World Parkinson’s Day 2022
Every year, April 11 is observed as World Parkinson’s Day to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive nervous system disorder. This year, the theme is integrated healthcare. The day marks the birthday of Dr James Parkinson from London, who was the first person to systematically described the six individuals with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Additionally, the month of April is observed as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Some of the issues that Parkinson’s patients face include:
- Cognitive problems: One may have problems with thinking, memory, judgment, and problem-solving. Patients, usually, become forgetful and have trouble finding words, difficulty in making decisions, have brain fog, and are unable to focus.
- Swallowing problems: Parkinson’s is a muscle movement disorder that impacts the muscles used in swallowing. If the symptoms are ignored, one may develop a condition called dysphagia (inability to swallow food). This can be accompanied by voice changes, coughing, and even choking.
- Sleep problems: This disease can invite a plethora of sleep problems. One may encounter issues such as sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, nightmares, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and inability to get a sound sleep after waking up.
- Psychological issues: Those having Parkinson’s for a long time often exhibit drastic changes in behaviour, including being depressed, anxious, stressed, irritated, frustrated, agitated, violent, restless, impatient, and will also have poor self-esteem. Hence, counselling and timely medication is a must, stressed Dr Pai.
- Sexual dysfunction: Drop in sexual interest and physical functioning will occur owing to the fall in dopamine levels. One will have a low sex drive, and an inability to have an orgasm or erection. Women may experience vaginal dryness.
- Sensory problems: Loss of smell, vision changes, aches, pains, and balance problems are commonly seen in those with Parkinson’s disease. Neglecting the condition can lead to disruption in day-to-day life activities.
- Bladder problems: The disease weakens the muscles in the digestive system which will slow down digestion, causing constipation. People will also be unable to pass urine.
- Dementia: A majority of patients with Parkinson’s disease may suffer from dementia in later life. They will also have problems with speech, hallucinations, and delusions.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022
In India, the National Safe Motherhood Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about adequate access to care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal services. National Safe Motherhood Day is an initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), to enforce that women must have availability and adequate access to care during pregnancy childbirth and postnatal services. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of the father of the Nation Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi.
History of the day:
In 2003, upon the initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance, the Government of India declared the national safe motherhood day to be held on April 11. 2022 marks the 19th anniversary of the day. The first observation was held in 2003. India is the first country in the world to officially declare National Safe Motherhood Day.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- White Ribbon Alliance India was launched in 1999.
Actor-screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam passes away
Actor-screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam has passed away, he was known for his roles in the serial Mukti Bandhan and Meenakshi Sundareshwar. He started his career by writing a screenplay for the 1989 film Parinda which was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Story for Hazaron Khawaishein Aisis. He has worked in films like 2 States, Hichki, Nail Polish, Rocky Handsome and more.
International Day of Human Space Flight celebrates globally on 12 April
The International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated annually on April 12 to mark the anniversary of the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961. The day was proclaimed at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly on April 7, 2011, a few days before the 50th anniversary of the flight. In the Soviet Union, the day is observed as the International Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics.’
History of the day:
On 12 April 1961, was the date of the 1st human space flight was carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen, who became the first person to journey into outer space. This historic incident opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all mankind. 12 April was also the date of the 1st Space Shuttle STS-1 of Columbia launched in 1981, which is also commemorated on this date.
Aim of the day:
This day aims to help us recognize how much humanity has achieved thanks to the advancements in technology. This day shows us the significance of the cooperation, collaboration, and sharing of technology in space which has contributed immensely to making our world a better place.
Importance:
It is an important day for all Space Enthusiasts, Astronomy Researchers, And Scientists. It is a monumental day as it promotes aspirations to explore our universe further to understand the origin, evolution, and likely future of the universe. Yuri Gagarin’s foray into space inspires us to keep on making progress in space science and technology for sustainable development and access to space for developing countries.
ICC Players of the Month for March 2022: Babar Azam, Rachael Haynes crowned
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Australia’s run-machine Rachael Haynes were named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for March 2022. Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative.
In the men’s category:
Azam had several thrilling batting displays in Pakistan’s multi-format series against Australia recently. He amassed 390 runs in the three-Test series, which the hosts lost 0-1. Azam received the award ahead of West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite and Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins, and in doing so, became the first player to win the ICC Men’s ‘Player of the Month’ award on two occasions, after being crowned back in April 2021.
Among the women category:
Rachael Haynes had a formidable set of displays on the road to Australia’s seventh ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy. She scored 429 runs in eight games at an average of 61.28, her feats at the top of the order proving crucial to her side’s unbeaten run to the final, where they thrashed England to lift the trophy at Christchurch in New Zealand. She overcame fellow nominees Sophie Ecclestone (England) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) for the award.
About the award:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) presents the ICC Player of the Month to recognise male and female cricketers who have best performed across all forms of international cricket in a particular month.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ICC Chairman: Greg Barclay;
- ICC CEO: Geoff Allardice;
- ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates;
- ICC Founded: 15 June 1909.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the ICC Player of the Month in 2021?
Ans. The list of ICC player of the moth in 2021 is:
● January: Men- Rishabh Pant (IND) Women- Shabnim Ismail (SA)
● February: Men- Ravishandran Ashwin (IND) Women- Tammy Beaumont (ENG)
● March: Men- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (IND) Women- Lizelle Lee (SA)
● April: Men- Babar Azam (PAK)Women- Alyssa Healy (AUS)
● May: Men- Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) Women- Kathryn Bryce (SCO)
● June: Men- Devon Conway (NZ) Women- Sophie Ecclestone (ENG)
● July: Men- Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) Women- Stafanie Taylor (WI)
● August: Men- Joe Root (ENG) Women- Eimear Richardson (Ireland)
● September: Men- Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) Women- Heather Knight (ENG)
● October: Men- Asif Ali (PAK) Women- Laura Delany (IRE)
● November : Men- David Warner (AUS)Women- Hayley Matthews (WI)
● December: Men- Ajaz Patel (NZ)Women- Hayley Matthews (WI)
Q2. Who won the ICC Player of the Year Award 2021?
Ans. Men- Shaheen Afridi (PAK), Women- Tammy Beamont (ENG)
Q3. Who is the ICC player of the Month March?
Ans. Men- Baber Azam (PAK), Women- Rachael Haynes (AUS)
Q4. Who won the ICC player of the month February 2021?
Ans. Men- Shreyas Iyer, Women- Amelia Kerr (NZ)
Vikas Siri Sampat-1111 scheme introduced by the KVGB
P Gopi Krishna, Chairman, during the launch of the ‘Vikas Siri Sampat-1111′ plan in Dharwad announced that the 1,111-day deposit pays 5.70 percent interest to the general public and 6.20 percent to senior citizens. This scheme allows for a minimum deposit of ten thousand rupees and a maximum deposit of two crore rupees.
KEY POINTS:
- Customers should take advantage of the lower interest rate while it lasts because it is only available for a limited time, according to Gopi Krishna.
- He noted that the bank’s purpose is to encourage customers to save, and he anticipates a positive response throughout the current fiscal year.
- In the Karnataka districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada, the bank has 629 branches.
- The bank’s whole business in 2021-22 was Rs 30,750 crore. The entire amount of deposits was Rs 17,647 crore, with advances totaling Rs 13,103 crore.
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank:
Canara Bank sponsors the Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank, an Indian Regional Rural Bank. It is owned by the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India. The bank has 629 branches across Karnataka, mostly in North and Western Karnataka, that provide retail banking services to rural customers.
PM Modi virtually addressed 14th Foundation Day of Umiya Mata Temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Umiya Mata Temple, a religious site in Gujarat’s Junagadh, has now become a central focus for social consciousness. He explained that the temple helps the underprivileged members of the community by providing free health treatment as well as religious and social activities.
Key Points:
- On Ramnavami, Prime Minister Modi was virtually speaking at the 14th foundation day festivities of Umiya Mata Temple in Junagadh. Mr Modi also presided over the temple’s inauguration in 2008, when he was Gujarat’s, Chief Minister.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to practise natural farming for the sake of future generations. He stated that we should not exploit our homeland for personal gain.
- He emphasised that just as we understand the necessity of water conservation, we must also realise the importance of preserving and nurturing our motherland through natural farming.
- Modi also urged people to take care of children, especially female children, by eating nutritious food. People might establish healthy child tournaments, he suggested, in order to raise awareness about nutritional food.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, urged people to build 75 rural ponds in each district. He claims that these village ponds continue to play an important part in the economy of villages after 25 years. Umiya Mata is the Kuldevi of Gujarat’s Kadva Patidar community.
DRDO conducts successful flight-test of anti-tank guided missile ‘Helina’
A team of scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) jointly conducted the successful flight test of the indigenously developed helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ at high-altitude ranges. The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and the missile was fired successfully, engaging a simulated tank target in the Pokhran desert ranges, Rajasthan.
About the HELINA missile:
HELINA is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. The missile has a maximum range of 7 kilometres. It has been developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy;
- DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi;
- DRDO Established: 1958.
NITI Aayog’s State Energy and Climate Index: Gujarat tops
NITI Aayog has launched the State Energy & Climate Index (SECI) Round I. The State Energy & Climate Index (SECI) Round I ranks the states’ performance on 6 parameters, namely, (1) DISCOM’s Performance (2) Access, Affordability and Reliability of Energy (3) Clean Energy Initiatives (4) Energy Efficiency (5) Environmental Sustainability; and (6) New Initiatives.
These parameters are further divided into 27 indicators. Based on the composite score of SECI Round I, the states and UTs have been ranked as larger states, smaller states, and UTs, based on size and geographical differences. States and UTs are categorized into three groups: Front Runners, Achievers, and Aspirants.
Top Three States among Larger States Category
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Punjab
Top Three States among Smaller States Category
- Goa
- Tripura
- Manipur
Top Three UTs
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Daman & Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli
President Ramnath Kovind Inaugurates Madhavpur Ghed Fair
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the five-day long Madhavpur Ghed Fair, at Madhavpur Ghed, Porbandar in Gujarat. The Madhavpur Ghed Fair is being organised by the Government of Gujarat in association with the Ministry of Culture since 2018 every year to celebrate the sacred union of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. The Madhavpur Fair connects Gujarat with the northeast region in an integral bond.
The Madhavpur Ghed fair was organised in the village associated with the life of Shri Krishna and near Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The folk story of the marriage of Shri Krishna and Rukmini shows how ancient is the cultural unity of India and how deep were the roots of our social harmony.
Assamese poet Nilamani Phookan conferred with 56th Jnanpith Award
Assam Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the country’s highest literary award, the 56th Jnanpith for the year 2021 to one of the most celebrated poets of Assam, Nilamani Phookan. Nilmani Phookan is the third person to win the Jnanpith Award from Assam after Mamoni Roisom Goswami and Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya. The Award carried a Citation, a shawl, and Rs. 11 lakh.
The octogenarian was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 and received the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2002. He was selected as an ‘Emeritus Fellow’ for a period of two years by Cultural Department, Govt. of India in 1998. Assam Sahitya Sabha also conferred ‘Sahityacharya’ honour to him. The notable works of Phukan are ‘Xurjya Henu Naami Aahe Ei Nodiyedi’, ‘Kabita’ and ‘Gulapi Jamur Lagna’.
Notably:
Novelist Damodar Mauzo was chosen for the 57th Jnanpith Award 2022 for his contribution to Indian literature. The 77-year-old writer was conferred with the country’s highest literary award for his “outstanding contribution to literature”.
KADAM: India’s first indigenous polycentric prosthetic knee made by IIT-Madras
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, have unveiled India’s first Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, which seeks to improve the conditions for thousands above the amputees. ‘Kadam,‘ a polycentric knee for above Knee Prosthesis created in collaboration with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and Mobility India, and is also a ‘Made in India’ product.
‘KADAM’ features:
- Above-knee amputees can now walk with a natural gait thanks to Kadam. It not only attempts to improve users’ mobility, but also their quality of life by increasing community participation, access to education, livelihood opportunities, and overall well-being.
- It was created by a team at IIT Madras’ TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), which also created and commercialised the country’s first standing wheelchair, ‘Arise,’ and the NeoFly-NeoBolt: active wheelchair and motorised add-on for seamless indoor-outdoor mobility.
- R2D2 is active in human movement research, as well as the design and development of rehabilitative and assistive equipment for persons who have movement disabilities.
- Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam founded SBMT under DRDO to enable indigenous medical device development. Mobility India, a Bengaluru-based NGO, will mass-produce and sell Kadam, as well as managing the fitting and training processes and guaranteeing simple access for users.
- Because of the many axes of rotation, Kadam has an advantage over a hinge joint because it also gives the user extra control over the prosthesis while moving and allows for maximal flexion and extension of 160 degrees, making it much easier to sit in small areas like buses and vehicles.
- It is made of high-strength stainless steel and aluminium alloy, as well as strong chrome plated EN8 pins and polymer bushings with a long fatigue life.
Kadam, which was produced locally, is both affordable and of good quality and performance, meeting ISO 10328 criteria and undergoing 30 lakh cycles of fatigue testing. Its innovative shape is specifically optimised for use on uneven terrains, providing stability and reducing the chance of stumbling.
Advanced light helicopter MK III squadron commissioned by ICG
Two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III were inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The choppers will be based out of Kochi’s Coast Guard Aviation Squadron. These choppers were the ninth and tenth in a series of 16 ALH.
KEY POINTS:
- HAL is building and delivering helicopters to the Coast Guard at four bases: Porbandar, Bhubaneshwar, Kochi, and Chennai.
- Two ICG facilities in Bhubaneswar and Porbandar have already received eight helicopters.
- The Indian Coast Gurad bought these ALH MK III helicopters for a variety of operations, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, ship logistical support, and interdiction, making ALH the ideal flying vehicle for specialised missions.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS ABOUT ALH MK- III
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) created and developed the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter (HAL).
- HAL Dhruv’s development was confirmed in November 1984.
- The helicopter initially flew in 1992, although it took longer to build due to a number of issues, including the Indian Army’s request for design improvements, funding constraints, and sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
The ALH MK- III is powered by two Shakti engines and is equipped with surveillance radar, electro optic pod, medical urgent care unit, high-intensity searchlight, infrared suppressor, heavy machine gun, and glass cockpit.
Ravichandran Ashwin becomes 1st player to get retired out in IPL History
Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to get retired out during the high-octane clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Ashwin played a crucial knock of 28-run off 23 balls to revive Rajasthan’s innings from a tricky stage when they were four down for 67. During the penultimate over, the veteran all-rounder made a sacrificing call of getting himself retired out to make way for Riyan Parag in the middle who has a slightly better ability to clear the boundary rope in the final overs.
It did not happen before in the history of the tournament which started way back in 2008 but Ashwin being a trendsetter made the big decision so that Parag can come and attack the bowlers at the business end of the innings.
Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Seema Darshan Project at Indo-Pak border
Union Home and Cooperative Minister, Amit Shah has inaugurated the Seema Darshan Project at Nadabet on the Indo-Pak border in Banaskantha District of Gujarat. The project was launched with the aim to provide an opportunity for the citizen to observe the life and work of the BSF personnel on our border. The tourist can see missiles, tanks, aircraft etc which are used by the Indian Army and BSF at Nadabet.
Key points of the project:
- The project was initiated with the objective of giving the citizens of the nation an opportunity to see firsthand the lifestyle of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel who are constantly protecting their motherland, as well as to observe their living conditions, and their duties and their patriotism.
- The idea to develop another border viewing point for tourists was mooted when Vijay Rupani was chief minister of Gujarat in 2018. It took three years for the state government to develop the point.
- Under the Seema Darshan Project, Nadabet, located on the India-Pakistan border, is being developed as a tourist attraction destination at a cost of Rs 125 crore by the state tourism department.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Border Security Force Headquarters: New Delhi;
- Border Security Force Founded: 1 December 1965;
- Border Security Force Director General: Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Fourth US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Ministers of Defense Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar to Washington, D.C. for the fourth US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. A virtual conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden preceded the Dialogue.
With a shared commitment to democracy and pluralism, a multifaceted bilateral agenda, and growing convergence of strategic interests, the United States and independent India are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries seek to maintain a resilient, rules-based international order that protects sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.
IMPORTANT POINTS OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN MINISTERS:
- The Ministers analysed the broader consequences of the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, as well as their own attempts to respond to it. They demanded an immediate halt to hostilities.
- The Ministers were unanimous in their condemnation of civilian deaths. They emphasised that the modern global order is based on the UN Charter, international law, and all states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together at the UN Security Council and in international organisations. The US reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reconstituted UN Security Council as well as its admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
- The United States welcomed India’s commitment to participate in multilateral peacekeeping training in 2022, expand joint capacity-building efforts with third-country partners, and launch a new joint National Investigation Officers Training of Trainers course in partnership with the United Nations, recognising India’s distinguished history of leading peacekeeping missions.
The Ministers recalled the initiatives outlined by the United States and India at the first Summit for Democracy and expressed their desire for continued cooperation in the current Year of Action leading up to the next Summit. The US expressed gratitude to India for its assistance with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) missions in the country. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to DPAA missions in the future.
