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 19 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 19 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 – 19 April 2023
World Liver Day 2023 Observed globally on 19 April
World Liver Day 2023: On April 19, World Liver Day is observed to increase awareness about liver-related diseases. One of the most complex organs in the human body is the liver. It plays a pivotal role in our body’s immunity, digestion and metabolism. Plus, it also carries out the filtration of toxins, stores vitamins and minerals, and produces bile, among other functions. On this day, numerous awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and health initiatives are expected to be organised around the world to promote liver health and the avoidance of liver disorders.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Liver Day 2023: Theme
This year’s World Liver Day theme is “Be vigilant, do a regular liver check-up, fatty liver can affect anyone.” This theme urges everyone to get regular liver check-ups, irrespective of the risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and excess consumption of alcohol.
World Liver Day 2023: Significance
The significance of World Liver Day is to raise awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of liver diseases, as well as the importance of early detection and treatment. This day gives an opportunity to educate the public about lifestyle changes that can help prevent liver illnesses, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, avoiding excessive alcohol use, and receiving hepatitis vaccination.
Moreover, World Liver Day also serves as a reminder to policymakers and healthcare providers about the need to prioritize liver health in public health programs and policies. With the increasing burden of liver diseases worldwide, it is essential to improve access to healthcare services, promote research on liver diseases, and increase public awareness about the importance of liver health.
World Liver Day 2023: History
World Liver Day was established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to emphasise the need for liver disease awareness and the investment of resources in liver disease research. It was first formally observed on April 19, 2012, and has grown in popularity since then. To honour World Liver Day, different health organisation, hospitals, and liver treatment institutes organise a variety of programmes and activities.
What is Liver?
The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, responsible for many functions essential to the body’s overall health. The liver is involved in digestion, metabolism, hormone production, and detoxification. It produces bile, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the liver processes nutrients and regulates blood sugar levels. It also helps to remove toxins, waste products, and old red blood cells from the body.
Several diseases can affect the liver, including:
- Hepatitis: Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. Hepatitis is classified into numerous forms, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common causes of liver cancer are hepatitis B and C.
- Fatty liver disease: Fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in the liver. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excessive alcohol use can all contribute to it.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a severe and irreversible liver disease that occurs when healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. It is often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections, and other chronic liver diseases.
- Liver cancer: Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. It can be primary, meaning it starts in the liver, or secondary, meaning it spreads to the liver from other parts of the body.
- Autoimmune liver diseases: Autoimmune liver disorders occur when the immune system of the body attacks the liver. Examples include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
It is essential to maintain a healthy liver by adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and getting regular check-ups to detect and treat liver diseases early.
India-Russia Business Dialogue 2023
India-Russia Business Dialogue 2023: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov attended the inaugural session of the “India-Russia Business Dialogue” 2023 on April 17th in New Delhi.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
India-Russia Business Dialogue 2023: Key Points To Note:
- Representatives from Russian and Indian enterprises met in New Delhi for the India-Russia Business Dialogue 2023.
- The forum discussed enhancing practical cooperation between Russia and India, including the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC).
- India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, revealed that India and Russia had already surpassed their $30 billion bilateral trade target before the target year of 2025.
- Connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Eastern Maritime Corridor (Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor) were discussed.
- Payment issues need to be worked out clearly, and the expansion of the network under the settlement of international trade in Indian Rupees through the Special Rupee Vostro Account System was mentioned.
- Mutual access of products to the markets of both countries is being given special attention.
- Russia and the Eurasian Economic Commission are attempting to speed up negotiations on a free trade agreement with India.
Russia: Important Facts:
- Capital of Russia: Moscow
- Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin
- Currency: Russian ruble
- President: Vladimir Putin
- Official Language: Russian.
China’s Local Government Financing Vehicles Face Debt Crisis
China’s Luck with Financial Crises May Be Running Out: Despite being one of the world’s most indebted countries, China has yet to undergo a full-blown financial crisis. While there have been close calls, such as the government seizing a regional bank in 2019 to prevent a run on deposits and a wave of real estate developer defaults last year, the dread of such catastrophes has lessened. Beijing’s tightening of regulations on unregulated local banks and aggressive home builders has contributed to making China a safer place for investors. However, there is still a looming issue with borrowing from local government financing vehicles (LGFVs).
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Fiscal Maneuvering on an Epic Scale: Local Government Financing Vehicles in China
For years, municipalities in China have relied on LGFVs to finance infrastructure and support the local economy. According to the IMF, LGFV debt in China would reach 57 trillion yuan ($8.3 trillion), or 48% of China’s GDP, by 2022. This is massive fiscal maneuvering that is roughly the same size as official central and local government borrowing combined.
Investors Nervous as LGFVs Struggle to Service Debt
While these vehicles regularly raise funds through corporate bond issues, accounting for over 40% of the total market, their ability to service their debt is poorer than that of developers. Their mandate is non-profit and to provide public services. LGFV bonds’ average return on assets in the first half of 2022 was only 0.4%, and they don’t compensate buyers for the risks they’ve taken, paying only 4.3% interest on average. This has caused concern among investors.
LGFVs’ Debt Crisis Worsened by Land Sales Decline
Furthermore, if assets decline, municipalities may not be able to help their LGFVs even if they wanted to. Before COVID, regional officials received around 20% of their income from land sales, which declined by 23% last year. This has led to local authorities turning to LGFVs to fix their financial problems, making matters worse.
Poor Provinces Lobby for Central Government Bailout
The poorer provinces are lobbying for a central government bailout, and some have struggled to solve their debt problems. LGFVs have developed low-cost, high-quality services for the general public, such as high-speed trains and low-cost road trips. However, the economy is approaching a tipping point, and fiscal authorities will need to find out how to fund all of that infrastructure. China’s Minsky moment may well have come, and Beijing will have to tread very carefully this time.
WTO rules India violated global trade rules in IT dispute
WTO finds India breached global trading regulations in IT dispute: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has found that India has breached global trading regulations in a dispute over import duties on IT products with the European Union (EU), Japan, and Taiwan. According to the WTO panel’s report, India should change the measures to comply with its obligations. The dispute started in 2019 when the EU objected to India imposing import levies ranging from 7.5% to 20% on a variety of IT products such as mobile phones, integrated circuits, and components, claiming that the tariffs exceeded the maximum amount. That same year, Japan and Taiwan filed similar complaints.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
EU says up to 600 million euros of exports affected by India’s tariffs
The EU is India’s third-largest trading partner, and its exports worth up to 600 million euros ($654.66 million) are directly affected by India’s tariffs on an annual basis, according to Brussels. The Indian diplomatic mission in Geneva has not stated whether it will appeal against the decision. However, if it does, the case will remain in legal limbo as the WTO’s top appeals court is currently not functioning due to the United States opposition to judge appointments.
The WTO panel found that India had already brought some of the tariffs under scrutiny in line with global trading regulations since 2020. While the panel supported the complaints against India, it dismissed one of Japan’s claims that India’s customs notification lacked “predictability”. The EU’s trade department highlighted the importance of a rules-based trading system for strong trade ties, calling the levies “illegal” in a tweet.
Implications for India’s IT Industry and Trade Relationships
The decision has far-reaching repercussions for India’s IT industry, which is a critical component of the country’s economy. It remains to be seen whether India will accept the panel’s decision and bring its import duties into line with global trading rules or challenge the ruling.
Geothermal Energy and India-China Dispute
Geothermal Energy: A Renewable Resource for Electricity Demand– Geothermal energy is a valuable renewable resource that has been used to power various countries, including Iceland, El Salvador, New Zealand, Kenya, and the Philippines. Unlike non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, geothermal energy is sustainable and does not deplete over time. It is a dependable energy source with the ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
India Rejects China’s Objection to Amit Shah’s Visit to Arunachal Pradesh
On the 10th of April, China voiced its opposition to a proposed visit by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister of India, to Arunachal Pradesh. China claimed that the visit was a violation of its territorial sovereignty. However, India has categorically rejected China’s argument, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and would continue to be an integral and inalienable part of India. India’s response underscores its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its regions.
Longstanding India-China Territorial Disputes
It is important to note that China and India have had longstanding territorial disputes over several regions, including Arunachal Pradesh. Despite multiple rounds of talks and negotiations, the two nations have yet to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The new controversy surrounding Amit Shah’s intended visit illustrates the two countries’ persistent tensions, which have risen in recent years. As such, the situation warrants close monitoring and continued efforts towards peaceful resolution.Geothermal Energy and India-China Dispute
Elon Musk plans to launch “TruthGPT” AI platform to compete with Microsoft and Google
Musk criticizes Microsoft-backed OpenAI for “training the AI to lie”
Elon Musk stated on Monday his intention to develop an AI platform named “TruthGPT” to compete with Microsoft and Google’s current offerings. Musk criticised Microsoft-backed OpenAI for “training the AI to lie” in an interview with Fox News Channel’s Tucker Carlson, and accused Google co-founder Larry Page of failing to take AI safety seriously. Musk intends to build an AI that seeks the most truth and comprehends the nature of the cosmos, believing that this is the greatest way to safety. Musk, OpenAI, and Page have yet to respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Musk poaches AI researchers from Google to launch rival startup
Despite his criticism of OpenAI, Musk has been reportedly poaching AI researchers from Google to start a new company that rivals OpenAI. Recently, he registered a company called X.AI Corp in Nevada, where he is listed as the only director and Jared Birchall, managing director of Musk’s family office, is listed as the secretary. This move comes despite Musk and a group of AI specialists calling for a six-month moratorium on constructing systems more powerful than OpenAI’s recently debuted GPT-4, citing potential societal hazards.
Musk warns of the potential for “civilizational destruction” from AI
During the interview with Carlson, Musk reiterated his warning about the dangers of AI, saying it has the potential for “civilizational destruction.” He gave an example of how a super-intelligent AI could write incredibly well and potentially manipulate public opinion. Musk also tweeted over the weekend that he had met with former U.S. President Barack Obama and told him that Washington needed to “encourage AI regulation.”
Musk believes “TruthGPT” can provide a safer path to AI development
Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but stepped down from the company’s board in 2018. In 2019, he tweeted that he left OpenAI because he had to focus on Tesla and SpaceX, but also because Tesla was competing for some of the same people as OpenAI and he didn’t agree with some of what OpenAI’s team wanted to do. Despite his departure from OpenAI, Musk remains a powerful player in the AI sector, and his critique of current AI offerings has generated new discussions about AI safety and regulation.
Raj Subramaniam honoured with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: Raj Subramaniam, CEO of FedEx, a well-known worldwide transportation corporation, and an Indian-American, was recently awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. This award is the highest civilian recognition bestowed by India upon individuals of Indian descent and Indian diaspora. Due to travel restrictions, Subramaniam, aged 55, received the award from Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US, at a ceremony held at India House on Saturday instead of receiving it in India earlier this year.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Subramanian, 55, was presented with the award by India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a ceremony at the India House on Saturday since he could not travel to India early this year to receive the award. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, the other awardee, was also in attendance. FedEx Corporation, one of the world’s leading transportation firms, is led by Subramanian as president and CEO. His international leadership expertise and sharp commercial acumen have greatly contributed to FedEx’s success.
About the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman:
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is an award presented by the Government of India to individuals of Indian origin and diaspora who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have enhanced India’s image in the international community. The award was instituted in 2003 to coincide with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) celebrations. Recipients of this award are chosen for their accomplishments in a variety of sectors, including science, business, the arts, and philanthropy, among others. It is considered the highest civilian award given by India to individuals of Indian origin residing outside the country.
DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad
DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad: The inauguration of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) took place at the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad, making it the largest facility of its kind in the country. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the DRDO, launched the facility at the IIT-Hyderabad campus in Telangana, and announced that the institution will take on futuristic projects for long-term research required by the DRDO. He also highlighted that the DIA-CoE IITH is the largest among all 15 CoEs in the country, and the DRDO team will collaborate with IIT-H to identify target projects in each domain and execute them within a period of 3-5 years.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
DRDO and IITH established a research cell three years ago, which has since been converted to a Centre of Excellence. This CoE will focus on seven technology projects and will operate at DIA-CoE located at IITH. The director of IITH, Professor B S Murty, noted that the construction of this centre is a critical step towards gaining self-reliance in the defence industry, which is an important part of Atmabibhar Bharat.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- DRDO founded: 1958;
- DRDO Agency executive: Dr Sameer V Kamath, Chairman;
- DRDO Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi
Harmanpreet Kaur & Suryakumar Yadav named Wisden T20I player of 2022
Harmanpreet Kaur & Suryakumar Yadav named Wisden T20I player of 2022: The Indian duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur has added another feather to their outstanding crown after bagging the Wisden Almanack’s leading cricketer in the World awards. Suryakumar was named Wisden Almanack’s top T20I cricketer, while Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian woman to be named Cricketer of the Year award.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Overview of the news:
- Suryakumar’s T20I season in 2022 was virtually like a net session. He amassed 1164 runs for pleasure wherever he went, at a fantastic strike rate of 187.43. This featured 68 sixes, a record for a T20I hitter in a calendar year. His two centuries and nine half-centuries, three of which came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, helped India win 28 of their 40 games last year. His maiden T20 hundred came in 2022 with a 55-ball 117 at Nottingham.
- As for Harman, she is one of the five Cricketers of the Year announced in the 2023 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. A well-deserved honour for the champion of Indian women’s cricket in 2022, having led the Women in Blue to a 3-0 ODI series win on English soil, the first since 1999, and a Silver medal finish at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She piled on 754 ODI runs, including an unbeaten 143 in the England ODIs and 524 T20I runs — spoke for itself as she continues to make history and rewrite it with her talent and commitment to the sport.
Sekhar Rao appointed as interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank
Sekhar Rao appointed as interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank: 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, according to Karnataka Bank, a private lender based in Mangaluru. 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
In the financial year of 2023-24, which coincides with its centenary year, the bank has set a target of achieving a growth of 17.69% in order to reach a total business turnover of Rs 1,75,000 crore. According to preliminary estimates, the bank’s business turnover was Rs 1,48,694 crore, with a 7.63% growth rate. 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
