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GK-Tornado
RBI Grade B (Phase-1)
Exam 2022
Dear Aspirants,
This GK Tornado is a complete docket of important Banking Awareness & Current Affairs news and events that occurred
in the last 4.5 months (1st Jan 2022 to 15th May 2022). This file is important and relevant for all competitive exams like
RBI Grade B and ECGC PO exam 2022.

News related to RBI

(1st to 15th May 2022)

1. RBI restricts withdrawals from Shankarrao ❖ Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate: 4.15%.
Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank, Kolhapur ❖ Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate: 4.65%.
Note: RBI has imposed several restrictions on ❖ Bank Rate: 4.65%.
Shankarrao Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank ❖ Cash reserve ratio hiked by 50 bps to 4.5%
Limited, Kolhapur, including on withdrawals, in view effective May 21.
of the lender’s worsening financial position. ❖ Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
However, 99.84 per cent of the depositors are fully
covered by the DICGC insurance scheme. Under the Current Policy Rates: May 2022
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
(DICGC) insurance scheme, deposits of up to Rs 5 Policy Repo Rate 4.40% (0.40%
lakh are insured. increase)
2. RBI allows banks to lend to NBFCs for priority
sector loans on an on-going basis Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%
Note: RBI has decided to allow banks to lend to 4.65%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate
NBFCs for on-lending to priority sectors on an on-
going basis. Small finance banks are also allowed to Bank Rate 4.65%
continue on-lending to NBFC-MFIs. This facility was
earlier allowed till March 31, 2022. Now, bank credit CRR 4.50% (0.50%
to NBFCs, including housing finance companies increase)
(HFCs), for on-lending to priority sectors will be
SLR 18%
allowed up to an overall limit of 5% of an individual
banks’ total priority sector lending. Similarly, small 4. Rajiv Ranjan has been appointed as MPC ex-
finance banks will be allowed up to an overall limit of officio member by RBI
10% of an individual bank’s total priority sector Note: The central board of the Reserve Bank of India
lending. These limits shall be computed by averaging (RBI approved the appointment of executive director
across four quarters of the financial year, to assess Rajiv Ranjan as an ex-officio member of the Monetary
the compliance to the prescribed cap. Small finance Policy Committee (MPC). Ranjan will be succeeding
banks will be allowed to lend to registered NBFC- Mridul Saggar, who is understood to have retired.
MFIs and other MFIs who have a gross loan portfolio The MPC has six members. There are three officials
of up to Rs 500 crore as of March 31 of the previous who are from the RBI and there are three external
financial year. members who are nominated by the central
3. RBI hikes repo rate by 40 bps in an emergency government. This committee’s chairperson is the
meet Governor of the RBI. The MPC was first proposed by
Note: Recently, the Monetary Policy Committee the Urjit Patel Committee. This committee came into
(MPC) held an unscheduled meeting and made some existence on 27th June 2016.
important announcements. The MPC unanimously 5. RBI’s Report on Currency and Finance
decided to increase the policy repo rate under the Note: According to recent Reserve Bank of India’s
liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 40 basis points (RBI) Report on Currency and Finance (RCF), the
to 4.40% with immediate effect. Other Rates are as Indian economy may take more than a decade to
follows: overcome the losses caused by the outbreak of
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 Covid-19 pandemic. The theme of the report is Note: According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data,
"Revive and Reconstruct" in the context of nurturing India's forex reserves declined by USD 1.774 billion
a durable recovery post-Covid-19 and rising trend to USD 595.954 billion for the week ended May 6 on
growth in the medium-term. According to the report, the back of a fall in the core currency assets. In the
the Indian economy is likely to take over 12 years to previous reporting week, the overall reserves had
overcome the COVID-19 losses. Taking the actual declined by USD 2.695 billion to USD 597.728 billion.
growth rate of (-) 6.6% for 2020-21, 8.9% for 2021- The fall in the reserves was on account of a decline in
22, and assuming a growth rate of 7.2% for 2022-23, the Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), a major
and 7.5% beyond that, India is expected to overcome component of the overall reserves, and gold reserves,
COVID-19 losses in 2034-35. as per RBI's weekly data.
6. India's foreign exchange reserves drop by $1.7
billion: RBI

April 2022

1. RBI imposes ₹1.12 cr penalty on Bank of Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released master
Maharashtra directions for credit and debit card issuance. The RBI
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a (Credit Card and Debit Card - Issuance and Conduct)
monetary penalty of ₹1.12 crore on Bank of Directions, 2022 shall apply to all Scheduled Banks
Maharashtra for non-compliance with certain (except Payments Banks, State Co-operative Banks, and
directions issued by the central bank, including those District Central Cooperative Banks) as well as all Non-
related to Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. The RBI Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) operating in
said the penalty is based on the deficiencies in India. The new directions shall be effective from July
regulatory compliance and is not intended to 01, 2022. Issue of unsolicited cards, or unsolicited
pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or upgrading of cards is strictly prohibited. Debit cards
agreement entered into by the bank with its customers shall only be issued to customers having savings bank
2. RBI modifies norms for banks on short term crop or current accounts. Terms may be altered by card-
loan scheme under KCC issuer, but 30 days’ notice of the change shall be given
Note: The Reserve Bank of India has modified norms to the cardholder to enable the customer to withdraw
for banks to claim the amount of interest subvention if they choose.
provided to farmers under the Kisan Credit Card 5. RBI has allowed the NBFCs to issue credit cards
(short-term crop loan scheme) during the last fiscal. with the prior permission of RBI.
Pending claims for the 2021-22 financial year can be Note: Non-banking finance companies (NBFC) will
submitted by June 30, 2023. Loan amount under KCC – need approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
Rs 3 lakhs; Interest rate – 7% p.a.; Interest subvention issue credit cards. Companies will need a certificate of
– 2%.; An additional 3% interest subvention is registration. Net-owned fund of Rs 100 crore will be a
provided to farmers who pay their loans promptly. For prerequisite for entering the credit card business for
such farmers, the effective interest rate is 4%. The any finance company, including a non-deposit taking
circular is titled as ‘Modified Interest Subvention one. The RBI said that regional rural banks can issue
Scheme for Short Term Loans for Agriculture and credit cards in collaboration with their sponsor bank
Allied Activities availed through Kisan Credit Card or other banks. Further, financially sound and well
(KCC)’ during 2021-22. managed scheduled urban cooperative Banks (UCBs)
3. RBI launches quarterly industrial outlook survey with minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore which are
Note: The RBI has launched the 98th round of the core banking system enabled (CBS) enabled can issue
quarterly industrial outlook survey of the country’s credit cards, subject to some conditions.
manufacturing sector for the reference period April- 6. RBI sets 3-year deadline for non-individual
June 2022. M/s Genesis Management & Market borrowers to get tracking code
Research Pvt. Ltd. has been authorised to conduct the Note: RBI has set a 3-year timeline for non-individual
survey for April-June 2022 on behalf of the Reserve borrowers with aggregate exposures of Rs 5 crore or
Bank. RBI has launched the 33rd round of the quarterly more to obtain Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) codes (20–
Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) for character alpha-numeric code used to uniquely identify
the reference period April-June 2022. M/s Genesis parties to financial transactions worldwide). Those
Management & Market Research Pvt Ltd. will conduct with exposure above Rs 25 crores from banks and
the survey. financial institutions will have to get LEI code on or
4. RBI's new rules for credit, debit cards before April 30, 2023. For those with exposure
between Rs 10 to 25 crores will get more year (till
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 April 30, 2024) and those with Rs 5 to Rs 10 crore have 11. Reserve Bank introduces principles for mid, large
to get LEI code on or before April 30, 2025. NBFCs
7. RBI allows rural co-operative banks to raise funds Note: RBI has mandated the NBFCs in the Upper Layer
from preference shares and Middle Layer to put in place a board approved
Note: The Reserve Bank of India allowed Rural policy and compliance function including the
Cooperative Banks (RCBs) to raise funds from people appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer latest by
in their area of operation or existing shareholders April 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023. The Chief
through a variety of instruments. RCBs, which include Compliance Officer (CCO) would be the nodal point of
state co-operative banks and district central co- contact between the NBFC and the regulators and
operative banks, can raise funds from preference supervisors and would be a participant in the
shares and debt instruments. structured or other regular discussions held with RBI.
8. RBI expands scope of exemptions for banks to open There shall not be any ‘dual hatting’e., the CCO shall not
current, cash credit and overdraft accounts be given any responsibility which brings elements of
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded conflict of interest, especially any role relating to
the scope of exemptions under its circular for “opening business. Eligibility & Tenure of CCO – The CCO should
of current accounts and cash credit (CC)/overdraft be appointed for at least a 3 years tenure and should be
(OD) accounts” by banks, permitting them to open and a be a senior executive of the NBFC with a position not
operate inter-bank accounts and accounts of All India below two levels from the CEO.
Financial Institutions (AIFIs), among others. Further, 12. RBI Proposes to Simplify Process for Settlement of
the RBI has brought accounts attached by the orders of Payment for Traders
Central or State governments, regulatory bodies, Note: RBI proposed to modify the existing norms for
courts, investigating agencies etc, wherein the simplifying and rationalising the settlement of the
customer cannot undertake any discretionary debits, payment process for importers and exporters through
within the purview of exemptions. The four AIFIs e-commerce. It issued draft guidelines on ‘Processing
referred to in the consolidated circular are EXIM Bank, and Settlement of small value Export and Import
NABARD, NHB and SIDBI. related payments facilitated by Online Export-Import
9. RBI imposes monetary penalty on Manappuram Facilitators (OEIF) (erstwhile OPGSP)’. Purpose – to
Finance for non-compliance of KYC, PPI norms modify the existing norms to simplify and rationalise
Note: Manappuram Finance Limited was fined Rs the process for settlement of payment for exports and
17.63 lakh by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for imports through e-commerce. On import transactions,
failing to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and the payment facility shall be available for online import
Prepaid Payment Instruments regulations (PPIs). of goods and digital products of value not exceeding
Manappuram Finance Limited has been fined Rs USD 3,000. In case of exports, the limit has been
17,63,965 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for failing proposed at USD 15,000. Currently, banks have to
to comply with certain provisions of the Master enter into standing contract with Online Payment
Direction on Issuance and Operation of Prepaid Gateway Service Providers (OPGSPs) for offering these
Payment Instruments (PPIs) dated October 11, 2017 payment services for export and import of goods and
(as updated on February 28, 2020) and the Master services.
Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction 13. RBI has introduced Standing Deposit Facility (SDF),
dated February 25, 2016 (as updated on April 20, new liquidity absorbing tool
2020). Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced
10. RBI further tightens regulations for non-bank the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) — a new tool for
lenders absorbing liquidity. With this, the RBI has almost made
Note: RBI has amended its 2021 circulars on scale- the reverse repo irrelevant. The SDF will replace the
based regulations for NBFCs These amendments have fixed rate reverse repo (FRRR) as the floor of the LAF
brought NBFCs-Upper Layer (large NBFCs) on par with (liquidity adjustment facility) corridor. Both the
Banks, in terms of credit risks. In this regard, RBI standing facilities viz., the Marginal Standing Facility
issued four separate circulars: Large exposures (MSF) and the SDF will be available on all days of the
framework for NBFCs — upper layer; Disclosures in week, throughout the year. The FRRR rate, which is
their financial statements; Scale-based regulation for retained at 3.35 per cent, will remain as part of the
capital requirements – upper layer; and Regulatory RBI’s toolkit and its operation will be at the discretion
restrictions on their loans and advances. Large of the RBI for purposes specified from time to time.
exposures framework for NBFCs — upper layer: It The FRRR, along with the SDF, will impart flexibility to
aims to address credit risk concentration in NBFCs; the RBI’s liquidity management framework
identify large exposures; refine the criteria for 14. RBI imposes penalties of Rs 93 lakh each on Axis
grouping of connected counterparties; to set the and IDBI Bank
reporting norms for large exposures.
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 Note: Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Note: The Reserve Bank has decided not to activate
Rs 93 lakh on Axis Bank for various violations, the countercyclical capital buffer at this point in time
including those related to KYC guidelines. The central as it is not required. The framework on the
bank has also slapped a fine of Rs 93 lakh on IDBI Bank. countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) was put in place
A monetary penalty of Rs 93 lakh has been imposed on by the Reserve Bank in terms of guidelines in
Axis Bank for non-compliance of certain directions February 2015 wherein, it was advised that the CCyB
issued by RBI. would be activated as and when the circumstances
15. RBI imposes curbs on Shushruti Souharda warranted and that the decision would normally be
Sahakara Bank Niyamita pre-announced. The framework envisages the credit-
Note: RBI imposed several restrictions on Bengaluru- to-GDP gap as the main indicator, which may be used
based Shushruti Souharda Sahakara Bank Niyamita, in conjunction with other supplementary indicators.
including a withdrawal cap of Rs 5,000 per account, 18. RBI extends timelines for banks to use lockable
following a deteroriation in the lender's financial cassettes in ATMs by a year
position. The directions shall remain in force for a Note: RBI has decided to extend the timeline for the
period of six months from the close of business on implementation of cassette swap in all ATMs till
April 7, 2022, and are subject to review, the Reserve March 31, 2023. In 2018, RBI issued a circular
Bank said in a statement. The co-operative bank mandating the banks to equip their ATMs with the
cannot, without prior approval from RBI, grant or lockable cassettes, which can be swapped
renew any loans and advances, make any investment, periodically at the time of cash replenishment at the
incur any liability and accept fresh deposits, among ATMs. The framework for cassette swap was
other restrictions. recommended by the Committee on Currency
16. RBI fixes Ways and Means Advances limit for states Movement (CCM) [Chair: Shri D.K. Mohanty,
at Rs 47,010 cr Executive Director], which was formed in 2016 to
Note: Reserve Bank decided to reduce the Ways and suggest recommendations for ensuring the safety of
Means Advances (WMA) for states and Union currency in transit. Open cash replenishment/ top-
Territories to Rs 47,010 crore from Rs 51,560 crore. up of ATMs was found to be risky by the committee.
WMA are temporary advances given by the RBI to the Thus, it suggested the cassette swap framework.
government to tide over any mismatch in receipts and 19. Current account deficit widens to 2.7 per cent of
payments. The limit for WMA for the Government of GDP in Q3: RBI
India for the first half of the financial year 2022-23 has Note: According to RBI’s data, India’s current
been set at Rs 1,50,000 crore. account deficit stood at $23.0 billion (2.7% of GDP)
17. RBI decided not to activate countercyclical capital in the third quarter (Q3) of 2021-22 due to higher
buffer trade deficit. The current account deficit was 2% of
GDP in April-December 2021.

March-2022

1. RBI Governor dedicates Varnika Ink equity in the DFI, and an additional Rs 5,000 crore has
Manufacturing Unit of BRBNMPL been given as grants to NaBFID. The DFI will get 10-
Note: Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private year tax concession so that it can provide long-term
Limited (BRBNMPL) has set up an Ink Manufacturing funds at an affordable cost to the infrastructure
Unit named “Varnika” at Mysuru, Karnataka, with an sector.
annual ink manufacturing capacity of 1,500 MT to 3. RBI unveiled framework for geo-tagging of
enhance the security of banknotes. Bharatiya Reserve payment system touch points
Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) a Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released
wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI. Shaktikanta Das the framework for geo-tagging of payment system
(Governor of RBI) has dedicated “Varnika”, the Ink touchpoints. The framework is part of the central
Manufacturing Unit of Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note bank’s focus for deepening digital payments and
Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) to the nation. providing inclusive access to all citizens of the
2. RBI sets Rs 1-trillion infrastructure lending target country. Geo-tagging of payment system touchpoints
for DFI will enable proper monitoring of the availability of
Note: RBI has set a target of about Rs 1 trillion for payment acceptance infrastructure like Points of Sale
government-backed National Bank for Financial (PoS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) codes, etc. Geo-
Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for tagging refers to capturing the geographical
sanctioning loans to the infrastructure sector in the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of payment touch
FY23. The government has infused Rs 20,000 crore as
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 points deployed by merchants to receive payments uniform regulatory platform. The RBI also raised the
from their customers. annual household income to Rs 3 lakh for a collateral-
4. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated RBIH free loan to be classified as microfinance loan. So far,
in Bengaluru such loans given to households with an annual income
Note: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated the of Rs 1.25 lakh in rural India and Rs 2 lakh in urban
Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru on and semi-urban areas were classified as microfinance
Thursday, which was established with a Rs 100 crore loans. Banks remain the largest microfinance lenders
initial capital contribution to foster and nurture with an about 40% market share, followed by NBFC-
financial innovation. According to the central bank, MFIs, small finance banks, other NBFCs and NGOs. The
the Hub has an independent Board with Senapathy changes will come into effect on April 1, 2022. NBFC-
(Kris) Gopalakrishnan as Chairman and other notable MFIs are mandated to raise their net-owned fund to
people from industry and academics as members. The Rs 7 crore by March 31, 2025 and to Rs 10 crore by
RBIH was established as a Section 8 business under March 31, 2027 from Rs 5 crore at present. It reduced
the Companies Act of 2013, with an initial capital the minimum requirement of microfinance loans in
contribution of Rs 100 crore, to stimulate and develop the total loan assets of NBFC-MFIs to 75% from 85%,
financial innovation in a long-term institutional to reduce the risk concentration. RBI also removed
setting. RBIH intends to build an ecosystem that certain exemptions applied to not-for-profit entities
promotes access to financial services and goods for with Rs 100 crore and directed them to register as
the country’s low-income people. The Hub would NBFC-MFIs within 3 months to bring them within its
bring together several stakeholders in the financial ambit.
innovation area (BFSI sector, startup ecosystem, 8. RBI Bars Paytm Payments Bank From Onboarding
regulators, and academia). New Customers
5. RBI has lifted all curbs on HDFC Bank's new digital Note: The Reserve Bank of India directed Paytm
launches Payments Bank Ltd to stop onboarding new
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted customers with immediate effect and conduct a
restrictions on the new digital business-generating comprehensive audit of its IT system, citing “material
activities of private lender HDFC Bank under its supervisory concerns”. Onboarding of new customers
Digital 2.0 programme. The Central bank in December by Paytm Payments Bank will be subject to specific
2020 had asked HDFC Bank to stop all launches of its permission to be granted by RBI after reviewing
upcoming digital business-generating activities and report of the IT auditors. For the year-ended March
sourcing of new credit card customers after repeated 31,2021, Paytm Payments Bank, which has the largest
outages at its data centre which impacted operations. scale among all payment banks, had recorded net
In addition, the RBI had also directed the bank board profit of Rs 17.88 crore on sales of Rs 1,987.84 crore.
to examine the lapses and fixes accountability. 9. NaBFID to be regulated as AIFI under RBI Act
6. RBI has cancelled the licence of Kanpur-based Note: Reserve Bank of India has announced that
People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd. National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Development (NaBFID) will be regulated and
licence of People's Co-operative Bank Limited, Kanpur supervised by it as an All India Financial Institution
over lack of adequate capital and earning prospects. (AIFI) under the RBI Act, 1934. NaBFID will be
The cooperative bank's licence was cancelled as it regulated and supervised by RBI as an AIFI under
Sections 45L and 45N of the Reserve Bank of India
does not have adequate capital and earning prospects
Act, 1934. Presently RBI has four AIFIs under it
and it failed to comply with various sections of the
namely EXIM Bank, NABARD, NHB and SIDBI. NaBFID
Banking Regulation Act. The continuance of the bank will be the fifth AIFI under RBI. NaBFID has been set
is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors, and up as a Development Financial Institution (DFI) to
with its present financial position, it would be unable support the development of long-term infrastructure
to pay its present depositors in full. People's Co- financing in India.
operative Bank has been prohibited from conducting 10. RBI extends Interest subsidy scheme for exporters
the business of 'banking', which includes acceptance Note: With the aim of expanding export shipments,
of deposits and repayment of deposits, with the Reserve Bank of India extended the interest
immediate effect. equalisation scheme for pre and post-shipment rupee
7. Reserve Bank of India removes interest cap for loans for MSME exporters through March 2024. The
microfinance loans ‘Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre and post-
Note: RBI has allowed the NBFC-microfinance shipment Rupee Export Credit’ provides a subsidy to
institutions to decide their interest rates to bring exporters. The scheme was first extended until the
microfinance lenders including banks, small finance end of June last year, and then again until September
banks, NBFC and not-for-profit companies on a 2021.
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 11. RBI releases booklet on modus operandi of and 1800 891 3333 from their phones for their
financial frauds queries on digital payments and grievances.
Note: Reserve Bank of India has launched a booklet 13. RBI selects Intellect Design Arena for Cloud
named “BE(A)WARE” which features common Native Intellect Quantum Core Banking solution
modus operandi used by fraudsters and precautions Note: Intellect Design Arena said that the RBI has
to be taken while carrying out various financial chosen Intellect to implement the upgraded version
transactions. The booklet aims to enhance public of the Cloud Native Intellect Quantum Core Banking
awareness about various types of financial frauds solution to power the next stage of their digital
perpetrated on gullible customers while carrying out transformation agenda. The next generation Intellect
digital payments and other financial transactions. Quantum solution is built on cutting edge API first,
Booklet: provides safeguards against commonly used cloud-native and cloud-agnostic microservices
fraudulent techniques like SIM swaps, architecture supported by a rich set of packaged
vishing/phishing links, lottery, fake loan websites business components. Intellect Design Arena's
and digital apps etc. The booklet emphasises the consolidated net profit jumped 25.9% to Rs 101.31
need for always keeping one’s personal information crore on a 33% surge in net sales to Rs 508.29 crore
confidential, being mindful of unknown in Q3 FY22 over Q3 FY21.
calls/emails/messages, etc., and also outlines the due 14. RBI exempts UCBs’ investment in Umbrella
diligence measures to be followed while undertaking Organisation from non-SLR holding limits
financial transactions. Note: RBI has exempted investments made by urban
12. UPI123Pay: RBI launches new UPI service for co-operative banks (UCBs) for subscribing to the
feature phones capital of the Umbrella Organisation (UO) from the
Note: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched UPI limits imposed on holding of non-Statutory Liquidity
for feature phones called UPI123Pay. He also Ratio (non-SLR) securities. The move is expected to
launched 24x7 helpline for digital payments – encourage UCBs to subscribe to the capital of UO and
DigiSaathi. UPI on feature phones will help people in acquire its membership. The UO will be a non-
rural areas who cannot afford a smartphone. UPI banking finance company (NBFC).
(unified payments interface) '123PAY' is a three-step 15. RBI cancelled licence of Sarjeraodada Naik
method to initiate and execute services for users Shirala Sahakari Bank
which will work on simple phones. Note: RBI has cancelled the license of Sarjeraodada
UPI 123Pay will allow customers to use feature Naik Shirala Sahakari Bank, Sangli, Maharashtra, as it
phones for almost all transactions except scan and did not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
pay. It doesn't need an internet connection for With the cancellation of the licence, Sarjeraodada
transactions. Customers have to link their bank Naik Shirala Sahakari Bank Ltd has ceased to carry
account with feature phones to use this facility. on banking business with effect from the close of
DigiSaathi: A 24x7 helpline for digital payments has business hours on 2 March. The bank is not
also been set up by the National Payments complying with various sections of the Banking
Corporation of India (NPCI). The helpline christened Regulation Act, 1949. On liquidation, every depositor
'Digisaathi' will assist the callers/users with all their would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim
queries on digital payments via website and chatbot. amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling
Users can visit www.digisaathi.info or call on 14431 of Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit
Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

February 2022

1. RBI amends payments systems rules As per the rules that have been set, the operators will
Note: The Reserve Bank of India issued amended be required to submit all documents and information
Payments and Settlement Systems Regulations that which are desired by the RBI from time to time.
allows companies wanting to run payment Three months after the closing of the account, annual
businesses to seek licenses from the regulator. The accounts also have to be submitted by the system
application for licensing should include the provider to the regulator along with a copy of the
technology platform which is to be used, the audited balance sheet.
operator’s process flow, interoperability with 2. RBI cautions against car pooling app sRide
operators of the other payment systems, and security Note: The Reserve bank of India cautioned public
features. against car pooling app sRide, citing that the firm
was operating a semi-closed pre-paid instrument

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 without authorization from the central bank. sRide accommodative stance in its first policy after Union
Tech Private Limited is a registered company, with Budget 2022. This is the tenth consecutive time that,
registered office in Gurgaon, Haryana. This company MPC has maintained the status quo. The three-day
is operating a semi-closed (non-closed) pre-paid RBI MPC meeting started on February 8, and
instrument (wallet) through its ‘sRide’ carpooling concluded on February 10. Last MPC was held in
app. Thus, RBI cautioned that persons dealing with December 2021, keeping benchmark interest rate
the app will be doing at their own risk. unchanged at 4 percent. It decided to continue with
3. RBI announces dollar/rupee two-year sell buy its accommodative stance amid the emergence of
swap auction new coronavirus variant Omicron.
Note: The RBI announced a US Dollar/Rupee two- 5. Reserve Bank of India to prematurely redeem
year sell buy swap auction with a view to elongating sovereign gold bonds
the maturity profile of its forward book and Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to
smoothen the receivables relating to forward assets. prematurely redeem sovereign gold bonds (SGBs),
The Sell/Buy Swap Auction will help in levelling the which were issued in 2016 at a price of Rs 4,813 per
liquidity of rupee in the light of expected behemoth unit of SGB. Under central government rules, the
IPO of Life Insurance Corp of India. This move will premature redemption is permitted after the fifth
lead to inflow of US dollar. RBI will conduct a spot year from the date of issue of such gold bonds on the
sale to sell USD 5 billion to banks in exchange of date on which interest is payable. SGBs are
rupees, through this auction on March 10, 2022. On government securities denominated in grams of gold.
March 11, 2024, it will make a forward purchase They are substitutes for holding physical gold.
from banks in two years. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the
4. RBI keeps benchmark lending rate unchanged bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity. The
10th time in a row at 4%. bond is issued by the RBI on behalf of the
Note: RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept Government of India.
key interest rates unchanged. It retained the

January-2022

1. Govt converts G-Secs and oil bonds aggregating 3. Rise in Banking Ombudsman complaints
₹1.20-lakh crore Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its
Note: The Government of India recently held “Annual Report of the Ombudsman Schemes for the
conversion operation. It is also called Switch year 2020-21”, highlighting a rise in Banking
operation. Under the operation, the government Ombudsman complaints. During April 2020-March
bought back securities from the Reserve Bank of 2021, report witnessed a 22.27 per cent increase in
India. These government securities were maturing in number of complaints under various ombudsman
2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25. These securities schemes. ATM & debit cards, mobile banking and
were bought for Rs 1,19,701 crores. And fresh credit cards accounted for major chunk of the
securities are to be issued to make the transaction complaints. During this period, volume of complaints
cash neutral. The transactions were made using stands at 4,04,143. Chandigarh, Kanpur and Delhi
Financial Benchmarks India Private Limited. These received the maximum number of complaints.
transactions were made with the objective of 4. RBI sets up fintech dept
smoothening the liability profile. The liabilities are Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) set up an
the amount of money owed to the individual or an internal “FinTech department” for focusing on the
organization. dynamically changing financial landscape in India. As
2. RBI holds special repo auction per RBI circular, the FinTech department was set up
Note: The RBI conducted a variable rate repo on January 4, 2022. Decision to set up the
operation to infuse liquidity, instead of its usual department was taken in a bid to further focus on the
variable rate reverse repo operations (VRRR) to suck area and innovation in FinTech sector in keeping
out cash, as a larger-than-expected goods and pace with dynamically changing landscape. The
services tax (GST) collection tightened liquidity this FinTech department will also provide a framework
week. This measure was taken because larger goods to conduct further research on subject that can aid
and services tax (GST) collection tightened liquidity the policy interventions by the Bank.
recently. RBI has proposed to lend the banking 5. RBI List of Scheduled Banks
system Rs 50,000 crore in a day, while it received Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently
bids for Rs 65,700 crore. Cut-off rate was 4.06 per included Airtel Payment Bank in the second schedule
cent and weighted average rate 4.10 per cent. Both of RBI Act, 1934. And HDFC, ICICI and SBI are to
are higher than repo rate of 4 per cent. remain as D – SIB. D – SIB is Domestic Systematically
8|Page
 Important Banks. The bank should belong to the Note: As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI), State Bank
category of CET 1. CET 1 is Common Equity Tier 1. It of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank continue to
is a precautionary to self-protect from financial be identified as Domestic Systemically Important
crisis. This comes under the BASEL III norms. The Banks (D-SIBs), similar to 2020 list of D-SIBs. These
BASEL III norms are international rules. It was three banks continue to be in the list, under the same
introduced to improve supervision and regulation. It bucketing structure as it was there in the 2020 list of
is divided into Tier I and Tier II. The Tier I is divided D-SIBs. Current update on D-SIBs by RBI is based on
into CET 1 and AT1. AT 1 is Additional Tier 1. In CET data collected from banks as of March 31, 2021. On
1, the performance of the bank is evaluated based on the basis of bucket in which a D-SIB is placed, an
its return. The CET 1 is the ratio between bank’s additional common equity requirement is applied to
capital and assets. it.
6. RBI prompts primary dealers to trade in Retail 8. RBI releases framework for offline digital
Direct payments
Note: The Reserve Bank of India recently provided a Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a
new special window for bond houses called “Primary framework for small-value offline transactions in
Dealers”. The window allows to exchange illiquid digital mode. As per framework, offline payments can
securities. Illiquid securities are those securities that be made using any channel or instrument such as
cannot be sold easily or directly. That is, the wallets, mobile devices or cards. However, they shall
investors buying the securities can sell them only in be made in proximity, or in face-to-face mode only.
limited instances. The primary dealers are those Authorised payment system operators (PSOs) and
dealers who buy securities directly from the payment system participants (PSPs) including banks
government. They then resell the security to the and non-banks, which wants to offer payments in
others. Thus, their main role is to assist the offline mode will require to comply with the
government in selling bonds or securities. They earn requirements under the prescribed framework.
some fees for selling these securities. Offline payment transactions can be offered without
7. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI are domestic additional factor of authentication (AFA).
systemically important lenders: RBI

Highlights Economic Survey 2021-22

1. State of the Economy • Exports will grow by 16.5% and imports by 29.4% in
2021-22.
• Government's flexible and multi-layered approach is • India’s Consumer Price Index inflation: 5.6% YoY
partly based on “Agile” framework that uses in December 2021.
feedback-loops for monitoring of real-time data. • Economic impact of “Covid's second wave” was much
• For this, govt use eighty High Frequency Indicators smaller than that during the full lockdown phase in
(HFIs) in an environment of extreme uncertainty. 2020-21, though health impact was more severe.
• As per first advance estimate, Indian economy is • Government opted to use safety-nets for vulnerable
estimated to grow by 9.2% in real terms in 2021-22, sections on one hand while responding iteratively
subsequent to a contraction of 7.3% in 2020-21. based on Bayesian-updating of information.
• GDP projection: Growth of 8% to 8.5% in real
terms in 2022-23. 2. Fiscal Developments
• As per IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook ,India’s
real GDP is projected to grow at 9% in 2021-22 and • Revenue receipts during April to November, 2021
2022-23 and at 7.1% in 2023-2024, making India the have increased by 67.2% (YoY) as against an
fastest growing major economy in the world. expected growth of 9.6% in the 2021-22 Budget
• Sectoral Trends: Estimates.
o Agriculture and allied sectors: It is expected • Gross Tax Revenue: It shows growth of over 50%
to grow by 3.9% in 2021-22 during April to November, 2021 in YoY terms.
o Industry: It will grow by 11.8% in 2021-22
o Services sector: It will grow by 8.2% in
2021-22.
• Consumption is estimated to grow by 7.0% on demand
side.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): to grow by
15%.
9|Page
 o Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for
14 sectors.
o Electronic Platform for Preferential Certificate
of Origin (CoO)
o Infusion of capital in EXIM Bank
o Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India
(ECGC)
o Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)
Scheme
o Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme
(TIES)
o Market Access Initiatives (MAI)
o Special Economic Zone (SEZ) scheme

4. Monetary Management and Financial Intermediation:

• Repo rate was maintained at 4% in 2021-22.

• Tax performance is strong as compared to pre- • RBI took various measures like G-Sec Acquisition
pandemic levels of 2019-2020. Programme and Special Long-Term Repo
• Gross monthly collections of GST have crossed 1 lakh Operations to provide liquidity in the market.
crore mark consistently since July 2021. • Bank credit growth accelerated gradually from 5.3%
• During April-November 2021, capital expenditure in April 2021 to 9.2% as on 31st December 2021.
has grown by 13.5% (YoY), with focus in • Gross Non-Performing Advances ratio of
infrastructure-intensive sectors. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) declined from
• Fiscal deficit for April-November 2021 has been 11.2% at the end of 2017-18 to 6.9% in September,
contained at 46.2% of BE. 2021.
• Central Government debt is increased from 49.1% of • Net Non-Performing Advances ratio declined from
GDP in 2019-20 to 59.3% of GDP in 2020-21. 6% to 2.2%.
• Capital to risk-weighted asset ratio of
SCBs increased from 13% in 2013-14 to 16.54% in
3. External Sectors:
September 2021.
• Return on Assets and Return on Equity for Public
• India’s merchandise exports and imports has Sector Banks remain positive for the period ending
rebounded strongly and surpassed pre-COVID levels September 2021.
during current financial year. • During April-November 2021, Rs. 89,066 crore was
• Current account balance of India turned into deficit of raised via 75 Initial Public Offering (IPO) issues.
0.2% of GDP in the first half (H1) of 2021-22. • Sensex and Nifty touched peak at 61,766 and 18,477
• Net capital flows: US$ 65.6 billion in the first half of respectively in October, 2021.
2021-22, on account of continued inflow of foreign
investment, revival in net external commercial
5. Prices and Inflation:
borrowings, higher banking capital and additional
special drawing rights (SDR) allocation.
• India’s external debt increased from US $ 556.8 • Average headline CPI-Combined inflation
billion in 2020 to US $ 593.1 billion at end-September decreased to 5.2% in 2021-22 (April-December) from
2021. 6.6% in 2020-21.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves touched US $ 633.6 • Decline in retail inflation was due to ease of food
billion as of December 31, 2021. inflation.
• On November 2021, India was the fourth largest forex • Food inflation averaged at a low of 2.9% in 2021-22 as
reserves holder in the world, after China, Japan and against 9.1% in 2020-21.
Switzerland. • Measures were taken to control price rise in pulses and
• Top export destinations in April-November 2021: edible oils.
USA followed by UAE and China. • Reduction in central excise and subsequent cuts in
• Largest import sources for India in April-November, Value Added Tax by most States eased petrol and
2021: China, UAE and USA. diesel prices.
• Major Schemes & Initiatives to boost exports: • Wholesale inflation based on Wholesale Price Index
o Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported (WPI) rose to 12.5% during April to December 2021-
Products (RoDTEP) 22.
o Developing District as Export Hub
10 | P a g e
 • Divergence between CPI-C and WPI Inflation has • Livestock sector has grown at CAGR of 8.15% over
been observed, that can be explained by factors like: the last five years. It has been a stable source of
o Variations due to base effect income across groups of agricultural households
o Difference in scope and coverage of the two accounting for about 15% of average monthly income.
indices • Government also facilitated food processing measures
o Price collections like subsidized transportation and support for
o Items covered and difference in commodity formalization of micro food enterprises.
weights. • India runs one of the largest food management
programmes in the world.
6. Sustainable Development and Climate Change: • Government has extended coverage of food security
network through schemes like PM Gareeb Kalyan
• India’s score on the NITI Aayog SDG India Index and Yojana (PMGKY).
Dashboard: 66 in 2020-21. The rank was 60th in 2019-
20 8. Industry and Infrastructure:
• Number of Front Runners (scoring 65-99): 22 States
and UTs in 2020-21 • Index of Industrial Production (IIP): It grew at
• Across North East India, 64 districts were Front 17.4% (YoY) during April-November 2021.
Runners and 39 districts were Performers in the NITI • Capital expenditure for Indian railways increased to
Aayog North-Eastern Region District SDG Index Rs. 155,181 crores in 2020-21 and it has been
2021-22. budgeted to further increase to Rs. 215,058 crores in
• India has tenth largest forest area across the world. 2021-22, which is five times increase in comparison to
• India ranked 3rd globally in increasing its forest area 2014 level.
during 2010 to 2020. • Extent of road construction per day increased 30.4% to
• Forest covers 24% of India’s total geographical, that 36.5 Kms per day in 2020-21 from 28 Kms per day in
accounts for 2% of the world’s total forest area. 2019-20.
• Compliance status of Grossly Polluting Industries • Net profit to sales ratio of large corporates reached an
(GPIs) in the Ganga and its tributaries improved from all-time high of 10.6% in July-September 2021-22.
39% in 2017 to 81% in 2020. • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme gave major
• New Measures: boost to physical as well as digital infrastructure, along
o Plastic Waste Management Amendment with measures to reduce transaction costs and improve
Rules, 2021, was notified to phase out single ease of doing business, would support the pace of
use plastic by 2022 recovery.
o Draft regulation on Extended Producer
Responsibility for plastic packaging was 9. Services:
notified.
o PM Modi announced ambitious targets to be • Overall service Sector GVA is expected to grow by
achieved by 2030 to enable further reduction 8.2% in 2021-22.
in emissions at COP26 in Glasgow in • GVA of services crossed pre-pandemic level in July-
November 2021 September 2021-22 but GVA of contact intensive
o ‘LIFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) movement sectors like trade, transport, etc. still remain low.
was underlined. • During first half of 2021-22, service sector received
• India continued significant climate leadership over US$ 16.7 billion FDI, that accounts for almost
at International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for 54% of total FDI inflows into India.
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and • IT-BPM services revenue reached US$ 194 billion in
Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT 2020-21, adding 1.38 lakh employees.
Group). • Major government reforms in this:
o removing telecom regulations in IT-BPO
7. Agriculture and Food Management: sector
o opening up of space sector to private players.
• Agriculture sector registered growth of 3.6% in 2020- o 100% FDI flow in telecom sector.
21 and 3.9% in 2021-22. • Start-ups:
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy to promote o India has become 3rd largest start-up
crop diversification is used extensively. ecosystem of the world after US and China.
• Net receipts from crop production have increased by o New recognized start-ups increased from 733
22.6% in the recent Situation Assessment Survey in 2016-17 to over 14000 in 2021-22.
(SAS) compared to SAS Report of 2014.

11 | P a g e
 o A total of 44 Indian start-ups bagged unicorn Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) to provide
status in 2021 taking overall tally of unicorns buffer for unorganized labor in rural areas
to 83. during Covid.

10. Social Infrastructure and Employment: 11. Tracking Development through Satellite Images &
Cartography
• Covid vaccination:
o Union Budget 2021-22 has allocated 35,000 • The Economic Survey 2021-22 saw plethora of
crore for procurement of vaccines under information from satellites, drones, mobile phones and
COVID-19 Vaccination Program. other sources.
o 156.76 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines has • The chapter saw India’s night-time luminosity
been registered as on 16th January 2022 comparison between 2012 and 2021 using satellite
o With this, 93% of 18 year and above aged images.
persons have been vaccinated with first dose • Maps have been created by combining satellite data
and about 70% with second dose. over the course of 12 month period in each year.
• As per quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PFLS) • Components included under this:
data, employment in urban sector affected by o Physical as well as financial infrastructure
pandemic has recovered almost to the pre-pandemic development in India.
level. o Expansion of national highways, airports,
• Gross enrolment ratio in higher education reached commercial bank branches, metros, etc.
27.1% in 2019-20. o Change in net sown area of India over the last
• Expenditure on social services (health, education 15 years.
and others) by Centre and States as a proportion of o Comparison of Kharif crop cycle in Moga
GDP increased to 8.6% in 2021-22 (BE) district, Punjab during 2005 and 2021.
• As per National Family Health Survey-5: o Shift of Kharif sowing cycle by around two-
o Total Fertility Rate (TFR) came down to 2 to-three weeks causing the Kharif harvest to
in 2019-21 from 2.2 in 2015-16 almost coincide with Rabi sowing in
o Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) improved. November.
o 83 districts have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ o Population density of select Indian cities
districts under Jal Jeevan Mission. o Wasteland redeployment in Andhra Pradesh
o Increased allotment of funds to Mahatma and Gujarat.
Gandhi National Rural Employment
Highlights of Union Budget 2022-23

Pillars of Union Budget 2022-23 Capital Expenditure

Union Budget 2022-23 comprises of four Pillars: • Effective Capital Expenditure (CapEx) of Central
Government is estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh crore in
• PM Gati Shakti 2022-23
• Inclusive development • It is about 4.1% of GDP.
• Productivity Enhancement & Investment, Sunrise • FY23 CapEx target: Rs 7.50 lakh crores.
Opportunities, Energy Transition, and Climate
Action Fiscal Deficit
• Financing of investments
• Fiscal Deficit for FY22 is pegged at 6.9% from 6.8%
Union Budget 2022-23 will lay special focus on youth, in FY21.
women, farmers, and the backward classes. • Fiscal deficit target for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (FY23):
6.4% of GDP, which is above expectations.
India's growth is estimated to be at 9.27%.
Four Pillar Approach
India at 75 to India at 100
PM Gati Shakti Masterplan
Union Budget 2022-23 seeks to lay foundation, providing
blueprint of economy over ‘Amrit Kal’ of next 25 years from • It is a National Master Plan for Multi-modal
India at 75 to India at 100. Connectivity that intends to bring together 16
infrastructure related Ministries.

12 | P a g e
 • PM Gati Shakti will encompass 7 engines for multi- Other Areas
modal connectivity to facilitate faster movement of
people & goods including railways, roads, ports, • NABARD will provide funds to finance start-ups for
airways, etc. agriculture and rural enterprise for the farm produce
• It will enrich the economy, create jobs and value chain.
opportunities for the youth. • Chemical-free Natural Farming will be promoted.
• Roadways: National Highways (NH) Network to be
expanded by 25000 Km in 2022-23 with Rs 20,000 Ken Betwa project
crores finance mobilization.
• Logistic Parks: Four Multimodal Logistics Parks
• Outlay: Rs 1400 crore.
will be implemented through PPP mode in 2022-23
• It will provide irrigational benefits to 9.08 lakh
• Railways:
hectares of farmers’ lands.
o 'One Station One Product' to help local
businesses & supply chains.
o Railway network of 2000 Km to be brought MSME
under Kavach, indigenous world class
technology and capacity augmentation in • Interlinking of Udyam, e-shram, NCS and ASEEM
2022-23. portals
o 400 new generation Vande Bharat Trains to • Emergency Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme
be manufactured in the next three years. (ECLGS):
o 100 Cargo Terminals under PM Gati Shakti o Additional credit to 130 lakh MSMEs
will also be developed in the next few years. o It will be extended up to March 2023.
• Parvatmala (National Ropeways Development o Guarantee cover to be expanded by Rs
Program): Contracts for 8 ropeway projects of 60 50000 Crore to Rs 5 Lakh Crore.
Km length will awarded in 2022-23 on PPP mode. • Additional credit of Rs 2 lakh crore for Micro and
Small Enterprises to be facilitated under Credit
Inclusive Development Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises
(CGTMSE).
• Raising and Accelerating MSME performance
Farmers and Agriculture
(RAMP) programme to be rolled out with outlay of
Rs 6000 Crores.
MSP:
Skill Development
• Rs 2.37 lakh crores will be given as direct payment
of MSP to farmers
• Digital Ecosystem for Skilling and Livelihood
• Procurement of wheat in Rabi season 2021-22 and
(DESH-Stack e-portal) will be rolled out
estimated procurement of paddy in Kharif season
• Startups will be promoted for ‘Drone Shakti’ and
2021-22 will cover 1,208 lakh metric tonnes of wheat
Drone-As-A-Service (DrAAS).
and paddy from 163 lakh farmers
Education
Agriculture financing:
• PM eVIDYA’s ‘One class-One TV channel’
• Funds with blended capital raised under co-
programme to be expanded to 200 TV channels.
investment model to finance start-ups in agriculture
• Virtual labs and skilling e-labs to be set up.
and rural enterprises for farm produce value chain
• High-quality e-content to be developed for delivery
will be set up.
through Digital Teachers.
• They will be facilitated through NABARD
• Digital University for world-class quality universal
education to be established.
Agricultural Education: States will be encouraged to revise
agricultural universities syllabi to meet needs of natural, zero-
Health
budget and organic farming, modern-day agriculture.
• National Digital Health Ecosystem platform to be
Use of drones:
rolled out.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme for
• Drones will be used for crop assessment, digitization counselling and care services to be launched.
of land records, spraying of insecticides and
• Network of 23 tele-mental health centres of
nutrients.
excellence will be set up, with NIMHANS as nodal
13 | P a g e
 centre and International Institute of Information Export Promotion
Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology
support. • Special Economic Zones Act to be replaced with new
• Two lakh anganwadis will be upgraded to Saksham legislation to enable States to become partners in
Anganwadis. ‘Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs’.

Har Ghar, Nal Se Jal Defence

• Outlay: Rs. 60,000 crores. • Sector observed 68% of capital procurement

• Will cover 3.8 crore households in 2022-23 earmarked for domestic industry in 2022-23
• Defence R&D to be opened up for industry, startups
Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East and academia with 25% defence R&D budget
Region (PM-DevINE) earmarked.
• For meeting testing and certification
• Aim: to fund infrastructure and social development requirements, Independent nodal umbrella body will
projects in the North-East. be set up
• Rs. 1,500 crores allocated initially.
Sunrise Opportunities
Banking
• Sunrise Opportunities: Artificial Intelligence,
• 5 lakh post offices to come under core banking Geospatial Systems and Drones, Semiconductor and
system. its eco-system, Space Economy, Genomics and
• Scheduled Commercial Banks to set up 75 Digital Pharmaceuticals, Green Energy, and Clean Mobility
Banking Units in 75 different districts. Systems.
• Govt will contribute to its R&D
e-Passport
Energy Transition and Climate Action:
• e-Passports with embedded chip and futuristic
technology features to be rolled out. • Additional allocation of Rs. 19,500 crores for
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for manufacture
Urban Planning of high efficiency solar modules to meet 280 GW
goal of installed solar power by 2030.
• 5 to 7% biomass pellets to be co-fired in thermal
• Modernization of building byelaws, Town Planning
power plants that will reduce CO2 emission, provide
Schemes, and Transit Oriented Development will be
extra income to farmers and held in avoiding stubble
implemented.
burning.
• Battery swapping policy will be rolled out
• Financial support to farmers belonging to Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes for agro-forestry.
Land Records Management
Financing of investments
• Unique Land Parcel Identification Number will be
provided for IT-based management of land records.
Public Capital Investment
Productivity Enhancement & Investment, Sunrise
• Public investment continue to pump- private
Opportunities, Energy Transition, and Climate Action
investment and demand in 2022-23.
• Outlay for capital expenditure stepped up by 35.4%
Accelerated Corporate Exit to Rs. 7.50 lakh crore in 2022-23 from Rs. 5.54 lakh
crore in the current year.
• Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C- • Outlay in 2022-23 to be 2.9% of GDP.
PACE) to be established
Digital Rupee
Telecom Sector
RBI to introduce Digital Rupee in 2022-23.
• Scheme for design-manufacturing to be launched
strong for 5G as part of the Production Linked GIFT-IFSC
Incentive Scheme.
14 | P a g e
 • World-class foreign universities and institutions to be o TDS on payment made in relation to transfer
established in the GIFT City. of virtual digital asset is at the rate of 1%.
• International Arbitration Centre to be set up for o Gift of virtual digital asset will also to be
timely settlement of disputes taxed in the hands of the recipient.
• Tax incentives to IFSC:
Mobilising Resources o Income of non-resident from offshore
derivative instruments.
• Data Centres and Energy Storage Systems to be o Income from over the counter (OTC)
upgraded to infrastructure status. derivatives issued by an offshore banking
• Venture Capital and Private Equity investment to be unit.
scaled up o Income from royalty and interest on account
• Blended funds to be promoted for sunrise sectors. of lease of ship.
o Income received from portfolio management
• Sovereign Green Bonds for mobilizing resources for
green infrastructure to be issued services in IFSC.
• Surcharge
o Surcharge on Association of Persons (AOPs)
capped at 15%.
o Surcharge on long term capital gains on
Greater Fiscal Space to States transfer of any type of assets capped at 15%.
• Health and Education Cess: Any surcharge or cess
• Enhanced outlay for ‘Scheme for Financial on income and profits not allowable as business
Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ from expenditure.
Rs. 10,000 crore in Budget Estimates to Rs. 15,000 • Discouragement against tax-evasion: Budget
crore in Revised Estimates for current year discourages tax invasions and allow any loss against
• States will be allowed fiscal deficit of 4%, of which undisclosed income detected during search and
0.5% will be tied to power sector reforms in 2022-23. survey operations.

Tax Proposals Indirect Tax

Direct Tax • GST: GST revenues goes buoyant despite the

pandemic. Gross GST collections for the month of
• New updated return: Here people can file updated January 2022 is Rs 1,40,986 crore, which is the
return within 2 years of filed IT Return. highest since the inception of the tax in 2017
• Cooperative societies: • Special Economic Zones: Customs Administration
o Alternate minimum tax reduced for of SEZs to be fully IT driven and Customs National
cooperatives from 18.5% to 15%. Portal will be implemented by 30th September 2022.
o Surcharge of cooperative societies reduced • Customs Reforms and duty rate changes
from 12% to 7% for those having income of • Faceless Customs service has been fully established.
more than 1 crore and up to Rs 10 crores. • Certain exemptions for advanced machineries that
• Tax Benefits to startups: Existing tax benefits for are not manufactured within India shall continue.
Startups to be extended by 1 more year till 2023. • Few exemptions introduced on inputs, like
• Tax relief to persons with disability: Payment of specialized castings, ball screw and linear motion
annuity and lump sum amount from insurance guide will encourage domestic manufacturing of
scheme to differently abled dependent during capital goods.
lifetime of parents/guardians, i.e., on parents/ • More than 350 exemption entries to be gradually
guardian attaining the age of 60 years. phased out.
• Parity in National Pension Scheme (NPS) • Electronics: Duty concessions to parts of
Contribution transformer of mobile phone chargers and camera
o Tax deduction limit increased from 10% to lens of mobile camera module and certain other
14% on employer’s contribution to the NPS items.
account of State Government employees. • Gems and Jewellery: Customs duty on cut and
o Brings them at par with central government polished diamonds and gemstones has been reduced
employees. to 5% and Nil customs duty to simply sawn diamond.
• Virtual digital assets: • Customs duty exemption for steel scrap extended for
o They will be taxed at 30%. one more year.
o Loss from transfer of virtual digital asset
cannot be set off against any other income.

15 | P a g e
 • Unblended fuel to attract an additional differential
excise duty of Rs 2 per litre from 1st October 2022.

Ranking, Indexes, Reports and Survey

May 2022

1. 2022 World Press Freedom Index released • Report estimated the cost of global strategies to
prevent pandemics based on reducing illegal
• Released by: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) wildlife trade, avoiding land-use change and
• It assesses the state of journalism in 180 increasing surveillance to be $22 billion to $31
countries and territories. billion.
• Top performers: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, • According to the report, around billion people in
Estonia, and Finland sub-Saharan Africa will keep relying on polluting
• India falls 8 positions to 150th rank in 2022 World fuels like charcoal and fuelwood till 2025.
Press Freedom Index
• India's neighboring countries: Pakistan (157th), 3. The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
Sri Lanka (146th), Bangladesh (162nd), and 2022
Maynmar(176th)
• India has been featured in top as the fourth
• Worst performer: North Korea at 180th rank.
most-represented nation with Turkey with 64
universities.
2. State of the World’s Forests 2022 • As per the THE rankings, apart from Calcutta
University (14th rank), two universities are in the
• Thew report says that world has lost 420 million top 100.
hectares (mha), approximately 10.34% of its total • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham was ranked 41, and
forest area in the last 30 years. Lovely Professional University secured 74th rank
• This is due to deforestation, though forests cover globally.
4.06 billion ha (31%) of the earth’s geographical • Institutes like OP Jindal Global University (JGU),
area. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT),
• Some 47 mha of primary forests were lost Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Amity
between 2000 and 2020. University, Chitkara University rank in the top
• More than 700 mha of forest (18% of total forest 800 list.
area) is in legally established protected areas.
April 2022

1. India’s unemployment rate falls to 7.6% in March and Jammu and Kashmir (25 %), Bihar (14.4%),
from 8.1% in Feb 2022: CMIE Report Tripura (14.1%) and West Bengal (5.6%).
• Least unemployment rate: Karnataka and
• As per the data from Centre for Monitoring Gujarat
Indian Economy (CMIE), overall unemployment
rate in India fell to 7.6% in March 2022. 2. Nykaa Founder Falguni Nayar among top 10 in Hurun
• This rate was 8.10% in February 2022. Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022
• The report also stated that though overall
• Hurun Research Institute has released Richest
unemployment rate in the country is falling, it is
Self-Made Women list in the World 2022 which
still high for a poor country like India.
features 8 Chinese women, while 1 each from US,
• Highest unemployment rate in March 2022:
UK and India in the top 10.
Haryana at 26.7%, followed by Rajasthan (25%)

16 | P a g e
 • Overall, there are 124 women from 16 countries o Tripura
in the list, including three Indians. o Manipur
• List of Top Five Richest Self-Made Women • Top Three UTs
o Wa Yajun o Chandigarh
o Fan Hongwei o Delhi
o Wang Laichun o Daman & Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli
o Zhong Huijuan
6. World Bank Report States Extreme Poverty in India
o Chen Lihua
Decline by 12.3% between 2011-2019
• List of Indian billionaires
o Falguni Nayar (10th) - Nykaa • The extreme poverty rate in India fell from 22.5%
o Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (26th) - Biocon in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019 as per World Bank
o Radha Vembu (25th) - Zoho Policy Research Working Paper.
3. Elon Musk tops Forbes Billionaires List 2022, Mukesh • This represents a decline of 12.3% points in
Ambani richest Indian (10th) extreme poverty count between 2011 to 2019
• While reduction in rural poverty dropped by
• Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has topped 14.7% points, poverty in urban areas dropped by
Forbes Billionaires List 2022 to emerge as richest 7.9 percentage points.
person in the world with net worth of $219 • The paper titled ‘Poverty has Declined over the
billion. last decade But Not as Much As Previously
• He is followed by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and Thought’ was jointly authored by economists
Louis Vuitton chief Bernard Arnault. Sutirtha Sinha Roy and Roy van der Weide
• Top Indian in the list: Mukesh Ambani with a net
7. NITI Aayog releases draft battery swapping policy
worth of $90.7 billion (10th rank).
• Top Women in the list: Francoise Bettencourt • According to this, all metropolitan cities with a population
Meyers with a net worth of $74.8 billion. above 40 lakh will be prioritized for the development of a
• The list ranks a total of 2,668 billionaires in the battery swapping network under the first phase.
36th edition of the annual ranking of world’s • All major cities such as state capitals, UT headquarters, and
richest people by Forbes. cities with populations above 5 lakh will be covered under
5. Gujarat tops NITI Aayog’s State Energy and Climate the second phase.
Index (SECI) • Importance has been given to the two-wheeler and three-
wheeler vehicle segments in growing cities.
• NITI Aayog has launched State Energy & Climate • Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is
Index (SECI) Round I, that ranks the states’ responsible for the rollout of EV public charging
performance on 6 parameters: infrastructure.
o DISCOM’s Performance • India has signed UN Framework Convention on Climate
o Access, Affordability and Reliability of Change (UNFCCC) agreement in 2021.
Energy 8. WWF Report on Online Wildlife Trade
o Clean Energy Initiatives
o Energy Efficiency • Released by: World Wildlife Fund
o Environmental Sustainability • It shows illegal purchases of wildlife online are growing
o New Initiatives in Myanmar in a threat both to public health and to
• Top Three States among Larger States Category: endangered species.
o Gujarat • It found that enforcement of bans on such
o Kerala transactions has weakened amid political turmoil
o Punjab following a 2021 military takeover.
• Top Three States among Smaller States Category: • Number of such dealings rose 74% over a year earlier
o Goa to 11,046

17 | P a g e
 • For 173 species traded, 54 are threatened with global • It started in 2004 and is an annual publication of
extinction. university rankings.
• It featured 1,300 Universities from around the world
9. International Religious Freedom Report 2022
• It methodology consists of 6metrics: Academic
• Released by: United States Commission on Reputation (40%), Employer Reputation (10%),
International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Faculty/Student Ratio (20%), Citations per faculty
• It has recommended that India be designated ‘Country (20%), International Faculty Ratio (5%), International
of Particular Concern’ (CPC) for the third time. Student Ratio (5%).
• Country of Particular Concern (CPC): category of • Top performers: Massachusetts Institute of
governments performing most poorly on religious Technology (MIT), USA, University of Oxford, UK and
freedom criteria. Stanford University, USA.
• CPC lists include India, Pakistan, Burma, China, Eritrea, • India’s position: IIT-Kharagpur has been ranked 37th in
Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, 2022. Jadavpur University is the only state university in
Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria and Vietnam. India in arts and humanities category in 2022.
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) bagged 9th rank
10. QS World University Rankings 2022 in engineering and technology.
• Released by: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
March 2022

1. India ranks 3rd in billionaire population globally • Economy: The target for to raise GDP to nearly
$4 trillion by 2022-23. But by 2020, economy has
• India has been ranked 3rd in terms of most grown only to USD 2.48 trillion.
billionaires’ population globally in 2021, as per • Employment: Target was to increase female
Knight Frank’s latest edition of The Wealth labor force participation rate to at least 30% by
Report 2022 2022-23. It stood at 17.3% in January-March
• Top Performers: United States and China 2020.
• Number of ultra-high-net-worth-individuals • Housing: Targets are to construct 29.5 million
(UHNWIs) in India increased by 11% in 2021 to housing units under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
145 billionaires, highest percentage growth in (PMAY)-Rural and 12 million units under PMAY-
Asia Pacific region Urban. Only about 46.8% and 38% respectively of
• UHNWIs: Individuals with net assets of US$ 30m the targets have been achieved.
(Rs 226 crore) or more • Drinking Water: Target is to provide safe piped
• India’s UHNWI is expected to grow by 39% from drinking water to all by 2022-23 and only 45% of
2021 to 2026 the target has been achieved.
• Number of UHNWIs globally increased by 9.3% in • Agriculture: Target is to double farmers’ income
2021 to 6,10,569, from 5,58,828 in the previous by 2022. Share of income from crop production
year. in the average monthly income of an agricultural
• Highest growth of UHNWIs in 2021: Bengaluru, household has dropped to 37.2% in 2018-19,
followed by Delhi and Mumbai. from 48% in 2012-13.
2. State of India’s Environment Report 2022 • Digitization of Land Records: Another target is to
digitize land records by 2022. While states like
• Released by: Centre for Science and Environment MP, West Bengal and Odisha have made good
(CSE). progress, states like J&K, Ladakh and Sikkim
• Focuses on climate change, migration, health, languish at 5%, 2% and 8.8% digitization of land
and food systems, biodiversity, forest and records, respectively.
wildlife, energy, etc. • Air Pollution: Target is to bring down Particulate
Matter (PM) 2.5 levels in Indian cities to less than

18 | P a g e
 50 micrograms per cubic metre. In 2020, when 5. Q4 & 2021 Annual India Solar Market Update
vehicular movement was restricted due to
COVID, 23 of 121 cities monitored for PM2.5 • Released by: Mercom India Research.
exceeded 50 µg/m3. • As per the report, India installed a record 10 GW
• Forest Cover: Target is to increase it to 33.3% of of new solar capacity in 2021, which is 210%
geographical area, as envisaged in National increase as compared to 3.2 GW installed in
Forest Policy, 1988. By 2019, 21.6% of India was 2020.
under forest cover. • Cumulative installed solar capacity in India at the
• Energy: Target is to achieve renewable energy end of Q4 2021 was approx. 49 GW.
generation capacity of 175 GW by 2022. Only • Top three large scale solar installations state:
56% of this target has been achieved thus far. Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
• Solar power accounted for 62% of new power
3. India ranks 120th in Sustainable Development Report capacity additions in 2021
2021
6. India ranked ‘partly free’ in Freedom of the World
• India has been ranked 120th in the Sustainable 2022 report
Development Report 2021 or Sustainable
Development Index 2021 with a score of 60.07. • India has been termed as ‘partly free’ country in
• Top performers: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, terms of democracy and free society, as per the
Germany, and Belgium. annual report titled ‘Freedom in the World 2022
• Index measures the total progress of India – The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule’
towards achieving 17 Sustainable Development for the second consecutive year with a score of
Goals (SDGs). 66.
• These 17 SDGs were adopted by UN General • India’s freedom scores are like that of Bolivia,
Assembly in September 2015 as a part of 2030 Hungary, and Albania.
Agenda for Sustainable Development. • India was a free country till 2020 with 71 score
• India was ranked 117th in SDG report 2020 • In 2022, 85 countries were free, 56 as partly free,
• South-Asian countries: Bhutan (75th rank), Sri 69 as not free
Lanka (87th), Nepal (96th), and Bangladesh (109th) • Worst scorer: South Sudan, Syria, Tibet,
Turkmenistan, Eritrea, and North Korea.
4. 'Innovation in India's Rural Economy report • Top Scorer: Switzerland, New Zealand and
Denmark
• Released by: Bain & Company and Confederation
• Freedom of the World Report:
of Indian Industry (CII)
o It is published every year since 1973 by
• Full report is titled as “Innovation in India's Rural
Freedom House (US NGO)
Economy: disruptive business models are
o The report uses 25 indicators, grouped
stimulating inclusive growth in agriculture and
into the categories of political and civil
rural finance'
rights
Key findings:
7. India emerges as the largest importer of arms in 2017-
• Agriculture sector has grown by CAGR of 11% 21: SIPRI Report
during 2015-2020 and it contributes to
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
approximately 37% of total rural GDP.
(SIPRI) has released its latest report titled Trends
• Around 30% of rural ecosystem is adopting
in International Arms Transfer, 2021.
digital payment and digital commerce.
• Largest Arms Importers in 2017-21: India,
• Agri credit has grown at 10% CAGR in the last
followed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia, and
five years, and its 35% comes from Tamil Nadu,
China
Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

19 | P a g e
 • Both India and Saudi Arabia accounted for 11% of • Most polluted country: Bangladesh, followed by
all global arms sales. Chad, Pakistan, Tajikistan and India.
• Largest Arms Exporters in 2017-21: USA, with
10. India ranks 136th in the World Happiness Report
39% share, retained its position as the world’s
2022
largest arms exporters, followed by Russia,
France, China, and Germany • India has been ranked 136th in the World
India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio improved to 103 in 2017- Happiness Report 2022, out of 146 countries
19 • Top performer: Finland, followed by Denmark,
Iceland, Switzerland, and The Netherlands
• Registrar General of India has released the official • US is at the 16th spot
data showing the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) • Worst performers: Afghanistan (146th), Lebanon
in India which is significantly improved at 103 for (145th), Zimbabwe (144th), Rwanda (143rd), and
2017-19 Botswana (142nd).
• MMR was 122 in 2015-17 and 113 in 2016-18 • Ranking is done on a three-year average based
• MMR: number of maternal deaths per 100,000 on ‘Life Evaluation’ survey conducted by Gallup
live births during a given period. World Poll
• Number of states that have met SDG objective • The report is published by Sustainable
has increased from 5 to 7. Development Solutions Network
• Best Indian states wrt MMR: Kerala (30),
11. Care at work: Investing in care leave and services for
Maharashtra (38), Telangana (56), Tamil Nadu
(58) and Andhra Pradesh (58). a more gender equal world of work

8. RailTel ranks 124 in Fortune India Next 500 list • Released by: International Labour Organization
(ILO)
• RailTel jumped 67 positions to be ranked 124th in • As per the report, universal childcare and long-
the recently announced 'Fortune India Next 500 term care services can generate up to 299 million
list of Year 2022'. list. jobs by 2035.
• It was ranked 197 in the 2021 list of top midsize • Among 299 million jobs, women will have 234
companies operating in India. million jobs.
• Apart from RailTel, IRCTC is the only Railway PSU • Annual investment of USD 5.4 trillion will be
featuring in the list, at the rank of 309. required for this job creation potential by 2035.
• RailTel: One of the largest neutral telecom • Globally, only 89 out of 179 countries have a
infrastructure services providers in the country. It statutory provision of public long-term care
is the only telecom PSU on the list. services for older persons.
• There are 10 (including RailTel) India government
companies in the list.

9. New Delhi is the world’s most polluted capital city: 12. Hurun Global Rich List 2022
Air Quality Report
• It ranked a total of 3,381 billionaires from 2,557
• New Delhi has been ranked as the world’s most companies and 69 countries.
polluted capital city for the second consecutive • Top performer: China with 1,050 billionaires
year as per IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality Report. owning $3,756 billion and US with 523
• Prepared by: Swiss organization IQAir billionaires owning $3,554 billion.
• Top 5 polluted capital cities: New Delhi, followed • India ranked third in the list with 119 billionaires
by Dhaka (Bangladesh), N’Djamena (Chad), accounting $474 billion.
Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Muscat (Oman) • States with largest number of dollar millionaires:
• Most polluted city of India: Bhiwadi, followed by Mumbai, followed by Delhi and Kolkata.
Ghaziabad, Delhi, Jaunpur
20 | P a g e
 15. The 7th edition of Celebrity Brand Valuation Report
2021 titled ‘Digital Acceleration 2.0’
13. Global Power of Retailing 2022
• Released by: Duff & Phelps.
• Released by: Deloitte • Most valued celebrity in India: Indian cricketer
• Top performer: Walmart, followed by Jeff Bezos- Virat Kohli with brand value of USD 185.7 million
owned Amazon and US-based Costco Wholesale in 2021.
Corporation. • He is followed by Ranveer Singh and Akshay
• Reliance Retail has been ranked 56th on the list of Kumar
top 250 global retailers.
16. Gujarat tops Export Preparedness Index 2021

• Gujarat has retained the top position in the 2nd

14. Annual Frontier Report, 2022 edition of NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness
Index 2021.
• Released by United Nations Environment
• Prepared by: NITI Aayog and Institute of
Programme (UNEP)
Competitiveness
• As per the report, Dhaka (Bangladesh) has been
• Top 10 states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil
ranked as the world’s most noise polluted city
Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
with 119 decibels (dB) noise pollution in 2021
Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Dhaka is followed by Moradabad and Islamabad\
• Top UTs: Delhi, followed by Goa, Jammu and
• World quietest city: Irbid (Jordan), followed by
Kashmir, Chandigarh and Puducherry.
Lyon (France) and Madrid (Spain).
• Himalayan states: Uttarakhand, Himachal
• Four most noise polluted cities in India: Kolkata,
Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim and Manipur.
Asansol, Jaipur, and Delhi.

January 2022

1. First District Good Governance Index for 20 Districts of • Indian passport has visa-free access to 60 countries
J&K released worldwide in Q1 2022, as compared to 58
destinations in Q4 of 2021.
• Organized by: Department of Administrative • Top performers: Japan and Singapore, followed by
Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) and Jammu Germany and South Korea
& Kashmir Institute of Management, Public • Least powerful passports: Afghanistan
Administration & Rural Development in association • Index is based on exclusive data from the
with Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad. International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• J&K will become first Union Territory in the country
to have Good Governance Index. 3. India's first index of cryptocurrencies ‘IC15’ launched

2. India Ranks 83rd in Q1 Henley Passport Index 2022 • Crypto Superapp, CryptoWire has launched India’s
first crypto index titled ‘IC15’, which will track the
• India has been ranked 83rd among 111 countries in market capitalization and liquidity of top 15 global
the latest Henley Passport Index, released for Q1 of digital currencies
2022 • Crypto assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance coin,
• India improved its position by seven places from Solana, Cardano, Ripple, Terra, Dogecoin and Shiba
90th in Q4 of 2021 in October. will be monitored by this platform
• CryptoWire’s index governance committee will
maintain, monitor and administer the index

21 | P a g e
 • Base value of the index is set at 10,000 and base • It is the part of the All-India Quarterly
date is 1 April 2018 Establishment based Employment Survey.
• The report highlights that the manufacturing sector
4. NITI Aayog, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) releases
engages 39%, education 22% and Health 10% of the
‘Banking on Electric Vehicles in India’ report
estimated workers.
• Overall percentage of female workers stood at
• It outlines the importance of priority-sector
32.1%
recognition for retail lending in electric mobility
ecosystem. • Regular workers constitute 87% of the estimated
workforce in the nine selected sectors, with only 2
• It provides considerations and recommendations to
per cent being casual workers.
inform inclusion of EVs in RBI’s PSL guidelines.
• Banks and NBFCs in India have the potential to 8. Ministry of Culture to undertake 1st ever cultural survey
achieve an electric vehicle financing market size of of Indian village
Rs 40,000 crore (USD 5 billion) by 2025
• Govt-promoted CSC SPV in collaboration with
5. OxFam India releases new study report ‘Inequality kills’
Ministry of Culture, will undertake first-ever cultural
• Itb reveals that COVID-19 pandemic has heightened survey of India's villages through mobile application
economic inequalities across the world. • Survey is titled 'Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar'
• Key highlights: • It will document cultural identity at village level by
o Wealth of world’s 10 richest men doubled involving citizens to share what makes their village,
since COVID began. block, or district unique
o Collective wealth of India’s 100 richest 9. ICMR-NIN and Telangana govt to hold state-wide SARS
people hit a record high of Rs 57.3 lakh COV-2 sero survey
crore ($ 775 billion) in 2021.
o Number of Indian billionaires grew from • Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of
102 to 142 during COVID. Nutrition (NIN) and Telangana state govt will be
o 84% of households suffered a decline in holding state-wide SARS COV-2 sero survey
their income in a year. • It will be conducted among general population and
health care workers
6. Environment Minister releases Forest Survey report
• It will be assessed by examining SARS Cov-2, IgG
2021
antibodies in the blood samples to be collected
• Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has • It will be a house-to-house survey and will cover
released India State of Forest Report 2021. about 16,000 population of 330 villages in all 33
• Highlights of the report: districts.
o Total forest and tree cover in India in 2021: 10. TEC releases ‘Code of Practice for securing consumer
80.9 million hectares.
Internet of Things
o This is over 24.60% of the geographical
area of the country. • Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC),
o 17 states and union territories have above under Dept of Telecommunications has released
33% of the geographical area under forest ‘Code of Practice for Securing Consumer Internet of
cover. Things (IoT)’ report as a baseline requirement
o Largest forest cover: Madhya Pradesh aligned with global standards and best practices
o Maximum increase in forest cover: Andhra • It will help in securing consumer IoT devices &
Pradesh ecosystem as well as managing vulnerabilities
o Total carbon stock in India’s forest: 7,204 • It is intended for use by IoT device manufacturers,
million tonnes Service providers/ system integrators and
application developers etc.

11. Global Risks Report 2022

7. Labour Minister releases report on 2nd round of
Quarterly Employment Survey
22 | P a g e
 • It is an annual report, released by the World 12. India ranks 85 in Transparency International's
Economic Forum. corruption index
• It tracks global risk perceptions among risk experts
and world leaders in business, govt, and civil • The index ranks 180 countries and territories by
society. their perceived levels of public sector corruption on
• It examines risks across 5 categories: economic, a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and
environmental, geopolitical, societal, and 100 is very clean.
technological. • Low scorers: China (45 score) and India (40),
• Climate action failure' is designated as the number Indonesia (38), Pakistan (28) and Bangladesh (26).
one risk, followed by Extreme weather • Top performers: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand
and Norway

Economy News

(1st to 15th May 2022)

1. Adani Group to buy 49% in Quintillion Business Media taken by the government as scorching heatwaves in the
Note: Billionaire Gautam Adani's AMG Media Networks, a country’s northern parts have curtailed output resulting
unit of Adani Enterprises, will buy a 49% stake in Raghav in skyrocketing domestic prices. The decision was taken
Bahl-curated digital business news platform Quintillion to manage India’s overall food security and to support the
Business Media Pvt Ltd for an undisclosed sum. In March, needs of the vulnerable and neighbouring countries.
Adani Enterprises announced its foray into the media 5. Retail Inflation Surges To 7.79% In April, Highest In 8
business by acquiring an unspecified minority stake in Years
Quintillion Business Media Ltd (QBML). Quintillion is Note: According to the data released by the National
Raghav Bahl-curated digital business news platform. Statistical Office (NSO), retail inflation in April is 7.79%.
2. Adani Group becomes India’s 2nd largest cement maker The consumer price-based inflation figure stayed well
with $10.5 billion acquisition of Ambuja-ACC above Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) upper tolerance
Note: Billionaire Gautam Adani clinched a $10.5 billion limit for the fourth consecutive month. In April, the CPI
deal that grants his conglomerate a 63.19 per cent stake inflation expanded at its highest pace in eight years. The
in Swiss cement major Holcim Ltd's India operations, previous high was recorded at 8.33 per cent in May 2014.
Ambuja Cements Ltd and its subsidiary ACC. With this, the The highest inflation rate is seen in West Bengal, followed
Adani Group became the second largest cement producer by Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
in the country after the Aditya Birla Group owned 6. SEBI forms advisory committee for ESG-related matters
UltraTech Cement. Note: The Securities and Exchange Board of India has
3. GAIL awards contract to set up one of India’s largest formed an advisory committee for advising on
PEM based Green Hydrogen project Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) related
Note: In line with the National Hydrogen Mission, GAIL matters pertaining to the securities markets. The
(India) Limited has awarded a contract to set up one of committee will be chaired by Navneet Munot, the chief
the largest Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) executive officer of HDFC Asset Management Company.
Electrolyser in India. The project would be installed at The terms of reference of the committee include
GAIL’s Vijaipur Complex, in Guna District of Madhya Enhancements in business responsibility and
Pradesh, and would be based on renewable power. The sustainability report, ESG ratings, and ESG investing. It will
Project has been designed to produce around 4.3 Metric examine evolving disclosures/metrics relevant to the
Tons of Hydrogen per day (approx. 10 MW capacity) with Indian context and suggest areas for assurance and a plan
a purity of about 99.999 Volume %. It is scheduled to be for implementation.
commissioned by November 2023. The National 7. The biggest-ever initial public offering (IPO) of India is by
Hydrogen Mission has the target of producing 5 million the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030. Note: The blockbuster initial public offering (IPO) of Life
4. India bans wheat export with one exception Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest
Note: India banned wheat exports with some exceptions. life insurer, was subscribed 2.95 times by the end of sixth
This announcement came days after the central and final day of bidding. The price band of LIC IPO is Rs
government had announced that this year record 902-949 per share and the company offered a discount of
shipments of wheat are being targeted. This decision was Rs 60 per share for its policyholders and Rs 45 apiece for
23 | P a g e
 retail investors and LIC employees. It has been fully Railways per day is 415, which is 8.4% lower than the 453
booked under all the offered categories required by the power utilities.
8. L&T Infotech, Mindtree announce merger to create 13. India's pharma exports increase to Rs 1.83 lakh crore in
country's 5th-largest IT services provider 2021-22
Note: Recently, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced the Note: Pharma exports have touched Rs 1,83,422 crore in
merger of its two software companies, Larsen & Toubro 2021-22 against Rs 90,415 crore in 2013-14. India's
Infotech (LTI) and Mindtree. The combined entity will be pharma exports in 2021-22 sustained a positive growth
known as “LTIMindtree”. Currently, TCS ranks first among despite the global trade disruptions and drop in demand
the IT firms with the highest market valuation. TCS is for COVID related medicines. By virtue of price
followed by Infosys, HCL Tech, and Wipro. competitiveness and good quality, Indian pharma
9. Unemployment rate at 8.7% in October-December 2021: companies have made a global mark. India is a major
NSO survey exporter of Pharmaceuticals, with 60% of the world’s
Note: The unemployment rate for persons of 15 years vaccines and 20% of generic medicines coming from
and above in urban areas slipped to 8.7 per cent in India. More than 200+ countries are served by Indian
October-December 2021 from 10.3 per cent in the year- pharma exports. India supplies over 50% of Africa’s
ago quarter, showed a periodic labour force survey by the requirements for generic medicines. India is a leading
National Statistical Office (NSO). The unemployment rate supplier of DPT, BCG, and Measles vaccines. 70% of
for persons of age 15 years and above in July-September WHO’s vaccines (as per the essential Immunization
2021 was 9.8 per cent in urban areas, the 13th Periodic schedule) are sourced from India. Thus, India has been
Labour Force Survey (PLFS) showed. serving as the ‘pharmacy of the world’.
10. International conference on insolvency, bankruptcy 14. Swiggy signs deal with Times Internet to acquire Dineout
Note: The first two-day International Research Note: Food delivery giant Swiggy said it has entered into a
Conference on Insolvency and Bankruptcy organised by definitive agreement with Times Internet to acquire
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), Dineout, leading dining out and restaurant tech platform.
jointly with the Indian Institute of Management Dineout will continue to operate as an independent app
Ahmedabad (IIMA). The two-day research conference post the acquisition. Designed to capitalise on Dineout’s
was held under the aegis of the Misra Centre of Financial unique assets and leading position in the dining out
Markets at IIMA. Other associate partners of the space, the acquisition will enable Swiggy to cater to every
conference include the National Stock Exchange, State food occasion. Swiggy will double down on the synergies
Bank of India, BSE Investors’ Protection Fund, and with Dineout’s offerings, including dining out table
National Institute of Securities Markets. reservations and events.
11. All-time high GST collections in April 2022 15. SEBI grants recognition to NSDL Database Management
Note: India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) as accreditation agency for 3 yrs
revenues hit a new high of ₹1.68 lakh crore in April 2022. Note: SEBI has granted recognition to NSDL Database
For the first time, gross GST collection has crossed the Management Ltd (NDML) as an accreditation agency for
₹1.5 lakh crore mark. There were wide variations in three years. The entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
growth trends across States. While Tamil Nadu’s National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), The agency will
collections grew 10% in April, Odisha saw collections rise issue accreditation certificate to ''accredited investors''.
by 28%. Six States and Union Territories reported a 16. SEBI amends InvITs rule; specifies draft filing fees for
contraction in revenues from a year ago, including Bihar (- initial offer, rights issue
2%), Manipur (-33%), Mizoram (-19%) and Tripura (-3%). Note: SEBI has changed certain norms for Infrastructure
Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest growth of GST Investment Trusts (InvITs) with regards to the payment of
revenue during April 2022 vis a vis April 2021, with a fees for initial public offer and rights issue. Now, InvITs
record 90% jump in GST collection. are required to pay non-refundable filing fees of 0.1% in
12. Coal shortage in India case of IPO and payment of 0.05% in case of rights issue
Note: Currently, India is undergoing a second major of the total issue size. At present, 15 InvITs are registered
power crisis since October 2021. The main reason for the with Sebi and 7 of them are listed on the stock exchanges.
coal shortage is the increasing power demand. In 2022, 17. Reliance became 1st Indian company to cross USD 100
the demand increased to 132 billion units (BU) per bn annual revenue
month, from 106.6 BU a month in 2019. Another reason is Note: Reliance Industries become the first Indian
the reduction in coal imports. The global coal prices company to record annual revenue of more than a
increased due to global energy shortage and supply whopping $100 billion. The company has recorded a
disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. There are 22.5% rise in net profit for the quarter ended March
also supply constraints within India due to shortage of rail 2022. Reliance has recorded strong growth in retail,
rakes. The number of trains committed by the Indian digital services, and the oil & gas business. The company
24 | P a g e
 has also reported the highest-ever quarterly EBITDA 20. Adani Wilmar became India’s largest FMCG company
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and surpassing HUL
amortisation) of Rs 33,968 crores (28% up) year-on-year. Note: Adani Wilmar Limited became the largest Fast
18. Nexcharge commences mass production of lithium-ion Moving Consumer Goods Company (FMCG) in India
battery packs in Gujarat beating Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), after the
Note: Nexcharge, a joint venture between India’s Exide announcement of its Quarter Four results for the financial
Industries Limited and Switzerland-based Leclanché SA, year 2022 (Q4FY2022). AWL has reported total operating
announced the inauguration of its new manufacturing revenue of Rs 54,214 crore in the Financial Year 2022
plant at Prantij in Gujarat. The company’s new state-of- whereas HUL reported a revenue of Rs 51,468 crore in the
the-art, fully automated manufacturing facility is spread Financial Year (FY) 2021-22.
across 6,10,098 sq. feet and is claimed to be the largest in 21. ReNew Power inks PPAs, long term agreements for solar
India for the production of lithium-ion battery packs and power supply
modules. Note: ReNew Power has signed five power purchase
19. Tata Power Solar gets ₹5,500 crore order from SJVN agreements (PPAs) with Centre and State government
Note: Tata Power Solar Systems has bagged India’s entities for providing around 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar
largest solar engineering procurement and construction power.The involved state govts are spread over
(EPC) order for 1 GW project worth ₹5,500 crore from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Apart from this,
state-owned hydroelectric power generation company Renew Power has signed five solar PPAs with Solar Energy
SJVN Ltd. This project in Rajasthan aims at reducing Corporation of India (SECI) and Punjab State Power
around 22,87,128 kg of carbon emission and is expected Corporation (PSPCL), as well as multiple long-term
to generate around 2500 million units annually. The purchase agreements with corporate buyers together
project will be developed under the central public sector totalling around 2 GW. The company’s gross total
undertaking (CPSU) scheme of the Ministry of New & portfolio has now increased to around 12.1 GW from 10.2
Renewable Energy (MNRE) and will be completed within a GW at the beginning of 2022.
period of 24 months.
April 2022

1. India’s Labour Force Participation Rate 3. Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd to buy govt's 51% stake in Pawan
Note: Recently, data from the Centre for Monitoring Hans helicopter service provider
Indian Economy (CMIE) shows that India’s Labour Force Note: The government will sell its 51 per cent stake in
Participation Rate (LFPR) has fallen to just 40% from an Pawan Hans to Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd for Rs 211 crore.
already low 47% in 2016. This suggests not only that more Pawan Hans has been incurring losses in the last three
than half of India’s population in the working-age group years. It has a fleet of 42 helicopters, of which 41 are
(15 years and older) is deciding to sit out of the job owned by it. The owned helicopters have an average age
market, but also that this proportion of people is of 20 years, and the original equipment manufacturer has
increasing. According to the CMIE, the labor force consists stopped manufacturing three-fourths of them.
of people who are 15 years or older, and belong to either 4. IndiGo becomes first airline to use indigenous navigation
of the following two categories: system GAGAN
❖ Are Employed Note: IndiGo becomes the first airline in Asia to land its
❖ Are unemployed and are willing to work and are aircraft using the indigenous navigation system GAGAN.
actively looking for a job. This is a huge leap for Indian Civil Aviation and a firm step
These two categories have people “demanding” jobs. toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as India becomes the third
This demand is what LFPR refers to. Thus, the LFPR country in the world to have its own SBAS system after
essentially is the percentage of the working-age (15 the USA and Japan. The flight was conducted using an
years or older) population that is asking for a job. ATR-72 aircraft and landed at the Kishangarh airport in
2. NABARD plans Farmer Distress Index (FDI) Rajasthan on Wednesday (April 27) morning, using GPS-
Note: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural aided geo-augmented navigation (GAGAN), which has
Development (NABARD) is planning to formulate a farmer been jointly developed by the Centre-run Airports
distress index (FDI) to track, identify and support the real Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research
needy and distressed farmers. According to a study jointly Organisation (ISRO).
conducted by NABARD and Bharat Krishak Samaj (BKS), a 5. Reliance Industries and UAE-based TA’ZIZ sign
farmers producers’ organization, in Punjab, more than agreement for chemical project
60% of the ‘very high’ and ‘high’ distress small and Note: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Abu Dhabi
marginal farmers did not receive farm loan waiver Chemicals Derivatives Company RSC Ltd (TA’ZIZ) have
benefits. signed a formal shareholder agreement for setting up a
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 chemical project at TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone, which is from April to September 2022 will be increased
Ruwais in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reliance is to Rs 60,939 crore, as against Rs 57,150 crore for the
India’s largest diversified conglomerate and a strategic whole of 2021. This increase in subsidy will insulate the
partner with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) farmers from the global price increase of di-ammonium
and ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding phosphate (DAP) and other non-urea nutrients.
company, in TA’ZIZ EDC & PVC, a world-scale chemicals 11. Indian steel exports jump 152 per cent between 2013-14
development at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in and 2021-22
Ruwais, UAE.
6. India’s gold imports increased by 33.34% to Rs 46.14 Note: There has been a 152 per cent jump in iron and
billion in 2021-22 steel exports, in value terms, in April-January 2021-22,
Note: According to the official data, the import of gold in over the same 10-month period in 2013-14. India’s
India has been rose by 33.34% to Rs 46.14 billion on finished steel exports (globally) were at 10.78 million
account of higher demand in 2021-22. The import of gold tonnes in 2020-21, against 8.3 million tonnes in 2019-20.
in 2020-21 was about Rs 34.62 billion. The increase in In the last fiscal year, total production stood at 96.2
gold imports has contributed to the widening of the trade million tonnes, while consumption was at 94.89 million
deficit to $192.41 billion, against $102.62 billion in 2020- tonnes. According to data available on the Ministry of
21. India is the world’s second-biggest gold consumer Steel website, 11.142 million tonnes of finished steel was
after China. The imports are largely driven by the exported in the 10-month period of FY22; an increase of
jewellery industry. The export of gems and jewellery grew 26 per cent YoY (over 8.84 million tonnes in April-January
by about 50% to about $39 billion during 2021-22. of FY21).
7. Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022 12. counter China’s BRI, MEA launches Global Innovation
Note: India’s GDP growth has been forecasted by the Partnership (GIP)
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to 7.5 per cent in 2022-23 Note: India and the United Kingdom have launched their
from 2021-22’s estimated 8.9 per cent. The report has Global Innovation Partnership (GIP) as both countries look
also suggested that the growth will pick up and reach 8 to bolster their innovation ecosystem to benefit the start-
per cent in 2023-2024. In its Asian Development Outlook ups. GIP is expected to provide a model for utilizing the
report, the ADB has highlighted that with the increase in Trilateral Development Corporation (TDC) Fund for
commodity prices food prices are also expected to rise. projects with other countries like Germany, Japan, the
8. SEBI Forms Panel To Strengthen Governance Of Stock European Union, France, etc that are willing to work with
Exchanges India on the field of development and innovation. The GIP
Note: SEBI has constituted a committee that will review will be co-financed by India and the UK.
and make recommendations for the strengthening of 13. Household Consumer Expenditure Survey
governance norms at market infrastructure institutions Note: The All-India Household Consumer Expenditure
(MIIs) and stock exchanges. The committee consists of six Survey is set to resume this year (2022) after a prolonged
members and G Mahalingam, a former whole-time break. The results will include separate data sets for rural
member of SEBI, will be chairing this committee. The and urban parts, and splice spending patterns for each
committee will be making recommendations on various State and Union Territory, as well as different socio–
measures so that the role played by governing economic groups. Since 2011-12, the country hasn’t had
committees and boards of MIIs is strengthened. any official estimates on per capita household spending.
9. India's Trade Deficit Rose 88% In 2021-22 This estimate is used to check the poverty levels in
Note: The trade deficit of India rose by 87.5 percent from different parts of the nation and to review other
USD 102.63 billion in 2020-21 to USD 192.41 billion in economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product
2021-22. The total export in the last fiscal year touched a (GDP). The last survey in 2017-18 was junked by the
record margin of USD 417.81 billion, the imports for the government citing issues in data quality. The 2022-23
same period imports too soared to touch USD 610.22 survey will be conducted from July and it will be
billion, thus, leaving USD 192.41 billion trade gap. In completed by June 2023.
March 2022, the country’s trade deficit was USD 18.69 14. World Bank’s Global Growth Forecast
billion, while during the entire period of 2021-22 it was Note: The World Bank has reduced the global growth
USD 192.41 billion. forecast for 2022 from 4.1 percent to 3.2 percent. The
10. Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for growth forecast has been reduced due to the impacts of
Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for Kharif the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The World Bank has
Season proposed a new 15-month crisis financing target of USD
Note: The central government announced that the 170 billion, out of which USD 50 billion will be committed
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and over the next three months. The proposed financing
potassic (P&K) fertilizers for this year’s Kharif season target will be covering from April 2022 to June 2023. The
26 | P a g e
 World Bank stated that there will be a 4.1 percent inflationary and COVID-19-related pressures. High food
contraction in Central Asia and the European region that and oil prices due to the war in Ukraine will also have a
comprises Russia, Ukraine, Russia, and other surrounding negative impact on the real incomes of the people.
countries. Also, the forecasts are being cut for many 17. WTO Projection on Global Trade Growth
advanced as well as developing economies due to the rise Note: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised
in prices of energy and food caused due to the war- its global trade growth forecast this year from 4.7 percent
related supply disruptions. The Word Bank had earlier to 3 percent due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.
implemented a USD 160 billion COVID-19 financing The WTO has also warned about a potential food crisis
program. that might be caused price surges. This WTO report has
15. World bank Report States Extreme Poverty in India stated that the conflict which is now in its seventh week
Decline by 12.3% has damaged the economy of the world that was at a
Note: The extreme poverty rate in India fell from 22.5% in critical point due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2011 to 10.2% in 2019 as per World Bank Policy Research 18. Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 extended for 6 months
Working Paper. This represents a decline of 12.3 till September 2021
percentage points in extreme poverty count between Note: The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 has been
2011 to 2019 in the country. The decline in rural areas extended by the government by six months up to 30th
was much higher than in urban areas. While the reduction September 2022. Till 31st March 2022, the existing
in rural poverty dropped by 14.7 percentage points, the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 was valid. It has now been
poverty in urban areas dropped by 7.9 percentage points. extended till 30th September 2022. This announcement
The paper titled ‘Poverty has Declined over the last was done by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
decade But Not As Much As Previously Thought’ was After the Covid-19 pandemic started, this policy was first
jointly authored by economists Sutirtha Sinha Roy and extended by a year to March 2020’s end and later till 30th
Roy van der Weide. 19. India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
16. World Bank cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 8% from Agreement
8.7% in FY23 Note: Recently, India signed a historic trade agreement
Note: The World Bank has slashed India's GDP forecast with Australia, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation
for fiscal year 2022-23 to 8% from 8.7% predicted earlier, and Trade Agreement (Ind- Aus ECTA). In February 2022,
citing worsening supply bottlenecks and rising inflation India and Australia announced that they were going to
risks caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. South Asia’s sign such an agreement. The negotiations for India-
growth outlook, excluding Afghanistan has also been Australia ECTA were formally re-launched in September
slashed to 6.6 percent. According to the World Bank, 2021 and concluded on a fast-track basis by the end of
India’s household consumption will be constrained due to March 2022.
the labour market’s incomplete recovery from

March 2022

1. India Ratings lowers India’s FY23 GDP growth to the ongoing war in Ukraine. New Delhi is expected
forecast to 7-7.2% to face restrictions on energy access and prices, as
Note: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised well as trade sanctions, food inflation, tightening
downwards the GDP growth forecast for India in FY23 policies, and financial instability.
to 7-7.2 per cent. Earlier in January, the rating agency 4. PFRDA and Irdai granted licence to FinMapp to sell
Ind-Ra had forecast this rate at 7.6 per cent. NPS, insurance
2. ICRA cuts India’s GDP growth forecast in FY23 to Note: FinMapp, a financial services firm, announced
7.2% that it has been granted a licence under the National
Note: Rating agency ICRA has lowered the growth Pension Scheme by the Pension Fund Regulatory and
forecast for India’s GDP in 2022-23 (FY23) to 7.2 per Development Authority (PFRDA). It has also obtained
cent. Earlier this rate was 8 per cent. The ICRA Ltd. a registration certificate as a corporate agent from
has projected the GDP growth forecast for 2021-22 the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(FY22) at 8.5%, lower than the official advance of India (Irdai).
estimate from the National Statistical Office of 8.9%. 5. OECD projects India’s GDP for FY23 at 8.1%
3. Russia- Ukraine Conflict affect on India’s GDP Note: The Organization for Economic Cooperation
growth and Development (OECD) has retained the outlook
Note: According to a UN report, India’s projected for India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) at 5.5%
economic growth for 2022 has been downgraded by in FY24, lower than 8.1% in 2022-23.
more than 2% to 4.6 percent, a decrease attributed
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 6. Fitch Ratings reduce India’s FY23 growth forecast to 11. Limit of Public Debt Investment via UPI increased
8.5% upto Rs 5 Lakhs by SEBI
Note: Fitch Ratings has slashed India’s GDP growth Note: SEBI has raised the investment limit for retail
forecast for the fiscal FY 2022-2023 to 8.5 per cent in investors applying in public debt securities issuance
its Global economic Outlook-March 2022. Earlier this via the universal payments interface (UPI) mechanism
rate was estimated at 10.3%. The downwards to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh previously. The move
projection is due to sharply higher energy prices comes after the National Payments Corporation of
because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The India NPCI decided to increase the per transaction
Rating agency Fitch has revised upwards the GDP limit for UPI-based applications supported by blocked
growth forecast for the current fiscal FY 2021-2022, amount ASBA initial public offering.
by 0.6 percentage points to 8.7 percent. 12. CDSL becomes first depository to register more than
7. Central Record keeping Agency under NPS: launched 60 million Demat accounts
by CAMS Note: The Central Depository Services (India)
Note: The go-live and opening of the Central Record announced that it now has more than six crores (i. e.
Keeping Agency (CRA) under the National Pension equivalent to 60 million) active Demat accounts. A
System has been announced by Computer Age Demat account is a kind of account that can be used
Management Services Limited (CAMS), India’s largest to keep online copies of securities and shares. A
registrant and transfer agent of mutual funds (a SEBI Demat account is a dematerialized account in its
regulated business). CAMS was chosen as a CRA by entire form. The main purpose of a Demat account is
the sector regulator, the Pension Fund Regulatory to keep shares that have been bought or
and Development Authority (PFRDA), to broaden the dematerialized (that means conversion from physical
services available to NPS subscribers and the to electronic form of shares), making online share
ecosystem. trading easier for users.
8. Moody’s lowers India’s GDP forecast for CY22 to 13. India set to export record 7 million tonnes wheat
9.1% this year
Note: Rating agency Moody’s has revised downwards Note: This financial year, India is set to export around
the economic growth forecast of India by 40 basis 7 million tonnes of wheat. This would be one of the
points to 9.1 per cent in the Calendar Year 2022 highest exports of wheat by India. India is the world’s
(CY2022), due to adverse effects of the Russia- second biggest producer of wheat, accounting for
Ukraine conflict on the global economy. Earlier in 13.53% of global production. But it only accounts for
February 2022, Moody’s estimated India’s GDP in 1% of global wheat exports. Annually India produces
CY2022 to 9.5 percent. Moody’s has projected India’s around 108 million tonnes of wheat. However,
GDP growth forecast for the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 majority of the production goes for domestic
at 5.4 percent. consumption. India exported a record 6.5 million
9. India entered into world’s top five club in terms of tonnes in the financial year 2012-13. By the end of
market capitalisation February 2022, India already exported 6.6 million
Note: As per Bloomberg’s recent data on Market tonnes of wheat.
capitalization, for the 1st time, India’s equities 14. India, Canada set for FTA talks
market has entered the world’s top 5 in terms of Note: India and Canada decided to restart
market capitalization. India is ranked 5th with an negotiations on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or
overall market capitalization of USD 3.21 trillion. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
total world market cap stands at USD 109.22 trillion. (CEPA). The benefits of India-Canada CEPA were
The US topped the ranking with an overall market cap highlighted by “India-Canada CEO Round Table” held
of USD 47.32 trillion, followed by China (USD 11.52 in 2008. It was decided that bilateral trade would get
trillion), Japan (USD 6 trillion) and Hong Kong (USD boost by elimination of tariffs. In 2010, the benefits
5.55 trillion). were reiterated in the report based on joint study
10. EPFO lowers the interest rate on PF deposits to 8.1% conducted by both the countries. In the same year,
for 2021-22 Prime Ministers of India and Canada announced the
Note: The retirement fund body, Employees launch of India-Canada CEPA in Seoul, to realize the
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has slashed the benefits. Later, the negotiations for India-Canada
interest rate on provident fund deposits to 8.10% for CEPA were formally launched in New Delhi.
2021-22. This rate is 0.4% lower than the previous 15. YouTube Creators Contributed Rs 6,800 Crores to
year. The interest rate on PF deposits was 8.5% in the Indian Economy
2020-21 and 2019-20. Note: According to a research report by the
independent consulting firm Oxford Economics,
28 | P a g e
 YouTube’s ever-growing creator ecosystem to investors. However, only the floor is set in
contributed Rs 6,800 crores to the Indian economy in proposed scheme. Consultant is likely to work out the
2020. Not only that, the platform became a primary framework within some months.
source of income for millions of creators, generating 19. Second advance estimates of national income
6,83,900 full-time jobs in the country. Note: National Statistical Office (NSO) under ‘Ministry
16. Draft framework on Sustainable Financial Lending of Statistics and Programme Implementation’
Note: The International Financial Services Centres released the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of
Authority (IFSCA) invited public comments on the National Income, 2021-22 and Quarterly Estimates of
draft framework on sustainable and sustainability- GDP for October-December quarter (Q3), 2021-22. In
linked lending by financial institutions in IFSCs. IFSCA the year 2021-22, the Real GDP or Gross Domestic
has been established as a unified regulator to Product (GDP) at Constant (2011-12) Prices is
develop and regulate financial products, financial estimated to reach Rs 147.72 lakh crore, as opposed
services and financial institutions in the International to First Revised Estimate of GDP for 2020-21 of Rs 58
Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India. lakh crore. Growth in GDP during 2021-22 is
17. FM launches e-Bill processing system estimated at 8.9 percent, against a contraction of 6.6
Note: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs percent in 2020-21.
Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Electronic Bill (e- 20. NDB first multilateral agency to open office in GIFT
Bill) processing system under the Digital India eco- city
system and ease of doing business. This e-governance Note: New Development Bank (NDB) will become
initiative was announced in the Budget 2022-23 by the first multilateral agency to open an office in the
the FM. Across all departments and central Gujarat International Finance Tech City (Gift). NDB
ministries, the e- Bill system will be implemented. vice president representating India Anil Kishora said
Implementing this system will help in enhancing the multilateral agency will take all requisite steps to
efficiency, transparency, and a paperless- faceless make the Indian office operational. New
payment system. Development Bank (NDB) has received the approval
Through this system contractors and suppliers will be for the same and will open the office in May 2022 in
able to submit their claim online and it will be GIFT City. The Indian office will help identify suitable
trackable on a real-time basis. projects and try to create a pipeline of potential
18. PFRDA’s guaranteed return scheme financing for the bank.
Note: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development 21. MSME-Technology Centres
Authority (PFRDA) is planning to launch a guaranteed Note: Narayan Rane, the Union MSME Minister has
return scheme called Minimum Assured Return announced the formation of the MSME Technology
Scheme (MARS). This scheme will be launched to Centre at Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. This will be set
provide people from salaried class an option for their up at a cost worth Rs 200 crore. The Konbac Sfurti
investments. PFRDA has appointed EY Actuarial Cluster in Kudal was also launched. This will support
Services LLP as a consultant, in order to help in 500 honey bee boxes, 300 artisans. 100 electric
designing the proposed MARS under National pottery wheels and 100 agarbatti production
Pension Scheme (NPS). It will be the first scheme machines were also distributed to provide
from pension regulator, to offer a guaranteed return opportunities for self-employment.

February-2022

1. India's total FDI inflow of USD 60.3 billion billion the previous year. In the 3rd quarter of this
Note: India received total foreign direct investment fiscal (October-December 2021), the equity inflows
of USD 60.3 billion during April to December 2021 declined to USD 12 billion. In the corresponding time
which is 10.6 per cent lower compared to the USD period of 2020, the amount stood at USD 21.46.
67.5 billion of FDI received in the same period of 2. Sustainable Cities India Program
2020-21, according to a government's data. During Note: Recently, the World Economic Forum and the
the same time period the previous year, inflows National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) signed a
stood at USD 51.47 billion. Total FDI inflows MoU to collaborate on a jointly designed ‘Sustainable
(reinvested earnings, equity inflows, and other Cities India program’. The ‘Sustainable Cities India'
capital) totaled USD 60.34 billion in the first nine intends to enable cities to decarbonise in a
months of this fiscal year, compared to USD 67.5 systematic and sustainable way that will reduce
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 emissions and deliver resilient and equitable urban possibilities. Union Finance Minister Nirmala
ecosystems. This initiative is in synergy with India’s Sitharaman announced major stimulus for farming
commitment to turn net zero by 2070 as a climate and agriculture sector in Budget 2022-23. As a part,
mitigation response at COP26. Centre will promote Kisan Drones, public-private
3. Moody's ups India's growth forecast to 9.5% for partnerships to deliver digital & high-tech services
2022 and chemical-free natural farming, to farmers across
Note: Moody's Investors Service on Thursday raised India during financial year 2022-23.
India's growth forecast to 9.5 per cent for the 7. Department of commerce set for a revamp
calendar year 2022 and to 8.4 per cent for the coming Note: The government plans to reorganize the
fiscal beginning April 1, 2022. The GDP forecast has commerce department so that it can implement a
been increased citing an economic recovery that has more organized trade promotion strategy with clear
been stronger than expected starting from the targets. A dedicated trade promotion organization
national lockdown of 2020 to the COVID-19 second and a trade remedies review committee have been
wave in mid-2021. The FY 23 GDP forecast has been proposed as part of the strategy. The Department of
retained at 5.5 percent. According to Moody’s, the Commerce will have a setup that will be sensitive to
retail activity, collection of sales taxes, and the market possibilities and exporter demands in
Purchasing Managers Indices (PMI) all point to order to establish an ecosystem to reach USD 2
further growth. Supply disruptions and high oil prices trillion in exports by the year 2027. In addition,
will, however, continue to drag down the GDP. India’s branding would be consistent across all
4. Green Financing Critical to Decarbonizing the Indian domains, with the focus areas highlighted.
Transport Sector 8. Indian Oil Installs More Than 1,000 Electric Vehicle
Note: NITI Aayog and World Resources Institute Charging Stations
(WRI), India, with the support of GIZ India, conducted Note: Diversified energy major IndianOil has installed
a virtual consultation workshop on ‘Financing for more than 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations
Decarbonization of Transport’ as part of the NDC- (EVCS) across the country. IndianOil had installed its
Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) project. The first EV charger for public use in 2017, at Nagpur.
Government of India is actively working towards the Now, the company’s charging points are present in
decarbonization of transport, with a major focus on more than 500 towns and cities including multiple
the adoption of sustainable mobility. The aim of the state and national highways. Besides, the corporation
workshop is to identify actionable strategies and is planning to have a base of 3,000 plus charging
bring together financing institutions and transport stations to convert highways into e-highways across
organizations to collectively work towards furthering the country, over the next three years.
innovative financing policies for the decarbonization 9. India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership
of transport. Agreement
5. Airtel joins SEA-ME-WE-6 undersea cable Note: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have
consortium signed a trade agreement that will decrease import
Note: Bharti Airtel has joined the 'SEA-ME-WE-6' duties on the majority of Indian exports to the UAE.
undersea cable consortium in a bid to scale up its The Comprehensive Economic Partnership
high-speed global network capacity to serve India's Agreement (CEPA) is the Narendra Modi
fast-growing digital economy. Airtel is participating as government’s first significant trade agreement since
a "major investor" in the SEA-ME-WE-6 and is coming to power in 2014. Commerce and Industry
anchoring 20% of the overall investment in the cable Minister Piyush Goyal and UAE Economy Minister
system, which will go live in 2025. Airtel has acquired Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri signed the agreement in
one Fibre Pair on main SEA-ME-WE-6 system. It will New Delhi. While the government expects the
co-build four Fibre Pairs between Singapore – decrease in import duties to benefit a wide range of
Chennai – Mumbai as part of this project. It will land products, the government expects it to increase
SEA-ME-WE-6 cable system at new landing stations in exports of gems and jewellery, as well as clothes, to
Mumbai and Chennai. the UAE, bringing total trade to USD 100 billion in the
6. PM Modi flags off 100 Kisan drones to spray next five years.
pesticides in farms across India 10. Asia’s biggest bio-CNG plant inaugurated in Indore
Note: Prime minister Narendra Modi flagged off 100 Note: Asia’s largest Bio-CNG plant will virtually be
Kisan drones in different cities and towns of India to inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
spray pesticides in farms across India. This move will Indore. Indore is considered as one of the cleanest
prove to be a milestone in development of drone cities India. With the inauguration of bio-CNG plant, it
sector and will also open sky to unlimited will set another high standard in cleanliness. The Bio-
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 CNG plant will be operated using 100 per cent wet chosen for Voice of Customer Recognition under
waste. It is estimated to produce 18,000 kg gas per Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Voice of
day. As per estimates of Indore Municipal the Customer initiative.Airports Council International
Corporation, amount of Bio-CNG will help in running has initiated the ‘Voice of the Customer' initiative to
around 400 buses in the city daily. The bio-CNG plant acknowledge and recognize airports that continued
has a total capacity of 550 MT. It will produce CNG to prioritize their customers and are committed to
with 96 per cent pure methane gas. ensuring their voice was heard, even during the
11. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project: ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Longest tunnel T-49 connected 15. Centre's GDP deflator forecast for FY23 is 3-3.5%
Note: Indian Railways connected the main and Note: Centre’s gross domestic product (GDP) deflator
longest tunnel of T-49, under the Udhampur- projection for 2022-23 is 3 to 3.5 per cent. This
Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The T-49 means that the government’s own real GDP growth
tunnel is in between Sumber and Arpinchala station projection for the coming fiscal year is in the range of
of Katra-Banihal section of USBRL project. It is a 7.6-8.1 per cent, given that the Union Budget
12.758-Km-long tunnel. It is going to be longest assumes a nominal GDP growth rate of 11.1 per cent
tunnel of Indian Railway. It has surpassed Peer Panjal for FY23. GDP deflator, or implicit price deflator, is a
Tunnel of 11.2 Km length, which was constructed by measure of inflation and is the difference between
USBRL on Banihal-Qazigund section. South portal of nominal GDP and real GDP.
Tunnel T-49 is located in Sumber Village. It is at a 16. India’s first Biomass-based hydrogen plant
distance of 45-km from District HQ Ramban. It has Note: India’s first commercial-scale biomass-based
been constructed at an altitude of 1,400 meters. hydrogen plant will be constructed in Khandwa
While North Portal of the tunnel is located near district of Madhya Pradesh. From 30 tonnes of
Arpinchala village Tehsil Khari, at an altitude of 1600 biomass feedstock, Biomass-based hydrogen plant
meters, in Mahu-Mangat Valley. will produce a tonne of hydrogen per day. It will also
produce biochar and methane. It will be put up with
12. LIC: India’s largest Initial Public Offering an investment of Rs 24 crore. The plant is being put
Note: The Government of India is planning to sell 5% up by Watomo Energies Ltd in association with Biezel
of its share in LIC. LIC is Life Insurance Corporation. Green Energy.
With this, the government is trying to raise Rs 65,000 17. Centre releases revenue deficit grant of ₹9,871 cr to
crores. 10% of the shares are being reserved for 17 states
eligible policy holders. These shares will carry Note: The finance ministry released the tenth
discounted prices. The plan is to sell 316.25 million monthly instalment of revenue deficit grant of ₹9,871
shares. This is 5% of the total equity base. The total crore to 17 states. With this, a total of ₹98,710 crore
equity base of LIC is 6.32 billion shares. The pricing of has been released to eligible states as Post
IPO, Initial Public Offering, has not yet been decided. Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant in the current
35% of the shares are to be reserved for retail financial year so far. The grant is provided under
investors. Discounts are to be provided to LIC Article 275 of the constitution. The grants are
employees. released based on the recommendations made by
the fifteenth finance commission.
13. Centre sets target to replace Diesel with Renewable 18. Korean technology to be used to monitor Mumbai-
in Agriculture by 2024 Nagpur expressway
Note: The Central government has set the target for Note: The Republic of Korea will be sharing its
replacing diesel with renewable energy in the technology with India to monitor and manage the
agricultural sector by 2024. This is in line with the 701-km Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication
government’s commitment to increase the share of Expressway, set to be the country’s longest
non-fossil fuels by 2030 and become a net zero expressway. This will be the first time in the country
emitter by 2070. The Central government is already that an intelligent transportation system (ITS) will be
running a scheme to solarise the agriculture sector implemented on an expressway for the safety of
through KUSUM scheme. This would entail solar-run motorists and to prevent accidents. The ITS makes
irrigation systems. the roads safe. It is an intelligent system that
14. Seven AAI airports chosen for Voice of Customer monitors the road, informs about road blockages well
Recognition 2021 ahead, reports about weather conditions. It is
Note: Seven AAI airports namely Chennai, Kolkata, communication and information technologies applied
Goa, Pune, Patna, Bhubaneswar & Chandigarh that on road transport. The three main features of ITS are
participated in ACI-ASQ survey in 2021, have been
31 | P a g e
 Optical Fibre Cable network, Integrated Traffic monetisation of land and non-core assets of public
Management System and Toll collection system. sector entities. As of now, CPSEs have referred 3,400
19. GAIL starts India's maiden project of blending acres of land and other non-core assets for
hydrogen into CGD network monetisation. Lands have been referred from CPSEs
Note: State gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd has including MTNL, BSNL, BEML, BPCL, HMT Ltd, B&R,
commenced India's first-of-its-kind project of mixing and Instrumentation Ltd. The National Land
hydrogen into the natural gas system at Indore, Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) is being set up in
Madhya Pradesh. The hydrogen blended natural gas accordance with the Budget announcement. It is
will be supplied to Avantika Gas Ltd, one of GAIL's being set up as a 100 per cent Government of India
joint venture with HPCL, for retailing of CNG to owned entity. The initial authorised share capital will
automobiles and piped natural gas to households in be Rs 5,000 crore while subscribed share capital will
Indore. GAIL started injection of grey hydrogen at the be of Rs 150 crore.
city gate station (CGS), Indore. GAIL has already 22. IIT Dharwad Gets Global Center of Excellence In
obtained the necessary regulatory permissions to Affordable and Clean Energy
commence the project. Note: IIT Dharwad recently opened the Global Center
20. Govt approves sale of NINL to Tata Steel Long of Excellence in Affordable and Clean Energy. The
Products facility will expand research on low-cost,
Note: The government has approved sale of loss- environmentally friendly energy. The center will
making Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL) to Tata Steel design, develop, and incubate innovations as well as
Long Products Ltd for Rs 12,100 crore. NINL is a joint physical infrastructure. It will also generate clean
venture of four CPSEs, namely MMTC, NMDC, BHEL, energy solutions. The solutions will focus on rural
MECON and two Odisha Government PSUs, namely populations' livelihoods. CSR funding will be used to
OMC and IPICOL. NINL has an integrated steel plant sustain the center. The acronym CSR stands for
with a capacity of 1.1 million tonnes (MT), at "Corporate Social Responsibility." HHSIF will provide
Kalinganagar, Odisha. The company has been running the CSR monies. Honeywell Hometown Solutions
in huge losses and plant is closed since March 30, India Foundation (HHSIF) is a non-profit organization
2020. that supports Honeywell Hometown Solutions in
21. Govt sets up National Land Monetisation India. HHSIF funds family safety and security, science
Corporation and math education, housing and shelter,
Note: According to Economic Survey, central sustainability, and humanitarian relief, to name a
government has set up a “National Land few.
Monetisation Corporation” in a bid to FastTrack the

January -2022

1. Electronic goods exports up by 49% on-year in April- KIADB. The KIADB will be create a special purpose
Dec 2021 vehicle under its purview to implement the project.
Note: India's electronic goods exports registered a Also, KIADB is the major promoter.
growth of 49 per cent at $11.0 billion in April- 3. AIIB to invest $150 mn in development of data
December 2021 compared to $7.4 billion during the centres serving Asia
same period in 2020. The top five export destinations Note: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),
in April-November 2021 are - USA (18 per cent), UAE will invest $150 million in the development of data
(16.6 per cent), China (7.6 per cent), Netherlands (4.5 centers that mostly serve emerging Asia. Beijing-
per cent) and Germany (4.2 per cent). The overall based AIIB, where India is a key founding member,
electronic goods exports FY21 were $11.11 billion. will channelise funds through the Keppel Data Centre
2. Plastic Park in Ganjimutt gets final approval Fund II (KDCF II), a private equity vehicle managed by
Note: The Central Government recently approved to Alpha Investment Partners Limited (Alpha).
build a plastic park at Ganjimutt, Managaluru, 4. SEBI launches Saa₹thi mobile app for investor
Karnataka. The park will be created at Rs 62.77 education
crores. It is to be built by the Karnataka Industrial Note: The Securities and Exchange Board of India
Areas Development Board (KIADB) land. Of the total (SEBI) launched “Saa₹thi” – a mobile app on investor
estimated cost of 62.77 crores of rupees, the union education in Mumbai. The new app aims to create
government will share 50%, that is, 31.38 crores of awareness among investors about the basic concepts
rupees. The rest of the 50% is to be borne by the of the securities market. The application uses both
32 | P a g e
 Hindi and English. It is available for both iOS and Outlook remains fragile because the future path of
android users. In future, the app will be made the pandemic remains uncertain. The WESO Trends
available in local languages as well. includes comprehensive labour market projections
5. India's exports to China rise by 21% to $22.9 billion for 2022 and 2023. It gives assessments of how
in 2021 labour market recovery has unfolded worldwide,
Note: India's exports to China rose by 21 per cent to reflecting different national approaches to pandemic
USD 22.9 billion in the 2021 calendar year while recovery and analysing the effects on different
imports surged by 49 per cent to USD 87.5 billion groups of workers and economic sectors.
during the same year. Bilateral trade between the 9. National Technical Textiles Mission
two countries rose to USD 110.4 billion in 2021 Note: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
against USD 77.7 billion in 2020, registering a year- (CCEA) has approved the setting up of a National
on-year growth of 42.2 per cent. When compared Technical Textiles Mission at a total outlay of ₹1,480
with 2019 data, India's exports to China rose by 33.9 crores. It aims to position the country as a global
per cent in 2021. India's exports to China have risen leader in technical textiles and increase the use of
consistently in the last three years despite the COVID- technical textiles in the domestic market. The Mission
19 pandemic. will aim at taking domestic market size to $40 billion
6. IMF World Economic Outlook to $50 billion by 2024. A Mission Directorate will be
Note: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) operational in the Ministry of Textiles. It will be
released its World Economic Outlook on January 25, implemented for four years starting from 2020-2021.
2022. As per report, Global economic growth will It will focus on research, development and innovation
decrease by half a percentage point less than it was with an outlay of ₹1,000 crores.
forecasted earlier. The growth will decrease from 10. Retail inflation for industrial workers rises to 5.56%
5.9% in 2021 to 4.4% in 2022. It will further reduce to Note: The retail inflation in India increased to 5.59%
3.8% in 2023. According to IMF forecast, India will in December 2021. This is the highest in the last five
grow at 9% in 2021-2022. In October 2021 estimate, months. The inflation data was released by the
IMF had estimated India’s growth prospects at 9.5% Ministry of Statistics and Programme
for the year. IMF now projects 9% growth for India’s Implementation. The inflation rate is measured by
economy in 2022-23. In October assessment, growth Consumer Price Index. In December 2020, the retail
was forecasted at 8.5% in 2022-23 and 7.1% in 2023- inflation in India was 4.59%. Later in July 2021, the
24. India’s prospects for 2023 is estimated based on inflation increased to 5.59%. In October 2021, it was
expected improvements to credit growth. 4.49%. In November 2021, the retail inflation
Furthermore, investment and consumption are increased to 5.8%. With the December inflation at
building on better performance of the financial 5.59%, the Consumer Price Index has remained
sector. within the tolerance level set by the RBI. According to
7. Flipkart launches Leap Ahead and Leap Innovation the target set by RBI, the inflation level is to remain
Network startup programmes between 2% and 6%.The target is being maintained
Note: E-commerce firm Flipkart announced the for more than two years now.
evolution of its flagship startup accelerator 11. Piyush Goyal suggests 5-point reform agenda for FCI
programme, Flipkart Leap, to identify wider and Note: On the 58th Foundation Day of Food
relevant market opportunities for its selected Corporation of India (FCI), the food Minister Shri
startups. After the successful completion of the first Piyush Goyal released a “5-point reform agenda for
cohort of the programme, Flipkart Leap will now FCI”. It is also called “5 Sutras”. The agenda aims to
evolve into two new programmes - Flipkart Leap improve FCI and its progress. To change the public
Ahead (FLA) and Flipkart Leap Innovation Network perception of FCI. Currently the public see the FCI as
(FLIN). The Flipkart Leap launch coincides with inefficient and corrupt. This perception will now be
National Startup Day, a day recognised by Prime converted to inclusive, dynamic and honest entity. To
Minister Narendra Modi recently to help startup focus on end – to – end tech solutions. This includes
culture spread better across India. The Flipkart Leap everything starting from procurement to delivery.
program graduated its first cohort in July 2021 with This is to be achieved by reducing PDS response time
eight startups. and efficient tracking of the food grains. Ultimately,
8. ILO World Employment and Social Outlook Trends this will result in leakage free operational efficient
2022 system.
Note: Recently, the International Labour Organisation 12. World Bank downgrades 2022 global economic
(ILO) released a report titled World Employment and growth forecast to 4.1%
Social Outlook - Trends (WESO Trends) 2022. The
33 | P a g e
 Note: The World Bank has released its January 2022 Note: The Department for Promotion of Industry and
Global Economic Prospects where it has forecasted Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently launched helpline
4.1 per cent global economic growth. The report numbers for E – Commerce. The helpline will aid in
notes that, Global economic growth will decrease smooth functioning of e – commerce supply chains.
sharply to 4.1% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023, from 5.5% Wholesaler, manufacturers, transporters, E –
in 2021. It projects India’s annual growth to be 8.3% commerce companies facing transport difficulties,
in the fiscal year 2021-2022, 8.7% in 2022-23, while mobilization of resources and distribution of goods. It
6.8% in 2023-24. It also flagged the risks posed by is essential to maintain the supply chain of E –
rising inflation and growing inequality. It noted that, Commerce sector, especially during the pandemic
after having recovered in 2021, global economy is times. The helpline will contribute to the growth of
headed towards “pronounced slowdown”, because of government initiatives such as Startup India, Skill
new Covid-19 variants, increasing inflation, debt & India, Digital India, Make in India.
income inequality, reducing fiscal & monetary 18. Investment in India Agri Start – Ups – Recent Trends
support and decreasing demand. Note: The AgFunder and Omnivore, a capital released
13. India, South Korea set $50 billion bilateral trade the “India AgriFood Startup – Investment Report”.
target before 2030 According to the report, the investment in agri and
Note: India and South Korea have set to achieve food tech start ups increased by 97% in 2020-21. It
bilateral trade target of 50 billion USD by 2030. The increased to 2.1 billion USD. The investments are
target was set during the summit held in 2018. The mainly driven by restaurant funding. The investment
target is to be achieved by giving fresh momentum to in the agri tech and food tech investments doubled. It
the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation was 1.1 billion USD in 2019-20. The number deals
Agreement). Also, the governments will hold back-to- signed by the startups increased from 133 in 2019-20
back discussions with their respective industrial to 189 in 2020 – 21. The restaurant market places
leaders to boost the trade. raised 1.33 billion USD. It is 64% of total agri food
14. The government is now the biggest shareholder in tech funding.
Vodafone Idea 19. Varanasi fast emerging as an agri export hub
Note: The government is set to own 35.8 per cent in Note: The commerce ministry’s arm APEDA identified
Vodafone Idea (Vi) after the financially-stressed telco potential districts in Uttar Pradesh, for covering it
decided to convert interest on deferred spectrum and under the Varanasi Agri-Export Hub (VAEH) in a bid to
adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues into equity. This promote exports from that region. Agricultural and
makes the Union government the single-largest Processed Food Products Export Development
shareholder in Vi, a joint venture between the Aditya Authority (APEDA) has started initiatives for
Birla group and UK-headquartered Vodafone. promoting exports from Purvanchal region of Uttar
15. India-South Korea bilateral trade talks Pradesh, by developing VAEH. Purvanchal region of
Note: India and Korea held a bilateral trade talk. The the state comprises districts of Varanasi, Mirzapur,
talks focused on non – tariff barriers, market access Prayagraj, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, Basti,
issues, trade deficit faced by the Indian exporters. Chandauli, Jaunpur, and Sant Ravidas Nagar.
The countries also discussed investment related 20. Koppal Toy Cluster to be operational in March
issues. The India – Korea bilateral trade was 20 billion Note: The Koppal Toy Cluster (KTC), the first such
USD in 2018. However, it started decreasing after infrastructure in the country, will be operational in
that. And it was largely hit by the pandemic. The March 2022. KTC is being set up by Aequs Infra, a
recent talks mainly discussed on this issue. The talks group company of Belagavi-based Aequs Pvt. Ltd. Six
aimed to make the relations “Equitable and Balanced toy and toy-component makers have signed MoUs
and mutual advantage“. with Aequs Infra while another three players,
16. Govt set to allow 20% foreign direct investment in including Viscon Polymers, manufacturer and
LIC exporter of custom rubber moulded products, have
Note: The Centre has decided to allow 20 per cent started construction of their production facilities at
foreign direct investment in the Life Insurance KTC.
Corporation of India (LIC), like in the case of public 21. IRDAI guidelines on Surety Insurance
sector banks (PSBs). This is expected through Note: The IRDAI recently issued guidelines for surety
amendment of the Foreign Exchange Management insurance. Under the guidelines, the Insurance
Act (FEMA) rules in a move to attract foreign Regulatory and Development Authority of India has
investors ahead of LIC's public listing. capped the surety insurance to 10% of the premium.
17. Govt. helplines to aid e-commerce firms And the maximum threshold was set to five hundred
crores of rupees. Surety insurance are guarantees
34 | P a g e
 without collateral. It protects the lender against channel on their recurring bill payments. Bills will be
default by contractor, failure of projects or poor fetched automatically from the billers and will be
services. The guidelines say that the surety or presented to customers for their action, in terms of
guarantee shall not exceed 30% of project value. Only bill payment and auto-debit management.
the insurance registered under the Insurance act shall 23. 2021 Gold Import in India
issue surety insurance. Note: India reported a record $55.7 billion on gold
22. Unified Presentment Management System (UPMS) imports in 2021. India bought more than double
Note: Wholly-owned subsidiary of national Payments tonnage, as compared to previous tonnage, as a price
Corporation of India, NPCI BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) drop favoured retail buyers. 2021 gold import bill got
introduced a unique functionality called “Unified doubled the $22 billion, which were spent in 2020. It
Presentment Management System (UPMS) with the also surpassed the previous high set in 2011. In 2011,
aim of enriching and simplifying bill payments in $53.9 billion gold import was reported. India
India. UPMS will help the customers to set up imported 1,050 tonnes of gold in 2021, in volume
standing instructions, for any mode and from any term. It is far more than 430 tonnes import in 2020.

Banking & Financial Awareness

1st to 15th May 2022

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a Note: The Company currently has Assets Under
monetary penalty of Rs 1.12 crore on Bank of Management of over Rs. 2 lakh crores. The company
Maharashtra for non-compliance. focuses on better understanding the investment
Note: The RBI has also imposed a monetary penalty of implications of environmental, social, and governance
Rs 25 lakh on Haryana State Co-operative Apex Bank (ESG) factors.
Limited for non-compliance with its directions on 5. HDFC ERGO has announced to launch of its ‘Pay as you
Housing Finance. RBI has also imposed a monetary Drive’ program, this insurance offers distance-based
penalty of Rs 12 lakh on Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank insurance to reduce upfront costs of premium.
Limited for non-compliance with ‘Interest Rate on Note: The program will be available for owners of new
Deposits. Maruti Suzuki cars in selected cities up to May 14,
2. NABARD is planning to prepare a farmer distress index 2022. This program is applicable for 10,000 policies or
to identify, track, and support distressed farmers. ₹50 lacs of premium whichever happens earlier. The
Note: Under this, the government and the financial driving distance will be measured with the help of a
institutions can decide on an appropriate package of telematics device in the vehicle.
support instead of a distress package for all the 6. DBS Bank has partnered with Anthill Ventures
farmers across the board. This index will not be (startup venture capital fund) and Headstart Network
uniform across the nation, as it will depend upon the Foundation (evangelist network) to launch DBS
place’s stress levels. Business Class foundED.
3. Indian Bank has unveiled a pre-approved personal Note: This forum will help modern-day founders,
loan (PAPL) product under Project World of Advance innovators, and game-changers to foster co-innovation
Virtual Experience (WAVE). and collaboration in the startup ecosystem.The first
Note: Aims: To provide customers with instant loan event of DBS BusinessClass foundED was held in
disbursements. The loan would carry an interest rate Hyderabad with actor Rana Daggubati.
of 10% p.a. with no foreclosure charges. The service is 7. Fintech API platform, FidyPay has joined hands with
available for existing customers (regular income and Yes Bank to expand the digital facility to a wide range
pension accounts) and can be availed of through a of enterprises, including SMEs, fintech companies, and
mobile application, website, and internet banking start-ups.
facility. Note: The fintech platform will provide Yes Bank
4. Which life insurance company has signed up for the customers with a smooth connected banking
UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment experience as part of the partnership. FidyPay will also
(PRI) with the objective of sustainable growth and long serve as UPI services solution provider. FidyPay is
term value creation ______ HDFC Life. backed by Mr. Pratekk Agarwal (the former CBO of
BharatPe) and Mr. Ram Pathade (CEO of Mahagram).

35 | P a g e
8. 30% is the maximum investment ceiling for insurance This will help the bank to increase its CASA (current
companies in the banking, financial services, and account, savings account).
insurance (BFSI) sector has been set by The Insurance 14. Reliance Industries becomes the first Indian
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai). company to record annual revenue of more than a
Note: The existing sectoral investment cap of 25% has whopping $100 billion.
been fully utilised by most insurance firms. This will Note: The company has recorded a 22.5% rise in net
help insurance companies to take a higher exposure in profit for the quarter ended March 2022. The
the BFSI sector. company has also reported the highest-ever
9. Eqaro Surety financial guarantee provider has signed quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes,
an MoU with the Federation of Indian Micro and Small depreciation, and amortisation) of ₹33,968 crores
& Medium Enterprises (FISME) to set up a digital (28% up) year-on-year.
lending platform for MSMEs in the country. 15. Market Ka Eklavya is the National Securities
Note: The platform will provide collateral-free capital
Depository Limited’s (NSDL) investor awareness
up to Rs 25 lakh to fulfil MSMEs need for urgent funds
programme for students which was launched by
post due diligence of their businesses. The credit for
MSMEs would be backed by guarantees from Eqaro. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
10. The current repo rate is 4.40%. Note: To introduce the basics of the securities
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the market and also impart training on financial markets
Repo rate by 40 basis points to 4.40% and the cash for students. NSDL has launched a new investor
reserve ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4.50%. To awareness programme as part of its silver jubilee
bring down the raised inflation to the desired level and celebration.
tackle the impact of geopolitical tensions. The hike in 16. Equitas Small Finance Bank has got RBI approval
CRR by 50 bps will suck out Rs 87,000 crore from the to merge with Equitas Holdings Ltd.
banking system. Note: The merger will comply with the RBI norms
11. Canara Bank in association with the Additional Skill on small finance banks which mandate the promoter
Acquisition Programme (ASAP) has launched ‘skill to reduce the stake in the subsidiary to 40% within
loans’. five years of commencement of operations by the
Note: Under this facility, the loan is ranging from SFB (Small Finance Bank).
₹5,000 to ₹1.5 lakh. This loan can be availed of by 17. Under the chairmanship of Navneet Munot, SEBI has
students who are pursuing skill training programmes constituted a committee for advising on
which are offered by ASAP Kerala or any other Central
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in
or State government-recognised agencies. Collateral
free loans will be provided to students and have a
the securities market.
repayment period of three to seven years. Note: The terms of reference of the committee
12. Seven years have been completed for Pradhan include Enhancements in business responsibility
Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan and sustainability report, ESG ratings, and ESG
investing. It will examine evolving
Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal
disclosures/metrics relevant to the Indian context
Pension Yojana (APY) of providing social security
and suggest areas for assurance and a plan for
net.
implementation.
Note: The schemes were launched by PM Narendra
18. Xpress Car Loans is an end-to-end digital car loan
Modi on 9th May 2015 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
scheme which was launched by the HDFC Bank for
PMJJBY: More than 12.76 crore Cumulative
its existing customers as well as new customers.
Enrolments; PMSBY: More than 28.37 crore
Note: Buyers can apply for a maximum of Rs 20 lakh
Cumulative Enrolments; APY: Over 4 Crore
and the loan amount will be credited to the dealers’
subscribers
accounts within 30 minutes. The facility is currently
13. Indian Bank has unveiled a digital broking solution
available for four-wheelers and will be soon rolled
named E-Broking, which allows customers to open a
out to two-wheelers as well. To simplify the car
Demat and trading account.
purchase process and increase car sales.
Note: E-Broking is a strategic step toward a 19. ICICI Bank has partnered with Santander bank in
complete digitalisation of its offerings to customers.
Britain in a pact aimed at facilitating the banking
IndOASIS (mobile banking application) also offer a
requirements of corporates operating across both
seamless experience from Demat and trading
countries.
account opening to discounted broking services.
36 | P a g e
 Note: The memorandum of understanding (MoU) 22. The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) will
between ICICI and Santander UK Plc is designed to extend its financial support of USD 190 million to
establish a framework of the partnership between SBM (Mauritius) Infrastructure Development
the banks to meet the financial service requirements Company Ltd (SBMIDCL).
of corporate customers operating within the India- Note: Projects: Metro Express Project and other
UK corridor. infrastructure projects in Mauritius. The credit
20. Bharti AXA Life Insurance company has launched facility is an additional tranche to the existing Credit
its financial literacy campaign ‘InspiHERs- enabling of USD 500 million which has been extended to
an empowered future’. SBMIDCL on the terms and conditions contained in
Note: It is a special initiative to spread financial the Dollar Credit Line Agreement dated May 27,
awareness among women about financial decisions 2017.
for a secured future. Bharti AXA Life Insurance is a 23. Union Bank of India (UBI) has launched a digital
joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and AXA. solution named ‘Trade nxt’ to enable corporates as
21. 7.6% would be India’s growth forecast for FY23 well as MSMEs to transact all cross-border export-
estimated by the Morgan Stanley. import transactions.
Note: The reason: a slowdown in global growth, Note: This online platform offers absolute entry and
higher commodity prices and risk aversion in global processing of letters of credit (LoC), bank
capital markets expose Asia’s third-largest economy guarantees, export and import bills, disbursement of
to downside risks. Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India export credit, outward & inward remittances, dealer
(RBI) has also revised downwards its growth financing, and much more. Managing Director & CEO
projection for FY23 to 7.2% from 7.8%. The World of Union Bank of India: Rajkiran Rai G
Bank also slashed its FY23 growth forecast for India
to 8%.

April 2022

1. Mobile payment app, Google Pay offers the Tap to customs, and $1.5 million in technical assistance.
Pay for Unified Payment Interface (UPI) users in ADB established in 1966, President - Masatsugu
partnership with Pine Labs. Asakawa
Note: Tap to Pay was available for cards, but now 4. The US-based Citibank group is selling its India
this payment function is available on the phone also. business to Axis Bank for Rs 12,325 crore.
Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled Android Note: The deal will be closed in the mid of the 2023
smartphones can do transactions using any Pine calendar year. As per the deal, Citibank must exit
Labs Android POS terminal across the country. from consumer franchises in 13 markets, including
2. Microsoft has launched the Startups Founders Hub India. Currently, Axis Bank is the fourth-largest
platform in India to provide support of USD 300,000, issuer of credit cards.
including technology and tools from the tech giant 5. India has signed an Economic Cooperation and
and partners. Trade Agreement with Australia.
Note: After the USA and China, India is the third- Note: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
largest ecosystem for startups globally. The hub was and Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister of
set up with an aim to empower entrepreneurs to Australia Dan Tehan signed this agreement. The
innovate and grow by connecting them with agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony in the
mentors. presence of PM Modi and the PM of Australia Scott
3. In April 2022, USD 143 million financial aid has Morrison.
been provided by the Asian Development Bank 6. IREDA has sanctioned a loan of over Rs 267 cr to
(ADB) to Bangladesh to support government efforts BluSmart Mobility for the purchase of three
to speed up the growth by improving the efficiency, thousand electric cars.
predictability, and security of cross-border trade. Note: IREDA is a Mini Ratna Company under the
Note: The ADB loan package includes a $90 million administrative control of the New and Renewable
International policy-based loan, a $53 million Energy Ministry. BluSmart company is working on
project loan that will construct integrated land India’s path to zero-emission mobility, improving
the quality of life of the driver-partners.
37 | P a g e
7. In March 2022, in terms of volume the Unified Note: WMA are temporary advances that the RBI
Payments Interface (UPI) has crossed the mark of Rs gives to the government over any mismatch in
500-crore. receipts and payments. WMA limit for the
Note: It is close to touching the ₹10-lakh crore Government of India for the first half of the financial
milestone in value terms in March 2022. UPI year 2022-23 has been set at Rs 1,50,000 crore.
processed as many as 540.56 crore payments last 14. State Bank of India (SBI) bank has signed a
month amounting to ₹9,60,581.66 crore. It had Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
processed 452.74 crore transactions worth Rs. Border Security Force to offer special benefits
8,26,843 crore in February this year. through the Central Armed Police Salary Package
8. The RBI has decided to extend the timeline for (CAPSP) Scheme.
implementation of cassette swap in all ATMs till Note: MoU includes Child education and the
March 31, 2023. marriage of girl children of deceased BSF personnel.
Note: Cassette Swap is lockable cassettes that are Benefit for retired personnel: Personal Accidental
swapped at the time of cash replenishment in the (Death) Insurance
ATMs. The framework for cassette swap was 15. In Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022
recommended by the Committee on Currency report Asian Development Bank (ADB) has
Movement Chaired by D.K. Mohanty forecasted 7% combined growth for South Asian
9. 1,42,095 crore is the gross collection of GST has countries in 2022.
collected in March 2022. Note: India’s economy will grow 7.5% in 2022 and
Note: The government has collected CGST is 25,830 8% in 2023. Factors affecting the economy: Covid
crore rupees, SGST is 32,378 crores, IGST is 74,470. new variant, Russia-Ukraine crises (higher global oil
In March 2022, revenues from the import of goods and commodity prices)
were 25% higher, and the revenues from the 16. Union Bank of India has launched a super-app
domestic transaction were 11% higher than in the named 'UnionNXT' with the digital transformation
same month last year. project SMBHAV.
10. 7.1%. is the current interest rate of the Public Note: Investment outlay of around Rs 1,000 crore
Provident Fund for first quarter of the 2022-23 fiscal for the current financial year 2022-23. The bank also
year. announced to launch of "Digital Bank within Bank".
Note: Due to high inflation, the Ministry of Finance Other projects to launch: pre-approved personal
has not revised the interest rates of small saving loan, union cash (pensioner loan), Shishu Mudra
schemes for the first quarter of the 2022-23 fiscal loan, branch token and mobile app-based deposit
year. National Savings Certificate: 6.8%; Sukanya module.
Samriddhi Yojana: 7.6%; Five-year senior citizens' 17. According to the government data, India's trade
savings scheme: 7.4%; Savings deposits: 4%; Term deficit rose by 87.5% to USD 192.41 billion in 2021-
deposits (1 to 5 years): 5.5-6.7% ; Kisan Vikas Patra: 22.
6.9%; EPF: 8.1% Note: The total exports in the last fiscal year have
11. 34% is the dearness allowance (DA) of the central increased to USD 417.81 billion and imports also
government employees after a hike of 3%. increased to USD 610.22 billion which leaves a trade
Note: The DA has been hiked by 34% from 31% gap of USD 192.41 billion. The trade deficit in March
earlier. The hike came into effect on January 1, 2022. 2022 was USD 18.69 billion.
12. Mortgage lender HDFC will merge with HDFC Bank 18. The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure
to create India's third-biggest financial entity in Investment Bank (AIIB) will grant Rs 7,500 crore
terms of market capitalization. loans for the Gujarat government's Mission School of
Note: With the proposed merger, HDFC Bank can Excellence project.
build its own housing loan portfolio and also Note: The project aims to improve the quality of
enhance its existing customer base. HDFC Bank will education in the state. The state government will
be 100% owned by public shareholders. spend Rs 10,000 crore in the coming 5 years. The
13. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to cut the funds will be spent on building new classrooms,
Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for states and smart classrooms, new computer labs and tinkering
Union Territories to Rs 47,010 crore from Rs labs.
51,560 crore.

38 | P a g e
19. ICICIdirect has its partnership with CoverStack to 24. Vikas Siri Sampat-1111 is the name of the new
offer insurance that will be powered by CoverStack. deposit scheme which was launched by P Gopi
Note: CoverStack operates Coverfox Insurance Krishna, Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena
(coverfox.com) which follows a plug-and-play Bank.
model. It provides technological solutions and Note: The tenure of this scheme is of 1,111 days
insurance infrastructure to banking, financial with an interest rate of 5.70% for the general public
services, and Insurance players. ICICIdirect offers and 6.20 % for senior citizens. It also offers the
insurance products from several insurance highest rate of annualized return of 6.03% for the
companies. general public and 6.60% for senior citizens. Under
20. Exports of Indian agricultural products have crossed the scheme, the account holder can deposit ₹10,000
a mark of $50 billion dollar for 2021-22 with an to ₹2 crores.
increase of 20 per cent. 25. Axis Bank has signed a USD 150 million Partial
Note: The export of wheat is almost quadrupled Guarantee Facility Agreement (PGFA) with the Asian
from $568 million in 2020-21 to $2.12 billion in Development Bank (ADB) to support supply chain
2021-22. The growth in exports has been mostly financing for impact sectors.
achieved on account of an increase in shipments of Note: The programme will have a special focus on
rice, marine products, sugar, buffalo meat, raw ESG (environmental, social and governance). The
cotton, and wheat. deal will help Axis Bank to boost its support of SMEs,
21. 7.2% would be the GDP forecast by RBI for FY23. contribute to economic growth, and create jobs that
Note: Indian Monetary Policy Committee headed by improve people’s lives.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has released 26. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Monetary Policy 2022. The committee keeps the rate has formed two separate expert panels to examine
unchanged. RBI also extended the Rationalisation of the eligibility criteria, roles, and functions of trustees
risk weights for individual housing loans till March and sponsors at asset management companies
31, 2023.
(AMCs).
➢ Forex reserves: $606.5 billion
Note: Sponsor task: promoter who provides funds
➢ Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35% for setting up an AMC. Trustee task: supervisory role
➢ Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 4.25% and protects investor interests. Sponsors group
➢ Bank Rate: 4.25% chaired by: Balasubramanian, CEO of Aditya Birla
➢ CRR: 4% Sun Life AMC. MF trustees: Manoj Vaish,
➢ SLR: 18.00% Independent Trustee, Mirae MF.
22. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed Rs 93 lakh 27. According to the official data, the import of gold in
monetary penalty on Axis Bank for non-compliance India has been rose by 33.34% to ₹46.14 billion on
on loans and advances, KYC guidelines, and non- account of higher demand in 2021-22.
maintenance of minimum balances in savings Note: The increase in gold imports has contributed
accounts. to the widening of the trade deficit to $192.41
Note: On IDBI Bank, Rs 90 lakh has been imposed billion, against $102.62 billion in 2020-21. The
for various violations of regulatory compliance. export of gems and jewellery grew by about 50% to
Penalties have been imposed under the provisions of about $39 billion during 2021-22.
section 47 A (1) (c) read with section 46 (4) (i) of 28. The government of India has signed USD 2 mn
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act). Project Readiness Financing Loan with the Asian
23. Only Scheduled commercial banks can open Development Bank (ADB) for Nagaland.
Digital Banking Units (DBUs). Note: Focus area: Designing climate-resilient urban
Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released infrastructure; Strengthening institutional capacity;
the guidelines for Scheduled Commercial Banks to and improving municipal resource mobilization in
establish digital banking units (DBUs). An 16 districts. Towns and cities of Nagaland are facing
announcement was made in the Union Budget 2022- long-term challenges of lack of basic amenities,
23, regarding the setting up of 75 DBUs in 75 climate change, and poor connectivity.
districts. Scheduled commercial banks that have 29. On 8th April 2022, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
past digital banking experience can set up DBU. (PMMY) have completed seven years of its
implementation.

39 | P a g e
 Note: The scheme was launched in 2015 by PM (FEMA) to open the way for Foreign Direct
Modi for providing financial support of up to 10 Investment (FDI) in the Life Insurance Corporation
Lakh rupees to non-corporate, non-farm small, or of India (LIC).
micro-enterprises. More than 34 crores 42 lakh Note: The government is also planning to dilute its
loans for an amount of 18.60 lakh crore rupees have stake in LIC through the Initial Public Offering (IPO).
been sanctioned since the launch of the scheme. SEBI has also given approval to the draft papers and
68% of the total number of loans have been the insurer is in the process of filing a request for a
sanctioned to Women Entrepreneurs. proposal with changes.
30. World Trade Organisation (WTO) has cut the world 36. ₹5,000 crores have been invested by the
merchandise trade volume expected growth in 2022 government in NICL, OICL, UICL insurance
to 3%. companies.
Note: Due to the ongoing war between Russia and Note: ₹3,700 crores in NICL, ₹1,200 crores in OICL,
Ukraine. WTO also forecasted that trade volume is and Rs 100 crores in UICL. This authorized capital
expected to grow to 3.4% in 2023. World GDP at will be used to subscribe to the share capital of the
market exchange rates is expected to increase by respective public sector general insurance
2.8% in 2022 after rising 5.7% in 2021. companies and issuance of shares to the Centre
31. The Retail inflation in India in March 2022 is 6.95%. against the subscription. The three state-owned
Note: Retail inflation in India in February month general insurers that cover 20% market share have
was 6.07%.Inflation is based on Consumer Price been unprofitable.
Index (CPI) increased sharply due to rising food and 37. PhonePe payment app has come up in a partnership
oil prices. As per the Ministry of Statistics and with internet exchange point, Extreme IX to enable
Programme Implementation data, the inflation in faster digital payments.
the food basket was 7.68% in March which is up Note: This partnership helps PhonePe to decrease
from 5.85% in February 2022. the latency for its users irrespective of their location
or ISP in India. PhonePe has become the first digital
32. Fino Payments Bank payment bank has approved a
payments platform to participate in an Internet
minority strategic investment in fintech Paysprint
Exchange in India.
Pvt Ltd of up to 12.19%.
38. Nexo Cryptocurrency lender has joined hands with
Note: Paysprint is a rapidly growing financial
global payments company Mastercard to launch the
technology company which is offering next-
world's first "crypto-backed" payment card.
generation APIs in the areas of insurance,
Note: Electronic money firm DiPocket is Nexo's card
investment, banking, payments, and more. The issuer. Interest remains at 0% for customers who
partnership will transform the digital banking space maintain a loan-to-value ratio of 20% or below. This
in coming days. move by crypto and incumbent financial networks
33. Punjab National Bank has celebrated its 128th forces digital assets to become more mainstream.
Foundation Day on April 12, 2022. Initially, The card will be available in selected
Note: On the occasion of foundation day, MD & CEO European countries.
of PNB, Atul Kumar Goel has launched a cardless 39. State Bank of India (SBI) has raised 3-year funds of
cash withdrawal service and a virtual debit card for $500 million through a syndicated loan facility at
its customers. Bank also launched various services “very fine pricing” through its IFSC Gift City branch.
on its mobile app named PNB One for safe banking Note: This is the first offshore USD Secured
transactions. The bank was founded by eminent Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) linked syndicated
freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. loan raised by SBI through its Gift City branch.
34. 8% would be India's GDP forecast for the fiscal year MUFG, Bank of America, and JP Morgan were the
2022-23 by World Bank. Joint lenders for this offering.
Note: Worsening supply bottlenecks and rising 40. According to the World Bank, 3.2% would be the
inflation risks which were caused by Russia's global growth forecast for 2022.
invasion of Ukraine. World Bank also cut a full Note: Due to the impacts of Russia's invasion of
percentage point of the growth outlook for South Ukraine. The reason for lowering the projection is
Asia to 6.6% (excluding Afghanistan). that people are facing reduced commercial activity
35. Up to 20% percent the government has amended and trade, and the debt crisis and currency
the rules of the Foreign Exchange Management Act depreciations have placed a heavy burden on the
40 | P a g e
 poor. The world is also facing reversals in Bank (IPPB) is a 100% government-owned entity under the
development in education, health, and gender Department of Posts (DoP).
equality. 47. According to the 2022 edition of the Chiratae-Zinnov India
41. 14.55% is the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based SaaS report titled, “India SaaS - Punching Through the
inflation in India for the month of March 2022. Global Pecking Order by 2026 the Indian SaaS (Software As
Note: In February, WPI inflation was 13.11% on the A Service) industry is set to clock in $100 billion in
hardening of prices of crude oil and non-food items. revenues.
The WPI food index has increased from 8.47% in Note: The industry in India is witnessing a ‘coming-of-age’
February to 8.71% in March. The food index moment, “with an incredible bull run that has firmly
includes food articles from the primary group and
anchored its position on the global stage. Indian SaaS
food products from the manufactured products
witnessed massive growth at approx 55 per cent CAGR in
group.
2021.
42. must not exceed 20% of its capital base is the
48. BHIM UPI has been activated by NPCI International
Large exposure lending limit set by the Reserve
Payments Ltd at NEOPAY terminals in UAE.
bank of India (RBI) for the Upper layer of NBFC.
Note: This initiative will empower millions of Indians who
Note: Board can allow an additional 5%. NBFCs that
are into infrastructure finance can have exposure of travel to the UAE to safely and conveniently make
25%, with an option of an additional 5% of Tier I payments using BHIM UPI across NEOPAY-enabled shops
capital to a single counterparty. Norms will come and merchant stores. NIPL and NEOPAY partnered last
into effect from October 1, 2022. year, to create the acceptance infrastructure in the UAE.
43. 10% percent stakes will be sold by the HDFC in NEOPAY is the payment subsidiary of Mashreq Bank.
HDFC Capital Advisors to a wholly-owned subsidiary 49. The Reserve Bank of India has issued new guidelines for
of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to the Credit card and debit cards company, these guidelines
raise funds of Rs 184 crore. will come into effect from July 1, 2022.
Note: ADIA is an important investor in the Note: The RBI has asked card companies not to issue
alternative investment funds managed by HDFC unsolicited credit cards or upgrade existing cards without
Capital. HDFC Capital was set up in 2016 as the the explicit consent of the customer. Failing which they
investment manager for HDFC Capital Affordable would be liable to pay double the amount billed as a
Real Estate Funds 1, 2 and 3. penalty.
44. Sunil Bajpai is the head of the advisory committee 50. The RBI has extended the guidelines on Legal Entity
on enhancing the regulator's technology capacity Identifier (LEI) to large borrowers NBFCs and Primary
and on exploring appropriate technological (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
solutions for early detection of market anomalies by Note: The RBI further advised that non-individual
SEBI. borrowers enjoying aggregate exposure of ₹5 crores and
Note: The seven-member committee was set up in above from banks and financial institutions (FIs) shall be
December 2021 and was earlier chaired by Madhabi required to obtain LEI codes as per the given timeline. The
Puri Buch. Legal Entity Identifier is a 20-digit number used to
45. The total enrolments (subscribers) under Atal Pension
uniquely identify parties to financial transactions globally.
Yojana (APY) Scheme as of March 2022 is over 4.01 crore.
51. M S Sahoo is the head of the advisory committee on market
Note: Around 71% of the enrolments are done by PSBs,
data that recommends policy measures pertaining to areas
19% by RRBs, 6% by Private Sector Banks, and 3% by
like securities market data access and privacy.
Payment and Small Finance Banks. Banks like State Bank of
Note: The panel will now have 21 members. Nithin
India, Indian Bank, Bank of India, BoB, and Central Bank of
Kamath; Ranjit Pawar; Sreekanth Nadella; Suhas
India have achieved their annual targets in the Public-
Tuljapurkar are also included in the committee.
sector Bank category.
52. Dhanlaxmi Bank has signed a pact with the Central Board
46. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has launched a joint
of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect
initiative named Fincluvation to collaborate with the
Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for tax collection.
Fintech Startup community.
Note: The bank has been authorised by the Reserve Bank of
Note: To co-create and innovate solutions for financial
India (RBI) based on recommendation from the Controller
inclusion. Start-ups will develop solutions and tailored
General of Accounts for collection of various taxes. This
products and services for customers. India Post Payments
41 | P a g e
 MoU will help customers to pay their direct taxes and GST with the benefits of NCMC which works at the Delhi Airport
payments and other indirect taxes through the branch Metro and Goa buses.
network and digital platforms of the bank. 58. bob World Gold is the new feature launched by the Bank
53. Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with IndusInd Bank of Baroda on its bob World mobile banking platform for
to offer fixed deposit (FD) facilities to its customers. seniors and the elder.
Note: A customer can open FD of Rs 500 up to Rs 190,000 Note: It is a unique digital banking platform that has been
on the Airtel Thanks app. With this partnership, customers designed to provide its senior customers with a simple,
of Airtel Payments Bank savings account will get an interest smooth and secure mobile banking experience. This
rate of up to 6.5 %p.a. and senior citizens will get an platform has easy navigation, large fonts, sufficient spacing
additional 0.5% on all fixed deposits. Customers can book and clear menus. BoB Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia;
multiple FDs for a fixed duration of either 1, 2 or 3 years. Managing Director & CEO: Shri Sanjiv Chadha
54. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its 59. For the Mission Karmayog, the World Bank has approved
strategic partnership with SBI Cards to power digital a USD 47 million financial support to the Government of
transformation India.
Note: TCS had helped the SBI cards to transform its core Note: The loan of $47 million provided from the
cards sourcing platform and digitized a significant portion International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
of the process. TCS will digitalize and transform the online (IBRD) has a final maturity of 11 years, including a grace
onboarding processes to enable a faster turnaround and period of 4.5 years. Mission Karmayogi was launched by
frictionless experience. Union Cabinet on 2nd September 2020.
55. FinMapp has collaborated with Bajaj Finance to introduce 60. Rs. 820 crores are the additional funding that has been
a fixed deposit feature on its platform by adding a new icon approved by the Union Cabinet for India Post Payments
for an improved customer experience. Bank (IPPB).
Note: The fintech firm is offering an interest rate of 7.35% Note: with this grant, the project outlay for setting up of
on the fixed deposit of app users. FinMapp offers multiple India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been revised from
tenures to choose from for their fixed deposits of 15, 18, 22, Rs.1435 crore to Rs.2255 crore. The Cabinet has also
30, 33, and 44 months, or opt for one, three, and five years, granted in-principle approval for a future fund of Rs.500
respectively. FinMapp had received a POP-SE license from crore for meeting regulatory requirements and
PFRDA under NPS. technological upgradation.
56. India has topped in the real-time transactions in 2021 as 61. The government offers 2% interest subvention annually to
per the ACI Worldwide Report. banks on short-term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers
Note: India has extended to 48.6 billion in 2021. India's at an interest rate of 7%p.a.
transaction volume is seven times greater than the Note: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended norms
combined volumes of Germany, USA, UK, Canada, and for banks to claim the amount of interest subvention which
France. Top Five countries: India(48.6 billion); China (18.5 is provided to farmers under the short-term crop loan
billion); Thailand(9.7 billion); Brazil(8.7 billion); South scheme through Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Pending claims
Korea (7.4 billion). Published by: ACI Worldwide, the for the 2021-22 FY can be submitted by June 30, 2023, by
Centre for Economics and Business Research, and the statutory auditor's certification.
GlobalData. 62. ICICI Bank has launched India’s first comprehensive digital
57. PencilKey is the name of the contactless keychain which ecosystem for all Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
was launched by Pencilton (teen-focused fintech). (MSMEs) in the country, which can also be used by the
Note: Launched in a partnership with the National customers of other banks.
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Transcorp. Note: Anyone can use the benefits of digital solutions on
Users can load money, check spends, block/unblock the the InstaBIZ app. MSMEs customers of other banks can
account, set limits on their card through the Pencilton app, avail of a host of services by logging in as a ‘Guest’ in the
and can buy their PencilKey and PencilCard for ₹150 and app. It provides sanctions of instant and paperless
₹100 respectively. Presently, the PencilKey is equipped overdraft facility up to Rs 25 lakh through ‘InstaOD Plus’.

March 2022

42 | P a g e
1. According to the second advance estimates of operations, its customer-facing channels, and its
national income released by the National Statistical employee experience.
Office (NSO), 8.9% would be the India’s GDP 7. Reliance Group has announced invest Rs 1670 cr to
growth rate in FY 2021-22. create a joint venture (JV) with U.S.-listed Sanmina
Corp for making electronic products in Chennai.
Note: Gross Value-Added (GVA) is expected to grow
Note: The JV aims to make hardware for 5G
by 8.3% this financial year, from 4.8% contraction in
communications, cloud infrastructure, healthcare
2020-21. India’s GDP shrunk 6.6% in 2020-21, with
systems, and defense and aerospace, Reliance said in
the first half of the year recording a sharp
a regulatory filing. Reliance will hold a 50.1 per cent
contraction.
stake in the JV after the investment in Sanmina's
2. The government of India has approved up to 20
existing Indian entity through a Reliance unit.
percent of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under
Sanmina will contribute its existing contract
‘automatic route’ in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
manufacturing business to the JV.
of India. 8. Tata Motors has launched ‘Anubhav,’ showroom on
Note: It is aimed at attracting long-term foreign wheels, a doorstep car buying experience for the
investors to the issue. IPO – An IPO is the selling of rural customers.
securities (shares of the company) to the public in Note: Tata Motors' Anubhav showroom on wheels
the primary market (usually to institutional was developed with assistance from the company's
investors and retail investors). Commercial Vehicles Fully Built Vehicles (FBV)
3. Recently Japan and India have renewed the Bilateral Division. The showroom on wheels is based on the
Swap Arrangement (BSA) of $ 125 billion. Tata Intra V10 and will be operated by dealerships
Note: The Bank of Japan, acting as an agent for the under the company's guidance and supervision.
Minister of Finance Japan, and the RBI signed the 9. Payment wallet, Paytm has partnered with IRCTC to
amendment and restatement agreement of the provide digital ticketing services to consumers
bilateral swap agreement (BSA). Essentially, BSA is through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines
a two-way arrangement where both authorities can (ATVM) installed at railway stations.
swap their local currencies in exchange for dollars. Note: It is the first time that Indian Railways is
4. Bank of Maharashtra has partnered with Mahagram providing a digital payment option for providing
to roll out ‘Bank Sakhi’ project in Odisha. ticketing services through UPI on ATVMs. QR codes
Note: As part of the tie-up, the company has can be scanned on ATVMs installed at railway
onboarded more than 11,000 bank sakhis (women) stations. Paytm Passengers have multiple payment
on the BharatATM platform to help the rural citizens options like Paytm UPI, Wallet, Postpaid (Buy Now,
avail basic banking services at their doorstep or the Pay Later), etc
next door Kirana stores 10. Axis Bank has committed a USD 150 million (about
5. In association with HDFC Bank the NSE Rs 1,140 crore) loan for strengthening the
International Exchange (NSE IFSC), a wholly-owned healthcare infrastructure in the country in
subsidiary of National Stock Exchange of India association with IPE Global.
launched trading in India’s first Unsponsored Note: The continued threat of new variants has
Depository Receipts. reinforced the need to boost investments and
Note: This will offer Indian retail investors an partnerships in the health sector. Axis Bank has
opportunity to invest in the US stocks, listed on committed to strengthening India's healthcare
exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ, in an easy and infrastructure by signing an MoU with IPE Global for
affordable way. NSE-IFSC kick-started trading in 8 the SAMRIDH Healthcare Blended Finance Facility
prominent US stocks such as Alphabet, Amzon, 11. HPCL has signed a pact with Solar Energy
Tesla, Meta Platforms (Facebook), Microsoft, Netflix, Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) for cooperation and
Apple and Walmart. collaboration in the field of renewable energy,
6. Mahindra Group has announced a collaboration electric mobility, and alternative fuels.
with Google Cloud to fuel the conglomerate’s digital Note: The MOU envisages cooperation and
transformation strategy and its next phase of collaboration in the field of Renewable Energy,
business growth. Electric Mobility, and alternative fuels including the
Note: Mahindra Group’s Digital, Data and Cloud development of ESG Projects. Hindustan Petroleum
Center of Excellence, referred to as Mahindra Digital Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Solar Energy
Engine (MDE), will leverage Google Cloud’s “secure Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) inked pact for
and reliable” infrastructure and advanced data renewable energy, electric mobility, alternative
analytics technology to drive innovation across the fuels.
group’s multiple business units, including its core

43 | P a g e
12. Indian Overseas Bank has sanctioned a loan of Rs 17. Reserve Bank of India has launched a booklet
1,000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure named “BE(A)WARE” to enhance public awareness
Development Finance Corporation Ltd (JKIDFC). about financial frauds perpetrated on gullible
Note: Indian Overseas Bank is one of the First Public customers.
Sector Banks to lend to Jammu and Kashmir Note: The booklet gives information on the common
Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation modus operandi used by fraudsters and precautions.
Limited, which is incorporated to complete various The booklet elaborates on safeguards against
projects belonging to various departments like commonly used fraudulent techniques, such as SIM
Agriculture Production, Animal Husbandry, Housing swaps, vishing/phishing links, lottery, etc., including
& Urban Development, Industries & Commerce fake loan websites and digital apps.
Department, Jal Shakti Department, Public Works 18. Zeta, the banking technology company has
Department, School Education Department etc. announced a 5-year global partnership with
13. Reserve Bank of India has chosen the Intellect Mastercard.
Design Arena Limited to implement the upgraded Note: As part of the agreement, the firms will go-to-
version of the ‘Cloud-Native Intellect Quantum Core market jointly to launch credit cards with issuers
Banking solution’ to power the next stage of their worldwide on Zeta’s modern, cloud-native, and fully
digital transformation agenda. API-ready credit processing stack. Mastercard has
Note: The next generation Intellect Quantum underscored the partnership by making a financial
solution is built on cutting edge API first, cloud- investment in Zeta.
native and cloud-agnostic microservices 19. Google Cloud and Flipkart has have entered into a
architecture supported by a rich set of packaged multi-year strategic partnership to help fast-track its
business components. It supports over 100 million innovation and cloud strategy.
transactions, over 250 commercial banks, 35 state Note: This partnership will propel Flipkart into its
government and union territories along with a next phase of growth and advance its vision of
number of Central Government ministries. onboarding India's next 200 million shoppers and
14. Microsoft is establishing its largest data center in lakhs of sellers, the company claims. By leveraging
India in Hyderabad in collaboration with the Google Cloud's secure and scalable global
Telangana govt. infrastructure and advanced networking
Note: It will be one of the largest data centres in technologies, Flipkart aims to deliver robust app
India (operational by 2025). Microsoft already has a access and performance even during peak purchase
data centre in three Indian regions across Pune, seasons with heightened traffic.
Mumbai, and Chennai. The new data centre will add 20. HDFC Mutual Fund has launched a women-led
to the growing demand for Microsoft’s cloud financial empowerment initiative ‘LaxmiForLaxmi’
services from both the private enterprises as well as which will connect women investors to a woman
the govt sector. financial expert near them through a unique missed
15. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) call service.
has signed an MoU with Indian Banks Association Note: The female financial expert will guide and
(IBA) to collaborate on capacity building for address queries of the woman investor. The
financial creditors on topics related to insolvency, initiative is based on the fact that it is very easy for a
bankruptcy and related subjects. person to understand a concept when it is taught by
Note: The MoU was signed during the workshop on someone who understands them and is like-minded.
‘Committee of Creditors: An Institution of Public The #LaxmiForLaxmi initiative is a financial
Faith’ organised jointly by IBBI, SBI (State Bank of empowerment campaign for women, by women.
India) and IBA at New Delhi. The timely resolution of 21. ‘DigiSaathi’, a 24×7 Helpline for Digital Payments
insolvency cases can be undertaken by the has been launched by RBI.
Committee of Creditors (CoC) and Resolution Note: The Reserve Bank of India along with National
Professionals / Interim Resolution Professionals Payment Corporation India launched the DigiSaathi,
(IRPs). which will help customers of payments systems
16. Bharti Airtel and Axis Bank has announced a including cards. This initiative will help customers
strategic partnership to introduce a series of address queries in the digital payments umbrella
innovative financial offerings and digital services. including cards. Right now it is available in two
Note: These include a co-branded credit card, pre- languages – English and Hindi
approved instant loans, and Buy Now Pay Later 22. BE (A)WARE, a booklet featuring modus operandi of
offerings. ‘Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card’ has been financial frauds has been released by RBI.
launched to offer a host of benefits such as cashback, Note: The booklet aims to enhance public awareness
special discounts, digital vouchers and about various types of financial frauds perpetrated
complimentary services to Airtel customers.
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 on gullible customers while carrying out digital Institution (DFI) to support the development of
payments and other financial transactions. long-term infrastructure financing in India.
23. UPI123pay is the name of the UPI facility launched 29. Axis Bank has kicked off the 'HouseWorkIsWork'
by RBI for feature phones. initiative, offering opportunities to those who want
Note: One is UPI123pay- which provides a UPI to rejoin the professional space.
Note: It has been launched as the bank feels that the
payment facility on feature phones and the second
participation of urban educated women in the
is “DigiSaathi” which is a 24×7 Helpline for Digital
workforce is still not at desired levels. Through this
Payments. The UPI123pay will provide the users of
initiative, bank aims to get these women back to
feature phones the option to use Unified Interface
work, by giving them confidence that they are
Payments (UPI) for making payments.
employable, they have skills and they can fit in
24. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
various job roles.
has increased the investment limit for retail
30. LivQuik becomes the first Prepaid Payment
investors applying in public issues of debt securities
Instrument (PPI) issuer to have achieved full
with the facility to block funds through Unified
interoperability as mandated by the Reserve Bank of
Payments Interface (UPI) mechanism to Rs 5 lakh.
India (RBI) for their PPIs.
Note: The market watchdog Securities and Exchange
Note: RBI, in exercise of the powers conferred under
Board of India (SEBI) increased the limit for
Section 18 read with Section 10(2) of the Payment
investment through Unified Payments Interface
and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act)
(UPI) mechanism to ₹5 lakh for investors applying in
mandated all PPI Issuers to facilitate
public issues of debt securities based on discussions
interoperability for full-KYC (Know Your Customers)
with market. The increased limit of ₹5 lakh via UPI
wallets by March 31, 2022. The interoperability
mode will be effective on public issues of debt
provides choice to customers for optimizing their
securities which will open on or after May 1, 2022.
payments and spending across wallets by attaching
25. In partnership with NSDL Payments Bank and
a card on Visa and RuPay networks and can also
NPCI, software company ToneTag has recently
enable UPI (Unified Payments Interface).
rolled out its VoiceSe UPI digital payments for
31. Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has
feature phone users.
slashed the interest rate on provident fund deposits
Note: The announcement comes in the wake of the
for 2021-22 at 8.10%.
Reserve Bank of India launching UPI 123Pay facility
Note: Interest rate on PF deposit was 8.5% in 2020-
that enables UPI payments for feature phone users.
21 and 2019-20. This decision was taken at the
26. Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance company has
230th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF
signed a bancassurance partnership agreement with
under the Chairmanship of Bhupendra Yadav (Union
Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd.
Minister for Labour & Employment).
Note: This collaboration facilitates a common
EPFO: Statutory body responsible for the regulation
platform to reach out to the bank’s five lakh plus
and management of provident funds in India.
customers with relevant life insurance solutions.
32. IIFL Securities Limited has launched India’s first
The agreement will provide life insurance support to
primary markets investment platform, ‘OneUp’ for
more than 5 lakh customers of the bank.
investing in initial public offerings (IPOs), non-
27. Rs 5,000 crore will be the initial authorized share
convertible debentures (NCDs) and sovereign gold
capital of National Land Monetization Corporation
bonds (SGBs), among others.
(NLMC).
Note: It enables buyers to analyse, transact and
Note: For setting up NLMC, the Centre allocated an
handle new investment alternatives, all on one
initial authorised share capital of Rs 5,000 crore and
single platform. The benefits of the platforms can be
paid-up share capital of Rs 150 crore. National Land
utilized by IIFL Securities and non-IIFL Securities
Monetisation Corporation will undertake
clients with none signup necessities.
monetisation of surplus land and building assets of
33. Bank of India (BOI) has entered into a co-lending
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other
partnership with Vijayawada-based IKF Finance to
Government agencies.
offer commercial vehicle loans.
28. Under Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 the
Note: The public sector bank will leverage the reach
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will regulate and
of the NBFC to build its MSMEs portfolio. The
supervise the National Bank for Financing
disbursement under the Co-Lending arrangement
Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID).
has commenced on 9th March 2022.
Note: It will now be guided under Sections 45L and
34. Vodafone Idea cellular company has a gamming
45N of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
portal in in partnership with Nazara Technologies
Currently RBI has four AIFIs: EXIM Bank, NABARD,
Ltd.
NHB and SIDBI. NaBFID: Development Financial

45 | P a g e
 Note: Nazara is an India-based diversified gaming Note: The partnership will propel Flipkart into its
and sports media company. Its games offering will next phase of growth and advance its vision of
initially offer casual games and gradually expand to onboarding India’s next 200 million shoppers and
host social games and esports in the future. lakhs of sellers. The companies didn’t reveal the
35. Digital payments company, Paytm expanded its value of this deal.
partnership with IRCTC to provide digital ticketing 40. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has collaborated with
services to consumers through Automatic Ticket Tamil Nadu state government to promote
Vending Machines (ATVM) installed at railway awareness among micro, small and medium
stations across the country. enterprises (MSMEs) of the state about the benefits
Note: This is the first time Indian Railways is of listing.
providing an option to pay digitally for ticketing Note: To facilitate this, BSE will partner with MSME
services through UPI on ATVMs to promote cashless Trade and Investment Promotion Bureau (M-TIPB).
commuting among railway passengers. The ATVMs As part of the collaboration, BSE will provide the
placed at the railway stations are touch-screen capacity building and soft support to small and
based ticketing kiosks that will allow passengers to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tamil Nadu for
pay digitally, without requiring smart cards. fulfilling listing requirements. Further, the BSE will
36. IDBI Bank has launched Corporate Liquidity also provide all intellectual and manpower support
Management Solution (C-LMS) and Government to create awareness among SMEs across Tamil Nadu,
Liquidity Management Solution (G-LMS) to meet the about benefits of listing.
liquidity management needs of institutional 41. The Insolvency regulator IBBI has signed a
customers. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian
Note: LMS and G-LMS provide real-time, web-based Banks Association (IBA) to collaborate on capacity
and formula driven liquidity management solution,”
building for financial creditors on topics related to
said the private sector in a statement. These
solutions provide tools to institutions for enhanced insolvency, bankruptcy and related subjects.
visibility of liquidity position across the Note: To improve the processes under the
organisation, helping them in forecasting and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Ravi Mital
projecting the cash positions at a glance. urged bankers to share their suggestions and
37. Edelweiss Housing Finance has announced a feedback regarding the IBC ecosystem with the IBBI.
strategic co-lending partnership with Standard 42. Private sector bank, ICICI Bank has announced a tie-
Chartered Bank, for extending loans against up with Emirates Skywards, a loyalty programme of
property (LAP) to prospective customers, especially Emirates and flydubai, to launch a range of co-
MSMEs. branded credit cards.
Note: Under this partnership, EHFL will originate, Note: Named, ‘Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Credit
process, service the loans and retain 20 per cent of Card’, the cards will enable customers to earn
the loan on its books, while the remaining 80 per reward points, called Skywards Miles, on travel,
cent will be on the books of Standard Chartered lifestyle and everyday spends. The bank is the first
Bank. The co-lending partnership will help the bank Indian bank to partner with Emirates Skywards, to
grow its loan portfolio, it would provide an alternate offer an exclusive range of credit cards in the
model for loan disbursals that is asset-light and country.
creates a sound revenue model for sustainable 43. Niva Bupa Health Insurance has announced a
business for EHFL. customized group plan for comprehensive coverage
38. Axis Bank has entered into a strategic partnership of cancer treatment at an annual premium of just
with Airtel to strengthen the growth of the digital ₹1499, plus taxes.
ecosystem in India, through a range of financial Note: This product has been developed by Niva
solutions. Bupa in consultation with the Indian Cancer Society
Note: The partnership would enable access to credit (ICS). This group insurance plan is designed for low
and various digital financial offerings from Axis and middle-income families and not only covers
Bank to Airtel’s 340 million-plus customers. These hospitalisation but also day-care expenses like
will include first-of-its-kind co-branded credit card radiation, chemotherapy, etc. This family floater
‘Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card’ with industry-leading plan offers ₹5 lakh coverage for up to two adults and
benefits, pre-approved instant loans, Buy Now Pay three children (for families that do not have cancer).
Later offerings and many more. 44. DBS Bank has announced the launch of its Green
39. E-commerce company, Flipkart has entered into a Deposit Programme for corporate clients providing
multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud a simple way for companies to support
to help fast-track its innovation and cloud strategy. environmentally friendly projects or avenues.

46 | P a g e
 Note: "DBS Bank is one of the few banks globally to policy whitepapers, research papers under this
integrate Sustainable Development Goals by offering partnership.
lending & trade credit solutions to sustainable and 49. Moody's Investors Service has revised India's
environmentally friendly green sectors and now economic growth projection in the calendar year
offering a Green Deposit product. Under the Bank's 2022 to 9.1 percent.
sustainability programme, Green Deposits will fund Note: For 2023, the global rating firm expects
green industries and initiatives such as green India's gross domestic product to expand 5.4%,
building sustainable water initiatives that include marginally lower than its previous projection of
wastewater management, renewable energy and 5.5%. India's GDP grew 8.2% in 2021, after a 6.7%
clean transportation. The Green Deposits contraction the year before.
proposition combines all the benefits of a regular 50. Karnataka Bank has won the “Best MSME Bank of
fixed deposit with a commitment from DBS to the year – Winner” award among private sector
support green and sustainable loans disbursed by Banks at the 8th MSMEs Excellence Awards
the bank. Ceremony and Summit.
45. SoftBank-backed Quick Commerce start-up Blinkit, Note: Karnataka Bank has bagged 'Best MSME Bank
earlier known as Grofers, has signed a merger deal of the year - Winner' award among private sector
with food delivery company Zomato. Banks at 8th edition of Micro, Small, and Medium
Note: Reportedly, it will be an all-stock deal where Enterprises's Excellence Awards Ceremony and
Blinkit's investors will gain proportionate shares in Summit instituted by ASSOCHAM at New Delhi.
Zomato. The deal is likely to be completed in 60 Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of
days time. The companies have signed a term sheet India (ASSOCHAM): non-governmental trade
about two-three weeks ago and are preparing to file association and advocacy group based in New Delhi.
an application with the Competition Commission of 51. The increased timeline for startups to convert debt
India for approval of the transaction. investments (convertible note) made in the
46. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launched Industry’s company into equity shares is 10 years.
first digital onboarding facility for its micro banking Note: This decision is likely to give a relief to
customers through its app. budding entrepreneurs to deal with the impact of
Note: The Ujjivan SFB Assisted app provides the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier the option of changing
facility to update mobile numbers for individual convertible notes into equity shares was allowed for
banking transactions through paperless and secured up to five years from the day when initial
manner. It is an OTP and biometric authentication convertible note was issued. An investor can invest
based process. Customers can update their mobile in a startup through convertible notes, which is a
number once every six months through the platform kind of debt/loan instrument.
and at any point in time by visiting any branch of the 52. State Bank of India (SBI) plans to set up an
small finance bank. Innovation, Incubation and Acceleration Centre
47. Axis Bank has been awarded IFR Asia's Asian Bank (IIAC) at Hyderabad.
of The Year, for its breadth of coverage and depth of Note: This will build in-house capability to bolster
expertise in the Asian investment banking space. its current performance and drive higher top-line
Note: The award acknowledges the bank's growth through innovation. The center will be
outstanding performance in equity and debt operational in six to nine months of on-boarding a
issuance, across all major products and segments. consultant. It will help the bank to develop a set of
Axis Bank was the only local house to serve as a technologies, knowledge, and skills for the
global coordinator for the record Rs. 183 Bn Paytm introduction of new products and services.
IPO, and was also the global coordinator for 53. HDFC Bank has decided to launch an application
Macrotech Developers' Rs. 25 Bn IPO. 'AutoFirst' that will offer fully automated auto loans.
48. The RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly owned Note: The 'AutoFirst' application will provide
subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India joined hands completely automated loans as the bank looks to
with IIT Madras to work together in developing the triple its monthly merchant loan output. HDFC Bank
ecosystem necessary to support and scale fintech is also likely to initiate a dedicated platform for
startups in India. vehicle loan customers.
Note: Through this strategic collaboration, the two 54. HDFC Bank set to launch set the SmartHub Vyapar
organizations will jointly provide incubation program for merchants that will handle all payment
support and nurture early-stage startups with platforms like cards, UPI, SMS-based payments, QR
innovative and disruptive solutions and accelerate Code and tap pay.
their scale-up journey. In addition, IITM Incubation Note: The bank set to launch the SmartHub Vyapar
Cell and RBIH may collaborate on projects including program for merchants that will handle all payment
platforms like cards, UPI, SMS-based payments, QR
47 | P a g e
 Code and tap pay. HDFC Bank has planned to on- petroleum products to Sri Lanka which is facing a
board 20 million merchants within the next three financial crisis.
years. 60. Kotak Mahindra Bank has entered into an MoU with
55. Government has extended Credit Guarantee Scheme Business France, the French national agency in
for Subordinate Debt for Stressed Micro, Small and charge of the development of exports and
Medium Enterprises, MSMEs upto 31st March international investments in France, to support
2023. companies in the Indo-French corridor.
Note: The scheme was launched on 24th June, 2020 Note: The MoU will try to promote business and
to provide credit facility through lending institutions start-up ecosystem cooperation and identify
to the promoters of stressed MSMEs. The scheme business and investment opportunities in India and
has been further extended on the basis of the France
requests received from the stakeholders of the 61. According to a Mercom India report, India added
scheme. how much new solar open access capacity in 2021,
56. Electronics and smartphone maker Samsung will marking a growth of 222% year-over-year (YoY) 1.2
invest Rs 1,588 crore in India to set up a new GW.
compressor manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. Note: The cumulative installed solar capacity in the
Note: Leading South Korean consumer electronics open access market crossed 5 GW. The country
and smartphone maker Samsung will invest Rs added 298 MW of new solar open access capacity in
1,588 crore in India to set up a new compressor the fourth quarter (Q4) of calendar year 2021, a
manufacturing plant at its existing facility at 75% increase compared to the same period in 2020.
Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The new facility will 62. SBI Card, joins hand with Nature's Basket grocery
spread over 22 acres and have a capacity to roll out store brand to launch International Gourmet Card.
8 million compressor units per annum and this will Note: This card will introdued in two variants -
be expanded in the future also, Samsung said in a 'Nature's Basket SBI Card' and 'Nature's Basket SBI
statement. Card Elite'. The annual membership fee of Nature's
57. Card service provider VISA and Transcorp have Basket SBI Card and its Elite version will be Rs. 1499
teamed up with Mahila Money to launch the Mahila and Rs. 4,999 respectively.
Money Prepaid Card, a product created for women 63. In March 2022, Fitch Rating reduces India's FY23
entrepreneurs to use digital payments more growth forecast by 180 basis points to 8.5%.
effectively. Note: Fitch Rating downgrades the forecast citing
Note: The partnership leverages the deep expertise sharply higher energy prices. The economic
of Visa, the global leader in payments, Transcorp sanctions on Russia have led to high energy prices,
PPI, and the highly engaged community of Mahila supply-chain disruptions, raw material shortages,
Money. The Mahila Money Prepaid Card, in and record inflation rates. Forecast growth for FY23;
partnership with Visa, is designed with the needs of 1. Moody's - 9.1%; 2. S&P - 7.8%
digital entrepreneurs, small business owners and 64. In March 2022, for the first time ever, India has
women in mind. achieved the target of 400 billion dollars of goods
58. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) exports.
has come out with the ‘on-device’ wallet feature for Note: On average, every hour USD 46 million goods
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users, which will are exported, USD 1 billion goods are exported
be known as “UPI Lite”. everyday and USD 33 billion every month. The
Note: This is aimed at reducing stress on the exports in the financial year 2020-21 were USD 292
banking system and making the transaction process billion while the exports in 2021-22 are USD 400
even simpler. UPI Lite will process transactions in billion with a 37 per cent rise.
near offline mode i.e., debit offline and credit online, 65. ICICI Bank has launched the co-branded credit
and at a later point, UPI Lite will process card for in partnership with Chennai Super Kings
transactions in complete offline mode i.e., debit and (CSK).
credit both offline.
59. According to the ministry of finance SBI will provide
Note: Christened ‘Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank
$1 billion credit facility to Sri Lanka for procurement Credit Card,’ the card has been specially designed
of food, medicines and other essential items. with a range of exclusive privileges for cricket fans
Note: The finance ministry said State Bank of India of the iconic team. ICICI Bank CEO - Sandeep
(SBI) will provide $1 billion credit facility to Sri Bakhshi
Lanka for procurement of food, medicines and other 66. In March 2022, Kotak Mahindra has acquired 7.84%
essential items. Earlier, the Export-Import Bank of stakes in ONDC for 10 crore rupees.
India (Exim Bank) had extended a line of credit of Note: This network develops and transform the
$500 million for financing the purchase of Indian digital commerce ecosystem for both goods
48 | P a g e
 and services. It is an initiative of the Department for 73. Recently, RBI has set up the ink manufacturing unit
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of BRBNMPL named 'Varnika' in Mysuru.
under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Note: Varnika has an annual ink manufacturing
67. ICICI Lombard has recently tied up with Airtel capacity of 1,500 MT, which helps to enhance the
Payment Bank for the insurance of smartphone. security of banknotes.
Note: This insurance facility is available on the 74. In March 2022, ICRA has reduced the India GDP
Airtel Thanks app. This provides financial protection forecast for FY23 to 7.2%.
against damage to the phone and its screen from Note: ICRA projected GDP expansion in FY22 at
accidents or liquid spills. Customers can get an 8.5%. The reason for the cut in GDP forecast is the
insurance till ten days after their purchase. Price of Russia-Ukraine conflict, which increases commodity
smartphone lies between the range of ₹10,000 to ₹ prices and the lockdown in China.
100,000. 75. In March 2022, US$ 69.56 billion is the trade deficit
68. Mobility firm, Ola has recently acquired Avail between India and China's bilateral trade.
Finance. Note: India’s exports to China increased by 34.28%
Note: This acquisition provides financial services to year on year to reach US$28.03 billion. India’s
working class. The acquisition will strengthen the imports from China witnessed an increase of
Ola in the fintech space. 46.14% to reach US$97.59 billion.
69. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has inaugurated 76. Cabinet has approved $808 million for the
Reserve Bank Innovation Hub in Bengaluru. improvement and acceleration of the performance of
Note: The RBI has set up the RBIH as a Section 8 MSME.
under Companies Act, 2013. RBIH is a wholly owned Note: The new scheme is expected to commence in
subsidiary of RBI with an initial capital contribution financial 2022-23. Out of the total amount, $ 500
of ₹100 crore. million would be a loan from the World Bank, and
70. Priya Village Roadshow (PVR), announced its the remaining amount of $ 308 million will be
merger with INOX entertainment company. funded by the government of India.
Note: After the formalities of merger, the company 77. HDFC ERGO firm has launched the industry's first
will be known as PVR Inox Limited. Ajay Bijli will be digital reward program, VAULT.
MD of PVR Inox Limited, Sanjeev Kumar will be Note: VAULT program leads the way in customer
executive director and Pavan Kumar Jain will be loyalty. It is the industry's first digital customer
non-executive chairman of the consolidated board. engagement and rewards program.
71. EaseMyTrip partners with DBS Bank to launch 78. Central government is planning to sell 5% of stake
environment-- friendly green international debit in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to raise
card. over ₹3,000 crore through an offer for sale.
Note: This card is made using 99% recycled
Note: Of these, a minimum of 25% of the shares will
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Green Debit Card
be reserved for mutual funds and insurance
provides exclusive travel-related offers and rewards
to customers for adopting eco-friendly practices. companies, 10% for retail investors,
72. HDFC Life has recently launched digital the and 075% for employees. Divestment target for
education platform 'KlarifyLife' to simplify life FY22 – Rs 78,000 crore. Divestment target for FY 23
insurance complex topics. – Rs 65,000 crore.
Note: 'KlarifyLife' is available on social media
platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

February 2022

1. Public sector company, GAIL (India) Limited has Note: ‘Pops’ Messenger will allow its user to receive
begun India's maiden project of mixing hydrogen specific information related to their stocks, analysis
into the natural gas system at Indore. about their portfolio, market news, and important
Note: This is a first-of-its-kind project in the market movements, all in one place. It will also serve
country. The hydrogen blended natural gas will be as a marketplace to offer sophisticated stock
supplied to Avantika Gas Limited, one of GAIL's Joint recommendations, new insights and new services.
Venture (JV) company with HPCL, operating in 3. Direct to Home (DTH) platform, Tata Sky has
Indore. rebranded itself with a new name and identity and
2. E-wallet company, Paytm has introduced “India’s will now be called as Tata Play.
first” intelligent messenger called ‘Pops’. Note: The DTH company has joined hands with
Netflix to offer new OTT (over the top) content

49 | P a g e
 centric channel packs as well. With the OTT combo the syndicated facility after discussions with
packs, Tata Play users will be able to get a lenders.
subscription to both the OTT platforms in the Binge Note: During 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic,
service as well as the normal TV channels. Tata Play Vedanta Ltd had tied up a syndicated facility of
Binge will hosts content from 13 leading OTT apps ₹10Kcr with State Bank of India as the lead bank at a
through a single User Interface while offering the running cost of 10.5 per cent. This replacement
flexibility of single subscription and payment. facility was availed on Dec 2021 to take over the
4. State Bank of India has launched a dedicated existing Syndicated facility to reduce the overall
centralized processing cell - Surya Shakti Cell in interest cost of the company.
collaboration with Tata Power Solar Systems. 10. Union Government has approved the continuation of
Note: The Surya Shakti Cell will process all the loan the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports
applications for Solar Projects (capacity up to 1 MW) Federations (NSFs) with an outlay of Rs. 1875
sourced from across India, for installation by crore.
business entities as well as households. With this Note: It is the main source of funding for the
digital initiative, SBI will offer a complete solution at preparation of national teams for all major national,
competitive rates for Solar projects. international competitions. Funding will be used by
5. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd has acquired 5% National Sports Federations to conduct national
equity stake in Power Exchange of India Ltd (PXIL). coaching camps and provide training of
Note: NVVN has purchased the shares of PXIL from international standards to athletes.
NSE Investment, a co-promoter shareholder of PXIL. 11. Punjab National Bank and Patanjali Ayurved
NVVN is one of the top power traders in India and Limited (PAL) have launched co-branded credit
the acquisition of an equity stake in PXIL would cards in partnership with the National Payments
enable a strategic opportunity for NVVN to achieve Corporation of India (NPCI).
and maintain a good position in the power trading Note: The co-branded credit cards are offered on
market. NCPI's RuPay Platform and is available in two
6. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation has marked its variants – PNB RuPay Platinum and PNB RuPay
foray into non-fuel retailing sector by inaugurating Select. Both the co-branded cards offer a hassle-free
its Retail Store under brand name HaPpyShop. credit service to purchase day-to-day Patanjali
Note: Located at the company-owned retail outlet at products, along with cash backs, loyalty points,
the upmarket Nepean Sea Road near Malabar Hills, insurance cover and more.
this is the company’s latest offering at its “Club HP” 12. Online platform, Dukaan has partnered with Simpl,
retail outlet. The store will provide home utility a marquee buy-now-pay-later platform to provide
products including food, toiletries, healthcare BNPL services to its merchants.
products, bakery products, groceries, medicines and Note: Simpl is a marquee buy-now-pay-later
more. platform. Dukaan is a Bangalore-based startup that
7. With ₹5000 crores initial authorized capital the enables D2C and SMB merchants to set up online
Government of India sets up a National Land stores and sell products digitally.
Monetisation Corporation. 13. According to domestic rating agency CRISIL, 7.8 per
Note: So far, CPSEs have referred 3,400 acres of land cent will be the real GDP growth in FY 2022-23.
and other non-core assets for monetisation from Note: This estimate is owing to Budget proposals
CPSEs including MTNL, BSNL, BPCL, B&R, BEML, focused on loosening the purse strings by boosting
HMT Ltd, Instrumentation Ltd. Top five sectors capital expenditure and going slow on fiscal
including roads, railways, power, oil and gas consolidation. The agency said global growth is
pipelines and telecom account for around 83 per expected to slow this year as major economies see a
cent of the aggregate value. withdrawal of monetary and fiscal stimulus.
8. In Phase I of its operation the National Asset 14. According to the London-based Brand Finance, the
Reconstruction Company (NARCL) or bad bank Rs Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is ranked
50,000 crore aggregate amount of about 15 as 10th most valued insurance brand globally.
accounts will be transferred to NARCL in the current Note: Also, LIC is ranked third in brand strength
financial year. globally after Poste Italiane of Italy and Mapfre of
Note: A total of 38 NPA accounts worth Rs 82,845 Spain and is also the 10th most valued insurance
crore have been identified to be transferred to brand globally. The market value of LIC will become
NARCL initially. In the Phase I 15 accounts worth Rs Rs 43.40 lakh crore or $59.21 billion by 2022, and Rs
50,000 crore will be transferred to NARCL in the 58.9-lakh crore or $78.63 billion by 2027.
current financial year. 15. In February 2022, the Reserve Bank of India has
9. Vedanta Ltd has tied up a facility of ₹8000 crore cancelled the licence of Independence Co-
with Union Bank of India to take over majority of operative Bank Ltd.
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 Note: Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on the current financial year. Out of the 44 companies
banking business, with effect from the close of that achieved the unicorn status, 11 are based in the
business on February 03, 2022. The bank does not state
have adequate capital and earning prospects. 21. Ministry of Finance has released the monthly Post
16. SBI has signed a tripartite MoU with the Indira Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs.
Gandhi Centre for the Arts and National Culture 9,871 crore to 17 States.
Fund for Development of Atmanirbhar Bharat Note: The Fifteenth Finance Commission has
Centre for Design (ABCD) at L1 Barrack, Red Fort, in recommended a total Post Devolution Revenue
Delhi. Deficit Grant of one lakh 18 thousand 452 crore
Note: The main objective of Project ABCD is to rupees to 17 States in the financial year 2021-22. An
highlight, promote and celebrate the products that amount of over one lakh 8 thousand crore rupees
have the Geographical Indication sign to give a boost has been released to the eligible States so far.
to Economic Value Addition to GI products from 22. Go Digital, Go Secure is the theme of the theme of
India. The ABCD project will be implemented by Financial Literacy week 2022, observed by the
IGNCA, an autonomous organization under Ministry Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 14th to 18th
of Culture through ministry’s NCF fund. February 2022.
17. Ping An Insurance is an insurance company of China Note: The theme is aligned with one of the strategic
has been designated as the top most valuable objectives of the National Strategy for Financial
insurance company globally as per the latest Brand Education: 2020-2025. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Finance report of 2022. has been conducting Financial Literacy Week (FLW)
Note: 5 Chinese insurance companies are among the every year since 2016 to propagate financial
top ten ranking. The US has two companies in the education messages on a particular theme across the
top 10, while France, Germany, and India have one country.
each in the list. This has Life Insurance Corporation 23. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) observed Financial
becoming the only domestic insurer to rank in the Literacy week 2022 from 14th to 18th February.
top 10 list strongest brands and top 10 most Note: The theme is aligned with one of the strategic
valuable insurance brands. objectives of the National Strategy for Financial
18. USD 4.6 billion of sovereign loan has been provided Education: 2020-2025. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to India in has been conducting Financial Literacy Week (FLW)
2021 including USD 1.8 billion towards coronavirus every year since 2016 to propagate financial
response. education messages on a particular theme across the
Note: This included USD 1.8 billion towards country.
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic response. 24. 10,990.17 crore was the total corpus under the PM
The agency extended a USD 2.2-billion support for CARES Funds in 2020-21.
12 state projects, committed to its geographically Note: The disbursal included Rs 1,000 crore for
balanced programming. The ADB's India portfolio migrant welfare and over Rs 1,392 crore for
comprised 69 projects worth USD 15.5 billion as of procurement of Covid vaccine doses. The fund
31st December 2021. recorded nearly Rs 494.91 crore as foreign
19. Airtel Payments Bank has partnered ICICI contributions and over Rs 7,183 crore as voluntary
Lombard General Insurance to offer Cyber Insurance contributions during the fiscal.
Solutions to customers. 25. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Note: The cyber insurance solution from ICICI USD 339.55 billion of Foreign Direct Investment
Lombard provides financial protection to customers (FDI) inflows, India has received in the last five
against potential financial fraud relating to banking, years.
credit or debit card; identity theft; phishing or email Note: There has been a continuous increase in the
spoofing, and more. Airtel Payments Bank inflow of FDI in recent years. It increased from USD
customers can purchase this cyber insurance policy 45.15 billion in 2014-15 to USD 81.97 billion in
using the Airtel Thanks app. This insurance comes 2020-21. During the year 2019-20, the FDI inflows
with a ZERO waiting period and allows users to to India stood at USD 74.39 billion. In 2018-19, it
make multiple claims multiple times during the stood at USD 62 billion. In 2017-18, it was USD
policy tenure, within the limits of the insured 60.97 billion and in 2016-17, the FDI inflow to India
amount opted for. stood at USD 60.22 billion.
20. As per the recently presented Economic Survey 26. The Reserve Bank of India ranks 2nd in terms of
2021-22, Maharashtra tops the list of newly buying Gold among the world’s Central Banks in
recognised startups and unicorns. 2021.
Note: Maharashtra alone recognised 11,308 of the Note: Central Bank of Thailand (Bank of Thailand)
fourteen thousand startups that began operations in was the highest buyer of Gold in 2021 and bought 90
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 metric tonnes of gold. As per Goldhub, India’s official Note: Learners can start to enroll from February 9
gold reserves is ninth-largest in the world. Goldhub for the five inaugural Massive Online Open Courses
is the official website of World Gold Council that (MOOCs) of SBI on the NSE Knowledge Hub
maintains all the data regarding precious metal. platform. The five MOOCs that the Bank is offering
27. Razorpay has bought a majority stake in a are: “Banking Fundamentals”, MSME Lending in a
Malaysian payments start-up named “Curlec” for a Nutshell”. “Electronic Payment System in India”,
valuation of more than $19 million. ”Priority Sector Lending Norms” and “NRI Business
Note: This is Razorpay's fourth acquisition overall & Compliance” .
and comes just over a month after raising $375 33. Paisabazaar.com, a digital platform for consumer
million in funding. Prior to this, Razorpay acquired credit, has tied up with RBL Bank to offer ‘Paisa on
TERA Finlabs, Opfin and Thirdwatch. The Kuala Demand’ (PoD), a credit card.
Lumpur-based, Curlec builds solutions for recurring Note: The credit card will be exclusively available on
payments for businesses. the Paisabazaar platform. As per a press release, the
28. Social media platform, Instagram has launched the credit card from RBL Bank will be lifetime free with
campaign named ‘Take a Break’. a digital onboarding process. Along with features of
Note: Take a Break will alert users scrolling on a credit card, the product will provide customers the
Instagram to periodically take breaks from the option of availing personal loans from RBL Bank,
platform and focus on other things. The platform using the same credit limit at normal personal loan
will also alert users of the new inclusion with a rates.
notification. 34. Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd has
29. The increased limit on the e-RUPI digital voucher signed a bancassurance agreement with Utkarsh
from current cap of ₹10,000 to ₹100,000. Small Finance Bank for the distribution of health
Note: This was announced by Reserve Bank of India insurance products across India through the Bank’s
Governor Shaktikanta Das. The move will further network.
facilitate the delivery of various government Note: This bancassurance partnership will help
schemes to the beneficiaries more efficiently, he further strengthen our distribution and unlock
added. The e-RUPI prepaid digital voucher, growth opportunities through the Bank’s wide
developed by the National Payments Corporation of network. This tie-up will help us reach the tier II and
India (NPCI), was launched in August 2021 and runs tier III markets with insurance solutions thereby
on the UPI platform. increasing insurance penetration in the country.
30. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a Through the current partnership, ABHICL has 12
conservative real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in bancassurance partners with over 51,120 direct
FY23. distributors across India.
Note: While announcing the review of the monetary 35. The Reserve Bank of India has increased the
policy on Friday, the six-member monetary policy investment limit in Voluntary Retention Route
committee of the RBI retained the growth forecast (VRR) from Rs. 1,50,000 crores to Rs. 2,50,000
for FY22 at 9.5 per cent, while CPI inflation crores.
projection was revised downward, from 5.7 per cent Note: The Reserve Bank of India had introduced the
to 5.3 per cent. Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) for investments by
31. As per the latest Monetary Policy released by the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in debts in 2019
RBI, ₹3 crore would be the NACH mandate limit for with an investment limit of ₹1,50,000 crore. Out of
TReDS settlements that will fulfill the growing this, around ₹1,49,995 crore have been availed so
liquidity requirements of MSMEs. far in three tranches.
Note: Governor Shaktikanta Das said it will increase 36. According to TomTom Traffic Index's global top 25
National Automated Clearing House (NACH) list 5th is the rank of Mumbai as most congested
mandate limit for Trade Receivables Discounting cities in the world in 2021.
System (TReDS) settlements from Rs 1 crore at Note: Delhi and Pune ranked 11th and 21st among
present to Rs 3 crore. Transactions in TReDS are 404 cities across 58 countries, according to TomTom
settled through the NACH system. This was Traffic Index's global top 25 list. However, the
proposed keeping in view the requests received congestion level in Delhi during 2021 was 14% less
from stakeholders and to further enhance the ease than 2019 while in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune,
of financing and the growing liquidity requirements the level dropped by 18%, 32% and 29%
of MSMEs. respectively, according the report.
32. State Bank of India’s Strategic Training Unit has 37. Public Sector Undertaking, RailTel has won the
entered into a partnership with NSE Academy to Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
promote financial literacy as a necessary life skill. award for excellence in financial reporting for the
year 2020-21 in Public Sector Entities Category.
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 Note: The company was adjudged as winner in the Note: Under this arrangement the bank will offer an
category plaque. The award was given by the array of transaction services through digital modes
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), including multi-net banking, debit card, NEFT, RTGS,
the premier accounting body which has been IMPS, and UPI to the buyer and seller of the
holding the annual competition for these awards agriculture produce. As of January 2022, there are
since 1958. over 1.7 crore farmers and more than 1.8 lakh
38. Axis Bank is set to buy Citigroup Inc.’s India retail traders who are registered on eNAM and have
banking business in a transaction that could be benefitted from the digital marketplace.
valued at about $2.5 billion. 44. Karur Vysya Bank has joined hands with the
Note: An agreement for the consumer unit may be Chennai-based UNANU Technologies for digital
announced as soon as the next few weeks and is freight finance to fund transport contractors. using
contingent on approval from the Reserve Bank of the end-to-end logistics technology platform.
India. The deal would include a cash component of Note: UNANU has built the Freight Financing System
less than $2 billion, accounting for the consumer within their suite of software platforms. Using the
business’s liabilities. module “U-Turbo – a marketplace”, one can on-
39. RBL Bank has partnered with Creditas Solutions for board logistics companies and shippers to Freight
its ‘Neo Collections’ platform. Financing programme.
Note: The private sector lender will utilise the SaaS- 45. The Ministry of statistics and programme
based platform to accelerate efficiency in collections implementation (MoSPI) projected India’s gross
across the loan cycle. Powered by AI and ML domestic product (GDP) deflator for FY23 at 3 to 3.5
technology, the platform is built to automate percent.
strategies for reaching out to customers individually Note: The Government’s own projection on real GDP
in an empathetic manner and motivate them to growth for FY23 is at 7.6-8.1 percent and the union
repay loan. budget projected nominal GDP growth rate to be
40. Yes Bank has announced the launch of an annual 11.1 percent for FY23. Economic Survey 2021-22
startup enabler Agri Infinity program _______ Yes projected a real GDP growth rate of 8-8.5 percent in
Bank. FY23. GDP Projection in the Budget is based on
Note: It seeks to co-develop digital financial advance estimates of ‘National Statistical Office’
solutions for the food and agriculture ecosystem by (NSO).
mentoring entrepreneurial ventures in the field. 46. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company,
Those meeting the eligibility criteria will receive the Dabur India Limited has become India’s 1st 100%
guidance and support necessary to develop their Plastic Waste Neutral company.
solutions and apply them across the agricultural Note: It claimed to be the first Indian consumer
value chain. goods company to achieve this landmark. Dabur has
41. NABARD has launched ‘JIVA’ programme to promote collected, processed and recycled around 27,000 MT
natural farming, under which it will invest Rs of post-consumer plastic waste from all over India in
50,000 per hectare. the 2021-22 financial year. Dabur's plastic waste
Note: Under this, NABARD will invest Rs 50,000 per management initiative was rolled out in the year
hectare. It will be implemented on the existing 2017-18.
completed (or near completed) projects of 47. Vedanta has signed an MoU with Taiwanese
watersheds and wadis programme in around 11 electronics manufacturing company, Hon Hai
states covering 5 agroecological zones, which are in Technology Group (Foxconn) to form a joint venture
ecologically fragile and rain-fed areas. for manufacturing semiconductors in India.
42. Reliance Jio has formed a joint venture with SES, Note: According to the MOU signed between the two
Luxembourg to provide affordable broadband companies, Vedanta will hold the majority of the
services in India leveraging satellite technology. equity in the joint venture, while Foxconn will be the
Note: Jio Platforms will own 51% stake in the joint minority shareholder. This first-of-its-kind joint
venture while SES, a leading global satellite-based venture between the two companies will support
content connectivity solutions provider will own Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to
49% stake. The total value of the contract is around create an ecosystem for semiconductor
$100 million. manufacturing in India.
43. In February 2022, IndusInd Bank has been 48. IndiGo airline has announced a partnership with
empanelled by the Small Farmers Agri–Business Indian Oil for its 6E Rewards Ka-ching credit
Consortium (SFAC) to facilitate digital collection and cardholders under which cardholders will earn
settlement services on National Agriculture Market accelerated reward points of up to 4 per cent on fuel.
(e-NAM) portal for transactions between farmers Note: Under the partnership, Ka-ching cardholders
and traders across the country. will earn accelerated reward points of up to 4 per
53 | P a g e
 cent on fuel spends at more than 35,000 IndianOil Note: IndusInd Bank has been directly integrated
outlets across the country. With accelerated with e-NAM platform to provide safe and hassle free
earnings, Ka-ching cardholders will earn free flight payments, clearing and settlement services to the
tickets with 6E Rewards from daily fuel purchases. farmers and traders. Under this arrangement, the
49. Automobile company, Renault India has joined bank will offer an array of transaction services
hands with Common Services Center e-Governance through digital modes including multi-net banking,
Services to support the Pradhan Mantri Gramin debit card, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and UPI to the buyer
Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan. and seller of the agriculture produce.
Note: To digitally empower citizens in rural areas by 55. Wealth tech company, Fisdom has partnered with
training them to operate computers, laptops, browse Bank of Maharshtra to offer wealth management
the internet, access government websites, banking products and services to over 29 million customers
service and undertake digital payments. The aim of of the bank.
the program is to empower rural citizens in the age Note: This partnership is to distribute the wealth
group of 14 to 60 years. products and services through the bank’s network of
50. DMI Finance Private Limited has launched a digital more than 2,000 branches and its digital platforms,
personal loan product on Google Pay to provide including the mobile banking app and internet
reliable credit access to pre-qualified users of wallet. banking. The wealth management services will be
Note: Through the partnership, DMI Finance intends made accessible to bank customers through both
to disburse up to Rs 1 lakh per loan, which would be physical and digital mode.
repayable over a maximum of 36 months. The 56. Kotak Mahindra Bank has partnered with Ezetap
product is being launched across more than 15,000 to provide integrated Point of Sale (PoS) solutions
pin codes. The launch of the loan product will across 4,000 locations in India.
include the advantages of the digital loan disbursal Note: The initiative will strengthen the bank’s
process of DMI Finance and the Google Pay’s presence in the digital payments market space. The
customer experience. partnership will enable it to scale up its PoS product
51. LKP Securities Ltd has signed an agreement with base across merchant segments, including retail
HDFC Bank to offer a special 3-in-1 online account. enterprises and government customers.
Note: The 3-in1 account facilitates swift fund 57. Twitter Inc has partnered with Paytm’s payment
transfer between the bank account and trading gateway to improve the support for its ‘Tips’ feature
account as clients no longer have to go through a in India.
lengthy authentication process. To deliver an Note: Using the Tips feature, users can send
efficient experience by offering ease of opening payments to their favourite content creators on
trading, demat and bank account in a seamless twitter. Tips is available since November to all
manner. Twitter users above 18 years of age in India. It is
52. In association with PhonePe, NITI Aayog will be available in Indian languages including Bengali,
hosting the first-ever open-to-all hackathon that Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Tamil.
aims to showcase path-breaking solutions for the 58. Edelweiss Asset Management has launched
fintech ecosystem. eInvest- a mutual fund mobile app for investors for a
Note: The Hackathon will provide an opportunity smooth investing experience.
for innovators, digital creators and developers from Note: eInvest is an easy-to-use app for investors to
all over India to think, ideate and code. It aims to give them a smooth investing experience where they
showcase path-breaking solutions for the Fintech can perform all financial transactions and access
Ecosystem. their investment from anywhere at any time with
53. As per the Second Advance Estimates of production speed and ease.
of major crops 316.06 million tonnes is the 59. TransUnion CIBIL has launched a MSME consumer
estimated food grains production in the year 2021- education program that will help small businesses
22. gain awareness on credit management, CIBIL Rank
Note: Further, the production during 2021-22 is and commercial credit information.
higher by 25.35 million tonnes than the previous Note: It will teach them on how to build good credit
five years' (2016-17 to 2020-21) average production history and CIBIL Rank to avail easier and faster
of foodgrains. Total production of Rice during 2021- loans. It will kick off with MSME clusters in
22is estimated at record 127.93 million tonnes. Maharashtra, Assam and Tripura.
54. IndusInd Bank has been empaneled by the SFAC to 60. The NHPC Ltd has set a wholly owned subsidiary
facilitate digital collection and settlement services named NHPC Renewable Energy Ltd for
on e-NAM portal for the transactions between development of renewable energy, small hydro and
farmers and traders across India. green hydrogen-based businesses.

54 | P a g e
 Note: The new company -- NHPC Renewable Energy the year. The major reason for the likely downward
Ltd -- was registered with Registrar of Companies, revision is the upward revision of FY21 GDP to Rs
NCT of Delhi & Haryana. The Subsidiary Company 135.6 lakh crore in the first revised estimate of
shall develop Renewable Energy Projects either in national income for FY21, which was released on
Stand-alone mode or through formation of Special January 31, 2022.
Purpose Vehicles with collaboration of other 66. HDFC Bank has collaborated with the Indore Clean
agencies. Energy Private Ltd for the development of 550
61. Bank of Baroda and the Indian Railway Catering tonnes/day of Municipal Solid Waste to Compressed
and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) have Biogas plant - the largest Bio-CNG plant in Asia.
launched a co-branded contactless credit card. Note: Indore Clean Energy Pvt Ltd (ICEPL) is
Note: The card offers maximum savings to frequent promoted by Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF),
railway travellers and the card users will also get which is the largest climate impact fund in India
multiple benefits for shopping across other with anchor investors like NIIF & Government of UK.
categories like groceries, fuel etc. The card provides Earlier on February 19, 2021, Prime Minister
1% transaction fee waiver for the customers on all Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the municipal
train ticket bookings and 1% offer as fuel surcharge solid waste based Gobar-Dhan plant and dedicated it
waiver across all petrol pumps in India. Customers to the citizens of Indore City, Madhya Pradesh.
will be provided with 1,000 bonus reward points for 67. Edelweiss General Insurance has joined hands
purchase worth Rs.1,000 or more within 45 days of with Ashv Finance, a tech-led NBFC present in over
card issuance. 100 locations in India, to offer financial protection to
62. Bank of Baroda has signed a Memorandum of latter's business loan borrowers.
Understanding (MoU) with Assam Rifles to provide Note: Under this, EGI will utilize Ashv Finance reach
'Central Forces Salary Package'. of small business owners across India and offer
Note: Under the agreement, Bank of Baroda will them easy and friendly, tech powered solutions,
offer the Baroda Central Forces Salary Package to all coupled with superior customer experience. Ashv
personnel of the Assam Rifles, both serving and will offer timely credit to small businesses and
retired. Further, the Bank will also provide special MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) while
benefits, including Personal Accident Insurance and EGI will provide health insurance cover to all the
a co-branded credit card. Assam Rifles is country's customers of Ashv Finance in all major cities across
oldest paramilitary force. the country.
63. Tata Power Renewable Energy has collaborated 68. TripMoney, the fintech arm of MakeMyTrip has
with Germany-based RWE Renewable GmbH to partnered with SBM Bank to launch a rupee-
explore potential for a joint development of offshore denominated secure credit card.
wind projects in India. Note: “The TripMoney Global card offers multiple
Note: A corresponding MoU has been signed value-added benefits including zero forex mark-up,
between Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd and lifetime free validity and 100 per cent digital in-app
RWE Renewables GmbH, one of the world's leaders card management. The card is powered by Visa and
in offshore wind. The MoU between Tata Power can be used across over 150 countries.
Renewable Energy and RWE becomes significant in 69. The RBI has asked the certain class of NBFCs to
the light of the Central govt’s announcement of mandatorily implement 'Core Financial Services
achieving 30GW of offshore wind installations by Solution (CFSS)' by Sep 2025 in order to provide
2030. seamless customer interface as well as have a
64. Telecom company, Bharti Airtel has joined the SEA- centralised data base.
ME-WE-6 undersea cable consortium to scale up its Note: The RBI has decided that NBFCs – Middle
high-speed global network capacity to serve India’s Layer and NBFCs – Upper Layer with 10 and more
fast growing digital economy. 'fixed point service delivery units' as on October 1,
Note: The 19,200 Rkm SEA-ME-WE-6 will connect 2022 shall be mandatorily required to implement
Singapore and France, and will be amongst the CFSS. CFSS is akin to the Core Banking Solution
largest undersea cable systems globally. Through (CBS) adopted by banks.
SEA-ME-WE-6, Airtel will add 100 TBps capacity to 70. As per Moody’s Investor Services, 9% is the
its global network. Airtel will land the SEA-ME-WE-6 estimated GDP growth forecast for India in the
cable system in India at new landing stations in calendar year 2022.
Mumbai and Chennai. Note: It maintained a forecast for 5.5 per cent
65. According to India Ratings, 8.6 percent is the growth in CY2023. In its update on Global Macro
estimated GDP growth rate of India for FY 2021-22. Outlook 2022-23, Moody's said sales tax collection,
Note: The National Statistical Organisation (NSO), retail activity and Purchasing Managers Index
which has forecast 9.2 per cent real GDP growth for suggest solid momentum.
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71. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Regional Office and will be responsible for
re-appointment of Rakesh Sharma as Managing origination-implementation of operations in India
Director and Chief Executive Officer of IDBI Bank. 75. In a bid to boost the production of biofuel in the
Note: This re-appointment is as per approval of the country to curb carbon emissions, among others,
Reserve Bank of India received in this regard. He agri co-op giant NAFED signed an MoU with Indian
was previously appointed as the MD & CEO of the Oil Corporation (IOC).
bank in October 2018. Note: The MoU was signed to set-up Bio-fuel
72. Union Bank of India in association with National projects, Plants for post-processing of products viz
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), launched Cattle feed & Marketing of end products of CBG. The
‘MSME RuPay Credit Card’ for meeting business project will benefit Farmers, communities, and
related operational expenses of Micro, Small & Environment in the region & contribute to Hon. PM
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). vision 2021 for making India a ‘Net Zero Emission
Note: It is a first of its kind initiative to provide Country by 2070.
simplified and digital delivery of Finance to Micro, 76. Paytm Payments Bank Limited payments bank has
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to meet their become an official acquiring partner for e-RUPI
business-related operational expenses. This vouchers, further making it accessible at offline
dedicated card for MSMEs will be available to stores across the country.
eligible borrowers of Union Bank of India. Note: e-RUPI, which is a government initiative, is a
73. Standard Chartered has partnered with cashless prepaid voucher that beneficiaries can
International Air Transport Association (IATA) to present via SMS or QR Code. Paytm’s merchant
launch payment platform ‘IATA Pay’ for airline partners can then scan, enter the amount to be paid
industry in India. and receive the payment directly in their bank
Note: IATA Pay’s rollout will enable participating account. This will benefit beneficiaries (users), even
airlines to offer instant payment options like UPI those who do not have access to formal banking
Scan and Pay. Service leverages Unified Payment services or smartphones to avail the convenience of
Interface (UPI), enabling consumers to instantly pay digital payments.
for airline tickets from bank accounts 77. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the
74. New Development Bank will become first certificate of registration issued to PC Financial
multilateral agency to open an office in Gujarat Services Pvt Ltd.
International Finance Tech City (Gift). Note: Accordingly, PC Financial Services will not be
Note: NDB has received approval for the same and able to transact the business of a NBFI (Non-Banking
will open the office in May 2022 in GIFT City. NDB Financial Institution). PC Financial Services was
announced Director General position for India primarily engaged in mobile app-based lending
operations through an app called ‘Cashbean’.

January 2022

1. NTPC Ltd acquire 5 per cent equity stake in Power Such transactions will not require an Additional
Exchange of India Ltd (PXIL) that provides various Factor of Authentication (AFA). The upper limit of
electricity trading options. an offline payment transaction will be ₹200.
Note: The PXIL is India's first institutionally 3. The government has kept the interest rate on Public
promoted power exchange, which has been Provident Fund (PPF) unchanged at 7.1% percent
providing various electricity trading solutions and for 4th quarter of FY 2021-22.
connecting buyers as well sellers since 2008. the Note: The central government has kept the interest
authorised share capital of the PXIL is Rs 120 crore rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and
and paid-up capital is Rs 58.47 crore. PPF, unchanged for the fourth quarter of 2021-22
2. As per the framework issued by the Reserve Bank amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Provident
of India (RBI) for allowing offline digital payments Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Rs 2,000 will be the total limit for offline digital will continue to carry an annual interest rate of 7.1
transactions on a payment instrument at any point percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.
of time. 4. Digital marketplace for consumer credit,
Note: An offline digital payment means a transaction paisabazaar.com has partnered with Axis Bank to
which does not require internet or telecom launch a pre-qualified program for unsecured loans
connectivity. Under this new framework, which is on its platform.
applicable with immediate effect, offline payments Note: Axis Bank customers, both salaried and self-
can be made in face-to-face (proximity) mode only. employed, who are eligible for pre-qualified

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 personal loans from the bank, will now be able to SIB is placed, an additional common equity
view and apply for the same offers through the requirement is applied to it.
Paisabazaar platform as well. This integration would 10. South Indian Bank has won the UiPath Automation
lead to instant access to credit for these select Excellence Awards 2021 for Best Automation under
customers through an end-to-end digital process. Crisis for Business Continuity.
5. Fino Payments Bank has received the Reserve Note: The award was bestowed upon the Bank for
Bank of India’s approval for commencing its exceptional use of Robotic Process Automation
international remittance business. capabilities under difficult times for solving severe
Note: It received approval from central bank under operational constraints, thereby ensuring business
the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS). It will continuity. The UiPath Automation Excellence
be undertaking inward cross-border money transfer Awards aim to recognise the change-makers of
activities in association with an overseas principal, automation.
the details of which are being worked out. It also has 11. Apple became first company with stock-market
plans to commence outward remittance services value above $3 trillion.
soon. Note: Its share price has climbed steadily for years,
6. NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), the wholly-owned leaving it up more than 200% since Covid lockdown
subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of in early 2020 and underlined centrality of
India has introduced a unique functionality called technology for work, education, entertainment, etc.
‘UPMS’. Apple shared $2 trillion market value club with
Note: Through UPMS, NBBL will enable the Microsoft Corp, which is now worth $2.5 trillion
customers to set up standing instructions – from any 12. CryptoWire has launched India’s first crypto index
channel and for any mode on their recurring bill titled ‘IC15’, which will track the market
payments. The bills will be automatically fetched capitalization and liquidity of top 15 global digital
from the billers and presented to customers for their currencies.
action, in terms of auto-debit and bill payment Note: Crypto assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance
management. UPMS will help in democratizing coin, Solana, Cardano, Ripple, Terra, Dogecoin and
recurring bill payments and making them further Shiba inu will be monitored by this platform.
convenient for customers. CryptoWire’s index governance committee will
7. SBI General Insurance has launched maintain, monitor and administer the index. Base
#BahaneChhodoTaxBachao campaign to increase value of the index is set at 10,000 and base date is 1
awareness of Indians around the need to buy health April 2018.
insurance to save tax. 13. India exported goods worth $37.29 billion in
Note: The campaign #BahaneChhodoTaxBachao will December 2021, the highest ever in a month and
also underline other benefits of opting for health $400 billion annual export target of India for the
insurance.The campaign has a humorous tone to year 2021-22.
bring out the barriers people have for not buying or Note: India’s merchandise exports in April-
procrastinating to buy health insurance. December were nearly $300 billion, up 48.85 per
8. In January 2022, Airtel Payments Bank has been cent year-on-year and 26 per cent against the same
categorised as a scheduled bank by the Reserve period in 2019. This translates into India achieving
Bank of India (RBI). three-fourths of its annual export target of $400
Note: With this, Airtel Payments Bank can now pitch billion in the first nine months of FY22.
for government-issued Requests for Proposals 14. Bharti Airtel Limited has announced a joint
(RFPs) and primary auctions and undertake both venture with Hughes Communications India Private
central and state government business, besides Limited (HCIPL) to provide satellite broadband
participating in government-operated welfare services in India.
schemes. Airtel Payments Bank is among the fastest- Note: HCIPL will hold a 67 percent stake in the joint
growing digital banks in the country, with a base of venture, while Airtel will hold a 33 percent. HCIPL
115 million users. will combine the Very Small Aperture Terminal
9. Group of banks (State Bank of India, ICICI Bank (VSAT) business of both companies.
and HDFC Bank ) were identified as Domestic 15. Airtel Payments Bank announced a collaboration
Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) by the with Park+ to offer FASTag-based smart parking
Reserve Bank of India for 2021. solutions to marquee commercial and residential
Note: RBI places D-SIBs in appropriate buckets properties across the country.
depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores Note: The collaboration aims to leverage the deep
(SISs). The central bank’s current update on D-SIBs distribution reach and digital payments stack of
is based on the data collected from banks as on Airtel Payments Bank to digitize the parking
March 31, 2021. Based on the bucket in which a D- ecosystem using FASTag associated with the vehicle.
57 | P a g e
 Park+ will offer its entire suite of FASTag services assistance, mentoring, pitching to investors, funding
including issuance, acquiring, recharge, and support, and market connect & access etc.
technology support to Airtel Payments Bank. 21. Edelweiss Housing Finance Ltd (EHFL) and ECL
16. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the Finance Ltd (ECLF) have entered into co-lending
authorisation certificates of Muthoot Vehicle and partnership with Indian Bank for lending to
Asset Finance Ltd and Eko India Financial priority sector areas.
Services Private Ltd for non-compliance with Note: Agriculture, micro enterprises and advances
regulatory requirements. to weaker sections of the society are amongst the
Note: Both the Payment System Operators (PSOs) categories that form the priority sector in lending
had authorisation for issuance and operation of space. The lenders recently signed a (Memorandum
prepaid payment instruments. However , customers of Understanding) MoU under RBI's Co-Lending
or merchants having a valid claim, if any, on these Model (CLM), thus significantly expanding their
companies as PSOs, can approach them for portfolio of lending products available to the target
settlement of their claims within three years from customers, increasing their access to credit.
the date of cancellation. 22. Federal Bank has launched an online lending
17. RBL Bank has collaborated with Google to fuel the platform to facilitate quick and hassle-free credit
Bank’s customer experience strategy and expand its approvals of up to ₹50 lakh for MSMEs across India.
value proposition to serve its rapidly growing Note: The platform enables borrowers to avail loans
customer base through its digital platform, Abacus in less than 30 minutes digitally by uploading their
2.0. income tax returns, bank account statement and
Note: This collaboration will enable better customer online verification of GST details, per the private
data management, and analytics, enabling effective sector bank’s statement. The platform also uses
cross-selling within the Bank’s large customer base algorithms to read and analyse data points from
and subsequently reducing the cost of customer various sources such as I-T returns, GST data, bank
acquisition. Through Abacus 2.0, the Bank aims to statements, Credit Bureau, capturing the borrower’s
provide a superior and holistic one-stop solution to basic details using analytics.
its existing and new customers, to seamlessly deliver 23. Axis Bank has entered into a partnership with
its different product offerings across channels. MinkasuPay to offer biometric authentication
18. The Vodafone Idea has offered 30% percent of stake solution for its customers, whereby thetransaction
to the Government against outstanding payments timeto execute net banking payment will be reduced
related to spectrum auction instalments and AGR from about 50-60 seconds currently, to just 2-3
dues. seconds.
Note: It is now informed that the Board of Directors, Note: India’s third largest private sector banksaid
at its meeting held on 1 January 10, 2022, has customers’ biometric authentication will be done
approved the conversion of the full amount of such with Fingerprint or Face ID authentication. This
interest related to spectrum auction instalments and willalso increasetransaction success rates
AGR Dues into equity. The Net Present Value (NPV) significantly.
of this interest is expected to be about ₹16,000 crore 24. Adani Group has and South Korean steel major
as per the company’s best estimates, subject to POSCO have signed an agreement to explore
confirmation by the DoT,” Vodafone Idea said in a opportunities, including setting up of an integrated
stock exchange filing. steel mill at the western state of Gujarat.
19. In January 2022, SJVN Ltd. has been given the Note: POSCO and Adani intend to utilize renewable
category 'I' licence for the inter-state trading of energy resources and green hydrogen to make it an
power in the entire country by the Central environmentally friendly integrated steel mill. The
Electricity Regulatory Commission. company also runs POSCO-Maharashtra, a 1.8-
Note: If the licensee fails to undertake trading in million-ton cold-rolled and galvanized mill, and four
electricity within one year from the date of licence, processing centres in Pune, Delhi, Chennai and
the licence will be liable for revocation in Ahmedabad.
accordance with the provisions of the Act and 25. India and South Korea set a bilateral trade target of
Trading Licence Regulations. $50 billion.
20. AIC STPINEXT Initiatives, a special purpose vehicle Note: India and South Korea set a bilateral trade
of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has target of $50 billion before 2030, as South Korea's
signed two MoUs with HDFC Bank to enhance the Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo held talks with Indian
tech startup ecosystem in India. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in
Note: These partners would play critical role in New Delhi. The two mnisters held wide-ranging
supporting and handholding the startups in the discussions covering the whole gamut of bilateral
growth journey through technical guidance & trade and investment-related aspects.
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26. According to the World Bank’s Global Economic environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Prospects Report 2022, released in January 2022, strategies.
8.3% will be India’s annual growth rate in the 31. Paytm Payments Bank becomes the largest and
current fiscal year (2021-22). fastest growing UPI beneficiary bank in India.
Note: As per the report Global economic growth will Note: It becomes the first beneficiary bank in the
dip sharply from 5.5% in 2021 to 4.1% in 2022 and country to achieve the landmark of over 926 million
3.2% in 2023. The report also flagged the risks UPI transactions in a single month. Beneficiary
posed by growing inequality and rising inflation. banks are the banks of the account holder who is
27. The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode’s receiving money. Paytm Payments Bank has also
Business incubator Laboratory for Innovation gained rapid traction as a remitter bank for UPI
Venturing and Entrepreneurship (LIVE) has signed payments.
an MoU with Indian Bank to launched a startup 32. E-Commerce company Snapdeal has joined hands
funding scheme. with BOB Financial and NPCI to launch a co-branded
Note: The inked agreement launched a startup contactless RuPay credit card.
funding scheme, ‘IndSpring Board’ to support early- Note: This co-branded credit card aims to
stage startups by providing loans up to ₹50 crore. popularise the adoption and usage of credit cards
The loan amount disbursed to startups under the among the growing number of online buyers from
IndSpring Board scheme from IIMK LIVE and Indian India’s smaller cities and towns.The Snapdeal-BoB
Bank will be used to meet a startup operational co-branded contactless card will be rolled out by
expenditure and capital expenditure which includes March 2022.BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL)
working capital, purchase of fixed assets and other is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda
expenses. (BoB), one of India’s largest public sector banks.
28. In partnership with the NPCI UCO Bank has Established in 1994, BFSL issues Bank of Baroda
launched a ‘RuPay Select Contactless Debit Card’ credit cards.
with a host of benefits for its premium/HNI (High 33. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) has
Networth Individuals) customers. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Note: This launch was made on the occasion of the the Mecwin Technologies Ltd to introduce farmer-
79th Inauguration Day of the bank i.e. January 6, friendly solar-powered pump-sets using bank
2022. The card offers an ATM (Automated Teller finance.
Machine) withdrawal limit of Rs 50000 along with a Note: The MoU will benefit farmers since Mecwin
purchase of up to Rs 2 lakh at POS (Point of Sale) or Technologies Ltd is specialised in the production
E-Commerce. All RuPay Select Contactless Debit and management of solar irrigation pump-sets.
cardholders are eligible for the Insurance cover of Apart from this, the bank has the largest branch
up to Rs 10 lakhs (Death due to personal accident network in rural areas. KVGB was the first bank to
and permanent disability). introduce solar loan schemes.
29. NABARD has forged a partnership with Arthimpact 34. Tata Consultancy Services has been selected by the
Digital Loans for providing end-to-end fintech Ministry of External Affairs for the 2nd phase of the
solution including skilling, micro financial services Passport Seva Programme, the country’s largest
and forward linkage support to self-help group mission-critical e-governance programme.
members. Note: Launched in 2008, the PSP saw TCS
Note: ARTH will provide credit, payments and transforming the delivery of passport-related
insurance solutions support to micro-MSME services, digitizing the processes, and setting global
enterprises. Both organisations will work to provide benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and
micro financial services and forward linkage support reliability. In the next phase, TCS will refresh
to SHGs. The specialized entities across occupations existing facilities and systems, and develop
to 500 enterprises across Uttar Pradesh impacting innovative new solutions to enable the issuance of e-
2500 households passports.
30. HDFC Bank has been adjudged Best Private Bank in 35. Fintech company Lendingkart has entered into a co-
India at the Global Private Banking Awards 2021, lending partnership with Canara Bank to provide
organised by Professional Wealth Management low-cost business loans of up to ₹10 lakh to micro,
(PWM). small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the
Note: Professional Wealth Management (PWM) country.
specialises in analysing the growth strategies of Note: The loans will be provided with fast
private banks and the regional financial centres in turnaround time for approvals powered by
which they operate. The award was given for “Lendingkart 2gthr" platform using ‘zero touch’
contributing to accelerate key trends, including technology. Through this alliance it aims to broaden
digitalisation, communication and investment in its reach to support MSME borrowers to enhance
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 financial inclusion under the Reserve Bank’s Priority payment infrastructure factors, with a weightage of
Sector initiative. 10 per cent each.
36. MobiKwik has collaborated with National Payments 42. As per the latest GDP prediction by Ind-Ra, 7.6% is
Corporation of India (NPCI) Bharat BillPay to launch the estimated GDP growth rate for Indian economy
ClickPay for its customers. in FY 2022-23.
Note: Through ClickPay, MobiKwik customers will Note: After two years, the Indian economy will show
be able to pay recurring online bills, such as mobile, a meaningful expansion, as the real GDP in FY23 will
gas, water, electricity, DTH, insurance and loan EMIs be 9.1 per cent higher than the FY20 (pre-Covid
with ease by eliminating the need to remember level) GDP level. However, the size of the Indian
individual bill details and due dates. economy in FY23 will be 10.2 per cent lower than
37. According to the report titled “World Employment the FY23 GDP trend value
and Social Outlook Trends 2022”, released by the 43. SEBI has launched Saa ₹thi mobile app to empower
International Labour Organisation (ILO), 207 investors with the accurate knowledge of security
million will be the global unemployment in 2022. market.
Note: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Note: It will create awareness among the investors
has released a report titled ‘World Employment and about the basic concepts of securities market, KYC
Social Outlook Trends 2022’. The report warns of a process, trading and settlement, mutual funds, etc.
slow and uncertain recovery, as the pandemic The app is available in Hindi and English.
continues to have a significant impact on global 44. Tech-giant Microsoft is buying video game
labour markets. publisher Activision Blizzard for almost $69 billion.
38. In association with Equirus Wealth, Federal Bank Note: This acquisition will accelerate the growth in
has launched a “US Dollar offshore fund” exclusively Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC,
for their customers. console and cloud and will provide building blocks
Note: This is in collaboration with SCUBE Capital, a for the metaverse. Activision Blizzard is famous of
Singapore-based global fund management company. Candy Crush and Call of Duty, Xbox, among other
Both NRI and Resident customers of Federal Bank leading video games.
will be able to invest in this fund. 45. Rs 1500 crores capital is being infused in Indian
39. As per the latest RBI data, 304.06 is the Digital Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited,
Payment Index (DPI) in September 2021. (IREDA) by Union Cabinet.
Note: RBI-DPI Index continues to demonstrate Note: It will raise the lending capacity of IREDA to
significant growth in adoption and deepening of Rs 12,000 crore to the renewable energy sector.
digital payments across the country. The Index 46. NIF’s Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council has
captures the extent of digitisation of payments signed MoU with Amazon India for online
across the country. As per latest RBI data, the total distribution of product of grassroots innovations.
volume of digital payments rose about 57.50 per Note: It will make innovations from rural parts of
cent year-on-year to 645.84 crore in November India available universally and will ensure capacity
2021 against 410.07 crore in November 2020. building of grassroots innovators by engaging
40. As per the latest RBI data, released on January 2022, industry and subject matter experts.
the total volume of digital payments rose by 57.50% 47. IFSCA has signed MoU with Insurance Institute of
year-on-year in November 2021. India (III) for capacity building of professionals in
Note: As per latest RBI data, the total volume of the insurance sector.
digital payments rose about 57.50 per cent year-on- Note: It would design and conduct such
year to 645.84 crore in November 2021 against examinations and training for professional in IFSC
410.07 crore in November 2020. The total value of which would aid in having skilled talent in IFSC eco-
digital payments was up 32 per cent y-o-y to system.
₹1,48,03,884 crore in November 2021 against 48. Rs 650 crore has been sanctioned by the Small
₹1,11,99,549 crore in November 2020. Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for
41. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) calculate Digital AU SFB and Jana SFB – to provide funds to finance
Payment Index (DPI) on basis of base period companies and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
March 2018. Note: The financial assistance has been extended
Note: The DPI index comprises five broad out of the Special Liquidity Facility sanctioned by the
parameters that enable us to know the penetration Reserve Bank of India. This liquidity line has been
of digital payments in the country over different provided to SIDBI to meet the challenges being faced
time periods. The parameters include payment by the MSMEs due to the prevailing Covid-19
enablers, with a weightage of 25 per cent in the pandemic situation
index, followed by demand-side and supply-side 49. Axis Bank has tied up with MinkasuPay, a mobile
payments company based in Silicon Valley,
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 California, to offer a smooth net banking payment market. Benchmark indices witnessed nearly a 4%
experience to its customers through biometric cut last week as FPIs booked profits across large-
authentication solution. caps and select mid-caps.
Note: The transaction time will reduce from the 55. Kotak Mahindra Bank has signed an MoU with
current 50-60 seconds to just 2-3 seconds with GIFT SEZ enabling both to work together towards
fingerprint or face ID authentication, while greater enhancement of the financial services eco-
increasing success rates significantly. Axis Bank system for alternative investment funds and global
through this partnership with MinkasuPay will custody services.
enable customers to make net banking payments in Note: The MoU will enable both to work together
merchant apps using Fingerprint or Face ID, without towards greater enhancement of the financial
the need of usernames, passwords, and OTPs. services eco-system for alternative investment funds
50. Yes Asset Management’s name has been changed to and global custody services. Both KMBL and GIFT
White Oak Capital Asset Management. SEZ will cooperate towards wide-ranging activities
Note: Further, Yes Mutual Fund will now be called to improve overall financial services.
White Oak Capital Mutual Fund, Aashish P 56. In January 2022, Food delivery company Swiggy has
Sommaiyaa, Chief Executive Officer of White Oak become a Decacorn by almost doubling its valuation
Capital. Founded by Prashant Khemka, formerly CIO to $10.7 billion.
of Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s India Equity Note: Swiggy’s latest valuation is almost double that
and Global Emerging Markets Equity businesses, of Zomato before the latter went for its initial public
White Oak Capital group provides investment offering. Zomato was valued at $5.4 billion before its
management and advisory services for equity assets IPO.
of over Rs 42,000 crore. 57. Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFCs) Fullerton
51. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd has signed a India has partnered with Paytm to provide lending
joint development agreement with Africa50 to products to merchant partners and consumers.
develop a transmission project in Kenya. Note: With this partnership, the fintech users will
Note: Under a public-private partnership (PPP) get Paytm Postpaid (buy-now-pay-later) feature on
framework, the project involves the development, the Paytm platform.Besides, the partnership is set to
funding, building, and operation of the 400kV Lessos offer lending products like merchant loans.
– Loosuk and 220kV Kisumu – Musaga transmission 58. India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC)
lines. When finished, the project will be Kenya’s first partnered with Muthoot Homefin to offer mortgage
Independent Power Transmission (IPT) and will guarantee-backed home loan products to later’s
serve as a benchmark in Africa as the first PPP- customer.
based financing of transmission lines Note: Muthoot Homefin aims to leverage mortgage
52. TVS Motor Company has inked a pact with leading guarantee as a risk mitigation tool as demand for
on-demand delivery platform Swiggy to bolster the affordable and mid-income housing increases. The
electric commercial mobility segment. tie-up with IMGC will help Muthoot Homefin deepen
Note: The partnership highlights TVS Motor its penetration in existing markets across its 108
Company’s commitment to strengthen electrification branches/locations.
across diverse mobility segments and align with 59. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will spend
Swiggy’s many efforts to enable the adoption of EVs $150 million in the creation of data centres that will
in its delivery fleet. As part of the agreement, TVS primarily serve emerging Asia.
Motor and Swiggy will test the implementation of Note: This project is being AIIB’s 1st data centre
TVS Motor’s EV for food delivery and other on- project. The Keppel Data Centre Fund II (KDCF II), a
demand services of Swiggy. private equity company managed by Alpha
53. Marwadi Financial Services (MFS) partnered with Investment Partners Limited (Alpha), will route
NSDL Payments Bank to allow its clients an funds through the Beijing-based AIIB, of which India
integrated 3-in-1 savings account that combines the is a significant founding member.
features of savings, demat and trading accounts. 60. According to Brand Finance's Global 500 study for
Note: Using this account, investors will be able to 2022 Apple has retained its title as the world's most
seamlessly transfer funds in real time and execute valuable brand.
trades in almost no time. Users will also be able to Note: The brand valuation of Apple was recorded at
avail margins without actually moving funds $355.1 billion in 2022, which is an increase of 35%
between their savings and trading accounts. from last year. This is the highest brand value ever
54. Reliance Industries is the most valued company in recorded in the Brand Finance Global 500 ranking
terms of Mcap. history.
Note: This is due to the domestic equity benchmarks
witnessed heavy selling in line with the global
61 | P a g e
61. According to the World Economic Outlook report 66. TVS Motor Company Ltd has announced the
released in January 2022, 9.0% will be India’s acquisition of 75 percent stake in the Swiss e-
economic growth rate in the fiscal 2021-22 (FY22). Mobility Group (SEMG) for $100 million.
Note: Earlier this was estimated at 9.5%. IMF has Note: The valuation of the company (SEMG) is $100
projected the growth forecast for India in 2022-23 million. So, the acquisition cost is $100 million. The
(FY23) at 7.1%. IMF has projected the global growth acquisition has been made in an all-cash deal
rate in 2022 to 4.4%, and in 2023 to 3.8%. through TVS Motor’s Singapore Subsidiary TVS
62. Bharat Electronics Limited has signed a contract Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
with Hyperion Global Group, LLC, to develop, 67. Tata Group has regained control of Air India after 69
manufacture and supply Internet of Things (IoT) years -- Rs 18,000 crore.
devices for the US market. Note: The total value of the deal is Rs 18,000 crore
Note: BEL will manufacture and supply IoT devices (US$2.4 billion). The strategic disinvestment
worth $73 million to Hyperion during the first year transaction of Air India includes transfer of 100
of commencement of supply with a provision to percent stake of GoI in Air India to Tata Sons, along
negotiate and supply upgrades of the products, with management control.
worth $365 million, in the next five years. 68. The Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank is
Hyperion’s next generation global merged with Unity Small Finance Bank.
telecommunications infrastructure is said to be the Note: The amalgamation came into force with effect
key to unlocking unprecedented levels of from the date of the notification of the scheme i.e.
performance and speed made possible by the January 25, 2022. According to the press release, the
combination of IoT and 5G. Hyperion would scheme of amalgamation notified envisages taking
accomplish this by strategically implementing a six- over of all the assets and liabilities of PMC Bank,
phase strategy to meet its customer demands. including deposits, by the USFBL in terms of the
63. In association with which Reliance General provisions of the scheme.
Insurance Company Ltd., the Agri-tech start-up 69. City Union Bank has launched a wearable payment
FAARMS has introduced customized digital solution called CUB fitness watch debit card, in
insurance solutions for the rural population association with smart-tech-enabled preventive
especially the farmers. healthcare platform GOQii and powered by the NPCI.
Note: The partnership is aimed at offering Note: Customers need to hold this wristwatch in
comprehensive financial protection to the uninsured front of the PoS device during payment like tapping
individuals of the country. Faarms is a single point e- the card on PoS. For payments above Rs 5,000,
commerce platform for farmers for all farming customers need to tap and enter their PIN. The
related inputs from seeds, agrochemicals, machinery introductory price of a smartwatch debit card is Rs
and animal feed in India. 3,499, as compared to an actual cost of Rs 6,499).
64. CVC and Ministry of Finance have extended the 70. Google will invest $1 billion in the Bharti Airtel as
scope of the existing Advisory Board for Banking part of its India Digitization Fund.
and Financial Frauds (ABBFF) to cover all fraud Note: Google and Bharti Airtel will partner on a
cases involving an amount of Rs. 3 Crore and long-term, multi-year agreement to accelerate the
above. growth of India's digital ecosystem. Google will
Note: The probity watchdog had issued an order in make an equity investment of $700 million for a
this regard to the chief executives and CVOs of all 1.28% stake in Bharti Airtel at a price of Rs 734 per
public sector banks and insurance companies. The share.
CVC had on January 6 expanded the ambit of the 71. State Bank of India has issued $300 million
Advisory Board for Banking and Financial Frauds Formosa bonds and listed the issuance on India INX
(ABBFF), which conducts first level examination of GIFT IFSC.
large bank frauds, to cover all such cases involving Note: The lender is the first Indian entity to raise
amounts of Rs 3 crore and above besides examining money through Formosa Bond, which is a bond
the role of all levels of officials. issued in Taiwan. SBI was the first issuer whose
65. TerraPay has signed an MoU with NPCI Green bonds were dually listed in November 2021
International Payments Limited (NIPL) that will on Luxembourg Stock Exchange through a MOU that
allow Indian customers with an active UPI ID to has been entered into by both Exchanges.
receive real-time, international payments into their 72. According to the date released by the Ministry of
bank accounts. Commerce and Industry, 35% of growth has been
Note: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) registered in the export of the marine products
is the International arm of the National Payments during April to Dec 2021.
Corporation of India (NPCI). TerraPay is Note: The exports of Marine Products touched over
Headquartered in The Netherlands. $ 720 mn, registering a growth of over 28 per cent.
62 | P a g e
 The overall exports of Marine Products in the last destinations: USA, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand.
Financial Year was $ 5.96 bn. Top 5 export

Banking & Financial terms

1. AEPS – Aadhar Enabled Payment System 47. NPA – Non- Performing Assets
2. APBS – Aadhar Payment Bridge System 48. NSFR - Net Stable Funding Ratio
3. ATM – Automated Teller Machine 49. NPCI - National Payment Corporation of India
4. ALM - Asset Liability Management 50. NFS – National Financial Switch
5. AIIB - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 51. NSFR - Net Stable Funding Ratio
6. AMFI - Association of Mutual Funds in India 52. NACH – National Automated Clearing House
7. BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards 53. NEFT – National Electronic Fund Transfer
8. BBPS – Bharat Bill Payment System 54. NFC - Near field communication
9. BCA -Baseline Credit Assessment 55. NDTL – Net Demand and Time Liabilities.
10. BHIM - Bharat Interface for Money 56. NASSCOM - National Association of Software and
11. BLRA: Bank Led Resolution Approach Services Companies
12. CBL - Chest Balance Limit 57. NIIF - National Investment and Infrastructure Fund
13. CMFRI - Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute 58. OTC – Over the Counter
14. CBS – Core Banking System 59. PIN – Personal Identification Number
15. CIDR - Central Identities Data Repository 60. PAC - Personal Access Code
16. CTS – Cheque Truncation System 61. PCA - Prompt Corrective Action
17. CDR - Corporate Debt Restructuring 62. PCR – Public Credit Registry
18. CASA – Current Account Saving Account 63. PCR - Provisioning Coverage Ratio
19. CAD – Capital Account Deficit 64. PSPs - Payment Support Providers
20. CRA - Counterparty Risk Assessment 65. TC-CCP - Third-Country Central Counterparty
21. CRR – Cash Reserve Ratio 66. TRR - Temporary Recognition Regime
22. ECS – Electronic Clearing Service 67. TReDS - Trade Receivables Discounting System
23. DNS - Domain Name System 68. RTGS – Real Time Gross Settlement
24. DEAF - Depositor Education and Awareness Fund 69. USSD - Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
25. EFTPOS - Electronic funds transfer at point of sale 70. UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority of India
26. EFT – Electronic Fund Transfer. 71. VPA - Virtual Payment Address.
27. FRBM - Fiscal Responsibility and Budget 72. WMA - Ways and Means Advances
Management 73. TIEA - Tax Information and Exchange Agreement
28. LGD - Loss Given Default 74. NRETP - National Rural Economic Transformation
29. LTV- Loan To Value Project
30. LRS - Liberalized Remittance Scheme 75. IBC - Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
31. LCR - Liquidity Coverage Ratio
76. GSP - Generalised System of Preferences
32. GNFV - Gross Negative Fair Value
77. IFFCO - Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative
33. SFTs: Securities financing transactions
34. HCE - Host Card Emulation 78. PMJAY - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
35. PFE - Potential Future Exposure 79. NBFC - Non-banking finance companies
36. IIP - Index of Industrial Production 80. SWIFT - Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial
37. IBBI - Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Telecommunications
38. IFC - International Finance Corporation 81. NHB – National Housing Bank
39. IDRBT - Institute for Development and Research in 82. NGT - National Green Tribunal
Banking Technology 83. DSIB – Domestically Systematically Important Bank
40. Ind As - Indian Accounting Standards 84. RWAs - Risk Weighted Assets
41. ICAAP - Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment 85. TCs - Trade credits
Process 86. CSO - Central Statistics Office
42. IFSC - Indian Financial System Code 87. ASSOCHAM - Associated Chambers of Commerce and
43. IMPS - Immediate Payment Service Industry of India
44. IMPS - Interbank Mobile Payment Service 88. WPI - Wholesale Price Index
45. MMID - Mobile Money Identifier 89. FTA - Free Trade Agreement
46. MPIN - Mobile Personal Identification Number 90. NHB - National Housing Bank

63 | P a g e
www.byjusexamprep.com

91. YONO - You only need one 101.MPI - Multidimensional Poverty Index
92. ARC - Asset Reconstruction Company 102.UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
93. D-SIBs - Domestic Systemically Important Banks 103.UPI - Unified Payments Interface
94. MFIs - Micro Finance Institutions 104.NPCI - National Payments Corporation of India
95. FPIs - Foreign portfolio investors 105.CII - Confederation of Indian Industry
96. FVCIs - Foreign venture capital investors 106.NBCC - National Buildings Construction Corporation
97. PPF - Public Provident Fund 107.NSSO - National Sample Survey Office
98. NSC - National Savings Certificate 108.EMV - Europay, MasterCard, Visa.
99. CbC - Country-by-Country 109.FATF - Financial Action Task Force
100.WEF - World Economic Forum

Agreement & Deals

(1st to 15th May 2022)

1. MoU between Ministry of Agriculture and UNDP Abhay Kumar and ORTM Director General Jean Yves
Note: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU
(MoA&FW) and the United Nations Development intends to exchange programmes, investigate co-
Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of production of programmes, and exchange persons.
Understanding (MoU). As per the MoU, UNDP will 5. WEF partnered with NITI Aayog to focus on
provide technical support to two government programs: emerging technologies to help small, marginal
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) & Kisan farmers
Credit Card-Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (KCC- Note: NITI Aayog and World Economic Forum (WEF)
MISS). By leveraging its expertise, UNDP will provide have partnered to use artificial intelligence (AI),
technical assistance to effectively implement agriculture Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and drones for the
credit and crop insurance schemes. It will also help the benefit of farmers, particularly small and marginal. In
government in the capacity development of small and 2018, the WEF has established the Centre for the Fourth
marginal farmers, women farmers, sharecroppers, & Industrial Revolution (C4IR), India in Mumbai, in
tenant farmers. collaboration with the NITI Aayog. C4IR has already
2. INCOIS signs MoU with Indian Navy launched the Sagu Bagu Pilot Project in Telangana for
Note: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information using AI in agriculture.
Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, has signed a 6. NHAI Signs Two MOUs in Lucknow to Enhance Highway
memorandum of understanding with the Navy to Infrastructure
provide training services and support to the School of Note: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has
Naval Oceanology and Meteorology (SNOM) for conduct signed two MOUs to enhance National Highway
of various courses related to operational oceanography. infrastructure and will contribute to sustaining
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services environment in Uttar Pradesh and other states. A first of
(INCOIS), Hyderabad, has signed a memorandum of its kind MOU was signed between NHAI and State Rural
understanding with the Navy to provide training Livelihood Mission, Uttar Pradesh to involve the self-
services and support to the School of Naval Oceanology help groups in taking up the plantations along the
and Meteorology (SNOM) for conduct of various courses National Highways. The initiative will also be
related to operational oceanography. introduced in other states like Madhya Pradesh,
3. MoRD, Amazon ink pact to turn rural women into Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Rajasthan, and
entrepreneurs Andhra Pradesh. The second MOU was signed between
Note: Ministry of Rural Development and Amazon have NHAI and AMMANN India Pvt. Ltd. Both entities have
signed an MOU to enable SHG entrepreneurs under collaborated to create a talent pool of highly skilled
NRLM to offer their products to the buyers across India workforce, fully trained on advanced technologies in
through Amazon Saheli Storefront and help SHG women Highway construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance.
achieve good price for their varied products. 7. MHA and SECI sign MoU to realize India’s green
4. Prasar Bharati and ORTM inked MOU on energy initiative
cooperation and collaboration in Broadcasting Note: Ministry of Home Affairs and Solar Energy
Note: Prasar Bharati, India’s national broadcaster, has Corporation of India Limited (SECI) have signed an MOU
signed an MoU with Madagascar’s official ORTM (Office for collaboration in the field of green energy. Under the
de la Radio et de la Television) for broadcasting MOU, SECI will generate solar power up to 71.68
cooperation and collaboration. Indian Ambassador
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megawatts and provide the energy to a large number of 10. Ayana Renewable and Greenstat Hydrogen tie up to
security establishments across India. develop green hydrogen project
8. Railway Protection Force (RPF) has signed an MoU Note: Ayana Renewable Power and Greenstat Hydrogen
with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for India have partnered for development of green
curbing child trafficking. hydrogen projects in India. Under this partnership, the
Note: Railway Protection Force is entrusted with the companies will develop large scale green hydrogen
responsibility of security of railway property, passenger solutions, to provide long term supply of green
area and passengers. It has been discharging hydrogen to industrial and commercial customers in
responsibility as mandated by the Standardized India. An initial pilot project will be launched in
Operating Procedure for rescue of children issued by Karnataka. Ayana is powered by National Investment
Ministry of Railways and working with other and Infrastructure Fund’s (NIIF). Greenstat is a
stakeholders to rescue more than 50,000 children since subsidiary of Norway-based Greenstat ASA.
2018 under “Operation Nanhe Farishte”. It has recently 11. IIT Bombay and IMD signed MOU to develop user-
launched “Operation AAHT” to take stringent action friendly weather forecasting app
against human trafficking through rail and has been Note: The IIT Bombay has partnered with the Ministry
rescuing victims of Human Trafficking from the clutches of Earth Sciences’ India Meteorological Department
of traffickers. (IMD) to develop climate solutions for stakeholders at
9. India, Denmark Ink 9 Agreements During PM Modi's the village, city, and district levels. The partnership will
Visit aid the institute in the development of sensors and
Note: India and Denmark signed 9 agreements during drone-based smart monitoring systems, climate-smart
PM Modi's visit to the European nation. Some important agriculture technology for water and food security,
are as follows: intelligent and automated early warning systems,
1. Agreement on Migration and Mobility climate and health, smart power grid management,
2. Letter of Intent for creating Centre of Excellence wind energy forecasting, and heat wave forecasting.
in Green Shipping 12. C-DOT and C-DAC sign agreement for
3. Cultural Exchange Program from 2022-2026 cooperation in telecom, ICT
4. India has joined the International Centre for Note: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-
Anti-Microbial Resistance Solution (ICARS) as DOT) and the Centre for Development of Advanced
the mission partner Computing (C-DAC) have signed an MOU for
5. Agreement for cooperation on water, skill cooperation in the areas of telecom and information
development, animal husbandry and dairying and communication technology. Established in
sector, setting up Energy Policy Dialogue at 1984, C-DOT is an autonomous Telecom R&D centre
Ministerial level under the Department of Telecommunications,
6. Agreement between Invest India and Technical Ministry of Communications. Established in 1988, C-
Univeristy of Denmark for start-up DAC is an autonomous body under the Ministry of
collaboration Electronics and IT. The MOU was signed during
India’s 1st Conference on Semiconductors in
Bengaluru.

April 2022

1. BHEL signs MoU with GE Power Conversion development practices in the 33 member-AARDO, which
Note: Bharat Heavy Electricals has signed a includes 31 countries in the Asian-African region. Both
Memorandum of Understanding with GE Power parties will promote and collaborate in research,
Conversion (located in France) for development of consultancy, technical and knowledge support.
integrated full electric propulsion systems for the Indian 3. Railways and C-DoT sign MoU for modernisation of
Navy. GE Power Conversion is a world leader in electric telecom services
propulsion, with equipment installed on some of the Note: The Ministry of Railways signed an MoU with
latest platforms of the US Navy and the Royal Navy, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) to
including the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers. establish a collaborative working partnership. The
2. IIM-K signs pact to promote sustainable agriculture partnership entails coordination and resource sharing
in over 30 countries with respect to provision of telecommunication facilities
Note: IIM-Kozhikode and African Asian Rural in the delivery and implementation of C-DoT’s Telecom
Development Organisation (AARDO) have signed an Solutions and services in Railways.
MOU for promoting sustainable agriculture and rural
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4. NTPC inks MoU with Energy Vault for gravity-based 9. NITI Aayog, UNICEF India sign Statement of Intent
energy storage technology on SDGs with focus on children
Note: NTPC Ltd. Signed an MoU with Energy Vault Note: NITI Aayog and UNICEF India signed a Statement
Holdings, Inc., a leader in sustainable, grid-scale energy of Intent on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
storage solutions. The objective of the MOU is to with a focus on children. This seeks to formalize a
collaborate and formalise a long-term strategic framework of cooperation to launch the first report on
partnership for deployment of Energy Vault’s EVx™, a the State of India’s Children – Status and Trends in
gravity-based energy storage technology and software Multidimensional Child Development.
solutions based on the outcome of a joint feasibility 10. APEDA inks MoU with National Research
study. The technology also offers beneficial utilisation of Development Corporation NRDC
coal ash for manufacturing of composite blocks. Note: The Agricultural and Processed Food
5. ONGC ties up with Norway’s Equinor for clean Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
energy has signed an MOU with National Research
Note: ONGC has signed an MoU with Equinor ASA, the Development Corporation (NRDC) for the
Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company implementation of the Agri Export Policy and to
for for collaboration in areas of upstream exploration & strengthen the export value chain.
production, midstream, downstream and clean energy 11. India, Maldives sign seven MoUs for projects
options. As per the agreement, both ONGC and Equinor under India grant assistance
will collaborate with each other in the field of upstream Note: India and Maldives have signed seven MoU
oil and gas, midstream, marketing and trading, besides for projects to be built under the Indian grant
exploring further options in low carbon fuel, assistance scheme for the High Impact Community
renewables, carbon capture storage as well as carbon Development Project (HICDP) through local bodies.
capture utilization and sequestration opportunities in 7 new HICDP have been launched by Maldives
India under Indian grant assistance promoting youth
6. IFSCA signs a Memorandum of Understanding with empowerment, health, sports and heritage
the NIA preservation.
Note: The International Financial Services Centres 12. IIT-Guwahati has partnered with NTPC to
Authority (IFSCA) has signed a Memorandum of develop energy-efficient tech to capture carbon
Understanding (MOU) with the National Insurance dioxide from power plants.
Academy with the goal of creating capacity and Note: IIT-Guwahati has partnered with NTPC to
establishing a qualified talent pool in the insurance design and develop a highly energy-efficient plant
sector in International Financial Services Centres. for CO2 capture from power plants. This indigenous
7. Posoco ties up with IIT Delhi for research technology, which may so on be patented, was
Note: Power System Operation Corp. Ltd.’s (Posoco) developed by a research team led by Bishnupada
Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre signed a Mandal, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT
memorandum of understanding with Indian Institute of Guwahati.
Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) to encourage research on 13. SJVN signs pact with BHEL, REMC to develop
issues relating to India’s power sector and strengthen renewable projects for Indian Railways
interaction between academia and industry. Note: SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) has signed an
8. India and UK have signed two government-to- MOU with BHEL and Railway Energy Management
government MOU for cooperation on Global Company (REMC) Ltd to develop renewable energy
Innovation Partnership and Nuclear Energy projects for Indian Railways.
Partnership. SJVN aims to create 5,000 MW by 2023, 25,000 MW
Note: The MoU on Cooperation on Global Centre for by 2030 and 50,000 MW installed capacity by 2040
Nuclear Energy Partnership was signed between India’s of renewable energy.
Department of Atomic Energy and the UK’s Department 14. UIDAI tieup with ISRO for technical
of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Another collaboration
MoU on Implementation of Global Innovation Note: Unique Identification Authority of India
Partnership between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (UIDAI), MeitY has signed a Memorandum of
and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Understanding with National Remote Sensing
Office was also signed. The Global Innovation Centre (NRSC), ISRO, Hyderabad for technical
Partnership is a cooperation initiative which India and collaboration. NRSC will develop a Bhuvan-Aadhar
the UK agreed to co-finance, up to USD 100 million to portal for providing information and locations
support the transfer and scale innovations for SDGs and about the Aadhaar centres across India.
climate-related goals. 15. India has signed an MOU with Nepal to set up a
wastewater management project in Nepal.
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Note: The Embassy of India signed the MoU with development of this zone. The agreement for
the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General establishing the Indian Economic Zone was signed
Administration, Government of Nepal & Khumbu in 2015. Among the Government to Government
Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Soulukhumbu for economic zones being set up in Bangladesh, the
the construction of the Khumjung Khunde Waste Indian Economic Zone is going to be the second
Water Management Project. The construction of this largest one after the Japanese Economic Zone.
18. Indian Overseas Bank, Software Technology
project will improve the health and quality of life of
Park of India ink MoU
the people living in Khumjung village,
Note: Indian Overseas Bank has signed an MOU
Solukbumbuproviding them with safe water and with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
improved sanitation, which are essential for and STPINEXT (a Section 8 company of STPI) for
improving public health. leveraging innovation through the financial
16. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India technologies engaged under the FinBlue initiative.
(ICAI) has signed an MoU with the Directorate of The FinBlue initiative of STPI is an integrated
School Education, Kashmir (DSEK) programme for incubating start-ups. It provides
Note: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of access to the financial technology ecosystem that
India (ICAI) has signed an MoU with Directorate of consists of bankers, financial institutions, mentors,
School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), for promoting investors among others.
Commerce Education among students of the Union 19. Bharat Dynamics signs MoU with Tawazun
Territory. The MoU has been signed for a period of Economic Council, UAE
five years during the outreach meeting held with Note: Bharat Dynamics (BDL) and Tawazun
principals of Kashmir valley. Economic Council (TEC), United Arab Emirates have
17. Bangladesh signs deal with Adani group for exchanged Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Indian Economic Zone to explore new business opportunities in various
Note: Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority areas of mutual interest in the field of defence.
(BEZA) has signed an agreement with the Indian Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) is the UAE
company Adani Ports and SEZ Limited to set up an defense and Security acquisition authority for the
Indian Economic Zone at the Bangabandhu Sheikh UAE armed force and also manages the
Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) in Mirsarai of procurement and contract of the UAE armed forces,
Chattogram. The Indian Economic Zone will provide covering administrative, technical, contractual and
facilities for Indian investors in Bangladesh. India functional aspects.
has given a Line of Credit worth USD 115 million for

March 2022

1. India has signed an MOU with Sri Lanka to build their potential in India to understand and evaluate the
hybrid power projects in three islands off Jaffna. demand, the challenges and opportunities of supply,
Note: This is the third power project that India is infrastructure and fuelling, as well as to prepare a
developing in Sri Lanka, after NTPC’s solar project in business case for SAF production and use in India for all
eastern Sampur town and Adani Group’s project in kind of aviation purposes. SAF can reduce CO2
Mannar and Pooneryn in the north. India and Sri Lanka emissions up to 85% across the entire SAF lifecycle. The
aviation sector globally contributes to 2-3% of CO2
have also agreed to set up a Maritime Rescue
emissions as compared to other sectors.
Coordination Centre in the latter. Bharat Electronics will
3. IIE signs MoU with MoRD to enhance the impact of
develop the centre. The project involves a $6 million the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme
worth of grant. India (Goa Shipyard Ltd) is developing a (SVEP)
floating dock for Sri Lanka and also providing a Dornier Note: Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship-Guwahati,
Reconnaissance Aircraft. India has extended $2.4 billion Assam, under the Ministry of Skill Development and
support to Sri Lanka since the beginning of this year. Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed an MoU with the
2. GMR Airports, Airbus collaborate to study on Ministry of Rural Development to promote
sustainable aviation fuel entrepreneurship amongst the rural youth through the
Note: Airport operators Groupe ADP and GMR Airports ‘start-up village entrepreneurship programme’ (SVEP).
together with Airbus, Axens and Safran (all France- SVEP is a sub-component of Deendayal Antyodaya
based companies) have signed an MOU to conduct a Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-
joint study on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and NRLM) — which aims to support entrepreneurs in rural
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areas to set-up enterprises at the village-level in non- 8. BRO signs MoU with GRSE for construction of 27
agricultural sectors. The IIE will act as a National double-lane class 70 modular bridges in border
Resource Organisation (NRO) to provide support for the areas
successful implementation of the SVEP scheme. IIE was Note: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has signed an
established in 1993 as an autonomous organisation MOU with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
under the M/o Skill Development and (GRSE) Ltd for the construction of 27 double-lane
Entrepreneurship. bridges of carriageway 7.5 meters of ‘load class 70’. A
4. Tata Steel, Indo-German Science and Technology bridge on important “Flag Hill-Dokala” Road in Sikkim
Centre join hands for Scientific Cooperation was constructed at an altitude of 11,000 feet by
Note: Indo-German Science and Technology Centre Karamyogis of Project Swastik in February 2021.
(IGSTC) has signed an MOU with Tata Steel to 9. HAL signs pact with SASMOS to work together in
collaborate on climate change, greening of the industrial aerospace domain
sector, emerging technologies in new materials, joint Note: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed
research & innovation for emerging technologies, and an MoU with Bengaluru-based company SASMOS to
technology development for scaling-up. IGSTC has been work together on advanced electronics, electrical and
established by the Department of Science and fibre optic interconnections in the aerospace domain.
Technology (DST), Govt of India, and the German HAL's subsidiary Naini Aerospace Limited (NAeL) was
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). also a signatory to the MoU, SASMOS'. Under the MoU,
IGSTC has also signed a Letter of Intent with BASF HAL and SASMOS will "work together in the field of
Chemicals India Pvt Ltd for scientific cooperation advanced electronics, electrical and fibre optics
partnerships to foster science and technology led interconnections in the aerospace domain"
innovations and research partnerships in PPP mode. 10. Bureau of Indian Standards signs MoU with IIT
5. Indian Potash signs MoU with Israel Chemicals for Roorkee for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization
MOP supply Chair Professor’
Note: Indian Potash Limited signed an agreement with Note: Bureau of Indian Standards, has signed an MOU
Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL) for the supply of Muriate with IIT Roorkee for establishment of ‘BIS
of Potash (MOP) for the next five years. An MoU Standardization Chair Professor’ at IIT Roorkee. This
between the two firms was signed in New Delhi. As per would be the first Standardization Chair established by
the deal, Israel Chemicals Limited has agreed to supply BIS in an Institute for activities on Standardization and
6 to 6.5 LMT of Muriate of Potash to India yearly from Conformity Assessment.
2022 to 2027. 11. Tripartite MoU signed between Ministry of Ayush,
6. NMDC Sign MoU with IIT Kharagpur for drone-based CSIR, and ICAR for collaboration in areas of common
mineral exploration interest
Note: The country’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC Note: A tripartite MOU has been signed between the
Ltd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry
for drone-based mineral research with IIT Kharagpur. of Ayush and, the CSIR for facilitation of R&D and
The National Mining and Development Corporation deployment of technologies related to medicinal plants
(NMDC)is increasingly dependent on technical and ayurvedic food for the benefit of humans and
innovation and the digitisation of its exploration and animals to study the traditional agricultural practices of
mining database. The government has taken the first India and undertake joint research and development
step in regulating and monitoring drone usage and (R&D) activities for facilitating socio-economic growth.
operations in India, which are now employed in A joint working group will be formed for ensuring
agriculture, urban planning, forestry, mining, disaster effective implementation of the MOU.
management, surveillance, and transportation, among 12. MoU to develop daylight harvesting technologies
other industries. Note: Technology Development Board, a statutory body
7. HSL inks MoU with Eker Group, Vaanmoto to build of Department of Science & Technology, has signed an
speed boats MOU with Skyshade Daylights Private Limited,
Note: Hindustan Shipyard Limited has entered into an Hyderabad to promote the Start-up in order to reduce
MOU with Eker Group of Norway and Vaanmoto carbon footprint and improve the building energy
(Kerala-based vehicle parts manufacturing company) to efficiency. The startup has already developed two
explore opportunities in the field of manufacturing innovative solutions named Human centric-climate
speed boats. Eker designs, constructs and sells ferries, adaptive building facades and Central integrated
leisure boats and professional boats, especially suitable daylighting system. Daylighting is basically bringing
for defence and law enforcement. natural sunlight inside the rooms. This technology
reduces the consumption of electricity and thus,
contribute towards sustainable development.
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13. India & International Telecommunication Union Technology (DST), Government of India, in partnership
Sign Host Country Agreement with Intel India, was launched by Dr Jitendra Singh,
Note: The Government of India has signed the Host Union Minister of State for Science and Technology
Country Agreement (HCA) with International (I/C). The program aims to build digital readiness
Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the establishment among the students from classes 6 to 10, enrolled under
of an Area Office & Innovation Centre of ITU in New DST’s INSPIRE-Awards MANAK scheme.
Delhi. The Host Country Agreement provides the legal 15. HPCL signed MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of
and financial framework for the establishment and India
operations of the Area Office. The Area Office and Note: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
Innovation Centre of ITU at New Delhi will serve South signed on February 24, 2022 in New Delhi between
Asian countries comprising of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and
Bhutan, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) to
14. DST tieup with Intel India to boost AI readiness accomplish green energy targets and the Government of
Note: ‘Building AI Readiness among Young Innovators’, India’s efforts towards a carbon-neutral economy.
a program by the Department of Science and

February 2022

1. India’s NIUA and WEF to collaborate on sustainable (FICCI) to launch a unique nationwide MSME consumer
cities development programme education program to support MSME. This program will
Note: World Economic Forum (WEF) and the National kick off with MSME clusters in Maharashtra, Assam and
Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) have signed a Tripura and aims to reach thousands of MSMEs across
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate key MSME clusters in India.
on a jointly designed ‘Sustainable Cities India program’. 5. Twitter tieup with Paytm to boost its ‘Tips’ feature
The program aims to create an enabling environment in India
for cities to generate decarbonization solutions across Note: Twitter Inc has partnered with Paytm’s payment
the energy, transport, and built environment sectors. gateway to improve the support for its ‘Tips’ feature in
2. Kerala’s startup Mission partnered with Google for India. With this partnership, Twitter users will be able
Startups to foster global links to use the payments facility of Paytm, including its
Note: During the ‘Huddle Global 2022’, the Kerala Paytm digital wallet, Paytm Postpaid (buy-now-pay-
Startup Mission (KSUM) has entered into a later service), debit and credit cards, and net banking.
collaboration with technology major Google that will The feature was announced last year and is one of the
enable start-ups in the State to join a wider global company’s many efforts to introduce monetisation on
network that provides mentorship and training. This the platform.
wider network enables local startups to leverage 6. Reliance Jio ties up with SES for satellite-based
Google’s programme comprising mentorship and broadband service
training of startup teams to help scale up their Note: Reliance Jio has tied up with Luxembourg-based
solutions. satellite and telecom services provider SES to provide
3. India and France sign Roadmap on Blue Economy satellite-based broadband communication services in
Note: India and France have inked a roadmap to India. Under the agreement, Jio Platforms has formed a
enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy joint venture with SES, named as Jio Space Technology
and ocean governance. Dr S Jaishankar is on a three-day Ltd. The joint venture will deliver the next generation
visit to France, from February 20 to 22, 2022, to attend scalable and affordable broadband services in India,
EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo- leveraging satellite technology. Jio Platforms Ltd will
Pacific scheduled for February 22. The agreement on hold 51 per cent and SES will own a 49 per cent equity
‘Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance’ was stake in the joint venture. The total value of the contract
signed between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S is around $100 million.
Jaishankar’s and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le 7. Amazon India signed MoU with Karnataka to turn
Drian. rural women into entrepreneurs
4. TransUnion tieup Ficci for MSME consumer Note: Amazon India signed an MoU with Karnataka
education programme State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (KSRLPS) to
Note: TransUnion CIBIL has partnered with the support the growth of women entrepreneurs. Amazon
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry India will launch ‘Sanjeevini-KSRLPS’ in its platform and
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extend benefits of the ‘Saheli’ Programme to train and facilitate seamless digital distribution of life insurance
empower thousands of rural women entrepreneurs and products and boost financial inclusion across India.
also provide online access to a wider market for their 11. Kotak General Ins. partners CARS24 to offer Motor
products. The Saheli Programme offers training and Insurance for used cars
skill development workshops to help women Note: Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company has
entrepreneurs. signed an agreement with Cars24 Financial Services
8. Sonata Software tie-up with Microsoft for its launch Private Limited (CARS24 Financial Services) to provide
of ‘Microsoft Cloud’ motor insurance services to used car buyers. Under the
Note: A global IT Services, and Technology Solutions partnership, used car buyers from Cars24 will be
Company, Sonata Software has announced its directly provided with Kotak General Insurance’s
partnership with Microsoft for its launch of ‘Microsoft comprehensive motor insurance plans.
Cloud for Retail’. The company has been a partner with 12. SBI tie-up with Ministry of Culture for Development
Microsoft for over three decades. The ‘Microsoft Cloud of Atmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design
for Retail’ collaboration is expected to further Note: The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a
strengthen the relationship. Sonata Software delivers tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
solutions for retailers worldwide, leveraging world- the Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and
class IPs, in-house migration and modernisation tools. National Culture Fund (NCF) of the Ministry of Culture,
9. NITI Aayog and USAID annouces tie-up under for Development of Atmanirbhar Bharat Centre for
SAMRIDH initiative Design (ABCD) at L1 Barrack, Red Fort, in Delhi. The
Note: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and main objective of Project ABCD is to highlight, promote
the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and celebrate the products that have the Geographical
have announced a new partnership under the Indication sign to give a boost to Economic Value
Sustainable Access to Markets and Resources for Addition to GI products from India.
Innovative Delivery of Healthcare (SAMRIDH) initiative. 13. Vedanta tied up with Union Bank of India to take
It aims to improve access to affordable and quality over syndicated facility
healthcare for vulnerable populations in tier-2 and tier- Note: Vedanta Ltd has tied up a facility of Rs 8,000
3 cities, and rural and tribal regions. It aims to mobilize crores (replacement facility) with Union Bank of India
a capital pool of $100+ million from the private sector at 7.75% to take over the majority of the syndicated
and bilateral organizations. It leverages this fund to facility after discussions with lenders. During 2020,
offer both grant and debt financing provision to support amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Vedanta Ltd had tied up a
the expansion of market-based health solutions. syndicated facility of ₹10K crores with the State Bank of
10. LIC tie-up with Policybazaar for digital distribution India as the lead bank at a running cost of 10.5 per cent.
of life insurance 14. SBI tie-up with Tata Power for financing solar
Note: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has tied up with projects
Policybazaar to digitally offer a wide range of Life Note: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a dedicated
Insurance and investment products to its customers centralized processing cell named ‘Surya Shakti Cell’
across India. This is LIC’s first association with a private with the objective of strengthening the existing
insurance aggregator, which has mainly relied on its financing arrangement for solar power projects. SBI has
1.33 million agents for distributing products. To collaborated with Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd. (a Tata
Power Company) for financing solar power projects.

January 2022

1. India tie-up with Israel to convert 150 villages into women-led small businesses across India. Meta will
‘Villages of Excellence’ undertake this initiative under its #SheMeansBusiness
Note: The Government of India has joined hands with programme, in partnership with FICCI’s ‘Empowering
the Government of Israel to create 150 ‘Villages of the Greater 50%’ initiative. The initiative will create a
Excellence’ in 12 States of the country, to help farmers supportive ecosystem for women and inspire them to
to adopt the latest technology in the farm sector. Israel become contributors to the overall development of the
would provide Technical assistance and other expertise country.
to make agriculture a more profitable business. 3. TerraPay tie-up with NPCI International to boost
2. Meta tie-up with FICCI to support 5 lakh women- cashless transactions
owned SMBs across India Note: TerraPay has signed MoU with NPCI International
Note: Social media giant Meta has partnered with Payments Limited (NIPL) to allow Indian customers
industry body the Federation of Indian Chambers of with an active UPI ID to receive real-time, international
Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to support five lakh payments into their bank accounts via TerraPay’s
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secure payments technology. It will enable a seamless digital and eligible merchants on the Google Pay for the
and convenient cross-border remittances experience. Business app can click on loan offerings from Indifi and
NIPL is an international arm of the National Payments submit an application online. The loans will be in the
Corporation of India (NPCI). range of Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 lakh.
4. Google to invest upto $1 Billion in Bharti Airte 9. Axis Bank tie-up with MinkasuPay for biometric-
Note: Bharti Airtel and Google have announced a long- based banking payments
term partnership agreement, to accelerate the growth of Note: Axis Bank has tied up with MinkasuPay to offer a
India’s digital ecosystem. Under the deal, Google will biometric authentication solution for net banking
invest USD 1 billion in Airtel. From the total investment, payments in merchant apps using Fingerprint or Face
Google will invest USD 700 million to acquire a 1.28 per ID, without the need for usernames, passwords, and
cent stake in Bharti Airtel Ltd. The remaining USD 300 One-Time Passwords (OTPs). This Solution will reduce
million will go toward multi-year commercial the time of payment from 50-60 seconds to just 2-3
agreements with Airtel, including devices built together seconds and also increase the transaction success rate.
by the two tech giants. 10. LazyPay tie-up with SBM Bank India to Launch
5. Jio tie-up with Finland’s University of Oulu to LazyCard
accelerate 6G research Note: LazyPay, a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solution by
Note: Jio Platforms (JPL) has signed a pact with the PayU Finance, announced its partnership with SBM
University of Oulu, Finland, to accelerate research and Bank India to launch LazyCard, a prepaid payment
standardization in 6G technology. JPL and the University instrument backed by a credit line that works on the
of Oulu will collaborate in Research and Development Visa payment network. To empower financially
(R&D) of aerial and space communication, holographic underserved Indians with easy access to credit as their
beamforming, 3D-connected intelligence in card has limited credit options. LazyCard reaches over
cybersecurity, microelectronics, and photonics. 62 million pre-approved users of LazyPay, with a credit
6. IIMK LIVE and Indian Bank ink MoU to disburse limit of up to 5 lakhs. Consumers could avail the
loans upto Rs 50 Crore for Startups Lazycard at zero joining fees and zero annual fees along
Note: Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode’s with multiple transactional benefits and rewards
(IIMK) Business incubator Laboratory for Innovation 11. Adani Group sign agreement with South Korea’s
Venturing and Entrepreneurship (LIVE) has signed a POSCO to develop steel mill
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Note: Adani Group and South Korea’s largest
Bank to financially support early-stage startups. Under steelmaker POSCO have signed a non-binding
the MoU, a startup funding scheme, ‘IndSpring Board’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore
has been launched. Under this scheme loans up to Rs, 50 business opportunities in India. This includes the
Crore will be disbursed to the startups. establishment of a green, environment-friendly
7. Odisha And The United Nations World Food integrated steel mill at Mundra, Gujarat. The estimated
Programme To Bolster Food Security Of Small investment of the project is up to $5 billion (approx. Rs
Farmers 37,000 crore). The non-binding MoU also intends to
Note: In a participatory pilot initiative, climate collaborate at the group business level in various other
advisories will be tailored to enable smallholder sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and
farmers to adapt to the impact of climate change. logistics in response to carbon reduction requirements.
Smallholder farmers, who constitute 90 percent of 12. Airtel Payments Bank tie-up with Park+ to offer
farming communities in Odisha, will be able to select the FASTag-based Parking Solutions
right farming and livelihood options to improve their Note: Airtel Payments Bank and Park+ have
food security and incomes. collaborated to offer FASTag-based smart parking
8. Indifi tie-up with GPay to offer instant digital credit solutions to marquee commercial and residential
to SMEs properties across India. This partnership will utilize the
Note: Small businesses-focused online lending platform reach of Airtel Payments Bank to digitize the parking
Indifi Technologies has collaborated with Google Pay to ecosystem using FASTag associated with the vehicle.
provide instant loans to eligible medium, small and Park+ is backed by Sequoia Capital and Matrix Partners
micro enterprises (MSMEs) merchants through the and is engaged in automating parking spaces through
Google Pay platform. The borrowing process is entirely FASTag.

Obituaries

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May

Name of the Personality Field Achievements

Tony Brooks British racing driver • Won six Formula One
Grand Prix in 1950s
• Nicknamed as “Racing
Dentist”
Salim Ghouse Film and TV actor Wrote the roles of Rama,
Krishna, and Tipu Sultan in
Shyam Benegal’s TV Series
Bharat Ek Khoj.
Rajat Kumar Kar Eminent Odia litterateur • Recipient of Padma Shri
in 2021
• known for his
commentary during
Ratha Jatra (Jagannath
culture) on TV and
radio.
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Indian music composer and Recipient of Padma Shri in 1991,
santoor player and Padma Vibhushan in 2001
Yuri Averbakh Russian chess grandmaster Chaired the Chess Federation of
USSR from 1972 to 1977
Pandit Sukh Ram Veteran Himachal Pradesh Sentenced to 5 years
Congress leader imprisonment for corruption
when he was Communications
Minister in 1996.
Leonid Kravchuk Former communist and first -
president of independent
Ukraine
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al UAE President and Ruler of Abu -
Nahyan Dhabi
Rama Kant Shukla Sanskrit and Hindi Scholar • Founding chairman and
editor of
Arvacinasamskrtam
journal in Sanskrit
• Conferred with Sanskrit
Rashtrakavi, Kaviratna,
and Kavi Siromani
Andrew Symonds Former Australian all-rounder Top-rate fielder and was a key
part of Australia’s back-to-back
50-over World Cups triumphs in
2003 and 2007.

April

Name of the Personality Field Achievements

Manju Singh Hindi television presenter and • Produced Swaraj, Ek
actor Kahani, Show Time
shows.

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• Fondly called ‘didi’

• Anchor of Khel Khilone
show.
Bilquis Bano Edhi Pakistani humanitarian • Referred to as Mother
of Pakistan
• Recipient of Hilal-i-
Imtiaz and Ramon
Magsaysay Award for
Public Service
Prafulla Kar Lyricist, Singer, and Music Recipient of Padma Shri in 2015
Director
J.D. Rymbai Former CM of Meghalaya
K Sankaranarayanan Senior Congress leader and
Governor of Maharashtra
Binapani Mohanty Odia Writer • Recipient of
Padmashree, Odisha
Sahitya Akademi,
Sahitya Akademi Award
and Sarala Award.
• Chairperson of Odisha
Lekhika Sansad.
Mwai Kibaki Former President of Kenya
M. Vijayan Structural biologist • Recipient of Padma Shri
in 2004.
• President of Indian
National Science
Academy.
Ravi Parthasarathy Former non-executive chairman Credited with building IL&FS
of IL&FS into big financial services
Arun Kumar Bhaduri Former director of Indira Awarded Raja Ramanna
Gandhi Centre for Atomic Fellowship post retirement and
Research Humboldt Research Fellowship
from the Alexander von
Humboldt Foundation, Germany
Elvera Britto Former Indian women's hockey • Arjuna Award in 1965.
team captain
• President of Karnataka
State Women's Hockey
Association and selector
for national women's
team.

March

Name of the Personality Field Achievement

Sonny Ramadhin West Indian Cricketer • West Indian cricketers
of Indian origin
• One of the five Wisden
Cricketers of Year in
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1951
Alan Walbridge Ladd Jr. American Film Industry Recipient of Academy Award for
Executive and Producer Best Picture in 1996.
Shane Warne Legendary Australia Spinner One of the greatest-ever
bowlers of the world
General S F Rodrigues Chief of Indian Army from 1990 • Participated in Sino-
to 1993 and Governor of Punjab Indian War of 1962,
from 2004 to 2010 Indo-Pakistan War
1965, and Indo-Pak War
1971.
• Recipient of Param
Vishisht Seva Medal and
Vishisht Seva Medal
Rodney William Marsh Former Australia Cricketer -
(wicketkeeper)
RC Lahoti Former Chief Justice of India Quashed Illegal Migrants
(Determination by Tribunals)
Act on migrants to Assam.
Jaiprakash Chouksey Noted Film Critic and Writer Penned movies like Shayad’
(1979), ‘Qatl’ (1986) and
‘Bodyguard’ (2011),
Rafiq Tarar Former Supreme Court Judge -
and President of Pakistan
Rupiah Banda Former President of Zambia -
Scott Hall WWE Hall of Famer
Kumudben Manishankar Joshi Former Governor of Andhra -
Pradesh
Eugene Newman Parker American Astrophysicist • Proposed the existence
of solar wind and Parker
spiral
• NASA named its Parker
Solar Probe in his honor
in 2017
Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga Former Prime Minister of Mali
Shahabuddin Ahmed Former President of Bangladesh Responsible for holding “free
and credible” election in
February 1991.
Stephen Wilhite Creator of Graphics Interchange Recipient of Webby Lifetime
Format (GIF) Achievement Award in 2013.
Miguel Van Damme Veteran Belgian Footballer -
Bhim Bahadur Gurung 3rd Chief Minister of Sikkim -

February 2022

1. Rupinder Singh Suri who passed away recently was Association and the Supreme Court Advocates on
an Advocate. Record Association.
Note: Suri was appointed the ASG in June 2020. Suri 2. Renowned personality Amitabh Dayal passed away
was designated as senior advocate in 2009 and also recently, he was a veteran Actor.
served as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Note: Dayal has worked in films like Kagaar: Life on
the Edge (2003) with Om Puri, Bhojpuri film
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Rangdari (2012) and Raj Babbar’s Dhuaan (2013), Belavadi Nanjundaiah Narayanan, fondly called
Amitabh Bachchan’s Virrudh (2005). Makeup Nani10.
3. Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar 10. Renowned personality Bappi Lahiri passed away
awarded the nation's highest civilian honour in recently, he was a veteran Composer.
2001, who passed away recently. Note: Best known for popularising disco music to
Note: Mangeshkar began singing in her teens, and in the Indian mainstream, the singer was fondly known
a career spanning 73 years sang more than an as Bappi da, and experienced huge success in the
estimated 15,000 songs in 36 languages. She is 1980s and 90s. He earned the title ‘Disco King’.
known as the ‘Nightingale of India'. She was 11. Renowned personality Dr Chennaveera Kanavi
awarded the nation's highest civilian honour, the passed away recently, he was a prominent writer
Bharat Ratna in March 2001. and poet of Kannada language.
4. Renowned personality Chandupatla Janga Reddy Note: He was also known as ‘Samanvaya Kavi’ (Poet
passed away recently, he was a veteran Politician. of Reconciliation). Dr Kanavi received the Sahitya
Note: Reddy was one of the only two BJP Lok Sabha Akademi Award in 1981 for his work Jeeva
MPs elected in the 1984 general elections, Dhwani (Poetry).
conducted after the assassination of Prime Minister 12. Surajit Sengupta was associated with Football who
Indira Gandhi. The other BJP MP was A K Patel, who passed away recently.
was elected from Mehsana in Gujarat. Note: Sengupta had been associated with Kolkata’s
5. Renowned personality Christos Sartzetakis passed three big clubs, Mohun Bagan (1972-1973, 1981-
away recently, he was a former president of Greece. 1983), East Bengal (1974- 1979) and Mohammedan
Note: Christos Sartzetakis, the former President of Sporting (1980). He represented the national team
Greece, has passed away. Sartzetakis, who was a from 1973 to 1979 and was in the national team for
jurist by profession, served as the President of the 1978 Asian Games.
Greece from 1985 to 1990. 13. 102-year-old Gandhian leader Shakuntala
6. Renowned personality Praveen Kumar Sobti passed Chowdhary held from Assam passed away recently.
away recently, he was a veteran Actor. Note: She worked towards the welfare and
Note: Besides playing the role of Bheem, which empowerment of women. Shakuntala Chaudhary
made him a household name, Kumar also starred in spent a large portion of her life at the Kasturba
many films including Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Ashram, since 1947. She was a recipient of
Shehenshah and Dharmendra’s Loha. Other films to Vayoshestha Samman - National Awards For Senior
his credit include Aaj Ka Arjun, Ajooba, and Ghayal, Citizens 2021, from the government of India.
among others. 14. Renowned personality Sadhan Pande passed away
7. Nobel laureate Luc Montagnier passed away recently, he was veteran Politician.
recently, he was a Virologist. Note: Pandey represented Kolkata’s Burtolla
Note: His co-discovery of the human assembly constituency 5 times since 1987, when he
immunodeficiency virus sparked a global search for was in the Congress, and the Manicktala
an AIDS cure. The scientist from the Pasteur constituency 3 times since 2011. He joined the TMC
Institute in Paris shared the 2008 Nobel Prize in after its formation in 1998.
Physiology or Medicine with Francoise Barre- 15. Renowned personality KPAC Lalitha passed away
Sinoussi and Germany’s Harald zur Hausen, whose recently she was a noted Actress.
work on the viral causes of cervical cancer was Note: She acted in over 500 films in Malayalam and
recognized in the same year. Tamil in her career spanning around five decades.
8. Renowned personality Sandhya Mukherjee passed She won the national award for Best Supporting
away recently, he was a veteran Singer. Actress for her performance in Malayalam film
Note: She sang under the direction of famous 'Amaram' and 'Santham'.
composers such as S D Burman, Roshan and Madan 16. Renowned personality Hemananda Biswal passed
Mohan. She received the National Film Award for away recently, he was former chief minister of
best female playback singer in 1970 for the movies Odisha.
Jay Jayanti (a Bengali remake of Sound of Music) and Note: He was the first tribal chief minister of Odisha.
Nishi Padma. This year she refused the Padma Mr. Biswal was elected chief minister for the first
award. time for the period December 7, 1989, to March 5,
9. Renowned personality Bhargavi Narayan passed 1990, and again from December 6, 1999, to March 5,
away recently, she was a veteran Actor. 2000.
Note: Bhargavi Narayan was a renowned actor in
the Kannada film industry. She was married to

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January 2022

1. Veteran Conservationist Richard Leakey passed performance in 'Laxmi Pratima' (1998), and 'Pheria
away recently. Mo Suna Bhauni' (2005).
Note: He spearheaded campaigns against the ivory 8. David Sassoli, the President of European Parliament
trade to save the dwindling African elephant held from Italy passed away recently.
population. For years, Mr. Leakey served in various Note: Sassoli, 65, was first elected at the European
roles in the government, including as director of the Parliament in 2009. He won another term in 2014
state-run National Museums of Kenya and twice as and served as the Parliament's vice president.
board chairman at the Kenya Wildlife Service. 9. Renowned personality Kamal Khan passed away
2. Renowned personality Sindhutai Sapkal passed recently he was veteran Journalist.
away recently, he was a veteran Social Worker. Note: Kamal’s reportage over the last decades stood
Note: He is fondly known as 'orphan children's out for its perceptiveness, integrity & the way he
mother'. She raised over 1,050 orphan children and delivered hard truths with poetic dexterity.Khan
could boast of having 207 sons-in-law and 36 was working as Executive Editor with NDTV. He was
daughters-in-law. Marathi biopic on her ‘Mee a recipient of Ramnath Goenka Award, and Ganesh
Sindhutai Sapkal’ was released in 2010. Shanker Vidyarthi Award from the President of
3. Lawrence N. Brooks, the oldest World War II veteran India.
and believed to be the oldest man in the country 10. Renowned personality Sidney Poitier passed away
passed away in January 2022 at the age of 112. recently.
Note: His death was announced by the National Note: Apart from his successful acting career, Sidney
World War II Museum and confirmed by his was also a tireless civil rights activist.He was
daughter.Brooks, born on Sept. 12, 1909, was known awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in
for his good-natured sense of humor, positivity and 2009 by President Obama for his work.A dual citizen
kindness. Brooks was working at a sawmill when he of the US and the Bahamas, he served from 1997-
was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1940. 2007 as Bahamian Ambassador to Japan.
4. veteran lyricist Marilyn Bergman passed away 11. Renowned Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj
recently. passed away recently.
Note: Bergman and her collaborator husband Alan, Note: A recipient of the country’s second-highest
was nominated for 16 Academy Awards over the civilian award, Padma Vibhushan was born in a well-
course of her career, winning three. The song “The known family of Kathak dancers. Pandit Birju
Way We Were” from the Barbara Streisand movie of Maharaj donned several hats during his lifetime.
the same name was one of those Oscar wins, which While he was best known as a Kathak dancer, he was
also won two Grammys. an equally prolific singer, poet and painter.
5. Veteran Actor Bob Saget passed away recently. 12. Renowned Environmentalist Prof M K Prasad
Note: Saget was in Florida as part of his “I Don't Do passed away recently.
Negative Comedy Tour.” Following his first round of Note: He was a prominent figure in the historic
sitcom fame, Saget worked steadily in film and grassroot level movement to save the evergreen
television roles but became known to a new tropical rain forests in Kerala's Silent Valley from
generation of sitcom fans on CBS's "How I Met Your destruction. He had also led the popular science
Mother," acting as narrator and the voice of future movement, ‘Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishath’. That
Ted Mosby had undertaken campaigns for popularisation of
6. Noted writer Professor Chandrashekhar Patil passed science in everyday life.
away recently, he used to write in Kannada 13. Veteran actor Sidney Poitier passed away recently.
language. Note: Apart from his successful acting career, Sidney
Note: He was one of the prominent ‘Bandaya sahithi’ was also a tireless civil rights activist. He was
in Kannada literary school of thought and was an awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in
important voice in public discourse of Karnataka for 2009 by President Obama for his work.
over half a century.His street play Jagadambeya was 14. Social Worker Shanti Devi, also known as Lugdi
against the imposition of Emergency by then PM Devi passed away.
Indira Gandhi. Note:Shanti Devi Ji will be remembered as a voice of
7. Renowned personality Mihir Das passed away the poor and underprivileged. She worked selflessly
recently, he was a veteran actor. to remove suffering and create a healthier as well as
Note: The popular actor was suffering from renal just society. In 2021, she was felicitated with the
ailments for years.The versatile actor had won the Padma Shri Award by President Ram Nath Kovind.
State government's best actor award for his
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15. Theater personality Shaoli Mitra passed away Note: He was Suffering from diabetes and kidney
recently. disease since a long time. Popularly known as
Note: Mitra was the daughter of legendary theatre ‘Bhombol da’ in Kolkata, Bhowmik was a successful
personalities Shambhu Mitra and Tripti Mitra. She footballer as well as coach.
received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2003, 21. Noted Archaeology Ramachandran Nagaswamy
the Padma Shree in 2009 and the Bengal passed away.
government’s Banga Bibhushan Award in 2012. Note: He was the first director of Tamil Nadu
16. Renowned personality and Padma Shri awardee, government’s Department of Archaeology and was
Narayan Debnath passed away recently. known for his work on temple inscriptions and art
Note: Debnath is the creator of the popular Bengali history of Tamil Nadu.
comic strips of Handa Bhonda (1962), Batul the 22. Former sports person Charanjit Singh passed away
Great (1965) and Nonte Phonte (1969). He holds the recently, he was associated with Hockey sports.
record for the longest running comic by an Note: Charanjit was also a member of the team
individual artist for the Handa Bhonda comic series which won silver at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He
which have now completed 53 years. represented India in two Asian Games as well and
17. Saturnino de la Fuente García who claimed the was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1963 and
record as the oldest person living (male) passed the Padma Shri the next year.
away in January 2022, belong to Spain. 23. Renowned author Anil Awachat passed away due to
Note: Saturnino claimed the record as the oldest a prolonged illness.
person living (male) in September 2021 when he Note: Awachat was the founder-director of the
was exactly 112 years and 211 days. De la Fuente Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre in Pune and
was a cobbler by trade and started working in a shoe associated with several social causes. Known for his
factory at age 13. He was born in the Puente Castro books including Purnia, Awachat regularly wrote for
neighbourhood of León on Feb. 11, 1909. Marathi magazines and other publications. He also
18. Renowned mountaineer Major Hari Pal Singh had a stint as a journalist and was known for his
Ahluwalia has passed away. reportage.
Note: HPS Ahluwalia was a retired army officer, a 24. Renowned classical dancer Milena Salvini from
trained mountaineer, author and social worker "who France passed away recently, she was associated
has contributed immensely in various fields with Kathakali dance.
including adventure, sports, environment, disability Note: Italian-born Salvini was a regular visitor to
and social work. India, especially Kerala where she learnt Kathakali,
19. Renowned personality Thich Nhat Hanh passed and ran ‘Centre Mandapa’, a school for Indian dance
away. forms, in Paris. The Government of India conferred
Note: He was one of the world’s most influential Zen the Padma Shri award on Salvini in 2019 for her
masters, spreading messages of mindfulness, contribution in the field of performing arts.
compassion and nonviolence. A prolific author, poet, 25. Spiritual Leader Iqbal Singh Kingra passed away.
teacher and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh was Note: He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2022
exiled from Vietnam after opposing the war in the for his contributions in the field of social work. He
1960s. established Eternal University in 2008and Akal
20. Renowned Football Subhash Bhowmick passed University, Guru ki Kashi in 2015.
away.

Appointments

List of Cabinet Ministers of India 2021 and their Constituency

Prime Minister
Prime Minister and also in charge of:
Shri Narendra Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions; Varanasi(Uttar Pradesh)
Modi Department of Atomic Energy;
Department of Space;
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All important policy issues and

All other portfolios not allocated to any Minister.

Cabinet Ministers
Sr. Name of the
Portfolio Constituency
No Minister
Shri Raj Nath
1 Minister of Defence Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
Singh
2 Shri Amit Shah Minister of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation Gandhinagar (Gujarat)
Shri Nitin
3 Minister of Road Transport and Highways
Jairam Gadkari
Smt. Nirmala Minister of Finance and
4 Rajya Sabha (Karnataka)
Sitharaman Minister of Corporate Affairs.
Shri Narendra Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
5 Morena(Madhya Pradesh)
Singh Tomar
Arunachal West(Arunachal
6 Kiren Rijiju Minister of Law and Justice
Pradesh)
Shri Virendra
7 Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Tikamgarh (Madhya Pradesh)
Kumar
Dr.
8 Subrahmanyam Minister of External Affairs. Rajya Sabha (Gujarat)
Jaishankar
Shri
Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and
9 Dharmendra Deogarh (Odisha)
Entrepreneurship
Pradhan
Shri Arjun
10 Minister of Tribal Affairs. Khunti(Jharkhand)
Munda
Smt. Smriti
11 Minister of Women and Child Development Amethi(Uttar Pradesh)
Zubin Irani
Shri Mansukh Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Palitana (Rajya Member from
12
Mandaviya Fertilizers Gujarat)
Shri Bhupender Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Minister of Labour
13 Rajya Sabha member (Rajasthan)
Yadav and Employment
Minister of Commerce and Industry; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food
Shri Piyush and Public
14 Rajya Sabha (Maharashtra)
Goyal Distribution; and Minister of Textiles
Shri Narayan
15 Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Rajya Sabha Member
Tatu Rane
Shri Mukhtar
16 Minister of Minority Affairs. Rajya Sabha (Jharkhand)
Abbas Naqvi
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs;
Shri Pralhad
17 Minister of Coal and Dharwad(Karnataka)
Joshi
Minister of Mines.
Dr Mahendra
18 Minister of Heavy Industries Chandauli(Uttar Pradesh)
Nath Pandey
Shri Giriraj
19 Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Panchayati Raj Begusarai(Bihar)
Singh
Shri Gajendra
20 Singh Minister of Jal Shakti. Jodhpur(Rajasthan)
Shekhawat
Shri
21 Sarbananda Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Minister of AYUSH
Sonowal
22 Shri Minister of Civil Aviation Rajya Sabha Member from Madhya

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Jyotiraditya M. Pradesh
Scindia
Shri
Ramchandra
23 Minister of Steel Rajya Sabha Member from Bihar
Prasad
Singh
Shri Ashwini Minister of Railways; Minister of Communications; and Minister of
24 Rajya Sabha Member from Odisha
Vaishnaw Electronics and Information Technology
Shri Pashu Pati
25 Minister of Food Processing Industries Hajipur (Bihar)
Kumar Paras
Shri Raj Kumar
26 Minister of Power; and Minister of New and Renewable Energy Arrah (Bihar)
Singh
Shri Hardeep Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of Housing and
27 Rajya Sabha (Uttar Pradesh)
Singh Puri Urban Affairs
Shri
28 Parshottam Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajya Sabha Member from Gujarat
Rupala
Shri G. Kishan Minister of Culture; Minister of Tourism; and Minister of Development
29 Secunderabad (Telangana)
Reddy of North Eastern Region
Shri Anurag Minister of Information and Broadcasting; and Minister of Youth Affairs
30 Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh)
Singh Thakur and Sports

List of Ministers of State (Independent Charge)

S. Name of the
Portfolio Constituency
No Minister
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister
Rao Inderjit of State (Independent Charge) of the Gurugram
1
Singh Ministry of Planning; and Minister of State in the Ministry of (Haryana)
Corporate Affairs
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of
Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent
Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in
Udhampur (Jammu
2 Dr. Jitendra Singh the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of
& Kashmir)
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in
the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the
Department of Space

List of Ministers of State

Name of the
S. No Portfolio
Minister
Shri Shripad Yesso Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and
1.
Naik Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism
Shri Faggansingh Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel; and Minister of State in the
2.
Kulaste Ministry of Rural Development
Shri Prahalad Singh Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the
3.
Patel Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Shri Ashwini Kumar
4. Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest
Choubey
and Climate Change
5. Shri Arjun Ram Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of
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Meghwal State in the Ministry of Culture

General (Retd.) V. K. Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; and
6.
Singh Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation
Minister of State in the Ministry of Power; and Minister of State in the
7. Shri Krishan Pal
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Shri Danve Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways; Minister of State in the
8.
Raosaheb Dadarao Ministry of Coal; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Mines
Shri Ramdas
9. Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Athawale
Sadhvi Niranjan Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
10.
Jyoti Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
11.
Balyan Dairying
12. Shri Nityanand Rai Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Pankaj
13. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
Chaowdhary
Smt. Anupriya
14. Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Singh Patel
Prof. S. P. Singh
15. Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice
Baghel
Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and
Shri Rajeev
16. Entrepreneurship; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and
Chandrasekhar
Information Technology
Sushri Shobha
17. Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Karandlaje
Shri Bhanu Pratap
18. Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Singh Verma
Smt. Darshana Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles; and Minister of State in the
19.
Vikram Jardosh Ministry of Railways
Shri V. Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State
20.
Muraleedharan in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Smt. Meenakashi Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State
21.
Lekhi in the Ministry of Culture
22. Shri Som Parkash Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Smt. Renuka Singh
23. Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Saruta
Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and
24. Shri Rameswar Teli
Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment
Shri Kailash
25. Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Choudhary
26. Smt. Annpurna Devi Minister of State in the Ministry of Education

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Shri A.
27. Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Narayanaswamy
Shri Kaushal
28. Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Kishore
Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence; and Minister of State in the
29. Shri Ajay Bhatt
Ministry of Tourism
Minister of State in the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region;
30. Shri B. L. Verma
and Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation
31. Shri Ajay Kumar Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Devusinh
32. Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications
Chauhan
Shri Bhagwanth Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; and
33.
Khuba Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri Kapil
34. Minister of State in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Moreshwar Patil
Sushri Pratima
35. Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Bhoumik
36. Dr. Subhas Sarkar Minister of State in the Ministry of Education
Dr. Bhagwat
37. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
Kishanrao Karad
Dr. Rajkumar Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State
38.
Ranjan Singh in the Ministry of Education
Dr. Bharati Pravin
39. Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Pawar
Shri Bishweswar Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and Minister of State in
40.
Tudu the Ministry of Jal Shakti
Shri Shantanu
41. Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Thakur
Dr. Munjapara Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development; and
42.
Mahendrabhai Minister of State in the Ministry of AYUSH
43. Shri John Barla Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs
Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
44. Dr. L. Murugan Dairying; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting
Shri Nisith Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Minister of State in
45.
Pramanik the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

National and International Appointment

May 2022
Name of the Person Designation
Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner of India after
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succeeding Sushil Chandra

Rajesh Unni Vice-Chair at Maritime Anti-Corruption Network
Alkesh Kumar Sharma Secretary, Ministry of Electronics, and
Information Technology (MeitY).
Pushp Kumar Joshi Chairman and Managing Director of HPCL
Sudhanshu Dhulia and Jamshed Burjor Pardiwala Judge of Supreme Court
Sudarshan Venu Managing Director of TVS Motor Company
Venkataramani Sumantran Chairman of IndiGo Board
Arvind Krishna Board of Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Nand Mulchandani First Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Tarun Kapoor Advisor to PM Modi
Sangeeta Singh Chairman of CBDT (Central Board of Direct
Taxes), after succeeding P C Mody
Sahas Malhotra CEO of JioSaavn
BS Raju Vice Chief of Indian Army, after succeeding
Manoj Pande
Vinay Mohan Kwatra India’s new Foreign Secretary, after succeeding
Harsh Vardhan Shringla

April 2022
Name of the Person Designation
Harsh Shringla Chief Coordinator for the coming G20 Summit
Urjit Patel Vice President of Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB), after succeeding D J Pandian
Sitaram Yechury General Secretary of Communist Party of India
S. Iqbal Singh Chairman of National Commission for Minorities
(NCM)
Manoj Soni New Chairman of UPSC
Vikas Kumar New Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC)
Manoj Pande New Army Chief
Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
Ali Sabry New Finance Minister of Sri Lanka
Shanti Sethi New Defense Advisor to Smt. Kamala Harris (Vice
President of USA)
Ajay Sood New Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Government of India
Emmanuel Macron President of France
Vishwas Patel Chairman of Payments Council of India (PCI)
S Raju Director-General of Geological Survey of India
(GSI)
Mahesh Verma Chairperson of National Accreditation Board for
Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)
Aprajita Sharrma Vice-Chairperson of International
Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Council
Standing Committee
Amir Khan Brand Ambassador of PharmEasy's
Arunabha Ghosh UN Chief to High-Level expert group on net-zero

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emissions commitments
Vinay Mohan Kwatra New Foreign Secretary
Murli Natarajan Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
(MD & CEO) of DCB Bank
Iqbal Singh Lalpura Chairperson of National Commission for
Minorities
Vikram Dev Dutt Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air
India Asset Holding (AIAHL)
Bimal Kothari New Chairman of India Pulses and Grains
Association (IPGA)
Satya Easwaran Wipro Country Head of India
Jasleen Kohli MD & CEO of Digit Insurance
Manoj Kumar Katiyar Next Director-General of Military Operations
LV Vaidyanathan CEO of Procter & Gamble India
IAS officer Naresh Kumar New Chief Secretary of Delhi
Babita Singh Global Peace Ambassador 2022
Ajay Kumar Sood Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of
India
Ashwin Yardi CEO of Capgemini
Vishakha Mulye Next Chief Executive Officer of Aditya Birla
Capital
AP Abdullahkutty Chairperson of the Haj Committee of India
N Chandrasekaran Chairman of Tata Digital
Krishnan Ramanujam NASSCOM Chairperson for 2022-23
Bruce de Broize MD & CEO of Future Generali India Life Insurance
Vijay Sampla NCSC Chairperson for Second term
Anshul Swami Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of
Shivalik Small Finance Bank

March 2022
Name of the Person Designation
Madhabi Puri Buch Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI)
Bhushan Patwardhan Chairman of National Assessment and
Accreditation Council (NAAC)
Sanjay Pandey New Mumbai Police Commissioner
Junaid Kamal Ahmad Vice President of the International Lending
Agency
Akshaye Widhani CEO of Yash Raj Films (YRF)
Amitabh Bachchan Brand Ambassador of UpGrad
TS Ramakrishnan MD and CEO of LIC Mutual Fund Asset
Management Limited
DN Patel Chairperson of Telecom Disputes Settlement and
Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)
Vidya Balan Brand Ambassador of Bharti AXA Life Insurance
Sanjiv Kapoor CEO of Jet Airways
Nitin Chugh Group Head of Digital Banking at the level of
Deputy MD by SBI
Yoon Suk-yeol New President of South Korea
Ashwani Bhatia Whole-Time member (WTM) of Securities and

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Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Ajay Bhushan Pandey Chairman of National Financial Reporting
Authority (NFRA)
Prabha Narasimhan CEO and MD of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited
Debasish Panda Chairman of Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
N Chandrasekaran Chairman of Air India
Munish Varma Managing Partner at SoftBank
Harish Chandra Mishra Lokayukta of Delhi
Chacko Purackal MD & CEO of TATA Coffee
Kalpesh Tiwari Chief HRO for Vahdam India
Noel Naval Tata Additional Director and Vice Chairman of
Tata Steel
Sumant Sinha President of ASSOCHAM
Ajay Singh Vice-President of ASSOCHAM
Gaurav Negi CFO of Indigo Airlines
Indian American Raj Subramaniam CEO of FedEx
Rajneesh Narang Director of Finance of Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL)
T Raja Kumar President of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Ranjit Rath Chairman & MD of Oil India Ltd
Prashant Jhaveri New CEO of Flipkart Health+
Rajesh Gopinathan MD and CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Jayati Ghosh Member of UN’s Advisory Board
Pralay Mondal Interim MD and CEO of CSB Bank
Hisashi Takeuchi MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki
Vinod G. Khandare Adviser in Defence Ministry
Gilbert Houngbo Next Director-General of International Labour
Organization
Shashi Sinha Chairman of Broadcast Audience Research
Council India
Himanta Biswa Sarma President of Badminton Association Of India
Renu Singh Director of Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Serdar Berdimuhamedow New President of Turkmenistan

February 2022

1. Manoj Pande assumed charge as the new Vice Chief 3. Ravi Mittal has been appointed as the chairperson of
of the Indian Army staff. the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
Note: Lt Gen Pande was serving as the Eastern Army Note: The appointment comes little over four months
Commander before assuming the new role. Lt Gen RP after the post fell vacant following the retirement of M
Kalita has been appointed as the new chief of Kolkata- S Sahoo who completed his five-year term on
headquartered Eastern Army Command. Lt Gen Pande September 30, 2021. In October 2021, IBBI Whole
was commissioned in the Bombay Sappers in Time Member Navrang Saini was given the additional
Dec1982. charge as the chairperson.
2. GAV Reddy has been appointed as the Director- 4. M Jagadesh Kumar has been appointed as Chairman
General of the Defence Intelligence Agency. of University Grants Commission (UGC).
Note: General Reddy would be succeeding Lt Gen KJS Note: This is the second time he has been given the
Dhillon. The Director-General of the Defence charge of chairman of UGC. Kumar held the charge of
Intelligence Agency is the head of the organisation Chairman, UGC from 14 January 2017 to 2 February
and is among the principal advisors on intelligence to 2017. He was a member of UGC for three years (24
the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff. June 2016 to 23 June 2019).

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5. In February 2022, Hrithik Roshan has been Note: As part of the deal, Bachchan will be seen
appointed as the Brand Ambassador of ‘RummyCircle’ endorsing various services available on the platform,
by Games24x7. while highlighting the need to prioritise one's health.
Note: As part of the partnership, Roshan will be seen With the deal in place, MediBuddy is looking at
in multimedia campaigns by RummyCircle, spanning further amplifying its reach across India. Leveraging
across TV, digital and social media platforms. the veteran actor’s popularity, especially across tier II
6. IndiGo airline has recently appointed Rahul Bhatia as and tier III cities, the brand aims to position itself as a
its Managing Director. household name.
Note: The company is the parent of the country's 13. Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as Secretary in
largest airline IndiGo. Bhatia is the Co-founder and Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the
Promoter of InterGlobe Aviation. Ronojoy Dutta is the Ministry of Finance with immediate effect.
CEO of the Indigo. IndiGo is India’s biggest airline by Note: Prior to this, he was serving as the Chairman
market share. It is headquartered at Gurgaon, and Managing Director of REC Ltd. He succeeded
Haryana. Debashish Panda, who completed his term as DFS
7. In February 2022, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has Secretary on Jan 31, 2022. DFS covers functioning of
been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Banks, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies,
Nehru University (JNU). National Pension System, International banking
Note: She is currently the Vice Chancellor (VC) of 14. G Mahalingam will now chair the eight-member
Savitribai Phule University. Ms. Pandit will be the first committee on Investor Protection and Education
woman Vice Chancellor of JNU. Her appointment is for Fund (IPEF), restructured by the capital markets
a period of five years. regulator SEBI.
8. Dinesh Prasad Saklani has been appointed as the Note: The advisory committee on IPEF is an eight-
new Director of the National Council of Educational member committee which will take G Mahalingam,
Research and Training (NCERT), for five years. former Whole Time Member of SEBI, as its new
Note: He is currently a professor of history at the HNB Chairperson. In 2013, the committee was established
Garhwal University, in Uttarakhand. Saklani by the SEBI to find out ways and means to best utilize
succeeds Hrushikesh Senapaty, whose five-year term the investor protection and education fund. Earlier
ended in November 2020. the committee was headed by Abraham Koshy, former
9. Disha Patani has been appointed as the Brand professor of Indian Institute of Management,
Ambassador of the Bata India Limited. Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Gujarat.
Note: Patani will be seen promoting various popular 15. Pradip Shah has been appointed as the Chairman of
labels under the Bata umbrella. The move comes as Pfizer India.
Bata aims to appeal younger shoppers and position Note: Pradip Shah is the ex-managing director and a
itself as a "fashion forward" brand. founding member of Crisil. He has also served as a
10. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been appointed consultant to USAID, the World Bank, and the Asian
as the Brand Ambassador of Uttarakhand. Development Bank.
Note: In 2017, Akshay Kumar was also named 16. Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been re-elected as
Uttarakhand’s brand ambassador for ‘Swachhata President of Germany for second term.
Abhiyan’. The actor did not charge any fee for the Note: He was elected with a big majority by a special
same and added that it was an honour for him to be assembly comprising of the members of lower house
associated with the campaign. Apart from Akshay of parliament and representatives of 16 states of
Kumar, cricketer Rishabh Pant was also appointed as Germany. He became president in 2017. Before that,
Uttarakhand’s brand ambassador in December 2021. he served two stints as foreign minister of Chancellor
11. S Unnikrishnan Nair has been appointed as the new Angela Merkel and as chief of staff to Chancellor
director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Gerhard Schroeder.
Note: He was previously serving as the director of the 17. Debashis Mitra has been appointed as the President
Human Space Flight Centre, Isro. He succeeds S of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Somanath, who recently took over as the chairman of Note: Prior to this, he was serving as the Vice-
Isro. VSSC is a key space research centre of the Indian President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Space Research Organisation (Isro) and specialises in India for 2021-22. After being part of Central Council
rocket and space vehicles for satellite programs. for 2016-19, he is serving his 2nd consecutive term
12. Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed the official for 2019-22.
brand ambassador of MediBuddy, one of India’s 18. Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as the brand
largest digital healthcare platforms. ambassador of the agritech platform, Krishi Network.

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Note: The actor has also invested in the start-up. The Note: He was in-charge of South Asian countries
start-up said the fresh funds would be used to expand including India from 1997 to 2000 while working at
their AI-based technology platform across India and head office of Honda He will succeed Gaku Nakanishi,
grow rapidly. who has been appointed as General Manager,
19. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has been declared as Automobile Business of Asian Honda (Regional office-
President of Burkina Faso. Bangkok, Thailand). Honda Cars India Ltd was
Note: In the month of January, officers led by Damiba established in 1995.
forced out the country’s elected president, Roch Marc 26. Emma Terho belongs of Finland has been re-elected
Christian Kabore. The country has been suspended as the Chair of the International Olympic Committee
from the West African bloc ECOWAS, although it (IOC) Athletes’ Commission (AC).
escaped sanctions following last week's restoration of Note: She is a double Olympic bronze medallist and
the constitution. former captain of the Finland women’s ice hockey
20. Mehmet Ilker Ayci has been appointed as the new team. She was appointed as the Chair of the
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air Commission on August 06, 2021, for the first time
India. during Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Note: Expected to take charge on or before April 1, 27. K.N. Raghavan has been appointed as the Chairman
Ayci (51) until recently was the Chairman of Turkish of the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) for a
Airlines and was also on its Board of Directors prior period of two years.
to that. Born in Istanbul in 1971, Ayci was once the Note: Raghavan is currently the Executive Director of
Advisor to the country's current President, R.T. Indian Rubber Board and Head of the Indian
Erdogan, when the latter was the Mayor of Istanbul. delegation to IRSG. India has taken over the chair of
21. Vineet Joshi has been appointed as the new the IRSG from Cote d’Ivoire. IRSG is an
Chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education intergovernmental organisation of natural rubber
(CBSE). (NR) and synthetic rubber (SR) producing and
Note: He replaces IAS Manoj Ahuja, who has been consuming countries.
appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the 28. Sharukh Khan has been appointed as the brand
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. ambassador for Thums Up.
Vineet Joshi is also the Director-General of the Note: Earlier this month, The Coca-Cola Company
National Testing Agency (NTA). In 2010 as well he got announced that the home-grown Thums Up brand
the responsibility of CBSE chairman. became a billion-dollar brand in 2021—the first to
22. G Ashok Kumar has been appointed as the India’s reach the milestone from its portfolio of drinks in
first national maritime security coordinator (NMSC). India. The new campaign has been launched to mark
Note: G Ashok Kumar is an alumnus of Sainik School, this key milestone.
Amravathi Nagar and National Defence Academy, 29. Sudha Ragunathan has been appointed as the
Khadakvasla, Pune. He was commissioned into the member of Central Advisory Board on Culture (CABC)
executive branch of the Indian Navy on July 1, 1982. by Ministry of Culture.
Ashok Kumar has held various challenging staff and Note: CABC established to provide policy advice to
command assignments during his distinguished Ministry of Culture on developing programmes. CABC
career in the Navy for over three decades. Presided over by Minister of Culture of the
23. Chetan Ghate has been appointed as the Director of Government of India. CABC’s member provide policy
the Institute of Economic Growth. advice, along with aiding participative decision-
Note: He succeeds Professor Ajit Mishra. Mr Ghate is a making and provide an integrated view of the
former member of the Reserve Bank of India’s first different ideas and interests from various domains of
monetary policy committee between 2016-2020. culture.
24. Vipula Gunatilleka has been appointed as the Chief 30. Sanjeev Sanyal has been appointed as a full-time
Financial Officer (CFO) of Jet Airways. member of the Economic Advisory Council to the
Note: His appointment is made by new promoters of Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
Jet Airways, Jalan Kalrock Consortium. He was the Note: Sanyal, who is currently serving as the Finance
CEO of SriLankan Airlines till January 2022. He was Ministry's principal economic adviser, had been
also the CFO and board member of TAAG Angola working since the 1990s with the financial markets.
Airlines from November 2015 to July 2018 under His addition to the EAC-PM is expected to aid the top
Emirates Management. advisory body.
25. Takuya Tsumura has been appointed as the new 31. Nitin Pranjape has been appointed as the as the Non-
President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) Executive Chairman of the FMCG major Hindustan
with effect from April 1, 2022. Unilever Ltd (HUL) with effect from March 31, 2022.
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Note: The FMCG major has announced the Note: Pant will feature in 360-degree brand
appointment of Nitin Paranjpe, currently chief communication for D2H for the next two years. Dish
operating officer of Unilever, as the non-executive TV India Limited is a direct-to-home (DTH) company
chairman of the company. Sanjiv Mehta will continue with brands such as Dish TV, Zing and D2H under its
as CEO & MD. ownership.
32. Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the Brand
Ambassador of Dish TV India Limited’s DTH brand
D2H.

January 2022

1. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe will lead the Parliamentary until the middle of 2022 to recommend a roadmap for
Standing Committee that will examine the bill that the sector's transition.
seeks to raise the legal age of marriage for women 6. Vinay Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as the
from 18 years to 21 years. chairman-cum-CEO of Railway Board with immediate
Note: It was referred to the Parliamentary Standing effect.
Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Note: Vinay Kumar Tripathi, prior to be appointed as
Sports.The bill seeks to increase the legal age of new chairman of railway board was working as
marriage of women from 18 to 21. The parliamentary General Manager of North Eastern Railway in
standing committee will be led by senior BJP leader Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Appointments
Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. TMC MP Sushmita Dev is the Committee of the Cabinet has not only approved the
only woman among the 31 members. appointment of Tripathi for six month from Janaury 1
2. Vinod Kannan took over as the Chief Executive Officer but also further granted extension of his tenure till 31
(CEO) of the Vistara airline. December in 2022.
Note: He replaced Leslie Thing, who was the CEO from 7. Bank of Baroda has signed cricketer Shafali Verma as
July 16, 2017 to December 31, 2021. He started his its brand endorser.
stint with Vistara as Chief Strategy Officer in June 2019 Note: In a welcome result of her consistent
and took over as Chief Commercial Officer in January outstanding performance in the Women’s cricket for
2020. Deepak Rajawat has been elevated to the role India, the Bank has signed contract with the ace
of Vistara’s chief commercial officer Cricketer. Shafali has created various records, one of
3. Vijay Paul Sharma has been appointed as the which is when she became the youngest woman
chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs & cricketer to play for India in her debut game against
Prices (CACP). South Africa. Shafali brings in a natural connect with
Note: The role of CACP chairman will be crucial in the today’s youth, especially women and she exuberates
proposed committee on the minimum support price sportsman spirit and qualities on and off-field.
(MSP) and other reforms. Currently, he is a Professor 8. Alka Mittal becomes the first women chairman and
at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. managing director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
4. Under S Sahoo chairmanship the SEBI has re (ONGC).
restructured its advisory committee on market data Note: She is the first woman to head the country’s
that recommends policy measures pertaining to areas largest oil and gas producer. She replaced Subhash
like securities market data access and privacy. Kumar, who retired on December 31.She has been
Note: Rejigging its market data advisory committee, appointed for a period of six months.
Sebi has said the panel will now be chaired by S Sahoo, 9. The survey is titled as 'Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar' is
Professor at National Law University, Delhi and former being conducted by Ministry of Culture.
chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Note: The survey is titled as 'Mera Gaon, Meri
(IBBI), as per the latest information with the regulator. Dharohar'. It will document the cultural identity at
The 20-member committee was earlier headed by village level by involving citizens to share what makes
Madhabi Puri Buch, ex-whole time member of Sebi. their village, block, or district unique.
5. Tarun Kapoor will head the Energy Transition 10. Atul Keshap has been appointed as the president of
Advisory Committee formed by the Ministry of the US-India Business Council (USIBC).
Petroleum and Natural Gas. Note: He will replace Nisha Biswal, who has been
Note: The panel will include representatives of all appointed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice
public-sector oil and gas companies and will reach out President of International Strategy and Global
to other stakeholders in the sector. The committee has Initiatives and South Asia. Mr. Kehsap was also
previously the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the
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Maldives. He was posted to India in the 2005-2008 Note: Prof Tanwar who joined KU as a lecturer in
period and more recently in 2021 as Chargé d’Affaires. August 1977 has an outstanding academic record, with
11. TS Tirumurti has been named as the new Chair of the two gold medals in MA History. He was appointed an
UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). open selection professor in 1997 and has also worked
Note: Prior to taking up his current position as as the KU's dean of academic affairs and dean of social
Permanent Representative of India to the United sciences.
Nations, in May 2020, Tirumurti served as Secretary in 18. In January 2022, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas has been
the Ministry of External Affairs, handling the Economic appointed as the chief economist of the International
Relations portfolio. Monetary Fund (IMF).
12. Zhang Ming has taken charge as the new Secretary- Note: He will replace Gita Gopinath, who is joining the
General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation IMF management team this month.As Economic
(SCO). Counsellor, he will serve as director of the IMF's
Note: He succeeded Vladimir Norov, former diplomat Research Department.In December, Georgieva
from Uzbekistan. Before joining SCO, he served as the appointed Gopinath as the Fund's second-ranking
head of the Chinese mission to the European Union. official, putting her in a wide-ranging policy role
SCO comprises: India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz overseeing IMF surveillance activities, research and
Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. flagship publications.
13. Ajay Kumar Choudhary has been appointed as the 19. Indu Malhotra has been appointed as the chairperson
head of the newly formed ‘fintech department’ for of the three-member inquiry committee by the
financial technology by the RBI to facilitate innovation, Supreme Court to look into the alleged security breach
and help identify and address challenges & of Prime Minister’s Punjab visit.
opportunities in the new-age sector. Note: Former Justice Indu Malhotra was the first
Note:The central bank has appointed Ajay Kumar woman judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court
Choudhary, executive director, to head the department. Bench directly from the Bar, joining the ranks of six
All matters related to inter-regulatory and other women who have been appointed as SC judges in
international coordination on fintech shall also be India since Independence. She served as judge in SC for
dealt with by the department, which will report to the close to three years from April 2018 to March 2021.
RBI’s centralised administration division. 20. S Somnath has been appointed as the 10th chairman
14. Urjit Patel has been appointed as the Vice President of of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for a Note: He replaces Kailasavadivoo Sivan. K Sivan, the
three-year tenure. outgoing chairperson, will be completing his extended
Note: He will succeed D J Pandian, who is in charge of term on 14th January 2022. Before his appointment as
sovereign, non-sovereign lending of AIIB in South Asia, the ISRO chief, he was serving as the director of Vikram
Pacific Islands and South-East Asia. He will be one of Sarabhai Space Centre.
the five Vice Presidents of the AIIB, which is headed by 21. Anup Bagchi has been re-appointed as the Executive
the President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Director of ICICI Bank for a period of 3 years.
Liqun (China). Note: The shareholders of the bank at its Annual
15. Haitham Al Ghais has been appointed as the Secretary General Meeting in August last year had approved
General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Bagchi’s re-appointment for five years effective
Countries (OPEC). February 1, 2022. ICICI Bank has two more executive
Note: He is appointed for a three year tenure (2022- directors — Sandeep Batra and Vishakha Mulye.
2025) and will take the charge as the SG from 1st 22. Navrang Saini has been assigned the additional charge
August 2022. Haitham Al Ghais, previously served as of the chairperson of Insolvency and Bankruptcy
the Governor of OPEC between 2017 to June 2021, Board of India.
then as the Director of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Note: The Centre had in Oct last year assigned
(KPU). additional charge of chairperson of IBBI Saini for a
16. Viresh Kumar Bhawra has been appointed as the period of three months. The IBBI Chairperson is
Director General of Punjab Police. appointed by the center on the recommendations of
Note: He replaced officiating DGP Siddharth the selection committee headed by the Cabinet
Chattopadhyaya. He was the DGP of Punjab Home Secretary. M S Sahoo, who was the first Chairperson of
Guards. After assuming the charge, Punjab Police will IBBI since October 1, 2016.
ensure smooth conduct of elections, and will be 23. Narendra Kumar Goenka has been appointed as the
eradicating drug menace and terrorism from the state. chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
17. Raghuvendra Tanwar has been appointed as the Note: He succeeded Padma Shri awardee A Sakthivel.
chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research Prior to this, he was the Vice Chairman of AEPC and
(ICHR). has been associated with AEPC for more than two
decades

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24. Narayan Rane is present union minister of Micro, Federal and State Governments and Private
Small and Medium Enterprises. Institutions. Unity Small Finance Bank has commenced
Note: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium operations as a small finance bank with effect from
Enterprises, a branch of the Government of India, is the November 1, 2021 under Section 22 (1) of Banking
apex executive body for the formulation and Regulation Act, 1949.
administration of rules, regulations and laws relating 31. Vinodanand Jha has been appointed as the
to micro, small and medium enterprises in India. Chairperson of the Prevention of Money Laundering
Narayan Tatya Rane is an Indian politician from Act (PMLA) Adjudicating Authority.
Maharashtra state and former Chief Minister of Note: Jha is a 1983-batch retired IRS officer, who was
Maharashtra. serving as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income
25. Roberta Metsola has been elected as the 3rd women Tax in Pune before this. The PMLA Adjudicating
president of the European Union’s parliament. Authority is a three-member body whose mandated is
Note: Metsola succeeds Italian Socialist David Sassoli, to adjudicate the cases of attachment of assets orders
who passed recently. She is only the third woman issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering
elected to the post. She is the European Parliament’s Act (PMLA)
youngest president. 32. Pushp Kumar Joshi has been selected by the PESB as
26. Vikram Dev Dutt has been appointed as the chairman the new chairman and managing director of Hindustan
and managing director of Air India Ltd. Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).
Note: Dutt, a 1993-batch IAS officer of AGMUT Note: Joshi is currently Director - Human Resources at
(Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union HPCL. The recommendation will now go to the
Territory) cadre, is at present Principal Secretary Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed
(Tourism) in Delhi government. He has been appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
as the Air India chief in the rank and pay of Additional 33. Badrinath Srinivasan has been appointed as the
Secretary. Managing Director of Wipro Limited for Southeast
27. Shersingh B Khyalia has been appointed as the new Asia.
chief executive officer (CEO) of Adani Power Limited Note: He will focus on Wipro’s vision for business
(APL). growth, revenue expansion, client and influencer
Note: Shersingh B. Khyalia is a Chartered Accountant relationships, talent development and brand building.
(CA) with over 32 years of experience in managing He will also strengthen the key markets of Southeast
complex business in power industry, including Asia, focusing on large deals and strategic
generation, transmission and distribution. Earlier, transformational engagements.
Khyalia has worked as Managing Director in Gujarat 34. Arun Misra has been elected as new Chairman of the
Power Corporation, where he got experience of International Zinc Association (IZA).
renewable power sector especially development of Note: Incidentally, Misra is the first Indian as well as
ultra-mega renewable parks. Asian to hold a position of acting chairman of the IZA.
28. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who passed away recently, Hindustan Zinc is India’s largest and the world’s
was the former President of Mali. second largest zinc-lead miner. The IZA is a non-profit
Note: He ruled Mali for seven years, since September organisation that represents the global zinc industry.
2013, till he was overthrown in a military coup in 35. MR Kumar is the chairman of the Life Insurance
August 2020. He had also served as Prime Minister of Corporation of India.
Mali from 1994 to 2000. Note: Besides, the government has also extended the
29. Dileep Sanghani has been elected as the chairman of tenure of one of the managing directors, Raj Kumar, for
the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO). one year. With the extension, M R Kumar will continue
Note: Its incumbent Chairman Balvinder Singh Nakai as chairman of LIC till March 2023. This is the second
passed away recently. The elected board of directors of extension for the LIC chairman.
IFFCO unanimously elected Dileep Sanghani as the 36. V Anantha Nageswaran has been appointed as Chief
17th chairman of the Cooperative. He was earlier Economic Advisor (CEA) to the government of India.
serving as the IFFCO vice-chairman. Sanghani was Note: Prior to his appointment, Nageswaran has also
elected as the vice-chairman of IFFCO in the year 2019. been a part-time member of the Economic Advisory
30. Vinod Rai has been appointed as the independent Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to
Chairman of Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity SFB). 2021. He has replaced Krishnamurthy Subramanian,
Note: He is a former IAS officer, with experience in who returned to academia in December after a three-
Ministry of Finance, Commerce, Defence as well as with year tenure as CEA.

Books and Authors

1 -15 May 2022

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1. Dr. Anirban Ganguly and Shivanand Dwivedi is the WAR 1971- Reminiscences of Air Warriors’ book which
author of Marathi book on Union Home Minister Amit was released by Rajnath Singh at the 37th Air Chief
Shah that chronicles his political journey. Marshal PC Lal Memorial Lecture.
Note: Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra BJP leader) has Note: The book has 50 Swarnim articles which are
released a book titled 'Amit Shah Ani Bhajapachi Vatchal' penned in detailed narrations by veterans. Air Chief
records the life and journey of Shah and his contribution Marshal PC Lal was commissioned in the IAF in 1939
to building the BJP. The book has been translated into and awarded the Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma
Marathi by Dr. Jyostna Kolhatkar. The book is published
Vibhushan (1972).
by Bloomsbury India.
2. Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh and Group Captain
Shailendra Mohan is the editor of the ‘INDO-PAK

April 2022

1. The ‘Birsa Munda - Janjatiya Nayak’ titled book was ➢ ‘Heaven’ by Mieko Kawakami
written by Prof Alok Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor of ➢ ‘Elena Knows’ by Claudia Piñeiro
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Bilaspur. ➢ ‘The Books of Jacob’ by Olga Tokarczuk
Note: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan 4. The 'Hear Yourself' has been authored by Prem
has released a book on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Rawat.
Munda. Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, Note: This is the New York Times bestseller book
in Ulihatu village (now in Jharkhand). He belongs to which is already available in 58 countries and five
the Munda tribe. languages. This book assists people to understand
2. Vinod Rai is the author of 'Not Just A Nightwatchman: their own potential, develop better self-understanding,
My Innings with BCCI”. and help them to find out peace in a noisy world.
Note: He was a chairman of the Committee of 5. The book titled “The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution”
Administrators (CoA) formed by the Supreme Court for which was released on the occasion of the 131st birth
BCCI in 2017 for 33 months. Recently, Rai has been anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar written by Rajesh
appointed as chairman and independent non-executive Talwar.
director of Kalyan Jewellers. Note: The book was published by Ponytale Books. The
3. Geetanjali Shree is the author of 'Tomb of Sand’. book seeks to inform the challenging boyhood and
growing up years of India’s first law minister. The facts
Note: The first Hindi novel to be shortlisted for the
are based largely on Ambedkar’s own recollection of
International Booker Prize. Daisy Rockwell has
his childhood.
translated the book. The book explores the story of a
6. French journalist Roger Faligot is the author of a boo
woman who decided to confront her teenage trauma of
titled “Chinese Spies: From Chairman Mao to Xi Jinping”.
India and Pakistan partition.
Note: It is translated by writer, editor and translator, Natash
➢ Other books:
Lehrer. The foreword of the book is written by Vikram Soo
➢ ‘Cursed Bunny’ by Bora Chung
the former head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW
➢ 'A New Name: Septology VI-VII’ by Jon Fosse India’s foreign intelligence agency.

March 2022

1. Mithilesh Tiwari has authored the book titled “Udaan Manek. Capt AD Manek is the founder of “The Skyline
Ek Majdoor Bachhe Ki” about Captain AD Manek that Aviation Club”.
was released by the famous Bhajan Samrat Anup 2. The book titled “One Among You” is an autobiography
Jalota. of MK Stalin.
Note: The program was well organized by Shailesh B Note: This is the first part of the autobiography that
Tiwari of P Club Education Pvt Ltd. It highlights the life contains his early life experiences. Stalin is the
journey, struggle and success story of Captain AD president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
party.

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3. Srishti Jha is the author of the biography ‘The Queen Note: Sahitya Akademi was established on 12th March
of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha in 1954. Its logo was designed by Satyajit Ray himself
Uthup’. and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was its first President. The
Note: The book was originally written in Hindi titled first book published by the Academy was Bhagwan
“Ullas Ki Naav” by author Vikas Kumar Jha.“The Queen Buddha by D.D. Koshambi in 1956. It was a translation
of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha from Marathi into Hindi.
Uthup” is the English translation of the book, 7. Gita Piramal has authored the first authorized
translated by the writer’s daughter Srishti Jha. biography of Rahul Bajaj titled “Rahul Bajaj: An
4. Originally written as “Ullas Ki Naav” is biography of Extraordinary Life”.
Usha Uthup has been translated in English as ‘The Note: The book is based on the life of the late iconic
Queen of Indian Pop’. industrialist Rahul Bajaj. It highlights his life’s journey,
Note: The book was originally written in Hindi titled struggle and challenges in becoming one of the most
“Ullas Ki Naav” by author Vikas Kumar Jha.“The Queen well regarded business personalities in the world.
of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha 8. The book titled “Indian Agriculture towards 2030:
Uthup” is the English translation of the book, Pathways for Enhancing Farmers’ Income, Nutritional
translated by the writer’s daughter Srishti Jha. Security and Sustainable Food and Farm Systems” that
5. Amitava Kumar has authored the book titled ‘The
was released by Union Minister of Agriculture and
Blue Book: A Writer’s Journal’.
Note: The Blue Book is the outcome of the diary- Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has been
keeping by the author during the time of lockdown due published by Springer.
to pandemics. The author has used watercolour Note: The book captures the progress of the efforts of
drawings as well as words to depict the experience, NITI Aayog, Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers’
both individual and collective, of the pandemic. Welfare; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
6. Abhay Kumar is the author of the book-length poem Dairying, and FAO towards improvement in the
titled ‘Monsoon’ published by the Sahitya Akademi. agriculture sector.

February 2022

1. Navdeep Singh Gill is the author of the biography of Note: The book is published by Routledge India. The
the Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra book also provides a detailed exploration of India–
titled “Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra”. Africa partnership in all its critical dimensions. The
Note: The biography on Tokyo Olympics-2021 gold book describes the historical backdrop and shared
medalist Neeraj Chopra was released by chairperson colonial past to focus on and contextualise the
of Punjab Kala Parishad Surjit Patar and president of evolution of the India – Africa engagement.
Punjabi Sahit Akademi Lakhwinder Singh Johal, 5. Sagarika Ghose has authored the book titled “Atal
amid the presence of the author and his family Bihari Vajpayee”, the biography on the former Prime
members. It is the seventh book written by Navdeep Minister of India.
and the sixth placing focus on the sports as well as Note: It is a biography on the former Prime Minister
the sportspersons. of India. Sagarika Ghose is a jounalist. She has also
2. Ramesh Thamilmani is the author of the graphic authored a book titled “Indira: India’s Most Powerful
novel titled ‘Atharva - The Origin’, in which Cricketer Prime Minister”.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been portrayed as the 6. Bill Gates is the author of the book titled ‘‘How to
superhero Atharva. Prevent the Next Pandemic’.
Note: Dhoni unveiled the first look of his upcoming Note: In the book Bill Gates has written about
graphic novel Atharva - The Origin. The project is specific steps that can only stop future pandemics
created by Virzu Studios in association with MIDAS but, in the process, provide better health care for
Deals. The graphic novel has been written by everyone around the world. Bill Gates’ last book
Ramesh Thamilmani. ‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster’ was published in
3. J Sai Deepak has authored the book titled ‘India, 2021.
That is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution’. 7. RO Khanna has authored the book titled “Dignity in
Note: The book is the first part of a comprehensive a Digital Age: Making Tech Work for All of Us”.
trilogy, which examines the far reaching impact of Note: The book highlights the effects of changing
European ‘colonial consciousness’ on Bharat. Upon a lifestyle patterns of Americans due to technological
thorough reading of the book, what really lingers is progress. It also mentioned about the digital divide
the well-researched arguments put forth. i.e unequal access to technology and the revenue, as
4. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia has authored the book titled it is one of the most pressing issues faced by the
“India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons”. United States.
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8. Samuel Moyn has authored the book titled as his work at Santiniketan, popularly known today
“Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace as a university town. The idea of doing something to
and Reinvented War. redeem the neglected village came to Tagore when
Note: The book is published by Farrar, Straus & he first went to live in his family’s agricultural
Giroux, New York, United States of America (USA). estates in East Bengal during the 1890s.
The book highlights the United States of America 11. Jimmy Soni has authored the book titled book titled
(USA) strategy on fighting wars and how armed as ‘The Founders: The Story of PayPal and the
combat was transformed from an imperfect tool for Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley’.
resolving disputes into an integral component of the Note: This book explores the origin of PayPal and its
modern condition. founding team, comprising of Elon Musk, Amy Rowe
9. Priyam Gandhi Mody has authored the book titled Klement, Peter Thiel, Julie Anderson, Max Levchin,
‘A Nation to Protect’. Reid Hoffman, and many others whose stories have
Note: The book highlights the role of PM Narendra never been shared. PayPal: US-based multinational
Modi during the Covid crisis in the past two years. financial technology company.
The book documents the Centre’s leadership in this 12. Anirudh Suri has authored the book titled ‘The
unprecedented time and how it tided the nation Great Tech Game: Shaping Geopolitics and the
through the crisis. Destinies of Nations.
10. Uma Das Gupta has authored the book titled, “A Note: It has been published by HarperCollins India
History of Sriniketan: Rabindranath Tagore’s publication. The book lays out a roadmap for how
Pioneering Work in Rural Construction”. any country must develop its own strategic plan to
Note: It is published under Niyogi Book’s ‘Paper succeed in this technology-dominant era. He is the
Missile’ imprint. Tagore’s work in ‘village founding partner and managing director of India
reconstruction’ at Sriniketan is not as widely known Internet Fund.

January 2022

1. Jayanta Ghosal has authored the titled “Mamata: Note: Arundhati Bhattacharya is a retired Indian
Beyond 2021”. banker and former first-ever woman Chairperson of
Note: The announcement about the release of the the State Bank of India. Indomitable features the
book was made on 5th January 2022, the birthday of story of Arundhati Bhattacharya’s life as a banker
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister (CM) of West and the difficulties she faced in the male-dominated
Bengal and the leader of the Trinamool Congress sector.
(TMC) party.The book will be published on 24th 5. MR Sharan has authored the book titled “Last
January 2022. among Equals: Power, Caste, and Politics in Bihar’s
2. Dhirendra K. Jha has authored the book titled Villages”.
“Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse Note: The book is an account of the author’s field
and His Idea of India”. study in a group of villages in Bihar. The book lays
Note: The book is published by Vintage Books. The bare how the best of policies, crafted with the best of
book explores Godse’s relationship with the intentions, get subverted by local village-level power
organizations that influenced his view and gave him structures.
a sense of purpose and draws out the gradual 6. Subhash Chandra Garg has authored the book
hardening of Godse’s resolve that led to Mahatma titled “The $10 Trillion Dream”.
Gandhi’s assassination. Note: The book claims to explore the critical policy
3. Thomas Matthew has authored the book titled issues that India faces today and suggests reforms
‘Ratan N. Tata: The Authorized Biography’, the for it to become a USD 10 trillion economy by the
authorized biography of Ratan Tata. mid-2030s. The book scheduled to publish by end of
Note: The book is set to hit the stands in November Feb 2022.It is published by Penguin Random House
2022. It will be published by HarperCollins. The India (PRHI).
book chronicles Ratan Tata’s childhood, college 7. Kiran Bedi has authored the book titled ‘Fearless
years, and early influences, among other things. Governance’.
4. The book titled “Indomitable: A Working Woman’s Note: Dr. Kiran Bedi is the former Lt Governor of
Notes on Life, Work and Leadership” is an Puducherry and IPS (retd). This book is based on the
autobiography of Arundhati Bhattacharya. ground realities of nearly five years of service of Dr.

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Bedi as Lt. Governor of Puducherry and her vast who courageously fought against the oppressive
experience of 40 years in the Indian Police Service. British Raj for the rights of his tribal community.
8. Manoj Sinha has released a book titled ‘Prakrtik, 11. MR Sharan has authored the book titled “Last
Vaidik avem Jaivik Kheti- Graameen Udyamita Ka among Equals: Power, Caste, and Politics in Bihar’s
Naya Swaroop’. Villages”.
Note: The book was published by Chudamani Note: The book is an account of the author’s field
Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, Kathua. It was released study in a group of villages in Bihar. The book lays
as a souvenir after the successful conduct of the bare how the best of policies, crafted with the best of
Annual Festival and foundation day celebrations intentions, get subverted by local village-level power
9. Chandrachur Ghose has authored the new structures.
biography of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose titled 12. Subhash Chandra Garg has authored the book
“Bose: The Untold Story of An Inconvenient titled “The $10 Trillion Dream”.
Nationalist. Note: The book claims to explore the critical policy
Note: The book sheds light on Netaji’s thoughts on issues that India faces today and suggests reforms
independent India’s development, the problem of for it to become a USD 10 trillion economy by the
communalism, geopolitics his political ideology, and mid-2030s. The book scheduled to publish by end of
how he negotiated with the revolutionary societies, Feb 2022.It is published by Penguin Random House
and the govt. It will be published by Penguin India (PRHI).
Random House India under its Viking imprint. 13. Kiran Bedi has authored the book titled ‘Fearless
10. Tuhin A Sinha and Ankita Verma has authored the Governance’.
book titled ‘The Legend of Birsa Munda’. Note: Dr. Kiran Bedi is the former Lt Governor of
Note: The has been released by Maharashtra Puducherry and IPS (retd). This book is based on the
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Book is the ground realities of nearly five years of service of Dr.
story of a lesser-known tribal hero, Birsa Munda, Bedi as Lt. Governor of Puducherry and her vast
experience of 40 years in the Indian Police Service.

Summit and Conference

May -2022

1. PM addressed inaugural session of ‘JITO Connect 2022’ energy, the evolving global security scenario and
India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region.
• Organized by: Gangadham Annex, Pune • Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
• This 3-day event is an endeavor to help business Norway and Sweden.
and industry by providing an avenue for mutual
networking and personal interactions. 3. Enterprise India National Coir Conclave 2022 at
• JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation): Global Coimbatore
organization connecting Jains worldwide.
• Inaugurated by MSME Minister Narayan Rane and
2. PM Modi participated in second India-Nordic Summit in Minister of State for MSME Bhanu Pratap Singh
Denmark Verma.
• Coir Board also introduced new coir products like
• Hosted by: Denmark. coir composite fruit bowl, geo-textile shadow
• 1st India-Nordic Summit took place in 2018 in lamp, coir buttons, auto mirror covers as well as
Stockholm. Manual of Technologies.
• It will help in expanding India's multifaceted
cooperation with the Nordic region. 4. Three-day Utkarsh Mahotsav in Delhi
• Focus: post-pandemic economic recovery, climate
• Organized by: Central Sanskrit University, Lal
change, innovation and technology, renewable
Bahadur National Sanskrit University, New Delhi
and National Sanskrit University, Tirupati.
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• Objective: to promote Sanskrit language across the • It intends to galvanize new actions to address the
country and beyond. challenges of the pandemic and build a stronger
• Focus: New Educational Era - Moving Towards a global health security architecture.
Global Orientation of Sanskrit Studies. • It will also be attended by heads of
state/government of Belize in its capacity as Chair
5. Union Minister Bhagwant Khuba attended Intersolar
of CARICOM, Senegal as Chair of African Union,
Europe 2022 Indonesia as President of G20 and Germany as
President of G7 respectively.
• It was held from 11th May to 13th May 2022 in
Munich, Germany. 7. National Level Logistics Seminar Logisem Vayu - 2022'
• Organized by: Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF).
• Intersolar Europe: world’s leading exhibition for • Conducted by: Indian Air force
the solar industry and takes place annually at the • The seminar focuses on the need for exploiting
Messe München exhibition center. advancements in digital technologies, which would
aid in sustaining logistics stamina in support of
6. PM Modi participated in second global summit on operations.
Covid • A document on logistics philosophy of IAF titled
'Tenets of Logistics' and a book on history of
About the summit
Logistics in IAF titled 'Footprints in Sands of Time'
• Hosted by: US President Joe Biden. were released.
April 2022

1. Global Ayush Investment & Innovation Summit 2022 • India had last hosted International Dairy Congress
in the year 1974.
• Venue: Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• Organized by: Ministry of AYUSH 3. Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC)
• It will be held from 20th to 22nd April 2022
• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated
• Aim: to bring together leading startups,
3-day Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC)
entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers for a
at New Delhi.
specially curated event on innovation.
• Theme: Optimizing human resources
• Key Initiatives:
• Focus: Issues related to future challenges in Hi-
o Ayush mark for Ayush products.
tech and evolving operational scenario and threats
o Ayush parks to encourage promotion and
posed by drones.
research
o Ayush Aahar 4. Smart Cities, Smart Urbanization conference
o Launch of Ayush Export Promotion Council
and four Ayush ICT initiatives • It is a 3-day conference that will be held in Surat,
o Release of comic book ‘Professor Gujarat.
Ayushman’ • Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs (MoHUA) in association with Surat Smart
2. World Dairy Summit (WDS) 2022 City Corporation Development Limited.
• Digital Duniya’ pavilion, virtual hub for
• Host: Delhi, India
collaboration on urban transformations and an
• It will be held from 12th to 15th September 2022.
integrated data portal AMPLIFI (Assessment &
• Organized by: International Dairy Federation (IDF)
Monitoring Platform for Liveable, Inclusive, and
• Theme 2022: Dairy for nutrition and livelihood
Future-ready urban India) has also been launched
• It is going to be held after two-year gap due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. 5. National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif
Campaign 2022-23

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Key findings 9. National Conference on Localisation of Sustainable

Development Goals
• The conference was inaugurated by Agriculture
Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar in Delhi. • Organized by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Foodgrain production target for 2022-23 is set at • Aim: to facilitate the devolution of the 3 Fs: Funds,
328 million tonnes (MT), which is 3.8% higher as Functions and Functionaries to Panchayati Raj
compared to previous year. Institutions for efficient and effective functioning
• Kharif foodgrain production target has been fixed of local self-governments for the holistic
at 163.15 million tonnes development in rural areas and to achieve
• Rabi foodgrain production target has been fixed at Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
164.85 million tonnes.
10. Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized National
6. 12th Ministerial Conference (MC) of World Trade Conference on Good governance
Organization
• It was being held from 11th April to 17th April,
• It will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 12th- 2022.
15th June 2022. • In this context, Sushasan – Sugamta se Sampanta
• It will be attended by trade ministers and other would be organized at SCOPE Auditorium
senior officials from the member nations. (Convention Centre), SCOPE Complex, New Delhi
• It occurs every two years bringing all members of • The event would be attended by representatives/
the WTO together, all of which are countries or Senior Officials and Policymakers from different
customs unions. States and Resource Persons involved in
• Chair of 12th MC: Timur Suleimenov of Kazakhstan. Governance domain & improving services to
• the 11th MC was held at Buenos Aires, Argentina citizens, along with various industry experts
in 2017 December.
11. Rajnath Singh inaugurates DefConnect 2.0
7. Two-day Indo-Israel bilateral workshop on Quantum
Technologies (I2QT-2022) • Organized by: Innovations for Defence Excellence,
Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) in
• Organized by: Defence Research and Development New Delhi.
Organisation (DRDO) and DRDO-Industry- • It will be attended by innovators and investors
Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi. from India’s leading industries in the defence
T sector.
• It was attended by Indian and Israeli delegations • iDEX was introduced in 2018 to provide unified
consisting of academic experts, R&D professionals, platform for various stakeholders in the defence
and Industry partners. and aerospace sectors.

8. 20th meeting of National Tiger Conservation Authority 12. Fifth BIMSTEC Summit Chaired by Sri Lanka
(NTCA)
• PM Modi participated in 5th Bay of Bengal
• Venue: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
• It is organized under chairmanship of Union Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.
Minister for Environment, Bhupender Yadav • Hosted by: Government of Sri Lanka, which was
• It is for the first time in history that the NTCA the chair nation of BIMSTEC.
meeting is taking place outside national capital. • Theme: “Towards a Resilient Region, Prosperous
• During this, NTCA has released Standard Operating Economies, Healthy People”
Protocol, Forest Fire Audit Protocol and Technical • At the conclusion of the Summit, Thailand took
manual on Management Effectiveness Evaluation over as chair nation of BIMSTEC.
(MEE) of Tiger Reserves 13. Fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in
Washington
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• It provides a platform for covering all bilateral, the Northeastern region of India and will be held in
regional and global issues of mutual interest. physical and hybrid format.
• Indian delegation was led by Rajnath Singh and S.
17. 48th All India Police Science Congress (AIPSC) in
Jaishankar, while US was led by Secretary of State
Bhopal
Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd
Austin. • Organized by: Bureau of Police Research and
• It was first held in New Delhi in September 2018, Development (BPR&D).
followed by Second edition in Washington DC in • For the first time, this 2-day AIPSC will be attended
2019, while the third one again in New Delhi in by police forces, units, social scientists, forensic
October 2020 experts and stakeholders along with officers of
14. Conference of Culture and Tourism Ministers ‘Amrit correctional administration.
Samagam’ in New Delhi. 18. PM Modi inaugurates 7th edition of Raisina Dialogue
in New Delhi.
• Organized by: Ministry of Culture
• Aim: to deliberate on the progress of Azadi ka • It is a 3-day event, where ideas defining the
Amrit Mahotsav so far, and gather best practices emerging global realities, challenges, and solutions
and idea on the strategies to be adopted for the were discussed.
remaining period of the celebration, especially for • Chief guest: President of European Commission
upcoming crucial initiatives. Ursula Von Der Leyen.
15. First introductory meeting of All Women • Theme: Terranova, impassioned, impatient,
Ambassadors' Group imperiled.

19. Naval Commanders' Conference of 2022 in New Delhi

• Organized in: New Delhi
• Led by: Meenakashi Lekhi • The conference serves as a platform for naval
• All the Female Ambassadors to India, spouses of commanders to discuss important maritime
male ambassadors and female Charge d'Affaires of matters at the military-strategic level as well as
all embassies attended the meeting. interact with senior government functionaries
16. Waterways Conclave 2022 in Dibrugarh, Assam. through an institutionalized forum.

20. Semicon India Conference 2022

• Organized by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways along with Inland Waterways Authority • Venue: Bangalore
of India (IWAI) • It is envisioned as the launch pad to kick start
• Industry partner: FICCI country’s ambition in becoming the global
• During this, six MoUs were signed semiconductor hub and nurture the chip design
• It is focused on harnessing domestic and and manufacturing ecosystem.
international potential of waterways ecosystem in
March-2022

1. Ministry of Civil Aviation organizing ‘WINGS INDIA • The event focuses on new business acquisition,
2022’ in Hyderabad investments, policy formation and regional
connectivity.
• It is being held from 24th to 27th March 2022,
• Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and FICCI are
Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.
jointly organizing Asia's largest event on Civil
• Theme: India@75: New Horizon for Aviation
Aviation (Commercial, General and Business
Industry
Aviation), titled as ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’
• WINGS INDIA AWARDS will also be conferred
during this event.

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2. 12th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2022 • Theme: Geosciences: The Basic Science for a
Sustainable Future
• Inaugurated by: Union Minister for Culture, • It is a joint endeavor of Ministry of Mines, Ministry
Tourism and DoNER, G. K Reddy and Andhra of Earth Sciences, Indian National Science Academy
Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan and Science Academies of Bangladesh, Nepal, and
• Venue: Government Art College grounds in Sri Lanka.
Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram), Andhra
• It is also known as Olympics of Geosciences
Pradesh.
• It was held from March 26 to April 03, 2022 in the 8. The 6th Joint Meeting of India-Japan Act East Forum in
Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, New Delhi.
under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• Co-chaired by Foreign Secretary and Ambassador
3. International Summit on Plastics Recycling & Waste of Japan to India H.E. Mr. Suzuki Satoshi.
Management 2022 in New Delhi • It was attended by representatives of relevant
Ministries and State Governments of the
• Organized by: Ministry of MSME and All-India
Northeastern Region of India.
Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA).
• Forum reviewed the progress of ongoing projects
• During this, MSME Ministry has launched two
in various areas including connectivity,
special initiatives 'Sambhav' and 'Svavlamban' to
hydropower, forest management, water supply
promote entrepreneurship amongst youth,
and sewerage, etc.
especially in aspirational districts all across the
country. 9. The 17th Annual Conference on ‘Road Development in
India’
4. Mansukh Mandaviya delivers keynote address at
“Aksha-Lessons from India” • Addressed by: Nitin Gadkari
• During his address, he emphasized on reduction of
• Organized by: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
cement and steel by using different waste
(BMGF).
materials like waste rubber and plastic in road
• It was participated by Country Heads and
construction.
Representatives from Development Partners such
as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, USAID, ADB and BMGF 10. Third National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF)
• It was organized to take key lessons and share begins in New Delhi
experiences and best practices from India’s COVID
management and vaccination journey. • Organized by: Lok Sabha Secretariat and Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports
5. Second India-Australia Virtual Summit held • It is being held on 10th and 11th March 2022, in
the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi.
• Led by: PM Narendra Modi and his Australian
• Objective: to hear the voice of the youth, between
counterpart Scott Morrison
18 and less than 25 years of age, who will join
• The summit reviewed the multi-faceted
various careers in coming years.
relationship between the two countries and
exchanged views on regional and global 11. 5th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade &
developments. Investment
• The 1st edition of the summit was held in June
2020 • Venue: Delhi
• Dialogue concluded with formally re-launch the
7. 36th International Geological Congress held in New negotiations for India-Canada Comprehensive
Delhi Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
• It also considers an Interim Agreement or Early
• It was held virtually from 20th to 22nd March
Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) for commercial
2022.
gains to both the countries.
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12. OCEANS 2022 • Theme: ‘Inspire-Innovate-Sustain’

• It has been organized for global maritime
• It is bi-annual event of global marine researchers, professionals to learn and innovate in the
that is being held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. protection and utilization of the world’s largest
• Organized by: Indian Institute of Technology natural resource Oceans.
Madras (IIT Madras) and National Institute of
Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
• It was held for the first time in
February 2022

1. 28th edition of DST-CII India-Singapore Technology • Organized by: Department of Chemicals and
Summit held Petrochemicals in association with Central Institute
of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology and
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh addressed 28th edition Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
of DST-CII India-Singapore Technology Summit Industry.
• Singaporean Minister, S Iswaran showcased the data • Focus: R&D Laboratory, skill gap analysis for human
on Bi-lateral trade between India and Singapore, that capital in petrochemicals sector, providing
is increased by 35% from 19.8 billion dollars to 26.8 indigenous technology, etc.
billion dollars from 2020 to 2021.
• Focus areas of the summit: Smarter Cities, Space, 5. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off NITI Aayog’s
Industry 4.0 and Advanced Engineering, Healthcare, Fintech Open Summit
Precision Medicine, Mobility etc.
• NITI Aayog, in collaboration with PhonePe, AWS and
2. Telangana IT Minister KTR inaugurates 19th edition of EY has organized 3-week summit, titled ‘Fintech
BioAsia conference in Hyderabad Open’ to showcase importance of fintech industry.
• It was held from 7 to 28 February.
• It is the annual flagship event of the life sciences • It brings together regulators, fintech professionals,
industry. enthusiasts, industry leaders, start-up community,
• It will be addressed by about 50 celebrities from developers to collaborate, exchange ideas and
various organizations, including Bill Gates innovate
• Telangana attracted investments of over 6 thousand • It has three objectives:
400 crore rupees in the life sciences sector from o Encourage an open ecosystem
around 215 enterprises the previous year. o Foster innovation and growth
o Ensure financial inclusion
3. NITI Aayog, WRI India conducted Financing for
Decarbonization of Transport 6. PM Modi virtually addressed One Ocean Summit

• NITI Aayog, World Resources Institute (WRI), India, • It was held from 9 to 11 February 2022 in Brest,
with the support of GIZ India have conducted virtual France
workshop on ‘Financing for Decarbonization of • It was organized by France, UN and World Bank.
Transport’ as part of NDC-Transport Initiative for Asia • Aim: to bring together international community for
(NDC-TIA) project taking concrete action towards preserving and
• NDC-TIA: Joint programme of seven organizations supporting sustainable ocean ecosystems
that engages India, China and Vietnam in promoting • 2022 edition was held under the chairmanship of
comprehensive approach to decarbonizing transport French President Emmanuel Macron.
• It is part of the International Climate Initiative • 2021 to 2030 has been declared as 'Decade of Ocean
• Implementing partner for India component: NITI Science for Sustainable Development'
Aayog
7. PM addressed TERI’s World Sustainable Development
4. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates ‘Industry Connect 2022’ Summit
seminar in New Delhi
• PM Narendra Modi virtually delivered an inaugural
address at The Energy and Resources Institute’s
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(TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit • It is being held from 8th to 10th February
today. • Aim: to provide opportunities to the Indian telecom
• This 3-day Summit is TERI’s annual flagship event. stakeholders to meet qualified overseas buyers
• Theme 2022: ‘Towards a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a • It will be held under Market Access Initiative Scheme
Sustainable and Equitable Future’. (MAI) of Department of Commerce and with support
• It discusses a wide range of issues including climate of Department of Telecommunications and Indian
change, sustainable production, energy transitions, missions in different countries.
global commons and resource security.
8. Two-day conference on temple architecture
8. Ministry of Culture to organize Global Summit
‘Reimagining Museums in India • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Ministry of
Culture hold a two-day international conference
• It will be held on 15th and 16th February 2022. 'Devayatanam ' An odyssey of Indian temple
• It will bring together leading experts and architecture began at Hampi, Karnataka.
practitioners of museum development and
9. Fourth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue held
management field.
• It is being organized in partnership with Bloomberg. • The 4th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue has been
• It will encompass four broad themes: Architecture held in virtual mode.
and Functional Needs, Management, Collections and • Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary,
Education and Audience Engagement. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and UK delegation was led by
Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Mathew Rycroft.
9. TEPC organizes exclusive International Business Expo
• Dialogue covered wide range of issues including
‘India Telecom 2022’
Homeland Security, Cyber Security, Extradition cases,
• Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Migration & Mobility, etc.
Council (TEPC) has organized Exclusive International • The dialogue concluded with both sides agreeing to
Business Expo titled as ‘India Telecom 2022’ deepen security-related bilateral engagement.
January 2021

1. 82nd Indian Public Schools' Conference Principals’ • It will be presented under 6 categories to 26 e-
Conclave Governance initiatives at Central, State, District levels
and Academic-Research Institutions and PSU
• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has virtually
addressed 82nd Indian Public Schools' Conference 3. PM Narendra Modi addressed World Economic Forum's
Principals’ Conclave and urged all schools attending Davos Agenda
the conclave to reflect how inclusive our leading
• During the address PM proposed the a 'P-3'
schools are.
approach: "pro-planet-people”
• It is being organized by Doon School.
• The three main areas of concern at the summit are
• IPSC started in 1939 with a few residential schools
Climate Action, Pandemic Recovery, and Economic
now has a strength of 81 schools including Sainik
and Social Resilience.
Schools and Military Schools.
4. PM Narendra Modi to host first meeting of India-Central
2. Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 24th Conference on e-
Asia Summit
Governance 2020-21 in Hyderabad
• Participants: Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz
• Organized by: Dept of Administrative Reforms and
Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Public Grievances, Ministry of Electronics, and
• The summit is a reflection of India's growing
Information Technology in association with Govt of
engagement with the Central Asian countries, which
Telangana
are a part of India's extended neighbourhood.
• Theme: India’s Techade: Digital Governance in a Post
• It coincided with the 30th anniversary of the
Pandemic World
establishment of diplomatic relations between India
and Central Asian countries.

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5. India, ASEAN approve digital work plan to combat use of 6. IAMAI organized 16th India Digital Summit
stolen mobile handsets
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal
• India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 was approved has virtually addressed 16th India Digital Summit,
during 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting. 2022.
• India and ASEAN nations have jointly approved work • It was a two-day virtual event, that was organized by
plan under which they will develop a system to Internet And Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
combat the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile • Theme of the summit: “Supercharging Startups”
handsets, among other things. • It is the oldest event of the digital industry in India.
• Meeting was co-chaired by ministers from India and • During the summit, Minister unveiled ‘LEAP’ as the
Myanmar. way forward to further strengthen our Startups
ecosystem.
Important Days

May 2022

Date Day Theme

1st May 2022 International Labour Day or -
May Day
1st May 2022 Maharashtra Day -
1st May 2022 Gujarat Day -
1st May 2022 World Laughter Day (first -
Sunday of May)
3rd May 2022 Press Freedom Day Journalism under Digital Siege
3rd May 2022 World Asthma Day (First Closing Gaps in Asthma Care
Tuesday of May)
4th May 2022 International Firefighter’s Day -
7th May 2022 World Athletics Day -
8th May 2022 World Red Cross Day #BeHumanKind
8th May 2022 World Thalassemia Day Be Aware. Share. Care: Working
with the global community as
one to improve thalassemia
knowledge
8th May 2022 Mother's Day (Second Sunday
of May)
9th May 2022 Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
11th May 2022 National Technology Day Integrated Approach in Science
and Technology for a
Sustainable Future
12th May 2022 International Nurses Day Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Invest
in Nursing and respect rights to
secure global health
15th May 2022 International Day of Families Families and Urbanization
16th May 2022 Buddha Jayanti or Buddha
Purnima
17th May 2022 World Telecommunication Day Digital technologies for Older
Persons and Healthy Ageing
17th May 2022 World Hypertension Day Measure Your Blood Pressure
Accurately, Control It, Live
Longer
18th May 2022 World AIDS Vaccine Day

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 18th May 2022 International Museum Day The Power of Museums
20th May 2022 National Endangered Species Recovering key species for
Day (Third Friday in May) ecosystem restoration
21st May 2022 National Anti-Terrorism Day -
21st May 2022 Armed Forces Day (Third -
Saturday of the May)
22nd May 2022 International Day for Biological Building a shared future for all
Diversity life
31st May 2022 National Memorial Day (last -
Monday of May)
31st May 2022 Anti-Tobacco Day -

April 2022

Date Day Theme

1st April 2022 Utkal Diwas -
2nd April 2022 World Autism Awareness Day Inclusion in the Workplace
4th April 2022 International Day for Mine Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe
Awareness Home
5th April 2022 National Maritime Day Sustainable Shipping beyond
Covid-19
7th April 2022 World Health Day Our Planet, Our Health
10th April 2022 World Homeopathy Day People's Choice For Wellness
11th April 2022 National Safe Motherhood Day -
14th April 2022 B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti
18 April 2022 World Heritage Day Heritage and Climate
19th April 2022 World Liver Day -
21st April 2022 Civil Services Day -
22nd April 2022 Earth Day Invest In Our Planet'
23rd April 2022 World Book and Copyright Day Read, so you never feel low
24th April 2022 National Panchayati Raj Day -
25th April 2022 World Malaria Day Harness innovation to reduce
the malaria disease burden and
save lives
26th April 2022 World Intellectual Property Day IP and Youth: Innovating for a
Better Future
27th April 2022 World Veterinary Day Strengthening Veterinary
Resilience
28th April 2022 World Day for Safety and Health Act together to build a positive
at Work safety and health culture
29th April 2022 International Dance Day
30th April 2022 Ayushman Bharat Diwas -

March 2022

Date Day Theme

1st March 2022 Zero Discrimination Day Remove laws that harm, create
laws that empower
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 2nd March 2022 46th Civil Accounts Day --
3rd March 2022 World Wildlife Day Recovering key species for
ecosystem restoration
3rd March 2022 World Hearing Day To hear for life, listen with care
4th March 2022 National Safety Day Nurture young minds – Develop
safety culture
4th March 2022 National Security Day --
4th March 2022 World Obesity Day Everybody Needs to Act
4th to 10th March 2022 National Safety Week -
7th March 2022 Jan Aushadhi Diwas Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi
8th March 2022 International Women’s Day Gender equality today for a
sustainable tomorrow
9th March 2022 No Smoking Day -
10th March 2022 World Kidney Day Kidney Health for All
14th March 2022 International Day of Mathematics Unites
Mathematics
15th March World Consumer Rights Day Fair Digital Finance
16th March 2022 National Vaccination Day Vaccines work for all
18th March 2022 Global Recycling Day Recycling Fraternity
18th March 2022 World Sleep Day Quality Sleep, Sound Mind,
Happy World
20th March 2022 World Sparrow Day I love sparrows
20th March 2022 International Day of Happiness Build Back Happier
21st March 2022 International Day of Forests Forests and Sustainable
Production and Consumption
21st March 2022 International Day for the Voices for Action Against
Elimination of Racial Racism
Discrimination
22nd March 2022 World Water Day Groundwater-Making the
Invisible Visible
23rd March 2022 Shaheed Diwas -
23rd March 2022 World Meteorological Day Early warning and early action
24th March 2022 World Tuberculosis (TB) Day Invest to End TB. Save Lives
25th March 2022 International Day of Stories of Courage: Resistance
Remembrance of the Victims of to Slavery and Unity against
Slavery Racism
25th March 2022 International Day of Solidarity -
with Detained and Missing Staff
Members
26th March 2022 Earth Hour -

February 2022

Date Day Theme

2 February World Wetlands Day Wetlands Action for People and
Nature
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 4 February World Cancer Day Close the Care Gap
6 February International Day of Zero Accelerating Investment to End
Tolerance to Female Genital Female Genital Mutilation
Mutilation
10 February National Deworming Day
11 February International Day of Women and
Girls in Science
12 February National Productivity Day Self-Reliance Through
Productivity
13 February World Radio Day Radio and Trust
13 February International Women's Day Gender equality today for a
sustainable tomorrow
20 February World Day of Social Justice Achieving Social Justice through
Formal Employment
21 February International Mother Language Using technology for multilingual
Day learning: Challenges and
opportunities
24 February Central Excise Day -
27 February World NGO Day -
28 February National Science Day Integrated Approach in Science
and Technology for Sustainable
Future
28 February Rare Disease Day -

January 2022

Date Day Theme

1st January 64th Foundation Day of DRDO -
3rd January Birth anniversary of Savitribai -
Phule
4th January World Braille Day -
6th January World Day of War Orphans -
9th January Pravasi Bhartiya Divas or Non- -
Resident Indian Day
10th January World Hindi Day -
10th January to 16th January Startup India Innovation Week by -
Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT) and the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry
11th January National Human Trafficking -
Awareness Day
12th January National Youth Day ‘It’s all in the mind’
14th January Armed Forces Veterans Day -
15th January Indian Army Day -
16th January National Startup Day -
17th January to 21st January Open Data Week by Ministry of -
Housing and Urban Affairs
19th January Raising Day of National Disaster -
Response Force (NDRF)
23rd January Parakram Diwas -

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 24th January International Day of Education Changing Course, Transforming
Education
24th January National Girl Child Day -
25th January National Voters’ Day ‘Making Elections Inclusive,
Accessible and Participative’
25th January National Tourism Day -
26th January 73rd Republic Day of India -
26th January International Customs Day (ICD) Scaling up Customs Digital
Transformation by Embracing a
Data Culture and Building a Data
Ecosystem
27th January International Day of Memory, Dignity, and Justice
Commemoration in memory of
the victims of the Holocaust
30th January 74th Martyr’s Day or Shaheed -
Diwas
30th January World Leprosy Day United for Dignity
30th January World Neglected Tropical Achieving health equity to end
Diseases Day the neglect of poverty-related
diseases

December 2021

Date Day Theme

1 December World AIDS Day End Inequalities, End AIDS
2 December National Pollution Control Day
2 December International Day for the
Abolition of Slavery
2 December World Computer Literacy Day
3 December World Day of the Handicapped or
International Day of Persons with
Disabilities
4 December Indian Navy Day
5 December World Soil Day Halt soil salinization, boost soil
productivity
7 December Armed Forces Flag Day
7 December International Civil Aviation Day Advancing Innovation for Global
Aviation Development
9 December International Anti-Corruption Day
10 December Human Rights Day EQUALITY - Reducing inequalities,
advancing human rights
11 December International Mountain Day
11 December UNICEF Day
12 December Universal Health Coverage Day
14 December National Energy Conservation Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Energy
Day Efficient India' and 'Azadi ka
Amrit Mahotsav: Clearer Planet
16 December Vijay Diwas
18 December International Migrants Day Harnessing the potential of
human mobility
19 December Goa's Liberation Day

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 20 December International Human Solidarity
Day
22 December National Mathematics Day Mathematics for a Better World
24 December National Consumer Rights Day
25 December Christmas Day
25 December Good Governance Day (India) -

November 2021

Date Name of Important Days Theme 2021

1 November World Vegan Day –
1 November All Saints’ Day –
1 November Rajyotsava Day (Karnataka –
Formation Day)
2 November International Day to End Impunity -
for Crimes against Journalists
5 November World Tsunami Awareness Day –
6 November International Day for Preventing -
the Exploitation of the
Environment in War and Armed
Conflict
7 November Infant Protection Day -
7 November National Cancer Awareness Day –
8 November International Day of Radiology Interventional Radiology – Active
care for the patient
8 November World Urbanism Day –
9 November Legal Services Day –
10 November World Science Day Building Climate-Ready
Communities
11 November National Education Day -
12 November Ayurveda Day Ayurveda for Poshana (Nutrition)
12 November Public Service Broadcasting Day -
12 November World Pneumonia Day -
13 November World Kindness Day Kindness: The World We Make –
Inspire Kindness
14 November World Diabetes Day Access to Diabetes Care If Not
Now, When?
14 November Children’s Day -
16 November International Day for Tolerance -
16 November National Press Day -
17 November National Epilepsy Day -
17 November World Prematurity Day Zero Separation: Act now! Keep
parents and babies born too soon
together
18 to 24 November World Antimicrobial Awareness Spread Awareness, Stop
Week Resistance
19 November International Men’s Day -
19 November World Toilet Day -
20 November Universal Children’s Day -
21 November World Television Day -
21 November World Day of Remembrance for -

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 Road Traffic Victims
25 November International Day for the -
Elimination of Violence against
Women
26 November Constitution Day of India -
29 November International Day of Solidarity -
with Palestinian People
30 November Day of Remembrance for all -
Victims of Chemical Warfare

Important News – National (India)

1-15th May

1. 103 percent of Pharma exports of India have been Enterprises: 50%. An additional subsidy of 10% for
recorded since 2013-14 to 2021-22. the MSMEs owned by Women/SC/ST Entrepreneurs
Note: 90, 415 crores rupees in 2013-14 to 1,83,422 OR MSMEs in NER/Himalayan/LWE/Island
crores rupees in 2021-22. The export of Pharma territories/aspirational districts.
Sector has performed best export performance in 5. Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
2021-22. The exports grew by almost 10 billion US software developer compnay has signed a pact with
dollars in 8 years. The pharma exports in 2021-22 Ministry of Railways for the modernization of
have shown positive growth despite the drop in Telecommunication in Indian Railways for Public
demand for COVID-related medicines and global trade Safety and Security Services.
disruptions. Note: It will be done using the LTE-R following world
2. India has signed Comprehensive Economic standards, 5G Use Cases in Indian Railways in line
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE on 18 with Make in India policy, Internet of Things, Unified
February 2022 which is officially entered into force. Network Management System, Network Management
Note: BVR Subrahmanyam (Secretary, Department of System, Chatting application, Routers and Switches.
Commerce) has flagged off the first consignment of 6. In Bengaluru campus Union Minister for Home and
goods comprising Jewellery products from India to Cooperation, Amit Shah has inaugurated National
UAE. The agreement is expected to escalate the total Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).
value of bilateral trade in goods and trade in services Note: We should have an in-built mechanism for
to over US$100 billion and US$ 15 billion respectively, continuous up-gradation and will create a database of
within five years. modes operandi of various crimes committed within
3. Rs 1,67,540 is the Revenue collection of GST in the the country. It will be available to 11 central agencies
month of April 2022. and police of all States and Union Territories.
Note: The gross revenue collection of Goods and Technology partner: C-DAC, Pune.
Services Tax (GST) in the month of April 2022 is Rs 7. Railway Protection Force(RPF) has launched a
1,67,540 crore out of which CGST is Rs 33,159 crores, focused effort under “Operation Satark” from 5th
SGST is Rs 41,793 crores, IGST is Rs 81,939 crores. April to 30th April 2022.
The gross GST collection in April 2022 is Rs 25,000 Note: Aim: Taking action against illicit
crores more than the collection in March 2022 (Rs. liquor/FICN/illegal tobacco products/unaccounted
1,42,095 crores). This is the tenth month in a row that gold and any other items which are being transported
the GST revenues have crossed Rs 1 lakh crore mark. through the railway network for the purpose of tax
4. Narayan Rane (Union Minister for Micro, Small evasion and smuggling. RPF is an armed force under
and Medium Enterprises) has launched the MSME the ownership of the Indian Railways, Ministry of
Sustainable Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Railways.
Scheme. 8. The RailTel Corporation of India Ltd had designed
Note: MSMEs will get subsidies as per the following and established a “Health Cloud" at Visakhapatnam
structure, on the cost of ZED certification - Micro premises of Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ).
Enterprises: 80%; Small Enterprises: 60%; Medium
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 Note: AMTZ is the world’s first integrated medical Mindtree and LTI join strengths to create an efficient
device manufacturing hub. The “Health Cloud" has and scaled up IT services provider exceeding USD 3.5
been inaugurated by Louise Agersnap (Head of WHO billion. It will create a more distinctive employee
Innovation Hub). Health Cloud can also be value proposition.
operationalised on wheels and can dispense the 14. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has signed MoU
medicines by Health ATM through Mobile App having with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
a digital payment interface. to promote renewable energy thereby moving
9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the towards a carbon neutral economy in Delhi.
inaugural session of Jain International Trade Note: This MoU envisages collaboration between
Organisation’s - JITO Connect 2022 by video the two parties for jointly undertaking installation
conferencing. of Solar Rooftop PV Power Plants. Solar Energy
Note: JITO is a global organisation which connects Corporation of India (SECI) has estimated the total
Jains all over the world. JITO Connect is an attempt to solar power potential of 71.68 MWs in the
help businesses and industries by providing a campuses of CAPFs & NSG.
direction for mutual networking and personal 15. Railway Protection Force (RPF) has signed MoU
with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for a
interactions. This is a three-day event being organized
trafficking free nation.
at Gangadham Annex, Pune from 6th May 2022.
10. The second phase of the mandatory hallmarking of Note: It will enhance the scale, reach and
effectiveness of Operation AAHT (Action against
Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts will come into effect
on June 1, 2022. Human Trafficking) launched by RPF across the
Note: This phase will cover additional three caratages nation. RPF is entrusted with the responsibility of
security of railway property, passenger area and
of gold jewellery and artefacts - 20 carats, 23 carats
and 24 carats. BIS also has made a provision to permit passengers. RPF has also set up Anti Human
a consumer to get the purity of their unhallmarked Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at more than 740 locations
across India
gold jewellery tested at any of the BIS recognized
Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. 16. Shekhar Kapoor (Renowned Film Director) has
11. 180 km per hour is the speed of Regional Rapid inaugurated National Seminar titled 'Indian Cinema
and Soft Power' in Mumbai.
Transit System (RRTS) train sets are being
manufactured under Make In India initiative. Note: Organized by: Indian Council for Cultural
Relations (lCCR). Key topics: Cinematic colonialism,
Note: India's first semi-high-speed train set for
Indian Cinema as a Vehicle of spreading awareness
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has been
handed over to National Capital Region Transport about idea of India abroad, regional cinema and its
global influence, Indian cinema's engagement with
Corporation (NCRTC) at Alstom's Savli plan in Gujarat.
foreign audience, global influence of Indian cinematic
It will be brought to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh.
Implementing agency of India's first RRTS corridor music.
17. In association with Indian Institute of Management
between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut: NCRTC.
Ahmedabad (IIMA) the first International Research
12. Tata Sons company has approached the Competition
Commission of India (CCI) for a merger of Air India Conference on Insolvency and Bankruptcy was
organised by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
with Air Asia India.
Note: AirAsia India was launched as a joint venture India (IBBI).
between the Tatas and Malaysia’s AirAsia Group. Note: Rao Inderjit Singh (Minister of State for
Statistics and Programme Implementation) has
Tatas had raised its stake in AirAsia India to 83.67%
in December 2020. In January 2022, Tata acquired Air highlighted the journey of the Insolvency and
India and Air India Express. Tata group aviation Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Chairperson of IBBI: Dr.
Navrang Saini
companies: Air India, Air India Express, Vistara,
AirAsia India and Air India SATS Airport Services 18. In Kevadiya in Gujarat Union Health Minister Dr.
Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated a three-day
13. Mindtree company L&T Infotech has announced a
Swasthya Chintan Shivir (Health Summit).
merger to create India's fifth-largest IT services
provider. Note: Aim: Detailed discussion on various topics and
policies related to the health sector and recommend
Note: This combined entity will be known as
ways and means for better implementation of these
LTIMindtree. This proposed integration will see

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 policies/programmes. This summit is being organized Note: This service was virtually launched by
as a part of the 14th Convention of the Central Council RailTel chairman and managing director Puneet
of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW). Chawla. Android users can access this WiFi
19. Union Minister, Kailash Choudhary has inaugurated network by downloading the mobile app ‘Wi-DOT’
Conference of Cluster-Based Business Organizations from Google Play Store. This app has been
(CBBOs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) developed in association with C-DOT.
under Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 24. Ministry of Tourism has participated in the
FPOs at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai-2022 under
Note: Focus areas: expectations from CBBOs,
its 'Incredible India' brand line.
Knowledge sharing by CBBOs on best practices,
Note: Showcase India's tourism potential and
discussion on Training and Capacity Building of
provide a platform to the tourism stakeholders. It
Stakeholders, and Open discussion on various issues/
also aimed to promote India as a ‘Must See, Must
suggestions.
20. India will be the Official 'Country of Honour' in Visit’ destination. The India Pavilion was
Marche’ Du Film in France upcoming film festival. inaugurated in the presence of Satpal Maharaj
Note: The festival will be organised from 17th May (Uttarakhand Tourism Minister) and other
2022. This is for the first time when such an honour is dignitaries.
being bestowed on any country. The theme of the 25. Etsy (global marketplace) has partnered with the
India Pavilion 2022 is 'India the Content Hub of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom
World'. R Madhavan’s film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Development Corporation (NEHHDC) and signed an
Effect’, based on the life of Nambi Narayanan will also MoU to support small sellers, weavers and artisans.
premiere. Note: This will help to provide them with market
21. According to the annual report on Vital Statistics access and enablement support. To equip artisans,
based on the Civil Registration System report 2020, creators and small entrepreneurs in the Indian
Ladakh (1104) has recorded the highest sex ratio at handicrafts sector to start and manage online
birth in the country in 2020. businesses.
Note: Followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and 26. 33 domestic cargo terminals will be set up by
Nicobar Islands, Tripura and Kerala. Lowest sex ratio 2024-2025.
at birth: Manipur (880) followed by D& N Haveli &
Note: Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia
Daman & Diu (898) and Gujarat (909). Published by:
addressing the annual event of the Air Cargo
The Registrar General of India (Ministry of Home
Forum India. It will allow India's cargo sector to
Affairs).
flourish and grow. Industry players need to focus
22. Priyanka Mohite (Satara in western
on the transportation of smaller cargo loads from
Maharashtra) the Maharashtran girl becomes the
Tier II and III cities to metros to achieve the
first Indian woman to scale five peaks above 8,000
target of 10 million metric tons in cargo.
metres after her 5th climb Mount Kanchenjunga.
27. Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU on cooperation
Note: Priyanka received the Tenzing Norgay
and collaboration in Broadcasting withh ORTM
Adventure Award 2020. Mount Kanchenjunga
(Office de la Radio et de la Television) in
(8,586 m) is the third highest mountain on the
Madagascar.
planet. She had climbed world's highest peak
Note: It was signed by Abhay Kumar (India’s
Mount Everest (8,849 m), Mount Lhotse (8,516 m)
Ambassador to Madagascar) and ORTM DG
in 2018, Mount Makalu (8,485 m), Mount
Belalahy Jean Yves. This MoU will give international
Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in 2016, Mt Annapurna
exposure to the Prasar Bharati as Madagascar
(8,091 m).
National Television (TVM) will broadcast
23. Mini Ratna PSU RailTel has launched Prime
programmes from internal productions of Prasar
Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-
Bharati.
WANI) scheme based on access to its Public WiFi
28. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
services across 100 railway stations across the
has collaborated with Khadi and Village Industries
country.
Commission (KVIC) has started the Centre of
Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) at Delhi campus.
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 Note: To make Khadi trendier by diversifying its implementation of combined agriculture credit and
fabrics and clothing line and upgrading the quality crop insurance.
standards. Narayan Rane (Union Minister of MSME) Note: Aim: To provide technical support towards
also launched CoEK spokes in Gandhinagar, the Centre’s aspirational Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Shillong, Kolkata and Bengaluru virtually. Bima Yojana scheme (PMFBY) and Kisan Credit
29. Northern Zone of Indian Railways has added a Card - Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. Chief
'baby berth' to their trains, an unusual setup allows Executive Officer of PMFBY: Ritesh Chauhan
women to travel by train while sleeping peacefully 33. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated
next to their children. in the Second Global COVID Virtual Summit on the
Note: On the occasion of Mother's Day, the invitation of the President of the USA, Joseph R.
Lucknow Division of Northern Railways Biden.
experimented with a baby berth in coach Note: The theme of the summit: Preventing
No.194129/B4, berths 12 and 60. The infant seat Pandemic Fatigue and Prioritizing Preparedness.
Highlights: India adopted a people-centric strategy
is collapsible and has a safety stopper. Division of
to combat the pandemic; India plays an active role
Northern Railways: Lucknow and Delhi
by sharing its low cost indigenous COVID
collaborated on the infant berth.
mitigation technologies.
30. Ministry of Tourism has initiated the 34. GatiShakti Sanchar portal
establishment of ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as a part of (www.sugamsanchar.gov.in) portal launched by
the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. the Union Minister for Communications, Electronics
Note: To nurture and develop young ambassadors & IT and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for
of Indian tourism. To support this initiative, the
Centralised Right of Way (RoW) approvals in line
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has
with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
come forward and issued directions to all CBSE
Note: The portal has been developed keeping in
affiliated schools regarding the formation of Yuva
view the vision areas of the National Broadband
Tourism Clubs.
Mission (NBM). NBM was set up by the Department
31. BHARAT TAP initiative was launched by the
of Telecommunication in 2019.
Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &
35. Bhupender Yadav (Environment Forest and
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep S Puri at the
Climate Change Minister) has led an Indian
‘Plumbex India’ exhibition.
delegation at the 15th session of the Conference of
Note: This exhibition caters to a fundamental
the Parties (COP-15) of the UNCCD at Abidjan in
service in the development of the nation: water and
Cote d’Ivoire.
sanitation. He also launched NARDECO MAHI’s
‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative which will work for Note: The theme of COP 15: Life. Legacy: From
scarcity to prosperity. Aim: To bring together world
saving 500 crore ltr of water per year.
32. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare leaders to drive progress in the future sustainable
management of land and will explore links between
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
land and other key sustainability issues.
United Nations Development Programme for the

April -2022

1. Chief Justice of India, N V Ramana has launched bail. A digital platform FASTER was initiated led by
FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of the CJI Ramana bench.
Electronic Records) platform to communicate 2. In April 2022, President Ram Nath Kovind had
interim orders, stay orders, bail orders etc., of the embarked on two-nation tour of Turkmenistan
Supreme Court to concerned authorities through a and the Netherlands.
secured electronic communication channel. Note: During the first leg of the tour, the President
Note: The aim: Eliminate the delay in to release of is visiting Turkmenistan. This will be the first-ever
inmates even after the Supreme Court grants them visit of an Indian President to Turkmenistan. On

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 the second leg, President Kovind will be on a four- world, then consolidated, vetted, and analysed it
day visit to the Netherlands. before launching the campaign across the country
3. Environment awareness mascot Prakriti was on March 1, 2022.
launched by the Union Minister of Environment, 8. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture
Forest & Climate Change BhupenderYadav. and External Affairs has launched a website
Note: Aim: To spread mass awareness of small ‘Temple 360’ for digital darshan.
changes in lifestyle can bring better environmental Note: During an event organized by the Ministry of
sustainability. It also creates awareness about Culture at IGNCA Ampitheatre, Indira Gandhi
various efforts and initiatives of the ministry in National Centre of Arts, New Delhi under the aegis
order to ensure effective Plastic Waste of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Temple 360 is a
Management (PWM) in the country. digital platform where anyone can visit or do
4. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited darshan of 12 Jyotirlinga and Char Dham from any
(NTPC) has signed an agreement with Gujarat Gas location, making everyone’s life convenient while
Limited (GGL) for blending green hydrogen in also keeping people connected.
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network. 9. Veera is the name of mascot of the Khelo India
Note: Aim: decarbonization of the cooking sector University Games 2021 (KIUG 2021).
and self-sufficiency for the nation’s energy Note: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
requirements. Production of green hydrogen: Use Anurag Singh Thakur and Governor of Karnataka,
of electricity from the existing 1 MW floating solar TC Gehlot launched the logo, jersey, mascot and
project of NTPC Kawas. anthem of the Khelo India University Games 2021
5. Ministry of Electronics and Information (KIUG 2021) on April 01, 2022, at the
Technology has announced the formation of 17 SreeKanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The theme
member advisory committee to direct the song has been composed by Kannada rapper
government on a Rs 76,000 crore semiconductor Chandan Shetty. The KIUG 2021 will be held in
mission. Karnataka between April 24 and May 3, 2022.
10. Central government scheme Stand-Up India
Note: The Ministry of Electronics and Information
scheme (launched on 5th April 2016) has
Technology has announced the formation of 17
member advisory committee to direct the completed its 6 years.
government on a Rs 76,000 crore semiconductor Note: Under the Stand-Up India Scheme, over 30
mission. Chairperson of the committee: Ashwini thousand 160 crore rupees have been sanctioned
Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics, and Information to more than 1 lakh 33 thousand 995 accounts
Technology. since the launch of the Scheme. Aim: Loan facility
6. Ministry of AYUSH has organized Yoga Mahotsav between 10 lakh and one crore rupees to
at Red Fort, New Delhi on World Health Day on Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women.
April 7. Stand Up India scheme was extended till 2025.
11. The The Broadcast Seva Portal was launched by
Note: Chief Guest at Yoga Mahotsav: Lok Sabha
Speaker Om Birla. 8th International Day of Yoga Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting
2022 will be organized by the AYUSH Ministry, the Anurag Thakur.
nodal ministry of International Yoga Day. Note: Aim: Promotion of ease of doing business. An
7. Under operation Operation Upalabdh the Railway online platform will provide a single point facility
Protection Force (RPF) detained 1,459 touts and for the stakeholders to request required
permission, registrations and licenses.
blocked 366 IRCTC agent IDs and 6,751 personal
12. Directorate General of Foreign Trade has extended
IDs.
the Foreign Trade Policy by six months (till
Note: The ‘Operation Upalabdh’ push was
launched following the reinstatement of long- September 2022).
distance train services, with the expectation that Note: The decision was taken amid the Russia-
the festival and summer rush would result in a Ukraine crisis, as the war has disrupted global
sharp increase in demand for reserved train trade. The existing Foreign Trade Policy came into
tickets. The RPF’s field units gathered information existence on April 1, 2015, for five years.
from the field, the digital world, and the cyber 13. Tata Neu a unified digital application has been
announced by the Tata Group.
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 Note: It is designed as a Super app that offers 19. The first-ever flight of Made in India 17-seater HAL
everything from daily grocery, electronics, finance Dornier Do-228 was flagged off from Dibrugarh in
solutions, flights, holidays, and more. Each brand Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.
on Tata Neu is connected by a common reward Note: The Centre-run Alliance Air had signed an
called NeuCoins. agreement with the Hindustan Aeronautics
14. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released Limited (HAL) to lease two 17-seater Dornier 228
72,124 Dollars to the UNESCO Fund for aircraft. This will be the nation's first commercial
Elimination of Doping in Sport in 2022. airline to operate an Indian-made aircraft for civil
Note: In the 7th COP, the State Parties had agreed operations.
for the contribution of 1% of the regular budget of 20. 'SVANidhi se Samriddhi' program scheme which
the respective nations to UNESCO towards the was launched by the Ministry of Housing and
Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport. India Urban Affairs in addition to 126 cities across 14
has contributed USD 28172 towards the UNESCO States and UT.
Fund in 2021. Note: SVANidhi se Samriddhi is an additional
15. The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister program of PM-SVANidhi which was launched in
Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the January 2021 in 125 cities in Phase one. Prime
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) by March 2023. Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM
Note: Aim: Develop 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs SVANidhi) has been implementing since June 2020
(ATLs), 101 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), set up 21. The High Commissioner of India Vikram
50 Atal Community Innovation Centres and Doraiswami has laid the foundation stone for the
sponsor 200 entrepreneurs through the Atal New first IT/ Hi-Tech Park at Keraniganj near Dhaka,
India Challenges. More than Rs 2000 crore will be Bangladesh.
incurred as the total budgetary expenditure. Note: This is the first park under the Line of Credit
16. Smriti Zubin Irani has chaired the Zonal (LOC) extended by the Indian government to
Conference of State Governments and Stakeholders Bangladesh. With a committed LOC of over USD
of the North-East region on the Ministry schemes 7.86 bn Bangladesh becomes India’s largest
in Guwahati. development partner.
Note: This is the third Zonal meeting in Guwahati 22. The Union government has extended the grant of
in the series, before this the first meeting and ₹40 cr to the Dalai Lama’s Central Tibetan Relief
second meeting were held in Chandigarh and Committee (CTRC) by up to 2025-26.
Bengaluru respectively. Objective: Laid down the Note: The scheme to provide grants to CTRC was
details of Poshan 2.0 Abhiyan, Mission Shakti, launched in 2015. Purpose: To meet the
Mission Vatsalya administrative expenses of settlement offices and
17. Bhupender Yadav has chaired the 20th NTCA social welfare. Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh,
which was held was held in Pakke tiger reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and
Arunachal Pradesh. Jammu and Kashmir are the major concentration of
Note: This is the first-ever NTCA meeting that was the Tibetan refugees
held outside of the National Capital. The NTCA has 23. “AVSAR” (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans
prepared the Forest Fire Audit Protocol for Tiger Of The Region) scheme was launched by the
Reserves, which was released by Bhupender Yadav Airport Authority of India (AAI) to encourage the
18. President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the talent of women, artisans, and craftsmen and
annual Madhavpur Mela at Porbandar, Gujarat. provide them with the right opportunities.
Note: This fair is a symbol of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Note: Under the scheme, the space will be
Bharat which is being organized as part of Azadi Ka allocated to Self Help Groups (SHGs) at airports for
Amrut Mahotsav. This fair has been organized by selling/showcasing the self-made products of their
the Cultural Ministry in collaboration with the region. The space is being allotted to the self-help
Gujarat government since 2018. groups for 15 days, turn on turn basis.
24. The International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA) has signed an MoU with GVFL
111 | P a g e
 Limited for cooperation and collaboration to exemption on the import of cotton from customs
support and facilitate the FinTech ecosystem in duties by 6 months (till 30th of September
GIFT IFSC. 2022).
Note: The MoU focuses on the exchange of Note: The waive-off will benefit the textile chains:
information, undertaking diverse initiatives for the yarn, fabric, garments, and made-ups; Textile
growth of FinTech in the GIFT IFSC. GVFL Limited exports and consumers will also get relief. Earlier,
is promoted by the World Bank and the the customs duty was 10%, inwhich 5% on basic
Government of Gujarat in 1990. customs duty on cotton import and another 5% on
25. Jio-bp comes in an agreement with TVS Motor Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess
Company to work on the creation of a strong public (AIDC).
EV charging infrastructure for electric two- 30. Ministry of Electronics and Information
wheelers and three-wheelers in the country. Technology (MeitY) has organised 'Sabka Vikas
Note: Under this agreement, the customers of TVS Mahaquiz'.
electric vehicles will provide access to the Note: To create awareness among the citizens
widespread charging network of Jio-bp. Jio-bp about the schemes and initiatives of the
operates its EV charging and swapping stations government. The first quiz was on Pradhan Mantri
under the brand Jio-bp pulse. Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) under the
26. Gujarat state has topped the NITI Aayog's State Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public
Energy and Climate Index (SECI)-Round One, Distribution.
31. Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways
followed by Kerala and Punjab.
Note: Smaller states (Top 3): Goa, Tripura, and (MoRTH) has developed ‘e-DAR’ (e-Detailed
Manipur. Bottom states: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Accident Report) portal.
Note: Digitalized DAR will be uploaded on the
Pradesh, and Jharkhand SECI-round 1 includes six
portal for easy access. It is designed by the
parameters: discoms performance; access
government in consultation with insurance
affordability and reliability of energy; clean energy
companies. It will provide instant information on
initiatives; energy efficiency; environmental
road accidents with a few clicks and help
sustainability; and new initiative accelerate accident compensation claims, bringing
27. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the relief to victims’ families.
Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on the occasion of 32. PM Narendra Modi has unveiled 108-feet statue of
Ambedkar Jayanti at at Teen Murti Bhavan in Lord Hanuman in Morbi, Gujarat.
Delhi. Note: The statue is the second of the four statues
Note: This museum has been dedicated to all being set up in the four directions across the
Prime Ministers of the country. There are a total of country, as part of 'Hanumanji Char dham project.
43 galleries in the Sangrahalaya. The logo of First statue of this series was set up at the Jakhu
PradhanmantriSangrahalaya represents the hands hills in the north in Shimla in 2010 and has been
of the citizens of India holding the Dharma Chakra sculpted by a Rajasthan sculptor. The work on the
symbolizing the nation and democracy. statue in the south at Rameswaram has been
28. six years have been completed of a pan-India started.
online trading portal, National Agriculture Market 33. NITI Aayog will launch National Data and
(e-NAM). Analytics Platform (NDAP) in May to provide
Note: This flagship programme was launched by government data in a user-friendly format,
PM Modi in 2016 with an aim to join the physical promoting data-driven decision making and
wholesale markets and mandis of States/UTs to research.
facilitate the electronic trading of agricultural Note: Aim to standardize data across govt sources
goods. e-NAM is totally funded by the Central and provide flexible analytics that make it easy for
users to analyze information using multiple
Government. Implemented by: Small Farmers
datasets. It will have 200 datasets from more than
Agribusiness Consortium
46 ministries at the launch time. New datasets will
29. To boost the textile industry, the Ministry of
be added up to village level in the future
Finance has issued a notification regarding the
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34. PM Narendra Modi has virtually dedicated 200-bed impaired to gain seamless access to audiobooks
K K Patel Super Speciality Hospital to the nation at and education resources.
Bhuj in Kutch district of Gujarat. 40. The sugar in India from 2013-14 to 2021-22 is
Note: It has been built by Shree Kutchi Leva Patel 291%.
Samaj, Bhuj and is the first charitable super Note: India's sugar export was USD 1,177 million
specialty hospital in Kutch region. It will guarantee in the financial year 2013-14 to USD 4,600 million
quality medical treatment for people of Kutch in the last financial year. The sugar export has
including lakhs of soldiers, par military personnel jumped 65% in 2021-22 corresponding to the
and traders. It is in line with the policy of Central previous year. The country had exported sugar
govt to set up at least one medical college. worth 1,965 million US dollars in 2019-20, which
35. 40th edition of HunarHaat has been inaugurated increased to 2,790 million US dollars in 2020-21.
by Anurag Thakur (Union Minister for Information 41. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will build
& Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports). the world’s highest tunnel at 16,580 feet to connect
Note: The 40th 'HunarHaat' is a feasible platform Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh near Shinku La Pass.
to promote 'Swadeshi' products in Mumbai from Note: The construction will begin by July this year
16th to 27th April 2022. Under the initiative of and be completed by 2025. The Centre has already
Tejas skilling programme the skilled manpower made ‘Project Yojak’ of BRO to execute this
will be sent to UAE. ambitious project.
36. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of 42. The nation's first portable solar rooftop system has
Mauritius has arrived in Mumbai on an eight-day been inaugurated in Gujarat (Swaminarayan
visit to India. Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar).
Note: Mauritius PM participated in the Ceremony Note: The 10 Photovoltaic Port has been
of the WHO-Global Centre for Traditional Medicine manufactured by Servotech Power Systems Ltd
at Jamnagar on 19th April and the Global Ayush (New Delhi). It is designed by the Deutsche
Investment and Innovation Summit at Gandhinagar Gesellschaft fur InternationaleZusammenarbeit
in Gujarat on 20th April. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (GIZ).
also visits Varanasi. The visit improves the 43. The export of India's non-basmati rice in FY 2021-
bilateral relations between the two nations. 22 is USD 6115 million.
37. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has unveiled a Note: Export of non-basmati rice has registered a
bronze statue of PinnamaneniKoteswara Rao in growth of 27% in 2021-22. West African country,
Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati
Note: PinnamaneniKoteswara Rao served as rice from India. As per Directorate General of
Krishna Zilla Parishad Chairman for over 27 years Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS)
in Machilipatnam. VP will participate in various data, India exported rice to over 150 countries
programmes arranged at Swarna Bharat Trust, across the globe in 2021-22.
Atkuru near Vijayawada. 44. Skill India in alliance with the Directorate General
38. PM Modi has inaugurated WHO Global Centre for of Training (DGT) organized Apprenticeship Mela
Traditional Medicine in Gujarat. across the country on 21st April 2022.
Note: During his three-day visit to Gujarat, he visit Note: Aim to support the hiring of more than one
the Command and Control Centre for Schools in lakh apprentices and assist employers in tapping
Gandhinagar. He dedicated the Banas Community the right talent. The National Policy of Skill
Radio Station, to provide farmers key scientific Development and Entrepreneurship was launched
information related to agriculture and animal by the Prime Minister on July 15, 2015, to
husbandry. recognize apprenticeship to a skilled workforce
39. Radio Aksh is India's first-ever radio channel for with adequate compensation.
the visually impaired. 45. National Insurance Academy (NIA) has signed an
Note: It was launched in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The MoU with International Financial Services Centres
Blind Relief Association Nagpur and Authority (IFSCA) to provide skilled talent pool in
SamdrushtiKshamata Vikas AvamAnusandhan the insurance sector in International Financial
Mandal jointly launched the pioneers of the Services Centres (IFSCs).
concept. This initiative will help the visually
113 | P a g e
 Note: This MoU undertakes to build the required also start the process of transformation from forest
skilled manpower for the IFSC. IFSCA had already village to revenue village.
executed an MoU with the Insurance Institute of 51. NITI Aayog has released a draft battery swapping policy.
India (III) with the focus to address needs of IFSC Note: According to the which all metropolitan cities with
Insurance entities. a population above 40 lakh will be prioritized for the
46. The First Conference of Incredible India International development of battery swapping network under the first
Cruise Conference 2022 held in Mumbai on May 14-15, phase. All major cities such as state capitals, UT
2022. headquarters, and cities with populations above 5 lakh
Note: Event will be organised by the Mumbai Port will be covered under the second phase.
Authority. He also launched the event website 52. The 'Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari’ campaign
www.iiicc2022.in, logo and mascot named 'Captain was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Cruzo'. The iconic sea-cruise terminal coming up at BPX Welfare from April 25 to April 30, 2022, under 'Azadi Ka
Indira Dock Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is Amrit Mahotsav' in the association with various other
expected to be commissioned by 2024. Ministries and Departments.
47. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited Note: The Department of Agriculture Research and
(NTPC) has collaborated with Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to Education will also organise a Krishi Mela at each Krishi
utilize the residues produced in the sewage treatment Vigyan Kendra and a field exhibition on natural farming.
plants (STP) of DJB to convert them into green energy. Union Agriculture Minister: Narendra Singh Tomar
Note: The torrefied waste sludge was fired from NTPC’s 53. Ursula Von Der Leyen (President of the European
unit 4 Boiler at Dadri. This green technological solution Commission) was the chief guest at the7th edition of the
helps to convert STP sludge into energy and reduces CO2 Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi which was inaugurated by
emissions. In Delhi NCR alone, STP produces up to 800 PM Modi.
MT of sludge per day. Note: Theme - Terranova, impassioned, impatient,
48. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and imperilled. There are six broad thematic pillars of the
Highways has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone Dialogue which include Rethinking Democracy, End of
of 33 National Highway projects worth Rs 9,240 crore in Multilateralism, Water Caucuses, and Achieving Green
Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Transitions.
Note: These road projects will ease the connectivity of 54. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Chhattisgarh with the states of Odisha, Maharashtra, Development Authority (APEDA) in association with
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The road the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) has
network connects the backward areas with the developed organized Asia’s biggest international food and hospitality
areas of the state and cultural and tourist places. fair AAHAR 2022 in New Delhi.
49. NITI Aayog has signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with Note: APEDA has also created stalls for exporters from
UNICEF India on the Sustainable Development Goals the NorthEast Region, Himalayan states, women
(SDGs) with a focus on children. entrepreneurs, Start-Ups, and exporters of millets. More
Note: Both organisations jointly launch a report on the than 80 exporters will participate in the fair from
‘State of India’s Children: Status and Trends in different segments.
Multidimensional Child Development’. The joint efforts 55. The SVAMITVA scheme (Survey of Villages Abadi and
will contribute to India's commitments to the 2030 Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)
Agenda and provide a set of policy recommendations and has completed 2 years on 24th April 2022.
achieve their holistic development. Note: It is a Central Scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati
50. 48th edition of the All India Police Science Congress has Raj with an aim to provide the record of rights to village
been inaugurated by Amit Shah, Union Home and household owners in rural areas and issue Property
Cooperation Minister. Cards. Drone technology has been used for the first time
Note: The event was held at the Central Police Training to map actual property area of landowners.
Academy, Bhopal. He also attends the conference of 56. Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU with the Public
forest committees and bonus distribution program to the Broadcaster of Argentina Radio Television Argentina
Tendupatta pluckers at Jamboori Maidan, Bhopal. He will (RTA) for collaboration in the field of broadcasting.

114 | P a g e
 Note: The MoU encompasses a range of fronts in Media cards. This scheme is the world’s largest health insurance
and Broadcasting that is set to exemplify the scheme, fully financed by Government. Under this
communication and transmission networking of both scheme, the people with Ayushman Bharat Golden Card
nations. India and Argentina share cordial relations and get free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh.
developmental partnerships in the areas of political, 62. Jamtara district in Jharkhand has become the first
economic, scientific and technological cooperation. district in India where all gram panchayats have
57. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) community libraries.
has signed an MoU with The Indian Navy's Naval Institute Note: The population of the district is about eight lakh
of Educational and Training Technology (NIETT) to build and has a total of 118-gram panchayats under six blocks.
collaboration and exchange of best practices in the field of The library will be open for students from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Educational Psychology, Instructional Leadership, and Career counselling sessions and motivational classes are
Management. also provided.
Note: NIETT celebrating its 50 years in the service of the 63. National Highways Logistic Management Limited
nation and this MoU achieves the exchange of expertise in (NHLML) has signed an MoU with the Himachal Pradesh
the field of management of education. government for the development of seven ropeway
58. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has projects in Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmour and Bilaspur
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with districts.
Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO)- Note: The MoU was signed in the presence of road
NRLDC. transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari and chief
Note: To encourage research on issues related to India’s minister Jai Ram Thakur in New Delhi.
power sector as well as strengthen academia and industry 64. Netflix has joined hands with the I&B ministry to launch
interaction with the goal of sharing knowledge. POSOCO some short films on women changemakers named 'Azadi
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Government of India Ki Amrit Kahaniya'.
enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power. Note: The videos are narrated by actor Neena Gupta and
59. NITI Aayog has organized a National Level Workshop on produced by Netflix. It would be shared on social media
Innovative Agriculture under the Azadi ka Amrit and broadcast on Doordarshan. Aims: To bring out
Mahotsav celebrations in New Delhi. inspiring stories of Indians which empower more people
Note: The first session was chaired by Dr. Ravi Kumar to achieve their goals
(Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog). Yogi Adityanath (CM of 65. Flipkart has signed an MoU with the West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh), CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan (MP), CM Y. S. government to support and train local artisans, weavers
Jagan Mohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh), and CM Pushkar and handicraft makers.
Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand) have joined the first technical Note: Aim: To leverage its e-commerce platform to scale
session of the workshop virtually. up small businesses nationally. Flipkart Samarth
60. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has programme will empower artisans/weavers in the state.
approved the construction of the 540 Megawatt Kwar 66. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed an
Hydro Electric project in the Kishtwar district, Jammu and MoU with Equinor ASA, the Norwegian state-owned
Kashmir. This project is located on the Chenab river. multinational energy company for two years.
Note: The committee was chaired by Prime Minister Note: Aim: To collaborate in areas of upstream
Narendra Modi. The project will be implemented by exploration and production, midstream, downstream and
Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (JV Clean energy options. Equinor is the leading operator on
between NHPC and JKSPDC).The committee has approved the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in 30
an investment of over 4,526.12 crore rupees for this countries worldwide.
project. 67. PM Modi inaugurates Semicon India Conference 2022 in
61. Samba district, J&K has become the first district in India Bengaluru.
to cover 100% of households under Ayushman Bharat Note: Aim: to visualize as the launchpad to start India’s
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)- SEHAT ambition of becoming the global semiconductor hub and
scheme. nurturing the chip design and manufacturing ecosystem.
Note: Samba district has a total of 62,641 families with The conference focused on policy, talent, and the
3,04,510 people eligible for ABPM-JAY SEHAT golden
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 government’s role and efforts in creating a successful 71. IndiGo has become the first airline in Asia to use the
growth environment. indigenous navigation system GPS-aided geo-augmented
68. PM Modi has inaugurated the Global Patidar Business navigation (GAGAN) to land its aircraft.
Summit (GPBS) via video conferencing in Surat. Note: The flight was conducted using an ATR-72 aircraft
Note: The summit was organised under the ‘Mission and landed at the Kishangarh airport, Rajasthan. The
2026’ to provide momentum for the socio-economic system has been developed by the Airports Authority of
development of the Patidar community. The theme of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation
GPBS 2022 is “Aatmanirbhar Community to Aatmanirbhar (ISRO). India becomes the third country in the world to
Gujarat and India” have its own SBAS system after the USA and Japan.
69. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed an agreement with 72. Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium
IIT Bombay to jointly pursue their research and Enterprises, Narayan Rane has inaugurated Enterprise
development work in the green hydrogen value chain. India (Ministry’s Mega Event) under the celebrations of
Note: Both organizations will contribute to the green Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
hydrogen industry and develop next-generation Note: “Enterprise India” is a month-long series of
technology. Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis commemorative entrepreneurship development events
process by using renewable energy which is known as and activities being held from 27.04.2022 up to
green hydrogen, it has no carbon footprint. 27.05.2022. Aim to promote entrepreneurship culture
70. Telangana Government has signed a memorandum of and create awareness about the schemes and initiatives of
understanding (MoU) with Google to provide benefits of the Ministry of MSME.
digital economy to the youth and women entrepreneurs. 73. Tata Power Limited has signed a pact with the National
Note: The state government has been working with Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO),
Google since 2017 on improving digital literacy. Google Maharashtra to install up to 5,000 EV charging points
and WE Hub, Govt. of Telangana, will jointly carry out across the properties of NAREDCO's members.
Women Will programme to deliver digital, business, and Note: The MoU was signed in the presence of Aaditya
financial skills to nano, micro, and small women-led Thackeray (Minister of Tourism & Environment,
businesses. Government of Maharashtra). This move will give a boost
to EV adoption in the State.

March -2022

1. ‘National Level Awareness Programme – Sambhav’ Global sea levels will likely rise 44-76 cm if not given
has been launched by Ministry of Micro, Small and attention.
Medium Enterprises. 3. Along with IIT Madras, the National Institute of
Note: During iconic week, Ministry of MSME will Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai jointly hosted,
launch Phase II of ‘National Level Awareness for the first time in India, the OCEANS 2022
Programme – Sambhav’ through which more than 1 conference & Exposition.
lakh students from 1300 colleges will be motivated Note: It is a bi-annual event of global marine
to take up entrepreneurship. Ministry of MSME is researchers on February 21-24, 2022.It was held in
also launching Entrepreneurship Promotion Drive in a hybrid format. ‘Inspire-Innovate-Sustain’ was the
46 aspirational districts. main theme of the conference.
2. According to a report by the Intergovernmental 4. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), The world faces Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in the year 2008.
unavoidable multiple climate hazards over the next Note: PMBJP stores have been set up to provide
two decades with global warming of 1.5°C. generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices
Note: The report also warns about temporarily but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as
exceeding this warming level leading to additional, expensive branded drugs. It was launched by the
severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible. Department of Pharmaceuticals in November 2008
Lucknow and Patna would reach wet-bulb under the name Jan Aushadi Campaign.
temperature of 35°C if emissions continued to rise. 5. India’s first e-waste eco-park will come up in New
Delhi.
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 Note: He also announced the framing of Delhi Film to improve overall understanding of Indian
Policy 2022 to make the city a brand for shooting monsoons.
locations and promoting tourism. At present, Delhi 12. Bhavishyo Rakshati Rakshit is the new motto of
produces 2 lakh tonnes of e-waste every year. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
6. India’s first ambulance for street animals has been (NCPCR).
launched in Chennai. Note: The New Motto is ‘Bhavishyo Rakshati
Note: Launched by Madras High Court Justice Dr Rakshit’. The Minister interacted with the children
Anitha Sumanth, the Stray Animal Care programme from different States and also visited the exhibition
will be a “hospital on wheels” with an on-board based on stories of freedom fighters during their
veterinarian to provide on-site treatment to injured childhood organised by Border Security Forces
and sick street animals. (BSF) in collaboration with NCPCR and remembered
7. Recently, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the their sacrifices.
International Monsoons Project Office (IMPO) at the 13. Next-Gen Technologies for Digital Government is
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). the theme of the 3rd edition of NIC Tech Conclave
IMPO/IITM located in Pune. 2022 being organized by the National Informatics
Note: Setting up the IMPO reiterates the importance Centre (NIC).
of monsoons for the national economy. It would Note: The two-day event being organized by the
encompass activities and connections related to National Informatics Centre NIC. The event will be
international monsoon research that would be attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics
identified and fostered under the leadership of the and Information Technology, and other dignitaries
World Climate Research Programme and the World from Centre and State Governments. NIC has been
Weather Research Programme. organizing Tech Conclave focused on Emerging
8. Arogya Vanam, hub of medicinal herbs and plants Technologies applicable especially in e-Governance.
launched by President Ram Nath Kovind at 14. India ranked at third in terms of having most
Rashtrapati Bhavan to promote the importance of billionaires’ population globally in 2021, as per
Ayurvedic plants and their effects on human body. Knight Frank’s latest edition of The Wealth Report
Note: The Arogya Vanam has been developed in a 2022.
6.6 acre area and it has 215 types of medicinal Note: Number of ultra-high-net-worth-individuals
plants like Neem, Tulsi, Bel, Arand, Arjun, (UHNWIs) in India increased by 11% in 2021 to 145
Ashwagandha and Harsingar. Aroma Garden, Lotus billionaires, highest percentage growth in Asia
Pond, Water Channels, Yog Manch and a ViewPoint Pacific region. UHNWIs: Individuals with net assets
are also part of Arogya Vanam. of US$ 30m (Rs 226 crore) or more. India’s UHNWI
9. Ministry of Women and Child Development will is expected to grow by 39% from 2021 to 2026.
launch the ‘Back to School’ Campaign in partnership 15. MeitY Startup Hub and Google have announced to
with UNICEF. cohort 100 Indian early to mid-stage startups and
Note: On 7th March 2022, ‘Back to School’ Campaign help them to build high-quality global apps and
will be launched jointly by MoWCD and UNICEF games.
India as ‘Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav’, focusing on Note: They were chosen from over 400 applications
supporting out-of-school girls. following an in-depth selection process. Under this
10. NITI Aayog will release the National Gender Index 6-month programme, 100 startups will be trained
in India. through a customized curriculum that includes
Note: The index will serve as a tool to map the virtual instructor-led webinars, self-learning
progress of states and Union Territories (UTs) on material, mentorship sessions
defined gender metrics and build the foundation for 16. Ujjain has created Guinness record by lighting 11.71
positive change. The index will support policy action lakh clay lamps (diyas) in 10 minutes, on the
and advocacy around gender and will be aligned to occasion of Mahashivratri 2022.
the framework of Sustainable Development Goals. Note: A five-member delegation of Guinness Book of
11. India will soon lunch the third phase of Monsoon World Records saw the mammoth effort and offered
Mission. In 2012 was the first Monsoon Mission was the record certificate to Madhya Pradesh chief
launched to improve overall understanding of Indian minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
monsoons. 17. The ministry of Women & Child Development has
Note: Aim: to achieve further improvement in our launched ‘Stree Manoraksha Project’ in
understanding about the monsoons, thus helping collaboration with NIMHANS organisation to
achieve a quantum leap in the predictions. Monsoon improve the mental health of women population
Mission was launched for the first time in 2012. It across the country.
has been a flagship project undertaken by the MoES
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 Note: The project would emphasise on the handicraft/ handloom, art and culture” to celebrate
psychosocial well-being and aim to improve the the traditional Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and
mental health of women in India. The project also art & culture.
focusses on self-care techniques for OSC staff and Note: Jharokha: PAN India programme that will be
counselors. held at 16 locations in 13 states and UTs. Its first
18. India ranked 120th in the Sustainable Development event is organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh at
Report 2021 or Sustainable Development Index Rani Kamlapati Railway Station from 8th March
2021. 2022 (Women’s Day). It will continue for 8 days and
Note: Top performers: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, will include folk performances by local artists.
Germany, and Belgium. Index measures the total 24. India’s status in the “Freedom in the World 2022 –
progress of India towards achieving 17 Sustainable The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule” by
Development Goals (SDGs). Freedom House, a US-based NGO is Free, Partly
19. Kavach is the name of Indian Railway’s indigenously Free.
developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP), a train Note: The report is published every year since 1973
collision protection system. by Freedom House (US NGO that assesses political-
Note: The two trains will hurtle towards each other civil liberties). India was a free country till 2020
at full speed, one with the railway minister on board with 71 score. In 2022, 85 countries were free, 56 as
and the other with the Chairman of the Railway partly free, 69 as not free
Board. TCAS or Kavach includes the key elements 25. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has
from already existing, and tried and tested systems announced its partnership with Snap to drive
like the European Train Protection and Warning Augmented Reality (AR) skilling among the Indian
System, and the indigenous Anti Collison Device. youth.
20. Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Pune Metro Note: The partnership is initially for 2 years and is
Rail Project that cost Rs 11,420 Crore. expected to train over 12,000 teachers affiliated
Note: The project is being built at a cost of more with Atal Tinkering Labs on Augmented Reality,
than Rs 11,400 crore. Modi also unveiled the statue enabling the reach of the program to millions of
of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the premises of the students affiliated with ATL’s network of schools.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Snap Inc also announced its partnership with Atal
21. Under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Incubation Centers (AICs).
Yojana the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment 26. The Government of India (GoI) has approved the
(MoL&E) has launched ‘Donate-a-Pension’ establishment of the WHO Global Centre for
programme for people to contribute to the pension Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in Jamnagar,
fund to their support staff. Gujarat.
Note: It is an initiative under (PM-SYM) pension Note: The WHO GCTM will be established in
scheme where citizens can donate the premium Jamnagar under the Ministry of AYUSH. This would
contribution of their immediate support staff such as be the first and only global outposted Centre (office)
domestic workers, drivers, helpers etc. According to for traditional medicine across the globe.
the labour ministry website, the PM-SYM is a 50:50 27. Under the administrative jurisdiction of Ministry of
voluntary and contributory pension scheme in Finance, the Union Cabinet has approved to set up
which the beneficiary makes a stipulated age- National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) as
specific contribution and the Central Government a wholly owned company of Government of India.
matches it. Note: NLMC shall be a wholly-owned Government of
22. India’s flagship 12th edition of Nanotech event India company. It will be set up under the
focussing on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology was administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of
inaugurated in Bengaluru. Finance.
Note: The three-day nano event has the 28. India`s largest reclining statue of Lord Buddha is
participation of more than 2,500 delegates and 75 being built at Bodh Gaya.
national as well as internationally renowned Note: The giant statue is being built by Buddha
speakers. The event is being organised virtually by International Welfare Mission, one of the top
the Department of Electronics, Information Buddhist Temples in West Bengal (also known as
Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Kolkata Temple). Its construction started in the year
Technology, Government of Karnataka, KSTePS and 2019. Bodh Gaya is the place of enlightenment of
JNCASR. Lord Buddha, and famous pilgrimage site for
23. Partnering with Ministry of Art and Culture Buddhism, visited by devotees from all over the
ministry the Ministry of Textiles organizing a world.
programme called “Jharokha-Compendium of Indian
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29. 3rd edition of the National Youth Parliament Note: The current report relates to UDISE+ data for
Festival (NYPF) was convened this year by Lok the reference year 2020-21 and states that total
Sabha Secretariat and Ministry of Youth Affairs and number of students enrolled in schools from
Sports. primary to higher secondary stood at 25.38 crore in
Note: It is being held on 10th and 11th March 2022, 20-21 which means there is an increase of 28.32
in the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi. lakh enrolments as compared to the 25.10 crore
Jmm]=Objective: to hear the voice of the youth, enrolment in 2019-20. The Gross Enrolment Ratio
between 18 and less than 25 years of age, who will (GER) in 20-21 stand at 92.2% in upper primary,
join various careers in coming years. 99.1% in elementary, 79.8% in secondary and
30. India’s first 100% women-owned industrial park 53.8% in higher secondary respectively.
was established in Hyderabad.
Note: Industrial park is promoted by FICCI Ladies 35. According to the National Family Health Survey
Organisation (FLO) in partnership with the state (NFHS)-5 Odisha becomes the top state in the list of
government of Telangana. It is spread over a 50-acre full immunization in India with 90.5 per cent
area in Sultanpur near Patancheru industrial area. coverage under Mission Indradhanush.
Estimated investment cost of the project: Rs 250 Note: Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0 (IMI)
crores. was rolled out on 7 March 2022, in Odisha to
31. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has signed a provide preventive health care for mothers and
memorandum of understanding with which IIT children and for boosting full immunization
Roorkee for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization coverage. 20 districts of Odisha were found above
Chair Professor’. 90 percent in full immunization and remaining 10
Note: This would be the 1st Standardization Chair districts were less than 90 percent. Districts such as
established by BIS in an Institute for activities on Ganjam, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jharsuguda, Koraput,
Standardization and Conformity Assessment. It will Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Khurda, Sambalpur,
help in sensitizing students on how standards can Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh districts were selected
encourage and facilitate innovation and will help in for inclusion under IMI.
grooming students making them better prepared for 36. India’s first medical city ‘Indrayani Medicity’ to
their future challenges. come up in Pune.
32. Narayan Rane has launched the MSME Innovative Note: It will come up in 300-acre of land area in the
Scheme (Incubation, Design and IPR) along with Khed taluka of Pune. It is estimated to attract
MSME IDEA HACKATHON 2022. investment worth Rs. 10,000 crores. Indrayani
Note: Details of the sub-schemes: Medicity will have hospitals, medical research
o Incubation: promote and support centre, pharmaceutical manufacturing, wellness and
untapped creativity with assistance of up physiotherapy.
to Rs. 15 lakh per idea 37. A new campus building complex has been dedicated
to the nation by the PM Narendra Modi at Rashtriya
o Design: Bring Indian manufacturing
Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar.
sector and Design experts on a common Note: It is an Institution of National Importance, that
platform with assistance up to Rs. 40 lakh commenced its operations on 1st October 2020. It
for design project provides different academic courses to meet the
o IPR (Intellectual Property Rights): need for high quality trained manpower in various
improve the IP culture in India. wings of policing, criminal justice correctional
administration.
33. Recently published ‘UDISE+ report is associated 38. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has
with Education. organised ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up
Note: Ministry of Education (MoE) has released the Conclave’ at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
report on Unified District Information System for Note: During the conclave, the minister also
Education Plus (UDISE+) 2020-21 on school launched ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up
education of India. Under UDISE+ system, Challenge’ under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and
improvements have been made in the data capture, Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme. It has
data mapping and data verification areas. been launched on MyGov platform. MoHUA Ministry
34. According to the Unified District Information System will select 100 start-ups for funding support of Rs.20
for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2020-21 53.8% is the lakhs as well as mentorship.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in 20-21 in higher 39. The RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel)
secondary level. ranked at 124th in the 8th Edition Fortune India The

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 Next 500 (2022 edition) of top midsize companies Automotive Technology (ICAT). It will be first of its
operating in India. kind project in India aimed at spreading awareness
Note: It was ranked 197 in the 2021 list of top about Hydrogen, FCEV technology and
midsize companies operating in India. RailTel is one disseminating its benefits to support hydrogen-
of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure services based society for India.
providers in the country. Besides RailTel, there are 45. MV Ram Prasad Bismil became the longest vessel
five more private telecom players on the list. Apart ever to sail through Brahmaputra river, achieving a
from RailTel, IRCTC is the only Railway PSU landmark in sailing history.
featuring in the list, at the rank of 309. Note: The vessel is 90 meters long flotilla is 26
40. India ranked 5th position in terms of market meters wide, loaded with a draft of 2.1 meters. With
capitalization this year. this, it successfully completed the aspiring pilot run
Note: India’s equity market has broken into the of heavy cargo movement from Haldia Dock in
world’s top five club in terms of market Kolkata. The vessel along with two barges DB
capitalization for the first time. The country’s total Kalpana Chawla and DB APJ Abdul Kalam were
market cap stands at $3.21 trillion, which is higher flagged off from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in
than that of the UK ($3.19 trillion), Saudi Arabia Haldia.
($3.18 trillion), and Canada ($3.18 trillion). This 46. As per the latest data released by the Registrar
year, India has climbed two positions, despite a 7.4 General of India 103 was the maternal mortality
per cent drop in its market cap. ratio (MMR) during the period between 2017-2019.
41. According to the Stockholm International Peace Note: From 113 in 2016-18 to 103 in 2017-19, this
Research Institute (SIPRI) on Trends in ratio has decreased, witnessing an 8.8 % decline.
International Arms Transfer, 2021, India ranked MMR has gradually decreased in the country, falling
first in terms of importers of arms between 2017-21. from 130 in 2014-2016 to 122 in 2015-17, 113 in
Note: The report places India at the top of the list. 2016-18, and 103 in 2017-19.
Egypt, Australia and China were the next three 47. United Service Institution of India (USI) the
largest importers with respective shares of 5.7%, Indian Army has announced the establishment of
5.4% and 4.8%. Paradoxically, India was the only General Bipin Rawat Memorial Chair.
country among the top five whose imports had Note: Army Chief Gen MM Naravane announced
declined during the said period. setting up of a 'Chair of Excellence' in memory of
42. The country’s first Digital Water Bank ‘AQVERIUM’ India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat at
was launched in Bengaluru. the United Service Institution of India (USI).
Note: It is formed by AquaKraft Group Ventures. It 48. India’s first World Peace Center is being established
is a very unique innovation combining sustainable & in Gurugram.
green technologies along with information Note: For this, the Haryana Government has allotted
technology, skill development & entrepreneurship. a plot to the organization in Sector 39 of Gurugram
43. The MSME Ministry has announced the extension of opposite Medanta Hospital and adjacent to Delhi-
the Rs 20,000-crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for Jaipur Highway. The organization would soon start
Subordinate Debt (CGSSD) till 31st March 2023. the construction of the World Peace Center (WPC)
Note: Initially the scheme was up to March 31, 2021. on this plot.
The government later extended this scheme up to 49. Visakhapatnam become the first station in the East
March 31, 2022. The ‘Distressed Assets Fund- Coast railway to implement the the Centre’s ‘One
Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs’ was created Station, One Product’ concept.
on May 13, 2020 under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ Note: FM Sitharaman announced the ‘One Station,
economic package. The CGSS was approved by the One Product’ concept in the recent Union Budget to
Government on June 1, 2020 and the scheme was help local businesses and supply chains. The concept
launched on June 24, 2020 to provide credit facility is based on the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme. It
through lending institutions to the promoters of aims to promote the supply chain of local products
stressed MSMEs viz. SMA (Special Mention using the Indian Railways network, turning each
Account)-2 and NPA accounts, who are eligible for station into a showcase destination and promotional
restructuring. hub for local products.
44. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated pilot 50. 136th is India’s rank in the 10th edition of the World
project for Hydrogen based advanced Fuel Cell Happiness Report 2022 published by the United
Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The project has been Nations Sustainable Development Solutions
launched by the Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. Network.
Note: It has been launched by Toyota Kirloskar Note: This year the report was published ahead of
Motor Pvt. Ltd. along with International Center for the annual International Day of Happiness on March
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 20. Finland has again topped the list as the happiest Note: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
country in the world for the fifth time in a row. It conducted the census. The total number of rhinos
was followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and increased from 2413 to 2613.
the Netherlands. 58. India ranked 4th in the HURUN Global U40 Self-Made
51. 34th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela Billionaires report 2022, which is topped by the USA
has been inaugurated recently. followed by China.
Note: During the inauguration session, Dattatraya in Note: The Hurun Global Forty and Under Self-Made
his address pointed out the importance of art and Billionaires 2022 report released by Hurun Research
crafts in the development of civilization and culture. Institute, ranks the self-made billionaires in the
This years' Suraj Kund Crafts Mela is special as world (in terms of US dollars) under40. According to
organized when we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit the report, the USA (37 billionaires), China (25
Mahotsav. billionaires), followed by the UK (8), India (6) and
52. The 36th International Geological Congress was held Sweden (3) respectively in the top five.
in New Delhi. 59. By the year 2025, the government has set a target of
Note: The three-day event provided a unique increasing the number of airports from 140 to 220.
platform for knowledge and experience sharing in Note: The government has also planned to create 33
the field of geosciences and professional new domestic cargo terminals, and set up 15 new
networking. It will give first-hand information on flight training schools, with a focus on drone sector.
latest technologies in mining, mineral exploration 15% of pilots in India would be women against
and management of water, mineral resource and the the global average of 5%. India will have 96 carbon
environment. The theme of the event is Geosciences: neutral airports, which will run on renewable
The Basic Science for a Sustainable Future. energy by 2024.
53. Asia’s largest event on civil aviation, Wings India 60. Currently, India’s operational nuclear power
2022 held in Hyderabad with theme India@75: capacity is 6780 MW.
New Horizon for Aviation Industry. Note: India is planning to start the construction
Note: The fifth edition of the biennial air show, take activities for 10 ‘fleet mode’ nuclear reactors over
off at Begumpet Airport. India, which currently has the next three years. The construction of 700 MW
153 operational airports, envisages increasing the atomic power plant in Karnataka’s Kaiga will begin
number of airports to 190-200 by 2040. from 2023. A 700 MW reactor at Kakrapar in Gujarat
54. In the year 2020, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna was connected to the grid in Jan 2021, but it is yet to
Yojana was implemented which is recently, start commercial operations. India’s first pair of
extended for 6 months from April 2022. pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR) of 220
Note: In 6th phase, each beneficiary will get an MW each were set up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan in
additional five kilos of free ration per person every the 1960s with Canadian support.
month to the normal quota of food grain. The 61. In March 2022, Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
program comes under the Ministry of Consumer have been included in the tentative list of World
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Heritage Sites of the UNESCO.
55. PM Narendra Modi attended 5th BIMSTEC summit Note: The root under the name of ‘Jingkieng Jri:
that was chaired by Sri Lanka. Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes of
Note: The Virtual summit will be hosted by Sri Meghalaya have been included in the list. At present,
Lanka, the current BIMSTEC chair. External Affairs there are about 100 known living root bridges
Minister S Jaishankar also visit Sri Lanka from March spread across 72 villages in the state. Khasi and
28 to March 30 where he will attend the meeting of Jaintia communities of Meghalaya are the caretakers
the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers. of these bridges for over 600 years.
56. The second leg of the 11th edition of Rashtriya 62. In partnership with FICCI the Ministry of Civil
Sanskriti Mahotsav 2022 was inaugurated in Aviation has organized Wings India 2022 from
Warangal, Telangana. March 24 to 27 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.
Note: The second leg of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Note: Theme of Wings India 2022 – ‘India@75: New
Mahotsav 2022 event was held in Warangal, was Horizon for Aviation Industry’ Indian Air Force’s
inaugurated by the Telangana governor, Tamilisai Sarang helicopter team performed a fly past during
Soundararajan. the Wings India 2022 exhibition in Hyderabad.
57. 2613 is the total number of rhinos in Kaziranga Hansa-NG (designed and developed by CSIR-
after the census conducted by the Kaziranga National Aerospace Laboratory, Bengaluru) was
National Park and Tiger Reserve. showcased. Wing Commander Dilip Reddy was
flying the aircraft.

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63. Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, a museum dedicated (EDII), Ahmedabad, have organized a ‘Mega
to prime ministers of India is being developed at International Summit on MSMEs’.
Teen Murti Bhavan. Note: As per Central Statistics Office, Ministry of
Note: The museum covers the life and times of all Statistics & Program Implementation, the share of
the 14 Indian prime ministers. The museum has MSME in GDP at current prices (2011-12) for the
been built at a cost of Rs 271 crores adjacent to the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 were 30.5% and 30.0%
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in Teen Murti respectively. MSMEs’ share in total
Bhavan. manufacturing during the year 2018-19 and 2019-
64. At New Delhi, the Ministry of MSME and the 20 was 36.9% and 36.9% respectively. Share of
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India MSMEs’ in India’s total exports – 49.8% and 49.5%
in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

February 2022

1. Services e-Health Assistance and Teleconsultation Note: The statue will encourage youth and will be a
(SeHAT) is scheme implemented by Ministry of symbol of knowledge, detachment, and ideals. PM
Defence under which home delivery of medicines Modi landed in the city earlier this afternoon where
has been started. he also attended the 50th-anniversary celebrations
Note: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had launched of ICRISAT.
SeHAT scheme in May 2021. SeHAT is the tri- 6. The world's third-largest cricket stadium is going to
services teleconsultation service of the Ministry of be built in Jaipur city of India.
Defence designed for all entitled personnel and their Note: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and
families. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly laid the foundation
2. Hoysala temples has been finalised for nomination stone of the project virtually. This stadium is being
for the UNESCO World Heritage sites for the year built on the Jaipur-Delhi bypass.
2022-2023. 7. Surat is set to become the first station to be ready
Note: ‘Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala’ have been on between Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train route
UNESCO’s tentative list since April 15, 2014. The for India’s first futuristic High Speed Rail project.
Hoysala temples represent human creative genius Note: The MAHSR corridor will cover 12 stations in
and stand testimony to the rich historical and total- Surat, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad,
cultural heritage of our country. Sabarmati, Bilimora, Bharuch, Mumbai, Thane, Virar,
3. Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Gurugram has been Boisar, Vapi stations. Once the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
declared as India’s first “other effective area-based Bullet Train Project is ready, the journey time
conservation measures” (OECM) site by the between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be 2.07 hours
International Union for Conservation of Nature (limited stops), 2.58 hours (halting at stations) vis a
(IUCN). vis existing train journey duration of seven-eight
Note: The OECM tag does not bring any legal, hours.
financial or management implications, but 8. PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
designates the area as a biodiversity hotspot on the will provide support for 17,788 rural Health and
international map. The OECM tag is given by the Wellness Centres in 10 High Focus States.
International Union for Conservation of Nature Note: PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure
(IUCN) to areas that are not protected but support Mission which was earlier known as Prime Minister
rich biodiversity. Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, is one of the
4. Government has approved the Indian Footwear and largest pan-India scheme for strengthening
Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) for healthcare infrastructure across the country. The
continuation from 2021-22 to till 31 March 2026. scheme was announced in the Budget speech of
Note: IFLDP has been approved by the cabinet for Financial Year 2021-22 on 1st February last year
continuation till March 31, 2026, or till further with an outlay of 64 thousand 180 crore rupees over
review, whichever is earlier. The programme aims at six years till the year 2025-26
development of infrastructure for the leather sector, 9. IIM, Ahmedabad IIM will establish the country’s
address environmental concerns specific to the first research chair in ESG in collaboration with the
leather sector, facilitate additional investments, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund
employment generation and increase in production. Limited (NIIF).
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Statue Note: The newly formed ‘NIIF Chair in ESG at IIMA’
of Equality’ to commemorate the 11th-century will work closely with the Arun Duggal ESG Centre
Bhakti saint Sri Ramanujacharya in Hyderabad. for Research and Innovation at IIMA. It will function
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 as the principal hub of knowledge and insights that apply for approvals as per their business
allows businesses and policy makers to incorporate requirements.
ESG principles in their long-term business and 15. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)'
governance decisions. has been extended till March 2026.
10. The Central Government has decided to continue the Note: PMKSY is a comprehensive package which will
Scheme of “Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran lead to creation of modern infrastructure with
Karyakram, RYSK for another five years. efficient supply chain management from farm gate
Note: The decision was taken with a view to to retail outlet. The scheme will boost growth of
achieving the objectives of developing the food processing sector but also help in providing
personality and leadership qualities of the youth and better prices to farmers and creating huge
to engage them in nation building activities. employment opportunities.
Government of India also decided to continue the 16. The flagship scheme 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan
NSS(National Service Scheme) over the 15th Finance Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)' has been extended till
Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) at an March 2026 with an allocation of Rs 4,600 crore.
outlay of Rs. 1,627 Crore. NSS is implemented in Note: PMKSY is a comprehensive package which will
Senior Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities lead to creation of modern infrastructure with
in all States and UTs across the country. efficient supply chain management from farm gate
11. An igloo cafe named ‘Snowglu’, claimed to be world’s to retail outlet. The scheme will boost growth of
largest cafe of its kind has been opened in Jammu & food processing sector but also help in providing
Kashmir. better prices to farmers and creating huge
Note: The cafe has been set up at the famous ski employment opportunities.
resort of Gulmarg. Syed Wasim Shah, the creator of 17. Telecom Equipment and Services Export
the igloo, claimed the structure to be the world's Promotion Council has organized Exclusive
largest cafe of its kind. International Business Expo titled as ‘India Telecom
12. Experience and Innovations for Integrated 2022.
Renewables Market is the theme of the ASEAN- Note: It is being held from 8th to 10th February. irto
India High Level Conference on Renewable Energy, provide opportunities to the Indian telecom
being organized by the Ministry of New and stakeholders to meet qualified overseas buyers It
Renewable Energy and the Ministry of External will be held under Market Access Initiative Scheme
Affairs of Government of India. (MAI) of Department of Commerce and with support
Note: The High Level Conference focused on the of Department of Telecommunications and Indian
theme: “Experience and Innovations for Integrated missions in different countries.
Renewables Market”. The ASEAN-India High-Level 18. Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a
Conference featured five technical sessions, which dedicated storefront for ayurvedic products on
would facilitate peer-to-peer discussions between Amazon.
experts from India and ASEAN on themes of mutual Note: This Ayurveda product storefront will
interest. enhance the visibility of unique Ayurveda products
13. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) like skin-care supplements, immunity boosters, oils,
partnered with NITI Aayog, under the SAMRIDH juices and more from small businesses and startup
scheme to Accelerate Health Innovation and brands. It will make shopping easier as product
Entrepreneurship to Accelerate Health Innovation selection has been done according to focus areas and
and Entrepreneurship in India. health benefits like pain management, immunity
Note: The initiative aims to improve access to boosters, etc.
affordable and quality healthcare for vulnerable 19. Atal Tunnel has officially been certified by the World
populations in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and rural and Book of Records, as the 'World's Longest Highway
tribal regions. Under this partnership, AIM and Tunnel above 10,000 Feet', the length of the tunnel
SAMRIDH have announced a Call for Proposals for is 9.02 km.
healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs in India. Note: Notably, Atal Tunnel was dedicated to the
14. Jammu and Kashmir became the first Union nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October
Territory to be integrated with the National Single 3, 2020. The 9.02 km long, strategically significant,
Window System (NSWS). Atal Tunnel, that runs under the 'Rohtang Pass' was
Note: National Single Window System (NSWS) was constructed on the Manali - Leh Highway under the
launched in September 2021 by the Ministry of challenging conditions of freezing temperatures in
Commerce & Industry. It is a digital platform that extremely difficult terrain.
serves as a guide for investors to identify and to

123 | P a g e
20. As per ‘Women in the Boardroom report’ released Note: All the seven personnel were later found
by the Deloitte Global, 17.1 per cent of Women deceased. The area is located at an altitude of 14,500
representation of board seats in India in 2021. feet and had been witnessing heavy snowfall since
Note: However, only 3.6 per cent of the board chairs the last few days. The Army had lost six personnel
are women, down by 0.9 per cent since 2018. to avalanches and snow-slides in the Siachen Glacier
Austria, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, in 2019, and 11 others in other parts of the country.
Spain, the UK, and the US saw the most notable 27. REC is the nodal agency the hackathon, Powerthon-
increases in women in board chairs. 2022 that was launched by the Union Power
21. India’s ranked at 3rd in the 9th annual ranking of Ministry.
top 10 countries outside of the United States (US) for Note: Union Power Minister R K Singh launched a
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design hackathon, named Powerthon-2022, to find tech-
(LEED) in 2021 released by the US Green Building driven solutions for quality power supply. It is
Council (USGBC). launched under RDSS (Revamped Distribution
Note: It has been topped by China with 1,077 LEED Sector Scheme). New ideas and concepts will be
projects certified in 2021, followed by Canada at 2nd rewarded with licence.
position with 205 projects. The ranking highlights 28. Indian Railways is setting up country’s biggest and
countries and regions outside the US that are doing world class wrestling academy to support wrestling
good in healthy, sustainable, and resilient building as a sport in Delhi.
design, construction, and operations. Note: The academy would be the biggest in the
22. The central government has approved the country, equipped with advanced training facilities.
continuation of a mega police modernisation scheme The sports facility being made at Delhi will be
for five years up to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs exclusively for wrestling and will provide
26,275 crore. opportunities for wrestlers to enhance their skills
Note: The total financial outlay of the scheme will be and become 'world champions' in the coming years.
Rs 26,275 crore. The scheme is being implemented 29. Which organization has organized a hackathon
by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) since 1969- named Darkathon–2022 from February 15 to April
70. This scheme comprises all relevant sub-schemes 22 to find solutions to unravel the anonymity of
that contribute to the modernisation and darknet markets.
improvement. Note: The initiative aims at involving students,
23. India’s rank in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s youth and technical experts to find effective
Democracy Index 2021 is 46th. solutions to unravel the anonymity of darknet
Note: The report described the state of democracy markets. This hackathon is being organised in three
in 165 countries. The report was prepared based on phases starting today and concluding on 22nd April.
five parameters viz. functioning of the government, 30. First of its kind two-day Global Summit on
electoral process and pluralism, political ‘Reimagining Museums in India’ was held in
participation, civil liberties and political culture. Hyderabad.
24. Recently 17th edition of Mumbai International Film Note: Union Ministry of Culture is organized the first
Festival for Documentary, Short Fiction and of its kind summit to celebrate the glorious history
Animation films (MIFF-2022) was held. of its people, culture and achievements, as part of
Note: Films that were completed between Azadi Ka Amritmahotsav marking 75 years of
September 01, 2019 to Dec 31, 2021 are eligible for Independence of the Country. Over thousand
entry in MIFF-2022. It is organized by Films museums from the country and abroad has
Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting showcased cultural heritage on the occasion to for
with support from Govt of Maharashtra, since 1990 educating future generations as part of the summit.
25. By the year 2024 India will achieve zero-diesel use 31. Prime Minister will be the head of the Apex
in agriculture and replace fossil fuel with renewable Committee on G20 Secretariat, formed to oversee
energy. the preparations for G20 India Summit 2023.
Note: For this, states should develop action plan to Note: The G20 Secretariat will be guided by an Apex
achieve the assigned targets and specific agency Committee headed by Prime Minister and it will
dedicated for energy efficiency and conservation. have the following members. Finance Minister,
This initiative is a part of government’s commitment Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and G20
to increase the share of non-fossil fuels by 2030 and Sherpa (Piyush Goyal) will be the members of the
become a net zero emitter by 2070. committee.
26. Kameng sector in Arunchal seven army personnel 32. The Ministry of Education (MoE) approved a new
died in an avalanche. scheme “New India Literacy Programme” to be
implemented from 2022 to 2027.
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 Note: The ministry has also decided to use Note: The 12th edition of President’s Fleet Review is
“Education For All” instead of “Adult Education” as being conducted at Visakhapatnam as part of Azadi
the previous term did not appropriately represent Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
all non-literates in the 15 years and above age was also present at the event.
group. The scheme will be implemented through
volunteerism via online mode. 39. Under chairmanship of N R Narayana Murthy, the
33. The Ministry of Education (MoE) approved a new SEBI has reconstituted its alternative investment
scheme “New India Literacy Programme” under policy advisory committee, which advises the capital
which the term “Adult Education” will be replaced markets regulator on a range of issues that impact
by Education for All. further development of the AIF space.
Note: The scheme will cover non-literates of the age Note: Chairman of the committee: N R Narayana
of 15 years and above in the country. Now, Govt. has Murthy. It will advise the capital markets regulator
replaced the term “Adult Education (प्रौढ़ शिक्षा)” as on a range of issues that impact further
‘Education for All’ in the country. It will be development of AIF (Alternative Investment Fund)
industry. Prior to this, there were 22 members in the
implemented through volunteerism through online
committee, which was constituted in March 2015.
mode.
40. International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
34. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled
is located in Mumbai where two new Centres called
the much-awaited water taxi service in Mumbai.
‘Centre of Demography of Gender’ and ‘Centre for
Note: The initiative will help in promoting tourism
as well as reducing traffic congestion in the city. The Ageing Studies’ are inaugurated recently.
Note: Here two new Departments and two new
WT services are expected to cut the commuting time
Research Centres were inaugurated by Union Health
between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai by almost 45
and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh
minutes to an hour.
Mandaviya and Minister of State for Health and
35. World Heath Organization organization has
launched ‘Quit Tobacco App’ to help people to quite Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pawar. The newly
inaugurated departments are ‘Department of Survey
tobacco in all forms.
Research and Data Analytics’ and the ‘Department of
Note: The ‘WHO Quit Tobacco App’ is the latest
Family and Generations’.
tobacco control initiative by the WHO South-East
41. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has
Asia Region. It was launched during WHO’s year-
long ‘Commit to quit’ campaign. organized a Chintan Shivir 'Heal by India' for
strengthening the country's educational institutions
36. 12.758 km long main tunnel of T-49, the longest
tunnel of Indian Railways, between Sumber and in the health sector.
Arpinchala station of Katra-Banihal section of Note: Union Health Ministry has organized Chintan
Shivir — ‘Heal by India’ for two days. Heal by India
Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
project that has been connected successfully. initiative: Generate job opportunities abroad for
India’s trained professionals in the health sector and
Note: It is constructed between Sumber and
Arpinchala station of Katra-Banihal section USBRL. enhance education to churn out quality human
resources in health, thus helping them become
It the longest tunnel of Indian Railways. T49 is a
tunnel of length 12.758 km long and it is going to be eligible to work anywhere in the world.
the longest tunnel of Indian Railway. 42. Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi route has been awarded to
SpiceJet airline company under the UDAN 3.0.
37. Rs 200 crore is the outlay of the Scheme for
Economic Empowerment of DNT/NT/SNTs (SEED) Note: With this, 405 routes would be
operationalized under the UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh ka
launched by the Ministry for Social Justice and
Empowerment (MoSJE). Aam Nagrik- Regional Connectivity Scheme). The
Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi route was awarded to
Note: It is an umbrella scheme for the
SpiceJet airline under the UDAN 3.0.
empowerment and welfare of the most deprived and
43. 550-tonne capacity 'Gobar-Dhan' Bio-CNG plant has
economically weaker Indian communities’ viz. De-
been inaugurated in Indore by the Prime Minister
notified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs) and
Semi Nomadic Tribes (SNTs). It has been formulated Narendra Modi.
Note: It is based on the concept of waste-to-wealth
with four components that affect their livelihood. Its
outlay is ~Rs 200 crore to be spent over five years innovation. The municipal solid waste based Gobar-
beginning 2021-22 to 2025-26. Dhan plant is in line with PM's vision of creating
“garbage-free cities” under the Swachh Bharat
38. The 12th edition of President’s Fleet Review was
conducted at Visakhapatnam as part of Azadi Ka Mission Urban 2.0.
Amrit Mahotsav.

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44. The central government has launched a doorstep Note: The PM labelled it a “milestone” for Indian
distribution drive 'Meri Policy Mere Hath' under agriculture. A raft of recent policy relaxations and
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). incentives, including proposals in the Union Budget
Note: The doorstep campaign aims to ensure all 2022-23, has opened up India’s vast agriculture
farmers are well aware and equipped with all sector for commercial use of drones, or unmanned
information on their policies, land records, the aerial vehicles.
process of claim and grievance redressal under the 51. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has approved the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The campaign continuation of the National Means-cum-Merit
will be launched in all implementing states in the Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) till 2025-26.
upcoming Kharif season. Note: In eligibility criteria minor changes has been
45. In February 2022, India has signed a Comprehensive made such as increasing income ceiling from Rs 1.5
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE. lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh per annum. The objective of the
Note: It will cover goods, services and digital trade, scheme is to award scholarships to meritorious
among others, that will allow 90% of the country's students of economically-weaker sections to deter
exports a duty-free access to the Emirates. The them from dropping out at class 8 and encourage
bilateral trade pact is India's first in the region and them to continue their education at secondary stage.
the first comprehensive trade agreement with any 52. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways
country in a decade. UAE is India's third-biggest and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated
trading partner behind the US and China. Nikarshan Sadan" - The Dredging Museum in
46. The Government has approved the scheme of Visakhapatnam.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for Note: It displayed models of different types of
continuation till 2026. dredgers, vintage photos, and historical milestones
Note: The proposal entails an expenditure of Rs. of this dredging behemoth from the Eastern Port
12929.16 crore out of which Central Share is Rs. City of Vizag. He also inaugurated skill development
8120.97 crores and the State Share is of Rs. 4808.19 facility - Centre of Excellence in Maritime and
crores. It has been envisaged to support around Shipbuilding (CEMS) in Visakhapatnam, improving
1600 projects under the new phase of the scheme. employability.
47. India's first Biosafety level-3 containment mobile 53. World Economic Forum (WEF) has signed a
laboratory was launched in Nashik, Maharashtra. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Note: The mobile laboratory has been set up to National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) to
investigate newly emerging and re-emerging viral implement Sustainable Cities India program.
infections that are highly infectious and of lethal Note: The partnership gains significance on the
potential to human beings. The laboratory has been backdrop of India's commitment at COP26 summit
designed and built by the Indian Council of Medical in Glasgow to achieve net zero carbon emission by
Research in collaboration with Mumbai based bio- 2070. The ‘Sustainable Cities India' intends to enable
safety equipment maker Klenzaids. cities to decarbonise in a systematic and sustainable
48. Ricky Kej and Bickram Ghosh has composed the way that will reduce emissions and deliver resilient
signature tune for "Vande Bharatam" that was and equitable urban ecosystems.
released by Minister of State for Culture & External 54. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has
Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi. launched a cybersecurity hub in Bengaluru to
Note: The tune is composed by Grammy Award address the concerns of its clients across the Asia
winner Ricky Kej and Oscar contender Bickram Pacific (APAC) region.
Ghosh. It was produced for Vande Bharatam, Nritya Note: The security hub will be one of the only two
Utsav of Ministry of Culture presented at Rajpath, centres globally. The other one is in the US. The IBM
New Delhi for Republic Day event 2022. global analysis report for 2022 states that Asia
49. With financial outlay of Rs 1,827 crores the Central emerged as the top-most targeted region for
Govt has approved continuation of Central Sector cyberattacks, representing 26% of attacks analyzed
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme in 2021.
(NMMSS) for a period of five years from 2021-22 to 55. Indian Railways along Bharat Heavy Electricals
2025-26. Limited (BHEL), has Successfully commissioned
Note: Financial outlay for the scheme: Rs 1,827 India’s first Solar Photovoltaic Plant of 1.7-
crores. Income ceiling for the scheme has been MegaWatt (MW) at Bina, Madhya Pradesh.
increased from Rs 1.5 lakh per annum to Rs 3.5 lakh Note: The plant will directly feed power to traction
per annum systems of Indian Railways. The move to create a
50. The ‘Kisan Drone Yatra’ was inaugurated virtually by solar plant was taken after Indian Railways decided
PM Modi, was organised at Manesar. to be self-reliant for its energy needs and solarise
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 railway stations by utilizing its vacant lands for certificate from their social media accounts using
Renewable Energy (RE) projects. The Ministry of the hashtag #BhashaCertificateSelfie. Using the app,
Railways has decided to install solar power plants people can learn 100+ sentences of daily use in as
on its vacant unused lands on mega scale. many as 22 scheduled Indian languages.
56. The central government has recently launched an 60. Operation Ganga has been launched by Indian
Ombudsperson App for MNREGA. government for the evacuation of Indian Nationals
Note: It will facilitate hassle free reporting, from Ukraine due to Russia-Ukraine war.
categorization of grievances and disposal of Note: Due to the ongoing tension between Ukraine
complaints by Ombudsperson. It will also ensure and Russia, Ukraine has been declared as a no-fly
tracking and timely passing of awards by zone by the authorities for the safety and security of
Ombudsperson. The app will ensure transparency the nations. Due to this many Indian nationals were
and accountability in the ecosystem of MNREGA left stranded in Ukraine. To help the Indian citizens
57. India’s rank in the International Intellectual come back to the country, the government of India
Property Index 2022 is 43rd, compiled by US decided to conduct a special evacuation mission
Chambers of Commerce. named Operation Ganga.
Note: Overall score of India has increased from 61. Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane announced
38.40 percent (19.20 out of 50) in the ninth edition establishment of MSME-Technology Centre at
to 38.64 percent (19.32 out of 50) in the 10th Sindhudurg.
edition. It is released by Global Innovation Policy Note: The MSME-Technology Center to be set up at
Center of U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Top Sindhudurg at a cost of about Rs 200 crore will
countries: USA, followed by UK, Germany, enhance the competitiveness of MSME industries.
Sweden, and France. MSME RuPay Credit card will enable the user to
58. Cochin International Airport is the world's first avail the facility of digital payment at any time.
airport fully powered by solar energy, that is set to 62. BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), a subsidiary of
become power-positive. Reliance Infrastructure-backed BSES has
Note: CIAL's solar plants together generate two lakh commissioned India’s first ‘Smart Managed EV
units of power a day whereas the daily consumption Charging Station’ in New Delhi.
of power in the airport stands at 1.6 lakh units. The Note: Supported by Nordic Innovation, an
airport became the first in the world in 2015 to be organisation promoted by the governments of
fully powered by solar energy. Nordic countries, and executed by Fortum Charge &
59. In Bhasha Sangam mobile app people can learn 100+ Drive, it will be the first BYPL operated and
sentences of daily use in 22 many Indian languages. managed Smart EV Charging Station.
Note: The ‘Bhasha Certificate Selfie’ initiative is
encouraging people to upload their selfies with the

January 2022

1. India’s first state-of-the-art water taxi services will treatment at Government and Empanelled Hospitals,
be commissioned in Mumbai. cashless facility available for treatment in
Note: The services would be formally launched in empanelled centers for pensioners and other
January by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the identified beneficiaries.
exact dates are being finalised. The project is a joint 3. The foundation stone for the Heartfulness
initiative of Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), City and International Yoga academy for setting new
Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and benchmarks in yoga training has been laid down in
Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Infinity Hyderabad by the Union Ayush Minster,
Harbour Services LLP and West Coast Marine will be Sarbananda Sonowal.
the two service operators. Note: It comprises Yoga halls that can accommodate
2. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, 100 Yoga students in each hall, therapeutic Yoga
Bharati Pawar has inaugurated Central rooms for consultation, one to one training spaces or
Government Health Scheme, CGHS Wellness Centre small group classes, pre-natal Yoga rooms, lecture
in Nashik, Maharashtra. hall with 200 sitting capacity, full-fledged recording
Note: After this, Nashik will be 4th city in studio, etc. It will have trainers from India, Europe,
Maharashtra after Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur to Australia, Uzbekistan and US
have CGHS Wellness Centre. It will provide OPD
Treatment including issue of medicines, indoor
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4. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is 10. The tagline of the 25th National Youth Festival 2022
organizing Climate Change Awareness Campaign to be held in Puducherry from 12th to 16th January
and National Photography Competition. 2022 --Shaksham Yuva Shashakth Yuva.
Note: Campaign will have Municipal Commissioners Note: He also unveiled the tagline of National Youth
and key heads of urban local bodies and Smart City Festival, Shaksham Yuva Shashakth Yuva meaning
CEOs creating awareness about Urban Climate Capable Youth- Forceful Youth, Able Youth- Strong
Change and Sustainability. The competition will be Youth. National Youth Festival is organized by
open to all participants till 26th January 2022 on Government of India every year in collaboration
climate change with one of the States.
5. Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport is located in 11. NHPC Ltd. has signed a Promoters Agreement with
Agartala city where Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Green Energy Development Corporation of
inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building Odisha (GEDCOL) for the development of 500
recently. megawatts (MW) floating solar projects on different
Note: The airport is a blend of Tripura’s culture, water bodies in the state.
natural beauty and modern facilities. It will play a Note: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
big role in enhancing air connectivity in the North for the same was signed between NHPC and GEDCOL
East.This is turning Tripura into a new hub of in July 2020. NHPC and GEDCOL agree to establish a
business and industry as well as a trade corridor. joint venture (JV) company for implementation of
6. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) is 500 MW floating solar power projects in Odisha and
flagship scheme of Ministry of Power that has other such projects in subsequent periods as may be
completed seven years of its implementation. decided from time to time.
Note: The initiative evolved into the world’s largest 12. 24th conference on e-Governance (NceG) was held
zero subsidy domestic lighting programme with in Hyderabad.
more than 36.78 crore LEDs distributed across the Note: The conference was inaugurated by Jitendra
country. Launched in 2015, the Unnat Jyoti by Singh, Union Minister of State (Science and
Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) succeeded in Technology and Personnel, Public Grievances and
bringing down the retail price of LED bulbs from Pensions).The national awards for e-Governance
₹300-350 a bulb to ₹70-80. 2021 were presented under six categories during
7. ‘Gram Ujala programme’ is a flagship scheme of the event.
Ministry of Power. 13. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to ensure assured tap
Note: It was launched by the Union minister of water supply or ‘Har Ghar Jal’ to all rural households
power and new and renewable energy RK Singh in by 2024.
March 2021. State-owned CESL has achieved a Note: The ₹3.6 trillion JJM scheme aims to ensure
milestone of 50 lakh LED bulb distribution under the assured tap water supply or ‘Har Ghar Jal’ to all rural
flagship Gram Ujala programme. households by 2024, with several states having
8. Ministry of Civil Aviation has released draft presented their commitment to provide tap water
National Air Sports Policy (NASP) for public connections to all rural households before 2024.
feedback. Drinking water supply schemes totaling ₹6,872.28
Note: As per an official release issued by the crore have been approved in Rajasthan under the Jal
ministry the policy seeks to leverage India's Jeevan Mission (JJM).
potential for air sports and places a strong focus on 14. The RPF has deployed 244 Meri Saheli teams at
ensuring international best practices in safety. The major railway stations across the country to provide
vision of the policy is to make India one of the top air security to lady passengers in long distance trains
sports nations by 2030. particularly travelling alone.
9. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Web Note: RPF collects feedback from these lady
Portal for PM's Excellence Award, that is being passengers at the end of their journeys to assess the
awarded for Public Administration sector. efficacy of the initiative.
Note: The award is being awarded for excellence in 15. Total outlay of the second phase of the Green Energy
Public Administration” - to acknowledge, recognize Corridor of the intra-state transmission system that
and reward the extraordinary and innovative work was approved by the union cabinet in January 2022
done by Districts/ Organizations of the Central and -- ₹ 12,000 crore.
State Governments.Recently, Union Minister of State Note: The scheme will facilitate grid integration and
Dr Jitendra Singh today launched the Web Portal for power evacuation of about 20 GW of renewable
PM's Excellence Award. energy (RE) projects in seven states — Gujarat,
Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan,
Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme will help
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 in achieving the target of 450 GW installed RE Commission (KVIC) is starting the sale of Khadi
capacity by 2030. handmade paper “Use & Throw” slippers for the use
16. The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) has of devotees and workers.
partnered with United Nations World Food 22. According to the Henley Global Mobility Report
Programme (WFP) to enhance the effectiveness of 2022, Indian passport has been ranked at 83rd
the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman. position.
Note: The partnership is a strategic force multiplier Note: However, in 2020, its rank stood at 84 while in
bringing deep work and experience together. India 2016, India was ranked 85th along with Mali and
was strategically important for School Meals Uzbekistan. Japan and Singapore top the index. The
Coalition that was launched in 2020 with WFP as a current rankings are for first quarter of 2022 and
coordinating body, as it implemented the largest India shares the position with Sao Tome and
school feeding programme in the world.A steering Principe in Central Africa, behind Rwanda and
committee formed between these organisations Uganda.
would plan, discuss and mobilise financial resources 23. In January 2022, an ‘MSME Technology Centre’ was
to implement various activities. inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Puducherry.
17. DPIIT has organized the first ever Startup India Note: The centre was inaugurated during the
Innovation Week from 10th to 16th January 2022. inauguration event of the 25th National youth
Note: This virtual week-long innovation celebration Festival (12th & 13th January 2022) in Puducherry.
aims to commemorate the 75th year of India’s He also inaugurated the ‘Perunthalaivar Kamarajar
independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. This is Manimandapam’, a modern auditorium with an
designed to showcase the spread and depth of open-air theatre in Puducherry.
entrepreneurship across India. India is emerging as 24. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)
a global innovation hub, boasting the world’s third- 2021, Andhra Pradesh state recorded maximum
largest startup ecosystem. forest cover increase in two years.
18. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged-in India’s Note: In 2021, the total forest and tree cover in India
first multi-dimensional adventure sports expedition is 80.9 million hectares. This is over 24.60 percent of
conducted by National Institute of Mountaineering the geographical area of the country.According to
and Allied Sports in France. the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the top
Note: The expedition was conducted in November five states in terms of increase in forest cover are
last year and the team comprising 12 people - eight Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km), Telangana (632 sq
Army personnel and four youths of Arunachal km), Odisha (537 sq km), Karnataka (155 sq km)
Pradesh. Mr Singh interacted with some of the and Jharkhand (110 sq km).
members of the team present in New Delhi. He 25. According to the biennial India State of Forest
distributed appreciation certificates and Report (ISFR) 2021, 24.62% percent of
commended the team for completing the expedition geographical area of the country is under forest and
without any injuries to the members. tree cover.
19. Doon School has organized 82nd Indian Public Note: The top five states in terms of increase in
Schools' Conference (IPSC) Principals’. forest cover are Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km),
Note: It is being organized by Doon School. IPSC Telangana (632 sq km), Odisha (537 sq km),
started in 1939 with a few residential schools now Karnataka (155 sq km) and Jharkhand (110 sq km).
has a strength of 81 schools including Sainik Schools The report is published by the Forest Survey of India
and Military Schools. (FSI). In the year 2022, 17th edition of the report is
20. Kevadiya Railway Station has been renamed as released by the environment minister Bhupender
Ekta Nagar railway station. Yadav.
Note: Statue of Unity’s Kevadiya railway station falls 26. Meenakashi Lekhi has launched the 'North East on
under the Vadodara division.New station code of Wheels Expedition’ in New Delhi to promote the
Ekta Nagar railway station will be EKNR.Numerical Culture of Northeastern States.
code of Ekta Nagar railway station will be Note: It is scheduled to be held between 8th to 16th
08224620. April this year to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka
21. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Amrit Mahotsav. 75 Bikers participating in this
works under Ministry of MSMEs. expedition will be selected from all over the country
Note: Khadi & Village Industries Commission and will cover about 9000 km in the North-East
(KVIC), under the Ministry of MSME, has launched Region in 6 groups.
two new products- Khadi babywear and handmade 27. Gurugram will get India’s first heli-hub designed to
paper ‘Use and Throw’ Slippers. Beginning from have many aviation facilities like heliport, hangars,
January 14, Khadi and Village Industries repairs, and any other related services.
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 Note: The heli-hub is proposed to be built in Note: The Open Data Week is being conducted from
Gurugram & would be near the metro facility along 17th to 21st January 2022. It is a part of a series of
with easy connectivity to industrial areas (Noida & pre-event initiatives leading up to the ‘Azadi Ka
Bhiwadi). Amrit Mahotsav – Smart Cities: Smart Urbanization’
28. Chennai International Airport, Chennai has been conference to be held next month.
ranked eight for on-time performance among large 34. Ministry of Electronics and Information
international airports globally for 2021 by Cirium — Technology has organized the 26th CISO Deep Dive
a provider of aviation data to the travel, finance, Training program under Cyber Surakshit Bharat
aerospace and aviation industries. initiative.
Note: In a review conducted by Cirium, an Note: The training is aimed to equip participants
organisation that specialises in offering aviation with better understanding of emerging cyber threat
data to travel, finance, aerospace, and aviation landscape, understand best practices in cyber
industries, the airport has been ranked 8th for 'on- security. It will cover topics such as Governance Risk
time performance' for the year 2021. Besides that, and Compliance and Data Privacy, Network Security,
Chennai airport is the only Indian airport to figure in End Point Security, Application and Data Security,
the top 10 positions of the list. Cloud Security, Mobile Security, Cryptography,
29. Tata Consultancy Services has been selected by Cyber Security related provisions in IT Act.
the Ministry of External Affairs for the 2nd phase of 35. India’s Supermom tigress, popularly known as
the Passport Seva Programme, the country’s largest ‘Collarwali’ passed away at Pench Tiger Reserve.
mission-critical e-governance programme. Note: She was known for giving birth to 29 cubs
Note: Launched in 2008, the PSP saw TCS during her lifetime, which is believed to be a world
transforming the delivery of passport-related record. Official name given to the tigress by forest
services, digitizing the processes, and setting global department was T-15 but she was fondly called
benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and ‘Collarwali’ by the native people
reliability. In the next phase, TCS will refresh 36. Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
existing facilities and systems, and develop has signed MoU with IGNOU to further strengthen
innovative new solutions to enable the issuance of e- the vocational and technical training framework.
passports. Note: Aim: to link vocational education and training
30. Zojila project, Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel with higher education, making India’s youth
will connect Ladkah with Srinagar. employable by creating avenues for them to access
Note: The project of the NHIDCL, being executed by better work opportunities. The trainees attached to
the MEIL, is envisaged to ensure connectivity National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI), Industrial
between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year. Training Institutes (ITI), PMKK and JSS.
Zojila project, Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel, is 37. On the occasion of the 74th Army Day (15th
a challenging development project in India for January), ‘Monumental National Flag,’ the world's
strategic reasons too. largest national flag made from Khadi, was displayed
31. The theme of the 16th India Digital Summit, 2022 -- Longewala. The Longewala is located in Rajasthan.
Supercharging Startups. Note: Longewala, in the western part of the desert
Note: It is the oldest event of the digital industry in state's Jaisalmer district, was the site of the iconic
India. During the summit, Minister unveiled ‘LEAP’ Battle of Longewala in 1971, which was fought
as the way forward to further strengthen our during that year's war between the two neighbours.
Startups ecosystem. 38. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was erected to honour
32. Union govt has dedicated India's first BHEL-built thousands of Indian soldiers who martyred during
'coal to methanol' (CTM) pilot plant to the nation in Indo-Pak War 1971.
Hyderabad. Note: The Amar Jawan Jyoti was erected as a
Note: The 0.25 TPD capacity CTM pilot plant is memorial to fallen soldiers of the 1971 operations
currently producing methanol with purity of more that led to the freedom of Bangladesh. It is housed
than 99% from high-ash coal. This conversion of inside the India Gate, a British era memorial to
high-ash Indian coal to methanol through the soldiers who lost their lives in pre-independence
gasification route is the first-of-its-kind technology operations.
demonstration in India. 39. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched India-
33. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs conducting assisted Social Housing Units project in Mauritius.
the open data week from 17th to 21st January 2022, Note: Civil Service College and 8MW Solar PV Farm
to encourage adoption of open data and promote projects are being undertaken under India’s
innovation across India’s urban ecosystem. development support in Mauritius.

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40. India’s first state-of-the-art, high-performance para- 47. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu has
badminton academy with advanced equipment and been awarded the prestigious international TX2
facilities has been set up in Lucknow. Award for doubling its tiger population since 2010.
Note: The centre has been launched by Dronacharya Note: Nepal’s Bardia National Park was also jointly
awardee and head national coach of Indian para- conferred the award, for doubling its population of
badminton team, Gaurav Khanna, in association with wild tigers. The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is
Ageas Federal Life Insurance. Khanna also unveiled located in Erode district, and now houses 80 tigers
the Ageas Federal ‘Quest for Fearless Shuttlers’ in its 1408 sq. km campus.
programme to spot and nurture new talent for the 48. Prime Miniter Narendra Modi launched Pandit
2028 and 2032 Paralympics. Jasraj Cultural Foundation on the 92nd birth
41. NITI Aayog has released a report titled ‘Banking on anniversary Pandit Jasraj, who was a legendary
Electric Vehicles in India’ in collaboration with Vocalist.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), and RMI India. Note: During the launch PM called for the
Note: Report provides considerations and globalization of Indian Music.He also urged people
recommendations to inform inclusion of EVs in RBI’s to take Indian music to the world and said that
PSL guidelines. Banks and NBFCs in India have the people should be setting up startups based on music.
potential to achieve an electric vehicle financing 49. India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) will be
market size of Rs 40,000 crore (USD 5 billion) by setup in Thrissur, Kerala.
2025. Note: This will be a joint venture between Pune-
42. The Gujarat government named an under-bridge in headquartered Centre for Materials for Electronics
Rajkot after General Bipin Rawat. Technology (CMET), Digital University Kerala (DUK),
Note: General Rawat died on December 8 when his Tata Steel Limited and other industries.Earlier this
military helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Nilgiris week, the MeitY gave IICG an ‘in-principle’ approval.
district in Tamil Nadu. All 14 on board, including the 50. With technical assistance of Israel, the union
general's wife, perished in the incident. government has decided to has decided to convert
43. India’s rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index as many as 150 villages into 'Villages of Excellence'
(CPI) 2021 released by the Transparency in 12 states.
International -- 85th. Note: Already, the Israeli government has
Note: The ranking has been topped jointly by three established 29 Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in 12
countries- Denmark, Finland and New Zealand states. The 150 villages that are located around CoEs
(Score of 88). This ranking measures how corrupt will be converted into 'Villages of Excellence.'
each country’s public sector is perceived to be. The 51. The theme of the 30th Foundation Day celebration
results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to of National Commission for Women (NCW) -- She
100 (very clean). 180 countries are ranked in it. The Change Maker.
44. In association with Amar Chitra Katha, Ministry of Note: “The theme of the programme is ‘She The
Culture has prepared the comic book titled ‘India’s Change Maker’, aimed at celebrating the
Women Unsung Heroes’. achievements of women in different fields. The State
Note: The unique book has been prepared by the Commissions for Women and Department of
Ministry of Culture, Government of India in Women and Child Development in State Govt will
partnership with Amar Chitra Katha. It beautifully participate.
portrays the tales of valor of our forgotten women 52. The govt has mandated storage of international calls,
freedom fighters. satellite phone calls, conference calls and messages
45. Shivangi Singh held from Uttar Pradesh, became made over normal networks as well as on the
the first woman fighter pilot to fly Rafale as part of internet for a period of at least two years.
the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day Note: The move follows an amendment made in the
parade. unified licence (UL) in Dec by the DoT. UL holders
Note: Shivangi is from Varanasi and is part of the are telecom companies like Bharti Airtel, Reliance
IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala Jio, Vodafone Idea, BSNL for providing all kinds of
in Punjab. Shivangi Singh joined the Indian Air Force telecom services, except satellite phone services.
in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF's second 53. India’s largest 100-point electric vehicle charging
batch of women fighter pilots. station for four-wheelers was inaugurated in
46. Rs 120 crore has been allocated under PLI scheme Gurugram.
for drones and drone components. Note: The station is bound to attract city residents
Note: The PLI scheme came as a follow-through of to switch to electric vehicles in the near future. The
the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021, released by the project was launched by the National Highway for
MoCA on August 25, 2021. Electric Vehicle. It is a private entity which has
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 expertise in carrying out pilot projects and is Note: The day is also observed as Martyrs’ Day.
working with government agencies and the NITI Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in
Aayog. 1948.
54. The year 2022 marks 74th death anniversary of the
Father of Nation.

Important News – State

1st- 15th May 2022

1. In Purnia district, CM Nitish Kumar has inaugurated Note: The MSME sector contributes 50% of the country's
India's first ethanol plant in Bihar. total exports and 30% to economic growth. MSME will
Note: The plant has been set up by Eastern India set up 37 clusters in Maharashtra in the next two years.
Biofuels Private Limited at a cost of ₹105 crores. Bihar During an event, he also launched the magazine
came up with an ethanol production promotion policy in 'Maharashtra MSME Achievers'. The event was
the first half of 2021. It is the country's first grain-based organized in collaboration with the MSME ministry and
ethanol plant. Ethanol production will help to reduce the MSME Development Organization named "Zhep,
cost of petrol and generate fresh employment Udyoginichi" and "We MSME".
opportunities in the state. 6. Khandra, Panipat, is the native village of Neeraj Chopra
2. In Puducherry Mega Health Festival has been where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has
inaugurated. announced to build a stadium.
Note: Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan(LG of Puducherry) Note: A stadium would cost ₹10 crores to the
and CM N. Rangasamy have inaugurated a Mega Health government. In 2021, Chopra (Javelin thrower) became
Festival, which is jointly organised by the Ministry of the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Olympic track
Health and Family Welfare and Puducherry Health and and field. Khelo India Youth Games-2021 will be
Family Welfare Services Department. The Mela is being organised by the Haryana Government from June 4 to
organised at the Puducherry Rock Beach. Super- June 13.
speciality medical consultation to the common public 7. Chhattisgarh state government has launched a doorstep
would be given free of cost. delivery scheme named Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojna
3. Karnataka state government has signed an MoU with (Mitaan stands for a friend).
ISMC Analog Fab Private Limited (Israel-based) for Note: The scheme will be implemented as a pilot project
setting up a semiconductor fab plant in the state at a cost in 14 civic bodies. Citizens of Chhattisgarh can avail
of Rs 22,900 crore (USD 3 billion). around 100 public services, including delivery of birth,
Note: The project will be implemented over a period of caste, income and marriage certificates, at their doorstep
seven years and generate 1,500 jobs. The ISMC has also under a new scheme launched by the state government.
requested 150 acres of land in Mysuru’s Kochanahalli 8. Telangana Government state government has
Industrial area. Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand announced the extension of insurance coverage to
Gehlot; Chief minister: Basavaraj Bommai handloom and power loom weavers under ‘Nethanna
4. Maharashtra state government cabinet has approved to Bima’ (Weaver’s Insurance) Scheme.
set up of a gene bank project in the state to conserve Note: The State Government has extended the
native and endangered animals and biological species. insurance coverage of 5 lakh rupees for weavers under
Note: The Gene Bank will work on freshwater, grassland the Insurance Scheme on par with Rythu Bima
biodiversity, protection, marine, crop, veterinary, and insurance scheme. The insurance coverage would be
management of forest right areas, and regeneration of extended to weavers in the age group of 18 to 59 years.
forests. An amount of ₹172.39 crores will be spent on Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan; CM: K.
these seven focus areas. The project will be implemented Chandrashekar Rao
by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB). 9. Haryana state government has launched a Vehicle
5. Narayan Rane (Union Minister for MSME) has Movement Tracking System (VMTS) mobile app to track
inaugurated the Maharashtra MSME Expo 2022 in the vehicles carrying sand and other mining material.
Mumbai. Note: The app will be used at different checkpoints in
all the districts of Haryana. All vehicle details including
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 vehicle type, vehicle number, moving from, moving to, 15. Shaili App is the mobile application launched by the
and driver details will be stored in it. The non- Kerala government to diagnose and control lifestyle
registered individual will not be permitted to enter the diseases among people in the southern State.
zone of sand mining.
Note: The app will help the citizen to provide an
10. Manipur state has launched the Direct Benefit Transfer
accurate picture of such ailments both locally and at
(DBT) for 18,000 registered farmers under Horticulture
the State-level. The app was set up under the e-Health
Department for Mission Organic Value Chain
initiative, and will provide data to the government so
Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER),
that health plans can be formulated to control such
Phase- III (2020-23).
diseases.
Note: DBT of Rs. 11,250 per farmer, for the components 16. Poumai tribe of Manipur has declared that Poumai
of assistance for on-farm input for both 1st year and
inhabited areas to be a Drug-Free Zone supporting the
2nd year and for off-farm inputs production for 1st was
transferred to the individual registered farmer’s State government’s War on Drug campaign.
account. Note: Tribes also informed CM N. Biren Singh that the
11. By the year 2030, Delhi government has set a target to poppy plantation will not be allowed in the Poumai
encourage, facilitate, and support 15,000 startups. areas. The Poumai Naga are one of the major Naga
Note: The Delhi cabinet has approved the "Delhi tribes in Manipur.
Startup Policy” with an aim to create an ecosystem for 17. Ayodhya 's crossing of Uttar Pradesh will be named
people to launch startups and provide them with fiscal after legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar ______.
and non-fiscal incentives, collateral-free loans, and free Note: The Ayodhya administration has received
consultancy from experts, lawyers, and CA. The 20 directions from CM Yogi Adityanath to identify a
members task force will be set up including prominent crossing in Ayodhya and send a proposal
government officials and experts from business and to the state government in the next 15 days for
trade. renaming it. Construction of the Ram temple is likely
12. Odisha state has come up with an observatory that will to be completed by December 2023.
establish a repository on the health of the tribal 18. Delhi government will provide free sewer
population in the state. connections under the Mukhyamantri Muft Sewer
Note: This will be India's only tribal health observatory. Connection Yojana to 25,000 households in East
An MoU was signed between the ST and SC
Delhi.
Development Department and the RMRC (Regional
centre of ICMR). It will perform systematic and ongoing Note: These free connections will be provided in 12
observation on disease burden, health-seeking colonies in Karawal Nagar and Mustafabad. The
behaviour and healthcare delivery system pertaining to household sewage system will be connected to the
tribal health in the state. existing sewer network, which will carry the waste to
13. Tamil Nadu state government has announced that all the Yamuna Vihar sewage treatment plant. The
government primary school students from 1st to 5th decision was taken by the DJB chaired by Water
standards will be provided nutritious breakfast on all Minister Satyendar Jain.
19. Haryana, JP Dalal (Haryana agriculture minister)
working days.
state government has launched the 'Chaara-Bijaee
Note: Tamil Nadu is set to become the first state to
offer breakfast along with midday meals. This Yojana' scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs
includes the launch of integrated urban health centres 10,000 per acre to grow fodder framers.
within the Corporation and Municipal limits. Earlier, Note: Farmers need to grow fodder on up to 10 acres
he also announced schools with modern facilities will of land around the gaushalas (cowsheds) and provide
be established. it to them through mutual consent. The amount will
14. Under e-Adhigam scheme Haryana government be credited to the bank accounts of farmers through
distributed nearly three lakh tablets to government direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode.
school students of Classes 10 and 12. 20. Near Haji Ali in Mumbai, Maharashtra the nation's
Note: These tablets have pre-loaded content along first organic waste-powered EV charging station has
with personalised and adaptive learning software, been inaugurated.
and 2GB of free data. The country has set a target to Note: The station will generate 220 units of electricity
implement the New Education Policy (NEP) by 2030, from food waste collected from its nearby areas. This
but the Haryana government it is 2025. station powers street lights and charge electric

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 vehicles too. The project was done by the civic body in Note: Also, the 10% deduction for monthly
association AeroCare Clean Energy. contribution from the salary of government
21. Chhattisgarh government has issued a notification employees as a contribution to the new pension
to restore the old pension scheme effective from April scheme will be abolished from April 1, 2022.
1, 2022. However, a minimum of 12% of the basic salary will
be deducted as per the General Provident Fund rule.

April -2022

1. The Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple was placed Note: The project will generate 774 million units
on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list with annually and reduce approximately 704340
the Monolithic Bull (Nandi) at Lepakshi, Andhra MT/year of carbon emission. 1320 Acre area has
Pradesh. been used for the installation. The renewables
Note: The Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple is also capacity in operation for Tata Power is 3,400 MW -
known as the Lepakshi temple is dedicated to Solar: 2,468 MW and Wind: 932 MW.
Veerabhadra (Shiva). Currently, India has 40 7. Andhra Pradesh state has launched 13 new
UNESCO sites. districts in the state, and now the total number of
2. GudhiPadwa is observed as a New year in districts is 26.
Maharashtra (Marathi New Year Day). Note: Aims better administration and transparency,
Note: The same day is celebrated as the first day of create a smooth and effective delivery mechanism
Chaitra Navratri in North India and Ugadi in Andhra for welfare schemes. New Districts:
Pradesh. GudiPadwa is also popularly known as ParvathipuramManyam, Alluri Seetharamaraju,
SamvatsaraPadvo and it literally means the first day Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, NTR,
of the new Samvat. Palanadu, Bapatla, Nandyala, Sri Satya Sai,
3. Uttar Pradesh state has become the largest Annamayya and Tirupati
producer of vegetables in India in 2021–22 Crop 8. Uttarakhand state has about to launch Him Prahari
Year (CY) (July–June). scheme.
Note: The second-largest producer of vegetables in Note: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has
India is West Bengal, followed by Bihar, and met with Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs to ask
Maharashtra. With 18.01 million tonnes of fruit for their cooperation in the smooth implementation
production, Andhra Pradesh has remained the top of Him Prahari scheme. Him Prahari aims to stop
fruit producer in India, followed by Maharashtra, the migration of people from the state's
Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat. international border.
4. Hobby Hubs scheme was launched by the Delhi 9. A community museum was inaugurated in Gya-
government for government schools in Delhi to Sasoma villages of Leh district, Ladakh.
promote extra-curricular activities. Note: Aims to preserve and forward Ladakh's rich
Note: Aim: optimum use of school infrastructure cultural heritage to future generations. Ladakh
and promote these extra-curricular activities. Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)
Categories of activities: Dance, music, technical, Leh Chairman/CEC TashiGyaltson has inaugurated
literary and others such as yoga, garment work, the Community Museum in Gya - Sasoma.
photography, and radio jockey. 10. Nandini Ksheera Samridhi Cooperative Bank has
5. Chittoor police in Andhra Pradesh has set up three been set up by the Karnataka government to
'She Auto' stands in Tirupati. provide greater financial strength for the milk
Note: Three 'She Auto' stands have been set up in producers.
RTC Bus Stand, Mahila University, and Ruia Note: Union Minister for Home and Cooperation
Hospital. Aim: Women and girls student's safety Amit Shah has released the logo Cooperative Bank.
6. Tata Power Renewables Energy Ltd (TPREL) has Capital of proposed cooperative bank: Rs. 360
commissioned a solar project of 300 MW project crores (State government: Rs.100 cr and the Milk
capacity in Dholera, Gujarat.

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 Federation and Cooperatives contributing Rs. 260 Note: The government also informed that swift
crores) action taken on any representation aimed at the
11. Tamil Nadu state government has launched the growth of all the Tamils. The DMK government
already declared Periyar's birth anniversary on
‘Kaaval Uthavi’ app to seek police assistance during
September 17 as social justice day.
an emergency. 18. I Sea PONDY-2022, sea festival was inaugurated
Note: The app is containing sixty features that are by Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr.
used to send an emergency alert to the police Tamilisai Soundararajan in Puducherry.
control room. By pressing the emergency red Note: The four days festival will be celebrated in
button, the user’s live location will be shared with Puducherry Gandhi Beach, Pondy Marina, and
the control room. Sandunes of Paradise Beach. Various cultural
events and contests organised during the festival.
12. School Chalo Abhiyan campaign was launched by
19. Robin Uthappa has been appointed by the
the Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Aditynath to ensure Karnataka government as the brand ambassador for
100% enrolment in primary schools across all Brain Health Initiative which was started by the
districts in the state. Karnataka Health Department.
Notes: The campaign has been launched from one Note: The KA-BHI was launched in association with
of the state’s lowest literacy districts, Shravasti. The the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI
campaign soon will be expanded to Bahraich, Aayog, and the National Institute of Mental Health
and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore,
Balrampur, Badaun and Rampur.
Karnataka.
13. Madhya Pradesh state government has launched 20. The new name of Chindwara oranges is Satpuda
the Mukhyamantri Udhyam Kranti Yojna. oranges.
Note: Under the scheme, the state govt will provide Note: The authorities have also created a QR code
Rs 1 lakh to 50 lakh loans for MSME start-ups. The for the fruit which reveal all the information about
govt will also give a 3% per year interest subsidy the variety. Chhindwara oranges have a thin cover
and are sweet and juicy. With these distinct
and bank loan guarantee fee for 7 years.
qualities, cultivators can directly sell fruit to multi-
14. Kangra Tea brand is likely to win the European national companies.
Union Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag). 21. PM Modi has laid the foundation stone and
Note: This tag helps Kangra tea to get an inaugurated the various projects worth 22,000
opportunity to enter the European market. Kangra crore rupees in Dahod, Gujarat.
tea received the Indian GI tag in 2005. Note: Dahod District Southern Area Regional Water
15. 1064 Anti-Corruption Mobile App mobile app Supply Scheme, constructed at Narmada River
Basin (Rs 840 crore); Dahod Smart City (Rs 335
which was launched by the Uttarakhand Chief
crore). Manufacturing project of 9,000 HP Electric
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Locomotives at the Railway Production Unit in
Note: This mobile application has been developed Dahod, 10,000 tribals of Panchmahal and Dahod
by the vigilance department, Uttarakhand. It helps districts (provided Rs 120 crore under PMAY).
the citizens to lodge corruption-related complaints 22. Jammu and Kashmir has launched Jan Nigrani
directly with the authorities. mobile application to help people lodge complaints
16. The Odisha Government state government has related to various schemes online.
Note: The app was launched by Jammu and
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Kashmir under the Department of Rural
with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Development and Panchayati Raj. Aim of this app is
to take crucial steps toward the proliferation of to report and resolve the grievances of the residents
green energy in the state. of J&K, against various government schemes
Note: Tenure of MoU: 5 years. Odisha is the single launched by the department.
largest manufacturer of steel in the country and 23. Small Industries Development Bank of India has provided
contributes 33% of steel manufacturing in India. the first approval under the SIDBI Cluster Development
BPCL also planning to invest Rs 25,000 crore to Fund (SCDF) to the Maharashtra government of ₹600
build a renewable energy capacity of 10 gigawatts crores.
by 2040. Note: The aid has been approved for reviving/ upgrading
17. Tamil Nadu has observed 'Equality Day' on the ITIs/polytechnics run by the Directorate of Vocational
birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar on April 14. Education and Training under the Department of Skills,
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 Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. SIDBI is Note: From the Gateway of India to the Churchgate route.
the principal financial institution focused on the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) is
promotion, financing, and development of MSMEs. the nation's first bus service that is completely digital. At
24. Palli village in Samba district of Jammu has become the the initial stage, the 'Tap-in Tap-out' feature will be
nation's first panchayat to become carbon neutral, fully available in two buses only.
powered by solar energy. 27. Agra (UP) has become the first city in India to have
Note: This project (500 KW solar plant) with the help of vacuum-based sewers.
villagers was completed in a record time of three weeks. Note: The corporation has connected vacuums to 240 such
1,500 solar panels were placed in a total area of 6,408 sq houses (near the Taj Mahal) where conventional sewer
mt to provide clean electricity to 340 houses in the model systems can not be used. The estimated cost for the work
panchayat under the central government’s ‘Gram Urja of sewer connection is Rs 100 crore. The Maintenance and
Swaraj’ programme. J&K Governor: Manoj Sinha complete care will be done by the Netherlands company
25. 300 rupees per day is the minimum wages of the daily for up to five years.
wagers (including casual labourers) in all Government 28. Rampur Gram Panchayat Patwai of development block
Departments of Jammu and Kashmir. Shahbad of Uttar Pradesh has prepared the India’s first-
Note: The Labour department has intimated that the ever Amrit Sarovar.
process shall be completed within 3 months. The daily Note: 75 water bodies were picked to develop and
wagers are playing a crucial role in the development of UT rejuvenate in each district as part of Azadi Ka Amrit
and the interim measure has been taken to benefit a Mahotsav. The construction work on the pond in Gram
sizable portion of the workforce. Panchayat Singan Kheda with the largest area has also
26. Maharashtra has inaugurated the city's first completely begun
digital bus with a unique 'Tap-in Tap-out' feature.

March -2022

1. The First-ever Ice Wall Climbing Competition-2022 selected through competitive bidding
was inaugurated in Ladakh. underexpression of interest invited by the HPPC in
Note: Organized by: Northwest Frontier of Indo July 2018.
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Apart from ITBF, 5. To mark the 20th anniversary of the FICCI Ladies
Ladakh Police, Ladakh Mountain Guide Association, Organisation (FLO) and International Women’s Day, a
Students and team from Nubra are participating in 50-acre exclusive industrial park for women
this two-day competition. It will help in creating a rich entrepreneurs is all set to be inaugurated in
pool of talent to participate in international Hyderabad.
competitions like winter Olympics. Note: The FLO Industrial Park, which already has 25
2. Greenfield Airport in Hollongi is being constructed in women-led enterprises from diverse sectors, is being
Arunachal Pradesh. taken up in association with the Telangana State
Note: It has an estimated cost of Rs.645 crore. This Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) and the
project includes development work i.e. construction Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
of airport pavements, air side work, terminal Building Industry (FICCI).
and city side works. 6. The Ministry for Fisheries has been rolled out ‘Sagar
3. The OCEANS 2022 Conference and Exposition was Parikrama’ initiative in Gujarat in first phase aimed
held in Chennai. at understanding “challenges, experiences and
Note: The bi-annual conference was held for the first aspirations of fishermen community.
time in India. The theme of the event was “inspire- Note: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
innovate-sustain”. and Dairy Parshottam Rupala outlined that the “Sagar
4. JSW Energy’s Kutehr project has signed a power Parikrama” initiative will be aimed at understanding
purchase agreement (PPA) with Haryana for supply “challenges, experiences and aspirations of fishermen
of 240 MW hydro power. community”, look at the scope of seafood exports, as
Note: The PPA is valid for a period of 35 years which well as to popularise schemes that the fishing
can be further extended at mutually agreed terms. community in coastal areas can avail of.
The PPA was signed at a levelised ceiling tariff of
₹4.50/kWh (at ex bus-bar). The PPA capacity was

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7. Delhi state government has inaugurated a teachers 13. Chhattisgarh state government has launched a new
university that will offer programmes like BA BEd, scheme titled ‘Kaushalya Matritva Yojana’ to give
BSc BEd, etc. financial assistance of Rs 5000 to women on the birth
Note: Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of second girl child.
of Delhi, Manish Sisodia has inaugurated Delhi Note: The scheme aims to give financial assistance
Teacher's University. Its campus is located in Outram of Rs 5000 to women on the birth of second girl child.
Lane in the Mukherjee Nagar area of the national During the launch of the scheme, CM Baghel gave
capital. It will offer a new-age integrated education away cheques of Rs 5,000 each to five women
programme after Class 12. beneficiaries for safe motherhood.
8. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has collaborated with 14. Odisha state government and the National Bank for
Tamil Nadu state government to promote awareness Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed
among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) an agreement for the creation of fisheries
of the state about the benefits of listing. infrastructure to boost fish production.
Note: To facilitate this, BSE will partner with MSME Note: The agreement was signed between Principal
Trade and Investment Promotion Bureau (M-TIPB). Secretary, Finance, Vishal Dev and NABARD chief
As part of the collaboration, BSE will provide the general manager C Udayabhaskar. The Fisheries and
capacity building and soft support to small and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tamil Nadu for will help in creation of infrastructure facilities in
fulfilling listing requirements. marine and inland sectors of Odisha. For the
9. Sikkim state government will soon implement ‘Aama development in the sector around Rs 119.8 crore
Yojna’, a scheme for helping non-working mothers & initially approved.
‘Bahini Scheme’ benefitting girl students of the state. 15. Andhra Pradesh state bagged the number 1 spot in
Note: The scheme aims to inculcate the habit of the SKOCH Governance Report Card for 2021.
saving among non-working mothers in the state and Note: It ranks the states according to their
hence the Govt. will provide them Rs. 20,000 each in performance in various projects at the state, district,
their bank accounts annually. The Sikkim government and municipal levels. Andhra Pradesh bagged the
has sanctioned Rs 32 crore for the scheme this year. number 1 spot for the 2nd consecutive year. Other
10. Haryana state government has announced states in the top five include West Bengal, Odisha,
Matrushakti Udaymita Scheme-to provide support to Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
women entrepreneurs. 16. Haryana state government has signed an MoU with
Note: Under the scheme the women whose family Welspun One Logistics Parks (WOLP) for the
annual income is less than 5 lakh rupees and who development of large scale warehousing facilities in
wish to become entrepreneurs in any enterprise, the state.
trade or business will be provided access to soft loans Note: The project aims to explore the available
by financial institutions to the extent of 3 lakh rupees. government land parcels to build Grade A
Subsequently interest subvention of 7 percent will warehousing facilities across key warehousing micro-
also be provided for three years through the Haryana markets. Welspun Group will invest under the
Women Development Corporation. integrated fund Rs 1,500 crores in Haryana for the
11. Karnataka state government has launched warehousing infrastructure and development.
'Women@Work' programme to provide five lakh jobs 17. Nagaland state has created history by becoming the
within 2026 to women with necessary employable 1st State Assembly in the country to implement the
skills. National e-Vidhan Application programme to become
Note: The program aims to focus on the efforts of completely paperless.
corporate programs on attracting women Note: The Nagaland Assembly Secretariat has
workforce. It has been developed by Karnataka Digital attached a tablet or e-book on each table for the 60
Economy Mission (KDEM) in association with KTECH, members. Now members can use electronic devices to
Karnataka Skill Development Corporation. participate in House proceedings. NeVA will help the
12. Government of India, World Bank and West Bengal Chair of the House to conduct the proceedings of the
state government have signed $125 million IBRD loan House smoothly in a Paperless manner.
to support efforts to help poor and vulnerable groups 18. Jammu and Kashmir is the ‘theme state’ of the 35th
access social protection services in the state. Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022.
Note: WB runs more than 400 programs for social Note: Hundreds of artists from Jammu & Kashmir
assistance, care services, and jobs under umbrella will be performing different folk arts and dances.
platform called Jai Bangla. West Bengal Building State From traditional dances art forms to exquisite crafts,
Capability for Inclusive Social Protection Project will there is a bouquet of heritage and culture from Jammu
support these interventions at the state level. & Kashmir to enthrall the audience. Replicas of
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 Vaishno Devi temple, Amar nath temple , Apna Ghar Note: An initiative under the office of Principal
representing architecture from Kashmir, live Scientific Adviser to the Modi government named, The
demonstration of House Boat and Commemorative Waste to Wealth Mission, in collaboration with the
gate ‘Mubarak Mandi – Jammu’ promises to be the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), a
main attractions of this year’s Mela. decentralised waste management technology park,
19. Tamil Nadu state got the Geographical Indication tag will be inaugurated in New Delhi's East Jaffrabad.
for Narasingapettai Nagaswaram under the category 25. To eradicate untouchability in Gram Panchayats,
of musical instruments of class 15. Karanataka state will launch the Vinaya Samarasya
Note: The unique feature of the nagaswaram is its scheme on April 14 on Ambedkar Jayanti.
production process - it is handmade in Note: This drive aims to eradicate untouchability in
Narasingapettai village in Thanjavur, unlike the other Gram Panchayats across the state. April 14 celebrates
machine-made ones. The Geographical Indications the birth anniversary of the father's the Indian
Registry of Government of India accorded the Constitution, B R Ambedkar.
recognition based on an application from Thanjavur 26. Uttar Pradesh state has been conferred with the 3rd
Musical Instruments Workers Cooperative Cottage National Water Awards in the category of the Best
Industrial Society Limited. State.
20. The Survey Settlement and Land Records (SSLR) unit Note: President Ram Nath Kovind presented the 3rd
of Karnataka revenue introduced Dishaank app for National Water Awards to Uttar Pradesh for
land records. exemplary work in water management, followed by
Note: The Dishaank app is developed under the Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.The National Water
Geographical Information System (GIS) program of Awards are given by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications 27. Meghalaya state of India got recognition on the
Center (KSRSAC). The KSRSAC provides satellite data tentative list of World’s Heritage Sites for the living
to agencies such as the SSLR unit for innovative use. root bridge.
Dishaank leverages Karnataka’s decision to digitize Note: Living root bridges are the type of simple
land records under the Bhoomi project. suspension bridge formed by the method of tree
21. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has entered into a shaping from living plant roots across a stream or
tripartite MoU with Eker Group (Norway) and Vaan river. These bridges are locally known as Jingkieng Jri.
moto to build high speed boats in Andhra Pradesh. 28. March 30, observed as a foundation day of Rajasthan.
Note: These boats are high end boats with smart, Note: Rajasthan observed 73rd Foundation Day on
flexible solutions with superior maneuverability March 30. On March 30, 1949, the four states, namely
which can be operated from shore up to maximum Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, joined with
speed of 75 Knots, with a complement of 4 crew and 4 the United State of Rajasthan
passengers and equipped with Navigation and 29. Maharashtra government has offered personal loans
Communication gadgets. These platforms can easily for prisoners to improve their family living
adapt to the roles of Search and Rescue, surveillance, conditions.
Anti-Submarine Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, Note: Under the scheme, Maharashtra State Co-
ambulance, fire, harbor control and close protection. operative Bank will provide loans upto Rs 50,000 at
22. Recently, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed a an interest rate of 7 per cent.
bill to make Marathi language as a compulsory for 30. Maharashtra state has won the National Para-
official work of local authorities. Swimming Championships 2022.
Note: The use of English or Hindi by local authorities Note: Maharashtra won the 21st National Para-
for certain government works, like communicating Swimming Championship 2022 with 306 points at the
with foreign ambassadors is allowed. Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon, Udaipur. The
23. New Delhi has recently presented budget for 2022- tournament was jointly organised by the Paralympic
23 with the name of Rozgar Budget _________ New Committee of India (PCI) and Narayan Seva Sansthan.
Delhi. 31. Delhi Government has created a task force, in
Note: Budget Name - Rozgar Budget. The budget collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust and Youth
amount - ₹75,800 crore. 20 Lakh Jobs by 2027. Reach NGOs for the rehabilitation of street children.
Introduction of the ‘Delhi Film Policy'. ₹9,769 crore Note: The task force will focus on a five-pillar model
allocated for the health sector. ₹16,278 crore for the of rehabilitation: education and vocational training,
education sector counselling and medical support, sponsorship,
24. Under the mission called waste to wealth, a guardianship and shelter for the child. ₹10 crore was
decentralised waste management technology park set aside to create a residential school that will not
will be inaugurated in East Jaffrabad, Delhi. only provide education but also emotional and
psychological support to vulnerable children.
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 February 2022

1. Andhra Pradesh state government has promulgated prosperous new year and ward off any kind of
an ordinance to enhanced the retirement age for its external aggression and protect people from natural
employees by 2 years to 62. disasters.
Note: Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan 7. Uttar Pradesh’s tableau selected as the best state
promulgated the AP Public Employment (Regulation tableau at the Republic Day parade in 2022 ________.
of Age of Superannuation) (Amendment) Ordinance, Note: The tableau of Uttar Pradesh was based on the
2022 to this effect. On January 21, the state Cabinet theme 'One District One Product' and Kashi
approved the proposal to amend the AP Public Vishwanath Dham'. The second place went to
Employment (Regulation of Age of Superannuation) Karnataka for its tableau based on 'Cradle of
Act, 1984 in line with the announcement made by Traditional Handicrafts'. The third position went to
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Meghalaya for its tableau on 'Meghalaya's 50 years of
2. Spituk Gustor is an annual celebration of culture and Statehood and its tribute to women-led cooperative
traditional heritage of Ladakh. societies & SHGs'.
Note: It is a two-day annual celebration of Ladakhi 8. Maharashtra state tops India’s list in the number of
culture and traditional heritage celebrated every year. micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) owned
The main attraction of the festival was the colourful by entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Castes.
mask dance locally called Chams performed by the Note: Tamil Nadu with 42,997 enterprises
monks of the monastery in their best robes depicting and Rajasthan with 38,517 units occupy the second
different deities such as Mahakala (Gonbo), Paldan and third slots, according to the data furnished by the
Lhamo (Shridevi), White Mahakala, Protector Deity. Office of the Development Commissioner in the Union
3. India’s first ‘geological park’ will be set up in Madhya Ministry of MSME. The fourth, fifth and sixth slots
Pradesh. belong to Uttar Pradesh (36,913 units), Karnataka
Note: Approval for the park has been granted by (28,803 enterprises) and Punjab (24,503 units)
Geological Survey of India, under ministry of mining, respectively.
Government of India for construction of the park with 9. In a bid to spread voter awareness among voters
an investment of Rs 35 crores. The geological park Punjab state’s Chief Electoral Officer has unveiled its
will be built in Lamheta, because this place is among Election Mascot – ‘Shera’.
significant places in the world, from the geological Note: The Election Mascot, ‘Shera’ represents the rich
point of view. cultural heritage of Punjab. Promoted under the
4. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat that Systematic Voters Education and Electoral
has been declared Ramsar sites recently. Participation (SVEEP) project, the Mascot aims to
Note: Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar site No. increase voter awareness and participation in the
2464), a freshwater wetland near the coast of the Gulf elections to increase voter turnout and promote
of Kutch, was formed following the creation of a bund ethical voting.
(dike) in 1920 by the then ruler of the erstwhile 10. West Bengal state government has launched 'Paray
princely state of Nawanagar to protect farmlands Shikshalaya', an open-air classroom for students from
from saltwater ingress. The sanctuary is now part of class 1 to 7.
Marine National Park, Jamnagar, the first marine Note: The aim of this initiative is to encourage
national park in the country. students who dropped out of schools during the
5. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Uttar Covid-19 pandemic to continue their education. The
Pradesh that has been designated as Ramsar sites on initiative has been started by the Bengal government
the occasion of World Wetland Day 2022. keeping in mind the ongoing COVID pandemic
Note: With this, the total number of Ramsar sites in situation, which has forced the students to stay back
India goes up to 49 covering an area of 1,093,636 home and attend online classes.
hectares. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary (site no. 2465), a 11. Kerala state government has inked an MoU with the
freshwater marsh in the Sant Kabir Nagar district, is Social Alpha through its "Clean Energy International
the largest natural floodplain wetland of eastern Uttar Incubation Centre (CEIIC).
Pradesh. Note: Kerala Development & Innovation Strategy
6. The traditional Torgya Festival celebrated in Council (KDISC) and Energy Management
Arunachal Pradesh. Centre(EMC) signed a Memorandum of
Note: The traditional Torgya Festival is celebrated in Understanding. The MoU emphasizes KDISC, EMC,
Arunachal Pradesh by Monpa community. The and CEIIC's shared commitment to collaborate in the
objective of the festival is to welcome a healthy and
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 areas of innovative and clean energy technologies that universities, research institutions and centres of
are aligned with Kerala's programs and initiatives. excellence in the UK and in Telangana.
12. Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of 18. The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government signed a
Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka state pact with New Zealand for the transformation of the
government to support the growth the women sheep farming sector in the J&K Union Territory (UT).
entrepreneurs. Note: To improve farmer’s remuneration, transfer of
Note: Amazon India would launch Sanjeevini-KSRLPS technology in research and development, marketing
in its marketplace and extend benefits of the 'Saheli' and value addition of sheep products of J&K. The
programme to train and empower thousands of agreement was signed through the virtual mode in the
women entrepreneurs to come online and access a presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and
wider market for their products. Navin Choudhary, principal secretary of agriculture
13. State-owned THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) has signed a production and farmers welfare department animal.
pact to build 10,000-megawatt (MW) solar power 19. ‘Operation Parivartan’ has been initiated by
projects entailing an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in Karnataka to eliminate the cultivation of cannabis.
Rajasthan. Note: Such an initiative was never been taken up
Note: THDC India Limited (THDCIL) signed the letter before and it helps the state to fight against the drugs
of intent (LoI) of 10,000 MW in Rajasthan with an menace. This operation was led by the Andhra
estimated investment of Rs 40,000 crore for the Pradesh Police with the Special Enforcement Bureau
establishment of renewable energy parks/ projects of (SEB) in Visakhapatnam.
10,000 MW in the august 2021. 20. Rajasthan state govt signed an agreement with the
14. India’s first commercial-scale biomass-based Anil Agarwal Foundation of the Vedanta Group to
hydrogen plant will come up in Madhya Pradesh. develop 25,000 Anganwadi centres as Nand Ghar in
Note: The plant will produce a tonne of hydrogen per the state.
day, from 30 tonnes of biomass feedstock. It will also Note: The foundation will develop Nand Ghars by
produce biochar and methane. The plant is being put spending about Rs 750 crore (Rs 3 lakh per
up by a joint venture of Watomo Energies Ltd and Anganwadi). The chief minister said the development
Biezel Green Energy with an investment of ₹24 crore. of Anganwadi centres as Nand Ghar will improve their
15. State-run Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam has signed a letter of infrastructure as well as provide quality education
intent (LoI) with Rajasthan government to develop and nutrition to children. This will also help in
10,000 megawatt (MW) of solar power projects in the further reducing maternal and child mortality.
state in the next five years. 21. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has signed
Note: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the an MoU with Maharashtra state govt to support its
same will be inked shortly, and the investment is ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ campaign.
estimated at ₹50,000 crore. Note: The beginning of a new partnership between
16. WE HUB is an exclusive incubator for women UN Environment Programme and the Government of
entrepreneurs of Telangana state government that Maharashtra will support the state in the
has launched a unique incubator programme for rural implementation of climate change mitigation and
areas. adaptation measures,” said a statement from UN
Note: The year-long programme targets to accelerate office.
small and medium enterprises, besides strengthening 22. Maru Mahotsav is celebrated in Madhya Pradesh.
the local supply chain. WE HUB, promoted by the Note: It is also known as Maru Mahotsav of the Golden
Telangana Government has called for applications for City. It is a 4-day long festival with competitions like
the rural incubation programme. Turban tying, Panihari Matka , Mehandi and mandana
17. Telangana state government and the British Council, competitions. Other attractions: Camel Safari, Camel
an international organisation for educational beautification, Camel Polo match, BSF Camel Tattoo,
opportunities and cultural exchange, have signed a 3- Camel dance, etc.
year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew 23. Considered to be second-largest fair in India, the
the partnership in Education, English and Arts. Medaram Jatara is organized in Telangana for that
Note: To facilitate research between institutions and Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned Rs. 2.26
assist to expand higher education globally, to offer Crores for 2022 edition.
global opportunities for the youth of Telangana. Note: Under the AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav, the
Under the extended 3 year MoU, the British Council Government of India has announced that tribal
has also signed an agreement with the Research and culture and heritage will be the cynosure of 2022.
Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) to work After the Kumbh Mela, Medaram Jatara is the
closely to engineer new partnerships between country’s second-largest mela which is held for four
days.
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24. Gujarat state govt signed an MoU with QX Global Madhya Pradesh. It will be participated by renowned
Group Limited for the holistic development of the artists from across the country and world
Information Technology and IT Enabled Services
(ITeS) sector in the State. 30. Delhi Police has become the 1st police force in the
Note: The Gujarat government’s Department of country to introduce Smart Card Arms License.
Science and Technology had announced a new IT/ Note: It will be printed in-house after verification of
ITeS policy for the next 5 years in order to develop a data of the arms license holders. Smart card arms
robust ecosystem for the IT and digital sector. The license has also been integrated with e-beat book
policy also aims from the current Rs 3,000 crore through mobile application 'Shastra App'.
annually to Rs 25,000 crore over the next five years. 31. For the project REWARD the World Bank has recently
25. In West Bengal the Small Industries Development approved loan worth $115 million for the State
Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched the ‘Waste to Governments of Karnataka and Odisha.
Wealth Creation’ programme for women. Note: Aim: to implement Rejuvenating Watersheds
Note: Under this programme, SIDBI will extend for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative
benefits to 50 women in directly generating revenues Development Programme. It will help national and
from alternate livelihoods. Later, each of them is state adopt improved watershed management
expected to become a trainer for replicating and practices to help increase farmers’ resilience to
disseminating the knowledge among other aspirants. climate change, promote higher productivity and
26. In February 2022, the Small Industries Development better incomes.
Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed MoUs with State 32. State Government of Assam has launched India’s
Government of Bihar to promote the micro, small first Night Navigation mobile application (app) for
and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. ferry services.
Note: The first MoU was exchanged by Manish Sinha, Note: The inaugural night journey of an Inland Water
General Manager, SIDBI and Pankaj Dixit, IAS Director Transport ferry fitted with the system sailed between
(Technical Development), GoB. Second MoU was Guwahati and North Guwahati at 9 pm and completed
exchanged by Sinha and Bhogendra Lal, ED (H.Q.), the return journey also in about an hour. The night
BIADA. Bihar is the 14th state of India with which navigation mobile application was developed by the
SIDBI has partnered to strengthen MSME. SIDBI will transport department in association with K Raju, the
place an expert agency with the state industries principal scientist of IIT Madras.
department of Bihar. 33. Lavender has been designated as Doda brand
27. Mizoram will soon get a motor racing track, which product.
will be the first of its kind in eastern and northeastern Note: A key decision taken during the meeting was to
India. designate Lavender as Doda brand product, to
Note: The proposed project worth Rs 10 crores will promote lavender under ‘One District, One Product’
be constructed at Lengpui, about 31 km north of initiative of the Modi Government. Doda district in
Aizawl, where the lone state’s airport is located. J&K is the birthplace of India’s Purple Revolution, or
Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC) and Rural the cultivation of Lavender. Though, Lavender
Electrification Corporation (REC) had inked a pact for cultivation is practiced in almost all the 20 districts of
the construction of REC Motosports Racing Tract and Jammu & Kashmir.
Sports Complex. 34. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has announced a
28. Gujarat state govt has announced New Biotechnology collaboration with tech giant Google for local startups
Policy for the year 2022-27 aimed to achieve to connect with the global startup community.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the vision of Prime Minister Note: This wider network enables local startups to
Narendra Modi. leverage Google’s programme comprising mentorship
Note: Under this policy, strategic projects, mega and and training of startup teams to help scale up their
large projects are eligible for special packages. This solutions. The collaboration will enable Kerala’s
will attract new investment through anchor units and startups to join a wider network to leverage Google’s
existing industries and create new employment programme comprising mentorship and training of
opportunities in the state startup teams for scaled-up solutions.
29. This year (2022) 48th edition of Khajuraho Dance 35. State govt of Assam has launched a four-year
Festival was inaugurated by the Madhya Pradesh mentorship programme called Project Arohan to
Governor Mangubhai Patel. provide guidance to students and hone their skills.
Note: It is a week-long festival, that will be held till Note: In this regard, Assam Chief Minister Himanta
26th February. This world-famous festival is Biswa Sarma met Anita Rajan, CEO of Tata STRIVE,
organized in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district of and skill development of Tata Trusts and sought
corporation from them for the project.
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36. State-owned SJVN will develop a 400 MW solar park for development of this project under Ultra Mega
in Himachal Pradesh. Renewable Energy Power Parks of its solar park
Note: According to a company statement, an in- scheme.
principle approval has been accorded by the ministry

January 2022

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Sikkim state has been assessment by conduct of Focus groups among two
renamed as 'Narendra Modi Marg'. tribes ‘Malasar’ and ‘Malai malasar’ tribes belonging
Note: The older route is called Jawaharlal Nehru to Nagaroothu, Old Sarkarpathy, Chinnarpathy.
Road.The alternative double-lane road at 51 7. Telangana stood first in the country in the list of
Kyongasala gram panchayat unit (GPU) -- spanning highest number of open defecation free (ODF Plus)
19.51 km -- has been operational for almost a year villages under the Swachh Bharat Mission
now. (Grameen) Phase-II programme till December 31,
2. Odisha government has signed an MoU with the 2021.
natural gas firm GAIL for cooperation in the Note: As many as 13,737 out of 14,200 villages in
production of eco-friendly fuels in the state. the State are in the ODF Plus list, which is 96.74%.
Note: The agreement was signed by the public This was followed by Tamil Nadu with 4,432 villages
sector unit and the Industrial Promotion and (35.39%) and Karnataka with 1,511 villages
Investment Corporation of Odisha (Ipicol) in (5.59%). Gujarat took the 17th position with only 83
Bhubaneswar. The MoU seeks to prepare a villages (0.45%).
feasibility study for setting up plants in areas of 8. Himachal Pradesh state becomes the first state in
green hydrogen, green ammonia and renewable the country to become a smoke-free state under
energy like solar and wind. Ujjwala Yojana.
3. The Koppal Toy Cluster (KTC), the first such Note: Ujjwalla Yojna was started by the Centre
infrastructure in the country, will be operational in government with the view to free the women of the
March 2022 in Tamil Nadu. country from indoor pollution. Along with this, the
Note: KTC is being set up by Aequs Infra, a group Himachal government also started the Grihini
company of Belagavi-based Aequs Pvt. Ltd. Six toy Suvidha Yojana to benefit as many women as
and toy-component makers have signed MoUs with possible, under the scheme.
Aequs Infra while another three players, including 9. Five-day National Youth Festival 2022 will be held in
Viscon Polymers, manufacturer and exporter of Puducherry.
custom rubber moulded products, have started Note: National Youth Festival will be held to
construction of their production facilities at KTC. celebrate the 159th birth anniversary of spiritual
4. Chilika lake is located in Odisha state where a bird leader Swami Vivekananda. The five-day festival will
census has been conducted recently. be held in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The
Note: Chilika is the largest brackish water lake. festival aims to ignite, unit, motivate and activate the
Birds come to the lake to spend their winter. Around youth of India towards nation building.
106 personnel were deployed in the survey. This 10. The 9th edition of the North East Festival was held
included bird experts from non – governmental in Guwahati.
organizations and government organisations. Note: The festival aimed to promote and highlight
5. India’s first open rock museum was inaugurated in the commercial and tourism potential of the North
Hyderabad. East Region. The festival held in the format of a
Note: The Open Rock Museum, set up with the aim carnival also discussed the business, economic,
to educate and enlighten the masses about several socio-political issues of the region.
lesser-known facts, displays around 35 different 11. Maharashtra government has announced that a
types of rocks from different parts of India with ages mini Olympics will be organized in order to promote
ranging from 3.3 billion years to around 55 million and encourage Olympic sports among the youth.
years of the Earth's history. These rocks also Note: Competition will be arranged around 1st May,
represent the deepest part of the earth up to 175 to mark Maharashtra Day.This event will be called
kilometres of distance from the surface of the earth. ‘Maharashtra State Olympic Competition’.‘Olympics
6. The ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) Vision Document’ will be prepared considering
is located in Tamil Nadu state that was seen in requirements of 2024, 2028, 2032 Olympics
news. 12. Van Vihar National Park and Zoo located in Madhya
Note: Interventions by Institute for implementing Pradesh state where India’s oldest sloth bear,
STC, was finalized based on systematic need named as Gulabo (40 years) passed away recently.
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 Note: India’s oldest sloth bear, named as Gulabo (40 development and creation of effective basic
years) passed away at the Van Vihar National Park infrastructure in schools across the State.
and Zoo, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh due to failure of Note: The programme will be implemented in three
internal organs. She was the oldest sloth bear of the years with a budget of ₹7,289 crore to benefit 19.84
country and was one of the star attractions in the lakh children of 26.065 schools. The amount will be
park. She was rescued from a street performer spent on setting up digital classrooms, construction
(Madaari) in May 2006. of additional classrooms and taking up repairs to
13. According to biennial India State of Forest Report schools.
(ISFR) 2021, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest 20. Karnataka has won the maximum number of
cover in the country. awards at the 2nd National Startup Awards 2021.
Note: The report is published by the Forest Survey Note: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry,
of India (FSI). In the year 2022, 17th edition of the Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and
report is released by the environment minister Textiles, Piyush Goyal presented the National
Bhupender Yadav. This report was first published in Startup Awards 2021. This is second edition of the
the year 1987. award conceived by the Department for Promotion
14. Kachai Lemon Festival is celebrated in Manipur. of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Note: Theme: 'Organic Kachai Lemon for Safe 21. India announced a USD 500 million credit line to
Environment and Rural Transformation'. Kachai help Sri Lanka purchase petroleum products.
Lemon has been accorded Geographical Indication Note: India is poised to provide another $1 billion in
(GI) registration tag and widely grown in Kachai credit facility to Sri Lanka for importing food,
Village of Ukhrul district, Manipur. essential items and medicines. India had recently
15. Odisha has topped the medal chart at the recently extended foreign exchange support of more than
concluded IndiaSkills 2021 National Competition. $900 million to Sri Lanka
Note: This event was organised in New Delhi by the 22. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). has joined hands with Odisha state to improve the
From over 150 winners, 59 of them won gold medals food security of small and marginal farmers by
with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Furthermore, 73 won strengthening their resilience to climate change.
silver medals with prize money of ₹ 75,000 while 53 Note: In a pilot initiative, advisories will be provided
received bronze medals and a cash prize of ₹ 50,000. to small farmers of the state, which is particularly
16. Jammu and Kashmir has signed an MoU with UAE’s prone to cyclones, to help them adapt to impact of
pioneering financial services company, Century the climate crisis.The WFP and the Agriculture
Financial that will invest 100 million dollars. Department will develop toolkits, modules, and
Note: Investment will cover 3 hotels and one guidelines during the project to provide services to
commercial cum residential complex in Jammu & small farmers.
Kashmir.The owner of Century Financial Sh. Bal 23. Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to
Krishen is originally a native of the Doda district of establish an Infrastructure Financing Authority on
Jammu and has been a forerunner in supporting his the occasion of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
home region. Note: This was decided during the Golden Jubilee
17. Tamil Nadu will install a statue of Colonel John Celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh as an
Pennycuick in the United Kingdom, a British independent state. The state of Arunachal Pradesh
engineer who built the Mullaperiyar dam in 1895. was created in 1972. In 2022, the state has
Note: Colonel John Pennycuick was a British celebrated its 50th anniversary.
engineer who built the Mullaperiyar dam in 1895 in 24. Haryana state govt the Himachal Pradesh govt has
Kerala's Idukki. The dam is currently operated by signed MoU to revive the Saraswati river.
the Tamil Nadu government. Note: Under this, Haryana Government will
18. Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up an construct a dam and a reservoir in Adi Badri area
employment mission to create around 15 lakh job near Yamunanagar district, which is situated on the
opportunities in the state in the next 5 years. border of Himachal Pradesh. Cost of the project is
Note: The mission will be headed by CM Bhupesh estimated at Rs 215.33 crore and will be borne
Baghel. Under the mission, the State government entirely by Haryana govt.
will also leverage expertise of premiere institutions 25. Karnataka has set up India’s first Animation, Visual
such as the IIT, IIIT, IIM and NIT, in the State to Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Center of
generate employment opportunities. Excellence recently.
19. Telangana government has approved ‘Mana ooru, Note: Karnataka was the first Indian state to
mana badi’ programme aimed at allround introduce an AVGC policy in 2012. The state is now
home to the country’s first to set up such a centre,
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 which is also said to be the biggest in Asia, the conservation. The Centre has already given its
government said in a release. approval of granting tiger reserve status to Ramgarh
26. Ladakh women’s team has won the ninth national Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, along with MM Hills in
women’s ice hockey championship organised by the Karnataka, Guru Ghasidas National Park in
Ice Hockey Association of India in Himachal Chhattisgarh.
Pradesh. 29. Tamil Nadu government has established its own
Note: The championship was held in Kaza area of drone manufacturing corporation.
Himachal Pradesh from January 15-21. Six teams Note: The corporation will design, manufacture and
from Delhi, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, trade all types of drones and allied systems. Drones
Telangana and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police were used by the State police department and later
participated in the championship. by the Disaster Management Department to conduct
27. Karnataka govt has launched 'Grama One', a surveys in mines and for aerial photography.
technology-driven programme that would offer 30. Andhra Pradesh state government has formed 13
services of various government departments in rural new districts.
areas. Note: Parliamentary constituencies were used to
Note: It would offer services of various government construct the districts. With this, the state of Andhra
departments in rural areas of 12 districts. The Pradesh now has a total of 26 districts.
services will be extended to all districts across 31. Social activists of Andhra Pradesh have built a
Karnataka by the end of March. temple for Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters.
28. Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Note: Aim: to inculcate patriotism among the youth
Rajasthan. by remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Note: The Centre also announced the development Statues of freedom fighters and social activists were
during the 4th Asia ministerial conference on tiger erected in the park with the help of donors.

Important News – World

1st-15th May 2022

1. Bangladesh country has discovered a new gas field Lanka (146th), Bangladesh (162nd), and
with the capacity to produce 20 million cubic feet of gas Maynmar(176th). North Korea is placed at the bottom
per day (MMCFD) at the Koilastila Gas field. of the list of the180 countries.
Note: Koilastila Gas Field is one of the five gas fields 4. 8 Indian universities have been placed in the top 300
which was purchased from the Shell Oil company by universities in the world in the 2022 edition of Impact
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. Now, it Rankings.
is possible to supply 17-19 million cubic feet of gas Note: The ranking is topped by Western Sydney
daily to the national grid from the newly discovered University (Australia); followed by Arizona State
well number 6 by May 10. University (The US), Western University (Canada). In
2. UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025 plan was India: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (41st), Lovely
launched by the United Nations to catalyze large-scale Professional University (74th). The Times Higher
action and support needed for transition to clean, Education (THE) also publishes THE World University
affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions. Rankings.
Note: Energy Compact Action Network was also 5. Kami Rita (Nepali Sherpa) has scaled Mount
launched to match those govt seeking support for their Everest (Height: 8,848.86m) mountain for the 26th
clean energy goals with those govt and businesses that time along the traditional southeast ridge route
have pledged over $600 billion. It sets out a framework leading 10 other Sherpa climbers.
for collective action by nearly 30 UN and international
Note: Rita scaled Mt Everest for the first time on May
organizations
13, 1994. Besides Mt Everest, he has also scaled Mt
3. 150th is the rank of India in Reporters Without
Borders (RSF) which has released the 20th World Press Godwin-Austen (K2), Mt Lhotse, Mt Manaslu and Mt
Freedom Index 2022. Cho Oyu. He also holds the record for most climbs
Note: Index topped by: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, over 8000m.
Estonia, and Finland. India's neighbouring countries: 6. India has been unanimously elected as the new
India (150th, falls 8 positions), Pakistan (157th), Sri Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities

144 | P a g e
 (AAEA) for 2022-2024 at the meeting of the Aramco has reported a 124% surge in net profit in
Executive Board and General Assembly in Manila, the last year from $49.0 billion in 2020 to $110.0
Philippines. billion in 2021. President and CEO of Saudi Aramco:
Note: Commission on Elections, Manila was the Amin H. Nasser
current chair of AAEA. The new member of the 10. Lionel Messi has topped the list of Forbes Highest-
Executive Board now includes Russia, Uzbekistan, Sri Paid Athletes 2022 with a reported income of $130
Lanka, Maldives, Taiwan and the Philippines. million, followed by Basketball player, Lebron James
7. Czech Republic has received approval from the UN with $121.2 million while Cristiano Ronaldo was
General Assembly to replace Russia on the world third with $115m.
organizations leading human rights body after its Note: Messi had moved from Barcelona to Paris
suspension over horrific rights violations by Russian Saint-Germain in August 2021 and Cristiano Ronaldo
soldiers in Ukraine. rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in the
Note: The Czech Republic was the only candidate for same month. Forbes calculates the estimates based
the seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council. on prize money, salaries and bonuses, and
Out of 193 members, 180 of the General Assembly sponsorship deals.
have deposited ballots (157 countries in favour).
11. India has topped the foreign remittance list by
8. National Intelligence Service South Korea (spy
receiving USD 89 billion followed by Mexico at USD
agency) has become the first in Asia to join NATO’s
54 billion, and China at USD 53 billion in 2021 as per
Cyber Defense Group (CDG).
the World Bank.
Note: The cyber defense group was founded in
Note: The officially recorded remittance flows to low-
Tallinn in 2008 in response to a cyberattack that
and middle-income countries (LMICs) are expected to
disrupted Estonia’s state networks. It focuses on increase by 4.2% in 2022 to reach USD 630 billion.
cyber security research, training, and exercises. Bangladesh was the 7th highest recipient of
NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of remittance from abroad in 2021. Report: Migration
Excellence (CCDCOE) now includes 27 NATO and development brief
member countries and five non-NATO partners. 12. India has been contributed USD 800,000 to the
9. Oil giant Saudi Aramco has dethroned Apple Inc. to United Nations to promote the Hindi language in the
become the world’s most valuable company, United Nations.
underscoring the recent surge in oil prices that have Note: India's Deputy Permanent Representative to
boosted the energy giant this year. the United Nations, R Ravindra handed over a cheque
Note: The current worth of Aramco is about $2.43 for the UN project (Hindi @ UN project) launched.
trillion as compared with Apple's $2.37 trillion. Saudi

April-2022

1. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority abortion, with 45% of all abortions considered
(BEZA) has signed a deal to set up an Indian unsafe, causing 5-13% of all maternal deaths.
Economic Zone with Adani Ports and SEZ Limited. 3. Elon Musk has taken the 9.2% stake in Twitter Inc
Note: The Indian Economic Zone (IEZ) will be set up worth nearly $3 billion.
at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar Note: Elon Musk has become the largest shareholder
(BSMSN) in Mirsarai of Chattogram. Aim: Facilities of Twitter Inc. Musk has 27% of the company's
for Indian investors in Bangladesh shares which is more than four times the 2.25%
2. United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) has holding of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.
released a report titled 'State of the World 4. Three Indians Falguni Nayar, Radha Vembu,
Population 2022: Seeing the Unseen'. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw have been listed in the
Note: The report shows that nearly half of all Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2022
pregnancies were unintended. The report highlights released by the Hurun Research Institute.
over 60% of unintended pregnancies ended in
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 Note: With US$7.6bn, Mumbai-based Falguni Nayar, Note: PM Narendra Modi and visiting Nepalese PM
Nykaa marks her presence in the Top 10. With Sher Bahadur Deuba jointly flagged off the 1st India-
US$3.9bn, Radha Vembu, Zoho is the third richest Nepal passenger rail link. They also launched the
self-made woman billionaire in India. RuPay payment card in Nepal. This is Deuba’s 1st
5. Elon Musk (net worth of $219 billion) has been bilateral visit abroad after becoming PM in July
topped the list of the 36th annual World’s 2021.
Billionaires List 2022 released by Forbes. 11. University of Oxford(UK) has been topped in the
Note: Followed by Jeff Bezos ($171 B), Bernard category of Arts and Humanities of the 12th QS
Arnault& family ($158 B), Bill Gates. Ambani ($90.7 World University Rankings 2022.
billion) has been placed on 10th position, followed Note: IIT-Bombay at 65th and IIT-Delhi at 72nd in
by Gautam Adani ($90 billion) in 11th position. the engineering and technology list this year. The
World's Richest Woman 2022: Francoise top institute's rankings: Engineering and
Bettencourt Meyers (granddaughter of L’Oréal’s Technology: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
founder) (USA). Natural Sciences: Massachusetts Institute of
6. Madagascar has become the 30th country to join Technology (MIT)(USA). Life Sciences & Medicine:
the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Harvard University (USA). Social Sciences &
(CDRI). Management: Harvard University(USA).
Note: CDRI partner: National governments, UN 12. India has delivered the consignment 3 lakh 25
agencies and programmes, multilateral development thousand doses of Made in India Covishield vaccines
banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, to Cambodia.
and knowledge institutions. CDRI was launched by Note: India has committed to donate 500,000 doses
PM Modi in September 2019. of Covid vaccines to the Indo-Pacific under the Quad
7. The new covid variant XE was first detected in vaccine initiative. The Quad Vaccine Partnership was
United Kingdom. announced by the Quad Leaders at their first
Note: This variant is more transmissible than any Summit in 2021. Ambassador of India to Cambodia:
strain of COVID-19. Xe is a recombinant variant of Devyani Khobragade
BA'1 and BA.2 Omicron strains. It is a recombinant 13. India will host the National Delphic Games in 2023.
variant refers to when a patient is infected from Note: Aim: Encompassing arts and cultures from 36
multiple variants of Covid. States/UT to celebrate the vast diversity of India's
8. Yellow Tulip variety of flowers has been named cultures. It includes 6 categories of the arts: Musical
Maitri by President Ram Nath Kovind in the Arts and Sounds, Performing Arts and acrobatics,
Keukenhof, during his visit to Amsterdam. Language Arts and Rhetoric, Visual Arts and Crafts,
Note: This is the first presidential visit to the Social Arts and communications, Ecological Arts &
Netherlands comes after 34 years since the visit of Architecture.
President Venkataraman in 1988. Both countries 14. The United Nations Development Programme
also celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. (UNDP) in partnership with the Adaptation
9. The United States and Britain have been Innovation Marketplace (AIM) jointly announced
collaborated with Australia to increase the $2.2 million for climate action.
hypersonic missile strikes and defence capacity. Note: For 22 local innovators across 19 countries,
Note: Reason: Russia is increasing its capabilities in including India. The first round of funding will be
the field of hypersonic missiles with China. done by the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation
Hypersonic missiles features: Speed of Mach 5, Accelerator (AFCIA) window. This helps to enhance
Manoeuvrability capability, carry nuclear and the local climate action and spur the achievement of
conventional warheads. the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development
10. PM Narendra Modi with his Nepalese counterpart Goals.
PM Sher Bahadur Deuba has inaugurated Solu 15. The first device which was to detect COVID-19 in
corridor corridor 132 KV Power transmission line breath samples, which has recently approved by the
and substation in Nepal. Food and Drug Administration of the United States

146 | P a g e
 of America (USA) is InspectIR COVID-19 The two Prime Ministers will also review the
Breathalyzer. implementation of the 2030 Roadmap and set their
Note: The device was 91.2% accurate at identifying vision for further intensifying cooperation across
positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at the full spectrum of bilateral ties.
identifying negative test samples. The test can 21. Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Chairman of Serum
provide results in less than three minutes and the Institute of India(SII) has topped the Hurun Global
test must be done under the supervision of a Healthcare Rich List 2022 with a new value of USD
licensed health care provider. 26 billion.
16. The Bangla new year which was celebrated across Note: He is followed by Thomas Frist Jr & Family of
Bangladesh on April 14, 2022, with enthusiasm and HCA Healthcare, Li Xiting and Xu Hang of Mindray
festivity is Pohela Boisakh. (Net value of USD 19 billion). China (34) followed by
Note: This festival is also known as Bangla the USA (16), Switzerland (15), Germany (11), and
Noboborsho. PohelaBoishakh marks the first day of India (9) have the most healthcare industry.
the initial month of Baishakh of the Bengali solar 22. Indonesia has suspended agriculture imports from
calendar. PohelaBoishakh celebrates with other India.
regional festivals like Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Note: As authorities in New Delhi have failed to
Baisakhi in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala, and Bihu in register laboratories that test food safety and issue a
Assam. certificate of analysis (COA). Countries like Vietnam
17. According to the World Bank report, the poverty in and Thailand were able to register their laboratories
India has been declined in 2019 as compared to providing COAs well ahead of time.
2011 is 12.3%. 23. India has been elected to four bodies of the United
Note: The poverty headcount rate has declined from Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
22.5% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019. Poverty depletion ______.
was higher in rural areas as compared to urban Note: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is
India. Rural poverty declined by 14.7% while the one of the six principal organs of the UN System
urban poverty rate declined by 7.9% from 2011 to established by the UN Charter in 1945. It consists of
2019. 54 members of the United Nations elected by the
18. Twitter has recently adopted a limited-term General Assembly.
shareholder rights plan to prevent anyone from 24. Iron Beam is a new laser-based air defence system
having more than 15% stake in company, the plan is successfully tested by Israel.
also called a 'poison pill'. Note: A new laser missile-defence system can
Note: This will make it harder for Elon Musk to destroy any airborne object. Iron Beam is the
acquire the social media company. Currently, Elon world’s first energy-based weapons system that uses
Musk has around 9% of Twitter's shares and he has a laser beam to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets,
offered to acquire all the shares in Twitter he does mortars, long-range missiles, anti-tank missiles etc.
not own for 54.20 dollar per share, valuing the 25. Guadalajara (Mexico) has been declared the World Book
company at 41.4 billion dollar. Capital for the year 2022 on the recommendation of the
19. According to the International Monetary Fund(IMF) World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
World Economic Outlook report, the global growth Note: The declaration was made by the Director-General of
for the calendar year 2022 is 3.6%. UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay. The city has already been
Note: Reason: Due to commodity price volatility and recognized a UNESCO Creative City since 2017. The city
disruption of supply chains caused by the war. IMF was selected for its comprehensive plan for policies around
also cut its forecast for India’s FY23 GDP growth to the book to trigger social change, combat violence and
8.2% from 9%. build a culture of peace.
20. The Prime Minister of United Kingdom is PM Boris 26. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), India
Johnson. will host 21st World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) for
Note: He arrived in India for a two-day visit. He the first time in 118 years.
visits Gandhi Ashram, Gujarat Biotechnology Note: The event will be held from November 18 to 21 after
University, the plant of JCB Company, and the
outbidding France. The event will be held at Jio World
Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar. Johnson holds
bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
147 | P a g e
 Convention Centre in Mumbai. The theme for 2022 would 30. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research
be `Building Trust Enabling Sustainability'. Institute (SIPRI), India is placed at third in military
27. Elon Musk has acquired Twitter in 44 billion dollars. expenditure.
Note: Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will Note: Top Five: The United States, China, India, the United
receive 54.20 dollars in cash for each share of Twitter stock Kingdom, and Russia. Military spending in India is
they own. The acquisition deal goes through regulatory and amounting to $76.6 billion in 2021 which grew by 0.9%
other approvals then the social media giant will be taken from 2020.
private. Earlier, Musk had acquired a 9.2% stake in Twitter. 31. The World Bank has approved the financial assistance of
28. India has been designated as Guest of Honour Country at USD 600 dollars to Sri Lanka to meet the payment
the Paris Book Festival 2022 which was organized from requirements for essential imports.
21st to 24th April 2022. Note: Sri Lanka has also talked with the International
Note: The National Institute of Design (NID) has designed Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance, but the
the India Pavilion. Digital and physical exhibitions country needs 3 to 4 billion dollars in bridge financing to
displayed in various Indian languages representing the help meet its essential expenses. India has helped Sri Lanka
works of 65 Indian publishers. by assisting with USD 1.9 billion.
29. Seven Indian were listed by the WEF 2022 list of Young 32. PM Narendra Modi will attend the 6th edition of the India-
Global Leaders (Under 40). Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.
Note: Raghav Chadha (AAP leader), Mykhailo Fedorov
(Ukrainian Vice PM and Minister of Digital Note: PM Narendra Modi will embark on a three-
day visit to Germany, Denmark and France from May
Transformation), and Radhika Gupta (Edelweiss MF CEO)
2. PM will hold bilateral talks with German
were named by the WEF 2022 list of Young Global Leaders Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chair the 6th edition
who are under 40. Other Indians: Manasi Joshi (Athlete), of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental
Ritesh Malik (founder of Innov8 Coworking), Suhail Sameer Consultations. He will also participate in the 2nd
(Bharat Pe, CEO), Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics CEO), and India-Nordic Summit being hosted by Denmark. PM
Jaideep Bansal(Global Himalayan Expedition CEO). will also meet President of France Emmanuel
Macron as India and France are celebrating 75 years
of diplomatic relations in 2022.

March 2022

1. Bangladesh has signed two separate agreements Note: The aircraft was unique to the world. The An-
with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for loans 225 aircraft was located at Hostomel Airport when
worth USD 292 million. Russia launched an attack on the Ukrainian airport
Note: First loan worth USD 157 million is being on February 24, 2022.
provided to mitigate flood and riverbank erosion 4. International Olympic Committee has stripped
risks along Jamuna, Padma, and Ganges rivers. It is Russian President Vladimir Putin of the Olympic
part of 2nd tranche of Flood and Riverbank Erosion Order award in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Risk Management Investment Program (FRERMIP). Note: International Olympic Committee urged
ADB has also approved USD 135 million to improve sports federations and organisers to exclude Russian
access and quality of inclusive water services. and Belarusian athletes and officials from
2. Swiss International Air Lines have agreed with international events following Russia’s invasion of
synthetic fuel group Synhelion to use its solar Ukraine.
aviation fuel. 5. 2022 Mobile World Congress (MWC) was organized
Note: Swiss International Airlines will become the in Barcelona, Spain by the Global System for
first airline to use solar aviation fuel to help power Mobile Communications Association(GSMA).
its flights. For this, Synhelion has developed a Note: The focus on 5G and maximizing its potential
technology for manufacturing sustainable aviation for benefiting countries and economies is
fuel (SAF) from renewable energy sources. the centrepiece of MWC this year which is taking
3. AN-225 Mriya is the name of the largest plane that place amid an ongoing war between Russia and
was destroyed by the Russia. Ukraine.

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6. The two-day-long Study in India (SII) 2022 meeting cybersecurity venture focussed on empowering
was inaugurated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. cloud-native companies to secure themselves
Note: The event organised by the High Commission against growing cyber risks in a quick, efficient, and
of India was inaugurated by the Education Minister cost-effective manner. Founded and led by tech
of Bangladesh Dr Dipu Moni and the High veterans and former Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Vikram executives Navdeep Manaktala and Zack Barak,
Doraiswami. Snowbit will have operations across Tel Aviv and
7. Iran successfully launched a military satellite, Noor- New Delhi/Gurgaon.
2, into orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometres (311 13. As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration,
miles) from the earth. a “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi,
Note: It was launched from three-stage Qased, or was inaugurated in Madagascar.
Messenger, carrier from Shahroud space port. This Note: The Mahatma Gandhi Green Triangle was
is the 2nd military satellite launched by the Islamic jointly inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to
Republic. First military satellite, 'Noor' was launched Madagascar Abhay Kumar and Mayor of
in April 2020 at an orbit of 425km (265 miles) above Antananarivo, Naina Andriantsitohaina. The naming
earth’s surface. of this park as Mahatma Gandhi Green Triangle is an
8. Russia is the most sanctioned country of the world. apt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Note: Russia faced 2,778 new sanctions since 22nd 14. New Zealand is not among the top five in the 10th
February 2022, led by the US and European nations, edition of the World Happiness Report 2022.
bringing the total sanctions to 5,530. It was already Note: Finland has again topped the list as the
having 2,754 sanctions in place before February 22. happiest country in the world for the fifth time in a
Before this, Iran was the most sanctioned country, row. It was followed by Denmark, Iceland,
facing 3,616 sanctions against it over last decade. Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The World
9. India signed MoU with Bangladesh and Nepal Happiness Report is based on two key ideas –
countries to implement the ‘BBIN’ Motor Vehicles happiness or life evaluation measured through
Agreement. opinion surveys, and identifying key elements that
Note: The two-day meeting held in Delhi. Bhutan determine well-being including levels of GDP, life
participated in the meeting as an observer. This is expectancy, freedom to make life choices, across
the first meeting of the group since the outbreak of countries.
the Covid-19 pandemic. The last meeting was held in 15. Prasar Bharti has signed an MOU with Australia’s
February 2020 in New Delhi. public service broadcaster to boost co-operation in
10. As per the study conducted by International Finance the field of broadcasting.
Corporation (IFC) Bangladesh tops the list in terms Note: The MoU will facilitate the reach of DD News,
of women on board of listed companies in South DD India, and multiple language services of DD News
Asia. amongst the Indian Diaspora in Australia. Under this
Note: According to data, there was an increase in the MoU, the two broadcasters will explore
percentage of women who are independent opportunities in co-production and joint
directors on listed companies from 5% in 2020 to broadcasting of programmes spanning multiple
6%, despite COVID-19. 2020 IFC-DSE study showed genres.
at the time around 18% of listed company board 16. With Sri Lanka, India has signed an agreement for
directors were women, which has remained the developing a 100 megawatt solar power plant.
same. Note: India and Sri Lanka have signed an agreement
11. $ 1 billion of credit line has been approved by India for developing a 100 megawatt solar power plant in
for Sri Lanka to help the island country in importing the eastern port district Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, as
food, essential items and medicine. part of the efforts to strengthen bilateral economic
Note: Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe partnership, including through cooperation in the
economic crisis. LoC is being extended by India in renewable energy sector. The Joint endeavor and
line with its efforts to assist its neighbouring Shareholders’ Agreement (JVSHA) for the
country in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and Trincomalee Power Company Limited (TPCL) — a
to mitigate its adverse impact and its developmental joint venture between National Thermal Power
priorities. Corporation (NTPC) Limited from India and the
12. Israel-based technology company, Coralogix Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for fostering the 100
announced its foray into the India cyber security megawatt solar power plant at Sampur — has been
market with the launch of security venture Snowbit. signed.
Note: The company, which will initially focus on the 17. The first ever consignment of GI-tagged Kashmiri
Indian and Israeli markets, is a full-service carpets with quick response (QR) code with details
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 of artisans and the material used were exported to Dhaka. On 26 March 1971, Bangladesh was
Germany. announced as an independent nation by Sheikh
Note: The Jammu and Kashmir government has Mujibur Rahman
finally started a Geographical Indication (GI) 22. The USA has organised the largest drill named
registry for the famed Kashmiri carpet with a quick 'Balikatan 2022' with The Philippines.
response (QR) code with details of artisans and the Note: This exercise takes place across Luzon in the
material used. The first ever consignment of GI- Philippines region near Taiwan from March 28 to
tagged carpets were exported to Germany from New April 8, 2022
Delhi. The Geographical Indication Registry of the 23. According to UNEP report on Noise Pollution,
Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Islamabad city ranked at third as noisiest city in the
Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry granted world.
GI tag to Kashmiri carpets in June 2016 but the Note: Top 5 noise polluter - Dhaka (Bangladesh),
registered carpets were certified from this year. Moradabad (UP, India), Islamabad (Pakistan),
18. Elon Musk is the richest person in the world Rajshahi (Bangladesh), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2022. Top 5 quietest cities - Irbrid at 60 dB, Lyon, Madrid,
Note: While Elon Musk retained the top spot, Stockholm, and Belgrade
Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian to secure a place 24. Malaysia will host four nations namely Australia,
in the top 10. Elon Musk is the world’s richest New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom,
person for the second consecutive year with $205 annual Bersama Shield 2022 military exercise.
billion, up $8 billion from last year. Jeff Bezos second Note: The exercise, referred to as BS22. It has been
with $188 billion. Globally Mukesh Ambani is the 9th conducted within the framework of the Five Power
richest person. Defence Arrangements (FPDA, a series of bilateral
19. In March 2022, Kuwait became the hottest place on and multilateral defence agreements established in
the Earth. 1971.
Note: The country continues to burn oil for 25. A financial aid of USD 152 million as humanitarian
electricity and ranks among the top global carbon assistance has been announced by the US for
emitters per capita, according to the World Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Resources Institute. Note: The announcement was made after the visit of
20. Thailand is ready to ban the use of digital assets to the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas to
pay good and services from April 1st, 2022. Cox’s Bazar where the majority of the Rohingya
Note: The move was taken with earlier discussions refugees reside.
between the Securities and Exchange Commission 26. Towards a Resilient Region, Prosperous
(SEC) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT). Such activity Economies, Healthy People is the theme of the 5th
could impact the country's financial statbility and BIMSTEC Summit, which was recently held under
economy. the chairmanship of Sri Lanka virtually.
21. Bangladesh has celebrated its 52nd Independence Note: PM Narendra Modi participated in the 5th
Day on 26th March 2022. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Note: President M Abdul Hamid and PM Sheikh Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit
Hasina paid their tributes to the martyrs of the which was hosted by Sri Lanka, the current chair of
liberation war at the National War Memorial in BIMSTEC virtually.

February 2022

1. 11th meeting of India and Oman’s Joint Military Note: It will connect Dharchula in India to Darchula
Cooperation Committee (JMCC) was held in New in Nepal. It will be constructed under Indian grant
Delhi. assistance. The newly announced project to build a
Note: The meeting was co-chaired by Defence bridge over the Mahakali river would strengthen
Secretary Ajay Kumar and Mohammed Bin Nasser Nepal-India relations.
Bin Ali AL Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of 3. USA was India’s top most trading partner in 2021.
Defence of Oman. The JMCC is the highest forum of Note: The US is followed by China on second. The
engagement between India and Oman in the field of value of trade between India and China was $110.4
defence. billion. In 2020, China was India’s top trading
2. India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of partner and the US was in the second rank. In 2019
Understanding with (MoU) for the construction of a USA was India’s top trading partner and China was
motorable Bridge over Mahakali river. on second.

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4. North Korea has tested fired Intermediate Range Note: The 80-year-old emerged as the most popular
Ballistic Missile (IRMB) named “Hwasong-12” choice after six days of often tense voting in Rome.
_________ North Korea. Mattarella was reconfirmed with a broad majority,
Note: The launch was the seventh missile test that namely 759 votes in favor from a total of 983
Pyongyang has conducted since the start of 2022. It lawmakers and regional representatives actively
is also the longest-range missile that North Korea taking part in the ballot.
has launched since 2017. The launch of the 10. Bangladesh will procure 420 broad-gauge wagons
“Hwasong-12-type surface-to-surface intermediate- from India.
and long-range ballistic missile” was organised by Note: The agreement worth Tk. 231 crore will be
the Academy of Defence Science (ADS), the Second implemented within 27 months of the signing of the
Economic Committee. contract. This project is being implemented with the
5. Global IT Services and Technology Solutions joint funding of the Government of Bangladesh and
Company, ITC Infotech has partnered with Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Rolling
Microsoft for its launch of ‘Microsoft Cloud for Stock Operation Improvement Project.
Retail’. 11. India has become the first country in the world to
Note: The company has been a partner with administer a DNA vaccine against COVID-19.
Microsoft for over three decades. The ‘Microsoft Note: The ZyCoV-D which is the World’s first
Cloud for Retail’ collaboration is expected to further plasmid DNA vaccine has been produced by
strengthen the relationship. Sonata Software Ahmedabad-based vaccine manufacturer Zydus
delivers solutions for retailers world-wide, Cadila and it was administered for the first time in
leveraging world-class IPs, in-house migration and Patna On February 05, 2022. It is a Painless and
modernisation tools. Needleless vaccine given at intervals of 28 days and
6. India scored the highest in the Salesforce Global 56 days.
Digital Skills Index 2022, that measures global 12. World Oil Outlook 2021 is a flagship publication by
employee sentiments and readiness to acquire the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
key digital skills needed by businesses today and (OPEC).
over the next five years. Note: It is a flagship publication by Organization of
Note: India had the highest digital readiness score of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Govt has
63 out of 100, with 72% respondents saying they been taking up the issue, bilaterally with crude oil-
were actively learning digital skills to prepare producing countries with OPEC to convey India's
themselves for the future of work. The index is serious concerns over crude oil price volatility.
based on a survey of more than 23,500 workers in 13. India has agreed to provide grant to Sri Lanka to
19 countries, with an average global readiness score implement ‘Unitary Digital Identity framework’,
of 33 out of 100. apparently modelled on Aadhaar card.
7. World’s first hydrogen-powered flying boat is all set Note: It will be categorized as a national level
to be manufactured and launched in Dubai. programme. This will provide personal identity
Note: Swiss startup THE JET ZeroEmission has verification device based on biometric data, digital
signed an agreement with UAE-based Zenith Marine tool that can represent identities of individuals in
Services and US-based DWYN to manufacture and cyberspace, and identification of individual
operate ‘The Jet’. THE JET’ features cutting-edge identities that can be accurately verified in digital
characteristics and technologies, making it capable and physical environments.
of flying in silence over the waters at a cruising 14. According to TomTom Traffic Index's global top 25
speed of 40 knots. list Istanbul city has emerged as the most congested
8. Samsung Electronics surpassed U.S chipmaker cities in the world in 2021.
Intel to become the world’s leading chipmaker by Note: Delhi and Pune ranked 11th and 21st among
revenue in 2021. 404 cities across 58 countries, according to TomTom
Note: While Intel posted relatively flattish results, Traffic Index's global top 25 list. However, the
Samsung took the lead with a strong DRAM and congestion level in Delhi during 2021 was 14% less
NAND flash market performance in 2021. Samsung than 2019 while in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune,
also saw solid momentum in logic chips this year. In the level dropped by 18%, 32% and 29%
terms of semiconductor sales in 2020, Samsung was respectively, according the report.
at the second position behind Intel(approximately 15. Norway ranked 1st in the Economic Intelligence
$62 billion revenue versus Intel’s $76 billion). Unit’s Democracy Index 2021.
9. Sergio Mattarella has been re-elected as President of Note: The report described the state of democracy
Italy. in 165 countries. The report was prepared based on
five parameters viz. functioning of the government,
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 electoral process and pluralism, political 22. In February 2022, India signed a letter of intent
participation, civil liberties and political culture. (LoI) with Australia for working towards bringing
16. Australia has announced ‘Maitri' Scholars Program down the cost of renewable energy (RE)
under which it will provide over USD 11 million for technologies.
four years to support Indian students to study in Note: Both the countries will also focus on scaling
that country’s world-leading universities. up the manufacturing of low cost solar and clean
Note: The Maitri Fellowships Program will provide hydrogen. This was signed during the fourth India–
USD 3.5 million over four years to build links Australia energy dialogue.
between future leaders, will support mid-career 23. G20 summit in 2022 will be held in Indonesia.
Australian and Indian professionals to collaborate Note: In 2021, the G20 summits was held in Rome,
on strategic research initiatives. Australia will also Italy. In 2022 the G20 summit will be held in Bali,
provide over USD 6 million over four years for the Indonesia while in 2023 it will be held in New Delhi,
Maitri cultural partnerships to support cultural India. India will hold the Presidency of the G20 from
exchanges and boost the role of the creative 1st December this year to 30th November 2023,
industries in our two countries. culminating with the G20 Summit in India in 2023.
17. India signed agreement with UN World Food 24. Nepal will be the first foreign country to adopt
Program for distribution of wheat to Afghanistan. India's UPI system, paving the way for transforming
Note: India has committed to send relief to the digital economy of the country.
Afghanistan as part of a humanitarian assistance, to Note: This will play a pivotal role in transforming
be sent in truck convoys through Pakistan by road. the digital economy of the neighbouring country.
Rome-headquartered WFP thanked India for the NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the
agreement to support Afghans who are facing international arm of NPCI, has joined hands with
humanitarian crisis. Gateway Payments Service (GPS) and Manam
18. France is the host of One Ocean Summit 2022. Infotech to provide the services in Nepal.
Note: India supported the French initiative of a 25. In February 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
‘High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond held a virtual summit with Sheikh Mohamed bin
National Jurisdiction’. Prime Minister Narendra Zayed al Nahyan the Crown Price of USE to firm up
Modi attended the conference and said that India is Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
committed to eliminating single-use plastic. Note: Both leaders were discussed bilateral
19. China’s central bank has launched ‘Five-year plan cooperation and international issues of mutual
for financial standardisation’. interest. In recent years, bilateral relations between
Note: The plan is to be implemented during the India and the UAE have strengthened in all areas,
2021-2025 period. China will strengthen its cross- and both sides have embarked upon a
border yuan payments system and explore setting comprehensive strategic partnership. The Prime
up infrastructure standards for a digital fiat Minister visited UAE in 2015, 2018, and 2019 while
currency as part of the plan. the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in 2016
20. ‘Towards a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a and 2017.
Sustainable and Equitable Future’ is the theme of 26. In February 2022, the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
the Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World led a Parliamentary delegation to UAE.
Sustainable Development Summit 2022. Note: This is the first-ever visit under the bilateral
Note: This year the theme of the summit is ‘Towards exchange of Parliamentary Delegations from either
a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a Sustainable and side. The Lok Sabha Speaker will have the rare
Equitable Future’. It will discuss a wide range of honour of addressing the Federal National Council of
issues including climate change, sustainable UAE on the 22nd of this month.
production, energy transitions, global commons and 27. According to the annual Frontiers report released by
resource security. the UN Environment Programme, in 2021, Africa
21. India will hold the Presidency of the G20 from 1st was the most affected region due to wildfires.
December 2022 to 30th November 2023. Note: In report titled "Noise, Blazes and
Note: G20 is the premier forum for international Mismatches: Emerging Issues of Environmental
economic cooperation that plays an important role Concern", UNEP has warned that Wildfires are
in global economic governance. As per practice, a predicted to worsen in the coming years and
G20 Secretariat is being established to handle work decades. Wildfires are a natural phenomenon, but
relating to knowledge, content, technical, media, are becoming more dangerous and affecting larger
security, and logistical aspects of India’s G20 areas.
Presidency.

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28. Dubai International (DXB) airport continues to be S Jaishankar and his French counterpart Jean-Yves
the world’s busiest airport by international Le Drian.
passenger numbers for the eighth consecutive year. 31. Israel and India have launched the second edition
Note: DXB’s annual traffic exceeded forecasts for the of Innovation Bridge that will create a synergistic
year by more than half a million passengers, on the ecosystem in agriculture and Medtech sectors.
back of a strong last quarter. India continues to be Note: It will create synergistic ecosystem in
its top destination in passenger volume. agriculture and MedTech sectors. Indo Israel
29. Israel has successfully tested naval configuration of Innovation Bridge will create avenues to enhance
the Iron Dome missile defense system, C-Dome. natural partnership and steer it towards mutual
Note: C-Dome system: naval version of Iron Dome, benefit and growth
which has been used to shoot down rockets fired 32. India become the second country after China to
from the Gaza Strip for the past decade. It is being implement T+1 stock settlement mechanism in a
installed on Israel’s latest-generation corvette ships, phased manner.
which protect Israel’s coastline and offshore natural Note: The system will be starting with select stocks
gas assets in the Mediterranean Sea. Developed by: and then gradually adding others to fold. Instruction
Israel Missile Defense Organization. for this was issued by SEBI on 1st Jan, 2022. Before
30. In February 2022, India has signed a Roadmap on this, settlement period of stocks in India was T+2
Blue Economy and Ocean Governance agreement (two days after actual buy/selling of stock)
with France. 33. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will
Note: This tie-up will help to explore the potential establish its first branch in UAE as part of the India-
for collaboration in marine science research for a UAE trade deal.
better understanding of oceans, and ensure that Note: This will be the first time an IIT will be
ocean remains a global common, a space of freedom established outside India. Presently, there are 23
and trade, based on the rule of law. The agreement IITs in India, which are located in various regions of
was signed between India’s External Affairs Minister the country offering undergraduate, postgraduate
and doctorate level programmes.

January 2022

1. Abdalla Hamdok resigned as Prime Minister of through a solar-led approach. K. J. Srinivasa became
Sudan. the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Antigua
Note: Hamdok, a former United Nations official seen and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the 15-member
as the civilian face of Sudan’s transitional CARICOM ( Caribbean Community and Common
government, was reinstated in November amid Market) in 2019.
international pressure in a deal that called for an 4. Sri Lanka has signed a deal with which Indian Oil
independent technocratic cabinet under military Corporation to lease 75 oil tanks, as the island
oversight led by him. Hamdok’s resignation came moved closer to securing a $500 million fuel credit
after Sudanese security forces violently dispersed line from India.
the pro-democracy protesters against the October Note: The signing of the deal comes ahead of
25 military coup, killing at least two people. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Colombo
2. France takes over the Presidency of the Council of this weekend, with China also vying for clout in Sri
the European Union for the first time in 14 years Lanka. Previously Sri Lanka had agreed to lease all of
with effect from 1st January 2022 till 30 June 2022. its 99 tank oil farms to India in 2003.
Note: Presidency of the Council (Council of 5. India signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Ministers) organizes meetings, brokers compromise, (MoU) with Turkmenistan on cooperation in
submits conclusions and ensures the coherency and disaster management that was approved by the
continuity of the decision-making process. Each Union cabinet in January 2022.
Member State of EU holds the presidency of Council Note: The MoU between India and Turkmenistan
of the European Union for six months on a rotational seeks to put in place a system whereby both
basis. countries will be benefitted from the disaster
3. Antigua and Barbuda become the 102nd member management mechanisms of each other. It will also
of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). help in strengthening the areas of preparedness,
Note: The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, response and capacity building in the field.
Gaston Browne signed the framework agreement in 6. The first Colombo Security Conclave Virtual
the presence of Indian High Commissioner Dr K. J. Workshop was conducted by India.
Srinivasa to catalyze global energy transition
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 Note: Delegates from Member and Observer States gravity. The artificial moon research facility is
of the of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) including scheduled for official launch in the year 2022.
Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Mauritius, Seychelles, and 13. 'Infinity Bridge' is an impressive construction in
Bangladesh participated in the workshop. Dubai that was opened to traffic for the first time.
7. Alikhan Smailov has been appointed as the prime Note: Its design resembles mathematical sign for
minister of Kazakhstan. infinity (∞). It represents limitless, infinite goals of
Note: Smailov, 49, served as first deputy prime Dubai.It consists of six lanes in each direction and
minister in the previous cabinet which Tokayev combined 3-metre track for pedestrians and cyclists
dismissed last week amid violent unrest in the oil- 14. In January 2022, Oxfam India has released a report
rich Central Asian nation. Kazakh security forces titled ‘Inequality Kills’ that reveals that COVID-19
have detained 9,900 people over the unrest. pandemic has heightened economic inequalities
8. Maya Angelou, who become the first Black woman to across the world.
appear on the US quarter, in a new version of the Note: Wealth of world’s 10 richest men doubled
coin unveiled by the US Mint was a poet. since COVID began. Collective wealth of India’s 100
Note: The poet and writer, who died in 2014, was richest people hit a record high of Rs 57.3 lakh crore
the author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in ($ 775 billion) in 2021. Number of Indian
which she wrote about the racial discrimination she billionaires grew from 102 to 142 during COVID
experienced growing up. The author of 36 books – 15. The theme of the World Economic Forum's Davos
and the recipient of more than 20 honorary degrees Agenda Virtual Summit 2022 -- The State of the
– she read her poem On the Pulse of the Morning at World.
Bill Clinton’s 1992 inauguration, and was awarded Note: During his speech, he talked about some of the
the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama pressing issues like Covid, climate change,
in 2010. cryptocurrency, reforms and initiatives taken by his
9. Two countries passport shares top rank in the government for ease of doing business. This is the
Henley Passport Index 2022, released in January second consecutive year that the forum has had to
2022 -- Japan and Singapore. host the summit digitally due to the Covid-19
Note: Germany and South Korea hold onto joint 2nd pandemic.
spot on the latest ranking, with passport holders 16. Bangladesh decided to make Unique Business ID
able to access 190 destinations visa-free, while (UBID) mandatory for all e-commerce entities in the
Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain share 3rd country.
place, with a score of 189. India’s passport power Note: According to Zunaid Ahmed Palak(State
has improved this quarter compared to 2021. It now Minister for IT),all digital commerce operators in the
ranks at 83rd position in the Henley Passport Index, country will be required to register with the
climbing seven places from 90th rank last year. government using the UBID.The use of these
10. Bangladesh has discovered huge potential natural mechanisms to regulate the e-commerce sector will
gas hydrate deposits of 0.11 to 0.73 trillion cubic restore public confidence in the digital business.
feet in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 17. As per new state capital law, Indonesia is shifting its
Note: It is equivalent to 17-103 TCF of natural gas capital from Jakarta to Nusantara.
reserves. The study undertaken over the last three Note: The new law has been formulated as Jakarta is
years was conducted by the Petrobangla, Bapex, prone to flooding amid climate change and also
local experts and the National Oceanography centre suffers from chronic congestion and air
in Southampton, UK. pollution.Initial relocation will start from between
11. International Folk Art Festival was held in Dubai. 2022 and 2024.
Note: Lavani is a genre of music popular in 18. Mauritius has inaugurated the ‘India-assisted social
Maharashtra and is a combination of traditional housing units project’ .
song and dance, which is particularly performed to Note: They also launched the Civil Service College
the beats of Dholki, a percussion instrument. It is and 8MW Solar PV Farm projects in Mauritius that
noted for its powerful rhythm and has contributed are being undertaken under India’s development
substantially to the development of Marathi folk support. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister
theatre. Modi said, India and Mauritius are united by history,
12. China has built an "artificial moon" research facility ancestry, culture, language, and the shared waters of
that will enable them to simulate low-gravity the Indian Ocean.
environments using magnetism. 19. Afghanistan has not participated in the 1st India-
Note: The gravity of this place can be controlled Central Asia Summit.
using powerful magnets by scientists to such low Note: Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
levels that it could successfully simulate the moon’s Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will
154 | P a g e
 participate. Apart from regional security and the trade, and even conflict across continents and
Afghanistan issue, the key focus will be trade and seas.The UNESCO designation was requested jointly
connectivity, development partnership, culture, and by Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
people-to-people ties. 22. World’s-largest canal lock was unveiled in The
20. India has signed a memorandum of understanding Netherlands.
(MoU) with France with a scope for cooperation in Note: Canal lock was inaugurated by Dutch King
health research. Willen-Alexander. The 500-meter long and 70-meter
Note: The MoU was signed between Council of wide sluice replaces a smaller, nearly 100-year-old
Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR and Institut one at Ijmuiden.Ijmuiden is a small port city
Pasteur, France. CSIR and Institut Pasteur will connecting the North Sea Canal to the port of
jointly research and focus on emerging and re- Amsterdam.
emerging infectious diseases and inherited 23. Intergovernmental organization ASEAN and India
disorders and enable delivery of effective and has approved a Digital Work Plan 2022.
affordable healthcare solutions not only for the Note: It includes a system for combating the use of
people of India and France but for the global good. stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets and WiFi
21. The "clinker boats” of Nordic countries has been Access network interface for nationwide public
inscribed in Intangible Cultural Heritage of internet.It also includes capacity building and
Humanity of the United Nations Educational, knowledge sharing in emerging areas in Information
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). and Communication Technologies such as Internet
Note: For thousands of years, wooden sailboats have of Things, 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication
allowed northern Europeans to spread influence, and Cyber Forensics.

Government Schemes

May 2022

1. Chhattisgarh becomes first state to restore old pension Training at the Centre for Research and Industrial
scheme Staff Performance CRISP, Bhopal.
• Pilot project envisages training for 250
• Chhattisgarh has sent a proposal to Pension Fund beneficiaries of 17 clusters of 17 districts of 6
Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) states.
for the withdrawal of Rs 17,000 crore accrued • Name of the Rural Tribal Technical Training
under National Pension Scheme since November Program: Grameen Udhyami Project.
2004. • It envisages training for about 250 beneficiaries of
• Old pension scheme will be effective from April 1, 17 clusters of 17 districts selected from 6 states:
2022. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan,
• 10% deduction for monthly contribution from the Maharashtra and Odisha
salary of government employees as a contribution
to new pension scheme will be abolished from 3. Madhya Pradesh govt launches 2nd phase of Ladli
April 1, 2022. Laxmi scheme to make girls self-reliant
• Minimum of 12% of basic salary will be deducted
About the scheme
as per the General Provident Fund rule.
• It is an innovative initiative to encourage daughters
to pursue higher education and make them self-
2. Pilot project for Skilling tribal youth launched from dependent.
Bhopal, MP • In Madhya Pradesh, more than 42 lakh girls have
been registered till April this year under Ladli Laxmi
• Inaugurated by: Minister of State of MeitY, Rajeev Yojana.
Chandrasekhar has launched Pilot Project for • So far, more than 9 lakh girl students have been
Skilling Tribal Youth - Rural Tribal Technical paid a scholarship amount of Rs 231 crore.

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 • Birth rate of girl child in the state has also • Under this scheme, 3 lakh tablets were distributed
increased from 927 to 956 per thousand. to government school students of Classes 10 and
12.
4. PMJJBY, PMSBY And Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
• These devices come with pre-loaded content along
Complete 7 Years of Providing Social Security Net
with personalised and adaptive learning software,
• These three social security schemes are dedicated and 2GB free data.
to welfare of the citizens, recognizing the need for 6. Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches Digital India RISC-V
securing human life from unforeseen risks/losses Microprocessor (DIR-V) Program
and financial uncertainties.
• Aim: to ensure that the people from the • Aim: to enable the creation of Microprocessors for
unorganized section of the country are financially the future in India, for the world and achieve
secure, the Government launched two insurance industry-grade silicon and Design by December
schemes: Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana 2023.
(PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima • It will see partnerships between Startups,
Yojana (PMSBY); and introduced Atal Pension Academia and Multinationals, to make India not
Yojana (APY) to cover exigencies in the old age. only a RISC-V Talent Hub for the World but also
supplier of RISC-V System on Chips for Servers,
5. Haryana Govt Launches 'e-Adhigam' Scheme
Mobile devices, Automotive and Microcontrollers
across the globe.

April 2022

1. 6 months extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan • 21 out of 34 states and Union Territories got less
Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) than a 5% hike, and 10 states got more than a 5
per cent hike.
• Centre has extended PM-GKAY from April to • States with no change in rates: Manipur, Mizoram,
September 2022. and Tripura.
• In 6th phase, each beneficiary will get an • The change will come into effect from 1st April
additional five kilos of free ration per person 2022.
every month to the normal quota of food • Maximum increase: Goa (Rs 315 per day)
grain. • Lowest increase: Meghalaya (Rs 226 per day)
• PM-GKAY was implemented first on 26th • MGNREGA: Indian labour law and social security
March 2020. measure that aims to guarantee 'right to work'.
• The program comes under Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public 4. Centre extends existing foreign trade policy (FTP) by six
Distribution. months until September 2022

2. Karnataka government launched Vinaya Samarasya • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT),
scheme on April 14. under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has
announced an extension in the existing Foreign
• Aim: To eradicate untouchability in Gram Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20 by another six months
Panchayats across the state. till September 30, 2022, to ensure policy continuity
• This scheme was also added in the recently in external trade.
announced Karnataka Budget for 2022-23. • This is the fourth extension to the existing FTP
• April 14 celebrates the birth anniversary of father policy.
of Indian Constitution, B R Ambedkar.
5. Cabinet approves extension of Atal Innovation Mission
3. MGNREGA wages revised for 2022-23 (AIM) till March 2023

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 • Total budget expenditure of more than Rs 2000 • The extension has been given to provide the safety
crore has been allocated for 2022-23. net to the dependents of health workers who are
• Objective: To create and promote an ecosystem of deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients.
innovation and entrepreneurship across the • PMGKP was launched in 2020 to provide
country through interventions at school, comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs. 50
university, research institutions, MSME and Lakh to 22.12 lakh healthcare providers, including
industry levels. community health workers and private health
• AIM was set up under the NITI Aayog, in workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.
accordance with Finance Minister’s declaration in
9. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) total enrolments crossed 4
the 2015 Budget Speech.
crores
6. AAI launches ‘AVSAR’ Scheme
• This milestone is achieved by the active
• Airport Authority of India (AAI) has launched participation of all Banks.
‘AVSAR’ initiative to encourage talent of women, • Around 71% of the enrolments are done by PSBs,
artisans and craftsmen and provide them with the 19% by RRBs, 6% by Private Sector Banks, and 3%
right opportunities. by Payment and Small Finance Banks.
• AVSAR: ‘Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of The • Banks like SBI, Indian Bank, Bank of India, BoB, and
Region’. Central Bank of India have achieved their annual
• Under AVSAR, AAI will allocate space to Self Help targets in the Public-sector Bank category.
Groups (SHGs) at its airports for selling/showcasing
10. Haryana Cabinet gave nod to horticulture crop
the self-made products of their region.
insurance scheme
• An area of 100-200 square feet has been
earmarked at each AAI operated airport for this.
• Haryana Cabinet has approved the implementation
of Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana (MBBY)
• MBBY: It is an assurance-based scheme to
7. Phase II of ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ launched to cover compensate crop losses due to adverse weather &
28 lakh street vendors natural calamities for farmers growing horticulture
crops.
• It is an additional program of PMSVANidhi,
launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 11. Stand-Up India Scheme completes 6 years
(MoHUA).
• The scheme re-imbursed loans of over '30,160 Cr
• It maps the socio-economic profile of PM SVANidhi
sanctioned to over 1,33,995 accounts
beneficiaries and their families and assess
potential eligibility of the beneficiaries for various • It was launched in 2016 to encourage
Central welfare schemes and facilitate the linkages entrepreneurship at the grassroots level especially
to these schemes. for promoting economic empowerment and
employment generation among SC, ST and women
• Phase I: Launched in 2020-21 in 125 cities to cover
entrepreneurs.
approximately 35 lakh street vendors and their
families. 12. Govt approves continuation of revamped Rashtriya
• Phase II: launched in 126 cities to cover 28 lakh Gram Swaraj Abhiyan till March 2026
street vendors and their families.
• A total target of 20 lakh scheme sanctions has • It will be extended to all States and Union
been set under Phase II for FY 2022-23. Territories of the country.
• It will develop governance capabilities of
8. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance
Panchayats Cabinet approved Rs 5,911 crores for
Scheme for Health Workers fighting COVID-19 extended Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
for 180 days • The scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme and
aims to develop governance capabilities of
• This will be effective from April 19, 2022.
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
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11. Samba becomes first district in India to cover 100% • It was achieved after the conclusion of special
households under ABPMJAY-SEHAT scheme registration drive organized by State Health Agency
(SHA).
• In Jammu and Kashmir, Samba district of Jammu • SEHAT: Social, Endeavour for Health and
division has become the first district in India to Telemedicine.
cover 100% households under Ayushman Bharat
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)-
SEHAT scheme.
March 2022

1. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt 4. Narayan Rane launches MSME Innovative Scheme
(CGSSD) extended up to 2022 (Incubation, Design and IPR)

• CGSSD was launched on 24th June 2020 under About the scheme
Distressed Assets Fund - Subordinate Debt for
Stressed MSMEs component of Aatma Nirbhar • Incubation: promote and support untapped
Bharat Package creativity with assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh per
• Aim: Provide credit facility through lending idea
institutions to promoters of stressed MSMEs like • Design: Bring Indian manufacturing sector and
SMA-2 and NPA accounts who are eligible for Design experts on a common platform with
restructuring as per RBI guidelines on the books of assistance up to Rs. 40 lakh for design project
the Lending institutions • IPR (Intellectual Property Rights): improve IP
culture in India
2. Mission Indradhanush: Odisha tops list of full
immunization with 90.5% cove

• Odisha becomes the only state in the country to 5. Govt approved Modernization Plan-IV for Central
achieve 90.5% of immunization apart from the Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
successful vaccination against Covid-19 infection
• It will be in effect from 1st Feb 2022 to 31st March
under Mission Indradhanush 4.0
2026
• 20 districts of Odisha were found above 90% in full
• Total financial outlay: Rs.1,523 crore
immunization and the remaining 10 districts were
• It is to be implemented by the Ministry of Home
less than 90%
Affairs
• Mission Indradhanush : Health mission launched
• It will equip CAPFs with modern state-of-the-art
in 2014 to drive towards 90% full immunization
weapons and equipment as per their operational
coverage of India.
requirement, keeping in view their deployment
3. Haryana CM ML Khattar announces Haryana pattern in different theatres.
Matrushakti Udaymita Scheme
6. 'Stree Manoraksha Project'
• Aim: to provide financial support to women
• Launched by: Women and Child Development
entrepreneurs.
Ministry and NIMHANS Bengaluru
• Under this, those women who wish to become
• Aim: to improve mental health of women
entrepreneurs will be provided access to soft loans
• The project would focus on building on capacity
• Eligibility: Women whose families annual income is
building of One-Stop Center functionaries on the
less than Rs 5 lakh based on Parivar Pehchan Patra
tools and techniques as to how to handle the cases
(PPP) verified data
of women approaching these Centres.
• Maximum Loan amount: Rs 3 lakh
• Interest subvention of 7% will be provided 7. Govt launches Donate-a-Pension programme

About the programme:

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 • It is an initiative under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi support staff such as domestic workers, drivers,
Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) where citizens can donate helpers etc.
the premium contribution of their immediate

February 2022

1. Govt approves continuation of BIM for 5 years • It was announced in Budget 2022-23
• It will be implemented through the North-Eastern
• BIM: Border Infrastructure and Management Council.
• It is a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme • An initial allocation of Rs. 1,500 crores will be made.
• It is effective from 2021-22 to 2025-26 • It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM
• Total cost: Rs 13,020 crore. GatiShakti, and social development projects.
• It will strengthen the border infrastructure for
improving border management, policing, and 6. Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship 2022
guarding the borders.
• Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the
2. Centre approves continuation of National Means-cum- Government of under its 'Waste to Wealth' Mission
Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) has announced Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship 2022.
• Aim: to empower young innovators who are engaged
• It has been approved for a period of five years from in community work of waste management as
2021-22 to 2025-26. Swachhta Saarthis and implement actions to reduce
• Financial outlay for the scheme: Rs 1,827 crores. waste for a greener planet.
• Income ceiling has been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh • It is one of the nine national missions of the Prime
per annum to Rs 3.5 lakh per annum Minister's PMSTIAC scheme
• Objective: to award scholarships to meritorious
students of economically weaker sections. 7. Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram
• It was launched in 2008-09.
• Central Government has decided to continue
3. Govt approves continuation of Capacity Development 'Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram’ (RYSK) for
Scheme till 31st March 2026 another five years from 2021 -22 to 2025-26
• Total outlay: around Rs 2,710 crore.
• Outlay: Rs 3,179 crores. • Aim: to achieve the objectives of developing the
• CD Scheme: Ongoing Central Sector Scheme of MoSPI personality and leadership qualities of the youth and
(Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation) to engage them in nation-building activities.
• Aim: to augment infrastructural, technical as well as
8. 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana’ (PMKSY)
manpower resources for enabling the availability of
credible and timely official statistics. • Food processing ministry has extended its flagship
4. Govt approves implementation of Inter-Operable Criminal scheme 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
Justice System (ICJS) (PMKSY)' till March 2026
• Total allocation: Rs 4,600 crore.
• It will be effective from 2022-23 to 2025-26. • It is a comprehensive package that will lead to the
• ICJS: national platform for enabling integration of creation of modern infrastructure with efficient
main IT system used for the delivery of Criminal supply chain management from farm gate to retail
Justice in India outlet.
• It will be implemented as Central Sector Scheme
9. Social Justice & Empowerment Department launches
with an outlay of Rs 3,375 crores.
'SMILE'
• ICJS system would be made available through
dedicated and secure cloud-based infrastructure • It is an umbrella scheme
with high-speed connectivity. • Aim: provide welfare measures to the Transgender
5. Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North-East, community and the people engaged in the act of
PM-DevINE scheme begging.
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 • It includes two sub-schemes: • 'Har Ghar Jal' is a term used for saturation coverage
o Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive of tap water in a given rural habitation.
Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender
12. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme
Persons
o Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive
• Govt has approved Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha
Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act
Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme till 31st March 2026 or till
of Begging
further review, whichever is earlier.
10. Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry launched • Proposal entails an expenditure of Rs. 12929.16 crore
Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) out of which Central Share is Rs. 8120.97 crores and
the State Share is of Rs. 4808.19 crores.
• It has been launched for the welfare of De-notified,
13. Govt approves ' New India Literacy Programme for FYs
Nomadic & Semi Nomadic Communities, who are the
most neglected, marginalized, economically & 2022-27
socially deprived community.
• Govt has approved new scheme 'New India Literacy
11. Jal Jeevan Mission achieves 9 crore rural tap connections Programme for the period FYs 2022-2027
in 2.5 years • It will cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align
with National Education Policy 2020
• Govt has claimed to have provided tap water supply • National Education Policy 2020 has
to more than 5.77 crore rural households, taking recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong
total number to 9 crores since it’s launch in August Learning.
2019 under Jal Jeevan Mission of the Jal Shakti
Ministry
January 2022

1. PM releases 10th installment of financial benefit under • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved
PM-KISAN Scheme the scheme on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II
for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS)
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme is a • It will add 10,750 circuit kilometres of transmission
centrally sector scheme, which was launched in 2019. lines and 27,500 MVA transformation capacity of
• More than Rs 20 thousand crore have been substations
transferred to over than ten crore farmer families. • It will facilitate grid integration and power evacuation
• Under PM-KISAN scheme, financial benefit of six of 20 GW of Renewable Energy power projects in
thousand rupees per year is provided to the eligible Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
family of farmers. Rajasthan, TN, UP
• The fund is transferred directly to the bank accounts • Total estimated cost: Rs. 12,031.33 crores
of the beneficiaries.
4. Smart cities and Academia Towards Action & Research
2. IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched semiconductor (SAAR) program
mission
• Smart Cities Mission has launched SAAR program.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): specialized and • It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban
independent business division within Digital India Affairs, National Institute of Urban Affairs and leading
Corporation. Indian academic institutions of the country.
• It has been set up with the aim to build a vibrant • Under the program, 15 premier architecture &
semiconductor and display ecosystem to enable planning institutes of the country will be working with
India's emergence as a global hub for electronics Smart Cities to document landmark projects
manufacturing and design. undertaken by Smart Cities Mission.
• It is notified by Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology. 5. Govt launches 6 brands developed as part of 'One District-
One Product'
3. Intra-State Transmission System of Green Energy Corridor
Phase-II
160 | P a g e
 • Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras has launched • It evolved into the world's largest zero-subsidy
six brands developed as part of 'One District-One domestic lighting programme with more than
Product' approach under Pradhan Mantri 36.78 crore LEDs distributed across the country.
Formalization of Micro food processing Enterprises
8. Apple, Samsung to make smartphones worth Rs 37,000
Scheme (PM-FMFPES) in New Delhi
crore under PLI scheme
• Six products: Amrit Phal, Cori Gold, Kashmiri Mantra,
Madhu Mantra, Somdana, and Whole Wheat Cookies
• Apple and Samsung are set to manufacture
of Dilli Bakes.
smartphones worth Rs 37,000 crore ($5 billion) in
• PM-FMFPES: centrally sponsored scheme to enhance
2022 under government's Production Linked
the competitiveness of existing individual micro-
Incentive scheme.
enterprises in unorganized segment
• It will exceed the target set by the government by
6. Union Education Minister launches NEAT 3.0 ed-tech over 50%.
solutions • PLI give companies incentives on incremental
sales from products manufactured in domestic
• It will help more than 12 lakhs socially and units.
economically disadvantaged students have received
9. Govt notifies Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft
free ed-tech course coupons worth over ₹253 crore
Systems
• National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) is
an initiative to provide the use of best-developed
• Govt of India has notified ‘Certification Scheme for
technological solutions in the education sector to
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)’ to ensure
enhance the employability of the youth on a single
minimum safety and quality requirements of drones.
platform for learners' convenience.
• UAS commonly known as Drones.
7. UJALA scheme completes 7 years • It will boost indigenous manufacturing of Drones and
has been notified under Rule 7 of liberalized Drone
• Power Ministry has successfully completed seven Rules, 2021, which replaced Unmanned Aircraft
years of distributing and selling LED lights under Systems (UAS) 2021.
its flagship UJALA programme. • Ministry of Civil Aviation had approved PLI scheme for
drones and drone components with an allocation of Rs
120 crore.

Important Committee

May 2022

1. SEBI constitutes advisory committee on Environmental, 2. Govt-appointed panel to finalise RoDTEP rates for special
Social and Governance (ESG) matters economic zones (SEZs)

• Head of the committee: Navneet Munot (CEO of • Head of the committee: Gopal Krishna Pillai (Former
HDFC Mutual Fund) commerce secretary)
• Other members: R. Mukundan, C Siva Kumar, Amit • It will finalize the rates for the export-boosting
Talgeri, Sharad Kalghtagi, Amit Tandon, J N Gupta, scheme Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export
Rama Patel and Ramnath. Products (RoDTEP) towards exports from SEZs and
• It will have total 19 members and further, four Sebi export-oriented units (EOUs).
officials will be secretariat to the committee as well as • RoDTEP scheme is applicable from January 1st, 2021.
coordinator.
3. SEBI restructured 18-member secondary market advisory
• It will facilitate enhancements in business
panel
responsibility and sustainability report, ESG ratings
and ESG investing. • Head of the committee: G Mahalingam (Former
whole-time member of SEBI)
161 | P a g e
 • Earlier, panel had 17 members and was headed by • Head of the panel: Yegnapriya Bharath
Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. • Combi MI product developed on a modular basis
• It will have CEOs of stock exchanges and depositories, giving flexibility to the insurer to offer coverage to
representatives of various stakeholders and senior different groups and individuals as per their specific
officials of Sebi as members. protection needs
• Aim: advises the regulator on matters related to the • It comprises of members from NGOs, independent
secondary market, including suggesting steps to consultants, and others with experience insurance
improve market safety, efficiency and transparency. and regulatory fields.

4. IRDAI panel advises introduction of Combi Micro

insurance (MI) product
April-2022

1. SEBI constituted to strengthen governance of market infra • Aim: To monitor the compensatory afforestation and
institutions (MIIs) other mitigation measures for the Delhi-Dehradun
Economic Corridor Expressway project.
• Head of the committee: G Mahalingam (Former • Anil Prakash Joshi have also been included as
whole-time member of SEBI) additional members in the committee.
• It is 6-member committee • Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: It will directly connect
• Other members: J N Gupta, Aarti Nihalani, Sandip the two cities after criss-crossing areas like Loni,
Bhagat, and Uttam Bagri Baghpat, Shamli, Saharanpur, and Ganeshpur in Uttar
• Purpose: Review and recommendation for further Pradesh.
strengthening of governance norms at stock exchange
and other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). 4. Haj Committee of India

2. Advisory committee for semiconductor manufacturing in • Head of the committee: A P Abdullakutty

India • For the first time, two women have been elected as
its vice-chairpersons: Munnawari Begum and Mafuja
• Head of the committee: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Khatun.
Minister of Electronics & Information Technology • Haj Committee of India: statutory body under
• Government has appointed 17-member advisory Ministry of Minority Affairs. It is set up under Haj
committee for semiconductor manufacturing in India. Committee Act, 2002.
• Purpose: To provide key inputs for building a resilient
supply chain, promoting investments, financing 5. Advisory Committee for Leveraging Regulatory and
mechanisms, global engagement, research & Technology Solutions (ALeRTS)
innovation, and IP generation for semiconductors.
• Head of the committee: Sunil Bajpai, former Principal
• Vice-chairperson: Rajeev Chandrashekhar
Advisor (IT) at Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
• Convenor: Secretary (MeitY)
(TRAI).
• Other members: Vinod Dham, Ajit Manocha,
• Constituted by: Securities & Exchange Board of India
Neelkanth Mishra Prof. A Paulraj, Prof. Pradeep
(SEBI)
Khosla, Prof. V. Kamakoti, and Dr. Ajai Chowdhry,
• It is a 7-member Advisory committee and was set-up
• Committee will meet at least once in three months.
by SEBI in December 2021.
3. Oversight expert panel for Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
6. SEBI restructures Market Data Advisory Committee
• Head of the committee: Director-General of Forests, (MDAC)
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
• Head of the committee: M S Sahoo (Professor at
• Constituted by: Supreme Court of India
National Law University, Delhi and former chairperson
of IBBI).

162 | P a g e
 • Aim: recommends policy measures pertaining to • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constitutes
areas like securities market data access and privacy. Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC)
• It will now have 21 members (earlier 20). Promotion Task Force
• It also includes CEOs of stock exchanges and • Other members: Secretaries of
depositories, representatives of various stakeholders o Ministry of Skill Development and
and senior officials of SEBI as members. Entrepreneurship
o Department of Higher Education, Ministry of
7. AVGC promotion task force
Education
o Ministry of Electronics and Information
• Head of the task force: Secretary, Ministry of
Technology
Information & Broadcasting
o Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade

March 2022

1. High Powered Committee on Char Dham project 2. Uttarakhand CM announced expert panel to examine the
possibility of applying UCC in the State
• Supreme Court appointed ex-judge A.K. Sikri as the
chairperson of High-Powered Committee on Char About Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Dham project
• Aim: To look after the environmental concerns and • One law to all religious communities for marriage,
other issues related to the Char Dham highway divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
project. • It will replace the system of fragmented personal
• Prior to him, environmentalist Ravi Chopra was laws, which currently governs interpersonal
heading the High-Powered Committee. relationships and related matters within different
• Chardham Project will improve connectivity to the religious communities.
Chardham pilgrimage centres in Himalayas i.e. • It comes from Article 44 of Directive Principles of
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri, State Policy
making journeys faster, safer, and more convenient. • This panel will comprise legal experts, retired people,
intellectuals, and other stakeholders

February 2022

1. SEBI reconstitutes advisory committee under N R Narayana • Chairman of the committee: G Mahalingam, former
Murthy Whole Time Member of SEBI.
• It is an eight-member committee comprising of Vijay
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has Kumar Venkataraman and Mrin Agarwal,
reconstituted 20-members alternative investment policy • Panel was earlier headed by Abraham Koshy, former
advisory committee. professor of IIM-Ahmedabad.
• Chairman of the committee: N R Narayana Murthy.
• It will advise the capital markets regulator on a range of 3. Supreme Court Appointed Panel Submits Interim Report in
issues that impact further development of AIF Pegasus Snooping Case
(Alternative Investment Fund) industry.
• Head of the technical committee: Justice RV
• Prior to this, there were 22 members in the committee,
Raveendran
which was constituted in March 2015.
• Objective: to look into the allegations of
2. SEBI revamps advisory committee on Investor Protection and government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus
Education Fund. to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists, has
submitted its interim report in the Supreme Court

163 | P a g e
4. Ravi Chopra resigns as Chairman of Supreme Court appointed 5. Sebi directs AMCs to set up audit committee with a minimum
Char Dham Panel three directors

• Veteran environmentalist Ravi Chopra has resigned as • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
Chairman and member of High Powered Committee directed mutual fund (MF) industry to set up audit
(HPC) for Char Dham project, appointed by Supreme committee at the asset management company (AMC)
Court level.
• He was assigned the chairmanship of HPC in September • This audit committee will have minimum of three
2019 to oversee an all-weather road widening project in directors and at least two-third of them shall be
the Char Dham circuit. independent directors of AMC.
• Char Dham Road Project: It envisages widening of 10 • This new committee will come into effect from August 1,
Mtrs roads to improve accessibility to Char Dham (Four 2022.
shrines): Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath • At present, this type of committee is set up by the
trustee of a fund house.
January 2022

1. SEBI Restructures Market Data Advisory Committee the Prime Minister, who was on his way to Punjab to
address a rally.
• Headed by: S Sahoo, former chairperson of Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) 4. Centre forms 3-member committee to probe into PM Modi's
• SEBI has restructured its advisory committee on market security lapse
data that recommends policy measures pertaining to
• Ministry of home affairs constituted three-member
areas like securities market data access and privacy.
committee to probe into the serious lapses in the
• It is a 20-member committee that was earlier headed by
security arrangement during Prime Minister Narendra
Madhabi Puri Buch, ex-whole time member of Sebi.
Modi's visit to Punjab's Ferozepur.
2. Panel formed to prepare energy transition roadmap for India • Committee will be led by Sudhir Kumar Saxena,
secretary (security), Cabinet Secretariat.
• Headed by: Tarun Kapoor, former petroleum secretary.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up Energy 5. RBI Governor-headed FSDC sub-committee reviews economic
Transition Advisory Committee. situation
• Objective: Draw up an energy transition roadmap for
• Headed by: Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das
the oil and gas sector that could prove to be a key step
on India's path to net-zero emissions by 2070. • It has reviewed the economic situation in the backdrop
of the COVID-19 pandemic and resolved to keep a close
3. SC appoints high-level committee to investigate PM's watch on the unfolding developments with a view to
security breach ensure financial stability.

• Supreme Court has appointed high-level committee to 6. Indian Railways constitutes a committee to look into NTPC
look into the alleged security breach of Prime Minister's CBT-1 result
Punjab
• Indian Railways has constituted high power committee
• Chairperson of the committee: former SC Judge, Indu
to look into the concerns and doubts raised by
Malhotra
candidates in regard to the results of 1st Stage CBT of
• look into the alleged security breach of Prime Minister's
NTPC issued by Railway Recruitment Boards on 14-15th
Punjab visit on 5th January this year.
January.
• Three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI)
• Committee will investigate results of 1st Stage CBT and
Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana and comprising Justices
methodology used for shortlisting candidates for 2nd
Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, have passed the order for
Stage CBT without affecting existing shortlisted
the same
candidates.
• Apex court has passed the order after hearing a petition
• Railways postponed its NTPC and 1st Stage CBT
filed by NGO, Lawyers Voice, seeking appropriate
following protests by job aspirants.
directions and or orders in the alleged security breach of

164 | P a g e
 Science and Defence

May 2022

1. IndiGo becomes first airline to land aircraft using at village, city, and district levels through user-
indigenous navigation system GAGAN friendly weather forecasting applications.
• It will help the institute to develop sensors and
• Flight was conducted using ATR-72 aircraft and drone-based smart monitoring systems, climate-
landed at Kishangarh airport in Rajasthan, using smart agriculture technology for water and food
GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation (GAGAN) security, etc.
• GAGAN has been developed by Centre-run Airports
Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. 5. New plant species discovered in Idukki, Kerala
• GAGAN will provide lateral and vertical guidance
• It has been discovered by researchers at
when an aircraft is approaching a runway for
postgraduate and research department of Botany
landing.
at St. Albert’s College in Kochi.
2. Qualcomm India partners with MeiTY’s C-DAC to help • They fall under genus Peperomia and newly
Indian chipset startups discovered plant has been named ‘Peperomia
Albertiae’ in recognition of the work carried out by
• Qualcomm India conducted Qualcomm researchers.
Semiconductor Mentorship Program 2022 for • It was identified at Chokramudi Kudi at Bison
select startups from the semiconductor space in Valley in Idukki, during botanical expedition
India. focusing on vascular epiphytes of tropical forests
• Aim: To provide and facilitate mentorship, of the Southwestern Ghats.
technical training, and industry outreach for
6. Russia launches secret military spacecraft into orbit
startups. This year Qualcomm India has announced
a collaboration with C-DAC. around Earth
• Under this collaboration, C-DAC, and Qualcomm
• The launch has been conducted from Plesetsk
India plan to help in innovation, product
cosmodrome using Angara-1.2 light launch vehicle.
development, technical advancements, and
• Launch took place from north-western Russia’s
intellectual-property-driven innovation.
Arkhangelsk Oblast region was to deliver a secret
3. Indian Coast Guard Inducts New Vessel 'Urja Pravaha' military satellite to use against Ukraine.

• Indian Coast Guard Ship (Auxiliary Barge) named 7. Indian Navy to Acquire Spy Satellite GISAT-2 to Boost
'Urja Pravaha' has been inducted into Indian Coast Capability in IOR
Guard at Gujarat's Bharuch.
• Aim: to boost modernization and network-centric
• Urja Pravaha arrived in Kochi and will be under
warfare and communications programme, the
operational command of Coast Guard District
Indian Navy is looking to acquire a dedicated earth
Headquarters-4 (Kerala and Mahe).
imaging satellite — Geo Imaging Satellite-2 (GISAT-
• It is 36m long & is designed to carry Cargo Ship
2) in this fiscal year.
Fuel, Aviation Fuel & Fresh Water.
• GISAT-2: It is among 21 planned procurements,
• It will enhance the desired logistics support for
including some long-term acquisitions according to
ships deployed at far-flung areas in the Maritime
reports.
Operational area including EEZ and Lakshadweep/
• Once operational, it is expected to enhance the
Minicoy islands.
navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean
4. User-Friendly Weather Forecasting App region, which is strategically and geopolitically
important, especially in the backdrop of increasing
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) has signed Chinese presence.
MoU with IIT Bombay to work together for • Geo Imaging Satellite: Indian imaging satellite class
developing climate solutions for the stakeholders for geostationary orbit with a high temporal

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 resolution, meant for providing near real time • Madtsoiidae: Extinct group of medium-sized to
imaging with fast revisit capability and real time gigantic snakes, firstly appeared during late
monitoring. Cretaceous.
8. India's largest lithium-ion battery plant starts
production in Gujarat
11. Indian Army to set up residential coaching centre in
• Exide Industries and joint venture partner Manipur
Switzerland's Leclanche SA have begun mass
production of largest lithium-ion battery plant in • It will belong to economically weaker and
the western state of Gujarat. underprivileged sections of North-East region for
• Nexcharge has so far invested 2.5 billion rupees making them prepared for all-India competitive
($33 million) in building and setting up the plant, examinations, including engineering and medical
which also has a cell testing lab. entrance.
• The plant has total installed capacity of 1.5 • For this, Army has signed MoU with State Bank of
Gigawatt hours (GWh), six automated assembly India Foundation (SBIF) and National Integrity and
lines on which it will produce batteries for Educational Development Organization (NIEDO).
automobiles and energy storage applications, • Centre is named as “Red Shield Centre for
Nexcharge. Excellence and Wellness” and it will be located in
Bishnupur district of Manipur.
9. Bellatrix Aerospace tests green satellite propulsion • It is expected to be fully functional for the first
batch of Fifty students by the first week of July
• Bellatrix Aerospace has tested eco-friendly
2022.
propulsion system for satellites that cuts new path
from hydrazine-dependent fuel systems and offers
potential 20% jump in fuel efficiency for space
satellites. 12. ISRO successfully tests human rated HS200 rocket
• Satellite thrusters run on toxic compound booster for the Gaganyaan mission
hydrazine that have severe environmental impact,
pushing space researchers to scout for eco- • Human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200): human-
friendlier alternatives. rated version of the well-proven S200 rocket
booster of GSLV Mk III satellite launch vehicle,
10. Scientists discover almost 35 million years old rare popularly known as LVM3
snake fossil from Ladakh • Design and development of HS200: Vikram
Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC),
• Scientists have reported spotting of Madtsoiidae Thiruvananthapuram, and propellant casting was
snake fossil from the molasse deposits of Ladakh completed at SDSC, Sriharikota.
Himalaya for the first time indicating their • LVM3 has been identified as the launch vehicle for
prevalence in the subcontinent for much longer gaganyaan mission because of its success in
time than previously thought. previous launches including Chandrayaan.
April 2022

1. Pixxel launches first commercial satellite ‘Shakuntala’ • The satellite will help to track the invisible changes
satellite with SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket of Earth like deforestation, natural gas leakages,
pollution, declining crop health, melting ice caps,
• It has been launched by Falcon-9 rocket of Elon and other data critical for climate change
Musk-run SpaceX from Cape Canaveral in the US assessments.
under SpaceX`s Transporter-4 mission.
• It is a low-orbit imaging satellite, installed with one 2. IAF Commemorates 60 years of Glorious Service by
of the highest-resolution hyperspectral commercial Chetak Helicopters
cameras ever flown to space.

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 • Indian Air Force has organized a conclave at Air • Objective: to enhance interoperability of the
Force Station, Hakimpet on 02 April 2022, to navies of member nations in Humanitarian
commemorate 60 years of glorious service by Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Chetak Helicopter in IAF. • Harbour Phase of IMEX 22 was held at Marmugao
• It was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath port, Goa while the Sea Phase took place in the
Singh. Arabian Sea.
• Raksha Mantri released Special Cover, Coffee Table
6. India- Seychelles Joint Military Exercise Lamitiye 2022
Book and Commemorative Movie on Chetak
Concluded
Helicopters during the conclave.
• Chetak helicopter: • The 9th edition of Lamitiye 2022 held at Seychelles
o oldest operational flying machine with the Defence Academy, Seychelles was concluded.
Indian Air Force.
• It is a 10 days long exercise
o It has been made by Hindustan
• Focus: enhancing interworking to develop the
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the
capability to undertake joint operations in a semi-
licence agreement.
urban environment.
o It was inducted into the Indian Air force in
1962 7. India conducts successful flight-test of anti-tank guided
missile ‘Helina’ in Pokhran
3. 4th edition of India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS)
concludes in Kochi • Flight trials were conducted from an Advanced
Light Helicopter (ALH), and missile was fired
• IBMS: India’s only and most influential Boat and
successfully, engaging a simulated tank target in
Marine industry related exhibition.
the Pokhran desert ranges.
• Organized by: Kochi-based Cruz Expo.
• HELINA: most advanced anti-tank weapons in the
• IBMS 2022 showcased leading international brands
world.
as well as indigenous boat manufacturers from
• It has a maximum range of 7 kilometers.
across the country.
• Developed by: Defence Research and Development
• Around 45 exhibitors from all over India and two
Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
international exhibitors participated in the expo
8. India successfully flight-tested Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced)
4. 20th India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘VARUNA -
Rocket System
2022’ kicks-off in Arabian Sea
• DRDO and Indian Army has successfully flight-
• It was being held from March 30 to April 3, 2022.
tested Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System
• This Bilateral Naval Exercises is being held since
(EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM)
1993 and the exercise was christened as ‘VARUNA’
rocket systems at the Pokhran firing ranges
in 2001.
• EPRS: upgraded version of Pinaka variant, which
• Various ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft,
has been in service with Indian Army for the last
fighter aircraft and helicopters will be participating
decade.
in the VARUNA-2022 exercise
• It has been upgraded with advanced technologies
5. Maiden IONS Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) and enhanced range for emerging requirements
concludes in Goa and Arabian Sea • Developed by: DRDO lab- Armament Research and
Development Establishment, Pune in collaboration
• First edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory,
(IONS) Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) has been Pune.
concluded
9. DRDO successfully flight-tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet
• It was being held from March 26 to 30, 2022 in Goa
and in Arabian Sea. (SFDR) technology off Odisha coast

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 • SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to • Aim: to accelerate IAF's indigenization efforts for
intercept aerial threats at very long range at achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
supersonic speeds. • Under this, IAF has identified key focus areas
• It has a high projected range of 350 km. involving technology development and finding
• SFDR has been developed by Defence Research indigenous solutions towards the sustenance of
and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad in various weapon systems.
collaboration with other DRDO laboratories like
14. India launches sixth Scorpene-class submarine ‘INS
Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad and High
Vagsheer’ in Mumbai
Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune.

10. China successfully launches new satellite Gaofen-3 03 • Vagsheer (sixth submarine, Yard 11880) of the P75
for Earth Observation project of the Indian Navy was launched at
Mazgaon Dock Ltd.
• It will become part of its land-sea radar satellite • This is the last of the Scorpene-class submarines
constellation by forming a network with the made under the P75 project and can join the Navy
orbiting Gaofen-3 and Gaofen-3 02 satellites. fleet after sea trials.
• They will then capture reliable, stable synthetic • Designed by: French naval defence and energy
aperture radar (SAR) images, to help Beijing company DCNS
safeguard its maritime rights and interests. • Manufacturer: Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai
• Earth Observation (EO) satellites produce large • Submarines: INS Kalvari(2017), INS Khanderi(2019),
number of SAR images every day, which are INS Karanj(March 2021), INS Vela (November
characterized by all-weather operation, high 2021), INS Vagir(November 2020, under sea trial)
spatial resolution, among other things.
15. IAF successfully test-fires BrahMos missile from Su30-
11. 9th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise MkI fighter jet
Concludes at Himachal Pradesh
• The missile hit a decommissioned Indian Navy ship
• This joint training exercise strengthened the under close coordination with the Indian Navy.
existing bond between India and Kyrgyzstan. • The BrahMos can be fired from submarines, ships,
• Special Forces contingents from India and fighter jets and land.
Kyrgyzstan shared their expertise and best • In 2016, the government decided to integrate the
practices of tactics, techniques, and procedures to Brahmos into over 40 Sukhoi fighter jets.
counter existing and emergent threats. • Chief of the Air Staff: Vivek Ram Chaudhari
12. Israel successfully tested new laser missile defense 16. Russia successfully test-fired RS-28 Sarmat
system intercontinental ballistic missile

• It can intercept many kinds of aerial objects • Russia’s most powerful ICBM is the RS-28 Sarmat,
ranging from missiles, rockets, anti-tank missiles dubbed “Satan 2” by NATO.
and even drones. • It is a super-heavy, thermonuclear-armed
• Developed by: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems intercontinental-range ballistic missile.
• It is using directed-energy weapon system and can • Sarmat was supposed to take the place of the
go a long way in providing aerial defense. Soviet-built Voevoda, which had three warheads
• It is the world’s first energy-based weapons system and was designed in 1962.
that uses laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, • It weighs 200 metric tonnes (220 tonnes) and has a
rockets & mortars at $3.50 per shot longer range, allowing it to fly across the North and
South poles and strike targets anywhere on the
13. IAF ties up with IIT Madras to develop solutions to
planet.
maintain weapon systems
March 2022

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1. India’s first Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in
Technology Park (ARTPARK) Belgaum, Karnataka from 27th February to 10th
March
• First Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Technology • It is being participated by 15 Maratha LIRC UNIT
Park (ARTPARK) of India has been launched at IISc and Japan 30 Infantry regiment
campus, Bengaluru. • It covers platoon-level joint training on operations
• It is promoted by a not-for-profit foundation set up in the jungle and semi-urban and urban terrain.
by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, with • Insertion by helicopter into the ‘area of operation’
a seed capital of Rs.230 crores from State and is being carried out in the Regimental Center
Central govt
• It intends to use futuristic technologies with a 5. UK scientists identified 16 new genetic variants of
focus on creating a globally leading artificial COVID
Intelligence and Robotics Innovation ecosystem in
• Scientists in United Kingdom has identified 16 new
India.
genetic variants that make a person more
2. IIT Roorkee gets Petascale Supercomputer ‘PARAM susceptible to a severe COVID-19
Ganga’ • It is a part of research project, GenOMICC
(Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care)
• Deployed under National Supercomputing Mission • GenOMICC: It brings together clinicians and
(NSM) scientists from around the world to find the
• Capacity: 1.66 Petaflops. genetic factors that lead to critical illnesses. It is
• It is designed and commissioned by C-DAC under indulged in study of SARS (severe acute respiratory
Phase 2 of NSM. syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory
• Availability will accelerate the research and syndrome), flu, sepsis, and other forms of illness.
development activities in multidisciplinary domains
of science and engineering. 6. Scientists unearthed oldest octopus’s species fossil
• Focus: to provide computational power to the user with 10 arms
community of IIT Roorkee and neighbouring
• It is unearthed in central Montana and named as
academic institutions.
Syllipsimopodi bideni.
• NSM: It is being steered jointly by Ministry of
• Around 300 known octopus’ species are dwelling in
Electronics & Information Technology (MeiTY) and
the world's oceans with 8 arms characteristic.
Dept of Science and Technology (DST). It is
• Unearthed fossil is so well preserved that it reveals
implemented by Centre for Development of
two parallel rows of suckers up and down each
Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Indian Institute
arm, dates to about 328 million years ago.
of Science (IISc), Bangalore
• Characteristics: It is 4-3/4 inches (12 cm) long,
3. Iran successfully launches second military satellite torpedo-shaped body and squid-like appearance.
Noor-2 into orbit • It is the oldest-known creature with suckers, which
enable the arms to better grasp prey and other
• It was launched from three-stage Qased, or objects.
Messenger, carrier from Shahroud space port
• This is the 2nd military satellite launched by the
Islamic Republic.
7. India and Seychelles kicks off 9th Joint Military Exercise
• First military satellite, 'Noor' was launched in April
‘LAMITIYE-2022’
2020 at an orbit of 425km (265 miles) above
earth’s surface. • It is being held at Seychelles Defence Academy
4. India, Japan holds joint military exercise in Karnataka (SDA) from 22nd to 31st March 22
• It is a biennial training, which is conducted in
• India and Japan are conducting an annual joint Seychelles since 2001
military exercise titled ‘Dharma Guardian 2022’ at

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 • It will include field training exercises, combat • Focus: counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban
discussions, lectures, demonstrations and terrain under a United Nations Mandate.
validation exercise. • It will focus primarily on sharing tactical level drills
• Seychelles: Archipelagic Island country consisting and learning of best practices from each other
of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. • Grenadiers Regiment is participating from Indian
side

12. India successfully test fires surface to surface

8. NATO military exercises 'Cold Response 2022' kick off BrahMos
in Norway
• The extended range missile hit its target with
• The exercise is held in Norway every second year, pinpoint accuracy.
for NATO Allies and partners • It is a mid-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile
• It provides an opportunity to train military • It has been developed by India’s DRDO and the
together in cold weather conditions over Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
challenging terrain and demonstrates NATO’s
ability to respond decisively to any threat, from 13. Western naval command conducts offshore security
any direction. exercise Prasthan
• It is the largest ‘Cold Response’ being exercise
• ‘Prasthan’ was conducted in Mumbai on 23 March
conducted in Norway since 1980s
2022.
9. Israel-based Coralogix forms cyber security venture in • The exercise is conducted in every six months to
India, Snowbit ensure offshore security which aims to integrate
efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in
• Coralogix will focus on the Indian and Israeli offshore defence.
markets and is a full-service cybersecurity venture • This exercise led by the Indian Navy, the exercise is
focused on empowering cloud-native companies to also participated by from the Indian Air Force,
secure themselves against growing cyber risks in a Coast Guard, ONGC, Mumbai Port Trust, JLN Port
Trust, Customs, State Fisheries Department,
quick, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
Mercantile Marine Department, and the Marine
• Snowbit’s Managed Extended Detection and
Police.
Response (MxDR) also incorporate SaaS platform
and expert services. 14. Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command conducts
10. ISRO successfully conducts ground test of solid ‘Prasthan’ exercise
booster stage for SSLV
• The exercise is conducted every six months, to
• It completes the ground testing of all three stages ensure offshore security.
of the launch vehicle. • Apart from the Naval forces, exercise saw
• Vehicle is now ready for its first development participation from the Indian Air Force, Coast
flight, which is scheduled for May 2022. Guard, ONGC, Mumbai Port Trust, Jawahar Lal
• Other stages of SSLV like SS2 & SS3 have Nehru Port Trust, Customs, state fisheries
successfully undergone necessary ground tests and department, Mercantile Marine Department and
are ready for integration. Marine Police.

11. Third edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military 15. Indian Army conducts airborne rapid response
exercise begins exercise near Siliguri Corridor

• The exercise is titled ‘EX-DUSTLIK’ and is being • Indian Army conducted 2-day airborne insertion
conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan and rapid response exercise near Siliguri Corridor,
• Last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in from March 24 to March 25, 2022, to test
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand in March 2021 readiness of rapid response teams..

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 • Siliguri Corridor is a strategically important region • Malaysia will host armed forces from 4 nations
and is also known as Chicken’s Neck. It is a stretch namely, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the
of land in Siliguri city of West Bengal. It borders UK in the annual Bersama Shield 2022 (BS22)
Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and connects the training exercise. Bersama means together in
northeastern states with the rest of India. Malay.
• It will involve sea and air drills, mostly in
16. Malaysia to host 4 nations for Bersama Shield 2022 international waters but also in part of Malaysia’s
military exercise exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
• It is conducted within the framework of the Five
Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA).

February 2022

1. A Global Center of Excellence in Affordable and Clean services. The platform will analyse the profiles of the
Energy has been launched at IIT Dharwad. job seekers and suggest the skills they would require
Note: The center is supported by the Corporate Social to become eligible.
Responsibility (CSR) donation from Honeywell 6. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will make
Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF). The its third venture to the Moon through the
first phase of the CSR project with HHSIF is to Chandrayaan-3 mission in August 2022.
establish equipment for the GCoE-ACE mainly as skill Note: This was stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra
development, fabrication, and R&D equipment. Singh in a written reply to Lok Sabha. This year is
2. INS Vagir would the name of the fifth submarine of expected to be quite busy for ISRO as major projects
Project 75, of the Scorpene class that has commenced such as Gaganyaan and Aditya solar mission are also
her maiden sea trials. in the pipeline. ISRO will conduct 19 missions till
Note: The submarine, launched in November 2020 December this year.
from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock 7. "Winter Camp" is a joint military exercise of NATO.
Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), would be named Vagir, after Note: The "Winter Camp" exercise in northeast
commissioning. Last year, INS Vela, the fourth Estonia, just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the
submarine in the series of six submarines of Project- Russian border, included some 1,300 British, Estonian
75, was inducted into the Navy. and French troops operating in extreme conditions.
3. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a 8. Operation AAHT has been launched by the Railway
contract worth ₹3131.82 crores for the manufacture Protection Force (RPF) to curb human trafficking.
and supply of Konkurs anti-tank missiles for the Note: The RPF that recued more than more than
Indian Army . 2,000 women and children between 2017-21 from the
Note: Bharat Dynamics will manufacture and supply clutches of traffickers intensified the crackdown on
Konkurs anti-tank missiles to the Indian Army. human trafficking with the increasing number of
Konkurs - M is a second generation, mechanized cases. The National Crime Records Bureau registers
infantry anti-tank guided missile, to destroy armored about 2,200 cases of Human Trafficking cases on an
vehicle equipped with explosive reactive armour. average each year.
4. Param Pravega, one of the most powerful 9. The National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture
supercomputers in India has been installed and and Utilisation (NCOE-CCU) has been established at
commissioned in Indian Institute of Science, IIT- Bombay.
Bengaluru. Note: The Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Note: The system, which is expected to power diverse has established the National Centre of Excellence in
research and educational pursuits, has a total Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCOE-CCU) at Indian
supercomputing capacity of 3.3 petaflops (1 petaflop Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
equals a quadrillion or 1,015 operations per second), 10. In February 2022, the ISRO successfully launched the
the premier science research institution based in earth observation satellite EOS-4.
Bengaluru. It has been designed by the Centre for Note: EOS-04, INSPIREsat-1 and INST-2TD were
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). injected successfully into a sun-synchronous polar
5. Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad has orbit by PSLV-C52. EOS-04 is designed to provide
launched the beta version of ‘Swarajability’, a job high-quality images under all weather conditions for
portal powered by AI that helps people with applications such as agriculture, forestry and
disabilities acquire relevant skills and find jobs. plantations, soil moisture and hydrology and flood
Note: The project is funded by Kotak Mahindra Bank, mapping.
while IIT-H provided AI expertise, Visual Quest 11. ‘Cope South 22’ is a joint tactical airlift exercise of US
developed the platform, and Youth4Jobs skilling and Bangladesh.

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 Note: Named as Cope South 22, the exercise will be Note: The vehicle is designed by the Indian Space
conducted at Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Kurmitola Research Organisation (ISRO) and developed by the
Cantonment, Dhaka; and Operating Location-Alpha, Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT under the aegis
Sylhet, Bangladesh. It will witness the participation of of Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
nearly 77 airmen, along with two US Air Force C-130J 17. A joint team of scientists from DRDO and IIT Delhi
Super Hercules from the US Air Force (USAF) 36th successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution
Airlift Squadron (AS) of the 374th Airlift Wing at link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar
Yokota Air Base in Japan. Pradesh, a distance of more than 100 kilometres.
12. Asia’s largest defence exhibition, DefExpo 2022, will Note: It was achieved over commercial-grade optical
be held in Gandhinagar. fibre already available in field. With this, India has
Note: More than 900 defence firms and 55 countries demonstrated indigenous technology of secure key
are expected to participate in it. A 1,000-drone transfer for bootstrapping military-grade
display is expected to be one of the highlights of the communication security key hierarchy
exhibition. This will be the second time such a show is 18. In February 2022, with the arrival of the latest three
being organised in the country. It was first organised aircraft, 35 Rafale fighter aircraft have been
at the Beating Retreat in Delhi on January 29. received by India till date from France for which it
13. Fighter aircraft Tejas MK-1 has been showcased by signed a contract with France in September 2016.
India in the Singapore Air Show 2022. Note: The aircraft took off from a French airbase and
Note: India showcased the IAF’s ‘Made in India’ Light were provided mid-air refuelling by the Air Force of
Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-One(MK-1), a 4th the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the arrival of
generation fighter aircraft. Singapore Air Show is a the latest three aircraft, India has now received a total
biennial event that provides a platform for the Global of 35 of the 36 Rafale jets for which it signed a
Aviation Industry to showcase its products. contract with France in September 2016.
14. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted sixth 19. The Indian Navy received its 12th and final anti-
edition of Eastern Bridge-VI exercise with Oman. submarine warfare aircraft P-8I from Boeing.
Note: The exercise named Eastern Bridge-VI is in its Note: This is the fourth of four additional aircraft
sixth edition. Exercise Eastern Bridge V was held in delivered under the options contract signed by the
October 2019 at the Air Force Base Masirah, Ministry of Defence in 2016. The Indian Navy became
Oman.The IAF contingent comprised MiG-29 and C-17 the first international customer for the P-8I in January
aircraft. It was the first time that MIG-29 fighter 2009, when it signed a contract with Boeing for eight
aircraft participated in an International Exercise P-8I Poseidon aircraft for $2.17 billion.
outside India. 20. The biennial exercise multilateral Naval Exercise
15. Multinational ‘Exercise Cobra Warrior 22 will be “Milan 2022” is being organized in Vishakhapatnam.
organized by England, in which Indian Air Force will Note: It will be conducted over a duration of nine
also participate with a fleet of five Tejas light combat days in two phases with the harbour phase scheduled
aircraft (LCA). from February 25 and the Sea Phase from 1st March
Note: Besides the Royal Air Force of the UK, the US, to 4th March. Theme: 'Camaraderie - Cohesion -
Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Belgium will also Collaboration'. It is a biennial multilateral naval
participate in the exercise. The multi-nation air exercise incepted by Indian Navy in 1995 at the
exercise named “Ex Cobra Warrior 22” will be Andaman and Nicobar Command
conducted at Waddington, UK, from March 6 to March 21. Third edition of joint military exercise ‘EX DHARMA
27. The IAF’s C-17 aircraft will provide the necessary GUARDIAN-2022’ was conducted between India and
transport support for induction and de-induction. Japan at Belagavi (Belgaum), Karnataka.
16. The undersea submersible vehicle MATSYA 6000 is Note: It will be conducted from 27th February to 10th
capable of taking three person to a depth of 6,000 March 2022. It is participated by the 15th Battalion of
metres (m), that will be ready for its launch in 2024 ‘Maratha Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army’
for the Samudrayaan Mission. and 30th Infantry Regiment of Japanese Ground Self
Defence Forces (JGSDF).

January 2022

1. Cochin Shipyard Limited handed over the first of the Note: This is the first of the 23 boats awarded for
23 battery-powered electric boats being constructed building to Cochin Shipyard under the Kochi Water
for the water metro project under the Kochi Metro Rail Metro project. Five boats are under construction and
Limited (KMRL). will be handed over to KMRL in a couple of months by

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 the CSL. The construction of water metro terminals is 8. In collaboration with ISRO & CBSE, the NITI Aayog’s
also progressing. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) recently launched 'ATL
2. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Space Challenge 2021'.
Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science Note: It was launched in collaboration with ISRO and
& Technology at Chandigarh University. CBSE. The challenge was designed for all the school
Note: He also launched Scholarship Scheme, worth Rs students, mentors and teachers across the country. It
10 crore, for the wards of Defence Personnel of the witnessed over 2500 submissions from both ATL and
three Services. It is established with the objective of Non-ATL students across the country from which 75
training students in space science, satellite top innovators were selected and announced.
development and meet future challenges in space 9. In January 2022, the Indian Navy has conducted a
research. It would be the Ground Control Station for passing exercise with Russia.
the Chandigarh University's Student Satellite. Note: Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built
3. Multinational naval exercise Milan was conducted in guided missile destroyer INS Kochi exercised with
Visakhapatnam. Russian Federation Navy's destroyer Admiral Tributs.
Note: The theme of this 11th edition of exercise Milan The exercise showcased cohesiveness and
is camaraderie, cohesion and collaboration. This interoperability between the two navies and included
exercise was initiated in 1995 and held biennially and tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck helicopter operations
conducted with friendly navies. The countries that and seamanship activities.
have been extended invitations for participation 10. Indian Navy has conducted maritime Partnership
include Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Exercise with the navy of Japan in the Bay of Bengal.
Australia, Israel, Iran, France, Japan, South Korea, Note: The Indian side was represented by Indian Naval
Vietnam, Bangladesh, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Ships (INS) Shivalik and INS Kadmatt while JMSDF
among others. Ships Uraga and Hirado the participated from Japanese
4. Capacity of the India's first indigenous aircraft carrier side. Strengthening bilateral relations, promoting
(IAC) Vikrant -- 40,000-tonne. defence cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding
Note: It is planned to be inducted in August 2022. The and interoperability, and sharing best practices
40,000-tonne aircraft carrier is the largest and most between IN and JMSDF.
complex warship to be built in India. It successfully 11. Philippines become the first country to buy the
completed a five-day maiden sea voyage in August and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system boosting
underwent 10-day sea trials in October 2021. India’s efforts to become a major exporter of defence
5. Multi-national exercise ‘Sea Dragon’ that focuses on hardware.
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training in Indo-Pacific Note: The Philippines recently signed the ‘notice of
region was led by USA. award’ or the acceptance of India’s BrahMos Aerospace
Note: Participating members are Quad nations (United Private Ltd $374.96 million (USD 374,962,800)
States, Australia, India and Japan), Canada and South proposal for supplying the missile system for the
Korea. It includes more than 270 hours of in-flight Philippine Navy’s shore-based anti-ship missile
training, classroom sessions for pilots, flight officers acquisition project.
6. In January 2022, an extended range sea-to-sea variant 12. Indian navy ship INS Kochi participated in the PASSEX
of which missile was successfully test-fired by India exercises with Russian navy ships in the Arabian Sea in
from the Indian Navy’s newly commissioned INS January 2022.
Visakhapatnam BrahMos. Note: Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built
Note: BrahMos, deployed by the Navy on its warships guided missile destroyer INS Kochi exercised with
first in 2005, has the capability to hit sea-based targets Russian Federation Navy's destroyer Admiral Tributs.
beyond radar horizon.The naval variant was originally The exercise showcased cohesiveness and
tested in October and December 2020 from the Navy’s interoperability between the two navies and included
indigenously-built stealth destroyer INS Chennai and tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck helicopter operations
Rajput-class destroyer INS Ranvijay, respectively. and seamanship activities.
7. The Defence Research and Development Organisation 13. Border Security Force (BSF) has launched Operation
(DRDO) has successfully flight tested the final Sard Hawa.
deliverable configuration of MPATGM. Note: Under the exercise the BSF will increase
Note: The indigenously developed anti-tank missile is surveillance along the Pakistan border in
a low weight, ‘fire and forget’ missile and is launched Rajasthan.The Operation Sard Hawa is conducted
from a man portable launcher, integrated with thermal during winters and Operation Garam Hawa is
sight. While the Indian Army has been mainly using conducted during summers.
various imported anti-tank guided missiles in the past, 14. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a
the DRDO has been working on ATGMs to be launched contract with Mauritius for export of one Advanced
from different platforms as part of the Integrated Light Helicopter (ALH)-MkIII.
Guided Missile Development Programme.

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 Note: Mauritius already operates a ALH and Dornier prototypes of food production technologies that
Do-228 aircraft built by HAL.The ALH Mk III is a multi- provide tangible nutritional products -- or food.
role, multi-mission helicopter in the 5.5 tonne category Note: The technology will help future astronauts to
in extensive use by the Indian armed forces and has produce nutritious, tasty, and satisfying meals on long-
also been exported. duration space missions, that require minimal
15. ISRO Propulsion Complex is located in Mahendragiri, resources and produce minimal waste. The Phase 2 of
Tamil Nadu. the challenge includes a prize of $1 million.
Note: The Vikas engine for the Gaganyaan human 17. Joint naval exercises CHIRU-2Q22 was conducted by
space mission underwent the qualification test for a Russia, China and Iran.
duration of 25 seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex Note: The maritime drills conducted in the northern
in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. Two engines have parts of the Indian Ocean aimed at deepening practical
undergone tests under nominal operating conditions cooperation among the navies of the three
for a total duration of 480 seconds. countries.The participants practiced various tactics
16. In coordination with Canadian Space Agency, NASA and operations, such as rescuing ablaze vessels, saving
has launched the 'Deep Space Food Challenge' that hijacked vessels, shooting at targets, nocturnal
calls on teams to design, build, and demonstrate shooting at aerial targets, and other tactical maneuvers
as a part of the drill.

Honor & Awards

1-15th May 2022

1. Doordarshan TV network has won ENBA Award photography category with other three Indian
2021 for the best in-depth Hindi series for its TV journalists.
series based on pet care ‘Best Friend Forever’ at 14th Note: Other three Indians: Adnan Abidi, Sanna
edition of the Exchange4media News Broadcasting Irshad Mattoo and Amit Dave. He was honoured
Awards (ENBA). with the prestigious award in 2018 for their
Note: Best Friend Forever: Half-an-hour weekly live coverage of the Rohingya crisis.
phone-in show on DD National. Here, two pet experts 5. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah presents the
guide people on how to take care of their pets, about President’s Colours award to Assam state Police for
their food, nutrition, routine health check-ups, exemplary service during the past 25 years.
vaccination and other pet related issues.
Note: Assam becomes the 10th state in the country
2. Bengaluru-based neo banking startup Open has
to receive President’s Colours honour. President’s
become the country’s 100th unicorn after raising $50
Colours is the highest honour that is given to any
Mn from IIFL.
military or police unit in recognition of exceptional
Note: Open operates neobank that offers small and
service rendered to the nation.
medium-sized businesses as well as enterprises
6. Gurusamy Krishnamoorthy (chief executive
nearly all the features of the bank with additional
tools to better serve the customer’s needs. Co-founder officer of Penlon) will receive the Member of the
and chief executive of Open: Anish Achuthan. The Royal Order of British Empire (MBE) recognition
company is led by Google, Temasek, Visa, and Japan’s from the Queen to meet the Ventilator requirement
SoftBank Investments. challenges in British during the pandemic.
3. Cynthia Rosenzweig has been awarded World Food Note: He started his career with Wipro GE Medical
Prize 2022. Systems and later co-founded a Med-tech startup in
Note: She is an agronomist and climatologist and Chennai. Penlon deals with the design and
spent much of her career explaining how global food manufacture of anaesthesia ventilators, anaesthesia
production must adapt to a changing climate. She was machines and vaporizers.
awarded $250,000 prize in recognition of her 7. President Ram Nath Kovind has conferred
innovative modeling of the impact of climate change
Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony-
on food production. She is a senior research scientist
2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
4. Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui Note: He presented Shaurya Chakras (13) including
six posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed
(Reuters) has been posthumously honoured with
Forces for displaying courage, gallantry, and
his second prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the feature
devotion to duty. He also conferred Param Vishisht
Seva Medals (14 ), Uttam Yudh Seva Medals(4), and
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 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (24) for distinguished Note: He received the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics
service of an exceptional order. along with David J. Gross, and H. David Politzer for
8. Bengali language translation of the French novel his 1973 breakthrough in explaining the unusual
“Meursault, contre-enquête” (The Meursault properties of the strong force. Templeton Prize was
Investigation) has won the 5th Romain Rolland established in 1972 by the late philanthropist Sir
Book Prize 2022. John Templeton.
Note: The award was given to translator Trinanjan 10. Mamata Banerjee has been awarded the Bangla
Chakraborty and publisher Patra Bharati. Meursault, Academy Award for her Kabita Bitan.
contre-enquêteto, originally written by Algerian Note: Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Kabita Bitan’ was
writer and journalist Kamel Daoud. This is the first launched at the 2020 Kolkata Book Fair. The book
time Patra Bharati has received such a prestigious contains 946 poems written by the TMC supremo.
award. Mamta Banerjee was given the award at the “Ravi
9. Frank Wilczek has been awarded the 2022 Pranam” function organised by the government’s
Templeton Prize. information and culture department on the occasion
of Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary.

April -2022
1. The Naval Contingent Contingent has received Media Foundation has administered Chameli Devi
the Best Marching Trophy for Republic Day Parade Jain Award since 1981.
2022. 4. Prof Ramdarash Mishra has been selected for the
Note: The contingent was led by Lt CdrAanchal prestigious Saraswati Samman 2021 for his
Sharma with Lt Shubham Sharma as platoon collection of poems ‘Mein to Yahan Hun’.
commanders and comprised 96 young sailors. Note: The prestigious literary award Saraswati
Uttar Pradesh won the best state tableau for Samman was instituted in 1991. Awarded to:
Republic Day 2022 for the showcase of One District Literary work written in any Indian language by an
One Product and Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Indian citizen and published within the last 10
2. 64th edition of Grammy Awards 2022 was held in years.
Las Vegas. 5. Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, Jatin Goswami, Dr.
Note: Album of the Year: 'We Are' by Jon Batiste Sonal Man singh and Thiruvidaimarudur Kuppiah
Record of the Year: 'Leave the Door Open' by Silk Kalyanasundaram were conferred with Sangeet
Sonic NatakAkademi Fellowship.
➢ Song of the Year: Leave the Door Open Note: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has
➢ New Artist: Olivia Rodrigo conferred the Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship to
➢ Best Global Music Performance: four, Sangeet Natak Awards to 40 and the National
Mohabbat by Arooj Aftab (First Awards of Lalit Kala Akademi to 23 personalities.
Pakistani) Sangeet NatakAkademi has organized a festival of
➢ Best Global Music Album: Mother Performing Arts in New Delhi.
Nature by Angelique Kidjo 6. Kamloops Residential School titled photograph
➢ Falguni Shah has won the Grammy taken by Canadian photographer Amber Bracken
Award for her 2021 album 'A Colorful won the title of World Press Photo of the Year
World'. 2022.
➢ Indian composer Ricky Kej won his Note: The photograph shows the death of children
second Grammy at the 64th Grammy due to cruelty at the Kamloops Indian Residential
Awards 2022 School in British Columbia. Photo Story of the Year
3. Journalist Aarefa Johari (Scroll.in) has been prize: Australian photographer Matthew Abbott for
selected for the Chameli Devi Jain Award. National Geographic/Panos Pictures
Note: She won the award in the category of an 7. Bishesh Huirem has become the first transgender
Outstanding Woman Media person 2021. The actress who was honoured with the Best Actor

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 Award in the prestigious Manipur State Film 12. Mumbai has been recognised as 'Tree City of the
Awards. World’ for 2021 by the United Nations Food and
Note: She received the award for exceptional Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) and Arbor Day
performance in the film ‘ApaibaLeichil’ (floating Foundation.
clouds) for portraying a transgender character. She Note: Mumbai has received recognition for its
also clinched the Special Mention Award. Best commitment towards growing and maintaining
Feature Film: ‘Eikhoigi Yum’ directed by Romi urban trees and greenery in building healthy,
Meitei. Best Direction Award: Bobby Haobam for resilient and happy cities. CEO of Arbor Day
the film ‘Rongdaife’ Foundation: Dan Lambe
8. Eminent Assamese poet Nilamani Phookan has 13. Actress Divyanka Tripathi has been honoured
been conferred with the country's highest literary with Madhya Pradesh Champion Of Change Award
award, 56th Jnanpith at Guwahati. 2021 for her phenomenal work as an artist.
Note: NilmaniPhookan is the third person to win Note: The event was organized by the Interactive
the Jnanpith Award from Assam after Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE) at Kushabhau
MamoniRoisom Goswami and Birendra Kumar Thackeray auditorium in Bhopal. Other awardees:
Bhattacharya. 57th Jnanpith Award 2022: Novelist Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Former
DamodarMauzo was chosen for his contribution to Governor of UP and Mizoram: Dr Aziz Qureshi.
Indian literature. Music performer: Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai
9. Veteran Bengali author Amar Mitra has been .Mayor of Indore: Malini Laxmansingh Gaur
awarded the O.Henry award 2022, for a short story 14. Prabhat Patnaik has been selected for the Malcom
that he wrote 45 years back. Adiseshiah Award 2022.
Note: The title of the short story is 'Gaonburo', a Note: The award is given by the Malcolm and
Bengali short fiction written in 1977. This story Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust to an outstanding social
was translated into English (The Old Man scientist. He taught at the Centre for Economic
OfKusumpur). He was also awarded the Sahitya Studies and Planning in the School of Social
Academy award in 2006. Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in
10. PM Modi will be honoured with the inaugural Lata New Delhi and was serve as the Vice Chairman of
Deenanath Mangeshkar Award which is instituted the Kerala State Planning Board.
in the memory of the veteran singer of Lata 15. Founder & CEO of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar has won
Mangeskar. the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.
Note: The award ceremony will be held on April 24 Note: She will represent India at the EY World
which marks the 80th death anniversary of Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEOY) on 9 June
Deenanath Mangeshkar (singing legend's father). 2022 at Monaco. A.M. Naik from Larsen & Toubro
Other awardees: Singer Rahul Despande, Veteran has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement
actress Asha Parekh, Actor Jackie Shroff and the Award.
Mumbai Dabbawalas, represented by Nutan Tiffin 16. Dr. Bhushan Kumar of Chandigarh and
Suppliers. SahyogKushtha Yagna Trust, Gujarat has been
11. National Mineral Development Corporation awarded the International Gandhi Award for
(NMDC) under the Ministry of Steel has been Leprosy, 2021 by the Vice President M. Venkaiah
awarded with one gold and one silver award in the Naidu.
80th SKOCH Summit in New Delhi. Note: The award is instituted by Gandhi Memorial
Note: The Theme 80th SKOCH Summit 2022 is Leprosy Foundation. Both Dr. Bhushan Kumar and
‘State of BFSI & PSUs’. NMDC won gold in the SahyogKushtha Yagna Trust have been working to
category of social responsibility and silver in the raise awareness about leprosy and in providing
category digital inclusion for the ‘Project care to those afflicted with it.
Kalpataru’ for ERP implementation. NMDC 17. Flagship scheme of Civil Aviation Ministry,
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Chairman & MD: Sumit UdeDesh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) has been
Deb. selected for Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence

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 in Public Administration 2020 under the category Entrepreneurial Vision: Maria Kolesnikova (Kyrgyz
Innovation (General) - Central. Republic)
Note: UDAN scheme emphasizes on Good 22. National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd
Governance, Qualitative achievements, and last (NMDC) has been conferred the Public Relations Awards
mile connectivity rather than only on achievement 2022 by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI).
of quantitative targets. Award consists of trophy, Note: Shri Srinivasa Rao, DGM (Corporate
scroll and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh. Communications) received the awards on behalf of the
18. IndusInd Bank has been awarded with the global Navratna PSU. NMDC Chairman: Sumit Deb
'Celent Model Bank' award under the category of 23. Kishroe Kumar Das(Bangladesh) has been chosen for
'Payments System Transformation' for building a the Commonwealth Points of Light Award for his
best-in-class Enterprise Payments Hub (EPH). exceptional work in improving access to education for
Note: The award recognises the Bank's children from marginalised backgrounds.
outstanding journey in creating a cloud-based Note: He started an educational charity named
central payments hub. This payment hub is capable Bidyanando in 2013 with just 22 students. He also started
of seamlessly processing high transaction loads a meal programme named Ek takay aahar (Meal for one
originating across all forms of payment Taka) which has provided more than 10,000 nutritious
instructions, and across all originating client meals for vulnerable people (particularly children,
touchpoints. homeless).
19. Tim Southee (New Zealand pace bowler) has 24. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has selected
been awarded with the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for acting
the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Awards. to protect democracy 2022.
Note: Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Note: Zelenskyy was selected because he marshaled the
Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze); Men’s Super spirit, patriotism, and untiring sacrifice of the Ukrainian
Smash Player of the Year: Michael Bracewell people in a life-or-death fight for their country. Caroline
(Wellington Firebirds); International Women’s ODI Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg will present the awards on
Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze); May 22 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in
International Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Will Boston.
Young (Central Stags); Winsor Cup for first-class 25. Meghalaya planning department’s key initiative of an e-
bowling: Tim Southee (Northern Districts); proposal system has won a coveted UN Award - World
PhylBlackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Summit on the Information Society Forum (WSIS) Prizes,
Eden Carson (Otago Sparks); New Zealand Umpire 2022.
of the Year: Chris Gaffaney. Note: Category of the role of governments and all
20. Churu (Rajasthan), and Bishnupur (Manipur) have stakeholders in the promotion of Information and
conferred the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Communication Technologies for development. The e-
Excellence in Public Administration 2021 for Best proposal system is a part of Meghalaya Enterprise
Performance in the implementation of Promoting Architecture (MeghEA) which helped to eliminate 75%
excellence in sports and wellness through the Khelo physical work of files.
India Scheme. 26. F1 champion Max Verstappen has been named the 2022
Note: The award ceremony was held on the occasion of Laureus Sportsman of the Year 2022.
the 15th Civil Services Day (April 21, 2022) function in Note: Olympic sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah
New Delhi. (Jamaica) has been named Sportswoman of the Year.
21. Sir David Attenborough has been awarded the Breakthrough of the Year prize: Emma Raducanu
Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award for (British); Laureus Sporting Icon Award: Valtentino Rossi;
his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy Exceptional Achievement Award: Robert Lewandowski;
for the protection of nature and its restoration by the UN World Team of the Year Award: Italy Men’s Football
Environment Programme (UNEP). Team; World Comeback of the Year Award: Sky Brown
Note: Policy Leadership: Mia Mottley (Prime Minister of (Skateboard)
Barbados); Inspiration And Action: Sea Women of 27. Atal Tunnel has received the Indian Building Congress
Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands); (IBC) ‘Best Infrastructure Project’ award.
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 Note: It was built by the Border Roads Organisation Note: Indian Pharma Leader of the Year: Cipla Ltd. ;
(BRO). DG BRO, Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry received the Indian Pharma (Formulation): Micro Labs Ltd. ; Indian
award during the 25th annual Convention of IBC. The Pharma CSR of the year: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd ; India
tunnel was built using the New Austrian Tunneling Medical Device Leader of the Year: Poly Medicure Ltd. ;
Method (NATM). Atal Tunnel connects the Solang Valley India Medical Device Company of the Year: Trivitron
near Manali to Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti districts. Healthcare Pvt Ltd.
28. Ardeshir B.K. Dubash has received the Order of "Merit in 30. Charudutt Mishra has won the prestigious Whitley Gold
the Diplomatic Service of Peru Jose Gregorio Paz Soldan" Award for the second time.
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. Note: He received his first Whitley Gold Award in 2005.
Note: Ambassador of Peru in India, H.E. Carlos R. Polo has He has received this award for his contribution to
conferred the award to him. Dubash was designated as involving indigenous communities in the conservation
Honorary Consul of Peru in 1973. The Order of Merit was and recovery of big cat species in Asia’s high mountain
instituted in 2004, named after José Gregorio Paz Soldán. ecosystems. Princess Anne has presented the award to
29. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd has received the ‘India Mishra at London’s Royal Geographic Society.
Pharma Innovation of the Year’ Award as part of the India
Pharma & India Medical Device Awards 2022.

March 2022

1. The 13thASSOCHAM International Conference cum ▪ Best Supporting Actor – Troy Kotsur,
Awards on Civil Aviation Cargo was held in New CODA.
Delhi.
Note: Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training 4. Bangladesh’s Syeda Rizwana Hasan has been
received the prestigious Award for the ‘Best Air bestowed with the International Women of Courage
Hostess Training Institute – 2021’. The award was Award 2022 by the US Department of State.
handed over by the Honourable Union Minister of
Note: The US Department of State has decided to
Civil Aviation, Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia to Mr. K.S.
recognise Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers
Kohli, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman,
Frankfinn Group. Association (Bela) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana
2. Deepak Dhar will be conferred the prestigious Hasan with the International Women of Courage
Boltzmann Medal 2022 for contribution in the field Award 2022. Rizwana Hasan is a lawyer who
of statistical physics. demonstrates exceptional courage and leadership in
Note: He became the first Indian to be awarded the her mission to protect the environment and defend
Boltzmann Medal. He will share the medal with John the dignity and rights of marginalized Bangladeshis.
J Hopfield of Princeton University. The medal
presentation ceremony will be held during the 5. Shreyas Iyer has been has awarded the ICC ‘Men’s
StatPhys28 conference in August 2022 in Tokyo, Player of the Month’ February 2022.
Japan. Note: Iyer pipped fellow nominees, UAE's Vriitya
3. The Power of the Dog won the Best Film Award at Aravind and Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee to claim
the 75th British Academy of Film and Television the award. Iyer earned the award on the back of his
Arts (BAFTA)Awards 2022. brilliant white-ball exploits during the home series
Note: Given below is the list of winners at the 2022 against West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively in
BAFTAs in main categories February 2022.
▪ Best Film – The Power of the Dog 6. 17th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival
▪ Best Director – Jane Campion, The (MIFF) will be held from 29th May to 4th June, 2022
Power of the Dog at Films Division complex, Mumbai.
▪ Best Actress in Leading Role – Joanna Note: Filmmakers can now submit their entry in
Scanlan, After Love Documentary, Short Fiction and Animation category
▪ Best Actor in Leading Role – Will Smith, of films up to 20th March 2022. Eligibility: Films that
King Richard. are completed between Sept 2019 and Dec 2021.
▪ Best Supporting Actress – Ariana Components: Golden Conch, silver conch, trophies,
DeBose, West Side Story certificate, cash reward. V Shantaram Lifetime
Achievement Award will also be conferred.

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7. Karolina Bielawska of Poland was honoured with his outstanding contribution in the field of material
the Miss World 2021 crown at the 70th edition of sciences.
the event at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Note: Professor Narayan Pradhan has been selected
Puerto Rico. for the 31st GD Birla Award for Scientific
Note: Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica Research for his outstanding contribution in the
crowned her successor at the finale. 1st Runner Up: field of material sciences. Instituted in 1991, the
Shree Saini ( United States). 2ns Runner Up: Olivia award recognises eminent Indian scientists below
Yace (Cote d'Ivoire) the age of 50 for their original and outstanding
8. Morgan Stanley Bank has been honoured with the contributions to any branch of science. It carries a
Bank of the year award at the IFR Asia Award 2021. cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The recipient is chosen by a
Note: The awards are organized by IFR Asia, a Hong selection board, whose present head is professor
Kong-based provider of capital markets intelligence. Chandrima Shaha, the president of the Indian
India’s third-largest private sector bank, Axis National Science Academy (INSA).
Bank has won IFR Asia’s Asian Bank of The Year 13. Dennis Parnell Sullivan has been awarded with the
2021. Axis Bank has been awarded for its Abel Prize 2022 for his work in topology and its
outstanding performance in equity and debt branches.
issuance, across all major products and segments. Note: He has been awarded for his work in topology
9. Fifth edition of the Women Transforming India and its branches specifically "for his groundbreaking
Awards (WTI) was organized by the NITI Aayog’s contributions to topology in its broadest sense, and
Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP). inparticular its algebraic, geometric and dynamical
Note: WTI Awards will be conferred on 75 women aspects." Abel Prize is an annual prize given
achievers to celebrate their contribution towards annually to a person by the King of Norway. The
‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’. Awards will be given annual award for mathematics is named after the
by an equally exceptional group of women: Kiran great Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel.
Bedi, Lakshmi Puri, Tessy Thomas, Arundhati 14. President Ram Nath Kovind has awarded the
Bhattacharya, Debjani Ghosh, Ila Arun, Salma Sultan, prestigious President's Colour to INS Valsura.
Sangeeta Reddy, Shivani Malik. It will be conferred Note: The President's Colour is a recognition of
in 7 categories. exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in
10. Neeraj Chopra has been awarded with the coveted peace and in war. INS Valsura was established in
‘Sportstar of the Year (Male)’ award at the 2022 1942 is a premier training establishment of the
Sportstar Aces Awards. Indian Navy.
Note: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won the 15. For The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Jessica Chastain has
silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, received the won the 94th Academy award for "Best Actress".
‘Sportstar of the Year (Female)’ award. Lovlina Note: Best picture – CODA; Best Actress - Jessica
Borgohain (Sportswoman of the Year, Individual Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye ); Best Director -
Sports), Avani Lekhara (Parathlete of the Year, Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) (Third female
Female), Pramod Bhagat (Special Recognition winner of the best director award after Chloe Zhao
award), Savita (Sportswoman of the Year, Team in 2021 and Kathryn Bigelow in 2010); Best Actor -
Sports), and Rupinder Pal Singh (Sportsman of the Will Smith ( King Richard )
Year, Team Sports) were some of the awardees 16. Max Verstappen won the Formula One Saudi
present at the event. Arabia Grand Prix 2022 held at Jeddah Corniche
11. Radhey Shyam Khemka who has bee awarded the Circuit, Saudi Arabia.
Padma Vibhushan – the nation's second-highest Note: This is the 21st title of his career. He defeated
civilian honour – posthumously, was associated with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who placed in the second
the field of Religious Literature. position.
Note: Reportedly, born in 1935 to an elite Marwari 17. Deepika Padukone has been honoured to create
family in the Munger district of Bihar, Khemka mental health awareness at TIMES 100 Impact
moved to Kashi in 1956 before securing a Master of Awards ceremony held in Dubai.
Arts from Banaras Hindu University. Khemka would Note: She also got on the list of one of the 100 most
go on to join the family business but he would begin influential people in the world in 2018 by TIME.
to craft his true legacy in 1982 when he first edited 18. Namit Malhotra led the DNEG, visual effects
the November and December issues of 'Kalyan,' the company, which has received 94th Academy Award
flagship magazine of Gita Press. in the 'Best Visual Effects' category for its work on
12. Professor Narayan Pradhan has been selected for 'Dune'.
the 31st GD Birla Award for Scientific Research for Note: Best Actor - Will Smith, “King Richard”; Best
Actress - Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy
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 Faye); Best Picture – CODA; Best International Note: Virat Kohli's brand valuation dipped to
Feature Film -Drive My Car; Documentary Short $185.7 million last year from a high of $237.7
Subject - The Queen of Basketball; Best Directing - million in 2020.
Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) 21. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has been awarded the 3rd
19. Cocin International Airport airport has been edition of the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year
awarded with the Covid champion award for award.
successfully implementing project named 'Mission Note: In 2021 in Tokyo Olympics, Mirabai Chanu
Safeguarding' during the pandemic time. created history by becoming the first Indian
Note: Wings India is an Asia's largest event on civil weightlifter to clinch a silver medal at the Tokyo
aviation, jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Olympics. ‘BBC Emerging Player’ award – Shafali
Aviation and FICCI at the Begumpet airport in Verma (youngest female cricketer who played for
Hyderabad. India in Women’s T20 International match in 2019).
20. Virat Kohli topped the Duff & Phelps Celebrity BBC Lifetime Achievement award – weightlifter
Brand Valuation Report 2021 in India. Karnam Malleswari (1st Indian woman to win a
medal at Olympics)

February 2022

1. Indian hockey player PR Sreejesh won the 5. Mangaluru International Airport, Karnataka has
prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 been awarded the ‘Voice of the Customer’ award by
for his 2021 performances. the Airports Council International (ACI).
Note: He becomes 1st Indian man and only the Note: ACI is a trade association of the world
second Indian to receive the accolade. In 2020, airports. The airport was awarded for
Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal demonstrating relentless efforts in gathering
became the first Indian to win the honour. Sreejesh passenger feedback on customer needs in 2021 and
was part of the Tokyo Olympics-bronze medal providing the best-in-class travel experience.
winning side. 6. Zara Rutherford became the youngest female pilot
2. Neeraj Chopra has been nominated for the to circumvent the globe, traveling across five
prestigious 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of continents in five months while flying in a single-
the Year Award. seater sport plane.
Note: The other 5 nominees are Daniil Medvedev Note: It took her 155 days, but 19-year-old Zara
(Australian Open runner-up), Emma Raducanu Rutherford accomplished her goal: to become the
(British tennis star), Pedri(Barcelona and Spain youngest woman to fly solo around the world.
footballer), Yulimar Rojas (Venezuelan athlete) and Rutherford departed Belgium on August 18 in a
Ariarne Titmus(Australian swimmer). The winners Shark UL plane, a two-seat ultralight plane equipped
will be revealed in April following a vote by the with extra fuel tanks, two radios and a parachute.
Laureus World Sports Academy, made up of 71 7. Rishabh Pant has been awarded the Test batting
sporting greats. award in the 15th edition of the ESPNcricinfo
3. Daryl Mitchell has been named the recipient of the Awards.
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. Note: The Test bowling award went to Kyle
Note: As a result, Mitchell has become the fourth Jamieson for his 5 for 31, which helped New Zealand
New Zealand player to win the award, following the become the first World Test champions. England fast
footsteps of Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and bowler Ollie Robinson was named Debutant of the
Kane Williamson. Mitchell won the award for Year for his 37 wickets at 21.16 in eight Tests, which
refusing to take a single in the high-pressure T20 made him England’s second highest wicket-taker in
World Cup semi-final against England in Abu Dhabi Tests in 2021.
on November 10, 2021. 8. Nitin Gadkari will be facilitated for the first time
4. In popular choice category award, Maharashtra has with the 18th late Madhavrao Limaye award in the
won first position for Best Tableau among 12 category of Karyakram Khaasdar (Efficient Member
states/UTs category for 2022. of Parliament) for the year 2020-21.
Note: “The second place went to Uttar Pradesh Note: This award will be facilitated by Nashik Public
[popular choice], while the tableau of Jammu and Library, Sarvajanik Vachanalay. Earlier, the award
Kashmir on theme ‘Changing face of Jammu & was given to Karyaksham Aamdaar, an efficient
Kashmir’ finished third,”. Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from
Maharashtra.
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9. Sandeep Bakhshi has been declared as the Business 12. Bill Gates has been conferred with ‘Hilal-e-Pakistan’
Standard Banker of the Year 2020-21. the second highest civilian honour in the country.
Note: Bakhshi took charge in October 2018 amid a Note: It is the second highest civilian honour in the
controversy around his predecessor, who had to country. He has been awarded for his efforts to help
step down over corporate governance issues. Since eradicate polio in Pakistan. Gates is on a day-long
then, he has not just unhinged the bank from the visit to Pakistan and has met with Pakistan Prime
controversy but also delivered growth on almost all Minister Imran Khan.
parameters. The second-largest private sector 13. Ranveer Singh received the Best Actor (Male)
lender in the country is well-capitalised. award in the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film
10. South Indian Bank has won Best Technology Bank Festival (DPIFF) Awards 2022.
of the Year (Small Banks) at the 17th Annual Note: The award was presented by Dadasaheb
Banking Technology Conference and Awards, Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) in
instituted by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). memory of Dadasaheb Phalkeji ‘Father of Indian
Note: The IBA 17th Annual Banking Technology Cinema’. It is India’s only independent international
Conference and Awards 2021 organised by the IBA film festival. Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and
was virtually held on 14th February 2022. The IBA Kriti Sanon received awards in the Best Actor and
Awards 2021 celebrate “Next-Gen Banking” and Best Actress category for their performances in
recognise the technologies and practices in the movies ’83’ and ‘Mimi’.
banking industry that have demonstrated a high 14. Asha Parekh has been honoured with the
degree of innovation over 2021. Outstanding Contribution To Film Industry award at
11. Coal India Ltd has been awarded the 'India's Most the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
Trusted Public Sector Company' award. Awards 2022.
Note: CIL received this honor at the “Energy Meet Note: Known as the 'Hit Girl' of Indian cinema, Asha
and Excellence Award” function organized by Parekh had appeared in many commercially
Industry Chamber “ASSOCHAM” in Kolkata. Minister successful films throughout her career. She was the
of state for Coal, Mines and Railways Shri Raosaheb highest-paid actor (female) of her time and was one
Patil Danve also complimented CIL for bagging the of the most successful actors (female) of the 1960s
coveted award. and 1970s.

January 2022

1. Zishaan A Latif has won the Ramnath Goenka Note: He educated about ancient science to around
Award in the Photojournalism category. 6000 participants, enthusiasts of numerology from
Note: He won the award for his photo essay, The USA, UK, Middle East and India. The initiative was
arduous struggle for inclusion in the NRC, which was organized by Chaudhry Nummero Pvt Ltd (CNPL)
published in The Caravan in October 2019. He and Indian Institute of Numerology to create
documented the plight of people who were dropped awareness regarding numerology, which was
from the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and put prevalent across ancient cultures like Greece, Egypt
a face to an untold human story. and India.
2. The prize money for the PM's Award for Excellence 4. The Hindu Group has won the WAN-IFRA South
in Public Administration for the year 2021-22 -- Rs. Asian Digital Media Awards 2021.
20 lakh. Note: They include ‘Bring Back Milk Bikis Classic’, a
Note: India’s governance model has become a Jan week-long campaign for FMCG giant Britannia for
Andolan with people responding to the Prime the relaunch of Milk Bikis Classic won gold in best in
Minister’s call for Jan Bhagidari in major schemes. audience engagement category and bronze in best
The prize money was also doubled this year from branded/sponsored content campaign category.
Rs.10 lakh to Rs.20 lakh to the awarded WAN-IFRA’s South Asian Digital Media Awards 2021
District/Organization which is to be utilized for received over 140 entries this year.
implementation of project/programme or bridging 5. The Power of The Dog won the 79th Golden Globe
resource gaps in any area of public welfare. Awards 2022 for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
3. JC Chaudhry has achieved a Guinness World Record Note: The Power of The Dog won the two biggest
recently he is noted numerologists. awards - Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Jane
Campion won the Best Director. Will Smith took
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 home his first Golden Globe. He won the Best Film Awards 2021 along with 1 incubator and 1
Actor (Drama) for King Richard. accelerator.
6. Nicole Kidman won the best actress in Motion 13. Shaylyn Ford has been declared the winner of the
Picture-Drama award at 79th Golden Globe Awards Mrs World 2022 beauty pageant.
2022. Note: Mrs Jordan, Jaclyn Stapp and Mrs UAE,
Note: The Power of The Dog won the two biggest Debanjali Kamstra, were declared as the runner ups,
awards - Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Jane respectively.
Campion won the Best Director. Will Smith took 14. Former cricketer Clive Lloyd has been given the
home his first Golden Globe. He won the Best Film knighthood for his service towards the game of
Actor (Drama) for King Richard. cricket.
7. Kenneth Branagh wins 'Best Screenplay Motion Note: The Clive Llyod knighthood investiture was
Picture' at 79th Golden Globe Awards 2022 for performed by the Duke of Cambridge at Windsor
Belfast. Castle. Along with Clive Llyod Current England ODI
Note: 'Belfast' is a 2021 coming-of-age comedy- and T20 Skipper Eoin Morgan received a CBE for his
drama film written and directed by Kenneth services to Cricket.
Branagh. The film stars Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, 15. Ratan Naval Tata has been bestowed with the
Jamie Dornan, Ciaran Hinds, Colin Morgan, and highest civilian award of Assam 'Asom Baibhav'.
newcomer Jude Hill. The movie centres around a Note: Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi will confer the
young boy's childhood amidst the tumult of Belfast, award to the former chairman of Tata sons on 24
Northern Ireland, in the 1960s. January, 2022.The Assam government is conferring
8. Harshaali Malhotra has been awarded the 12th 'Asom Baibhav' to Ratan Tata for his contribution to
Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award 2022. setting up cancer treatment facilities in the state.
Note: She received the award from Bhagat Singh 16. Prajakta Koli has become India's first UN
Koshyari (Governor of Maharashtra).She played the Development Programme (UNDP) Youth Climate
role of Munni, who was mute young girl from Champion.
Pakistan in Salman Khan starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Note: The title has been conferred to her following
9. Navdeep Kaur has won the Best National Costume her contribution towards mental health, women's
award at the prestigious Mrs World 2022 pageant in rights and girl child education through various
Nevada, Las Vegas. global social campaigns. UNDP aims to eliminate
Note: She is the winner of Mrs India World 2021 and poverty, achieve sustainable growth and scale up
was representing the country at Mrs World 2022. human development in countries where it is
She wore a striking gold Avant Garde outfit inspired required the most.
by Kundalini Chakra and was designed by Eggie 17. A new species of frog discovered in Panama’s
Jasmin. tropical rainforest has been named after Great
10. Robert Lewandowski has won the Best FIFA Men's Thunberg.
Player 2021 award. Note: The new species of the frog is named
Note: Lewandowski won the Best FIFA Men’s Player Pristimantis gretathunburgae. The team, which
Award for the second straight year, after getting the discovered the new species, was led by Abel Batista
first one in 2020. Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas from Panama and Konrad Mebert from Switzerland.
Best FIFA Players 2021 award in women’s category. 18. Sushmita Sen has been honoured with
Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the FIFA International Association of Working Women Award
Special Best Men's award. at Washington DC South Asian Film Festival
11. Alexia Putellas has been awarded the Best FIFA (DCSAFF) 2021.
Women's Player 2021 award. Note: She has been felicitated for outstanding
Note: Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the FIFA performance by a female actor in TV series for her
Special Best Men's award. The Best FIFA Football show ‘Aarya 2’. Aarya 2 series is created by Ram
Awards 2021 ceremony was held virtually in Zurich, Madhvani and had released on Disney+Hotstar.
Switzerland to crown outstanding players for DCSAFF 2021 is organized virtually from 16 to 30
excellent achievement in football. January, to showcase the best in alternative cinema.
12. 46 startups have been declared the winners of 19. Smriti Mandhana has been conferred with Rachael
National Startup Awards 2021. Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of
Note: This is second edition of the award conceived the Year 2021.
by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Note: Apart from her, Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) has
Internal Trade (DPIIT). A total of 46 Startups have been conferred with Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for
been recognized as winners of National Startup ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.

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20. India film Jai Bhim has been nominated for best (6) and Bravery (3) categories. Digital certificates
feature film in Oscar 2022. was given to winners of PMRBP 2021 and 2022
Note: It is inspired by a real-life incident from the using Block Chain-driven technology developed by
1990s in Tamil Nadu. Jai Bhim is the fourth Indian IIT Kanpur under National Blockchain Project
film to get nominated for Oscars after Mother India, 25. Sandhya Mukherji who has refused to accept Padma
Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan. Shri award is a noted Singer.
21. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has been Note: On the eve of India’s Republic Day this year,
conferred with Global Healthy Workplace Award Mukherjee, now 90, was conferred with Padma Shri,
2021 in 'Large Scale Industry’ category. the fourth-highest civilian honour in the country, for
Note: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has her contribution to music. She, though, has refused
emerged as the first Indian PSU to win Global to accept the honour, calling it “insulting and
Healthy Workplace Award 2021 in 'Large Scale demeaning”.
Industry’ category for upholding best healthy 26. Prabha Atre is associated with Vocalist who has
practices at the workplace. been awarded the Padma Vibhushan in January
22. Shaheen Afridi has been awarded the Sir Garfield 2022.
Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Note: She established the ‘Swarmayee Gurukul’ to
award 2021. teach students all over the world in both the ‘guru-
Note: Afridi had an unforgettable 2021, claiming a shishya parampara’ and as well as the institutional
total of 78 wickets in 36 international matches at an tradition.
average of 22.20. England captain Joe Root, New 27. 128 people have been conferred with the Padma
Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Pakistan’s Awards in 2022.
wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan were the Note: This year, the President has approved
other nominees for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. conferment of 128 Padma Awards -- 4 Padma
23. Koozhangal film has won Best Film award at Dhaka Vibhushan,17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri
International Film Festival. Awards. Of them, 34 are women, 13 awards are
Note: Apart from this, four more Indian entries were posthumous, and 10 awards are for persons from
included among the 17 awards given away for the the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI.
films during the concluding session of the film 28. 384 Gallantry awards have been conferred by the
festival. The 9-day long international festival President of India in 2022.
featured over 225 films drawn from 70 countries Note: These include 12 Shaurya Chakras, three Bar
around the globe. to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 81 Sena Medals
24. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (Gallantry), two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 29
(PMRBP) for the year 2022 has been conferred to 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, four Uttam Yudh Seva
children. The award carries a cash prize of Medal, 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and 13 Yudh Seva
Rs.1,00,000. Medal.
Note: Award is presented in Innovation (7), Social
Service (4), Scholastic (1), Sports (8), Art & Culture

Sports News
1-15th May 2022

1. India has won a silver medal at the second Asian Girls Note: She lifted 153-kilogram in the 45-kg weight
Youth Beach Handball Championship which was held in category, that included 70 kg in Snatch and 83 kg in
Bangkok, Thailand. Clean and Jerk to finish on top of the podium. Turkey's
Note: The team of Indian girls has defeated Hong Kong. Bektas Cansu bagged silver medal and Moldova’s
India was represented by Anushka Chauhan, Jassi, Teodora-Luminita Hincu won the bronze medal.
Sanjana Kumari, Chetna Devi, Vanshika Mehta, and Isha 3. Kerala team has defeated the 32-time champion West
Majumdar. With this medal, the team also earned a spot Bengal in a penalty shootout to win its 75th Santhosh
in the World Youth Beach Handball Championship. The Trophy National Tournament for the seventh time at the
senior women's team has finished with a bronze. Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram, Kerala.
2. Harshada Sharad Garud has become the first Indian to Note: This is the first time that Kerala has won on home
win a gold medal at IWF Junior World Championships soil since 1993. Player of the Tournament: Jijo Joseph
2022 in Heraklion, Greece. (Midfielder, Kerala). Top goalscorer: Jesin Tk.
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 Thonikkara (Forward, Kerala), 9 goals; Best goalkeeper: 10. Abhinav Deshwal has won the second gold medal for
Priyant Singh (West Bengal) India in Shooting at the ongoing 24th Deaflympics in
4. JAIN University(Deemed-to-be University) has won Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
the 2nd edition of the Khelo India University Games Note: He was tied with silver winning Ukranian
2021 with 20 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals. Oleksii Lazebnyk before winning gold in a shoot-off.
Note: Lovely Professional University (LPU) with 17 India has four medals in the shooting competition at
golds has placed second and Punjab University placed the 24th Deaflympics. Men's 10m air rifle: Dhanush
third with 15 gold medals. Siva Sridhar has emerged as
Srikanth (Gold); Shourya Saini (Bronze).Women's
the star swimmer by winning 11 gold. The closing
10m air pistol: Vedika Sharma(Bronze).
ceremony of KIUG was held at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor
11. Max Verstappen has won the inaugural Miami Grand
Stadium, Bengaluru.
5. Ronnie O'Sullivan (English snooker player) has won Prix for Red Bull after defeating the Ferrari rival
his seventh World Snooker Championship crown after Charles Leclerc.
beating Judd Trump (English snooker player) by 18-13. Note: Leclerc (Ferrari) finished second and Spanish
Note: With this win, he has been equalled Stephen teammate Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) placed third in the
Hendry's modern-day record of seven world titles. Miami Grand Prix 2022.
O'Sullivan has won his first world title in 2001. He has 12. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) has clinched the men's
also claimed snooker’s biggest prize in 2004, 2008, singles Madrid Open title 2022 after beating the
2012, 2013 and 2020 before his triumph over the defending champion Alexander Zverev (Germany).
Bristolian. Note: Alcaraz has also defeated Rafael Nadal and
6. Olympian discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur has been Novak Djokovic (world No.1) to reach the final. It is
suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for testing his second Masters 1000 crown after Miami 2022 and
positive for a banned substance. his fourth title of the year. Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) has
Note: The AIU has found the presence/use of the clinched women's singles title to become the first
prohibited substance anabolic steroid called stanozolol African player to win a WTA 1000 event.
in her sample. Kaur had finished sixth with a throw of 13. Indian Grandmaster Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh
63.7m in the Tokyo Olympics final. Stanozolol was used
has won the first Chessable Sunway Formentera Open
by sprinter Ben Johnson during the Seoul Olympics in
2022 chess tournament in Punta Prima.
1988.
7. Shooter Dhanush Srikanth has won gold in the men's Note: GM Gukesh has defeated GM Haik M
10m air rifle competition in the 24th Deaflympics at Martirosyan (Armenian) in the final round. This is his
Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
third title after he had previously won the La Roda
Note: Shourya Saini has also won the bronze in the same
tournament and the Menorca Open. He had defeated K
event. Later, the Indian badminton team also won gold Sasikiran (Indian) in the ninth and penultimate round.
after beating Japan by 3-1 in the final to make it a double 14. Athlete Jyothi Yarraji (from Andhra Pradesh) has
celebration for the country. Vedika Sharma won the smashed the national record to clinch a gold medal in
bronze medal in the 10 m air pistol at the ongoing the women's 100m hurdles at Limassol in Cyprus
Deaflympics 2021 in Caxias do Sol, Brazil. International Athletics Meeting 2022 with a timing of
8. India cricket team has been ranked as the world’s 13.23 seconds.
number one in ICC T20 team ranking. Note: She break the 20-year-old national record
Note: New Zealand has bagged the top spot in the ODI (13.38 seconds) in the name of Anuradha Biswal in
rankings, followed by England, Australia, and India. 2002. Another Indian athlete Lili Das has also won
Men's Test Team Rankings: Australia, India, and New gold in the women's 1500 meter race and Amlan
Zealand. International Cricket Council Chairman: Greg Borgohain won the bronze medal in the men's 200m.
Barclay; CEO: Geoff Allardice; Headquarters: Dubai,
15. Indian pistol pairs Esha Singh and Saurabh
United Arab Emirates
Chaudhary clinched the mixed team pistol gold at the
9. Khelo India Youth Games 2021 will be held in Haryana.
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior
Note: Mascot, Logo and Jersey and theme song of Khelo
India Youth Games were launched in a special ceremony World Cup in Suhl, Germany.
held at Indra Dhanush Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana. Note: The team of Palak and Sarabjot Singh has
The Mascot and theme was launched by Haryana’s Chief settled for the silver medal in the same event. Ramita
Minister Manohar Lal along with Union Sports and Youth and Paarth Makhija also won silver in the 10m air rifle
Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur.

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 mixed team competition. In all, India has so far won Note: The men's team of Prathamesh Fuge, Rishabh
10 medals, including four gold. Yadav, and Jawkar Samadhan has won the second
16. The Indian team of women archers Parneet Kaur, gold for India. The compound mixed duo of
Aditi Swami, and Sakshi Chaudhary has won India's Prathmesh Fuge & Parneet Kaur won the third Gold
first gold medal of the continental meet after Medal at Asia Archery Cup. Prathamesh Samadhan
defeating Kazakhstan which is being held in Iraq. Jawkar has won the bronze medal in Asia Cup.

April 2022

1. Dwayne Bravo (171) has overtaken Lasith & Women and Cadet U-17 Boys & Girls Fencing
Malinga to become the highest wicket-taker in IPL Championships in 2023.
history. Note: The championship will be held in
Note: He made a record against the match of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The bid was submitted by the
Lucknow Super Giants in Mumbai. Malinga had Secretary-General, Rajiv Mehta. Indian Fencer, C. A.
taken 170 wickets in 122 matches for the Mumbai Bhavani Devi is the first Indian fencer to qualify for
Indians. the Olympics. President of Fencing Association of
2. Australia women's team has lifted the title of ICC India: Pankaj Singh
Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 after beating 7. Dipika Pallikal in partnership with Saurav
England by 71 runs at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Ghosal has won the Mixed Doubles Squash
New Zealand. Championship 2022.
Note: Australia has won the ICC Women's Cricket Note: Defeated the English pair Adrian Waller and
World Cup 7th times. They set the target of 357; Alison Waters. Dipika Pallikal has paired up with
the England team was all out for 285 in 43.4 overs. JoshnaChinappa to defeat England's Sarah-Jane
Player of the Match and Player of the tournament Perry and Alison Waters to claim the women's
2022: Alyssa Healy doubles squash title.
3. La'eeb is the name of the Qatar FIFA 2022 mascot. 8. A group of 15 Indian boxers has won the 10
Note: La'eeb is an Arabic word that means super- medals, including three golds, four silvers, and
skilled player. BYJU’s become the first Indian three bronze at the Thailand Open International
sponsor of the FIFA World Cup. FIFA 2022 Official Boxing Tournament 2022 was held in Phuket.
Match Ball: Al Rihla, created by Adidas Note: Gold: Govind Sahani (48kg), Ananta
4. The 83rd National Table Tennis Championship PralhadChopde (54kg), Sumit (75kg) Silver: Amit
2022 will be held in SAI Indoor Training Centre, Panghal (52kg), Monika (48kg), Varinder Singh
NEHU in Shillong Meghalaya. (60kg), Ashish Kumar (81kg). Bronze: Manisha
Notes: The Northeast has hosted the world’s (57kg), Pooja (69kg) BhagyabatiKachari (75kg)
largest table tennis tournament for the second 9. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has named the
time. The event also marks the 50th statehood title F1 Australian Grand Prix 2022 held on 10
celebration of Meghalaya. April 2022 at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne,
5. Spanish Carlos Alcaraz has won the prestigious Victoria.
title of Men’s Single Miami Open2022. Note: He surpassed Red Bull's driver Sergio Pérez
Note: He also created history to become the and Mercedes's driver George Russell. Mercedes’s
youngest champion after defeating World No. 8 driver Lewis Hamilton placed fourth ahead of the
Casper Ruud. Alcaraz has replaced Novak Djokovic McLarens of Norris and Ricciardo.
as the youngest men's singles champion at the 10. The first Khelo India National Ranking Women
Masters 1000 tournament. Women’s Single Miami Archery will be held in Tata Archery Academy,
Open 2022 was won by IgaSwiatek (Poland) after Jamshedpur (Jharkhand).
defeating Naomi Osaka of Japan. Note: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has
6. The Fencing Association of India, India country approved Rs 75 Lakh to host the Khelo India
has won the bid to host the Asian Junior U-20 Men National Ranking Women Archery Tournament
over six phases. The tournament will be conducted

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 as per the World Archery Rules, held in the senior, up as an assistant in 2019. McDonald takes over
Junior, and Cadet Categories across the Recurve the role of Justin Langer who resigned from messy
and Compound events. circumstances in February.
17. India will host the Street Child Cricket World Cup
11. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been named
in 2023.
the ICC Men’s of the Month for March 2022. Note: It will be hosted by Street Child United and
Note: Women’s Players: Australia Rachael Haynes. Save the Children India. This world cup will be held
Babar Azam has showcased stunning form during in September ahead of the ICC World Cup, and
Pakistan's concluded multi-format home series street children and young people take part in a
against Australia; he scored 390 runs in the three- mixed-gender cricket tournament. In 2019, Team
match Test series. She scored 429 runs in eight India South has won the cup after beating hosts
England.
games with an average of 61.28.
18. Sajan Prakash has won gold in Men's 200m
12. Netherlands team has lifted their fourth title of butterfly of swimming.
FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup 2022 after Note: VedaantMadhavan clinched a silver medal in
beating Germany at Potchefstroom, South Africa. the men's 1500m freestyle event at the Danish
Note: England claimed the bronze medal in the Open swimming in Copenhagen, Denmark. Prakash
third-place match after defeating India by 3-0 in stopped the clock at 1.59.27 to stand atop the
the shoot-out. 2023 Women's FIH Hockey Junior podium. He became the first-ever Indian swimmer
to achieve the 'A' qualification mark for the
World Cup: Santiago, Chile.
Olympics in Italy(2021).
13. Rohit Sharma has become the second Indian after 19. Tamil Nadu has won the men’s title in the 71st
Virat Kohli and the seventh batter overall to score Senior National Basketball Championship after
10,000 runs in the T20 cricket. defeating Punjab.
Note: He achieved this milestone during the IPL Note: In the men's summit clash, Tamil Nadu
2022 match of Mumbai Indians against Punjab pulled ahead after a slow start when Punjab kept
pace. Indian Railways team has won the women’s
Kings in Pune. Chris Gayle with 14,562 runs has
title after beating Telangana.
topped the list of run-getters followed by 20. Stefanos Tsitsipas has defeated Alejandro
Pakistan's Shoaib Malik, West Indies Kieron Davidovich Fokina to retain the title of Monte-
Pollard, Australia's Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli, and Carlo Masters.
Australia's David Warner. Note: It was his eighth ATP title. He became the
14. Young Indian Grandmaster R Pragganandhaa has sixth player to win back-to-back Monte Carlo
won the title of the prestigious Reykjavik Open Masters in the Open era. He became the first repeat
champion at the Monte Carlo Masters since Rafael
chess tournament in Iceland with 7.5 points.
Nadal in 2018.
Note: The 16-year-old Pragganandhaa has 21. Recently, Hamish Bennett announced retirement
defeated his opponent GM D Gukesh in the final from his 17-year-old cricket career from all forms
round. He has been awarded the prestigious title of of cricket, he was associated with New Zealand.
Grand Master at just 12 years and 10 months of Note: Bennett has represented New Zealand in
age in 2018. T20I against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Pakistan in
15. Victoria city city of Australia will host the 2026 September 2021. Hamish Bennett has made his
international debut in October 2010 and
Commonwealth Games.
represented New Zealand in one Test, 19 ODIs and
Note: The Games will be organised across multiple
11 T20Is.
cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, 22. Grandmaster D. Gukesh has clinched the 48th La
Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland. The Roda International Open chess tournament title in
opening ceremony place: The Melbourne Cricket Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
Ground (100,000-capacity). Australia has Note: He defeated Israel's Victor Mikhalevski in
organised Commonwealth Games five times - the final round. GM Haik M. Martirosyan from
Sydney(1938), Perth(1962), Brisbane(1982), and Armenia placed second with 7.5 points. Indian GMs
Gold Coast(2018). R Praggnanandhaa finished third followed by
16. Andrew McDonald has been appointed as the RaunakSadhwani (India), Manuel Lopez Martinez
head coach of the Australian men's cricket team. Josep (Spain) and Ramon Martinez (Venezuela).
Note: He has signed an agreement for a four-year
contract. McDonald has joined the Australian set
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23. Haryana has been crowned the champions of the 28. Andrey Rublev (Russian) has won the Servia Open title
12th Senior Men's National Hockey Championship 2022.
after beating Tamil Nadu by 3-1 in the shootout. Note: Defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia), to
Note: Haryana has won the trophy for the first
win his third title in the Serbia Open. Andrey Rublev has
time since 2011. The hockey tournament was held
in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from April 6 to 17, saved five set points in the second set to force a tie-break,
2022. Karnataka has triumphed over Maharashtra but he was unable to prevent Djokovic from levelling the
by 4-3 in the third/fourth place classification match.
match. 29. India has defeated France by 232-231 in the compound
24. Sunil Kumar, Arjun Halakurki, and Neeraj has won men's team final to win the gold medal in the Archery
bronze in Greco Roman wrestling category in World Cup Stage-1 at Antalya, Turkey.
Asian Wrestling Championship, Mongolia.
Note: The Indian trio of Abhishek Verma, Rajat Chauhan,
Note: Bronze medal winner: Sunil Kumar (87Kg),
Arjun Halakurki (55Kg), Neeraj (63Kg); Arjun and Aman Saini has defeated has French team of Jean
Halakurki has defeated DavaabandiMunkhErdene Philippe Boulch, Quentin Baraer and Adrien Gontier. The
by 10-7 points in the bronze play-off. Neeraj got Indian duo of Tarundeep Rai and Ridhi has defeated Alex
the better of Uzbekistan's Islomjon Bakhramov 7-4 Wise and Bryony Pitman of Great Britain to win recurve
to win the bronze medal. mixed team gold medal.
25. Harpreet Singh and Sachin Sahrawat have bagged 30. Max Verstappen (Red Bull, Netherland) has won the
bronze, is related to Wrestling.
Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2022 in Imola, Italy.
Note: Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers have concluded
their campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships Note: This was his second win this season after Saudi
2022 in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. Harpreet (82kg) was Arabia 2022. In Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2022, Sergio
declared the winner after Jafar Khan from Qatar Perez (Red Bull, Mexico) has finished second and Lando
suffered an injury. Sachin Sahrawat(67Kg) won Norris (McLaren, UK) finished third. Bahrain Grand Prix
bronze against Uzbekistan’s Makhmud Bakhshilloev. 2022: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, Monaco). Australian Grand
26. Rohit Sharma (India captain) and Jasprit Bumrah
Prix 2022: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, Monaco)
(Pacer) have been named among the “Five Cricketers
31. Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has won the Menorca
of the Year” 2022 of the Wisden Almanack.
Open chess tournament 2022 which was held in Spain,
Note: Other three: Ollie Robinson (England fast
followed by Aryan Chopra who finished as runner-up.
bowler), Dane van Niekerk (South African women’s
Note: Gukesh defeated fellow Indian B Adhiban (placed at
player) and Devon Conway (New Zealand opener);
tenth) in the seventh and final round to win the title. This
Leading Cricketer in the World: Former England
is D Gukesh's second title win after the La Roda Open. P.
captain Joe Root ; Leading Woman Cricketer in the
Sethuraman (fifth), Raunak Sadhwani (seventh) and Nihal
World: Lizelle Lee (South Africa); Leading T20
Sarin (eighth) have finished
Cricketer: Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan).
32. Haryana will organise the Khelo India Youth Games
27. The 35th edition of the 2022 Asian Wrestling
2021.
Championships took place from April 19 to 24 in
Note: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
have announced the official dates (from 4th to 13th June
Note: India finished with a total tally of 17 medals, one
2022) of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 in a virtual
gold, five silvers and 11 bronze, at Ulaanbaatar. Greco
interaction with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal. The
Roman: Sunil Kumar (87kg) - bronze; Arjun Halakurki
mascot and logo of the Khelo India Youth Games will be
(55kg) - bronze; Neeraj (63kg) - bronze; Harpreet
launched on the 8th of May in Panchkula, Haryana. The
Singh (82kg) - bronze; Sachin Sahrawat (67kg) –
games will be held in Shahbad, Ambala, Chandigarh and
bronze; Women’s freestyle: Sarita Mor (59kg) -
Delhi apart from Panchkula.
bronze; Sushma Shokeen (55kg) – bronze; Manisha
33. The 2nd Khelo Masters Games 2022 will be held in Delhi.
(62kg) – bronze; Anshu Malik (57kg) – silver; Radhika
Note: Anurag Singh Thakur (Youth Affairs and Sports
(65kg) – silver; Men’s freestyle: Ravi Kumar Dahiya
Minister) has inaugurated the 2nd Khelo Masters Games
(57kg) – gold; Bajrang Punia (65kg) – silver; Gourav
Delhi-2022 at Tyagraj Stadium in New Delhi. Under this
Baliyan (79kg) – silver; Naveen (70kg) – bronze;
game, 3000 master players of the age group between 30
Satywart Kadian (97kg) – bronze; Deepak Punia (86kg)
to 95 years from all over the country are participating in
– silver; Viky (92kg) – bronze
eight games.
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34. P.V. Sindhu has won her second Asian bronze medal in the Asia Badminton Championships 2014 Gimcheon
the Asia Badminton Championships 2022. edition. Sindhu has assured a medal in the championship
Note: She was defeated by Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in when she defeated He Big Jiao of China by 21-9,13-21 and
the semifinal in Manila. She had won her first bronze in 21-19 in the quarterfinal.

March 2022

1. Malaysia will host the 31st Southeast Asian Games. Note: He had played 27 Tests and 53 ODIs for India,
Note: The Games will feature 40 sports with 526 taking 87 and 75 wickets respectively. He has also
events, attracting around 10,000 participants. The taken seven wickets in 10 T20 Internationals. He
Vietnamese capital Hanoi will be the main venue was banned for alleged spot-fixing for a seven-year
alongside 11 neighbouring localities including punishment in September 2020 that was originally
Quang Ninh, Phu Tho and Bac Ninh. meant to be for life and was aggressively contested
2. Name the Indian shooter Saurabh Chaudhary won by the flamboyant bowler.
the gold medal in the men's 10m air pistol event in 8. Indian badminton player, Lakshya Sen settles for
the year's first ISSF World Cup, in March 2022. silver in in the German Open 2022 men’s singles
Note: He defeated Michael Schwald of Germany by final at Mulheim.
16-6 in the gold medal match of Men's 10m Air Note: Lakshya Sen was chasing his second BWF title
Pistol event. Apart from him, Russian Artem of the year, having won the India Open Super 500
Chernousov bagged bronze medal at the event. title back in January. He bagged a bronze at the
India's Shreya Agrawal narrowly missed in World world championships late last year. Indian shuttlers
Cup's 10m air rifle event semi finals. will be next seen in action at the All England Open
3. The 2022 edition of ICC Women’s World is being 2022.
organized in New Zealand. 9. Badminton player Pramod Bhagat won two silver
Note: ICC Women’s world cup will have a total of 8 and a bronze medal recently in an international
teams: India, Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, New event.
Zealand, South Africa, England, West Indies. The Note: He won men’s singles SL3 Silver and mixed
tournament is being held in New Zealand. It is being doubles SL3-SU5 Bronze at the Spanish Para-
played in a round-robin format Badminton International 2022. Apart from
4. Indian women cricketer Mithali Raj has recently him, Sukant Kadam won the Bronze medal in
achieved the feat of becoming the first women to Spanish Para-Badminton International 2022, after
appear in six ICC Women World Cups. losing to World no 1 Lucas Mazur from France.
Note: She is the only third cricketer overall to play 10. Mondo Duplantis sets a new world record in pole
six world cup after Sachin Tendulkar and Javed vault with a 6.19-meter clearance at the Belgrade
Miandad. Indoor Meeting.
5. S L Narayanan is associated with Chess. Note: Duplantis set the record of 6.18 in February
Note: Meanwhile his compatriot R Praggnanandhaa 2020 indoors in Glasgow. With all of his opponents
came second. The 24-year old S L Narayanan from finished, Duplantis opened his series with 5.61, 5.85
Thiruvananthapuram, earned the title of and 6.00 all on his first tries.
Grandmaster in 2015 and is the 41st Grandmaster 11. Sandeep Nangal was shot dead in Punjab’s Jalandhar
from India. was associated with Kabaddi.
6. Priyanka Nutakki becomes the 23rd and latest Note: As per the reports, Sandeep was shot dead
Woman Grandmaster (WGM) of India. during a kabaddi tournament in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Note: She became India’s twenty-third Woman Besides being a regular member of the Indian
Grandmaster. She is from Vijayawada, Andhra national team, Sandeep was a frequent player in
Pradesh. Priyanka Nutakki scored her first WGM- leagues in UK, US, New Zealand, Australia.
norm in January 2019 and crossed the 2300 rating 12. India will host the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022.
criteria in the next two months. Note: It was originally scheduled to be hosted in
7. Indian cricketer, S Sreesanth has announced his Russia. FIDE has recently announced that it pulled
retirement from all form of cricketer in March 2022. out from Russia following the Ukraine invasion.

188 | P a g e
 After the announcement, Tamil Nadu government 17. Charles Leclerc has won the Formula One Bahrain
and All-India Chess Federation made a joint bid to Grand Prix 2022 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
host the tournament. Note: It was his first victory since the 2019 Italian
13. Viktor Axelsen defeated India’s Laksya Sen in the Grand Prix. He was followed by Carlos Sainz Jr.
All England Open Badminton World Championships (Ferrari – Spain), who came second, and Lewis
2022 to won men’s single title. Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain).
Note: Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won the men’s 18. In Sprinting sports event Pranav Prashant Desai
single title in All England Open Badminton World wins India's first gold in World Para Athletics Grand
Championships 2022 Other winners of the event Prix 2022 held in Dubai.
were: Note: Athletics Grand Prix claimed the top prize in
❖ Women’s singles title: Yamaguchi Akane, the men's 200m T64 final. T64 classification is for
Japan athletes with a leg amputation, who compete with
❖ Men’s doubles title: Muhammad Shohibul prosthetics in a standing position.
Fikri & Bagas Maulana (Indonesia) 19. Byju’s named as official partner of FIFA World Cup
❖ Women’s doubles title: Matsuyama Nami &
2022.
Shida Chiharu (Japan)
❖ Mixed doubles title: Yuta Watanabe & Arisa Note: The event will be organised from November
Higashino (Japan) 21 to December 18 in Qatar. BYJU'S is now become
14. Hyderabad FC has won their first Indian Super the first Indian ed-tech firm to be associated with
League title in 2022. the World Cup.
Note: The defeated Kerala Blasters' in a penalty 20. After defeating Busanan Ongbamrungpha,
shootout in the final at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Badminton player PV Sindhu has notched the Swiss
While Hyderabad won the trophy in their first final Open Women's Singles title 2022.
appearance, this is Blasters' third defeat in an ISL Note: After this win, PV Sindhu notched up her
final and their second in a shootout as their wait second women’s singles title of the season. Sindhu
continues. had won her first title of 2022 in the Syed Modi
15. Former cricketer Suresh Raina has been felicitated International Super 300 in Lucknow.
with the prestigious 'Sports Icon' award at the 21. After defeating Bangladesh, India won the title of
Maldives Sports Awards 2022. SAFF U-18 Women's Championship title 2022.
Note: He was nominated alongside 16 international Note: India lost to Bangladesh by 0-1 but still
sportspersons, including former Real Madrid player emerged as champions of the tournament. The
Roberto Carlos, Jamaican Sprinter Asafa Powell, highest goal scorer of the tournament was Lynda
former Sri Lankan captain and cricketer Sanath Kom, she scored five goals in the tournament.
Jayasuriya and Dutch football legend Edgar Davids. 22. India Railway won Obaidullah Khan Hockey Cup
Raina was presented with the award for his various 2022.
achievements throughout his career. Note: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the
16. Pankaj Advani has won the 19th Asian Billiards tournament at Major Dhyanchand Stadium, Bhopal,
Championship 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Madhya Pradesh. Arjun, player of Railway’s was
Note: It was his eighth title at the Asian Billiards adjudged Man of the Tournament.
Championship and 24th international title. Earlier, 23. Pritam Siwach Academy has won the Khelo India
he defeated Myanmar's Pauk Sa in the semi-final to Women’s Hockey League (U-21).
enter finals. Asian Billiards Championship is Note: The Sonepat-based academy is run by the
organized by the Asian Confederation of Billiard former captain of the India women’s hockey team
Sports, since 1984. Pritam Rani Siwach; she is also won the
Dronacharya Award winner in 2021.

February 2022

1. Magnus Carlsen has won the Tata Steel Masters chess Note: Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi lost to
2022. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan in the 12th and
penultimate round of the tournament. The Norwegian,

189 | P a g e
 who will get a win by forfeit (over Daniil Dubov) in the Note: China PR defeated South Korea (Korea Republic),
final round, is a full point ahead of his closest 3-2, to win the AFC Women`s Asian Cup India 2022
competitors — Richard Rapport and Mamedyarov. final title at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on
2. India defeated China to win bronze medal at 2022 February 06, 2022. This is the record-extending 9th AFC
Women’s Hockey Asia Cup tournament. Women`s Asian Cup title won by China.
Note: Sharmila Devi and Gurjit Kaur scored goals from 9. Veteran cricketer Suranga Lakmal plays for Sri Lanka
India’s side. It was held from 21st to 28th Jan 2022 at who announced his retirement from international
the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman. cricket.
Meanwhile, Japan defeated South Korea to win gold at Note: The 34-year-old right-arm fast bowler and right-
Women’s Hockey Asia Cup tournament. handed batsman aim to join the English county club
3. Chennai Super Kings have become the first-ever sports Derbyshire after retirement. Lakmal has represented Sri
Unicorn in the country. Lanka in 165 international matches across formats, in
Note: CSK is four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) his international career spanning over 12 years.
winners. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 10. The Ahmedabad IPL franchise has been named as
defeated mighty Kolkata Knight Riders last year to win Gujarat Titans.
their record-extending fourth IPL title in Dubai. Note: The Ahmedabad IPL franchise has been named
4. In February 2022, Qi Fabao got selected as the “Gujarat Titans” by its owner CVC Capital. Hardik
Torchbearer of Winter Olympic 2022 by the China Pandya has been declared as the Captain of this team.
Government. Earlier in January 2022, Lucknow’s IPL team was
Note: The Winter Olympics was opened in a lavish named as “Lucknow Super Giants” by its owner RPSG
ceremony to be attended by President Xi Jinping and Group.
more than a dozen world leaders, including Russia’s 11. Kerala won the women's title in the National senior
Vladimir Putin, five Central Asian Presidents and volleyball championship.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. He “took the flame Note: Defending champion Kerala defeated Railways
from Wang Meng, China’s four-time Olympic short track 25-21, 17-25, 25-21, 25-17 and won the women's title
speed skating champion, at Winter Olympic Park. in the National senior volleyball championships at the
5. Arif Khan is associated Skiing, who is the lone Indian KIIT indoor stadium, Bhubaneswar. It was Kerala's
athlete to attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 fourth straight triumph in the Nationals.
Winter Olympics. 12. Chelsea football club have won their first FIFA Club
Note: The 31-year-old Arif will be the lone Indian World Cup 2022 by defeating Brazil’s Palmeiras in
competitor at the Games, having qualified in Slalom and extra-time in the final in Abu Dhabi.
Giant Slalom events. India sent a six-member contingent Note: Chelsea defeated South American counterparts in
to the Games including a coach, a technician and a team the final at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium by 2-1. The
manager. Arif is the first Indian to secure qualification winner came from the penalty spot in the 117th minute.
in two events of the same edition of the Games. Chelsea Football Club is an English professional football
6. Senegal won the African Cup of Nations title in football. club based in Fulham, West London.
Note: Sadio Mané scored the winning spot kick to start 13. Mumbai will host the 2023 International Olympic
the celebrations and make up for missing a penalty in Committee (IOC) session.
the seventh minute of the game. The final had ended 0-0 Note: It will be held at Jio World Convention Centre,
after extra time. Senegal had lost two finals previously, Mumbai. The last of IOC session was hosted by India in
including at the last African Cup in Egypt in 2019, when 1983 in New Delhi. IOC session for 2022 was held in
Mané was left inconsolable. Beijing, China.
7. India has won the record fifth time ICC Under-19 14. Sakibul Gani belongs of Bihar has become the first
Cricket World Cup title by defeating England. player in the history of the cricket to score a triple
Note: India lifted a record fifth ICC Under-19 Cricket century on his first-class debut.
World Cup title after beating England by four wickets in Note: He scored 341 off 405 balls, hitting 56 fours and
the summit clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in two sixes, in the Plate Group Ranji Trophy fixture
Antigua. Earlier, India had won the U19 World Cup in against Mizoram at the Jadavpur University Campus
2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018. ground in Kolkata. Gani has played List A cricket before
8. China has won the AFC Women`s Asian Cup India 2022 this, scoring 377 runs from 14 matches including a
Football tournament. century. In 11 domestic T20s, he has made 192 runs.
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15. Indian tennis star Manika Batra has been roped in as Note: He has been credited with shaping the careers of
the brand ambassador of Adidas. doubles specialists Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj
Note: Owning to her 'Impossible Is Nothing' attitude, Rankireddy. In his first stint (2015-2019) as doubles
Manika joins Adidas' rich roster of women athletes, coach in India
consisting of names like Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina 21. Indian boxer, Nikhat Zareen has won the gold in 52kg
Borgohain, Hima Das, and Nikhat Zareen. category in the 73rd Strandja Memorial Tournament in
16. Norway bagged the maximum number of medals at the Sofia, Bulgaria.
2022 Winter Olympic Games. Note: Nitu prevailed 5-0 over Italy's Erika Prisciandaro,
Note: Norway tallied the most gold medals, 16, and the a former youth world championship bronze-medallist.
highest total number of medals, 37, of all the countries Zareen, on the other hand, outpunched Ukraine's
competing in Beijing. Norway’s 16 gold medals Tetiana Kob, a three-time European Championships
represent the most ever won at a single Winter Games. medallist 4-1.
17. Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympics Games. 22. Pooja Jatyan became the first Indian to win a silver in
Note: The Presidency of the Games was formally an individual section of the Para World Championships.
handed-over to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, in Italy, Note: Pooja lost to Italy’s Patrilli Vincenza in the final to
to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Italy first became the be content with the silver medal. The compound mixed
host country for the Olympics during the 1956 Winter pair of Shyam Sundar Swamy and Jyoti Baliyan had
Games, which were held in Cortina d'Ampezzo. earlier opened India’s account by winning a silver
18. Indian Grand Master, R Praggnanandhaa has defeated medal.
world champion, Magnus Carlsen in the eighth round of 23. Rafael Nadal has won the 2022 Mexican Open tennis
Airthings Masters Chess competition. tournament.
Note: He won with black pieces in 39 moves to halt Note: This is 91st ATP title of his career and the third
Carlsen's run of three straight wins. Prior to this, Indian title of the season. This is the 4th time that Rafael Nadal
registered solitary win versus Levon Aronian along with has won Mexican Open title, after winning the previous
recording 2 draws and 4 defeats ones in 2005, 2013 and 2020.
19. Indian Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the Gold Medal 24. Sadia Tariq is associated with Wushu sports who won
in the Singapore International Weightlifting the Gold medal recently in a world championship
tournament. ________ Wushu.
Note: India has concluded its campaign at Singapore Note: The 15-year-old from Srinagar participated in the
Weightlifting International 2022 with eight medals, Moscow Wushu Stars championship amid the ongoing
including six golds and silver and bronze each. Each of Russia-Ukraine war. Sadia Tariq won the gold medal in
the eight Indian lifters who registered for Singapore junior tournament at the Moscow Wushu Stars
International won medals and secured their spots at Championship 2022. She had recently bagged Gold
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to medals in the 19th and 20th Junior National
be held in July-August. Championship which was held in Haryana and
20. Tan Kim Her of Malaysia has been appointed as India's Jalandhar respectively.
doubles coach in badminton till the Asian Games in
2026.

January 2022

1. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won the World Rapid 2. Ekaterina Reyngold has won the women’s single
championship in Warsaw and become the youngest title in the $25,000 ITF tennis tournament at the
ever world champion in open competition. Ganesh Naik Complex.
Note: Incidentally he set sets a world age record. He Note: She defeated Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia in
becomes the youngest ever world champion in open the final by 6-3, 6-2. It was a maiden title in the
competitions. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won the professional circuit for the 20-year-old Ekaterina
World Rapid championship in Warsaw, claiming en Reyngold.
route the scalps of Magnus Carlsen and the No 1’s 3. Indian women cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been
last two challengers, Fabiano Caruana and Ian nominated for the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint
Nepomniachtchi.
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 Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year-2021 Note: It was Nadal’s 89th tour-level crown as the
award. Spaniard saved a set point in the first set tie-break
Note: She has scored 855 runs in 22 internationals, and rallied from a game down in the 2nd set against
at an average of 38.86 with one century and five Cressy. The Spaniard, playing his first competitive
half-centuries.Besides her, other three cricketers - tournament since August, was largely untroubled as
England’s Tammy Beaumont, Australia’s Lizelle Lee he wrapped up the win in an hour 48 minutes.
and Ireland’s Gaby Lewis are also being nominated. 10. Simona Halep won the Women’s Singles title in the
4. India has won the Under-19 Asia Cup 2021 cricket Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event.
tournament. Note: Amanda Anisimova of the United States
Note: Yash Dhull-led young Indian side defeated Sri clinched her second career WTA singles title in a
Lanka by 9 wickets at the Dubai International three-set thriller final at Melbourne Summer Set 2
Cricket Stadium.Sri Lanka had scored 106/9 and after defeating 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 Belarusian qualifier
India were given the target of 99 runs due to the DLS Aliaksandra Sasnovich. 20-time Grand Slam
method.India suffered an early jolt as Harnoor Singh champion Rafael Nadal defeated American Maxime
was plummed in front of the stumps in the fifth over. Cressy in the Men’s Singles final of the Melbourne
5. Renowned Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez Summer Set ATP 250 event.
announced his retirement from international cricket. 11. Canada won the ATP Cup title 2022.
Note: He represented Pakistan in 392 international Note: Denis Shapovalov opened the match for
matches in which he scored 12,789 runs and took Canada with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Pablo Carreno
253 wickets. He has played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs (One Busta. Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov won a
Day International) and 119 T20Is (Twenty20 deciding doubles against Russia on Saturday in the
International) including three ICC (International semifinals to knock out the defending champions.
Cricket Council) ODI World Cups and six T20 World 12. Ramkumar Ramanathan is associated with Tennis
Cups. sports.
6. Madhya Pradesh will host the ‘Khelo India Youth Note: The unseeded pair beat top seeds Ivan Dodig
Games’ in 2022-23. and Marcelo Melo in the final to mark a victorious
Note: The approval has been given to host the debut on the ATP Tour. This is Ramkumar's first
games to be held in Bhopal city. The Government of ATP Tour title while Bopanna won his 20th. The
Madhya Pradesh allocated Rs 176.59 crores for the Adelaide tournament is a warm-up for the
first phase. Rs 15.56 crores is to be spent on Australian Open, the season's first Grand Slam.
operation and maintenance of International Sports 13. Ashleigh Barty has won the Adelaide International
Complex. Separate Funds are to be allocated for women single title.
second and third phases. Note: This was Barty’s 14th career singles title and
7. Indian women cricketer Mithali Raj has been second in Adelaide.He defeated 2020 Australian
selected to lead India's 15-member squad at Open champion Sofia Kenin and 2020 French Open
Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022. winner Iga Swiatek of Poland en route to the title in
Note: India’s 15-member squad for ICC Women's Adelaide, without dropping a set or a service game
World Cup 2022 has been announced by Board of against Rybakina, Kenin or Swiatek.
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which will be 14. Tata Group has replaced Chinese mobile maker
played between March 4 and April 3 in New Zealand. Vivo as the title sponsor for Indian Premier League.
Harmanpreett Kaur will be deputy lead at the World Note: Vivo had in 2020 pulled out as IPL sponsor
Cup. after the Galwan Valley military face-off between
8. Bharath Subramaniyam has become the73rd India and China. At that time, mobile gaming
Grandmaster of India. platform Dream11 had stepped in as title sponsor
Note: The Chennai-based teenager completed his for a year. Vivo was back in 2021 and could have
final GM Norm and crossed the requisite 2500 rating continued this year as well.
at Vergani Cup Open in Italy. Subramaniyam finished 15. Savita Punia has been appointed as the captain of
seventh overall in the event held at Cattolica by 18-member Indian squad at the Women’s Hockey
scoring 6.5 points from nine rounds. Asia Cup 2022 to be held in Muscat, Oman.
9. Rafael Nadal has won the Men’s Singles title in the Note: Indian women are the defending champions at
Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event. the continental event. Indian women’s hockey team
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 features 16 players who were part of Tokyo 2020 Note: Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand won
Olympics, where the Indian eves finished fourth. the Women’s Single title. Ongbamrungphan, ranked
Vice-captain: Defender Deep Grace Ekka. world no. 12, won the women's singles final 22-20,
16. Renowned cricketer of South Africa Chris Morris 19-21, 21-13.
has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. 23. Indian tennis player Sania Mirza has announced
Note: Morris, who represented Proteas in 69 games her retirement in 2022.
across all formats last played for his country in an Note: She is a six-time Grand Slam champion, 42-
ODI against Australia in 2019. Since then, he has time tour winner, and first Indian woman and third
been plying his trade in franchise leagues around the from the country to be the World No. 1 doubles
world. Morris in his announcement also mentioned player.She is the only Indian woman to break into
that he has taken up a coaching role with the the top 30 in singles, and a two-time Asian Games
domestic side Titans. gold medallist.
17. Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen has won his maiden 24. Akshay Bhatia has become the third youngest
Super 500 title by winning men’s singles at the player to win a Korn Ferry Tour event since the
Yonex-Sunrise India Open. Tour’s establishment in 1990.
Note: In men’s singles event he defeated World Note: After this victory, he becomes the third-
Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. This was the youngest player to win a Korn Ferry Tour event
20-year-old’s maiden entry in the final of a BWF since the Tour’s establishment in 1990.
World Tour Super 500 event after he came back 25. PV Sindhu has won the Women’s singles title at the
from a game down to beat Malaysia’s Tze Yong Ng. Syed Modi International tournament.
18. 9th National Ice Hockey Championship-2022 was Note: Sindhu defeated compatriot Malvika Bansod
inaugurated in Himachal Pradesh. 21-13, 21-16 in the summit clash in Lucknow.
Note: Ice Hockey competition and development Earlier in the day, the Men’s singles final of the
camp is being organized at the national level for the tournament was declared as a ‘No Match’ after one
first time in Himachal Pradesh. Participants: of the finalists tested positive for Covid-19.
Himachal Pradesh, Telengana, Ladakh, ITBP Ladakh, 26. Paris, France will host the 2024 Summer
Chandigarh and Delhi. Paralympics Games.
19. Babar Azam has been named as the captain of the Note: Paris 2024 will be the largest event ever
ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2021. organised in the country and it promises to be an
Note: He was also named as the captain of the ICC inclusive, interactive and sustainable celebration of
T20I Team of the Year. No Indian has featured in the sport.
ODI Team of the Year. There were no Indians in the 27. KL Rahul has been roped-in as the captain of
ICC T20I Men's Team of the Year but Smriti Lucknow Super Giants IPL team 2022.
Mandhana found a spot in the Women's T20I Team Note: Lucknow team roped-in KL Rahul as their
of the Year. captain and also roped in Australia all-rounder
20. Indian women cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been Marcus Stoinis and leg-spinner Ravi
named in the 2021 ICC Women’s T20I team of the Bishnoi.Lucknow's IPL franchise has been renamed
year. Lucknow Super Giants ahead of Indian Premier
Note: No Other Indian Player named in Men’s as League (IPL) 2022 mega auction.
well Women’s List. Smriti Mandhana is India’s 28. Tata Motor will be the sponsor of the Tata Open
highest scorer who scored 255 runs at an average of Maharashtra tennis tournament for the fourth
31.87 in 2021. She scored two fifties in the nine consecutive year.
matches with the strike-rate of 131.44. Note: The tournament, scheduled from 31 January
21. Aslan Karatsev beat Andy Murray to lift men’s to 6 February at the Balewadi stadium.It is South
single title at Sydney Tennis Classic 2022 final. Asia’s only ATP (Association of Tennis
Note: The women’s single title was claimed by Professionals) tournament and India's oldest
Spanish world number nine Paula Badosa, who international sporting event.
defeated Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 4-6 7-6(4), to 29. Ashleigh Barty has won 2022 Australian Open
capture her third career title. women's singles title.
22. Busanan Ongbamrungphan has won the women’s Note: She defeated Danielle Collins of US. Barty
single Indian Open (Badminton) 2022. ended a 44-year drought for Australian women at
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 their home Grand Slam tournament. Barty is the first Note: She beat compatriot Smit Toshniwal by 21-18,
Australian women’s singles champion since Chris 21-11. The 14-year old Unnati is the youngest Indian
O’Neil in 1978. to win the US$75,000 tournament.
30. Rafael Nadal has won the Men’s Single title at 32. Argentina has won the 2022 Women’s Pan
Australian Open 2022. American Cup Field Hockey Tournament.
Note: It was his record 21st Grand Slam title and Note: The Women’s Pan American Cup is
first Grand Slam major since the 2020 French Open the quadrennial international championship of the
triumph.He created history by becoming the only Americas organized by Pan American Hockey
player to win the most Grand Slam titles. Federation. The 2022 Women’s Pan Am Cup was
31. Unnati Hooda is associated with Badminton sports. the sixth edition of the championship. It was held
from January 19 to 29, 2022 in Santiago, Chile.

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