Current affairs 02 April 2023

NASA appoints Indian-origin Amit Kshatriya to head "Moon To Mars" Programme.

• Amit Kshatriya, an Indian-American software and robotics engineer was appointed as the first head of NASA's Moon to Mars Programme, with immediate effect.
• The new office aims to carry out the agency’s human exploration activities on the Moon and Mars for the benefit of humanity.
• He will be responsible for planning and executing human missions to these celestial bodies for the betterment of humanity.
• NASA Administrator: Bill Nelson.

IMF approves 15.6 billion dollar support package for Ukraine.

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a 15.6 billion US dollar support package for Ukraine to assist with the conflict-hit country’s economic recovery.
• The loan is part of a broader 115 billion US dollar international support package to help the country meet urgent funding needs.
• Of the total amount, 2.7 billion dollars is being made available to Ukraine immediately and the rest of the funds are due to be released over the next four years.

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launches Sagar Setu Mobile App.

• Union Minister for Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal launched the App Version of the National Logistics Portal (Marine) named Sagar-Setu.
• The app has been envisaged with deliverables covering features like a Login Module, Letter of Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification, and Track & Trace etc.
• Benefits for Traders
• Improve convenience with the reduced turnaround time for approval and compliance.
• Increase the visibility of operations and tracking.

Fino Payments Bank and Rajasthan Royals ties up for Digital Banking Partner.

• Fino Payments Bank has renewed its association with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Season 16 of the Indian premier cricket competition, IPL. Fino Bank will be RR’s official digital banking partner.
• The bank made its maiden foray with the mega sporting event last season by partnering with RR as the digital payments partner.
• The newly launched FinoPay digital savings account is expected to get more traction through this engagement.

Govt hikes interest rates of small savings schemes.

• The Government has raised interest rates on post office saving schemes for the April-June 2023 quarter.
• The interest rate of the National Savings Certificate will now attract 7.7% up from 7%.
• The rate for Sukanya Samriddhi has increased to 8% from 7.6%.
• The interest rates for PPF and savings deposits have been retained at 7.1% and 4%.
• Senior citizen savings scheme: 8.2%.
• Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): 7.5%
• KVP will now mature in 115 months as against 120 months earlier.