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  • Current Affairs 23rd April 2015

    Updated : 24-Apr-2015

    Current Affairs 23rd April 2015 - Important Points

    Current Affairs 23rd April 2015 - Details

    Which service has been launched by ICICI Bank - Tap-n-Pay

    On 21st April 2015, ICICI Bank launched a near-field communications-enabled payment service named Tap-n-Pay. ICICI launched the service in association with Tech Mahindra.

    Highlights of Tap-n-Pay Service

    • This payment service is based on the near-field communications (NFC) technology which will enable its customers to make over-the-counter payments without using cash.
    • It will allow users to tap NFC enabled tag or mobile phone at the merchant’s point-of-sale device to make payments.
    • It is a prepaid account which will be available to customers of any bank by simply registering for it and transferring money online from any bank account.

    Name the mobile app launched by Railways for paperless unreserved tickets - utsonmobile

    On 22nd April 2015, a mobile application named utsonmobile has been launched by the Railway Ministry for paperless unreserved tickets. The aim of the mobile app is to eliminate the need for printing of unreserved tickets.

    Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched the application in New Delhi as a pilot project. It will cover 15 stations between Egmore and Tambram suburban sections in Chennai of the Southern Railway.

    Feature of the application

    • This app will enable the passengers to buy a ticket on the move
    • Passengers can board the train with the ticket secured on their mobile phone
    • Necessary on-screen alerts are provided by the app to guide the passenger during the booking process
    • With the help of Railway Wallet feature in the App passengers can make the payment for the ticket
    • Every day, the ticket will have distinct colour scheme and it cannot be forwarded to another mobile

    Who is honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award 2015 - Shah Rukh Khan

    Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st April 2015, Shah Rukh Khan, for his performance in the movie Happy New Year was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award 2015 in the award ceremony held in Mumbai.

    Other Awardees

    • For outstanding performance in the film Citylights, Rajkummar Rao won the reputable award
    • Huma Qureshi grappled an award for her memorable performance in the movie Dedh Ishiqya.
    • Actress Jaya Prada, Tiger Shroff, Shreyas Talpade, singer Udit Narayan and Pankaj Udhas were also felicitated with the award.

    Who is named ambassador of HeForShe by UN Women - IOC President Thomas Bach

    Among the important International Current Affairs, On 22nd April 2015, UN Women announced the president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach as an ambassador of HeForShe campaign. HeForShe is a unanimity campaign for gender equality established by United Nations (UN) Women.

    In September 2014, the campaign was launched by UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson. HeForShe campaign motivate boys and men to join in on the fight for women's rights and gender equality all over the globe. Their motive of the campaign is to engage one billion men and boys to become advocates for women's rights worldwide.

    Which part of India has been struck by the Cyclonic storm - the north-eastern border districts of Bihar

    On 21st April 2015, Cyclonic storm struck the north-eastern border districts of Bihar. The storm had a wind speed of more than 150 kmph that has striked several districts of the state namely Supaul, Madhepura, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Bhagalpur and Katihar.

    It was reported that a minimum of 65 people were killed by the storm, over 2000 people were injured and over 4000 animals died.

    Besides, the state government had announced to give 4 lakh rupees to the family of each victim of the storm. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made this announcement after an aerial survey of the affected areas.

    Union Finance Ministry retained interest rate for GPF at - 8.7 percent for 2015-16

    Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st April 2015, Union Finance Ministry retained the rate of interest for General Provident Fund (GPF) and other related schemes at 8.7% for the year 2015-16.

    • The 8.7% interest will apply on Provident Funds of railways, defence forces and central government employees.
    • The interest rate for senior citizens savings scheme was uplifted from 9.2% to 9.3%
    • The interest rate for Sukanya Samriddhi Account has been hiked from 9.1% to 9.2%.
    • The interest earning for Kisan Vikas Patra has been retained at 8.7%.