Table of Contents
Important Days
Earth Hour 2022 Celebrated on 26th March
Every year, Earth Hour is celebrated worldwide on the last Saturday of March month to show support for the fight against climate change and commitment to a better planet. Earth Hour 2022 is being marked on March 26, 2022. The Earth Hour 2022 theme will focus on ‘Shape Our Future.
The Day is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), encouraging individuals, communities, corporates, and households to turn off their lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. It was started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 to raise awareness of energy consumption and its effects on the environment.
Useful points for competitive exams
- World Wide Fund Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland.
- World Wide Fund Founded: 29 April 1961, Morges, Switzerland.
- World Wide Fund President and CEO: Carter Roberts.
World theatre Day 2022 celebrates on the 27th of March
World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27, promoted by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) through its centers, and supported by theatre communities all over the world.
This year, the World Theatre Day celebration will focus on the young, the next generation, the emerging artists, who have been a strong special focus of ITI in the recent past.
Through this 60-year-old ITI flagship event, ITI wishes to offer the next generation of artists and art professionals a platform to exchange ideas and present themselves to the world.
The day was initiated by ITI, following President Arvi Kivimaa’s June 1961 proposal at the ninth World Congress of the ITI in Vienna — on behalf of the ITI’s Finnish Centre — for a World Theatre Day to be instituted.
National
GoI designates October 5 as National Dolphin Day
The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has designated the 5th of October to be celebrated as National Dolphin Day every year as a historic step in creating awareness for the conservation of Dolphins, beginning from 2022.
This information was given by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav on March 25, 2022, during the 67th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life in New Delhi.
Dolphins act as ideal ecological indicators of a healthy aquatic ecosystem and conservation of the dolphins will, therefore, benefit the survival of the species and also, the people dependent on the aquatic system for their livelihood.
‘Ishan Manthan’ Festival organized in New Delhi
Union Minister for Culture, Tourism & DONER, G Kishan Reddy has inaugurated the three-day North-East festival called ‘Ishan Manthan’ at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi.
The three-day Ishan Manthan program will celebrate the rich ethnicity and colors of North East India, from March 25 to 27, 2022.
The event will give an opportunity to know about the culture, art, music, folk dances, handicrafts, and traditional cuisines of Northeast India. Ishan Manthan is an attempt to celebrate the plural expressions of northeast India.
It can be understood as “North East Brainstorming”. The inaugural session also witnessed the release of two books titled ‘Lok Beyond Folk’, a book on the Lok Culture which was edited by Shri J Nandalumar, and ‘Jewels of North East India’.
Smriti Irani inaugurates ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ mega Red Fort Festival
Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani has inaugurated the ten-day mega Red Fort Festival, ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ at Red Fort in Delhi.
The Red Fort festival has been organized by the Union Ministry of Culture, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The ministry has collaborated with the Dalmia Bharat Group (DBG) to organize the event as DBG has adopted the Red Fort as its Monument Mitra.
The festival will commemorate the heritage, culture, and diversity of every part of India. The festival aims to commemorate the heritage of the country and the culture of every part of India.
The festival Bharat Bhagya Vidhata will help everyone to appreciate the diversity of India. More than 70 master craftsmen have displayed their craftsmanship at the venue.
An auspicious celebration of the spirit of the Tribe culture: Aadi Bazaar
In keeping with the sequence of Aadi Bazaars – A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture and Cuisine, a new one opened on March 26th, 2022 in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
The 11-day exhibition, which began on March 26 and ended on April 5, was inaugurated by Smt. Nimishaben Suthar, Minister of State for Tribal Development, Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Gujarat.
The efforts of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s First Deputy Prime Minister, are largely responsible for the country’s unity. As a result, one of his key goals for the country was for it to be inclusive and united.
This magnificent monument, the world’s tallest statue, is a homage to the values that Sardar Patel preached and upheld. In addition, this district is predominantly a tribal region.
Appointments
Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare was appointed as Adviser to Defence Ministry
Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare (retired) has been appointed as Adviser in the Ministry of Defence, providing strategic insights and advice on matters relevant to defense strategy to the Defence Secretary.
The role’s mandate would be to provide strategic inputs and advise on matters relating to defense strategy, readiness, and associated activities, such as the International Defense Corporation, maritime security, and defense space.
NATO extended Jens Stoltenberg’s term by a year
According to a NATO statement, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) extended Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s tenure by a year until September 30, 2023.
After a NATO conference in Brussels, US President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders decided to extend Stoltenberg’s tenure.
In October 2014, Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, was named NATO Secretary-General. In September 2021, his term was set to end.
Agreements
AAI and BEL collaborated to develop indigenous Air Traffic Management Systems
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed an agreement with Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the joint indigenous development of systems for air traffic management and surface movement of aircraft at airports across the country, which were previously imported.
BEL and AAI will collaborate to develop the Civil Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) with Advanced-Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS), a complex ground surveillance system that manages air traffic at airports and in Indian civil airspace to ensure safe flight operations from take-off to landing.
Economy
Russia- Ukraine Conflict affects India’s GDP growth
According to a UN report released, India’s projected economic growth for 2022 has been downgraded by more than 2% to 4.6 percent, a decrease attributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine. New Delhi is expected to face restrictions on energy access and prices, as well as trade sanctions, food inflation, tightening policies, and financial instability.
Due to disruptions from the Ukraine crisis and changes in macroeconomic policies that put developing nations in particular at risk, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has lowered its global economic growth prediction for 2022 to 2.6 percent from 3.6 percent.
While Russia is anticipated to enter a serious recession this year, major economic slowdowns are expected in regions of Western Europe and Central Asia, according to the analysis.
Business
Former SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar joins Dun & Bradstreet
The Former Chairman of the State Bank of India Rajnish Kumar has joined the International Strategic Advisory Board of data and analytics behemoth, Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet has been a trusted brand in business decision-making data, analytics, and ratings for almost 180 years.
In October 2020, Kumar stepped down as Chairman of SBI.
He formerly worked for HSBC’s Asia division in Hong Kong as a non-executive director, as a senior adviser for Baring Private Equity Asia, and as a consultant for Kotak Investment Advisors. Rajnish Kumar serves on the boards of HSBC Asia Pacific, L&T Infotech, Hero MotoCorp, and BharatPe.
Ola to acquire neo bank Avail Finance
Ola, an Indian ride-hailing startup, has agreed to acquire neo-banking platform Avail Finance in order to expand its financial services offering.
The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by Ola, which owns a 9% share in Avail Finance.
Ola intends to use Avail Finance’s product portfolio to enhance its lending operations and further its neo-banking expansion goals.
The acquisition is a critical step in Ola’s bigger drive into the fintech market as it strives to develop a mobility-focused financial services business under Ola Financial.
Ola Financial Services will expand its position in the credit underserved areas that include blue-collar employees, such as Ola’s driver-partner ecosystem, with this purchase.
Banking
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated RBIH in Bengaluru
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was established with a Rs 100 crore initial capital contribution to foster and nurture financial innovation.
According to the central bank, the Hub has an independent Board with Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan as Chairman and other notable people from industry and academics as members.
The RBIH was established as a Section 8 business under the Companies Act of 2013, with an initial capital contribution of Rs 100 crore, to stimulate and develop financial innovation in a long-term institutional setting.
RBIH intends to build an ecosystem that promotes access to financial services and goods for the country’s low-income people.
The Hub would bring together several stakeholders in the financial innovation area (BFSI sector, startup ecosystem, regulators, and academia).
Ranks and Reports
NITI Aayog releases Export Preparedness Index 2021, Gujarat again tops
Gujarat topped Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2021, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka in second and third place, respectively. Gujarat has topped the Niti Aayog rankings for the second year in a row “s Export Preparedness Index 2021, which is intended to assess states’ preparation in terms of export potential and performance.
According to the government think tank, Gujarat was followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana “s document. Union territories and states such as Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Ladakh, and Meghalaya ranked worst. The world trade is about USD 24 trillion, with India’s exports worth USD 400 billion, indicating “huge” potential.
UNEP Report: Dhaka is the world’s most noise polluted city
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been ranked as the most noise polluted city globally, according to the recent ‘Annual Frontier Report, 2022’ published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As per the report, the city recorded noise pollution of 119 decibels at its highest (dB) in 2021.
Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad came second in the list with noise pollution of 114 decibels. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan is third, with maximum noise pollution of 105 dB.
The quietest cities in the world as per the report are Irbrid at 60 dB, Lyon at 69 dB, Madrid at 69 dB, Stockholm at 70 dB, and Belgrade at 70 dB.
The other four most noise polluted cities in India in the list are Kolkata (89 dB), Asansol (89 dB), Jaipur (84 dB), and Delhi (83 dB).
A total of 61 cities from around the world have been ranked in the report, out of which 13 cities are from South Asia, while 5 among them are from India.
Useful points for competitive exams
- UNEP Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
- UNEP Head: Inger Andersen.
- UNEP Founder: Maurice Strong.
Defense
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2022
The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy organized an offshore security exercise, ‘Prasthan’ in the Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Mumbai. This exercise is conducted after every six months, to ensure offshore security.
Apart from the Naval forces, the exercise saw participation from the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, ONGC, Mumbai Port Trust, Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, Customs, state fisheries department, Mercantile Marine Department, and the Marine Police.
Useful points for competitive exams
- Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R Hari Kumar;
- Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950.
President Kovind presents President’s Colour to INS Valsura
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has presented the prestigious President’s Colour to Indian Naval Ship (INS) Valsura at Jamnagar in Gujarat. The ‘Nishan Adhikari’ Lt Arun Singh Sambyal received the President’s Colour on behalf of the unit, for its 80 years of exceptional service.
INS Valsura is a premier training facility of the Indian Navy established on December 05, 1942, in Jamnagar of Gujarat, to provide training in the domain of Torpedo handling (Underwater missile) and operations.
The President’s Colour is bestowed upon a military unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Nation, both in peace and in war. The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force, to get President Colour by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 27 May 1951.
Awards
Oscars Awards 2022: 94th Academy Awards 2022 announced
The 94th Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as the top films from the last year were honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The show was hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes, the first time the award ceremony has had multiple hosts since Anne Hathaway and James Franco co-hosted the 83rd installment in 2011.
To read the complete list of winners: Click Here
Prof Wilfried Brutsaert bags Stockholm Water Prize 2022
Professor Emeritus Wilfried Brutsaert has been named the Stockholm Water Prize Laureate 2022. He has been awarded for his groundbreaking work to quantify environmental evaporation.
Wilfried Brutsaert is Professor in Engineering Emeritus at Cornell University, USA. His innovative works on Evaporation and Hydrology are of lasting theoretical and practical importance, particularly in view of climate change. In addition, Wilfried Brutsaert has pioneered novel approaches to understanding changes in groundwater storage.
The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious water award and is often described as the Nobel Prize in water.
The prestigious Prize has been awarded since 1991 to people and organizations for extraordinary water-related achievements.
The Prize is awarded by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Useful points for competitive exams
- SIWI Headquarters location: Stockholm, Sweden;
- SIWI Executive Director: Torgny Holmgren;
- SIWI Founded: 1991.
Cochin International Airport bagged the ‘Covid champion’ award at Wings India 2022
The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has won the ‘Covid champion’ award at Wings India 2022. The Covid champion award was received by CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS from Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia.
CIAL has been awarded for the successful implementation of a meticulous project named ‘Mission Safeguarding’ during the pandemic time to ensure safe travel at Kochi Airport.
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru won two the ‘Best Airport’ under the General Category and the ‘Aviation Innovation’ Award at the event.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) won the ‘Aviation Sustainability & Environment’ award by Wings India Awards 2022 for its efficient green practices. The accolade comes as a recognition of CSMIA’s commitment and relentless efforts toward implementing sustainable initiatives as well as inching closer to being one of the country’s most eco-friendly airports.
Schemes
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana extended by half a year
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme for another six months, till September 2022, in order to show care and compassion towards the underprivileged and vulnerable parts of society (Phase VI).
The PM-GKAY scheme’s Phase-V was set to finish in March 2022. It should be noted that the PM-GKAY has been in effect since April 2020, making it the world’s largest food security program.
So far, the government has spent over Rs. 2.60 lakh crore, with another Rs. 80,000 crores set to be invested over the next six months through September 2022, bringing the total expenditure under PM-GKAY to roughly Rs. 3.40 lakh crore.
Swiss Open Badminton title 2022: PV Sindhu won the title
India’s P.V. Sindhu has defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand to win the women’s singles title at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament. Playing her second successive final in the tournament, Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, took 49 minutes to get the better of the fourth-seeded Busanan 21-16, 21-8 at the St. Jakobshalle.
In the men’s singles title of the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament, Indian badminton player HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie (Indonesia). However, Prannoy suffered a 12-21, 18-21 defeat against Asian Games gold medallist and fourth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in a 48-minute summit clash to finish runner-up.
SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship title 2022 won by the Indian women’s team
India has been declared the winner of the 3rd edition of the SAFF U-18 Women’s Football Championship. The 2022 edition of the international football competition for women’s under-18 national teams was held in Jharkhand at JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur.
The valuable player of the tournament and the highest goal scorer was Lynda Kom who scored five goals in total. Although India lost to Bangladesh, 0-1 in the final league match, but still emerged champions of the tournament on account of a better goal difference. India enjoyed a better goal difference of +11 in comparison to +3 of Bangladesh.
- Daily Current Affairs in English 11 Sep 2022 – Useful for all Competitive Exams
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