Current Affairs 14th April 2021| Current Affairs News

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

B.R. Ambedkar Remembrance Day: Observed on Apr 14

• Ambedkar Remembrance Dayis also known as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti which is observed on 14 April to commemorate the memory of B.R Ambedkar.
• This day celebrates the birthday of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, an Indian politician, and social rights activist.
• It marks Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birthday that was born on 14 April 1891.
• Ambedkarstruggled for equality throughout his life and thus, his birthday is celebrated as ‘Equality Day’ in the country.
• He was a world-class lawyer, social reformer and number one world-class scholar as per the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India.
• The public holidayhas been declared by invoking powers under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. 
• The centre had made a similar announcement in 2020 when it had declared April 14th as a national holiday.
• This year will be Dr. BR Ambedkar’s 130th birth anniversary.

World Knowledge Day: Observed on Apr 14

• A Government Resolution issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) said April 14will now be celebrated as Knowledge Day in the memory of Dr. Ambedkar.
• The United Nations celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
• In 2017, As per Government of Maharashtra 14 April is observed as Knowledge Day (Dnyan Din) in the Indian state of Maharashtra in memory of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
• Ambedkaris considered as symbol of knowledge in the world. 
• B.R. Ambedkar is considered as symbol of knowledge in the world because he has done many higher degrees such as M.A, MSc, PhD etc.
• Know why Babasaheb Ambedkar was popularly known as ‘Symbol of Knowledge’ Amid coronavirus lockdown, Indians will commemorate the Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Jayanti 2020 on April 14.

World Chagas Disease Day: Observed on Apr 14

• The World Chagas Disease Dayis observed on 14 April to raise the public awareness and visibility among people about Chagas Disease (also called American trypanosomiasis) and the resources needed for the prevention, control or elimination of the disease.
• The WHO approved the designation of Chagas Disease Day on May 24, 2019 at the 72nd World Health Assembly.  
• It is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by WHO.
• The first World Chagas Disease Day was observed on 14 April 2020.
• The day has been named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case on 14 April 1909.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

NITI Aayog launches ‘Poshan Gyan’

• NITI Aayog, in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University launched Poshan Gyan, a national digital repository on health and nutrition. 
• The launch event was addressed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant, Women and Child Development Secretary Ram Mohan Mishra and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal.
• While launching the website, Dr Rajiv Kumar said, the creation of Poshan Gyan was a landmark moment.
• He said, real change can be brought about only through changing behaviours on the ground.
• The NITI Aayog Vice Chairman said, high malnutrition persists despite India being a food-surplus nation, which points towards a clear need for behavioural change.

EdCIL reward highest ever dividend of Rs 12.5 Cr for 2019-20

• EdCIL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprises under Ministry of Education, paid a highest ever dividend of 12.5 Crore rupees for the year 2019-20.
• Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ received the dividend cheque from CMD of EdCIL Manoj Kumar in the presence of Additional Secretary (Technical Education) Rakesh Ranjan and other officials of the Ministry and EdCIL.
• The company registered a turnover of 326 Crore rupees and a Profit before tax of 56 Crore rupees during the year 2019-20.
• EdCIL offers Project Management and Consultancy solutions across education verticals covering ICT or IT Solutions, Online Testing and Assessment Services, Advisory Services, Infrastructure, Procurement and Overseas Education Services.
• The company is executing a mega-project of the Ministry of Education called Study in India to increase the number of inbound foreign students to India.
• The program includes setting-up of a large portal, call centre, social media campaign, branding, event management and setting-up of facilitation centres.

PM Modi interact with Intel CEO through video conferencing

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi Interacted with Chief Executive Officer of Intel, Pat Gelsinger through video conferencing.
• Both had extensive discussions on the role of technology in furthering human progress.
• Mr Modi and Mr Gelsinger also discussed the Digital India efforts and investment opportunities in India.

Siachen Warriors celebrate 37th Siachen Day 

• The Siachen Warriors celebrated the 37th Siachen Day with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm.
• Brigadier Gurpal Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the martyrs at the
  Siachen War Memorial, Base Camp to commemorate their courage and fortitude in securing the highest and coldest battlefield of the World.
• On this day in 1984, Indian troops first unfurled the tricolour at Bilafond Lalaunching Operation Meghdoot. 
• Since then, it has been a saga of valour and audacity not only in the face of the enemy but also in the face of icy peaks with extreme weather.
• To this day, the Siachen Soldier continues to guard the Frozen Frontier with determination and resolve against all odds.
• The Siachen Day honours all the Siachen Warriors who served their motherland while successfully thwarting enemy designs over the years.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Haryana CM approves purchase of 200 acres of land for AIIMS 

• Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal has approved the purchase of 200 acres of land for the AIIMS to be set up in Rewari, as well as the purchase of land for other seven projects.
• The Chief Minister was presiding over the meeting of the High Power Land Purchase Committee to buy the land available on e-Bhoomi portal for nine projects at Chandigarh.
• This approval was given after the landowners agreed on the price.
• Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala was also present in the meeting.
• The Deputy Commissioners and landowners of the respective districts also joined the meeting through video conferencing.
• For the AIIMS to be built in Rewari, the committee approved the purchase of 200 acres of land at the rate of 40 lakh per acre.
• For identifying the land for this project, the concerned Deputy Commissioner was asked to prepare a detailed report of the available land.

‘Tamizh Puththandu’ celebrated across Tamil Nadu

• Tamizh Puththaandu, the first day of the Chithirai month marks the beginning of the Tamil Calendar.
• It is an auspicious occasion for new projects and new ventures in family and social circles.
• Covid restrictions are in place in the State, people are celebrating the festival with Covid Appropriate Behaviour.
• In keeping with tradition houses are decorated with rangolis at the doorsteps and mango leaf festoons are hung at the entrance .Food with six different tastes are made at home.
• Sweet,salt, bitter, sour, spicy and thuvarpu dishes are traditional menus for the day.
• The vadai payasam pachadi or a yoghurt based dish is generally prepared with mango.
• Mango, jackfruit and banana, the mukkani dish are considered to be the tastiest.
• People visit temples to pay obeisance and also visit friends and families.
• Chithirai is also the summer season of the year where the heat begins to rise above normalcy.
• With south and western districts of the State are pleasant because of the summer rains northern districts face the heat of the season.

‘Vishu’ – festival of harvest – celebrated by Keralites across globe 

• Keralites across the globe are celebrating,”Vishu the festival of harvest and prosperity.
• Vishu,is the astronomical New Year of  the state  marking the sun’s transit into the Medam Rashi .
• Lord Krishna is worshipped in this auspicious day that resonates with symbolism of abundance in every sense.
• The day begins with “Vishukkani” the first thing to be seen on this day ,  comprises of lord Krishna adored with fruits and vegetables, kani konna flowers, gold ,coins etc.
• Elders of the family offer their blessings in the form of Vishu kaineettam.
• In major temples such as Guruvayur, Sree padmanabhaswamy temple , Sabarimala  etc vishu kani and special rituals will be held.
• Amid covid pandemic, Vishu is being celebrated under strict restrictions this time.
• Authorities had urged to restrict the celebrations to their own home and to avoid crowding in temples.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

FM N Sitharaman virtual meet with President World Bank Group David Malpass 

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and President World Bank Group David Malpass met through virtual mode.
• Ms Sitharaman and Mr Malpass discussed various issues including Covid Vaccination, economic recovery, World Bank Group lending envelope for India and India’s strategy of green resilient and inclusive development.
• The Finance Minister shared the measures being taken by India to contain the spread of the second wave of pandemic including the five pillared strategy of test, track, treat, vaccination and covid appropriate behaviour.
• She also shared measures taken by Government of India including distribution of LED bulbs, ethanol blending programme under National BioFuel Policy, voluntary vehicle scrapping policy, incentivisation of Electric Vehicles to achieve green, resilient and inclusive development.
• Ms Sitharaman welcomed the initiative of the World Bank Group for increasing lending space for India to enhance availability of finance for development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING NEWS

Paytm Payments Bank records 970 m digital transactions in March

• On average opening 1 million savings and current accounts a month.
• Paytm Payments BankLtd (PPBL), , announced that it has become the top enabler of digital payments in the country by registering over 970 million digital transactions in March.
• PPBL said that the record growth in digital transactions is largely owed to transactions in Paytm Wallet, Paytm FASTag, Paytm UPI, and internet banking over the last several quarters.
• PPBL is opening on an average 1 million savings and current accounts a month.
• With over 64 million accounts, the bank’s total deposits have crossed over 3200 crores.

NHB unveiled Rs.10,000-crore Special Refinance Facility-SRF 2021

• National Housing Bank(NHB) has rolled out a 10,000–crore ‘Special Refinance Facility–2021‘ (SRF–2021) to provide short term refinance support to housing finance companies (HFCs) and other eligible Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs).
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank will provide additional special liquidity facility of 10,000 crore to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) and National Housing Bank (NHB).
• The RBI kept the repo rate, the key interest rate at which it lends to commercial banks, unchanged at 4%. The central bank’s rate setting committee was unanimous in its decision to stand pat on interest rates.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATION NEWS

K Madhavan appointed as President of the Walt Disney Company India and Star India

• Media and entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney has named K. Madhavan as president, the Walt Disney Company India and Star India, with immediate effect.
• Madhavan takes over from Uday Shankar who had stepped down as president, the Walt Disney Company APAC and chairman, Star and Disney India, last October.
• In this role, Madhavan will drive the strategy and growth of the company in India, with responsibility for the Disney, Star and Hotstar businesses and operations spanning across entertainment, sports and regional channels, and direct-to-consumer, the firm said in a statement.
• This includes oversight of channel distribution and advertising sales, as well as the local content production business which currently is responsible for the creation of original programming across fiction, non-fiction, sports, and movies.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bags ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, Lizelle Lee bags women’s award

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for March which recognize and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.
• India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March for his impressive performances in India’s recently concluded series against England.
• He was the standout bowler on either side in the white-ball series and was chosen the winner by fans and the ICC voting academy.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson bags Sir Richard Hadlee Medal

• New Zealand men’s captain Kane Williamson was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the fourth time in six years, while Amelia Kerr and Devon Conway claimed double honours at the New Zealand Cricket Awards for the 2020-21
• Williamson’s incredible home Test summer helped him claim the supreme award, along with the International Test Player of the Year and the Redpath Cup for first-class batting, after he amassed a whopping 639 runs in just four innings at an average of 159.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI approved Rising Sun Holdings’ acquisition of 60% stake in Magma Fincorp

• On April 12, 2021, The Competition Commission of India approved Adar Poonawalla-led Rising Sun Holdings Pvt Ltd.’s acquisition of a 60% stake in Magma Fincorp.
• The commission approves the acquisition of shareholding in Magma Fincorp Ltd. by Rising Sun Holdings, Sanjay Chamria and Mayank Poddar.
• The transaction would result in a total capital infusion of 3,456 crore into Magma Fincorp.
• Rising Sun is part of Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla’s Rising Sun group of companies. It is present in the financial services sector through its subsidiary, Poonawalla Finance Private Limited, which is a systemically important non-deposit taking non-banking finance company (NBFC).

 Note :

• Adar Poonawalla is also the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, including Covishield.
• Magma Fincorp is a systemically important non-deposit taking NBFC engaged in financing commercial projects, agriculture and small and medium enterprises, mortgage finance and general insurance.
• The firm focuses on providing these services in rural and semi-urban areas.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

Rajnath Singh inaugurates IAF Commanders’ Conference 2021

• On April 15, 2021, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated First bi-annual Indian Air Force, IAF Commanders’ Conference 2021.
• It was held at Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi.

Aim :

• The conference of apex level leadership is aimed at addressing the issues of IAF’s operational capabilities in the times to come.
• It would be conducted over a period of three days to address strategies and policies related to capabilities that would give IAF a significant edge over its adversaries.
• It is a bi-annual conference held at Subroto Hall, Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan.

Purpose :

• The Conference provides a forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss critical issues pertaining to Operations, Maintenance and Administration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

In Delhi DRDO to set up Covid-19 hospital with 500 beds, ICU facilities

• Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO will set up a Covid-19 hospital with 500 beds equipped with ICU facilities in Delhi Cantonment.
• The doctors would be provided by both military and paramilitary forces for treating patients.
• The first 250 beds would be ready in the first 7 days and doctors would be provided by both military and paramilitary forces for treating patients.
• The facility will help treat the serious patients.
• This will increase the bed capacity in the city.

About DRDO :

• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman : Dr Satheesh Reddy

China opens 5G signal station at world’s highest radar location 

• China has opened a 5G signal base at the Ganbala radar station in the remote Himalayan region of Tibet 
• It is the world’s highest manually operated radar station at an elevation of 5,374 meters.
• The mountain is located in Nagarze County in Tibet which is in the vicinity of borders with India and Bhutan.

 Purpose :

• The stable and high-speed 5G signal enables the soldiers in the deep mountains to keep up with the information society, leaving the monotonous and boring life on the border
• It is part of efforts to improve training and on-duty conditions for soldiers stationed in border areas.

About China :

• Capital: Beijing
• President: Xi Jinping
• Currency: Renminbi

Piyush Goyal Launches Electronic Marketplace e-SANTA  For Aqua Farmers

• On April 13, 2021, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal virtually inaugurated e-SANTA.
• It is an electronic marketplace providing a platform to connect aqua farmers and buyers.

About e-SANTA :

• e-SANTA is a completely paperless and end-to-end electronic trade platform between farmers and exporters.
• e-SANTA will raise income, lifestyle, self-reliance, quality levels, traceability, and provide new options for the aqua farmers.
• The platform will enable the farmers to get a better price and the exporters to directly purchase quality products from the farmers enhancing traceability, a key factor in international trade.
• e-SANTA is a digital bridge to end the market divide and will act as an alternative marketing tool between farmers and buyers by eliminating middlemen.
• The term e-SANTA was coined for the web portal, meaning Electronic Solution for Augmenting NaCSA farmers’ Trade-in Aquaculture.
• National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) is an extension arm of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

e-SANTA will RAISE the lives and income of farmers by

1. Reducing risk
2. Awareness of products and markets,
3. Increase in income,
4. Shielding against the wrong practice,
5. Ease of processes

About NaCSA :

• CEO : Shanmukha Rao
• Located at : Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
• Establishment : 2007

About MPEDA :

• MPEDA is given the mandate to promote the marine products industry with special reference to exports from the country. 
• The Act empowers MPEDA to regulate exports of marine products and take all measures required for ensuring sustained, quality seafood exports from the country.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SPORTS NEWS

Indian Army Officer Breaks two Guinness World Records For Fastest Solo Cycling

• Indian Army’s Lieutenant Colonel Bharat Pannu has earned two Guinness World Records for his fastest solo cycling.
• The first record was created when Lt Col Pannu cycled from Leh to Manali (472 km distance) on October 10, 2020, in just 35 hours and 25 minutes.
• He created a second record when he cycled the 5,942-km-long ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ route, which connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, in 14 days, 23 hours and 52 minutes.
• He Started This cycling event from India Gate in New Delhi on October 16, and it ended back at the same spot on October 30.

About Indian Army :

• Commander-in-Chief: President Ram Nath Kovind
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Founded: 1 April 1895

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Mahabharat Veteran actor Satish Kaul passed away                  

• Veteran Punjabi Mahabharat actor Satish Kaul Passed away.
• He was 74.

About Satish Kaul :

• He played the role of Lord Indra in the TV show Mahabharat .
• The actor began his career in the early ’70s, juggling between Hindi and Punjabi films.
• He had 300 Punjabi and Hindi films to his credit .
• Kaul was known for 1985 Doordarshan series Vikram Aur Betaal.
• He has hits like Maula Jatt, Sassi Punnu, Ishq Nimana, Suhag Chooda and Patola to his credit and his exemplary work in Ram Lakhan, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Aunty No 1, Zanjeer, Yaraana and Elaan.

Pakistan human rights icon I.A. Rehman Passes away

• On April 12, 2021, IA Rehman, an iconic Pakistani human rights defender and journalist, has Passed away.
• He was 90.

About I.A.Rehman :

• Rehman was born in 1930 in Haryana
• He was the author of three books and advocate of peace between Pakistan and India, the two South Asian nuclear rivals who have fought three wars since 1947.
• He was the HRCP’s honorary spokesperson and he worked as director of HRCP for two decades and was also the group’s secretary-general till December 2016.
• He was a founding member of the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy.
• Rehman became Chief Editor of the Pakistan Times newspaper in 1989.
• Before his death, he was writing columns for Dawn newspaper

Achievements :

• He Received Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding and Nuremberg International Human Rights Award.

Daily CA On April 13

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Jallianwala also spelled Jallianwalla, also called Massacre of Amritsar, incident on April 13, 1919.
• Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu released a commemorative postage stamp in the memory of former Chief of Brahma Kumaris Rajyogini Dadi Janki in New Delhi.
• Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh launched 75 series Pension awareness to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated First bi-annual Indian Air Force, IAF Commanders’ Conference 2021 at Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have launched the construction of an international center for trade and economic cooperation named ‘Central Asia’ on the borders of the two countries, the Uzbek Government.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue through a video message. President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen will also join the inaugural session as Chief Guests.
• French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived in New Delhi on a three day visit to India.
• Various regions of the country are celebrating traditional New Year in the form of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi, Cheti Chand, Vishu, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu.
• Second Shahi Snan takes place at Kumbh Mela in Haridwar on the auspicious occasion of Somavati Amavasya.
• Microsoft is reportedly acquiring speech-recognition company Nuance Communications for nearly USD 16 billion and the deal could be announced (US time), the media reported.
• Sri Lanka inked an agreement with the state-run China Development Bank for a loan of USD 500 million, less than a month after it signed a currency swap deal worth USD 1.5 billion with Beijing, to ensure fiscal stability in the country amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
• Leading German lender Deutsche Bank AG will lend €68.87 million (nearly ₹600 crore) to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a development finance statutory institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, for financing farmer cooperative initiatives in the country.
• President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Sushil Chandra, the senior-most Election Commissioner, as the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Siemens Healthcare India has elevated Vivek Kanade as Managing Director Operations effective April 1.
• Private life insurer Pramerica Life Insurance announced the appointment of Kalpana Sampat its managing director and CEO, effective April 9.
• Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has bagged the first place for Innovative Training Practices2019-20 at the 30th National Award ceremony held recently at New Delhi by Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD).
• The unconventional 74th edition of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held its first of two ceremonies on April 10, with the second one scheduled for the subsequent day.
• Vedanta, India’s largest producer of aluminium and its value-added products, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for value-creation from bauxite residue (red mud), which is a by-product generated during processing of bauxite into alumina using the Bayer process.
• The company OneWeb has signed an MoU with the Kazakhstan government and local partners.
• On April 08, 2021, The Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal chaired a high-level meeting on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Legendary shooting coach Sanjay Chakravarty passed away.

Daily CA On April 14 :

• Ambedkar Remembrance Dayis also known as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti which is observed on 14 April to commemorate the memory of B.R Ambedkar.
• A Government Resolution issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) informed  April 14will now be celebrated as Knowledge Day in the memory of Dr. Ambedkar.
• The World Chagas Disease Dayis observed on 14 April to raise the public awareness and visibility among people about Chagas Disease (also called American trypanosomiasis) and the resources needed for the prevention, control or elimination of the disease.
• NITI Aayog, in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University launched Poshan Gyan, a national digital repository on health and nutrition. 
• EdCIL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprises under Ministry of Education, paid a highest ever dividend of 12.5 Crore rupees for the year 2019-20.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi Interacted with Chief Executive Officer of Intel, Pat Gelsinger through video conferencing.
• The Siachen Warriors celebrated the 37th Siachen Day with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm.
• Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal has approved the purchase of 200 acres of land for the AIIMS to be set up in Rewari, as well as the purchase of land for other seven projects.
• Tamizh Puththaandu, the first day of the Chithirai month marks the beginning of the Tamil Calendar.
• Keralites across the globe are celebrating,”Vishu the festival of harvest and prosperity.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and President World Bank Group David Malpass met through virtual mode.
• Paytm Payments BankLtd (PPBL), , announced that it has become the top enabler of digital payments in the country by registering over 970 million digital transactions in March.
• National Housing Bank(NHB) has rolled out a 10,000–crore ‘Special Refinance Facility–2021‘ (SRF–2021) to provide short term refinance support to housing finance companies (HFCs) and other eligible Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs).
• Media and entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney has named K. Madhavan as president, the Walt Disney Company India and Star India, with immediate effect.
• India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March for his impressive performances in India’s recently concluded series against England.
• New Zealand men’s captain Kane Williamson was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the fourth time in six years, while Amelia Kerr and Devon Conway claimed double honours at the New Zealand Cricket Awards for the 2020-21
• On April 12, 2021, The Competition Commission of India approved Adar Poonawalla-led Rising Sun Holdings Pvt Ltd.’s acquisition of a 60% stake in Magma Fincorp.
• On April 15, 2021, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated First bi-annual Indian Air Force, IAF Commanders’ Conference 2021. It was held at Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO will set up a Covid-19 hospital with 500 beds equipped with ICU facilities in Delhi Cantonment.
• China has opened a 5G signal base at the Ganbala radar station in the remote Himalayan region of Tibet . It is the world’s highest manually operated radar station at an elevation of 5,374 meters.
• On April 13, 2021, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal virtually inaugurated e-SANTA. It is an electronic marketplace providing a platform to connect aqua farmers and buyers.
• Indian Army’s Lieutenant Colonel Bharat Pannu has earned two Guinness World Records for his fastest solo cycling.
• Veteran Punjabi Mahabharat actor Satish Kaul Passed away.
• On April 12, 2021, IA Rehman, an iconic Pakistani human rights defender and journalist, has Passed away.