Daily Current Affairs : 20 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

EC Introduces Vote from Home Option in Karnataka Assembly Election

The Election Commission (EC) has taken a significant step towards promoting electoral participation in urban areas by introducing the Vote from Home option in the Karnataka Assembly election. This option has been chosen by approximately 8,900 individuals in Bengaluru who are either above 80 years old or have a disability. It is the first time that such an initiative has been implemented by the Election Commission.
To avail of the Vote from Home option, eligible citizens were required to submit a 12D form at the booth-level office by April 17th. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike will establish temporary polling booths at the residences of these voters. In advance of the polling day on May 10, a Presiding officer, booth level officer, police personnel, and a videographer will visit the homes of these voters, with the process being recorded. The voters will receive an envelope containing the ballot paper, and they will cast their vote in secrecy before sealing the envelope.
Notably, not all of the over two lakh voters in Bengaluru above the age of 80 or with a disability have opted for the Vote from Home option.
Table: Summary of Vote from Home Option in Karnataka Assembly Election

Two-Day Millet Mahotsav Commences in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Today, April 20, marks the beginning of the two-day Millet Mahotsav in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This event aims to foster interactive sessions between industry experts, micro food processing enterprises, self-help groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) engaged in food processing. The Millet Mahotsav, organized by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries at CAZRI, will also feature an exhibition showcasing various millet-based products and processing machinery.
During the event, discussions will revolve around agri-food processing business opportunities, government schemes, incentives, and the significance of millets. The closing ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow, will be attended by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Prahlad Singh Patel, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Chaudhary.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Launches SATHI Portal & Mobile App

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App. This initiative aims to address challenges related to seed production, quality seed identification, and seed certification. Developed under the theme of Uttam Beej - Samriddh Kisan, the SATHI portal is a revolutionary step in the agriculture sector.
During the launch, Minister Tomar emphasized the government's continuous efforts to overcome challenges in the agriculture sector through various schemes and programs. He highlighted the pivotal role of seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation in agriculture, emphasizing the negative impact of inferior quality or spurious seeds on agricultural growth and production.

Gary Ballance Retires from International Cricket

Gary Ballance, the former England Test batter, has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. After resuming his international career with Zimbabwe just three months ago, Ballance, 33, decided to retire. He played 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals for England, with his last appearance for the team dating back to 2017. Ballance faced challenges with loss of form and mental health issues and was also involved in the Yorkshire racism scandal. He expressed remorse for using "racist" language towards his former team-mate Azeem Rafiq, who is of Pakistani origin.
Ballance initially made his debut for Zimbabwe and played for them under a two-year contract. He later went on to represent England, featuring in 23 Test matches. He also played one Test, one T20I, and five ODIs for Zimbabwe, showcasing his talent with five Test hundreds, including a remarkable score of 137 against the West Indies.

Chinese Language Day

April 20th is observed annually as Chinese Language Day. Established by the UN Department of Public Information in 2010, this event aims to celebrate multilingualism, cultural diversity, and promote equal use of all six official working languages throughout the United Nations.
Language Days at the United Nations are dedicated to each of the six official languages of the organization. The selection of April 20th for Chinese Language Day was inspired by the Guyu ("Rain of Millet") solar term, which is the sixth out of the 24 solar terms in traditional East Asian calendars. The day pays tribute to Cangjie, a legendary figure in ancient China associated with the creation of Chinese characters.
Chinese Language Day provides an opportunity to appreciate the unique characteristics of the Chinese language. Some key facts about Chinese include its status as one of the oldest languages still in use, its distinction as the most commonly used mother tongue, its use of pictographic characters, and its reputation as one of the most challenging languages to learn. Chinese calligraphy showcases various styles and artistic expressions.

First Global Buddhist Summit Inaugurated by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on April 20. The two-day Summit is being organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation. It serves to highlight the significance of India in Buddhism, as the religion originated in the country.
Under the theme "Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis," the Summit aims to explore the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and how they have evolved over the centuries through the practice of Buddha Dhamma. The event will witness the participation of delegates from around 30 countries, including eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners.
The discussions during the Summit will focus on addressing contemporary challenges using Buddhist philosophy and thought. The event also serves as a platform to strengthen cultural and diplomatic relationships with other nations. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's contributions to Buddhism and highlighted the relevance of Lord Buddha's teachings in the present era.

RBL Bank Launches Digital Fixed Deposit for New-to-Bank Customers

RBL Bank has introduced a digital fixed deposit (FD) scheme designed specifically for new-to-bank customers. This innovative offering allows customers to book a digital FD within minutes, eliminating the need to visit a bank branch or open a savings account with RBL Bank. The digital FD provides investors with an interest rate of up to 7.8% and a duration ranging from 15 months to 725 days.
The digital FD offers several benefits, including the convenience of tracking and administering FDs digitally. Additionally, it provides built-in insurance coverage and a simple method for opening a savings account. Customers can opt for insurance protection by purchasing a Hospital Daily Cash Benefit policy, which offers daily cash benefits to cover medical costs. To access their fixed deposit receipts online, customers can download the RBL Bank MoBank App.

South Indian Bank Introduces Flexible Savings Accounts for NRIs

South Indian Bank has introduced two flexible savings accounts, SIB SEAFARER and SIB PULSE, for Non-Residential Indians (NRIs). These accounts offer NRIs the option to maintain either deposits or the required minimum balance in their savings accounts. This move showcases the bank's commitment to streamlining banking requirements and providing excellent customer service.
The SIB SEAFARER and SIB PULSE savings accounts cater to the specific needs of healthcare personnel and mariners, respectively. The launch of these flexible savings products is part of South Indian Bank's ongoing efforts to offer targeted solutions for different NRI segments. Mr. Murali Ramakrishnan, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of South Indian Bank, expressed confidence that these products will lay the foundation for more innovative banking solutions, revolutionizing the way NRI depositors transact with banks.
South Indian Bank, a leading private sector bank headquartered in Kerala, has a widespread presence with 932 branches, 1,154 ATMs, and 121 CDMs/CRMs. The bank also operates a representative office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Known for its technological advancements, South Indian Bank offers a wide range of digital products and services.