National and International News :
1. Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was bestowed with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for 2022 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was honored with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for 2022 by Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), during a public event held at Kharghar area in Raigarh district, Maharashtra on April 16, 2023. The award was accompanied by a shawl, a citation, a memento, and a cheque of Rs 25 lakh, along with a 10-feet garland of roses. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Dharmadhikari graciously donated the entire prize money of Rs 25 lakh to the Chief Minister's (CM) Relief Fund.
About Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari :
Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari dedicated his entire life to serving the community, embodying the mantra of "Let's March On", without seeking any personal recognition.
His unwavering commitment to bringing about positive change inspired countless individuals to join him in his endeavors.
Dr. Dharmadhikari's remarkable work covered a wide spectrum of social issues, including advocating for children's welfare, distributing free educational materials, conducting tree plantation drives, promoting cleanliness initiatives, organizing blood donation camps, and empowering women and tribals.
He also played a pivotal role in dispelling superstitions and promoting literacy.
In 2017, Dr. Dharmadhikari was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to society.
Additionally, he was bestowed with the esteemed "Maharashtra Bhushan Award", the highest civilian award instituted in 1995 by the Government of Maharashtra State.
** The "Maharashtra Bhushan Award" acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the social fabric of Maharashtra.
2. India, Japan & France Launch Common Platform for Sri Lankan Debt Restructuring Programme
India, Japan, and France have jointly announced the establishment of a common platform for talks among creditors to address the debt restructuring program of Sri Lanka, a country that has been grappling with an unprecedented financial crisis since 2022.
Representatives from the three creditor countries, including Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman from India, FM Shunichi Suzuki from Japan, and French Director General of the Treasury Emmanuel Moulin, held a press briefing on the sidelines of the annual spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, United States.
The platform aims to facilitate multilateral cooperation among the creditors and Sri Lanka in the debt restructuring process, as they work together to find solutions to the financial challenges faced by Sri Lanka.
Important :
(i) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in addressing its ongoing economic crisis. She highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among creditors to ensure transparency and fairness in the debt restructuring discussions.
(ii) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who participated virtually in the press conference, mentioned the recent agreement with the IMF in March 2023 for a bailout package worth USD 2.9 billion.
(iii) The IMF's Executive Board approved a 48-month extended arrangement under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka, amounting to SDR 2.286 billion, following assurances from the creditors regarding financing.
(iv) Sri Lanka's bilateral debt stands at USD 7.1 billion, with China being the largest creditor with USD 3 billion, followed by the Paris Club (France) with USD 2.4 billion, and India with USD 1.6 billion.
3. India signs MoU with UN WFP for sending wheat to Afghanistan
(i) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) to facilitate the delivery of 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat as the fifth tranche of aid for the people of Afghanistan.
(ii) The fifth tranche of aid, which will be supplied through Iran's Chahbahar port, builds upon the assistance already provided by the WFP to people in need in Afghanistan.
(iii) This MoU is a result of India's declaration in March 2023 that 20,000 metric tonnes of wheat would be transported through Iran's Chahbahar port, which was made during the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan.
(iv) According to the WFP, there is a significant food insecurity problem in Afghanistan, with 9 out of 10 Afghan families unable to afford enough food, and at least 20 million Afghans at risk of hunger.
4. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of USA: India’s IASA will continue to be published as Category 1
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has received confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America (USA) that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) category will continue to be published as Category 1.
The IASA program was conducted by the FAA over a one-year period, which included physical audits in October 2021 and further reviews in July and September 2022.
India's Effective Implementation (EI) score from the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit conducted in November 2022 increased to 85.65% from the previous EI of 69.95%.
Category 1 status signifies that an airline has the ability to operate flights, provide services to American cities, and participate in codesharing arrangements with US carriers.
5. Atal Tinkering Labs linked with KVKs & ATMA to involve students in Agri Innovation
On April 13, 2023, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) came to an agreement to connect Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMAs) as part of an initiative.
Objective : To foster innovation in the agricultural sector among students in schools throughout India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed and initiated the collaboration idea to connect the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) with the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. The Prime Minister also suggested exploring the possibility of linking soil testing labs with ATL schools, as a part of this initiative.
Important :
(i) KVKs and ATMAs will collaborate with nearby ATLs to provide information, training, and inputs for agricultural-related innovation, functioning as a "Single Window Agricultural Knowledge Resource and Capacity Development Centre."
(ii) AIM has mapped and shared a list of 55 ATLs based on KVKs and ATMAs shared by MoA&FW. In the first phase, one KVK under each of the 11 ATARIs will be involved, providing technology support and facilitating knowledge-sharing and skill-building exercises.
KVK experts will visit nearby ATLs and provide literature, seeds, and other inputs as required. The pilot project will be extended based on outcomes after two years.
(iii) MoA&FW and ATL can develop a problem-finding platform and organize hackathons to adopt an integrated learning approach for finding solutions to agricultural sector problems, as stated by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW, MoA&FW.
6. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) & Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve Sign a MoU to Enable FASTag-Based Payments at Forest Entry Points
The IHMCL has signed an MoU with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, to streamline the entry process for vehicles entering the forest area.
The initiative aims to establish a payment mechanism based on FASTag at forest entry points.
This will enhance the benefits of the EMC fee collected by FASTag at various Tiger Reserve entry points.
The IHMCL, established by NHAI for electronic tolling, is leading this effort to promote a seamless and efficient entrance process for vehicles entering the forest area.
Key notes :
(i) The FASTag system, utilizing RFID technology for automatic toll payments at toll plazas, is now mandatory for all vehicles with four wheels or above in India.
(ii) Enabling FASTag-based payments at forest entry points will ensure visitors can easily enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of these places.
(iii) The collaboration between IHMCL and the Forest Department is a crucial step towards promoting sustainable tourism and protecting natural resources by reducing motor emissions at forest entry points.
7. Russia conducts Test Launch of ‘Advanced’ Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
On April 11, 2023, the Russian Defense Ministry conducted a successful test launch of an "advanced" Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from a mobile ground-based missile system at the Kapustin Yar test site in Russia's southern Astrakhan region.
The combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces participated in the tests.
The purpose of the launch was to test the advanced combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The test confirmed the correctness of the design and technical solutions used in the development of new strategic missile systems.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the missile successfully hit the target at the Sary-Shagan training ground in Kazakhstan.
8. Asian Wrestling Championships 2023: Aman Sehrawat wins India’s 1st Gold Medal at Astana, Kazakhstan
On April 13, 2023, Aman Sehrawat, a freestyle wrestler, won India's first gold medal in the men's 57kg freestyle category at the 36th edition of the Asian Wrestling Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan from April 9 to April 14, 2023.
Aman Sehrawat secured the gold medal by defeating Kyrgyzstan's Almaz Smanbekov with a score of 9-4. Smanbekov had previously won the bronze medal in 2022.With Aman Sehrawat's victory, India has won a total of 14 medals in the championship, including one gold, three silvers, and ten bronzes, and is currently ranked 7th in the overall medal tally.
Kazakhstan secured the top position in the medal tally, followed by Japan and Iran.
9. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launches “A-HELP” Programme in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister (CM) of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, launched the "A-HELP" (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) program at the Survey of India Auditorium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
As part of the A-HELP program, women have been selected to lead and enhance livestock-related activities in remote rural areas, in line with the vision of the Government of India.
A-HELP Program :
(i) Trained A-HELPs, under the A-HELP Program, will play a crucial role in preventing various infectious diseases in animals, conducting artificial insemination as part of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), tagging of animals, and facilitating animal insurance.
(ii) The A-HELP program aims to provide primary services and bridge the gap between local veterinarian clinics and livestock owners, ensuring better access to veterinary care in remote areas.
(iii) As part of the RGM, the livestock breed improvement program will be carried out with the assistance of a large number of trained A-HELP workers who are interested in performing artificial insemination, and who will receive additional training for the same .
Key notes ;
(i) Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, emphasized the significant role of women in livestock rearing and allied activities.
(ii) Despite the prospects available to women in the livestock sector, there has been a lack of institutional support until now.
(iii) The A-HELP program aims to ensure the economic upliftment of livestock owners while actively promoting the participation and involvement of women in livestock-related activities.
(iv) Serving as an organic link between livestock producers and veterinary services, A-HELP will act as the farmers' "first port of call" when they require assistance.
(v) The primary responsibility of an A-HELP worker is to address the healthcare needs of the livestock population in a village, providing vital veterinary services and support.
Banking and Finance News :
1. SBI Reintroduced Retail term deposit scheme ‘AMRIT KALASH’
On April 12, 2023, the State Bank of India (SBI) announced the reintroduction of the retail term deposit scheme 'AMRIT KALASH'.
The 'AMRIT KALASH' scheme has a tenure of 400 days and offers an interest rate of 7.6% for senior citizens and 7.1% for others.
Initially launched in February 2023, the scheme had a validity from February 15, 2023, to March 31, 2023.
The scheme has now been reintroduced with a validity from April 12, 2023, to June 30, 2023.
The scheme is applicable for domestic retail term deposits, including non-resident Indian (NRI) rupee term deposits (less than Rs.2 crore), new and renewals, term deposits, and special term deposits, for the specific tenure mentioned.
2. Chennai Metro launches Singara Chennai Card in association with SBI
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) in collaboration with State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced the 'Singara Chennai Card' [National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)] to enable seamless transportation for passengers.
SBI provides the card free of charge at the stations, but passengers need to provide identity proof and pay a fee of 1.8% of the amount they recharge the card.
The Singara Chennai cards are now available not only in Chennai metro stations but also in other metros that accept RuPay NCMC cards, including MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority) Mumbai Line 2A & 7, Bangalore Metro, Delhi Metro Airport Line, Kanpur Metro, BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) Buses in Mumbai, and Kadamba Transport Buses in Goa.
The technology for RuPay NCMC cards has been developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Key notes :
(i) Initially, the Singara Chennai cards are available for purchase at 7 stations in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), including Koyambedu, Chennai Central, Chennai Airport, High Court, Alandur, Thirumangalam, and Guindy. These cards can be used at the automatic gates of all the metro stations.
(ii) The NCMC card features a unique 'Stored Value Area' that can hold up to Rs. 2,000 and can be utilized for offline ticket purchases.
(iii) The NCMC card is an inter-operable transport card designed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
(iv) In the future, these cards will also enable commuters to use MTC buses, suburban trains, tolls, parking, smart cities, and shops across most of India.
(v) (iv) For new card applications and recharging, SBI provides a dedicated website
(https://transit.sbi/swift/customerportal?pagename=cmrl) .
The card balance can be topped up with cash or using online bank accounts.
(vi) The end-to-end ticketing system for CMRL will be managed by Paycraft, a provider of digital financial services.
Other News :
1. World Chagas Disease Day 2023 – 14th April
World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is observed annually on April 14 worldwide to raise awareness about Chagas Disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis. This disease can cause serious heart and digestive issues and is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi).
The theme for World Chagas Disease Day observed on April 14, 2023, was "Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care".
The first-ever World Chagas Disease Day was observed on April 14, 2020.
World Health Organisation (WHO) :
Director General : Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment : 7 April 1948
2. National Fire Service Day 2023 – 14th April
National Fire Service (NFS) Day is observed annually on April 14 in India to honor the firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and to highlight the importance of fire service.
This day is also observed as Martyr's Day to pay tribute to the Fire Service personnel who lost their lives on April 14, 1944, during the massive Bombay explosion at the Victoria Dock in the Mumbai Port.
The theme for National Fire Service Day/Week 2023 is "Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure" (AGNI), emphasizing the significance of fire safety in the development of national infrastructure.
Fire Service Week or Fire Prevention Week :
(i) Fire Service Week (FSW) or Fire Prevention Week is observed annually nationwide from April 14 to 20 under the guidance of the Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs.
(ii) The National Safety Council (NSC) has been promoting the FSW Campaign since 1999 with the aim of spreading awareness about Fire Safety among employees, their families, and the general public.
3. World Hemophilia Day 2023 - 17th April
World Hemophilia Day is observed annually worldwide on April 17th to raise awareness about Hemophilia, a hereditary bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting.
April 17th, 2023 marks the 34th World Hemophilia Day, organized by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023 is "Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care".
World Hemophilia Day was initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) in 1989.
The first-ever World Hemophilia Day was observed on April 17th, 1989.
About Hemophilia :
Hemophilia is a rare condition that can result in spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery.
Hemophilia occurs in approximately 1 out of every 5,000 male births.
Cause :
Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change in one of the genes that provide instructions for producing the clotting factor proteins necessary for blood clot formation.
Types of Hemophilia :
There are several different types of hemophilia, with the following two being the most common:
(i) Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia) - This type is caused by a deficiency or reduction in clotting factor VIII.
(ii) Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease) - This type is caused by a deficiency or reduction in clotting factor IX.
World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) :
President : Cesar Garrido (Venezuela)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Alain Baumann
Headquarters : Montréal, Québec, Canada
4. World Voice Day 2023 - 16th April
World Voice Day (WVD) is an annual global observance held on April 16th to celebrate the power of voice and raise awareness about its importance. The day also aims to create awareness about issues that affect vocal health.
World Voice Day 2023 was observed on April 16th, 2023, under the theme/motto "Your Voice Matters".
The theme for WVD was chosen by members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Voice Committee.
World Voice Day was initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice in 1999, and the first World Voice Day was observed as Brazilian Voice Day on April 16th, 1999.
The day was later recognized as a global awareness day by the members of the Academy's Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders Committee.
Objectives of World Voice Day :
(i) Raise awareness about voice-related occupations and the impact of voice disorders on individuals in these professions.
(ii) Highlight the role of otolaryngology in the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help.
(iii) Raise awareness about risk factors for laryngeal cancer, promoting early detection and prevention measures.
No comments:
Post a Comment