Current Affairs 18th April 2023
President of India Met winners of Tata Building India School Essay Competition
Winners of the Tata Building India School Essay Competition 2019-20, called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 17, 2023
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the winners of the Tata Building India School Essay Competition. She also appreciated the organisers for providing this platform for the young minds to showcase their ideas in writing on a specific topic of national importance or on social issues. She said that it is a good initiative for igniting the imagination of the young and instilling a sense of pride and spirit of nation building in the youth.
The Tata Building India School Essay Competition is an initiatives by the Tata Group to motivate the youth and foster the spirit of nation building.
This school essay competition provides a unique platform to encourage young leaders of tomorrow to showcase their expressions in writing, on a host of subjects related to nation building.
Indian Railways registers Revenue of Rs 2.40 Lakh Cr. for FY 2022-23
Indian Railways has registered record revenue figures of Rs. 2.40 Lakh Crores for Financial Year 2022-23. This is nearly Rs.49,000 Crores more than the previous year, reflecting 25% growth. During this financial year 2022-23, Freight revenue too has leapfrogged to Rs.1.62 lakh Crores, a growth of nearly 15% on previous year. Indian Railways’ passenger revenues have registered an all-time high growth of 61% to reach Rs.63,300 Crores. After three years, Indian Railways is able to fully meet the pension expenditures.
Buoyancy in revenues and tight expenditure management have helped in achieving an Operating Ratio of 98.14%, well within the RE target. After meeting all revenue expenditure, Railways generated Rs 3200 Crores for Capital investment from its internal resources (Rs.700 Cr for DRF, Rs. 1000 Cr for DF and Rs 1516.72 Cr for RRSK)
6565 KMs of Track were electrified with investment of Rs 6657 cr, propelling Railways towards achieving goal of 100% electrification in current fiscal.
President of India visits Himachal Pradesh from April 18 to 21
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu will visit Himachal Pradesh from April 18 to 21, 2023 and will stay at Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra.
On April 18, 2023, the President will inaugurate a Tulip Garden at Mashobra.
The 173 year old Rashtrapati Niwas, earlier known as the President’s Summer Retreat will be opened for public viewing on April 20, 2023.
PM Modi paid tributes to former PM of India Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has paid his tributes to former PM Shri Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary on 17th April.
Chandra Shekhar was served as the 8th Prime Minister of India, between 10 November 1990 and 21 June 1991 for a period of Seven months.
Cumbum Grapes from Tamil Nadu gets GI Tag
Tamil Nadu’s famous grape variety Cumbum Grapes locally called ‘Paneer Tratchai’ has received Geographical Index tag.
Union Minister for fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Parshottam Rupala launched Animal Pandemic Preparedness initiative (APPI)
Union Minister for fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Parshottam Rupala launched Animal Pandemic Preparedness initiative (APPI) and world bank funded Animal Health system support for one health (AHSSOH) to enhance India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics.
U.S. emerges as India’s Top trading partner in FY23 at $128.55 billion
The U.S. has emerged as India’s biggest trading partner in 2022-23 on account of increasing economic ties between the two countries. China holds the 2nd Position.
Exports to the U.S. rose by 2.81% to $78.31 billion in 2022-23 as against $76.18 billion in 2021-22, while imports grew by about 16% to $50.24 billion.