Table of Contents
National News
Gem and Jewellery Sector Granted AEO Status by Indian Government
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) announces a significant milestone for India’s Gem and Jewellery (GJ) industry as it receives Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status from the Ministry of Finance. This status, previously denied, now facilitates smoother export-import processes, reduces cargo release times, and lowers bank guarantees by 50%, aiming to enhance ease of doing business.
International News
U.S. Places India on Priority Watch List for IP Protection
In the recently released 2024 Special 301 Report by the U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR), India finds itself on the Priority Watch List for intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding India’s handling of IP security issues.
China Launches Shenzhou-18 Crew to Tiangong Space Station
In the latest advancement of China’s space program, the Shenzhou-18 mission saw the successful launch of a three-member crew aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft. The mission’s objective is to rendezvous with the Tiangong space station, marking another milestone in China’s ambitious space exploration endeavors.
Agreements News
Aramco and FIFA Forge Global Partnership
In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia’s oil behemoth, Aramco, and the international football governing body, FIFA, have joined forces in a strategic global partnership. The deal, spanning until 2027, designates Aramco as FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partner exclusively in the energy sector, encompassing sponsorship rights for marquee events including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
Appointments News
Arun Alagappan Appointed Executive Chairman of Coromandel International
Coromandel International Ltd. (CIL), a leading provider of agri-solutions, has announced a significant leadership transition. Arun Alagappan, the former Executive Vice Chairman, has been appointed and re-designated as the Executive Chairman of the company.
Banking News
RBI Directs Talkcharge to Cease PPI Operations and Refund Balances
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed Talkcharge Technologies to halt the issuance and operation of its Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) or wallets. This directive follows the RBI’s observation of the firm issuing wallets without proper authorization. As a result, Talkcharge must refund the balances held in these wallets to customers by May 17, 2024.
Economy News
NIPFP Forecasts India’s FY25 GDP Growth at 7.1%
The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) predicts India’s GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 to be 7.1%. Utilizing high-frequency models, NIPFP underscores the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, emphasizing tax buoyancy and compression of revenue expenditure.
Business News
Adani’s Vizhinjam Port Approved as India’s First Transshipment Hub
Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has received approval from the government to operate as India’s inaugural transshipment port. This designation is significant as it allows cargo to be transferred from large vessels to smaller ones, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a manufacturing hub. Presently, a substantial portion of India’s transshipment cargo is handled by ports abroad, such as those in Colombo and Singapore.
Sports News
Yuvraj Singh Named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh as an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The announcement comes with just 36 days remaining until the highly anticipated global event for T20 cricket commences.
Sana Mir Named Ambassador of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Pakistan cricket legend Sana Mir as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Mir, who represented Pakistan in 226 international games, with 137 of them as captain, will bring her invaluable experience to the event.
Books and Authors News
EAM Jaishankar Receives Book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans’
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received a copy of the book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans,’ edited by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua. The book traces the evolution of India into a nuclear state while highlighting the pivotal roles played by renowned figures like Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Abdul Kalam, and K. Subrahmanyam, among others.
Important days
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 Observed on 27th April
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign observed on April 28th to promote safe and healthy working conditions for all workers. This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health and to honour those who have suffered injuries, illnesses, or lost their lives due to work-related accidents or diseases. This year, World Veterinary Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers,”.
World Veterinary Day 2024 Observed on 27th April
The World Veterinary Day (WVD) is an annual global celebration that honours the invaluable contributions of veterinarians to society. Observed on the last Saturday of April, this day aims to raise awareness about the crucial role veterinarians play in maintaining the health and welfare of animals and humans alike.
Obituaries News
Yakshagana Exponent Subrahmanya Dhareshwar Passes Away
The world of Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form of Karnataka, has lost a towering figure. Subrahmanya Dhareshwar, a senior and well-known Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’ (background singer), passed away in Bengaluru. He was 66 years old.
21st November 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
20th November 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
19th November 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
