NATIONAL NEWS
WhatsApp Launches Tip Line To Curb Fake News
WhatsApp launched an India-focused fact-checking feature to combat fake news and rumours starting with the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. The messaging platform said that its Indian users, numbering more than 200 million, can now report uncertain information or rumours they have received to a WhatsApp number (+91-9643-000-888) and check its authenticity.
- The response will indicate if information is classified as ‘true’, ‘false’, ‘misleading’, ‘disputed’ or ‘out of scope’, and include any other related information. WhatsApp will review pictures, video links or texts in Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam and English.
- This tip line feature has been developed by WhatsApp in collaboration with India-based media skilling startup PROTO.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Chicago Creates History, Elects Lori Lightfoot As 1st Black-Woman Mayor
Chicago has created history by electing an African-American woman as its mayor for the first time. Lori Lightfoot, a 56-year-old former federal prosecutor and practicing lawyer who has never before held elected office, won the city's mayoral race by a huge margin. She will also be Chicago's first openly gay mayor.
- Lightfoot will take over office from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who previously served as chief of staff under former President Barack Obama.
Nepal-India Franchise Investment Summit to be held in Kathmandu in May
Nepal is set to organise the Nepal-India Franchise Investment Summit, starting from May 15. The two days Franchise Investment Summit will be held in Kathmandu in association with the Embassy of India and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
- The event primarily focuses on building the relations between India and Nepal through entrepreneurship development which entertains in depth regarding investment, brand concept and business operations.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement Released: Repo Rate Reduced to 6%
The RBI cut key short-term lending (repo) rate by 25 bps to 6 percent at its First bi-monthly monetary policy review of the ongoing fiscal. The MPC decided to keep the monetary policy stance unchanged at neutral.
- Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 5.75 percent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 6.25 percent.
RBI Sets Limits For Ways and Means Advances
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the government of India has set the limits for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for the first half of the financial year 2019-20 (April 2019 to September 2019) at Rs.75000 crore.
- WMA is the temporary loan facility provided by the RBI to the Centre and State governments. The WMA scheme was introduced in 1997 to meet any temporary mismatches in the receipts and payments of the government. The WMA needs to be vacated after 90 days.
- The limits for WMA are decided by the RBI and in consultation with the Government of India.
Fitch affirms India's rating at BBB- with stable outlook
Fitch Ratings kept India's sovereign rating unchanged at the lowest investment grade of BBB- with a stable outlook. Fitch expects growth of 6.8 per cent in the fiscal year ending March 2020 (FY 20) and 7.1 per cent in FY 21 supported by accommodative monetary policy, easing of bank regulations and government spending.
- According to recently revised official GDP data, growth averaged 7.5 per cent in the five years up to and including FY19, which is more than twice as fast as the historical 'BBB' peer median of 3.6 per cent.
- Extra info.:
Fitch Ratings Headquarters: New York
APPOINTMENTS
Vipin Anand Takes Over As Managing Director of LIC
Vipin Anand has taken charge as Managing Director of LIC of India. Prior to this, he was in charge of LIC’s Western Zone, headquartered at Mumbai. During his service of more than 35 years with the organisation, Anand has handled several assignments in various capacities and departments, including information technology, marketing, personnel and international operations across different locations in India.
- He was instrumental in setting up LIC’s operations in Singapore and Bangladesh.
- Extra info.;
LIC Headquarters: Mumbai
AWARDS
UAE Honours PM Modi With Highest Civilian Award Zayed Medal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the prestigious Zayed medal by President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. UAE honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest civilian award for giving "a big boost" to bilateral relations between both the countries.
- The 'Order of Zayed' is the highest civil decoration instituted by the UAE. It consists of a collar cantered by a medallion bearing the name 'Zayed' - the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.
- Extra info.:
UAE Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: Dirham
Pawan Munjal Felicitated By Asian Tour For Contribution To Golf In Asia
Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp - the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters - was felicitated by the Asian Tour with a Special Achievement Award for his contributions to Asian Golf.
- At a ceremony held at the recently concluded Hero Indian Open golf tournament, Dr Munjal was presented with a special salver by leading Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, representing the players on the Asian Tour.
Dr. Sohini Sastri honoured with D. Litt
Indian Astrologer Dr Sohini Sastri has been honoured with 'D. Litt in Astrology' by National American University, USA. Other prominent personalities who were also awarded Doctorates at the same event includes Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan and choreographer Terence Lewis.
- Dr Sohini Sastri is one of the most trusted names in Astrology and is known for her services over the years. Many ceremonial acts and sacrificial rites distinct her prominence.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Mine Awareness Day
The United Nations' International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April 4 each year. This day aims to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication.
- The day was declared by the UNGA on 8 December 2005, to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication. The theme of this year is “United Nations Promotes SDGs – Safe Ground – Safe Home.”
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