Himachal Pradesh statehood Day 2022: 15th April
Himachal Day 2022
Himachal Day is observed on the 15th of April in Himachal Pradesh. The state became a full-fledged state on this day. Four districts of Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu and Sirmour were integrated with over two dozen princely states, leading to the formation of Himachal Pradesh as a Union Territory in 1948. Decades later, in 1971, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state in India with Shimla as its capital.
It was on this day in 1948 that Himachal Pradesh was created as a province of India. The day is marked with a grand parade in the capital city of Shimla. Local events are also organised in the cities, towns, and villages to mark the day.
About Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. Bordering Tibet, it is noted for its Himalayan landscapes (Himachal means ‘snow-laden region’) and is a popular tourist destination for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty. The state also has the fourth-highest per capita income of the Indian state and is the third fastest growing economy in India.
Know more about Himachal Pradesh:
- The word ”Himachal” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Hima” (snow) and “Anchal” (lap). The state, situated amid valleys and hills, virtually sits in the lap of the Himalayas.
- The main language spoken in the state is Hindi but there are several local dialects like Mahasu, Pahari, Mandeali, Kangri, Kullu, Bilaspuri and Kinnauri.
- The recorded history of Himachal Pradesh goes back to the Maurya period, that is, 4th Century B.C.
- The state has beautiful tourist destinations like Shimla – the queen of hill stations, Bilaspur, Mandi, Chamba, Kullu, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kangra, Palampur, Solan, Manali and Dharmshala.
- The Kalka-Shimla Railway, often called the ”toy train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kalka-Shimla Railway traverses the steepest slope (over 5800 ft) in roughly 95 km. The train crosses several bridges and tunnels.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presents International Gandhi Award for Leprosy, 2021
Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has presented the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy, 2021 to Dr Bhushan Kumar of Chandigarh under the Indian nomination (individual) category and Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust, Gujarat under the institutional category. The award was given during a function in New Delhi on April 13, 2022.
Why was the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy award given?
Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust and Dr. Bhushan Kumar have been working round the clock to raise awareness regarding leprosy and the care that can be provided to those afflicted with this disease. They have also been working to remove the social stigmas that are associated with this disease.
About the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy award:
The annual award has been instituted by Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation to recognise the work of individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly to fight this disease and the prejudices associated with it. The award commemorates the compassion that Gandhiji possessed and the service he rendered toward people afflicted with leprosy.
New Zealand Cricket Awards 2022 announced
New Zealand announced awards for Men and Women’s cricketers. New Zealand speedster Trent Boult and White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine won the ‘T20 International Player of the Year’ in the recently announced New Zealand Cricket Awards 2022.
New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee has been awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Awards on April 14, 2022. This is Southee’s first Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in his 14-year-long career. He has been awarded for his consistency throughout the 2021-22 season. Sir Richard Hadlee’s medal is the highest cricketing honour of New Zealand (Black Cap).
Other category awards announced are given below:
- Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
- Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Michael Bracewell (Wellington Firebirds)
- Fan Moment of the Summer: Ross Taylor’s final wicket in his last Test
- International Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze).
- International Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Will Young (Central Stags).
- Redpath Cup for first-class batting: Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds).
- Ruth Martin Cup for women’s domestic batting: Suzie Bates (Otago Sparks).
- Winsor Cup for first-class bowling: Tim Southee (Northern Districts).
- Phyl Blackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Eden Carson (Otago Sparks).
- New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Chris Gaffaney.
World Bank Slashes India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY22-23 to 8 Percent
World Bank on India’s GDP
The World Bank has slashed the GDP growth forecast for India in FY2022/23 to 8 per cent in its bi-annual “South Asia Economic Focus” report, due to the negative impact of the war in Ukraine on FY23 growth. Earlier in January 2022, the growth forecast for FY23 was estimated at 8.7 per cent.
Reasons:
- The World Bank said a further escalation in the war in Ukraine could scare investors in emerging market securities and debt instruments and lead to a capital flight from South Asia to “safe havens” in the West.
- Foreign investors have already been exiting India’s financial market since October 2021, due to the impending monetary tightening by the US Federal Reserve. Recent developments in Eastern Europe have intensified the capital outflow, weakening the Indian rupee (INR).
- Maintaining macroeconomic stability through prudent and transparent policies will be important also if the Indian government turns to domestic borrowing.
India will host Street Child Cricket World Cup in 2023
India is ready to host the Street Child Cricket World Cup in 2023. This world is organized by Street Child United and Save the Children India, the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 will welcome 22 teams from 16 countries to India next year. The Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 will welcome 22 teams from 16 countries to India next year.
Countries that will participate this year are Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, England, Hungary, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. In addition to the partnership between Street Child United and Save the Children the SCCWC 2023 will also collaborate with World Bank, ICC and the British High Commission.
Assamese New Year 2022, Rongali Bohag Bihu Festival
Assamese New Year 2022
Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, one of the biggest festivals of Assam, falls in the second week of April every year, marking the beginning of the harvest period. This year Bohag Bihu is being observed from April 14 to April 16. Rongali means joy in Assamese and the festival indeed is the time to rejoice and make merry with family and community.
The first day of the Hindu solar calendar is celebrated in the states of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Kerala, Manipur, and West Bengal among others with different names and traditions. Bihu is celebrated thrice a year; apart from Rongali or Bohag Bihu – Kati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu and Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu are celebrated to mark different stages of the harvesting period.
Assamese New Year 2022: Significance
The different days of Rongali Bihu are dedicated to cattle, household deities, handlooms, and farming equipment, among others. Dancing to the tunes of folk songs known as Bihu Geet, feasting and exchanging gifts from other traditions of the festival.
History of the Assamese New Year
The history of Bihu is said to go back to ancient times, around 3500 BC, when people made fire sacrifices for a better harvest. It is said that an agrarian tribe who lived in the north-eastern part of the world thousands of years back celebrated the festival.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Assam Capital: Dispur;
- Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma;
- Assam Governor: Jagadish Mukhi.
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IAF Ties Up with IIT Madras to Develop Solutions to Maintain Weapon Systems
IAF Ties Up with IIT Madras
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have signed a memorandum of understanding for technology development and finding indigenous solutions for the sustenance of various weapon systems. The joint partnership between IAF and IIT Madras aims to accelerate IAF’s indigenisation efforts for achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
IIT Madras in partnership with IAF will significantly contribute to indigenisation efforts by Base Repair Depots (BRDs) of Maintenance Command IAF, towards enhancing sustenance capability, obsolescence management and achieving ‘Self Reliance’.
Under the MoU:
- IAF has identified key focus areas involving technology development and finding indigenous solutions towards the sustenance of various weapon systems. IIT Madras will provide consultancy duly supported by research for feasibility studies and prototype development.
- The MoU was signed by Air Commodore S Bahuja, Command Engineering Officer (Systems), Headquarters Maintenance Command, IAF and Professor HSN Murthy, Head of Department Aerospace Engineering IIT Madras, at Air Force Station, Tughlakabad, Delhi.
Orleans Masters 2022: Indian Shuttler Mithun Manjunath Won Silver
Orleans Masters 2022
Indian shuttler Mithun Manjunath has won silver in Men’s Singles at the Orléans Masters 2022, a badminton tournament held from 29th March to 3rd April 2022 in Orleans, France. Playing in his maiden BWF final, the 79th ranked Indian shuttler lost 11-21, 19-21 to world number 32 Frenchman Toma Junior Popov at the Palais des Sports Arena. The women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam has won the bronze in the Women’s doubles at the tournament.
Uttarakhand to launch “Him Prahari” scheme for ex-servicemen & youngsters
The Government of Uttarakhand is set to implement the ‘Him Prahari’ Scheme which is meant for ex-servicemen and youngsters. The Uttarakhand Govt is seeking the cooperation of the Union Government to implement the scheme in areas bordering the Uttarakhand. The scheme will also prioritise settling ex-servicemen in areas bordering the state.
The scheme is aimed at stopping the migration of people from Uttarakhand and will focus on areas where migration occurs at a rapid phase so that people stay put, and not move out. The estimated expenditure of the scheme is around Rs 5.45 crore. The Him Prahari Scheme was announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uttarakhand unit in its 2022 Election Manifesto.
Key Features:
- The Him Prahari scheme is meant for ex-servicemen and youngsters.
- It is aimed at stopping the migration of people from the state.
- The scheme will focus on areas where migration occurs at a rapid phase so that people stay put and move out of the state.
- Under the scheme, the state will prioritise settling ex-servicemen in areas bordering the state.
- The state government will provide all necessary assistance to the ex-servicemen and the youth of the state to settle in the districts that share international borders keeping long-term national interests in mind.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami;
- Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer);
- Uttarakhand Governor: Lt Gen Gurmit Singh.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Launches Digital Platform, FYN
Kotak FYN
Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) has launched Kotak FYN, a new enterprise platform designed specifically for Business Banking and Corporate clients. Customers of the bank can utilise the portal to conduct all trade and service transactions.
Key Points of Kotak FYN:
- According to a press release, the Kotak FYN portal will contain many other services by the fourth quarter of 2022, including account services, payments, and collections.
- The portal will also have a dashboard that consumers can personalise, real-time tracking of transaction limits, access to prior transactions, and upcoming transaction events, among other things.
- It also promises to deliver a tailored experience in small steps with system stability.
Kodak FYN to Offer Following Services:
- Kotak FYN seeks to provide clients with a consistent experience across all product platforms through a unified perspective.
- The platform ensures paperless transactions and the ability to follow transactions from beginning to end.
- It delivers status updates, decreasing requests and retrieval of uploaded documents, as well as a safe and secure channel with authentication.
- Kodak FYM is a digital corporate portal that serves as a one-stop shop.
- The backbone of rising digital trade will be FYN’s end-to-end digital architecture, better efficiency, speed, and enhanced security protocols.
20th India-France Joint Staff Talks Took Place in Paris
India-France Joint Staff Talks
The 20th edition of the India-France Joint Staff talks focused on new initiatives within the framework of the existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism, as well as improving current defence engagements. The two-day talks took place in a nice, warm, and courteous setting in Paris. The Joint Staff Consultations between India and France are a forum intended to improve defence cooperation between the two countries through frequent talks at the operational and strategic levels.
Key Points of India-France Joint Staff Talks:
- The 20th edition of Joint Talks between India and France ended with the goal of actively enhancing defence cooperation.
- The two-day meetings focused on new projects that come under the existing bilateral defence cooperation umbrella, as well as the enhancement of ongoing defence engagements between the two countries.
- The India-France Joint Staff Forum was established with the goal of improving strategic and operational defence cooperation between the two countries.
- It is important to remember that one of the main pillars of the India-France Strategic Partnership is defence and security cooperation.
- India and France have agreed on a blueprint for the blue economy and ocean governance.
- The 20th edition of the India-France Joint Talks took place in the midst of both countries signing a roadmap to improve bilateral blue economy exchanges, forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law, and collaborate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure.
- The sides will strive toward ocean governance, particularly through coordination in relevant international organisations, to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
- India and France share a mutual interest in the blue economy and coastal resiliency.
Important Takeaways for Competitive exams:
- India’s External Affairs Minister: Dr. S Jaishankar;
- Chief of the Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane.
Union Government crosses its asset monetization target for FY22
According to the evaluation made at a high-level review meeting, the central government has exceeded its asset monetization target of 88,000 crore for FY22 and has concluded agreements worth 96,000 crore. Roads, power, and coal and mineral mining are among the industries that have made significant contributions to asset monetisation. The Centre has set an asset monetisation target of over 1.6 trillion dollars for FY23, for which proposals from various ministries are in various stages of processing.
KEY POINTS:
- Prominent investors who purchased assets in FY22 include CPP Investments, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, and Utilico Emerging Markets Trust Plc. At the time of publication, emails made to these investors evening had gone unanswered.
- When the final data are in, the total asset sale in FY22 could reach $1 trillion. Senior officials from the finance and infrastructure ministries, as well as the NITI Aayog, attended the meeting, which was headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the asset monetisation plan in her union budget for FY22 as a major financing alternative for developing new infrastructure assets.
- The strategy included a pipeline of assets totaling $6 trillion that would be monetised over a four-year period until FY25. As asset acquirers borrow loans and expand their operations, the government anticipates the asset sale completed in FY22 to result in additional $9 trillion in cumulative investments.
- The goal is to crowd in private infrastructure investments, which are a critical part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS:
Union Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ introduced by MoHUA
In the presence of senior officials from States/UTs and several Central Ministries, Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), launched the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ programme in an additional 126 cities across 14 States/UTs.
KEY POINTS:
- PMSVANidhi’s extra initiative, ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi,‘ was launched in 125 cities in Phase 1 in 2021, covering around 35 lakh street vendors and their families. They have been given 22.5 lakh scheme sanctions, which include 16 lakh insurance benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeeban Jyoti Yojana, and 2.7 lakh pension benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, among other things.
- Due to the success of Phase I, the MoHUA has expanded the programme to 126 cities, with the goal of covering 28 lakh street vendors and their families, with a total target of 20 lakh plan sanctions for FY 2022-23. The remaining cities would be added to the programme over time.
- Since June 1, 2020, MoHUA has been implementing the Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), a Central Sector Scheme. The scheme, which aims to provide a low-cost working capital loan to street vendors, has already reached the 30-lakh milestone.
- The initiative, as envisioned by the Honourable Prime Minister, aims to not only provide loans to street sellers, but also to help them develop holistically and economically. With this in mind, the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ programme was established to provide social security benefits to street sellers in order to promote their holistic development and socioeconomic upliftment.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS:
- Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Jeeban Jyoti Yojana,
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana,
Three General Insurance Companies’ Share Capital Increased By the Government
Three public sector general insurance businesses – National Insurance Company Limited, Oriental Insurance Company Limited, and United India Insurance Company – have had their authorised share capital increased by the government. This will allow for a capital inflow of Rs. 5,000 crore into these businesses.
Key Points:
- The permitted capital for National Insurance will now be 15,000 crore (1,500 crore shares with a face value of 10 apiece), up from the current 7,500 crore, according to a notification released by the Finance Ministry (1,500 crore shares with a face value of ten each).
- Oriental Insurance would have a market capitalization of 7,500 crore (750 crore shares with a face value of ten rupees each), up from 5,000 crore (500 crore shares with a face value of ten rupees each).
- United India Insurance’s permitted capital has been increased to Rs 7,500 crore.
- United India Insurance’s authorised capital has been raised from 5,000 crore (500 crore shares with a face value of 10) to 7,500 crore (750 crore shares with a face value of 10).
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her FY 2018-19 Budget speech that three public sector general insurance companies, National Insurance Company Ltd., United India Assurance Company Limited, and Oriental India Insurance Company Limited, would be merged into a single insurance entity and then listed.
Important Takeaways:
- Finance Misiter: Nirmala Sitharaman
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced to Celebrate April 14 As ‘Equality Day’
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced in the Assembly that the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar (April 14) will be commemorated as ‘Samathuva Naal’ (Equality Day), and that a promise will be administered on that day, in accordance with Rule 110.
Key Points:
- The chief Minister stated that a demand to this effect was made during State Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meeting on behalf of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, adding that the idea is to commemorate the day in the same way that Periyar’s birthday is commemorated as ‘Social Justice Day.’
- Former Union Minister and Nilgiris MP A Raja once demanded that BR Ambedkar’s writings be translated into Tamil, according to the chief minister. “His request has been granted. The Tamil Nadu government plans to publish a few of Ambedkar’s books.”
- Chief Minister Stalin asked DMK personnel to commemorate Equality Day in the party’s district unit offices and all 238 Periyar Memorial Samathuvapuram around the state of Tamil Nadu.
Important Takeaways for all Competitive Exams:
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: MK Stalin
- Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai
- Tamil Nadu is the Second richest and wealthiest state in the Indian union
- Most industrialised state in the country
- More than 60% of the state is urbanised
- Tamil Nadu is well-known for its Hindu temples in the Dravidian style.
- Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai boasts lofty ‘gopuram’ towers with colourful sculptures.
- Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage place on Pamban Island.
- The town of Kanyakumari, on India’s southernmost edge, is known for its morning rituals.
- The beaches and attractions of Chennai’s capital, including the 1644 colonial Fort St. George, are well-known.
