Current affairs 19 March 2023

G Krishnakumar takes over as the chairman of Bharat Petroleum Corporation.

• G Krishnakumar has taken over as the new chairman and managing director (MD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL).
• He succeeded Arun Kumar Singh, who retired as chairman in October 2022.
• He will hold the position of chairman and MD till April 2025 or until any further notice, whichever is earlier.
• BPCL is an Indian central public sector (CPS) undertaking under the ownership of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and operates refineries in Bina, Kochi, Mumbai.

Brazilian researchers find terrifying plastic rocks on remote island.

• Scientists have discovered rocks made from plastic debris in Trindade Island which is a remote turtle refuge is sparking alarm.
• Melted plastic has become intertwined with rocks on the island, located 1,140 km (708 miles) from the southeastern state of Espirito Santo and are made of a mixture of sedimentary granules.
• The pollution on this island comes from fishing nets, which are very common debris on Trinidad Island’s beaches.

Government announced the sites for setting up of 7 PM MITRA Parks.

• Government has announced the sites for setting up of 7 PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile industry in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• PM MITRA will offer the opportunity to create an Integrated Textiles Value Chain right from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing and printing to garment manufacturing etc. at one location and will reduce logistics cost of the Industry.

V V Giri National Labour Institute and ASSOCHAM sign MoU for labour reforms.

• V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) signs MoU with Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) to promote professional and organizational development in labour and employment-related areas by jointly identifying and executing developmental initiatives that benefit stakeholders in the sector.
• It includes policy advocacy, with the organizations working together to advocate for policies.

Punjab govt cancels 813 gun licenses in state.

• Punjab government has cancelled 813-gun licenses in the state to clamp down on the gun culture, along with a review of all licenses issued within 3 months,
• The new rule will also bar the issuance of new licenses for the next 3 months, except in extraordinary circumstances.
• The ban is on carrying and displaying weapons in public functions, religious places, marriage ceremonies, or any other events in Punjab.