World Down Syndrome Day 2022: “Inclusion Means”

22 March 2022
-------------------------------
World Down Syndrome Day 2022: “Inclusion Means”

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed every year on 21 March. It is a global campaign that is observed annually to spread awareness about Down Syndrome. The Day is commemorated as a global initiative to increase awareness about hereditary disorders. An individual with Down Syndrome has an extra chromosome.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

Theme

The theme of World Down Syndrome Day this year is “Inclusion Means”. It calls for making efforts to include people with down syndrome in all matters of life and not discriminate against them.

History

The first World Down Syndrome Day was observed in 2006. Then the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with Down Syndrome International and its members to launch an extensive campaign to generate international support. In November 2011, the General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day every year. The next month it declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day.

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.

Babies with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of a chromosome, which changes how the baby’s body and brain develop. People with this syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children.

World Poetry Day observed globally on 21st March

22 March 2022
-------------------------------
World Poetry Day observed globally on 21st March

On 21st March, World Poetry Day is celebrated every year to recognise the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted this day during UNESCO’s 30th session in Paris in 1999 with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard. Some countries also celebrate World Poetry Day on October 15 to mark the birthday of Virgil, a Roman poet who is famous for his epic Aeneid.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• World Poetry Day Headquarters: Paris, France;
• World Poetry Day Director-General: Audrey Azoulay;
• World Poetry Day Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom.

மதுவிற்கு ஏன் "குடி" என்று பெயர் வந்தது தெரியுமா?

ஒரு ஆணிற்கு "சாராயம்"தான் வாழ்க்கை எனில் அவன் மூன்று விசியங்களுக்கு முக்கியமில்லாதவனாக மாறிவிடுகிறான்! 

1, அன்பான மனைவியை  ரசிக்க தெரியாத குருடனாக?

2, அழகான குழந்தைகளின் 

பாசத்தை உணர முடியாத முரடனாக!

3, இச்சமுகத்தில் வாழ தகுதியற்ற மனிதனாக!

மதுவிற்கு ஏன் "குடி" என்று பெயர் வந்தது தெரியுமா?

மது மட்டுமே வாழ்க்கையையும், ஆரோக்கியத்தையும், மகிழ்ச்சியையும். சேர்த்து குடிப்பதால்...

*மனைவியை ரசிக்க தெரியாத குருடனாக...

போதையின் மயக்கத்தில், தன்னை நம்பி வாழ வந்தவளை, எந்தவொரு உறுதி மொழி ஏற்று கரம் பிடித்தானோ அதை கைக்கழுவி விட்டு, தன்னுடைய சுகத்திற்காக மட்டுமே வாழ தொடங்கிவிடுகிறான், அதன் விளைவாய் சில பெண்கள் கட்டியவனை வெறுகிறார்கள்....

இறுதியில் தன் மனைவிக்கு மனசு மற்றும் உடல் சுகத்தை கொடுக்க முடியாத ஏமாளி கணவனாகிவிடுகிறான், 

*அழகான குழந்தைகளின் பாசத்தை உணர முடியாத முரடனாக...

மதுவிற்கு அடிமையானவன் தன் குழந்தைகளிடம் பேசுவதில்லை, குழந்தைகளிடம் பேசி, அவர்கள் பேசுவதை கேட்டால்தான் இச்சமூகத்தில் அவர்கள் எப்படி வாழ்கிறார்கள் என்பது புரியவரும், இல்லையேல் "குடிகாரன் பெத்த பிள்ளைதானே" என்று ஏசக்கூடும்,

*இச்சமூகத்தில் வாழ தகுதியற்ற மனிதனாக...

இறுதியில் ஒழுக்கம் கெட்டு அவன் மதிப்பை அவன் இழந்துவிடுகிறான், வாழவேண்டிய வயதில் வாழ்க்கையை தொலைத்துவிட்டு, வீட்டிலும் வெளியிலும் மரியாதை இல்லாமல், அவன் பேச்சை யாரும் கேட்பதுமில்லை, மதிப்பதுமில்லை,

மது அவன் ‌உழைப்பையும், உயிரையும், சிறுக சிறுக குடிக்கிறது... ஆனால்? தண்டனையோ... அவன் மனைவியை யாசியாக்கும், சிலரை வேசியாக்கும், அல்லது விதவையாக்கும்... இவனுக்கு கிடைக்கும் மரியாதைதான் இவன் பிள்ளைகளுக்கும் கிடைக்கும், 

குடி தான் உன் வாழ்க்கை என்றால்? 

உனக்கு திருமணம் எதற்க்கு?

மனைவி எதற்க்கு?

குழந்தைகள் எதற்க்கு?

உன்னை திருத்தி நல்வழிப்படுத்தி... எல்லாவற்றையும் சகித்து உன்னுடன் வாழவேண்டும் என்ற கட்டாயத்தில் உன் குடும்பம் இருக்கிறது, தற்போதைய காலகட்டத்தில் இப்படியொரு குடும்பம் கிடைப்பது மிகமிக அரிது...

காரணம் இச்சமூகம்...

அவர்களின் ஒவ்வொரு சொட்டு கண்ணீற்கும் எதிர் வினை உண்டு...

இறுதியில் நீ அவர்களிடமே சென்று தஞ்சமடைவாய்... 

காலம் கண்டிப்பாக அதை உனக்கு உணர்த்திவிடும்.

22nd March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

22 March 2022
-------------------------------
22nd March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

Daily GK updates are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking or other competitive exams. Daily GK Update is the complete bag of the important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the GK update of the 22nd March  2022 to help you prepare the Current affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Here is the Daily GK Update of the 22nd March 2022 covering the following news headlines: World Poetry Day, World Down Syndrome Day, World Water Day, BNP Paribas Open Tournament 2022, Indian Super League, LAMITIYE-2022.

Top 14 Daily GK Updates: National & International News 

Here is providing below the top 14 important Daily General Knowledge 2022 updates with national & international news.

International News

1. Serdar Berdymukhamedov elected as President of Turkmenistan 

• Serdar Berdimuhamedow has been sworn in as the President of Turkmenistan. Berdimuhamedow succeeds his father and former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who became president in 2006 and served till 2022.
• It must be noted that the presidential elections in Turkmenistan are held every seven years. Serdar Berdymukhamedov, secured 72.97 per cent of the votes election to lead the gas-rich country.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Turkmenistan Capital: Ashgabat;
• Turkmenistan Currency: Turkmenistani manat.

States News

2. West Bengal celebrated ‘Dol Utsav’ or ‘Dol Jatra’

• West Bengal celebrated the ‘Dol Utsav’ or ‘Dol Jatra’, the festival of colours, marking the onset of the spring season. The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and celebrated on full moon day.
• It also marks the last festival of the year as per the Bengali calendar. In the Eastern region of India, the festival of spring is celebrated as Dol Jatra, Dol Purnima, Dol Utsav, and Basanta Utsav.
• The majestic festival is celebrated by throwing ‘gulaal’ or ‘aabir’ on others and by singing and dancing in cultural programs.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• West Bengal Capital: Kolkata;
• West Bengal Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar;
• West Bengal Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee.

3. N Biren Singh takes oath as Chief Minister of Manipur for 2nd term 

• Senior BJP leader N Biren Singh took the oath as Chief Minister of Manipur for a second consecutive five-year term on March 21, 2022. The ruling BJP party contested all 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly election in 2022 and won 32 seats.
• Nongthombam (N) Biren Singh started his career as a footballer, then turned to journalism, before joining politics.
• In the recently held Assembly polls, the BJP won an absolute majority by winning 32 seats in the 60-member House.
• Moreover, the Janata Dal (United), the NPF, the newly formed Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) and two Independent MLAs have extended their unconditional support to the saffron party. The JD(U) won six seats, NPF won five and the KPA won two seats.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Manipur Capital: Imphal; Governor: La. Ganesan.

Appointments News

4. Indian Economist Jayati Ghosh named as member of UN’s Advisory Board

• United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has announced the appointment of Indian development economist Jayati Ghosh as a member of the UN’s newly established Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism.
• The 12-member high-level advisory board on effective multilateralism will be co-chaired by former Liberian president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Swedish prime minister Stefan Lofven.
• Jayati Ghosh is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was previously a professor of economics and chairperson of the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is also a member of the UN’s high-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs.

Banking News

5. HDFC Bank to launch “SmartHub Vyapar programme” & ‘AutoFirst’ app 

• HDFC Bank has announced to launch the “SmartHub Vyapar programme” & ‘AutoFirst’ app the following two initiatives/application to give a digital push to small business loans.
• The financial institution has onboarded over 2.7 million retailers and is buying 100 thousand retailers each month. HDFC Bank has plans to onboard 20 million retailers in three years. More than half of the newly onboarded retailers solely function by means of the app platform.
• ‘AutoFirst’ application: The financial institution now clocks not less than ₹1,000 crores in service provider loans each month and is wanting to triple the run fee. HDFC Bank can even launch a utility ‘AutoFirst’ that may provide totally automated auto loans.
• SmartHub Vyapar programme: The SmartHub Vyapar programme for retailers will probably be launched quickly. It is an app that bundles all cost platforms – playing cards, UPI, QR code, faucet pay and SMS-based funds.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai;
• HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994;
• HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan;
• HDFC Bank Chairman: Atanu Chakraborty.

Awards News

6. Francis Kéré becomes first African to win Pritzker Prize 2022

• Architect, educator and social activist Francis kéré has been announced as the 2022 laureate of the Pritzker architecture prize 2022, the award often referred to as architecture’s highest honour. He was born in the small village of gando in Burkina Faso, kéré is the first black architect to win the coveted award.
• Established by the Hyatt Foundation in 1979, the Pritzker architecture prize is bestowed on architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. in 2021, the award went to French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal while in 2020 saw Shelley McNamara and Yvonne Farrell of Grafton architects were honoured.

Defence News

7. 5th in the series of Offshore Patrol Vessels “ICGS Saksham” commissioned

• Defence Secretary of India, Dr Ajay Kumar has commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham. The fifth in the series of 105-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) class, at Goa.
• The first four of the five ICGS which have already been commissioned in 2020 are ICGS Sachet (1st); ICGS Sujeet (2nd); ICGS Sarthak (3rd); and ICGS Sajag (4th) in 2021.
• Goa Shipyard Limited designed and built the 105-meter OPV, which is equipped with advanced technology, navigation and communication systems, sensors, and machinery.
• The ship will be based in Kochi once it joins the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) force. Ship will be used extensively for surveillance in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and other missions mandated by the Coast Guard charter.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Formed: August 18, 1978;
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters: New Delhi;
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director-General: Virender Singh Pathania;
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Motto: Vayam Rakṣāmaḥ (We protect).

8. 9th India-Seychelles Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2022’ begins

• The 9th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2022’ between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was held from March 22 to 31, 2022 at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles. The Indian Army contingent will be represented by the 2/3 GORKHA RIFLES group (PIRKANTHI Battalion).
• Exercise LAMITIYE is a biennial training event, been conducted in Seychelles since 2001. The objective of this joint training exercise is to build and promote bilateral military relations, sharing experiences gained during various operations; exchanging skills and good practices between both armies.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Seychelles Capital: Victoria;
• Seychelles President: Wavel Ramkalawan;
• Seychelles Continent: Africa.

Sports News

9. Indian Super League: Hyderabad FC wins maiden trophy

• Hyderabad FC has clinched their maiden Indian Super League title after defeating Kerala Blasters in the penalty shoot-out in the summit clash. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani made three stunning saves.
• Hyderabad beat Kerala 3-1 in the shoot-out after the match ended 1-1 in the regulation and extra time. For Hyderabad, Joao Victor, Khassa Camara and Halicharan Narzary scored while only Ayush Adhikari found the target in the shoot-out as Kerala suffered heartbreak for the third time in the finals.

10. BNP Paribas Open Tournament 2022

• The 2022 BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, also known as the 2022 Indian Wells Masters, was held from March 07 to 20, 2022 at Indian Wells, California, US.
• The BNP Paribas Open is the largest two-week combined event outside of the four Grand Slams and the most-attended WTA 1000 and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in the world.

Here is the list of winners given below:

Category	Winner
Women’s singles	Iga Świątek (Poland)
Men’s Singles	Taylor Fritz (United States)
Women’s Doubles	Xu Yifan / Yang Zhaoxuan
Men’s Doubles	John Isner / Jack Sock

Books and Authors News

11. Autobiography of former cricketer G.R. Viswanath titled “Wrist Assured: An Autobiography”

• Former Indian cricket captain Gundappa Ranganatha Vishwanath has penned his autobiography titled “Wrist Assured: An Autobiography”, co-authored by senior journalist R Kaushik.
• The book traces the cricketing journey of Gundappa Vishwanath who played Test Cricket for India between 1969 and 1986, making 91 appearances and scoring more than 6000 runs.
• Former Indian cricketers Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar released the book at the ceremony held on the first day of the 2nd day/night Test between India and Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Important Days

12. 22nd March celebrates globally as World Water Day

• World Water Day is celebrated globally on 22nd March every year. The day aims to highlight the importance of freshwater. It is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
• This 2022, the focus is groundwater, an invisible resource with an impact visible everywhere. Relevant issues include water scarcity, water pollution, inadequate water supply, lack of sanitation, and the impacts of climate change that are looked upon on this day.
• The World Water Day theme 2022 is “Groundwater, Making the Invisible Visible”. Groundwater is a crucial resource that provides almost half of all drinkable water across the world.
• The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place.
• That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.
• The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945.

15. World Down Syndrome Day 2022: "Inclusion Means"

• World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed every year on 21 March. It is a global campaign that is observed annually to spread awareness about Down Syndrome. The Day is commemorated as a global initiative to increase awareness about hereditary disorders.
• An individual with Down Syndrome has an extra chromosome. The theme of World Down Syndrome Day this year is “Inclusion Means”. It calls for making efforts to include people with down syndrome in all matters of life and not discriminate against them.
• The first World Down Syndrome Day was observed in 2006. Then the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with Down Syndrome International and its members to launch an extensive campaign to generate international support. In November 2011, the General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day every year. The next month it declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day.

14. World Poetry Day observed globally on 21st March

• On 21st March, World Poetry Day is celebrated every year to recognise the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted this day during UNESCO’s 30th session in Paris in 1999 with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.
• Some countries also celebrate World Poetry Day on October 15 to mark the birthday of Virgil, a Roman poet who is famous for his epic Aeneid.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• World Poetry Day Headquarters: Paris, France;
• World Poetry Day Director-General: Audrey Azoulay;
• World Poetry Day Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom.

20th and 21st March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

21 March 2022
-------------------------------
20th and 21st March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

Daily GK updates are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking or other competitive exams. Daily GK Update is the complete bag of the important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the GK update of the 20th and 21st March  2022 to help you prepare the Current affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Here is the Daily GK Update of the 20th and 21st March 2022 covering the following news headlines: Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Cold Response 2022, Asian Cricket Council, Central Reserve Police Force, Sportstar Aces 2022.

Top 20 Daily GK Updates: National & International News 

Here is providing below the top 20 important Daily General Knowledge 2022 updates with national & international news.

International News

1. NATO military exercise ‘Cold Response 2022’ begins in Norway

• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has organised the massive military drill ‘Cold Response 2022’ in Norway from March 14, 2022, and will continue till April 01, 2022.
• The exercise is held in Norway every second year, for NATO Allies and partners. Cold Response is a long-planned and defensive exercise where Norway and its allies exercise in defending Norway against external threats. The exercise has been planned and informed about long before the war in Ukraine.
• The Norwegian-led exercise provides an opportunity to train together in cold weather conditions over challenging terrain and demonstrates NATO’s ability to respond decisively to any threat, from any direction.
• Around 30,000 troops from 27 nations are taking part in the 2022 edition of the exercise, with about 220 aircraft and more than 50 vessels. This is the largest ‘Cold Response’ being exercise conducted in Norway since the 1980s.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• NATO chief: Jens Stoltenberg;
• NATO Founded: 4 April 1949, Washington, D.C., United States;
• NATO Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

States News

2. 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins in Haryana

• The Governor of Haryana, Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar formally inaugurated the 35th edition of the world-famous Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund in Faridabad district of Haryana.
• The event is organized jointly by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.
• In 2022, the ‘Theme State’ in Jammu & Kashmir and Uzbekistan is the partner nation.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya;
• Haryana Capital: Chandigarh;
• Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

Appointments News

3. Rajesh Gopinathan re-appoints as MD and CEO of TCS for five years

• The board of IT major, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the re-appointment of Rajesh Gopinathan as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company for five years.
• His second term will begin from February 21, 2022, to February 20, 2027. Rajesh Gopinathan was first appointed as the CEO and MD of TCS in 2017.
• Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its position with the revenues increasing from $17.6 billion in the financial year ended March 31, 2017, to $22.2 billion in the financial year ended March 31, 2021.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Tata Consultancy Services Founded: 1 April 1968;
• Tata Consultancy Services Headquarters: Mumbai.

4. Jay Shah’s term extended by one year as a President of Asian Cricket Council 

• The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unanimously extended the tenure of its incumbent President Jay Shah for a period of one year. The decision was taken during the annual general meeting of ACC on March 19, 2022.
•  Jay Shah is the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019. Shah was first appointed as the President of ACC in January 2021, replacing Nazmul Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
• Shah's extension was proposed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva and the nomination was backed unanimously by all the members of the ACC.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Asian Cricket Council Chairman: Amitabh Choudhary;
• Asian Cricket Council Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka;
• Asian Cricket Council Founded: 19 September 1983;
• Asian Cricket Council Membership: 25 associations;
• Asian Cricket Council Parent organization: ICC.

Agreements News

5. For drone-based mineral exploration NMDC Sign MoU with IIT Kharagpur

• The country's largest iron ore producer, NMDC Ltd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for drone-based mineral research with IIT Kharagpur. The National Mining and Development Corporation (NMDC)is increasingly dependent on technical innovation and the digitisation of its exploration and mining database.
• The government has taken the first step in regulating and monitoring drone usage and operations in India, which are now employed in agriculture, urban planning, forestry, mining, disaster management, surveillance, and transportation, among other industries.
• NMDC and IIT Kharagpur will collaborate to create spectrum products, methodologies, and algorithms for drone (UAV) mining exploration.

Business News

6. NPCI designed “UPI Lite – On-Device wallet” functionality for UPI user

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) designed the “UPI Lite – On-Device wallet” (“UPI Lite”) functionality for UPI users for small value transactions.
• About 75% of the total volume of retail transactions (including cash) in India are below Rs 100 transaction value. Further, 50% of the total UPI transactions are having a transaction value of up to Rs 200/-. To easily process such small value transactions, NPCI has launched this facility of  “UPI Lite”.
• UPI Lite will process transactions in near offline mode i.e. debit offline and credit online, and at a later point, UPI Lite will process transactions in complete offline mode i.e. debit and credit both offline.
• The upper limit of a UPI Lite payment transaction shall be Rs. 200. The total limit of UPI Lite balance for an “On-device wallet” shall be Rs. 2,000 at any point of time.
• Replenishment of funds in UPI Lite shall only be allowed in online mode with additional factor authentication (AFA) or using UPI AutoPay which has been registered by the User in online mode with AFA.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• NPCI Founded: 2008;
• NPCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra;
• NPCI MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe.

7. BPCL becomes the first to offer digital payment to non-internet users

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a 'Maharatna' and Fortune Global 500 company, has teamed up with UltraCash Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to provide BharatGas customers with a voice-based digital payment option for booking LPG cylinders.
• Customers who do not have access to a smartphone or the internet can use this feature to book cylinders and pay via the 'UPI 123PAY' system.
• Customers can call the common number 080 4516 3554 from a non-internet phone to reserve a BharatGas cylinder for themselves or for friends in simple steps and in a secure manner thanks to the collaboration with Ultra Cash.

8. Govt. increased timeline to 10 years for startups for converting debt investment into equity

• According to a news release from the DPIIT, the government has extended the deadline for companies to convert debt financing into equity shares by up to 10 years, a measure that is likely to provide comfort to emerging enterprises dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Previously, convertible notes may be converted into equity shares for up to five years after the initial convertible note was issued. That time frame has now been increased to ten years.

Defence News

9. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrates 83rd Raising Day 

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has celebrated its 83rd Raising Day with zeal and ceremonial fervour on 19 March 2022. The 83rd Raising Day parade was organised at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.
• This was for the first time that the CRPF celebrated its Raising Day outside the national capital. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took the salute at the parade and also presented the Gallantry medals and trophies for exceptional achievements in different categories to CRPF personnel.
• The CRPF came into existence on July 27, 1939, as Crown Representative’s Police. It was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on December 28, 1949, upon the enactment of the CRPF Act .
• On March 19, 1950, the then Home Minister, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel presented Presidential colours to the CRPF for its commendable services, following which CRPF started celebrating the day as their Raising Day.

Awards News

10. Suresh Raina felicitated with ‘Sports Icon’ award by Maldives government

• Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has been awarded the prestigious ‘Sports Icon’ award at the Maldives Sports Awards 2022. The Maldives government felicitated Raina for his various achievements throughout his career.
• Raina was nominated alongside 16 international sportspersons, including former Real Madrid player Roberto Carlos, Jamaican Sprinter Asafa Powell, former Sri Lankan captain and cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya and Dutch football legend Edgar Davids among others.
• Raina is known for aiding the Indian cricket team to its World Cup glory back in 2011 and has also won the Indian Premier League(IPL) trophy four times with the Chennai Super Kings(CSK) franchise.
• He is the first Indian player to score 6000 as well as 8000 runs in a Twenty20 career and the first-ever cricketer to reach 5,000 runs in IPL. He also holds the record for scoring the most fifties in Champions League T20 history.

11. Sportstar Aces 2022: Neeraj Chopra wins Sportsman of the Year award

• Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, Neeraj Chopra claimed the coveted ‘Sportstar of the Year (Male)’ award at the 2022 Sportstar Aces Awards.
• Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who claimed the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, received the ‘Sportstar of the Year (Female)’ award.
• The Aces Awards celebrate the spirit of excellence in sport and hope to inspire our athletes and sportspersons to continue to strive to break new records and reach new pinnacles of glory.

Other awardee's in the list:

• Lovlina Borgohain (Sportswoman of the Year, Individual Sports),
• Avani Lekhara (Parathlete of the Year, Female),
• Pramod Bhagat (Special Recognition award),
• Savita (Sportswoman of the Year, Team Sports), and Rupinder Pal Singh (Sportsman of the Year, Team Sports).
• Arif Khan wins Special Recognition Award at Sportstar Aces 2022.
• Former Indian hockey team captain Ajit Pal Singh was conferred the ‘Lifetime Achievement award. Ajit was part of two Olympic bronze-winning teams, including one at the 1972 Munich Games.

Sports News

12. F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 won by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc

• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari- Monaco) has won the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 at the Bahrain International Circuit, a motor racing circuit in the west of Bahrain.
• Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari – Spain) came second while Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) came third. This was the first Formula One race of 2022.

13. Pankaj Advani won Asian Billiards title for 8th time

• Indian cueist Pankaj Advani has defeated Dhruv Sitwala to win his eighth title at the 19th Asian 100 UP Billiards Championship 2022. It was held in Doha, Qatar. Overall this is Advani’s 24th international title and 8th Asian crown.
• Earlier, Advani had held off the stiff challenge of Pauk Sa of Myanmar to secure a spot in the final. He managed a 5-4 win after his opponent fought back strongly to level the match at four frames each.

Ranks and Reports News

14. UN World Happiness Report 2022: India Ranks 136th

• India has improved its rank by three spots to acquire 136th position in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report for the year 2022, which ranked 146 countries.
• In 2021, India’s rank was 139. Finland has topped the 2022 World Happiness Report, for the fifth continuous year. Afghanistan has been ranked as the unhappiest country in the world, at 146th position.
• The 2022 World Happiness Report was released on March 18, 2022. It is the 10th edition of the report.
• The World Happiness Report is being published by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, since 2012, to rank countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.
• The Report is based on two key ideas, (1) happiness or life evaluation measured through opinion surveys and (2) identifying key elements that determine well-being and life evaluation across countries.

Books and Authors News

15. ‘Road to 1000’ book released by Sportstar and The Hindu group

• Sportstar and The Hindu group released a coffee-table book, ‘Road to 1000’, at the 2022 Sportstar Aces Awards at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The book is a 520-page, special collection with 1000 pictures to commemorate Indian cricket’s journey.
• ‘Road to 1000’ was released by former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Chandrakant Pandit and Nilesh Kulkarni here. On February 6, India played its 1,000th ODI against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to record the feat.
• India's World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011, under Kapil Dev and M. S. Dhoni respectively, remain the major highlights in Indian ODI history. Sportstar reporters and photographers travelled the world to cover the Indian cricket team in the 1980s and 1990s. This is the best tribute to Indian cricket.

16. A book titled “More than Just Surgery: Life Lessons Beyond the OT” by Dr Tehemton Erach Udwadia

• Padma Awardee Dr Tehemton Erach Udwadia has authored a new book titled “More than Just Surgery: Life Lessons Beyond the OT”, a personal account of people, incidents, mentors, failures, and absurdities against the backdrop of surgery.
• The book maps the journey of Dr Tehemton Erach Udwadia from his student years through residency, research, surgical practice and surgical teaching as a means of sharing the lessons he learned.

Important Days

17. 21st March observed as International Day of Forests

• The International Day of Forests (also known as World Forestry Day) is celebrated every year on March 21. The main aim of the day is to raise awareness of the significance of all types of forests.
• The day is to celebrate to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations as well as to increase the public awareness among communities about the values, significance and contributions of the forests to balance the life cycle on the earth.
• The theme for 2022 is "Forests and sustainable production and consumption."
• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

18. World Sparrow Day 2022: Date, theme, history

• World Sparrow Day (WSD) is celebrated every year on March 20th. This day is meant to raise awareness about the house sparrow and the dangers it confronts. The purpose of World Sparrow Day is to raise awareness and protect the bird all across the world.
• A few years ago, house sparrows were commonly seen in people's homes. As a result of rising noise pollution, the bird is now on the edge of extinction.
• The theme of World Sparrow Day is "LOVE Sparrows." More individuals are likely to join in a range of events and campaigns geared at sparrow conservation as a result of focusing on this issue.
• World Sparrow Day was established by Mohammed Dilawar, the founder of The Nature Forever Society. He started several projects, including the biodiversity Photo Contest, the annual Sparrow Awards, Project Save Our Sparrows, and the Common Bird Monitoring of India programme.
• The first World Sparrow Day was held in the year 2010. In 2011, the World Sparrow Awards were established.

19. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March to remind people about the negative consequences of racial discrimination. The 2022 edition of the International Day focuses on the theme “VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM”.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

20. 20th March celebrates as World Oral Health Day

• The World Oral Health Day is marked every year on March 20. The day aims to raise global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives.
• The theme for World Oral Health Day 2021-2023 is: Be Proud Of Your Mouth.
• The FDI World Dental Federation launched World Oral Health Day in 2007. The day was originally celebrated on 12th September in remembrance of FDI founder, Dr Charles Godon. Later, it was changed to 20th March in 2013 to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress in September.

EPFO lowers interest rate on PF deposits to 8.1% for 2021-22

14 March 2022
-------------------------------
EPFO lowers interest rate on PF deposits to 8.1% for 2021-22

The retirement fund body, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has slashed the interest rate on provident fund deposits to 8.10% for 2021-22. This rate is 0.4% lower than the previous year. The interest rate on PF deposits was 8.5% in 2020-21 and 2019-20.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

Key points:

• This is the lowest in more than four decades. EPFO had credited 8.0% as interest rate in 1977-78. Since then, it has been either 8.25% or more.
• The interest rate of 8.1% has been declared based on EPFO’s estimated income for the year at Rs 76,768 crore and this will leave the retirement fund body with a surplus of Rs 450 crore.
• The move is expected to hit the earnings of over sixty million EPFO subscribers.

Previous rates:

• EPFO had provided 8.65 % interest rate to its subscribers in 2016-17 and 8.55 % in 2017-18.
• The rate of interest was slightly higher at 8.8 % in 2015-16.
• It had given 8.75 % rate of interest in 2013-14 as well as 2014-15, higher than 8.5 % for 2012-13.
• The rate of interest was 8.25 % in 2011-12.

India’s 1st ever GI-tagged Kashmir carpets flagged off to Germany

14 March 2022
-------------------------------
India’s 1st ever GI-tagged Kashmir carpets flagged off to Germany

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has launched quick response (QR) code for its GI-tagged Kashmiri carpet, to preserve the authenticity and genuineness of the hand-knotted carpets. The main objective of this QR Code attached to the GI tag is to help in reviving the sheen and glory of the Kashmiri carpet industry.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

Key points:

• The QR code will contain relevant information of the artisans, manufacturer, weaver, district, raw material used etc.
• Since the QR code label cannot be copied or misused, it will discourage the counterfeit production of carpets.
• Meanwhile, the first-ever consignment of GI-tagged hand-knotted carpets were exported to Germany from New Delhi on March 11, 2022.
• It must be noted that the Kashmiri carpets were granted GI-tag in June 2016 by the Geographical Indication Registry of the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but the registered carpets were certified from 2022.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• J&K Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha;
• J&K Formation (Union territory): 31 October 2019.

PM Narendra Modi dedicates Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

14 March 2022
-------------------------------
PM Narendra Modi dedicates Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation a new campus building complex of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) at Lavad village near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. PM also addressed the first convocation of RRU Gandhinagar as a Chief Guest. The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations from 1st October 2020.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

RRU offers academic programs from diploma to doctorate level in various areas of policing and internal security such as police science and management, criminal law and justice, cyberpsychology, information technology, artificial intelligence and cyber security, crime investigation, strategic languages, internal defence and strategies, physical education and sports, coastal and maritime security. Currently, 822 students from 18 States are enrolled in these programs.

Key points:

• PM Modi said, Rashtriya Raksha University, National Law University and National Forensic Science University in Gujarat should come together for periodic symposiums, which will help in creating a better security environment and criminal justice system. He said, Gujarat has National Forensic Science University and National Children University- two such universities first in the world.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the first batch of any such institute in taking the vision of the institution forward. He noted the contribution of the old pharmacy college in Gujarat to turn the state into a leader in the pharmaceutical field. Similarly, IIM Ahmedabad led the creation of a robust MBA education system in the country.

About the University:

• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) was set up to meet the need for high quality trained manpower in various wings of policing, criminal justice and correctional administration.
• The government set up a national police university named Rashtriya Raksha University by upgrading the Raksha Shakti University which was established by the Government of Gujarat in 2010.
• The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations from 1st October 2020. The University will develop synergies with the private sector by leveraging knowledge and resources from the industry and would also set up Centres of Excellence in various fields relating to police and security.

Tamilnadu Petroproducts became world’s first LAB manufacturing company to get BIS certification

14 March 2022
-------------------------------
Tamilnadu Petroproducts became world’s first LAB manufacturing company to get BIS certification

TPL (Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd.) is the world’s first linear alkylbenzene (LAB) manufacturing company to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). TPL’s ‘Superlab’ brand is one of the most well-known laboratory brands in the country. TPL’s position as the market leader and the only authorised seller of the chemical in India will be bolstered by the certification. LAB can be used to make biodegradable detergent, making it a more sustainable option than conventional detergent formulations.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

KEY POINTS:

• In a notable step, Chennai-based petrochemicals manufacturer Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd (TPL) has been awarded IS12795:2020 certification by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India for its product linear alkylbenzene (LAB).
• TPL is part of AM International’s petrochemicals sector, a diversified, international conglomerate with a federated operating architecture based in Singapore.
• The company is India’s leading LAB manufacturer and the only one in the state of Tamil Nadu. LAB is a key component in the production of synthetic detergents and industrial cleansers. TPL‘s products account for over 40% of all fabric detergents used in Indian homes. Its ‘Superlab‘ brand is one of the most well-known laboratory brands in the country.
• TPL is the only authorised seller of LAB in the Indian market, thanks to the respected Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. The certificate complies with the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order 2021’s standards.
• Only LAB manufacturers who have received IS 12795 certification are allowed to offer their products in Indian markets, according to the terms of this decree. TPL is now the chosen partner for industries with LAB applications as a result of this progress.

As an industry leader, product quality has been the primary priority at TPL. It will be our constant goal to provide the greatest quality LAB to our segment partners for many years to come, and to proudly contribute to India’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat mission.“

When making a surface tension-lowering chemical, LAB is created as an intermediate product. The petrochemical is used to make biodegradable detergent, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to current detergent formulations. The substance was thoroughly assessed by the European Council Regulation (EC) and deemed to pose no significant environmental or health risks.

About Tamilnadu Petroproducts:

• Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd is a company based in Tamil Nadu, India.
• With its headquarters in Chennai, India, Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited (TPL), a subsidiary of Singapore-based AM International, is a significant maker of industrial intermediate chemicals.
• The company was founded in 1984 with the goal of establishing a cutting-edge Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) manufacturing facility. TPL‘s product portfolio now includes caustic soda, propylene oxide, and chlorine.

About AM international:

• AM International is a company based in the United States.
• AM International is a federated operating architecture with a diversified worldwide collection of firms. It has been trusted by millions of clients for over six decades and is headquartered in Singapore.
• Many group companies are market leaders today, with operations in Southeast Asia, India, and the United Kingdom.

13th and 14th March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

14 March 2022
-------------------------------
13th and 14th March Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

Daily GK updates are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking or other competitive exams. Daily GK Update is the complete bag of the important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the GK update of the 13th and 14th  March 2022 to help you prepare the Current affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Here is the Daily GK Update of the 13th and 14th March 2022 covering the following news headlines: World Rotaract Day, International Day of Mathematics, YUVIKA, Digital Shopping 2021, Morgan Stanely, EPFO.

Top 17 Daily GK Updates: National & International News 

Here is providing below the top 17 important Daily General Knowledge 2022 updates with national & international news.

National News

1. India’s first medical city ‘Indrayani Medicity’ to set up in Maharashtra

• The state government of Maharashtra has announced to set up the country’s first medical city named as ‘Indrayani Medicity’ in Pune, to provide all kinds of specialised treatment under one roof. It will come up in 300-acre of land area in Khed taluka of Pune.
• The project is estimated to attract investment worth over Rs. 10,000 crore.
• Indrayani Medicity will have hospitals, centres for medical research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, wellness and physiotherapy, and will be the first-of-its-kind city in the country to have all the treatments available at one place.
• The Medicity will have about 24 separate hospital buildings, each housing one department. The Medicity will not only benefit Pune but will also be useful for people from neighbouring districts who come to the city for better treatment.

2. PM Narendra Modi dedicates Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation a new campus building complex of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) at Lavad village near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. PM also addressed the first convocation of RRU Gandhinagar as a Chief Guest. The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations from 1st October 2020.
• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) was set up to meet the need for high quality trained manpower in various wings of policing, criminal justice and correctional administration.
• The government set up a national police university named Rashtriya Raksha University by upgrading the Raksha Shakti University which was established by the Government of Gujarat in 2010.
• The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations from 1st October 2020. The University will develop synergies with the private sector by leveraging knowledge and resources from the industry and would also set up Centres of Excellence in various fields relating to police and security.

3. First Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal of Indian Railways commissioned

• The Asansol Division of Indian Railways has successfully commissioned private siding of Maithan Power Limited at Thaparnagar, Jharkhand, in accordance with the Prime Minister's vision Gati Shakti and the Ministry of Railways' policy regarding the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal or also known as GCT, informed the Ministry of Railways.
• The coal needed for the power plant was delivered via road, which is estimated to yield 120 inbound coal rakes every month.
• Somewhere between two to four outward rakes of Fly Ash are expected to be handled from the siding area.
• This will increase the railways' monthly earnings by almost Rs. 11 crores.

International News

3. Ex-student protest leader, Gabriel Boric font becomes youngest President of Chile

• Gabriel Boric Font has been appointed as the new and 36th President of Chile. The 36-year-old leftist is the youngest leader to hold the office in Chile’s history. He succeeds Sebastián Piñera. Boric will hold the office for the period between 2022-2026.
• As a student representative, Boric became one of the leading figures of the 2011–2013 Chilean student protests. Boric was twice elected to the Chamber of Deputies representing the Magallanes and Antarctic district, first as an independent candidate in 2013 and then in 2017 as part of the Broad Front, a left-wing coalition he created with several other parties.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chile Capital: Santiago;
• Chile Currency: Chilean peso.

States News

5. Tamilnadu Petroproducts became world’s first LAB manufacturing company to get BIS certification

• TPL (Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd.) is the world's first linear alkylbenzene (LAB) manufacturing company to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). TPL's 'Superlab' brand is one of the most well-known laboratory brands in the country.
• TPL's position as the market leader and the only authorised seller of the chemical in India will be bolstered by the certification. LAB can be used to make biodegradable detergent, making it a more sustainable option than conventional detergent formulations.

Appointments News

6. Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as chairman of the NFRA 

• Ajay Bhushan Pandey has been appointed as the chairman of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) for a period of 3 years. Pandey, a 1984-batch Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, retired as revenue secretary in February last year.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of former revenue secretary ABP Pandey as the chairperson of NFRA for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years.
• The NFRA acts as an independent regulator for the auditing profession. The body has powers to review the financial statement of companies, can seek explanations and probe irregularities with respect to accounting and auditing issues. The setting up of the NFRA, envisaged under the Companies Act, 2013, was approved by the Cabinet in May 2018.

Economy News

7. Morgan Stanely projects India’s GDP for FY23 at 7.9% 

• Rating Agency Morgan Stanely has projected India’s GDP growth forecast for 2022-23 (FY23) at 7.9%. This is 50 bps less than its earlier projection due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on oil prices. Furthermore, Stanley raised the country's retail inflation estimate to 6%, meanwhile, current account deficits are seen to widen by 3% of GDP.
• India is affected through three key channels -- higher prices for oil and other commodities; trade, and tighter financial conditions, influencing business/investment sentiment. Analysts at the brokerage also raised their inflation forecast to 6 per cent - the upper end of the tolerance band for the RBI - and flagged stagflation risks because of the ongoing events.

8. EPFO lowers interest rate on PF deposits to 8.1% for 2021-22

• The retirement fund body, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has slashed the interest rate on provident fund deposits to 8.10% for 2021-22. This rate is 0.4% lower than the previous year. The interest rate on PF deposits was 8.5% in 2020-21 and 2019-20.
• This is the lowest in more than four decades. EPFO had credited 8.0% as interest rate in 1977-78. Since then, it has been either 8.25% or more.
• The interest rate of 8.1% has been declared based on EPFO’s estimated income for the year at Rs 76,768 crore and this will leave the retirement fund body with a surplus of Rs 450 crore.
• The move is expected to hit the earnings of over sixty million EPFO subscribers.

Ranks and Reports News

9. Global Investment in Digital Shopping 2021: India ranked 2nd

• According to the London & Partners analysis of Dealroom. co-investment data, India is the second-largest global venture capital investment hub for digital shopping companies, growing by a whopping 175% from $8 billion in 2020 to $22 billion in 2021.
• On a global scale, India came in second to the US last year, which attracted $51 billion in investment, followed by China at third with $14 billion and the UK at fourth with $7 billion.
• Within India, Bengaluru comes out on top globally with $14 billion worth of Venture Capital (VC) investments in digital shopping in 2021, followed by Gurugram at No. 7 with $4 billion and Mumbai at No. 10 with $3 billion.

Ranking:

Rank	Country	Investment
1	United States (US)	USD 51 billion
2	India	USD 22 billion
3	China	USD 14 billion
4	United Kingdom	USD 7 billion

Awards News

10. J&K Bank bagged National Award for SHG Bank Linkage

• Union Minister of Rural Development, Giriraj Singh honoured the Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) with the “National Award for Outstanding Performance for FY 2020-21” in recognition of its best performance in Self-Help Group Bank Linkage.
• Kirti Sharma, Zonal Head, Delhi, J & K Bank, accepted the award on the bank’s behalf from Union Minister Giriraj Singh.
• The award was presented during the event organized as a part of International Women’s Day (8th March 2022) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, Delhi. In line with the Bank’s commitment to extend banking facilities and financial services into the under-banked areas of Jammu and Kashmir, J&K Bank has commissioned 4 Business Units (BUs) in the region.

Schemes News

11. ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Challenge’ launched by Minister Hardeep Singh

• Under the Ministry's Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri launched the 'India WaterPitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge.'
• This comes after the Hon'ble Prime Minister's ceremonial launch of AMRUT 2.0 on October 1, 2021, stakeholder discussions in Lucknow (during MoHUA's Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav festivities), and Cabinet approval of the Mission on October 12, 2021.
• At India Habitat Centre, MoHUA hosted the 'India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Conclave,' a first-of-its-kind networking platform for entrepreneurs, young innovators, industry partners, incubators, and states/cities. During the conclave, Union Minister HUA announced a startup challenge on the MyGov platform.

Science and Technology News

12. ISRO organized Young Scientist Programme “YUVIKA” for students

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organizing a special programme for school children called “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA) or “Young Scientist Programme”.
• Aimed at creating awareness about emerging trends in science and technology, this programme is expected to encourage more students to pursue research and a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chairman and Space Secretary of ISRO: Dr S Somanath;
• ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka;
• ISRO established: 15 August 1969.

Sports News

13. In Ahmedabad, PM inaugurates the 11th Khel Mahakumbh

• The 11th edition of the Khel Mahakumbh was started on Saturday at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi claimed that he appointed Khel Mahakumbh as Gujarat's Chief Minister in 2010.
• Khel Mahakumbh, which began in Gujarat in 2010 with 16 sports and 13 lakh participants, now includes 36 general sports and 26 para-sports. The 11th Khel Mahakumbh has received over 45 lakh registrations.
• Due to COVID-19, we were not able to organize Khel Mahakumbh. Started in 2010 with 16 sports & 13 lakh participants, Khel Mahakumbh increased to 36 general sports & 26 para-sports in 2019."

Books and Authors News

14. Geetanjali Shree's translation ‘Tomb of Sand’ nominated for International Booker Prize

• Author Geetanjali Shree’s translated Hindi novel “Tomb of Sand” is among 13 books long-listed for the International Booker Prize. It is the first Hindi language work of fiction to make it to the long list of the prestigious literary prize.
• The book was originally published as ‘Ret Samadhi’ and translated into English by Daisy Rockwell. It will compete for the GBP 50,000 prize, which is split evenly between the author and translator.

Important Days

15. World Rotaract Day celebrates on 13th of March

• World Rotaract Day is celebrated on the 13th of March every year to acknowledge the services provided by the rotaractors across the world. The theme of World Rotaract Day 2022 is “Rotary Making a Difference”. World Rotaract Week will be held from 11 March 2022 to 18 March 2022.
• Rotary Club is the community service organization for young men and women. They take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.

16. International Day of Mathematics observed on 14 March

• International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed globally on the 14th of March every year. It is also known as the Pi Day because the mathematical constant π (pi) can be rounded down to 3.14.
• It aims to educate people about the essential role of mathematics in science and technology, improve quality of life, empower women and girls, and contribute to sustainable development. This is a relatively new event that was created just a couple of years back. The theme for 2022 IDM is “Mathematics Unites!“.
• The proclamation of March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics was adopted in the 205th session of the UNESCO’s Executive Council. The day was then adopted in the 40th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2019. Later in 2020, the world celebrated its First International Day of Mathematics on March 14, 2020.

Miscellaneous News

17. India's 1st ever GI-tagged Kashmir carpets flagged off to Germany

• The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has launched quick response (QR) code for its GI-tagged Kashmiri carpet, to preserve the authenticity and genuineness of the hand-knotted carpets. The main objective of this QR Code attached to the GI tag is to help in reviving the sheen and glory of the Kashmiri carpet industry.
• The QR code will contain relevant information of the artisans, manufacturer, weaver, district, raw material used etc.
• Since the QR code label cannot be copied or misused, it will discourage the counterfeit production of carpets.
• Meanwhile, the first-ever consignment of GI-tagged hand-knotted carpets were exported to Germany from New Delhi on March 11, 2022.
• It must be noted that the Kashmiri carpets were granted GI-tag in June 2016 by the Geographical Indication Registry of the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but the registered carpets were certified from 2022.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• J&K Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha;
• J&K Formation (Union territory): 31 October 2019.

March 11th 2022 verses

March 11th verses

புலம்பல் 3 : 25 & 26

25 : தமக்குக் காத்திருக்கிறவர்களுக்கும் தம்மைத் தேடுகிற ஆத்துமாவுக்கும் கர்த்தர் நல்லவர்.

26 : கர்த்தருடைய இரட்சிப்புக்கு நம்பிக்கையோடு காத்திருக்கிறது நல்லது.

Lamentations 3 : 25 & 26

25 : The Lord Is Good To Those Whose Hope Is In Him, To The One Who Seeks Him;(NIV)

26 : It Is Good To Wait Quietly For The Salvation Of The Lord .(NIV)

RBI extends Interest subsidy scheme for exporters

10 March 2022
-------------------------------
RBI extends Interest subsidy scheme for exporters

With the aim of expanding export shipments, the Reserve Bank of India extended the interest equalisation scheme for pre and post-shipment rupee loans for MSME exporters through March 2024. The ‘Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre and post-shipment Rupee Export Credit’ provides a subsidy to exporters. The scheme was first extended until the end of June last year, and then again until September 2021.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

Important points:

• The interest equalisation rates under the plan have been revised to 2% and 3% for certain categories of MSME manufacturer exporters, according to the RBI.
• Scheme to equalise interest rates “The government has authorised the extension of the Interest Equalisation Scheme for Pre- and Post-Shipment Rupee Export Credit through March 31, 2024, or until further review, whichever comes first,” said the statement.
• The extension will take effect on October 1, 2021, and will end on March 31, 2024, according to a notification from the RBI. The scheme will not apply to telecom instruments or businesses that receive benefits under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme.
• The bank will be required to provide the prevailing interest rate, the interest subvention being provided, and the net rate being charged to each exporter when issuing approval to the exporter, according to the RBI, in order to ensure transparency and greater accountability in the scheme’s operation.
• It further stated that beginning April 1, 2022, banks will cut the interest rate charged to eligible exporters upfront in accordance with the standards, and that claims must be submitted in writing within 15 days after the end of the fiscal year.