Current Affairs 19 May 2022

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India’s cancer burden to rise to 29.8 million in 2025: ICMR Report

i.In accordance with the report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the ‘Burden of cancers in India- estimates of cancer crude incidence, YLLs, YLDs and DALYs for 2021 and 2025 based on National Cancer Registry Program’, the number of Indians suffering from cancer is projected to increase to 29.8 million in 2025 from 26.7 million in 2021. 
ii.In 2021, the highest incidence was in North India (2,408 patients per 100,000) and the Northeast (2,177 per 100,000). It was higher among men.
iii.The findings of the report have been published in BMC Cancer Journal.
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
It is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
Director General– Prof. Balram Bhargava
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
>> Read Full News

Parshottam Rupala Releases Breed-Wise Report of Livestock and Poultry Based on 20th Livestock Census

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has released the Breed-wise report on Livestock and Poultry in New Delhi. The report was based on the 20th Livestock Census of 2018-19. 

• According to the report, the total number of indigenous cattle declined by 6% to 14.21 crore in 2019 from 15.12 crore in 2012 and their share in the total cattle population fell to 73% from 79% during the period 2012-19.

Dignitaries present:
The occasion was graced by L Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Atul Chaturvedi Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Upamanyu Basu, Joint Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry.
Uniqueness of the Report:
i.For the first time in India, breed-wise data was collected using tablet computers instead of paper mode and the data collection was done along with the 20th Livestock Census.
ii.Also the counting of livestock breed wise is done based on the methods recognized by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
Major highlights of the Breed-wise Report of Livestock and Poultry are:
i.The report has covered 184 recognized indigenous/exotic and crossbred breeds of 19 selected species that are registered by the NBAGR.
ii.There are 41 recognized indigenous whereas 4 exotic/crossbred breeds of cattle covered in this report.
iii.As per the report, the Exotic and Crossbred animals contribute nearly 26.5% of the total cattle population whereas 73.5% are Indigenous and Non-descript cattle.
iv.Crossbred Jersey has the highest share with 49.3% as compared to 39.3% of Crossbred Holstein Friesian (HF) in total Exotic/Crossbred cattle.
v.Gir, Lakhimi and Sahiwal breeds have major contributions in total Indigenous Cattle.
vi.In Buffalo, the Murrah breed majorly contributes with 42.8% which is commonly found in UP and Rajasthan.
vii.In Sheep, there are 3 exotics and 26 indigenous breeds were found in the country. Among the pure exotic breeds, Corriedale breed majorly contributes with 17.3% and in the indigenous breeds the Nellore breed contribute the highest in the category with 20.0% share.
viii.In Goats, there are 28 indigenous breeds found in the country. The Black Bengal breed contributes the highest with 18.6%.
ix.In exotic/crossbred pigs, crossbred pigs contribute 86.6% whereas Yorkshire contributes majorly with 8.4%. In indigenous pigs, the Doom breed contributes 3.9%.
x.In Horse & Ponies, the share of the Marwari breed majorly contributed 9.8%.
xi.In Donkeys, the share of Spiti breed contributes with 8.3%.
xii.In Camel, the Bikaneri breed majorly contributed 29.6%.
xiii.In Poultry, desi fowl, Aseel breeds majorly contribute to both backyard poultry and commercial poultry farms.

Tamil Nadu Named Nanjarayan Tank as its 17th Bird SanctuaryOn May 16 2022, The Tamilnadu State Minister of Forests, K Ramachandran announced in the Legislative Assembly of Tamilnadu for the creation of Nanjarayan Tank in Tiruppur district as a Bird Sanctuary with the budgetary support of Rs 7.5 crore. Nanjarayan Tank is the 17th Bird Sanctuary in the State and extends across 125.86 hectares.

• He also mentioned the creation of two more Sanctuaries later this year (2022) namely – Slender Loris Sanctuaries in Dindigul and Karur districts to the tune of 5 crore and Elephant sanctuary at Krishnagiri district.
• Nanjarayan Tank was built by the then local King Nanjarayan as a source for irrigation.

Key Points:
i.The Nanjarayan Tank also known as Sarkar Periyapalayam Reservoir which is said to be 800 years old, located on the outskirts of Tirupur city near Koolipalayam, Tamil Nadu.
ii.He also announced the extension of South Cauvery wildlife sanctuary across 478 square kilometres to cover the reserve forests of Anchetty, Urigam and Jawalagiri ranges of the Hosur division. The area is contiguous with the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary and has become an important habitat for the elephants.

About Tamilnadu:
Governor – Ravindra Narayana Ravi
Stadium – M A Chidambaram Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Marina Arena), MGR Race Course Stadium
Folk Dance – Mayil Attam(peacock dance), Puliyattam or Tiger Dance, Kummi

Mansukh Mandaviya releases the Third Party Assessment of AB-HWC in 18 States

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare released the findings of a third party assessment of Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) in 18 states of India in New Delhi, Delhi. The 18 states were selected to cover the spectrum of epidemiological transition levels as defined by the Global Burden of Disease India study with a higher focus on North-Eastern states.

• The third party assessment was done in two phases by Non-Governmental entities, Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) and Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) along with the All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi from the Government Sector for the year 2020-21.

Dignitaries Present:
The event saw the presence of Vinod Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Vikas Sheel, AS & MD (NHM), Health Ministry, Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry and other senior officials of the Union Health Ministry along with NHM Mission Directors and other officials from States/UTs.
Aim:
i.The primary aim of the exercise was to assess the pace of rollout of AB-HWCs in different states and to identify specific challenges in their rollout. 
ii.It focused on the inputs and processes that contribute to the functionality of HWC and review any gains in short-term outputs including community use of the expanded range of services with a focus on chronic non-communicable diseases care.
iii.The assessment also focuses on free essential medicines, diagnostic services, teleconsultation services and health promotion activities.
iv.Considering the Covid 19 it evaluates the bidirectional impact of HWC roll-out and the COVID pandemic.
Method of the Assessment:
i.The assessment was undertaken using a cross-sectional study design with a mixed-methods approach. 
ii.The study covered a sample of 317 facilities across eighteen states with 117 Primary Health Centers (PHCs)/Urban-Primary Health Centres (UPHCs)and 220 sub-health centres (SHCs). 1,002 users from upgraded facilities and 1,015 users from non-upgraded facilities were interviewed. 
iii.The assessment covered both types of comparisons – a) pre and post conversion of the HWCs; and b) HWCs and non-HWCs within the same district.
Key Findings of the Report:
i.The AB-HWC has catalysed the vision of moving India from Selective to comprehensive primary health care packages as envisaged in the National Health Policy 2017.
ii.The implementation of AB-HWC gives a clear achievable target and roadmap for most states by December 2022.
iii.Overall, there has been an improvement in equity in access, despite existing constraints such as infrastructure availability and status of peripheral health facilities.

PM Modi Addresses Programme Marking Silver Jubilee Celebrations Of TRAI; Country’s 1st 5G Testbed inauguratedPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a programme marking the silver jubilee celebrations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)  via video conferencing. He also released a postal stamp to commemorate the occasion. Union Ministers Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri Devusinh Chauhan and Shri L. Murugan and the leaders of telecom and broadcasting sectors were among those present on the occasion.

Country’s First 5G Testbed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first 5G testbed to enable startups and industry players to test and validate their products locally and reduce dependence on foreign facilities.

• This 5G testbed was set up at a cost of around ₹ 220 crore and will be available at 5 different locations.
• It was developed as a multi-institute collaborative project by eight institutes led by IIT Madras.
• The other institutes, which are involved in the project are IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore, Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) and Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology (CEWiT).

Key Remarks for 5G Techs

i.Connectivity would determine the pace of progress in 21st century India. Therefore connectivity has to be modernized at every level. 5G technology is also going to bring positive changes in the governance of the country, ease of living and ease of doing business.

• This will boost growth in every sector like agriculture, health, education, infrastructure and logistics. This will also increase convenience and create many employment opportunities. 

ii. In the last 8 years, new energy was infused into the telecom sector with the ‘Panchamrita’ of Reach, Reform, Regulate, Respond and Revolutionise.
iii.To make the mobile accessible to the poorest of the poor families, emphasis was placed on the manufacturing of mobile phones in the country itself. The result was that the mobile manufacturing units increased from 2 to more than 200.
iv.India is connecting every village in the country with optical fiber. Before 2014, not even 100 village panchayats in India were provided with optical fiber connectivity. Now, we have made broadband connectivity reach about 1.75 lakh gram panchayats. Hundreds of government services are reaching the villages.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNCCD’s GLO2 Report lists Pakistan among 23 Drought-Hit Countries

In accordance with the 2nd edition of ‘Global Land Outlook (GLO2)’ report released by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), there are 23 countries who have experienced drought emergencies in the last two years (2020-2022), including Pakistan.

23 countries listed by Report include the following:

Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Pakistan, the United States and Zambia.
Key Points:
i.This report releases ahead of the UN Desertification and Drought Day on June 17, 2022 that will held on the theme ‘Rising up from drought together‘. Its global observance will takes place in Madrid, Spain.
ii.Notably, the highest total number of humans affected by drought was in Asia.
iii.The report recommended the need of rehabilitation of an additional 4 million square kilometres (equivalent to the size of India and Pakistan) by 2050.
iv.It also emphasized on immediate financial support for conservation and restoration in those developing countries with a greater share of the global distribution of intact, biodiverse, and carbon-rich ecosystems.
v.Up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, which affects half of humanity and threatens roughly 50% of the global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) worth USD 44 trillion.
vi.If current land degradation trends continue, food supply disruptions, forced migration, rapid biodiversity loss and species extinctions will increase, accompanied by a higher risk of zoonotic diseases.
Click Here for Official link 

BANKING & FINANCE

India’s Forex Reserves fall by $28.05bn in September-March 2022: RBI’s 38th Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the ’38th half-yearly report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves: October 2021-March 2022′ stating India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $28.05 billion in the second half of FY22 i.e. H2FY22.

• India’s forex reserves decreased from $635.36 billion at the end of September 2021 to $607.31 billion at the end of March 2022.
• These reports are prepared half yearly with reference to the position as at end-March and end-September each year.
• During the week ended April 29, the forex reserves had dipped by $ 2.695 billion to $597.728. This is the lowest level of India’s forex reserves in a year.

What are Foreign Exchange Reserves?
These are assets denominated in a foreign currency that are held by the Central Bank of the country. These may include foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills, and other government securities.
Key Points:
i.The total Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) stood at $540.72 billion as of March 31, 2022.
ii.Reserves in securities declined to $363.03 billion by March 2022 compared to $383.74 billion in September 2021. 
iii.Reserves in deposits with other central banks & Bank of International Settlements (BIS) dropped to $140.54 billion in H2FY22 compared to $147.86 billion in H1FY22.
iv.Reserves in deposits with commercial banks overseas fell to $37.16 billion at the end of March 2022 compared with $42 billion at the end of September 2021.
v.Gold reserves were at $42.55 billion; Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at $18.89 billion; and Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) at $5.14 billion.
vi.In value terms, the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from about 5.88% at the end of September 2021 to about 7.01% at the end of March 2022.

• As of March 2022, RBI held 760.42 metric tonnes of gold (including gold deposits of 11.08 metric tonnes). While 453.52 metric tonnes of gold is held overseas in safe custody with the Bank of England and the BIS, 295.82 metric tonnes of gold is held domestically.

vi.On a Balance of Payments (BoP) basis (i.e. excluding valuation effects), foreign exchange reserves increased by $63.5 billion during April-December 2021 as compared to $83.9 billion during April-December 2020. 

• At the end of December 2021, foreign exchange reserves’ cover of imports (on BoP basis) declined to 13.1 months from 14.6 months at end-September 2021.

vii.The net forward asset (receivable) of RBI in the domestic foreign exchange market stood at $65.79 billion at the end of March 2022.
Click Here for Full Report
About Reports on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves:
RBI publishes half-yearly reports on management of foreign exchange reserves as part of its efforts towards enhanced transparency and levels of disclosure.
RBI imposes Rs 59 lakh penalty on KEB Hana Bank 
RBI in exercise of powers conferred under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with sections 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949, has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 59 Lakh on KEB Hana Bank for non-compliance of Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016.
Key Non-Compliances by KEB Hana Bank:
i.Interest rates offered on deposits were not consistent and transparent,
ii.Details of interest rates were not available in the Core Banking System for supervisory review 
iii.Interest rates offered were not uniform for all customers and were discriminatory in nature.

BIAL Collaborates with Kotak Mahindra Bank & Phi Commerce to Provide First-Of-Its-Kind One-Stop Payment Solution

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) in Karnataka, has launched an innovative omnichannel payment solution across the airport ecosystem in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/”Kotak”) and Phi Commerce Pvt Ltd. (Phi Commerce).
The facility is created with the intention of providing customers with a seamless payment experience. This is the first time any Indian airport has adopted such an initiative.
Key Points:
i.The one-stop payment solution, designed specifically for the airport will provide a secure, scalable, and unified payment experience across the airport. 
ii.The solution will enable B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) payments in both online and offline channels.
iii. It will make transactions easier at the domestic terminal, international terminal, airport city, concert arena, airport hotels, retail, recreation, dining, and entertainment (RDE) destinations, airport parking, cargo, and BIAL subsidiaries.
Note: 

• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) in Karnataka is the busiest airport in South India and the third busiest in India.
• It has the unique distinction of being the first Greenfield Airport in India, established on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It commenced operations on May 24, 2008.

About Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL):
It was established under the Companies Act of 1956 to build, own, and operate the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (BLR Airport) for a 60-year concession period.
MD & CEO – Hari K Marar
Incorporation – January 2001
Headquarters – Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka

IIFL Home Loan Partners with ADB To Provide Green Affordable Home Loans in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh By 2025

IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFL HFL) organized the 9th chapter of its flagship event ‘Kutumb’, with the theme ‘Andhra Pradesh and Telangana – Urgent Need for Green Affordable Housing’—the 3rd event in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• This initiative would promote green affordable housing in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana (TS), with a goal of Rs. 7,200 crores in home loans by 2025.
• It aims to raise awareness about the importance of building climate-resilient housing that is also cost-effective and energy efficient.

The event was held in a hybrid format at Hyderabad (TS), Vijayawada (AP), Visakhapatnam (AP), Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) in AP, and Nellore (AP).
What is Kutumb?
Kutumb is a knowledge ecosystem developed by IIFL Home Loan to promote green affordable housing in India and provide a better understanding of the available green design, rating, and financing options.
Key Points:
i.IIFL HFL has disbursed a total loan of over Rs. 2,448 crores in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (over Rs. 1,491 crores in TS and Rs. 956 crores in AP) until March 31, 2022, with over 85 branches in both states.

• By 2025, IIFL HFL aims to disburse more than Rs. 7,200 crores in home loans in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (over Rs. 4,320 crores in AP & Rs. 2,880 crores in TS).

ii.It has funded over 645 Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) units in AP with a loan disbursement of more than Rs. 12 crores.

• BLC is a centrally-sponsored scheme that provides up to Rs 1.5 lakh per house in assistance to eligible families from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to either build new houses or improve existing ones.

About IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFL HFL):
It is a wholly owned subsidiary of IIFL Finance Limited, one of India’s largest non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and a National Housing Bank (NHB) registered housing finance company.
Executive Director (ED) & CEO – Monu Ratra
Commenced Operation – 2009
Headquarters – Gurugram, Haryana

RRA 2.0 recommends withdrawal of 239 more circulars: RBI

On 13th May 2022, The Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0), set up by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in April 2021, recommended the withdrawal of an additional 239 circulars. With this, the total number of circulars which stand withdrawn would be 714.
RRA 2.0 was set up to review the regulatory instructions, remove redundant or duplicate instructions and reduce the compliance burden on Regulated Entities (REs).

• In the first tranche of recommendations, RRA had recommended the withdrawal of 150 circulars and in the 2nd tranche, it recommended 100 circulars and recommended 225 circulate in the 3rd tranche. 
• In the 2nd trance, RRA has also recommended discontinuation/ merger/ conversion to online submission of 65 returns along with the creation of a new ‘Regulatory Reporting’ link on the RBI website to consolidate information relating to regulatory reporting.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS       

KVG Bank won 6 National Awards from PFRDA for APY enrollment
Karnataka Vikas Grameena (KVG) Bank, the leading regional rural bank, headquartered in Dharwad, Karnataka, has won 6 national awards from Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in different categories for outstanding achievement under enrolment of Atal Pension Yojana (APY). 

On 13th May 2022, P Gopi Krishna, Chairman of KVG Bank received the awards from Supratim Bandyopadhyay, Chairman, PFRDA, at the Summit “Atal Pension Yojana Felicitation and Strategy Review Program” held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

• PFRDA regulates the flagship Atal Pension Yojana (APY) and the National Pension System (NPS).

Key People:
Ananta Gopal Das (AG Das), Executive Director PFRDA, Deepak Mohanty, a whole-time member of the PFRDA and others were present during the event. 
Key Points:
i.The KVG Bank has enrolled 264817 accounts (cumulative) under the APY and in the last Fiscal year 2021-2022, the KVG Bank has enrolled 58603 accounts. 
ii.The bank is also playing a vital role in implementing the 3 social security schemes of the Government of India(GoI): Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana(PMSBY); Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana(PMJJBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). 
About Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
i.Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched on 9th May 2015 to create a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the underprivileged and the workers in the unorganised sector.
ii.APY is open to all bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 40 years and the contributions differ, based on the pension amount chosen.
iii.The subscriber of APY would receive a guaranteed minimum monthly pension of Rs. 1000 or Rs. 2000 or Rs. 3000 or Rs. 4000 or Rs. 5000 at the age of 60 years.
About Karnataka Vikas Grameena (KVG) Bank:
Chairman–  P Gopi Krishna
Headquarters–  Dharwad, Karnataka

Ajay Piramal Receives Order Of The British Empire Award

Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Mumbai based Piramal Group, has received an Honorary Commander of the Order of The British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.
Why Wws he bestowed?
i. Ajay Piramal received the award for services to the UK-India trade relationship as India co-chair of the UK-India CEO forum.
ii. As co-chair of India-UK CEO Forum since 2016, the Piramal group’s endeavour has been to help strengthen the strong bilateral relations between the two countries through greater economic co-operation.
About Honorary Commander of The Order of The British Empire
i. A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity.

• Instituted in 1917 by King George V.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS        

Former RBI Deputy Governor SS Mundra Appointed as Chairman of BSE Ltd

On May 17 2022, The BSE (Formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) Limited appointed Subhash Sheoratan Mundra (SS Mundra), Public Interest Director, BSE as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company. Mundra retired as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in July 2017 after completing a stint of three years.

• He replaced the incumbent Justice Vikramajit Sen who was appointed on 19th May, 2016.

About Subhash Sheoratan Mundra:
i.In the banking sector he has rich experience of 40 years holding various important positions such as Executive Director Union Bank of India, Chief Executive of Bank of Baroda (European Operations) among others. 
ii.In July 2014, he superannuated as Chairman and Managing Director of Bank of Baroda.
iii.In January 2018 he was appointed as Public Interest Director of the BSE Limited.
iv.He also served as RBI’s nominee on the Financial Stability Board (G20 Forum) and its various committees. Mundra was also the Vice-chair of OECD’s International Network on Financial Education (INFE).
v.SS Mundra holds a Postgraduate degree from the University of Poona and is a Fellow Member of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (FIIB).
vi.The Amity University conferred the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.) and Honoris Causa in recognition of his services in the Banking field.

About BSE Limited:
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra 
Managing Director & CEO – Ashishkumar Chauhan
Founded – 1875  

Nidhi Chibber Appointed CBSE Chief, Vivek Kumar Dewangen To Be CMD of REC Ltd
Senior IAS officer Nidhi Chibber has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the government of India by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

• Nidhi Chibber, a 1994 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, is currently Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries.

According to a recent top-level reshuffle by the Government of India,a total of 17 joint secretary and Additional Secretary-level officers have been appointed to different posts in the central government departments and organisations .
i.Vivek Kumar Dewangen, a 1993 batch IAS officer of Manipur cadre, has been named Chairman and Managing Director, REC Ltd.,(formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) Ministry of Power. Earlier he was Additional Secretary in the Ministry of power.
ii.S Gopalakrishnan, Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has been appointed as Additional Secretary, department of health and family welfare.
iii.Rakesh Sarwal, Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog will be Managing Director, National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd., Ministry of Minority Affairs.
iv.Aditi Das Rout, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development has been promoted as Additional Secretary.

RBI appoints Rajiv Ranjan and Sitikantha Pattanaik as executive directors 
The Reserve Bank of India has appointed Rajiv Ranjan and Sitikantha Pattanaik as the executive directors with effect from 2nd May 2022.
As the Executive Director, Rajiv Ranjan will monitor the Monetary Policy Department.Dr. Ranjan will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Monetary Policy Committee and Sitikantha Pattanaik will look after the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR)

• Prior to this appointment, Rajiv Ranjan was serving as Adviser-in-Charge of the Monetary Policy Department and Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee and Pattanaik was an Adviser in the DEPR.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Defence Minister Launches Indigenous Frontline Warships INS Surat & INS Udaygiri

On May 17, 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched two Indian Navy frontline warships–the Indian Naval Ship (s) (INS)—‘INS Surat’ & ‘INS Udaygiri’—at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (previously known as Mazagon Docks Limited) (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
INS Surat is the fourth and last Guided Missile Destroyer of the ‘Project 15B’ class, whereas INS Udaygiri is the second Stealth Frigate of the ‘Project 17A’ class. The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) of the Indian Navy designed and built both warships indigenously at MDL in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Project 15B (P15B) & Project 17A (P17A)
i.The Project 15B (P15B) class of ships are the Indian Navy’s next-generation stealth guided missile destroyers, which are being built at the MDL. They are the successors to the Project 15A (P15A) (Kolkata Class) Destroyers, which are more weapon-intensive.
ii.The Project 17A (P17A) Frigates are warships that are successors of the Project 17 (P17) (Shivalik Class) Frigates, with enhanced stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and platform management systems.
INS Surat & INS Udaygiri
i.INS Surat – the fourth ship of Project 15B Destroyers heralds a significant makeover of the P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers and is named after the city ‘Surat’ – the commercial capital of the state of Gujarat and also the second largest commercial hub of western India after Mumbai.
ii.INS Udaygiri – the third ship of P17A frigates, which are followed on of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class). It is named after the Udaygiri mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, following the custom of naming Indian frigates after mountain ranges in India.
About Indian Navy:
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) – Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
>> Read Full News

ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&H, to Study Upper Atmosphere

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to build an identical pair of satellites/twin satellites namely ‘DISHA (Disturbed and quiet time Ionosphere-thermosphere System at High Altitudes)’ in L and H variants, for studying the earth’s upper atmosphere.The twin Aeronomy mission, “DISHA-H&L mission” conceptualized by ISRO.

• The twin aeronomy mission is aimed at capturing latitudinal and longitudinal effects of space weather events on the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
• They will be launched in the low earth orbit, about 500 kilometres above earth.
• The announcement for the same was made during the National Meeting on Aeronomy Research, which was virtually organised by ISRO on the theme ‘Science of Near-Earth Space & Applications’.

Key Points:
i.DISHA satellites will study space weather and solar-terrestrial interactions. This will help provide advance warnings based on space weather so that preventive actions can be taken quickly.
ii.The two satellites will carry identical payloads. 

• DISHA – H will be placed at a higher inclination to the equator (greater than 85 degrees) while DISHA – L will remain at a lower inclination (of about 25 degrees), simultaneously orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km.
• DISHA H&L will add to the space and ground-based infrastructure for achieving a better understanding of the space weather effects, which will eventually lead to better planning for the protection of the space and ground-based assets.

iii.The data generated by the proposed ISRO’s solar mission Aditya L1 and by DISHA satellites would help to understand the Sun-Earth linkages.

US Air Force Conducted Successful Hypersonic Weapon Test
The United States Air Force informed that 419th Flight Test Squadron and the Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base had conducted a successful test of a hypersonic weapon, which flew at five times greater than the speed of sound (Mach 5) .B-52H Stratofortress bomber launched an AGM-183A ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) and the test was conducted off the coast of Southern California.

• The weapon was developed by the Lockheed Martin Corporation and the operational range is 1000 mi (1600 km).
• Following separation from the aircraft, the ARRW’s booster ignited and burned for expected duration, achieving hypersonic speeds five times greater than the speed of sound.It said to be a maximum speed of more than Mach 20.

Other Countries which tested for Hypersonic Weapons
i.Russia has fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine by using Kinzhal or “Dagger” hypersonic air-to-surface missiles at the city of Odesa earlier days of May 2022.
ii.China has tested hypersonic weapons.
Hypersonic Weapons and AUKUS Alliance

• The US led AUKUS alliance also includes the United Kingdom and Australia, has announced plans to work together to develop the high-speed weapons.

About AUKUS Alliance
i.The security grouping AUKUS will focus on advancing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
ii.The alliance is explicitly not against China but an Indo-pacific orientation makes it an alliance against China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Preeti Shenoy to Publish New Novel Titled “A Place Called Home” 

Bestselling author Preeti Shenoy is set to publish a new novel titled “A Place Called Home”, a story set in a coffee estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka with a strong female protagonist at its core. The new novel is about secrets, family, and finding yourself. 

The book published by HarperCollins Publishers India is set to be released in June 2022.  

• Preeti Shenoy has authored around 15 novels which include, The Magic Mindset, When Love Came Calling, Wake Up Life is Calling, Life is What You Make it, The Rule Breakers, and A Hundred Little Flames. 
• Her works have also been translated into many Indian languages and also into Turkish.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Released E-book Civil List-2022 of IAS officers 

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State(MoS), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions released the e-book ‘Civil List – 2022 of IAS officers’ at North Block, Secretariat Building, New Delhi. This is an effort by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) as a part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India.
This is the 67th edition of the Civil List and the 2nd edition of e-book in pdf with unique search facilities and hyperlinking of contents for ease of access of information. 

• This will support in selecting the right officer for the right assignment based on the available profile. This is also a vital source of information on the officers manning various posts for the general public. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Museum Day 2022 – May 18 

International Museum Day (IMD) is annually observed across the globe on 18th May to create awareness about the Museums which are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. 

The day is annually organised by the International Council of Museums(ICOM) since 1977. 

• The theme of International Museum Day 2022 is “The Power of Museum”. 

Background:
In 1977, The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day(IMD) with the adoption of a resolution during the ICOM General Assembly in Moscow, Russia. 
Events in India:
On the occasion of International Museum Day (IMD), the Ministry of Culture, Government of India(GoI) has organised a week-long celebration across its Museums from 16th May to 20th May 2022. 
About International Council of Museums(ICOM):
President– Alberto Garlandini (Italy)
Director-General– Peter Keller 
Headquarters– Paris, France
>> Read Full News

World AIDS Vaccine Day Or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2022 – May 18

World AIDS Vaccine Day also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day(HVAD) is annually observed across the globe on 18th May to create awareness and provide information about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its immunisation.

• The observance of this day is led by the National Institutes of Health(NIH) – National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), United States of America.

Symbol:
The Red Ribbon is an internationally recognized symbol of AIDS awareness. It is worn in support of people living with HIV and in remembrance of those who have died. 
Background:
i.World AIDS Vaccine Day was conceptualised by the speech of former United States President Bill Clinton on 18th May 1997, at the Morgan State University, Maryland, the United States of America(USA). 
ii.The first ever World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day was observed on 18th May 1998.
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Sameer Sharma, AP Chief Secretary gets 2nd tenure extension for 6-Months 

The government of India(GoI) has extended the tenure of Sameer Sharma, Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh(AP) by 6 months beyond 31st May 2022. This is his 2nd tenure extension as Chief Secretary. 
Sameer Sharma, a 1985 batch IAS officer of AP cadre, was appointed as the Chief Secretary of AP on 30th September 2021 and he was supposed to retire on 30th November 2021. 
In November 2021, GoI granted a 6-month extension in service till 31st May 2022. 

• The GoI accepted the request of AP government to extend his tenure and granted the 2nd extension for a further 6 months relaxing Rule 16 (1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, by invoking Rule 3 of AIS (Conditions of Service-Residuary Matters) Rules, 1960.

AICF & TN Government signed MoU for 44th Chess Olympiad 2022

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Tamil Nadu(TN) for the upcoming 44th Chess Olympiad 2022, organised by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE – International Chess Federation), which is set to be held from 28th July 2022 to 10th August 2022.

• The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjay Kapoor, President of AICF and MK Stalin, Chief Minister(CM) of Tamil Nadu. 
• For the first time, India is set to host the world’s biggest chess event 

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