18th April, 2024

1. Kerala University researchers have made an intriguing discovery: a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in Kachchh, Gujarat.
2. The Union Health Ministry has extended the period for the linking of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number with the CGHS Beneficiary ID by 120 days or four months with effect from June 30 2024.
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, inaugurated India’s inaugural medical devices calibration facility on wheels.
4. According to the Department of Commerce, electronics exports grew 24 per cent, an increase of over $23.6 billion in FY23.
5. In the current financial year (FY25), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified 33 highway stretches spanning a total of 2,741 kilometers for monetization. This will be accomplished through two modes: toll operate transfer (TOT) and infrastructure investment trust (InvIT).
6. The Finance Ministry has notified amendments to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in the space sector to attract offshore investors in the satellite manufacturing and launch vehicles segments.
7. Operation Iron Shield was a significant defensive operation carried out by Israel in response to Iran’s drone and missile attacks on April 13, 2024.
8. The Ministry of Law and Justice has taken a significant step by constituting a committee to address issues concerning the queer community.
9. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch (CRW) of the United States and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) have confirmed the fourth global mass coral bleaching event in 2023-2024.
10. Axis Bank Limited and Shoppers Stop Ltd joined hands to introduce the “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card,” a co-branded Credit Card.
11. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has ordered the attachment of bank and share and demat holdings of Anugrah Stock and Broking to recover Rs.1.22 crore dues in a case related to violation of market norms.
12. The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is eyeing fresh sanctions of Rs.1 trillion for new projects and refinancing through structured instruments in the current financial year (2024-25).
13. A report by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) predicts India’s economy to reach $34.7 trillion by 2047, with a per capita income of $21,000.
14. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced draft regulations for payment aggregators (PAs) to enhance risk management on their platforms.
15. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has allowed One97 Communications (OCL), the company that operates Paytm, to start migration of users to a new payment service provider (PSP) the bank handles.
16. ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) announced a streamlined organisational structure with its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Punit Goenka assuming direct charge of critical verticals, including domestic broadcast business.
17. Only 13.5 percent of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) faculty members across 98 universities and institutes in the country are women, a study by Bias Watch India, which tracks women’s representation in science, has found.
18. The Bretton Woods Committee (BWC) recently released its inaugural report from the Multilateral Reform Working Group (MRWG).
19. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2024.
20. Recently the Trade and Development Report Update (April 2024) published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
21. The United Nations Population’s Fund (UNFPA) has recently launched the State of World Population 2024 report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights”.
22. The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps organized an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) training exercise in Sikkim.
23. World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is observed annually on April 17 to raise awareness about Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, advocating for improved treatment and support globally.
24. The Monte Carlo Masters 2024, the 117th edition of the tournament, took place at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
25. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) collaborates with Women’s World Banking (WWB), Jeevika (Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission), and UMED (Maharashtra-SRLM) to extend the Prayaas scheme to Self-Help Group (SHG) individual women through Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
26. Eight individuals of Indian descent, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Banga, and Sakshi Malik, have been honoured in Time magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people of 2024.
27. EET Fuels announced the appointment of Rob Wallace as Chief executive officer (CEO) of EET Hydrogen Power, EET’s planned hydrogen-ready combined heat and power plant at its Stanlow refinery in the UK.
28. Indigenous leaders of New Zealand, Tahiti and the Cook Islands signed a historic treaty that recognizes whales as legal persons in a move to conserve the Whales.
29. Salman Rushdie, the Indian-born British-American author, launched his latest memoir titled “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder”.
30. Bernd Hölzenbein, the former German footballer who won the 1974 World Cup with West Germany, passed away.
31. German company, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) looking forward to launch its first electric truck in India called ‘eCanter’ within the next six-12 months.

National News

1. Archaeological excavation reveals 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement in Kachchh, Gujarat
   • What: Kerala University researchers have made an intriguing discovery: a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in Kachchh, Gujarat.
   • It is near Juna Khatiya, an Early Harappan necropolis (mass burial site).
     Source: The Hindu
2. Deadline to link ABHA and CGHS-ID extended
   • What: The Union Health Ministry has extended the period for the linking of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number with the CGHS Beneficiary ID by 120 days or four months with effect from June 30 2024.
   • Also the creation of ABHA ID has been extended for a time of 90 days with effect from June 30, also the kiosks shall be made operational at all the wellness centers by June 30 in order to assist the CGHS beneficiaries.
   • Tell me more:
     • ABHA, the unique health ID, is a proxy of Aadhaar in the sphere of health.
     • The need for ABHA (separate health ID) came-in because one cannot save/store Aadhaar on any system without implementing Aadhaar vault and other security systems.
     • The ABHA will eventually apply to all Indian citizens at every health facility.
       Source: The Hindu
3. IIT Madras Launches India’s First Mobile Facility for Medical Devices Calibration
   • What: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, inaugurated India’s inaugural medical devices calibration facility on wheels.
   • Why: The initiative seeks to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas, providing testing and maintenance services for medical devices used in various hospitals, including those in rural villages.
   • Tell me more:
     • Developed under the ‘Anaivarukkum IITM (IITM for all) Initiatives,’ the mobile facility aims to offer affordable, high-quality calibration services across the nation.
     • This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all.
       Source: The Times of India
4. Electronics rises up the ranks, now India’s 5th largest export
   • What: According to the Department of Commerce, electronics exports grew 24 per cent, an increase of over $23.6 billion in FY23.
   • Why: The smartphone production-linked incentive scheme pushed up electronics exports from the seventh largest export between FY19 and FY23 to number six last year, to the fifth spot in FY24.
   • Tell me more:
     • Propelled by burgeoning mobile phone exports from India, especially from Apple, electronics exports have moved up one position to become India’s fifth largest export, at $29.1 billion, displacing drugs and pharmaceuticals at $27.8 billion in the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
     • Mobile phone exports, which grew nearly 38 per cent over last year to reach $15.5 billion, contributed 53 per ce­nt to the total electronics exports.
     • By comparison, in the last financial year, mobile phone exports stood at $11.1 billion, contributing 47 per cent to the total electronics exports. The single largest factor driving this increase was Apple’s iPhone exports, which doubled from $5 billion in FY23 to over $10 billion in FY24.
     • Of the $5.5 billion increase in electronics exports this year, 90 per cent came from the increase in iPhone exports to the tune of $5 billion. Apple’s iPhone exports alone now constitute 35 per cent India’s entire electronics export goods basket.

5. In FY25, NHAI to monetise 2,741 km roads
   • What: In the current financial year (FY25), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified 33 highway stretches spanning a total of 2,741 kilometers for monetization. This will be accomplished through two modes: toll operate transfer (TOT) and infrastructure investment trust (InvIT).
   • Tell me more:
     • Cumulatively, the 33 stretches, spanning 2,741 kilometres (km) earned approximately Rs 5,000 crore revenue in FY24.
     • NHAI will have discretion to review and change the list and modes of monetisation based on its own plans, going forward.
     • In FY24, the highway authority had identified 46 national highway stretches, spanning 2,612 km for monetisation through ToTs and InvIT. It finished the financial year, meeting over 90 per cent of its target of Rs 44,000 crore.
       Source: Business Standard

6. Ministry of Finance notifies new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules for space sector
   • What: The Finance Ministry has notified amendments to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in the space sector to attract offshore investors in the satellite manufacturing and launch vehicles segments.
   • Why: The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed at attracting potential investors in the Indian companies in space
   • Tell me more:
     • New rules ‘Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2024’ amend Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.
     • Government notified new rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
     • FDI in India is governed by FDI Policy announced by Government of India and provisions of FEMA, 1999.
     • Under amended FDI policy, 100% FDI through both automatic and government route is allowed which is in line with strategy under Indian Space Policy 2023.
       • Earlier, FDI was permitted to establish and operate satellites only through government’s approval route.

• Previous norm: As per the earlier norms, FDI was permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the government approval route only. In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy in the Space sector by prescribing liberalized FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities.
  Source: Live Mint

International News

1. Iron Shield: The Israeli operation that struck down 300 Iranian ‘killer drones, ballistic missiles
   • What: Operation Iron Shield was a significant defensive operation carried out by Israel in response to Iran’s drone and missile attacks on April 13, 2024.
     Source: Live Mint
2. Centre notifies Six-member panel led by Cabinet Secretary on issues of queer community
   • What: The Ministry of Law and Justice has taken a significant step by constituting a committee to address issues concerning the queer community.
   • Why: This committee was established in accordance with the Supreme Court’s direction in the Supriyo v Union of India case (2023).
     • In that case, the Supreme Court declined to grant legal recognition for same-sex marriages, emphasizing that it was a matter for the Parliament to decide.

   • Tell me more:
     • The six-member committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
       • The six-member committee will comprise secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Women and Child Development; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Law Ministry.
     • The committee’s mandate includes recommending measures to ensure that the queer community faces no discrimination in accessing goods and services. Additionally, it aims to safeguard queer individuals from involuntary medical treatments, violence, coercion, and other related challenges.
       Source: The Indian Express

3. NOAA, ICRI confirm fourth global mass coral bleaching event in 2023-2024
   • What: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch (CRW) of the United States and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) have confirmed the fourth global mass coral bleaching event in 2023-2024.
   • Why: The CRW declares a global mass coral bleaching event only when it records or gets inputs from all ocean basins of coral bleaching.
   • Tell me more:
     • CRW and ICRI have recorded bleaching of corals in 53 countries, territories and local economies across five different ocean/sea basins between February 2023 and April 2024.
     • This is the second such event in the last 10 years and comes at a time when global oceans have also recorded unprecedented heat in 2023 and 2024.
     • The earlier event had lasted from 2014 to 2017.
       Source: Down To Earth

Banking and Economy

1. Axis Bank and Shoppers Stop Launch Co-branded Credit Card
   • What: Axis Bank Limited and Shoppers Stop Ltd joined hands to introduce the “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card,” a co-branded Credit Card.
     Source: Axis Bank

2. Sebi attaches a/c of Anugrah Stock and Broking
   • What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India has ordered the attachment of bank and share and demat holdings of Anugrah Stock and Broking to recover Rs.1.22 crore dues in a
     case related to violation of market norms.
   • The recovery action have been initiated against the firm after it failed to pay the Rs. 1.22 crore.
     Source: Business Standard

   
   
3. NaBFID eyes Rs.1 trn infra sanctions
   • What: The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is eyeing fresh sanctions of Rs.1 trillion for new projects and refinancing through structured instruments in the
     current financial year (2024-25).
   • Tell me more:
     • NaBFID’s cumulative sanctions crossed the Rs 1 trillion mark by the end of March 2024. While this was a performance in 15 months since lending operations began in December 2022, now the Government of India-backed lenders would look at fresh sanctions of Rs 1 trillion each financial year.
     • Besides lending activity, NaBFID, as part of the development mandate, it would engage with urban local bodies to groom them for raising funds from the market, he added.
     • The share of greenfield projects in sanctions would grow gradually. The funding approvals for such projects were about one-third of the total in 2023-24 (FY24), and it would rise to 40 per cent in the current financial year.
       Source: Business Standard
     
     

4. India to be $34.7 Trillion economy by ’2047: PHDCCI
   • What: A report by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) predicts India’s economy to reach $34.7 trillion by 2047, with a per capita income of $21,000.
     • This optimistic forecast comes from a report by the PHDCCI titled “Viksit Bharat @2047.
   • Why: The report assesses current economic trends and government policies to make long-term projections for India’s economic growth and development.
   • Tell me more:
     • The share of agriculture in total gross domestic product (GDP) would come down to 12 per cent in FY47 from 20 per cent during the previous year, while the share of industry would rise from 26 per cent to 34 per cent during the same period.
     • The share of the manufacturing sector is projected to grow from 16-25 per cent between FY23 and FY47. However, services contribution to total GDP is expected to remain the same, at 54 per cent in FY47
     • India will be $7 trillion economy by 2030 and $34.7 trillion by 2047.
     • The PHDCCI has said that life expectancy at birth will grow to 74 years by 2030 and 84 to 2047.
       • The life expectancy has increased from 63 years in the year 2000 to 67 years in 2021.
       • However, the report projected that availability of hospital beds will be six per 1,000 people by 2030 and 12 per thousand people by 2047.
       • The availability of hospital beds was one per thousand people in 2023.
     • The internet use in India is expected to reach 82 per cent by 2047 from 42 percent in 2024, the report noted.
     • The report added that India’s exports will reach $10 trillion by 2047 and the contribution of exports to GDP would rise to 30 per cent by 2047 from 21 per cent in the previous year.
     • The steady share of the services sector in India’s GDP by 2047 will be 54 per cent.
       Source: Business Standard
5. Eliminating risk’: RBI asks offline PAs to verify KYC for merchants
   • What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced draft regulations for payment aggregators (PAs) to enhance risk management on their platforms.
     • These well-defined Know Your Customer (KYC) norms specifically target small and medium-sized merchants.
   • Why: These guidelines aim to streamline collection and settlement processes for merchants while mitigating risks. The RBI’s focus on KYC compliance is likely a response to previous incidents, such as alleged KYC violations by companies like Paytm Payments Bank.
   • Tell me more:
     • Small Merchants: Defined as physical merchants who primarily engage in proximity or face-to-face transactions. Their business turnover is below the threshold limit of ₹5 lakh per annum, also they are not registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
       • PAs must undertake Contact Point Verification (CPV) and verify the bank account where funds of small merchants are settled.
     • Medium merchants: Defined as those with business turnover below the threshold limit of ₹40 lakh per annum. They are not registered under GST.
       • PAs shall carry out CPV for medium merchants. PAs must obtain and verify Officially Valid Documents (OVDs) for the proprietor, beneficial owner, or person holding power of attorney. Verification of one OVD for the business is also required.
     • Use of Escrow account: Before these new rules, only payment aggregators handling online transactions were regulated by the RBI. Payment aggregators are companies that help businesses accept payments from customers. However, those handling transactions that happen in physical stores (like shops and restaurants) were not regulated by the RBI.
       • Now, with the new rules, payment aggregators can use special accounts called escrow accounts for both online and in-store transactions. These accounts hold the money until the transaction is completed. So, transactions where the product is delivered and paid for at the same time, which weren’t regulated before, can now be monitored by the RBI.
     • Minimum net worth requirements: The regulator has proposed net worth norms for payment aggregators (PAs) which facilitate face-to-face or proximity payment transactions.
       • Those entities which are providing services now need to have a minimum net worth of Rs.15 crore while applying to RBI for authorisation. They should have a minimum net worth of Rs. 28 crore by March 2028, according to draft norms.
       • New non-bank PA-Ps will be required to have a minimum net worth of Rs. 15 crore at the time of application to the RBI for authorisation.
       • They will be required to attain a minimum net worth of Rs. 25 crore by the end of the third financial year of grant of authorisation and maintained at all times thereafter.
         Source: Business Standard

6. NPCI allows Paytm to start migration of users to PSP bank handles
   • What: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has allowed One97 Communications (OCL), the company that operates Paytm, to start migration of users to a new payment service provider (PSP) the bank handles.
   • Why: The NPCI allowed Paytm) to migrate users to new payment service providers (PSPs) because Paytm Payments Bank, faced restrictions from the RBI for not following regulations.
   • Tell me more:
     • This comes over a month after the NPCI allowed Paytm to function as a third-party application provider (TPAP) on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
       • Four banks — State Bank of India (SBI), Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and YES Bank — will act as PSPs to Paytm.
     • UPI users with the @Paytm UPI handle can now create new virtual payment addresses or VPAs with partner PSP banks.
     • OCL added it had started to transition ‘@paytm’ handles users to the four PSP banks. Paytm operates as a TPAP under a multi-bank model.
     • A PSP bank, either through its own application or a TPAP, onboards and registers customers on UPI. It links customers’ bank accounts to their respective UPI identifications.
     • In February this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had advised NPCI to consider the request of OCL to become a TPAP for continued UPI operation of the app.
       • A TPAP is a service provider that participates in UPI through a PSP bank, according to the NPCI, which runs the UPI ecosystem in India.
       • There are 24 TPAPs operational in the country, including Amazon Pay, PhonePe, and Google Pay.
       • Multiple banks, such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, and ICICI Bank, support fintech companies via the TPAP route.
         Source: Business Standard
7. Zee board approves organization restructuring
   • What: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) announced a streamlined organisational structure with its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Punit Goenka assuming direct charge of critical verticals, including domestic broadcast business.
   • Why: The decision would enable the company to pursue growth and evaluate strategic opportunities to generate higher value for all shareholders
     • Under the new organisational structure approved by its board, ZEE will have four key business segments — broadcast, digital, movies and music.
       Source: Live Mint
     
     

Reports and Indices

1. Women’s representation in Indian academia in STEM are very low, as per a new Study
   • What: Only 13.5 percent of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) faculty members across 98 universities and institutes in the country are women, a study by Bias Watch India, which tracks women’s representation in science, has found.
   • Tell me more:
     • The countries such as the US and the UK also grapple with low representation of women in STEM fields, though the figures are not as stark as those observed in India.
     • Additionally, the research shed light on the marginalization of women at STEM conferences and revealed a high attrition rate as their careers progress.
     • The gradual dropping of women out of the workforce in STEM is referred to as the ‘Leaky Pipeline’.
       • Key reasons for ‘Leaky Pipeline’ include marriage, childbirth, lack of family support, gender-blind institutional structures, etc.
         Source: The Print

2. Multilateral Reform Working Group (MRWG) released by Bretton Woods Committee
   • What: The Bretton Woods Committee (BWC) recently released its inaugural report from the Multilateral Reform Working Group (MRWG).
   • Why: This report aims to fortify the multilateral system, enabling it to tackle contemporary global challenges.
   • Tell me more:
     • Established in 1983, the BWC is a non-profit organization committed to fostering effective global economic and financial cooperation.
     • Recommendations for strengthening BWIs
       • Constitute ministerial-level Councils in BWIs to oversee issues pertaining to global commons.
       • Design instruments and institutional arrangements to finance the means to face climate challenges.
       • Expanding climate-linked financial instruments.
       • Establish permanent mechanism to conduct systematic review of progress of global financing and implementation plans
     • The Bretton Woods Institutions (BWIs), set up in 1944 by 43 countries, were designed to help rebuild the postwar economy and promote international economic cooperation. The BWIs consist of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)1. The report underscores two key challenges that need addressing in the 21st century, but unfortunately, the specific details are not provided in the available information.
       Source: BWC

   
   

3. UNCTAD projected India to grow by 6.5% in 2024
   • What: According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2024.
   • Indian Economy Projections:
     • The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) projects India’s economy to grow by 6.5% in 2024, slightly lower than the 6.7% growth recorded in 2023.
     • Growth in 2024 will be primarily driven by robust public investment, increasing local demand for consumer services, and rising external demand for the country’s business services exports, factors that also contributed to growth in 2023.
   • Global Growth Projections by UNCTAD:
     • The UNCTAD report forecasts global economic growth to reach 2.6% in 2024, up from the previously projected 2.5%.
     • China’s economy is projected to grow by 4.9% in 2024, facing challenges like external uncertainties, a sluggish labor market, and low consumption.
       Source: The New Indian Express
4. UNCTAD published the Trade and Development Report Update (April 2024)
   • What: Recently the Trade and Development Report Update (April 2024) published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
   • Tell me more:
     • Global Economic Growth:
       • The report forecasts global economic growth to be 2.6% in 2024. While this rate is slightly above the 2.5% threshold typically associated with a recessionary phase, it still signifies the third consecutive year of growth below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2% (observed from 2015 to 2019).
       • The prevailing focus on inflation tends to overshadow other urgent issues such as trade disruptions, climate change, and rising inequalities.

     • Shifts in International Trade:
       • In 2023, global merchandise trade declined by about 1% in real terms, diverging significantly from overall economic growth.
       • Factors contributing to this contraction include trade tensions among major economies and subdued global demand.
       • The “high base” effect due to the temporary shift in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role.
       • Disruptions in key shipping routes, such as the severe drought affecting the Panama Canal and attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, further strained merchandise trade and significantly increased shipping costs.
     • Debt Dynamics in Developing Countries:
       • Developing countries’ governments are grappling with increasing debt payment obligations.
       • In 2022, they paid $50 billion more to external creditors than they received in new loans.
       • High global interest rates exacerbated these challenges, with currency depreciation making foreign-denominated debt more costly.
       • By 2023, nine low-income countries had fallen into debt distress, and an additional 25 were on the brink, highlighting a worsening global debt crisis.
     • Commodity Markets:
       • Despite a 6.8% decline in commodity prices in 2023, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
       • The energy sector saw the largest price drop at 16.1%, yet prices are still about 40% higher than the averages observed between 2015 and 2019.
       • While these elevated prices benefit exporters, they heavily burden net commodity-importing developing countries.
     • Regional Economic Outlooks:
       • Africa: Projected to grow at 3.0% in 2024, slightly up from 2.9% in 2023.
       • Americas: Growth is expected to slow.
         Source: UNCTAD
5. State of World Population 2024 report released by UNFPA
   • What: The United Nations Population’s Fund (UNFPA) has recently launched the State of World Population 2024 report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in
     sexual and reproductive health and rights”.
   • Key Highlights from UNFPA Report on India’s Population
     • India’s population is projected to double in 77 years, according to the report.
     • India surpasses China as the global leader in population, estimated at 1.44 billion, compared to China’s 1.425 billion.
     • The last census in 2011 recorded India’s population at 1.21 billion.
     • Demographic Breakdown:
       • The report reveals that 24% of India’s population falls within the age range of 0-14 years, while 17% are aged 10-19 years.
       • The 10-24 years age group constitutes 26%, while the 15-64 age group makes up 68%.
       • Approximately 7% of India’s population is aged 65 years and above, with men having a life expectancy of 71 years and women 74 years.
       • India’s Total Fertility Rate i.e. births per woman in reproductive age is estimated at 2.0.
       • In India, life expectancy at birth is estimated at 71 and 74 years for men and women respectively.
       • Child marriage rates in India was 23% between 2006-2023.
       • Women with disabilities experience up to 10 times more gender-based violence than women without disabilities.
       • 30 years (1994-2024) of progress in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has mostly ignored the most marginalized communities.
     • Health-specific Findings from UNFPA Report
       • Maternal Mortality: Maternal deaths in India have significantly decreased, now accounting for 8% of global maternal mortalities.
       • India’s progress is attributed to improved access to affordable, quality maternal health services and efforts to address gender discrimination’s impact on health outcomes. However, challenges persist in maternal health risks.
     • District-Level Maternal Mortality:
       • A report by the Public Library of Science (PLOS) Global Public Health, highlighted by UNFPA, reveals that 640 districts in India have achieved the sustainable development goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio below 70 per 100,000 live births.
       • However, 114 districts still have ratios of 210 or more, indicating disparities in maternal health outcomes across regions.
       • Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh, with a high proportion of indigenous peoples, exhibits the highest ratio of maternal mortality at 1,671 per 100,000 births.
     • Vulnerable Groups:
       • Women with disabilities face significantly higher rates of gender-based violence, experiencing ten times more incidents than their peers without disabilities.
       • Vulnerable populations including migrants, refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, and disadvantaged castes encounter greater sexual and reproductive health risks.

   • Global Outcomes from the UNFPA Report
     • Maternal Mortality: The report reveals that 800 women continue to die every day during childbirth, a statistic unchanged since 2016.
     • Women’s Autonomy: Women’s autonomy in decision-making regarding their bodies is diminishing, as indicated by data from 40% of countries.
     • UNFPA’s Achievements: Despite challenges, UNFPA has made significant strides:
       • Reduced unintended pregnancy rate by nearly one-fifth.
       • Lowered maternal death rate by one-third.
       • Helped secure laws against domestic violence in over 160 countries.
         Source: UNFPA

Defence News

1. Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps Conducts ATGM Training Exercise in Sikkim
   • What: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps organized an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) training exercise in Sikkim.
   • Why: The exercise focused on live fire scenarios against moving and stationary targets, simulating combat conditions.
   • Tell me more:
     • Aimed at “Ek Missile Ek Tank,” the exercise showcased the accuracy and effectiveness of the ATGM system in high-altitude environments.
     • Trishakti Corps, a significant military formation of the Indian Army headquartered at Sukna in West Bengal, operates along India’s eastern borders.
       Source: Economic Times

Awards

1. 8 Indians named in Time’s 100 Most Influential List 2024
   • What: Eight individuals of Indian descent, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Banga, and Sakshi Malik, have been honoured in Time magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people of 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • The overall list contains four categories: Leaders, heroes, artists, and thinkers.
     • List of Indians included in the list
       • Ajay Banga (World Bank CEO), Alia Bhatt (Actress), Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Sakshi Malik (Olympian), Dev Patel (British actor of Indian descent), Priyamvada Natarajan (Professor), Asma Khan (British restaurateur of Indian origin), Jigar Shah (Director of the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office).
         Source: Business Standard

Important Days

1. April 17: World Hemophilia Day
   • What: World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is observed annually on April 17 to raise awareness about Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, advocating for improved treatment and support globally.
   • Organized by: The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH)
   • Theme for 2024: “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders”.
     Source: Hindustan Times

Sports

1. Monte Carlo Masters Title – A Tennis event
   • What: The Monte Carlo Masters 2024, the 117th edition of the tournament, took place at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
   • Tell me more:
     • Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas secured the Singles title at the Monte Carlo Masters 2024, defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud.
       • This victory marks Tsitsipas’ third Monte Carlo Masters title, having previously won in 2021 and 2022.
     • Rafael Nadal holds the record for the most Monte Carlo Masters Singles titles, with an impressive 11 victories.
     • Doubles Winners: Belgium’s Sander Gillé & Joran Vliegen: Belgian tennis duo Sander Gillé and Joran Vliegen clinched the doubles title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2024.
       • They secured victory by defeating Marcelo Melo of Brazil and Alexander Zverev of Germany.
     • Sumit Nagal Makes Indian Tennis History at Monte Carlo: Sumit Nagal, India’s emerging tennis talent, achieved a historic milestone by defeating Matteo Arnaldi of Italy in the main draw match at the Monte Carlo Masters.
       • Nagal becomes the first Indian to record a main draw win at the Monte Carlo Masters, marking a significant moment in Indian tennis history.
         Source: Monte Carlo Tennis

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SIDBI and WWB Sign MoU with Jeevika and UMED for Prayaas Scheme Expansion
   • What: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) collaborates with Women’s World Banking (WWB), Jeevika (Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission), and UMED (Maharashtra-SRLM) to extend the Prayaas scheme to Self-Help Group (SHG) individual women through Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
   • Why: The aim is to develop market-driven solutions to provide long-term economic stability to women-led SHG CLFs.
   • Tell me more:
     • During the pilot phase, SIDBI will partner with 35 to 40 CLFs across Bihar and Maharashtra, aiming to offer affordable credit up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 women entrepreneurs.
     • The selected CLFs will serve as partner institutions with SIDBI for the project.
     • SIDBI allocates a budget of Rs 50 crore for the pilot testing phase.
     • WWB will provide manpower support to CLFs for capacity building and reinforcing Prayaas technical aspects.
     • The project receives financial backing from MetLife Foundation.
     • WWB, in conjunction with CLFs, will identify individual SHG members eligible for individual loans.
     • Loans will be sanctioned based on digital assessment through Straight Through Process (STP).
       Source: Economic Times

Appointment

1. EET appoints Rob Wallace CEO of EET Hydrogen Power
   • What: EET Fuels announced the appointment of Rob Wallace as Chief executive officer (CEO) of EET Hydrogen Power, EET’s planned hydrogen-ready combined heat and power plant at its Stanlow refinery in the UK.
   • Essar Energy Transition (EET) is the unit of Essar Group that is driving $3.6 billion worth of low-carbon projects in the UK and India over the next five years.
     Source: Essar

Miscellaneous

1. Whales have been recognized as legal persons 
   • What: Indigenous leaders of New Zealand, Tahiti and the Cook Islands signed a historic treaty that recognizes whales as legal persons in a move to conserve the Whales.
     • A legal person is a human or a non-human legal entity that is treated as a person for legal purposes.
     • Earlier, New Zealand declared the Whanganui River as a legal entity.
       Source: New York Times
2. Salman Rushdie’s New Memoir “Knife” Released
   • What: Salman Rushdie, the Indian-born British-American author, launched his latest memoir titled “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder”.
   • Published by Penguin Random House, the memoir recounts Rushdie’s harrowing experience of surviving a stabbing incident during an Arts gathering in New York, USA, in August 2022.
   • The attack resulted in the author sustaining permanent damage, including the loss of sight in his right eye.
     Source: The New York Times

3. Former German Footballer Bernd Hölzenbein passed away
   • What: Bernd Hölzenbein, the former German footballer who won the 1974 World Cup with West Germany, passed away.
     Source: The Times of India
4. German company, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) looking forward to launch its first electric truck in India called ‘eCanter’ within the next six-12 months.
   Source: Business Standard

3. Veteran carnatic musician, singer KG Jayan passes away
   • What: Padma Shri Awardee KG Jayan, a renowned Carnatic musician from Kerala, passed away at 89 in Ernakulam district, Kerala.
   • KG Jayan was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2019 for his contributions to the arts.
     Source: Indian Express
4. Max Health to invest Rs. 2,500 crore in Lucknow
   • The new investment will be part of the plan to double capacity by adding 4,200 beds in the next four to five years for an investment of more than Rs. 5,000 crore.
     Source: Business Standard

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