DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: April 24, 2023

Cabinet approves LIGO-India, gravitational-wave detector

Tags: Science and Technology National News

The Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore.  The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.

An overview of the news

• This mega-science project includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA.

About LIGO-India Project

• It will be an advanced gravitational-wave observatory located in Maharashtra, India, as part of a worldwide network.

• It is envisaged as a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the United States of America as well as its international partners.

• It will be built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Science Foundation, US, along with several national and international research and educational institutions.

• It was given "in-principle" approval by the Union Cabinet in February 2016 with the objective of providing wider opportunities to Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.

Significance of LIGO-India

• It will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics.

• It will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.

• It will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies.

First ever census on Water Bodies in India

Tags: National News

For the first time in the country's history, the Ministry of Jal Shaktirecently released the first census report of water bodies, providing important insights into the country's water resources.

An overview of the news

• The census provides a comprehensive list of India's water resources, which includes natural and man-made water bodies such as ponds, tanks, lakes, etc.

• It has collected data on encroachment of water bodies.

• The census also highlighted disparities between rural and urban areas and different levels of encroachment and revealed important insights into the country's water resources.

Major findings of the census

• 24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 97.1% (23,55,055) are in rural areas and only 2.9% (69,485) are in urban areas.

• Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies - West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam which constitute around 63% of the total water bodies in the country.

• Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in urban areas- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura. 

• Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in rural areas - West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam.

• 59.5% of water bodies are ponds, followed bytanks (15.7%), reservoirs (12.1%), Water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3%), lakes (0.9%) and others (2.5%).

• 55.2% of water bodies are owned by private entities whereas 44.8% of water bodies are in the domain of public ownership.

• Top 05 States which lead in the private owned water bodies - West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand.

• Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in pisciculture - West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh;

• Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in irrigation - Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Gujarat.

• 78% water bodies are man-made water bodies whereas 22% are natural water bodies.

• 1.6% (38,496) water bodies out of all the enumerated water bodies are reported to be encroached out of which 95.4% are in rural areas and remaining 4.6% in urban areas.

Asia Pacific Malaria Leaders Conclave 2023

Tags: Summits National News

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organisd the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination in New Delhi on 24 April in partnership with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA). 

An overview of the news

• The conclave was organized under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers.

• The purpose of the conclave is to reaffirm political commitment to inspire action to eliminate malaria by 2030.

• The conclave will provide a forum for leaders from the Asia Pacific region to discuss ongoing efforts towards malaria elimination and revive national and regional momentum towards the goal of a malaria-free Asia Pacific by 2030.

• The conclave was presided over by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

Remarkable progress towards malaria eradication in India

• India has made remarkable progress towards malaria elimination in recent years and has been appreciated globally.

• Of the 11 countries that are part of the World Health Organisation's 'High Burden to High Impact' initiative, only India has reported a decline in malaria cases.

• Malaria cases and deaths have declined by 85.1% and 83.6%, respectively, from 2015 to 2022.

• Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are contributing immensely towards strengthening India's fight against malaria.

About Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) 

• In November 2014, the Asia-Pacific Heads of Government ("Leaders") adopted the goal of making the region malaria-free by 2030.

• The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) is a coalition of leaders dedicated to achieving that goal.

• It seeks to address last-mile challenges to accelerate malaria control and elimination.

• APLMA is working to ensure that the people of the entire region are free from this scourge.

49th India Gem & Jewellery Awards

Tags: Awards

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal attended the 49th edition of India Gem & Jewellery Awards in Mumbai on 23 April.

An overview of the news

• Organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the event felicitates top exporters from the sector.

• The Union Minister felicitated 28 top exporters and facilitators during the award ceremony, which also had Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, as the guest of honour.

• The event was also attended by Chairman GJEPC, Vipul Shah, Senthilnathan, Chairman and Managing Director Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC).

• The GJEPC chairman expressed hope that the free trade agreements with the UK, Canada and the European Union that are being negotiated will help exporters reach US$1 trillion in exports.

Gem & jewelry exports

• For FY 2022-23, the overall gem & jewelry exports grew 2.48% to Rs 300462.52 crores as compared Rs 293193.19 crores for the same period previous year. 

• In terms of US dollars, the overall gem & jewelry exports accounted for US$ 37468.66 million as compared to US$ 39331.71 million for the same period last year.

About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

• It was set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in 1966.

• Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. 

• This is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 9000 members in the sector. 

• With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur.

Archery World Cup 2023: India won four medals in Antalya

Tags: Sports Sports News

Indian men's recurve team comprising Atanu Das, Dheeraj Bommadevra and Tarundeep Rai won the silver medal at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 held in Antalya, Turkey on 23 April.

An overview of the news

• The Indian trio lost 4-5 to China's Li Zhongyuan, Qi Jiangshuo and Wei Shaoxuan in the final.

• While India lost the first two sets, they soon came back to win the next two sets to level the scores at 4-4.

• But in the deciding fifth set, the two teams were tied 28-28, leading to a shoot-off, which was won by the Chinese team.

• Earlier, the fourth seeded Indian men's recurve archery team had defeated Italy, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Netherlands on their way to the final.

• On the same day, Dheeraj Bommadevra defeated Ilfat Abdullin of Kazakhstan 7–3 to win the bronze medal in the men's individual recurve event.

• Thus with two medals on 23 April, India ended the competition with four medals, including two gold, one silver and one bronze.

Name of medal winners of India

• Jyothi Surekha Vennam - Women's Individual Compound - Gold Medal

• Jyoti Surekha Vennam and Ojas Praveen Deotale - Compound Mixed Team - Gold Medal

• Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevra and Tarundeep Rai - Men's Recurve Team - Silver Medal

• Dheeraj Bommadevra - Men's Individual Recurve - Bronze Medal

India, Guyana sign Air Services Agreement

Tags: International Relations International News

India and Guyana signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 22nd April to facilitate easier travel between the two nations.

An overview of the news

• The agreement was signed between Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and India's High Commissioner to Guyana KJ Srinivas in the presence of External Affairs MinisterS Jaishankar, who is on a 3-day visit to Guyana.

• The agreement's signing is consistent with the government's objective to establish ties between Guyana and the rest of the world.

• It will also complement the more than 50 air service agreements Guyana has negotiated with other ICAO governments for the advancement of interstate air travel.

• The agreement encourages the development of international air services between the two countries and the global airline market.

What is an Air Services Agreement?

• Air Services Agreement (ASA) provides the legal framework for air operations between two countries.

• It is based on the sovereignty of the nations, the nationality of the carriers and the commercial opportunity for each side's designated airlines.

• Prior to this there was no Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Guyana.

• About Guyana

• Prime Minister: Mark Phillips

• President: Mohamed Irfaan Ali

• Capital:Georgetown

• Currency : Guyanese dollar (G$)

Khongjom Day: 23 April

Tags: Important Days

Khongjom Day is an annual event celebrated on 23 April to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

An Overview of the News

• The event was held at Kheba Ching in Khongjom, Thoubal district of Manipur.

• Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and GovernorMs. Anusuiya Uikey paid tribute to the martyrs in the programme.

• The observance of Khongjom Day commemorates the sacrifices made by the people of Manipur in the fight for freedom and independence.

• The Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 took place at Khongjom and marked the beginning of colonial rule in the region.

About Manipur

Formation (as a state) - 1972

Capital and largest city - Imphal

District - 16

Governor - Anusuiya Uikey

Chief Minister -N. Biren Singh (BJP)

Legislative Assembly -Manipur Legislative Assembly (60 seats)

Rajya Sabha -1 seat

Lok Sabha - 2 seats

"Locked Shields" cyber-defense exercise 2023 to be held by NATO in Tallinn

Tags: Defence International News

The 2023 edition of the annual exercise "Locked Shields" was hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn (Estonia).

An Overview of the News

• "Locked Shields" is an annual cyber defence exercise hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn. The exercise started on 18 April 2023.

• More than 3000 participants from 38 countries including NATO alliesand partners took part in the exercise.

• The exercise simulates real-time attacks and tests strategic decision making in critical situations.

• The exercise highlights the importance of international collaboration and cooperation in the field of cyber defence.

• The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence helps participating countries and organisations improve their cyber defence capabilities.

About Locked Shields

• It is an annual cyber defence exercise that simulates a large-scale cyber incident.

• Rapid Reaction Teams from different countries work together to assist a fictional nation in managing a massive cyber attack.

• Blue Teams made up of CCDCOE member nations protect the mock state's information systems and critical infrastructure from thousands of attacks.

• The aim of the exercise is to improve the skills and capabilities of the participating teams and enhance international cooperation and communication in cyber defence.

• The exercise includes both defensive and offensive operations, with Red Teams simulating attacks and Blue Teams defending.

About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Established -4 April 1949

Founders -United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy

Headquarters - Brussels, Belgium

Secretary General - Jens Stoltenberg

India ranks 38th in World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI)

Tags: Reports INDEX

India secured 38th rank in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) released in 2023 by the World Bank.

An Overview of the News

• India's improvement in ranking can be attributed to its significant investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, as well as technology.

• India's current ranking shows a significant improvement from its 44th rank in 2018 and its 54th rank in 2014.

• The Logistics Performance Index ranks 139 countries based on factors such as the efficiency of customs clearance processes, the quality of transportation infrastructure and the ease of arranging shipments.

• Singapore and Finland have been identified as the most efficient and highest ranked countries in terms of logistics performance as per LPI 2023.

About the World Bank

• It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.

• Itsprimary goal is to reduce poverty in developing countries by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and other resources to support development projects.

• The World Bank operates through two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

• The IBRD provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the IDA provides grants and loans to the poorest countries.

• The World Bank also works closely with other international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks to coordinate development efforts and promote economic growth.

Founders -John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White

President - David Malpass

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project

Tags: State News Sports News

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project in Kallikkad on 19 April 2023 with the goal of reviving the sports culture in the state.

An Overview of the News

• The project aims to establish high-quality playgrounds in every panchayat, a local self-government in India, to promote community gatherings and social interaction.

• The playgrounds will be constructed within three years, with 113 panchayats identified for the initial phase of the project.

• Each playground is expected to cost around Rs one crore, with the sports department covering half of the cost and the remaining funds raised from various sources such as legislative and local body funds, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public-private partnerships.

• Lack of quality playgrounds in about 450 local bodies across the state is a major issue that the 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project aims to address.

About Kerala

Capital - Thiruvananthapuram

Official Bird - Great Hornbill

Governor - Arif Mohammad Khan

Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan

Origin of rivers in Kerala

• Periyar River

• Bharathapuzha River

• Pamba River

• Chaliyar River

• Chalakudy River

India's longest lake - Vembanad, Kerala

Kiptom wins London Marathon in 2nd fastest time

Tags: Sports Person in news Sports News

Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan athlete, won the London Marathon and set the second fastest time in history for the distance.

An Overview of the News

• Kiptum finished the race with a time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 25 seconds, breaking the course record but only 16 seconds short of Eliud Kipchoge's world record.

• Kiptum finished behind elite runners Amos Kipruto, Tamirat Tola and Mo Farah, who finished ninth at age 40 with a time of 2 hours 10 minutes and 28 seconds.

About the London Marathon

• It is an annual long distance running competition that takes place in London, UK. It was first organised in 1981.

• The event attracts elite athletes and amateur runners from around the world. Participants walk 26.2 miles (42.2 km) through the streets of London, passing famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.

• In addition to elite men's and women's races, there are also wheelchair races and mass participation events for amateur runners.

London:

• It is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and is a city with a rich history that dates back to Roman times.

• The iconic 'Big Ben' clock tower is home to Westminster Abbey in the centre of London as well as the site of the British Monarchy's coronation.

• Across the River Thames from the centre of London is the London Eye observation wheel, which provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural precinct and the entire city.

National Panchayati Raj Day: 24 April

Tags: Important Days

Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated every year on 24th April to commemorate the enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 of the Constitution in the year 1993.

An Overview of the News

• The day is celebrated to acknowledge national local self-governance and democratic decentralisation.

• The theme of National Panchayati Raj Day 2023 is 'Sustainable Panchayat: Building Healthy, Water Sufficient, Clean & Green Villages.'

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the nodal ministry responsible for empowering, enabling and ensuring accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions for achieving inclusive growth with social justice and efficient service delivery.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations in Madhya Pradesh and laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore.

• He virtually attended the house warming ceremony of 4.11 lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and launched the integrated e-Gram Swaraj and GeM portal for public procurement at the panchayat level.

• He launched the campaign "Joint steps towards development" for inclusive development.

• He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various railway projects worth about Rs 2,300 crore and 5 projects of Jal Jeevan Mission worth about Rs 7,853 crore.

About Madhya Pradesh

It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.

Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.

Governor - Mangubhai Patel

Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Capital - Bhopal

Tata Electronics appoints Randhir Thakur as CEO and MD

Tags: Person in news

Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd (TEPL) on 18 April appointed Dr Randhir Thakur as CEO and Managing Director to strengthen its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

An Overview of the News

• Dr. Thakur is a veteran in the manufacturing sector with significant contributions in the development of advanced semiconductor technologies.

• He has expertise in ecosystem leadership, process technology tools, driving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, product development, while working closely with ecosystem partners and customers.

• Prior to joining TEPL, Dr. Thakur was associated with global electronic chip and circuit manufacturing giant Intel, serving as President of Intel Foundry Services.

• TEPL's primary manufacturing facility is located in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, India.

List of new appointments in India in April 2023 -

• Vishal Kavati- Chief Technology Officer, National Payments Corporation of India

• Anshuman Singhania - President of the Automotive Tire Manufacturers Association

• Sanjay Agarwal - MD/CEO of AU Small Finance Bank

• Aparesh Kumar Singh - Chief Justice of Tripura High Court

• Amit Kshatriya -Head of NASA's 'Moon to Mars Program'

• Rajeev K Mishra - Chairman and Managing Director of PTC India

• Niraj Nigam- Executive Director of RBI

• Sudha Shiv Kumar -President of FICCI Women's Organization (FLO)

• Kenichi Umeda- MD, Suzuki Motorcycle India

• Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo - takes charge as the President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI)

• Subrahmanyam - Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force of the UK

• Aleksandar Ceferin - President of UEFA

• Kalikesh Singh - President of NRAI (National Rifle Association of India)

Star Sports signed Rishabh Pant as its 'Believe Ambassador'

Tags: Person in news

On 21 April, The Walt Disney Company owned Star Sports signed Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant as its latest 'Believe Ambassador'.

An Overview of the News

• The company has cricketers including Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer as 'Believe Ambassadors'.

• Star Sports had only two ambassadors in 2017 and Virat Kohli is also a part of this association.

• The 'Believe Ambassadors' represent different parts of the country as well as different IPL teams.

• Star Sports will work closely with cricketers to develop new campaigns and properties to increase the popularity of the sport and drive fandom, especially among the youth.

• Viacom18-owned a JioCinemhas signed men's cricket India captain Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador.

Rishabh Pant - Brand Ambassador of JSW Steel, Himalaya Drug Company, Uttarakhand

Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar - Brand Ambassador of BMW in India

Virat Kohli - Brand Ambassador of Audi in India