Current Affairs for Competitive Exam \u2013 12 May 2022 <\/h2>\n\n\n\nA book Titled \u201cThe Struggle for Police Reforms in India\u201d by Ex-IPS Prakash Singh<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T122303.314.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVice President M Venkaiah Naidu has stressed on the need to upgrade the skills of policemen to effectively tackle cybercrimes, economic offences and online frauds. Addressing a gathering after releasing the book titled \u2013 The Struggle for Police Reforms in India\u201d written by former IPS officer, Prakash Singh in New Delhi, Mr Naidu urged policemen to be friendly and courteous towards the common man. The book is published by Rupa Publications India Pvt Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the book:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis book documents the efforts made to bring about police reforms in India. The book provides the historical background to the origin of the Indian Police and traces the evolution during British Rule and subsequently since independence. The book focuses on the efforts of Prakash Singh to bring transformational changes in the Indian Police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GoI releases Rs 7,183.42 crore to 14 states as revenue deficit grant<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"GoI](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T122542.102.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe central government on Friday released Rs 7,183.42 crore as revenue deficit grant<\/strong> to 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam and Kerala.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance released the money. This is the 2nd monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant to states. The grant has been released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The States which have been recommended Post Devolution Revenue Deficit grant by the 15th Finance Commission during 2022-23 are: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant to states. Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant is provided under Article 275 of the Indian Constitution.<\/li>
- The 15th Finance Commission has recommended a total Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs 86,201 crore to 14 states for the financial year 2022-23. The recommended grant will be released by the Department of Expenditure to the recommended states in 12 equated monthly instalments. With this release, the total amount of Revenue Deficit Grants released to the States in 2022-23 has gone up to Rs 14,366.84 crore.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
HDFC Bank Launches \u2018Xpress Car Loan\u2019 Industry First Digital New Car Loan<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"HDFC](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-57.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrivate sector lender HDFC Bank has launched a 30-minute \u2018Xpress Car Loans\u2019 for its existing customers as well as new customers. Buyers can apply for up to Rs 20 lakh and the loan amount will be credited to the dealers\u2019 accounts within 30-minute. The bank has integrated its lending application with automobile dealers throughout India. It is the industry\u2019s first automotive lending experience, and it is expected to change the way automobile financing is done in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Points of \u2018Xpress Car Loans\u2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- The facility will be offered at all of the bank\u2019s branches, dealerships, and, eventually, on third-party aggregator platforms.<\/li>
- This comprehensive, faster, more convenient, and inclusive digital journey for car buyers will simplify the automobile purchase process and boost car sales across India, particularly in semi-urban and rural locations.<\/li>
- The bank is expecting 20 to 30 per cent of customers to avail of this new facility for loans of up to Rs 20 lakh. The Xpress Loans facility is currently available for four-wheelers and will be soon rolled out to two-wheelers as well.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India elected as Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"India](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T123033.487.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIndia has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA) for 2022-2024 at its general assembly and executive board meeting held in Manila, Philippines on May 7, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a press statement issued on Wednesday. Commission on Elections, Manila was the current chair of AAEA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new member of the Executive Board now includes Russia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Taiwan and the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief Election Commission of India: Sushil Chandra<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rajesh Unni takes over as Vice Chair at Maritime Anti-Corruption Network<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Rajesh](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T123239.337.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCaptain Rajesh Unni (Founder and CEO of Synergy Group) has been appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). Captain Rajesh Unni, one of the world\u2019s leading ship managers and one of India\u2019s largest maritime enterprises, believes shipping is becoming a more transparent industry, but more can and should be done to tackle corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2006 he launched his own vessel ownership and management company named Synergy Marine Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Captain Unni is joint CEO of Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT) which he founded in 2017 and is a Governor at the Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- MACN founded: 2011;<\/li>
- Chair of MACN: Ann Shazell;<\/li>
- HQ: Denmark<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Former Union Minister Pandit Sukh Ram dies<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T123417.693.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVeteran Himachal Pradesh Congress leader and former Union minister Pandit Sukh Ram has passed away at 94.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was the Union Minister of State, Communications (Independent Charge) from 1993 to 1996 and a member of Lok Sabha from the Mandi constituency (Himachal Pradesh).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He won the Lok Sabha elections three times and the Vidhan Sabha elections five times. He also served as a junior minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Kovind presents Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces personnel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"President](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T124954.135.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPresident Ram Nath Kovind has conferred Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony- 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He presented Shaurya Chakras (13) including six posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed Forces for displaying courage, gallantry, and devotion to duty. He also conferred Param Vishisht Seva Medals (14 ), Uttam Yudh Seva Medals(4), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (24) for distinguished service of an exceptional order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rodrigo Chaves elected as president of Costa Rica<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Rodrigo](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T125149.610.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRodrigo Chaves (Economist and former finance minister) from Social Democratic Progressive Party was sworn in as Costa Rica\u2019s president for a four-years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He will focus on reinvigorating one of Latin America\u2019s most stable economies, as foreign debt rises to 70% of GDP, the poverty rate of 23%, unemployment of 14% and public sector corruption. He was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Costa Rica Capital: San Jose;<\/li>
- Currency: Colon<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
World\u2019s oldest chess grandmaster Yuri Averbakh passes away<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"World\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T124019.250.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGM Yuri Averbakh, the world\u2019s oldest grandmaster, a trainer, international arbiter, chess composer, endgame theoretician, writer, historian, honorary member of FIDE, and the last living participant of the famous Zurich 1953 Candidates Tournament, has passed away, three months after turning 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He won the Moscow Championship in 1949 and earned the Grandmaster title in 1952. In 1954, he became the champion of the USSR. He also chaired the Chess Federation of the USSR from 1972 to 1977.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International Day of Plant Health observed on 12th May<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"International](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T124410.868.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. The Day is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Year was extended until1 July 2021 due to the postponement of some key initiatives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPlants are the life of Earth and we all are dependent on them. How we breathe and what we eat are all affected by plants. They develop up to 80% of food for us and up to 98% of oxygen. But human habitation is harming the life of plants. Several diseases and pests kill up to 40% of food crops every year. This change is also affecting humans. This new day will promote that healthy plants constitute the foundation for all life on Earth and help aid food security and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is affecting both food security and agriculture, the main source of income for vulnerable rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Climate change and human activities are altering ecosystems and damaging biodiversity while creating new niches for pests to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International travel and trade, which has tripled in volume in the last decade, is also spreading pests and diseases. We need to protect plants both for people and the planet, and all of us have a role to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International Nurses Day observed on 12th May<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"International](\"https:\/\/www.gkseries.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/download-2022-05-12T124549.047.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInternational Nurses Day (IND) is observed around the world May 12 (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale\u2019s birth in 1820). Florence Nightingale<\/strong> was the founder of modern nursing and was a British social reformer and statistician.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe day is set aside to honor and note the many contributions nurses make to society. Nurses care for our loved ones at some of the most challenging times of their lives. They may run short of time, but not compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVice President M Venkaiah Naidu has stressed on the need to upgrade the skills of policemen to effectively tackle cybercrimes, economic offences and online frauds. Addressing a gathering after releasing the book titled \u2013 The Struggle for Police Reforms in India\u201d written by former IPS officer, Prakash Singh in New Delhi, Mr Naidu urged policemen to be friendly and courteous towards the common man. The book is published by Rupa Publications India Pvt Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the book:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This book documents the efforts made to bring about police reforms in India. The book provides the historical background to the origin of the Indian Police and traces the evolution during British Rule and subsequently since independence. The book focuses on the efforts of Prakash Singh to bring transformational changes in the Indian Police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The central government on Friday released Rs 7,183.42 crore as revenue deficit grant<\/strong> to 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam and Kerala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance released the money. This is the 2nd monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant to states. The grant has been released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The States which have been recommended Post Devolution Revenue Deficit grant by the 15th Finance Commission during 2022-23 are: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Private sector lender HDFC Bank has launched a 30-minute \u2018Xpress Car Loans\u2019 for its existing customers as well as new customers. Buyers can apply for up to Rs 20 lakh and the loan amount will be credited to the dealers\u2019 accounts within 30-minute. The bank has integrated its lending application with automobile dealers throughout India. It is the industry\u2019s first automotive lending experience, and it is expected to change the way automobile financing is done in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Points of \u2018Xpress Car Loans\u2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n India has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA) for 2022-2024 at its general assembly and executive board meeting held in Manila, Philippines on May 7, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a press statement issued on Wednesday. Commission on Elections, Manila was the current chair of AAEA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new member of the Executive Board now includes Russia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Taiwan and the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chief Election Commission of India: Sushil Chandra<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Rajesh Unni (Founder and CEO of Synergy Group) has been appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). Captain Rajesh Unni, one of the world\u2019s leading ship managers and one of India\u2019s largest maritime enterprises, believes shipping is becoming a more transparent industry, but more can and should be done to tackle corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2006 he launched his own vessel ownership and management company named Synergy Marine Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Unni is joint CEO of Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT) which he founded in 2017 and is a Governor at the Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Veteran Himachal Pradesh Congress leader and former Union minister Pandit Sukh Ram has passed away at 94.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was the Union Minister of State, Communications (Independent Charge) from 1993 to 1996 and a member of Lok Sabha from the Mandi constituency (Himachal Pradesh).<\/p>\n\n\n\n He won the Lok Sabha elections three times and the Vidhan Sabha elections five times. He also served as a junior minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Ram Nath Kovind has conferred Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony- 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He presented Shaurya Chakras (13) including six posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed Forces for displaying courage, gallantry, and devotion to duty. He also conferred Param Vishisht Seva Medals (14 ), Uttam Yudh Seva Medals(4), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (24) for distinguished service of an exceptional order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rodrigo Chaves (Economist and former finance minister) from Social Democratic Progressive Party was sworn in as Costa Rica\u2019s president for a four-years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He will focus on reinvigorating one of Latin America\u2019s most stable economies, as foreign debt rises to 70% of GDP, the poverty rate of 23%, unemployment of 14% and public sector corruption. He was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GM Yuri Averbakh, the world\u2019s oldest grandmaster, a trainer, international arbiter, chess composer, endgame theoretician, writer, historian, honorary member of FIDE, and the last living participant of the famous Zurich 1953 Candidates Tournament, has passed away, three months after turning 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He won the Moscow Championship in 1949 and earned the Grandmaster title in 1952. In 1954, he became the champion of the USSR. He also chaired the Chess Federation of the USSR from 1972 to 1977.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. The Day is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Year was extended until1 July 2021 due to the postponement of some key initiatives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plants are the life of Earth and we all are dependent on them. How we breathe and what we eat are all affected by plants. They develop up to 80% of food for us and up to 98% of oxygen. But human habitation is harming the life of plants. Several diseases and pests kill up to 40% of food crops every year. This change is also affecting humans. This new day will promote that healthy plants constitute the foundation for all life on Earth and help aid food security and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is affecting both food security and agriculture, the main source of income for vulnerable rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate change and human activities are altering ecosystems and damaging biodiversity while creating new niches for pests to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International travel and trade, which has tripled in volume in the last decade, is also spreading pests and diseases. We need to protect plants both for people and the planet, and all of us have a role to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International Nurses Day (IND) is observed around the world May 12 (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale\u2019s birth in 1820). Florence Nightingale<\/strong> was the founder of modern nursing and was a British social reformer and statistician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The day is set aside to honor and note the many contributions nurses make to society. Nurses care for our loved ones at some of the most challenging times of their lives. They may run short of time, but not compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGoI releases Rs 7,183.42 crore to 14 states as revenue deficit grant<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHDFC Bank Launches \u2018Xpress Car Loan\u2019 Industry First Digital New Car Loan<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIndia elected as Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRajesh Unni takes over as Vice Chair at Maritime Anti-Corruption Network<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFormer Union Minister Pandit Sukh Ram dies<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPresident Kovind presents Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces personnel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRodrigo Chaves elected as president of Costa Rica<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWorld\u2019s oldest chess grandmaster Yuri Averbakh passes away<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInternational Day of Plant Health observed on 12th May<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInternational Nurses Day observed on 12th May<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n