NATIONAL:
1. India’s Population Trends
Why in news: UNFPA Report
Key points:
• The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) latest report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” sheds light on India’s population dynamics.
• India leads globally with an estimated population of 144.17 crore, surpassing China.
• The report reveals that India’s population is expected to double in 77 years.
• Notably, 24% of India’s population falls in the 0-14 age bracket, indicating a significant youth demographic.
• The report highlights ongoing gender-based disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
2. Detention under Public Safety Act
Why in news: J&K High Court Upholds Rule of Law, Quashes Detention under Public Safety Act
Key points:
• In a significant ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has quashed the detention of Jaffar Ahmad Parray under the Public Safety Act.
• Justice Rahul Bharti emphasized that India operates under the rule of law, asserting that citizens cannot be detained without proper legal grounds.
• Parray had been held since May based on allegations of being associated with terrorist groups.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan
Why in news: The French capital, Paris, hosted an International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries organized in response to the United Nations' funding appeal.
Key points:
• The conference was a collaborative effort by France, Germany, and the European Union, bringing together ministers and representatives from over 58 states.
• At the Paris conference, international donors announced a staggering pledge of more than 2 billion euros, with the European Union and its members contributing around 900 million euros.
• Sudan requires at least $2.7 billion this year to provide food, healthcare, and other essential supplies to 24 million people (Half of its total population).
2. Miss AI
Why in news: The World’s First Beauty Pageant for Artificial Intelligence Influencers
Key points:
• Dubbed “Miss AI,” this unique contest will pit these virtual creations against each other, judging them on their online presence, aesthetics, and the technical prowess behind their creation.
• The victor of this pioneering event will be crowned with a staggering $20,000 prize money, solidifying Miss AI’s status as the world’s first AI beauty pageant.
ECONOMY:
1. ‘Link it, Forget it’ Campaign
Why in news: RuPay Launched ‘Link it, Forget it’ Campaign at IPL 2024 to Promote Credit Card on UPI
Key points:
• The campaign showcases the seamless integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI encouraging consumers to ditch physical wallets for convenient digital transactions.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. India’s Tree Cover Loss Since 2000
Why in news: Global Forest Watch data shows India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, with significant impact on carbon balance
Key points:
• Between 2000 and 2023, India witnessed a 6% decrease in tree cover, with 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest lost, comprising 18% of the total tree cover loss during this period.
• Forests in India emitted 51 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually between 2001 and 2022.
• It removed 141 million tons annually, resulting in a net carbon sink of 89.9 million tons per year.
• Tree cover loss includes human-caused activities like deforestation, logging, fire, disease, and natural disturbances such as storms.
APPOINTMENT/ELECTED:
1. Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Why in news: The Government of India has appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of April 30, 2024.
2. Nalin Prabhat
Why in news: Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
Key points:
• He is currently serving as the Additional Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu and Kashmir.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. National Civil Service Day 2024
Why in news: National Civil Service Day is celebrated annually on April 21st in India.
Key points:
• This year, the theme for National Civil Service Day 2024 is yet to be announced.
• But it is likely to focus on a current challenge or opportunity facing the Indian civil service.
• The first ever National Civil Services Day in India was celebrated on April 21, 2006.
• It was recognized to commemorate the first Home Minister of India – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• A significant achievement in the history of civil services in India was made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is widely known as the ‘Iron Man of India ‘for his role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union.
SPORTS:
1. Takshvi Vaghani
Why in news: Takshvi Vaghani Sets New World Record for the Lowest Limbo Skating Over 25 Metres
Key points:
• On April 18, 2024, the 6-year-old prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, set the new record by gliding across the 25-meter distance at a mere 16 cm (6.29 in) above the ground.
2. Deepika Soreng
Why in news: Deepika Soreng Honoured with Asunta Lakra Award
Key points:
• Deepika Soreng, the promising forward of the India Women’s Hockey Team, has been honoured with the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023.
• The award recognizes her outstanding performance and immense potential as a rising star in the sport.
STATE/UT:
1. First Phase of Lok Sabha Election
Why in news: Over 48% turnout recorded in four seats of Bihar in first phase of Lok Sabha election
Key points:
• A provisional voter turnout of 48.23% was recorded in the four constituencies of Bihar.
• The four seats are Gaya, Jamui, Nawada and Aurangabad.
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