NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Cooperation
Minister Amit Shah launched IFFCO's nano DAP:
Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah has launched IFFCO's nano liquid
Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer for commercial sale at Rs 600 per 500 ml
bottle. Aim: Farmers to use nano urea and DAP extensively to make the
country self-reliant and reduce import dependence One bottle (500 ml) of
nano-liquid DAP is equivalent to one bag (50kg) of conventional granular DAP,
which is currently being sold at Rs 1,350. In 2021, IFFCO
launched the world's first nano urea fertilizer.
2. Cabinet
approves National Medical Devices Policy, 2023: The
Union government has approved the National Medical Devices Policy,
2023 to reduce India’s heavy import dependence on the medical
sector. It will help the Medical Devices Sector, grow from the
present 11 billion USD to 50 billion USD in the next five years. It also
aims to facilitate orderly growth of the medical device sector to meet the
public health objectives of access, affordability, and innovation. The Cabinet
has also approved establishing 157 nursing colleges
3. NITI
Aayog released report titled Promoting Millets in Diets: NITI Aayog has released a report titled Promoting Millets in
Diets: Best Practices across States and Union Territories of India. The report
was released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery. Report's theme: State
Missions and initiatives to promote millets; Inclusion of millets in ICDS; Research
and development and use of technology for innovative practices It will serve as
a guiding repository to revive and mainstream millets in our diets.
4. Centre
inks MoU with Art of Living as part of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has signed
an MoU with Art of Living as part of its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The
signing ceremony was held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This
campaign will get a boost towards achieving a drug-sensitized India. The
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
has been implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
(NAPDDR) to curb the menace of drug demand. Manamadurai pottery receives GI tag: Manamadurai pottery, a traditional form of pottery from Tamil
Nadu, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Manamadurai in
Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu is known for pottery making. The pottery is
known for its distinctive style, which features intricate designs and vibrant
colors.
5. Bengaluru experiences Zero Shadow Day as shadows
disappear: People in
Bengaluru experienced a unique astronomical phenomenon as their
shadows disappeared from the surface. The city experienced Zero Shadow
Day at 12:17 pm as the Sun was overhead on 25 April. The Zero Shadow was
the result of Earth’s unique tilt on its axis and occurs twice a year in some
parts of the world. The unique phenomenon is observed in places between +23.5-
and -23.5-degrees latitude on the planet. According to the Astronomical Society
of India, the Sun is almost never exactly overhead at noon, but usually
transits a bit lower in altitude, a bit to the north or a bit to the south, and
Earth’s rotation axis is inclined at 23.5 degrees to the plane of its
revolution around the Sun. The sun’s rays hit Earth at a 90-degree angle along
the equator during the spring and fall equinoxes, resulting in no shadows, and
as the Earth’s axial tilt changes, the sun’s position in the sky changes,
resulting in different shadow lengths throughout the year.
6. IIT Guwahati Researchers Develop Time-Bomb Liquid
Marbles: Researchers at the Indian
Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed liquid marbles using
nano clay that can be pre-programmed for drug delivery and cascade
chemical reactions. Liquid marbles are small droplets of liquid that are coated
with hydrophobic particles. Conventionally, for treating any disease we take
medicines in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, ointments, etc. A
controlled drug delivery system is a more efficient technique to deliver the
required dose at the specific site gradually over the desired period of time. This
method of drug delivery can be used in treatment of diseases such as cancer and
diabetes.
7. Xypex Announces Launch of First Production Plant in India: Canadian concrete waterproofing solutions
provider, Xypex has announced the launch of its first production
plant in India. The plant will be opened at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The
40,000 sq-ft facility will house chemical manufacturing, and distribution
capabilities to serve upstream, midstream, downstream, and adjacent industries
in the region. The production facility has 30,000 sq-ft additional space for
storage. The new production facility will further strengthen Xypex’s presence
in the Indian market. The Xypex Noida plant is forecast to have more than 100
full-time employees by 2024. This hiring process will continue until the
factory reaches full production capacity. The manufacturing plant will also
create 500 indirect jobs. The plant will be manufacture Xypex’s range of
waterproofing and protection products for the Indian market and neighboring
countries.
8. Cabinet approved 6003 crore for Quantum Technology
Mission: The Union
Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the National Quantum
Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31. This
will accelerate QT-led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country
and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum
Technologies & Applications (QTA). The new mission targets developing
intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in
various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. The mission
will also focus on developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic
systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
It will support the design and synthesis of quantum materials, including
superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials, for
the fabrication of quantum devices.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. International
Girls in ICT Day 2023: 27 April: International Girls in ICT
Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of
April to encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue
careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In
2023, it is being observed on April 27. 2023 theme: Digital Skills for Life It
raised awareness about the gender gap in the tech industry and inspires women
to consider careers in ICT. This day was declared by ITU on April 8, 2011.
2. US
President, South Korean President secured a landmark deal: US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol have
secured a landmark deal. It includes plans to periodically deploy US
nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea. This deal will be known as
the Washington Declaration and strengthen the allies' cooperation in
deterring a North Korean attack. The declaration comes amid rising concerns
about nuclear threats from North Korea as the country carries out a record
number of ballistic missile tests.
3. World
Intellectual Property Day 2023: 26th April: The
world commemorates World Intellectual Property Day on April 26 for
promoting awareness of intellectual property and its safeguarding.
The theme
for the 2023 celebration of World Intellectual Property Day
is "Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity". This
day was initially proposed during the 33rd Assembly Session of the WIPO Member
States in September 1988, and it was officially established on August 9th,
1999.
4. India Ranks 4th in World’s Largest Military Spending
in 2022: Report: India was the world’s fourth
largest military spender in 2022, with its defence spending increasing by
around six percent as compared to 2021, a report by Swedish think tank
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The military
expenditure report said around 23 percent of the total spending by India
was towards funding equipment and infrastructure, including that along the
China border where tension continues. However, a major part of the spending was
on expenditures like salaries and pensions. With military expenditure of USD
81.4 billion (one billion=100 crore), India’s spending was up by six percent
from 2021 and by 47 percent as compared 2013. The United States, accounting for
39 percent of the world military spending in 2022, was the top spender,
followed by China (13 percent), Russia (3.9 percent), India (3.6 percent) and
Saudi Arabia (3.3 percent). Together, these five countries accounted for 63
percent of total global military spending in 2022. The 15 largest spenders in
2022 together accounted for 82 percent of the world military expenditure of USD
1,842 billion. Total global military expenditure increased by 3.7 percent in
real terms in 2022, to reach a new high of USD 2,240 billion. Military
expenditure in Europe saw its steepest year-on-year increase in at least 30
years. The largest spenders in 2022 -the United States, China and Russia – accounted
for 56 percent of the world total.
5. Shahabuddin Chuppu takes oath as president of
Bangladesh: Veteran politician and
former judge Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu was sworn in as
the 22nd President of Bangladesh. Shahabuddin Chuppu succeeds Abdul Hamid,
whose tenure ended on April 23, 2023. He was elected unopposed in February this
year as the candidate of the ruling party, and after the ceremony, he signed
the documents for the office of the president. Shahabuddin was born in 1949,
hails from the northwestern Pabna District, and served as one of the
commissioners of the independent Anti-Corruption Commission.
6. 27 April – International Girls in ICT Day: International Girls in ICT Day is an
annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April every year. Objective
– To encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue careers
in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This year, it
is being observed on April 27 with the theme “Digital Skills for Life”. Despite
the significant role of ICT in our lives, a relatively small percentage of
women globally opt for higher education in ICT-related fields, according to the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). International Girls in ICT Day was
declared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on April 8, 2011,
to encourage women to pursue careers in information and communication
technologies. The Day has been celebrated globally since its inception, with
over 11,400 events held in 171 countries and more than 3,77,000 girls and young
women participating.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Shaheen Afridi becomes the youngest bowler to take 200
T20 wickets: Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi (23 years and
18 days) achieved a special milestone in T20 cricket as he completed 200 wickets
in the format during the fifth T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand. He
is also the quickest pacer to reach the landmark, in 143 matches. He surpassed
the previous record held by Kagiso Rabada, who achieved this feat at the age of
25 years and 157 days. He is the 8th Pakistani bowler and the 53rd overall to
reach the 200-wicket milestone in T20 cricket.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI
approves reappointment of N Kamakodi as MD and CEO of City Union Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of
N Kamakodi as Managing Director and CEO of City Union Bank. The tenure of his
re-appointment would be for a period of three years with effect from May
1, 2023. He joined the bank as deputy general manager in 2003 and was elevated
to general manager in 2005. In 2006, he was appointed as executive director. From
May 2011, he was serving the bank as its managing director and chief executive
officer.
2. Reliance
General to accept CBDC e-Rupee through Yes Bank:
Reliance General Insurance has become India's first general insurance
company to accept the RBI's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
e-Rupee for premium payments. Aim: To provide customers with an easy,
safe, instant, and green payment solution The company has partnered with
Yes Bank to enable premium collection. Customers with an active e-wallet
with any bank can scan Reliance General Insurance's e-Rupee QR code to make
immediate payments.
3. RBI Governor Addresses Global Conference on Financial
Resilience: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor,
Shaktikanta Das, addressed the Global Conference on Financial Resilience
in Mumbai. The conference with the theme — Financial Stability: Framework,
Monitoring and Implementation — is being organized by the College of
Supervisors in collaboration with the Centre for Central Banking Studies
(CCBS), Bank of England, London. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also set up an
academic advisory council called the ‘College of Supervisors (CoS)’ to further
strengthen supervision over regulated entities. The CoS is headed by former
deputy governor N S Viswanathan, and it has five other members. The council’s
objective is to identify areas where skill building or upskilling is required,
plan and develop curricula of all programmes, benchmark the programmes with
international standards or best practices, and develop appropriate teaching
methods.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. IIT
Bombay secures second place in ‘Solar Decathlon’ Build Challenge: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay’s SHUNYA team has secured second
place in Solar Decathlon Build Challenge in the United States. Reason: For
their innovative zero-energy house designed to address air quality challenges
in Mumbai's hot and humid climate. SHUNYA refers to Sustainable Housing
for Urbanizing Nation by its Young Aspirants. It is a student-driven
technical team of IIT Bombay working to build a sustainable future.
2. Dalai
Lama received 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award in person after 64 years: The Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama has received the 1959
Ramon Magsaysay Award by members of the award foundation
personally after 64 years. It was the first international award given for
his Community Leadership in recognition of his leadership of the Tibetan
community's gallant struggle in defense of the sacred religion that is the
inspiration of their life and culture. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often
called the Nobel Prize of Asia.
3. RINL
wins Ispat Rajbhasha Samman for 2021-22:
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) has bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha
Samman" for the year 2021-22. The award was presented by the MoS
for Steel and Rural Development Faggan Singh Kulaste to CMD, RINL Atul
Bhatt, in the meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti held at Srinagar. The
minister also released RINL's March issue of Hindi In-house Magazine
"Rashtriya Ispat Sugandh". The members of Hindi Salahkar Samiti
appreciated various activities being undertaken by RINL.
4. Shakira to Receive Billboard’s First Latin Woman of
the Year Award: Colombian singer Shakira will be honoured
with Billboard’s ‘Latin women of the year’ award at the first-ever
Mujeres Latinas en la Musica, or Latin Women in Music, gala. Shakira has sold
over 70 million records worldwide and has won three Grammy Awards and 12 Latin
Grammy Awards. Shakira has earned the title of ‘Queen of Latin Music’ for her
outstanding tracks over the course of three decades in her career. She is known
for some blockbuster hit tracks like ‘Hips don’t lie’, ‘Can’t remember to
forget you’, ‘Loca’, ‘Whenever Wherever’, ‘Waka Waka’, ‘Beautiful Liar’, ‘She
Wolf’, ‘La Tortura’ and many more.
5. PIndigenous woman from Amazon wins Goldman Environment
Prize: Alessandra Korap, a
Munduruku Indigenous woman from the Brazilian Amazon, has been awarded
a 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize. The respected award honors six
activists from six continents who work on grassroots efforts to help the
environment. The prize was established in 1989. The Goldman Prize defines
grassroots leaders as those involved in local efforts, where positive change is
created through community or citizen involvement. Korap is a member of the
Munduruku people of the Amazon rain forest. She saw roads, farms and cities
coming closer to her village throughout the 1980s. The settlers, loggers and
miners posed a threat to the 14,000 Munduruku people, who lived along the
Tapajos River. Munduruku leader Alessandra Korap has been awarded the
prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her work fighting against illegal
mining and large-scale projects aimed at facilitating soybean exports in the
Tapajos River Basin.
OBITUARIES
1. Veteran Malayalam actor Mamukkoya passes away: Veteran Malayalam actor-comedian Mamukkoya passed away at 77 due to cardiac arrest. He started his acting career by doing theatre in 1979, then he went on to become an actor by doing comic roles and was popular for playing characters that spoke Malabar accent. He acted in around 500 films, including comedies like Sandesam, Nadodikkattu, Innathe Chintha Vishayam, and Varavelpu. He won several awards and honours for his various roles during his extensive career.
No comments:
Post a Comment