National and International News :
1. Narendra Singh Tomar Launches ‘Millets Experience Centre’ at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the first-of-its-kind Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry, established the MEC with the goal of promoting millets and raising awareness among the general public.
The United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) based on India's proposal supported by 72 countries, establishing India as the leader of the event. The Government of India is working on a 'mission mode' to make millets a winner for farmers, the environment, and consumers.
This Ministry-led initiative seeks to popularize millets (Sri Anna) as a nutritional powerhouse by providing a variety of dishes such as millets dosa and millets pasta. The MEC not only offers a unique dining experience but also allows customers to purchase a variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups.
In short -
(i) Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated MEC at Dilli Haat
(ii) NAFED and Agriculture Ministry set up MEC to promote millets
(iii) India leads IYM 2023 with 72 countries' support
(iv) Millets benefit farmers, environment, and consumers
(v) MEC serves and sells millet dishes and products
2. Ladakh’s Hanle is India’s first Dark Sky Reserve
Hanle, a village in Ladakh's cold desert region, is home to India's first Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve spans an area of 1,073 sq km and is located at an altitude of 4,500 metres above sea level. The reserve offers a breathtaking view of the night sky with minimal light pollution and interference. The Indian Astronomical Observatory is located within the reserve, hosting telescopes for optical, infrared and gamma-ray astronomy.
- The reserve aims to promote astro-tourism and educate visitors about the wonders of the universe.
- Homestays equipped with telescopes are available for visitors to stay in and learn from trained locals on observing the stars and planets.
- The reserve also showcases the rich biodiversity and culture of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare animals like the Tibetan wild ass and the black-necked crane.
- Benital, a village in Uttarakhand, is being developed as India's first astro-village by the Department of Science and Technology. Benital is situated at an elevation of 2,600 metres above sea level and has low light pollution and human activity.
- The project aims to create a dark sky park with a visitor centre, an observatory, a planetarium and a camping site. The project also aims to raise awareness among locals about the importance of preserving dark skies and the environment. The estimated cost of the Benital astro-village project is Rs 5 crore.
In short -
(i) Ladakh's Hanle village hosts India's first dark sky reserve, open to public soon
(ii) The reserve covers 1,073 sq km across six hamlets in Hanle cold desert region at 4,500 metres elevation
(iii) The reserve offers a spectacular view of the night sky with minimal artificial light interference
(iv) Benital in Uttarakhand is being developed as India's first astro-village with low light pollution and high altitude
(v) The project costs Rs 5 crore and is entrusted to Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam
3. Telangana Government launches Agri Innovation Challenge
Telangana Government has launched a Grand Challenge for Innovation to promote innovation in the food processing sector. Telangana Agriculture Minister S Niranjan launched the Challenge at the inaugural of the Food Conclave 2023. Telangana government is organizing the Food Conclave-2023 on April 29, 2023, with a focus on opportunities in the Green, White, Yellow, Blue, and Pink revolutions.
- The theme of the conclave is " Envisioning India's Decade in the Agri-Food Sector " .
- The event will have events around five themes — Agriculture (Green), Edible Oil (Yellow), Dairy (White), Meat and Poultry (Pink), and Aquaculture (Blue).
- The government has collaborated with the World Economic Forum (India), Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association (IVPA), Indian Dairy Association, Heifer International, and Society of Aquaculture Professionals to hold panel discussions.
In short -
(i) Telangana Government launches Grand Challenge for Innovation in food processing sector
(ii) Agriculture Minister S Niranjan inaugurates Food Conclave 2023
(iii) Food Conclave 2023 focuses on opportunities in Green, White, Yellow, Blue, and Pink revolutions
(iv) Theme of conclave is "Envisioning India's Decade in the Agri-Food Sector"
(v) Five themes of event are Agriculture (Green), Edible Oil (Yellow), Dairy (White), Meat and Poultry (Pink), and Aquaculture (Blue)
(vi) World Economic Forum (India), IVPA, Indian Dairy Association, Heifer International, and Society of Aquaculture Professionals to hold panel discussions
4. Jet Airways CEO-designate Sanjiv Kapoor quits
Sanjiv Kapoor, who was appointed as the CEO of Jet Airways (India) Ltd, a grounded airline, has quit the company. He took charge of Jet Airways on April 4, 2022.
Sanjiv Kapoor's background :
He started his career in the airline industry with Northwest Airlines in the US in 1997, working in finance, planning, and procurement. He also served as the CEO of GMG airlines in Bangladesh. Before joining Jet Airways, he was the president of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.
5. PESB recommends Amrendu Prakash as SAIL Chairman
Amarendu Prakash has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for the position of Chairman at Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL).
Here's some information about Amarendu Prakash :
He began his career at SAIL in 1991, working at Rolling Mills.
In 1999, SAIL awarded him the prestigious "JAWAHAR AWARD" for his leadership qualities as the best young manager.
Currently, he serves as the Director in charge (Bokaro Steel Plant) at Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL).
About SAIL :
Founded : 19 January 1954
Headquarters : New Delhi, India SAIL is a central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India (GoI).
6. Boria Majumdar released a new book titled 'Sachin@50 - Celebrating a Maestro on the occasion of Sachin Tendulkar's birthday
Boria Majumdar, a celebrated sports historian and TV show host, has recently published a new book called " Sachin@50 - Celebrating a Maestro " to commemorate Sachin Tendulkar's 50th birthday. The book takes readers through Tendulkar's journey of triumph, from his teenage debut in 1989 to his global recognition after the bleeding nose incident in Pakistan. It also chronicles how he became the greatest batting sensation of all time, transcending the boundaries of the sport.
The book comprises original essays and excerpts from various notable personalities, such as Tendulkar's wife, Anjali Tendulkar, his brother Ajit Tendulkar, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rohit Sharma, and international cricketer David Warner.
7. Indian football : Odisha FC to face Gokulam Kerala for a spot in the 2023-24 AFC Cup
Odisha FC won their first title by beating Bengaluru FC in the final of the Super Cup.
- Diego Mauricio, a Brazilian player, scored both goals for Odisha FC in the first half.
- Sunil Chhetri scored a penalty in the 84th minute for Bengaluru FC, making it a nervy finish for Odisha FC.
- It was the first-ever final for Odisha FC, while it was the third for Bengaluru FC in the season.
- Bengaluru FC lost their second final in two months, having lost the ISL final to ATK Mohun Bagan in a shootout.
- Diego Maurício was named the Player of the Tournament.
- Wilmar Jordan Gil from Northeast United FC won the Top Goalscorer of the Tournament award with 7 goals.
- Amrinder Singh from Odisha FC was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
8. Odisha extends Indian Hockey team sponsorship till 2033
Odisha govt extends sponsorship for Men and Women Indian Hockey Teams for another ten years, from 2023 to 2033. The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Naveen Patnaik, along with approving 15 proposals submitted by various departments. Odisha has been the official sponsor of both teams since 2018, and OMC will now commit to sponsoring both teams till January 31, 2033, with a total amount of ₹434.12 crores (excluding applicable taxes) released during this period.
9. Bengaluru experiences Zero Shadow Day as shadows disappear
On 25 April, people in Bengaluru witnessed a rare astronomical event where their shadows vanished from the ground. At 12:17 pm, the Sun was directly overhead, causing Zero Shadow Day in the city. This phenomenon occurs twice a year in certain regions of the world due to the Earth's axial tilt. Specifically, it can be observed in locations within the latitudes of +23.5 and -23.5 degrees.
10. ADB Annual Report 2022: Pakistan is the Largest Recipient of ADB Loans in Asia
Pakistan was the top beneficiary of ADB's lending and grant programs in 2022, receiving USD 5.58 billion out of the total USD 31.8 billion disbursed by ADB to 40 countries.
ADB's Annual Report 2022 shows how ADB helped its developing member countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and other development challenges through finance, knowledge, and partnerships.
Pakistan, which faced a severe economic crisis, obtained USD 2.67 billion in concessional funding from ADB in 2022 .
11. 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 facility will house chemical manufacturing, and distribution capabilities to serve upstream, midstream,downstream, and adjacent industries in the region.
Banking and Finance News :
1. RBI Issues Detailed Norms For Outsourcing Of IT Services By Banks & Non banking financial Companies
RBI has released detailed norms for outsourcing of IT services by banks, NBFCs, and regulated financial sector entities to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to customers.
- Regulated Entities have been extensively leveraging IT and ITeS to support their business models, products, and services offered to their customers.
- The norms will come into effect from October 1, 2023, providing REs adequate time to comply with the requirements.
- The underlying principle of the directions is to ensure that outsourcing arrangements neither diminish REs’ ability to fulfill their obligations to customers nor impede effective supervision by the central bank.
- A RE should ensure that the service provider employs the same high standard of care in performing the services as would have been employed by the RE if the same activity was not outsourced.
- REs should not engage an IT service provider that would compromise or weaken their reputation.
- A RE intending to outsource any of its IT activities should have a comprehensive board-approved IT outsourcing policy.
- REs should ask their service providers to develop and establish a robust framework for documenting, maintaining, and testing business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans.
In short -
(i) RBI issued norms for outsourcing IT services by banks, NBFCs and other financial entities
(ii) The norms aim to ensure that outsourcing does not compromise REs' obligations and supervision
(iii) The norms will be effective from October 1, 2023
(iv) REs should have a board-approved IT outsourcing policy and a high standard of care
(v) REs should not engage IT service providers that would damage their reputation
(vi) REs should ensure their service providers have robust business continuity and disaster recovery plans
2. ICICI Bank enables FASTag based parking payment at Mangaluru International Airport
ICICI Bank has launched a digital and contactless payment facility for parking at the Mangaluru International Airport. This facility features scanners that read the FASTag affixed to the windshield of a vehicle, allowing for automatic entry and exit recording of the vehicle's entry and exit time.
- ICICI Bank is the only bank to introduce the FASTag facility at the airport. The facility enables FASTag users of any bank to pay parking charges digitally and in a contactless manner, resulting in quicker movement of vehicles in the parking zone.
3. RBI Circular on branch audit of PSBs cause disquiet
The RBI has given banks the freedom to choose the percentage of their branch business they want to get audited from FY24. Auditors are concerned that this could hamper their ability to properly assess risks and report on the situation. For the current financial year, the RBI has reduced the percentage of business of the branches that can be audited.
- According to a recent circular, the statutory branch audit of public sector banks (PSBs) should cover a minimum of 70% of the funded and non-funded business for FY23, and from FY24 banks can decide the percentage of business coverage they want audited. Earlier, the audit coverage of any PSB branch was 90%.
- The RBI has specified that the PSB board can decide on the selection of branches for audit purposes, which means that not all branches will be covered under the audit. There are 84,000 bank branches in India, and each auditor can cover only two branches.
In short -
(i) RBI gives banks freedom to choose audit coverage from FY24
(ii) Auditors warn of risk assessment challenges due to lower audit percentage
(iii) RBI reduces branch audit coverage from 90% to 70% for FY23
(iv) PSB board can select branches for audit, leaving some out of scope
(v) Auditor limit of 2 branches per person affects 84,000 bank branches in India
Other News :
1. Administrative Professionals Day 2023 – 26th April 2023
On the Wednesday of the last full week in April, people globally observe Administrative Professionals Day, which is also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day. The year 2023's Administrative Professionals Day was observed on April 26th.
2. World Veterinary Day 2023 - 29th April 2023
On 29 April 2023, World Veterinary Day was observed, which is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. The theme for this year's celebration was ' Promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the veterinary field ' .
3. World Tuna Day 2023 - 2nd May
The United Nations(UN) declared May 2 as World Tuna Day to protect tuna from overfishing and extinction. Tuna is a vital source of food, income and culture for many people. Tuna stocks are threatened by high demand and illegal fishing. The first World Tuna Day was observed in 2017. Tuna is a fast and powerful fish that can swim up to 43 miles per hour and weigh up to 2000 pounds.
4. World Asthma Day 2023 - 2nd May
World Asthma Day is an annual global healthcare event that promotes awareness of asthma worldwide. It is celebrated on the first Tuesday of May every year. World Asthma Day 2023 was observed on May 2, 2023.
- Various global and local organizations come together on this day to combat the major global non-communicable disease in children and adults.
- The theme of World Asthma Day 2023 was “Asthma care for All” and was organized by Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA).
- The first Asthma Day was organized in 1998 in more than 35 countries.
- The event is organized annually by Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA) to raise awareness among people and to provide them with knowledge on how to get control over this disease. Asthma is a disease that causes respiratory problems in the lungs of humans and makes it difficult for them to breathe.
- The first Asthma disease meeting was held in Barcelona, Spain, and it was conducted in more countries to get control of Asthma.
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