National and International News :
1. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Launches New Features in Eshram Portal for Unorganised Workers
New features have been launched in the eShram Portal by Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on April 24, 2023. These features aim to enhance the portal's usefulness and simplify registration for unorganized workers. Additionally, the new version includes a Data Sharing Portal (DSP) and a Data Analytics Portal.
The new features include :
(i) A feature to collect family details of migrant workers has been added to the portal. This feature will aid in providing child education and women-centric schemes to migrant workers who have migrated with their families.
(ii) A feature has been added to allow for the sharing of data of construction workers registering on eShram with the concerned Building and Other Construction Workers’ (BOCW) Welfare Board. This feature aims to ensure the registration of eShram construction workers with the appropriate BOCW board and provide access to relevant schemes.
The primary goal of these new features is to help eShram registered workers connect with employment opportunities, skilling, apprenticeship, pension schemes, digital skilling, and state-level schemes through the eShram portal.
Data Sharing Portal (DSP) :
The Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a Data Sharing Portal (DSP) that facilitates the sharing of eShram data with State and Union Territory (UT) Governments. This portal's purpose is to enable the sharing of eShram beneficiary data with the relevant states and UTs to implement targeted social security and welfare schemes for unorganized workers registered on eShram.
eShram Portal :
The eShram portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment on August 26, 2021, with the aim of creating a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers seeded with Aadhaar. As of April 21, 2023, the eShram portal has recorded over 28.87 crore registrations by unorganized workers.
2. AAI & DGCA Signs Pact with European Agencies to Deepen Aviation Ties Between India & EU
(i) At the European Union (EU)-India Aviation Summit 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi from April 20 to April 21, 2023, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed agreements with European agencies to strengthen ties between India and the EU in the aviation sector.
AAI and Eurocontrol signed a declaration of intent to improve Air Traffic Management (ATM), while DGCA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) signed a letter of intent (LoI) for closer cooperation.
(ii) AAI and Eurocontrol signed a declaration of intent to establish a framework of cooperation to improve Air Traffic Management (ATM) for the benefit of aviation in Europe and India at the EU-India Aviation Summit 2023. The partnership aims to enhance the performance and long-range predictability of flights between their respective airspaces.
Through this partnership, AAI and Eurocontrol will work towards achieving optimal capacity, flexible flights, and interoperable systems and data, contributing to the overall improvement of aviation in both regions.
(iii) AAI and Eurocontrol signed a declaration of intent at the EU-India Aviation Summit 2023, which includes exchanging updated flight data for Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) and cooperation in ATM simulators and simulations for the advancement of technology and best practices.
(iv) DGCA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) signed a letter of intent (LoI) at the EU-India Aviation Summit 2023, focusing on technical cooperation and developing a common understanding of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Innovative Air Mobility.
Key notes :
(i) The Indian government plans to have airports using 100% green energy by 2024 and achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
(ii) 25 AAI airports already use 100% green energy and the government aims to make another 121 airports carbon neutral by 2025, while promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
(iii) EU is a significant trading partner for India, with goods and services trade amounting to €88 billion and €36.5 billion, respectively, and about 2.3 million passengers traveling directly between the two regions annually.
(iv) Currently, India has open skies arrangements with only six of the 27 EU member states, making the EU-India aviation market strategically important.
3. Textile Minister Piyush Goyal dedicated Handloom & Handicraft Portal for Making Artisans & Weavers Self-Reliant
A new e-commerce portal, Indiahandmade, for the handicrafts and handloom industry was launched by Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Textiles, on April 24, 2023, in Gujarat. This platform will facilitate a direct connection between consumers and over 35 lakh handloom weavers and 27 lakh skilled handicraft artisans, cutting out intermediaries. Handloom is the manual weaving of fabric, while handicrafts are products crafted by skilled artisans using traditional methods.
The objective of this portal is to promote self-reliance among artisans and weavers.
The new Indiahandmade e-commerce portal has several features, including :
(i) Fair remuneration for artisans and higher profits for sellers with 0% commission by eliminating intermediaries.
(ii) A diverse range of handmade products, including clothing, home decor, jewellery, and accessories made using eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
(iii) Easy registration and order fulfillment for authentic sellers such as artisans, weavers, producer companies, SHGs, and cooperative societies.
(iv) Free shipping with return options and multiple secure payment gateways for a hassle-free transaction experience.
4. PM Dedicated Various Projects Worth Rs 3200 cr; Inaugurates India's 1st Water Metro in Kochi & Kerala’s 1st Vande Bharat Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated several development projects worth more than Rs 3200 crores on April 25, 2023, at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. These projects include the country's first Water Metro in Kochi, Kerala, and the state's first Vande Bharat Express, which runs between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod.
Water Metro - Kochi :
The Kochi Water Metro is a unique project that connects 10 islands around Kochi with the city through battery-operated electric hybrid boats. Here are some key points about the project :
(i) The project is made in India and the ports were developed by the Kochi Shipyard.
(ii) Initially, the Water Metro will start sailing with 8 electric-hybrid boats in two routes: Highcourt-Vypin and Vyttila-Kakkanad stretches.
(iii) The purpose of the project is to provide modern and affordable means of transport to people living in the nearby islets of Kochi and to provide intermodal connectivity between the bus terminal and the metro network.
(iv) The project will ease traffic congestion in the city and benefit backwater tourism in the state.
(v) People can use the Kochi One Card for travelling on the Kochi Water Metro and can book mobile QR tickets through the Kochi One app.
Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express :
Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express, running between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod, will connect North Kerala with South Kerala and make travel to pilgrimage places like Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kannur easier.
Here are some additional points to note :
(i) The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced that work has begun to prepare the Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur section for semi-high speed trains. When completed, it will enable semi-high speed trains to run from Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru.
(ii) The Prime Minister also mentioned the gauge conversion, doubling, and electrification of railway tracks in Kerala over the last 9 years while discussing the developments in railways in the state.
(iii) The Prime Minister dedicated the Rail electrification of the Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section during the event.
Digital Science Park :
(i) PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram, which will boost the Digital India initiative.
(ii) The project's total outlay is estimated at around Rs 1515 crore, with an initial investment of Rs 200 crore for Phase-1.
(iii) The project will offer state-of-the-art basic infrastructure to support high-end applied research by industries and co-development of products with universities.
(iv) The Digital Science Park is a third-generation science park that will include common facilities to support the development of products in Industry 4.0 technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Smart Materials.
Note :
PM greeted the people of Kerala for Vishu :
Vishu is a cultural festival celebrating one of the two harvest seasons in Kerala of India. Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam Calendar (April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar).
5. Indian, Nepali Private Companies Sign Agreement for Direct Energy Sale
On April 19th, 2023, private companies from Nepal and India signed an agreement to buy and sell energy directly, marking a significant development in energy cooperation between the two countries. Previously, only government-owned entities were permitted to utilize this power.
The Nepal Power Exchange (NEPEX), established by the private sector to trade electricity abroad, signed the agreement with India's Steel Mint. Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of the Independent Power Producers' Association (IPPA) in Nepal, and Kshitij Pandey of SteelMint (BigMint Technologies Private Limited) were the signatories to the agreement.
Under this deal, private hydropower project developers from India can purchase up to 200 MW of electricity from Nepal. The agreement was signed during the 8th Power Summit 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal, with the slogan "Broadening Green Energy Markets."
6. Md Sahabuddin sworn in as 22nd president of Bangladesh
Mohammed (Md) Sahabuddin, a former judge and freedom fighter, was inaugurated as the 22nd president of Bangladesh on April 24th, 2023, at Durbar Hall in Bangabhaban, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The 73-year-old politician, an Awami League candidate, had been elected uncontested on February 13th, 2023. The previous president, Md Abdul Hamid, the longest-serving president of Bangladesh, retired after serving two consecutive terms of 10 years and 41 days. As per the Constitution of Bangladesh, he is not eligible to hold a third term.
7. SpaceX Starship, World’s Biggest Rocket, Explodes During 1st Flight Test
The most powerful and largest rocket ever constructed, SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, exploded during its inaugural flight on April 20th, 2023. The uncrewed Starship was launched from the SpaceX spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas, known as Starbase.
During the test, the separation of the first-stage rocket booster failed to occur, and the rocket experienced multiple engine failures, causing it to lose altitude. As a result, the flight termination system was commanded on both the booster and the ship. Destroying a wayward rocket is standard procedure to prevent harm to people or property below.
Despite the setback, NASA has selected Starship to transport astronauts to the moon for the first time since the conclusion of the Apollo program in 1972. This mission is expected to take place in late 2025.
Banking and Finance News :
1. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank Signs the Definitive Agreements with Go Digit Life Insurance
Two of India's biggest private sector banks, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, have signed definitive agreements with Go Digit Life Insurance, an insurance technology startup, to acquire a 9.94% equity stake each in the company. The payment for each stake is Rs 69.90 crore, which will be made in two tranches. The agreement was signed on April 21, 2023.
The stake acquisition process involves two tranches of payment :
(i) HDFC Bank : HDFC Bank has already made the first tranche of payment amounting to Rs. 10.93 crore for the acquisition of a 9.94% equity stake. According to the bank's definitive agreement, the remaining amount of Rs. 58.97 crore will be invested at its discretion in the second tranche, following the completion of the Initial Subscription.
(ii) Axis Bank : Axis Bank has also made the first tranche payment of Rs. 10.93 crore towards the acquisition.
The transaction is expected to be completed within 3 to 6 months from the date of execution.
Go Digit Life Insurance : Founded by Kamesh Goyal and backed by the Fairfax Group, Digit is a general insurance company that offers a range of services such as car insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, and shop insurance.
Go Digit General Insurance Limited was incorporated in the year of 2016 and the company is based in Bengaluru, India.
2. Capacity Utilisation robust but New Orders dip in Q3FY23: RBI’s 60th OBICUS
During Q3:2022-23, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 60th round of the quarterly Order Books, Inventories, and Capacity Utilization Survey (OBICUS), which covered 762 manufacturing companies. The survey aimed to provide a snapshot of the demand conditions in India's manufacturing sector during October-December 2022.
Important key notes :
(A) New Order Book :
(i) In Q3FY23, new order book of manufacturing companies declined to 8.4%, indicating a slowdown in demand.
(ii) Average new order amount decreased from Rs 307.9 crore in Q2FY23 to Rs 212.2 crore in Q3FY23.
(iii) Decline is due to difficult external environment with recession threat in many advanced economies and RBI's aggressive rate hikes.
(iv) Growth of new order books was negative between Q2FY20 and Q1FY21, but grew consecutively in the next three quarters until Q1FY22, registering a staggering 105% growth.
(B) Capacity Utilization :
(i) CU of manufacturing facilities was 74.3% in Q3FY23, up from 74% in Q2, indicating rapid manufacturing activity.
(ii) CU hit a low of 47.3% in Q1FY21, with most units cutting production. Pre-pandemic levels (Q1FY20) were 73.6%.
(C) Inventory Levels :
The average inventory level of manufacturing companies slightly increased by 2.3% to Rs 519.9 crore in Q3FY23 from Rs 508.2 crore in Q2FY23. The inventory levels were the highest during the pandemic in Q4FY20 at Rs 609.9 crore.
3. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to Launch Gold-Pegged Digital Currency
The government of Zimbabwe plans to launch a gold-backed digital currency through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to stabilize the local currency and prevent further depreciation against the US dollar.
The digital gold token will allow more Zimbabweans to hedge against currency volatility by exchanging small amounts of Zimbabwean dollars.
Zimbabwe adopted the US dollar as its currency in 2009 due to hyperinflation and reintroduced the Zimbabwean dollar in 2019 to revive the struggling economy.
4. Shreekant M Bhandiwad takes charge as Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB)
Shreekant M Bhandiwad has become the new Chairman of the Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), a regional rural bank in India sponsored by Canara Bank, with its headquarters in Dharwad, Karnataka.
Prior to his appointment, Bhandiwad was the head of the Patna circle of Canara Bank in Bihar.
He has succeeded Puttaganti Gopikrishna, who served as the Chairman of KVGB from 2019 to 2023. Gopikrishna has been repatriated to Canara Bank as the Circle Head in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About Shreekant M Bhandiwad :
- Postgraduate in agriculture
- Worked as an Agricultural Extension Officer in rural branches of Canara Bank
- Worked as a consultant in Agricultural Consultancy Services of Canara Bank at Head Office in Bengaluru
- Has 29 years of experience in Canara Bank, worked in states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar and Karnataka in various capacities
- Was Deputy Managing Director of Canfin Homes Ltd, Bengaluru for 3 years.
Other News :
1. UN English Language Day 2023 – 23rd April
UN English Language Day is observed on 23rd April every year to promote and celebrate the English language and its history, culture, and achievements.
This day coincides with the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright, poet, and actor.
In 2010, the UN Department of Global Communications initiated the observance of UN Language Days to promote and celebrate all six official languages of the UN, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.
The UN Language Days are celebrated annually to recognize and appreciate the diversity of languages and cultures worldwide.
Language Days of UN :
(i) French – 20 March
(ii) Chinese – 20 April
(iii) English – 23 April
(iv) Spanish – 23 April
(v) Russian – 6 June
(vi) Arabic – 18 December
2. World Book and Copyright Day 2023 - 23rd April
World Book and Copyright Day is observed annually on April 23rd to celebrate books and reading and encourage a reading culture, especially among young people.
This day is led by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The theme for the 2023 observance is "Indigenous Languages," which focuses on the native languages of a particular country.
3. 14th National Panchayati Raj Day – 24th April 2023
National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated every year on April 24 in India to recognize the decentralization of power to the grassroots through the institutionalization of Panchayati Raj. In 1993, the first Panchayati Raj system with constitutional status was established in India. This year, on April 24, 2023, the 14th National Panchayati Raj Day will be celebrated, commemorating 30 years of Panchayati Raj in India.
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Government of Madhya Pradesh have collaborated to organise a major event on the occasion of NPRD 2023. The event is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) and is called Samaaveshi Vikaas (Inclusive Development).
The event was held at the Special Armed Forces Ground in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event as the Chief Guest. During the event, the PM launched the AKAM campaign for the theme "Inclusive Development" or "Samaaveshi Vikas."
- During the NPRD 2023 event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the integrated e-GramSwaraj (eGS) and Government eMarketplace (GeM) portal for public procurement at the Panchayat level.
The eGramSwaraj–GeM Integration aims to enable Panchayats to procure goods and services through GeM, leveraging the eGramSwaraj platform. The integration is expected to encourage Panchayats to embrace the digital revolution and access an easy-to-use procurement and payment platform, thereby promoting rural economy and entrepreneurship while strengthening the Digital India Program.
Here are some key points about eGramSwaraj (eGS) :
(i) eGramSwaraj (eGS) was launched on April 24, 2020, to coincide with National Panchayati Raj Day.
(ii) Its purpose is to provide a single-window solution for all Panchayat functions, from planning to online payments.
(iii) As of now, eGramSwaraj has been adopted by almost 100% of Gram Panchayats and traditional local bodies in India, with more than 2.3 lakh using it for online payments.
(iv) To date, more than 1.35 lakh crore payments have been processed online through eGramSwaraj.
(v) GeM aims to increase its user base from 60,000 to over 3 lakhs in phases. Panchayats have demanded transparency in procurement, which the digital process aims to provide. The integration of eGramSwaraj and GeM also aims to encourage registration of local vendors like proprietors, self-help groups, and cooperatives on the platform.
SVAMITVA Scheme :
(i) PM Modi distributed SVAMITVA Property Cards to select beneficiaries, marking the milestone of distributing 1.25 crore property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme.
(ii) The SVAMITVA - Meri Sampatti, Mera Haq campaign aims to generate 1.50 crore Property Cards under the scheme by August 2023 as part of the AKAM - Samaaveshi Vikas theme.
(iii) The Property Card provides right of the property to rural household owners in the abadi areas.
(iv) The scheme covers various sections of society including SCs, STs, differently-abled, minorities, women and other vulnerable groups.
SVAMITVA scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched by PM Modi on 24th April 2020, aimed at providing Records of Rights/ Property Cards to rural household owners of the inhabited area of the village.
(v) The scheme is under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
4. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023 – 24th April
The UN observes the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on April 24th annually.
The day raises awareness about preserving multilateralism and global cooperation to maintain peace and achieve SDGs by 2030.
The day aims to tackle global issues like climate change, geopolitical tensions, and humanitarian crises.
It promotes the three pillars of the UN: peace and security, development, and human rights.
The UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/73/127 on December 12, 2018, proclaiming April 24th as the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
The first observance of the day was on April 24th, 2019.
Multilateralism :
Multilateralism is the concept of multiple countries uniting towards a common goal, giving small powers a voice in global matters.
The UN is the most visible symbol of multilateralism and has given rise to other multilateralism efforts, such as WHO, the World Bank, WTO, and NATO.
5. World Malaria Day 2023 - 25th April
World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25th to raise awareness about the importance of investing in and committing to the prevention and control of Malaria.
The day also aims to educate and increase understanding of Malaria as a preventable and curable disease.
World Malaria Day is led by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The theme for World Malaria Day 2023 is "Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement".
6. International Delegate’s Day 2023 - 25th April
The UN's International Delegate's Day is observed annually on April 25th worldwide to raise awareness about the crucial role of the representatives and delegates of Member States at the United Nations.
This day commemorates the opening day of the United Nations Conference on International Organisations in San Francisco on April 25th, 1945.
April 25th, 2023, marks the fourth observation of International Delegate's Day, which recognizes delegates' contribution to the UN's goals of promoting international peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed April 25th of every year as International Delegate's Day through resolution A/RES/73/286, adopted on April 2nd, 2019.
The first-ever International Delegate's Day was observed on April 25th, 2020.
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