Tag: Current Affairs

NATIONAL NEWS 

Hisashi Takeuchi named as MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki

Hisashi Takeuchi (from Japan) has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maruti Suzuki for a period of three years with effect from April 1, 2022. Takeuchi will succeed Kenichi Ayukawa as the MD and CEO. Ayukawa will now be designated as Executive Vice-Chairman for a period of six months with effect from 1st April, 2022 till 30th September 2022. Ayukawa joined as MD, MSIL in 2013. Takeuchi, is a graduate from the Faculty of Economics, Yokohama National University, Japan. He joined Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) in 1986 and started his professional journey with Overseas Marketing Department, Europe Group of SMC. Prior to his joining as Joint Managing Director (Commercial) in MSIL in April last year, he was working as Managing Officer, Executive General Manager- Asia Automobile Marketing/ India Automobile Department at SMC.

Pralay Mondal named as interim MD and CEO of CSB Bank

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Pralay Mondal as the interim Managing Director and CEO of CSB Bank. Presently he is the Managing Director at CSB Bank. The post of MD and CEO at CSB Bank was lying vacant after its full-time MD and CEO, C V R Rajendran announces early retirement on health grounds (w.e.f March 31, 2022). RBI has approved the appointment of Pralay for three months from April 1, or till the appointment of a regular Managing Director and CEO of CSB Bank, whichever is earlier.

 

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw named for Fellow of Royal Society of Edinburgh

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the executive chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in Scotland. She will be joining RSE’s current fellowship of around 1,700 fellows who are recognised as being some of the greatest researchers and practitioners working in or with Scotland. RSE is one of the world’s oldest and most respected academic societies. Fellows are elected to join the RSE from across the fields of science, arts, education, business and public life in recognition of their impact in improving the world around them. The Biocon chief is among the 80 luminaries to be appointed to the RSE’s Fellowship this year.

Ahmedabad IIM sets up retail tech consortium

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad’s Centre for Digital Transformation recently launched a retail tech consortium, with intentions to partner with a number of retail and technology companies in India. The consortium, according to the centre, will strive to improve collaboration among retail technology firms in the country. Flipkart has joined the consortium as a main partner for the first year, bringing its industry knowledge, experience, and consumer insights into the internet ecosystem to the table. This collaboration would bring neutral customer perspectives on retail digitalization to the fore, allowing merchants to better understand their customers.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

Malaysia to host 4 nations for Bersama Shield 2022 military exercise 

Malaysia will host armed forces from 4 nations namely, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom in the annual Bersama Shield 2022 training exercise. The exercise, referred to as BS22, is conducted within the framework of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) – a series of bilateral and multilateral defence agreements established in 1971. Bersama means together in Malay. The exercise will involve sea and air drills, mostly in international waters but also in part of Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The exercise, referred to as BS22, is conducted within the framework of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA). The FPDA is the oldest defense arrangement in the region and includes counter-piracy operations as well as disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

First wildlife bond issued by World Bank to save Africa’s black rhino

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) has issued the Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) to support of South Africa’s efforts to conserve endangered species of Black Rhino. Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) is also known as “Rhino Bond”. It is a five-year $150 million Sustainable Development Bond. It includes a potential performance payment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The bond will contribute to protecting and increasing black rhino populations in two protected areas in South Africa namely the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) and the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR).

 

NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi virtually inaugurates Biplobi Bharat Gallery in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas. The inauguration was done virtually via video conferencing. The purpose of this new gallery is to provide a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 and highlight the important role played by the revolutionaries. The newly built gallery depicts the contribution of the revolutionaries towards the freedom struggle of India and provides a holistic view of the events that led to 1947, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The gallery displays the contribution of the revolutionaries in the freedom struggle and their armed resistance to British colonial rule. This aspect has often not been given its due place in the mainstream narrative of the freedom movement. The gallery will also showcase the revolutionary movement, formation of significant associations by revolutionary leaders, spread of the movement, formation of the Indian National Army, and the contribution of Naval Mutiny.

Government set the target to create 220 new airports by 2025

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the Government has set a target of building 220 new airports by 2025, citing the Civil Aviation industry as a critical component of India’s economy. In response to the Civil Aviation Ministry’s requests for grants for 2022-23, Scindia stated that India has made progress in both domestic and foreign travel during the COVID-19 period. Cargo flights for perishable food items will be boosted by 30% in the next few years, with 133 new flights, he stated.

Kerala becomes first state to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods

Kerala is set to become the first state in the country to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods in selected locations, for which the government has set aside Rs 6 crore in the 2022-23 Budget. In the first phase, carbon-neutral farming will be implemented in 13 farms under the Agriculture Department and tribal areas, and steps are on to convert the State Seed Farm at Aluva to a carbon-neutral farm. In the second phase, model carbon-neutral farms will be developed in all the 140 Assembly constituencies. The Agriculture Department was involved in a process of adopting new farming methods in phases, which would reduce carbon emissions and help the carbon to be stored in the soil. The government had already initiated discussions with experts in this regard. Improving soil health through integrated farming methods, rotation of crops, adoption of fertigation, precision farming methods, changing the ways in which the soil is irrigated and limiting the indiscriminate use of fertilizers were important for preventing soil degradation and thus reducing carbon footprint in agriculture.

IIT Madras established Policy Centre along with AquaMAP Water Management

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras builds a new interdisciplinary water management and policy centre known as ‘AquaMAP’ to address India’s water issues. The centre will build scalable models employing novel technology to provide smart solutions for water concerns. As proof of concept, these models will be installed in various areas across the country. The capacity is one of the primary outputs that AquaMAP is projected to deliver in the medium or long term. The ability to address complex real-life water problems through consortia approaches, establish as an entity that can deliver solutions with wide impact and application, address at least three chronic water issues through grand challenges and their successful translation into pilot projects, and complete pilot studies in at least six water innovation villages or towns that can be replicated are among the key outcomes expected from AquaMAP in the medium or long term.

TCS partnered with IIT Madras to launch M. Tech in Industrial Artificial Intelligence

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has teamed up with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to offer a web-based, user-friendly programme on Industrial AI, aimed at upskilling employees and incorporating AI applications to industrial concerns. IIT M will provide the 18-month programme, which was developed in collaboration with TCS, in a wholly online live teaching method via virtual classrooms. TCS students will make up the program’s initial cohort. This programme, established in conjunction with TCS, will offer strong theoretical courses and labs covering significant issues in data science and AI. Theoretical courses will address essential mathematical approaches needed to comprehend data science algorithms, time series analysis, multivariate data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

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. I am honoured by #NATO Heads of State and Government’s decision to extend my term as Secretary-General until September 30, 2023. We remain united to keep our Alliance strong and our people safe as we face the greatest security crisis in a century, Stoltenberg tweeted.

First wildlife bond issued by World Bank to save Africa’s black rhino

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) has issued the Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) to support of South Africa’s efforts to conserve endangered species of Black Rhino. Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) is also known as Rhino Bond. It is a five-year $150 million Sustainable Development Bond. It includes a potential performance payment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The bond will contribute to protecting and increasing black rhino populations in two protected areas in South Africa namely the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) and the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR).

 

NATIONAL NEWS

UP CM Oath Ceremony 2022: Yogi Adityanath takes oath as UP CM, Keshav Prasad Maurya & Brajesh Pathak take oath as Deputy CM.

Yogi Adityanath has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the second consecutive term. Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak have taken oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of the state. Besides them, 50 other Ministers also took oath including 14 Ministers of State (Independent Charge), 16 Cabinet Ministers, and 20 Ministers of State.

President Ram Nath Kovind awards President’s Color to INS Valsura

President of India Ram Nath Kovind has awarded the prestigious Presidents’ Color to the Indian Naval ship INS Valsura in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The President’s Color is bestowed on a military unit in the recognition of an exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in war and in peace. While speaking on the occasion, President said that as a Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, it was a moment of immense satisfaction and pride for him. In order to mark the occasion, a ceremonial parade was held and a 150-men guard of honour was also presented to the President.

Delhi, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan sign agreement for a hassle-free transportation

The Government of Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have signed a Combined Reciprocal Common Transport Agreements (CRCTA) to cover both contract carriage and stage carriage. The validity of it is coming to an end soon. As per the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, on the initiative of Member Secretary, NCRPB, and with the consent of NCR participating states, NCPRB has been simultaneously working on having the revised agreement. One of the Policy proposals of the Regional Plan-2021 for the National Capital Region is the unrestricted movement of the taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws within the NCR. The agreement provides for the countersigning of permits/licenses for motor cabs/taxis/Auto Rickshaw registered in NCR for seamless movement.

NSA Ajit Doval holds talks with the Foreign Minister of China

The National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with the Foreign Minister of China wang Yi on March 25, 2022. The two sides discussed the need to take forward an early and complete disengagement in the remaining areas in Eastern Ladakh. Reportedly, the two sides agreed that the continuation of the present situation between China and India is not in mutual interest and the restoration of peace is required. Both sides also stressed the need to continue positive interactions at the diplomatic and military level for the restoration of peace which is required for normalization.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery 2022

The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on March 25th to honor and remember those who suffered and died due to the slavery system. The day’s theme this year is “Stories of Courage: Resistance to Slavery and Unity against Racism”.  

No-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to be taken up on March 28

A crucial session of the Pakistan National Assembly in which a non-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan was to be moved by the Opposition has been adjourned till March 28 without tabling of the resolution. As per the Parliamentary tradition of Pakistan, only the recitation of the Holy Quran is offered and the speeches to honor the deceased are held on the first session. The resolution was not taken up on March 25 because of a recent demise of a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan Khayal Zaman. The session was adjourned till 4 PM on March 28 by Speaker. It must be noted that acting on the mutual agenda to out PM Imran Khan, the Opposition parties had submitted the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on March 8.

SPORTS NEWS 

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022: Which Team has Qualified and Which Eliminated?

In the most shocking exit, European Champions Italy have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers after losing 1-0 to North Macedonia in their playoff semifinal on March 24, 2022. This will be the second consecutive time that Italy will not feature in the FIFA World Cup. Portugal will now face North Macedonia in the playoff final on March 30th.

BYJU’S FIFA World Cup 2022 becomes official sponsor

BYJU’S has been named as the official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, becoming the first educational firm in the world to sponsor the world cup and the first Indian sponsor of the FIFA World Cup. BYJU’S is also the jersey sponsor of the Indian national cricket team.

ICC Womens World Cup 2022 Points Table. 

Australia has become the first team to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 semifinals, followed by South Africa. India, West Indies and England will now compete for the remaining two spots in the ICC Women’s World Cup Semifinals. India is currently ranked fifth in the points table behind West Indies and England.

NATIONAL NEWS 

Assam Rifles Day

Assam Rifles Raising Day is observed every year on March 24 in India to celebrate and honour the Assam rifles contigent who served the country in a number of conflicts including both the World Wars. The Assam Rifles is also the oldest paramilitary force of India, dating back to 1835 under the British Raj. The name Assam Rifles has been used since 1917 and it is similar to Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir. 

J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates 42 transmissions, distribution projects

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated 42 power transmission and distribution projects in Kashmir valley. They are executed by the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) and aim at improving the power supply in all the 10 districts of the Kashmir division. LG informed that around Rs. 180 crores have been invested in the projects which will benefit all the 10 districts of Kashmir Valley. The augmented facilities in Jammu & Kashmir will also address the important need of the growing economy.

Yogi Adityanath formally elected as BJP’s legislative party leader in Uttar Pradesh

Yogi Adityanath on March 24, 2022, has been formally elected as the leader of BJP’s Legislative Party in Uttar Pradesh. He was elected as the leader of the legislature party in the presence of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the former CM of Jharkhand Raghubar Das. After being elected as the leader of the legislative party, he will meet the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, and will stake his claim to form his government in UP. Prime Minister Modi along with other top leaders is scheduled to attend the mega oath ceremony of Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 25, 2022.

Launch of ‘Dare to Erade TB’ announced

The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced the launch of the ‘Dare to Erade TB’ program on World TB Day 2022. The program will be based on the Indian data and the formation of the Genome Sequencing Consortium for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) TB Surveillance. The Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar also said that the government has scaled up the capacities for early identification and the timely treatment of Tuberculosis cases in India. The Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also awarded well-performing states and districts for achieving the improved levels of Tuberculosis elimination.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

North Korea fires suspected intercontinental ballistic missile

North Korea has fired what is suspected to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which reportedly landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone on March 24th. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida condemned the launch of the suspected intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea. The country is facing international sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programme. 

World Tuberculosis Day 2022: Check History of World TB Day

World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about the serious bacterial disease that directly impacts the health of an individual and highlights the social and economic consequences of tuberculosis. The day aims to encourage people to talk about the disease and to spread the details of its treatment.

SPORTS NEWS 

TATA IPL 2022: Ravindra Jadeja to Lead CSK; MS Dhoni Quits Captaincy

MS Dhoni has stepped down from the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), marking an end of an era. The veteran player has handed the captaincy of the IPL team to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and will continue to be a part of the IPL 2022 season. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK has won the IPL trophy four times, which is the second highest after Mumbai Indians. 

Steve Smith becomes fastest cricketer to score 8000 Test Runs

Steve Smith has become the fastest to score 8000 runs in Test cricket by reaching the milestone in his 151st innings. He surpassed Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara who had achieved the feat in 152nd innings. India’s Sachin Tendulkar is the third fastest cricketer in the world to reach the 8000 Test Runs mark, having achieved it in his 154th innings. 

 

NATIONAL NEWS 

What is Nothing Smartphone?

Nothing will be launching its first smartphone at ‘The Truth’ event today in a live launch event. The live streaming of the event will be available on the official website of Nothing. The company had earlier launched the iconic TWS as its first product in India and across the globe.

What led to hanging of 3 Freedom Fighters?Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on March 23rd to remember the great sacrifice made by three Indian freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru. The three revolutionaries were hanged to death on this day in 1931 by the British for assassinating John P. Saunders to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.

Why do we celebrate Martyrs’ Day in India?

Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed every year on March 23 in the remembrance of valiant soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the country. The day marks the death anniversaries of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru.

Pushkar Singh Dhami takes oath as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand

Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the 12th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in a grand ceremony on March 23, 2022. He was sworn in to the post for the second consecutive term. The 46-year-old is the youngest Chief Minister of the state. Along with him, eight MLAs were also sworn in as Cabinet Ministers.

Government revokes Disaster Management Act provisions after the period of 2 years

The Government of India after 2 years revoked the provisions of the Disaster Management Act for the COVID containment measures. The order was issued by the Home Ministry. The order copy reads that after taking into consideration the overall improvement in the COVID situation, NDMA has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. However, the advisories on COVID containment measures, including the use of face masks and hand hygiene will continue to guide the overall response to the pandemic. The Central Government with the State Governments took various proactive measures to deal with the global crisis of the COVID pandemic.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

Taliban orders closure of girls secondary schools just hours after reopening

Taliban in Afghanistan ordered the closure of girls’ secondary schools just hours after they reopened. Crestfallen students who were back at school for the first time since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 tearfully packed up their belongings. UN envoy Deborah Lyons called reports of the closure disturbing. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, schools were closed because of the pandemic, however, only boys and girls were allowed to resume the classes two months later. 

World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty announces shock retirement from Tennis at 25

The reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open Champion Ashleigh Barty shocked the world with her retirement announcement on March 23, 2022 at the age of 25. She revealed the news through an emotional video message saying,” As a person, this is what I want, I want to chase after some other dreams that I have always wanted to do.”

 

NATIONAL NEWS 

Interesting Facts about Bihar Diwas 2022

Bihar Diwas is celebrated every year on March 22 to mark the formation of the state of Bihar. The day is a public holiday in the state. The day is being celebrated this year with the theme ‘Jal, Jeevan, Hariyali’. The theme signifies the prosperity in the state which is also rich in its cultural heritage.

Section 144 imposed in Kota till April 21

Section 144 has been imposed in Kota by the district magistrate from March 22 till April 21 to maintain law and order in the view of screening of the film ‘The Kashmir Files’. This means that no crowding will be allowed outside theatres. The opposition has called the move just an excuse to stop a huge march that was scheduled for today in Kota North assembly constituency.

Why have Petrol and Diesel Prices increased after 4 Months?

The price of petrol and diesel has been increased by 80 paise per litre after a gap of four months on March 22nd. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG price has also been increased by Rs 50 per cylinder. The price of petrol now stands at  Rs 96.21 per litre in Delhi and price of diesel has increased to Rs 87.47 per litre.

Bharatiya Janata Party gets its first woman Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland

The leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) S Phangnon Konyak won the Rajya Sabha seat from Nagaland on March 21, 2022. Konyak is the Mahila Morcha President of the party’s Nagaland unit. Notably, Konyak has become the first woman MP and the first Rajya Sabha MP for the BJP from Nagaland. Konyak had filed her nomination earlier this morning in the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and the BJP State President Temjen Imna Along. The election for the lone Nagaland seat was to take place on March 31, however, Konyak was elected unopposed to the seat.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Kuwait becomes hottest place on Earth

Kuwait reached a scorching temperature of 53.2 degrees Celsius making it among the hottest places on the Earth. It was so hot in the city last summer that the birds dropped dead from the sky. The extremes of climate change present existential perils all over the world. However, the record heat waves that roast Kuwait each season have grown extremely severe. As per the scientists, by the end of the century being outside in Kuwait City could be life-threatening- not only to the birds. A recent study has also linked 67% of heat-related deaths in Kuwait to climate change.

World Water Day 2022 observed today

World Water Day 2022 is observed every year on March 22 to spread awareness about the importance of freshwater and also about scarcity of water in the world. The theme of the day this year is “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible”. Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere and the main focus of the theme is to raise awareness regarding sustainable use of the water resource. 

Facts About the Ukraine-Russia War

Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is the largest military assault on a European State since World War II. The war has caused the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War with over 3.4 million Ukrainians fleeing the country. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his recent demands has insisted on meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin.