Current Affairs Daily Digest – April 24 2020
1. Lebanon: First Arab Country to legalize Marijuana cultivation
Lebanon became the first Arab country to legalize marijuana cultivation. This has been done by the Lebanese Parliament in order to boost the export of marijuana. According to the United Nations, Lebanon is the third largest supplier of cannabis resin in the world after Morocco and Afghanistan. It is evident that cannabis has become something of a phenomenon, with many countries opting to make it legal and putting up dispensaries with cannabis products that are sold through dispensary software and online stores that will add to the rise of the cannabis industry.
In countries like Canada and some states of the United States, the use of cannabis has been legalized, both for medical as well as recreational purposes. Several people as well as the medical industry might have benefitted from this, as cannabis has been shown to be useful in treating ailments such as chronic pain and insomnia. People in those countries who need such medications can visit dispensaries such as weed smart or other operators who can offer them CBD products that are appropriate for their conditions.
2. Shiv Das Meena (IAS) appointed as CMD of HUDCO
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ (MoHUA) Additional Secretary Shiv Das Meena (IAS) has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
3. JK Bank appoints Rajni Saraf new CFO
Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K) appointed Rajni Saraf as its chief financial officer as part of its succession planning.
“As part of its succession planning, J&K Bank announced the appointment of Rajni Saraf as the chief financial officer (CFO) of the bank,” a spokesman of the bank said.
4. Bajaj Allianz launches ‘BAGIC GOQii Co-pay Option’ under regulatory sandbox
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, along with smart-tech enabled preventive healthcare platform GOQii has launched a new add-on health cover called ‘BAGIC GOQii Co-pay Option’ under regulatory sandbox approval received from the IRDAI, that would reward customers with a healthy lifestyle.
5. Thespian Usha Ganguly dies at 75 in Kolkata
Eminent theatre personality Usha Ganguly died at her residence in south Kolkata on April 23. Ganguly, 75, was found motionless at her flat in the Lake Gardens area of the city by her maid around 7am, her family said.
6. National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24
National Panchayati Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is the national day of Panchayati Raj System in India celebrated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 24 April annually.
7. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 24 April
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was established on 12 December, and was first observed on April 24, 2019.
Preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpin the UN Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – peace and security, development and human rights.
8. Karnataka govt launches “Apthamitra” helpline and app to fight COVID-19
Aimed at empowering people in its fight against coronavirus, the Karnataka government launched “Apthamitra” helpline with an exclusive toll free number and a mobile app, aimed at providing required medical advice and guidance for those in need.
The help line and app was launched by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in the presence of senior Ministers and officials of the department.
9. Tianwen-1: China names its first Mars mission ‘Tianwen-1′; launch planned for later this year
China has named its first Mars exploration mission as ‘Tianwen-1′. The announcement was made on April 24, 2020, the same day when the nation celebrated ‘Space Day’ to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of its first-ever satellite ‘Dong Fang Hong-1′ in 1970.
The mission is expected to be launched later this year. With the mission, China aims to catch up with the other nations that have launched successful mars missions including the United States, European Union, Russia and India.
