Daily Current Affairs February 18 2022

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Govt intends to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to all households:

• Power, New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh, the government intends to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to all households.
• In the past 7 years, India has increased its installed capacity of 3 lakh 95 thousand Mega Watt whereas the peak demand is 2 lakh Mega Watt.
• The Minister stressed that the two main requirements for an uninterrupted power supply is a better distribution system and the viability of Discoms.
• India is the most attractive destination for investment in Renewable Energy sector.

Government approves New India Literacy Programme for Financial Years 2022 to 2027:

• Government approved a new scheme New India Literacy Programme for the period Financial Years 2022 to 2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22.
• The National Education Policy 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.
• The objective of the scheme is to impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21st century.
• The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for Financial Years 2022 to 2027 is five crore learners @ 1.00 crore per year by using Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System OTLAS in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT
• The estimated total outlay of New India Literacy Programme is over one thousand 37 crore rupees which includes Central share of 700 crore rupees and State share of over 337 crore.

Govt approves continuation of Capacity Development Scheme till March 2026:

• Government has approved the continuation of the Capacity Development (CD) Scheme till 31st of March, 2026.
• The outlay approved for the continuation of the Scheme during 15th Finance Commission cycle is 3 thousand 179 crore rupees.
• The Capacity Development Scheme is an Ongoing Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry with an overall objective to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for enabling availability of credible and timely official statistics.
• The Scheme encompasses all statistical and data management activities of the Ministry and plays a crucial role in generation and maintenance of official statistical system of the country.
• The large-scale sample surveys undertaken by the Ministry cover important aspects of the economy and provide data inputs for policy framing of the Government.

Secretary, MoHUA chairs ‘Labharthiyon Se Rubaroo’ initiative of Ministry:

• Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in a virtual interaction held in New Delhi under the initiative of ‘Labharthiyon Se Rubaroo’.
• The programme has been launched to monitor progress of projects under the Mission by directly interacting with beneficiaries.
• ‘Labarthiyon Se Rubaroo’ has been planned as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The initiative was launched by the Ministry in September 2021.
• This was the 22nd edition of the programme hosted by the Ministry with beneficiaries of different States/UTs.
• The brief objectives of the initiative are to monitor the progress of the projects, to bring about able governance and transparency by direct interaction with the beneficiaries, to create a platform for officials from MoHUA and respective States/UTs to facilitate and expedite the construction of houses in their respective cities and most importantly, to create a feeling of inclusiveness among beneficiaries.

India to Showcase its Agriculture and Food Processing prowess at EXPO2020 Dubai:

• Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Abhilaksh Likhi, will inaugurate the ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ at the India Pavilion in EXPO2020 Dubai on February 17th, 2022.
• The fortnight will showcase India’s prowess in sectors like food processing, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, and organic farming and the vast investment opportunities that it offers.
• As part of the key theme – ‘Millets’, the fortnight will witness the millets food festival, the launch of Millets Book, and various seminars focusing on its health and nutritional benefits.
• It is noteworthy here that the UN General Assembly has recently adopted the resolution, sponsored by India and supported by more than 70 countries, declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’.

India’s leadership in Energy Transition under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s programme “New Frontiers: A programme on Renewable Energy” to celebrate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced with the inaugural event “India’s Leadership in Energy Transition” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The event was attended by more than 300 participants including officers of the Government of India, CEOs, CMDs and representatives of public and private sector firms; and students from major universities/colleges of Delhi.
• Energy Compacts are voluntary commitments of action, with specific targets and timelines to drive the progress on the achievement of SDG7, to accelerate action for clean, affordable energy for all.
• Twenty two compacts were submitted from India by PSUs, corporates and smart cities in addition to the national compact submitted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

LAHDC, Leh launches new scheme Kunsnyoms for differently-abled persons

• Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh has launched a new scheme Kunsnyoms for differently-abled persons in the district.
• The program was organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Leh in which the Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv.
• Kunsnyoms, meant Equal for All, Fair for All, aims inclusive and accessible Ladakh.

About the Scheme :

• Under the scheme Leh Hill council is providing assistive devices, technologies to needy people at 90 percent subsidy.
• Under these 28 tri scooters, battery-run wheelchair, walking aids and other aids required for special needs of the individuals.

About LAHDC,Leh :

• LAHDC,Leh – Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh
• Founded: 1995
• Headquarters location: Leh
• Chief Executive Councillor: Tashi Gyalson
• It is an Autonomous District Council that administers the Leh district of Ladakh, India.
• The council was created under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act 1995.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

RBI extends timeline by six months for NBFCS to adhere new NPA recognition norms:

• The Reserve Bank of India has extended the timeline by six months for Non Banking Financial Companies to adhere to the new NPA recognition norms.
• Earlier the regulator had set March 31 deadline for non-bank lenders to upgrade NPAs only after all arrears and principal dues are paid.
• NBFCs will have time till September 30 to put in place the necessary systems to implement this provision.
• The RBI also clarified that loans classified as NPA will be upgraded to standard category only if all dues are paid.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Standard Chartered Bank launches interest-only home loan facility

• Standard Chartered Bank, announced the launch of its interest-only home loan facility.
• Interest-Only Home Loan is a facility provided for purchase of completed residential properties where during a limited period of the loan tenure, the clients will pay only the interest accrued on the principal outstanding – referred as ‘interest only period’.
• No principal will be deducted during this interest only period.
• This product is available to new as well as existing clients of Standard Chartered Bank.
• This is applicable on loans ranging between ₹35 lakh and ₹5 crore, and the maximum tenure set for the loan is 30 years for salaried individuals and 25 years for self-employed individuals.
• Customers can choose to pay only the interest amount through equated monthly installments (EMIs) for an initial period of one-three years.
• After this interest-only period is over, the home loan facility will be treated like a normal loan account where the EMIs comprise both the principal and interest till the maturity of the loan.
• Clients will also have the flexibility to commence their full instalments earlier with no penalty fees.

SIDBI launches waste to wealth creation programme in West Bengal

• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched the ‘Waste to Wealth Creation’ programme for women in the Sundarbans in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.
• In this, ladies will make ornaments and showpieces from fish scales.
• Under this programme, SIDBI will extend benefits to 50 women in directly generating revenues from alternate livelihoods.
• Later, these women are expected to become a trainer for replicating and disseminating the knowledge among other aspirants.
• It is under the mission Swavalamban to support artisans to become sustainable.

About SIDBI :

• Founded: 2 April 1990
• Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Chairman & MD : Sivasubramanian Ramann
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the apex regulatory body for overall licensing and regulation of micro, small and medium enterprise finance companies in India.
• It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance , Government of India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Manoj Tiwari to be Khadi brand ambassador for Bihar

• Minister of Industries Syed Shahnawaz Hussain announced, Bhojpuri singer and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari will be the “brand ambassador” for Khadi and other handicrafts of Bihar.

About Manoj Tiwari :

• Manoj Tiwari born on 1 February 1971 in Bihar.
• He was appointed as Delhi BJP president in 2016.
• He was the head of the BJP organization in Delhi when the party recorded a record victory in 2017 MCD elections.
• Tiwari, who has lent his voice to innumerable foot-tapping numbers, including the Gangs of Wasseypur chart buster jiya ho Bihar ke lala.

About Bihar:

• Governor: Phagu Chauhan
• Capital: Patna
• Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
• National Park: Valmiki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Sanctuary, Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

Debashish Chakravarty assumes full charge as chief secretary of Maharashtra

• 1986 batch IAS officer Debashish Chakravarty, has been given the full charge as the acting chief secretary of Maharashtra,
• Chakravarty, who has been holding the charge as chief secretary since November 30.
• He will also hold the charge of the Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Planning department.

About Maharashtra:

• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief minister: Uddhav Thackeray
• National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Gugumal National Park, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, BhimaShankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Bison Sanctuary, Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Bird Sanctuary, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhaknakolkaz Wildlife Sanctuary, Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary, Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary, Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Amba Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Gaming app A23 signs Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador

• A23, an app owned by online skill gaming company Head Digital Works, has announced that it has roped in Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador.
• The actor will feature in its ‘Chalo Saath Khele’ campaign along with a first-of-its-kind responsible gaming campaign, which showcases skill games such as rummy, fantasy sports, carom and
• Shah Rukh will help elevate our brand and win the hearts of millions of Indians who relate to using their skills to win.
• The campaign brings to life the narrative of various types of gamers on our platform through the magic of the actor and it promises to enthrall his fans.
• According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s gaming committee, India has emerged as the largest fantasy sports market in the world with over 13 crore users playing fantasy sports.
• The growth of 27% CAGR generated by the online skill gaming industry in 2020 has made it the fastest-growing segment within the Indian M&E sector.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : MOU & AGREEMENTS

BoB signs MoU with Assam Rifles to provide ‘Central Forces Salary Package’

• Bank of Baroda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force, to provide the Baroda Central Forces Salary Package.
• The MoU between the Bank and Assam Rifles was signed by Colonel P S Singh, Colonel Administration, Head Quarters, Directorate General, Assam Rifles, and Mr. Debarata Das, Zonal Manager, Kolkata Zone, Bank of Baroda.

About the MoU :

• Under the agreement, Bank of Baroda will offer the Baroda Central Forces Salary Package to all personnel of the Assam Rifles, both serving and retired.
• Further, the Bank will also provide special benefits, including Personal Accident Insurance and a co-branded credit card.
• As part of the MoU, Bank of Baroda will offer a comprehensive bouquet of services such as free unlimited transactions at all Bank ATMs, free remittance services – NEFT/ RTGS online or through branch, free debit card, free unlimited demand draft facilities, 50 per cent discount on locker rentals, 100 percent waiver on Demat annual maintenance charges and 75 percent waiver on issuance charges for Gift and Travel cards.

Benefits of the Baroda Central Forces Salary Package for Assam Rifles :

• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• In case of death, cover to the serving and retired Assam Rifles personnel between the age group of 18-70 years.
• For on-duty personnel, the Personal Accident Insurance amount will be 43.75 lakh and for off-duty personnel, the Personal Accident Insurance amount will be Rs. 35 lakh.

1. Disability: Total Disability – Rs 35 lakh; Partial Disability – Rs 17.5 lakh
2. Co-Branded Credit Card

About BoB :

• Founded: 20 July 1908
• Headquarters: Alkapuri, Vadodara, Gujarat
• Chairman : Hasmukh Adhia
• MD & CEO : Sanjiv Chadha

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & SERVICES

Edelweiss Asset Management launches MF investing app eInvest’                                               

• Edelweiss Asset Management has announced the launch of eInvest a mutual fund mobile app for investors for a smooth investing experience.

About eInvest’ :

• The app comes with an Insta Money feature that is a mutual fund savings account with an instant withdrawal facility to the registered bank account.
• Further, users can make a purchase transaction in any fund, redeem, start a SIP and track transaction status anytime anywhere and analyze fund information like fund performance, portfolio holdings, and important risk parameters to select the right fund.
• Investors can use the app to start Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds, update personal details and assign a nominee, track their portfolio value, growth and compare with market movement over a time duration and access market insights, book summaries, and podcasts.
• The app will provide easy access to SIP investments, fund information for investors to weigh, understand and ascertain a good option of investment available to them.

About Edelweiss Asset Management :

• CEO : Radhika Gupta

WHO launches ‘quit tobacco’ app

• The World Health Organization (WHO) launched ‘Quit Tobacco App’ to help people kick the cigarette butt and give up the use of tobacco in all forms – including smokeless and other newer products.
• The app, the first such by WHO, helps users to identify the triggers, set their targets, manage cravings, and stay focused to quit tobacco.
• The app, launched during WHO’s year-long ‘Commit to quit’ campaign, is the latest tobacco control initiative.
• Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and
• As per the WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000-2025 (4th edition, 2021) WHO South-East Asia Region recorded the fastest decline in tobacco use but continued to have the highest 432 million tobacco users, or 29% of its population.

Note :

• Tobacco is the world’s leading cause of preventable death, and kills nearly 8 million persons every year.
• It claims 1.6 million lives in the WHO South-East Asia Region, amongst the largest producers and consumers of tobacco products.

About WHO :

• Founded: 7 April 1948
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Director General : Tedros Adhanom

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX Indian American Engineer Anna Menon to be part of Polaris Dawn mission

• Indian American SpaceX engineer Anna Menon will be among the crew of a unique space mission announced by US billionaire Jared Isaacman, who last year led the world’s first all-private space crew into orbit.
• The first mission, Polaris Dawn, is targeted to launch no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2022 from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
• The mission will have a four-member crew including Anna Menon, Jared Isaacman, Scott Poteet, and SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis.

About Anna Menon :

• Anna Menon studied Bachelor of Science in Arithmetic and Spanish from Texas Christian College and graduated in 2008.
• She is a Lead Space Operations Engineer at SpaceX, where she manages the development of crew operations and serves in mission control as both a Mission Director and crew communicator.
• The engineer has also served in mission control during multiple cargoes and crew Dragon missions, including Demo-2, Crew-1, CRS-22, and CRS-23.
• Prior to SpaceX, she worked for seven years at NASA as a biomedical flight controller for the International Space Station.
• She is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, and she was chosen by NASA in December 2021 along with nine other people to be astronauts for future missions.

About SpaceX :

• Founded: 14 March 2002
• Founder & CEO : Elon Musk
• President and COO : Gwynne Shotwell
• Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States

Navars Edutech launches 100 satellite constellations in collaboration with Skyroot Aerospace in the next 5 years:

• Hyderabad-based space startup “Navars Edutech” envisages launching 100 student-developed satellites constellation with Skyroot Aerospace as a launch partner in the next 5 years.
• This partnership enables Navars Edutech to become India’s first Space Education startup for K12 students to design and launch satellites to space, using an indigenously developed private launch vehicle of Skyroot Aerospace.
• The first set of Satellites to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) with Skyroot’s maiden launch Vikram-I in December-2022.
• The students will develop the intended satellite constellations for astronomical observations.
• Navars will lead this exciting EdTech transformation for the first time in the country at the school level.
• With this strategic collaboration, Navars is accelerating the Space ecosystem among students through design, development & research in the plethora of satellite, launch vehicles, software programming, image and data analytics.

About Navars Edutech :

• Navars Edutech is a leading Astronomy & Space education company with a primary focus to drive awareness and education through engagement and innovation by offering real-life experience through live content, software tools, hardware kits, and experiences among K12 students.
• Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• CEO : Sravan Varma

About Skyroot Aerospace :

• Skyroot Aerospace is a national award-winning Indian Start-up developing small satellite launch vehicles, Vikram Series, with its maiden launch in December, 2022.
• Founded : June 12, 2018
• Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana, India

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre lifts 15th CEC Cup Men’s Ice Hockey Championship 2022:

• Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, LSRC, has lifted the 15th CEC Cup Men’s Ice Hockey Championship – 2022.
• In a seesaw final in NDS Indoor Ice Hockey rink, LSRC beat Indo Tibetan Border Police, ITBP by 3-2 goals.
• Assuring the excitement of the finals, the arch-rivals LSRC and ITBP set the ice rink on fire with stroking of skates.

SAI extends employment offer to 398 coaches, to prepare for Olympic 2024 and 2028:

• The Sports Authority of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has extended offers of employment to 398 coaches at various levels in 21 disciplines.
• Many among them are former international athletes and Arjuna awardees who have competed or won medals in elite competitions such as the World Championships and Olympics.
• Of the total 398, 101 coaches are joining on deputation from PSUs and other government bodies.
• The recruitment comes in the wake of the effort of the Sports Ministry to provide 360 degree support to athletes as they prepare for important national and international competitions, including Olympic 2024 and 2028.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR   

A New book titled ‘Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War’ released:

• A new book titled “Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War” authored by Samuel Moyn has released.
• Samuel Moyn is the Professor of Jurisprudence at Yale Law School and a professor of History at Yale University.
• The book highlights the United States of America (USA) strategy on fighting wars and how armed combat was transformed from an imperfect tool for resolving disputes into an integral component of the modern condition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARIES

Veteran Kannada poet Nadoja Chennaveera Kanavi passes away aged 93:

• Veteran Kannada poet Nadoja Chennaveera Kanavi, who had recovered from Covid-19 infection, passed away at a private hospital at Sattur near Dharwad following multi-organ failure.
• He was 93.
• Born on June 29, 1928 at Hombal village in Gadag district to Sakkarappa, a school teacher, and Parvatavva, a homemaker, Kanavi had his initial schooling in the village and then completed his higher education in Dharwad.

Daily CA On Feb 18 :

• Power, New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh, the government intends to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to all households.
• Government approved a new scheme New India Literacy Programme for the period Financial Years 2022 to 2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22.
• Government has approved the continuation of the Capacity Development (CD) Scheme till 31st of March, 2026.
• Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in a virtual interaction held in New Delhi under the initiative of ‘Labharthiyon Se Rubaroo’.
• Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Abhilaksh Likhi, will inaugurate the ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ at the India Pavilion in EXPO2020 Dubai on February 17th, 2022.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s programme “New Frontiers: A programme on Renewable Energy” to celebrate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced with the inaugural event “India’s Leadership in Energy Transition” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The Reserve Bank of India has extended the timeline by six months for Non Banking Financial Companies to adhere to the new NPA recognition norms.
• Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh has launched a new scheme Kunsnyoms for differently-abled persons in the district & the program was organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Leh in which the Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv, Kunsnyoms, meant Equal for All, Fair for All, aims inclusive and accessible Ladakh.
• Standard Chartered Bank, announced the launch of its interest-only home loan facility.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched the ‘Waste to Wealth Creation’ programme for women in the Sundarbans in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.
• Minister of Industries Syed Shahnawaz Hussain announced, Bhojpuri singer and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari will be the “brand ambassador” for Khadi and other handicrafts of Bihar.
• 1986 batch IAS officer Debashish Chakravarty, has been given the full charge as the acting chief secretary of Maharashtra,
• A23, an app owned by online skill gaming company Head Digital Works, has announced that it has roped in Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador.
• Bank of Baroda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force, to provide the Baroda Central Forces Salary Package.
• Edelweiss Asset Management has announced the launch of eInvest a mutual fund mobile app for investors for a smooth investing experience.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) launched ‘Quit Tobacco App’ to help people kick the cigarette butt and give up the use of tobacco in all forms – including smokeless and other newer products.
• Indian American SpaceX engineer Anna Menon will be among the crew of a unique space mission announced by US billionaire Jared Isaacman, who last year led the world’s first all-private space crew into orbit.
• Hyderabad-based space startup “Navars Edutech” envisages launching 100 student-developed satellites constellation with Skyroot Aerospace as a launch partner in the next 5 years.
• Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, LSRC, has lifted the 15th CEC Cup Men’s Ice Hockey Championship – 2022.
• The Sports Authority of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has extended offers of employment to 398 coaches at various levels in 21 disciplines.
• A new book titled “Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War” authored by Samuel Moyn has released.
• Veteran Kannada poet Nadoja Chennaveera Kanavi, who had recovered from Covid-19 infection, passed away at a private hospital at Sattur near Dharwad following multi-organ failure.