Today’s Current Affairs
12th April 2023 Current Affairs are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking, UPSC or other competitive exams. Daily Current Affairs is the complete bag of important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the Top News of the Day for 12th March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Here is the Current Affairs 12th April 2023 covering the following news headlines: Maharashtra Bhushan, Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project, Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din, Sanjeevani Project, Bill banning online gambling, Greek exercise Iniochos 23.
National News
1. Amit Shah to confer ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ on Appasaheb Dharmadhikari
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is scheduled to present the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ Award to Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, also known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, on April 16 for his notable work as a social worker and reformer. The award ceremony will take place at the Corporate Park in the Kharghar area of Navi Mumbai, and a large event is being planned for it, as announced by Shinde after a high-level preparation meeting held in Raigad.
International News
2. EAMS Jaishankar launches ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ in Uganda
During his three-day visit to Uganda’s Kampala, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ in Varanasi. He commended the Overseas Friends of BJP-Uganda for their efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the oldest inhabited city in the world. Uganda has been selected to chair the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the period of 2022 to 2025 on behalf of Africa. The chairmanship of the movement rotates every three years during summit conferences and is assisted by both the previous and incoming chairs, representing the movement’s past, present, and future. During his visit to Uganda, S. Jaishankar will hold delegation-level discussions with his Ugandan counterpart to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Additionally, he is expected to meet with other Ministers and call on the country’s leadership.
States News
3. Maharashtra: Savarkar’s Birth Anniversary To Be Celebrated As ‘Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din’
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, has declared that May 28, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, will be celebrated as ‘Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din’, and several events will be organized to promote the ideas of Swatantra Veer Savarkar on this day. The state government will commemorate the occasion by conducting various programs to spread the message of Swatantra Veer Savarkar. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister, who stated that the state will celebrate the birth anniversary of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar as ‘Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din’ and conduct a range of events to promote his ideology.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai;
- Maharashtra Chief Minister: Eknath Sindhe;
- Maharashtra Governor: Ramesh Bais.
4. Himachal Pradesh launched Sanjeevani Project
The economy of Himachal Pradesh is predominantly reliant on agriculture and animal husbandry. The rural households in the state consider livestock care as a crucial aspect, given the livestock population of approximately 4.41 million. The state government has initiated a project named Sanjeevani to uplift the livelihood of small dairy farmers and livestock owners. The project aims to enhance the lives of farmers by providing them with convenient and high-quality livestock care services at their doorstep, utilizing telemedicine and technology. This will aid in reducing the turnaround time for services and potentially prevent outbreaks.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu;
- Himachal Pradesh Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla;
- Himachal Pradesh Official tree: Deodar cedar;
- Himachal Pradesh Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter).
5. T.N. Governor Ravi grants assent to Bill banning online gambling’
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has given his assent to a bill that bans online gambling games and regulates them. The bill had been passed by the Tamil Nadu government for the second time on March 23, 2023. With the Governor’s approval, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly that the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill has been cleared, and a gazette notification is expected to follow.
Appointments News
6. Aparesh Kumar Singh is new chief justice of Tripura HC
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has been appointed as the new chief justice of the Tripura High Court, replacing Justice Jaswant Singh who recently retired. The Department of Justice in the Law Ministry issued a notification stating that President, under the powers conferred by Article 217 of the Constitution of India, has appointed Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, who is a judge at the Jharkhand High Court, to assume the position of the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court with effect from the date he takes charge of the office. Justice Singh was born on July 7, 1965, and started his career as an advocate in 1990.
Agreements News
7. IIT-Kanpur partners with defence PSU to focus on innovation
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has entered into a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agreement with Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited. Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited is one of the seven new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that were created by converting the Ordnance Factory Board into fully government-owned enterprises. The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries from IIT Kanpur, SIIC, and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AW&EIL) at the Ordnance Factory Kanpur.
8. Asian Development Bank Commits Rs 150 Crore To Tata Power Delhi Distribution
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its plans to invest in non-convertible debentures valued at Rs 150 crore in Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL). The investment aims to improve Delhi’s power distribution through grid enhancements. Additionally, ADB has also approved a grant of USD 2 million to assist in the acquisition and integration of a pilot battery energy storage system (BESS). The Manila-based funding institution issued a statement confirming the developments.
9. Gold Imports Dip 30% To $31.8 Billion in April–February 2023
India’s gold imports have declined by about 30% to $31.8 billion during April-February 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year, according to data from the country’s commerce ministry. The decline in gold imports is attributed to several factors, including high customs duty and global economic uncertainties. The decline in India’s gold imports by about 30% to $31.8 billion during April-February 2023 has not helped in narrowing the country’s trade deficit, which was estimated at $247.52 billion for the same period, compared to $172.53 billion in the year-ago period. The negative trade balance is a cause for concern for the Indian economy, which is heavily dependent on imports of goods and services.
10. IMF cuts India’s FY24 GDP forecast to 5.9%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the financial year 2023-24, lowering it by 20 basis points to 5.9 percent. This latest forecast is slightly below the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.4 percent. Despite the downward revision, India is still projected to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
11. Greek-Indian Air Forces To Conduct Massive Joint Exercise Over Mediterranean Sea
The Greek and Indian Air Forces will collaborate on a joint training exercise with Su-30, F-16, and Rafale fighter jets for ten days over Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise will be conducted as part of the annual Greek exercise Iniochos 23, led by the Greek Air Force and the Greek Air Tactics Center of the Ministry of Defense. The training is scheduled to begin on April 18th and will conclude on April 28th.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Greece Capital: Athens
- Greece Continent: Europe
- Greece Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Greece Prime minister: Kyriakos Mitsotakis
12. Food Conclave-2023 in Hyderabad
The Telangana government has scheduled the Food Conclave-2023 on April 28 and 29, which is a yearly gathering of 100 experts in the agri-food industry to discuss and exchange ideas. The main aim of the event is to recognize the primary obstacles and prospects for the Indian agri-food sector’s expansion in the current decade. The event will encompass five theme-based sessions that will delve into different facets of the agri-food industry.
13. Nilesh Sambare honoured with the ‘Maratha Udyog Ratna 2023’ award
Nilesh Bhagwan Sambre, the founder of Jijau Educational and Social Foundation, was recently honored with the “Maratha Udyog Ratna” award at the “Maratha Entrepreneurs Conference 2023”. The conference was organized by the “Maratha Entrepreneurs Development and Guidance Institute Maharashtra State”. Nilesh Sambre received the award for his noteworthy achievements in the industry sector and his dedicated work in remote areas like Palghar. Nilesh Bhagwan Sambre, who is also known as Appa, received the award from prominent entrepreneurs from Maharashtra, including Suresh Haware, Purushottam Khedekar, Nirmalkumar Deshmukh, Dr. Sachin Bhadane, and Vijay Ghogare.
14. International Day of Human Space Flight 2023 observed on 12 April
The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed annually on April 12th to commemorate the beginning of human space exploration and acknowledge the significant contribution of space science and technology in achieving the peaceful use of outer space. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on April 7, 2011, designating April 12th as the International Day of Human Space Flight. This day is dedicated to honoring the first human to orbit the Earth, a Russian cosmonaut, on April 12th, 1961.
15. India’s oldest billionaire Keshub Mahindra passes away at 99
Keshub Mahindra, the Chairman Emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra and India’s oldest billionaire, passed away at the age of 99. He had a net worth of $1.2 billion as per Forbes. He retired as the Chairman of Mahindra Group on August 9, 2012, and passed on his responsibilities to his nephew, Anand Mahindra. Under his 48-year long tenure as Chairman, the Mahindra Group diversified from being solely an automobile manufacturer to expanding into other sectors such as IT, real estate, financial services, and hospitality. Keshub Mahindra played a crucial role in establishing strategic partnerships with global giants like Willys Corporation, Mitsubishi, International Harvester, United Technologies, British Telecom, among others.