Table of Contents
National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Historic Feature on Newsweek Cover
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to make history as the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to grace the cover of Newsweek. 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.
India Donates Ambulances and School Buses to Nepal
In a gesture of solidarity and support, India has donated 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations in Nepal, bolstering infrastructure in the crucial sectors of health and education. Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, officiated the handover ceremony alongside Finance Minister Barshaman Pun.
International News
The Deep State Struggle: Forces Behind the Israel-Iran Conflict
The current war between Israel and Iran is not merely a conflict between two nation-states, but rather a complex interplay of power dynamics and ideological differences that stem from a deeper, more intricate struggle, the clash between the “Deep State” and the Islamist forces in the Middle East. This conflict, which has its roots in the early 20th century, has been shaped by a series of pivotal events, power dynamics, and ideological differences that have profoundly impacted the course of history in the Middle East.
Appointments News
Senior IPS Officer Anurag Kumar Appointed as Joint Director of CBI
In a significant development in India’s law enforcement landscape, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar as the Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move, which comes into effect immediately, underscores the government’s confidence in Kumar’s leadership and expertise to serve in this crucial role.
Senior Bureaucrat Vandita Kaul Appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts
In a significant development, Senior Bureaucrat Vandita Kaul, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in financial services and banking, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Posts. Kaul, a 1989-batch Indian Postal Service officer, currently serves as Member (Banking & Direct Benefit Transfer) of the Postal Services Board. She will succeed Vineet Pandey upon his superannuation.
Justice Aniruddha Bose Appointed Director of National Judicial Academy
Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose has been named the new director of the National Judicial Academy (NJA) in Bhopal, as announced by Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud during a ceremonial bench held on April 10. The NJA, established in 1993, operates under the guidance of the Supreme Court and aims to enhance the skills of judges and facilitate court administration.
Agreements News
Amendment to India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
India and Mauritius recently signed an amendment to their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on March 7, 2024. 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. This move raises concerns about increased scrutiny on foreign portfolio investments via Mauritius and potential implications for past investments.
Banking News
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Introduces AePS Service Charges
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has implemented service charges for Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions, effective from June 15, 2022. AePS is a bank-led model allowing online financial transactions at Point of Sale (PoS) terminals through Aadhaar authentication, enabling various banking services.
Business News
Government Sets Coal Production Target at 170 Million Tonnes for FY25
The government aims to produce 170 million tonnes of coal from captive and commercial coal blocks in the upcoming financial year, as per the review conducted by M Nagaraju, the additional secretary of coal. Representatives from 74 coal mines participated in the review meeting, expressing confidence in achieving the set target.
Books and Authors News
Salman Rushdie’s Memoir “Knife”: A Harrowing Tale of Resilience and the Fight for Free Speech
Celebrated British-American author Salman Rushdie is set to release his memoir “Knife”, recounting the chilling experience of being stabbed at a public event in 2022 and his journey to overcome the near-fatal ordeal. The book serves as a powerful testament to Rushdie’s unwavering commitment to free speech, a core value that has defined his life and literary career.
Defence News
Indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile System: A Milestone in India’s Self-Reliance
In a significant milestone for India’s defense capability, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have successfully conducted trials of the indigenously designed and developed Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System. This indigenous development marks a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defense systems, as underscored by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
The Vital Role of the Indian Air Force in Operation Meghdoot
The Siachen Glacier, situated in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas, has long been a strategically important region for both India and Pakistan. On 13 April 1984, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Meghdoot, a daring and unprecedented military operation to secure the heights dominating the Northern Ladakh region. This article will delve into the critical role played by the IAF in this historic operation, which has become a testament to the air force’s unwavering commitment and unparalleled expertise in operating in the world’s highest battlefield.
Ranks and Reports News
Plastic Overshoot Day Report: India’s Role in Global Plastic Mismanagement
India ranks among the top twelve countries responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste, as highlighted in the recent Plastic Overshoot Day report by Switzerland’s EA Earth Action. Despite having the lowest per capita plastic waste production globally, India is expected to generate 7.4 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste in 2024, a figure the report deems “very high.”
Awards News
Avantika Vandanapu Honoured as South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard
In a remarkable achievement, Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, best known for her role as Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical comedy “Mean Girls,” has been honored with the prestigious “South Asian Person of the Year” award by Harvard University. This accolade recognizes Vandanapu’s outstanding contributions to the arts and her role in promoting South Asian representation in global media.
Summits and Conferences News
First Trilateral Summit Meeting of US, Japan, and Philippines
American President Joe Biden hosted the inaugural trilateral summit among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines on April 11, 2024, at the White House in Washington D.C. The meeting underscored the commitment of the United States to support its allies, Japan and the Philippines, amid escalating territorial disputes with China.
Important Days
India’s Quantum Leap Celebrated on World Quantum Day 2024
On April 14, 2024, India celebrates World Quantum Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of quantum science and technology. As a nation aspiring to become a global leader in various fields of Quantum Science and Technology, India’s efforts have gained significant momentum with the launch of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023.
International Turban Day 2024, Celebrating Sikh Heritage and Values
International Turban Day is an annual celebration observed on April 13th to honour the rich cultural and religious significance of the turban in Sikhism. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of the turban as a symbol of Sikh identity and to promote religious harmony and intercultural understanding.
Sports News
Rashmi Kumari Wins National Women’s Carrom Title For The 12th time
In a display of unparalleled skill and consistency, Rashmi Kumari has etched her name deeper into the annals of Indian carrom history by claiming her 12th National Carrom Championship title. The three-time World Champion overcame a tough challenge from K Nagajothi in the women’s final, emerging victorious with a scoreline of 25-8, 14-20, 25-20.
Obituaries News
Former Cricket Australia (CA) chair, Jack Clarke Passes Away at 70
The Australian cricketing community has lost a true icon with the passing of former Cricket Australia (CA) chair, Jack Clarke, at the age of 70 in Adelaide. Clarke’s contributions to the sport spanned decades, and his tenure as the CA chair from 2008 to 2011 was marked by significant milestones that reshaped the landscape of Australian cricket.
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