Table of Contents
National News
J&K High Court Upholds Rule of Law, Quashes Detention under Public Safety Act
In a significant ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has quashed the detention of Jaffar Ahmad Parray under the Public Safety Act. Justice Rahul Bharti emphasized that India operates under the rule of law, asserting that citizens cannot be detained without proper legal grounds. Parray had been held since May based on allegations of being associated with terrorist groups, but the court found the detention illegal and ordered his immediate release.
International News
Nigeria Becomes First Country to Roll Out New Meningitis Vaccine
In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria has become the inaugural nation to introduce the innovative Men5CV vaccine, recommended by the WHO, targeting five strains of meningococcal bacteria. This historic milestone holds immense promise in combating meningitis, a severe threat in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The vaccine rollout, funded by Gavi, is a crucial step towards achieving the WHO’s goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
State News
Madhya Pradesh Leads Implementation of Centre’s Green Credit Programme (GCP)
In the realm of environmental conservation, Madhya Pradesh emerges as a frontrunner in the effective execution of the Green Credit Programme (GCP) initiated by the central government. Over the past two months, the GCP has greenlit tree plantation initiatives spanning across 500 land parcels, encompassing 4,980 hectares spread over 10 states.
Appointments News
Saurabh Garg Appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
In a significant move, the Central Government has entrusted IAS officer Saurabh Garg with the additional charge of Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This decision, communicated through an order issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), underscores Garg’s extensive experience and expertise in the realm of public administration.
Banking News
SBI Life Launches IdeationX: Pioneering Life Insurance Innovation
SBI Life Insurance has inaugurated IdeationX, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering life insurance innovation. This initiative encourages future leaders from top B-Schools to devise unconventional solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs in the insurance sector.
RBI Expands Gold Hedging Options for Residents Amidst Price Surge
In response to the soaring gold prices, expected to surpass $2700 per ounce this year amidst escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a significant policy amendment. This move allows resident entities to diversify their hedging strategies against gold price volatility in overseas markets.
Business News
Sany India Launch of its Fully Electric Dump Truck
In a groundbreaking move, Sany India, a leading manufacturer of mining and construction equipment, has launched the SKT105E Electric Dump Truck. This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone in the Indian mining industry, as the SKT105E becomes the first locally manufactured electric off-highway dump truck, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and cost-effective future.
Adani Family’s Investment in Ambuja Cements: Strengthening Stake and Cementing Growth
The Adani family, led by Gautam Adani, has infused ₹8,339 crore into Ambuja Cements Ltd., increasing their stake to 70.3%. This investment, part of a larger strategy, aims to bolster Ambuja’s growth trajectory and cement its position in the market.
Apple and CleanMax Collaborate to Advance Renewable Energy in India
Apple has partnered with CleanMax to deploy 14.4 megawatts of rooftop solar installations across six industrial sites in India, aimed at reducing emissions associated with its operations in the country.
Awards News
Amitabh Bachchan to be Honoured with the Prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award
In a momentous announcement, the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award will be presented to the esteemed Hindi cinema actor, Amitabh Bachchan, this year. This honour, bestowed by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratisthan Public Charitable Trust and the Mangeshkar family, serves as a testament to Bachchan’s exceptional contributions to the world of Indian cinema over the span of his illustrious five-and-a-half-decade career.
Ranks and Reports News
Alia Bhatt Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 List: A Testament to Global Impact
Alia Bhatt’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’ underscores her remarkable ascent as a global icon. Renowned director Tom Harper, lauding her as a “truly international star,” highlights her multifaceted talent and magnetic presence both on and off-screen.
Sports News
Pat Cummins and Sciver-Brunt Named Wisden’s Top Cricketers
In the 2024 edition of the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, two exceptional talents have been crowned as the Wisden Leading Cricketers in the World, Australian captain Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Books and Authors News
“Just a Mercenary?”: Duvvuri Subbarao’s Memoir Unveils the Tensions Between the RBI and the Government
In his recently published memoir, “Just a Mercenary?: Notes from My Life and Career,” former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Duvvuri Subbarao takes readers on a captivating journey through his distinguished career, spanning diverse roles from sub-collector to finance secretary and ultimately, the helm of the central bank.
The book, ‘India — the Road to Renaissance: A Vision and an Agenda’ by Bhimeswara Chall
The launch of Bhimeswara Challa’s book, “India — the Road to Renaissance: A Vision and an Agenda,” at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) campus in Hyderabad marks a significant moment in the intellectual discourse surrounding the future of the nation. As a former United Nations official, Challa brings a unique perspective to the table, offering a compelling and ambitious vision for India’s path to renaissance.
Science and Technology News
SPACE: A Cutting-Edge Facility for Sonar Testing and Evaluation in India
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval capabilities, the Department of Defence (R&D) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility called the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala. This cutting-edge facility, set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, is designed to serve as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for the Indian Navy, a critical component of the country’s maritime defense strategy.
Important Days
World Heritage Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance
World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed annually on April 18. This year, the special day falls on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The observance of this day aims to raise awareness about the diversity and importance of the world’s cultural heritage, and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.
18th April CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR
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