Policy Planning & Research Division. He has
also served in the foreign ministry’s Americas Division and dealt with the country’s
relations with Canada and the United States.
Serving as joint secretary
From 2015 to 2017, Kwatra has served as the joint secretary of the Prime Minister of
India’s office. From 2017 to 2020, he served as the Indian Ambassador to France. Since
2020, he has been serving as the Indian ambassador to Nepal.
Serbia: Aleksandar Vučić re-elected as President
Aleksandar Vučić has been re-elected as the President of Serbia. The pollster organizations
CeSID and Ipsos had predicted victory for Vucic.
Overview:
The pro-European and centrist Alliance for Victory coalition was represented by
Zdravko Ponos, a retired army general.
The pollsters had predicted that Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would win
most of the votes with 43 percent and they would be followed by the United for
Victory of Serbia opposition.
In third place stood the Socialist Party of Serbia.
About Aleksandar Vučić
Aleksandar Vučić is serving as Serbia’s president since 2017, and since 2012 he has been
serving as the president of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). He has served as the
President for two terms, from 2014 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, he was first elected as the country’s President and succeeded Tomislav Nikolić. Vučić’s rule has been described by observers as an autocratic, authoritarian, illiberal democratic regime, and he curtailed the freedom of the press.
About Serbia
Serbia is a landlocked country that is located in Southeast Europe. Serbia shares borders
with Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and
Montenegro. The country also claims a border with Albania through the disputed Kosovo
territory. The capital of Serbia is Belgrade and it is also the country’s largest city.
Temple 360 Portal
The Temple 360 portal has been launched by the Union culture ministry. This is a unique
portal through which devotees from across the country can get online darshan of temples
or prominent pilgrimage sites at any time and from anywhere they feel like.
Overview:
On this portal, live camera feeds from across various temples of the country will be
made available.
This portal was unveiled by Meenakshi Lekhi, the minister of state for culture.
About the portal
Temple 360 is a portal that has been made keeping in line with the government’s Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav. Through this website, an individual can get temple darshans 24×7
through various live camera feeds across the temples of the country.
Currently, the rituals of which temples can be viewed?
Currently, through this portal, live streaming of rituals can be viewed from four famous
temples that are Kashi Vishwanath (UP), Somnath (Gujarat), Ghrishneshwar, and
Trimbakeshwar (both in Maharashtra).
What next will be streamed on this portal?
Soon devotees will be able to get darshan through live streaming of rituals on this portal
from four Dhams namely Badrinath (Uttarakhand), Dwarka (Gujarat), Rameshwaram
(Tamil Nadu), and Puri (Odisha) along with 12 Jyotirlinga.
Other features
Other features to this website will be added soon by the ministry including ‘e-services’
through which a devotee can pay for the services.
Mission Integrated Bio-refineries
Dr. Jitendra Singh Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology;
Earth Sciences; PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space,
has launched a clean energy initiative named Mission Integrated Bio-refineries.
Overview:
The mission has been launched keeping in mind India’s commitment to a low-carbon
future that can be achieved through “Mission Innovation” and centred on
technological advancement.
Also, through the usage of zero waste bio-refinery for the cost-effective production
of biofuels that are sustainable and bio-based materials and chemicals, using
interventions that are biotechnological low-carbon future can be achieved.
About Mission Integrated Bio-refineries
This mission will be uniting a result-oriented and dynamic partnership of international
organizations, countries, academic institutions, the corporate sector, and civil society so
that the innovation for chemicals, renewable fuels, and materials for achieving a lowcarbon
future can be accelerated. This mission will be looking to facilitate green energy in
the country.
Aim of the mission
This mission has been launched with the aim of enhancing and accelerating clean energy
solutions across the country through various Public -Private Alliances.
Soft launch of Mission Integrated Bio-refineries
Dr. Jitendra Singh had made a soft launch at the COP 26 held in November 2021 at the
event named Mission Innovation Annual Gathering. This event was held with the aim of
boosting the global sector in the field of emerging clean energy solutions through several
collaborative actions.
About National Funding Opportunity on Sustainable Aviation Fuels
The National Funding Opportunity on Sustainable Aviation Fuels to support and conduct
Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) with the aim of fostering innovation in
bio-technology for low carbon pathways so that cleaner biofuels can be made available for
aviation applications was also announced.
About Hydrogen Valley Platform
The funding opportunity for the Hydrogen Valley Platform was also announced. It is a
global initiative to optimize the supply and demand of hydrogen by onsite utilization and
generation, effective utilization of renewable resources, and the water excess areas
having a geographical identity. Also, by 2030 the Department of Science and Technology
(DST) will be delivering three clean hydrogen valleys in India.
About Material Acceleration Platforms
Three Material Acceleration Platforms (MAP) have also been launched. These have been
set up by the DST. The three platforms are Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration
Platform on Materials, Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration Platform on Storage,
and Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration Platform on Bioenergy and Hydrogen.
The total cost of setting up these platforms is USD 6 Million. These platforms will help in
boosting the emerging capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation
computing, machine learning, and robotics.
Indian Oil- L&T-ReNew Partnership for Green Hydrogen
A joint venture company to develop green hydrogen projects across India has been
agreed to be formed by Larsen and Toubro, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, and ReNew Power.
Overview:
A binding term sheet has been signed by the three companies recently.
Under this agreement L&T’s stronghold in executing, designing, and delivering
procurement, engineering, and construction projects, ReNew expertise in developing
renewable energy solutions, and Indian Oil’s expertise in petroleum refining will be
clubbed together to form the joint venture company.
In the joint venture company, the stakes will be divided equally among the three
partners.
The focus of the company
This company will be focusing on developing green hydrogen projects with the aim of
supplying Green Hydrogen at an industrial scale across the country. This new company in
the next 12 to 18 months will be coming up with a couple of projects and in 18 to 24
months will be looking to produce green hydrogen.
Another Joint Venture between Indian Oil and L&T
Another joint venture has also been signed by L&T and Indian Oil to sell and manufacture
electrolyzers that are used in producing green hydrogen.
Aim of the joint ventures
Both of these joint ventures have the aim of rapidly expanding, building, and bringing in
large-scale economic changes so that green hydrogen can be made into a cost-effective
energy carrier as well as a chemical feedstock in multiple sectors in the nation.
The initial focus of the joint venture
This joint venture will be initially focusing on the green hydrogen projects at IOC’s Panipat
and Mathura refineries. Also, other projects for the production of green hydrogen will also
be looked into.
India’s Trade Deficit in 2021-22
The trade deficit of India rose by 87.5 percent from USD 102.63 billion in 2020-21 to USD
192.41 billion in 2021-22. The total export in the last fiscal year touched a record margin of
USD 417.81 billion, the imports for the same period imports too soared to touch USD
610.22 billion, thus, leaving USD 192.41 billion trade gap.
Increase in merchandise import
The merchandise import of the country in the period April 2021 to March 2022 was USD
610.22 billion, which is a 54.71 percent increase from the time period of April 2020 to
March 2021 which was recorded at USD 394.44 billion. It is also a 28.55 percent increase
from April 2019 to March 2020’s USD 474.71 billion.
Trade deficit
In March 2022, the country’s trade deficit was USD 18.69 billion, while during the entire
period of 2021-22 it was USD 192.41 billion.
India’s monthly merchandise export
The monthly merchandise exports of India for the first time exceeded USD 40 billion and
reached USD 40.38 billion in March 2022. This is a 14.53 percent increase from March
2021’s USD 35.26 billion. Compared to March 2020’s USD 21.49 billion, the export in March
2022 was 87.89 percent up.
India’s merchandise import
In March 2022, the merchandise import of India stood at USD 59.07 billion, a 20.79 percent
from March 2021’s USD 48.90 billion. Compared to March 2020, it increased by 87.68
percent from USD 31.47 billion.
Non-petroleum exports
In March 2022, non-petroleum exports were recorded at USD 33 billion, which is a 4.28
percent growth over March 2021’s USD 31.65 billion. Compared to March 2020, the
exports saw an increase of 74 percent from USD 18.97 billion.
Non-petroleum imports
In March 2022, the non-petroleum imports were recorded as USD 40.66 billion a 5.26
percent increase from USD 38.63 billion recorded in March 2021.
SEBI Panel on Governance of Stock Exchanges
SEBI has constituted a committee that will review and make recommendations for the
strengthening of governance norms at market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) and stock
exchanges.
Overview:
The committee has been constituted after the alleged corporate lapses of
governance at NSE were revealed.
SEBI had revealed the existence of a ‘Himalayan yogi’ who had influenced the
decisions that were taken by Chitra Ramkrishna, the ex MD and CEO of the
organization.
Ramkrishna had also shared confidential information, including the business and
financial plans of the NSE, financial results, and dividend scenario with the yogi and
even took his consultation about the performance appraisals of the employees of
NSE.
About the committee members
The committee consists of six members and G Mahalingam, a former whole-time member
of SEBI, will be chairing this committee. The other members include CEOs and MDS of BSE
and NSE, and CDSL and NSDL; Aarti Nihalani, Partner, Oliver Wyman; J N Gupta, MD of
Stakeholders Empowerment Services; Uttam Bagri, former chairman, BSE Brokers Forum;
and Sandip Bhagat, Partner, S&R Associates.
Functions of the committee
The committee will be making recommendations on various measures so that the role
played by governing committees and boards of MIIs is strengthened. The panel will also
be reviewing the requirements that are related to the role, appointment, and
responsibility of Key Managerial Persons (KMPs), and directors. The panel will also look to
develop various effective metrics for monitoring the functioning of KMPs and MIIs. The
committee will also be enhancing transparency and accountability, reviewing the policy on
sharing and safekeeping of information that is held by MIIs. They will also look to make
changes to the code of ethics and conduct for the directors of the KMPs and governing
boards.
‘Prakriti’: Environmental Awareness Mascot
On 5th April 2022, a mascot named ‘Prakriti’ was launched by Bhupendra Yadav, Union
environment minister. This mascot was launched with the aim of spreading awareness
among the people of the country about the small changes that can contribute to a better environment for the nation’s future generations.
Overview:
The launch of the mascot ‘Prakriti’ takes another step toward the elimination of
single-use plastic.
Along with the launch of the mascot, various other green initiatives were also
launched.
The government has plans to phase out single-use plastic by 2022.
In the country, 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually. This
causes air pollution along with an adverse effect on the country’s ecosystem.
Other initiatives that were launched
National Dashboard on Elimination of Single-Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management
This dashboard was launched with the aim of bringing together all stakeholders including
the central ministries, state and UT Governments, etc, and tracking the progress made for
the elimination of single-use plastic along with effective plastic waste management.
Extended Producer Responsibility Portal for Plastic Packaging
This portal was launched for enhancing, traceability, accountability, and transparency as
well as to facilitate the ease of reporting to EPR Obligations by importers, producers, and
brand owners.
Mobile App for Single-Use Plastics Grievance Redressal
This was launched so that the citizens of the country are empowered to check the sale, manufacturing, and usage of single-use plastics in their respective areas and to address the plastic menace.
Monitoring module for Single-Use Plastics
This has been launched so that details of the sale, production, and usage of single-use plastics can be monitored in commercial establishments at the district level, and the enforcement of the single-use plastic ban.
Industrial production of Graphene from Waste Plastic
This has been launched so that more industries come forward to address plastic waste.
WHO Air Quality Database- 2022 Update
According to the World Health Organisation’s air quality database 2022 update, around 99 percent of the population of the planet breathes air that exceeds the air quality limits of WHO and also threatens the health of the people.
Overview:
According to WHO data, over 6,000 cities in 117 countries are monitoring their air
quality but the residents still continue to breathe unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide
and fine particulate matter.
The people residing in low and middle-income countries have the highest exposure
to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter.
Through these findings WHO has highlighted the importance of curbing the use of
fossil fuels and taking steps to reduce the levels of air pollution.
About the data
The data for the first time has taken ground measurements of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations which is a common urban pollutant. The data has also measured particulate matter having a diameter smaller than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or 10 μm (PM10).
Increase in monitoring
This new database has been covered most extensively till now regarding the exposure of
air pollution on the ground. In around 2,000 more human settlements and cities ground
monitoring data are being recorded for particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10. Since the last
released database in 2011, the monitoring has increased six times. The damage that is
caused due to air pollution to the human body is growing continuously and this is pointing
towards significant harm that is being caused even by low levels of air pollutants.
Health issues that are caused due to air pollution
The particulate matter, especially PM 2.5, can penetrate deep into a person’s lungs and
the bloodstream which causes cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular stroke as well as
respiratory impacts. Due to nitrogen dioxide, respiratory diseases like asthma, wheezing,
coughing, and difficulty in breathing are increasing.
Conclusion
WHO is calling for an increase in the adoption and implementation of national air quality
standards so that the health issues related to air pollution can be mitigated.
Sweden: Production of Green Steel
Pressure is being put on the steel-making industry so that their contributions towards
environmental impact can be curbed thus, contributing to the Paris climate accord of
capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Overview:
According to the World Steel Association data, in 2020 every metric ton of steel that
was produced emitted almost double the amount of carbon dioxide into the planet’s
atmosphere.
In 2020, the total direct emissions from steel stood at 2.6 billion tons of global CO2
emissions.
Emission from steel production in Sweden
Sweden’s steel giant SSAB accounts for 10 percent of the country’s emissions due to the
numerous furnaces that the company operates across the country.
About HYBRIT
Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology (HYBRIT) is a joint venture that was
launched in 2016 between LKAB, a mining company, SSAB, and Vattenfall, a Swedish stateowned
power firm. This joint venture was done with the aim of implementing green
energy in the steel industry, thus manufacturing green steel.
About the HYBRIT process
The HYBRIT process has the objective of replacing the coking coal that has been generally used for ore-based steel making with renewable electricity and hydrogen. The process
starts with iron ore pellets which are brown-tinged and react to the hydrogen gas and are reduced to sponge iron that is ball-shaped. This name has been given as pores are left behind after the oxygen is removed. Then in an electric furnace, it is melted. If renewable
energy has been used to produce hydrogen, then the whole process produces zero CO2.
Thus, it decreases the production of CO2 that is produced while making steel from iron ore.
About the HYBRIT plant
The plant where green steel is produced is located in Lulea and is still a research facility.
So far it has only produced just a couple of hundred tons. By 2026, there are plans of
increasing production and beginning commercial deliveries.
Shipwreck on Blue Nile
A vessel capsized and sank with 29 people on board in south-eastern Sennar province, Sudan.
Overview:
The authorities of Sudan reported the boat’s sinking on the Blue Nile.
It is believed that 23 women have drowned.
When the vessel capsized there were 29 people on board.
SUNA news agency, a state-run news agency of Sudan reported this accident.
All of the passengers on this vessel were women except for the boat’s captain, who
along with other five passengers survived.
There were no reasons found in the report regarding the capsizing of the boat.
The women who drowned were daily laborers who used to work on farms in the
country’s Souki region,
They were returning to their homes when the mishap occurred.
Out of the 23, 13 bodies have been retrieved.
Rescue workers are still searching for the remaining 10 bodies.
About the Blue Nile
It is an important transport route for goods and people in the African nation. To the north
of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan the Blue Nile joins the White Nile to form the Nile River.
This River Nile is one of the world’s longest rivers.
About Sudan
Sudan is a country located in Northeast Africa. It shares borders with Chad, the Central
African Republic, Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, the Red Sea, and South Sudan. The capital
of Sudan is Khartoum and Omdurman is its most populated city. Osman Hussein is the
current Prime Minister (acting) of the country.
Russia’s Wagner Group of Mercenaries
1,000 mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, are being
deployed to the eastern part of Ukraine. For the past eight years, this group has been
active in Syria, Ukraine, and African countries. They have been accused of committing
human rights abuses and war crimes.
Formation of the group
Dmitri Utkin, a former Russian army officer has been said to be the founder of this group and gave it the name Wagner after his former call-sign. He is a Chechen wars veteran, a lieutenant colonel, and a former special forces officer with the GRU, the military intelligence agency of Russia. This group first witnessed action in 2014 during Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The mercenaries of this group supported the pro-Russian militias that were fighting for control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
Recruitment to the Wagner Group
Wagner Group mostly recruits all those army veterans who need to pay off their debts.
They mostly belong to rural areas where money-making opportunities are less.
Funding of the group
Reports say that the military intelligence agency of Russia, the GRU, secretly oversees and
funds the Wagner Group. The training base of this group is also said to be in Mol’kino,
southern Russia just next to a Russian army base.
Activities of the Wagner Group
In 2015 this group started operating in Syria and fought alongside the pro-government
forces and used to guard the oilfields. Since 2016, they have been active in Libya and
supported the forces who are loyal to General Khalifa Haftar. In 2017, the group went to
the Central African Republic (CAR) to guard the diamond mines in the region and they
have also deployed in Sudan to guard the gold mines. In 2021, the Mali government asked
the Wagner Group to provide security against the Islamic militant groups terrorizing the
region.
Bucha Civilian Killings
Following the Russian withdrawal from the outskirts of Kyiv, videos and images of civilians
lying dead on the streets of Bucha, Ukraine, some with their hands tied behind their back
have emerged. The gruesome images have attracted worldwide condemnation and call
for an investigation and stronger sanctions against Russia.
About the massacre
On 1st April 2022, the video and photographic materials of the massacre came to light after the withdrawal of the Russian forces from the city. The mayor of the city has stated that over 300 of the city’s inhabitants were found dead in the aftermath. The government of Ukraine has approached the International Criminal Court (ICC) and has asked them to investigate the happenings in Bucha and whether it can be declared a Russian war crime.
The bodies that were discovered were either on the streets of the city or were hastily
buried. A lot of the bodies discovered were burned and a lot of them had their hands tied behind their backs with bullet holes on the bodies. Ukraine has said that the Russian
troops are guilty of committing murders, rapes, and looting.
Testimony from the residents of Bucha
The residents of the city have testified against the killings of the citizens at the hands of the Russian troops. A lot of the survivors hid in their basements without electricity for weeks. Only after it was clear that the Russians had left that they came out of hiding.
India’s response to the killings
TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that the recent
images are horrifying and the security situation in the region has deteriorated. India has also condemned the killings of the civilians in Bucha city and has supported the calls for an independent investigation into this matter.
Russian Claims
The Russians are refuting these claims and are saying that their troops had moved out of
the city on 30th March 2022. They are saying that the images and videos have been staged
by Ukraine to implicate Russia.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
On 6th April, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is
observed annually. This day is celebrated to highlight the importance of sports in society.
Overview:
This day recognizes the positive impact due to sports on the harmony and peace of
various communities across the globe.
Sports help in promoting social ties, peace, and sustainable development across the
planet.
History of this day
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had declared that the 6th of April is
to be celebrated as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. April 6th was selected as on this day in 1896 the first-ever Modern Olympics took place in Athens.
Since 2014, this day has been annually observed across the planet.
Significance of this day
In 2015, sports were included in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
after it was considered to play a crucial role in sustainable development. Hence, this day acts as a platform for nations to turn their focus to the development of this sector. The nations are encouraged to invest in the development of sports and sporting
infrastructures, awareness among the masses, and quality education.
The theme for this year
‘Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport’ is the
theme for this year’s the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The
theme highlights the importance of sport in creating a better future for humans. The
focus of this year’s theme is on lowering Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate change.
Tamil Nadu: Panel for State Education Policy
The government of Tamil Nadu has recently formed a 13-member panel to frame the
education policy of the state. The government had made a promise of formulating a state education policy in the 2021-22 state Budget.
Overview:
This panel will be headed by retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice D Murugesan.
The other panel members include Viswanathan Anand, former chess world
champion, and T M Krishna, a prominent Carnatic musician.
From diverse sectors the panel members have been constituted.
The idea of the new state education policy
The idea of the new state education policy was announced in the Budget but the idea was
first mooted in response to the Centre’s move of implementing the National Education
Policy. The state’s school education minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in December 2021
had stated that the draft of this education policy will be prepared in a few months’ time by the panel of experts and it will be self-explanatory to the state’s position toward the NEP of the centre.
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the NEP
The state is opposing the NEP due to several reasons that include common entrance tests under the NEP for all UG programmes, the introduction of a three-language policy when the state itself is following a two-language policy, and common exams for classes 3, 5 and 8. The state is also apprehensive about the four-year degree programme with multiple exits option.
According to the Global Wind Report 2022, in 2021 the wind energy sector had its secondbest
year but wind energy installations need to be increased dramatically so that it
remains on track with the net-zero goals.
Overview:
This report has been published by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
This report has said that in 2021, 93.6 gigawatts of capacity were installed while in
2020 it was 95.3 GW.
The cumulative capacity for wind energy grew to 837 GW.
Capacity means the maximum electricity that the installations can produce, not what
the installations are generating.
In 2021, 21.1 GW offshore wind segment were installed.
5 GW were Installed in the onshore wind came segment in 2021, whereas in 2020 it
was 88.4 GW.
Reasons for the decline of onshore installations
According to the GWEC, the reasons for the decline in onshore installations were the U.S
and China. In 2021, in China, 30.7 GW capacity was installed as compared to 50 GW in 2020.
The reason for this drop is the end of China’s feed-in tariff.
In the U.S 12.7 GW of capacity were installed in 2021, which is a 4.16 GW decline as
compared to the installations in 2020. The reasons behind this drop include supply chain
issues and disruptions due to COVID-19.
About Net-Zero Goals
The report has called for a significant increase in capacity installation so that the net-zero
goals can be achieved. ramp up in capacity. The report states that at the current
installation rate by 2030 the wind energy capacity will be less than two-thirds of what is
required for net-zero and the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target to limit global warming. To
meet the net-zero by 2050 goals, global wind energy installations must be quadrupled.
Conclusion
To increase the installation capacity levels a new efficient policy must be taken up around
the world. The Russia-Ukraine crisis has shown the world that it is still dependent on
imports of fossil fuels for energy security.
IMF on Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised India’s efforts for food distribution
during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said that the nation averted extreme poverty rise
during this period by providing food security through the government initiative Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
Overview:
The IMF has also stated that India’s extreme poverty is less than 1 percent and this
was also maintained in 2020.
The research paper published by IMF presented the consumption and poverty
estimates in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The paper is titled ‘Pandemic, Poverty, and Inequality: Evidence from India.’
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana played a huge role in preventing the
increase in extreme poverty levels across the nation.
How did the scheme help in controlling the rise of extreme poverty?
As India’s food subsidy program was expanded instead of increasing cash transfers, the
poor were provided free food as per their average monthly requirement. Doing so helped
the nation to maintain extreme poverty at a low level of 0.8 percent. lf food subsidies were
not provided during the pandemic, the extreme poverty in the country during this time
period would have increased by 1.05 percent to 2.48 percent from 1.43 percent. The food
transfers were critical in ensuring that the extreme poverty level remained low level.
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
This initiative was announced in March 2020 by the government during the COVID-19
pandemic to supply free food grains to the poor and the migrants. 5 kg of food grains per
person per month were distributed by the government. Also, an additional supply of freeof-
cost food grains to around 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act
(NFSA) was also announced. On 30th June 2020, the scheme was to be ended but the
government extended it up to November 2020. Recently, this scheme has been extended
till September 2022. A major part of the pandemic’s shock to the nations’ economy was
absorbed by this scheme by providing food to the poor which prevented extreme poverty
rise in India.
In-Principle Approval for New Nuclear Power Plants
In-Principle approval has been accorded by the government of India for five new sites for
locating nuclear power plants in the future.
Overview:
Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, said
administrative approval has been accorded by the Government.
The government has also provided financial sanctions for the construction of 10
indigenously made 700 Mega Watt Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that
are to be set up in fleet mode.
By 2031, the country’s nuclear capacity is expected to reach 22,480 Mega Watt.
Reactors in India
At present, there are 22 reactors that are operational in the country with a total capacity of
6,780 Mega Watt. In January 2021, one reactor KAPP-3 that generates 700 Mega Watt has
been connected to the grid. Also, 10 reactors are in various stages of construction at
present and they will be adding a total capacity of 8,000 Mega Watt after their completion.
Read More: Daily Current Affairs 2022
Read More: Weekly Current Affairs 2022
Read More: Monthly Current Affairs 2022
