Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th May 2022) - 2 - UPSC PDF Download

Important News – India

Q.1. What percent of Pharma exports of India have been recorded since 2013-14 to 2021-22

Correct Answer is 103%.

• 90, 415 crores rupees in 2013-14 to 1,83,422 crores rupees in 2021-22. The export of Pharma Sector has performed best export performance in 2021-22.
• The exports grew by almost 10 billion US dollars in 8 years. The pharma exports in 2021-22 have shown positive growth despite the drop in demand for COVID-related medicines and global trade disruptions.

Q.2. With which country India has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18 February 2022 which is officially entered into force?

Correct Answer is UAE.

• BVR Subrahmanyam (Secretary, Department of Commerce) has flagged off the first consignment of goods comprising Jewellery products from India to UAE.
• The agreement is expected to escalate the total value of bilateral trade in goods and trade in services to over US$100 billion and US$ 15 billion respectively, within five years.

Q.3. What is the Revenue collection of GST in the month of April 2022?

Correct Answer is Rs 1,67,540.

• The gross revenue collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the month of April 2022 is Rs 1,67,540 crore out of which CGST is Rs 33,159 crores, SGST is Rs 41,793 crores, IGST is Rs 81,939 crores.
• The gross GST collection in April 2022 is Rs 25,000 crores more than the collection in March 2022 (Rs. 1,42,095 crores). This is the tenth month in a row that the GST revenues have crossed Rs 1 lakh crore mark.

Q.4. Who has launched the MSME Sustainable Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme?

Correct Answer is Narayan Rane (Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

• MSMEs will get subsidies as per the following structure, on the cost of ZED certification - Micro Enterprises: 80%; Small Enterprises: 60%; Medium Enterprises: 50%
• An additional subsidy of 10% for the MSMEs owned by Women/SC/ST Entrepreneurs OR MSMEs in NER/Himalayan/LWE/Island territories/aspirational districts.

Q.5. Which software developer compnay has signed a pact with Ministry of Railways for the modernization of Telecommunication in Indian Railways for Public Safety and Security Services?

Correct Answer is Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

• It will be done using the LTE-R following world standards, 5G Use Cases in Indian Railways in line with Make in India policy, Internet of Things, Unified Network Management System, Network Management System, Chatting application, Routers and Switches.

Q.6. In which campus Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah has inaugurated National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?

Correct Answer is Bengaluru campus.

• We should have an in-built mechanism for continuous up-gradation and will create a database of modes operandi of various crimes committed within the country. It will be available to 11 central agencies and police of all States and Union Territories.
• Technology partner: C-DAC, Pune.

Q.7. Which force has launched a focused effort under “Operation Satark” from 5th April to 30th April 2022?

Correct Answer is Railway Protection Force(RPF).

• Aim: Taking action against illicit liquor/FICN/illegal tobacco products/unaccounted gold and any other items which are being transported through the railway network for the purpose of tax evasion and smuggling.
• RPF is an armed force under the ownership of the Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways.

Q.8. Which government agency had designed and established a “Health Cloud" at Visakhapatnam premises of Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ)?

Correct Answer is The RailTel Corporation of India Ltd.

• AMTZ is the world’s first integrated medical device manufacturing hub.
• The “Health Cloud" has been inaugurated by Louise Agersnap (Head of WHO Innovation Hub).
• Health Cloud can also be operationalised on wheels and can dispense the medicines by Health ATM through Mobile App having a digital payment interface.

Q.9. Who has addressed the inaugural session of Jain International Trade Organisation’s - JITO Connect 2022 by video conferencing?

Correct Answer is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• JITO is a global organisation which connects Jains all over the world.
• JITO Connect is an attempt to help businesses and industries by providing a direction for mutual networking and personal interactions. This is a three-day event being organized at Gangadham Annex, Pune from 6th May 2022.

Q.10. The second phase of the mandatory hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts will come into effect on which date?

Correct Answer is June 1, 2022.

• This phase will cover additional three caratages of gold jewellery and artefacts - 20 carats, 23 carats and 24 carats.
• BIS also has made a provision to permit a consumer to get the purity of their unhallmarked gold jewellery tested at any of the BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.

Q.11. What is the speed of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train sets are being manufactured under Make In India initiative?

Correct Answer is 180 km per hour.

• India's first semi-high-speed train set for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has been handed over to National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) at Alstom's Savli plan in Gujarat.
• It will be brought to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh. Implementing agency of India's first RRTS corridor between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut: NCRTC.

Q.12. Which company has approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for a merger of Air India with Air Asia India?

Correct Answer is Tata Sons.

• AirAsia India was launched as a joint venture between the Tatas and Malaysia’s AirAsia Group. Tatas had raised its stake in AirAsia India to 83.67% in December 2020.
• In January 2022, Tata acquired Air India and Air India Express. Tata group aviation companies: Air India, Air India Express, Vistara, AirAsia India and Air India SATS Airport Services

Q.13. With which company L&T Infotech has announced a merger to create India's fifth-largest IT services provider?

Correct Answer is Mindtree.

• This combined entity will be known as LTIMindtree. This proposed integration will see Mindtree and LTI join strengths to create an efficient and scaled up IT services provider exceeding USD 3.5 billion
• It will create a more distinctive employee value proposition.

Q.14. Which ministry has signed MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) to promote renewable energy thereby moving towards a carbon neutral economy in Delhi?

Correct Answer is Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• This MoU envisages collaboration between the two parties for jointly undertaking installation of Solar Rooftop PV Power Plants.
• Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has estimated the total solar power potential of 71.68 MWs in the campuses of CAPFs & NSG.

Q.15. Which force has signed MoU with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for a trafficking free nation?

Correct Answer is Railway Protection Force (RPF).

• It will enhance the scale, reach and effectiveness of Operation AAHT (Action against Human Trafficking) launched by RPF across the nation.
• RPF is entrusted with the responsibility of security of railway property, passenger area and passengers.
• RPF has also set up Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at more than 740 locations across India

Q.16. Who has inaugurated National Seminar titled 'Indian Cinema and Soft Power' in Mumbai?

Correct Answer is Shekhar Kapoor (Renowned Film Director).

• Organized by: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (lCCR).
• Key topics: Cinematic colonialism, Indian Cinema as a Vehicle of spreading awareness about idea of India abroad, regional cinema and its global influence, Indian cinema's engagement with foreign audience, global influence of Indian cinematic music.

Q.17. In association with which institute the first International Research Conference on Insolvency and Bankruptcy was organised by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)?

Correct Answer is Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

• Rao Inderjit Singh (Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation) has highlighted the journey of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
• Chairperson of IBBI: Dr. Navrang Saini

Q.18. In which state Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated a three-day Swasthya Chintan Shivir (Health Summit)?

Correct Answer is Kevadiya in Gujarat.

• Aim: Detailed discussion on various topics and policies related to the health sector and recommend ways and means for better implementation of these policies/programmes.
• This summit is being organized as a part of the 14th Convention of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW).

Q.19. Who has inaugurated Conference of Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur?

Correct Answer is Union Minister, Kailash Choudhary.

• Focus areas: expectations from CBBOs, Knowledge sharing by CBBOs on best practices, discussion on Training and Capacity Building of Stakeholders, and Open discussion on various issues/ suggestions.

Q.20. India will be the Official 'Country of Honour' in which upcoming film festival ?

Correct Answer is Marche’ Du Film in France.

• The festival will be organised from 17th May 2022. This is for the first time when such an honour is being bestowed on any country.
• The theme of the India Pavilion 2022 is 'India the Content Hub of the World'. R Madhavan’s film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, based on the life of Nambi Narayanan will also premiere.

Q.21. According to the annual report on Vital Statistics based on the Civil Registration System report 2020, which state/ UT has recorded the highest sex ratio at birth in the country in 2020?

Correct Answer is Ladakh (1104).

• Followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tripura and Kerala.
• Lowest sex ratio at birth: Manipur (880) followed by D& N Haveli & Daman & Diu (898) and Gujarat (909).
• Published by: The Registrar General of India (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Important News – State

Q.1. In which district CM Nitish Kumar has inaugurated India's first ethanol plant in Bihar?

Correct Answer is Purnia district.

• The plant has been set up by Eastern India Biofuels Private Limited at a cost of ₹105 crores. Bihar came up with an ethanol production promotion policy in the first half of 2021.
• It is the country's first grain-based ethanol plant. Ethanol production will help to reduce the cost of petrol and generate fresh employment opportunities in the state.

Q.2. In which state/UT Mega Health Festival has been inaugurated?

Correct Answer is Puducherry.

• Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan(LG of Puducherry) and CM N. Rangasamy have inaugurated a Mega Health Festival, which is jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Puducherry Health and Family Welfare Services Department.
• The Mela is being organised at the Puducherry Rock Beach. Super-speciality medical consultation to the common public would be given free of cost.

Q.3. Which state government has signed an MoU with ISMC Analog Fab Private Limited (Israel-based) for setting up a semiconductor fab plant in the state at a cost of Rs 22,900 crore (USD 3 billion)?

Correct Answer is Karnataka.

• The project will be implemented over a period of seven years and generate 1,500 jobs. The ISMC has also requested 150 acres of land in Mysuru’s Kochanahalli Industrial area.
• Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot; Chief minister: Basavaraj Bommai

Q.4. Which state government cabinet has approved to set up of a gene bank project in the state to conserve native and endangered animals and biological species?

Correct Answer is Maharashtra.

• The Gene Bank will work on freshwater, grassland biodiversity, protection, marine, crop, veterinary, and management of forest right areas, and regeneration of forests.
• An amount of ₹172.39 crores will be spent on these seven focus areas. The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB).

Q.5. Who has inaugurated the Maharashtra MSME Expo 2022 in Mumbai?

Correct Answer is Narayan Rane (Union Minister for MSME).

• The MSME sector contributes 50% of the country's total exports and 30% to economic growth. MSME will set up 37 clusters in Maharashtra in the next two years.
• During an event, he also launched the magazine 'Maharashtra MSME Achievers'. The event was organized in collaboration with the MSME ministry and MSME Development Organization named "Zhep, Udyoginichi" and "We MSME".

Q. 6. In which sports person native village Khandra, Panipat, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced to build a stadium?

Correct Answer is Neeraj Chopra.

• A stadium would cost ₹10 crores to the government. In 2021, Chopra (Javelin thrower) became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Olympic track and field.
• Khelo India Youth Games-2021 will be organised by the Haryana Government from June 4 to June 13.

Q.7. Which state government has launched a doorstep delivery scheme named Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojna (Mitaan stands for a friend)?

Correct Answer is Chhattisgarh.

• The scheme will be implemented as a pilot project in 14 civic bodies.
• Citizens of Chhattisgarh can avail around 100 public services, including delivery of birth, caste, income and marriage certificates, at their doorstep under a new scheme launched by the state government.

Q.8. Which state government has announced the extension of insurance coverage to handloom and power loom weavers under ‘Nethanna Bima’ (Weaver’s Insurance) Scheme?

Correct Answer is Telangana Government.

• The State Government has extended the insurance coverage of 5 lakh rupees for weavers under the Insurance Scheme on par with Rythu Bima insurance scheme.
• The insurance coverage would be extended to weavers in the age group of 18 to 59 years.
• Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan; CM: K. Chandrashekar Rao

Q.9. Which state government has launched a Vehicle Movement Tracking System (VMTS) mobile app to track the vehicles carrying sand and other mining material?

Correct Answer is Haryana.

• The app will be used at different checkpoints in all the districts of Haryana.
• All vehicle details including vehicle type, vehicle number, moving from, moving to, and driver details will be stored in it.
• The non-registered individual will not be permitted to enter the zone of sand mining.

Q.10. Which state has launched the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for 18,000 registered farmers under Horticulture Department for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23)?

Correct Answer is Manipur.

• DBT of Rs. 11,250 per farmer, for the components of assistance for on-farm input for both 1st year and 2nd year and for off-farm inputs production for 1st was transferred to the individual registered farmer’s account.

Q.11. By which year Delhi government has set a target to encourage, facilitate, and support 15,000 startups?

Correct Answer is 2030.

• The Delhi cabinet has approved the "Delhi Startup Policy” with an aim to create an ecosystem for people to launch startups and provide them with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, collateral-free loans, and free consultancy from experts, lawyers, and CA.
• The 20 members task force will be set up including government officials and experts from business and trade.

Q.12. Which state has come up with an observatory that will establish a repository on the health of the tribal population in the state?

Correct Answer is Odisha.

• This will be India's only tribal health observatory. An MoU was signed between the ST and SC Development Department and the RMRC (Regional centre of ICMR).
• It will perform systematic and ongoing observation on disease burden, health-seeking behaviour and healthcare delivery system pertaining to tribal health in the state.

Important News – World

Q.1. Which country has discovered a new gas field with the capacity to produce 20 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) at the Koilastila Gas field?

Correct Answer is Bangladesh.

• Koilastila Gas Field is one of the five gas fields which was purchased from the Shell Oil company by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.
• Now, it is possible to supply 17-19 million cubic feet of gas daily to the national grid from the newly discovered well number 6 by May 10.

Q.2. Name the plan which was launched by the United Nations to catalyze large-scale action and support needed for transition to clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions?

Correct Answer is  UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025.

• Energy Compact Action Network was also launched to match those govt seeking support for their clean energy goals with those govt and businesses that have pledged over $600 billion
• It sets out a framework for collective action by nearly 30 UN and international organizations

Q.3. What is the rank of India in Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which has released the 20th World Press Freedom Index 2022?

Correct Answer is 150th.

• Index topped by: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and Finland
• India's neighbouring countries: India (150th, falls 8 positions), Pakistan (157th), Sri Lanka (146th), Bangladesh (162nd), and Maynmar(176th)
• North Korea is placed at the bottom of the list of the180 countries.

Q.4. How many Indian universities have been placed in the top 300 universities in the world in the 2022 edition of Impact Rankings?

Correct Answer is 8.

• The ranking is topped by Western Sydney University (Australia); followed by Arizona State University (The US), Western University (Canada).
• In India: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (41st), Lovely Professional University (74th).
• The Times Higher Education (THE) also publishes THE World University Rankings.

Honor & Awards

Q.1. Which TV network has won ENBA Award 2021 for the best in-depth Hindi series for its TV series based on pet care ‘Best Friend Forever’ at 14th edition of the Exchange4media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA)?

Correct Answer is Doordarshan.

• Best Friend Forever: Half-an-hour weekly live phone-in show on DD National
• Here, two pet experts guide people on how to take care of their pets, about their food, nutrition, routine health check-ups, vaccination and other pet related issues.

Q.2. Name the startup of Bengaluru-based neo banking startup which has become the country’s 100th unicorn after raising $50 Mn from IIFL?

Correct Answer is Open.

• Open operates neobank that offers small and medium-sized businesses as well as enterprises nearly all the features of the bank with additional tools to better serve the customer’s needs.
• Co-founder and chief executive of Open: Anish Achuthan
• The company is led by Google, Temasek, Visa, and Japan’s SoftBank Investments.

Q.3. Who has been awarded World Food Prize 2022?

Correct Answer is Cynthia Rosenzweig.

• She is an agronomist and climatologist and spent much of her career explaining how global food production must adapt to a changing climate
• She was awarded $250,000 prize in recognition of her innovative modeling of the impact of climate change on food production. She is a senior research scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Sports News

Q.1. India has won a silver medal at the second Asian Girls Youth Beach Handball Championship which was held in which country?

Correct Answer is Bangkok.

• The team of Indian girls has defeated Hong Kong. India was represented by Anushka Chauhan, Jassi, Sanjana Kumari, Chetna Devi, Vanshika Mehta, and Isha Majumdar.
• With this medal, the team also earned a spot in the World Youth Beach Handball Championship. The senior women's team has finished with a bronze.

Q.2. Who has become the first Indian to win a gold medal at IWF Junior World Championships 2022 in Heraklion, Greece?

Correct Answer is Harshada Sharad Garud.

• She lifted 153-kilogram in the 45-kg weight category, that included 70 kg in Snatch and 83 kg in Clean and Jerk to finish on top of the podium.
• Turkey's Bektas Cansu bagged silver medal and Moldova’s Teodora-Luminita Hincu won the bronze medal.

Q.3. Which team has defeated the 32-time champion West Bengal in a penalty shootout to win its 75th Santhosh Trophy National Tournament for the seventh time at the Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram, Kerala?

Correct Answer is Kerala.

• This is the first time that Kerala has won on home soil since 1993. Player of the Tournament: Jijo Joseph (Midfielder, Kerala)
• Top goalscorer: Jesin Tk. Thonikkara (Forward, Kerala), 9 goals; Best goalkeeper: Priyant Singh (West Bengal)

Q.4. Which university has won the 2nd edition of the Khelo India University Games 2021 with 20 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals?

Correct Answer is JAIN University(Deemed-to-be University).

• Lovely Professional University (LPU) with 17 golds has placed second and Punjab University placed third with 15 gold medals. Siva Sridhar has emerged as the star swimmer by winning 11 gold.
• The closing ceremony of KIUG was held at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Bengaluru.

Q.5. Who has won his seventh World Snooker Championship crown after beating Judd Trump (English snooker player) by 18- 13?

Correct Answer is Ronnie O'Sullivan (English snooker player).

• With this win, he has been equalled Stephen Hendry's modern-day record of seven world titles. O'Sullivan has won his first world title in 2001.
• He has also claimed snooker’s biggest prize in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2020 before his triumph over the Bristolian.

Q.6. Which Olympian discus thrower player has been suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for testing positive for a banned substance?

Correct Answer is Kamalpreet Kaur.

• The AIU has found the presence/use of the prohibited substance anabolic steroid called stanozolol in her sample. Kaur had finished sixth with a throw of 63.7m in the Tokyo Olympics final.
• Stanozolol was used by sprinter Ben Johnson during the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

Q.7. Who has won gold in the men's 10m air rifle competition in the 24th Deaflympics at Caxias do Sul, Brazil?

Correct Answer is Shooter Dhanush Srikanth.

• Shourya Saini has also won the bronze in the same event.
• Later, the Indian badminton team also won gold after beating Japan by 3-1 in the final to make it a double celebration for the country.
• Vedika Sharma won the bronze medal in the 10 m air pistol at the ongoing Deaflympics 2021 in Caxias do Sol, Brazil.

Q.8. Which cricket team has been ranked as the world’s number one in ICC T20 team ranking?

Correct Answer is India cricket team.

• New Zealand has bagged the top spot in the ODI rankings, followed by England, Australia, and India.
• Men's Test Team Rankings: Australia, India, and New Zealand
• International Cricket Council Chairman: Greg Barclay; CEO: Geoff Allardice; Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Q.9. In which state Khelo India Youth Games 2021 will be held?

Correct Answer is Haryana.

• Mascot, Logo and Jersey and theme song of Khelo India Youth Games were launched in a special ceremony held at Indra Dhanush Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana.
• The Mascot and theme was launched by Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal along with Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur.

Books and Authors

Q.1. Who is the author of Marathi book on Union Home Minister Amit Shah that chronicles his political journey?

Correct Answer is Dr. Anirban Ganguly and Shivanand Dwivedi.

• Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra BJP leader) has released a book titled 'Amit Shah Ani Bhajapachi Vatchal' records the life and journey of Shah and his contribution to building the BJP. The book has been translated into Marathi by Dr. Jyostna Kolhatkar.
• The book is published by Bloomsbury India.

Science and Defence

Q.1. By which yeat the Indian Space Research Organisation is planning to launch a spacecraft to orbit Venus with an orbital manoeuvre?

Correct Answer is by December 2024.

• To study the Venus atmosphere.
• The Orbital manoeuvre is the use of propulsion systems to change the orbit of a spacecraft. It permits a spacecraft to enter a planet’s orbit.
• ISRO eyeing the December 2024 window as Earth and Venus would be aligned in a manner so that the minimum amount of propellant would be required.

Q.2. Which division of the Indian Army has signed an MoU with the State Bank of India Foundation (SIBF) and training partner National Integrity and Educational Development Organization (NIEDO) to establish a Centre for Excellence and wellness?

Correct Answer is Red Shield Division.

• The project is named Manipur Super 50 and will be fully functional for the first batch of 50 students by the first week of July 2022.
• Aim: To provide residential coaching for competitive examinations including the NEET and JEE.

Q.3. Name the exercise which organised by the United States Armed Forces to build preparedness and interoperability between Allies and partners of the USA and NATO?

Correct Answer is  DEFENDER-Europe 22.

• Poland is one of the DE22 host countries and conduct training in Drawsko Pomorskie, Bemowo Piskie and Zagan.
• Apart from Polish troops, the forces from the USA, France, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain will also participate
• The exercises are scheduled to run from May 1-27.

Q.4. Which government agency has commissioned its second Air Squadron, 845 Squadron (CG) at the Coast Guard Air Enclave at Nedumbassery in Kochi?

Correct Answer is Indian Coast Guard.

• The new Air Squadron was commissioned by Coast Guard Director General V S Pathania.
• It is equipped with indigenously developed Advanced Mark III (ALH Mark III) helicopters.
• This second squadron of these choppers will boost the security of the western seaboard and enhance India’s search and rescue capability