30th April, 2024

1. In a significant step towards sustainable development in India, REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise and leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, has successfully availed a Green Loan of Japanese Yen (JPY) 60.536 billion to finance eligible green projects in India.
2. The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) launched the “Integrated Pensioners Portal of Bank of India” as part of its initiative to integrate the pension portals of all 17 Pension Disbursing Banks.
3. Mission ISHAN refers to the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management system. It is a strategic initiative to unify India’s four regional airspaces into a single managed airspace, controlled from Nagpur. This will help streamline operations across the entire country.
4. The 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) was held in New Delhi.
5. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched a new Corporate Governance Charter for startups to provide guidance on good governance practices tailored to the unique needs of startups at different stages of growth.
6. A fresh set of ‘alert indicators’ have been issued by India’s financial intelligence unit (FIU) for capital markets, insurance companies, online payment gateway intermediaries and crypto currency service providers for effective checking of suspicious transactions in their channels as part of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.
7. Tamil Nadu government is executing a synchronized survey to estimate the population of Nilgiri Tahr.
8. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued Guidelines for the Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP), and has instructed district-level officers to ensure that all schools in their jurisdiction take proactive steps to create safe and nurturing environments for students.
9. The 26th edition of the World Energy Congress took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from April 22-25, 2024, centered around the theme ‘Redesigning energy for people and planet.’
10. After a ban on certain spices of Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) in Hong Kong and Singapore related to contamination, a new report revealed that nearly 31% of the products of the Indian spice maker have been rejected by the US customs authorities over the last six months. The refusal rate of MDH shipments has doubled from 15 percent to 31 percent over salmonella contamination since October 2023.
11. The United Nations has taken a significant step by appointing a Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
12. The UK government has introduced groundbreaking laws requiring all internet-connected smart devices to meet minimum security standards, effective immediately. These measures aim to safeguard consumers and businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks.
13. The Group of Seven (G7) major democracies has taken a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels by reaching an agreement to phase out coal-fired power plants.
14. The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a five-year agreement with HCL Software, the software business unit of HCLTech, for their MarTech solution as part of SBI’s digital transformation program.
15. Fintech company Cred has launched an offline UPI-based ‘Scan and Pay’ service, enabling users to make payments directly from their bank accounts by scanning QR codes.
16. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Gurugram-based company TalkCharge to refund the prepaid funds held in the wallets of its customers. This directive comes as TalkCharge has been issuing Prepaid Payment Instruments (Wallets) without proper authorisation from the central bank.
17. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved ICRA’s subsidiary, Pragati Development Consulting Services Ltd (PDCSL), to offer environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings.
18. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed Linde India to adhere to materiality thresholds for future related party transactions (RPTs) based on the aggregate transaction value, amid an ongoing investigation by the regulator.
19. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a firm stance against unfair practices by banks and lenders. In a recent directive, the RBI has instructed regulated entities to adhere to fair practices and ensure transparency in charging interest to customers.
20. According to a report by Invest India, India’s e-commerce sector is anticipated to experience significant growth, reaching $325 billion by 2030. The report also projects the nation’s digital economy to soar to $800 billion within the same timeframe.
21. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy have bolstered their combat capabilities with the induction of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missile, previously utilized by the Israeli Air Force.
22. April 28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024
23. April 29: International Dance Day
24. India topped the medal tally with 8 medals(5 Golds, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) at the 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Shanghai, China.
25. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has appointed A Ganesh Kumar and Debasis Kundu as members of the NSC.
26. Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar took charge as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). The government of India appointed Justice Dinesh Kumar for a four-year term.
27. Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has announced his resignation amid political turmoil.
28. Hemant Bakshi, chief executive officer of ANI Technologies, the parent company of ride hailing service Ola Cabs, has resigned after four months into this role.
29. Isidro Pablo Porqueras Orea has been appointed as the Chief of Transformation at IndiGo, India’s largest airline.
30. The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has announced Krishna M Ella, co-founder, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech as the association’s new President for a two year period from April 2024.
31. Venkataiah Sreenivasa Prasad, a prominent figure in Indian politics, particularly associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka

National News

1. REC Limited Secures Green Loan from SACE for Sustainable Projects
   • What: In a significant step towards sustainable development in India, REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise and leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, has successfully availed a Green Loan of Japanese Yen (JPY) 60.536 billion to finance eligible green projects in India.
   • SACE is the Italian Export Credit Agency. SACE will provide an 80% guarantee for the loans under its Push Strategy program. The arrangement between SACE and REC is a breakthrough and a first-of-its-kind collaboration between an Indian government entity and SACE.
     • The Push Strategy program by SACE, Italy’s Export Credit Agency, aims to bolster Made in Italy exports and facilitate the green transition on an international scale

   • The financing involved participation from banks across Asia, USA and Europe, namely Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, KfW IPEX-Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation as Mandated Lead Arrangers. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank would be acting as the Export Credit Agency Coordinator, Green Loan Coordinator, Documentation Bank and Facility Agent
   • The green loan will support projects in renewable energy, green mobility, and energy efficiency, fostering sustainable long-term growth in India, aligning with REC Limited’s commitment to sustainable development as outlined in its Green Finance Framework.
   • Head of SACE – India & South Asia is Shri Gautam Bhansali
     Source: PIB

2. DoPPW Launches Integrated Pensioners Portal for Bank of India
   • What: The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) launched the “Integrated Pensioners Portal of Bank of India” as part of its initiative to integrate the pension portals of all 17 Pension Disbursing Banks.
   • Why: The integration aims to enhance the Ease of Living for pensioners by providing one-stop services through the Integrated Pensioners’ Portal of DoPPW.
   • Tell me more:
     • With this integration, pensioners of Bank of India (BOI) will have access to services such as pension slip, status of life certificate submission, due and drawn statement, and Form-16 through the integrated portal.
     • The launch of the Bank of India portal marks the integration of five banks into the single-window service platform.
     • Previously, the integration of pension portals of State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BOB), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Canara Bank with the Bhavishya portal had been completed.
       • The ‘Bhavishya’ platform, initiated in 2017, aims to ensure timely payment of retirement dues and delivery of Pension Payment Order (PPO) to retiring employees on their retirement day.
         Source: PIB
3. One nation, one airspace’: India’s project ISHAN to streamline air traffic, benefit airlines
   • What: Mission ISHAN refers to the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management system. It is a strategic initiative to unify India’s four regional airspaces into a single managed airspace, controlled from Nagpur. This will help streamline operations across the entire country.
     • Currently, Indian airspace is divided into 4 FIRs i.e. Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and a sub-FIR in Guwahati, each managed separately.

   • Why: By integrating airspace management, ISHAN will allow for more seamless and efficient flight operations, reduce congestion, and lower travel times. This can also lead to significant fuel savings and cost reductions for airlines, which may potentially be passed on to passengers in terms of lower fares.
   • Tell me more:
     • With the centralization of airspace management, controllers in regional centers will handle only takeoffs and landings, while those in Nagpur will manage all flights in upper airspace. This should reduce the workload on regional controllers and increase overall safety and efficiency.
       Source: The Print
4. PM addresses 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
   • What: The 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) was held in New Delhi.
   • The CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit.
     Source: PIB

4. CII’s released Corporate Governance Charter for Startups
   • What: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched a new Corporate Governance Charter for startups to provide guidance on good governance practices tailored to the unique needs of startups at different stages of growth.
     • The charter is completely voluntary in nature
   • Tell me more:
     • The Charter helps startups become responsible corporate citizens and demonstrate good governance to stakeholders. It is designed for entities incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
     • The key objectives are:
       • Promote adoption of good governance practices early in a startup’s lifecycle
       • Enable startups to gain benefits like value creation, trust, access to finance, effective structures
       • Improve long-term survival chances for startups
     • Guidelines by startup stage; The Charter provides governance guidelines for four stages of a startup’s lifecycle:
       • Inception: Focus on board formation, tone at the top, compliance, accounting, finance, audits, related party transactions, conflict resolution.
       • Progression: Expand board oversight, monitor metrics, maintain controls, define decision-making, focus on finance and audits, set up committees, manage risk.
       • Growth: Build stakeholder alignment with vision/values, form board committees, ensure diversity and inclusion, fulfill statutory requirements, monitor fund use, comply with CSR/ESG, plan succession.
       • Going Public: Monitor committees, prevent fraud, redress grievances, manage stakeholders, review policies and controls, comply with SEBI/stock exchange rules.
         Source: Deccan Herald
5. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) notified alert indicators on anti-money laundering
   • What: A fresh set of ‘alert indicators’ have been issued by India’s financial intelligence unit (FIU) for capital markets, insurance companies, online payment gateway intermediaries and crypto currency service providers for effective checking of suspicious transactions in their channels as part of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.
     • These new guidelines have been issued under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002.
     • Money laundering is any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime including its concealment, possession, acquisition or use and projecting or claiming it as untainted property.
   • Tell me more (Key highlights)
     • The guidelines mandate Stock Exchanges to consider suspicious cases of mis-utilization of client funds by stockbrokers and analyze cases of “serious anomalies” from the perspective of money laundering and terrorism financing.
     • For credit rating agencies (CRAs), new guidelines will ensure timely reporting of suspicious transactions to FIU to identify serious corporate frauds.
       Source: NDTV

State News

1. Tamil Nadu, to count Nilgiri tahrs in a first synchronised survey 
   • What: Tamil Nadu government is executing a synchronized survey to estimate the population of Nilgiri Tahr.
   • About Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex)
     • Stocky goats with short, coarse fur with both sexes having curved horns, which are larger in the males.
     • It is the only Mountain Ungulate (Hoofed Mammal) in southern India.
     • Habitat: Open montane grassland habitats of Southwestern Ghats.
     • Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered under IUCN Red List.
       ♦ Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
     • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
       Source: The Hindu

2. T.N. School Department releases guidelines for elimination of corporal punishment
   • What: The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued Guidelines for the Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP), and has instructed district-level officers to ensure that all schools in their jurisdiction take proactive steps to create safe and nurturing environments for students.
     • Corporal Punishment (CP) is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. e.g., hitting, kicking, etc.

   • Why: GECP aims to safeguard physical and mental well-being of students and extends to address any form of harassment of students in schools.
   • Tell me more:
     • According to the Right to Education Act, 2009, corporal punishment includes physical punishment, mental harassment and discrimination.
     • The GECP, jointly issued by the Director of School Education and the Director of Elementary Education on Friday, includes safeguarding the mental well-being of students and conducting awareness camps to familiarise stakeholders with guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for effective implementation.
       Source: The Hindu

International News

1. Highlights of 26th World Energy Congress 2024
   • What: The 26th edition of the World Energy Congress took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from April 22-25, 2024, centered around the theme ‘Redesigning energy for people and planet.’
   • Tell me more:
     • The event was hosted by the World Energy Council (WEC) and WEC Netherlands, the event received support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands, the City of Rotterdam, and the Port of Rotterdam.
     • Approximately 5,000 delegates and 18,000 attendees attended the event.
     • Representatives from 150 countries and territories participated in the event.
   • India at WEC 2024
     • During a panel discussion on ‘The New Interdependencies: Trust, Security and Climate Resilience’, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairperson & Managing Director (MD) of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), represented India.
       • India’s energy transition insights were shared during the discussions.
       • India proposed allocating 4%-5% of domestic pension/insurance funds’ Assets Under Management (AUM) into renewable energy bonds to boost bond market depth and attract more global and local investments.
       • Currently, India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
     • Inauguration of India Pavillion at the WEC
       • The Indian Pavilion at the Congress was inaugurated by Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, Ministry of Power; and Ambassador of India to the Netherlands Mrs. Reenat Sandhu.
       • Through this pavilion, India showcased its innovative technologies and power generation practices, and reinforced India’s global commitment to environmental conservation.
       • Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSES) under the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas participated in the India Pavilion.
     • ADB charts course for sustainable growth with strategy 2030, unveils strategy at WEC
       • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) confirmed its commitment to a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific through Strategy 2030, focusing on seven priorities viz. Education, Energy, Finance, Health, Transport, Urban, and Water; and enhancing private sector involvement, financial resources, and knowledge services.
         Source: World Energy

2. MDH faces scrutiny in the US after HK & Singapore
   • What: After a ban on certain spices of Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) in Hong Kong and Singapore related to contamination, a new report revealed that nearly 31% of the products of the Indian spice maker have been rejected by the US customs authorities over the last six months. The refusal rate of MDH shipments has doubled from 15 percent to 31 percent over salmonella contamination since October 2023.
   • MDH controversy
     • Earlier, this month, Hong Kong had suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix for fish curries.
     • Soon after Hong Kong’s action, Singapore ordered a recall of the Everest spice mix as well, saying it contains high levels of ethylene oxide, which is unfit for human consumption and a cancer risk with long exposure.
       Source: Live Mint

3. UN Secretary-General Appoints Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals
   • What: The United Nations has taken a significant step by appointing a Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
     • Critical Energy Transition Minerals are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles.
       • E.g. copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt etc
   • Why: It aims to address crucial issues related to equity, transparency, investment, sustainability, and human rights in the context of energy transition minerals.
   • Tell me more:
     • This panel, co-chaired by Ambassador Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko of South Africa and Director-General for Energy Ditte Juul Jørgensen from the European Commission.
     • The panel comprises Government and intergovernmental actors including the European Union, African Union, Australia, Indonesia, Colombia, India, etc.
       Source: UN

4. New laws to protect consumers from cyber criminals come into force in the UK
   • What: The UK government has introduced groundbreaking laws requiring all internet-connected smart devices to meet minimum security standards, effective immediately. These measures aim to safeguard consumers and businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks.
     • UK becomes the first country in the world to introduce these laws.
   • Why: Manufacturers are now prohibited from using weak, easily guessable default passwords like “admin” or “12345.” Additionally, if a common password is detected, users will be prompted to change it upon startup, enhancing device security.
   • Tell me more:
     • The new laws form a crucial component of the British government’s GBP 2.6-billion National Cyber Strategy, aimed at protecting and advancing online security in the UK.
       Source: Gov.UK
5. G7 nations reach deal to exit from coal by 2035
   • What: The Group of Seven (G7) major democracies has taken a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels by reaching an agreement to phase out coal-fired power plants.
     • G7 nations – Italy, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Canada and Japan.
     • G7 session for 2024 will be hosted by Italy, India has also been invited as a guest country for the summit.
   • Here are the key details:
     • Agreement: Energy ministers from the G7 nations have reached a technical agreement to shut down their coal-fired power plants by 2035.
     • Final Political Deal: The accord will be included in the G7 energy ministers’ final communique to be released on Tuesday at the end of a two-day meeting in Turin (Italy).
       Source: CNN

Banking and Economy

1. SBI Collaborates with HCL Software for Digital Transformation
   • What: The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a five-year agreement with HCL Software, the software business unit of HCLTech, for their MarTech solution as part of SBI’s digital transformation program.
     • MarTech, short for marketing technology, refers to the various software and tools used to plan, execute, analyze and optimize marketing efforts. It essentially leverages technology to streamline the marketing process from start to finish.

   • The partnership aims to leverage the HCL Unica platform for hyper-personalized communication across SBI’s digital marketing channels.
     Source: HCL Tech

2. Cred Introduces Offline QR Code ‘Scan and Pay’ Service
   • What: Fintech company Cred has launched an offline UPI-based ‘Scan and Pay’ service, enabling users to make payments directly from their bank accounts by scanning QR codes.
   • The service aims to promote app usage among users at high-end retail stores like supermarkets, restaurants, beauty salons, and fashion outlets.
     Source: Business Standard

3. RBI directs TalkCharge to return funds in PPI- wallets to consumers
   • What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Gurugram-based company TalkCharge to refund the prepaid funds held in the wallets of its customers. This directive comes as TalkCharge has been issuing Prepaid Payment Instruments (Wallets) without proper authorisation from the central bank.
   • What had happened?
     • The Reserve Bank said it had come to the notice of the central bank that TalkCharge Technologies is issuing PPI through its website and app (application) ‘TalkCharge’ without obtaining the required authorisation under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
     • The central bank had issued directions on April 2, 2024, to the entity to stop the issuance and operation of its Prepaid Payment Instruments or Wallets and refund the balances held in the wallets within 15 days. Later, it was extended by 45 days (May 17, 2024) at the entity’s request.
       Source: Business Standard

4. SEBI nod to ICRA’s arm to provide ESG ratings
   • What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved ICRA’s subsidiary, Pragati Development Consulting Services Ltd (PDCSL), to offer environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings.
     • This means that PDCSL will evaluate companies based on their Environmental, Social, and Governance practices.

   • Tell me more:
     • SEBI’s amendment to regulations in 2023 allowed ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) to register under the Credit Rating Agencies (CRA) norms, facilitating the expansion of ESG rating services in India.
     • Also SEBI recently gave approval to Crisil ESG Ratings & Analytics as a Category 1 ESG rating provider.
       Source: Press Trust of India
     
     
     
     
5. SEBI Directs Linde India to Comply with Materiality Thresholds for Related Party Transactions
   • What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed Linde India to adhere to materiality thresholds for future related party transactions (RPTs) based on the aggregate transaction value, amid an ongoing investigation by the regulator.
     • A RPT is a business deal between two parties who have a pre-existing connection. This connection could be financial ownership, family ties, or shared management.
     • Here’s the key point: RPTs aren’t inherently bad, but they can create conflicts of interest. Imagine this example:
       • Company A is owned by a large family.
       • Company B is led by the CEO of Company A, who also happens to be a member of the same family.
       • In this scenario, if Company A decides to purchase supplies from Company B at inflated prices, it wouldn’t be in the best interest of Company A’s shareholders (who might not be part of the family).
       • In this case, SEBI’s role is to ensure fairness and transparency in the Indian stock market. By directing company to follow materiality thresholds,

   • Why: SEBI’s directive follows complaints from shareholders regarding the company’s failure to seek approval before executing significant RPTs. The regulator noted that Linde India did not provide any valuation to the board when deciding to award future businesses to a related party.
   • Tell me more:
     • SEBI emphasized that such actions deprived public shareholders of expressing their views on transactions that could disproportionately benefit controlling shareholders at the expense of the broader shareholder base.
     • The investigation pertains to various agreements and transactions between Linde India, Praxair India, and Linde South Asia Services.
       Source: Business Standard
     
     

6. RBI asks lenders to follow fair practices, refund excess sum
   • What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a firm stance against unfair practices by banks and lenders. In a recent directive, the RBI has instructed regulated entities to adhere to fair practices and ensure transparency in charging interest to customers.
   • Tell me more:
     • Fair Practices Code (FPC): The RBI has issued guidelines on the Fair Practices Code since 2003. These guidelines emphasize fairness and transparency in interest charges by lenders while allowing them flexibility in loan pricing policies.
     • Unfair Practices: During an onsite examination of regulated entities for the period ending March 31, 2023, the RBI identified instances where lenders engaged in certain unfair practices related to interest charges. These practices included:
       • Charging interest from the date of loan sanction or execution of the loan agreement, rather than from the actual disbursement date.
       • Charging interest from the date of the check issuance, even if the check was handed over to the customer several days later.
       • Collecting advance installments but calculating interest based on the full loan amount.
     • Corrective Action: In the interest of fairness and transparency, the RBI has directed regulated entities to:
       • Review their practices regarding loan disbursal, interest calculation, and other charges.
       • Take corrective action, including system-level changes, to address the issues concerning interest charges.
       • Refund any excess interest and other charges to customers wherever such practices have been observed.
       • Online Account Transfers: The RBI encourages the use of online account transfers instead of checks for loan disbursal.
         Source: Zee News

     
     

Reports and Indices

1. E-commerce market to reach $325 bn by 2030: Invest India
   • What: According to a report by Invest India, India’s e-commerce sector is anticipated to experience significant growth, reaching $325 billion by 2030. The report also projects the nation’s digital economy to soar to $800 billion within the same timeframe.
   • Tell me more:
     • With India’s online shopping currently accounting for approximately 7% of the total retail market, valued at $70 billion, there exists substantial potential for expansion, presenting a lucrative opportunity for growth in the e-commerce sector.
     • The future of e-commerce in India is promising, with projections indicating annual growth rates of 18% through 2025. By 2030, India is anticipated to emerge as the third-largest consumer market globally.
     • India will be the leader of the online shopping revolution, with an estimated 500 million shoppers by 2030.
     • Internet penetration in India has reached new heights, with over 918 Mn subscribers as of September 2023. Notably, the rural internet subscriber base is growing rapidly, currently standing at 375.66 Mn subscribers, indicating the democratization of online access.
     • Close to 100% of pin codes in India have seen e-commerce adoption.
     • The exponential growth of India’s internet economy, projected to reach $1 Tn by 2030, presents vast opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
       Source: Invest India

Defence News

1. Indian Air Force, Navy induct Rampage missiles in fighter aircraft fleet
   • What: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy have bolstered their combat capabilities with the induction of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missile, previously utilized by the Israeli Air Force.
   • The missile, known as the High-Speed Low Drag-Mark 2 within the Indian Air Force, offers a striking range of up to 250 kilometers.
   • The Rampage missile has been successfully integrated into the IAF’s fleet of Russian-origin aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighters. Similarly, the Indian Navy has welcomed the Rampage missiles into its arsenal, particularly for the MiG-29K naval fighter jets,
     Source: Hindustan Times

Important Days

1. April 28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024
   • What: World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on April 28 to raise awareness and prevent occupational accidents and diseases worldwide.
   • Theme for 2024: “Climate change and safety and health at work.
   • Organized by: International Labour Organization (ILO).
     Source: Hindustan Times

2. April 29: International Dance Day
   • What: International Dance Day, observed annually on April 29, celebrates the art of dance and its ability to unite people across cultural and ethnic differences.
   • Organized by: International Theatre Institute (ITI)
     Source: Business Standard

Sports

1. India Leads Medal Tally at 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1
   • What: India topped the medal tally with 8 medals(5 Golds, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) at the 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Shanghai, China.
     • South Korea and Spain finished 2nd and 3rd with 7 medals and 2 medals, respectively.
     • The last time India won a gold in Archery World Cup was back in 2010.
     • Asian Games champion and World number 3 Jyothi Surekha Vennam of Andhra Pradesh won a hat-trick of gold medals in the compound event. She won gold in the individual, women’s team and mixed team events.
       Source: WION

   
   

Appointment

1. A Ganesh Kumar, and Debasis Kundu appointed to the National Statistical Commission (NSC)
   • What: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has appointed A Ganesh Kumar and Debasis Kundu as members of the NSC.
   • Now, following these appointments, NSC, is finally operating at full capacity after a year-long gap. The NSC comprises a total of five members.
     • The NSC has four Members besides a Chairperson, each having specialization and experience in specified statistical fields.
     • Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, is the current Chairman of the commission.
       Source: Economic Times

2. Justice Dinesh Kumar takes charge as the SAT Presiding officer
   • What: Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar took charge as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). The government of India appointed Justice Dinesh Kumar for a four-year term.
   • Before taking over as the presiding officer of SAT, Justice Dinesh Kumar was the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. He retired from the post in February 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • The SAT has been functioning without a presiding officer for the last four months, as the last presiding officer, Justice Tarun Aggarwal, retired in December 2023.
     • Dheeraj Bhatnagar also took charge as the technical member of the tribunal. He has been appointed for a term of four years or till he reaches the age of 67, whichever is earlier.
     • The other member of the three-member SAT is Meera Swarup.
       Source: The Hindu Business Line

3. Scotland’s first Muslim leader Yousaf resigns
   • What: Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has announced his resignation amid political turmoil.
   • Yousaf, who took over as Scotland’s youngest First Minister in March last year, made history by becoming the first non-white and Muslim leader of Scotland.
     Source: Money Control
4. Ola Cabs CEO Hemant Bakshi quits
   • What: Hemant Bakshi, chief executive officer of ANI Technologies, the parent company of ride hailing service Ola Cabs, has resigned after four months into this role.
     Source: Money Control
5. IndiGo airline appoints Orea as it’s chief of transformation
   • What: Isidro Pablo Porqueras Orea has been appointed as the Chief of Transformation at IndiGo, India’s largest airline.
     Source: Business Standard
6. Dr Krishna Ella takes charge as president of Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association
   • What: The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has announced Krishna M Ella, co-founder, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech as the association’s new President for a two year period from April 2024.
   • He succeeds Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), who held this position from 2019 until March 2024.
   • For the current 2-year term, Mahima Datla, managing director of Biological E assumes the role of Vice President, T Srinivas, CFO of Bharat Biotech, will be Treasurer and Dr Harshavardhan, will continue as Director General of IVMA.
     Source: Indian Express

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran BJP MP Venkataiah Sreenivasa Prasad passed away
   • What: Venkataiah Sreenivasa Prasad, a prominent figure in Indian politics, particularly associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
   • Prasad represented the Chamarajanagar constituency in the Lok Sabha for six terms, spanning from 1980 to 2019.
   • He served as the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution from 1999 to 2004.
     Source: Business Standard

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