Rail Vikas Nigam Limited now a Navratana

Why In News

·         The state-owned railway company Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was in focus as the Indian Government upgraded its status to a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).

Key Points

·         The state-owned railway company Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was in focus as the Indian Government upgraded its status to a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) from a ‘Miniratna’ category.

·         The decision to upgrade RVNL was approved by the Finance Minister and is set to take effect from April 26, 2023.

·         RVNL is a mid-cap company under the Ministry of Railways, with an annual turnover of Rs 19,381 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,087 crore for the year 2021-22. This makes it the 13th Navratna company among the CPSEs in India.

What is a Navratna CPSE?

·         Navratna is a status conferred upon a select group of CPSEs in India by the Government of India. The term ‘Navratna’ means ‘Nine Jewels’ and refers to the nine precious gemstones that were considered to be of the highest value in ancient Indian mythology.

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·         Navratna CPSEs are companies that are well-established, profitable, and have a significant impact on the Indian economy. They are given more autonomy in decision-making and have greater financial powers than other CPSEs.

·         The Navratna status is conferred upon CPSEs based on their performance in various areas such as net worth, profitability, turnover, and other operational and financial parameters.

·         The status is reviewed periodically, and CPSEs can lose or gain their Navratna status based on their performance.

Odisha FC clinch Hero Super Cup 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC

Why In News

·         Odisha FC won the Hero Super Cup 2023 Final by defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1. Diego Mauricio scored both goals for Odisha FC.

Key Points

·         Odisha FC won the Hero Super Cup 2023 Final by defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1. Diego Mauricio scored both goals for Odisha FC, the first one from a free kick in the 23rd minute and the second one in the 37th minute.

·         Despite Bengaluru FC’s efforts, Odisha FC maintained their lead and did not face any major challenge. Bengaluru FC managed to score a goal through a penalty taken by Sunil Chetri in the 85th minute, but it was not enough to make a comeback in the game.

·         Odisha FC, led by Indian Head Coach Clifford Miranda, secure their first-ever Men’s category trophy since the team’s inception in 2019.

·         Following their win in the Hero Super Cup 2023 Final, Odisha FC will now face Gokulam Kerala FC in a qualifier on 29th April. The winner of the qualifier will represent India in the AFC Cup 2023-24.

2023 Indian Super Cup: list of awards & prize money details

·         Winners: Odisha FC (INR 10,00,000)

·         Runners-up: Bengaluru FC (INR 5,00,000)

·         Hero of the Tournament: Diego Maurcio (INR 2,50,000)

·         Top Goalscorer of the Tournament: Wilmar Jordán Gil (7 goals)

·         Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Amrinder Singh

·         Fair Play Award: Aizawl FC

US State Pennsylvania Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday

Why In News

·         US State Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday: Senator Nikil Saval tweeted that the state of Pennsylvania in the United States has declared Diwali, the Hindu festival, as a national holiday.

Key Points

·         Senator Nikil Saval tweeted that the state of Pennsylvania in the United States has declared Diwali, the Hindu festival, as a national holiday. The legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday was introduced by State Senators Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval in February of this year.

·         The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate. According to My Twin Tiers, there are almost 200,000 South Asian residents in Pennsylvania, many of whom celebrate Diwali as a time for gathering and reflection.

·         Senator Saval expressed gratitude to Senator Rothman for the opportunity to introduce this bill and welcomed all Pennsylvanians who celebrate Diwali.

·         Rothman mentioned that a significant number of individuals residing in the 34th Senatorial District of Pennsylvania participate in Diwali festivities every year.

·         He stated that by designating Diwali as an official state holiday, the state honors and embraces its diverse cultural heritage.

·         According to My Twin Tiers, Senate Bill 402 does not mandate the closure of schools or government offices on the day of Diwali, as the date of the holiday varies each year and this year it will be celebrated on November 12.

Dalai Lama Gets 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award In Person After 64 Years

Why In News

·         After a 64-year wait, members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation personally presented the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award to the Dalai Lama at his residence.

Key Points

·         After a 64-year wait, members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation personally presented the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award to the Dalai Lama at his residence.

·         The award was the first international recognition given to the spiritual leader for his exceptional leadership of the Tibetan community’s courageous fight in safeguarding their sacred religion, which serves as the foundation of their culture and way of life.

·         The award was given by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines in August 1959.

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·         Susanna B Afan, the President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, along with Foundation Trustee Emily A Abrera, had the honor of meeting with the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, in person to present the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 64 years after it was awarded to him.

·         The office of the Tibetan spiritual leader has reported that his elder brother, Gyalo Thonden, had accepted the Magsaysay Award on behalf of the Dalai Lama in Manila, Philippines, in August 1959. Following his exile from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has resided in India.

Who is Dalai Lama?

·         The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and is regarded as one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism. The title “Dalai Lama” is a combination of the Mongolian word “dalai,” meaning ocean, and the Tibetan word “lama,” meaning guru, teacher, or mentor.

·         The Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and is responsible for leading the Tibetan people in spiritual and secular matters.

·         The current and 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who was born in Tibet in 1935. He was recognized as the Dalai Lama at the age of two and was enthroned in 1950. In 1959, he fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule and has since been living in exile in India.

·         The Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and has been a vocal advocate for nonviolence, human rights, and religious harmony throughout his life. He is widely respected and admired for his teachings, wisdom, and compassion, and has followers all over the world.

About the Ramon Magsaysay Award

·         The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award that recognizes individuals and organizations in Asia who demonstrate exceptional courage, integrity, and service to their communities.

·         Established in 1957, the award was named after the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who was known for his honest leadership and dedication to public service. The award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia” and is administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, based in Manila, Philippines.

·         The award is given in six categories, namely government service, public service, community leadership, journalism, creative arts, and peace and international understanding. Recipients of the award receive a certificate, a medal, and a cash prize.

·         The Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognized individuals and organizations from various fields, including social work, education, the arts, and science, among others.

·         The award has become one of the most prestigious honors in Asia and has helped raise awareness of the significant contributions of individuals and organizations in promoting social justice, human rights, and democratic values in the region.

International Girls in ICT Day 2023: 27th April

Why In News

·         International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women.

Key Points

·         International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

·         This day helps to promote gender equality and diversity in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It raises awareness about the gender gap in the tech industry and inspires women to consider careers in ICT.

·         This year, it is being observed on April 27 with the theme “Digital Skills for Life”. Despite the significant role of ICT in our lives, a relatively small percentage of women globally opt for higher education in ICT-related fields, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

International Girls in ICT Day 2023: History

·         International Girls in ICT Day was declared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on April 8, 2011, to encourage women to pursue careers in information and communication technologies.

·         The Day has been celebrated globally since its inception, with over 11,400 events held in 171 countries and more than 3,77,000 girls and young women participating.

·         Governments, ICT regulatory bodies, businesses, academic institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs support the event, which provides opportunities for girls to learn about ICT, meet role models and mentors, and explore various career paths in the industry.