NATIONAL:
1. Facilities of Home Voting
Why in news: Facilities of home voting in coming 2024 election by Election Commission for the first time
Key points:
• The step is in line with Election Commission (EC) motto ‘No voter is left behind’.
• Under Home Voting Facility, voting from home takes place with involvement of a full contingent of polling staff and security personnel with secrecy of voting diligently maintained.
Beneficiaries:
• Persons with disabilities (PwDs) meeting 40% benchmark disability.
• Senior citizens aged above 85 years.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Volcanic Vortex Rings (VVR)
Why in news: Volcanic Vortex Rings (VVR) observed from the Mount Etna
Key points:
• VVR, also known as volcanic smoke rings, are generated when gas, predominantly water vapor, is released rapidly through a circular vent in the volcanic crater.
• Also, it is the largest volcano of Europe.
• It lies in the highly active tectonic zone of Mediterranean Sea region which is part of the Mid-continental Volcanic Belt.
• The important volcanoes in the region are Mt Vesuvius, Stromboli, etc.
2. India-Nepal Relation
Why in news: India donated ambulances and school buses to Nepal
Key points:
• India has donated 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations in Nepal, bolstering infrastructure in the crucial sectors of health and education.
• India’s donation of ambulances and school buses since 1994 underscores its enduring support for Nepal’s efforts to strengthen healthcare and education infrastructure.
3. India-Mauritius
Why in news: Amendment to India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
Key points:
• The amendment includes a principal purpose test (PPT) aimed at combating tax avoidance by ensuring that treaty benefits are granted only for transactions with a genuine purpose.
• With the introduction of the PPT test in the India-Mauritius tax treaty, Indian tax authorities are expected to scrutinize investments beyond the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by Mauritius tax authorities.
DEFENCE:
1. Indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile System (MPATGM)
Why in news: DRDO and the Indian Army have successfully conducted trials of the indigenously designed (MPATGM) Weapon System
Key points:
• It was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, on April 13, 2024.
• The MPATGM Weapon System is a comprehensive solution that includes the MPATGM missile, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and the Fire Control Unit.
2. LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets
Why in news: A record Rs 65,000 crore order for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Key points:
• The government has placed a record Rs 65,000 crore order for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware.
• The advanced version of the Tejas aircraft, LCA Mark 1A will replace the aging MiG fleet of the Indian Air Force.
• The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A is an advanced variant of the indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet.
• It is a single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole combat aircraft designed to undertake various missions such as air defense, ground attack, and anti-ship operations.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Hydrogel
Why in news: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) designed novel hydrogel to remove Microplastics from water
Key points:
• Hydrogel has a unique intertwined polymer network that can bind the microplastic and degrade them using Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.
• It consists of three different polymer layers – chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol and polyaniline.
• These polymers are combined with the nanoclusters [copper substitute polyoxometalate (Cu-POM)].
• Nanoclusters act as a catalyst that can use UV light for degradation.
• Microplastics are small plastic fragments typically less than 5 millimeters long.
ECONOMY:
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Why in news: ADB in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report forecasted India’s growth at 7.0% this year and 7.2% next year.
Key points:
• ADO is yearly report by ADB that analyzes economic and development issues in developing countries across Asia and Pacific.
Value Addition: About ADB:
• Established: 1966
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Membership: 68 members including India
• Activities: Provides loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments for social and economic development projects.
• Largest shareholders: Japan and United States
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. World Art Day 2024
Why in news: World Art Day 2024 is celebrated every year on 15th April
Key points:
• It is a tribute to the enduring impact of art across various cultures and societies.
• This date was specifically chosen to honor the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, who is emblematic of artistic freedom and peace.
• The theme for World Art Day 2024-- “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.”
PERSONS/PLACES in NEWS:
1. Narendra Modi
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to make history as the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to grace the cover of Newsweek.
Key points:
• In a comprehensive interview, PM Modi discussed a spectrum of topics, including China, economic reforms, the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Quad alliance, and the role of democracy in India.
STATE/UT:
1. Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in Bihar
Why in news: Waterbird census reveals growth in species
Key points:
• The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) has been conducted in Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada and Bhojpur districts by researchers of life science department of Central University of South Bihar.
• The census has identified 5,538 waterbirds of 200 species, registering a rise of 10-15% in their population.
• The AWC is an annual event organized by the Wetland International and Asian Wetland Bureau to monitor the population of waterbird in the Asian Region.
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