23rd April, 2024

1. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
2. The NHRC today organized the Statutory Full Commission meeting of all the seven National Commissions, whose Chairpersons are its ex-officio members.
3. All cases of organ transplants, whether from a living or deceased donor, will be allocated a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for both the donor and the recipient. It must be generated by the hospital from the NOTTO website (www.notto.mohfw.gov.in).
4. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a quality check on products from MDH and Everest following complaints of elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a potentially carcinogenic chemical used in pesticides and preservatives.
5. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has called for proposals to conduct a study on how artificial intelligence (AI) affects competition, efficiency, and innovation in key user industries.
6. Australian Government in its National Defense Strategy (NDS) 2024 identified India as ‘top-tier security partner’ in the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR).
7. In a move to protect consumers, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), issued a recall for Everest’s fish curry masala, a popular Indian spice brand. The recall was prompted by the detection of ethylene oxide, a pesticide, exceeding safe limits for human consumption.
8. American and Philippines forces have commenced their largest combat exercises in years near the disputed South China Sea, aiming to demonstrate allied strength. The exercises will involve over 16,000 military personnel, including 250 French and Australian forces, and will last until May 10.
9. On the sidelines of the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, which took place in Washington D.C. (U.S.A.), 10 Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) jointly launched the Global Collaborative Co-financing Platform.
10. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report titled ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023’.
11. IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report outlines that the regulators should scrutinize the fast-growing private credit market more closely, given potential concerns ranging from demands on funds’ liquidity to the quality of underlying borrowers.
12. The Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on the East Coast.
13. Dommaraju Gukesh, the 17-year-old chess Grandmaster from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, clinched victory in the Open category of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates 2024 held in Toronto, Canada.
14. The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix took place at the Shanghai International Circuit.
15. April 21: National Civil Services Day
16. April 21: World Creativity and Innovation Day 2024
17. Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, has bagged the Achievement Award for Creating Social Development and Impact at the 15th Edition of the Vishwakarma Awards, hosted by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) – a joint initiative by the Niti Aayog and the Indian construction industry.
18. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has signed an MoU with Turkish Engineering Consulting and Contracting-TUMAS India Pvt Ltd.
19. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed an MoU.
20. Pine Labs-owned API infrastructure company Setu on Monday appointed Anand Raisinghani as its chief executive officer (CEO).
21. Shankaracharya of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Swami released “Heavenly Islands of Goa”, a book authored by Governor of Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.
22. The Chipko Movement, also known as the Chipko Andolan, originated in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas in early 1973. The name “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi, signifying the practice of embracing trees to protect them from being cut down.

National News

1. PM inaugurates 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav
   • What: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Prime Minister also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.
     • This is the 8th commemorative coin for the year 2024. The Non-Circulating type coin is minted at the India Government Mint, Hyderabad in Telangana
     • The coin with the denomination Rs 100 weighs 35 grams.
     • The reverse of the coin features the image of the Nalanda Pawapuri Jal Mandir and “Bhagwan Mahaveer 2550th Nirvan Kalyanak” in both Devanagari script and English with the year 2023 at the bottom.
       Source: PMO India

2. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) India holds Statutory Full Commission meeting
   • What: The NHRC today organized the Statutory Full Commission meeting of all the seven National Commissions, whose Chairpersons are its ex-officio members.
   • Why: The objective was to discuss the issue of ensuring the protection of the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized sections and share best practices and annual action plans in this regard.
   • Here’s the list of the seven National Commissions
     • National Commission for Minorities: Works towards ensuring the rights of religious and linguistic minorities.
     • National Commission for Scheduled Castes: Advocates for the rights of communities designated as Scheduled Castes, facing historical disadvantages based on caste.
     • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: Protects the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes, indigenous communities facing social and economic challenges.
     • National Commission for Women: Champions the rights and empowerment of women in India.
     • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights: Safeguards the rights and well-being of children.
     • National Commission for Backward Classes: Works towards the upliftment of socially and educationally backward classes.
     • Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities: Ensures the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
       Source: NHRC
3. Centre releases curriculum framework for three to six-year-olds
   • What: The Aadharshila curriculum, developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), is a comprehensive 48-week program designed for children aged three to six years in anganwadis. It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.
   • Why: The goal of Aadharshila is to enhance basic reading and math skills, nurturing well-rounded growth in young learners.
   • Tell me more:
     • The framework document has been finalised by an internal committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of School Education and Literacy, the Ministry of Education, the National Council of Educational Research & Training, the Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University and civil society organisations.
     • Developmental Domains Covered: The curriculum addresses various developmental domains, including physical/motor, cognitive, language & literacy, social-emotional, cultural/aesthetic, and positive habits.
     • Weekly Calendar: It offers 36 weeks of active learning, followed by 8 weeks of reinforcement and 4 weeks of initiation.
     • Play-Based Learning: Children engage in play-based activities for 5+1 days each week, fostering holistic development.
     • Play calendar
       • The curriculum includes a weekly based play calendar with four weeks of initiation that include academic activities which help children transition from home to anganwadi centre by engaging them in fun and free play.
       • The next 36 weeks are spent in exploring, free play, conversation, creation and appreciation, reflection that involves various activities, including storytelling, singing rhymes, art and craft and so on.
       • Last eight weeks are spent in recap and reinforcing learnings of previous weeks with worksheets and observation of kid’s performance.
       • Activities and time table are segregated age-wise, with detailed requirement of materials needed, age-appropriate specifications, variation, notes for teacher, targeted curricular goals and competency that children achieve and observing children’s interest.
         Source: The Hindu
4. All cases of organ transplants, to be given unique NOTTO-ID
   • What: All cases of organ transplants, whether from a living or deceased donor, will be allocated a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for both the donor and the recipient. It must be generated by the hospital from the NOTTO website (www.notto.mohfw.gov.in).
     • The Union Health Ministry has issued the directive to eliminate commercial dealing in organs, especially those involving foreign citizens.
   • Why: The latest order, issued to all States and Union Territories, comes following reports of malpractice and a surge in the number of organ transplants related to foreigners in the country.
   • Tell me more:
     • “NOTTO-ID is mandatory for considering allocation of organs in case of deceased donor transplant, this ID in case of a living donor transplant, shall also be generated at the earliest, maximum within 48 hours after the transplant surgery is done.
       Source: The Hindu
5. FSSAI launches probe into MDH and Everest products
   • What: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a quality check on products from MDH and Everest following complaints of elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a potentially carcinogenic chemical used in pesticides and preservatives.
   • Why: The move by FSSAI comes after recalls of these products by Hong Kong and Singapore due to the presence of ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits. Concerns over consumer health and adherence to Indian standards drive the regulatory action.
   • Tell me more:
     • FSSAI is conducting tests to assess whether MDH and Everest products comply with Indian standards regarding chemical residue.
     • While FSSAI focuses on domestic standards, the responsibility for testing and allowing imports lies with the importing countries.
       • Ethylene oxide, found in spices and millets, poses health risks when consumed beyond permissible levels, potentially leading to carcinogenic effects.
       • The recall follows previous instances of Everest products facing scrutiny from foreign regulators, such as the US Food & Drug Administration recalling Everest spice mixes in 2023 due to Salmonella contamination.
         Source: Business Standard

6. CCI Initiates Study on AI’s Impact on Competition and Innovation
   • What: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has called for proposals to conduct a study on how artificial intelligence (AI) affects competition, efficiency, and innovation in key user industries.
   • Why: Recognizing AI’s transformative potential, the CCI aims to explore both its pro-competitive aspects and potential competition concerns.
   • Tell me more:
     • The study will provide insights into AI’s landscape and application in Indian markets, examining global and domestic legislation and enforcement priorities.
     • The CCI has invited proposals for the market study, with a deadline for submission on June 3.
     • Additionally, a high-powered committee led by the principal scientific advisor to the Government of India is developing an AI framework, indicating a broader government focus on AI governance and regulation.
       Source: Business Standard

International News

1. Australia recognizes India as top-tier Security Partner
   • What: Australian Government in its National Defense Strategy (NDS) 2024 identified India as ‘top-tier security partner’ in the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR).
   • The national defence strategy aims to bolster the Australian Defence Force (ADF)’s deterrence and warfighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, including by building stronger partnerships with key countries.
     Source: Hindustan Times
   
   

3. Singapore recalls Everest’s fish curry masala over pesticide detection
   • What: In a move to protect consumers, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), issued a recall for Everest’s fish curry masala, a popular Indian spice brand. The recall was prompted by the detection of ethylene oxide, a pesticide, exceeding safe limits for human consumption.
   • The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed the importer, SP Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to recall the products.
     Source: Indian Express

4. US and Philippines Forces Conduct Large-Scale Military Exercises
   • What: American and Philippines forces have commenced their largest combat exercises in years near the disputed South China Sea, aiming to demonstrate allied strength. The exercises will involve over 16,000 military personnel, including 250 French and Australian forces, and will last until May 10.
   • Why: The annual exercises, a display of longstanding alliance and commitment, come amidst heightened tensions in the South China Sea, causing concerns in Beijing.
     Source: Business Standard

Banking and Economy

1. World Bank, AfDB, and others unveil mutual financing platform
   • What: On the sidelines of the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, which took place in Washington D.C. (U.S.A.), 10 Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) jointly launched the Global Collaborative Co-financing Platform.
   • Why: It will enable them to channel additional capital for more impactful programs and projects.
   • Tell me more:
     • About Global Collaborative Co-Financing Platform:
       • The platform has two components-
         • Co-Financing Portal: It will create a secure platform for registered co-financiers to share project pipelines. The portal will be hosted by the World Bank,
         • The Co-Financing Forum: It will provide a space for participants to discuss co-financing opportunities, best practices, and common issues, and will support ongoing efforts to coordinate policies to reduce the burden on partner countries.
         • Benefits of this platform: For countries, the new platform will reduce the administrative burden and transaction costs, and enable better-coordinated financing in line with their priorities—resulting in greater development impact.
         • MDBs that will be part of the new co-financing platform include The African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and the World Bank Group.
           Source: The World Bank
2. Three Indian banks in the top 50 banks in Asia-Pacific by assets: S&P Global
   • What: S&P Global in its report said Indian banks have been among the best-performing lenders among peers in Asia as three Indian lenders made it to the list of top 50 banks by assets in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, up from two in 2022.
   • Tell me more:
     • India specific data
       • As per the data, the aggregate assets of the lenders rose sharply by 50.5% y/y to US$1.51 trillion in 2023.
       • In the list, State Bank of India is at the 20th position, HDFC Bank at 33rd and ICICI Bank at 48th spot.
         • For HDFC, a large part of the increase was due to the merger of HDFC Bank Ltd. with its parent Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd. in July 2022. HDFC Bank’s assets jumped 51.3% to $466.35 billion after the merger, propelling the bank up 13 places to 33 in the top 50 ranking.
     • Top Four banks by Assets in Asia- Pacific region in 2023

• The big four Chinese banks expanded their assets 10.2% year on year (yoy) to $21.91 trillion in 2023, with the Agricultural Bank showing the biggest growth at 14.3% yoy.
  Source: The Statesman

Report and Indices

1. ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023’ report released by SIPRI report
   • What: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report titled ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023’.
     • According to the report, the total global military expenditure increased for the 9th consecutive year to an all-time high of USD 2443 billion in 2023, an increase of 6.8% in real terms from 2022. This is the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009.

   • Why: The increase in global military spending in 2023 was mainly due to the Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. All 5 geographical regions saw higher military expenditure, especially in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
   • Tell me more:
     • Global Scenario
       • The top 5 military spenders in 2023 are the USA(1st), China(2nd), Russia(3rd), India (4th) and Saudi Arabia (5th), which together accounted for 61% of world military spending.
       • Total military expenditure accounted for 2.3 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
       • Russia’s military spending grew by 24 percent in 2023 to an estimated $109 billion. This was equivalent to 5.9 percent of Russia’s GDP.
       • Ukraine became the eighth largest military spender in 2023, increasing its spending by 51 percent to $64.8 billion, or 37 percent of GDP.
       • In 2023 military expenditure by NATO member states reached $1341 billion or 55 per
         cent of world spending.
       • China, the world’s second largest military spender, allocated an estimated $296 billion to the military in 2023, an increase of 6 percent from 2022. This was the 29th consecutive year-on-year rise in China’s military expenditure.
     • Indian Scenario
       • India ranked fourth in global military spending in 2023 with an expenditure of $83.6 billion.
       • India’s military spending was up by 4.2 percent from 2022 and by 44 percent from 2014. The increase was “mainly a result of growing personnel and operations costs”, which made up almost 80 percent of the total military budget in 2023, the SIPRI report stated.
       • Capital outlays to fund military procurement remained relatively stable at around 22 percent of the budget in 2023.
         Source: SIPRI

2. Private credit faces liquidity risks if stress rises, says IMF report
   • What: IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report outlines that the regulators should scrutinize the fast-growing private credit market more closely, given potential concerns ranging from demands on funds’ liquidity to the quality of underlying borrowers.
     • Private Credit (PC): It is non-bank corporate credit provided through bilateral agreements or small “club deals” outside the realm of public securities or commercial banks.
   • Why: The study, points to possible risks which are difficult to fully ascertain given the lack of information and transparency.
     Source: Business Standard

Defence News

1. INDIAN NAVY CONDUCTS EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR (XPOL) ON THE EAST COAST
   • What: The Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on the East Coast.
   • Why: The exercise aimed at validation of procedures towards assessment of the Indian Navy’s preparedness to meet Maritime Security challenges in the region.
     Source: PIB

Sports

1. Chess Prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh Triumphs in FIDE Candidates 2024
   • What: Dommaraju Gukesh, the 17-year-old chess Grandmaster from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, clinched victory in the Open category of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates 2024 held in Toronto, Canada.
   • He defeated Hikaru Nakamura of the United States.
   • Tell me more:
     • Gukesh’s triumph earns him the opportunity to compete against Ding Liren of China in the upcoming World Chess Championship 2024.
     • In the Women’s category, Tan Zhongyi of China emerged victorious in the Candidates 2024 and will challenge her compatriot Ju Wenjun in the Women’s World Chess Championship 2024.
     • About D. Gukesh:
       • Gukesh has become the youngest challenger in history to qualify for the World Chess Championship, surpassing the record set by GM Garry Kasparov of Russia in 1984 when he was 22 years old.
       • He follows in the footsteps of his mentor Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian to win the prestigious Candidate Chess Tournament, with Anand achieving this feat in 2014.
       • Gukesh attained the title of Grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the third youngest in chess history to achieve this remarkable milestone.
         Source: FIDE. Com

2. Chinese Grand Prix 2024 – Formula 1 (F1) Championship
   • What: The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix took place at the Shanghai International Circuit.
   • List of Winners
     • Race Winner: Max Verstappen – Red Bull
     • Runner-up: Lando Norris – McLaren
     • Third Place: Sergio Perez – Red Bull
       Source: Formula 1

Important Days

1. April 21: National Civil Services Day
   • What: To acknowledge and honour the work of civil servants engaged in public service, the backbone of the nation’s administration, the Government of India celebrates National Civil Services Day on April 21 every year.
   • This day commemorates the address given by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of Independent India, to probationary officers in 1947, where he referred to civil servants as ‘the steel frame of India.
   • Each year on this occasion, the Prime Minister confers the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration upon districts and implementing units for their exemplary achievements in priority programme implementation and innovation categories.
     Source: Indian Express
2. April 21: World Creativity and Innovation Day 2024
   • What: Every year World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated on April 21 to raise awareness about the role of creativity and innovation in human development.
   • The day is dedicated to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are set out by the United Nations.
   • World Creativity and Innovation Day coincides with World Creativity & Innovation Week, which runs from the 15th to the 21st of April. During this period, people come together to celebrate creativity, collaborate, and explore new ways to address challenges.
     Source: News18
3. April 22: International Mother Earth Day
   • What: World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22 April.
   • Why: The day is dedicated to highlighting the need to preserve and protect our planet.
   • The theme of Earth Day 2024 is ‘Planet vs Plastics‘.
     Source: The Quint

Awards

1. Puravankara Bags Prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award for Social Development
   • What: Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, has bagged the Achievement Award for Creating Social Development and Impact at the 15th Edition of the Vishwakarma Awards, hosted by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) – a joint initiative by the Niti Aayog and the Indian construction industry.
   • Why: The award recognizes Puravankara’s exemplary efforts in driving positive change through its impactful campaigns, particularly its collaboration with the Biome Environmental Trust in rejuvenating heritage wells as part of the “Million Wells for Bengaluru” campaign.
     • ‘Million Wells for Bengaluru’ campaign – an initiative that aims to combat the depleting water table in the city.
       Source: Purvankara.com

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Rail Vikas signs MoU with Turkish Engineering firm for infra projects in India
   • What: Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has signed an MoU with Turkish Engineering Consulting and Contracting-TUMAS India Pvt Ltd.
   • Why: The contract is for partnership and collaboration in public transportation projects and infrastructure projects in India.
     Source: CNBC TV18
2. CSIR-IICT & BHEL partnered to develop tech to make clean fuel with CO2
   • What: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed an MoU.
   • Why: The MoU is aimed at developing technology for capturing and converting carbon dioxide (CO2) to Dimethyl Ether (DME) via direct catalytic conversion.
     • This clean fuel can be blended with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
   • Tell me more:
     • The project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology.
     • The project is being taken up under Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology.
       Source: The Hindu
3. NGEL and ITL Join Forces for Green Energy Development
   • What: NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Indus Towers Limited (ITL) have signed an MoU to address the imperative of advancing green energy objectives and the Indian government’s aspirations for a carbon-neutral economy.
   • This collaborative effort aims to jointly develop grid-connected renewable energy-based power projects, including solar, wind, and energy storage solutions.
     Source: CNBC TV18

Appointment

1. Former SAP India executive named CEO of Pine Labs’ Setu
   • What: Pine Labs-owned API infrastructure company Setu on Monday appointed Anand Raisinghani as its chief executive officer (CEO).
   • Raisinghani, will succeed Sahil Kini.
     Source: Business Standard

Miscellaneous

1. Sringeri seer releases book written by Goa Governor
   • What: Shankaracharya of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Swami released “Heavenly Islands of Goa”, a book authored by Governor of Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.
   • The book provides an overview of the biodiversity of Goa’s rich culture and heritage.
     Source: The Hindu
2. 50 years of Chipko Movement
   • What: The Chipko Movement, also known as the Chipko Andolan, originated in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas in early 1973. The name “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi, signifying the practice of embracing trees to protect them from being cut down.

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