NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Minister
Narayan Rane launches the revamped CGTMSE Scheme: Union
Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane has launched the revamped Credit Guarantee
Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) Scheme. Modifications: Reduction
in guarantee fees for loans upto ₹1 crore by 50% bringing the minimum
guarantee fee to the level of 0.37% pa only. Raising of ceiling for
guarantee from ₹2 crore to ₹ 5 crore Enhanced the threshold limit for
claim settlement without initiation of legal action to ₹10 lakh.
2. India’s
first cable-stayed bridge Anji Khad will be ready in May 2023: India’s first cable-stayed bridge, the Anji Khad bridge will
be completed by May 2023. It connects Katra and Reasi via
tunnels T2 and T3 on the Katra-Banihal section. Aim: To connect J&K to
the rest of the country with all-weather rail connectivity The cables
weigh 848.7 MT and the total length of cable strands involved is 653km. The
asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge crosses the deep gorges of Anji river, a
tributary of river Chenab. Total length of the bridge: 725m
3. Dima
Hasao insurgent group signs peace pact with Assam, Centre: A tribal insurgent group, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) signed
the tripartite agreement with the Centre and the state
government of Assam to avoid the violence and join the mainstream. According
to the MoU, the DNLA will lay down its arms and abide by the Constitution.
It was decided to set up a Dimasa Welfare Council and grant
a special financial package of Rs. 1,000 crores (Rs. 500 crores each
by the Centre and Assam government).
4. Summit
on Farm Machinery Technology inaugurated: Union
Minister of Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the Summit
on Farm Machinery Technology in New Delhi. Organized by: Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) and Tractor and Mechanisation Association in New Delhi During
the event, the minister informed that, about 85% of small farmers in the
country, who should get the benefit of technology and machinery. It was
attended by stakeholders including Original Equipment Manufacturers and design
firms.
5. Amitav
Ghosh's new book 'Smoke and Ashes' to release in July 2023: A new book 'Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey Through Opium’s
Hidden Histories' is all set to be released in India in July 2023. It
was authored by Amitav Ghosh. This book explores the opium trade's effect
on world history and how it continues to hugely impact our lives today. The
book will be published by HarperCollins India's Fourth Estate imprint. Other
Notable works: The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, The Hungry Tide, Gun
Island, and The Great Derangement
6. Hari
Hara Mishra takes charge as CEO of AARC: Hari
Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
He has
started his career with the State Bank of India in 1982 and worked there until
2004. He is an experienced professional in the field of asset reconstruction. The
ARCs are the voice of all Asset Reconstruction Companies in India. Currently,
there are 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India.
7. Finance
ministry approves Navratna status to Rail Vikas Nigam: Union Finance Ministry has given its approval to upgrade Rail
Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)
from Category-I Miniratna. RVNL, a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, will be
the 13th Navratna amongst CPSEs. The company will have more autonomy in terms
of investment, setting up JV and other financial decisions. As per the Navratna
Company criteria, the company must have Miniratna status, with 4 independent
board directors.
8. Rashki launches India’s First-ever range of Handbags
made from Banana: An Indian fashion brand, Rashki has
launched the country’s first-ever range of handbags made from banana
leather, in an effort to promote sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. Banana
leather is an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional leather,
which is environmentally damaging and often sourced through unethical
practices. It is a sustainable alternative to animal leather, made from banana
crop waste. Arun Kashyap appointed as COO of SpiceJet: Arun Kashyap has been appointed
as Chief Operating Officer of SpiceJet. The appointment of Arun Kashyap
will be effective from June 12 and he will report to the airline’s Chairman and
Managing Director Ajay Singh. This is his second stint at SpiceJet, having
previously served as chief program and transformation officer at the airline. He
has previously also worked with flydubai, Jet Airways and Oman Air.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India,
UK joint military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior 2023’ commenced in the UK: The seventh edition of a joint military exercise
between India and the UK, 'Ajeya Warrior 2023' has been started in
the Salisbury Plains, UK. The biennial training event started on
27 April and continues till May 11. The Indian Army has participated with
indigenous weapons and equipment. Scope of exercise: It involves a Command Post
Exercise (CPX) at the battalion level and company level field training exercise
(FTX) Last edition (October 2021): Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
2. India,
UK to jointly create India-UK 'NET Zero' Innovation Virtual Centre: India and the United Kingdom have agreed to create India-UK
NET zero innovation virtual centre. Aim: To provide a platform for stakeholders
of both countries to work together in areas like the decarbonization of
manufacturing processes, transport systems, and green hydrogen as a renewable
source Both countries will also join to launch the first-ever
UK-India scientific 'deep sea voyage' and 'space parks' partnership.
3. World
Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: 28th
April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year
on April 28 to promote safe and decent work environments across the
globe 2023 theme: A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental
principle and right at work It coincides with the anniversary of the 1971 adoption
of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention by the International Labour
Organization (ILO) It was first observed in 2003 after the ILO declared it an
annual international campaign.
4. Australia to host third in-person Quad Summit on May
24 in Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Anthony
Albanese announced that they will host the third in-person Quad
Summit on May 24 in Sydney. It will be attended by US President Joe Biden,
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Quad is committed
to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful
of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all. The Quad leaders will
discuss how the grouping can work alongside partners and regional groupings
including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific
Islands Forum, to strengthen cooperation and shape the region.
5. India Pavilion at Global Education & Training
Exhibition Inaugurated at Dubai: The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education
& Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai has been inaugurated by the
Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri. It was organized by the
Services Export Promotion Council with the support of the Department of
Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The pavilion, spanning over 200
sqm, features more than 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian
higher education. The GETEX is a leading education fair in the region for over
30 years.
OTHER UPDATES:
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. N Kamakodi appoints 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. Kamakodi joined the bank as deputy general manager in 2003 and was later
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.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Russian
poet Maria Stepanova wins Leipzig Book Prize 2023: A
Russian poet, Maria Stepanova has been awarded the
prestigious Leipzig Book Prize for European Understanding in 2023. She was
honored in Leipzig for her volume of poetry "Mädchen ohne
Kleider" (Girls Without Clothes). It is described as a sensitive and
highly poetic study of often hidden violence against the female body and the
power imbalance that drives this oppression. About Leipzig Book Award:
· Literary prizes in Germany
· Prize money: 20,000 euros
2. Neeli Bendapudi receives Immigrant Achievement Award
2023: Neeli Bendapudi, the Indian American president of
Penn State University, will receive this year’s prestigious Immigrant
Achievement Award 2023 for her contributions to higher education in the
US. The award is presented each year to an individual or organization that
exhibits a commitment and dedication to America’s heritage as a nation of
immigrants and advocacy for humane immigration policy. The award recognizes
individuals that exhibit commitment and dedication to our heritage as a nation
of immigrants. Bendapudi is the first woman and the first person of colour who
has served as Penn State University’s president.
3. Dalai Lama receives Ramon Magsaysay Award: Dalai Lama personally received
the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award from members of the Ramon Magsaysay
Award Foundation at his residence. The award was given in August 1959 by the
Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines. The Dalai Lama’s elder
brother Gyalo Thonden accepted the Magsaysay Award on his behalf in August 1959
in Manila, Philippines. Since his exile from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has
been living in India.
OBITUARIES
1. Scientist
and orator Dr N Gopalakrishnan passes away:
A noted orator and retired scientist, Dr. N Gopalakrishnan passed
away at the age of 68. He was a scientist at Advanced Seismic Testing and
Research Laboratory (ASTaR) of CSIR-SERC. He had served as a design engineer at
TATA Consulting Engineers, Bengaluru and later joined as scientist in the
Structural Dynamics and Machine Foundation division of CSIR-SERC. He was the
co-author of 61 national and international journal articles and filed for five
Indian patents.
2. Malayalam actor Mamukkoya passes away: Popular Malayalam actor Mamukkoya passed away at the age of 76. Mamukkoya made his acting debut in the theatre in 1979. Before that, he worked in a timber mill in Kozhikode. In his four-decade-long career, Mamkukkoya acted in over 450 Malayalam films. He also appeared in a French film titled Flammens of Paradise. The veteran actor was known for the use of the Mappila dialect and his impeccable comedy timing. He won two Kerala State Film Awards for his performances in Perumazhakkalam and Innathe Chintha Vishayam.
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