Daily GK Updates - 22nd April, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Navy Chief Launches New Guided Missile Destroyer 'INS Imphal': Indigenously designed ‘INS Imphal’ a guided missile destroyer was launched by Navy Chief Sunil Lanba at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.  It is the third ship under Project 15B. The first ship of this project, a guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam, was launched on in April 2015.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky wins Ukraine's presidential vote: Political newcomer, Comedian ‘Volodymyr Zelensky’ (41-year) has won the 2019 Presidential election of the country in a landslide victory. He won 73% of the vote in the runoff election. Mr Zelensky is best known for starring in a satirical television series Servant of the People in which his character accidentally becomes Ukrainian president. He plays a teacher who is elected after his expletive-laden rant about corruption goes viral on social media.

2. UAE adopts National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031: The UAE Cabinet chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has adopted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. Its aims at positioning the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031 and to develop an integrated system that employs artificial intelligence in vital areas in the country. The strategy includes eight objectives and number of initiatives, aimed at employing artificial intelligence in vital areas such as education, government services and the community wellbeing.

OTHER UPDATES:

APPOINTMENTS

1. Twitter Appoints Manish Maheshwari As India MD: Twitter has appointed Manish Maheshwari as the Managing Director of its India operations. Maheshwari has previously served as the CEO of Network18 Digital. Maheshwari will report to Twitter Vice President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific Maya Hari and will be based in Delhi.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. TCS Signs Deal With India Post To Transform Country's Mail Delivery System: India's largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has partnered with the Department of Posts in a bid to transform it into a multi-service digital hub. It will modernise the delivery of mail and packages, enhance customer experience, and launch innovative services that will drive new revenues.

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. Earth Day: April 22: Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 Worldwide. It was first celebrated in 1970. The theme for Earth Day 2019 is to 'Protect Our Species.' This theme is created to focus on the destruction caused to plants and wildlife populations mainly due to human activity.

SPORTS

3. Asian Weightlifting Championships begin in China: The Asian Weightlifting Championships 2019 has begun in Ningbo, China. As many as 278 participants from 28 nations and regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Iran and North Korea have registered for the competition. Former World Champion, Mirabai Chanu (in 49kg category) will spearhead India’s challenge at the Championship. Medals will be won across 20 categories, 10 for men and 10 for women, till the 28th of April 2019.