Daily Current Affairs : 26 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Zimbabwe to Introduce Gold-Backed Digital Currency

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced its plans to introduce a gold-backed digital currency as legal tender to stabilize the local currency, the Zim dollar. The tokens will be electronic money backed by the country's gold reserves, which will be held by the central bank. This initiative aims to provide a hedge against the volatility of the local currency for individuals holding Zim dollars. Currently, the Zimbabwean economy operates with a dual currency structure, with the Zimbabwean dollar and the U.S. dollar in use. However, the U.S. dollar dominates and accounts for approximately 70% of domestic transactions.

Shahabuddin Chuppu Takes Oath as Bangladesh's 22nd President

Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu, a retired judge and former commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, has been sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh. The oath of office was administered by Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury during a ceremony held at the historic Durbar Hall of the Bangabhaban, the presidential palace. The newly-elected President, a nominee of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party, was elected unopposed on February 13. The outgoing President, Md Abdul Hamid, congratulated Shahabuddin Chuppu on his election.

Three New Wildlife Conservation Reserves in Rajasthan

On Earth Day 2023, the Rajasthan Forest Department announced the establishment of three new conservation reserves in Rajasthan to protect rare and endangered wildlife. The newly established reserves are Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara. These reserves aim to safeguard the Great Indian Bustard, blackbucks, and migratory Demoiselle cranes. Sorsan will serve as a safe habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which has a population of only 200 worldwide. Khichan, known for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, has become India's first conservation reserve for these birds.
The creation of conservation reserves imposes regulations on developmental projects within the designated areas, requiring clearance from the National Board for Wildlife and the State Board of Wildlife. With these additions, Rajasthan now has a total of 26 wildlife conservation reserves, including well-known reserves such as Bisalpur Conservation Reserve in Tonk, Jodbeed Gadhwala Bikaner Conservation Reserve in Bikaner, Khetri Bansyal Conservation Reserve in Jhunjhunu, and Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve in Pali.

Former Punjab CM & Senior Shiromani Akali Dal Leader Parkash Singh Badal Passes Away

Parkash Singh Badal, the former Chief Minister of Punjab and senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, passed away at the age of 95 in Mohali. Badal, who served as Chief Minister five times, was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital due to difficulty in breathing. He had a long and illustrious political career, representing various constituencies and playing a significant role in Punjab's governance. Born on December 8, 1927, in Abul Khurana near Malout, Badal's contributions to Punjab's political landscape will be remembered.

Hari Hara Mishra Takes Charge as CEO of Association of ARC

Hari Hara Mishra has assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC). As the voice of all ARCs, the Association has been actively working for over eight years. Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India. Mishra, who has extensive experience in the banking sector, including his tenure with the State Bank of India, has been associated with the Asset Reconstruction Sector since 2004. His primary goal is to restore confidence in the functioning of ARCs and promote a win-win strategy for all stakeholders.

Nasscom Appoints Microsoft India Head Anant Maheshwari as Chairperson

Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) for the year 2023-24. He succeeds Krishnan Ramanujam, who held the position of Vice Chairperson. Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and MD of Cognizant India, has been appointed as the Vice Chairperson for the current year. NASSCOM aims to double India's technology industry to $500 billion by 2030 and has updated its executive council, with one-third of its members being women.

Shreekant Bhandiwad Named as the New Chairman of KVGB

Shreekant M Bhandiwad has assumed the role of Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB). Prior to this appointment, Bhandiwad served as the head of the Patna circle of Canara Bank. With 29 years of experience in Canara Bank, including various roles such as branch in-charge, regional head, circle head, and Deputy Managing Director of Canfin Homes Ltd, Bhandiwad brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. P Gopikrishna, the previous Chairman, has been repatriated to Canara Bank as Circle Head, Bengaluru.

World Intellectual Property Day

World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on April 26 to raise awareness about the impact of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs on daily life and celebrate the contributions of creators and innovators to global development. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, coinciding with the date on which the Convention Establishing the WIPO entered into force in 1970. WIPO plays a crucial role in establishing a fair and accessible global intellectual property system. By observing this day, WIPO aims to promote awareness of intellectual property rights and foster innovation and creativity worldwide.

Prasar Bharati's Conclave to Celebrate 100 Episodes of PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat

Prasar Bharati hosted a national conclave called "Mann Ki Baat@100" to celebrate the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat. The event took place in New Delhi and was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur. The conclave featured sessions highlighting the various themes covered by the Prime Minister during his Mann Ki Baat episodes.
The event concluded with a valedictory session attended by Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. A commemorative postage stamp and coin on the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat were also unveiled.

Indian Apex Exporters Body Signs MoU with Business Russia to Promote Trade & FDI

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Business Russia to enhance trade and investments between the two countries. The agreement aims to facilitate exhibitions, buyers-sellers' meetings, workshops, seminars, and encourage enterprises to collaborate for joint ventures. A delegation from the agro and food processing sector visited Moscow to explore diverse business ventures.
FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai emphasized the need for exporters, importers, and bankers to address issues and streamline processes. The trade deficit between India and Russia presents an opportunity to diversify exports and focus on sectors such as automobiles, electronics, medical devices, textiles, and agriculture.