Current Affairs 30 April 2022

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Railway Ministry & C-DOT inks MoU for Modernisation of Telecommunication for Public Safety and Security

On April 27, 2022, The Ministry of Railways and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for coordination and resource sharing with respect to provision of telecommunication facilities in the delivery and implementation of C-DOT’s Telecom solutions and services in Indian Railways.
What is in the MoU?
i.Following the World Standards, The C-DOT and Ministry of Railways will work on modernisation of telecommunication in Indian Railways for public safety and security using Long Term Evolution for Railways (LTE-R).
ii.Other Key modernisation projects under the MoU are –

• Use of 5G in Indian Railways on lines of Make in India Policy.
• Internet of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine (M2M) applications.
• Unified Network Management System.
• Optic Fibre Communication (OFC) System and Network Management System (NMS)
• Video Conference Software (VC-DOT), Chatting Software, routers and switches among others.

Dignitaries Present:
i.The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajkumar Upadhyay, Executive Director of C-DOT and Aruna Singh, Additional Member, Telecom, Railway Board.
About Ministry of Railways:
Minister of Railways – Ashwini Vaishnaw (Constituency – Rajya Sabha, Odisha)
Minister of State – Raosaheb Patil Danve (Constituency – Lok Sabha, Jalna, Maharashtra); Darshana Jardosh (Constituency – Lok Sabha, Surat, Gujarat)

Raisina Dialogue 2022 & Delegate Visits from Other Countries

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Edition of Raisina Dialogue – Raisina Dialogue 2022, which was held over three days from April 25 to April 27, 2022 in New Delhi, Delhi.

• The conference was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

What is the Raisina Dialogue:
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the world’s most pressing concerns. It is named after Raisina Hill, the seat of the Government of India.
Other Countries Delegate Visit to Attend the Raisina Dialogue 2022:
From April 24–25, 2022, the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, paid an official visit to India. It was her first visit to India as the President of the European Commission.
On April 25–26, 2022, Poland’s Foreign Minister, Zbigniew Rau, made a two-day visit to India, arriving in New Delhi, Delhi. It was the first time in nine years that a Polish foreign minister visited India.
About European Union (EU):
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries.
>> Read Full News

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 Completes Four Years, Launched on 25th April 2018

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) 2.0 on April 25, 2022 has completed four years since its launch on the same day in the year 2018. The UBA 2.0 was launched with the vision of transformational change in the rural development processes by the Ministry of Education (MoE).Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi has been designated to function as the National Coordinating Institute for this program.
About Unnat Bharat Abhiyan:
i.The UBA (UBA 1.0) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource and Development) on 11th November, 2014.
ii.It aims to link the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) with a set of at least 5 villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
About Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 (Phase 2):
i.The UBA 2.0 is the upgraded version of UBA 1.0, launched in 2018. 
ii.The UBA 1.0 was undertaken in the Invitation Model in which Participating Institutions were invited to be a part of UBA.
iii.However UBA 2.0 is done under Challenge Model of the UBA programme in which all the HEIs are required to willingly adopt at least 5 villages.
iv.Its objective is to engage the faculty and students of HEIs in understanding rural realities.
v.Currently there are 748 Institutions participating under the scheme. In the UBA phase -2 scheme 605 institutions have been selected, Out of which 313 are Technical Institutions and 292 are Non-Technical Institutions.
vi.In order to move towards the holistic development of the villages, there are two major domains, i.e. human development and material (economic) development, which need to be developed in an integrated way.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Launched DACE Scheme in UP

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) and Chairman of Dr.Ambedkar Foundation, Virendra Kumar launched Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE) Scheme from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh(UP). Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel was the chief guest of the event.

• Dr Ambedkar Foundation, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment(MSJE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with selected 31 Universities.
• A MoU was also signed with regard to the improved Dr. Ambedkar Chairs Scheme between 24 Universities/Institutions and DAF, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI.

i.Under DACE, a total of 100 seats will be sanctioned for coaching per centre for SC candidates.
ii.Dr. Ambedkar Chairs scheme aims to provide advanced Centres of learning in the premier universities and educational institutes to understand, assess, disseminate and implement the ideas and thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Wildlife sanctuaries – Katarniya Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Sanctuary
Tiger Reserve – Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Amangarh (buffer of Corbett TR)
>> Read Full News

Maharashtra Approved India’s First Gene Bank Programme for Biodiversity Conservation

On April 28, 2022, The Maharashtra Cabinet headed by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has approved India’s first-of-its-kind Maharashtra Gene Bank Programme with an aim of ensuring that the natural resources are passed onto generations, with the budget support of Rs 172.39 crore for a period of five years in Maharashtra.

• The Programme will be run by the State Biodiversity Board to sustain and continue the work.
• Ecologist and former Secretary in the government of India, Madhav Gadgil, had conceptualised the project that aims to bring the members of the grass-roots community and the scientific community together.

Key Points:
i.The Project has identified 7 areas, They are –
1.Marine Biodiversity
2.Native crop seed
3.Local breed of livestock
4.Freshwater biodiversity
5.Barren land, Grazing land and Grassland biodiversity
6.Protection and Management of forest land and 
7.Rejuvenation of forest land.
ii.The project involves documentation, standardisation and popularisation of wisdom of the local community’s traditional knowledge on biodiversity conservation.
iii.It will also promote permanent biodiversity conservation and suggest measures on effects of food security due to climate change.
iv.The project will be carried out by a three-tier panel with the Chief Secretary as the head of the State-level committee and the district level functioning will be overseen by the panel headed by the District Collector.
v.An executive committee under Principal Secretary (Forest) will monitor the sector-wise functioning. 
vi.Each of the seven major points identified in the project will be worked upon by organisations, research institutes or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in that area. 
Note: Maharashtra Genebank Programme, a multi-institutional project funded by the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, under the Government of Maharashtra, ran the project from 2014-2019 in different parts of Maharashtra.
About Maharashtra:
Governor – Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Bird Sanctuary (BS) – Nandur Madhyameshwar BS, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary BS
Festivals – Gudi Padwa, Narali Purnima, Ellora Festival

Giriraj Singh launches 90-day campaign ‘Azadi Se Antyodaya Tak’

On April 28, 2022, Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), launched ‘Azadi Se Antyodaya Tak’, a 90-day campaign with a mission to saturate 75 Districts across 28 States and Union Territories (UTs) with 17 select beneficiary schemes of 9 Central Ministries.

• Celebrating India@75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), the identified 75 districts are aligned with the birthplace of 99 Unsung Freedom Fighters, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice for the nation during India’s Freedom Struggle.
• The list of 75 Districts along with corresponding Freedom Fighters Click Here.
• Nodal Ministry – The Implementation, Monitoring and Outcome of the campaign will be under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).

Key Points:
i.Goal – To take up the 17 select Schemes with direct assistance to the beneficiaries, reaching out to the person at the bottom of the pyramid in rural areas by each of the participating Ministries or Departments. 
ii.Implementation – The Campaign will be implemented in a celebratory mode involving all rural stakeholders including families of identified freedom fighters (FF), Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), women networks, youth groups and students highlighting the achievements of the schemes.
iii.The 75 districts that are marginally lagging behind in the development parameters, have been shortlisted through Monthly per Capita Indicators (MPCI) and D5/D7 SECC-2011 data (Socio-Economic Caste Census).
For more details regarding the event Click Here.
Other Information:
i.The list of 9 Central Ministries or Departments are –
1.Ministry of Rural Development
2.Department of Social Justice & Empowerment-Divyangjan
3.Ministry of Women & Child Development
4.Department of Financial Services
5.Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
6.Department of Agriculture & farmers Welfare
7.Department of Health & Family Welfare
8.Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying 
9.Ministry of Labour & Employment
ii.The List of 28 State and Union Territories are – Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

IIM-K & AARDO signed MoU to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in 33 Members of AARDO

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) and African Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and collaborate in research, consultancy, technical and knowledge assistance in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development practices in the 33 members nations of AARDO. 

• The 33 members of the AARDO include 31 countries in the Asian-African region.
• This MoU will enable IIM-K and AARDO to work on their mutual interest in agriculture and sustainable rural development in AARDO member countries, 

Signatories:
Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM-K and Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary-General of AARDO signed the MoU in New Delhi, Delhi. 
Features of the MoU:
i.The MoU will enable cooperation between IIT-K & AARDO to address the challenges in agriculture and sustainable rural development through research, publication, consultancy and advisory.
ii.This will also focus on advancing new knowledge and its sharing, innovative solutions, interventions and capacity enhancement to benefit and strengthen rural communities of these countries.
iii.This MoU will enable regular engagement among the authorities of the participating countries and knowledgeable faculty members of IIM-K through various technical programs in resolving issues and challenges experienced in AARDO’s rural areas.
iv.Under this MoU, both IIM-K and AARDO will endeavour to organise international, regional and on-the-spot or in-country training programmes, workshops, and seminars to strengthen the institutional capacity of the member countries. 
v.It will also conduct research, implement development projects jointly, exchange experts, and specialists, create exchange programmes with universities and institutes in member countries and provide technical support in project formulations and consultancy.
About African Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO):
AARDO was formerly known as Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization
Secretary-General– Dr Manoj Nardeosingh(Mauritius)
Founded in 1962
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Laid Foundation Stones For Several Projects In Assam

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for projects relating to healthcare and education in Assam. It includes a Veterinary College in Diphu, Degree College in West Karbi Anglong and Agricultural College in Kolonga with the projects worth more than Rs 500 crore. These projects focused on opportunities for skills and to boost employment in Assam.

• The project works are done with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ as a solution to border-related issues between Assam and Meghalaya.
• PM also laid the foundation stone for more than 2950 ‘Amrit Sarovar’ projects. The state will develop these Amrit Sarovars at a cost of Rs 1150 crore.
• Under phase 1 project PM dedicated seven cancer hospitals to the nation, these cancer Hospitals are built at Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Darrang, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, and Jorhat in Assam.
• Under the phase 2 of the project, the PM laid the foundation stone of seven new cancer hospitals at Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Golaghat.
• As a result of better law and order,maintaining peace and development in Assam, the Government of India decided to remove the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in 23 districts of Assam.

About Assam:
Chief Minister – Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor – Jagdish Mukhi
Wildlife sanctuaries – Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India accounted for Highest Volume of Real-Time Payments at 48.6bn in 2021: CEBR Report

i.In accordance with the report titled ‘The Economic Impact of Real-Time Payments-April 2022’ by Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) in partnership with GlobalData for payment solutions provider ACI Worldwide, India accounted for the highest volume of real-time payments (1st rank) among businesses around the world, with 48.6 billion real-time payments through 2021 which is 40% of Global Real-time Payments originated in 2021.
ii.The report featured 53 global markets, and 30 countries.
iii.India is followed by China at the second place with 18.5 billion real-time transactions.
iv.It should be noted that real-time payments refer to instantaneous digital payments that facilitate transfer of funds within a few seconds.
v.In 2021, 181,261 million real-time transactions were made globally. A YoY (Year On Year) growth of 64.5% to 427,670 million transactions is projected in 2026.
About ACI Worldwide:
President and CEO– Odilon Almeida
Headquarters– Coral Gables, Florida, United States
About Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR):
Chairman– Martin Piers
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
>> Read Full News

India ranked 21st in estimated Crypto Gains in 2021, US Tops: Chainalysis Data

i.In accordance with the data released by crypto analytics firm Chainalysis, investors around the world realized total Crypto gains of $162.7 billion in 2021, compared to $32.5 billion in 2020. This is 2nd consecutive data by Chainalysis. Click here
ii.However, India ranked lowly at 21st with realized gains of around $1.85 billion while it is topped by the United States (US) with an estimated realized Crypto gain of $49.95 billion.
About Chainalysis:
CEO– Michael Gronager
Headquarters– New York, United States
>> Read Full News

UNDRR’s GAR2022: Increase in Disasters Leads to Spike in Intentional Homicides of Women

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)’s 6th edition of Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 (GAR2022) titled “Our World at Risk: Transforming Governance for a Resilient Future” highlights that violence against women and girls increases in the aftermath of disasters. At the extreme end of the scale, this takes the form of intentional homicides.

• UNDRR released the report ahead of the 7th session of the Global Platform on reducing risk which will be held from 23 to 28 May 2022 in Bali, Indonesia. 
• The report was launched on behalf of the UN system by Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, and moderated by Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The report builds on the analysis of United Nations-mandated SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) data on increased gender-based violence in disasters. 

• The report explores how, around the world, structures are evolving to better address systemic risk.
• The report also shows how governance systems can evolve to reflect the interconnected value of people, the planet and prosperity.

Key Points:
i.The report cited several studies to establish that increases in gender-based violence during disaster displacement and slow-onset disasters were a key concern at the global level, in regions such as Asia and the Pacific, as well as in various countries like wildfires in Australia, cyclones in Bangladesh, and floods and hurricanes in the United States.
ii.The disaster also increases human trafficking, which has a strong gender dimension. iii.The analysis of available SDG data shows a relationship between disaster affectedness and the number of detected female victims of human trafficking in all regions except North Africa, West Asia and Oceania.
iv.In India, the coastal states of West Bengal and Odisha with a rapid increase in floods and cyclones brought on by the impacts of climate change. The increasing instances of displacement and migration make people more vulnerable to trafficking.
v.The report also emphasised on women play a crucial role in scaling up disaster preparedness, bringing a wealth of knowledge, capacities and needs-based approaches to decision-making.
About United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR):
Head of UNDRR– Mami Mizutori (Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland

Russia Withdraws from UN World Tourism Organization Amid Ukraine War

UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili announced that Russia has withdrawn from the UNWTO ahead of a vote by the body to suspend Russia’s membership over its invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier in March, the UNWTO announced that it wanted to suspend Russia for its war against Ukraine. The decision must be approved by two-thirds of its 159 member states at a two-day general assembly, which began on April 27, 2022, in Madrid, Spain.

• It was the first U.N. body to address Russia’s membership.

BANKING & FINANCE

ICICI Bank Launches India’s First ‘Open-For-All’ Digital Ecosystem for MSMEs

ICICI Bank has launched India’s First ‘Open-For-All’ digital ecosystem with an open architecture to empower all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, including customers of other banks, by integrating banking services with value-added offerings. The ecosystem is supported by three pillars:

• Enhanced banking services for existing customers
• A variety of banking services to MSMEs, who are customers of other banks
• A wide range of added-value services for everyone

This would serve as a comprehensive platform for the MSME sector, which is a vital part of the Indian economy, by improving “ease of doing business” so that they may focus on growth.
Features of the Digital Ecosystem:
i.Anyone can make use of ICICI Bank’s digital solutions by downloading the new InstaBIZ app, a business app, from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or by visiting the bank’s Corporate Internet Banking (CIB) platform.
ii.MSMEs who are customers of other banks can use the new version of InstaBIZ to log in as guests and use a variety of services from the bank’s digital ecosystem.
iii. The most essential of these services is InstaOD Plus, which provides an instant and paperless overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 25 lakhs.

• InstaOD Plus is an industry-first offering that allows customers of any bank to obtain an overdraft instantly.

iv.ICICI Bank has collaborated with a number of partners to eliminate the need for MSMEs to coordinate with several experts in order to meet their diverse needs. 
About ICICI Bank Ltd:
MD & CEO – Sandeep Bakhshi
Establishment – 1994
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

SEBI cuts listing time for REITs, InvITs from 12 days to 6 days

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the time taken for allotment and listing of REITs (real estate investment trusts) and InvITs (infrastructure investment trusts) after the closure of issue to 6 working days, against the current requirement of 12 working days. This will be applicable from June 1, 2022.

• For InvITs, this decision has been taken in exercise of the powers conferred under Regulation 16(9) and 33 of SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014, and Section 11(1) of the SEBI, 1992.
• For REITs, it has been taken in exercise of the powers under Regulation 16(1) and 33 of SEBI (Real EstateInvestment Trusts) Regulations, 2014 and Section 11(1) of the  SEBI,  1992.
• The move will further streamline the process of public issues of these investment vehicles. 

Key Points:
i.Both REITs and InvITs are investment vehicles similar to mutual funds (MFs), wherein sponsors/managers pool money from investors

• While a REIT comprises a portfolio of commercial real assets, InvITs comprise a portfolio of infrastructure assets, such as highways and power transmission assets.

ii.As of March 2021, a total of 15 InvITs and 4REITs were registered. Of these, six InvITs and three REITs were listed on the stock exchanges. 
iii.SEBI also mandates self certified syndicate banks (SCSBs), stock exchanges, depositories and intermediaries to coordinate and ensure completion of listing (through the public issue), and commencement of trading of units of REITs and InvITs within 6 working days from the date of closure of the issue.

RBI Imposed Penalty of Rs 1.12 Cr on Bank of Maharashtra for Non-Compliance

On 25th April 2022, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.12 crore on the Bank of Maharashtra(BoM), a Public Sector Bank, for non-compliance pertains to certain directions issued under the Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, of 2016.

This penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47 A (1) (c) read with sections 46 (4) (i) and 51 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act).

• RBI has also imposed a penalty of Rs 25 lakh on Haryana State Co-operative Apex Bank Limited for non-compliance with its directions on Housing Finance. 
• RBI has also imposed a penalty of Rs 12 lakh on Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited for non-compliance with ‘Interest Rate on Deposits.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS      

Bhagwanth Khuba MoS for Chemicals & Fertilizers Presents India Pharma and India Medical Devices Awards 2022

On 27th April 2022, Bhagwanth Khuba, Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (MoC&F) conferred India Pharma and India Medical Devices Awards 2022 during the 7th edition of the International Conference on Pharma and Medical Devices Sector 2022. 

• S Aparna, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, MoC&F also participated in the event. 

About the India Pharma & India Medical Device Awards:
i.The Department of Pharmaceuticals announced the 6 main categories of the India Pharma & India Medical Device Awards: Leaders Category, Company of the year, MSME of the year, Start-ups of the year, Innovation Category, CSR Category.
7th International Conference on Pharma and Medical Devices Sector 2022:
On 25th April 2022, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers inaugurated the 7th edition of the International Conference on Pharma and Medical Devices sector 2022. 

• The annual flagship three-day conference was held from 25th to 27th April 2022 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
• For 2022, the theme of India Pharma is “India Pharma-Vision 2047: Transformative agenda for future” and for India Medical Device, the theme is “Transforming Healthcare through Innovation & Integrated Services”.

>> Read Full News

IBC Awards for Excellence in Built Environment 2021: Atal Tunnel Won Best Infrastructure Project Award 2021

On 28th April 2022, The 9.02 km long Atal Tunnel built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Himachal Pradesh(HP) has won the Indian Building Congress (IBC) Awards for Excellence in Built Environment 2021 under the Best Infrastructure Project category. 

• Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of BRO received the award during the 25th annual convention of the IBC. 

About the Atal Tunnel:
i.Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, dedicated the Atal Tunnel, built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), to the nation on 30th October 2020. 
ii.The Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel globally and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Previously the valley was cut off for around 6 months due to heavy snow. 
About IBC Awards for Excellence in Built Environment: 
The IBC awards instituted in 1996 is an annual award which recognises the much-needed attention of society to the contributions being made by the professionals in the field of Built Environment.
Award Categories: 

• Residential units & Housing Complexes
• Commercial and Office Buildings
• Institutional Campuses
• Industrial Structures
• Rehabilitation / Retrofitting of Buildings
• Infrastructure Projects
• Monumental Structures
• Recreational Schemes

Features of the tunnel:
i.The tunnel is equipped with a semi-transverse ventilation system, where large fans separately circulate air throughout the tunnel. 
ii.For evacuation during emergencies, an emergency tunnel has been integrated into the tunnel cross-section beneath the main carriageway. 
iii.The tunnel is also equipped with fire hydrants at specific locations throughout the tunnel. 
iv.The air quality in the tunnel will be continuously monitored using a pollution sensor and when the air quality lowers below the desired level, fresh air is injected into the tunnel through 2 heavy duty fans on either side. 

NMDC Ltd won 4 Public Relations Awards 2022 Conferred by PRSI

The NMDC Limited (formerly known as National Mineral Development Corporation), owned by the Ministry of Steel, has won 1st position in 4 categories at the Public Relations Awards 2022 conferred by Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), the national association of Public Relations(PR) practitioners. 

• NMDC has been honoured with the awards for their Corporate Website, Annual Report, Layout and Design of Newsletter, and CSR Corporate Video. 
• Praveen Kumar, ED (Personnel) and Ch. Srinivasa Rao, DGM (Corporate Communications) of NMDC received the award on behalf of NMDC Ltd from V Srinivas Goud Minister of Prohibition & Excise, Sports & Youth Services, Tourism & Culture, Government of Telangana. 

About Public Relations Society of India (PRSI):
National President– Dr Ajit Pathak
Established in 1958 
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Limited:
Chairman-Cum-Managing Director- Sumit Deb
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
Incorporated in 1958

OBITUARY

Eminent Structural Biologist Padma Shri Mamannamana Vijayan Passed Away 

Molecular biophysicist and structural biologist professor Padma Shri Mamannamana Vijayan, DAE Homi Bhabha Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)- Bengaluru, passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was born in Cherpu, Thrissur, Kerala in 1941. He played a major role in the development of macromolecular crystallography in India. 
He was honoured with Padma Shri (2004) for science and engineering and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (1985). 

• He served as the president of the Indian National Science Academy from 2007 to 2010.
• He chaired the Higher Education Commission that designed the choice-based credit and semester system (CBCSS) in Kerala in 2010.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Dance Day 2022 – 29th April

International Dance Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 29th April to promote dance in all its forms across the world and to share the joy of dance with others. The day (29th April) also marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet.

• The International Dance Committee (IDC) of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) is responsible for the events related to International Dance Day and the release of the International Message. 

Background:
International Dance Day was created by the International Dance Committee (IDC) of ITI in 1982 with the aim of encouraging all dancers, both professional and amateur, to share their passion and creativity with the world.
Goals of International Dance Day:

• To make people aware of the value of dance in all its forms.
• To enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale and create awareness about the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it.
• To enjoy dance in all its forms for its own sake.

International Dance Day Message:
i.Every year, a message from an outstanding choreographer or dancer is circulated throughout the world on the occasion of International Dance Day. 
ii.The author of the message is selected by the International Dance Committee of ITI and the Executive Council of ITI.
2022 Message: 
The author of the 2022 International Dance Day Message is Kang Sue Jin, South Korean Dancer and Artistic Director of the Korean National Ballet. 

STATE NEWS

Flipkart signs MoU with West Bengal Government to Support Artisans, Weavers, Handicraft Makers

Flipkart, Indian e-commerce Marketplace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal government’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T) Department to support and train local artisans, weavers and handicraft makers to leverage its e-commerce platform to boost their businesses nationally. 
This MoU has been signed under Flipkart’s Samarth programme, to provide time-bound incubation support and training benefits to underserved communities.

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