Table of Contents
Important Days
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2022
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed globally on April 6. To raise awareness of this potential, 6 April was declared the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly.
The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.
The global theme of IDSDP 2022 is, “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport,” which creates an opportunity for the Day’s celebrations to promote the use of sport as a tool to advance human rights and sustainable development.
Under this theme, UN Headquarters in New York will recognize the role of sport in addressing the climate crisis and will highlight actions to lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
United Nations International Day of Conscience 2022
The United Nations General Assembly has designated 5 April to be observed as an International Day of Conscience every year. The resolution was adopted on 31 July 2019 by the UN General Assembly. The year 2022 marks the third edition of the celebrations. This day serves to remind people to self-reflect, follow their conscience, and do the right things. This Day is observed every year on the 5th of April and the first International Conscience Day was observed in 2020.
Conscience refers to a person’s inner self that is abstract a virtual entity, but it plays an important role in the actions of a person. A human being cannot ignore the mystic side of his personality that usually becomes the chief motivator behind every action a person performs. Psychologists also confess that human beings are highly influenced by thoughts and feelings.
National Maritime Day 2022 observed on the 5th of April
National Maritime Day in India is observed on 5 April every year. This year is the 59th edition of the National Maritime Day.
The National Maritime Day is celebrated every year day to illustrate the awareness of supporting intercontinental commerce and the global economy as the most well-organized, safe, and sound, environmentally responsible approach to transporting goods from one corner to another corner of the world.
On this day ‘The NMD Award of Excellence’ is usually given during the celebrations and there is a trophy and citation, given to recognize and honor individuals for their lifetime distinguished and exceptional achievements and performances in the Indian Maritime sector at a senior level. The theme of the National Maritime Day is “Sustainable Shipping beyond Covid-19’’.
National
The Environment Minister announces the launch of the ‘Prakriti’ green initiative
In the presence of Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, the mascotto ‘Prakriti’ was launched today to raise public awareness about small changes that can be made to our lifestyle for a better environment.
As well as various green initiatives are taken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to ensure effective Plastic Waste Management (PWM) in the country.
To combat the problem of plastic pollution, India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, pledged to eliminate single-use plastics (SUPs) by 2022.
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change also administered the ‘Swachh Bharat Harit Bharat Green Pledge’ to the crowd, carrying the momentum forward and emphasizing the importance of active citizen engagement.
President Ram Nath Kovind visits Amsterdam and names a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri’
President Ram Nath Kovind landed in Amsterdam for the final leg of his two-nation journey — his first visit to the Netherlands in 34 years — during which he would hold talks with the Dutch top leadership names a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri‘.
President Kovind arrived from Turkmenistan, where he met with his Turkmen colleague Serdar Berdimuhamedov and pledged to expand bilateral economic and energy cooperation to improve the multifaceted relationship. He is the first Indian President to visit Turkmenistan since its independence.
President Ram Nath Kovind will meet with King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima, as well as Prime Minister Mark Rutte, during his visit to the Netherlands from April 4 to 7.
His visit is significant since, in 2022, India and the Netherlands will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Later, President Kovind paid a visit to Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens, named a new yellow tulip variety ‘Maitri‘, and here washe was met by Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra
A Strategic Partnership on Water was started in 2021 during the Virtual Summit between the Prime Ministers of the two countries to increase the level of engagement between the two sides in this crucial sector.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister inaugurates 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated 13 new districts in the state via video conference on Monday, April 4 in Tadepalli, Guntur district. As a result, there will be a total of 26 districts in the state.
The new districts were created using Parliamentary constituencies as a guide. With the addition of 13 new districts, Andhra Pradesh now has a total of 26 districts. The following is a list of the new districts and their headquarters:
- Alluri Sitaram Raju District – Paderu
- Annamayya District – Rayachoty
- Anakapalli – Anakapalli
- Bapatla – Bapatla
- Eluru – Eluru
- Kakinada – Kakinada
- Kona Seema – Amalapuram
- Manyam District – Parvathipuram
- Nandyal – Nandyal
- NTR District – Vijayawada
- Palnadu – Narsaraopeta
- Sri Balaji District – Tirupati
- Sri Satyasai District – Puttaparthy
- As part of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh, there will now be 23 revenue divisions. The CM added that people have accepted and liked the decentralized system of government because the initiatives are given straight to their doorstep and that the same is now being extended to the districts.
Gangaur festival celebrated in Rajasthan
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 fervor across the state.
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. On the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi, this festival begins and continues for a period of 16 days.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.
CM of Uttar Pradesh has launched the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ initiative
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath begins the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ in order to secure 100 percent enrollment in elementary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh.
Citing an official announcement, the state government will make an effort to shape the future of primary education and the holistic development of elementary schools.
The ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ is being implemented in Shravasti, which has the lowest literacy rate in the state.
Bahraich, Balrampur, Badaun, and Rampur are the other districts in Uttar Pradesh with the lowest literacy rate. Under the initiative, students will receive uniforms, shoes, and socks.
Government schools must achieve all of the goals of ‘Operation Kayakalp,’ which aims to give schools a facelift, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who told officials that not only will public representatives be involved with the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan,’ but that MLAs must also adopt a school each.
International
Viktor Orban wins Fourth Term as Prime Minister of Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban won a fourth successive term in office by a landslide victory in the country’s general elections for 2022. His right-wing Fidesz party secured 53.1% of the total 98% of the count complete. The 58-year-old is already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, since assuming the role of Prime Minister in May 2010.
The 58-year-old, already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, was challenged by six united opposition parties seeking to roll back the “illiberal” revolution Orban’s Fidesz party has pursued during 12 consecutive years in office.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- Hungary Capital: Budapest;
- Hungary Currency: Hungarian forint.
UN Human Rights Council names Tuvalu negotiator Dr. Ian Fry as climate expert
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has appointed Dr. Ian Fry as the world’s first independent expert on human rights and climate change. Dr. Fry has been appointed for a period of three years. He holds dual citizenship in Tuvalu and Australia. The first to hold the post will be Ian Fry, who holds both Australian and Tuvaluan nationality.
He has negotiated on behalf of least developed countries including at the 2015 Paris climate conference where he helped ensure that human rights were part of the final package.
The position of Special Rapporteur for human rights and climate change was created by UNHRC in October 2021.
The new independent expert will have the mandate to “study and identify how the adverse effects of climate change, including sudden and slow-onset disasters, affect the full and effective enjoyment of human rights and make recommendations on how to address and prevent these adverse effects”.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- United Nations Human Rights Council President: Federico Villegas;
- United Nations Human Rights Council Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
- United Nations Human Rights Council Founded: 15 March 2006.
Appointments
GoI appoints Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new foreign secretary
The Government of India has appointed IFS Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Foreign Secretary of India. He is currently serving as India’s envoy to Nepal, from March 2020. He will replace the current foreign secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who will superannuate on April 30, 2022.
Kwatra is a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, having more than 32 years of experience in foreign service. He has also worked in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office (PMO) from 2015 to 2017, as well as India’s ambassador to France from August 2017 to February 2020.
Banking
HDFC Bank has adjudged as Best Performing Bank in SHG Linkage by DAY-NRLM
HDFC Bank Limited has been adjudged Best Performing Bank in Self Help Group (SHG) Linkage by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India at the event organized at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. HDFC Bank is the only private bank to be honored with the award for its contribution to SHGs by NRLM.
Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development presented the award to K Venkatesh, Head of Sustainable Livelihood Initiative of HDFC Bank.
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in June 2011 as a poverty alleviation project. This rural income generation scheme is also known as Aajeevika Mission.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai;
- HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994;
- HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan;
- HDFC Bank Chairman: Atanu Chakraborty;
- HDFC Bank Tagline: We understand your world.
RBI fixed WMA limit for States/UTs at Rs 47,010 crores
The Reserve Bank reduced the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for states and union territories to Rs 47,010 crore from Rs 51,560 crore on Friday, citing an improvement in the economic scenario. WMAs are short-term loans provided by the RBI to the government to help it deal with any discrepancies between receipts and payments.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the RBI increased the WMA limit for all states to Rs 51,560 crore. The new WMA was in effect until March 31, 2022.
RBI stated it has decided to revert to the WMA limitations and deadlines for Over Draft (OD) for state governments / UTs, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Ways and Means Advances to State Governments, following a review of the limits and in light of the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Special Drawing Facility (SDF) used by state governments and UTs would continue to be linked to the number of marketable securities issued by the government of India, such as Auction Treasury Bills, according to the RBI (ATBs).
The interest rate on SDF, WMA, and OD will continue to be linked to the Reserve Bank’s policy rate, the repo rate.
The Government of India’s WMA limit for the first half of the fiscal year 2022-23 has been set at Rs 1,50,000 crore.
SBI tie-up with BSF to offer curated benefits through CAPSP Scheme
The State Bank of India (SBI) has tied up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Border Security Force (BSF) to provide solutions for financial security to BSF personnel through the Central Armed Police Salary Package (CAPSP) Scheme.
The MoU will offer a bouquet of benefits to the serving security forces, retired personnel as well as family pensioners.
These may include complimentary Personal and Air Accidental Insurance (Death) cover, additional cover in case of on-duty death, Permanent Total Disability / Partial Disability cover, support in child education, and the marriage of girl children of deceased BSF personnel among other benefits.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- SBI Founded: 1 July 1955;
- SBI Headquarters: Mumbai;
- SBI Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.
The merger of HDFC Bank and HDFC Ltd has been announced
The Boards of Directors of HDFC Ltd. and HDFC Bank Ltd. approved a composite scheme for the amalgamation of HDFC Investments Ltd. and HDFC Holdings Ltd with and into HDFC Ltd; and HDFC Ltd with and into HDFC Bank, as well as their respective shareholders and creditors.
As a result, when the scheme takes effect, public shareholders would control 100% of HDFC Bank, while existing HDFC Ltd. shareholders will own 41%.
Closing conditions for the Scheme and the Proposed Transaction are standard. Multiple approvals are required for the program to be implemented.
The subsidiaries/associates of HDFC Ltd. shall become subsidiaries/associates of HDFC Bank once the scheme takes effect.
Shareholders of HDFC Ltd. as of the record date will receive 42 HDFC Bank shares (each with a face value of 1) in exchange for 25 HDFC Ltd. shares (each with a face value of 2), and HDFC Ltd.’s equity share(s) in HDFC Bank would be extinguished as per the scheme.
Economy
SEBI has announced an ideation Manthan to foster innovation in the securities business
As she launched an ideathon to promote innovation, Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said that India is ideally positioned to harness technology in the securities market to give bespoke solutions at a very low cost to individuals across the country.
Buch stated at the start of the ideathon ‘Manthan’ that the implementation of financial technology (FinTech) in the securities market offered tremendous prospects for all parties involved.
Sebi, in collaboration with BSE, NSE, NSDL, CDSL, KFintech, CAMS, LinkInTime, and MCX, is hosting a six-week ideathon called Manthan. According to a press release released by Sebi, it will promote the formation of a pool of ideas and creative solutions centered on the securities market.
Through a hackathon, workable ideas from Manthan, which were unveiled at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday, maybe turned into possibilities and prototypes.
March 2022: GoI had collected an all-time high of Rs 1.42 lakh crores as GST
The greatest ever GST was collected in March, which is very good for the economy. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection totaled Rs 1,42,095 crore, breaking the previous high of Rs 1,40,986 crore set in January 2022.
The March 2022 revenues are 15% greater than the same month last year and 46% higher than the March 2020 revenues.
Revenues from imports of products were 25% higher during the month, while revenues from domestic transactions (including imports of services) were 11% higher than in the same month last year.
In the month of March 2022, the gross GST revenue collected was Rs 1,42,095 crore, with Central GST at Rs 25,830 crore, state GST at Rs 32,378 crore, integrated GST at Rs 74,470 crore, including Rs 39,131 crore collected on imports of goods, and cess at Rs 9,417 crore, including Rs 981 crore collected on imports of goods.
Business
HP acquires Poly with the goal of becoming a full-service hybrid work ecosystem provider
HP has completed its acquisition of Poly for $1.7 billion in an all-cash deal worth $3.3 billion when debt is factored in. Poly is a manufacturer of office communication devices such as headsets, AV conference room equipment such as desk phones, and software.
The decision comes eight months after HP acquired Teradici, a remote desktop software supplier, with the goal of accelerating HP’s entrance into hybrid work. The resulting ecosystem will be able to deliver entire workforce solutions in a hybrid work environment that necessitates seamless transitions between the office and home settings.
HP and Poly, according to Lores, establish a “leading portfolio of hybrid work solutions across big and expanding markets, with Poly’s strong technology, complementary go-to-market, and the experienced team helping to drive long-term profitable growth as we continue to build a better HP.”
Flipkart Foundation launched for the growth of rural areas and for women
Homegrown e-commerce giant, The Flipkart Group has constituted and launched the Flipkart Foundation, a new platform with a focus on development in rural areas and providing equitable access to growth opportunities for women and other disadvantaged communities.
The Flipkart Foundation aims to positively influence 20 million lives directly and indirectly in the coming decade across a wide array of areas by utilizing Flipkart’s learnings over the years.
The operations of the Flipkart Foundation will be grant-based. The contributions will come from the Flipkart Group and through the ‘Charity Checkout’ feature available on Flipkart platforms.
The Flipkart Foundation will engage with diverse stakeholders to enable transformational development work for society and the economy, by offering support to underprivileged sections of society and making them a part of the country’s growth story.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- Flipkart headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka;
- Flipkart CEO: Kalyan Krishnamurthy.
Defense
Vice chief Lt Gen Manoj Pande all set to become the next Army chief
Vice Chief Lieutenant General, Manoj Pande is all set to become Chief of the Army Staff as the incumbent Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, who is being seen as the frontrunner for the Chief of Defence Staff’s post, is due to retire by the end of this month. Being senior-most in the office after General Naravane, Lt Gen Pande will take over the reign.
Lt Gen Pande became the senior-most after a few top officers retired in the last three months. The incumbent Lt Gen Raj Shukla who was commanding Army’s training command (ARTRAC) retired on March 31.
Meanwhile, present Army Chief, Gen MM Naravane is ahead in the race for the post of Chief of Defence Staff after the post fell vacant in December last year as the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat passed away in a helicopter crash near Coimbatore.
Awards
Journalist Aarefa Johari was awarded Chameli Devi Jain Award 2021
A journalist from Mumbai, Aarefa Johari was awarded the Chameli Devi Jain Award for an Outstanding Woman Media person 2021. It was announced by the Media Foundation. Aarefa Johari works for ‘Scroll. in’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra. In 2020, Neetu Singh got this award. She is associated with the ‘Goan Connection’ media house. Jury: Nirupama Subramania, Githa Hariharan and Ashutosh.
Chameli Devi Jain Award is the annual prestigious recognition in the field of Journalism for women media person journalists in India who have reported on themes such as social development, politics, equity, gender justice, health, war, conflict, and consumer values. The award was instituted in 1980 by Verghese and the family of Chameli Devi.
Ranks and Reports
Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022
According to the list of Hurun Richest Self-Made Women In The World 2022 released by the Hurun Research Institute. According to the list, there are 124 Self-Made Women Billionaires in World and China contributes to two-thirds of the world’s self-made women billionaires with 78 followed by the United States with 25 and the United Kingdom with 5.
Top 3 on the list:
- Wu Yajun co-founder of Longfor (China has topped the list)
- Fan Hongwei, Chairman/President, Hengli Petrochemical Co Ltd (China)
- Wang Laichun of Luxshare Precision Industry (China).
Indian Scenario:
- Falguni Nayar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nykaa, is ranked 10th with a wealth of USD 7.6 billion. She is the only Indian among the top 10.
- Radha Vembu, co-founder & product manager of Zoho is the second-richest self-made woman billionaire in India with US$ 3.9 bn & ranked 25th on the global list. Radha Vembu is top in India, and second across the world, in the list of Biggest Risers.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics, is 26th on the list, down two places from last year. She has a wealth of US $3.8 bn.
Schemes
Delhi government launched a scheme to set up ‘Hobby Hubs’ in government schools
The Delhi government has set up Hobby Hubs for government schools in Delhi after school hours to promote extra-curricular activities. This project will implement in the single shift government school.
A project to set up ‘Hobby Hubs’ in government schools in Delhi with after-school dance, music, arts, and crafts activities during this new academic session is in the works.
For the 2022-2023 academic session, this project will only be implemented in single-shift government schools. The idea is to make optimum use of school infrastructure and to use it after school hours to promote these extra-curricular activities.
Useful notes for all Competitive exams:
- Delhi Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal;
- Delhi Governor: Anil Baijal;
- Delhi Heritage site: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar, and its Monuments;
Stand-Up India Scheme completed 6 years
Stand-Up India scheme has completed its six years on 5th April 2022. Under the Stand-Up India Scheme, over 30,160 crore rupees have been sanctioned to more than 1 lakh 33 thousand 995 accounts since the launch of the Scheme. The scheme was launched by PM Modi on 5th April 2016.
Stand Up India scheme was extended till 2025. 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. Loan facility between 10 lakh and one crore rupees to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women.
Books and Authors
A new book titled “Decoding Indian Babudom” authored by Ashwini Shrivastava
A new book titled ‘’Decoding Indian Babudom’’ authored by Ashwini Shrivastava and published by Vitasta Publishing Private Limited launched. This is a first-of-its-kind book by a journalist covering the bureaucratic system of India.
It highlights India’s administrative system and functioning of governance from a common man’s point of view. The author recommended “15 Sutras” to achieve good and effective governance that can bring in investment by boosting businessmen’s confidence in the administration.
Dharmendra Pradhan releases book titled “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak”
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released a book titled “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak”.
The book has been written by Prof. Alok Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, and Chhattisgarh.
This book is a comprehensive attempt to bring to the fore the struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the contribution of forest dwellers to the freedom movement.
Sports
Miami Open Tennis Tournament 2022 Overview
The 2022 Miami Open tennis tournament was the 37th edition of the men’s and women’s event, held from March 22 to April 3, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami Open is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 event on the 2022 ATP Tour and a WTA 1000 event on the 2022 WTA Tour.
Here is the complete list of winners:
| Award | Winner | Runner-Up |
| Men’s Single | Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) | Casper Ruud (Norway) |
| Women’s Single | Iga Świątek (Poland) | Naomi Osaka (Japan) |
| Men’s Double | Hubert Hurkacz / John Isner | Wesley Koolhof / Neal Skupski |
| Women’s Double | Laura Siegemund / Vera Zvonareva | Veronika Kudermetova / Elise Mertens |
Miscellaneous
In Leh villages of Gya – Sasoma, a community museum is established
In Ladakh, a community museum opened yesterday in the Gya – Sasoma villages of the Leh district to preserve and promote the region’s rich cultural history. Tashi Gyaltsen, Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, inaugurated the Community Museum.
Traditional utilitarian items, fabrics, clothing, and artifacts from Gya-everyday Sasoma’s life are the main attractions of the Museum. The museum is housed in a traditional house with a variety of architectural spaces and features.
Gya – Sasoma villagers in Leh have donated a range of artifacts and collections to construct the Community Museum in a typical Ladakhi house, making it the first of its sort in India.
Gya is thought to be Upper Ladakh’s earliest village and oldest settlement. Along with the Gya-Sasoma villagers, the women’s groups in the villages, the Department of Museology at the National Museum Institute in New Delhi, and the Leh Area Housing Development Corporation (LAHDC) all contributed to the creation of the Community Museum.
- Daily Current Affairs in English 11 Sep 2022 – Useful for all Competitive Exams
- Hindu Editorial with Vocabulary: Sep Month – Day 10
- 11 Sep 2022 Daily Current Affairs in Hindi – सभी प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण
- 10 Sep 2022 Daily Current Affairs in Hindi – सभी प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण
- Hindu Editorial with Vocabulary: Sep Month – Day 9
- Daily Current Affairs in English 10 Sep 2022 – Useful for all Competitive Exams
