16th April, 2024
Gas based plants, post office at Bharati station, payment mechanism, Above normal rainfall, NFRA, Sugar exports, prioritising extradition, Lady Hardinge, world’s first orbiter, water rationing, PayPal and PayU, Tracxn report, Vedanta, key facts statement, OTC derivatives, Jio-BlackRock, SEBI to auction 30 properties, global forest watch, MPATGM, Ocean Reservoir, SBTi, Asian Athletics Championships, BADMINTON ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024, National Fire Service Day, World Chages Disease Day, 105th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, 40th Siachen Day, Kristalina Georgieva, ChrysCap’s, FSSAI, Maker of Goa, The Idea of Democracy, Derek Underwood
- The government has directed all gas-based power generating stations to operationalise their plants from May 1 to June 30 in view of rise in electricity demand due to a likely prolonged heat wave this summer.
- Shri. K. K. Sharma, Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Circle, inaugurated the ‘Bharati Branch Post Office’ at Bharati Station, Antarctica.
- The government on Saturday said the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar has been eased and simplified.
- In what could come as a relief to the government’s fight against inflation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted an ‘above-normal’ monsoon in 2024, which quantitatively could be around 106 per cent of the long period average (LPA).
- The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) imposed penalties totaling approximately 4.5 crore on an audit firm and two auditors for professional misconduct related to alleged auditing lapses in Reliance Capital’s financials for the fiscal year 2018-19.
- The Indian government has categorically ruled out the possibility of permitting sugar exports during the current 2023-24 season, which is expected to end in October. Despite persistent demands from the industry, there are existing restrictions on sugar exports for an indefinite period.
- India and the United Kingdom held discussions on expediting extradition requests under the mutual legal assistance treaty, focusing on fugitives currently based in the UK, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Sanjay Bhandari, Punjab separatists, and wanted terrorist sympathizers.
- Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its Radiation Oncology Block. This new facility marks a momentous occasion for LHMC, as it now offers radiation therapy to cancer patients using advanced Brachytherapy equipment.
- Chinese scientists have developed world’s first satellite series (Tiantong-1) capable of enabling smartphone calls without the need for ground-based infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Station (BTSs) or cellular towers
- Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, along with dozens of surrounding cities, has initiated water rationing for approximately 9 million people due to record low reservoir levels.
- PayU has partnered with PayPal (an American Fintech firm) to enhance cross-border payments for Indian merchants.
- In the first quarter (Q1) of Calendar Year (CY) 2024, Indian fintech startups raised USD 550.8 million across 33 deals, showing a 59% increase from Q4 of 2023.
- Vedanta Ltd has secured an 11-year term loan of approximately 3,918 crore from Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) to expedite the completion of its power projects.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that banks and regulated entities are prohibited from charging additional fees throughout the loan term that are not mentioned in the Key Fact Statement (KFS) without the borrower’s consent.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a significant step by allowing resident entities to hedge their exposure to the price risk of gold using over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
- Jio Financial Services, a part of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Group, has teamed up with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to create a 50:50 joint venture. Their goal is to launch asset management services in India. This collaboration was initiated in July 2023.
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced that it will conduct an auction for 30 properties belonging to seven companies.
- According to Global Forest Watch (GFW) data, India has lost 2.33 million hectares (Mha) of tree cover since 2000, representing a 6% decrease during 2001-2023.
- The Indian Army and DRDO conducted successful warhead flight trials of the Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, discovered a vast reservoir of water hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, dubbed the “Ringwoodite Ocean,” concealed within the Earth’s mantle
- Climate experts voiced concerns regarding SBTi’s decision allowing companies to offset greenhouse gas emissions from their value chain.
- Aishwarya Mishra’s bronze medal in the women’s 400m sprint at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships is being upgraded to silver.
- Badminton Asia Championships 2024 was held Ningbo, China.
- National Fire Service Day is annually observed across India on 14th April and the National Fire Service Week is annually observed from 14th to 20th April.
- World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 14 April to raise awareness about Chagas Disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause serious heart and digestive issues.
- 13th April 2024 marks the 105th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre held on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab).
- Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on 13 April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot launched by the Indian Army on 13 April 1984.
- The IMF Executive Board reappointed Kristalina Georgieva as Managing Director for a second five-year term starting on October 1, 2024.
- The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) elected its new executive committee for the term 2024-2026.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure appropriate categorization of food products being sold on their websites.
- A book titled “Maker of Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane”, a biography of Pratap Singh Rane, the former Chief Minister (CM) of the state of Goa (then UT-Goa, Daman, and Diu), authored by Vijayadevi Rane (Pratap’s wife) was released.
- Padma Bhushan awardee, Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, aka Sam Pitroda, launched his new book titled “The Idea of Democracy”.
- Derek Underwood, England’s best spinner who gave a torrid time to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, passed away.
Table of Content
National News
- Govt asks all gas-based plants to be operational from May 1 as electricity demand surges
- What: The government has directed all gas-based power generating stations to operationalise their plants from May 1 to June 30 in view of rise in electricity demand due to a likely prolonged heat wave this summer.
- The government has directed Gas-Based Generating Stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Act of 2003.
Source: The Hindu Business Line
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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Government initiatives to promote gas-based economy - National Gas Grid for pipeline infrastructure. - City Gas Distribution Networks: Involves Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for use as auto-fuel, and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial segments. - Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): to extract economic value from biomass waste in the form of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) and bio-manure. |
- India Post opened a post office at its Bharati station in Antarctica
- What: Shri. K. K. Sharma, Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Circle, inaugurated the ‘Bharati Branch Post Office’ at Bharati Station, Antarctica.
- This momentous occasion coincided with the 24th Foundation Day of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. A Postcard on Bharati Station was also released on the occasion.
- The first post office was established in 1984 at Dhakshin Gangotri, followed by another in 1990 at Maitri Station.
Source: PIB
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About IP/department of post - It comes under the Ministry of Communications. - With more than 1,55,000 post offices, it has the most widely distributed postal network in the world |
- India simplifies Payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar
- What: The government on Saturday said the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar has been eased and simplified.
- The importers have been asked to utilise Rupee/ Kyat direct payment system using Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) through Punjab National Bank.
- SRVA is an additional arrangement to the existing system that uses freely convertible currencies and works as a complimentary system.
- Prior RBI approval is required for opening of SRVA. These accounts reduce the need for holding foreign exchange reserves and dependence on foreign currencies for bilateral transactions.
- India depends on imports of pulses to meet the domestic shortage. The country imports tur and urad dals from Myanmar.
Source: The Hindu Business Line
- ABOVE-NORMAL RAINFALL LIKELY THIS MONSOON: IMD
- What: In what could come as a relief to the government’s fight against inflation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted an ‘above-normal’ monsoon in 2024, which quantitatively could be around 106 per cent of the long period average (LPA).
- Long Period Average (LPA) is the average rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval (like month or season) average over a long period like 30 years, 50 years, etc.
Source: The Telegraph
- Long Period Average (LPA) is the average rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval (like month or season) average over a long period like 30 years, 50 years, etc.
- What: In what could come as a relief to the government’s fight against inflation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted an ‘above-normal’ monsoon in 2024, which quantitatively could be around 106 per cent of the long period average (LPA).
- NFRA slaps fines on auditors for RCap auditing lapses
- What: The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) imposed penalties totaling approximately 4.5 crore on an audit firm and two auditors for professional misconduct related to alleged auditing lapses in Reliance Capital’s financials for the fiscal year 2018-19.
- Why: The penalties were imposed due to auditing lapses identified in Reliance Capital’s financial statements for the mentioned fiscal year.
Source: Business Standard
- Govt rules out possibility of permitting sugar exports in 2023-24 season
- What: The Indian government has categorically ruled out the possibility of permitting sugar exports during the current 2023-24 season, which is expected to end in October. Despite persistent demands from the industry, there are existing restrictions on sugar exports for an indefinite period.
- Why: To ensure adequate availability of sugar in the domestic market and prevent potential price hikes that could impact consumers, the government has decided to reject the industry’s pleas for sugar exports.
- The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) had requested permission to export 10 lakh tonnes of sugar in the 2023-24 season, anticipating a healthy closing stock by the season’s end. However, the government has not considered this request at present.
Source: Business Standard
- The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) had requested permission to export 10 lakh tonnes of sugar in the 2023-24 season, anticipating a healthy closing stock by the season’s end. However, the government has not considered this request at present.
- India, UK discuss prioritising extradition under treaty
- What: India and the United Kingdom held discussions on expediting extradition requests under the mutual legal assistance treaty, focusing on fugitives currently based in the UK, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Sanjay Bhandari, Punjab separatists, and wanted terrorist sympathizers.
- Why: The dialogue aimed to address extradition efforts by Indian agencies concerning individuals residing in the UK who are wanted for various offenses.
- Tell me more:
- A high-level UK delegation, including Stephen Kavanagh, a candidate for the Interpol Secretary General post, visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Headquarters in New Delhi.
- Discussions were held with CBI Director Praveen Sood and senior agency officials to enhance operational collaboration between India and the UK.
Source: PTI
State News
- Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College opens Radiation Therapy facility
- What: Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its Radiation Oncology Block. This new facility marks a momentous occasion for LHMC, as it now offers radiation therapy to cancer patients using advanced Brachytherapy equipment.
Source: Indian Express
- What: Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its Radiation Oncology Block. This new facility marks a momentous occasion for LHMC, as it now offers radiation therapy to cancer patients using advanced Brachytherapy equipment.
International News
- China developed world’s first orbiter that allows smartphones to make direct satellite calls
- What: Chinese scientists have developed world’s first satellite series (Tiantong-1) capable of enabling smartphone calls without the need for ground-based infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Station (BTSs) or cellular towers.
- The idea is, that in case of an emergency where mobile connectivity may be severely impacted because of a natural calamity or any other disaster, people can call for help directly, by connecting to an overhead communication orbitter.
Source: First Post
- Bogota started water rationing due to low levels of water in its reservoir
- What: Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, along with dozens of surrounding cities, has initiated water rationing for approximately 9 million people due to record low reservoir levels.
- Why: This comes as the main water reservoirs in the city have dropped to critically low levels, also an acute drought made worse by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which typically causes high global temperatures and delays precipitation, has left reservoirs at “critical levels.
Source: First Post
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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Geographical Features - Andes Mountains run along the western flank, and the Amazon Forest in the southeast. - Important Peaks: Pico Cristóbal Colón and Simón Bolívar. - Rivers: Amazon, Magdalena, Orinoco |
Banking and Economy
- PayU and PayPal partners for better cross-border payments
- What: PayU has partnered with PayPal (an American Fintech firm) to enhance cross-border payments for Indian merchants.
- Tell me more:
- With the new partnership, PayY will be able to leverage PayPal ISU 2.0 to checkout the offer customers a more personalised and inclusive payment experience.
- Customers will have access to various payment methods at checkout, including PayPal, PayPal Pay later, and local Alternative Payment Methods (APMs).
Source: IndiaTV
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PayPal, established in 1998 and headquartered in California, USA, is chaired by John J. Donahoe. |
- Indian fintech startup funding surges 59% in Q1 CY2024: Tracxn report
- What: In the first quarter (Q1) of Calendar Year (CY) 2024, Indian fintech startups raised USD 550.8 million across 33 deals, showing a 59% increase from Q4 of 2023.
- Tell me more:
- However, this represented a 57% decline compared to Q1 of 2023’s USD 1.3 billion.
- India ranked 3rd globally in fintech funding, following the United States (US) and China.
- Alternative lending, RegTech, and Banking Tech were the top-performing segments, with alternative lending leading with USD 491 million, followed by RegTech with USD 107 million, and Banking Tech with USD 85.8 million.
- Bengaluru led fintech funding in Q1 2024, with Mumbai, and Hyderabad, following suit, highlighting their significance as fintech hubs.
- Seed-stage fintech funding saw a significant drop by 75% to USD 9.9 million in Q1 2024 from USD 39.2 million in Q4 2023.
- Notable investments include Credit Saison and Avanse Financial securing significant funds, and Perfios achieving unicorn status with a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion.
Source: Business Standard
- Vedanta secures Rs. 3.9K crore PFC loan
- What: Vedanta Ltd has secured an 11-year term loan of approximately 3,918 crore from Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) to expedite the completion of its power projects.
- Why: The financial closure aims to accelerate Vedanta’s power projects as part of its strategy to increase the operating capacity of its power business in India to 4.8 GW by FY27.
Source: Economic Times
- Banks can’t charge additional than key facts statement, says RBI
- What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that banks and regulated entities are prohibited from charging additional fees throughout the loan term that are not mentioned in the Key Fact Statement (KFS) without the borrower’s consent.
- The KFS is a standardized statement provided to borrowers in simple language, detailing essential aspects of the loan agreement.
- Why: This measure aims to enhance transparency and protect borrowers by ensuring that all fees and charges associated with retail and MSME term loans are clearly disclosed upfront.
- Tell me more:
- The notification mandates that all new retail and MSME term loans sanctioned on or after October 1, 2024, including fresh loans to existing customers, must adhere to the KFS guidelines without exception.
- Key information included in the KFS comprises the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which represents the annual cost of credit to the borrower, encompassing the interest rate and all associated charges.
- It must be comprehensible to borrowers and include a unique proposal number, remaining valid for at least three working days for loans with a tenor of seven days or more, and one working day for shorter-term loans.
- Regulated entities are required to obtain acknowledgment from borrowers confirming their understanding of the KFS.
- The KFS must incorporate a computation sheet detailing the APR and the loan’s amortization schedule, including all charges imposed by the entity and any charges recovered from borrowers on behalf of third-party service providers, fully disclosed.
Source: Business Standard
- What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that banks and regulated entities are prohibited from charging additional fees throughout the loan term that are not mentioned in the Key Fact Statement (KFS) without the borrower’s consent.
- RBI permits OTC derivatives in IFSC to hedge gold price risk
- What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a significant step by allowing resident entities to hedge their exposure to the price risk of gold using over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
- This decision expands the options available for hedging gold price risk beyond the existing derivatives traded on exchanges within the IFSC123.
- This move provides greater flexibility to resident entities, including banks, enabling them to manage their gold-related risks more effectively.
- The stipulations for using OTC derivatives in the IFSC are outlined in the Master Direction – Foreign Exchange Management (Hedging of Commodity Price Risk and Freight Risk in Overseas Markets) Directions, 2022, which has been updated to accommodate this change.
Source: Business Standard
- What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a significant step by allowing resident entities to hedge their exposure to the price risk of gold using over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
- Jio-BlackRock JV to launch wealth management, broking business
- What: Jio Financial Services, a part of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Group, has teamed up with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to create a 50:50 joint venture. Their goal is to launch asset management services in India. This collaboration was initiated in July 2023.
- Now, they are expanding their horizons by entering into another joint venture. This time, they plan to venture into stock broking and wealth management business. The new joint venture with BlackRock aims to incorporate these new services. While their earlier joint venture focused on mutual funds, this one will explore the broader landscape of wealth management and brokerage.
- The two firms had previously announced an investment of $150 million each for the asset management business in India.
Source: Economic Times
- SEBI to auction 30 properties of 7 firms
- What: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced that it will conduct an auction for 30 properties belonging to seven companies.
- Why: The purpose of the auction is to recover money that was illegally collected from investors.
Source: PTI
Reports and Indices
- India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000: Global Forest Watch
- What: According to Global Forest Watch (GFW) data, India has lost 2.33 million hectares (Mha) of tree cover since 2000, representing a 6% decrease during 2001-2023.
- Tell me more:
- Notably, India lost 414,000 hectares (414 Kha) of humid primary forest during this period, accounting for 18% of its total tree cover loss.
- A significant portion, 95%, of India’s tree cover loss from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests.
- Despite the loss, India gained 1.88 Mha of total tree cover, which constitutes 1.4% of the global total.
- Among countries with the most significant tree cover gain are Russia (37.2 Mha), Canada (17.0 Mha), the United States (14 Mha), Brazil (8.06 Mha), and China (6.69 Mha).
- States with maximum tree cover loss:
- Five states in India accounted for 60% of all tree cover loss from 2001 to 2023.
- Assam experienced the most significant tree cover loss at 324,000 hectares (324kha), followed by Mizoram (312kha), Arunachal Pradesh (262kha), Nagaland (259kha), and Manipur (240kha).
- States with maximum tree cover:
- Seven states accounted for 55% of all tree cover in India.
- Arunachal Pradesh had the most tree cover at 6.11 million hectares (6.11Mha), followed by Assam (2.57Mha), Chhattisgarh (2.28Mha), Kerala (2.28Mha), and Odisha (1.92Mha).
- Tree Cover Loss due to Fires:
- India lost about 35.9 kha of tree cover from fires and 2.15 Mha from all other drivers of loss from 2001 to 2022.
- In 2008, India saw the most tree cover loss due to fires, with a loss of 3.0 kha.
- Odisha had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires with an average of 238 hectares lost annually, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (198 ha).
- Net Carbon Sink:
- Forests in India emitted 51 million tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year and removed 141 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year, resulting in a net carbon sink of 89.9 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
- Due to the loss of tree cover in India, an average of 51.0 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year was released into the ecosystem.
Source: Indian Express
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Global Forest Watch - Global Forest Watch is an initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI), launched in 2014 in partnership with Google, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), among others. |
Defence News
- DRDO & Indian Army conduct successful trials of indigenous MPATGM
- What: The Indian Army and DRDO conducted successful warhead flight trials of the Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- The system is now ready for Final User Evaluation Trials before induction into the Indian Army.
- MPATGM includes a missile, launcher, Target Acquisition System (TAS), and Fire Control Unit (FCU).
- It was designed and developed by DRDO in partnership with VEM Technologies Private Limited.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Telangana will manufacture the missile.
Source: PIB
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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- DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, chaired by Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat. - Headquarters: New Delhi, established in 1958. |
Science and Tech
- Scientists Discover 700 Km Deep Ocean Reservoir Underground
- What: Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, discovered a vast reservoir of water hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, dubbed the “Ringwoodite Ocean,” concealed within the Earth’s mantle
- This subterranean water source is estimated to be three times the size of all the oceans on the planet combined.
- It is located approximately 700 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.
Source: News18
- Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
- What: Climate experts voiced concerns regarding SBTi’s decision allowing companies to offset greenhouse gas emissions from their value chain.
- SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to combat the climate crisis.
- It develops standards, tools, and guidance to meet corporate climate targets.
Source: Reuters
Sports
- Aishwarya Mishra’s Asian Athletics Championships 2023 bronze in 400m to be upgraded
- What: Aishwarya Mishra’s bronze medal in the women’s 400m sprint at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships is being upgraded to silver.
- This follows Farida Soliyeva of Uzbekistan failing a dope test.
- Soliyeva tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.
- The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Soliyeva for 3 years, starting from September, 2023.
- Haruna Kuboyama of Japan will now hold the bronze medal.
- Sri Lanka’s Nadeesha Ramanayake, won the gold medal.
Source: Olympics.com
- BADMINTON ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024
- What: Badminton Asia Championships 2024 was held Ningbo, China.
- List of winners of Badminton Asia Championship – 2024
Source: Olympics.com
Important Days
- April 14: National Fire Service Day
- What: National Fire Service Day is annually observed across India on 14th April and the National Fire Service Week is annually observed from 14th to 20th April.
- Why: To honor the firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty and to educate the public and students about fire safety practices.
- Theme for 2024: “Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building”
Source: The Hindu
- April 14: World Chages Disease Day
- What: World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 14 April to raise awareness about Chagas Disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause serious heart and digestive issues.
- The theme for WCDD 2024 is “Tackling Chagas Disease: Detect Early and Care for Life.”
Source: Times Now
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About World Health Organization - Director General- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland - Established on- 7 April 1948 |
- 13th April 2024: 105th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- What: 13th April 2024 marks the 105th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre held on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab).
Source: Midday
- What: 13th April 2024 marks the 105th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre held on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab).
- 13th April 2024: 40th Siachen Day
- What: Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on 13 April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot launched by the Indian Army on 13 April 1984.
- Why: The Day honours the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army soldiers serving at the highest and coldest battlefield in the world, the Siachen Glacier, a part of the Union Territory (UT) Ladakh, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas.
- Tell me more:
- Operation Meghdoot was an Indian military operation launched to secure control of the entire Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) (now in the northern Ladakh region).
- It marked the first assault on the world’s highest battlefield, resulting in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier.
- The escalation of Pakistan’s activities in Ladakh prompted India to take action to safeguard its interests.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in this operation. The operation involved airlifting Indian Army soldiers, with IAF helicopters operating in the area.
Source: Business Standard
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Siachen Glacier - Located at the height of 20,000 feet, in the Eastern Karakoram Range of the Himalayas. - It is the second longest (75KM) non-polar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan. - Nubra river originates from the Siachen glacier. - It is the highest militarized zone in the world |
Appointment
- IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva reappointed as IMF chief
- What: The IMF Executive Board reappointed Kristalina Georgieva as Managing Director for a second five-year term starting on October 1, 2024.
- Georgieva has served as the 12th MD of the IMF since 2019; her current term ends on September 30, 2024.
- Georgieva was appointed MD of the IMF in September 2019, becoming the second woman to head the IMF after Christine Lagarde.
Source: Business Standard
- ChrysCap’s Ashley Menezes appointed IVCA chairman
- What: The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) elected its new executive committee for the term 2024-2026.
- Why: The new executive committee will be responsible for guiding and shaping India’s dynamic venture capital ecosystem.
- Tell me more:
- Ashley Menezes, Partner and COO of ChrysCapital, has been named as the chairperson of the executive committee.
- Sriniwasan Subramanian, Managing Director of Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, has been appointed as the vice-chairperson of the committee.
- The IVCA stated that the committee’s primary task would be to steer the direction of India’s vibrant venture capital landscape.
Source: CNBC TV18
Miscellaneous
- FSSAI has clarified that currently there are no standards for the term “health drink”
- What: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure appropriate categorization of food products being sold on their websites.
Source: PIB
- What: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure appropriate categorization of food products being sold on their websites.
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About FSSAI - Established: Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - Role: Laying down science-based standards for articles of food and regulating their manufacture, store, distribution, and sale. - Organizational Structure: It consists of a Chairperson appointed by the Centre along with twenty-two members out of which one-third shall be women |
- A book titled “Maker of Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane” released
- What: A book titled “Maker of Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane”, a biography of Pratap Singh Rane, the former Chief Minister (CM) of the state of Goa (then UT-Goa, Daman, and Diu), authored by Vijayadevi Rane (Pratap’s wife) was released.
- The book was published by Rupa publications.
Source: The Hindu Business Line
- Sam Pitroda launched a new book titled “The Idea of Democracy”
- What: Padma Bhushan awardee, Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, aka Sam Pitroda, launched his new book titled “The Idea of Democracy”.
- The book was published by Penguin Business, an imprint of Penguin Random House India.
- The book shares the author’s concern about the state of democracy and the potential challenges in countries like India and the United States of America (USA).
Source: Live Mint
- Derek Underwood, England spin great, passes away
- What: Derek Underwood, England’s best spinner who gave a torrid time to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, passed away.
- He was highly regarded by his contemporaries because of his pin-point accuracy, something
which made him ‘Deadly’ on uncovered pitches of the 60s and
70s.
Source: ANI
About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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