CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS 06th April 2022

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

06th April 2022

National News

 

Govt to celebrate 'Yoga Mahotsav' at Red Fort in Delhi tomorrow

The Ministry of AYUSH will hold a 'Yoga Mahotsav' at the Red Fort in Delhi on World Health Day on April 7 (Thursday). Tomorrow is also the 75th day of the countdown to International Day of Yoga, which is observed on June 21. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is likely to be the chief guest at the event.

Display your names in Marathi 1st, then other languages: BMC to shop owners

short by Shalini Ojha / 07:54 pm on 06 Apr 2022,WednesdayThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation of Mumbai on Wednesday ordered shop owners to display the names of their shops first in Marathi in capital letters followed by other languages. It added that the font size of Marathi letters should be bigger than others. "The names of visionary men, forts shouldn't be written on nameplates of liquor shops," the order added.

Parliament passes Bill that seeks to collect biometrics of convicts

Parliament passed Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill that seeks to allow investigating agencies to collect physical and biological samples of convicts and persons accused of crimes. Union Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to assure this isn't going to violate anyone's privacy." Political detainees' biometrics won't be collected if they are detained during participation in protest, he added.

Parliament saw healthy discussion on Ukraine, grateful to MPs: PM

short by Shalini Ojha / 09:33 pm on 06 Apr 2022,Wednesday

PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Parliament witnessed a healthy discussion on the Ukraine situation and India's repatriation initiative 'Operation Ganga' in the last few days. He thanked MPs for enriching the discussion with their views. "The rich level of debate and constructive points illustrate how there is bipartisanship when it comes to matters of foreign policy," he tweeted.

NEET exam to be held on July 17, JEE (Main) postponed to June & July

The National Testing Agency (NTA) said on Wednesday that the NEET examination will be held on July 17 while JEE (Main) 2022 examinations have been rescheduled to give students across the nation more time to prepare. The JEE Session 1 examination will be held from June 20-29 while Session 2 examination will be held from July 21-30, the notification read.

 

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 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 emphasising the importance of active citizen engagement.

President Ram Nath Kovind visits in 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,  names 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:

1.       Alluri Sitharama Raju District – Paderu

2.       Annamayya District – Rayachoty

3.       Anakapalli – Anakapalli

4.       Bapatla – Bapatla

5.       Eluru – Eluru

6.       Kakinada – Kakinada

7.       Kona Seema – Amalapuram

8.       Manyam District – Parvathipuram

9.       Nandyal – Nandyal

10.     NTR District – Vijayawada

11.     Palnadu – Narsaraopeta

12.     Sri Balaji District – Tirupati

13.     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 decentralised 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 fervour 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.

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 per cent 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.

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 Gyaltson, Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, inaugurated the Community Museum.  Traditional utilitarian items, fabrics, clothing, and artefacts 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 artefacts 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. 

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

European Union proposes ban on Russian coal amid new sanctions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said the EU is set to impose further sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine including a ban on Russian coal imports. "To take a clear stand is not only crucial for us in Europe but also for the rest of the world," Von der Leyen added.

 

Have urged Putin to declare ceasefire in Ukraine: Hungarian PM Orban

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban said on Wednesday that he had urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to declare immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. Orban added that he offered to host talks between Russia and Ukraine, to which Putin's response was "positive" but came with conditions. Notably, Hungary has refused to supply any ammunition to Ukraine or allow its transit through its territory.

 

 

Appointments News

GoI appoints Vinay Mohan Kwatra as 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 ,  Business and EconomyNews

ATS group firm goes into insolvency; may affect homebuyers of Gurugram project

Insolvency proceedings have been initiated against ATS group firm Anand Divine Developers after ICICI Prudential Venture filed a petition for non-payment of dues worth ₹25 crore. Over 443 homebuyers of the ATS Triumph project in Gurugram's Sector 104 will likely be impacted. PSP Legal's partner Piyush Singh, who is representing the project's buyers, said homebuyers must file claims immediately.

 

SC orders resumption of arbitration over ₹24,713-cr Future-Reliance deal

The Supreme Court has ordered Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) to resume its arbitral proceedings in ₹24,713-crore Future Retail's merger deal with Reliance. Both Future Group and Amazon have consented to the resumption of arbitral proceedings before the SIAC. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had stayed arbitration proceedings between the two parties in January.

 

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, and Permanent Total Disability / Partial Disability cover, support in child education and the marriage of girl children of deceased BSF personnel among other benefits.

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 programme 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.

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 a 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.

Ranks and Reports News

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 in 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 News

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 News

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, Chhattisgarh.  This book is a comprehensive attempt to bring to the fore the struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the contribution of forest dwellers in the freedom movement.

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 as 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 against 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.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@