National NEWS
India’s Tree Cover Loss and Carbon Emissions Key Findings from Global Forest Watch:
- India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, amounting to a six per cent decrease during this period according to global forest watch report
- From 2002 to 2023, the country lost 414,000 hectares of humid primary forest, constituting 18 per cent of its total tree cover loss in the same period.
- Forests in India emitted 51 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually between 2001 and 2022, while removing 141 million tons annually, resulting in a net carbon sink of 89.9 million tons per year.
PM Narendra Modi’s Newsweek Cover Feature: Insights on India’s Economic Reforms:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to become the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to feature on the cover of Newsweek magazine.
- In a comprehensive interview, PM Modi discussed various topics including China, economic reforms, upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Quad alliance, and democracy’s role in India.
- PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to economic transformation, citing landmark policies like GST, corporate tax reductions, and labor law reforms.
- He emphasized India’s appeal as a global manufacturing hub, backed by top-notch infrastructure and skilled talent.
International NEWS
India Donates Ambulances and School Buses to Nepal, Strengthening Health and Education Infrastructure:
- India donates 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations in Nepal, emphasizing solidarity and support.
- Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and Finance Minister Barshaman Pun officiate the handover ceremony.
- Two ambulances are specifically allocated to earthquake-affected districts of Jajarkot and West Rukum, showcasing India’s commitment to assisting communities in need.
Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
- President: Ram Chandra Poudel
- Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Appointment NEWS
Kristalina Georgieva Re-appointed as IMF Managing Director for Another 5-Year Term:
- Kristalina Georgieva has been re-appointed as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new 5-year term, starting from October 1, 2024.
- The appointment was made by the IMF executive board, which can select a managing director based on voting or consensus.
- Georgieva was the only candidate nominated for the post this year, indicating unanimous support for her re-appointment.
IMF:
- Headquarters of the IMF: Washington D.C, United States of America.
- Accounting Unit of IMF: Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
- First MD of IMF: Ivar Rooth of Sweden 1951-1956
- Member countries: 190
Ranks and Reports NEWS
Delhi Airport Ranked Among World’s Top 10 Busiest Airports for 2023:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi secures the tenth position in the list of the world’s busiest airports for 2023, released by the Airports Council International (ACI) World.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport tops the list, handling over 10.46 crore passengers in 2023, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
- The global total passenger forecast for 2023 is close to 8.5 billion, marking a significant recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels and a 27.2% increase compared to 2022.
- Other airports in the top 10 list include London’s Heathrow Airport (3rd) Tokyo’s Haneda Airport 4th, Denver International Airport 5th, Istanbul Airport, Los Angeles International Airport 6th.
Airports council international
- Established in 1991,
- Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Head: Luis Felipe de Oliveira
India Among Top Contributors to Global Plastic Waste: EA Earth Action Report:
- EA Earth Action’s 2024 report highlights India as one of the top 12 nations contributing to approximately 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste.
- The 12 countries include China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, the United States of America (USA), and Turkey.
- India’s per capita plastic waste production is reported at 8 kg per capita per year, ranking among the world’s lowest.
- Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point when plastic waste exceeds waste management capacity, leading to environmental pollution.
- Globally, Plastic Overshoot Day for 2024 is projected to be on September 5th, while India’s Plastic Overshoot Day is anticipated to be on April 23rd, 2024.
About EA Earth Action:
- EA Earth Action is a non-profit organization that provides environmental research, consulting, and solutions
- Co-CEOs- Julien Boucher and Sarah Perreard
- Headquarters- Lausanne, Switzerland Established in 2013
Defence NEWS
Naval Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar Presents Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards:
- Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral R Hari Kumar, presented Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to Naval personnel at South Goa on April 14, 2024.
- Admiral R Hari Kumar presented the awards on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu.
- The ceremony, held at INS Hansa, Goa, honored Naval personnel for displaying gallantry, leadership, professional achievement, and distinguished service of a high order.
- The awards recognize bravery, leadership, professional accomplishments, and distinguished service among naval personnel.
DRDO and Indian Army Conduct Successful Trials of Indigenous MPATGM:
- Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Army conduct successful field tests of the indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system.
- The MPATGM system, designed and developed by DRDO, includes the missile, launcher, target acquisition device, and fire control unit.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praises DRDO and Indian Army for the successful tests, highlighting the importance of achieving self-reliance in advanced defence technology.
- Multiple equipment, including the MPATGM, were tested at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, demonstrating superior technology and remarkable performance.
- The warhead flight test conducted on April 13, 2024, confirmed the exceptional performance of the missile and warhead.
DRDO:
- DRDO was established in the year 1958 after the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production of the Indian Army with the Defence Science Organisation.
- DRDO Chairman: Samir V. Kamat
- DRDO Headquarters: Delhi
Sports NEWS
Rashmi Kumari Clinches 12th National Carrom Championship Title:
- Rashmi Kumari secured her 12th National Carrom Championship title, demonstrating exceptional skill and consistency.
- She defeated K Nagajothi in the women’s final with a scoreline of 25-8, 14-20, 25-20.
- Rashmi’s victory highlights her dedication and pursuit of excellence throughout her career.
- Despite her role as Chief Manager at ONGC, she has managed to excel in carrom, showcasing her ability to balance professional responsibilities with her passion for the sport.
Jonatan Christie Clinches First Asian Badminton Championship Title:
- Indonesian badminton player Jonatan Christie secures his first Asian Badminton Championship title by defeating Chinese player Li Shi Feng in the final.
- The 41st Badminton Asia Championships took place in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, from April 9-14, 2024.
- Christie’s victory earns him 1000 points in the BWF Super 1000 event, the last qualifying event before the Summer Paris Olympics scheduled for July 26 to August 11, 2024.
- He won the final match in straight sets with a scoreline of 21-15, 21-16, showcasing his excellent form.
- Christie, the current All England Open champion, had previously lost in the final of the 2022 Badminton Asia Championship.
Winner of the 2024 Badminton Asia Championship: Following were the winners of the 41st Badminton Asia Championship.
| Event | Winner | Runners-Up |
| Singles Men | Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) | Li Shi Feng (China) |
| Singles Women | Wang Zhi Yi(China) | Chen Yu Fei(China) |
| Doubles Men’s | Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang(China) | Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia) |
| Doubles Women’s | Baek Ha-Na and Lee So-Hee (South Korea) | Zhang Shu Xian and Zheng Yu (China) |
| Mixed Doubles | Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping (China) | Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung (South Korea) |
Badminton Asia:
- Established: 1959 as Asian Badminton Confederation, renamed Badminton Asia in 2015.
- Affiliation: Member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
- Member Associations: 43 Member Associations in Asia.
- Headquarters: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- President: Kim Jong Soo.
Books and Author
Maker of Goa“The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane” by Vijayadevi Rane:
- Maker of Goa: “The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane” Authored by Vijayadevi Rane, the book offers a biography of Pratap Singh Rane, former Chief Minister of Goa.
- Pratap Singh Rane had a political career spanning over 50 years, winning 11 consecutive elections as an MLA and serving as Goa’s Chief Minister for six terms.
- He was elected as Goa’s first Chief Minister after its separation from Daman and Diu as a Union Territory.
- Notably, Rane established Goa University in 1984, contributing significantly to the educational landscape of the state.
Science and Tech NEWS
IISc Develops Hydrogel to Combat Micro Plastic Pollution:
- Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have engineered a sustainable hydrogel to address the challenge of plastic pollution.
- The hydrogel features a unique polymer network capable of binding and degrading micro plastics present in water using UV light irradiation.
- Micro plastics, being less than 5 millimetres in size, have become ubiquitous pollutants, posing health risks as they can enter the human body through water consumption.
- Led by Professor Suryasarathi Bose from the Department of Materials Engineering, the IISc team turned to 3D hydrogels as an effective solution to this issue.
Important Days
World Art Day 2024: Cultivating Community Through Art
- World Art Day, observed on April 15th annually, celebrates art’s global impact and Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy.
- The theme for 2024 is “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art,” emphasizing art’s role in fostering communal bonds and understanding.
- This tribute recognizes art’s significance in communication, cultural identity, and personal freedom, highlighting the enduring contributions of artists worldwide.
