National NEWS
Tamil Nadu Emerges as Leader in Electronics Exports in FY23-24:
- Tamil Nadu achieves a record-breaking $9.56 billion in electronics exports, constituting one-third of the national share.
- The state doubled its electronics exports from the previous fiscal year, reaching $5.37 billion in FY 2022-23.
- Karnataka follows with $4.6 billion in exports, while Uttar Pradesh stands at $4.46 billion.
- Tamil Nadu’s total exports for FY 2023-24 amount to $43.55 billion, with electronics and engineering goods contributing 62%.
- Maharashtra and Gujarat precede Tamil Nadu as India’s top exporters, with $67.2 billion and $134.4 billion respectively
India Advocates for Regional Ocean Observation Center at 2024 Ocean Decade Conference:
- India proposes the establishment of a region-specific ocean observation center to enhance forecasting and comprehension of the deep sea ecosystem at the Ocean Decade Conference 2024 in Barcelona.
- Led by Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, the Indian delegation highlights the importance of people-centered multi-hazard early warning systems and leveraging traditional knowledge.
- The conference, organized by Spain and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, aims to assess progress towards the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
- India’s position emphasizes the involvement of local communities, NGOs, and industries in advancing ocean literacy and related programs, as well as the necessity of designing regional projects like ocean forecasting to benefit user communities.
Unveiling Telangana’s Ancient Heritage: New Archaeological Discoveries:
- Archaeologists uncover three significant sites in Telangana, including over 200 megalithic monuments in dense forests, an Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta, and two rock art sites at Damaratogu.
- The megalithic monuments, predominantly ‘Dolmenoid Cists,’ date back to around 1,000 BCE and feature unique architectural styles, with side slabs arranged to mirror the cap-stone’s contours, resulting in distinct shapes for each structure.
- These discoveries shed light on Telangana’s ancient history and underscore the importance of ongoing exploration and preservation effort
Telangana state:
- Capital: Hyderabad
- Chief minister: Revanth Reddy
- Governor: C. P: Radhakrishnan
National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) Elevated to Navratna Status by DPE:
- The Department of Public Enterprise (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance grants Navratna status to National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) on April 2024.
- NFL’s upgrade from Miniratna-I to Navratna status is executed under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
- This elevation signifies NFL’s enhanced stature and potential for greater autonomy in decision-making, marking a significant milestone in its corporate journey.
About National Fertilizers Limited(NFL):
- Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)- U Saravanan
- Headquarters-Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Incorporated in August 1974
A Navaratna company is a status awarded by the Government of India to select state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that fulfill certain criteria. The term “Navaratna” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “nine jewels.” In this context, it refers to nine public sector enterprises that are considered exceptional in terms of performance and potential.
To qualify as a Navaratna company, an SOE must meet various criteria such as:
- Financial Performance: The company should have consistently good financial performance over the past few years.
- Operational Efficiency: It should demonstrate efficient operational management and meet specific operational targets.
- CSR Activities: Navaratna companies are expected to engage in meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities
- Criteria: The company must have an average annual net profit of more than ₹5,000 crores. The company can invest an amount of up to ₹1,000 crores. The average annual turnover of the company must be ₹25,000 crores. The company may invest 30% of its net worth during the year without exceeding the ₹1,000 crores limit.
The below table gives the list of Navratna Companies (As of January 2024):
| Sl.No | Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) |
| 1 | Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) |
| 2 | Container Corporation of India Limited |
| 3 | Engineers India Limited (EIL) |
| 4 | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| 5 | Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) |
| 6 | National Aluminium Company (NALCO) |
| 7 | National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) |
| 8 | NationCal Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) |
| 9 | NLC India Limited (NLCIL) |
| 10 | Oil India Limited (OIL) |
| 11 | Power Finance Corporation (PFC) |
| 12 | Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) |
| 13 | Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) |
| 14 | Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) |
International NEWS
Nepal Hosts Inaugural International Rainbow Tourism Conference:
- Nepal Hosts Inaugural International Rainbow Tourism Conference Maya Ko Pehchan Nepal, in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board, organizes the landmark event.
- The conference aims to position Nepal as a safe and welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community in South Asia.
- Marks a pivotal moment in advancing diversity and inclusivity in the tourism sector, fostering a more accepting and inclusive industry landscape.
Nepal country:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
- President: Ram Chandra Poudel
- Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Bank NEWS
Aegon Life Insurance Rebranded as Bandhan Life by BFHL:
- Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL), parent company of Bandhan Bank, announces the renaming of Aegon Life Insurance as Bandhan Life.
- The rebranding includes the unveiling of a new logo featuring a growing ‘bud’ and the tagline ‘Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se.’
- BFHL completed the acquisition of Aegon Life Insurance from Aegon India Holding B.V. and Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited (BCCL) in February 2024, marking a strategic move in the insurance sector.
Bandhan life:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Head: Satishwar Balakrishnan
IRDAI Removes Age Restriction on Health Insurance: A Step Towards Inclusivity
- IRDAI has abolished the age limit of 65 years for purchasing health insurance policies in India.
- Insurers can no longer refuse policies to individuals with severe medical conditions like cancer, heart or renal failure, and AIDS.
- The move aims to widen the market and provide adequate protection from healthcare expenses, fostering a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
IRDAI: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
- Chairperson: Debasish Panda
- Founded: 1999
- Headquarters: Hyderabad
Agreement NEWS
CAG of India Signs MoU with Bulgarian National Audit Office for International Cooperation:
- The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Sofia, Bulgaria, aimed at fostering international collaboration.
- The agreement, signed in the presence of BNAO’s Acting President Goritsa-Grancharova-Kozhareva, seeks to facilitate the exchange of expertise and enhance cooperation in auditing practices between the two nations.
- Girish Chandra Murmu, the current CAG of India, plays a pivotal role in formalizing the agreement, underscoring India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the field of audit.
About Bulgaria:
- President- Rumen Radev
- Prime Minister (PM)- Dimitar Glavchev
- Capital– Sofia
- Currency– Bulgarian Lev
Appointment NEWS
President Muizzu’s Party Secures Super-Majority in Maldives Parliamentary Election:
- The People’s National Congress (PNC), led by President Mohamed Muizzu, wins a significant victory in the Maldives parliamentary election held on April 21.
- PNC secures 66 out of the initial 86 declared seats, establishing a super-majority in the 93-member parliament.
- The election outcome signals strong voter support for Muizzu’s alignment with China, suggesting a departure from traditional ties with India.
Maldives:
- Capital: Malé
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
- President: Mohamed Muizzu
MS Dhoni Becomes Brand Ambassador for Citroen India:
- Citroen, the French carmaker, strategically appoints cricketing icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador to bolster its presence and visibility in the Indian market.
- The move aims to strengthen Citroen’s brand identity and establish a solid footing in the competitive Indian passenger vehicle market.
- Citroen, a part of the Stellantis Group, entered the Indian market in 2019 and commenced car sales in 2021, showcasing its commitment to the growing automotive sector in India.
Sports NEWS
Casper Ruud Secures ATP Barcelona Open Title, Rybakina Triumphs in Stuttgart:
- World No. 6, Norwegian professional tennis player Casper Ruud, clinches the ATP Barcelona Open 500 title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
- This victory marks the biggest trophy win of Ruud’s career, avenging his previous loss to Tsitsipas in the Monte Carlo Open final.
- Ruud, previously successful at the 250 level, captures his first ATP 500 tournament title, earning 500 ranking points.
- Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan emerges victorious in the WTA Stuttgart Grand Prix singles final, defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.
Norwegian country:
- Capital: Oslo
- Currency: Norwegian Krone
- Prime minister: Jonas Gahr Støre
Max Verstappen Clinches Maiden Chinese Grand Prix Victory:
- Belgian and Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen secures a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix, further solidifying his lead in the 2024 World Championship for Red Bull Racing.
- The Dutch driver’s victory marks the return of Formula One to China after a five-year hiatus, with Verstappen dominating the race from start to finish.
- Verstappen’s performance underscores his prowess as a leading contender in the Formula One circuit, positioning him as a formidable force in the ongoing championship battle.
Belgian country:
- Capital: Brussels
- Primeminister: Alexander De Croo
Important Days
Commemorating the 54th International Mother Earth Day: Theme “Planet vs. Plastics”:
- April 22 marks the 54th International Mother Earth Day, urging global unity in addressing pressing environmental issues.
- The theme “Planet vs. Plastics” highlights the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on both human health and the environment.
- This annual event emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to combat pollution, deforestation, and global warming, safeguarding the health and sustainability of our planet.
