1. The President presented the National Panchayat Awards in New Delhi
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Conference on Promotion of Panchayats in New Delhi and presented the National Panchayat Awards . The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is celebrating the National Panchayat Awards Week from April 17 to April 21 as part of the second phase of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in continuation of the National Panchayati Raj Day scheduled on April 24 . Ministry to mark the occasion as “ Celebration of Achievement of Resolution of Panchayats” is organizing a series of conferences based on the theme of National Panchayat Awards-2023 in various categories (i) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Awards (DDUPSVP) for performance under individual LSDG themes, (ii) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and respective special categories of green initiatives Panchayats receiving awards under Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSVP) and (iii) Gram Urja Swaraj Special Panchayat Award and (iv) Carbon Neutral Special Panchayat Award will be felicitated and the award money will be distributed to the awardee panchayats on the occasion. Will be transferred digitally to the account.
2. PM mentions the Uttaramerur Rock Edict at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu in his speech
The Prime Minister recently referred to the Uttaramerur inscription at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu while discussing the democratic history of India . This inscription provides a detailed account of the functioning of village self-governance during the reign of Parantaka I (907–953 AD) . Historians and politicians often cite the inscription as evidence of India’s long history of democratic functioning. Uttaramerur, a small town located in the present day Kanchipuram district, was ruled by the Pallavas and Cholas . Known for its historical temples built during the rule. The famous inscription from the reign of Parantaka I can be seen on the walls of the Vaikunda Perumal temple. The inscription gives information about how the local assembly or gram sabha functioned, how the members were selected, their essential qualifications and roles and responsibilities, etc., in which the description of special committees to perform various functions is found. This assembly was exclusively composed of brahmins and the inscription also provides details of the circumstances in which members could be removed.
3. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the youth portal in New Delhi
Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Youth Portal in New Delhi . This portal will help in identifying and exploring potential young start-ups . He also organized a one week – one laboratory program on the occasion. also launched Dr. Singh said that start-ups should be broad based with wide participation of stakeholders. On India’s global excellence in technology, innovation and start-ups, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that 37 CSIR laboratories are dedicated to different functional areas. He said that the One Week – One Lab program will provide an opportunity to CSIR laboratories to showcase the work they are doing so that others can also take advantage of it.
4. Second meeting of G-20 Digital Economy Working Group begins in Hyderabad
The second meeting of the G-20 Digital Economy Working Group has begun in Hyderabad . The main agenda of the meeting focused on digital public infrastructure, cyber security and skills. Around 140 delegates from member nations, invitees and international organizations will deliberate on various issues during the three-day meeting.
5. Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam begins with gusto in Gujarat’s Somnath
The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam began with great fervor and enthusiasm at Somnath in Gujarat . Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ten-day long cultural programme. Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were also present on the occasion. This cultural program is being organized under the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat initiative. It aims to promote the age-old cultural ties between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The delegates attending the event will visit various heritage and tourist places like Somnath, Dwarka and Statue of Unity as part of it and participate in several cultural programmes.
6. South Korea, US and Japan begin trilateral missile defense exercise in international waters of the East Sea
South Korea, the US and Japan have started a trilateral missile defense exercise in the international waters of the East Sea . Its objective is to gain deterrence against North Korean ballistic missile attack and computer-simulated ballistic missile target detection and related information sharing during warfare exercises.
7. Military Commanders’ Biennial Conference – 1st edition of 2023 begins in hybrid format
The first edition of the Military Commanders’ Biennial Conference-2023 has begun in hybrid format . The five-day conference will continue till April 21 . On the first day of the conference, military commanders and other senior officers are meeting through virtual medium. And after that all the officers attending the conference will reach Delhi and discuss important issues in detail. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will address the Army Commanders Conference on 19th of this month. Raksha Mantri will also review an equipment display focused on high technology, innovation, solutions for surveillance, artificial intelligence, training, robotics, virtual reality, operational logistics etc.
8. 100th meeting of G20 started in Varanasi
The 100th meeting of various working groups under India’s G20 chairmanship began in Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh . Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation V.K. Singh inaugurated the meeting of Chief Agricultural Scientists held at Hotel Taj. In the meeting, it is proposed to discuss about Maharishi, an international research initiative on Sree Anna and other old millets. The three-day meet is being organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Ministry of Agriculture and Welfare. About 80 delegates from G20 member states are participating in the meeting.
9. Meeting of the second health working group under India’s G20 chairmanship begins in Goa
The second health working group meeting under India’s G20 chairmanship began in Goa . Inaugurating it, Dr. Bharti Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare said that the priorities of India’s G20 Presidency include focusing on various reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and representation fit for the 21st century. More than 180 delegates from 19 member countries of the G20 group, 10 invited nations and 22 international organizations are participating in the meeting.
10. UAE becomes second most important export destination for India
According to the annual trade data released by the Ministry of Commerce , Government of India , UAE continues to be the second most important export destination for India . According to the ministry’s data, during the financial year 2022-23, America has retained the first place and UAE in second place in this category. The figures for the year are released a fortnight after the start of the new year. India’s total exports of goods and services grew by six per cent during the fiscal year that ended late last month, according to data released by the commerce ministry. During the same period, the Netherlands has overtaken China to reach the third position in this category.
11. America becomes India’s largest trading partner in FY 2022-23, China in second place
America is India’s largest trading partner in the last financial year 2022-23 has been made. Trade between the two countries stood at $128.55 billion during this period. This shows that the economic relations between the two countries are getting stronger. Bilateral trade between India and the US is set to grow by 7.65 per cent to $128.55 billion in 2022-23, according to the provisional data of the Ministry of Commerce. In the previous financial year (2021-22), the bilateral trade of the two countries was $ 119.5 billion, while in 2020-21 it was only $ 80.51 billion. According to the data, exports from India to the US are set to grow by 2.81 per cent to $78.31 billion in FY 2022-23 from $76.18 billion in 2021-22. Imports from the US in India increased by 16 percent during this period to $ 50.24 billion. On the other hand, India-China trade in 2022-23 declined by 1.5 percent to $113.83 billion from $115.42 billion in the previous year.
12. Center approves over Rs 123 crore oil jetty development project at Deendayal Port in Gujarat’s Kandla.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Deendayal Port, Kandla for handling all types of liquid cargo at Kandla on BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) basis under PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) mode. The project for development of Oil Jetty No. 09 has been approved. The estimated project cost of developing this oil jetty is Rs 123.40 crore where the project is to be implemented through PPP mode and the concessionaire will arrange the financing of the project. Its construction period is estimated to be 24 months, while the concession period will be for 30 years. The project will follow a revenue share model of royalty per tonne.
13. New species of Cascade Frog – Amolops siju
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of frog , which they have named Amolops siju , from the Siju cave in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya . Amolops siju belongs to the largest group of ranid frogs, with more than 70 known species found in northeastern and northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and the Malaya Peninsula. A rare new species of frog has been discovered from this cave and it is the fourth new species of cascade frog (Amolops). They are named Cascade Frogs because of their being found in small streams or running streams in mountainous areas.
14. James Webb Telescope Discovers Compact Galaxy
James Webb Space Telescope ‘s latest discovery of a highly compact galaxy formed shortly after the Big Bang event Early Universe Revolutionizing our understanding of The galaxy, which existed about 13.3 billion years ago, is about 1,000 times younger than the Milky Way, but forms more stars than our current galaxy. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe, indicating that the first galaxies may have been very different from those that exist today and that our usual assumptions about galaxy characteristics may not apply to the early universe. Are. The chemical composition of the Milky Way is also different from present-day galaxies due to the lack of heavy elements at the time of its formation. “gravitational lensing” The observation of this galaxy was made easier by the phenomenon of Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where a large cluster of galaxies creates a strong gravitational field that bends and magnifies light coming from distant galaxies behind it.
15. MRF emerges as ‘World’s 2nd Strongest Tire Brand’
MRF Ltd has emerged as the second strongest tire brand in the world . Brand Finance on the ‘ Most Valuable and Strongest Tire Brands in the World’ It has been said in the recent report of MRF has scored high in almost all parameters and is also recognized as the second fastest growing tire brand in the world. It has got a score of 83.2 out of 100 in brand strength and has been given AAA- brand rating. The report also named MRF as the Most Valuable Indian Tire Brand. Also, the report says that it scored high in Sustainability Perception Value and is the only Indian tire company to feature in the top 10. Brand Finance’s annual report on the Most Valuable and Strongest Automobile, Auto Component, Tire and Mobility 2023 analyzes the value of brands across these industries. MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) is India’s No.1 tire manufacturing company. It was started in the year 1946 by KM Mammen Mappillai as a small toy balloon unit. In November 1960, it ventured into the manufacture of tyres.
16. Banking on Climate Chaos report released
Environmental organizations released the report “ Banking on Climate Chaos ”, in which fossil fuel project financing has increased since the Paris Agreement . Here are the details of the expenditure of the world’s biggest banks. The report reveals some startling statistics and highlights the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable financing. The world’s 60 biggest banks have spent $5.5 trillion or Rs 4,49,36,265 crore on financing fossil fuel projects since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016. This figure alone demonstrates the scale of the issue and highlights the need for quick action. The US was the top financier of fossil fuels, providing 28% of total financing in the fossil fuel sector in 2022. The ten banks with the most to spend on fossil fuels from 2016-2022 include JPMorgan Chase & Co, Citibank NA, Wells Fargo & Co, Bank of America Corporation and others. A further $673 billion will be spent on fossil fuel financing in 2022 alone, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. BNP Paribas, the largest lender in Europe, has committed $20.8 billion in financing to fossil fuel entities in 2022. Canada and Japan were the top financiers for fossil fuels from 2020-2022. The G7 countries provided $73 billion in public finance for fossil fuels over 2020-2022, raising questions about their commitment to the Paris Agreement. 8 billion in funding fossil fuel entities. Canada and Japan were the top financiers for fossil fuels from 2020-2022. The G7 countries provided $73 billion in public finance for fossil fuels over 2020-2022, raising questions about their commitment to the Paris Agreement. 8 billion in funding fossil fuel entities. Canada and Japan were the top financiers for fossil fuels from 2020-2022. The G7 countries provided $73 billion in public finance for fossil fuels over 2020-2022, raising questions about their commitment to the Paris Agreement.
17. 6 ITBP battalions to be deployed in Arunachal Pradesh
Recently, the Government of India has announced that it will raise six of the seven Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) battalions in India’s north eastern border state of Arunachal Pradesh to counter China . Will deploy The decision was made in February when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a proposal to recruit 9,400 personnel for the ITBP. The move comes after the 2020 standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies, which led to an increase in their military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The decision to deploy six out of seven battalions of ITBP in Arunachal Pradesh is a major boost by the Indian government to counter the Chinese presence in the region. The move is expected to increase India’s military presence along the LAC and ensure that any repeated attempts by China to transgress are thwarted. The new battalion and sector headquarters are expected to be established by 2025-26.
18. EDPB constitutes ChatGPT task force
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has formed a task force to address concerns related to OpenAI ‘s ChatGPT chatbot. This step by the Italian government This comes after the US banned the use of ChatGPT in the country and accused OpenAI of stealing users’ data and failing an age-verification system to prevent minors from being exposed to illegal content. The German data protection commissioner has also expressed concern about chatbots, suggesting that Germany may face a similar ban. The task force set up by the EDPB is dedicated to promoting cooperation and exchanging information on possible enforcement actions taken by data protection authorities related to ChatGPT. ChatGPT, developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, is a language model with human-like abilities in various domains, including writing poems, writing code, and providing solutions to ethical dilemmas.
19. SIDBI launches ‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO’ to boost financing for electric vehicles
SIDBI has recently launched Mission 50K-EV4ECO to promote the growth and development of the value chain of India’s electric vehicle industry. Launched the pilot version of This is expected to boost EV adoption and strengthen the associated infrastructure in the country. The project prioritizes the uptake of 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler and 4-wheeler EVs through direct and indirect loans. The objective of the scheme is to provide access to affordable financing for electric vehicles and develop charging infrastructure including battery swapping. One of the biggest challenges faced by MSMEs and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the EV ecosystem is access to adequate finance including competitive rates of interest. Bankers view EV projects as high risk, making it difficult for MSMEs and NBFCs to persuade them to lend money to such ventures.
20. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar joins Congress party
Senior politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Jagadish Shettar has joined the Congress party . He had resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party . Jagadish Shettar has said that he has won the election from Hubli Dharwad Central constituency six times as a BJP leader.
21. Kagiso Rabada became the fastest player to take 100 wickets in IPL
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, playing for the Punjab Kings team in IPL , has become the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in IPL. This fast bowler from South Africa created this record by taking the wicket of Wriddhiman Saha in a match played against Gujarat Titans . Kagiso Rabada achieved his 100 IPL wickets in just 64 matches . The previous record was in the name of Lasith Malinga who achieved his 100 IPL wickets in 70 matches .
22. India’s Nitya Sri Sumati won two gold medals in the Brazil Para-Badminton International Tournament with a stellar performance.
India’s Nitya Sri Sumati won two gold medals after a stellar performance at the Brazil Para-Badminton International Tournament . Eighteen-year-old Nitya won the gold medal in the SH6 category by defeating Peru’s Giuliana Poveda Flores 22-20 21-11 in the women’s singles final. He also won the gold medal in mixed doubles of the same category . Competitors with short stature take part in the ‘SH Six Category’. Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam won gold medals in men’s doubles . In singles, Pramod had to settle for silver and Sukant with bronze .
23. In sports, Shaili Singh qualified for the Asian Games with the second longest jump in Indian history
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has congratulated Shaili Singh for winning the women’s long jump event at the Indian Grand Prix-4 . With a personal best of 6.76m, she has become India’s second highest long jumper and has qualified for the Asian Games, Mr Thakur said in a tweet .
24. April 17: World Hemophilia Day
World Hemophilia Day is celebrated every year on 17 April by the World Federation of Haemophilia . Hemophilia is a rare disorder where human blood does not clot normally. This is because the blood lacks enough blood-clotting proteins. It is a genetic disorder. The 2023 theme for World Hemophilia Day is “ Access for All: Partnership, Policy, Progress – Engaging Governments to Integrate Inherited Bleeding Disorders into National Policy ”. The day is observed on 17 April to commemorate the birthday of Frank Schnabel. Frank founded the World Federation of Haemophilia.
25. American inventor and scientist Virginia Norwood passed away
Virginia Norwood was an American inventor and scientist whose contributions to the development of scanners revolutionized the field of remote sensing . His invention enabled scientists to record images of Earth from space and the Landsat program Paved the way for the Landsat program. Virginia Norwood was born in 1923 and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1946. Norwood’s interest in electronics and computing led him to pursue a career developing electronic equipment for the Hughes Aircraft Company. Norwood’s most important contribution to remote sensing was the development of the scanner that made the Landsat program possible. The invention was initially designed to record seven bands of energy, but he later expanded this to four bands. The scanner recorded images of Earth by measuring the amount of energy reflected from the planet’s surface. This data was then transmitted to Earth and interpreted by scientists.