Current Affairs January 20th 2022| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

CABINET APPROVALS:

Extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis for three years:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond 31.3.2022.
• The total implication of the extension for three years would be approximately Rs.43.68 crore.
• The NCSK has been giving its recommendations to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of Safai Karamcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for Safai Karamcharis, investigate cases of specific grievances etc..,

2. Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts:

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the payment of ex-gratia amount of Rs. 973.74 crore pertaining to remaining claims submitted by Lending Institutions (LIs) under Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts
• Operational guidelines for the scheme are already issued with the approval of the Cabinet. The said amount of Rs. 973.74 crore will be disbursed in accordance with the said operational guidelines.

3. Infusion of Rs.1,500 crore in Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA):

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the equity infusion of 1500 crore in Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA).
• This equity infusion will help in employment generation of approximately 10200 jobs-year and CO2 equivalent emission reduction of approximately 7.49 Million Tonnes CO2/year.
• To lend Rs.12000 crore approximately to the RE sector, thus facilitate the debt requirement of RE of additional capacity of approximately 3500-4000 MW.
• To enhance its networth which will help it in additional RE financing, thus contributing better to the Government of India targets for RE.
• To improve the capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) to facilitate its lending and borrowing operations.

Indian Army signs first contract with private sector

• In a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, the Indian Army signed its first contract worth Rs 96 crore with Anadron Systems Pvt Ltd under Make-II for Maneuverable Expendable Aerial Target.
• It also represents a significant step towards the ‘AtmaNirbhar’ initiative, which is aimed at making India a self-reliant nation.
• The industry funded projects that fall under the ‘Make-II’ category include prototype development of equipment and their upgrades and sub-systems.

About Indian Army :

• Founded: 1 April 1895
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
• Motto(s): Service Before Self
• Commander-in-Chief: President Ram Nath Kovind
• Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee & Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Mukund Naravane
• Vice Chief of the Army Staff : Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India & Denmark agree to work together on green fuels including green hydrogen:

• India & Denmark agreed to initiate joint research and development on green fuels including green hydrogen, during the Joint S&T Committee meeting on 14^thJanuary 2022.
• The committee emphasised on development of bilateral collaboration on mission-driven research, innovation, and technology development, including climate and green transition, energy, water, waste, food, and so on as agreed by the two Prime Ministers while adopting the Green Strategic Partnership – Action Plan 2020-2025.
• They agreed to organise 3-4 webinars for partnership development and stressed on promoting call for proposals in green fuels, including green hydrogen.
• The Joint Committee also reviewed the progress of the ongoing projects of last two joint calls being implemented in the areas of energy research; water; cyber-physical systems, and bioresources & secondary agriculture.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING AND ECONOMY

Cholamandalam launches three new business verticals for consumer & SME loans:

• Murugappa Group’s Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has created three new business divisions to drive the next wave of growth – Consumer & Small Enterprise Loan (CSEL), Secured Business & Personal Loan (SBPL) and SME Loan (SME).
• While consolidating the company’s position as a leading player in the vehicle finance, loan against property, and housing finance businesses, the company has also launched these three new business divisions
• CSEL business will focus on three areas – personal & professional loans (PPL), micro & small enterprise loans and strategic digital partnerships.

Federal Bank, Equirus Wealth launch exclusive USD Fixed Maturity Fund:

• Federal Bank, in association with Equirus Wealth, has launched a “US Dollar offshore fund” exclusively for their customers.
• This is in collaboration with SCUBE Capital, a Singapore-based global fund management company.
• Both NRI and Resident customers of Federal Bank will be able to invest in this fund.
• The fund offers a portfolio return (IRR) guidance of around $6.50 per cent per annum with a fund tenor of three years from the date of fund closure with an option to extend by one year.
• The Portfolio is managed by a highly skilled team with a cumulative experience of over 70 years in managing investments of over $50 billion

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

North Macedonia elects new prime minister

• North Macedonian Parliament has voted for a new coalition government, with Dimitar Kovacevski, leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), elected as the new prime minister.
• The new coalition cabinet, composed of Kovacevski’s Social Democrats and two ethnic Albanian parties as junior partners.

About Dimitar Kovacevski :

• Kovačevski was born in 1974 in Kumanovo.
• A member of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), Kovačevski previously served as deputy finance minister from 2020 succeeds Zoran Zaev, who stepped down following his party’s heavy defeat in municipal elections.
• In 2019, Macedonia added North to its official name, resolving a dispute with Greece that allowed the country to join NATO.
• The key objective of his government would be to achieve “higher and more sustainable economic growth.”
• He also pledged to address the country’s energy crisis and bring North Macedonia closer to the European Union.

About North Macedonia :

• Capital: Skopje
• Currency: Macedonian denar
• President: Stevo Pendarovski
• Continent: Europe

Narendra Kumar Goenka appointed as new chairman of AEPC

• On Jan 17, 2022, Founder and Managing Director of Texport Industries Narendra Kumar Goenka took over as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
• Goenka succeeded Padma Shri awardee Dr. A Sakthivel in the position.

About Narendra Kumar Goenka :

• Goenka has been associated with the Council for more than two decades.
• He was the Vice Chairman of the apex body of Indian apparel exporters before taking charge as Chairman of AEPC.
• Apparel exports were 22 per cent up at $1.46 billion in December 2021 from $1.20 billion in December 2020.
• The same in the first nine months of this fiscal stood at $11.13 billion, 35 per cent more than $8.22 billion in April-December 2020.

About AEPC :

• AEPC is the official body of apparel exporters in India, under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles.
• Established : 1978
• Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana
• Secretary General : Dr.L.B.Singhal
• It provides invaluable assistance to Indian exporters as well as importers/international buyers.

Aim :

• To promote, support and facilitate the Indian apparel industry to enhance its competitive advantage and global positioning.
• To facilitate the apparel export industry to achieve national targets on export promotion, employment generation and productivity enhancement in a responsible and progressive manner.

About Ministry of Textiles :

• Union Minister : Piyush Goyal
• Minister of State : Darshana Jardosh

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Israel & U.S Successfully Test Arrow 3 Anti-ballistic Missile Defense System                 

• The S. and Israel conducted a successful test of the Arrow 3 Weapon System designed to “intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere.
• It was developed in a joint project between the Defense Ministry’s Missile Defense Organization and the American Missile Defense Agency.
• The test was conducted over central Israel.
• Boaz Levy, the president and CEO of the Israel Aerospace Industries, which manufactures the Arrow 3.
• The systems detect incoming threats and calculate launch trajectories for interceptors.
• The Arrow-3 weapon system is part of Israel’s multi-layer defense system, which includes Iron Dome, a system aimed at intercepting short-range rockets from Gaza, David’s Sling, a medium to long-range missiles defense system, and the long-range Arrow-3.
• The Arrow 3 is currently Israel’s most advanced long-range missile defense system, meant to intercept ballistic missiles while they are still outside of the Earth’s atmosphere, taking out projectiles and their nuclear, biological, chemical or conventional warheads closer to their launch sites.
• In 2021, Israel was developing a new ballistic shield system, dubbed Arrow-4, jointly with the United States.

About Israel :

• Capital : Jerusalem
• President : Isaac Herzog
• PM : Naftali Bennett
• Currency : New shekel

About US :

• President: Joe Biden
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Currency: United States Dollar

Russias first newly-built Tu-160M strategic bomber performs debut flight  

• A completely new Tupolev Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber nicknamed the ‘White Swan’ by Russian military pilots performed its debut flight from the aerodrome of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise, a subsidiary of the Tupolev Company [part of the United Aircraft Corporation within Rostec].
• The newly-built strategic bomber performed its flight at an altitude of 600 meters that lasted about 30 minutes.
• Russia’s newly-built Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber has 80% of its equipment upgraded.
• The Tupolev Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bomber can eventually carry new, including breakthrough weapons.
• It is designated to strike enemy targets in remote areas with nuclear and conventional weapons.
• The Tu-160M is the world’s heaviest supersonic military aircraft to date.
• In 2020, the Tu-160M bomber was listed among the world’s most significant military aircraft achievements by the US-based Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine.

About Russia :

• Capital: Moscow
• President: Vladimir Putin
• Currency: Russian ruble

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SPORTS NEWS

TCS Becomes Title Sponsor and Technology Partner of Toronto Waterfront Marathon

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Canada Running Series (CRS) to become the new title sponsor and official IT services and technology consulting partner of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Virtual Race through November 2026.
• TCS and CRS aim to modernize marathon running in Canada through a new official race app.
• It will offer a first-of-its-kind environmental impact calculator that will enable runners and spectators to track and offset their environmental impact.
• TCS will also work with CRS to create a hybrid and immersive race experience for all runners and spectators around the globe.
• The official race app will offer unlimited tracking of both in-person and virtual runners on the same racecourse map and let spectators create digital cheer cards to share messages of encouragement on social media.
• In addition, the app will incorporate augmented reality features that became popular during the pandemic to support both in-person and virtual runners, along with offering surprise-and-delight experiences.
• TCS and CRS will be adding two new Charity Partners: Trans Canada Trail and Trees for Life Canada.

About TCS :

• Chairman : Natarajan Chandrasekaran
• MD & CEO: Rajesh Gopinathan
• Founded: 1 April 1968
• Founders: Tata Sons, Faqir Chand Kohli, J. R. D. Tata
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is an Indian multinational information technology (IT) services and consulting company.
• TCS is the second largest Indian company by market capitalization and is among the most valuable IT services brands worldwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran Bengali cartoonist Narayan Debnath Passes away

• On Jan 18, 2022, Legendary Bengali cartoonist and Padma Shri awardee Narayan Debnath passed away at the age of 96.

About Narayan Debnath :

• Narayan Debnath was born on 25 November 1925 in Howrah, Bengal Presidency, British India.
• He was an Indian comics artist, writer and
• He was the creator of the popular Bengali comic strips of Handa Bhonda (1962), Bantul the Great (1965) and Nonte Phonte (1969).
• He holds the record of longest running comics by an individual artist for Handa Bhonda comics series which completed its continuous 53 years of running.
• Earlier, he created ‘Rabi Chobi’ — a comic strip that was published in May 1961 in children’s magazine Anandamela to mark the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore.

Awards & Honors :

• The Rabindra Bharati University gave him an honorary Litt & he was the first and only Comics-Artist in India who has received a D. Litt. degree.
• Debnath was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2021.
• He also received the Sahitya Akademi Award and Banga Bibhushan Award in
• Banga Bibhushan, awarded by the Government of West Bengal in 2013.

Spine institute founder and mountaineer Major Ahluwalia Passes away

• Padma Shri recipient and founder of the Indian Spinal Injuries Center Major HPS Ahluwalia passed away at the age of 85.

About Major Ahluwalia :

• Hari Pal Singh Ahluwalia was born on 6 November 1936 in Sialkot, Punjab Province, British India (present-day Punjab, Pakistan).
• Major Hari Pal Singh Ahluwalia was an Indian mountaineer, author, social worker and retired Indian Army officer.
• During his career he made contributions in the fields of adventure, sports, environment, disability and social work.
• He was the Chairman of Indian Spinal Injuries Center.
• He has written thirteen books including two on Everest – “Higher than Everest” and “Faces of Everest”.
• He has also produced an award-winning serial, Beyond Himalaya, which has been telecast all over the world on Discovery and National Geographic channels.
• At the age of 26, Major Ahluwalia was part of the first Indian expedition to summit Mount Everest in 1965.

Awards & Honors :

• Arjuna Award-1965
• Padma Shri-1965
• Padma Bhushan-2002
• Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for lifetime achievement-29 August 2009
• National Award for the Welfare of People with Disabilities-3 December 1998

UNION GOVERNMENT SCHEME

Jal Jeevan Mission

Launched on:

The Prime Minister had announced the Jal Jeevan Mission on August 15, 2019, with the aim of providing clean tap-water to every family.

In 78 districts, 58 thousand gram panchayats and 1.16 lakh villages of the country, every family has been provided with tap-water supply.

Ministry involved:

The program is under administrative control of ministry of jalshakti.

Current Minister Of Jalshakti: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Objectives

The broad objectives of the Mission are:

To provide FHTC to every rural household.

To prioritize provision of FHTCs in qualityaffected areas, villages in drought prone and desert areas, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages, etc.

To provide functional tap connection to Schools, Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, Health centres, wellness centres and community buildings

To monitor functionality of tap connections.

To promote and ensure voluntary ownership among local community by way of contribution in cash, kind and/ or labour and voluntary labour (shramdaan)

To assist in ensuring sustainability of water supply system, i.e. water source, water supply infrastructure, and funds for regular O&M

To empower and develop human resource in the sector such that the demands of construction, plumbing, electrical, water quality management, water treatment, catchment protection, O&M, etc. are taken care of in short and long term

To bring awareness on various aspects and significance of safe drinking water and involvement of stakeholders in manner that make water

Benefits:

Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.

The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.

JJM looks to create a jan andolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.

Vision of program :

Every rural household has drinking water supply in adequate quantity of prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges leading to improvement in living standards of rural communities.

Mission

Jal Jeevan Mission is to assist, empower and facilitate:

States/ UTs in planning of participatory rural water supply strategy for ensuring potable drinking water security on long-term basis to every rural household and public institution, viz. GP building, School, Anganwadi centre, Health centre, wellness centres, etc.

States/ UTs for creation of water supply infrastructure so that every rural household has Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024 and water in adequate quantity of prescribed quality is made available on regular basis.

States/ UTs to plan for their drinking water security

GPs/ rural communities to plan, implement, manage, own, operate and maintain their own in-village water supply systems

States/ UTs to develop robust institutions having focus on service delivery and financial sustainability of the sector by promoting utility approach

Capacity building of the stakeholders and create awareness in community on significance of water for improvement in quality of life

In making provision and mobilization of financial assistance to States/ UTs for implementation of the mission.

everyone’s business

Components under JJM

The following components are supported under JJM

Development of in-village piped water supply infrastructure to provide tap water connection to every rural household

Development of reliable drinking water sources and/ or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system

Wherever necessary, bulk water transfer, treatment plants and distribution network to cater to every rural household

Technological interventions for removal of contaminants where water quality is an issue

Retrofitting of completed and ongoing schemes to provide FHTCs at minimum service level of 55 lpcd;

Greywater management

Support activities, i.e. IEC, HRD, training, development of utilities, water quality laboratories, water quality testing & surveillance, R&D, knowledge centre, capacity building of communities, etc.

Any other unforeseen challenges/ issues emerging due to natural disasters/ calamities which affect the goal of FHTC to every household by 2024, as per guidelines of Ministry of Finance on Flexi Funds

Daily CA On Jan 20 :

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond 31.3.2022.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the payment of ex-gratia amount of 973.74 crore pertaining to remaining claims submitted by Lending Institutions (LIs) under Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the equity infusion of 1500 crore in Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA).
• In a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, the Indian Army signed its first contract worth Rs 96 crore with Anadron Systems Pvt Ltd under Make-II for Maneuverable Expendable Aerial Target.
• India & Denmark agreed to initiate joint research and development on green fuels including green hydrogen, during the Joint S&T Committee meeting on 14^thJanuary 2022.
• Murugappa Group’s Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has created three new business divisions to drive the next wave of growth – Consumer & Small Enterprise Loan (CSEL), Secured Business & Personal Loan (SBPL) and SME Loan (SME).
• Federal Bank, in association with Equirus Wealth, has launched a “US Dollar offshore fund” exclusively for their customers.
• North Macedonian Parliament has voted for a new coalition government, with Dimitar Kovacevski, leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), elected as the new prime minister.
• On Jan 17, 2022, Founder and Managing Director of Texport Industries Narendra Kumar Goenka took over as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) & He succeeded Padma Shri awardee Dr. A Sakthivel in the position.
• The S. and Israel conducted a successful test of the Arrow 3 Weapon System designed to “intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere & It was developed in a joint project between the Defense Ministry’s Missile Defense Organization and the American Missile Defense Agency.
• A completely new Tupolev Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber nicknamed the ‘White Swan’ by Russian military pilots performed its debut flight from the aerodrome of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise, a subsidiary of the Tupolev Company [part of the United Aircraft Corporation within Rostec].
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Canada Running Series (CRS) to become the new title sponsor and official IT services and technology consulting partner of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Virtual Race through November 2026.
• On Jan 18, 2022, Legendary Bengali cartoonist and Padma Shri awardee Narayan Debnath passed away at the age of 96.
• Padma Shri recipient and founder of the Indian Spinal Injuries Center Major HPS Ahluwalia passed away at the age of 85.