1.A.K. Sikri appointed chairman of committee on Chardham project
Supreme Court of A.K. Sikri as the chairman of the Empowered Committee , which will assess the cumulative and independent impact of the Chardham project on the entire Himalayan valley . In 2019, Professor Ravi Choprawas appointed as the Chairman of the High Powered Committee by the Supreme Court. Professor Ravi Chopra resigned from the post in January. After the resignation of Professor Chopra, A.K. Sikri was appointed as the chairman. The Supreme Court on December 14, 2021 allowed the double lane widening of the strategic Chardham Highway project in Uttarakhand. The Chardham Project aims to improve connectivity to the Chardham pilgrimage centers in the Himalayas, namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri, making travel to these centers faster, safer and more convenient. Under this project, 900 km of highways will be widened, including the Tanakpur-Pithoragarh section of National Highway (NH) 125, part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route.
2.Ashwini Bhatia (SBI MD) appointed as SEBI member
The cabinet has appointed Ashwini Bhatia , Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI) as a whole-time member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) . According to some sources, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ashwani Bhatia as a whole-time member of SEBI for a period of three years from the date of her taking over. With the appointment of Ashwini Bhatia as a whole-time member, the Securities and Exchange Board of India is now required to appoint only one whole-time member. In August 2020, Ashwini Bhatia, who will retire in May 2022 this year, was promoted to the post of Managing Director of State Bank of India.
3.Union Power Minister launched Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center
Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav program, Union Energy Minister R.K. Singh launched the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (SGKC) and Innovation Park . Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar was also present. POWERGRID established Smart Grid Knowledge Center (SGKC) to showcase and advance state-of-the-art Smart Grid technologies. SGKC aspires to be one of the world’s top centers for smart grid technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and research as well as capacity building in the power distribution industry. Virtual SGKC, which was introduced today, allows a digital footprint of real SGKC, which was needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4.PM Narendra Modi launches Khel Mahakumbh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘ Khel Mahakumbh ‘, the mega annual sporting event of Gujarat , at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad . The state level sports program was first started by Shri Narendra Modi himself in 2010 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also digitally unveiled the Gujarat Sports Policy – 2022-27 . The aim of the new policy is to make Gujarat the sports center of the country. In this 11th edition of Khel Mahakumbh- 2022, more than 47 lakh people have registered for this state level sporting event. Various sports will be organized at more than 500 places across the state during this Khel Mahakumbh.
5.Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri launches ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge’ under AMRUT 2.0
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has launched the ‘ India Waterpilot-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge ‘ under the Ministry’s Atal Mission Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT-AMRUT) 2.0 .‘ launched. Discussions with stakeholders following the formal launch of AMRUT 2.0 by Hon’ble Prime Minister on October 1, 2021, at Lucknow on October 5, 2021 (during MoHUA’s Amrit Mahotsav celebrations) and on October 12, 2021, after Cabinet approval of the mission- It is being launched after discussion. In line with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Technology Sub-Mission for involving Startups as ‘Technology Partners’ has been approved by the Cabinet under AMRUT 2.0. The objective of the mission is to empower startups in the water/used water sector to grow through innovation and design that will foster sustainable economic growth and create employment opportunities. Under this initiative, the ministry will select 100 start-ups, who will be provided Rs 20 lakh as grant-in-aid as well as mentorship.
6.The closing ceremony of the National Youth Parliament Festival 2022 was addressed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Recently , the third edition of National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF), 2022 by the Speaker of Lok Sabha in New Delhi .The closing ceremony was addressed. National Youth Parliament is an innovative program to equip the youth with an understanding of parliamentary and democratic processes. NYPF is based on the idea given by the Prime Minister in his ‘Mann Ki Baat Address’ in the year 2017. Its aim is to listen to the voices of youth in the age group of 18-25 years, who are allowed to vote but cannot contest elections. To encourage youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man’s point of view, form opinions and express them clearly. The first edition of NYPF was held in the year 2019 with the theme “Be the Voice of New India and Find Solutions and Contribute to Policy”. The second edition of NYPF was held in 2020, with the theme “Youth – Enthusiasm of New India”.
7.Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela
‘ Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela ‘ was organized between March 09-11 in the premises of ‘ Pusa Institute of Technology ‘, Delhi . The main theme of this program is ‘ Self-reliant farmer through technical knowledge ‘. The fair was organized by the ‘Indian Agricultural Research Institute’ (IARI). About 40,000 farmers from different regions of the country participated in the fair and got information about varieties and technologies developed by IARI and 100 ICAR Institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Indian Agricultural Research Institute organized a live exhibition on various agricultural models and farmer advisory services including drone technology, precision farming, wheat varieties, fruits, vegetables and flowers.
8.Debashish Panda has been appointed as the new chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
The Central Government has recently appointed Debashish Panda , former Secretary, Department of Financial Services , as the new Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Initially, Debasish Panda has been appointed for a period of 3 years. It may be noted that this post was vacant after Subhash C. Khuntia’s retirement as chairman of IRDAI in May 2021. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is a statutory body. It was constituted under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. It is an autonomous organization. This 10-member body consists of a chairman, five full-time and four part-time members. Its function is to regulate and promote the insurance and insurance industries in India. Its headquarter is located in Hyderabad.
9.Skoch State of Governance Ranking 2021: Andhra Pradesh gets first place
Andhra Pradesh has retainedits number one position in the SKOCH State of Governance Rankings for the second consecutiveAccording to a release, the state retained the first rank for the second consecutive year. In 2020 also, Andhra Pradesh topped in governance. According to Skoch, Andhra Pradesh was ranked second in 2018 and later slipped to the fourth position in 2019. West Bengal and Odisha at second place, Gujarat at 4th position and Maharashtra at 5th position. Neighboring Telangana was ranked 6th.
10.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said – Russia-Ukraine war will affect the import of food grains in poor countries
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO ) has said that the Russo -Ukraine war will affect the import of food to poor countries . Qu Dongyu , Director General of FAO, FAO Headquarters RomeIn Ukraine and Russia, possible disruptions to agricultural activities will seriously aggravate food insecurity on a global scale. Ukraine and Russia are considered to be the two major exporters of essential food grains. The food agency has warned that poor countries in North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, which rely heavily on wheat imports, are at risk of food insecurity due to the war. America, Argentina and other wheat producing countries may limit exports to other countries to protect their food grains. Russia is currently facing heavy economic sanctions due to the war. One-third of global food exports go through Ukraine.
11.Indian High Commission celebrates 12th Foundation Day of Indira Gandhi Cultural Center in Bangladesh
The High Commission of India celebrated the 12th Foundation Day of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center in Dhaka , the capital of Bangladesh . Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner of India, Vikram Doraiswami , mentioned the importance of the Cultural Center in promoting and strengthening cultural exchanges between India and Bangladesh and enhancing people-to-people contact between the two countries. Inauguration of Indira Gandhi Cultural Center in Dhaka in 2010 Dr. Karan Singh , then President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations was did. The center regularly organizes cultural events, seminars, workshops, classes for yoga training, learning Hindi, Indian classical music and dance to promote cultural ties between the two countries.
12.Reserve Bank of Paytm Payments Bank banned from adding new customers
The Reserve Bank of India has banned Paytm Payments Bank from opening new accounts with immediate effect . The Reserve Bank has also directed Paytm Payments Bank to appoint an IT audit firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of its IT systems. In a statement, the Reserve Bank said that after reviewing the IT audit report, it will be considered to allow the addition of new customers. The ban has been imposed on the basis of certain supervision concerns.
13.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said – India’s digital economy is expected to reach $ 800 billion by 2030
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has said that India’s digital economy is expected to rapidly reach $800 billion by 2030 due to increased internet penetration and increased income . He said that there are more than six thousand three hundred financial technology companies in India. Addressing the IIT Bombay Alumni Association through virtual medium, the Finance Minister said that the combined valuation of India’s financial technology industry will grow to $150 billion in the next three years.
14.Employees’ Provident Fund Organization will give interest at the rate of 8.1% in the financial year 2021-22.
Union Labor and Employment Minister Bhupinder Yadav , after presiding over the two-day meeting of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization-EPFO in Guwahati , announced reduction of interest rate on provident fund deposits to 8.1% for the financial year 2021-22 . Earlier, in the 230th meeting of trustees of EPFO, it was decided to reduce the interest rate from 8.5 percent to 8.1 percent.
15.Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the National Defense University building in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the new building of the National Defense University in Gandhinagar , the capital of Gujarat . Addressing the first convocation of the University, the Prime Minister said that police reforms have begun with the launch of the Defense University. He said that Gujarat is the first state in the world to have National Forensic Science University and National Children’s University . The Vice Chancellor of National Defense University – Professor Bimal Patel gave detailed information about the University and apprised about the future outlook on this occasion.
16.Center released two thousand two hundred and 21 crore rupees to Bihar, Karnataka and West Bengal to give grants to rural local bodies
Center has given two thousand two hundred and 21 crore rupees to Bihar, Karnataka and West Bengal to give grants to rural local bodies .have been issued. More than one thousand one hundred and 12 crore rupees have been released to Bihar, four hundred 73 crores to Karnataka and more than six hundred 34 crores to West Bengal. This is the second installment of the grant to be given to these states for the year 2021-22. As per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, grants are given to rural local bodies for sanitation and maintenance of open defecation free status and for drinking water supply and rain water harvesting. The grant is released on the recommendations of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. States are required to transfer the grant amount to the local bodies within ten working days from the receipt of the grant from the Central Government. The Center has so far released more than 31 thousand seven hundred 65 crore rupees to rural local bodies in the year 2021-22.
17.Justice Vipin Sanghi to take over as Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Justice Shri Vipin Sanghi , the senior-most Judge of the High Court of Delhi , by notification dated 11.03.2022, to discharge the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of this High Court. has been appointed. This appointment will be effective from 13.03.2022.
18.The Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) in Ladakh and Unique Plot Identification Number (ULPIN) in Assam.
The Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) in Ladakh and Unique Plot Identification Number (ULPIN) in Assam . Alpin system has been introduced to prevent fraud and disputes in the management of land and for a generally unique identification, in which a unique identity is created through software according to the geographical location of the plot, which is called Unique Plot Identification Number (Unique Plot Identification Number). Land Parcel Identification Number). Including Assam, it has been implemented only in 14 states/UTs and pilot test has been done in 6 states and the government will complete it by the year 2022-23.
19.Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Purushottam Rupala addressed the ‘Saurashtra Maldhari Sammelan’
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Purushottam Rupala addressed the ‘ Saurashtra Maldhari Sammelan ‘ organized by Sahjeevan (Pastoral Centre) at Upleta in Rajkot district of Gujarat . “ Promotion of Animal Husbandry in Saurashtra – Protection and DischargeConservation of endangered breeds of animals, especially the Halari breed of donkeys (Breeding tract: Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat) were discussed in this conference with the theme of “. the formation of an advisory committee equipped with the participation of all stakeholders for collaborative efforts in the conference; Need to develop various programs and schemes with dedicated infrastructure for breeding and health care of animals; To promote livelihood strategies with a focus on a milk based economy; Improving tenure security for breeders of Halari breed donkeys with access to seasonal grazing and CFR rights was also discussed.
20.INS Chennai and INS Teg visit Colombo
INS Chennai and INS Teg , two ships of the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka on 10 Mar 22 for a two day visit . He was received by the Officer of the Guard (OOG) and the Sri Lanka Navy Band. On arrival Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) visited the IPKF Memorial to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for peace in the region. This monument is also a testament to the unbreakable relationship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.
21.PLI scheme launched for Drone Industry
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the drone industry was notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in September 2021. Under this scheme, manufacturers of drones and drone components will be given an incentive of 20% of the value addition made by them during the next three years. Under this scheme, a total incentive amount of Rs 120 crore will be provided in three financial years. With the help of the PLI scheme, it is expected that by 2026, the total business of the Indian drone industry will be up to Rs 15,000 crore. On 11 March 2022, the Ministry of Civil Aviation invited applications from eligible drone manufacturers for the PLI scheme. The application form is of one page and requires a certificate from the head of the organization and the statutory auditor. March 31, 2022 is the last date to submit the application form.
22.75% of Amazon rainforest on the verge of destruction: Study
A study on the Amazon rainforest was recently published in the journal Nature Climate Change . Using 30 years of satellite data and statistical tools, researchers found that nearly 75% of the Amazon rainforest is headed for destruction.Is. The Amazon rainforest is losing its ability to recover from extreme events such as prolonged droughts or wildfires. Thus, there is also a possibility that the Amazon rainforest may turn into a dry savanna-like ecosystem. This change will have a negative impact on the unique biodiversity of the Amazon forest and its potential as a carbon sink. It will also contribute to global climate change. The Amazon rainforest is a large tropical rainforest in the South American continent. They are also called the lungs of the earth. About 30% of the world’s species are found in the Amazon rainforest, including 40,000 plant species, 16,000 tree species, 1,300 birds, and over 430 species of mammals.
23.US President signs an executive order on cryptocurrencies
On March 9, 2022, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on cryptocurrencies. This executive order called on US federal agencies to investigate the risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies. The order also mentioned the need for an integrated approach to the regulation and monitoring of digital assets. In the wake of several crypto scams, cyber attacks, etc., the executive order has placed great emphasis on protecting consumers. Many investors are being exploited by crypto scammers. Thus, there is a need to ensure adequate monitoring against any systemic financial risk posed by digital assets.
24.Draft report released for setting up of National Digital Tourism Mission
Draft report for setting up of National Digital Tourism Mission is published for feedback from the public . Ministry of Tourismhas invited final comments on the draft report. This draft report states that the tourism sector is highly fragmented and there are many challenges in the sub-sectors of tourism such as transport, accommodation, restaurants etc. However, there are many opportunities in these areas. The report states that the tourism sector is unable to reap the combined benefits of information exchange as most of the tourism systems developed by the government and the private sector are currently operating in silos. Current data systems do not interact with each other using a common language, which hinders data analytics and subsequent policy-making. Thus, there is a need for seamless and standardized data exchange among various stakeholders of the tourism sector.
25.Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report released
Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report 2020-21 on School Education of India released recently. Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) started in 2012-13 was done. It is one of the largest management information system on school education. This includes over 15 lakh schools and over 26.4 crore children. In this system, the data was first filled in paper format and then entered manually in the computer. However, this system is prone to errors and abuse. UDISE+ is an updated version of UDISE, where data from schools is collected online and in real time. It is useful in addressing the issues present in the UDISE system such as errors and delays in the data. UDISE+ was developed by the Department of School Education and Literacy in 2018-19. In the UDISE+ system, improvements have been made in respect of data capture, data mapping and validation of data. In 2020-21, 25.38 crore students enrolled in school education from primary to higher secondary. 28 in enrollment as compared to 2019-20. 32 lakhs has increased. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has improved in 2020-21 at all levels of school education as compared to 2019-20. The number of teachers engaged in school education during 2020-21 was 96.96 lakh. There has been an increase of 8800 teachers as compared to 2019-20. In 2020-21, 39.7 lakh students from private and government aided schools shifted to government schools. It shows the impact of COVID-19 on education.
26.IMF board approves $1.4 billion emergency aid for Ukraine
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved $1.4 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine to finance expenditures and enhance the balance of payments . Ukraine has turned to funding from allies and international institutions to support its economy since the Russian offensive began on 24 February. The disbursements under the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), equal to 50% of Ukraine’s quota in the IMF, will help meet immediate spending needs in the short term, while helping to catalyze financing from other partners.
27.Sharad Pawar unveils Ratnakar Shetty’s autobiography “On Board: My Years in BCCI”
The book On Board: My Years in BCCI is an autobiographical account of Ratnakar Shetty ‘s experiences as an administrator . The book was released by Sharad Pawar , former president of MCA, BCCI and International Cricket Council . A chemistry professor by profession, Shetty became the first Chief Administrative Officer of the BCCI after serving the Mumbai Cricket Association in various capacities.
28.Star Health and Allied Insurance launches ‘Star Women Care Insurance Policy’
Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited , a health insurance company launched Star Women Care Insurance Policy . It is a women centric comprehensive health cover specially designed to protect the health related needs of women at every stage of life. The policy can be purchased through premiums which can be paid in quarterly or half-yearly installments, and this policy can also be taken for terms of 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.
