Current Affairs 24 & 25 April 2022

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

APEDA & NRDC inks MoU to Boost Export Value Chain in Agriculture

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) mandated to jointly infuse and disseminate technology in the areas of Climate-Resilient Agriculture related to Zero-Carbon emission farming to produce Carbon-free food products for exports.
Key Points:
i.The MoU aims to boost the export value chain by utilising the expertise of both APEDA and NRDC, to synergize the activities in the interest of agriculture and its allied sectors, for better value addition to the stakeholders.
ii.Both APEDA and NRDC will collaborate to commercialise the embedded technologies in the field of Agri and Food processing.
iii.The technologies involves low cost farm machinery, user-friendly and energy-efficient tools for small scale farmers, promoting and supporting Agri Start-ups associated with the NRDC Incubation Centre (NRDC-IC) for engagement in agri-exports and strengthening the Startup ecosystem and nomination of expert resources of NRDC/APEDA for mutual knowledge sharing.
Signatories:
i.The MoU was signed by Sudhanshu Secretary, APEDA and Commodore (Rtd) Amit Rastogi, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NRDC, in the presence of M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of APEDA, at New Delhi.
About National Research Development Corporation (NRDC):
i.The NRDC was established in 1953, as an enterprise of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.
ii.The objective is to promote, develop and commercialise the technologies, know-how, inventions, patents and processes emanating from various national R&D institutions / Universities. 
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) – Commodore (Rtd) Amit Rastogi
About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):
i.The APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act.
ii.It focuses on a collaborative approach to bring synergy with a number of organisations and institutions having inherent professional and specialised expertise for the development of Agriculture and its export enhancement in consonance with the objectives set under Agri Export Policy (AEP) 2018.
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Chairman – Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS

India’s First Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit 2022 Held At GujaratGovernment of India (GoI) & Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) organised its first Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) – 2022 held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 20 April 2022 to 22 April 2022. The summit witnessed Letter of Intents (LoIs) worth more than Rs 9000 crore. The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The event witnessed participation of industry leaders, academicians, and scholars to promote traditional medicines, and systems.
• Ministry of Ayush has received LoI from 28 companies to invest Rs. 6000 crores
• More than 30 FMCG companies participated in GAIIS and is expected to create around 5.5 lakhs jobs and that will positively impact the lives of more than 76 lakh people.

Aim:
The aim of the summit is to attract “lucrative investments” to build India as the ‘global Ayush destination’ in the world through agreements with international and national institutions

• The ceremony for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine will be launched at Jamnagar in Gujarat

About Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)
Union Ministry of AYUSH – Sarbananda Sonowal (Rajya Sabha Assam)
Ministry of State – Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai (Surendranagar, Gujarat)
>> Read Full News

National Conference on Agriculture-Kharif Campaign – 2022:Govt Sets Foodgrain Production Target at Record 328 Million Tonnes for 2022-23 Crop Year

On April 19, 2022, The Government at the National Conference on Agriculture- Kharif Campaign – 2022, has set the foodgrain production target at a record level of 328 Million Tonnes for the Crop year 2022-23 (July 2022-June 2023).

• The conference was inaugurated & Chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, in order to review the progress of the rabi (winter) season crops and plan for the Kharif (summer) crops, held at National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi.

Targets:
i.The set target is 3.8 percent higher as compared to the previous year’s output (Crop year 2021-22). 
ii.Of the total Production target of 328 Million Tonnes – 163.15 million tonnes is set for Kharif season crops and 164.85 million tonnes for the Rabi season crops.
ii.For the Kharif Season, Rice production target has been kept at 112 million tonnes, Maize at 23.10 million tonnes, Pulses at 10.55 million tonnes and Oilseeds at 26.89 million tonnes.
iii.Target for production of pulses and oilseeds have been fixed at 295.5 and 413.4 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
Stats: 
i.As per the second advance estimate of the Agriculture Ministry, foodgrains production is estimated to be a record of 316.06 million tonnes in the ongoing crop year 2021-22 ending June.
ii.As per the official datasheet, India has achieved food grain production of 296 million tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 and is to achieve 300 MT of production during 2020-21.
iii.The production of fruits and vegetables has also grown at an average of 5% per annum during the period 2014-15 to 2019-20.
iv.Mustard Mission implemented for last 2 years enhanced rapeseed & mustard production up by 26% from 91.2 to 114.6 lakh tonnes
v.Oilseeds have followed the same trend and have shown a growth of 42 per cent from 25.25 million tonnes in 2015-16 to 37.15 million tonnes in 2021-22.
vi. As per third advanced estimates, horticulture production during 2020-21 is 3310.5 lakh tonnes which is the highest ever for Indian horticulture.It has increased by 25% from 251.54 in 2015-16.

PM Modi Released Commemorative Coin & Postage Stamp on 400th Birth Anniversary 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur

On 21st April 2022, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the 400th birth anniversary of 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur.  He also addressed the nation on the occasion of the 400th Parkash Purab celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi and remembered the sacrifice of Guru “Guru Tegh Bahadur” who stood against Aurangzeb’s tyranny to protect the dignity of their culture.

• He was popularly known as ‘Hind di Chaddar’, Jagat Guru. He was born in Amritsar and breathed his last in Delhi. He was the youngest son of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji.
• The programme shall be organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

BANKING & FINANCE

NSE IFSC Ltd to Launch International Sustainability Platform at GIFT IFSC, Gujarat

NSE IFSC Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), has announced the launch of an International Sustainability Platform at GIFT IFSC (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre), Gandhinagar in Gujarat.  

• This will be India’s first ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) platform, facilitating the listing and trading of a variety of products such as green bonds.
• It is expected to get operationalised in the second half of 2022, subject to regulatory approvals.

ECube Investment Advisors, an ESG-focused platform, and Chainflux, a Blockchain products startup, are also engaged with NSE IFSC to make the platform operational.
Note: The GIFT city in Gujarat, which is a special economic zone, is India’s first IFSC. 
Key Points:
i.The platform would enable the listing and trading of a wide range of sustainability products, including green bonds, voluntary carbon, sustainable bonds, green real estate investment trusts (REITs), and green equities, as well as channelling sustainable capital to India and other markets.
ii.Issuers wishing to list on the platform will be required to meet a minimum set of ESG standards, as well as the NSE IFSC’s specific criteria for the sustainability products they intend to list.
iii. The platform expects a range of corporate bodies from around the world, including corporates, governments and social enterprises to raise and attract capital to achieve their climate and ESG goals.
iv.To ensure transaction integrity, speed, tracking, and traceability, the sustainability platform will utilize Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) or Blockchain.

• A Sustainability Expert Group led by Professor Nick Robins of the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics, with Professor Amit Garg of Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Ahmedabad as co-chair will offer guidance and counsel on ESG and other metrics.

About NSE IFSC Limited (NSE IFSC):
NSE IFSC Limited (NSE International Exchange) established by the Registrar of Companies, Gujarat, is a fully owned subsidiary company of National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).
Chairman & Public Interest Director – Rajiv Mehrishi
Incorporated – November 29, 2016
Headquarters – Gandhinagar, Gujarat

SIDBI Approves Rs. 600 Crores SCDF to Maharashtra Government  

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has granted the Maharashtra government the first approval under the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund (SCDF) of Rs. 600 crores to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.
It has given an in-principle approval for the amount needed to revive and upgrade several Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics managed by the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training under the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Maharashtra.
Note:  The SCDF was established with the Reserve Bank of India’s assistance to fund hard infrastructure facilities in clusters across India. The fund is intended to help setting up, upgrading and renovating MSME infrastructures in fields other than agriculture.
Key Points:
i.The introduction of several government schemes such as Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities, and the Clean India Mission has resulted in a considerable increase in demand for skilled labour in Maharashtra.

• ITIs and polytechnics will play a critical role in addressing the workforce needs of the MSMEs that will be created as a result of these new schemes.

ii.The active participation of state government-run institutions in upgrading and revitalising them will offer the necessary momentum to the MSME ecosystem and help the system achieve greater efficiency. 
iii. Expert committee on MSMEs: It was headed by U.K. Sinha and recommended a more focused engagement of SIDBI with state governments for MSME development and promotion.

• It also included the use of Priority Sector Shortfall (PSS) funds to create a low-cost lending window for state governments for infrastructure projects in clusters.
• As a result, SIDBI has established Project Management Units (PMUs) in 11 Indian states: Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu.

iv.SIDBI has already given various state governments and Union Territories across India an in-principle clearance of over Rs. 5968 crores for the development and upgradation of various industry cluster projects.
About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
SIDBI is India’s principal financial institution for promoting, funding, and developing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Chairman and Managing Director – Sivasubramanian Ramann
Establishment – 1990
Headquarters – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

SEBI Imposes Penalties of Rs 40 Lakh on 4 Entities Over Violation of Market Norms

Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) has imposed penalties totalling Rs 40 lakh on 4 entities, a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on HPC Biosciences Limited, Tarun Chauhan, Madhu Anand and Arun Kumar Gupta for failing to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act and public issue norms. 

• SEBI has also levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Ashish Pandey, who was the CFO of Ricoh India Ltd and company secretary of Fourth Dimensional Solutions Ltd (FDSL) in 2017-18, for violation of market norms in the matter of Ricoh India Ltd. 
• In a separate order, SEBI levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Darshann Kayan over non-genuine trades in illiquid stock options on BSE.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS  

Raghav Chadha;Radhika Gupta;Ukrainian Vice PM Mykhailo Fedorov Among WEF’s 2022 Class of Young Global Leader

Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) leader Raghav Chadha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Punjab, Edelweiss Mutual Fund(MF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Radhika Gupta and Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov are among the World Economic Forum(WEF)’s Young Global Leaders(YGLs) Class of 2022. 

• On 20th April 2022, WEF unveiled the new class of Young Global Leaders (YGLs) – 2022 featuring the world’s most promising 109 Young Global Leaders under the age of 40 involved in activities ranging from green energy to health equity to refugee rights and education reform. 

7 Indians featured in YGLs Class of 2022:

• Some of the members of the class of 2022 include Yoichi Ochiai, Associate Professor, University of Tsukuba, Japan;  Musician & Composer Wissam Joubran, Palestinian Territories; Jessica Beckerman, of Muso, United States of America(USA); Zoya Lytvyn, Head, Osvitoria, Ukraine; Esha Mansingh of Imperial Logistics Limited, South Africa; Mayank Singhal of Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), United Arab Emirates(UAE);  Yashovardhan Lohia of Indorama Ventures Public Company, Thailand and Vilas Dhar, The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, USA.  

Forum of Young Global Leaders:
i.The Forum of Young Global Leaders, an initiative of WEF, is a group of remarkable people under the age of 40 from diverse communities and industries across the globe.
ii.The forum of YGLs was created by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF in 2004. 
iii.The Forum of YGLs has more than 1400 members and alumni of 120 countries.  
About World Economic Forum(WEF):
Founder and Executive Chairman– Klaus Schwab 
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Founded– January 1971      

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS       

ACC Appoints Economist Suman K Bery as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; Succeeds Rajiv Kumar
On 22nd April, 2022, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Economist Suman K Bery as the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).He will take charge on May 1, 2022 & will succeed Rajiv Kumar who will step down on April 30, 2022. 

• The committee also appointed Suman K Bery initially as Full-Time Member, NITI Aayog with immediate effect and up to April 30, 2022.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC) has accepted the resignation of Rajiv Kumar with effect from 30th April 2022.
• Suman K Bery will be the 3rd vice-chairman of the NITI Aayog in less than 8 years. 

About Suman K Bery:
i.He has previously served as the Director-General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.He has served as the Chief Economist of Royal Dutch Shell Corporation in The Hague, the Netherlands. 
iii.He has also served as a member of the Council of Economic Advisors in the Office of the Prime Minister of India, the National Statistical Commission and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Technical Advisory Committee on Monetary Policy.
About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog: 
The Government of India constituted NITI Aayog in 2015, to replace the Planning Commission, which had been instituted in 1950.
The Governing Council of NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi). 
CEO– Amitabh Kant
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi   

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

New vessel ‘Urja Pravaha’ inducted into Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Urja Pravaha, an auxiliary barge was inducted into ICG at Shoft Shipyard in Bharuch, Gujarat, arrived in Kochi, Kerala on April 22, 2022. It will be based in Kochi under the operational command of Coast Guard District Headquarters-4 (Kerala and Mahe), in addition to auxiliary barge Urja Shrota, which was inducted in 2017.
About Urja Pravaha:
i. The Auxiliary Barge Urja Pravaha is 36 meters long and is designed to carry cargo ship Fuel, aviation Fuel and fresh water. 
iii.The barge will be deployed at far flung areas in the Maritime Operational area including Exclusive Economic Zone and Lakshadweep/Minicoy islands.

OBITUARY

Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki died at 90

On 22nd April, 2022,Mwai Kibaki, former President of Kenya died at the age of 90.It was announced by The President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta. He served as the third President of Kenya.
About Mwai Kibaki:
i.Mwai Kibaki is a Kenyan Politician and a debater who steered the development of the country since its Independence on December 12, 1963.
ii.Kibaki served two terms as President of Kenya, the East African Country, ruling from 2002 to 2013.
iii.His re-election to a second term in 2007 was disputed by his opponent, Raila Odinga which led to a tribal violence causing loss of more than 1,100 people. 
iv.Post in which he oversaw the adoption of a new constitution with reforms aimed at preventing such unrest that happened during the 2007 Presidential election.
v.Kibaki left a legacy of strong growth in the regional economic powerhouse, launching major infrastructure projects and boosting the struggling health and education sectors.
About Kenya:
Capital – Nairobi
President – Uhuru Kenyatta
Currency – Kenyan shilling

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Book and Copyright Day 2022 – April 23World Book and Copyright Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to celebrate and promote the enjoyment of books and reading. The day also recognises the scope of books as a connection between the past and the future and a bridge between generations and cultures. 
The observance of the World Book and Copyright Day is annually organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO).
Background:
i.During the 28th session of the UNESCO’s General Conference held in Paris, France, from 25th October to 16th November 1995, UNESCO adopted a resolution proclaiming the 23rd April of every year as the World Book and Copyright Day. 
ii.The first-ever World Book and Copyright Day was observed on 23rd April 1996. 
Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay has named the Guadalajara city in Mexico as the World Book Capital of 2022, on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
>> Read Full News

UN English Language Day 2022 – April 23 

United Nations(UN)’s English Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to spread awareness and promote the history, culture and achievements associated with the English language. The day also promotes books, poetry and literature in the English Language.

• The English Language Day, 23rd April also marks the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, an English playwright, poet and actor, colloquially as “The Bard” or “The Bard of Avon”.

>> Read Full News

UN Spanish Language Day 2022 – April 23

The United Nations(UN)’s Spanish Language day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to celebrate and create awareness about the history culture and use of Spanish. 
The day also promotes the use of Spanish, one of the 6 official languages of the UN, among the staff members of the UN. 

• The Spanish Language Day (23rd April) also marks the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes, one of the most important and celebrated figures in Spanish literature.

>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Tamil Nadu to observe Minorities Rights Day annually on December 18

Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Gingee K S Masthan informed that Minorities Rights Day would be observed on December 18 every year in Tamil Nadu and about Rs 2.50 lakh will be allocated for the purpose.
i.A total cost of Rs.2.75 crore will be spent as education aid to girl students from minority communities.

• Monthly stipend of Rs.500 will be provided to the girl students of Classes 3 to 5 and Rs.1,000 to girls who are studying Class 6 in rural areas to pursue their studies without any obstacles.

ii.Planned to set up E-libraries at a cost of Rs 2.20 crores in 275 college hostels under the Tamil Nadu Ministry for Backward Classes Welfare  for the benefit of a large number of students.
iii.In order to improve the economic prospects of the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Tribes, the government would form 25 groups with each comprising 10 members (men / women) to set up ready-made garment units with an assistance of Rs.75 lakh.
iv.The medical assistance of Rs 1,000 being provided to the hostellers for three medical checkups in a year, will be enhanced to Rs 3,000.

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