Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 18 April 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
So, here is the Top News of the Day for 18 April 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 18 April 2023
World Heritage Day 2023 observed on 18th April
World Heritage Day 2023: World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on April 18th. The primary goal of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage, which includes historical structures, landmarks, and archaeological sites, as well as to celebrate the diversity of global history. The day is intended to promote recognition of the value of preserving cultural heritage and encourage individuals to appreciate the multiplicity of world heritage while actively engaging in its conservation and protection.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Heritage Day 2023: Theme
Every year, World Heritage Day celebrates a particular subject centred on a certain component of cultural heritage. The topic for 2022 was “Heritage and Climate,” and the theme for 2023 is “Heritage Changes.” The latter theme provides an opportunity to address issues related to understanding traditional knowledge and knowledge systems in the context of climate action. It also emphasizes the role of cultural heritage in supporting fair protection for vulnerable communities in climate action and responding to the UN Decade of Action.
World Heritage Day 2023: Significance
World Heritage Day is celebrated through a variety of activities, including exhibitions, cultural events, and guided tours of heritage sites. The goal of these activities is to increase awareness and understanding of cultural assets while also drawing attention to the threats that such sites confront, such as climate change, natural disasters, and human activities. World Heritage Day is a crucial event that promotes the safeguarding and conservation of cultural heritage worldwide. It serves as a reminder that cultural heritage is not only a thing of the past but also a contemporary and relevant aspect that will influence the future.
World Heritage Day: History
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) proposed the notion of observing World Heritage Day in 1982, and it was subsequently endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1983. The date of April 18th was chosen to commemorate UNESCO’s 1982 adoption of the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ICOMOS Founded: 1965
- ICOMOS President: Teresa Patricio
- ICOMOS headquarters in Paris
Wholesale inflation continues downtrend, moderates to 1.34% in March
Wholesale inflation continues downtrend, moderates to 1.34% in March: In March 2023, India’s wholesale-price-based inflation reduced as input costs continued to decline. According to data given by the government on Monday, April 17, 2023. The annual wholesale price inflation (WPI) was recorded at 1.34% year-on-year, which is a significant decrease from the previous month’s reading of 3.85%. The percentage is also lower than the 1.87% predicted by Reuters pollsters, indicating that the Indian economy is stabilising.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
What led to this relief:
The drop in inflation is mainly attributed to lower fuel and food prices. Fuel and power inflation stood at 2.81% in March, down from 8.98% in the same period last year. Food inflation, too, was moderate, with a reading of 3.41% in March, compared to 4.28% in February. Inflationary pressures may ease, allowing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to retain its accommodative policy stance and sustain growth.
RBI’s continuous effort:
The RBI has been taking several measures to boost the economy, including maintaining low interest rates and liquidity support. The recent reduction in inflation may provide the central bank some leeway in its monetary policy stance. However, the RBI will continue to closely monitor the evolving economic conditions and inflationary pressures.
Significance of this development:
The lower inflation figures could also have a positive impact on consumer spending and business investments. With inflation under control, consumers are likely to have more disposable income, which could boost spending. Lower input costs could also encourage businesses to invest more and expand their operations, which could lead to job creation and economic growth.
It is worth noting that the global economic conditions and commodity prices could still impact India’s inflation outlook. Any adverse global economic developments could lead to higher fuel and commodity prices, which could push up inflation in India. Therefore, policymakers and businesses need to remain vigilant and continue to take measures to address any potential risks.
India to challenge WTO panel ruling on ICT import duties at appellate body
India to challenge WTO panel ruling on ICT import duties at appellate body: India is set to appeal against the recent ruling by the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) trade dispute settlement panel, which found that the country’s import dues on certain information and technology products are inconsistent with global trade norms. The dispute was filed by the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan, which argued that the import duties imposed by India on certain informational and technology products violated WTO rules.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Need of this appeal:
The ruling could have serious implications for India’s trade policies and could potentially result in changes to the way the country provides support measures. However, the Commerce Ministry has stated that the appeal will not have any adverse impact on domestic industry.
India will appeal the ruling in the WTO’s appellate body, which is the final authority on such trade disputes. However, the appellate body is currently not functioning due to differences among member countries to appoint members, with the US blocking the appointment of members. Even if the appellate body starts functioning now, it could take over a year to take up India’s appeal.
India and trade disputes:
The lawsuit is the latest in a string of trade conflicts involving India, which has been at the centre of several WTO cases in recent years. Last year, India appealed against a WTO ruling that found the country’s domestic support measures for sugar and sugarcane to be inconsistent with global trade norms.
Scrutiny of India’s trade policies:
India’s approach to trade has been a contentious issue, with some critics arguing that the country’s policies are protectionist and designed to favor domestic industry. The recent WTO trade dispute settlement panel judgement is expected to revive this discussion and could lead to additional scrutiny of India’s trade policies. It remains to be seen how the appeal will play out and what the implications will be for India’s trade policies. However, it is clear that the country will continue to face challenges and scrutiny in its approach to trade, particularly as it seeks to balance the interests of domestic industry with its commitments to international trade norms.
Sekhar Rao appointed as interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank
Sekhar Rao appointed as interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank: Karnataka Bank, a private lender based in Mangaluru, said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the nomination of Sekhar Rao, the bank’s executive director, as interim managing director and chief executive officer. The duration of the appointment is for three months, starting from April 15, 2023, or until the appointment of a regular managing director and chief executive officer, whichever comes first, as stated in a filing with the stock exchange. This appointment is required since the term of Mahabaleshwara M S, the bank’s managing director and chief executive officer, expires on April 14, 2023.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The bank has set a target of 17.69% growth in the fiscal year 2023-24, which corresponds with its centenary year, in order to achieve a total commercial turnover of Rs 1,75,000 crore. As per the bank’s provisional figures, its business turnover was Rs 1,48,694 crore with a growth rate of 7.63%. This figure is comprised of deposits amounting to Rs 87,362 crore and advances amounting to Rs 61,326 crore.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Karnataka Bank Founded: 18 February 1924;
- Karnataka Bank CEO: Mahabaleshwara M. S (15 Apr 2017–);
- Karnataka Bank Headquarters: Mangaluru
Ministry of Panchayati Raj celebrates National Panchayat Awards Week
Ministry of Panchayati Raj celebrates National Panchayat Awards Week: The bank has set a target of 17.69% growth in the fiscal year 2023-24, which corresponds with its centenary year, in order to achieve a total commercial turnover of Rs 1,75,000 crore. In order to commemorate this occasion in a meaningful manner and to align with the AKAM 2.0 guidelines of taking a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approach, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed a series of Thematic Conferences centered around the theme “Panchayaton ke Sankalpon ki Siddhi ka Utsav” to increase the reach of AKAM 2.0 and positively impact the lives of all Indians.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The National Panchayat Awards Week begins with a five-day event in New Delhi with the “National Conference on Incentivization of Panchayats-cum-Award Ceremony.” The President of India has graciously agreed to inaugurate the event on 17th April, 2023, to commence the National Panchayat Awards Week, confer the National Panchayat Awards, and address the esteemed gathering. Over 1,500 participants from across India are expected to attend the National Conference on Incentivization of Panchayats-cum-Award Ceremony.
The Awardee Panchayats under various categories of National Panchayat Awards–2023 namely, (i) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) for the performance under individual LSDG themes, (ii) Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (NDSPSVP) for the aggregate performance under all 9 LSDG themes and green initiative related Special Categories of (iii) Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar and (iv) Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar will be felicitated and the award money will be transferred digitally to the Awardee Panchayats on this occasion. A booklet on ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ would be released by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and the first copy of the booklet will be presented to the Hon’ble President of India.
SBI reintroduces 400 days ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term deposit scheme
SBI reintroduces 400 days ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term deposit scheme: State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender by assets, has announced the re-introduction of its retail term deposit scheme, Amrit Kalash. The scheme offers a special tenor of 400 days and provides an interest rate of 7.6% for senior citizens and 7.1% for others. SBI previously established this deposit scheme on February 15, 2023, and it was effective through March 31, 2023. The reintroduction of this scheme provides customers with another opportunity to avail themselves of the attractive interest rates offered by SBI.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
More About The ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term deposit scheme :
The bank has reinstated a plan that will be effective through June 30, 2023, beginning on April 12, 2023. This scheme applies to domestic retail term deposits of less than Rs 2 crore, including NRI Rupee Term Deposits.
As per the information available on the SBI website, the scheme offers a specific tenor of “400 days” (Amrit Kalash) with an interest rate of 7.10% effective from April 12, 2023. Senior citizens are eligible for a higher interest rate of 7.60%.
Interest rate and tenor:
SBI has introduced a special fixed deposit scheme that has a tenor of 400 days, starting from April 12, 2023, and valid until June 30, 2023.
Under this scheme, general investors can avail an interest rate of 7.10%, while senior citizens are eligible for a higher interest rate of 7.60%.
Net direct tax collections at Rs 16.6 lakh crore in 2022-23, up 160% from 2013-14
Net direct tax collections at Rs 16.6 lakh crore in 2022-23, up 160% from 2013-14: The Finance Ministry has revealed time series data demonstrating a huge growth in net direct tax revenues, which increased by 160% from Rs 6,38,596 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 16,61,428 crore in 2022-23. Gross direct tax collections also saw a massive increase of 173% to Rs 19,68,780 crore in 2022-23 from Rs 7,21,604 crore in 2013-14.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
More About The Gross Direct Tax Collections:
According to the same time series data released by the Finance Ministry, Gross Direct Tax Collections increased by 172.83% in the fiscal year 2022-23, reaching a provisional figure of Rs 19,68,780 crore from Rs 7,21,604 crore in the previous fiscal year. This highlights a substantial increase in tax revenue over the years, indicating a positive trend for the economy.
Highest recorded direct tax buoyancy:
According to official sources, the direct tax buoyancy of 2.52 in 2021-22 was the greatest in the last 15 years. The direct tax to GDP ratio also increased from 5.62% in 2013-14 to 5.97% in 2021-22. Additionally, the data indicated a decrease in the cost of collections, from 0.57% of total collections in 2013-14 to 0.53% of total collection in 2021-22.
Nepal becomes founding member of International Big Cats Alliance
Nepal becomes founding member of International Big Cats Alliance: Nepal has joined the International Big Cats Alliance as a founding member. During the launch of the alliance under India’s initiative, Minister of Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet handed over a document stating that Nepal will be a founding member of the alliance to Indian Minister of Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the alliance aimed at the conservation of seven big cats namely tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. India has assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of $100 million for the alliance.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The tiger population in Nepal increased from 121 in 2010 to 335 in 2022 as a consequence of the government’s collaboration with local communities, security agencies, and conservation partners. Nepal successfully achieved its goal of doubling the tiger population by 2022 as per its commitment made during the first tiger summit in 2010 in St Petersburg.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Nepal Capital: Kathmandu;
- Nepal Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal;
- Nepal Currency: Nepalese Rupee
MRF emerges as ‘second strongest tyre brand in the world’
MRF emerges as ‘second strongest tyre brand in the world’: According to a recent analysis by Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultant located in the United Kingdom, MRF Ltd. is the world’s second-strongest tyre brand. The report evaluated various parameters, and MRF scored high on most of them, including being the second fastest-growing tyre brand globally. With a score of 83.2 out of 100, MRF received a AAA- brand rating. According to the survey, MRF is the most valuable Indian tyre brand and the only Indian tyre maker in the top ten. MRF also did highly in the field of Sustainability Perception Value.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
MRF Ltd Founder: K. M. Mammen Mappillai;
MRF Ltd Founded: 1946, Chennai;
MRF Ltd Headquarters: Chennai.
Arunachal Pradesh CM inaugurates Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang
Arunachal Pradesh CM inaugurates Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang: The freshly rebuilt Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar, his native hamlet in Tawang district, was opened by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The Gonpa has great historical significance for the well-being of humans, particularly for the people of Shar Nyima Tsho Sum and all Buddhists in general.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The 11th and 12th century Gonpa was on the point of collapse, but it has now been rebuilt and all of the appropriate rites and blessings have been conducted to return it to its former splendour. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister honoured top-ranked monks and dignitaries in a special public celebration for Buddhist followers held in Gyangkhar village.
The sacred site has been refurbished with a new structure and all the necessary items, and religious rituals and blessings have been performed for the benefit and improvement of all living beings. The temple has a significant historical and spiritual importance for the people of Shar Nyima Tsho Sum and all Buddhists in general. The temple was built in the 11th-12th century and was recently renovated and restored to its present form.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Arunachal Pradesh Governor: Dr B. D. Mishra;
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM): Pema Khandu;
- Arunachal Pradesh National Parks: Mouling National park, Namdapha National Park;
- Arunachal Pradesh Wildlife Sanctuaries: Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
