20 April 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

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 20 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 20 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 – 20 April 2023

India Approves National Quantum Mission

India Approves National Quantum Mission: On April 19, the Union Cabinet authorised the National Quantum Mission, which aims to move India to the forefront of quantum technology development while also supporting economic growth. The mission seeks to expedite progress in the field and cement India’s position as a major player in the industry.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

Key Points to Note About The National Quantum Mission:

• The mission’s goal is to make India a leader in quantum technology while also promoting economic prosperity.
• The total cost of the mission is over six thousand crore rupees.
• The mission will run from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the mission will give India a quantum jump in the world arena.
• Currently, six countries including the USA, Canada, and France have quantum technology.

Significance of the National Quantum Mission:

• The National Quantum Mission will benefit a variety of industries, including communication, health, finance, energy, medicine development, and space applications.
• The mission aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
• The mission seeks to promote scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology.
• It aims to create a dynamic and innovative ecosystem in the field of quantum technology.
• The mission will facilitate the growth and expansion of quantum technology in India.

What is Quantum technology?

Quantum technology is the application of quantum physics concepts to the development of new technologies that take advantage of the unique qualities of quantum systems. It involves the manipulation and control of the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing.

Central Government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

Central Government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the People for the Elimination of Stray Troubles have just announced the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which are intended to conform with the standards established by the Supreme Court in a writ petition involving the AWBI and the People for the Elimination of Stray Troubles. The Supreme Court had issued several orders emphasizing that the relocation of dogs was not permissible.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

• The laws require local governments, municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats to establish Animal Birth Control initiatives for stray dogs.
• Effective implementation of the rules can help reduce the stray dog population and address animal welfare issues.
• Municipal corporations must jointly implement the Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Programmes.
• The rules provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating dogs.
• The Animal Birth Control programme must be carried out by AWBI-recognized organizations specifically recognized for the said programme.
• An updated list of such organisations will be provided on the AWBI website.
• The Central Government has sent letters to all State Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Animal Husbandry and Urban Development Departments.

Asha Bhosle to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar

Asha Bhosle to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar: The legendary vocalist Asha Bhosle will be honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award, which was founded in memory of Lata Mangeshkar by the Mangeshkar family and trust. The award ceremony will take place on April 24, which is the anniversary of their father’s death. Asha Bhosle, who is Lata Mangeshkar’s younger sister, will be the recipient of the award.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar is an annual award awarded to someone who has contributed significantly to the nation, its people, and society. The award was first presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Other Awardee’s

According to the press note issued by the Mangeshkar family, veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas will receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music; Gauri Theaters of Prashant Damle fan foundation for Best Drama of the Year (“Niyam Va Ati Lagu”); Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust for yeoman Social Service; Granthali Prakashan with the Vagvilasini Puraskar for contribution to literature; actor-director Prasad Oak with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema and and drama; and actor Vidya Balan with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema.

Chennai ranks among top 5 in digital payment transactions in 2022: Report

Chennai ranks among top 5 in digital payment transactions in 2022: Report: According to a survey from payment services business Worldline India, Chennai would be one of the leading cities in the country for digital payment transactions in 2022. As per the report, the capital city has made 14.3 million transactions with a total value of USD 35.5 billion.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

Bengaluru has emerged as the top city for digital payment transactions:

According to a forecast by payment services business Worldline India, Bengaluru would be the top city for digital payment transactions in 2022, with 29 million transactions totaling USD 65 billion. New Delhi came in second with 19.6 million transactions worth USD 50 billion, followed by Mumbai with 18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion and Pune with 15 million transactions valued at USD 32.8 billion.

Main points from the report by Worldline India:

• • According to a survey by payment services business Worldline India, Chennai has emerged as one of the top digital payment transactions cities in the country in 2022. Chennai made 14.3 million transactions with a value of USD 35.5 billion.
• Bengaluru topped the list with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion, followed by New Delhi with 19.6 million transactions worth USD 50 billion, Mumbai with 18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion, and Pune with 15 million transactions valued at USD 32.8 billion.
• Frequently visited physical merchant categories such as grocery stores, restaurants, clothing and apparel, pharmacy, and household appliances together accounted for over 43 percent of the total transaction volume and about 40 percent in terms of value across the country.
• E-commerce, gambling, utilities, and financial services accounted for more than 85 percent of total transaction volume and 25 percent of total transaction value.
• Education, travel, and hospitality sector accounted for 15 percent of the total volume and 75 percent in terms of value.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launches SATHI Portal & Mobile App

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launches SATHI Portal & Mobile App: Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has announced SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory), a new web platform and smartphone application to handle seed production, quality identification, and certification challenges. The platform has been developed under the Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan scheme.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

Key Points About SATHI Portal:

• Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, unveiled the SATHI online and mobile app to address difficulties in the agriculture industry.
• Mr. Tomar highlighted that the government is committed to overcoming challenges faced by agriculture through schemes and programmes.
• The SATHI portal is considered a revolutionary step towards addressing issues related to seed production, quality identification, and certification.
• Seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, and irrigation are critical components of agriculture, and poor quality or forged seeds can have a negative impact on growth and productivity.
• The use of the SATHI portal and mobile app will help in ensuring quality seed production, and certification.

Chinese Language Day 2023 observed on 20th April

Chinese Language Day 2023: Language Days are observed by the United Nations to promote cultural diversity and to encourage the usage of all six official languages inside the organisation. The Chinese Language Day is observed on the sixth of 24 solar periods known as Guyu, which falls around April 20th in the Gregorian calendar. This day is dedicated to honoring Cangjie, the inventor of Chinese characters, and his legend of creating the characters amidst cries from deities and ghosts and rain of millet.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

In 2023, we reach the midpoint towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Unfortunately, we are currently lagging behind on several of the goals, and as Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasised, it is critical to take prompt action and intensify efforts to regain progress towards sustainable development.

Chinese Language Day 2023: Theme

This year’s Chinese Language Day will showcase Chinese solutions and wisdom for encouraging green and sustainable development under the subject “Chinese Wisdom for a Green World.” This theme is intended to align with other significant events related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the Water Conference and the SDG Summit, that have taken place or are planned to take place this year under the auspices of the United Nations.

Chinese Language Day: History

Chinese was recognized as one of the official languages of the United Nations in 1946. However, in the early years, it was not widely usedChinese Language Day 2023 observed on 20th April in the organization’s work. After the People’s Republic of China regained its legal powers at the United Nations in 1971, the situation improved. In 1973, the General Assembly designated Chinese as a working language, which was later followed by the Security Council in 1974. Since then, an increasing number of UN offices and staff members have been working with the Chinese language.

Telugu actor and comedian Allu Ramesh passes away

Telugu actor and comedian Allu Ramesh passes away: Allu Ramesh, a Telugu actor and comedian, died. In his birthplace of Visakhapatnam, he experienced a heart attack. Allu Ramesh started off his career as an actor by doing theatre performances. After that, he made his Tollywood debut with Tarun’s Chirujallu and went on to star in nearly 50 films. Allu Ramesh acted in movies like Napoleon, Tholubommalata, Madhura Wines, and Ravana Desam. Over a two-decade-long career, Ramesh went on to appear in several popular and successful films and was last seen in Rajendra Prasad’s Anukoni Prayanam on the big screens.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

Aside from filmmaking, he was also involved in the television sector. He was most recently seen in the series Maa Vidakula, where he played the actress’ father. The actor played minion roles as a comedian in many Telugu films. Despite his minimum screen presence, he gained recognition with his unique coastal accent. Allu Ramesh has appeared in films such as Napoleon, Tholubommalata, Madhura Wines, and Ravana Desam. Ramesh went on to appear in other popular and successful films over the course of his two-decade career, most recently in Rajendra Prasad’s Anukoni Prayanam.

Kenya double as Chebet, Obiri dominate Boston Marathon

127th Boston Marathon: Evans Chebet of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the professional Men’s Division at the 127th Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts. Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri stormed to victory in the men’s and women’s races at the Boston Marathon to complete a third straight Kenyan double in the 127th edition of the long distance-running showpiece. Chebet finished in 2:05:54, with Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay coming in second in 2:06:04 and Chebet’s training partner and fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto coming in third in 2:06:04.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

In rainy, cool conditions, defending men’s champion Chebet upstaged world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge to become the first man to defend the Boston title since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot’s 2006-2008 hat trick.  But there was disappointment for two-time Olympic champion Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, who had been who had been bidding to add the Boston crown to previous marathon victories in Berlin, Tokyo, London and Chicago.

About the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious long-distance running events in the world. It is held annually on Patriots’ Day, which falls on the third Monday of April, and takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The marathon was originally run in 1897 and has been run every year since, with the exception of 2020, when it was cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Boston Marathon attracts elite runners from around the world, as well as thousands of amateur runners who qualify based on their performance in other marathons or half-marathons. The course is a 26.2 mile point-to-point route that begins in Hopkinton and concludes in downtown Boston. The course is famed for its difficult slopes, especially the iconic “Heartbreak Hill” near the 20-mile mark.

The Boston Marathon is also known for its strict qualifying standards and the fact that runners must meet certain time requirements in order to be eligible to participate. The race has a rich history and is an important part of Boston’s cultural heritage. It is a major event in the sports world and is watched by millions of people around the globe.

G7 Ministers’ Meeting: Climate, Energy, and Environment Highlights

G7 Ministers’ Meeting: Climate, Energy, and Environment Highlights: The recent G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment in Sapporo, Japan focused on how advanced economies can make a significant impact on addressing the climate crisis. Because these economies contribute significantly to the problem, prompt action is crucial. The meeting aimed to tackle key issues such as steering the global agenda on climate action and proposing solutions for the same.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

• G7 Commits to Energy Transition and Reducing Fossil Fuels, But More Action Needed for Climate Crisis.
• Following the destabilisation of the worldwide energy market caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wealthier countries have increased their support for energy transition and diversification.
• To tackle the pressing issue of climate change, the G7 has pledged to raise their offshore wind capacity by 150 GW and their solar capacity by over 1 TW through collective efforts.
• While the commitments made on energy transitions are more than what was initially expected, they may not be enough to keep up with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, which requires a 10.8 TW renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade.

Importance of Critical Minerals for Sustainable Development

The G7 countries recognize the importance of critical minerals for high-tech industries and national security, but the uneven distribution of these minerals has raised concerns about supply chain vulnerability and potential disruptions. As such, they have committed to diversifying the sources of critical minerals to address these vulnerabilities. However, there are concerns about the social and environmental consequences of mining for these minerals, and it is uncertain how the G7 would boost supply without increasing existing inequities and raising geopolitical concerns about mineral extraction from poorer countries. The communique mentions maintaining high social and governance standards, but more clarity is needed on how these concerns will be addressed.

Climate funding

The G7 acknowledged the need for an ambitious and appropriate new goal on financial flows from both public and private sources, by Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement. However, the meeting did not result in any financial commitment toward the energy transition for developing nations. Concerning loss and damage, the G7 decided to build on the COP27 decisions to create new finance mechanisms, including the establishment of a fund to assist developing nations. The statement also mentioned accelerating efforts for financing adaptation but did not go beyond reaffirming previous commitments. Despite developing nations’ criticisms of the lack of mobilization of $100 billion annually by wealthy nations, the communique did not offer any additional solutions to address this failure.

Carbon Trading Systems

• Regulatory concerns exist around carbon markets, including poor quality or fake credits.
• Rich countries acknowledge the importance of ensuring high-integrity markets.
• These countries have produced a set of ‘Principles of High-Integrity Carbon Markets’.
• These principles are in addition to other principles being developed in the market, such as the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s ‘Core Carbon Principles’.

Decarbonization of Industries

• The G7 countries agreed to establish a ‘Climate Club’ conference in 2022 to help companies transition to climate-friendly processes and technologies.However, the meeting did not discuss an action agenda for the club.
• Carbon leakage risk was recognized, but no plan to address it was given.
• A pledge was made to end new plastic pollution by 2040.

The G7 commitment highlights the targets set for solar and wind capacity addition. More weight is being given to solar and wind compared to low-carbon technologies and renewable hydrogen.

India surpasses China to become world’s most populous nation: UN

India surpasses China to become world’s most populous nation: According to the most recent United Nations data, India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, with 142.86 crore inhabitants. With the latest statistics, China now has a population of 142.57 crores, becoming the second most populous country.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

According to a new UNFPA report, 25% of India’s population is between the ages of 0 and 14, 18% are between the ages of 10 and 19, 26% are between the ages of 10 and 24, 68% are between the ages of 15 and 64, and 7% are over 65. As per experts, Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a young population. Several studies, carried out by different agencies, have shown that India’s population is expected to increase for nearly three decades before it peaks at 165 crores. It will then start to decline, as per reports.

Other important detail in the report:

• According to UN estimates, the world’s population will reach 8.045 billion by mid-2023.
• Estimates by different agencies have suggested that India’s population is expected to keep rising for nearly three decades before it peaks at 165 crore and then would start declining.
• In Africa also, the trend of the rising population can be seen. It is estimated that the world’s second-largest continent will witness a spike in its population from 1.4 to 3.9 billion inhabitants by 2100.
• Eight countries with populations of more than ten million people, the majority of which are in Europe, have seen populations decline over the last decade.
• Japan is also seeing a decline due to its ageing population, losing more than three million inhabitants between 2011 and 2021.
• The population of the entire planet, meanwhile, is only expected to decline in the 2090s, after peaking at 10.4 billion, the UN has projected.
• • The United States ranks third, with an estimated population of 340 million, according to figures from a research published in February. Using prior UN data, population analysts predicted that India would exceed China this month, but the global body’s latest report did not identify a date.
• Asia’s third-largest economy is now home to nearly a fifth of humanity — greater than the entire population of Europe or Africa or the Americas. While this is also true for China for now, that’s expected to change as India’s population is forecast to keep ticking up and touch 1.668 billion by 2050 when China’s population contracts to about 1.317 billion.

Thawe Festival organised in Bihar

Thawe Festival organised in Bihar: The Thawe Festival was co-organized by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Art and Culture on April 15th and 16th in Gopalganj, Bihar. The festival aimed to promote tourism in Gopalganj and attract visitors to the Thawe Durga Temple.

April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

Thawe Festival:

Key Things To Note About Thawe Festival:

• The 11th Annual Thawe Festival was recently held in Gopalganj, Bihar.
• The festival’s objective is to promote tourism in the region and encourage visitors to explore the Thawe Durga Temple.
• Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, inaugurated the festival.
• On the second day of the festival, Bollywood singer Himesh Reshammiya participated in the event.
• The festival has been organized annually since 2012.
• The festival venue is located at the Home Guard Ground, close to the Thawe Durga Temple.

About Thawe Festival:

The Thawe Festival is a biannual event held in Gopalganj, Bihar. The festival’s goal is to promote tourism in the area and encourage travellers to visit the Thawe Durga Temple, a popular site in the area.

The festival has been organized since 2012, and it includes various cultural and entertainment activities. The festival venue is located at the Home Guard Ground, close to the Thawe Durga Temple. The festival features prominent personalities from the entertainment industry and political figures, who participate in the event and contribute to its success.