NATIONAL:
1. Cotton Test Labs
Why in news: Government to Establish Cotton Test Labs in 6 States for Kasturi Cotton
Key points:
• The central government is planning to establish dedicated testing labs for high-grade Kasturi cotton in six states.
• The dedicated testing labs for Kasturi cotton will be set up in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
• It aims to promote the Indian cotton brand globally.
2. Surge of Foreigners Receiving Organ Transplants
Why in news: Centre ordered probe into surge of foreigners receiving organ transplants
Key points:
• The Union government has directed an investigation into organ transplants involving foreign nationals in India.
• It is due to a significant increase in the number of such transplants.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed the appropriate authorities appointed under the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, to investigate transplants involving foreign nationals.
3. India Post (IP) in Antarctica
Why in news: India Post opened a post office at its Bharati station in Antarctica
Key points:
• Earlier, IP had set up post offices at Dakshin Gangotri Station in 1984 and another at Maitri Station in 1990.
• Indian Post 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.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Comet Pons-Brooks
Why in news: The Celestial Phenomenon of April 2024
Key points:
• Comet Pons-Brooks is currently orbiting near Jupiter. It will approach its closest point to the Sun on April 21, 2024.
• Comet Pons-Brooks, with a 71-year orbit around the Sun, presents a rare viewing opportunity.
2. Tiantong-1
Why in news: World’s first satellite that allows smartphones to make direct satellite calls
Key points:
• Tiantong-1 is capable of enabling smartphone calls without the need for ground-based infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Station (BTSs) or cellular towers.
• Tiantong-1 series of satellites consist of three satellites placed in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of ~36000 km, covering entire Asia-Pacific region from Middle East to the Pacific Ocean.
3. Colombia
Why in news: Bogota has started water rationing due to low levels of water in its reservoirs
Key points:
• It is Located in the northwestern part of the South American continent.
• It is b bounded by the Caribbean Sea in the north, Pacific Ocean in the west
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Men5CV
Why in news: Nigeria rolled out Men5CV Meningitis Vaccine
Key points:
• Nigeria has become the first country in the world to roll out a new vaccine (Men5CV).
• It has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
• The vaccine is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which supports lower-income countries with routine vaccination against meningitis.
• Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• It can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe.
STATE/UT:
1. Longte Festival
Why in news: The Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is celebrating the Longte festival
Key points:
• It is a significant cultural event that stands out for its prohibition of animal sacrifice.
• As the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, the Nyishi community boasts a rich cultural heritage.
• Some notable celebrations of AP include the Losar Festival, Torgya Festival, Saka Dawa, and Nyokum Yullo festival.
2. Chitrakoot
Why in news: Glass Skywalk Bridge in Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh)
Key points:
• Uttar Pradesh has unveiled its first-ever glass skywalk bridge, located at the enchanting Tulsi (Shabari) Waterfall in Chitrakoot.
• This structure, shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, is poised to become a premier eco-tourism destination for visitors to the region.
3. Centre’s Green Credit Programme
Why in news: Madhya Pradesh tops in Centre’s Green Credit Programme Efforts
Key points:
• Madhya Pradesh is leading the Centre’s Green Credit Programme (GCP) with over 500 land parcels approved for tree plantation across 10 states.
• The approved degraded forest land for plantation/greening exercises is reported highest in MP (954 hectares), followed by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam.
PERSONS/PLACES IN NEWS:
1. Derek Underwood
Why in news: Derek Underwood, a legendary spinner who represented England for over 15 years, passed away at the age of 78.
2. Donald Trump
Why in news: Former President Donald Trump is facing a trial involving hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Key points:
• Thus, Trump becomes first former US President to face criminal trial.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Kristalina Georgieva
Why in news: Kristalina Georgieva has been re-appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for another 5-year term starting October 1, 2024.
Key points:
• She was the sole candidate nominated for the position this year, and her appointment was made by the IMF executive board.
• The Board of Governors is the highest decision-making body of the IMF.
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