19 April 2024 Current Affairs:

National NEWS

AFMS and IIT Kanpur Collaborate for Soldier Health Tech in Challenging Terrain:

• The AFMS (Armed Forces Medical College) and IIT Kanpur signed an MoU on April 18, 2024, with Lieutenant General Daljit Singh and Professor S. Ganesh as signatories.
• Objective: The partnership aims to improve the health of soldiers stationed in remote and inaccessible areas through collaborative research and training efforts.
• Focus Areas: Research and development will focus on addressing health challenges unique to tough terrains, with a particular emphasis on leveraging technology for effective solutions.
• Expected Outcomes: The collaboration seeks to enhance healthcare services and deploy innovative technologies tailored to the needs of soldiers operating in challenging environments.

Economy NEWS

UNCTAD Projects India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.5% in 2024:

• UNCTAD forecasts a GDP growth rate of 6.5% for India in 2024, slightly lower than the 6.7% recorded in the previous year.
• Key Highlights:

1. Factors Behind 2023 Growth: Strong public investment and a robust services sector drove India’s economic growth in 2023.
   1. Continued Support: These factors are expected to continue supporting economic growth in the fiscal year 2024-25.
   1. Revised Forecast: The report revised India’s growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points, released on April 16.
   1. Impact of Multinational Companies: The trend of multinational companies shifting manufacturing processes to India is expected to positively impact Indian exports.
   1. Beneficial Commodity Prices: Moderating commodity prices are anticipated to benefit India’s import bill.
   1. Monetary Policy Outlook: The report suggests that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to maintain interest rates at current levels in the near term.

India’s Electronics Exports Reach $29.12 Billion in FY24:

• Export Growth: India’s electronics exports witnessed a significant surge to $29.12 billion in FY24, marking a substantial 23.6% increase from the previous year.
• Contrast: This surge comes amid an overall contraction in total exports by 3% during the same period.
• Top Export Markets: Commerce department officials identified the United States, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Italy as the top five export markets for Indian electronics goods.

International NEWS

‘Mount Ruang’ Eruption Displaces Thousands in Indonesia:

• The eruption of ‘Mount Ruang’ in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia commenced on the night of April 18, 2024, followed by four consecutive explosions on April 19
• Impact: The volcanic activity resulted in clouds of smoke and ash blanketing the sky, causing widespread displacement of thousands of residents in the affected area.
• Recurrent Activity: Media reports indicate that eruptions have occurred multiple times in North Sulawesi province due to ‘Mount Ruang’s’ volcanic activity.

Indonesia:

• Capital: Jakarta
• Official language: Indonesian
• President: Joko Widodo

16th World Future Energy Summit Begins in Abu Dhabi:

• 16th World Future Energy Summit Begins in Abu Dhabi The summit gathers global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss sustainable energy and climate initiatives.
• Aim: Positioned as a premier forum for discussions on global climate action, renewable energy, energy and water security, and sustainable development.
• Inauguration: Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan emphasized the need for substantial financial investments and blended finance for climate action, stressing international cooperation.
• Significance: The summit fosters intellectual and corporate development in energy, offering a platform for knowledge sharing, showcasing advancements, and promoting actionable solutions in sustainable energy.

General Manoj Pande Inaugurates High-Tech IT Lab at Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces:

• Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, inaugurated a state-of-the-art IT Laboratory during his visit to Uzbekistan from April 15-18, 2024, marking a milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.
• Background: The initiative aligns with commitments made during the Defence Ministers’ meeting in September 2018, showcasing the growing partnership between India and Uzbekistan in defense technology.
• Strengthening Military Cooperation: General Pande held discussions with Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, focusing on enhancing military cooperation between the Indian and Uzbek Armies, demonstrating the commitment to bolstering strategic ties.

Uzbekistan:

• Capital: Tashkent
• Currency: Uzbekistani Som
• President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Sports NEWS

India Concludes 20th Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 with Nine Medals:

• The senior Indian wrestling team secured a total of nine medals, including four silvers and five bronzes, at the 20th Asian Wrestling Championship.
• Participation: A contingent of 30 Indian wrestlers, consisting of both men and women, competed in the championship held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 11 to 16, 2024.
• Event Participation: Indian men participated in freestyle and Greco-Roman events, while the women’s team competed exclusively in freestyle events.
• Focus on Olympic Qualifiers: Notable Indian wrestlers opted out of the Asian Wrestling Championship to concentrate on the Asian Olympic Wrestling Qualifiers, scheduled to commence in Bishkek from April 19, 2024.
• Antim Panghal’s Achievement: Antim Panghal secured a quota for the Paris Olympics 2024 with her bronze medal win in the 53 kg category at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.

India Shines at 13th EGMO 2024 with 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals:

• The 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) took place in Tskaltubo, Georgia, from April 11 to 17, 2024.
• Indian Performance: The 4-member Indian team secured a total of four medals, comprising 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
• Medal Winners:

1. Gunjan Agarwal from Gurgaon, Haryana – Silver Medal
   1. Sanjana Philo Chacko from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Silver Medal
   1. Larissa from Hisar, Haryana – Bronze Medal
   1. Saee Vitthal Patil from Pune, Maharashtra – Bronze Medal

Important Days

Observing World Liver Day 2024: Promoting Liver Health and Preventive Measures

• April 19th marks World Liver Day, dedicated to raising awareness about liver health and advocating preventive measures against liver diseases.
• Purpose: The initiative aims to highlight the significance of liver health, encourage lifestyle changes, and provide support to individuals affected by liver-related conditions.
• Theme: This year’s theme, “Keep your liver healthy and disease-free,” underscores the importance of preventive measures and regular health check-ups to detect and address liver disorders early.

Obituary NEWS

India Mourns the Passing of Squadron Leader Sardar Dalip Singh Majithia, Oldest Air Force Pilot:

• Squadron Leader Sardar Dalip Singh Majithia, India’s oldest fighter pilot and entrepreneur, passed away in April , 2024, at the age of 103.
• He was cremated with full military honors at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar on April 16, 2024.
• World War II Service: Sardar Dalip Singh Majithia commanded the Indian Air Force in present-day Myanmar and Burma during World War II.