CURRENT AFFAIR SNIPPETS FEBRUARY 23 TO 25 2022 --FOR INTERVIEWS VERY USEFUL

 CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

23rd February 2022

National News

Inflation peaked in Jan, its momentum is declining: RBI Deputy Governor

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Michael Patra said inflation in India has reached its peak and its momentum "is actually declining". Referring to inflation rates breaching RBI's 6% target ceiling, Patra said policymakers had room to keep borrowing costs lower for longer to support the economy. Inflation rose to its seven-month high of 6.01% in January this year.

PM Modi inaugurated ‘Kisan Drone Yatra’ and flagged off 100 ‘Kisan Drones’ 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Kisan Drone Yatra’, an initiative by Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd and flagged off 100 ‘Kisan Drones’ in various cities and towns across India to spray pesticides in farms across the states of India.  The 100 Kisan Drones were set off in 100 villages in 16 states across India which includes Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa.  The farmers can use the high capacity Kisan drones to transport their produce such as fruits, vegetables and flowers to markets in a minimal time and boost their income.  While Inaugurating, PM addressed the farmers in Manesar, Haryana. The Kisan Drone Yatra was flagged off from the Manesar in Gurgaon, Haryana.

The Kisan Drones will also be promoted for crop assessment, digitization of land records and spraying of insecticides and nutrients.  Garuda Aerospace has set a target of manufacturing two lakh drones in the next two years and this will provide ample employment to youth.

International News

Russian President Putin divided Ukraine into 3 countries

Russian President, Vladimir Putin has recognised the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine – Donetsk and Luhansk.  Putin’s announcement paved the way for Russia to openly send troops and weapons to the long-running conflict pitting Ukrainian forces against Moscow-backed rebels.  Russian-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian troops in Donetsk and Luhansk since 2014, with regular violence despite a ceasefire agreement.  Putin signed decrees recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk regions' independence, eight years after fighting erupted between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces, and called on lawmakers to approve measures paving the way for military support.

Israel successfully tests fire ‘C-Dome’ new naval air defence system

Israel successfully tested a new naval air defence system “C-Dome,” to be used on the Israeli Navy’s Sa’ar 6-class corvettes. C-Dome is the naval version of the Iron Dome, an all-weather air defence system of Israel to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and missiles, from the Gaza Strip.

The successful test further strengthens the missile defence systems of the Israeli Navy to safeguard the maritime assets of the State of Israel.  The systems that we are developing as part of Israel’s multi-tier missile defence array enable us to operate against Iranian proxies in the region and defend against their weapon systems, which are constantly being upgraded.  The C-Dome is to become part of Israel's multilayer missile defence system — which includes weapons capable of intercepting everything from long-range missiles to short-range rockets.

States News

Gurugram sisters chosen as 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' brand ambassadors 

International Chess Player woman FIDE Masters, Tanishka Kotia and her sister Riddhika Kotia are appointed as Brand Ambassadors of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme for the Gurugram District of Haryana. Tanishka Kotia won the Limca Book of Records for being the youngest chess player in 2008. They belong to the Haryana state.  Tanishka Kotia ranks 2nd in the country in the under-16 category, World Chess Federation rankings released in 2019. She won a gold medal at the ASEAN Chess Championship in 2013 and silver at the Commonwealth Chess Championship In 2014 in Scotland. Riddhika Kotia represented India at several prestigious international events, including the World Junior Chess Championship 2020.

Assam Govt Launches India's First Night Navigation Mobile App In Rivers

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched India’s first Night Navigation mobile application for ferry services on the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. It was developed by the State Transport Department in association with K Raju, the principal scientist of IIT Madras.  The first night journey of the IWT (Inland Water Transport) ferry between Guwahati and North Guwahati was started on 19 February 2022.  The Chief Minister also launched ten Aadhar-based contactless services of the State Transport Department to make public service delivery time-efficient and budget-friendly. The CM also launched an e-ticketing system for Dhubri and Silchar ferry services.  An MoU was also signed between the Common Service Centres (CSCs) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the State Transport Department to provide online services at the panchayat level.

Appointments News

K.N. Raghavan named as new Chairman of International Rubber Study Group

Executive Director of the Indian Rubber Board, K.N. Raghavan has been elected the new Chairman of the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). He will officiate as Chairman of the group for the next two years. He will preside over the meeting of the heads of delegation scheduled for March 31 at Singapore.  India, being both a producer and a consumer of rubber, will be in a good position to protect the interests of both producers and consumers in the IRSG -the only international commodity body approved by the Common Fund for Commodities for development financing in the rubber sector.

Centre nominates Sanjay Malhotra as a Director of Central Board of RBI 

The Centre government has nominated Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, as a Director on the Central Board of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).  The nomination of Malhotra, a 1990 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, is effective from February 16, 2022, and until further orders.  Prior to his appointment as DFS Secretary, Malhotra was the Chairman and Managing Director of REC Ltd. He succeeded Debashish Panda, who completed his term on January 31, 2022.

Agreements News

India and France sign Roadmap on Blue Economy

India and France have inked a roadmap to enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy and ocean governance. Dr S Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to France, from February 20 to 22, 2022, to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific scheduled for February 22.  The agreement on ‘Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance’ was signed between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.  The partnership will help to explore the potential for collaboration in marine science research for a better understanding of oceans and ensure that the ocean remains a global common, a space of freedom and trade, based on the rule of law. The scope of the roadmap will encompass maritime trade, the naval industry, fisheries, marine technology and scientific research, integrated coastal management, marine eco-tourism, inland waterways, and cooperation between competent administrations on civil maritime issues.  India and France underscored that fisheries are a vital economic sector and play a decisive role in food security and livelihood security, particularly for coastal populations.

Kerala's startup Mission partnered with Google for Startups to foster global links

During the ‘Huddle Global 2022’, the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has entered into a collaboration with technology major Google that will enable start-ups in the State to join a wider global network that provides mentorship and training. This wider network enables local startups to leverage Google's programme comprising mentorship and training of startup teams to help scale up their solutions.  The partnership was announced by Mr Paul Ravindranath, Head of Google for Startups Accelerator, India, at the Huddle Global' conclave of KSUM that kicked off.  The collaboration will enable Kerala's startups to join a wider network to leverage Google's programme comprising mentorship and training of startup teams for scaled-up solutions.

Science and Technology News

GoI organise week-long ‘Vigyan Sarvatra Pujyate’ Science exhibition

The Government of India has organised a week-long science exhibition titled ‘Vigyan Sarvatra Pujyate’ from February 22 to 28, 2022, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemoration. It will be conducted simultaneously at 75 locations across the country through a hybrid model. The inaugural programme was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on the 22nd of February.  The exhibition will celebrate science and technology (S&T) and display the country’s scientific legacy and technology prowess. The exhibition will culminate on February 28, 2022, which coincide with the National Science Day, commemorated in remembrance of Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman’s path-breaking discovery of the Raman Effect in 1930.

Sports News

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz creates history, becomes youngest ATP 500 winner

The 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has clinched the Rio Open tennis title after defeating Diego Schwartzman in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The seventh-seeded Alcaraz defeated third-seeded Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2 to become the youngest ATP 500 champion since the category was created in 2009.  It is the second tour-level title of the teen's career following his breakthrough in Umag last year. Alcaraz converted five of his six break points in the match. Overall, he won 55 per cent of his return points to put constant pressure on his veteran opponent.

India’s R Praggnanandhaa becomes youngest player to beat World No 1 Magnus Carlsen

India’s teen chess Grandmaster, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has created history as he defeated world number one chess champion, Magnus Carlsen, of Norway in an online chess tournament.  The Airthings Masters is the first of the nine events of the 2022 Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, being held from February to November 2022.  The 16-year-old Pragg achieved the feat in the eighth round of the Airthings Masters, an online rapid chess tournament, in 39 moves with black pieces.  Pragg is also only the third Indian grandmaster to win against Magnus Carlsen apart from Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna.

Obituaries News

Andhra Pradesh Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy passes away

Andhra Pradesh Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy has passed away. The 50 years old Minister returned to India from Dubai Expo.  Reddy, was a two-time MLA from the Atmakur Assembly constituency in the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. He was the Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Information Technology in Andhra Pradesh Government.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

24022022

NATIONAL

PM Modi speaks to Putin, appeals for immediate cessation of violence

PM Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin about recent developments regarding Ukraine and reiterated his conviction that the differences between Russia and NATO can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue, said PMO. PM Modi appealed for immediate cessation of violence. He sensitised Putin about India's concerns regarding Indian citizens' safety in Ukraine, PMO added.

INTERNATIONAL

US sanctions Russian banks that together hold around $1 trillion in assets

short by Pragya Swastik / 12:51 am on 25 Feb 2022,Friday

US President Joe Biden announced new economic sanctions on Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "We've now sanctioned Russian banks that together hold around $1 trillion in assets," he said. "Today, we're also blocking four more major Russian banks...every asset that they have in America will be frozen. This includes VTB, the second-largest bank in Russia," Biden added.

First day of Ukraine invasion successful: Russia

short by Ankush Verma / 11:47 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Russian military has said the first day of Ukraine invasion was "successful". Meanwhile, Ukraine Presidency said Russian forces have captured Chernobyl. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country had no other option but to order what he has called a special operation against Ukraine, saying all of Russia's previous attempts to change the security situation had come to nothing.

First day of Ukraine invasion successful: Russia

short by Ankush Verma / 11:47 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Russian military has said the first day of Ukraine invasion was "successful". Meanwhile, Ukraine Presidency said Russian forces have captured Chernobyl. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country had no other option but to order what he has called a special operation against Ukraine, saying all of Russia's previous attempts to change the security situation had come to nothing.

Putin is a 'tyrant', he wants to re-establish the former Soviet Union: US President

short by Ankush Verma / 01:04 am on 25 Feb 2022,Friday

US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "tyrant", saying that the Russian leader wants to "re-establish the former Soviet Union". "His (Putin's) ambitions are completely contrary to the place where the rest of the world has arrived," Biden further said. "Sanctioning Putin is on the table," Biden added.

200 Indian students moved to a school in Ukraine; pic released

short by Arshiya Chopra / 09:15 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Embassy of India in Ukraine accommodates more than 200 Indian students at school near the embassy in the nation's capital Kyiv amid war with Russia. The Indian government had earlier said that they are making alternative arrangements for evacuations after Ukraine's airspace was closed. The government also advised Indian nationals in Ukraine to go to nearby bomb shelters.

Donate blood for those injured in Russia attack: Ukraine Prez to citizens

short by Dharini Mudgal / 09:52 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the country's citizens to donate blood for those who are getting injured in the attack by Russia. He said, "We need help from everybody...We've wounded soldiers in hospitals that require blood donations, please...donate your blood." Earlier, Zelenskyy had said that he will give weapons to every Ukrainian citizen who need to defend the country.

Activist detained after calling for anti-war protests in Russia

short by Disha Jana / 09:34 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

A Russian opposition activist who called for anti-war protests after Russia attacked Ukraine was detained by police in Moscow on Thursday. Marina Litvinovich, who was detained by police outside her apartment, had called for people to rally in various cities against Russia's military offensive via a Facebook post. Meanwhile, Russia has warned citizens against taking part in anti-invasion protests.

Canadian PM Trudeau lifts emergency powers used to remove protesters

short by Veer Badani / 10:01 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said he is ending the emergency powers he invoked nine days ago to remove protesters from the "Freedom Convoy" that disrupted Ottawa since late January. The Emergencies Act, which was approved on Monday, allowed accounts of those suspected of supporting the protest against COVID-19 mandates to be frozen without requiring a court order.

Lithuania declares state of emergency after Russia attacks Ukraine

short by Disha Jana / 07:21 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has declared state of emergency in country after Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday. The state of emergency will be valid for two weeks and allow for increased border protection. It will also give authorities right to check vehicles, persons and luggage in border area. Lithuania shares its border with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

BANKING, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Wall Street opens 2% lower amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

short by Ashley Paul / 10:28 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Wall Street opened 2% lower on Thursday following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and global crude oil prices crossing the $100/barrel mark. Dow Jones Industrial Average was trading over 2% or 665 points lower at 32,467.08 while S&P 500 was down 1.51% at 4,161.53 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq, on the other hand, traded 1.71% or 222 points lower at 12,815.11.

RBI cancels registration of PC Financial for violating guidelines

short by Ashley Paul / 07:47 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

In its first major action against a digital lender, RBI cancelled the registration certificate of PC Financial Services for "gross violations" of the central bank's guidelines. RBI said the company had violated outsourcing and know-your-customer norms. "The company was also found to be charging usurious rate of interest and other charges to its borrowers in an opaque manner," RBI added.

Russia-Ukraine conflict wipes over $200 billion from crypto market

short by Pragya Swastik / 09:25 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

The market cap of all cryptocurrencies has plunged by $200 billion following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The market cap of all cryptocurrencies now stands at approximately $1.56 trillion, down from a high of $1.77 trillion during the last 24 hours, data from CoinMarketCap showed. Bitcoin is trading just over $35,500, a decline of 9% in the last 24 hours.

Indian economy poised for recovery, but high oil prices worrisome: CEA

short by Ashley Paul / 09:04 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran said the Indian economy is poised for growth but high crude oil prices are a cause for concern. He added that the country's banking sector is stable and credit offtake is also poised to take off. "We're not unique to the phenomenon of uncertain growth and high inflation due to the pandemic," he added.

India refunds ₹7,900 cr to UK's Cairn Energy to settle retrospective tax dispute

short by Pragya Swastik / 07:00 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

The Indian government has refunded ₹7,900 crore to Britain's Cairn Energy Plc to settle a dispute over the levy of retrospective taxes, the company said on Thursday. Cairn, now known as Capricorn Energy Plc, said, "Net proceeds of $1.06 billion have been received." In August 2021, India brought a law to scrap all retrospective tax demands and refund money collected.

Russian stocks post biggest-ever slump of 45%, erase $250 billion in value

short by Kiran Khatri / 05:01 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Russian stocks slumped as much as 45% on Thursday, their biggest-ever drop, after the country launched a military operation in Ukraine. This wiped out over $250 billion in stock market value, as per Bloomberg. Earlier, the Russian ruble also fell to its level on record. The market crash came as Western countries said they'll impose unprecedented sanctions on Russia

IKEA names Susanne Pulverer as 1st woman CEO for India business

short by Kiran Khatri / 05:24 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

World's largest furniture retailer IKEA announced the appointment of Susanne Pulverer as its first woman CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for its India business. Pulverer will replace outgoing CEO Peter Betzel and this will be her third stint in India. She joined Sweden-based IKEA in 1997 and moved to India in 2007 to head purchasing function for IKEA South Asia.

Sensex crashes 2,702 points to end at 54,530 amid Russia's attack on Ukraine

short by Kiran Khatri / 03:46 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

The Indian benchmark indices crashed nearly 5% on Thursday amid Russia's military operation in eastern Ukraine with the Sensex plunging 2,702 points. The Sensex ended at 54,530, while the broader Nifty 50 also fell 823 points to close at 16,240. The indices recorded their second worst day since March 2020, the month when India imposed COVID-19 restrictions, as per Bloomberg.

SPORTS

Rohit Sharma becomes highest run-scorer in T20I cricket

short by Anmol Sharma / 08:15 pm on 24 Feb 2022,Thursday

Team India captain Rohit Sharma has become the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket. The 34-year-old achieved the feat during the first T20I against Sri Lanka. With his 32-ball 44-run knock in the match, Rohit took his tally of runs in T20I cricket to 3,307. He overtook Virat Kohli (3,296 runs) and Martin Guptill (3,299 runs).

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CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

25th February 2022

National News

Sanjeev Sanyal named full-time member of Economic Advisory Council to PM 

Finance Ministry's Principal Eonomic Advisor, Sanjeev Sanyal has been inducted as a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), the panel's chairman Bibek Debroy announced.  The appointment is for a tenure of two years. He had advised the finance ministry to devise economic policies during the pandemic. The EAC-PM is an independent body constituted by the Union government to advise the prime minister on economic matters.

Giriraj Singh launches Ombudsperson App for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA

Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh has launched Ombudsperson App for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.  Ministry of Rural Development has developed an Ombudsperson App for smooth reporting and categorization of grievances by Ombudsperson based on complaints he received from various sources viz. physical, digital and mass media, related to the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREG Scheme in the States/UTs.  The app will enable easy tracking and timely passing of awards by Ombudsperson on each case as per the guidelines. Ombudsperson can also easily upload the quarterly and annual reports on the website through the app.  The app will help the ombudsperson to a greater extent in discharging her/his duty towards transparency and accountability. Also, smooth disposal of the grievances in a time-bound manner with minimal support of further human resources will be possible through the app.

Vande Bharatam's signature tune released by Minister of State for Culture 

Minister of State for Culture & External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi has released a signature tune for ‘Vande Bharatam’. The tune is composed by Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej and Oscar contender Bickram Ghosh.  It was produced for Vande Bharatam, Nritya Utsav of Ministry of Culture presented at Rajpath, New Delhi for Republic Day event 2022. It was followed by the fascinating live performance by composers of Vande Bharatam song Ricky Kej and Bikram Ghosh.  The two musicians, Ricky kej and Bickram Ghosh shared that it is an honour for them to have given the score for Vande Bharatam which is a very rich piece of music and is based on Indian traditions but also has modern features and fusion.  The Ministry of Defence handed over the special trophy to the Ministry of Culture in recognition of its exemplary efforts during the Republic day Event 2022.

G Kishan Reddy inaugurate a conference on Indian temple architecture ‘Devayatanam’

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organizing a two-day international conference ‘Devayatanam – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture on 25th – 26th February 2022 at Hampi, Karnataka.  The Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G Kishan Reddy inaugurates the conference. The conference aims to deliberate upon the philosophical, religious, social, economic, technical, scientific, art and architectural aspects of the temple.  It also intends to initiate a dialogue on the evolution and development of the various styles of temple architecture such as the Nagara, Vesara, Dravida, Kalinga and others.

Rakesh Sharma again appointed as MD & CEO of IDBI Bank

Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI Bank) has informed the stock exchanges that its board has approved the reappointment of Rakesh Sharma as the managing director and chief executive officer of the bank for a period of three years, effective March 19, 2022. Sharma's reappointment as the MD&CEO of the bank has received the banking regulator, Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) nod.  Sharma was previously the MD&CEO of Canara Bank and retired from this position in July 2018. Prior to that, he served as the MD&CEO of Laxmi Vilas Bank from March 2014 to September 2015. He was previously associated with the State Bank of India (SBI).

HUL named Nitin Paranjpe as non-executive Chairman

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has announced the separation of the position of Chairman of the Board and the CEO & Managing Director of the company.  Nitin Paranjpe has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of the company with effect from March 31, 2022. He is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of Unilever, the parent company of HUL. Sanjiv Mehta will continue to be the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director (CEO & MD) of the company.  The Board accepted the recommendation made by the NRC and has appointed Paranjpe as a Non-Executive Chairman. The appointment is subject to approval of the shareholders which the Company will seek as per applicable regulations.

Dish TV's ropes Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador

Dish TV India, has announced the appointment of Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant as brand ambassador. Pant will feature in the brand's 360-degree communication for the next two years. This investment in the D2H brand is going to make it even stronger.  The close affinity between D2H brand and Rishabh Pant as brand ambassadors will enable deeper engagement of D2H with its TG.  Rishabh has quickly developed into a distinctive entertainer on the cricket field, with his boundless energy behind the stumps and innovation in shot-making. He brings a spark each time he enters the field and appeals to the huge 18-35 age group across the country, our core audience.

India's NIUA and WEF to collaborate on sustainable cities development programme

World Economic Forum (WEF) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a jointly designed ‘Sustainable Cities India program’.  The program aims to create an enabling environment for cities to generate decarbonization solutions across the energy, transport, and built environment sectors. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it comes after the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated India’s commitment to turn net-zero by 2070 as a climate mitigation response at COP26.

Banking, Business and Economy 

Moody’s revised India’s growth estimates to 9.5% in CY2022 

Moody’s has revised India’s economic growth estimates in the Current Year 2022 upwards to 9.5 per cent from 7 per cent on stronger than expected recovery after a lockdown in 2020 and Covid-19's Delta wave in 2021. It maintained a forecast for 5.5 per cent growth in CY2023.  In its update on Global Macro Outlook 2022-23 today, Moody's said sales tax collection, retail activity and Purchasing Managers Index suggest solid momentum. However, high oil prices and supply distortions remain a drag on growth for India.

SPMCIL Delhi headquarters declared a prohibited place

Home Ministry has declared Delhi headquarters of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL) as a ‘prohibited place’ under Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.  This prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into it. It is the only currency and banknotes manufacturer of India, that printed new series of notes of denomination Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 in 2016. The nine production units of SPMCIL, where banknotes and other government papers are manufactured, are already prohibited places.  Only the Delhi headquarters where crucial decisions are taken and important files are generated was not under the purview. Through the recent order, even the Delhi office has been declared a prohibited place. The nine production units are four India Government Mints, two Currency Note Presses. 

PM-Kisan 3rd Anniversary, transferred Rs 1.80 lakh CRORE to farmers accounts directly

About 11.78 crore farmers as of February 22, 2022, have been benefitted under the PM Kisan scheme.  The amount worth Rs1.82 lakh crore have been disbursed to eligible beneficiaries across India in various intervals. During the current Covid 19 epidemic period, Rs. 1.29 lakh crore has been released.  PM-KISAN is a centre sectored scheme which was launched on 24th February 2019 to substitute monetary needs of landholding farmers. The monetary benefit of Rs 6000/- per year in three equal instalments, every four-month, 3 times a year, it is transferred into the bank accounts of the families of the farmers across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer or DBT mode.  The scheme was in the starting meant for small and marginal farmers having landholding upto 2 hectares but then the scope of the scheme was extended to cover all landholding farmers with effect from 01.06.2019.

IBM unveiled new Cybersecurity Hub in Bengaluru to address cyberattack

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has launched a cybersecurity hub in Bengaluru to address the concerns of its clients across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The multi-million dollar IBM Security Command Center will be located at the IBM office in Bengaluru in Karnataka. It is the first of its kind facility in the region.  The IBM global analysis report for 2022 states that Asia emerged as the top-most targeted region for cyberattacks, representing 26% of attacks analyzed in 2021.  This cybersecurity hub will deliver training in cybersecurity response techniques, to organisations of all types, through highly realistic, simulated cyberattacks, to prepare everyone, ranging from C-Suite to technical staff.  The new cyber security hub is one of the only two such centres of IBM globally. The other one is located in the US.

Books and Authors News

A book title ‘The Great Tech Game’ penned by Anirudh Suri

Indian author, Anirudh Suri has come out with his new book titled “The Great Tech Game: Shaping Geopolitics and the Destinies of Nations.’ It has been published by HarperCollins India. In this book, the author lays out a roadmap for how any country must develop its own strategic plan to succeed in this technology-dominant era.  In this book, the author provides a coherent framework outlining the key drivers that will determine the ability of a nation to succeed in this technology-dominant era. He lays out a roadmap for how any country must develop its own strategic plan for success.  Leaders must develop a new set of capabilities to understand and take advantage of these trends and create enabling environments for their nations to not be left behind. A particularly challenging aspect will be the ability of countries to define and manage the roles of state and non-state actors in a global race for technological leadership and success.

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