KARNATAKA ECGC IBPS RRB PO ASST IBPS CLERK CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST 17, 2022

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

17th August 2022

 

National News

 

PM, Union ministers attend screening of Doordarshan serial 'Swaraj'

PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended the special screening of the Doordarshan-produced serial 'Swaraj: Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram Ki Samagra Gatha' at the Balayogi Auditorium in Parliament Library Building. He was accompanied by BJP National President JP Nadda and Union ministers. It is a 75-episode serial on the freedom struggle.

Maharashtra sees 1,800 new COVID-19 cases, a rise of more than double in 1 day

Maharashtra reported 1,800 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, a huge jump from the 836 cases reported the previous day. Mumbai alone reported 975 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Six more people, including two in Mumbai, succumbed to the infection in the state and the active cases stood at 11,370.

BJP drops Gadkari, Chouhan from parliamentary board; inducts BSY, 5 others

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday reshuffled its apex decision-making body, the parliamentary board, dropping two important members — Union minister Nitin Gadkari and chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan. New members were inducted, taking its strength to 15 from 12.

Important election and candidate-related decisions are taken by the parliamentary board.

Centre grants 'Z' category VIP security cover to Gautam Adani: Reports

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has been accorded a 'Z' category VIP security cover of CRPF commandos by the central government, reports said. The all-India cover will reportedly be on a "payment basis" and is expected to cost about ₹15-20 lakh/month. The cover was given on the basis of a threat perception report prepared by central security agencies, reports added.

 

 

Odisha Government Signed An MoU With NIOT For Protecting It's Coastline

 

The Odisha Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for the protection of coastal areas from various natural calamities like floods, cyclones, soil erosion and high tide, etc.  The Odisha coastal areas face natural calamities every year due to the effects of climate change. Seven districts namely Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Jagatsinghpur will get benefitted out of the initiative.

 

 

GoI appointed 11 new High Court Judges in Punjab & Haryana 

The government of India has notified the appointments of another 11 High Court Judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.  The appointments include the names Nidhi Gupta, Sanjay Vashisth, Tribhuvan Dahiya, Namit Kumar, Harkesh Manuja, Aman Chaudhary, Naresh Singh, Harsh Bunger, Jagmohan Bansal, Deepak Manchanda and Alok Jain.  The Punjab and Haryana High Court are currently functioning with just 46 judges against the sanctioned strength of 85 with around a dozen of the 46 judges set to retire in the next two years.

India voluntary trust funds for defence of human rights more than Rs 3 crore

India has donated $ 400,000 (more than Rs 3 crore) to as many as four Voluntary Trust Funds, according to information released by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva.  It went on to say that the donation to Voluntary Trust Funds was made to show India’s commitment to the global advancement and protection of human rights as well as its support for the UN Human Rights Council.  India has donated $400,000 to 4 Voluntary Trust Funds on Torture, Technical Cooperation, Implementation of UPR & LDCs/SIDS, reflecting our commitment to worldwide promotion & protection of human rights and support for @UNHumanRights.

International News

 

17 locations in southern Thailand hit by bombings, arson attacks; 7 hurt

At least 17 locations in southern Thailand were hit by bombings and arson attacks, leaving seven persons injured, officials said on Wednesday. The attacks, which took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, targeted convenience stores and a gas station. The coordinated attacks happened in Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala provinces, military official Pramote Promin said.

 

William Ruto is declared Kenya's next president

Kenyan Deputy President, William Ruto is now the country’s president-elect after he was declared the winner of the last presidential election over five-time contender Raila Odinga.  Before Wafula Chebukati, the chair of Kenya’s electoral commission could announce Ruto’s victory. Ruto received 50.49% of the vote, the chairman said, while Odinga received 48.85%.

Covid booster vaccination approved first in the United Kingdom

British health authorities stated that the UK has become the first nation to approve a bivalent Moderna Covid booster vaccination. Covid booster vaccination targets both the original strain of COVID-19 and the more recent Omicron version.  The Moderna Covid booster vaccination was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a "sharpened instrument" against the new coronavirus after it was determined to meet its requirements of safety, quality, and effectiveness.

Appointments News

Simon Stiell of Grenada named as new UNFCCC Executive Secretary 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Simon Stiell as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat based in Bonn, Germany.  The appointment has been endorsed by the Bureau of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

BANKING, BUSINESS AND Economy

FPI stock holding drops 14% to $523 bn in June quarter: Report

The value of the foreign portfolio investors (FPI) holdings in Indian equities dropped 14% to $523 billion in the quarter ended June as against $612 billion in the previous quarter, according to a Morningstar report. The value of FPIs' investments in Indian equities has declined for three consecutive quarters. US Federal Reserve's aggressive stance dented the sentiments of foreign investors.

SBI opens 1st dedicated branch for startups in Bengaluru

State Bank of India opened its first-ever startup-dedicated branch in Bengaluru, which will offer services like funding, investment banking and treasury operations. The startup branch is located in Koramangala. The branch comes under a pact between the Karnataka government and SBI to further boost the state's startup ecosystem.

 

 

Airlines asked to take strict action against mask violators amid rising COVID-19 cases

In view of rising number of COVID-19 cases, the DGCA on Wednesday advised airlines to ensure that passengers are wearing face masks properly throughout the journey. "In case a passenger does not comply with the directions, strict action will be taken by airlines," it said. Airlines would also have to ensure there is proper sensitisation of passengers through various platforms.

Bharti Airtel to borrow ₹3,000 cr to make initial payment for 5G airwaves: Report

Bharti Airtel is set to raise ₹3,000 crore in short-term debt to make the initial payment for the 5G airwaves it bought in the recently concluded auction, according to reports. Commercial papers, with maturities up to 12 months, are reportedly being sold by Airtel. SBI Mutual Fund is believed to have agreed to buy over ₹1,000 crore of Airtel's debt.

India supplies 60% of vaccines used worldwide: Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India produces and supplies 60% of the vaccines that are used worldwide. Launching the book 'India's Vaccine Growth Story' by Sajjan Singh Yadav, Additional Secretary, Expenditure Department, Sitharaman added that India has made remarkable contribution in vaccinating the world. She also praised India for producing COVID-19 vaccines even in the lockdown.

Bengaluru's Namma Metro records highest one-day ridership on I-Day

Bengaluru's Namma Metro registered its highest-ever one-day ridership on Independence Day (Monday) with a footfall of 8.25 lakh, metro officials said. "The flower show at Lalbagh, the 'freedom march' at National College ground...contributed to the highest-ever ridership," an official said. On August 15, the metro corporation ran nearly 170 trips as compared to 135 trips it makes on regular days.

Zomato-backed Shiprocket becomes India's 21st unicorn of 2022

Zomato-backed logistics startup Shiprocket has raised ₹259 crore in an extended Series E round at a post-money valuation of ₹9,815 crore (around $1.2 billion), according to company filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). With this, it has become the country's 21st unicorn of 2022. Shiprocket was established in 2017.

Will benefit millions: UNICEF as it secures 1st malaria vaccine supply

UNICEF has awarded a contract to GSK, a pharmaceutical firm, for the first-ever supply of malaria vaccine with a value of up to $170 million. This grant will make 18 million doses of RTS,S available for next three years, potentially saving thousands of lives each year, UNICEF stated. The vaccine is a result of 35 years of research, it added.

Railway Minister shares video of India's 3.5-km-long train with 6 locos and 295 wagons

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to Twitter to share a video of 3.50km-long Super Vasuki loaded train, billed as the heaviest and longest freight train with six locos and 295 loaded wagons. South East Central Railway operated the train on August 15 as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. It was run from Korba in Chhattisgarh to Rajnandgaon.

 

India Can Be USD 5 Trillion Economy By FY29 If GDP Grows At 9% For 5 Years

India may become a USD five trillion economy by 2028-29 only if the GDP grows at nine per cent per annum consistently for the next five years, former RBI Governor D Subbarao.  Speaking at Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry on India @75- Marching Towards USD 5 Trillion Economy on the occasion of 75 years of Indian Independence.  There are eight key challenges for India to overcome to achieve the dream of 5 trillion economy. The challenges are increasing investment, improving productivity and education and health outcomes, creating jobs, raising agriculture productivity, maintaining macroeconomic stability, managing global mega trends and improving governance.

India To Start Supplying Petrol With 20% Ethanol From April 2023

India will start supplying petrol with 20 per cent ethanol at select petrol pumps from April next year and will ramp up supplies thereafter as it looks to cut oil import dependence and address environmental issues.  E20 petrol (petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol) in some quantity will be available from April 2023 and the rest to be covered by 2025.  India, which achieved the target of supplying petrol mixed with 10 per cent ethanol (10 per cent ethanol, 90 per cent petrol) ahead of schedule in June this year, has advanced the target of making petrol with 20 per cent ethanol by five years to 2025.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) declines to 13.93% in July

According to figures issued by the commerce ministry, Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation in India decreased to 13.93% in July.  The WPI inflation rate dropped from a record-breaking 16.63 percent in May to 15.18 percent in June. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation was 11.57 percent in July 2021.  The wholesale price index increased by double digits in July, marking the 16th consecutive month that the WPI has risen above the 10-percent threshold.

 

Karnataka Bank launches term deposit scheme "KBL Amrit Samriddhi" 

On the occasion of 75 years of Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Karnataka Bank has introduced a new Term Deposit Scheme, KBL Amrit Samriddhi under Abhyudaya Cash Certificate (ACC) and Fixed Deposit for a tenure of 75 weeks (525 days).  The interest rate for this Deposit Scheme is 6.10% per annum. Karnataka Bank, portraying the rich patriotic tradition and values, has always been ready to meet the aspirations and dreams of its valued patrons.  With the new product, KBL Amrit Samriddhi, Bank extends the benefit of the increase in the interest rates to our customers.

4 independent directors reappointed by GoI to RBI's central board

Satish Kashinath Marathe, Swaminathan Gurumurthy, Revathy Iyer, and Sachin Chaturvedi have all been renominated by the national government to serve as part-time, non-official directors on the RBI's central board or central board of the Reserve Bank of India.  The RBI said on its website that Gurumurthy and Marathe have been renominated for another term of four years, until further instructions for RBI's central board.

Schemes and Committees News

Delhi HC Appoints Committee To Take Over Affairs Of Indian Olympic Association(IOA)

The Indian Olympic Association has been directed by the Delhi High Court to set up a three-member Committee of Administrators(CoA) to take over its affairs. According to PTI, the court took the decision after the IOA’s “persistent recalcitrance” to comply with the Sports Code.  A bench of Justices Manmohan and Najmi Waziri said the CoA to run IOA’s day-to-day affairs will comprise former Supreme Court judge Justice Anil R Dave, former Chief Election Commissioner Dr S.Y Quraishi, and former Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup.  Additionally, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, world championship medallist Anju Bobby George and Olympian Bombayla Devi will be the consultant sportspersons.  Each member of the CoA will receive an honorarium of Rs 3 lakh per month while each of the consultant sportspersons will get Rs 1.5 lakh, the court said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveils India’s first Saline Water Lantern

Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh has launched India's first saline water lantern, 'Roshini', which uses seawater to power Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps.  The minister unveiled the first-of-its-kind lantern during his visit to Sagar Anveshika, a coastal research vessel operated by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Chennai for marine research.

Science and Technology News

Indian flag unfurled in space to mark 75 Years of Independence

The Indian national flag was unfurled in space at an altitude of over 30 km as the country marked its 75 years of Independence. The tricolour was sent to the edge of space on a balloon by Space Kidz India, which describes itself as an aerospace organisation creating young scientists for the country.  The unfurling of the flag was part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations that mark the completion of 75 years since India became Independent.  Space Kidz India is an organization creating "young scientists for the country and spreading awareness among children for a borderless world." The organisation recently launched a satellite into Low Earth Orbit.

India's first 3D-printed Human Cornea developed by CCMB, IIT Hyderabad, and LVPEI

Researchers in Hyderabad have successfully 3D-printed an artificial cornea (3D-printed Human Cornea) and placed it in a rabbit eye for the first time ever in India.  A 3D-printed Human cornea made from human donor corneal tissue has been created by researchers from the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H), and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).  The product (3D-printed Human Cornea) was created locally with support from the government and philanthropic organisations; it is entirely natural, free of synthetic ingredients, and safe for patients to use.

Awards News

Home Ministry awarded 1082 Police Medals in 2022

The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has awarded 1,082 police personnel from CAPFs and state forces with various categories of service medals, including for gallant action on the eve of Independence Day.  The decorations include 347 police medals for gallantry (PMG), 87 President's police medals for distinguished service and 648 police medals for meritorious service.  Out of the 347 gallantry awards, 204 personnel are being awarded for their gallant action in Jammu and Kashmir, 80 for displaying bravery in Left Wing Extremism or Naxal violence-affected areas and 14 personnel for showing bravery in North-East Region.

 

Dadabhai Naoroji's London home gets Blue Plaque honour

London home of Dadabhai Naoroji will get a ‘Blue Plaque’, an honour that is reserved for notable personalities who have lived and worked in London. Naoroji was the first Asian who was elected as a Member of Parliament in Britain.  The Blue Plaque scheme, run by the English Heritage charity, honours the historic significance of particular buildings across London. Naoroji’s plaque was unveiled to coincide with the 75th-anniversary celebrations of Indian Independence.  By 1986, English Heritage assumed charge of the scheme. Since then, English Heritage has erected over 360 plaques in more than 900 buildings in London.

Sports News

SRH name their new CSA T20 League franchise 'Sunrisers Eastern Cape'

The Sunrisers Hyderabad have announced the name of their South African franchise for the CSA T20 League to be "Sunrisers Eastern Cape". Notably, all six participating teams at the CSA T20 League have been acquired by IPL franchise owners. Sunrisers Eastern Cape have also named South Africa batter Aiden Markram and pacer Ottniel Baartman as their first two signings.

 

Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia from November 16-25, 2022

Malaysia's premier men’s hockey tournament, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2022 will be held from November 16 to 25 in Ipoh. The tournament is making a return after a two-year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  World No 1 Australia, fifth-ranked Germany, India, New Zealand, and Canada have been invited to the tournament. All matches will be played at the Azlan Shah Stadium in the city of Ipoh in Malaysia, which is the permanent venue of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.  The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has been an annual feature in the FIH calendar since 1998, although it initially started life in 1983 as a biennial event. The event is named after legendary hockey fan and former FIH Executive Board Member HRH Sultan Azlan Shah.

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