Daily Current Affairs for State Exams: 16 May 2022

Daily Current Affair 16 May 2022

Important News: International

The Central African Republic becomes the second country to adopt cryptocurrency

Why in News:

The Central African Republic has become the second country after El Salvador to adopt the bitcoin cryptocurrency as legal tender.

key points:

Cryptocurrency is a form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and that uses cryptography to secure transactions.
There is no central authority to issue or regulate currency in cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency is a system based on the blockchain method.

Benefits of cryptocurrency:

Transactions in cryptocurrencies do not require a bank, making it a faster method.
The supply of cryptocurrencies is limited.

Source: The Hindu

Global Food Policy Report released by International Food Policy Research Institute

Why in News:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released the global food policy report Climate Change and the Food System.

key points:

According to the Global Food Policy Report, the risk of hunger in India may increase by 23% by 2030 due to climate change.
According to the Global Food Policy Report, India's food production may fall by 16% by 2030 due to climate change
The Global Food Policy Report report released by the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that India's overall food production index will drop from 1.6 to 1.5 under similar conditions.

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI):

Established in 1975, IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to reduce poverty, end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.
IFPRI's vision is to build a hunger and malnutrition free world.

Source: The Hindu

Important News: India

India Tap Initiative Launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Why in the news:

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the India Tap initiative at the 'Plumbex India' exhibition.

key points:

Under 'Bharat Tap' the Government of India aims to promote the use of low drift taps and 'fixtures'.
With Bharat Tap, the Government of India aims to conserve water by reducing water consumption by about 40%.
Through this initiative, the ongoing water conservation initiative in India will get a new dimension.

Other initiatives are taken by the Government of India for water conservation:

Clean India Mission
Atal Mission (AMRUT)
National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program
Jal Kranti Abhiyan
Atal Ground Water Scheme
Jal Shakti Abhiyan etc.

Source: PIB

International Cruise Conference 2022

Why in News

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India's first Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 in Mumbai.

key points:

The first Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 is jointly organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Government of India and FICCI.
The Government of India has constituted a Task Force for the Development of Cruise Tourism under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Tourism and Shipping, with the objective of promoting Cruise Tourism in India.
Government of India aims to increase cruise passenger traffic from 0.4 million at present to 4 million.
Similar infrastructure is being developed in Goa, New Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata to promote cruise tourism in the Government of India with the help of which to attract more and more passengers for cruise tourism.

Source: PIB

Important News: State

Union Minority Affairs Minister Inaugurate the first Amrit Sarovar of the Country in Rampur Uttar Pradesh

Why in News:

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated the country's first 'Amrit Sarovar' at Patwai, Rampur in Uttar Pradesh.

key points:

With a vision to conserve water for the future, the Prime Minister has launched a new initiative named Mission Amrit Sarovar on 24 April 2022.
The objective of the Amrit Sarovar Mission is to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of the country as part of the celebration of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence.

What is Amrit Sarovar Mission:

The objective of 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' is to "construct or develop" at least 75 pounds in each district of the country.
As part of the Amrit Sarovar Mission, each pond will have a watershed of at least 1 acre (0.4 ha) with a water holding capacity of up to 10,000 cubic metres.
All rural districts have been directed to develop at least 75 pounds in each district, totalling about 50,000 Amrit Sarovar across the country, to achieve the goals included in the Amrit Sarovar Mission.

Source: Indian Express

Important Personality

Manik Saha sworn takes oath as new Chief Minister of Tripura

Why in News:

Tripura BJP President and newly elected Rajya Sabha member Manik Saha took oath as the new Chief Minister of Tripura.

key points:

Manik Saha is appointed as the new Chief Minister of Tripura following the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.
Biplab Kumar Deb was appointed as the Chief Minister of Tripura after the BJP came to power in 2018 ending 25 years of rule in the state.
Manik Saha was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the only seat of Tripura on 31 March before becoming the Chief Minister.

Source: The Hindu

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan passes away

On 3 November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was elected as the President of the United Arab Emirates following the death of his father.
Suffering from illness for several years in a row, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has died at the age of 73.
Sheikh Khalifa took over as the second President of the UAE in November 2004.

Source: The Hindu

Important News: Sports

Indian badminton team won the Thomas Cup badminton title for the first time

Why in News:

The Indian team made a historic performance as India defeated Indonesia 3-0 in the final match of the Thomas Cup.

key points:

Indian badminton team has won this tournament for the first time in the history of 73 years.
The Indian men's badminton team had previously reached the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup in the years 1952, 1955 and 1979 but could not achieve the Thomas Cup title.
Indonesia team is one of the most successful teams having won the Thomas Cup tournament 14 times.
The Thomas Cup is held once every 2 years since 1982.
The Thomas Cup is also known as the men's team world cup of badminton.

Source: PIB