National
Vice Chief of The Naval Staff
⇒ Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 01 April 2023.
He took charge after the superannuation of Vice Admiral SN Ghormade. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff superannuated on 31 March 2023 after more than 39 years of illustrious service.
About VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh:
- VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
- In recognition of his distinguished service, the Flag Officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.
India Post Payments Bank launches WhatsApp Banking Services
⇒ India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), in collaboration with Airtel, announced the launch of WhatsApp Banking Services for IPPB customers in New Delhi on 31 March 2023, enabling them to access banking services on their mobile phone.
Key Points:
» The newly launched IPPB WhatsApp Banking channel will enable IPPB customers to seamlessly connect with the bank on WhatsApp and effortlessly avail a host of banking services, including doorstep service request, locating nearest Post Office and much more.
In line with the ambition of the Government to bring digital and financial inclusion to citizens in their language:
- The Airtel – IPPB WhatsApp Banking solution is also working on to build multi-language support, enabling added convenience to customers, especially to those in the rural parts of the country to access banking services in their preferred language.
The IPPB and Airtel IQ are working towards further integrating a LIVE interactive customer support agent into the WhatsApp solution which will enable customers to access 24X7 support and get quick resolutions for their queries.
'SAGAR SETU' Mobile App of National Logistics Portal Marine
⇒ Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched the App Version of National Logistics Portal (Marine) ‘Sagar-Setu’ on 31 March 2023.
Key Points:
- The app has been envisaged with deliverables covering features like Login Module, Service Catalogue, Common Application Format, Letter of Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification, and Track & Trace etc.
- It will provide real-time information of activities that are generally not in reach of the importer, exporter, and customs broker including vessel-related information, gate, container freight stations and transactions on fingertips.
- It also enables digital transactions for payments required for the clearance process of import and export like container freight station charges, shipping line charges, transportation charges, etc.
Benefits for Traders
- Improve convenience with reduced turnaround time for approval and compliances.
- Increase visibility of operations and tracking.
Benefits for Service Providers
- Help in tracking of records and transactions offered
- Receive notification of service requests.
International
3rd G20 Sherpa Meeting
⇒ The 3rd meeting of G20 Sherpas, chaired by the Indian G20 Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant, was held in Hampi, Karnataka from July 13-16, 2023.
Participation:
The Meeting witnessed the participation of over 120 delegates led by their respective Sherpas and Heads of Delegations from G20 members, invitee countries, and International Organisations (IOs). Delegates deliberated and engaged in co-authoring the Leaders Declaration that is to be eventually adopted by the G20 leaders in the New Delhi Summit.
The Sherpa Meeting has been facilitating building consensus on diverse global issues and key priorities. Prior to this meeting, two other Sherpa Meetings have been held.
1st and 2nd G20 Sherpa Meeting
Day 1:
The first day of the meeting began with an inaugural segment where G20 India Sherpa, Shri Amitabh Kant welcomed the Sherpas, Head of Departments, and delegates and invited them to co-draft the Leaders Declaration in the spirit of cooperation, collaboration & consensus.
Day 2:
Strengthening ties and global cooperation, Sherpa’s kickstarted Day 2 with the sofa talks which set the tone for in-depth deliberations to foster collaboration and address key challenges.
The sofa talk was followed by drafting session. The substantive deliberations during the session accelerated the vision to achieve a robust and resilient global economy and echoed the need for sustained efforts to ensure a future with Women led Development.
Day 3:
On the third day of the Sherpa Meeting, the deliberations highlighted that G20 India acknowledges sustainable development can be achieved by ensuring gender equality. It stands committed to initiatives that will enable women in diverse situations and conditions.
Important Day
Rajasthan Statehood Day 2023
⇒ Rajasthan Statehood Day or Rajasthan Diwas is celebrated every year on 30 March. This year Rajasthan celebrated its 74th Statehood Day.
About Rajasthan:
- The State was formed on 30 March 1949 when Rajputana – name as adopted by British Crown was merged into the Dominion of India. Before independence, Rajasthan was known as ‘Rajputana’.
- Jaipur being largest city was declared as capital of the state.
- Rajasthan- ‘Land of Kings’ or ‘Land of Kingdoms’- is India’s largest state by area.
- Rajasthan is located in the north-western part of the subcontinent. Rajasthan is a land locked state. It is bordered by Pakistan on the west and north-west. It is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat.
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district.
- The state has an area of 132,140 square miles (342,239 square kilometres).
- In the west, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; this area includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the “Great Indian Desert”.