Table of Contents
National News
India’s Indigenous Bullet Train: Vande Bharat Sets to Redefine High-Speed Rail Travel
In a significant stride towards advancing India’s rail infrastructure, the country is gearing up to launch an indigenous bullet train capable of reaching speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour (km/h). This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize high-speed rail travel in India, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and commitment to cutting-edge technology.
International News
16th World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi: Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions
The 16th World Future Energy Summit has commenced in Abu Dhabi, drawing together global leaders, policymakers, and experts in sustainable energy and climate initiatives. The summit aims to foster dialogue on key issues like global climate action, renewable energy, energy security, and sustainable development.
State News
Varanasi’s Tiranga Barfi and Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft Receive GI Tag
In a significant development, two iconic products from the historic city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) status. On April 16, 2024, the GI Registry Office based in Chennai announced that the Tiranga Barfi of Varanasi and the Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft have been included in the prestigious GI category.
Banking News
RBI Penalizes Five Co-operative Banks with Rs 60.3 Lakh Fine
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties totaling Rs 60.3 lakh on five co-operative banks for contravening various regulatory norms. These penalties primarily stem from non-compliance with specific directives issued by the RBI, encompassing bans on loans and advances to directors and their relatives, restrictions on opening savings accounts for certain entities, and maintenance of deposit accounts.
Economy News
UNCTAD and IMF Forecasts for India’s GDP Growth in 2024
UNCTAD forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in 2024, a slight deceleration from the previous year’s 6.7%. This projection aligns with the IMF’s revised forecast, attributing growth to strong public investment and the services sector. The report highlights the trend of multinational corporations shifting manufacturing processes to India, which bolsters exports. Despite moderated commodity prices, restrained public consumption spending is offset by robust public investment, sustaining growth momentum.
India’s Electronics Exports Surge to $29.12 Billion in FY24
India’s electronics industry experienced a notable surge in exports, reaching $29.12 billion in fiscal year 2023-24, a substantial 23.6% increase from the previous year. This growth is particularly significant amid an overall contraction of the country’s total exports by 3%.
Defence News
DRDO Successfully Test Fires Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile
DRDO conducted a successful test flight of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile showcased excellent performance, closely monitored by various sensors and the Indian Air Force.
General Manoj Pande Inaugurates High-Tech IT Lab at Academy of Armed Forces in Uzbekistan
During his visit to Uzbekistan from April 15-18, 2024, Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, marked a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between India and Uzbekistan by inaugurating a state-of-the-art IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces. This initiative stems from a commitment made during the Defence Ministers’ meeting in September 2018, highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations.
Awards News
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Receives Skytrax Award for ‘Best Airport Staff’
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) has been honored with the ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award by Skytrax. The announcement took place during the Passenger Terminal EXPO 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17. This accolade underscores the exceptional quality of service provided by the airport’s staff across various fronts, as evaluated through meticulous audits and assessments.
Ranks and Reports News
UNFPA Report: India’s Population Trends and Reproductive Health Inequities
The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) latest report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” sheds light on India’s population dynamics and the persistent disparities in sexual and reproductive health.
Important days
World Liver Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance
On April 19th, the global community comes together to observe World Liver Day, an initiative dedicated to shedding light on the importance of liver health and promoting preventive measures against liver diseases. This annual event serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness, encouraging lifestyle changes, and supporting those affected by liver-related conditions. This year’s theme, “Keep your liver healthy and disease-free,” emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and regular health check-ups to detect and address liver-related disorders early on.
Obituaries News
Former England Test Batsman Raman Subba Row Passes Away at 92
The cricketing world mourns the loss of a legendary figure as Raman Subba Row, the former England Test batsman, has passed away at the age of 92. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the sorrowful news, paying tribute to England’s oldest living men’s Test cricketer at the time of his demise.
Sports News
Indian Girls Shine at 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad 2024
The 13th edition of the prestigious European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) took place in the picturesque city of Tskaltubo, Georgia, from April 11 to 17, 2024. Amidst fierce competition, the Indian contingent emerged victorious, showcasing their remarkable mathematical prowess and securing a coveted haul of medals.
Takshvi Vaghani Sets New World Record for the Lowest Limbo Skating Over 25 Metres
In a remarkable display of skill, flexibility, and unwavering determination, India’s young skating sensation, Takshvi Vaghani, has etched her name in the record books by setting a new world record for the lowest limbo skating over 25 metres. On April 18, 2024, the 6-year-old prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, defied the boundaries of human agility, gliding across the 25-meter distance at a mere 16 cm (6.29 in) above the ground.
Summits and Conferences News
International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan: Rallying Support Amidst Crisis
The devastating conflict in Sudan has plunged the nation into a profound humanitarian crisis, prompting the international community to take swift action. On April 15, 2024, the French capital, Paris, hosted an International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries, organized in response to the United Nations’ funding appeal on February 7, 2024.
Miscellaneous News
Miss AI: The World’s First Beauty Pageant for Artificial Intelligence Influencers
In a groundbreaking event that blurs the lines between reality and artificial intelligence, the world is set to witness the first-ever beauty pageant exclusively for AI-generated models and influencers. Dubbed “Miss AI,” this unique contest will pit these virtual creations against each other, judging them on their online presence, aesthetics, and the technical prowess behind their creation.
19th April CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR
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