Table of Contents
National News
Indian Army Conducts Anti-Tank Guided Missile Training Exercise in Sikkim
In a significant training endeavor, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army executed a rigorous Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) exercise in Sikkim, operating at an altitude of 17,000 feet. The exercise involved Missile Firing Detachments from Mechanized and Infantry Units of the Eastern Command, emphasizing live firing scenarios against both moving and static targets, simulating battlefield conditions.
International News
Israel Deploys C-Dome Defense System Against Aerial Threat Near Eilat
In a significant development, Israel deployed its ship-mounted defense system, the C-Dome, for the first time against a suspicious aerial target near the southern city of Eilat. The incident occurred following an alert in the area, which had previously been targeted by missile fire from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The C-Dome, a naval adaptation of the Iron Dome, successfully intercepted the target, marking its maiden operational use.
Former Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gillani Elected as Senate Chairman
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Syedal Khan Nasir have been elected as Pakistan’s Senate chairman and deputy chairman, respectively.
UK’s First Woman High Commissioner to India: Lindy Cameron
Lindy Cameron, a distinguished Oxford University alumna and former CEO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, has been appointed as the first woman high commissioner to India. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in UK-India relations, coming 70 years after India appointed its first high commissioner to London.
Appointments News
Sushil Sharma Appointed CMD of SJVN Limited
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel has recommended Sushil Sharma for the position of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of SJVN Limited. This decision was made during the panel’s meeting on April 8th. Sharma, currently serving as Director (Projects) within the organization, emerged as the frontrunner from a pool of nine candidates interviewed by the PESB selection panel.
Former Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj to Head US-India Tax Forum
The US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) has appointed former Revenue Secretary and ex-Secretary of Economic Affairs Tarun Bajaj as the head of the US-India Tax Forum. Bajaj, 61, joined the USISPF as an advisor to the Board of Directors in January and will now spearhead the US-India Tax Forum.
PhonePe Partners with eSewa, HAN Pokhara to Promote UPI in Nepal
PhonePe, in collaboration with eSewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara, is set to promote UPI during the Fewa New Year Festival in Nepal. The festival, spanning from April 11-14th, is a celebrated event attracting both locals and Indian tourists, offering cultural experiences and culinary delights.
Sports News
Asian Wrestling Championship: Udit Bags Silver, Abhimanyu and Vicky Claim Bronze Each
India’s 19-year-old Udit won the silver medal in the men’s 57kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Abhimanyou (men’s 70kg) and Vicky (men’s 97kg) also won the bronze medals in their respective weight divisions to take India’s tally to three medals after the opening day of the competition.
JNU Tops QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: A Landmark Achievement for India
In a momentous achievement, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has secured the top position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, reaffirming its status as India’s premier academic institution. This remarkable feat not only underscores JNU’s commitment to academic excellence but also reflects India’s growing prominence in the global education landscape.
Science and Technology News
US, Japan Announce Plans to Send Japanese Astronaut to Moon
In a joint announcement, President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed that Japanese astronauts will join future NASA lunar missions as part of the Artemis program. This move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen economic and defense ties between the United States and Japan.
Chandrayaan-4: ISRO Chief Somanath Shares Plans for Next Moon Mission in 2040
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath has revealed that the upcoming phase of the Chandrayaan project is in progress, aiming to advance India’s lunar exploration efforts. He indicated that Chandrayaan-4 marks the initial stride towards India’s aspiration of landing an astronaut on the moon by 2040.
Breakthrough in Healthcare: IIT Jodhpur Unveils Nano-Sensor for Disease Tracking
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) have unveiled a groundbreaking nano-sensor designed to swiftly detect Cytokines, vital proteins regulating various cellular functions. This innovation aims to combat the high mortality rates resulting from delayed diagnoses and the absence of early warnings in disease progression.
Citroen Makes Historic Move: First MNC to Export EVs from India
In a landmark achievement, French automaker Citroën has become the first multinational car manufacturer to export electric vehicles (EVs) produced in India to the international market. The company announced the commencement of exports of its locally manufactured ë-C3, sending an initial shipment of 500 units to Indonesia from the Kamarajar Port.
Important Days
International Day of Human Space Flight 2024, Date, History and Significance
The International Day of Human Space Flight is commemorated every year on April 12 to mark the beginning of the space era for mankind. The United Nations General Assembly, on April 7, 2011, passed a resolution to establish the International Day of Human Space Flight on a particular day every year.
World Parkinson’s Day 2024, Date, History and Significance
World Parkinson’s Day is observed annually on April 11 to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers and families.
Obituaries News
Former NFL Star O.J. Simpson Dies of Cancer at Age 76
O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star who was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in a televised trial that gripped the nation, has died of cancer, according to his family. He was 76.
Former New Zealand Legspinner Jack Alabaster Passes Away at 93
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) took to social media to announce the demise of former legspinner Jack Alabaster, who passed away. night at the age of 93 in Cromwell, United Kingdom. NZC expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Alabaster as a “champion of Southland and @OtagoCricket” who played 21 Tests for New Zealand from 1955 to 1972, taking 49 wickets at an average of 38.02.
12th April CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR