CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS 10TH MARCH 2022

CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

10th March 2022

 

INTERNATIONAL

No progress on ceasefire: Ukraine Foreign Min after meeting Russia's Lavrov

short by Athira Sasidharan / 05:37 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Ukraine and Russia made "no progress" towards agreeing on a 24-hour ceasefire after talks in Turkey, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Thursday. Kuleba described the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov as "difficult" and accused him of bringing "traditional narratives" about Ukraine to the table. Kuleba added that "Ukraine hasn't surrendered...and will not surrender".

Russia bans sale of foreign currency cash to citizens for 6 months

short by Pragya Swastik / 06:46 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Russia has banned foreign currency sales for six months until September 9, 2022, amid the falling value of the ruble against the US dollar. Banks and brokers are banned from selling US dollars, euros and other foreign currency in exchange for rubles. Additionally, Russians with existing foreign currency accounts are allowed to withdraw up to $10,000 in US dollars only.

 

Our needs are linked to both nations: PM on India's neutrality on Russia-Ukraine

short by Sakshita Khosla / 11:09 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Talking about the Russia-Ukraine war and India's neutral stance on the conflict, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said, "India's several needs are connected to these countries." He said that India has economic, security-related, education-related and political links with both Russia and Ukraine. India had earlier abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 

Japan to give ₹65,000 to foreign students in financial trouble: Report

short by Disha Jana / 11:25 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Japan will give 100,000 yen (over ₹65,000) to support foreign exchange students who are facing financial trouble due to COVID-19, local media reported. The cash handout is reportedly aimed to aide people studying in Japanese universities, colleges and vocational schools. The move comes after Japan eased its entry requirements for visitors, including international students, earlier this month.

US inflation increases 7.9% YoY in February, biggest rise in 40 years

short by Ashley Paul / 10:03 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Retail inflation in the US rose 7.9%, the biggest YoY rise since January 1982, the US Labor Department reported on Thursday. Monthly rise in US inflation has stayed above the 0.6% mark since October 2021, marking a 0.6% increase in both December 2021 and January 2022 and a 0.8% rise in February. Food Price Index marked a 7.9% YoY increase.

 

S Korea's President-elect vows tougher stance against N Korea

short by Shailesh / 10:28 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday said that he will take a tougher stance against North Korean provocations. Yoon also said that he will solidify an alliance with the US and build a powerful military. He also stressed a need to recognise the strategic importance of repairing ties with Japan despite a dispute over wartime history.

Canada's Ontario to lift mandatory mask rule on March 21

short by Disha Jana / 11:18 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Canada's Ontario is set to lift its mandatory mask rule for most settings, including schools, from March 21 onwards, officials announced on Wednesday. "We're now learning to live with...COVID-19 for the long term...This necessitates a shift to a more balanced response," Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Kieran Moore said. Ontario reported 2,125 COVID-19 cases on Thursday.

 

Goldman Sachs becomes the first major US bank to exit Russia

short by Pragya Swastik / 08:15 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Goldman Sachs on Thursday said it was closing its operations in Russia, becoming the first major US bank to exit the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Goldman Sachs is winding down its business in Russia in compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements," the bank said. In its annual filing earlier, the bank disclosed a $650-million credit exposure to Russia.

 

 

National News

 

BJP crosses halfway mark, to retain power for 2nd consecutive term in Uttarakhand

short by Arshiya Chopra / 07:40 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

BJP will retain power for the second consecutive term in Uttarakhand after the party crossed the halfway mark of 35 seats in the state Assembly election. However, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has lost to Congress candidate Bhuwan Chandra Kapri from the Khatima assembly seat. Congress has currently secured victory in 15 assembly seats and is leading in four.

BJP wins 31 of 60 Manipur seats, set to retain power in the state

short by Shalini Ojha / 09:15 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

BJP on Thursday won 31 out of the total 60 Assembly seats in Manipur, making it clear that it will retain power in the northeastern state. Earlier while thanking the voters, CM N Biren Singh said, "We assure you that this time we would double our effort." He claimed he would urge the Centre to remove AFSPA from Manipur.

Final results of Punjab election declared, AAP wins 92 of 117 seats

short by Arshiya Chopra / 09:33 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

The Election Commission has declared the final results of the Punjab Assembly elections, with AAP emerging as a winner with 92 of 117 assembly seats. The ruling Congress party managed to gain victory over 18 seats, while SAD won three seats and BJP two. BSP won one seat and an Independent candidate also secured one seat.

Final results of Goa election declared, BJP wins 20 of 40 seats

short by Shalini Ojha / 09:53 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

According to the final result released by EC for Goa Assembly polls, BJP won 20 seats while Congress won 11 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party won two seats each while the Goa Forward Party won a single seat. The Revolutionary Goans Party also won from one seat while three seats were won by independent candidates.

BJP crosses majority mark, becomes 1st ruling party to return to power in UP in 37 years

short by Anmol Sharma / 09:21 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

BJP has secured required majority mark of 202 seats in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and will form the government in the state for the second straight time. With this, BJP has become the first ruling party to return to power in Uttar Pradesh in 37 years. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party has won 75 seats in the Assembly elections so far.

 

Govt nod for setting up WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of a World Health Organization Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) at Jamnagar, Gujarat.  An agreement was signed by the Government of India with the world body in this regard. The move would help develop norms, standards, and guidelines in relevant technical areas, tools and methodologies for collecting data undertaking analytics and assessing impact.  The WHO GCTM, to be established under the Ministry of AYUSH ( Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy), will be the first and only global outposted centre (office) for traditional medicines.

India’s largest reclining statue of Lord Buddha being built at Bodh Gaya

India`s largest reclining statue of Lord Buddha is being built in Bodh Gaya. Built by Buddha International Welfare Mission, the statue will be 100 feet long and 30 feet high. Lord Buddha is in the sleeping posture in the statue.  The construction of the giant statue started in the year 2019. It is being made with fibreglass and built by sculptors from Kolkata. Bodh Gaya is an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhism and is visited by devotees from all over the world.  The idol of this posture of Lord Buddha is in Uttar Pradesh`s Kushinagar where he attained his Mahaparinirvana. The giant statue of Lord Buddha will be open for devotees from February 2023.

Tamil Nadu govt inaugurated India’s largest floating solar power project 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M K Stalin has inaugurated India’s largest floating solar power plant constructed at a cost of Rs 150.4 crores.  The floating plant is established in Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation Limited (SPIC) factory at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu to provide clean energy. It aims to provide environmentally sustainable power generation and to reduce carbon footprint.  The floating power plant has the capacity to produce 42 million units of electricity per annum.  The solar power plant is owned by Greenam Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AM International. SPIC worked with France-based floating solar power specialists and global leader Ceil & Terre for the constructions and designs.

Lupin named Mary Kom as brand ambassador for his Shakti initiative

Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) has announced that it has signed on six-time world boxing champion, Mary Kom as the brand ambassador for its Shakti campaign. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of heart diseases among women.  With Mary Korn anchoring the campaign, to drive the much-needed awareness on the issue and encourage women to sign up for early screening checks and take corrective measures to avoid the future risk of heart diseases.

Banking , Business and Economy News

SC closes nearly 70 criminal cases against ex-Wipro Chairman Azim Premji

short by Ashley Paul / 05:07 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed nearly 70 criminal cases filed by India Awake for Transparency, an NGO, against ex-Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and his wife Yasmeen Azim Premji. It filed the cases for breach of trust and corruption during a merger with a firm from the Azim Premji group. The NGO later issued an unconditional apology in the SC.

 

Colgate-Palmolive India names Prabha Narasimhan as MD and CEO

short by Hiral Goyal / 06:20 pm on 10 Mar 2022,Thursday

Colgate-Palmolive (India) on Thursday announced it has appointed Prabha Narasimhan, former Executive Director of Hindustan Unilever, as its new CEO and Managing Director (MD). Ram Raghavan, the MD and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India), has been promoted to President of enterprise oral care for Colgate-Palmolive. Raghavan will be based out of Colgate-Palmolive headquarters at New York, it added.

 

RBI extends Interest subsidy scheme for exporters 

With the aim of expanding export shipments, the Reserve Bank of India extended the interest equalisation scheme for pre and post-shipment rupee loans for MSME exporters through March 2024.  The 'Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre and post-shipment Rupee Export Credit' provides a subsidy to exporters. The scheme was first extended until the end of June last year, and then again until September 2021.  The interest equalisation rates under the plan have been revised to 2% and 3% for certain categories of MSME manufacturer exporters, according to the RBI.  Scheme to equalise interest rates "The government has authorised the extension of the Interest Equalisation Scheme for Pre- and Post-Shipment Rupee Export Credit through March 31, 2024, or until further review, whichever comes first," said the statement.  The extension will take effect on October 1, 2021, and will end on March 31, 2024, according to a notification from the RBI. The scheme will not apply to telecom instruments or businesses that receive benefits under the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme.  The bank will be required to provide the prevailing interest rate, the interest subvention being provided, and the net rate being charged to each exporter when issuing approval to the exporter, according to the RBI, in order to ensure transparency and greater accountability in the scheme's operation.

Axis Bank launches the initiative -'HouseWorkIsWork' 

Axis Bank has launched the 'HouseWorkIsWork' project, which provides possibilities for those who want to return to the workforce. In an interview about the bank's recent hiring initiative 'HouseWorkIsWork,'.  The intent behind this initiative is to give these women the confidence that they are employable, that they have skills, and that they can fit in various job roles in a bank, and it is about getting these women back to work."  She gave an example, saying that the concept of 'HouseWorkIsWork' arose from an intriguing and innovative résumé of one of the company's newest hires, Pallavi Sharma, who skillfully compared her numerous home jobs to those at professional firms.

ToneTag launches VoiceSe UPI digital payments for feature phone users

ToneTag has partnered with NSDL Payments Bank and NPCI to launch its “VoiceSe UPI payments service” for feature phone users. This comes after the Reserve Bank of India has launched the UPI 123Pay facility that enables UPI payments for feature phone users.  ToneTag is a sound-based proximity communication and payments service provider based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. To access the “VoiceSe UPI payments service” feature phone users need to call on the IVRS number 6366 200 200.  Every user can only proceed with the financial transaction through UPI PIN. They do not require internet connectivity or a smartphone for making payments. This is an all-inclusive technology that fills the gap in the existing financial ecosystem and brings many benefits to the customers.

Awards News

Bangladeshi Rizwana Hasan to get US International Women of Courage Award 2022

Bangladeshi environmental lawyer, Rizwana Hasan has been selected for the International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award for 2022. She is among the 12 women from around the world who will be honoured by the US Department of State with the award for showing exceptional courage and leadership to make a difference in their communities.  The International Women of Courage (IWOC) award was established in 2007 by the US Department of State to honour women of exceptional courage, strength and leadership who work to bring change to their communities. Till now 170 women from 80 countries have been honoured under the IWOC programme.

Sports News

IPC banned Russian, Belarusian athletes from Beijing Winter Paralympics

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has banned the athlete’s entries from the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Belarus for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics due to the war in Ukraine. Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics is scheduled to take place from 4th to 13th March 2022 & it marks the 13th Winter Paralympic Games.  Previously IPC has stated that the athletes from both countries would be allowed to compete as neutrals in the games. The IPC joins the range of sporting bodies like Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) etc, that have banned the participation of Russians and Belarusians, which includes football, track, basketball, hockey, and others.

S Sreesanth quits from all forms of first-class cricket

India pacer S Sreesanth has announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket. Sreesanth played 27 Tests and 53 ODIs for India, taking 87 and 75 wickets respectively. He has also taken seven wickets in 10 T20 Internationals.  The temperamental pacer was also popular for his exuberant celebrations after taking wickets but his life and career went downhill after the spot-fixing scandal.

Olympic champion Duplantis sets pole vault world record of 6.19m in Belgrade

Sweden’s Olympic pole vault champion Armand Gustav "Mondo" Duplantis cleared 6.19m to smash his own world record by one centimetre at the World Indoor Tour Silver meeting in Belgrade.  Duplantis set the record of 6.18 in February 2020 indoors in Glasgow. This is the fourth world record of the 22-year-old's career. His first record came in February 2020 when he surpassed London 2012 gold medallist Renaud Lavillenie's world record by clearing 6.17m in Torun, Poland before improving that the following week in Glasgow.  In September of that year, he cleared 6.15m at the Rome Diamond League meeting to eclipse Sergey Bubka's outdoor pole vault world best of 6.14m set in Sestriere in July 1994.

India's S L Narayanan wins Grandiscacchi Cattolica International Open Chess Tournament

In Chess, Indian Grandmaster, S L Narayanan was declared the winner in the Grandiscacchi Cattolica International Open, held in Italy. Meanwhile, his compatriot R Praggnanandhaa came second.  Though Narayanan and six others, including Praggnanandhaa, finished equal first with 6.5 points after nine rounds. But, Narayanan took the top spot on the basis of a better tie-break score. The 24-year old S L Narayanan from Thiruvananthapuram earned the title of Grandmaster in 2015 and is the 41st Grandmaster from India.

 

Important Days

CISF raising day observed every year on March 10

In the year 1969, the CISF was set up on March 10 and three battalions were formed under the CISF act 1968, which was passed by the Parliament of India. Since then, the day is celebrated as CISF Raising Day every year.  Central Industrial Security Force, is for the central armed police force in India. It is one of the six paramilitary forces in India functioning under the Union Home Ministry.  The CISF, which was set up in 1969, is assigned to look after the security of the vital government and industrial buildings. The CISF was established under the CISF Act, which has a strength of over 3,000. In 2017, the government raised the sanctioned strength of personnel from 145,000 to 180,000.

No Smoking Day 2022 is celebrated on 9th March

No Smoking Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday in the month of March every year across the world. This year No Smoking Day will be celebrated on 9th March. The day is celebrated to help those who wish to quit smoking as well as to raise awareness about the implications of smoking on an individual’s health.  The main reason to observe this day is to spread awareness and educate people about the adverse impacts of tobacco on their health through cigarettes and other means.  No Smoking Day was first observed in the year 1984 in the Republic of Ireland on Ash Wednesday. It was on this day that the clergy determined that giving up cigarettes will be a good thing for Lent.

Obituaries News

Former Pakistani President Rafiq Tarar passes away

Veteran politician, former Supreme Court judge, and President of Pakistan, Rafiq Tarar passed away at the age of 92 years. Muhammad Rafiq Tarar was born on 2 November 1929 in Peer Kot, Pakistan.  He served as a Supreme Court judge from 1991 to 1994. He also served as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court from 1989 to 1991. Later, he became Pakistan’s President for the period of 1997 to 2001. 

 

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