NATIONAL:
1. Peerah-Kunfer Tunnel
Why in news - Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Peerah-Kunfer Tunnel at Ramban in Jammu-Srinagar.
Key Points –
• Length - 924 meters.
• It is a part of a 4-lane project between Udhampur and Ramban on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
2. Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)
Why in news - Parshottam Rupala launched the APPI and Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH).
Key Points –
• Aim - to enhance India's preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics.
• AHSSOH - World Bank-funded project to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the One Health approach covering 5 states.
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying) is committed to the successful implementation of APPI.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine
Why in news - Ghana became the first country in the world to approve an effective malaria vaccine developed at Oxford University.
Key Points –
• R21/Matrix-M vaccine has been approved for use in children aged 5-36 months.
• R21/Matrix-M vaccine is the first to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO)'s target of 75% efficacy.
• In 2021, WHO recommended RTS,S vaccine.
• In India, Serum Institute of India produces the R21 vaccine.
2. Industrial Hub in Bangladesh
Why in news - Japan has proposed developing an industrial hub in Bangladesh with supply chains to the landlocked northeastern states of India.
Key Points –
• Japan also proposed developing a new commercial port in the Matarbari area of Bangladesh.
• The deep seaport was likely to become operational by 2027.
• Matarbari project would be Bangladesh's first deep-sea port capable of hosting large vessels.
ECONOMY:
1. Green Deposit Framework
Why in news - Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on April 11 issued a framework for banks to accept and promote green deposits.
Key Points –
• Banks would offer the deposits as cumulative/ non-cumulative deposits.
• On maturity, the green deposits would be renewed or withdrawn at the choice of the depositor.
• Denominated in rupees only.
• Some banks are already accepting green deposits e.g., HDFC, IndusInd Bank etc.
• It applies to all scheduled commercial banks and small finance banks (except for regional rural banks and local area banks) and non-banking finance companies (including housing finance companies).
• Both corporate and individual customers can invest in green deposits.
• The framework would come into effect from June 1, 2023.
About Green Deposit –
• It is an interest-bearing instrument received by banks for a fixed period.
• The proceeds are earmarked for green-financing, such as funding of renewable energy projects.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. 12th G20 MACS Meeting
Why in news – G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) in Varanasi to feature the MAHARISHI Initiative.
Key Points –
• Theme - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet.
MAHARISHI Initiative:
• Millets And Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative.
• Focus - Research and Awareness in agro-biodiversity, food security, and nutrition aligning with the International Year of Millets 2023.
2. Global Buddhist Summit
Why in news – India would host the Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on April 20-21, 2023.
Key Points –
• Theme – “Responses to Contemporary Challenges from Philosophy to Praxis”.
• It is the first such event in the country.
• Secretary general of the International Buddhist Confederation – Dr. Dhammapiya.
• Supported by - Ministry of Culture.
• A Global Buddhist Congregation was held in November 2011 in India through which the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) was formulated.
SECURITY:
1. TCG Anadolu
Why in news – Turkey commissioned its first aircraft carrier named TCG Anadolu.
Key Points –
• It is touted as the world’s first Unmanned Combat Aerial Aircraft (UCAV) carrier.
• Bayraktar TB3 - A Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
2. Exercise Balikatan
Why in news – The Philippines and the United States launched their largest-ever joint military exercises named Balikatan.
Key Points –
• Balikatan included military helicopters landing on a Philippine island off the northern tip of the main island of Luzon.
• Patriot missile system - It is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.
3. “Stay Safe” Campaign
Why in news – WhatsApp launched “Stay Safe” campaign to educate users on safety features.
Key Points –
• Focus - Safety-centric features like ‘Block and Report,’ ‘Two-Step Verification,’ and ‘Privacy and group settings.’
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. AIMA's “Business Leader of the Decade” Award
Why in news – Kumar Mangalam Birla won the prestigious 'Business Leader of the Decade' award at All India Management Association's (AIMA).
Key Points –
• 'AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate Leadership' award - T V Narendran.
• 'MNC in India of the Year' award - ABB India.
• 'Outstanding PSU of the Year' award - National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. World Art Day 2023
Why in news – It is observed on April 15.
Key Points –
• It is to honour and mark the birthday of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
• Vinci’s most popular paintings - Last Supper and Mona Lisa.
POINTERS:
• Indian women wrestlers have won a total of how many medals in the Asian Wrestling Championship – 7 medals.
• Which bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL) have launched a cross-border inward bill payment service for Indians in Oman - Canara Bank.
• Which state has launched “A-Help” economic upliftment of livestock owners along with active participation and involvement of women power – Uttarakhand.
• Britain appointed whom as first female cyber spy chief - Anne Keast-Butler.
• Who has been adjudged as the 'ICC Player of the Month' in the month of March - Shaqib Al Hasan.
• Who has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer of LIC - Ratnakar Patnaik.
• Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan in which country – France.
• Who is/are the author/s of the book “The Great Bank Robbery” - V. Pattabhi Ram and Sabyasachee Dash.
• World Chagas Disease Day 2023 is observed on which date – April 14.
• What is rank of India in list of countries with most Al investment – 5th.