Current Affairs – April 13 2023
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Current Affairs – April 13 2023
1. Balikatan Drills between the US and the Philippines
The Balikatan drills are annual military exercises conducted between the United States and the Philippines. The name “Balikatan” is derived from the Tagalog word “shoulder-to-shoulder,” reflecting the strong partnership between the two countries.
Involvement and Types of Exercises
More than 17,600 military personnel are involved in the Balikatan drills, with about 12,200 from the US and 5,400 from the Philippines. The drills involve various exercises, including live-fire exercises and a boat-sinking rocket assault. The drills are aimed at enhancing the interoperability and readiness of the US and Philippine armed forces.
2. State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22
The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 report was released on April 12 this year during the RPM meeting of States and State Utilities in New Delhi.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE) developed the SEEI index. SEEI 2021-22 assesses the annual progress of states and union territories in energy efficiency implementation for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22. The updated framework of SEEI 2021-22 has 50 indicators aligned with national priorities.
Front Runner and Achiever Categories
Five states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Telangana – are in the Front Runner category, while four states – Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab – are in the Achiever category.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Chandigarh are the top-performing states in their respective state groups. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showed the most improvement since the last index.
3. HDFC Bank Signs $300 Million Credit Agreement with Export-Import Bank of Korea
HDFC Bank, the leading private sector bank in India, has signed a Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea, with a total value of US $300 million. The signing ceremony took place in GIFT City, Gujarat, and aims to help HDFC Bank raise foreign currency funds, which will be used to support Korea-related businesses.
Credit line to be used for funding Korea-related businesses
The credit line will be utilized by HDFC Bank for the funding requirements of companies with equity participation by Korean firms, companies having business relationships with Korean companies, and consumers who wish to purchase cars manufactured by Korea-related companies.
4. PM Modi flags off Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express train via video conferencing, which is the 15th such train in the country.
The prime minister emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes development, modernity, self-reliance, and stability, enriching the spirit of ‘India First, Always First’. He also mentioned that the train will greatly benefit Rajasthan’s tourism industry.
5. Canara Bank and NPCI Launch Cross-Border Bill Payment Service for Indians in Oman
Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) have collaborated to launch a service that allows Indians residing in Oman to make payments for their bills in India.
Canara Bank has achieved a significant feat by becoming India’s first public sector bank to provide inbound cross-border bill payment services through BBPS. This breakthrough means that Indians residing in Oman can now conveniently and securely pay bills for services in their home country with ease.
6. World’s ‘most criminal countries’ ranking: India behind US, UK at 77 spot
World of Statistics has shared the ranking of the world’s “most criminal countries”. On the list, Venezuela has been ranked top, followed by Papua New Guinea (2), Afghanistan (3), South Africa (4), Honduras (5), Trinidad (6), Guyana (7), Syria (8), Somalia (9) and Jamaica (10), respectively.
India stood at 77 spots while the US and UK were ahead of India in the criminal ranking country. The USA was at 55th number and the UK at 65th rank, according to the World of Statistics. Turkey, Germany, and Japan were among the least criminal countries, ranking at 92nd, 100th, and 135th ranks.
