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Latest Current Affairs - April 2024

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  1. Misc. Appointments (Apr 2024) -
    1. Sheyphali B. Sharan has been named Principal Director General in Press Information Bureau (PIB).
    2. Joyshree Das Verma has been named new President of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) for 2024-25.
      1. FLO is oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber in South East Asia.
    3. Santosh Kumar Jha has been named new CMD of Konkan Railway Corporation.
    4. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) named Sanjay Nayar (Sorin Investment Fund chairman) as its new President.
    5. Sushil Sharma has been named new CMD of PSU SJVN Limited.
    6. Srinivas Pallia has been named new MD&CEO of Indian IT Giant Wipro.
    7. New Indian Ambassadors -
      1. Bramha Kumar - Zimbabwe.
    8. RBI Approved Ajith Kumar KK’s appointment as MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank.
    9. Indian-American Kaushik Rajashekara has been elected as an International Fellow of Engineering Academy of Japan.
    10. UN named India's Gita Sabharwal as new UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.
    11. Former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav has been elected chairman of Wrestling Federation of India's Athletes' Commission.
    12. Axis Bank re-appointed Amitabh Chaudhry as its MD & CEO for another 3 years term.
    13. Ishaq Dar has been named Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan.
  2. GST revenue collection in March 2024 stood at 1.78 lakh crores (CGST 34532 crores, SGST43746 crores, IGST 87947 crores & Cess 12259 crores).
  3. India's Defence exports remained record 21083 crores in FY24 (2023-24), showing growth of 32.5% over last fiscal (15920 crores in FY23 (2022-23)).
    1. Of the total defence exports, Private sector and DPSUs have contributed about 60% and 40% respectively.
  4. Misc. MOUs (Apr 2024) -
    1. Between Panasonic Group & Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), to form a joint venture to manufacture cylindrical lithium-ion batteries in India.
    2. Between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) & HP India, to introduce HP Future Impact Leaders-IICA Certified Environmental–Social-Governance (ESG) Professional Programme, to empower CSR professionals with necessary skills for navigating ESG frameworks.
    3. Between BMW Group and Tata Technologies, to form a Joint Venture (JV) to establish an automotive software and IT development hub in Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai.
    4. Between Canara Bank and IIT Bombay's Society For Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE), for extending financial assistance to Start-ups.
    5. Between UK and US, to develop tests for most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models.
    6. Between Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) & State Bank of India (SBI), to provide an additional digital payment services of SBI through payment gateway called SBIePay to Indian migrant workers, Recruiting Agents (RAs) and other users of eMigrate portal.
    7. Between PSU NHPC & Norwegian firm Ocean Sun, to explore demonstration of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels in India.
    8. Between Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Starburst (France), to co-operate in advancement of aerospace, defence, and homeland security innovation.
  5. Odisha Day (Utkala Dibasa) is observed on 1 April, in memory of formation of state as a separate state out of Bihar, Bengal and Odisha provinces with addition of Koraput and Ganjam from Madras Presidency on 1 April 1936.
    1. Apr 1 is also foundation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which was established on April 1, 1935.
  6. Misc. Science News/Events (Apr 2024) -
    1. Microsoft and OpenAI (ChatGPT Maker) partnered to develop an AI supercomputer named Stargate, worth $100 billion. It has been Scheduled for launch in 2028.
    2. Korean Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE)'s Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (also known as Artificial sun) maintaied temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds, for a nuclear fusion experiment, a temperature seven times hotter than the sun’s core.
      1. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 30 seconds set in 2021. KSTAR aims to maintain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees for a minimum of 300 seconds by 2026.
      2. The experiment was designed to mimic the reactions that fuel the sun and other stars, achieved by merging two atoms.
      3. Nuclear fusion is referred to as ultimate solution for clean energy, with potential for unlimited energy production without carbon emissions.
    3. Russia carried out first launch of its Angara rocket, from Vostochny Cosmodrome.
      1. Capable of carrying payloads bigger than 20 tonnes into orbit, Angara launch vehicle is being developed to replace Russia's Proton M as Russia's heavy-lift rocket.
    4. Nigeria become first country to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), which protects against five strains of meningococcus bacteria.
    5. Researchers at European Space Agency (ESA) identified biggest stellar black hole named Gaia BH3, discovered in Milky Way, with a mass 33 times that of the Sun.
      1. This black hole was detected during data collection from ESA’s Gaia mission, loctaed 2000 light-years away from earth.
    6. Researchers identified a new species of wild cat thriving in dense rainforests of Brazil, Dubbed clouded tiger cat (Leopardus pardinoides).
    7. Meta unveiled its Llama 3 Large Language Model (LLM) and Microsoft unveiled its lightweight AI model named Phi-3-Mini.
    8. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) launched its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from New Zealand, which uses sunlight for propulsion.
      1. At the core of this spacecraft lies an oven-sized CubeSat, that serves as its propulsion engine. Directed by solar particles, it will propel the spacecraft.
  7. UN named Saudi Arabia as chair of the UN commission which aims to promote gender equality and empower women globally.
  8. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Schengen travel zone (Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone), as a step towards both countries’ integration with European Union.
    1. Schengen area is a treaty that allows people to travel between member countries without going through border controls.  The area includes 29 European countries.
  9. Misc. Economy / Financial News (Apr 2024) -
    1. Indian GDP Growth Forecasts (Apr 2024) -
      1. As per UNCTAD Trade and Development Report (April 2024 Update) -
        1. World economic growth will be 2.6 % in 2024, down from 3% in 2022 & 2.7 % in 2023.
        2. Growth in Other notable regions -
          1. India - Set to fall from 6.7 % in 2022 & 2023 to 6.5% in 2024.
          2. US - 1.9 % (2022), 2.5 % (2023), 2.0 % (2024)
          3. China - 3.0 % (2022), 5.2 % (2023), 4.9 % (2024)
      2. As per IMF World Economy Outlook April 2024 Update -
        1. Globally -
          1. Growth is projected to stay 3.2 % in 2024 & 2025 (same as 2023).
          2. Global inflation is forecast to decline steadily from 6.8 % in 2023 to 5.9 % in 2024 and 4.5 % in 2025. It is still above pre-pandemic (2017–19) levels of 3.5 %.
        2. Growth in Other notable regions -
          1. India - Set to fall from 7.8 % in 2023 to 6.8% in 2024 & 6.5% in 2025.
            1. Notably, IMF has revised 2024 growth forecast for India from 6.5 % earlier to 6.8 % now.
          2. US - 2.5 % (2023), 2.7 % (2024), 1.9 % (2025)
          3. China - 5.2 % (2023), 4.6 % (2024), 4.1 % (2025)
      3. As per World Bank's South Asia Development Update April 2024 -
        1. GDP growth in South Asia, projected at 6.0–6.1 % in 2024–25, will exceed that in other emerging market and developing economies, largely due to strong growth in India.
        2. India's GDP Growth is expected to come down from 7.5 % in FY24 (2023-24) to 6.6% in FY25 (2024-25).
      4. National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) - 7.1% for FY25 (2024-25).
    2. HDFC Bank, announced to divest its entire stake in HDFC Education and Development Services, through Swiss challenge method.
      1. Earlier, RBI had allowed HDFC Bank to maintain its ownership in HDFC Edu for 2 years subsequent to merger between Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC Ltd) and HDFC Bank.
      2. The Swiss Challenge method allows private players to accept contracts from the government through the process of bidding.
    3. Rate of interest on Govt Floating Rate Bond 2028 (GOI FRB 2028) applicable for half year (April to October 2024) shall be 7.72 % per annum.
    4. Paradip Port (Odisha) stayed at top among major Indian ports in terms of cargo throughput in FY 2023-24 (145.38 MMT), surpassing Deendayal Port (Kandla, Gujarat).
    5. Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG) acquired 20% stake in India's HDFC Bank subsidiary HDB Financial Services, for $2 billion.
    6. Notable Penalties by RBI -
      1. IDFC First Bank - 1 Crore
      2. LIC Housing Finance - 49.7 Lakh
    7. Former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover launched his new fintech app Named ZeroPe, to offer pre-approved medical loans to users.
    8. Canara bank launched several new products including healthcare focused loan product Canara Heal, customized savings account for women called Canara Angel and Canara UPI 123PAY ASI.
    9. Indian Fintech firm PhonePe partnered with Nepal's digital wallet service eSewa and Hotel Association of Nepal, to promote digital payments through UPI on Nepal's payment processor Fonepay Network.
    10. J&K Bank teamed up with Paymart India, to launch Virtual ATM facility, to enable cardless cash withdrawals for customers through local retailers, particularly benefiting areas where traditional ATMs may be limited.
    11. Payments Firm Razorpay launched UPI Switch in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank, as cloud-based innovation aimed at Boosting success rates by 4-5%. It can handle up to 10000 transactions per second.
    12. SBI Card launched its new travel-centric credit card series with name SBI Card MILES, with 3 varinats ELITE, PRIME & MILES.
    13. Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port received shipping ministry's approval for operating as India's first transshipment port.
      1. A transshipment port is a kind of transit hub where cargo from one ship is transferred to another ship on the way to its final destination.
  10. Misc. / Industrial Awards (Apr 2024) -
    1. Noted Indian microbiologist and virologist Gagandeep Kang (Director of Global Health at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) has been awarded John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award 2024, which recognizes leading researchers who have used rational, scientifically based research to improve well-being of those facing health inequalities worldwide.
    2. Meena Charanda (Principal of Kalindi College within Delhi University) has been granted International Culture Award 2024, by India International Center.
  11. Ministry of Heavy Industries introduced Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) to further accelerate adoption of over 3.7 lakh 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler Electric Vehicles (EVs) in country.
    1. It will be implemented for 4 months (1st April 2024 till 31st July 2024), With outlay of 500 crores.
  12. Apr 01, 2024 marks 125th anniversary of iconic Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu).
    1. Set up in 1895 by British – East India Company and now Operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it houses a digital repository of over 1.2 lakh solar images, recorded every day.
    2. Notably, The Evershed effect was first detected at this observatory in January 1909, by British astronomer John Evershed.
  13. Apr 01, 2024 marks 125th anniversary of iconic Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu).
    1. Set up in 1895 by British – East India Company and now Operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it houses a digital repository of over 1.2 lakh solar images, recorded every day.
    2. Notably, The Evershed effect was first detected at this observatory in January 1909, by British astronomer John Evershed.
  14. Obituaries (Apr 2024) -
    1. Barbara Rush - Noted Golden Globe Awardee American actress.
    2. Derek Leslie Underwood - Former English cricketer.
    3. Jack Alabaster - Former New Zealand Cricketer.
    4. Peter Higgs - Noted British physicist, known for discovery of Higgs-Boson Particle (also called God Particle).
      1. He was awarded Nobel Prize for Physics in 2013 for this groundbreaking discovery, which helped explain how the universe was created after the Big Bang.
    5. Juan Vicente Pérez (Venezuela) - World's oldest man. Post his death, John Alfred Tinniswood (UK) has now been entitled the same, aged 111 years.
    6. Gangu Ramsay - Noted producer, known for his work in Horror films.
    7. K G Jayan - Noted Padma Shri awardee Carnatic singer, musician, and music director from Kerala.
    8. Raman Subba Row - Former England Cricketer.
    9. Sudhir Kakar - Noted Indian psychoanalyst and author.
    10. Subrahmanya Dhareshwar - Noted Yakshagana Exponent.
      1. Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form popular in Coastal Karnataka districts.
  15. Misc. Defence News (Apr 2024) -
    1. R N Ravi (Governor of Tamil Nadu) inaugurated Param Vir Chakra garden at Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), to honor India's 21 Param Vir Chakra awardee heroes.
    2. DRDO successfully flight-tested New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, with strike range of upto 2000 KM.
    3. Naval Investiture Ceremony 2024 held at INS Hansa (Goa), to felicitate Naval personnel who have demonstrated gallantry, leadership and distinguished service of a high order.
    4. Coastal security exercise Sagar Kavach 01/24 conducted off the coast of Lakshadweep Islands, jointly by Indian Navy, Coast Guard and other related agencies.
    5. Indian Coast Guard's new Aquatic Centre has been inaugurated at ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu).
    6. DRDO conducted successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Integrated Test Range Chandipur (Odisha), with range upto 1000 KMs.
    7. Indian Air Force (IAF) & Indian Navy inducted Rampage supersonic air-to-ground missiles, with range upto 250 KMS, to enhance ability to engage and neutralize high-value targets.
    8. Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested air-launched medium-range ballistic missile named ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, with range upto 250 kms.
  16. Misc. Sports News / Events (Apr 2024)-
    1. 16th edition of Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru held in Bengaluru (Karnataka), with iconic two-time Olympic medallist shot putter Dame Valerie Adams (new zealand) as International Event Ambassador.
    2. Lithuania’s discus thrower Mykolas Alekna shattered longest-standing men’s world record in discus throw, by hurling the discus to distance of 74.35 meters, during Oklahoma Throws Series meeting in Ramona (USA).
    3. Noted Indian squash Player Saurav Ghosal announced retirement from squash.
  17. 2024 Spain Masters Badminton -
    1. Men's singles - Loh Kean Yew (Singapore)
    2. Women's singles - Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand)
    3. Men's doubles - Indonesia's Sabar Karyaman Gutama & Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani
    4. Women's doubles - Japan's Rin Iwanaga & Kie Nakanishi
    5. Mixed doubles - Indonesia's Rinov Rivaldy & Pitha Haningtyas Mentari
  18. Apr 2 is observed by UN as World Autism Awareness Day.
    1. Apr 2 is also observed as International Children's Book Day.
  19. Adani Green Energy announced to expand its Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat as world’s largest renewable energy plant with 30-gigawatt capacity by 2030.
    1. Adani Group aims to achieve 45 gigawatt (GW) installed renewable energy capacity in country by 2030, with 26 GW solar and 4 GW wind energy.
    2. Currently, AGEL has an operating renewable portfolio of 10.93 GW (7.39 GW solar, 1.4 GW wind, and 2.14 GW of hybrid), across 12 states.
    3. Renewable Energy in India -
      1. India is world's 4th largest consumer of electricity and 3rd largest renewable energy producer. India aims at 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, up from 202 GW currently (45 % of India’s total capacity).
      2. Types of Renewable Energy in India -
        1. Solar Power: 84.27 GW
        2. Large Hydro: 46.92 GW
        3. Wind power: 46.42 GW
        4. Biomass/Co-generation: 10.35 GW
        5. Small Hydro Power: 5 GW
        6. Waste To Energy: 0.59 GW
  20. As per State of the Climate Report 2023 by World Meteorological Organization -
    1. Notable Observations -
      1. 2023 was warmest year on record, with global average near-surface temperature at 1.45 °Celsius above pre-industrial baseline. 10 year average 2014–2023 global temperature is 1.20°C above 1850–1900 average. 
        1. Notably, 2015 Paris climate agreement aims to limit Global Mean Temparature rise under 1.50 °Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, by end of century.
        2. Historical global mean temparature rise can be seen as -
          1. Comparison of global mean temperature difference data sets from the 1850s to 2023 relative to the 1850-1900 average.
      2. Concentrations of 3 main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record levels in 2022. CO2 levels are 50 % higher than the pre-industrial era, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Long lifetime of CO2 means that temperatures will continue to rise for many years to come.
      3. Globally, every month from June to December in 2023 was record warm for the respective month.
      4. Ocean heat content also reached its highest level in 2023. Global ocean experienced an average daily marine heatwave coverage of 32%, well above the previous record of 23% in 2016.
      5. Ice sheets -
        1. Combining two principal ice sheets (Greenland and Antarctic), the 7 highest melt years are all since 2010, and average rates of mass loss increased from 105 Gigatonnes per year from 1992–1996 to 372 Gigatonnes per year from 2016–2020. This is equivalent to about 1 mm per year of global sea level rise attributed to loss of ice sheets.
    2. As a glimmer of Hope, renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50% from 2022, for a total of 510 gigawatts (GW) in 2023, the highest rate observed so far.
  21. RBI announced to establish Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA), to curb growing cyber fraud by curbing illegal lending apps.
    1. The proposed agency will enable verification of digital lending apps and maintain a public register of verified apps.
  22. As per Global Passport Index 2024 by Arton Capital -
    1. Top 2 Powerful Passport - UAE (1), Spain (2).
      1. 3rd place in Passport power rank is jointly held by France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria & Switzerland.
    2. Indian Passport has Passport Power Rank of 67, jointly with Gambia, Uganda, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
  23. Hockey India Awards 2024 -
    1. Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Men's Player of the Year - Hardik Singh
    2. Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Women's Player of the Year - Salima Tete
    3. Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award - Ashok Kumar (Son of Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand)
    4. Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year - PR Sreejesh
    5. Defender of the Year - Harmanpreet Singh
    6. Midfielder of the Year - Hardik Singh
    7. Forward of the Year - Abhishek
  24. SEBI launched new version of SEBI Complaint Redress System (SCORES 2.0), to protect interests of investors in securities market.
    1. SCORES 2.0 strengthens complaint redress mechanism by making process more efficient through auto-routing, auto-escalation, monitoring by Designated Bodies and reduction of timelines.
  25. Apr 4 is observed by UN as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
  26. Miami Open Tennis 2024 (Florida, USA) -
    1. Men's singles - Jannik Sinner (Italy)
    2. Women's singles - Danielle Collins (USA)
    3. Men's doubles - Rohan Bopanna (India) & Matthew Ebden (Australia)
    4. Women's doubles - Sofia Kenin (USA) & Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)
  27. As per 1st Global Cybercrime Index released by Oxford University and UNSW Canberra -
    1. Top 5 - Russia (1), Ukraine (2), China (3), USA (4), Nigeria (5)
    2. India ranks 10th in list.
  28. Power & Renewable Energy Minister R. K. Singh released report of State Energy Efficiency Index 2023, developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
    1. Karnataka is the top ranked state. 7 States are in Front Runner Category - Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Telangana.
  29. Lindy Cameron has been named UK’s new high commissioner to India, and 1st female to hold the post.
  30. Former Indian hockey player and Dronacharya awardee Harendra Singh has been named head coach of senior national women’s hockey team, replacing Janneke Schopman (Netherlands).
  31. Author Sam Pitroda's new book The Idea of Democracy has been released.
  32. Apr 5 is observed as -
    1. UN International Day of Conscience, being observed by UN since 2020.
    2. National Maritime Day in India, being observed since 1964.
      1. The saga of India shipping started on April 5, 1919, when SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company travelled from Mumbai to United Kingdom (London).
  33. Apr 6 is observed by UN as International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
  34. As per Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2024 -
    1. Top 5 -
      1. Bernard Arnault & family ($233 Billion, France).
      2. Elon Musk ($195 Billion, USA).
      3. Jeff Bezos ($194 Billion, USA).
      4. Mark Zuckerberg ($177 Billion, USA)
      5. Larry Ellison ($141 Billion, USA)
    2. India's Mukesh Ambani (RIL Chairman) is ranked 9th, with $116 billion Net worth. He is followed by Gautam Adani, who is ranked 17th with Net Worth of $84 Billion.
  35. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has been appointed President of Egypt, for his 3rd Term.
  36. As per Global Trade Outlook and Statistics April 2024 Update by WTO (World Trade Organization) -
    1. Global trade will rebound in 2024, with a projected 2.6% growth in volume of merchandise trade this year, and 3.3% in 2025.
    2. Notably, India's digital service exports reached $257 billion in 2023 (6 % of Global digital service exports), marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year. India is ranked at 4th place among Leading exporters of digitally delivered services in 2023 (After USA, UK & Ireland).
  37. Apr 7 is observed as World Health Day, with 2024 theme My Health, My Right. It marks establishment of World Health Organization, on Apr 7, 1948.
  38. HDFC Bank became first private bank to open a branch in UT of Lakshadweep, at Kavaratti Island.
  39. World's most powerful laser has been unveiled at a research centre in Romania, based on the inventions of 2018 Nobel Physics Prize winners Gerard Mourou (France) and Donna Strickland (Canada).
    1. The duo had won 2018 Nobel Physics Prize for harnessing power of lasers for advanced precision instruments in corrective eye surgery and industry.
  40. As per Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2024 -
    1. Total 1453 unicorns present globally, with total valuation US$4.6Trillion.
    2. Top 5 - USA (703), China (340), India (67), UK (53), Germany (36). Number of Unicorns in India went down by 1, compared to last year.
    3. Top 3 Most valued unicorns -
      1. Bytedance (220 Billion USD, China)
      2. SpaceX (180 Billion USD, USA)
      3. OpenAI (100 Billion USD, USA)
    4. Cities with most Unicorns -
      1. San Fransisco, USA (190)
      2. New York, USA (133)
      3. Beijing, China (78)
      4. Shanghai, China (65)
      5. London, UK (46)
      6. Shenzhen, China (34)
      7. Bengaluru, India (32)
  41. Red Bull's Dutch-Belgian F1 Racer Max Verstappen won Japanese Grand Prix 2024.
    1. F1 Season 2024 -
      1. Round Grand Prix Winner Race date
        1 Bahrain Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 2 March
        2 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 9 March
        3 Australian Grand Prix Carlos Saint Jr. (Spanish) 24 March
        4 Japanese Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 7 April
        5 Chinese Grand Prix   21 April
        6 Miami Grand Prix   5 May
        7 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix   19 May
        8 Monaco Grand Prix   26 May
        9 Canadian Grand Prix   9 June
        10 Spanish Grand Prix   23 June
        11 Austrian Grand Prix   30 June
        12 British Grand Prix   7 July
        13 Hungarian Grand Prix   21 July
        14 Belgian Grand Prix   28 July
        15 Dutch Grand Prix   25 August
        16 Italian Grand Prix   1 September
        17 Azerbaijan Grand Prix   15 September
        18 Singapore Grand Prix   22 September
        19 United States Grand Prix   20 October
        20 Mexico City Grand Prix   27 October
        21 São Paulo Grand Prix   3 November
        22 Las Vegas Grand Prix   23 November
        23 Qatar Grand Prix   1 December
        24 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix   8 December
  42. Apr 8 is observed as International Romani Day, to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of issues facing Romani people.
  43. Peter Pellegrini has been elected as Slovakia's new President.
  44. 2024 IWF weightlifting World Cup (Phuket, Thailand) -
    1. India won 2 medals at the event, both won by Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam.
      1. She won Silver in 55 KG Clean & Jerk & Bronze in 55 KG Total categories.
      2. With this, Bindyarani Devi became first Indian to win a medal at IWF Weightlifting World Cup.
  45. World Economic Forum (WEF) named 7 Indians in its list of 2024's most promising Young Global Leaders -
    1. Bhumi Pednekar (Actress).
    2. Adwaita Nayar (NYKAA CEO).
    3. Arjun Bhartia (Director, Jubilant Group).
    4. Priya Agarwal (Vedanta Limited).
    5. Shashwat Goenka (RP Sanjiv Goenka Group).
    6. Richa Bajpai (Founder and CEO, Campus Fund).
    7. Sharad Vivek Sagar (Founder and CEO, Dexterity Global).
    8. About -
      1. It honors dynamic and diverse cohort of changemakers (under age 40), driving impact across the fields of public health, economic development, technology, sustainability, and more.
  46. Apr 9 is observed as CRPF's Valour Day.
    1. A CRPF contingent on April 9, 1965 fought against Pakistanis in Rann of Kutch,eliminating 34 Pakistani Soldiers, losing 6 CRPF Soldiers.
  47. Tata Sons subsidiary Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) successfully launched and deployed TSAT-1A, as India’s first private sector-built sub-metre resolution earth observation/surveillance satellite.
    1. TSAT-1A was assembled at TASL’s Vemagal facility in Karnataka, and was launched from Florida-based Kennedy Space Center, onboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
    2. It will deliver high-resolution optical satellite images with increased collection capacity and low-latency delivery through its multispectral and hyperspectral capabilities, aiming to assist Indian armed forces primarily.
  48. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) announced to build India's first privately managed strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by 2029-30.
    1. 1st SPR of 18.3 million barrels capacity will be built at Padur in Karnataka, and 2nd 29.3 million barrels SPR will be built in Odisha, with private partners allowed to trade all of the oil locally.
    2. So far, India has allowed only partial commercialisation for its three existing SPRs in southern India, which have a combined capacity of 36.7 million barrels.
  49. As per a report by Lancet -
    1. Average life expectancy across globe has increased by 6 years in 2021, compared to 1990.
    2. In India, life expectancy increased by 8 years during 1990-2021.
    3. Rise in global life expectancy is attributed to decrease in the number of deaths from diarrhoea, low respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease.
  50. Apr 10 is observed as World Homoeopathy Day. It marks Birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy. He was born on 10 April 1755.
  51. Indian Army initiated induction of control and reporting systems under Project Akashteer, to bolster its air defense capabilities.
    1. Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this project is poised to significantly enhance operational efficiency and integration of Army's air defense mechanisms. It is designed to automate air defense control and reporting processes by digitizing them.
  52. World Health Organization (WHO) introduced CoViNet as a global initiative aimed at enhancing the detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses worldwide.
  53. As per QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 : Engineering & Technology -
    1. Top 3 - MIT (US), Standford University (US), University of Oxford (UK).
    2. 16 Indian Institutes have been named in List, topped by IIT Bombay & IIT Delhi (45), IIT Madras (77).
  54. Manoj Panda (former director of Institute of Economic Growth) has been appointed as a member in Sixteenth Finance Commission.
    1. Other members are Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Niranjan Rajadhyaksha & Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
    2. 16th FC is chaired by Arvind Panagariya (former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman), with Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey  as Secretary to the Commission.
  55. Apr 11 is observed as National Safe Motherhood Day in India.
    1. In 2003, Govt. marked M K Gandhi's Wife Kasturba Gandhi's birth anniversary on April 11 as National Safe Motherhood Day.
    2. April 11 is also observed globally as World Parkinson's Day.
  56. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission team has been awarded 2024 John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration by US-based Space Foundation.
  57. World Bank Group named former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as a member of its Economic Advisory Panel.
    1. Another Indian Indermit Gill (World Bank Group Chief Economist) will co-chair the panel.
  58. India's Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has been honoured with American President’s Gold Volunteer Service award in recognition of his contribution to the public good and humanity.
    1. Acharya Lokesh Muni is the founder of a non-governmental organisation, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharat and the World Peace Center in India.
    2. American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush's Presidency, to honor individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of highly impactful voluntary service in USA.
  59. Apr 12 is marked as International Day of Human Space Flight. It commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight on Apr 12, 1961.
    1. Day was proclaimed by UN in 2011. In 1957, first human made earth satellite Sputnik I was launched into outer space. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit earth successfully.
  60. Apr 13 is also observed as Siachen Day by Indian Army. On April 13, 1984, Indian Army launched ''Operation Meghdoot'' to secure Bilafond La and other passes on Saltoro Ridgeline from Pakistan.
  61. Zimbabwe launched a new gold-backed currency called ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold), amid struggle with hyperinflation and a volatile financial landscape.
  62. Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao's memoir Just a Mercenary?: Notes from My Life and Career has been released.
  63. 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters Men's Tennis (France) -
    1. Singles - Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)
    2. Doubles - Sander Gillé (Belgium) & Joran Vliegen (Belgium)
    3. Notably, during the event, India's Sumit Nagal became first Indian player to win a match in a Masters 1000 tournament, defeating Matteo Arnaldi of Italy.
  64. Apr 14 is marked as World Quantum Day, first observed in 2022.
    1. April 14 is also observed as -
      1. World Chagas Disease Day, to increase awareness of Chagas disease.
      2. National Fire Service Day in India.
  65. April 14th is Birth Anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.
    1. He was independent India's first law and justice minister, and architect of Constitution of India.
    2. His Birth anniversary is observed as Social Justice Day, announced in 2018.
    3. Note that UN World Day of Social Justice is observed on Feb 20.
  66. Simon Harris has been named new prime minister of Ireland, succeeding Leo Varadkar.
    1. Officially termed as taoiseach, He is youngest-ever to hold the post (aged 37).
  67. As per Forbes's World’s Richest Sports Owners 2024 List.
    1. Top 3 -
      1. Steve Ballmer (Los Angeles Clippers, Basketball). Source of Wealth - Microsoft.
      2. Rob Walton (Denver Broncos, American Football). Source of Wealth- Walmart.
      3. Miriam Adelson & family (Dallas Mavericks, Basketball).
  68. April 15 is observed as Himachal Day.
    1. Himachal Pradesh State came into being as a centrally administered territory on 15 April 1948, after integration of thirty erstwhile princely states.
    2. Himachal Pradesh became a union territory on 1 November 1956.
    3. Later, on 25 Jan 1971, Himachal Pradesh became 18th state of India.
    4. April 15 is also observed as World Art Day.
  69. Noted author Salman Rushdie's memoir Knife has been released, recounting his harrowing experience of being stabbed at a public event in 2022.
  70. Indian Air Force (IAF) organized Gagan Shakti 2024 exercise, involving all air force bases and assets across country.
    1. Gagan Shakti was last held in 2018.
  71. Inflation and Trade Data for March 2024 -
    1. Inflation -
      1. Wholesale price Index (WPI) based (wholesale inflation) -
        1. WPI based inflation increased to 0.53 % in March 2024.
        2. WPI Inflation in last 12 months -
          1. February 2024 - 0.20 %
          2. January 2024 - 0.27 %
          3. December 2023 - 0.73 %
          4. November 2023 - 0.26 %
          5. October 2023 - (-) 0.52 % (Negative)
          6. September 2023 - (-) 0.26 % (Negative)
          7. August 2023 - (-) 0.52 % (Negative)
          8. July 2023 - (-) 1.36 % (Negative)
          9. June 2023 - (-) 4.12 % (Negative) (lowest in 8 years)
          10. May 2023 - (-) 3.48 % (Negative)
          11. April 2023 - (-) 0.92 % (Negative)
          12. March 2023 - 1.34 %
      2. Consumer Price Index (CPI) Based (retail inflation) -
        1. CPI-based inflation rate for March 2024 decreased to 4.85 % (10 month low).
        2. CPI Inflation in Last 12 Months -
          1. February 2024 - 5.09 %
          2. January 2024 - 5.1 %
          3. December 2023 - 5.69 % 
          4. November 2023 - 5.55 % 
          5. October 2023 - 4.87 % 
          6. September 2023 - 5.02 % 
          7. August 2023 - 6.83 % 
          8. July 2023 - 7.44 % (15 Month High)
          9. June 2023 - 4.81 %
          10. May 2023 - 4.25 % (25 Month Low)
          11. April 2023 - 4.7 %
          12. March 2023 - 5.66 %
    2. Trade - 
      1. Trade in March 2024 (Amount in Billion USD) -

        1.  

           

          March 2024

          Same Month Last Year (March 2023)

          Previous Month (Feb 2024)

          Merchandise

          Exports

          41.68

          41.96

          		 41.40

          Imports

          57.28

          60.92

          		 60.11

          Services

          Exports

          28.54

          30.44

          		 32.15

          Imports

          15.84

          16.96

          		 15.39

          Overall Trade

          (Merchandise +Services)

          Exports

          70.21

          72.40

          		 73.55

          Imports

          73.12

          77.88

          		 75.50

          Trade Balance

          -2.91

          -5.48

          		 -1.95
      2. Trade During Previous Financial Year (FY24 (2023-24)) -

        1.  

           

          2023-24

          (USD Billion)

          2022-23

           (USD Billion)

          Merchandise

          Exports

          437.06

          451.07

          Imports

          677.24

          715.97

          Services*

          Exports

          339.62

          325.33

          Imports

          177.56

          182.05

          Overall Trade

          (Merchandise+ Services)*

          Exports

          776.68 (NEW RECORD)

          776.40

          Imports

          854.80

          898.01

          Trade Balance

          -78.12

          -121.62
  72. Apr 16 is observed as World Voice Day.
  73. Bulgarian economist Kristalina Georgieva has been re-appointed as Managing Director (MD) of International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a new 5-year term starting October 1, 2024.
  74. Book Law and Spirituality: Reconnecting the Bond, authored by Raman Mittal and Seema Singh has been released.
  75. Kannada poet & playwright Mamta G Sagar has been awarded World Literary Prize by World Organization of Writers (WOW), for her contribution to literature, in Abuja (Nigeria).
  76. 2024 Asian Wrestling Championships (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) -
    1. Medal Table -
      1. Rank Nation Gold Silver Bronze Total
        1 Japan 9 5 4 18
        2  Iran 9 3 5 17
        3  Kyrgyzstan 4 3 7 14
        4  China 3 2 9 14
        5  Kazakhstan 2 4 6 12
        6  North Korea 2 1 5 8
        7  Bahrain 1 0 3 4
        8  Mongolia 0 4 6 10
        9  India 0 4 5 9
        10  Uzbekistan 0 2 5 7
    2. With 9 Medals (4 Silver, 5 bronze), India ranked at 9th place.
      1. Notable Indian Medalists -
        1. Silver -
          1. Udit Kumar (Men's Freestyle 57 KG)
          2. Anju Kumari (Women's Freestyle 53 KG)
          3. Radhika Jaglan (Women's Freestyle 68 KG)
          4. Harshita Mor (Women's Freestyle 72 KG)
  77. Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year 2024 - Mitchell Starc (AUS), Usman Khawaja (AUS), Ash Gardner (AUS), Harry Brook (ENG) and Mark Wood (ENG).
    1. Also -
      1. Pat Cummins (AUS) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG) have been named Leading Cricketers in the World, in Men's and Women's categories respectively.
      2. Travis Head (AUS) picked up the Wisden Trophy, awarded to the outstanding individual performance in a Test match during previous calendar year, for his 163 against India in World Test Championship final.
      3. Hayley Matthews (WI) has been named the Leading T20 Cricketer in the world.
  78. East Bengal FC won Indian Super Cup 2024 domestic Football title by defeating Odisha FC in final.
  79. Index of Economic Freedom 2024 report by The Heritage Foundation -
    1. Top 3 - Singapore (1), Switzerland (2), Ireland (3).
    2. Bottom 3 - Yemen, Ukraine, Syria
    3. India ranked 126th (compared to 131st in 2023).
    4. Neighbors - China (151), Pakistan (147), Sri Lanka (149), Bangladesh (116)
  80. 2024  Badminton Asia Championships (Ningbo, China)
    1. Men's singles - Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)
    2. Women's singles - Wang Zhiyi (China)
    3. Men's doubles - China's Liang Weikeng & Wang Chang
    4. Women's doubles - South Korea's Baek Ha-na & Lee So-hee
    5. Mixed doubles - China's Feng Yanzhe & Huang Dongping
  81. Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has been named Kuwait's new Prime Minister.
  82. Apr 18 is observed as World Heritage Day, also as International Day of Monuments and sites. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1983.
  83. World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2024 by Henley & Partners -
    1. Top 5 - New York (USA), The Bay Area (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Singapore, London (UK).
    2. Mumbai is top ranked Indian City (24th rank globally), followed by Delhi (37th).
  84. Chennai-based Malcolm and Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust announced its annual awards for outstanding contributions to field of Social Science for 2024 -
    1. Malcolm Adiseshiah Award - Surinder S. Jodhka (JNU). Carries prize money of 2 lakh.
    2. Elizabeth Adiseshiah Award - Vikas Kumar (Azim Premji University). Carries prize money of 1 lakh.
  85. 2024 edition of World's largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, Locked Shields hosted by NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn (Estonia).
  86. Amitabh Bachchan has been named winner of Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2024, by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratisthan Public Charitable Trust.
    1. This award was formed in 2022, after Bharat Ratna awardee legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away. PM Narendra Modi was 1st recepient of this award, and Asha Bhosle was 2nd.
    2. This award is given to a person who has made an outstanding and exemplary contribution to their work for country, people and society.
    3. Several other artists were also honored on the occaison, including Musician AR Rahman, Marathi writer Manjiri Phadke, Actors Randeep Hooda, Ashok Saraf and Padmini Kolhapure, Singer Roopkumar Rathod.
  87. Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on East Coast, to validate preparedness to meet Maritime Security challenges.
  88. Maharatna PSU REC Limited availed a Green Loan of Japanese Yen (JPY) 60.536 billion (380 Million USD) to finance eligible green projects in India, with an 80% guarantee by Italian Export Credit Agency, SACE (Italy) under their innovative Push Strategy programme.
  89. PSU SJVN Limited inaugurated India's first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Pilot Project, at its 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Jhakri (Himachal Pradesh).
    1. Green hydrogen produced from the project will be utilized for High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility of NJHPS, for meeting its combustion fuel requirements.
  90. Book Heavenly Islands of Goa, written by Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai has been released.
  91. Prabowo Subianto has been named new president of Indonesia (South East Asia).
  92. Apr 20 is observed by UN as Chinese Language Day.
  93. RBI issued eligibility guidelines for Voluntary transition of Small Finance Banks to Universal Banks -
    1. Scheduled status with a satisfactory track record of performance for a minimum 5 years.
    2. Shares should have been listed on a recognised stock exchange.
    3. Minimum net worth of 1000 crores as at the end of previous quarter.
    4. Having a net profit in last 2 financial years, and having GNPA and NNPA of less than or equal to 3 % and 1 % respectively in last two financial years.
  94. 8 Indians have been named in TIME Magazine's 2024 List of 100 Most Influential People in the World -
    1. Ajay Banga (World Bank President)
    2. Alia Bhatt (Actres)
    3. Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO)
    4. Sakshi Malik (Wrestler)
    5. Dev Patel (Actor)
    6. Priyamvada Natarajan (Professor at Yale University)
    7. Asma Khan (British restaurateur)
    8. Jigar Shah (Director  of US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office)
  95. India delivered first batch of BrahMos missiles to Philippines, under a $375 million contract signed in 2022.
    1. This is first time that India has exported cruise attack missiles to a friendly nation, and is the largest single defence export order till now.
    2. BrahMos shore based anti-ship missile system has a range of 290 km and has been jointly developed with Russia and is being produced in India.
  96. General News / Events (Apr 11-20, 2024) -
    1. US hosted first US-Japan-Philippines joint summit, to boost trilateral maritime cooperation in South China Sea, and counter China.
    2. 1st glass skywalk bridge in Uttar Pradesh has been unveiled at Tulsi (Shabari) Waterfall in Chitrakoot, shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and arrow.
    3. Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Longte cultural festival.
    4. Annual World Future Energy Summit 2024 held Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in UAE.
  97. Govt re-appointed T. Rabi Sankar as RBI Deputy Governor for 1 year.
    1. Other 3 RBI DGs are  Swaminathan J, M Rajeshwar Rao & M D Patra.
  98. 2024 ACC Men's Premier T20 Cricket Cup (Oman) -
    1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) won the title, defeating Oman in final.
    2. Notably, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee scored six sixes in an over during the tournament, against Qatar.
  99. Apr 21 is marked as National Civil Services Day.
    1. It was on this day in 1947, That First Home Minister Sardar Shri Vallabhai Patel addressed first batch probationers of Administrative Services.
    2. Apr 21 is also observed by UN as World Creativity and Innovation Day.
  100. Red Bull's Dutch-Belgian F1 Racer Max Verstappen won Chinese Grand Prix 2024.
    1. F1 Season 2024 -
      1. Round Grand Prix Winner Race date
        1 Bahrain Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 2 March
        2 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 9 March
        3 Australian Grand Prix Carlos Saint Jr. (Spanish) 24 March
        4 Japanese Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 7 April
        5 Chinese Grand Prix Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) 21 April
        6 Miami Grand Prix   5 May
        7 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix   19 May
        8 Monaco Grand Prix   26 May
        9 Canadian Grand Prix   9 June
        10 Spanish Grand Prix   23 June
        11 Austrian Grand Prix   30 June
        12 British Grand Prix   7 July
        13 Hungarian Grand Prix   21 July
        14 Belgian Grand Prix   28 July
        15 Dutch Grand Prix   25 August
        16 Italian Grand Prix   1 September
        17 Azerbaijan Grand Prix   15 September
        18 Singapore Grand Prix   22 September
        19 United States Grand Prix   20 October
        20 Mexico City Grand Prix   27 October
        21 São Paulo Grand Prix   3 November
        22 Las Vegas Grand Prix   23 November
        23 Qatar Grand Prix   1 December
        24 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix   8 December
  101. In a supervisory action by RBI against Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBI barred it from onboarding new customers through online and mobile banking channels, and issuing new credit cards.
  102. Apr 22 is observed as World Earth Day (or International Mother Earth Day). 2024 Theme is  Planet vs. Plastics.
    1. On this occasion, Council of Scientific &Industrial Research (CSIR) installed and activated India’s biggest Climate Clock on CSIR Headquarters Building in New Delhi, to spread awareness about climate change and its ill effects.
  103. SBI Life Insurance launched IdeationX initiative aimed at fostering life insurance innovation, by encouraging top B-Schools alumni to devise unconventional solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs in insurance sector.
  104. Book India — the Road to Renaissance: A Vision and an Agenda, authored by Bhimeswara Challa has been released.
  105. Govt named Nalin Prabhat as Director-General of National Security Guard (NSG).
  106. As per a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence -
    1. 3 Indian banks have been named among top 50 banks by assets in Asia-Pacific region in 2023.
    2. These banks are State Bank of India (20th), HDFC Bank (33rd), and ICICI Bank (48th), with aggregate assets of USD 1.510 trillion in 2023.
  107. Apr 23 is observed as UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day. For 2024, Strasbourg (France) is declared as World Book Capital.
    1. For 2025, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) has been named as World Book Capital.
    2. Apr 23 is also observed as -
      1. Global English Language Day (UN) and Spanish Language Day (UN).
      2. Khongjom Day in Indian state of Manipur, commemorating warriors who fought in 1891 Anglo-Manipur war.
        1. War was fought between 31 March and 27 April of 1891. It resulted in victory of British.
        2. The war has its significance in Indian history for bravery of soldiers that fought against three sides of British attack, that is, from Silchar, Kohima and Myanmar. Battle was fought at the Kheba hills of Khongjom in Manipur, hence named Khongjom Day.
  108. India's D Gukesh won Candidates Chess Tournament 2024 in Toronto (Canada).
    1. With this, he advanced to become challenger to World Chess Championship 2024, which will be held in last quarter of 2024, to determine the World Chess Champion. The World Chess Championship 2024 chess match will be held between reigning world champion Ding Liren (China) and challenger Gukesh D.
    2. Notably, Gukesh D is Youngest ever to win Candidates Chess Tournament, at 17 years age. He went past record created by Garry Kasparov 40 years ago, by playeing out a draw with American Hikaru Nakamura.
    3. Also, Tan Zhongyi (Won) women's Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, to advance to Women's World Chess Championship 2025 match.
  109. Pavuluri Subba Rao (Founder & CEO of Ananth Technologies) has been conferred with Aeronautical Society of India (ASI)’s Arybhatta award, and title of ASI’s Distinguished fellow.
  110. Finance Ministry accorded Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to country's gem and jewellery sector.
    1. It will facilitate exports and imports of gem and jewellery with -
      1. Shorter cargo release time
      2. Reduction in bank guarantee by 50 % compared to non-AEO entities
      3. Expedite resolution of customs, central excise and service tax cases.
    2. Notably, AEO programme was introduced as a pilot project in 2011, as a part of broader ease of doing business initiative, to simplify export operations across various sectors.
  111. 2024 Barcelona Open Men's Tennis (Barcelona, Spain) -
    1. Singles - Casper Ruud (Norway)
    2. Doubles - Argentina's Máximo González & Andrés Molteni
  112. April 24 is Observed as -
    1. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (UN).
    2. World Day for Laboratory Animals.
    3. Apr 24-30 is observed by WHO as World Immunization Week.
  113. 5th edition of India- Uzbekistan joint military Exercise DUSTLIK held at Termez (Uzbekistan).
  114. Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) has been set up by DRDO's Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Idukki (Kerala).
    1. It has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy.
  115. Govt named Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as new Chief of Indian Navy (presently serving as Vice Chief), succeeding Admiral R Hari Kumar.
  116. Apr 24 is observed as National Panchayati Raj Day in India, since 2010.
    1. It marks passing of Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.
  117. Apr 25 is observed as World Malaria Day, established by World Health Organization in 2007.
    1. Apr 25 also marks -
      1. UN International Delegate’s Day. It was first observed in 2020, on 75th anniversary of San Francisco Conference (1945).
      2. World Penguin Day.
      3. International Girls in ICT Day.
  118. Pandit Lacchu Maharaj Ballet Foundation announced awardees for Lacchu Maharaj Award for years 2014-2024 (Except for 2020).
    1. It has been Instituted in memory of noted kathak exponent Lacchu Maharaj, and was not given after 2014.
    2. Awardees -
      1. Awardee Year  Dance form
        Uma Sharma  2015 Kathak
        Rama Vaidyanathan  2016 Kathak
        Uma Dogra  2017 Kathak
        Hema Malini  2018 Kathak, Film actress
        Saira Banu 2019 Kathak, Film actress
        Sandhaya Puricha, Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi 2018 Bharatanatyam Exponent
        Dr. Malabika   Mitra  2021 Kathak
        Prachi Shah 2022 Kathak, Film actress
        Ashim Bandhu Bhattacharya  2023 Kathak
        Pandit Rajendra Gangani  2024 Kathak
  119. Book The Winner’s Mindset written by former Australian Cricketer Shane Watson has been released.
  120. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) PSU Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has been granted Navratna status by Govt, taking number of Navratna PSEs to 17.
  121. 2024 Asian U20 Athletics Championships (Dubai, UAE) -
    1. Medal Table -
      1. Rank Nation Gold Silver Bronze Total
        1  China 15 8 4 27
        2  Japan 8 6 7 21
        3  India 7 11 11 29
        4  Uzbekistan 4 1 2 7
        5  Qatar 4 1 0 5
    2. India ranked 3rd, with 29 medals (including 7 Gold). Indian Gold medalists -
      1. Men -
        1. Ranvir Kumar (3000 metres steeplechase)
        2. Anurag Singh Kaler (Shot put (6 kg))
        3. Harshit Kumar (Hammer throw (6 kg))
        4. Dipanshu Sharma (Javelin throw)
      2. Women -
        1. Ekta Pradeep (3000 metres steeplechase)
        2. Anushka Dattatray, Kanista Teena Shekhar, D. Sangeetha, Sandra Mol Sabu (4 × 400 metres relay)
        3. Pavana Nagaraj (Long jump)
  122. Apr 26 is observed as World Intellectual Property Day, established by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. On 26 Apr in 1970, WIPO had come in force.
    1. Apr 26 is also observed by UN as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, to raise awareness of consequences of 1986 Chernobyl disaster and risks of nuclear energy.
  123. Book India’s Nuclear Titans, authored by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua has been released.
  124. China launched Shenzhou-18 mission with 2 astronauts onboard, towards China's Tiangong space station.
    1. It was launched onboard Long March-2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
    2. Notably, China aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030.
  125. As per global analytics firm Tefficient, India's Reliance Jio became world's largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic consumption, surpassing China Mobile.
    1. Jio's total traffic reached 40.9 exabytes in January-March quarter, compared to China Mobile's 38 exabytes.
    2. Jio also has second-largest 5G subscriber base globally, with 108 million users.
  126. 2024 UNESCO Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona (Spain), under UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
  127. Apr 27, 2024 is observed as World Veterinary Day, Observed on last Saturday of April.
  128. As per IMF World Economy Outlook April 2024 Update -
    1. Globally -
      1. Growth is projected to stay 3.2 % in 2024 & 2025 (same as 2023).
      2. Global inflation is forecast to decline steadily from 6.8 % in 2023 to 5.9 % in 2024 and 4.5 % in 2025. It is still above pre-pandemic (2017–19) levels of 3.5 %.
    2. Growth in Other notable regions -
      1. India - Set to fall from 7.8 % in 2023 to 6.8% in 2024 & 6.5% in 2025.
        1. Notably, IMF has revised 2024 growth forecast for India from 6.5 % earlier to 6.8 % now.
      2. US - 2.5 % (2023), 2.7 % (2024), 1.9 % (2025)
      3. China - 5.2 % (2023), 4.6 % (2024), 4.1 % (2025)
  129. As per UNCTAD Trade and Development Report (April 2024 Update) -
    1. World economic growth will be 2.6 % in 2024, down from 3% in 2022 & 2.7 % in 2023.
    2. Growth in Other notable regions -
      1. India - Set to fall from 6.7 % in 2022 & 2023 to 6.5% in 2024.
      2. US - 1.9 % (2022), 2.5 % (2023), 2.0 % (2024)
      3. China - 3.0 % (2022), 5.2 % (2023), 4.9 % (2024)
  130. Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 -
    1. Sportsman of the year - Novak Djokovic (Tennis, Serbia)
    2. Sportswoman of the year - Aitana Bonmati (Football, Spain)
    3. Team of the year - Spain Women's Football Team
    4. Breakthrough of the year - Jude Bellingham (Football, UK)
    5. Comeback of the year - Simone Biles (Gymnastics, USA)
    6. Sportsperson of the year with a disability - Diede De Groot (Wheelchair Tennis, The Netherlands)
    7. Action Sportsperson of the year - Arisa Trew (Skateboarding, Australia)
  131. Winners of Goldman Environment Prize 2024 -
    1. Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu (South Africa) - They stopped destructive seismic testing for oil and gas off the Eastern Cape, protecting the area’s rich marine biodiversity.
    2. Alok Shukla (India) - Led a successful campaign to protect 657-square-mile Hasdeo Aranya forests, known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh,” from coal mining.
    3. Andrea Vidaurre (USA) - Persuaded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt two historic transportation regulations in spring of 2023: the In-Use Locomotive Regulation and the California Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation. These regulations aim to limit emissions from trucks and trains, with a goal of achieving 100% zero-emission freight truck sales by 2036.
    4. Marcel Gomes (Brazil) - Coordinated an international campaign that exposed links between beef from JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company, and illegal deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest, Cerrado savanna, and Pantanal wetlands.
    5. Murrawah Maroochy Johnson (Australia) - Successfully blocked development of Waratah coal mine in Queensland’s Galilee Basin, which would have destroyed 20000-acre Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
    6. Teresa Vicente (Spain) - Led campaign that resulted in passage of a new law in September 2022, granting unique legal rights to the Mar Menor ecosystem, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.
    7. About -
      1. Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists, one from each of world's six geographic regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America).
      2. Awarded by San Francisco (US) based Goldman Environmental Foundation, It is also called Green Nobel, and carries prize money of USD 200000.
  132. Apr 28 - World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
    1. It is also observed as Workers' Memorial Day.
  133. As per report Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) -
    1. With population of 1.44 billion, India maintains its status as most populous country globally.
    2. India’s population is expected to double in 77 years.
    3. 26% population lies within 10-24 age range and 68% within productive age group of 15-64 years.
  134. As per report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) -
    1. India was 4th largest military spender globally in 2023, with expenditure of USD 83.6 billion (behind US, China and Russia).
    2. Also, global military expenditure increased for ninth consecutive year in 2023, reaching a total of USD 2443 billion.
  135. Govt launched CDP-SURAKSHA platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under Cluster Development Programme (CDP) — the Centre’s initiative to promote horticulture crops.
    1. It seeks to push India’s horticulture sector, which contributes one-third to agriculture gross value addition.
    2. SURAKSHA stands for System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.
    3. The platform will allow instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising e-RUPI voucher from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  136. 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Femals Tennis (Stuttgart, Germany) -
    1. Singles - Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
    2. Doubles - Chan Hao-ching (Chinese Taipei) & Veronika Kudermetova (Russia)
  137. Apr 29 - International Dance Day. It marks birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (born on 29 April 1727), a French dancer, and creator of modern ballet, and great reformer of dance.
  138. Visits from India (Apr 2024) -
    1. Ajit Doval (National Security Advisor) visited Astana (Kazakhstan), to attend 19th Meeting of SCO Security Council Secretaries.
    2. Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande visited Uzbekistan.
  139. Britain's Russ Cook (known as the Hardest Geezer), became first man to complete a challenging trek across Africa continent, taking 352 days to cover over 10000 miles. He departed from South Africa’s southernmost point and reached Ras Angela, Tunisia’s most northerly point.
  140. Visits to India (Apr 2024) -
    1. Mark Hammond - Chief of Australian Navy.
  141. Apr 30 is observed as Ayushman Bharat Diwas, being observed since 2018. Under Ayushman Bharat / Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Health Insurance of 5 lakh rupees per family is given to a family.
    1. Apr 30 is also Observed as International Jazz Day, marked by UNESCO in 2011.
  142. General News / Events (Apr 21-30, 2024) -
    1. World Energy Congress 2024 held at Rotterdam (Netherlands).
    2. International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2024 held in New Delhi, as annual flagship event of India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
    3. France, Germany and European Union organised an international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries in Paris (France), amid ongoing Sudanese conflict.
    4. Seng Khihlang festival held by adherents of Khasi Indigenous Faith in Wahiajer (Meghalaya).

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