Daily Current Affairs for BPSC as on 05.05.2022

NATIONAL:

1. Sex ratio at birth

Why in news - The Registrar General of India’s Civil Registration System Report-2020 was published recently.

Key Points –

• It showed India’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) (number of girls born per 1,000 boys) is the highest for Ladakh (1,104), Arunachal Pradesh (1,011), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (984) and Tripura (974).

• Ladakh led the India’s SRB charts with all northern states, including Punjab and Haryana.

• The lowest sex ratio was reported by Manipur (880), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (898), Gujarat (909), Haryana (916) and Madhya Pradesh (921).

• None of the States or UTs have recorded sex ratio at birth below 880.

2. NATGRID campus in Bengaluru

Why in news - Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) in Bengaluru.

Key Points –

• C-DAC, the state-run supercomputer developer, is implementing the project.

• NATGRID would fulfill the responsibility of linking various sources of data for law enforcement agencies to trace the source or diffuse the threat.

• NATGRID would be available to 11 central agencies and police of all states and union territories.

About NATGRID –

• It was proposed to be established in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attack in 2008.

• It was mooted by the then Home Minister P. Chidambaram in 2009.

• The office of NATGRID is attached to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• In 2010, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had given approval to the Rs 3,400-crore NATGRID project.
• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) are the other two organisations established in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks of 2008.

INTERNATIONAL:

1. Nuclear Tsunami

Why in news - Russian state TV anchor has warned that Moscow could wipe Britain off the map with a nuclear tsunami in retaliation for supporting Ukraine.

Key Points –

• A strike by Russia’s Poseidon nuclear underwater thermonuclear-armed drone could drown the UK under a 500-meter tidal wave of radioactive seawater.

• The Poseidon underwater drone is also known as "Kanyon" in the United States.

• Poseidon is about 20 m long, can go 1,000 m deep and has a range of at least 10,000 km.

• Poseidon is estimated to have a top speed of over 50 nautical mph or over 90 km/h which would make it twice as fast as a conventional submarine.

SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:

1. 2nd India-Nordic Summit

Why in news – PM Narendra Modi has participated in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit on May 04, 2022.

Key Points –

• The summit took place at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway have also participated in the summit.

• The 1st India-Nordic Summit took place in 2018 in Stockholm.

• Iceland’s parliament, the Althing, is the oldest parliament in the world.

• Sweden is the largest and most populous of the Nordic countries. Iceland is the least populous.

• Total bilateral trade in goods and services between India and the Nordic countries is $13 billion.

• The US is the only other country with which the Nordic states have an engagement at the summit level.

ECONOMY:

1. RBI Repo Rate hike

Why in news - RBI in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting (May 2-4, 2022) has decided to increase the policy repo rate.

Key Points –

• RBI hiked the Repo rate by 40 basis points to 4.40%.

• RBI hiked the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4.50%.

• However, RBI retained the accommodative monetary policy stance.

• By hiking the rates, the RBI aims to keep inflation, which is already close to 7%, at its desired level (4% +/-2%).

• Repo stands for “Re Purchase Option”. It is the rate at which RBI lends to other banks by buying the securities with an agreement that the bank will buy back on a certain date.

• CRR is the percentage of depositors’ money that commercial banks have mandatorily to park with the Reserve Bank.

• The rates are as under

A. Repo Rate: 4.40%

B. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)= 4.15%

C. Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 4.65%

D. Bank Rate: 4.65%

E. CRR: 4.50%

F. SLR: 18.00%

About MPC (2016) –

• MPC is a statutory body constituted under Section 45ZB of the amended (in 2016) RBI Act 1934.

• It is a six-member body.

• RBI Governor is the ex officio chairperson of MPC.

• MPC was constituted on the recommendation of Urijit Patel Committee.

• The first meeting of MPC was conducted on 3rd October 2016 in Mumbai.

• MPC is tasked with framing monetary policy using tools like the repo rate, reverse repo rate, bank rate, cash reserve ratio (CRR).

2. HDFC Life becomes Signatory to United Nations

Why in news - HDFC Life recently signed up for the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Key Points –

• PRI aims for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

• The Company currently has Assets Under Management of over Rs. 2 lakh crores.

• HDFC Life has won the ‘Best Governed Company in the listed segment: Large category’ award at the 21st National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance.

• PRI (Created in 2005 by UNGA) is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment.

IMPORTANT DAYS:

1. International Firefighter’s Day 2022

Why in news - International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is celebrated every year on 4 May to honour the work of firefighting professionals.

Key Points –

• St Florian was the first known commander of a firefighting squad in the Roman era who lost his life while performing his duty.

• In a tragic incident in Linton town of Australia, on December 2, 1998, five firemen lost their lives while trying to douse a wildfire.

• A proposal was forwarded to all countries on January 4, 1999, to honour the firefighters and others who lost their lives while performing their duty.

SCI TECH:

1. India’s first indigenous hydrogen-fuelled electric vessel

Why in news - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways would build the first indigenous hydrogen-fuelled electric vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

Key Points –

• The CSL has partnered with KPIT Technologies and Indian developers in the areas of hydrogen fuel cell, power trains etc for developing rules and regulation for such vessels.

• The vessel would be based on Low-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Technology (LT-PEM) called Fuel Cell Electric Vessel (FCEV).

• It is expected to cost around Rs 17.50 crore.

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) envisages a reduction in the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.

STATES/UTs:

1. Rajasthan’s Railway Station renamed ‘Mahesh Nagar Halt.

Why in news – The name of Barmer railway station changed from ‘Mian Ka Bada’ to ‘Mahesh Nagar Halt’.

Key Points –

• The renaming of the railway station is done by the central government and the railway board.

• The renamed station was finally inaugurated on April 30, 2022.

• The village home to the station had its name changed from 'Miyan ka Bada' to Mahesh Nagar in 2018, but the railway station's name was not yet altered.

2. Chhattisgarh ‘Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojna’

Why in news – CM Bhupesh Baghel launched ‘Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojna’ (Mitaan stands for friend) which would be implemented as a pilot project in 14 civic bodies in the state.

Key Points –

• People could now avail of around 100 public services including delivery of birth, caste, income and marriage certificates, at their doorstep.

• People can contact the ‘Mitaan’ on toll free number –14545 — for the service.

• The entire process of Mitaan scheme would be digital.

3. Maharashtra Jivhala Scheme

Why in news – The Maharashtra Department of Prisons has launched a loan scheme for inmates serving sentences in jails across the state.

Key Points –

• Loan is being offered by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank.

• It was introduced for prisoners at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune.

• The loan would be disbursed in the name of the inmate and issued to designated family members.

• In the initial phase, a loan of Rs 50,000 will be given at a 7 per cent interest rate.

SPORTS:

1. Khelo India University Games 2021

Why in news – Jain University (JU) emerged as the overall champion of the Khelo India University Games.

Key Points –

• JU claimed 20 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals to take top honours.

• Lovely Professional University (17 gold, 15 silver, 19 bronze) and defending champion Punjab University (15 gold, 9 silver, 24 bronze) finished second and third respectively.

• Jain University swimmer Siva Sridhar, with seven gold and two silver medals, finished as the most successful athlete in the championship.

• The super racer Priya Mohan of Jain university won the gold medal in the women's 200m race finale by defeating Asian Games' champion and Olympian Dutee Chand.

SECURITY:

1. Fast Patrol Vessel Kamla Devi

Why in news – The Indian Coast Guard’s ship named Kamla Devi was launched in the Titagarh area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Key Points –

• This is the fifth in a series of 5 Fast Patrol Vessels.

• The 4th in the series was exported to the Republic of Seychelles as the ‘SCG PS Zoroaster’ in 2021.

• The design of these ‘Fast Patrol Vessels’ has been developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) shipyard Kolkata.

• ICGS Kamladevi was named after social reformer and freedom activist ‘Kamladevi Chattopadhyay’.

• It can reach a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles.

APPOINTMENTS:

1. Sangeeta Singh

Why in news – IRS officer Sangeeta Singh given additional charge of CBDT chairman.

Key Points –

• She is a 1986-batch IRS-IT officer.

• The incumbent JB Mohapatra retired as the head of the direct taxes administration body on April 30.

AWARDS & HONOURS:

1. DNDM Global Peace Award

Why in news - General (retd.) Tej Kaul was awarded the prestigious Dr. Nirmala Deshpande Memorial (DNDM) Global Peace Award.

Key Points –

• General Kaul was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the continuous efforts to promote peace between Indian neighbours, primarily India and Pakistan.

• He has also been awarded PVSM (Param Vishisht Seva Medal), AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal) and the VSM (Vishisht Seva Medal).

• General Kaul has also been bestowed Saraswati Award for humanitarian and social services to humanity by Kailash Math, Maharashtra.

• He is the Executive President of India Pakistan Soldiers’ Initiative for Peace (IPSI), India Chapter.

AGREEMENTS:

1. IIT Bombay ties up with IMD

Why in news - IIT Bombay has tied up with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to develop climate solutions for the stakeholder at the village, city and district level.

Key Points –

• It is likely to work on the development of Sensors and Drone-based Smart Monitoring systems, Climate-smart agriculture technology for water and food security and Smart power grid management.

• IIT Bombay has also set up the first-ever chair professorship in climate studies.

OBITUARY:

1. Stanislav Shushkevich

Why in news - Belarus leader Stanislav Shushkevich who helped dissolve Soviet Union in 1991 dies at 87.

BIHAR:

1. ‘Meri Saheli’ and ‘Matangini’ initiative

Why in news - The women's wing of Railway Protection Force ‘Meri Saheli’ and ‘Matangini’ is going to be activated in the Malda Division of North Eastern Railway soon.

Key Points –

• Teams are currently active in Asansol Division.

• Soon, such teams would be deployed in Bhagalpur railway station.

• They will sternly deal with people molesting women, rude behavior and traffickers.

2. Hi-tech multi-storey parking will be built in Mauryalok

Why in news - Hi-tech multi-level parking will be ready before Durga Puja in the Mauryalok complex Patna.

Key Points –

• A total of Rs 14.50 crore will be spent on this steel structure parking.

• With the construction of parking, people coming to Buddha Marg, ISKCON Temple, Income Tax Golambar, Patna Museum, Dak Bungalow, Fraser Road, Maurya Lok will be relieved.

3. New manual on factory workers released.

Why in news - If workers are made to work for more than eight hours, the owner will have to pay double the salary. The Labour Resources Department has issued a manual regarding this.

Key Points –

• The decision of the department will benefit more than two lakh workers of more than eight thousand factories registered in the state.

• A worker will be required to work for a maximum of eight hours. In this way, including one weekly holiday in a week, the worker will be able to work for a maximum of 48 hours.

• In special circumstances, employers can take more than eight hours of work from the worker but only for a maximum of 12 hours in a day.

• If a worker wants to do two types of work, then permission need to be taken from the state government.

4. Hrithik Anand won gold medal

Why in news - Hrithik Anand of Bihar has won a gold medal in Badminton in the ongoing Deaf Olympics in Brazil.

Key Points –

• He belongs to Hajipur in Bihar.

• Hrithik won the first gold medal for India in the 24th Summer Deaf Badminton Tournament held in Brazil.

• After defeating Brazil, China, Turkey, France in this match, Hrithik Anand won the gold medal after defeating Japan in the final match.

5. 'Operation Prahar'

Why in news - Bihar police have got a big success under Operation Prahar, being conducted against the violators of liquor prohibition along with the accused involved in serious criminal incidents.

Key Points –

• Under 'Operation Prahar', the police have made 8859 arrests in April.

• There are a large number of such accused against whom murder, attempt to murder, assault on police and other serious cases are registered.

• 67 Vajra teams have been formed at the district level to arrest the accused involved in serious criminal incidents.

• Anti Liquor Tax Force has been formed to check the liquor trade.

• Vajra and Anti Liquor Tax Force are part of 'Operation Prahar'.

6. Gas powered crematorium

Why in news - A model crematorium will be constructed along the Khajekalan Ghat in Patna with Rs 30 crore.

Key Points –

• It will be the first environment-friendly system of burning dead bodies with gas in Bihar.

• There will also be an option to burn dead bodies with wood and electricity at this ghat.

• The construction work of the building and ghat is targeted to be completed before March 2023 at a cost of 12 crores.

POINTERS:

• Where was the fourth edition of Meghalaya Games 2022 started – Shillong.

• Who was appointed as the new advisor to PM Modi - Tarun Kapoor.

• Who was appointed as the CEO of Amazon company - Andy Jesse.

• What percent stake did Bharti Airtel buy in Cnergee Technologies - 7 percent.

• Where was the world's first taxi flying airport "Urban Air One Vertiport" built – England.

• Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System was successfully test-fired at Kissu place – Jaisalmer.

• Where did the Kerala Olympic Games start – Thiruvananthapuram

• The Central Government has approved the sale of the percentage stake in Pawan Hans Limited to Star9 Mobility Private Limited for Rs 211.14 crore - 51 percent.

• The former chairman of SBI has been appointed as advisor by online lending platform Indifi Technologies - Rajnish Kumar.

• With the aim of taking the benefits of digital economy to youth and women entrepreneurs, the state government with which Google has signed a MoU- Telangana.

 

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