Daily Current Affairs : 21 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

West Bengal Tops List of States with Most Ponds and Reservoirs: First-Ever Water-Body Census

West Bengal has emerged as the state with the highest number of ponds and reservoirs in India, according to the recently released report of the first-ever water-body census conducted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The census reveals that out of the total 24.24 lakh water-bodies in India, West Bengal accounts for 7.47 lakh, while Sikkim has the least with only 134 water-bodies.
The census defines a water-body as any natural or man-made unit used for storing water for various purposes such as irrigation, industrial use, pisciculture, domestic/drinking water, recreation, religious ceremonies, and ground water recharge. The report also highlights that 97.1% of these water-bodies are located in rural areas, while only 2.9% are in urban areas.

Andhra CM Lays Foundation Stone for Mulapeta Port In Srikakulam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has laid the foundation stone for the Mulapeta greenfield port in Srikakulam district. The port, estimated to cost Rs 4,362 crore, is expected to be completed within two years. During the same event, the Chief Minister also initiated the construction of a fishing harbour at Budagatlapalem, a life irrigation project from Gotta barrage to Hira Mandalam reservoir, and other development works along the Mahendra Tanaya river. These projects are expected to bring significant economic and infrastructural changes to Srikakulam district, which boasts a 193-kilometer long coastline.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Resolve Boundary Dispute

The governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have signed an agreement to settle an inter-state boundary dispute between the two states. The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, signed the agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The agreement aims to resolve the dispute concerning 123 villages along the border by considering historical perspective, demographic profile, administrative convenience, proximity to the border, and the aspirations of the residents. Both state governments have mutually agreed that this settlement will be final, and no further claims will be made regarding these areas in the future. A detailed survey will be conducted by the Survey of India to establish the boundaries of both states.

Vodafone Idea Reappoints Kumar Mangalam Birla as Non-Executive Director

Kumar Mangalam Birla has been reappointed as an additional non-executive director on the board of Vodafone Idea (Vi). The appointment, effective from April 20, 2023, was approved by the company's board of directors. This decision signifies the group's commitment to Vodafone Idea as it continues its efforts to find an investor.
Kumar Mangalam Birla had previously stepped down from the position of non-executive chairman in August 2021 but has now returned to the board. The company is currently facing challenges, including clearing vendor dues and raising fresh capital to make network investments and address subscriber loss.

Kaizad Bharucha Appointed as Deputy MD of HDFC Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given approval for the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as the deputy managing director of HDFC Bank for a three-year term starting from April 19, 2023. This appointment marks the bank's first deputy managing director in five years. Kaizad Bharucha brings over 35 years of banking experience to his new role, having been associated with HDFC Bank since 1995. He was previously responsible for wholesale banking at the bank.
Additionally, Bhavesh Zaveri has been approved as HDFC Bank's executive director for a three-year term, effective from April 19, 2023. Zaveri has been associated with HDFC Bank since 1998 and has held various roles within the organization.

National Civil Services Day - Acknowledging the Work of Civil Servants

National Civil Services Day is observed on April 21 each year to recognize the contributions of officers working in various public service departments across India. This day serves as a reminder for civil servants to collectively run the administrative machinery with dedication to serving the citizens.
The origin of this day dates back to 1947 when Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the Home Minister of Independent India, delivered a powerful speech at the All India Administrative Service Training School, inspiring civil servants to embrace their role as the "steel frame of India." The first official celebration of National Civil Services Day took place on April 21, 2006. This year, there is no official theme for the celebration.

India and Thailand Hold 13th Joint Trade Committee Meeting

India and Thailand recently held the 13th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in New Delhi. The meeting, co-chaired by representatives from both countries, marked the revival of the JTC after a 17-year hiatus. Thailand is an important trading partner for India in the ASEAN region, accounting for 13.6% of India's total trade with ASEAN countries.
The meeting reviewed the current status of bilateral trade and emphasized the identification of new potential products and priority sectors for further trade expansion. Market access issues and technical barriers faced by exporters from both countries were also discussed, and it was agreed to address them through sustained bilateral discussions. India raised concerns regarding the restrictions on exporting marine, poultry, and meat products to Thailand.

PFC Approves Loan for Electric Vehicles

Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), a leading non-banking financial company in India's power sector, has sanctioned a loan of ₹633 crores to Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL). The loan will be utilized for the purchase of 5000 passenger Electric Vehicles (EVs) and 1000 cargo EVs.
The passenger EVs will be leased to Blusmart Mobility Pvt. Ltd (BMPL) to expand their fleet of ride-hailing cabs. The disbursement of the loan has already begun, and the first batch of EV cabs has been introduced on the roads of Delhi. This initiative aligns with the government's efforts to promote clean and sustainable transportation.