Current Affairs in English – April 26, 27 2023

April 26-27, 2023

National Events:

Shreekant M Bhandiwad:

• Shreekant M Bhandiwad has become the new Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), taking over the position from his predecessor.
• Prior to his appointment, Bhandiwad served as the head of the Patna circle of Canara Bank, and also gained experience working in the CMD’s Secretariat at the bank’s head office.

ARCs:

• Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
• The ARCs are the voice of all Asset Reconstruction Companies in India and have been active for over eight years. Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India.

One Earth One Health – Advantage Healthcare India – 2023:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the One Earth One Health – Advantage Healthcare India – 2023 conference at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi via video conferencing.
• The conference was attended by health ministers from across the world, as well as delegates from West Asia, SAARC, ASEAN, and African regions. In his address, PM Modi emphasized the importance of holistic healthcare and a healthy ecosystem for human well-being.

Quantum technology:

• India’s Ministry of Science and Technology launches a mission to promote quantum technology with a budget of Rs. 6003.65 crores. The objective is to enhance research and development and create an inventive atmosphere for quantum technology within India.
• Target of the Scheme: – A new quantum technology mission has been launched in India with the goal of developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, using platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology.

Atal Pension Yojana:

• In a recent report, the number of people enrolled in the Atal Pension Yojana has surpassed 5.20 crore as of March 31, 2023. In the fiscal year 2022-23, over 1.19 crore new subscribers joined the scheme, a growth of more than 20% compared to 99 lakh in the previous financial year.
• The scheme has accumulated assets under management of more than Rs. 27,200 crore and has yielded an investment return of 8.69% since its inception.
• The Indian government introduced the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) on 9th May 2015 with the aim of establishing a comprehensive social security system for all Indians, particularly the impoverished, underprivileged, and those in the unorganized sector.

Rashki:

• Rashki, an Indian fashion brand, 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.

Xypex:

• 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 plant will be manufacture Xypex’s range of waterproofing and protection products for the Indian market and neighboring countries.

INTACH:

• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelli, Kerala.
• The structure has a rich history dating back to the 15th century AD, and its key elements have not been given due consideration during the renovation process.

Akamai Technologies:

• Akamai Technologies, a leading content delivery network and cloud services provider, has announced the launch of “Brand Protector”.
• It aims to protect businesses from phishing attacks, fake websites, and other forms of online fraud that can harm brand reputation and customer trust.
• It uses machine learning and other advanced technologies to detect and mitigate attacks in real-time.

“Mann Ki Baat@100”:

• Prasar Bharati will organize a national conclave on “Mann Ki Baat@100” to commemorate the 100th episode of PM Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat.
• There will be four sessions highlighting the wide-ranging themes of Prime Minister’s interactions during Mann Ki Baat, each facilitated by an eminent panel.

Mobile Science Laboratory Project:

• The government of Maharashtra’s Integrated Tribal Development Project has started the Mobile Science Laboratory Project for tribal students of 16 Ashram schools in Naxal affected Gadchiroli district.
• A mobile science laboratory will move from one school to another so that the students can acquire practical knowledge of science. The district is worst hit by student dropouts.

5T School Transformation Programme:

• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched the third phase of the 5T School Transformation Programme.
• The initiative aims to improve the quality of education and infrastructure in government schools across the state.
• Under the programme, 5Ts – transformation, teamwork, technology, transparency, and time – will be implemented in schools to ensure holistic development.

Utsav Maharashtra festival:

• Monteria Village in Karjat, Maharashtra, is set to host Utsav Maharashtra festival. The festival will feature a range of cultural activities, including dance, music shows, and traditional food.
• It aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the state’s diverse culture and heritage. The festival will showcase various art forms, such as Lavani, Dindi, Powada, and Tamasha.

Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh:

• The Indian Air Force’s first woman pilot to fly the Rafale fighter jet, Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is part of the IAF contingent taking part in the multinational exercise ‘Orion’ in France.
• India has sent the Rafale jets for the first time outside the country. The IAF had sent a woman fighter pilot for the first time to an international exercise in January 2023.

SHUNYA:

• IIT Bombay’s SHUNYA (Sustainable Housing for Urbanizing Nation by its Young Aspirants) team secured second place in Solar Decathlon Build Challenge in the US.
• They won for their innovative zero-energy house designed to address air quality challenges in Mumbai’s hot and humid climate. It was the only team representing India in this competition out of 32 teams from across the world.

‘City Beauty Competition’:

• The ‘City Beauty Competition’ portal, launched by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry recently, has been made live.
• Urban Local Bodies across the country can participate in the competition through an online process at www.citybeautycompetition.in. The competition would felicitate the most beautiful wards and public spaces in the cities.

Union government:

• The Union government has approved the establishment of 157 new government nursing colleges at a cost of 1570 crores in co-location with existing medical colleges in the country.
• An amount of 10 crore rupees will be provided for setting up each nursing college. The highest number of colleges will be in Uttar Pradesh (27), Rajasthan (23), and Madhya Pradesh (14).

IFFCO Nano DAP:

• Home Minister Amit Shah launched IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) in New Delhi on 26 April 2023. He informed that 6.3 crore bottles of Nano urea have been manufactured till March 2023.
• As a result, import of urea in the country has decreased by seven lakh metric tonnes in 2021-22. A goal has been set to reduce the usage of granular DAP by about 90 lakh metric tons through liquid DAP.

National Medical Devices Policy:

• The National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 has been approved by the Cabinet, aiming to increase domestic production of medical devices and reduce imports. The medical devices sector in India is a sunrise sector that is growing at a fast pace.
• The policy is expected to help the Medical Devices Sector, grow from the present 11 billion US dollars to 50 billion US dollars in the next five years.

SWAGAT initiative:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 20th anniversary of the State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology -SWAGAT initiative in Gujarat.
• The scheme was started by PM Modi in April 2003 during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The main purpose of the scheme was to bridge the gap between citizens and the government by using technology.

ESZ:

• The Supreme Court lifted a complete ban by modifying its June 2022 order mandating a one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around protected areas – forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• It said there are in-built safeguards in existing law to prevent rampant construction or any abuse of process that may be detrimental to wildlife habitat.

KHADC & TTAADC:

• A delegation from Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)has visited Tripura to understand the functioning of the State’s tribal autonomous district council (TTAADC) and interact with indigenous leaders.
• The KHADC, one of the oldest councils constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India with restricted executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

Tamil Nadu Events:

84 modern paddy storage platforms:

• Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated 84 modern paddy storage platforms built at a cost of Rs.93 crore on behalf of Consumer Goods Trading Corporation in Tamil Nadu.
• In Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Trichy, Ariyalur, Pudukottai, Madurai, Sivagangai and Tiruvallur districts, 84 modern paddy storage facilities with roof structure have been constructed.
• Also a taluk process warehouse has been constructed at Pudukkadu village, Kodaikanal taluk, Dindigul district.

Survey of water bodies:

• For the first time in the country, a survey of water bodies has been taken. Jal Shakti Department has released the information that Tamil Nadu is the first with 13,629 lakes.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes, West Bengal has the highest number of lakes and reservoirs, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of reservoirs and Maharashtra has the highest number of water conservation projects.

International Events:

United States has imposed a ban:

• The United States has imposed a ban on the entry of Sri Lankan governor, M. L. A. M. Hizbullah, for his alleged involvement in human rights violations.
• Hizbullah, who is the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, has been accused of promoting extremist views and inciting violence against minority communities in the country.

Pope Francis:

• Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops. It is a historic reform that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church.
• Catholic women’s groups immediately praised the move as historic.

Diwali as a state holiday:

• The US state of Pennsylvania has officially recognized the Hindu festival of Diwali as a state holiday.
• The move was announced by Governor Tom Wolf, who signed a proclamation recognizing the festival as a holiday for state employees and public schools.

9 European countries:

• 9 European countries are holding a summit Monday aimed at scaling up wind power generation in the North Sea. The meet was hosted by Belgium.
• The North Sea summit is the second one to be held, after the four countries in the inaugural gathering last year. The summit aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CEPA:

• The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Cambodia have finalised the terms of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• The CEPA with Cambodia will serve as a catalyst to increase and diversify bilateral trade by substantially eliminating tariffs, reducing non-tariff trade barriers, etc. The UAE has now signed CEPAs with India, Israel, Indonesia, and Turkey.

India & UK:

• India and the UK are set to jointly establish the India-UK ‘Net Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre. The announcement was made during the India-UK Science & Innovation Council meeting.
• During the meeting, the leaders called for new joint R&D projects in areas such as farmed animal disease, health, and solid Earth hazards.

Japan’s Health Ministry:

• Japan’s Health Ministry has approved the country’s first abortion pill. While abortion pills are widely available in many countries across the globe, the medication was not approved by Japan’s Health Ministry.
• The approval came from the Health Ministry’s Pharmaceutical Board after it approved the MeFeego Pack abortion pill manufactured by British pharmaceutical Linepharma.

Japanese lunar lander:

• A Japanese lunar lander, carrying a rover developed in the United Arab Emirates, attempted to find its footing on the moon’s surface, and potentially mark the world’s first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft.
• The lunar lander, called Hakuto-R, was carrying the Rashid rover, the first Arab- built lunar spacecraft, which was built by Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day:

• International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed on April 26, annually, in memory and honour of those who lost their lives. Below are some of the key facts about the disaster.
• It is a day that will eternally be associated with the tragic day that the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, formally known as the Vladimir Lenin Nuclear Power Plant, experienced a systems test malfunction.
• The infamous Chernobyl disaster took place on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the former Soviet Union. The accident took place during a routine safety test of a nuclear reactor. As per the United Nations (UN), about 50 people got killed immediately.

World Intellectual Property Day:

• World Intellectual Property Day is marked on April 26th with the objective of raising awareness about the impact that patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs have on our daily lives.

ICT:

• International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated 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).
• This day helps to promote gender equality and diversity in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It raises awareness about the gender gap in the tech industry and inspires women to consider careers in ICT.

Quad Summit:

• The upcoming Quad Summit in Sydney is set to mark a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between the four democracies of the Indo-Pacific region.
• The Quad, comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, has been seeking to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a focus on maritime security, infrastructure development, and economic integration.
• The third in-person Quad Summit, which will be held on May 24, will see the participation of US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues related to regional security, economic development, and pandemic recovery.

Ramon Magsaysay Award:

• After a 64-year wait, members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation personally presented the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award to the Dalai Lama at his residence.
• The award was the first international recognition given to the spiritual leader for his exceptional leadership of the Tibetan community’s courageous fight in safeguarding their sacred religion, which serves as the foundation of their culture and way of life.
• The award was given by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines in August 1959.

Sports Events:

Hero Super Cup 2023:

• Odisha FC won the Hero Super Cup 2023 Final by defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1. Diego Mauricio scored both goals for Odisha FC, the first one from a free kick in the 23rd minute and the second one in the 37th minute.
• Despite Bengaluru FC’s efforts, Odisha FC maintained their lead and did not face any major challenge. Bengaluru FC managed to score a goal through a penalty taken by Sunil Chetri in the 85th minute, but it was not enough to make a comeback in the game.