1. Ordinance to Amend Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 receives Cabinet’s approval
The promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 has received the Union Cabinet’s approval. It has been approved by the cabinet, keeping in view the recent instances with the most critical service providers i.e. members of healthcare services being targeted and attacked by miscreants, thereby obstructing them from doing their duties during the current COVID-19 pandemic. It intends to make such acts of violence cognizable and non-bailable offences and also ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare service personnel as well as damage to property.
2. MHRD rolls out National program “VidyaDaan 2.0”
National program “VidyaDaan 2.0” has been rolled out by the Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ to invite e-learning content contributions as the requirement of e-learning content for students has increased in the backdrop of situation arising out of Covid-19 pandemic. VidyaDaan is a common national program for individuals & organizations across the nation to donate or contribute e-learning resources for school as well as higher education in order to ensure the continuity of quality learning. This donated/shared content will be utilized on the DIKSHA app.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Union Minister for Human Resource Development: Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal’Nishank’.
3. TCS BaNCS to power Israel’s 1st fully Digital Bank
Israel’s first fully digital bank would be launched by the Tata Consultancy Services in 2021. The digital banking operations platform will be powered by the TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform. TCS has been selected by Israel’s Ministry of Finance to transform its banking sector. The TCS BaNCS universal financial solution is designed to help financial services institutions enhance end-customer experience, enabling them to embrace open and innovative technologies that embody true digital customer engagement.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Israel Capital: Jerusalem, Currency: Israeli new shekel.
- Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Natarajan Chandrasekaran is Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons.
4. “Apthamitra” app launched by Karnataka government
“Apthamitra” app and exclusive toll-free helpline number 14410 has been launched by the Karnataka government to empower the people of the state in the fight against COVID-19. The application aims at providing medical guidance and advice on COVID-19 while the helpline has been dedicated to deal with only COVID-19-related queries including telemedicine, counselling and facilitating testing and treatment for those in need.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai Vala.
- Chief Minister of Karnataka: B. S. Yediyurappa.
- Capital of Karnataka: Bengaluru.
5. Facebook buys 9.99% stake in Reliance Jio
Facebook has acquired a 9.99% stake of Reliance Jio for USD 5.7 billion (about Rs 43,574 crore). This deal of USD 5.7 billion has put the pre-money enterprise value of Jio Platforms at Rs 4.62 lakh crore. Jio Platform is the parent of phone and data unit Reliance Jio Infocomm including various other digital app platforms like JioMart, Jio-Saavn and JioCinema.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg.
- Facebook Headquarters: California, US.
- CEO of JIO : Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani
- Headquarters of JIO : Mumbai, Maharashtra , India
6. Rakesh Sharma has become the new President of IMMA
International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has elected Rakesh Sharma as its President for a tenure of 2 years. He had been holding office as vice-president of IMMA since May 2019. He will replace Johannes Loman, Director of PT Astra International Tbk and Executive Vice President Director PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) Indonesia.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- IMMA Founded: 1947.
- IMMA Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
7. BWF names PV Sindhu as ambassador for ‘i am badminton’ campaign
World Badminton Champion, P V Sindhu has been named as one of the ambassadors for Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s “I am badminton” awareness campaign. Other ambassadors of the campaign includes the Chinese duo of Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong, Canada’s Michelle Li, England’s Jack Shephard, Hong Kong’s Chan Ho Yuen, Germany’s Valeska Knoblauch and Germany’s Marc Zwiebler, who is Athletes’ Commission Chair.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Headquarters of Badminton World Federation: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Badminton World Federation Founded: 5 July 1934.
- President of Badminton World Federation: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen.
8. World Book and Copyright Day observed on 23 April
World Book and Copyright Day is observed globally on 23 April every year to pay tribute to all those writers and authors who have contributed to the social and cultural progress of humanity. The slogan for 2020- “KL Baca – caring through reading”. World Book Capital for 2020 is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay..
- UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946..
- UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France..
9. ‘WashKaro’ app developed by IIIT-Delhi to warn about Covid-19
Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology has developed a mobile app named ‘WashKaro’ to warn the people about a coronavirus containment zone nearby and helps them check whether a news item about the pandemic is genuine or fake. It uses Bluetooth technology for communication and does not need internet or location services.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Director of IIIT-Delhi: Ranjan Bose..