Daily Current Affairs : 9 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

SpaceX launches NASA's TEMPO air quality monitoring instrument

In a significant development for air quality monitoring, NASA's high-resolution air pollution monitoring instrument called TEMPO was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 9, 2023. The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument will be placed in a geostationary orbit to monitor major air pollutants across North America. 
TEMPO will gather important scientific observations, including ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels. It is a payload on the satellite Intelsat 40E, which separated from the rocket about 32 minutes after launch. The instrument will commence its science activities in late May or early June, according to NASA. 
The data collected by TEMPO will enable scientists to study rush hour pollution, improve air quality alerts, understand the impact of lightning on the ozone layer, track pollution from forest fires and volcanoes, and assess the effects of fertilizer application. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "The TEMPO mission is about more than just studying pollution – it's about improving life on Earth for all."

PM Modi launches International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)

During his visit to Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) and released a commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger. At the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger, PM Modi and other dignitaries paid tribute to the Tiger and released the publication "Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation" and a summary report of the 5th cycle of Management Effective Evaluation of Tiger Reserves. 
Additionally, PM Modi met Bomman and Bellie, the couple featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers,' emphasizing India's legacy of a harmonious relationship between nature and creatures. PM Modi highlighted that India is celebrating its 75th year of independence and also hosts 75% of the world's tiger population, making the success of Project Tiger a matter of pride.

Union Minister of MoSJ&E inaugurates Second Composite Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) in M.P

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Development, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) on April 8, 2023, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. The inauguration program was attended by senior officials from the Central and State Governments. 
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the importance of continuous and planned services for persons with disabilities, including skill development in various domains. He commended the efforts of the Ministry in creating an accessible environment in buildings and public places. 
The CRC aims to become a hub for innovation, education, and research, enabling a better quality of life for persons with disabilities and their contribution to society. Experts from diverse fields of disability rehabilitation will collaborate at the CRC to address pressing challenges and accelerate services. Shri Om Prakash Sakhlecha, Minister of Science and Technology, Medium Small-Scale Industries, and Minister in-charge of Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, also graced the event.

Ukraine Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister visits India

Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, embarked on a four-day official visit to New Delhi from April 9 to April 12, 2023. This visit marks her first since the Russian invasion in February 2021. Dzhaparova is scheduled to meet with delegates from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and extend an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine.
Discussions between Dzhaparova and Indian officials will focus on bilateral relations, the current situation in Ukraine, and global issues of mutual interest. She will also meet with Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.
Prime Minister Modi, in a telephonic conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in October 2022, expressed India's readiness to contribute to peace efforts and emphasized that there could be "no military solution." The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Ukraine in various areas.

Anti-submarine rockets developed by 2 Pune labs successfully tested

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the Extended Range Anti Submarine Rocket (ER-ASR) from the Indian Navy's INS Chennai on April 3, 2023. Designed by two Pune-based facilities, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), the ER-ASR is intended to replace the existing Russian-origin Rocket Guided Bombs (RGBs). 

The rocket system, designed for intercepting submarines at specific depths, will enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. It can be fired in single or salvo mode based on tactical mission requirements. The ER-ASR will be deployed in anti-submarine operations and launched from an indigenized rocket launcher mounted on various Indian naval ships. 

Compared to the RGB rockets, the ER-ASR offers a greater range, with over eight kilometers. This successful test is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defense and bolstering India's naval capabilities.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament of the Bible, the resurrection occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans in approximately A.D. 30. The term "Easter" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "Ēastre," which referred to a pagan festival celebrating the arrival of spring. 

The Christian holiday of Easter was established in the 4th century as a replacement for the pagan celebration, focusing on the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and new beginnings for Christians worldwide. Easter is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and celebration, often involving attending church services, participating in special events, and sharing meals with family and friends.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman to attend Spring Meetings of IMF-World Bank

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to the United States from April 10, 2023, to attend the annual spring meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings. These meetings will take place from April 10 to April 16, 2023, at the WBG and IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. 

The spring meetings will witness the participation of finance ministers and central bankers from around the world. During the visit, Sitharaman will also host the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency. On April 12-13, 2023, Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting. 

The discussions will focus on various issues such as addressing food and energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilizing finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on international tax and financial sector issues. The meeting will assess the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda.

Mumbai ranked 19th globally among cities with the world's best public transport

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has secured the 19th spot globally among cities with the best public transport systems. According to a survey conducted by "Time Out," a London-based media outlet focused on city life, Germany's Berlin claimed the top spot, followed by Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Mumbai emerged as the highest-ranked Indian city on the list. 
The survey involved polling 20,000 people from 50 cities to gauge their satisfaction with local mass transit systems. The ranking demonstrates the dominance of Asian cities and the significant presence of European cities with well-regarded public transport systems. The recognition of Mumbai's public transport system contributes to its reputation as a global city, showcasing the city's efforts to provide efficient and accessible transportation services.

Over 408.2 million loans amounting to Rs 23.2 trillion sanctioned under PMMY

As of March 24, 2023, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned more than 408.2 million loans, amounting to Rs 23.2 trillion, on its 8th anniversary. PMMY aims to facilitate easy collateral-free credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities. The loans are categorized into three segments based on the financial requirements and business maturity stages: Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (loans above Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 5 lakh), and Tarun (loans above Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 10 lakh).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the vital role played by PMMY in funding the unfunded and providing a life of dignity and prosperity to countless Indians. Approximately 69% of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, while 51% have been granted to borrowers from the SC/ST and OBC categories. Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recognized PMMY's contribution to generating employment opportunities and its transformative impact on the Indian economy.