Daily Current Affairs : 18 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Syria Emerges as the Largest 'Narco-State'

Syria has undergone a distressing transformation, establishing itself as the leading narco-state worldwide. The country's economic survival now heavily relies on the production and export of Captagon, popularly known as the "poor man's coke." According to a report by ANI, Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine, constitutes more than 90% of Syria's foreign currency revenue.
The pervasive presence and profitability of Captagon in Syria raise concerns about its detrimental effects on the country's social fabric, health, and security. Collins Dictionary defines a "narco-state" as a nation where a significant portion of the economy depends on the illicit trade of narcotic drugs. Captagon, a banned illicit drug recognized by the UNODC (2021), combines amphetamine and caffeine. Initially introduced by a German pharmaceutical company in 1961 for medical purposes, Captagon was later found to be highly addictive and detrimental to mental and physical health, leading to its prohibition.

Kerala Adopts Water Budget to Address Summer Water Shortage

Kerala, a state blessed with abundant rivers, streams, and backwaters, experiences acute water scarcity during summers despite its favorable rainfall. To tackle this issue, Kerala has introduced a Water Budget, the first of its kind in India. The details of the initial phase of the Water Budget covering 94 grama panchayats in 15 block panchayats were unveiled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The state acknowledges a reduction in water availability and aims to utilize the resource efficiently and prevent wastage through the implementation of the water budget. Water experts commend this initiative, stating that it will enable the state to assess the demand and supply of water accurately and allocate it accordingly.
The key challenge lies in regulating water usage in accordance with its availability, and the water budget serves as a vital tool in achieving this objective. By promoting awareness and discouraging unnecessary wastage, the water budget contributes to effective water conservation.

DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence Inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has inaugurated the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H). This center, the largest of its kind in India, aims to undertake futuristic projects for long-term directed research required by DRDO. The inauguration took place at the IIT-H campus in Sangareddy, Telangana, with Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, officiating the event.
The DIA-CoE at IIT-H encompasses seven verticals of technology projects, and the collaboration between DRDO and IIT-H, which began three years ago as a research cell, has now evolved into a full-fledged Center of Excellence. The DRDO team will work closely with IIT-H to identify target projects in various domains and complete them within a period of 3-5 years.

CRED Introduces P2P UPI Payments on its App

CRED, a prominent fintech company, has launched peer-to-peer UPI payments on its app, enabling CRED members to transact with both members and non-members by searching their contact list or UPI IDs. This service is currently limited to CRED members, who must have a credit score of 750 or above to qualify. While UPI has revolutionized digital payments with its utility-focused approach, CRED aims to create an enhanced UPI experience for its members, emphasizing instant, secure, and rewarding payments.
The introduction of P2P UPI payments follows the successful launch of Scan & Pay in October 2022. As Scan & Pay gains popularity, CRED anticipates an increase in the number of merchants. With multiple payment options available, including offline and online merchant payments, CRED members can enjoy a comprehensive and convenient payment experience.

Himachal Pradesh Establishes India's First DNA Database for Unidentified Bodies

Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for unidentified bodies, according to media reports. This database, initiated in April 2022, currently contains records of 150 DNA samples from unidentified bodies. The establishment of this database provides significant relief to families who tirelessly search for their missing loved ones.
By comparing DNA details stored in the database with samples from relatives, bodies can be accurately identified within seconds. Moreover, this database will assist in criminal investigations related to heinous crimes, the identification of disaster victims, missing persons cases, and tracking repeat offenders. The implementation of a DNA database marks a crucial advancement in forensic services and will greatly aid law enforcement agencies in solving cases and bringing closure to affected families.

Sekhar Rao Appointed Interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank

Karnataka Bank has appointed Sekhar Rao as the interim Managing Director and CEO following the completion of the term of the previous CEO, Mahabaleshwara M S. Mahabaleshwara M S, the incumbent Managing Director and CEO, concluded his second three-year term on April 14. In compliance with RBI approval dated April 12, 2023, Sekhar Rao, the Executive Director, assumed the role of interim MD and CEO from April 15, 2023. He will hold the position for three months or until the appointment of a regular MD and CEO, whichever occurs earlier.

World Heritage Day / International Day for Monuments and Sites

The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, is observed annually on April 18 worldwide. The day is marked with various activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences, round table discussions, and newspaper articles. Proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on April 18, 1982, the day was officially approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.
Its primary objective is to raise awareness about the diverse cultural heritage of humanity, highlighting its vulnerability and the efforts required for its protection and conservation. Each year, World Heritage Day revolves around a specific theme related to cultural heritage. In 2022, the theme was "Heritage and Climate," while the theme for 2023 is "Heritage Changes."
This year's theme provides an opportunity to address issues related to understanding traditional knowledge and knowledge systems in the context of climate action, emphasizing the role of cultural heritage in supporting fair protection for vulnerable communities in climate action and responding to the UN Decade of Action.

Raj Subramaniam Honored with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Raj Subramaniam, the Indian-American CEO of global transportation giant FedEx, has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest civilian honor conferred by India upon individuals of Indian origin and the Indian diaspora.
Due to travel constraints, Raj Subramaniam received the award from India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at a ceremony held at India House. Raj Subramaniam, aged 55, currently serves as the President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, contributing his international leadership experience and business acumen to the success of the company.