ADB Projects India’s GDP to grow 11% in FY22
The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected the growth rate of India’s economy, in its latest flagship Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, as follows:
- FY22 (2021-22): 11%
- FY23 (2022-23): 7%
ADB has based the rate on the “strong” vaccine drive being undertaken across the country, however, it has also cautioned that the recent surge in COVID cases may put the country’s economic recovery at “risk”.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
- ADB Established: 9 December 1966.
IHS Markit Estimates GDP Growth Rate of India at 9.6% for FY22
London-based financial services company IHS Markit has projected the GDP growth rate of the Indian economy to grow at 9.6 per cent in FY22 (2021-22). The revision is based on factors like ongoing lockdown and mobility curbs coupled with fears of an extension, time-wise and across more Indian cities.
India Ranks 49th in Chandler Good Government Index 2021
India has been placed at 49th position among 104 nations in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2021. Finland has topped the CGGI Index 2021 and Venezuela is the last ranked country at 104.
Index
- Rank 1: Finland
- Rank 2: Switzerland
- Rank 3: Singapore
- Rank 4: Netherlands
- Rank 5: Demark
About the Chandler Good Governance Index:
The Chandler Good Governance Index is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance headquartered in Singapore. The index is prepared based on seven pillars namely leadership and foresight, strong institutions, robust laws and policies, attractive market place, financial stewardship, helping people rise, global influence and reputation.
China Launches Robot Prototype ‘NEO-01’ Clear Space Debris
The Chinese government has launched a robot prototype named as ‘NEO-01’, in the Earth’s low orbit, on its Long March 6 rocket. The 30kg robot prototype has been developed by Shenzhen-based space mining start-up ‘Origin Space’.
Main Purpose:
- To observe small celestial bodies in deep space and to experiment with space debris removal techniques.
- NEO-01 will use a large net to capture debris left behind by other spacecraft and then burn it using its electric propulsion system.
DRDO Conducts Maiden Trial of Python-5 Air to Air Missile Using LCA Tejas
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully test-fired the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) from Tejas aircraft, at Goa. This adds the Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in the air-to-air weapons package of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.
The trials also aimed to validate the enhanced capability of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas. Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) has been manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel and is one of the most sophisticated guided missiles in the world.
Krithi Karanth becomes 1st Indian woman to get ‘Wild Innovator Award’
Dr. Krithi K Karanth, Chief Conservation Scientist at Bengaluru-based Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), has been chosen as the first Indian and Asian woman for the 2021 ‘WILD Innovator Award’. This award given by the ‘‘WILD ELEMENTS Foundation” brings together a coalition of innovators, advocates and partners to “disrupt the status quo and identify solutions to global sustainability and conservation,”.
The Foundation’s distinctive approach to addressing climate change is the “Power of Three,” recognising the interconnectedness of animal-kind, humankind, and plantkind for the future planetary wellness of our shared home.
Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja becomes ASICS brand ambassador
Japanese Sportswear brand ASICS announced that it has appointed Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder of the Indian cricket team and Chennai Super Kings as its brand ambassador. The company, which focuses on sporting gear for the running category.
ASICS has been working with young and fresh athletic talent across various genres of sports. In India, ASICS is promoted by actor Tiger Shroff. In Asia, ASICS currently has over 55 stores across India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
Indian Army signs MoU with HPCL & NIEDO for Ladakh Ignited Minds project
Ladakhi youth Army under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps signed MoU for Ladakh Ignited Minds project with corporate partner Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and executing agency National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) HQ 14 Corps Leh.
About the project:
- The project Ladakh Ignited Minds: A Centre of Excellence and Wellness has been conceptualized to secure a better future for the youth of UT of Ladakh.
- The programme under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army would be executed by National Integrity & Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) a Kanpur-based NGO.
- The Army would oversee the overall operations to include administration and logistics with requisite funding support through Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
- The dignitaries stated that Army is doing all-out efforts not only for skill development but also for providing employment opportunities to the underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of Ladakh.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Governors & Administrators of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.
Noted Odia and English Author Manoj Das Passes Away
Eminent Indian educationist, popular columnist and prolific author, who wrote in Odia and English, Manoj Das has passed away. The first book of Das was of poetry called ‘Satavdira Artanada’, in Odia, which was published when he was in high school. He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2020 for his contributions in the field of literature and education.
