24th-25th April, 2023

1. Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 1st Census of Water Bodies in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census under Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation Census”.
2. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App.
3. Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission to scale-up scientific & industrial R&D for quantum technologies.
4. IIT-Madras will set up its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania and the classes will start by October 2023.
5. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have jointly launched a whitepaper aimed at making India a global leader in agritech innovation.
6. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two Singaporean satellites named TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, in orbit on the PSLV- C55 rocket.
7. Log9 (EV batteries manufacturer) has commercially launched India’s first indigenously made lithium-ion battery cell.
8. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled a 125-feet-tall statue of Dr B R Ambedkar on the banks of Hussain Sagar, on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar (April 14).
9. Asia’s longest underwater hydrocarbon pipeline beneath the mighty Brahmaputra River, has been completed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
10. The government will release a commemorative coin of Rs 100 on the 100th episode of radio programme Maan Ki Baat which will be broadcasted on April 30.
11. Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the 5th round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN 5.0).
12. NINE campaigns under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav-Inclusive Development (Samaveshi Vikaas) theme were launched on the occasion the National Panchayati Raj Day at Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
13. India’s first mobile BSL-3 laboratory named “RAMBAAN” was displayed at the second G20 Health Working Group Meeting in Panaji,
14. Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched Data Sharing Portal and new features in eShram Portal.
15. Kerala government has launched the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project for reviving the sports culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of the southern state.
16. Himachal Pradesh has become the “first state” to create a DNA database of unidentified bodies.
17. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched three online services – Pro-active Divyang Pension Service, ‘Tau se Poochho’ WhatsApp chatbot and online booking of government rest houses – to digitally empower people.
18. The 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 started at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
19. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched first of its kind heavy lift logistics drone (can transport 50kg over 10kms) on the opening day of “Odisha Skill Conclave 2023”.
20. Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments have signed an agreement in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve their five-decade-old border dispute.
21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first water metro in Kerala’s Kochi to connect 10 islands around the city in Malabar coast through battery-operated electric hybrid boats.
22. Uneecops Technologies Ltd (Delhi-based green hydrogen and solar developer) will set up the First Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project in Leh Region for one of India’s major hydro-power companies.
23. Indian Army has signed a deal with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) Nagpur for procuring over 450 Nagastra-1 drones (fully indigenous loitering munitions), which can strike enemy targets with precision.
24. Indian Army and Tezpur University, Assam have signed an MOU for training the Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.
25. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi and Oil India Ltd. (OIL) have signed an MoU for Joint R&D activities and technological advancement across the energy value chain.
26. SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (in Bokaro, Jharkhand) has signed an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to implement 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant.
27. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has signed an MOU with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for cooperation in aviation safety.
28. Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a host member agreement to officially open the bank’s first overseas office, an Interim Operational Hub, in Abu Dhabi.
29. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced to launch a gold-backed digital currency and legalize them in the country in order to stabilizing its local currency.
30. Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery, being built on the outskirts of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, will be completed by 2025.
31. UNICEF has released the “State of the World’s Children 2023” report.
32. World Bank has released the Logistics Performance Index 2023.
33. The OMI Foundation, a policy research and social innovation think tank, has released the Ease of Moving Index-India Report 2022.
34. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released the “State of the World’s Climate 2022” report.
35. World military expenditure rose by 7% in real terms in 2022, to reach a record high of $2,240 billion.
36. Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has bought 73% stake in Bajaj Electricals; increasing the total holding up to 3.03%.
37. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted bids worth Rs 5,500 crore at an auction for conversion and switching of five government of India (GoI) bonds against the notified amount of Rs 11,000 crore.
38. Federal Bank has entered into a Banking Correspondent agreement with Chennai-based KiVi, an agri-fintech start-up operated by Agrosperity Tech Solutions, to expand its agri-lending operations in Tamil Nadu.
39. RBI has granted AU Small Finance Bank a licence to act as Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) under section 10 of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to deal in foreign exchange.
40. Agri-tech company Fasal has partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide quick, easy, and collateral-free loans to farmers at very competitive rates.
41. GIFT City’s branch of the IndusInd Bank has entered into a $100 million long-term loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
42. Emkay Global Financial Services has received an in-principle approval from SEBI to launch its mutual fund business in India.
43. Blackstone-sponsored real estate investment trust, Nexus Select Trust has received approval from the SEBI for its initial public offering of Real Estate Investment Trust.
44. Fintech major CRED has launched peer-to-peer UPI payments on its app to allow its users to use UPI for making payment to non-CRED users by searching their contact list and adding phone numbers, or UPI ids.
45. CoRover, a Bengaluru-based startup, has collaborated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to launch “LIC Mitra”, a conversational AI-powered chatbot.
46. Bangalore-based financial services start-up, InPrime Finserv (legal name – STK credit private limited) has received the approval from RBI to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
47. ICICI Bank has introduced the first-of-its-kind easy EMI facility for UPI payments made by scanning QR code.
48. Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs through “Farm Pass”.
49. RBI has approved the HDFC Bank to meet its Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets within the next three years; in the wake of its merger with HDFC Ltd.
50. Axis Bank and HDFC Bank would acquire up to a 94% stake in insurtech startup Go Digit Life Insurance.
51. RBI has released the “Order Books, Inventories and Capacity Utilisation Survey on the Manufacturing sector (OBICUS) for Q3:2022-23″.
52. Morgan Stanley has forecasted a 2% growth rate for India in FY24.
53. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has been re-elected for a second term.
54. RBI has approved the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as deputy MD and Bhavesh Zaveri as executive director of HDFC Bank for a 3-year terms effective April 19, 2023.
55. JioCinema, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Viacom18, has signed up Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador.
56. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has announced bureaucratic reshuffle.
57. Walt Disney Company-owned Star Sports has signed cricketer Rishabh Pant as its latest ‘Believe Ambassador’.
58. Oliver Dowden has been appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of United Kingdom.
59. Shreekant M Bhandiwad has been appointed as the chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB).
60. Shahabuddin Chuppu sworn in as Bangladesh’s 22nd president.
61. April 20 – UN Chinese Language Day; Theme – Chinese Wisdom for a Green World
62. April 21 – World Creativity and Innovation Day
63. April 22 – International Mother Earth Day / Earth Day; Theme – Invest in Our Planet
64. April 23 – World Book and Copyright Day; Theme – Indigenous Languages
65. April 23 – UN English Language Day
66. April 24 – International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
67. For the first time, Karnataka has won the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
68. Wing Commander Deepika Misra became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented a gallantry awarde., Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) at an Investiture Ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi.
69. Gary Ballance (Zimbabwe cricketer) has announced retirement.
70. Virginia Tower Norwood (an American aerospace engineer, inventor, and physicist), fondly called as “the mother of Landsat” has passed away.

National News

1. Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 1st Census of Water Bodies in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census under Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation Census”.

 
Key Findings of Census –

2. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App.
   • It is a Centralized Online System for seed traceability, authentication and seed inventory to deal with the challenges of seed production, quality seed identification and seed certification.
   • Developers – NIC
   • Theme of the portal and app – ‘Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan’
   • This is the first phase of the portal. The second phase will be launched soon.
   • There will be a QR code under this system, through which the seeds can be traced.
   • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Governments will impart training to farmers and create awareness among farmers about this portal.
   • SATHI portal will ensure quality assurance system, identify the source of seed in the seed production chain.
   • The system (portal and app) will consist of integrated 7 verticals of the seed chain – Research Organisation, Seed Certification, Seed Licensing, Seed Catalogue, Dealer to Farmer Sales, Farmer Registration and Seed DBT.
     Source: PIB
3. Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission to scale-up scientific & industrial R&D for quantum technologies.
   • Objective:  To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
   • Total cost: Rs.6003.65 crore
   • Duration: 2023-24 to 2030-31
   • Under it, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the following domains –
     • Quantum Computing
     • Quantum Communication
     • Quantum Sensing & Metrology
     • Quantum Materials & Devices
   • These T-Hubs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research and promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
     Source: PIB

4. IIT-Madras will set up its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania and the classes will start by October 2023.
   • The announcement was made during IIT Madras’ 64th Institute Day.
   • IIT-Director – V Kamakoti

     Source: IIT-M’s website

5. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have jointly launched a whitepaper aimed at making India a global leader in agritech innovation.
   • The white paper also aims to expand these innovations to the least developed countries in Asia and Africa.
   • The white paper aims to overcome challenges faced by Agri-Tech start-ups and facilitate their growth at national and international levels.
     Source: The Print

6. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two Singaporean satellites named TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, in orbit on the PSLV- C55 rocket.
   • TeLEOS-2 carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload. It will provide all-weather day and night imaging services.
   • Lumelite-4 aims to improve Singapore’s electronic navigation maritime safety systems.
   • ISRO Chief S Somnath announced that the first uncrewed Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket is expected to be launched in February 2024 as part of the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
   • The crewed Gaganyaan mission will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024.
     Source: Hindustan Times
7. Log9 (EV batteries manufacturer) has commercially launched India’s first indigenously made lithium-ion battery cell.
   • The cell will be manufactured at one of its facilities in Bengaluru.
   • Log9 co-founder and managing director – Pankaj Sharma
     Source: Economic Times

8. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled a 125-feet-tall statue of Dr B R Ambedkar on the banks of Hussain Sagar, on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar (April 14).
   • The total height of the statue is 175-ft, including a 50-ft-high circular base resembling the edifice of Parliament of India.
   • Architect of the Statue – Ram Vanji Sutar and his son Anil Ram Sutar of Ram Sutar Art Creations in Noida, Uttar Pradesh,
     • They have also designed the world’s tallest statue — the Statue of Unity (597 feet) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat.

   Source: Hindustan Times

9. Asia’s longest underwater hydrocarbon pipeline beneath the mighty Brahmaputra River, has been completed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
   • The pipeline connects river island Majuli with Jorhat in upper Assam.
   • IGGL CEO – Ajit Kumar Thakur
     Source: Times of India

10. The government will release a commemorative coin of Rs 100 on the 100th episode of radio programme Maan Ki Baat which will be broadcasted on April 30.
    • PM Modi started Maan Ki Baat in 2014 on the radio. It became a regular broadcast at 11 am on the last Sunday of every month.
      Source: Hindu Business Line

11. Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the 5th round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN 5.0).
    • It focuses on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats).
    • It has waived off earlier stage length cap of 600 km. Thus, there is no restriction on the distance between the origin and destination of the flight.
    • It has capped viability gap funding (VGF) at 600 km stage length for both Priority and Non-Priority areas. (It was earlier capped at 500 km.)
    • It offers no predetermined routes and will only consider Network and Individual Route Proposal proposed by airlines.
    • It will not award same route to a single airline more than once, whether in different networks or in the same network.
    • Airlines will be required to commence operations within 4 months of the award of the route. Earlier this deadline was 6 months.
    • It includes list of airports that are ready for operation or soon will be ready for operations to facilitate quicker operationalization of routes.
      Source: PIB

12. NINE campaigns under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav-Inclusive Development (Samaveshi Vikaas) theme were launched on the occasion the National Panchayati Raj Day at Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Dedicated website and Mobile App were launched on the theme of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – SAMAAVESHI VIKAS”.

Source: PIB 

13. India’s first mobile BSL-3 laboratory named “RAMBAAN” was displayed at the second G20 Health Working Group Meeting in Panaji,
    • RAMBAAN (Rapid Action Mobile BSL3+ Advanced Augmented Network) is a mobile clinic, country’s first state-of-the-art health infrastructure for pandemic preparedness.
    • RAMBAAN also provides various facilities to ensure proper space utilisation and treatment and disposal of chemical waste, which helps in preventing possibility of spread of infections.
      Source: News on Air
14. Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched Data Sharing Portal and new features in eShram Portal.
    • The Data Sharing Portal will share the data of e-Shram beneficiaries with respective States/UTs for implementation of social security/welfare schemes for registered unorganised workers.
    • New Features –
      • Capturing family details of migrant worker: It will help in providing Child education and women centric schemes to the migrant workers who have migrated with family.
      • Sharing of data of construction workers registered on eShram with concerned Building and Other Construction Workers’ (BOCW) Welfare Board.
        • It will ensure registration of eShram construction workers with the respective BOCW board and access to the schemes meant for them.
          Source: PIB

State News

1. Kerala government has launched the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project for reviving the sports culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of the southern state.
   Source: Business Standard
2. Himachal Pradesh has become the “first state” to create a DNA database of unidentified bodies.
   • Purpose – to identify bodies to help the family members in performing the last rites of the deceased
     Source: The Print
3. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched three online services – Pro-active Divyang Pension Service, ‘Tau se Poochho’ WhatsApp chatbot and online booking of government rest houses – to digitally empower people.
   Source: Economic Times
4. The 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 started at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
   • HUN festival is an annual cultural festival and a civilising act of the Thadous community of Manipur, and it is celebrated at the arrival of the new year.
   • The Miss Universe 2021 Harnaz Kaur Sandhu and other celebrities are expected to join the festival.
     Source: News on Air

5. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched first of its kind heavy lift logistics drone (can transport 50kg over 10kms) on the opening day of “Odisha Skill Conclave 2023”.
   • It was made by Odisha-based start-up BonV Aero.
   • BonV Aero is an IIT Mandi, AIC CV Raman Global University Odisha and NITI Aayog-backed venture building Electric Aerial Vehicles for Cargo transportation.
     Source: Business Standard

6. Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments have signed an agreement in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve their five-decade-old border dispute.
   Source: Economic Times
7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first water metro in Kerala’s Kochi to connect 10 islands around the city in Malabar coast through battery-operated electric hybrid boats.
   • The project is worth ₹747 crore which has identified 15 routes connecting islands spanning 78 km.

8. Uneecops Technologies Ltd (Delhi-based green hydrogen and solar developer) will set up the First Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project in Leh Region for one of India’s major hydro-power companies.

Source: Economic Times

Defence News

1. Indian Army has signed a deal with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) Nagpur for procuring over 450 Nagastra-1 drones (fully indigenous loitering munitions), which can strike enemy targets with precision.
   • These loitering munitions (drones) can carry out surveillance up to 15 Km range and strike targets with their warhead.
   • The deal can cost up to Rs 300 crores.
   • EEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited.
     Source: ANI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Indian Army and Tezpur University, Assam have signed an MOU for training the Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.
   • Tezpur University, established in 1994 by an act of parliament as a central university, is one the pioneers in the Northeast in the teaching of foreign languages including Chinese with highly qualified faculty.
     Source: The Print

2. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi and Oil India Ltd. (OIL) have signed an MoU for Joint R&D activities and technological advancement across the energy value chain.
   Source: PIB
3. SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (in Bokaro, Jharkhand) has signed an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to implement 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant.
   Source: PIBDirectorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has signed an MOU with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for cooperation in aviation safety.
   • The agreement was signed on the first day of the EU-India Aviation Summit in Delhi.
   • The Airport Authority of India also signed a declaration of intent with Eurocontrol, a pan-European, civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation.
     Source: The Print

International News

1. Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a host member agreement to officially open the bank’s first overseas office, an Interim Operational Hub, in Abu Dhabi.
   • The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will represent the UAE on the bank’s board.
   • President of AIIB –  Jin Liqun
   • As of April 2023, AIIB has approved 212 projects amounting to over USD 40 billion in 33 member countries.
     Source: Economic Times

2. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced to launch a gold-backed digital currency and legalize them in the country in order to stabilizing its local currency.
   • Capital – Harare and Currency – Zimbabwean Dollar

3. Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery, being built on the outskirts of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, will be completed by 2025.
   • It is being developed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) of India.
     Source: Economic Times

Reports and Indices

1. UNICEF has released the “State of the World’s Children 2023” report.
   • Between 2019 and 2021, UNICEF estimates that 67 million children missed out entirely or partially on routine immunization; 48 million of them missed out entirely.
   • Globally, 1 in 5 children are unvaccinated and under-vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to a range of vaccine-preventable diseases.
     Source: UNICEF’s official report
2. World Bank has released the Logistics Performance Index 2023.
   • Total – 139 countries
   • Top – Singapore (score 4.3)
   • India’s rank – 38th (score 3.4)
   • Parameters – Customs, Infrastructure, International shipments, Logistics competence and equality, Timeliness, and Tracking and tracing

3. The OMI Foundation, a policy research and social innovation think tank, has released the Ease of Moving Index-India Report 2022.
   • The report was launched in Delhi by Kunal Kumar, joint secretary and mission director of Smart Cities Mission, and Shombi Sharp, United Nations resident coordinator in India.
   • The report has categorised cities into promising cities, rising cities, booming cities and mega cities.
   • Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu was ranked the best and Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh the worst.
   • All cities were rated on nine parameters which included impetus for active and shared mobility, seamless mobility, towards Vision Zero, mobility for all, affordable mobility, efficient and reliable mobility, clean mobility, future mobility and investment in city.
   • Gurugram ranked eighth on the index.
     Source: Hindustan Times

4. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released the “State of the World’s Climate 2022” report.
   • Global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15 [1.02 to 1.28] °C above the 1850-1900 average.
   • The years 2015 to 2022 were the eight warmest in the instrumental record back to 1850. 2022 was the 5th or 6th warmest year.
   • Melting of glaciers and sea level rise – which again reached record levels in 2022 – will continue to up to thousands of years.
   • Global mean sea level (GMSL) continued to rise in 2022. The rate of global mean sea level rise has doubled between the first decade of the satellite record (1993-2002, 2.27 mm∙yr-) and the last (2013-2022, 4.62 mm yr).
     Source: WMO’s website

5. SIPRI has released the “Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2022” report.
   • World military expenditure rose by 3.7% in real terms in 2022, to reach a record high of $2,240 billion.

Source: SIPRI’s Official Report

Banking and Economy

1. Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has bought 73% stake in Bajaj Electricals; increasing the total holding up to 3.03%.
   Source: Economic Times
2. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted bids worth Rs 5,500 crore at an auction for conversion and switching of five government of India (GoI) bonds against the notified amount of Rs 11,000 crore.
   • As for floating rate bond (FRB) maturing in 2024, for conversion into paper to be redeemed in 2032, it accepted Rs 2,000-crore bids, as against the notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore.
   • The government aimed at switching bonds worth Rs 1 lakh crore in 2022-23.
     Source: Business Standard and MoneyControl
3. Federal Bank has entered into a Banking Correspondent agreement with Chennai-based KiVi, an agri-fintech start-up operated by Agrosperity Tech Solutions, to expand its agri-lending operations in Tamil Nadu.
   • Federal Bank launched its first of its kind instant KCC platform in September 2022.
     Source: Hindu Business Line

4. RBI has granted AU Small Finance Bank a licence to act as Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) under section 10 of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to deal in foreign exchange.
   • An ‘Authorised Dealer’, as per the FEMA Act, is an entity which has been authorised by RBI to undertake the foreign exchange activities.
   • Equitas Small Finance Bank has also received the Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) License from RBI.
     Source: LiveMint

5. Agri-tech company Fasal has partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide quick, easy, and collateral-free loans to farmers at very competitive rates.
   • These loans will be disbursed under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
   • This facility will be initially available in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh and later expand to other regions.
   • In case, the farmer has already exhausted his/her KCC limit, SBI will provide the financing through other Agri schemes.
   • In the 2023 budget, the government announced to increase the agriculture credit target by 11% to Rs 20 lakh crore for FY24.
   • Founder of Fasal – Shailendra Tiwari
     Source: Economic Times

6. GIFT City’s branch of the IndusInd Bank has entered into a $100 million long-term loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
   • Purpose – to provide credit facilities to business partners of Japanese construction equipment companies in India
   • Under this initiative, IndusInd Bank will provide credit facilities to companies that comprise the supply chain of the Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India.
   • Japan’s Mizuho Bank and Joyo Bank and Singapore’s Shizuoka Bank will also co-finance this facility.
     Source: Times of India

7. Emkay Global Financial Services has received an in-principle approval from SEBI to launch its mutual fund business in India.
   • As per the Sebi website, the in-principle approval is under consideration of four entities – Unifi Capital, Alpha Alternatives, Abira Securities and Wizemarkets Analytics.
     Source: Money Control

8. Blackstone-sponsored real estate investment trust, Nexus Select Trust has received approval from the SEBI for its initial public offering of Real Estate Investment Trust.
   • It will be the first-ever IPO of REIT in India.
     Source: Hindu Business Line
9. Fintech major CRED has launched peer-to-peer UPI payments on its app to allow its users to use UPI for making payment to non-CRED users by searching their contact list and adding phone numbers, or UPI ids.
   Source: Hindu Business Line
10. CoRover, a Bengaluru-based startup, has collaborated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to launch “LIC Mitra”, a conversational AI-powered chatbot.
    • CoRover.ai has developed LIC Mitra, which is available on LIC’s website and mobile app.
    • It is powered by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand and respond to users’ queries in multiple languages.
      Source: CNBC
11. Bangalore-based financial services start-up, InPrime Finserv (legal name – STK credit private limited) has received the approval from RBI to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

    Source: Economic Times

12. ICICI Bank has introduced the first-of-its-kind easy EMI facility for UPI payments made by scanning QR code.
    • Now, the bank’s customers can instantly buy products or services just by scanning the required merchant QR code at a store and making payments in EMIs.
    • Customers can pay transaction amount above ₹10,000 in easy instalments in three, six or nine months.

13. Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs through “Farm Pass”.
    • Purpose – to connect farmers and FPOs to directly connect with buyers, negotiate the best price for their produce, and get paid faster
    • Farm Pass is part of Mastercard’s broader Community Pass platform. It connects farmers directly with buyers, empowering them to negotiate the best price for their produce.
    • All FPOs registered on Farm Pass will get instant access to a network of more than 55 banks and NBFCs via M1xchange.”
      Source: Mastercard’s website
14. RBI has approved the HDFC Bank to meet its Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets within the next three years; in the wake of its merger with HDFC Ltd.
    Source: Indian Express
15. Axis Bank and HDFC Bank would acquire up to a 94% stake in insurtech startup Go Digit Life Insurance.
    • Both banks will invest ₹69.90 crore each
      Source: LiveMint

16. RBI has released the “Order Books, Inventories and Capacity Utilisation Survey on the Manufacturing sector (OBICUS) for Q3:2022-23″.
    • The survey was conducted during Q4:2022-23 covering 762 manufacturing companies.
    • The survey provides a snapshot of demand conditions in India’s manufacturing sector during October-December 2022.
      Source: RBI’s website

GDP Forecasts

1. Morgan Stanley has forecasted a 2% growth rate for India in FY24.
   Source: Times of India

Appointments

1. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has been re-elected for a second term.
   • Cuba Capital – Havana; Currency – Cuban peso
     Source: ANI

2. RBI has approved the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as deputy MD and Bhavesh Zaveri as executive director of HDFC Bank for a 3-year terms effective April 19, 2023.
   • CEO of HDFC Bank – Sashidhar Jagdishan
     Source: Times of India

3. JioCinema, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Viacom18, has signed up Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador.
   • Rohit Sharma is the captain of the men’s cricket India.
     Source: LiveMint

4. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has announced bureaucratic reshuffle.

5. Walt Disney Company-owned Star Sports has signed cricketer Rishabh Pant as its latest ‘Believe Ambassador’.
   • The company has other cricketers as its ‘Believe Ambassadors’ like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
   • The ‘Believe Ambassadors’ represent different parts of the country as well as different IPL Teams.
     Source: Economic Times
6. Oliver Dowden has been appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of United Kingdom.
   Source: DNA India
7. Shreekant M Bhandiwad has been appointed as the chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB).
   Source: Times of India

8. Shahabuddin Chuppu sworn in as Bangladesh’s 22nd president.
   Source: Al Jazeera

Important Days

1. April 20 – UN Chinese Language Day; Theme – Chinese Wisdom for a Green World
   Source: UN’s website
2. April 21 – World Creativity and Innovation Day
   • World Creativity and Innovation Week is observed from April 15-21.
     Source: UN’s website
3. April 22 – International Mother Earth Day / Earth Day; Theme – Invest in Our Planet
   Source: Times of India
4. April 23 – World Book and Copyright Day; Theme – Indigenous Languages
   Source: Indian Express

5. April 23 – UN English Language Day
   Source: list of UN languages’day

6. April 24 – International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
   Source: UN’s website

Awards

1. For the first time, Karnataka has won the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
   • The state recorded a 47.74% increase in the enrolment of farmers under the scheme between the kharif season 2021 and 2022.
   • The area covered under the scheme increased by 41.80% in the state.
     Source: Times of India
2. Wing Commander Deepika Misra became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented a gallantry awarde., Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) at an Investiture Ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi.
   • Purpose – for “exceptional courage” displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh
   • Other awardees – 2 IAF officers were awarded Yudh Seva Medal, 13 officers and air warriors received Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 13 officers Vayu Sena Medal and 30 got Vishisht Seva Medal
   • A total of 58 people — 57 from the IAF and one from the Army — received the awards.
     Source: CNBC

Sports

1. Gary Ballance (Zimbabwe cricketer) has announced retirement.

   Source: espncricinfo

Miscellaneous

1. Virginia Tower Norwood (an American aerospace engineer, inventor, and physicist), fondly called as “the mother of Landsat” has passed away.
   Source: The New York Times

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