29th January 2022
National Affairs
1. India’s largest EV charging station inaugurated at Gurgaon
- India’s largest 100-point electric vehicle charging station for four-wheelers was inaugurated in Gurugram.
- The station is bound to attract city residents to switch to electric vehicles in the near future
- The project was launched by the National Highway for Electric Vehicle.
- It is a private entity which has expertise in carrying out pilot projects and is working with government agencies and the NITI Aayog.
- The station will be able to charge 576 vehicles in a single day.
National & International Appointments
2. Govt appoints Anantha Nageshwaran as new CEA
- The central government has appointed Dr V Anantha Nageswaran as its Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).
- Prior to his appointment, Nageswaran has also been a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to 2021.
- He has replaced Krishnamurthy Subramanian, who returned to academia in December after a three-year tenure as CEA.
- CEA in the finance ministry is a key contributor to the govt's overall strategy in managing the economy
National Affairs
3. PM Modi launches Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation
- Prime Miniter Narendra Modi launched Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation on the 92nd birth anniversary of legendary classical vocalist late Pandit Jasraj.
- During the launch PM called for the globalization of Indian Music.
- He also urged people to take Indian music to the world and said that people should be setting up startups based on music.
- Pandit Jasraj was an Indian classical vocalist. He belonged the Mewati gharana.
Sports
4. Ashleigh Barty wins drought-breaking Australian Open women’s title
- Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty won 2022 Australian Open women's singles title.
- She defeated Danielle Collins of US.
- Barty ended a 44-year drought for Australian women at their home Grand Slam tournament.
- Barty is the first Australian women’s singles champion since Chris O’Neil in 1978.
- The title is Barty's third Grand Slam crown, and second out of the last three, following Roland Garros 2019 and Wimbledon 2021.
- It is World No 1 Barty's 15th title overall.
National Affairs
5. India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) to come up in Thrissur, Kerala
- India’s first innovation centre for graphene will be set up in Thrissur, Kerala.
- This will be a joint venture between Pune-headquartered Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), Digital University Kerala (DUK), Tata Steel Limited and other industries.
- Earlier this week, the MeitY gave IICG an ‘in-principle’ approval.
- This will be implemented with the support of the Kerala govt
- It is expected to accelerate the state’s growth in the knowledge industry sector.
International Affairs
6. Netherlands unveils 'world's-largest' canal lock
- World’s-largest canal lock unveiled in Netherlands.
- canal lock was inaugurated by Dutch King Willen-Alexander.
- The 500-meter long and 70-meter wide sluice replaces a smaller, nearly 100-year-old one at Ijmuiden.
- Ijmuiden is a small port city connecting the North Sea Canal to the port of Amsterdam.
- The overall cost of constructing the project is $338 million.
- The Ijmuiden lock was designed to allow large, modern cargo ships to reach the port of Amsterdam.
Banking & Finance
7. Google to invest $1 billion in Bharti Airtel
- Indian telecom operator, Bharti Airtel announced that Google will invest $1 billion in the company as part of its India Digitization Fund.
- Google and Bharti Airtel will partner on a long-term, multi-year agreement to accelerate the growth of India's digital ecosystem.
- Google will make an equity investment of $700 million for a 1.28% stake in Bharti Airtel at a price of Rs 734 per share.
- Meanwhile, $300 million will go towards implementing commercial agreements.
National Affairs
8. Parliament launches Digital Sansad App to make live proceedings accessible
- The Lok Sabha secretariat has launched Digital Sansad app, that will make it easier for people to follow proceedings in the Parliament.
- In addition, it will also help members of parliament access services such as checking personal updates like status of their notices, House bulletins, etc.
- In future, the MPs can log in for attendance, give questions for the Question Hour or submit notices for debates or adjournment motions.
- Lok Sabha Speaker: Om Birla
Books & Authors
9. Subhash Garg pens book titled "The $10 Trillion Dream"
- Former finance secretary Subhash Chandra Garg will soon make his debut as an author with upcoming book, “The $10 Trillion Dream”.
- The book claims to explore the critical policy issues that India faces today and suggests reforms for it to become a USD 10 trillion economy by the mid-2030s.
- The book scheduled to publish by end of Feb 2022.
- It is published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI).
Honours & Awards
10. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve wins TX2 Award for doubling tiger population
- The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu awarded the prestigious international TX2 Award for doubling its tiger population since 2010.
- It is presented by World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
- The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in Erode district, TN and now houses 80 tigers in its 1408 sq. km campus.
- Its area is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
Banking & Finance
11. SBI lists maiden issue of $300-mn Formosa bonds on India INX
- State Bank of India (SBI) has issued $300 million Formosa bonds and listed the issuance on India INX GIFT IFSC.
- The lender is the first Indian entity to raise money through Formosa Bond, which is a bond issued in Taiwan.
- SBI was the first issuer whose Green bonds were dually listed in November 2021 on Luxembourg Stock Exchange through a MOU that has been entered into by both Exchanges.
- Chairman, SBI: Dinesh Kumar Khara
- Chairman, India INX: Ashishkumar Chauhan
National Affairs
12. Israel to help India convert 150 villages into ‘Villages of Excellence’
- The Centre has decided to convert as many as 150 villages into 'Villages of Excellence' in 12 states with technical assistance from the Israeli government.
- Already, the Israeli government has established 29 Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in 12 states.
- The 150 villages that are located around CoEs will be converted into 'Villages of Excellence.'
- Out of which, 75 villages are being taken up in the first year to commemorate the 75th year of India's independence.
30th January 2022
Sports
1. Rafael Nadal win Men’s Single title at Australian Open 2022
- Rafael Nadal has won Men’s Single title at Australian Open 2022, after defeating Daniil Medvedev by 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne
- It was his record 21st Grand Slam title and first Grand Slam major since the 2020 French Open triumph.
- He created history by becoming the only player to win the most Grand Slam titles.
- He also become the third-oldest man to win Grand Slam title, after Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer.
Sports
2. India defeated China to won Bronze at Women’s Asia Cup Hockey
- India has defeated China by 2-0 to win bronze medal at 2022 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup tournament.
- Sharmila Devi and Gurjit Kaur scored goals from India’s side.
- 2022 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup was the 10th edition of quadrennial Women’s Hockey Asia Cup.
- It was held from 21st to 28th Jan 2022 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman.
- Meanwhile, Japan defeated South Korea to win gold at Women’s Hockey Asia Cup tournament.
Important Dates
3. World Leprosy Day 2022: 30 January (Last Sunday of January)
- World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of January across the world.
- In 2022, World Leprosy Day falls on 30th January 2022.
- Theme 2022: 'United for Dignity'.
- This day is an opportunity to celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.
- World Leprosy Day in India is celebrated to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Banking & Finance
4. Paytm Money launches India’s first intelligent messenger named ‘Pops’.
- Paytm Money has introduced India’s first intelligent messenger known as ‘Pops’.
- ‘Pops’ Messenger will allow its user to receive specific information related to their stocks, analysis about their portfolio, market news, and important market movements, all in one place.
- It will also serve as a marketplace to offer sophisticated stock recommendations, new insights and new services.
- Paytm Money platform is owned by One97 Communications Limited.
Defense
5. Navy inducts two Advanced Light Helicopters ALH-DHRUV MK III in Port Blair
- Indigenously built Advance Light Helicopters ALH-DHRUV MK III has been inducted in fleet of Andaman Nicobar Command in Port Blair
- ALH MK III has been designed & developed by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, HAL and is inducted into ANC's fleet after 2 decades
- It is equipped with twin powerful shakti engines, modern radar, electro-optical sensors, capable to carry out missions’ day & night with 14 soldiers
- It will act as a force multiplier for far-flung islands
Banking & Finance
6. SPMCIL sets up new bank note printing lines at Nashik and Dewas
- Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) has set up a new bank note printing lines at its Currency Note Press, Nashik and Bank Note Press, Dewas.
- SPMCIL: Government of India-owned Miniratna company and is engaged in the production of Currency-Bank Notes, Security Paper.
- India has four printing presses for printing and supply of Banknotes:
- Dewas in Madhya Pradesh
- Nasik in Maharashtra
- Mysore in Karnataka
- Salboni in West Bengal
Agreement
7. Meta partners with FICCI to support women-owned SMBs across India
- Meta has partnered with FICCI to support 5 lakh women-led small businesses across India under its #SheMeansBusiness programme and FICCI’s ‘Empowering the Greater 50%’ initiative.
- Meta will be extending support through three initiatives:
- Facebook Business Coach (to train women through educational chatbot tool on WhatsApp)
- Grow your Business Hub (to provide necessary information, tools to MSMEs)
- Commerce Partners Programme (to help businesses go digital and D2C)
Important Dates
8. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: 30th January
- World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day) is observed every year on January 30 to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a critical public health challenge so that we can progress towards their elimination.
- Theme 2022: Achieving health equity to end the neglect of poverty-related diseases.
- Slogan 2022: From neglect to care.
- World NTD Day was 1st held on 30 Jan 2020.
- The proposal to recognize World NTD was made by United Arab Emirates
National & International Organizations
9. India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 approved
- India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 has been approved during 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting.
- It includes a system for combating the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets and WiFi Access network interface for nationwide public internet.
- It also includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things, 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication and Cyber Forensics.
Important Dates
10. Martyrs Day (Shaheed Divas): 30th January 2022
- Martyrs' Day also called Shaheed Diwas, is observed in India on 30th January annually to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- It was on 30th January, 1948 that Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu) was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the Birla House.
- To mark this occasion, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is screening documentary ‘Gandhi Rediscovered’ on its Films Division website and YouTube channel
- Apart from this, March 23 is also observed as Martyrs Day
National Affairs
11. Mansukh Mandaviya launches research portal of NIPER
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has launched research portal of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in New Delhi
- Aim: at disseminating information of research activities, patents and publications of all NIPERs at one place.
- It will enhance this industry-Academia collaboration, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has created this Research Portal to capture the research activities of all seven NIPERs.
31st January 2022
National & International Appointments
1. LIC Chairman MR Kumar’s term extended by one more year
- The govt has extended the tenure of chairman of IPO-bound Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) by one more year with a view to facilitate smooth listing of the insurance behemoth.
- Besides, the government has also extended the tenure of one of the managing directors, Raj Kumar, for one year.
- With the extension, M R Kumar will continue as chairman of LIC till March 2023.
- This is the second extension for the LIC chairman.
- The government owns a 100 per cent stake in LIC.
International Affairs
2. Portugal’s ruling Socialist Party secures absolute majority in Parliament
- Portugal’s ruling Socialist Party has secured an absolute majority in Parliament.
- Country’s Interior Ministry released the data after 99% of the ballots had been counted.
- Led by Prime Minister Antonio Costa, PS got 42 per cent of the votes and won 117 out of the 230 mandates thus Costa will retain the post.
- The Social Democratic Party is second with around 28 per cent.
- The elections in Portugal were called by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
National Affairs
3. Gandhi Mandiram, Smruthi Vanam at Srikakulam built in Andhra Pradesh
- Social activists have built a temple for Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters’ Smrithi Vanam at the Municipal Park in Srikakulam, AP.
- Aim: to inculcate patriotism among the youth by remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
- Statues of freedom fighters and social activists were erected in the park with the help of donors.
- Arrangements have been made to unveil the Gandhi temple as well as Smrithi Vanam on the eve of Gandhiji’s death anniversary
Banking & Finance
4. Exports of marine products in India jumps by 35% during April-Dec 2021
- The exports of marine products registered a growth of 35% to $ 6.1 bn during April to Dec 2021.
- The exports of Marine Products touched over $ 720 mn, registering a growth of over 28 per cent.
- The overall exports of Marine Products in the last Financial Year was $ 5.96 bn.
- Top 5 export destinations: USA, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand.
- PM Modi had launched the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in 2020 with an array of 100 diverse activities with a budget of over Rs 20,000 cr.
National Affairs
5. PM Modi to address 30th Foundation Day of National Commission for Women
- PM Narendra Modi will address the 30th Foundation Day programme of National Commission for Women (NCW).
- “The theme of the programme is ‘She The Change Maker’, aimed at celebrating the achievements of women in different fields.
- The State Commissions for Women and Department of Women and Child Development in State Govt will participate.
- Teaching faculty and students, voluntary organizations, women entrepreneurs and business associations will also participate.
Obituaries
6. Akal Academies’ founder Baba Iqbal Singh passes away
- Founder of Akal Academies and Padma Shri awardee Baba Iqbal Singh.
- He was an Indian socio-spiritual leader of the Sikh community and an educationalist.
- Baba Iqbal Singh had worked relentlessly in only one direction — imparting value-based education in rural India.
- He established Eternal University in 2008 and Akal University, Guru ki Kashi in 2015.
Sports
7. Unnati Hooda, Kiran George win Odisha Open titles
- Teenager Unnati Hooda has won women's singles title at 2022 Odisha Open badminton tournament by defeating compatriot Smit Toshniwal.
- She became the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 tournament.
- While unseeded Kiran George emerged triumphant in men's singles final of tournament.
- 21-year-old Kiran George beat Priyanshu Rajawa.
- The 2022 Odisha Open is a BWF Super 100 tournament, organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack, Odisha
Books & Authors
8. Kiran Bedi’s new book "Fearless Governance’ released
- 24th Lt Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi has penned down her journey of governance in the book ‘Fearless Governance’.
- It was launched by Indra Nooyi (former chairperson & CEO of PepsiCo) and Prof Debashis Chatterjee (director, IIM Kozhikode).
- The book captures Bedi’s ‘fearless’ moments, administrative acumen and innovative initiatives in Puducherry.
- Published by Diamond Books, the book will be translated in all major Indian languages.
Banking & Finance
9. RBI imposes restrictions on Indian Mercantile Cooperative Bank Ltd
- The Reserve Bank of India has imposed several restrictions on Indian Mercantile Cooperative Bank Ltd, Lucknow.
- The regulator put a cap of Rs 1 lakh on withdrawals.
- The RBI has imposed above restriction in exercise of powers vested in it under sub-section (1) of Section 35 A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS).
- The restrictions would remain in force for six months and are subject to review.
National & International Appointments
10. Honduras gets its first woman President
- Leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as the first woman President of Honduras.
- She vowed to reform the crime-and poverty-stricken nation into a “socialist and democratic state.”
- She replaces President Juan Orlando Hernández, who has held the position for 8 yrs and has been accused of corruption and drug trade ties.
- Castro is wife of former president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, who ruled Honduras between 2006 and 2009.
- Capital: Tegucigalpa city
Banking & Finance
11. Tata Steel to buy Neelachal Ispat Nigam for ₹12,100 crore
- The govt has approved the sale of Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) to Tata Steel Long Products.
- The CCEA have approved the highest bid of Tata Steel Long Products for 93.71% of shares NINL.
- The Bid Enterprise Value is ₹12,100 crore.
- NINL is a joint venture of 4 CPSEs – MMTC, NMDC, BHEL, MECON and 2 Odisha government PSUs – OMC and IPICOL.
- The government does not hold any equity in the company.
Banking & Finance
12. $150-million India-UAE VC Fund set up to boost start-up ecosystem
- A $150-million India-UAE venture capital fund to fuel growth of start-ups in India and the UAE was launched from the India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai.
- The VC Fund is a first-of-its-kind to be set up in the UAE to source, invest and nurture promising start-ups through an accelerator to fuel the growth of India-UAE start-ups.
- It will be funded by investors across UAE, India and wider GCC countries.
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