Latest Current Affairs For Wednesday 27th April, 2022

India’s participated as the Guest of honour at the Paris Book Festival 2022

As announced in the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi – President Emmanuel Macron Joint Statement released in 2018 during the French President’s visit to New Delhi, India has been designated as the Guest of Honour Country at the Paris Book Festival 2022, which will take place from April 21 to April 24, 2022.

On April 21, 2022, the Paris Book Festival was launched. On the same day, the India Pavilion at the Paris Book Festival. 

The National Institute of Design (NID) developed the India Pavilion, which comprises over 15 digital and physical exhibitions showing over 400 books published in various Indian languages, representing the work of 65 Indian publishers.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Prime Minister of India: Shri Narendra Modi

PrimeMinister of France: Jean Castex

UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2022: Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico was named World Book Capital for the year 2022 by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

The city, already a UNESCO Creative City since 2017, was selected for its comprehensive plan for policies around the book to trigger social change, combat violence and build a culture of peace.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Media, Arts Guadalajara has supported its local talents and advancing creative industries through initiatives that place media arts at the core of their programmes including in its world-famous International Book Fair.

Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading and to organize activities over the year. As the twenty-second city to bear the title since 2001, Guadalajara follows Tbilisi (2021) Kuala Lumpur (2020).

Important For All Exam 2022:

UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945;

UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France;

UNESCO Members:193 countries;

UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2022: 26 April

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general.

The day not only informs us about the man-made disaster but also educates human beings about the risks of nuclear energy in general. After the 30th anniversary of the accident, on December 8, 2016, the United Nations adopted the resolution and proclaimed April 26 as the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.

The General Assembly in its resolution recognised that even after three decades of the 1986 disaster, the long-term consequences remained seriously persistent and the affected communities and territories continued to experience the related needs.

World Intellectual Property Day 2022 observed on April 26

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on the 26th of April to learn about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The day recognizes the huge potential of young people to find new and better solutions that support the transition to a sustainable future.

This year, World Intellectual Property Day 2022’s theme focuses on IP and Youth innovating for a Better Future. It is an opportunity for young people to find out how IP rights can support their goals, help transform their ideas into reality, generate income, create jobs and make a positive impact on the world around them.

With IP rights, young people have access to some of the key tools they need to advance their ambitions.

The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life.”

April 26th was chosen as the day to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day as it coincides with the date when the convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization came into effect in 1970.

Important For All Exam 2022:

World Intellectual Property Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Daren Tang.

World Intellectual Property Organization Founded: 14 July 1967

Naveen Patnaik released 2 books “The Magic of Mangalajodi” & “The Sikh History of East India”

Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik released 2 books, a coffee table book titled “The Magic of Mangalajodi” by Avinash Khemka; and a compilation of the Sikh history of eastern India titled “Sikh History of Eastern India” by Abinash Mohapatra.

The coffee table book “The Magic of Mangalajodi” provides a bird’s eye view of Mangalajodi in Chilika lake through various images and descriptions. Sikh History of Eastern India is a result of the meticulous research work on Sikh history and philosophy by Abinash Mohapatra.

This is a compilation of 8 books authored by Abinash Mohapatra, which includes a Sikh history of Bihar, Assam, Bangladesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Serbia Open title: Andrey Rublev defeated Novak Djokovic

Andrey Rublev (Russian) has defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) to win his third title in the Serbia Open. Andrey Rublev has saved five set points in the second set to force a tie-break, but he was unable to prevent Djokovic from levelling the match.

Rublev has now equalled Rafael Nadal (Spain) for the most tour-level titles in 2022 He also clinched crowns in Marseille and Dubai in February 2022.

F-1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2022 won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen

Formula One champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Netherlands) won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Italy. It was Verstappen’s second win this season after Saudi Arabia, which has also included two retirements, and the 22nd of his career.

Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Mexico) finished second and Lando Norris (McLaren-UK) finished third.

List of 2022 F1 Race Winners:

Bahrain Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari-Monaco);

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands);

Australian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari-Monaco).

Elon Musk to acquire Twitter in $44 Billion 2022

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, agreed to acquire Twitter for $44 billion, ending a drama that included hostile takeover threats before handing him personal control of one of the world’s most powerful social media networks.

According to Twitter, the publicly traded corporation will now become a private entity owned by Musk, who negotiated a $54.20 per-share purchase price.

Musk secured $46.5 billion in funding last week to complete the deal, and Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, predicted earlier in the day that the board would likely approve his offer because no other buyer could be found.

Twitter stock was trading 5.9% higher on Wall Street.

Musk, who has blasted Twitter’s overzealous moderation, bought a 9% interest in the firm in April and then offered to buy the entire company altogether, citing a goal to preserve free speech.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Twitter Founder: Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams and Christopher Stone.

Twitter CEO: Parag Aggarwal

Prasar Bharati signed MoU with Public Broadcaster of Argentina 

Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU with the Public Broadcaster of Argentina Radio Television Argentina (RTA) for collaboration in the field of broadcasting.

The MoU encompasses a range of fronts in Media and Broadcasting that is set to exemplify the communication and transmission networking of both nations.

India and Argentina share cordial relations and developmental partnerships in the areas of political, economic, scientific and technological cooperation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, Shashi Shekhar Vempati and the president of RTA, Rosario Lufrano, signed the agreement in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Argentina Dinesh Bhatia.

The MoU will allow expanding cooperation between both media systems, with the exchange of programs, formats and cultural initiatives and share knowledge and experiences in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports and news.

It also opens the doors for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as audiovisual platforms, documentaries, animation, comedies, series, installations and incentives for TV production, among others. It also has the possibility of developing personnel exchange for training.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Prasar Bharati  CEO: Shashi Shekhar Vempati (2017–);

Prasar Bharati  Founded: 23 November 1997, New Delhi;

Prasar Bharati  Headquarters: New Delhi;

Prasar Bharati  Subsidiary: Doordarshan.

Karnataka govt launched Social Awareness Campaign “SAANS”

Health and Medical Education Minister of Karnataka, Keshava Reddy Sudhakar has launched the ‘Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully’ (SAANS) Campaign.

SAANS is a campaign that has been launched to ensure early detection and greater awareness of pneumonia in children under the age of five. As per SRS 2018, Karnataka’s under-five mortality is at 28 per 1000 live births.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that is caused due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. By 2025, the state’s goal is to reduce the under-five mortality to 23 per 1,000 live. Also, to achieve the National Health Policy goals, pneumonia mortality has to be reduced to less than 3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru;

Karnataka Chief Minister: Basavaraj S Bommai;

Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot.

Khongjom Day was observed in Manipur at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex 

Rich tributes were paid in Manipur to the valiant sons of the state who made tremendous sacrifices fighting against the British in the battle of Khongjom during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War to maintain Manipur’s independence.

Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as well as the general public, attended the state-level Khongjom Day ceremony at Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Khebaching, Thoubal district.

Every year on the 23rd of April, Manipur commemorates Manipuri warriors who battled against the British, especially Major Paona Brajabashi.

The Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur joined the people of Manipur in a floral homage to the heroes. At Khebaching, two minutes of silence were held, as well as a gun salute.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking at the event, stated that the younger generation must remember our forebears’ sacrifices and always fight for a united nation.

Chief Minister also thanked the Centre for renaming Mount Harriet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur. He explained that the decision was made in honour of Manipur fighters’ sacrifice.

Important For All Exam 2022:

Chief Minister of Manipur: Biren Singh

Governor of Manipur: Ganeshan

NITI Aayog released draft battery swapping policy

NITI Aayog has released a draft battery swapping policy, under which all metropolitan cities with a population above 40 lakh will be prioritized for the development of a battery swapping network under the first phase.

All major cities such as state capitals, UT headquarters, and cities with populations above 5 lakh will be covered under the second phase.

Importance has been given to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicle segments in growing cities. According to the draft policy, vehicles with swappable batteries will be sold without a battery, providing the benefit of lower purchase costs to potential EV owners.

Important For All Exam 2022:

NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015;

NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi;

NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi;

NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson: Suman Bery;

NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant

PM Narendra Modi to be awarded prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award 2023

The Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust (Hind Swaraj Sangh) would confer the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2023 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pune on August 1, 2023.

Reason: This award recognizes PM Modi's supreme leadership under which India has climbed the ladder of progress

It is presented annually on the occasion of Lokmanya Tilak's death anniversary.

Other awardees: Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sharad Pawar, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Manmohan Singh. 

J&K Bank wins award for Best Performance in CASA

Jammu & Kashmir Bank has been felicitated for the Best Performance in CASA-India (1st Runner up in Small Bank Category) at ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave & Awards 2022.

The event was participated by banks from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Myanmar.

The function was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Goa.

Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group headquartered in Calcutta.

India poised to become world’s 2nd-largest economy by 2075: Goldman Sachs

According to the Investment Bank Goldman Sachs, India is poised to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075.

As per the report, India would cross Japan, Germany, and the US With a population of 1.4 billion people.

India’s GDP is estimated to expand remarkably, reaching 52.5 trillion dollars surpassing the US GDP projection.

The labour force participation set to make India the second-largest economy in the world by 2075.

L&T and Spain's Navantia sign agreement for submarine project

L&T has signed a teaming agreement with Spanish-based Navantia for the submission of a techno-commercial bid for the Indian Navy’s prestigious P75 (India) submarine program.

P75 (India) Submarine Project is expected to be valued at €4.8 billion.

Navantia would carry out the design of P75(I) submarines based on its S80 class of submarines.

The first S80 class submarine was launched in 2021 and is undergoing sea trials prior to its delivery to Spanish Navy. 

India overtakes China as most attractive emerging market for investing

According to a study by Invesco Global Sovereign Asset Management, India has overtaken China to become the most attractive emerging market for investing in sovereign wealth funds this year.

Reason: This is due to its solid demographics, political stability, and proactive regulation. 

Positives for the nation also include the rapidly expanding demography, strong regulatory actions, and a welcoming climate for sovereign investors.

World Population Day 2023: 11 July

World Population Day is observed every year on July 11 in order to raise awareness about global population issues, including population control.

2023 theme: Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities. 

It was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989, after the day the world approximately reached a population of five billion, which was observed on 11 July 1987.

MoHUA conducts SBM-U 2.0 Planning & Implementation Review-cum-Workshop

The Housing Ministry organized a review-cum-workshop to evaluate and accelerate the planning and implementation of the SBM-Urban 2.0.

PM Modi launched the 2.0 versions of SBM-U and AMRUT on October 1, 2021.

SBM-U 2.0: Achieving 100% waste segregation in all households and premises and 100% door-to-door collection of segregated waste from each. 

AMRUT 2.0: To provide complete coverage of water supply to all households and sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities. 

Gujarat CM launches pilot project of ‘Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana’

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched the Antyodaya Shram Suraksha Accident Insurance Scheme from Kheda

All those registered under the e-Shram portal from Nadiad will benefit from the scheme.

It is being implemented through the Indian Postal Department, the IPPB, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Under this scheme, insurance with a premium of Rs. 289 and Rs. 499 per year will be a big support to workers in the event of death or partial disability.

OCA elects Sheikh Talal as the new President

Kuwait’s Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah has been elected as the new President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

He replaced his older brother Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who led the OCA for 30 years until 2021.

The OCA was founded in 1982 by his father Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who led it until 1990.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is a governing body of sports in Asia, currently with 45 member National Olympic Committees.

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance wins Insurer Innovation Award 2023

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has won the Insurer Innovation Award 2023 for the APAC region at the 8th World Digital Insurance Awards, hosted by TDI - The Digital Insurer.

Recognition: Bajaj Allianz Life's ground-breaking WhatsApp Conversational Platform - empowering customers to digitally services their policies seamlessly. 

The award entries were shortlisted by industry experts and the winner was selected by the community through pre-voting and live event voting.