Current Affairs 22nd April 2021| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Earth Day – Observed on Apr 22

• Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
• The theme this year is “Restore Our Earth” and its focus is on natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. And therefore, the theme also rejects the belief that only mitigation and adaptation are the ways to address climate change.
• First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
• International Mother Earth Day (Earth Day)is celebrated every year on 22 April to recognize that the Earth and its ecosystems are our home and that it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.
• The day was established in 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Every year around the world, Earth Day organizers promote green campaigns to save the Earth.
• Celebrate National Earth Day by getting engaged in Earth Day activities in your area.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi mark Leaders’ Summit on Climate 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address Leaders’ Summit on Climate.
• The two-day summit will be held virtually and Mr Modi will make his remarks in the session which has the theme – Our Collective Sprint to 2030.
• The Prime Minister was invited by US President Joe Biden to participate in this summit.
• Nearly 40 other world leaders are participating in the Summit.
• They will represent countries which are members of the Major Economies Forum and those vulnerable to climate change, among others.
• The leaders will exchange views on climate change, enhancing climate actions, mobilizing finance towards climate mitigation and adaptation; nature based solutions, climate security as well as technological innovations for clean energy.
• They will also deliberate on how the world can align climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, while respecting national circumstances and sustainable development priorities.
• The summit is a part of a series of global meetings focusing on climate issues, being held in the run up to COP26 in November 2021.

Covishield to cost Rs 400 for state govt hospitals and Rs 600 for govt hospitals

• Serum Institute of India has announced the price for its COVISHIELD vaccine for State governments and Private Hospitals in the country.
• The Vaccine will cost 400 rupees per dose for the state governments whereas Private Hospitals will have to pay 600 rupees for each dose.
• The announcement by the manufacturer of the COVISHIELD vaccine in India comes in light of the recent relaxation given by the Centre to accelerate the vaccination drive in the country.
• Under the new provisions the vaccine manufacturers and suppliers will be selling 50 per cent of their COVID vaccines to the Centre whereas the remaining 50 per cent will be given to State governments and Private Hospitals in open market.
• Serum Institute in a media statement released said that the new directive will help in scaling up the production of vaccines and will also ease its procurement by the state administrations, private hospitals and vaccination centres.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nine Bangladeshis in Forbes 30 under 30 lists of innovators in 10 industries for Asia

• Nine Bangladeshis feature in the Forbes 30 under 30 lists of innovators in 10 industries for Asia.
• Forbes announced its 6th annual 30 under 30 Asia list for 2021 featuring 300 young entrepreneurs, leaders and trailblazers across Asia.
• The list includes people who are finding new opportunities amidst the challenging environment brought out by the COVID pandemic.
• The nine Bangladeshis have been included under the categories enterprise technology, social impact and retail and e-commerce.
• Earlier, between 2016 till 2020 nine Bangladeshis were listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 lists for Asia.
• Shehzad Noo Taus Priyo and Motasim Bir Rahman co-founded Gaze which builds API for visual recognition with AI supporting features.
• The AWARENESS 360 is an NGO founded by Shomy Chowdhury and Rijve Arefin which works on personal hygiene issues like hand washing, sanitation etc.
• Ahmed Imtiaz Jami has supported 1 million people to help overcome poverty.
• It has provided support for education, health and nutrition through the NGO OBHIZATRIK.
• Morin Talukder’s e-commerce venture Pickaboo lists quality products and helps in fast delivery of products.
• Mir Sakib’s startup company Cramstack helps industries with natural language driven search interfaces to analyse and visualise data.
• The list is announced for ten categories including arts, entertainment and sports, Finance and venture capital, media, marketing and advertising, enterprise technology, social impact and consumer technology among others.
• Each category lists 30 young individuals under 30 years of age making their mark in the respective categories.
• The list was compiled through a rigorous process of selection from more than 2500 online nominations, said the Forbes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping took part in US-led Climate Summit

• Chinese President Xi Jinping will take part in the virtual climate summit convened by US President Joe Biden in which several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will participate. Xi’s confirmation comes days after John Kerry, US special envoy on climate change, held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, in Shanghai.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry announced, “At the invitation of US President Joe Biden, President Xi will attend and deliver an ‘important speech’ at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate by video link from Beijing.”
• The US and China are the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases.
• Xi made veiled references to the US-led West in an online speech delivered at an economic forum, rejecting what he called hegemonic powers in global governance and saying there should be no ‘bossing’ and ‘meddling’ in other countries which is seen as a continuation from Alaska meeting last month between the two countries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

India’s export of Agricultural and allied commodities expressed an impressive increase of 18.49 per cent during 2020-2021

• India has witnessed an impressive increase of almost 18.5 per cent in export of Agricultural and allied products during April 2020 to February 2021 as compared to the same period, the previous year.
• The country had witnessed tremendous growth of 727 per cent in Wheat export and 132 per cent in Non-Basmati Rice export, despite the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Some other commodities that posted significant positive growth in exports include cereals, soya meal, spices, sugar, raw cotton, fresh vegetable, processed vegetables and alcoholic beverages.
• India took care not to disturb the world food supply chain and continued to export even during the pandemic.
• The export of Agricultural and allied commodities during April 2020 to February 2021 was over Rs 2 lakh 70 thousand crore.
• The imports of Agricultural and allied commodities during this period witnessed a slight increase of 2.93 per cent.
• During this period, despite COVID-19, the balance of trade in agriculture has favorably increased.

Hero joins hands with Taiwan’s Gogoro 

• Hero MotoCorp has formed a partnership with Taiwan’s Gogoro Inc to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market.
• The two companies will establish a battery swapping joint venture to bring Gogoro’s battery swapping platform to India and will collaborate on EV development to bring Hero-branded, powered-by-Gogoro Network vehicles to the domestic auto market.
• With this partnership, Hero MotorCorp will make its first direct entry into the EV space, which at present is dominated by another Hero Group company, Hero Electric, and Hero MotoCorp-backed start-up Ather Energy. 
• Hero’s main rivals, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company, also already have a small presence in this fast growing category.
• India’s two-wheeler EV market saw a 1.6-fold increase in FY21, from 24,839 units sold in FY20 to 40,837 in FY21. Experts believe EVs may account for 25-30 percent of total two-wheeler sales by 2030.

ReNew Power projects 105-megawatt solar project in Gujarat

• ReNew Power informed it has commissioned a 105 megawatt (MW) solar generation facility in Gujarat.
• The project has a 25-year power purchase agreement with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to provide clean electricity to the state at a tariff of Rs 2.68/kWh, a company statement said.
• This project located in the Patan district of Gujarat, takes ReNew’s total operational solar capacity in the state to 145 MW and total aggregate solar capacity to 4.7 GW across India.
• Since March, ReNew Power has announced commissioning of over 500 MW of combined wind and solar energy projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• “The 105 MW Gujarat project commissioning is a significant step forward for ReNew Power.
• The project has been commissioned amidst a COVID-19 surge and reflects the commitment of our team to contribute towards India’s ambition of achieving 450 GW of clean energy by 2030,” said Founder, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power, Sumant Sinha.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATION NEWS

Rajeev Srivastava appointed as Head – Products and Business Development of HDFC Securities

• HDFC securities announced the appointment of Rajeev Srivastava as Head of Products and Business Development.
• Srivastava has almost two decades of experience in working with large retail companies including ICICI Bank and Perfetti Vanmelle, according to a statement.
• He was previously associated with Reliance Securities as Chief Business Officer.
• Dhiraj Relli, MD and CEO, HDFC securities, said, “Rajeev brings along with him a wealth of experience in dealing with products and outlining business strategies.
• He would add great value to our product offerings while helping our customers with a wide spectrum of investment options to choose from.
• Rajeev’s understanding of the markets will play a critical role in greater penetration of HSL brands for our existing and new customers.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Mar Coorilos selected for maiden Golden Lantern Award

• WHI, an organization having special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, UN, has chosen Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan, Diocese of Mumbai, for its maiden Golden Lantern Award.
• The award is being conferred on the metropolitan for his outstanding efforts in social, educational and charitable spheres. 
• He was chosen for the award for his free education initiatives for slum children, health and treatment schemes designed for TB patients, exemplary contributions to the education sector and opening up of theology learning for women in the upcoming Theo University.
• Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will give away the award in Thiruvananthapuram in mid-July.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India’s 40th Scientific Expedition To Antarctica Returns To Capetown         

• On April 10, 2021, The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (40-ISEA) hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences successfully returned to Cape Town, after completing a journey of around 12 thousand nautical miles in 94 days.
• The 40-ISEA comprised Indian scientists, engineers, doctors, and technicians, who began their journey from the Mormugao Port of Goa to Antarctica on 7 January, 2021.
• The team reached its destination station Bharati on 27 February, 2021, and Maitri on 8 March, 2021.
• On the way to Antarctica, the voyage team deployed four autonomous Ocean Observing DWS (Directional Wave Spectra) wave drifters between 35 degree and 50 degree south latitudes in collaboration with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad.
• The expedition positioned a team of 20 personnel at Bharati led by Atul Suresh Kulkarni from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism and 21 personnel at Maitri led by Ravindra Santosh from the Indian Meteorological Department.

ISRO to support eight joint research projects of IIT-D

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will support eight joint research projects mooted by the space technology cell (STC) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
• Space Technology Cell (STC), which was set up in the year 2019 as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ISRO and IIT Delhi.
• The ISRO will support the projects under its “respond” programme for varying duration of one to three years. 
• The eight collaborative research projects on which the scientists from different ISRO centres and IIT, Delhi, will work jointly include application for aerospace, space and hydro-extremes to bring about applications for drought and flood forecasting.
• The unit will establish an Indian Land Data Assimilation System (ILDAS) for identifying hydrologic extremes.

Names of eight joint research projects of IIT-D :

• Establishing a Coupled Indian Land Data Assimilation System (ILDAS) for identifying hydrologic extremes.
• Classical Trajectory Monte Carlo Simulations of the Plasma dynamics in electrodeless plasma thruster.
• Analysis of Variable Stiffness Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Structures with Embedded Delamination.
• Indigenous Sensor based Real Time Flood Warning Smart System.
• Impact of Satellite Observations in a Coupled System for Predicting Storm Tides and its Coastal Inundation.
• Development of a Numerical Simulator for Micro-fabricated Electrospray Thrusters.
• Designing Speciality Glasses Employing Machine Learning and Meta-Heuristic Optimization.
• Low-Pressure Systems (LPSs) and their nonlinear interaction with other scales in the atmosphere through the lens of Scale Energetics.

About IIT Delhi space technology :

• The IIT Delhi space technology cell has been functional since November 2019.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SPORTS NEWS

ITBP sets up water sports & adventure training institute in Uttarakhand

• A Water Sports and Adventure Institute (WSAI) has been established by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand. 
• On April 16, 2021, The institute was inaugurated by Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
• ITBP’s Mountaineering and Skiing Institute at Auli, will independently run this institution.
• It will impart training in aero, water and land-related sports and adventure activities.
• Currently, three ITBP teams – kayaking, canoeing and rowing – have been deployed here, in which around 59 sports persons are available.
• This institution will boost national and international tourism and it will increase opportunity of employment for the people of the state.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) :

• Founded: 24 October 1962
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Director General : S S Deswal
• Comes Under Ministry of Home Affairs

About Uttarakhand :

• Chief minister: Tirath Singh Rawat
• Governor: Baby Rani Maurya

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh passes away 

• On April 21, 2021, Eminent Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh passed away.
• He was 89.
• Ghosh was born on February 6, 1932, at Chandpur in present-day Bangladesh.

Achievements :

• In 2011, he was awarded Padma Bhushan and in 2016 he received the Jnanpith Award.
• In 1977, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his book ‘Babarer Prarthana‘.
• He was honoured with a second Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. 

Veteran actor Kishore Nandlaskar passes away 

• On April 20, 2021, Veteran actor Kishore Nandlaskar, who was a popular face in both Marathi and Hindi films, passed away.
• He was 81.
• The actor made his debut in 1982 with Marathi film ‘Navare Sagle Gadhav’ and went on to act in movies like ‘Bhavishyacha Aishi Taishi: The Prediction’, ‘Gaon Thor Pudhari Chor’ and ‘Jara Japun Kara’.
• He was last seen in Mahesh Manjrekar web-series ‘1962: The War In The Hills’.
• In Hindi films, his notable performances,  Nandlaskar is known for his roles in Khakee (2004), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Singham (2011), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000), Simmba (2018).

Chad President Idriss Deby Passes away

• On April 20, 2021, The President of the Republic of Chad, Idriss Deby Itno, passed away.
• Deby was 68.
• Déby, spent more than three decades in power and was one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
• He was even declared winner of the 2021  presidential election, paving the way for him to stay in power for six more years.
• Deby first won elections in 1996 and 2001.
• After this he continued to win in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.

About Chad :

• Capital: N’Djamena
• Currency: Central African CFA franc

Daily CA On April 21 :

• The Government of India chose April 21 as the National Civil Service Day as on this day the country’s first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the newly appointed Administrative Services Officers in 1947.
• Administrative Professionals Day is a day observed on April 21 yearly in a small number of countries.
• The World Creativity and Innovation Day (#WCID)is celebrated on April 21 every year to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving and encourage creative multidisciplinary thinking at the individual and group levels.
• Central government has extended the insurance scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for health workers for a period of one year.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the efforts of Tata Group for importing 24 cryogenic containers to transport liquid oxygen and help in easing the oxygen shortage in the country.
• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has rejuvenated the 20 control rooms in view of the resurgence of Coronavirus cases and imposition of certain restrictions by various state governments.
• India and the US will coordinate their efforts for stability in Afghanistan.
• The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting will be held in a virtual format on 8th of next month.
• A webinar cum expo was organized between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Defence Vietnam. 
• China’s demographic transition owing particularly to its stricter birth policies has grappled it with the problem of ageing population and dwindling work-force.
• The Cabinet gave ex-post facto approval for the Government amendments to the Finance Bill, 2021 enacted on 28th March this year as the Finance Act, 2021.
• Miguel Díaz-Canel will succeed Raúl Castro as the Cuban Communist Party’s first secretary, the most powerful position on the island. 
• Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced a 50 thousand rupees award for Mayur Shelke for exemplary acts of bravery.
• The Government of India and Germanyhave signed an agreement for Technical Cooperation in enhancing practices to prevent plastic entering the marine environment on April 19, 2021,  at a virtual ceremony in New Delhi.
• The Cabinet approved a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, (CA ANZ).
• Cabinet approved the MoU between Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Administrative Council for Economic Defense of Brazil, (CADE).
• The Cabinet gave ex post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding MoU between the Director General of Trade Remedies, India and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission
• The government of Ghana, Bharti Airtel and Millicom International Cellular S.A. announced execution of the definitive agreement for transfer of AirtelTigo.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation) supplemental Oxygen Delivery System for soldiers posted at extreme high-altitude areas.
• On April 20, 2021, In the latest World Press Freedom Index 2021, India was placed at 142nd position among 180 countries.
• Harry Potter author JK Rowling will release a new children’s book entitled The Christmas Pig. It was Published by Hachette Children’s Group and Scholastic in different territories.
• On April 18, 2021, the 2021 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters singles title, In Tennis, Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) beat Andrey Rublev (Russia) in a straight-sets 6-3 6-3.
• On April 20, 2021, Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Maidavolu Narasimham, Passed away.
• Walter F Mondale, the former vice-president and liberal leader Passed away. He served as the 42nd Vice President of the United States.

Daily CA On April 22 :

• Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.  The theme this year is “Restore Our Earth”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address Leaders’ Summit on Climate. The two-day summit will be held virtually and Mr Modi will make his remarks in the session which has the theme – Our Collective Sprint to 2030.
• Serum Institute of India has announced the price for its COVISHIELD vaccine for State governments and Private Hospitals in the country.
• Nine Bangladeshis feature in the Forbes 30 under 30 lists of innovators in 10 industries for Asia.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping will take part in the virtual climate summit convened by US President Joe Biden in which several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• India has witnessed an impressive increase of almost 18.5 per cent in export of Agricultural and allied products during April 2020 to February 2021 as compared to the same period, the previous year.
• Hero MotoCorp has formed a partnership with Taiwan’s Gogoro Inc to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market.
• ReNew Power informed it has commissioned a 105 megawatt (MW) solar generation facility in Gujarat.
• HDFC securities announced the appointment of Rajeev Srivastava as Head of Products and Business Development.
• WHI, an organization having special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, UN, has chosen Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan, Diocese of Mumbai, for its maiden Golden Lantern Award.
• On April 10, 2021, The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (40-ISEA) hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences successfully returned to Cape Town, after completing a journey of around 12 thousand nautical miles in 94 days.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will support eight joint research projects mooted by the space technology cell (STC) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
• A Water Sports and Adventure Institute (WSAI) has been established by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand. 
• On April 21, 2021, Eminent Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh passed away.
• On April 20, 2021, Veteran actor Kishore Nandlaskar, who was a popular face in both Marathi and Hindi films, passed away.
• On April 20, 2021, The President of the Republic of Chad, Idriss Deby Itno, passed away.