NATIONAL:
1. Hindi Radio Broadcast
Why in news: India-Kuwait relations strengthened with inaugural Hindi Radio Broadcast
Key points:
• Kuwait's Ministry of Information has launched the first Hindi radio broadcast in Kuwait, fostering stronger ties between India and Kuwait through cultural exchange.
• With approximately 1 million members, the Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Tribute to Indian Soldiers
Why in news: The Brighton and Hove City Council in England will honour the Indian soldiers
Key point:
• The Brighton and Hove City Council in England have decided to hold an annual multi-faith event at the town’s India Gate memorial this October.
• Its purpose is to recognize the pivotal role played by these warriors from the undivided Indian subcontinent.
• The India Gate in Brighton, designed by Thomas Tyrwhitt and influenced by Gujarati architecture, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
• It was unveiled on 26 October 1921 by the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupender Singh.
2. Inaugural Rainbow Tourism Conference
Why in news: Nepal hosted inaugural Rainbow Tourism Conference
Key points:
• Mayako Pahichan Nepal, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, organised the groundbreaking first International Rainbow Tourism Conference.
• Its primary objective was to position Nepal as a leading LGBT-friendly tourism destination, leveraging rainbow tourism to promote economic growth and social empowerment within the LGBTI community.
3. North Korea
Why in news: North Korea tested new Missiles.
Key points:
• North Korea has tested a new anti-aircraft Pyoljji-1-2 missile and a super large strategic cruise missile Hwasal-1 Ra-3 warhead in the West Sea of Korea.
• These tests, conducted on April 19, 2024, mark a significant escalation in tensions between North Korea, South Korea, and the United States.
• The United States, along with its allies South Korea and Japan, has responded by increasing military cooperation and conducting joint military exercises.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. VASA-1
Why in news: Microsoft’s VASA-1 bringing Images to Life with AI
Key points:
• Microsoft Research Asia’s AI team has introduced VASA-1, an innovative AI application.
• VASA-1 converts still images into animated representations with synchronized speech or song, exhibiting realistic facial expressions.
• The research aimed to animate static images with accompanying audio tracks while ensuring authentic facial expressions.
ECONOMY:
1. PayU
Why in news: PayU received RBI’s In-principle approval as Payment Aggregator
Key points:
• PayU, the digital financial services provider, has obtained the authorization to function as a Payments Aggregator (PA) under the Payment Settlements Act, 2007.
• Anirban Mukherjee, the CEO of PayU, emphasized the significance of this approval, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to compliance and corporate governance.
2. BharatPe
Why in news: BharatPe introduced BharatPe One Payment Solutions
Key points:
• BharatPe One, is an all-in-one payment device that combines POS, QR, and speaker functionalities.
• BharatPe aims to roll out BharatPe One across 100+ cities initially, with plans for expansion to 450+ cities within the next six months.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. National Panchayati Raj Day
Why in news: National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24
Key points:
• It commemorates the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system in India.
• This decentralized form of governance was introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993.
• It is aimed to empower local self-governing bodies, known as Gram Panchayats, at the village level.
• In 1957, the Balwantrai Mehta Committee was formed to study the process of democratic decentralization and recommend measures to revive the Panchayati Raj system.
• The committee’s recommendations led to the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayats at the village, block, and district levels.
SPORTS:
1. Gukesh
Why in news: Gukesh Etches earned name in Chess History as Youngest Challenger
Key points:
• Indian chess prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh, aged just 17, has made history by winning the FIDE Candidates tournament.
• Thus, he became the youngest-ever challenger in the history of the World Chess Championship.
• With this victory, he becomes only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the coveted tournament.
• This is how he secured his place as the challenger for the World Chess Championship later this year.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. MS Dhoni
Why in news: French carmaker Citroen has engaged cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.
Key points:
• His achievements include winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and numerous accolades and honours.
2. Kaushik Rajashekara
Why in news: Kaushik Rajashekara, a professor at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Engineering Academy of Japan.
Key points:
• His election as an International Fellow specifically honours his “outstanding scientific research and scientific-technical developments in the field of energy”.
AWARDS/HONOURS:
1. KISS Humanitarian Award 2021
Why in news: Renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, was honored with the esteemed KISS Humanitarian Award 2021 at a ceremony held at his Mumbai residence.
Key points:
• The KISS Humanitarian Award, the highest honor of KIIT and KISS, is dedicated to acknowledging individuals and organizations embodying the spirit of humanitarian work worldwide.
STATE/UT:
1. Festival Thrissur Pooram
Why in news: Largest Temple Festival Thrissur Pooram 2024 Celebrated.
Key points:
• Thrissur Pooram is a grand temple festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, transcending religious boundaries.
• The Thrissur Pooram festival is a collaborative effort involving multiple temples, each contributing to its grandeur.
Click here to download Current Affairs English PDF
Click here to download Current Affairs Hindi PDF