Current Affairs 18th April 2024
Welcome to your one-stop shop for staying informed on what’s happening in the world today! This blog post dives into the key Current Affairs for April 18th 2024. Whether you’re interested in politics, science, business, or global events, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down the latest headlines and provide insightful analysis to keep you up-to-date. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the most pressing issues of the day!
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1) Govt extends Deadline for Linking ABHA ID with CGHS ID
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has extended the deadline for integrating the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Beneficiary ID to 120 days, beginning June 30, 2024.
The deadline for creating an ABHA ID has been extended for 90 days, beginning June 30, 2024.
Objective:
The plan to integrate ABHA-ID with CGHS-ID is intended to provide a digital health identity for beneficiaries and save their digital health data.
Note:
- Kiosks will be operational at all wellness centers by June 30 to assist CGHS beneficiaries.
- Beginning July 1, 2024, beneficiaries can visit wellness centers to update their mobile numbers, fix inaccuracies (name, birth year, gender), and link their CGHS beneficiary ID to their ABHA number.
ABHA ID:
- It is a unique health ID based on Aadhaar that allows access to health records. In the healthcare sphere, ABHA works as a surrogate for Aadhaar.
- The MoHFW intends to provide ABHA IDs and benefits to all Indians at every health institution.
- It makes it easier to save health records under a unique identifier, guaranteeing that patients/CGHS beneficiaries can access them.
- It does not replace existing CGHS services or the present CGHS Health Management Information System (HMIS).
It is an enhancement to the present services provided by CGHS.
Benefits of ABHA Implementation:
- Reduces the need for repeat testing by making health records more accessible via mobile phones.
- Implementation across many health screenings and examinations to ensure complete coverage.
- ABHA is not affiliated with any monetary or fiscal plan, although it is integrated into a variety of government health initiatives.
Click here to read from source
2) IIT Madras Launches India’s 1st Mobile Facility for Medical Devices Calibration
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) has established India’s first mobile medical device calibration service, built as part of the ‘Anaivarukkum IITM’ (IITM for everyone) initiatives.
The mobile facility seeks to deliver inexpensive, quality calibration services nationally, thus addressing the healthcare gap between urban and rural communities.
It will also assist with the testing and maintenance of medical instruments used in a variety of hospitals, including those located in communities nearby.
The mobile unit is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that satisfy international standards, ensuring the safety and operation of medical gadgets.
Accurate medical device calibration allows for precise diagnosis and treatment while lowering expenses and time involved with calibration and shipping.
This effort is consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-Being.
Click here to read from source
3) Indian Army Conducts ATGM Training Exercise in Sikkim
The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps performed an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) training exercise at a super-high altitude of 17,000 feet in Sikkim.
Missile fire detachments from Eastern Command’s Mechanized and Infantry Units took part in the exercise, which emphasized live fire scenarios against both moving and stationary targets in order to simulate combat situations.
The exercise was called “Ek Missile Ek Tank” and aimed to demonstrate the ATGM system’s accuracy and efficacy in high-altitude situations.
Note: The Trishakti Corps is an important military organization of the Indian Army, based in Sukna, West Bengal, and operating along India’s eastern frontiers.
Click here to read from source
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
4) India’s Population Expected to Have Touched 1.44 billion Mark leaving China Behind– UNFPA Report
According to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of the World Population report titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”.
The research stated that India’s population is expected to double in 77 years.
According to the research, India has the world’s largest population, with an estimated 1.44 billion people, surpassing China’s 1.425 billion.
- According to the UNFPA research, an estimated 24% of India’s population is aged 0-14, with 17% falling between the ages of 10 and 19.
- The 10-24 age segment is expected to account for 26%, while the 15-64 age group accounts for 68%.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
- UNFPA has been operating in India since 1974.
- Executive Director – Natalia Kanem
- Headquarters – New York, United States
- Founded – 1969
Click here to read from source
BANKING & FINANCE
5) Axis Bank & Shoppers Stop Launched a New Co-branded Credit Card “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card”
Axis Bank Limited partnered with Shoppers Stop Ltd to launch the “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card,” a co-branded credit card designed to improve cardholders’ shopping experiences both online and offline, during a ceremony held at the Shoppers Stop Malad store in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Note: Shoppers Stop Ltd is India’s premier Omni-Channel retailer of fashion, cosmetics, and home items, as well as one of the major department store chains in India.
During the inaugural ceremony, key people were Arjun Chowdhry, Group Executive – Retail Assets, Payments, and Affluent Banking, Axis Bank, and Karunakaran M, Customer Care Associate and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Shoppers Stop.
About Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card:
- This relationship combines Axis Bank’s financial offerings with Shoppers Stop’s extensive network, delivering a mix of convenience and rewards for customers.
- This card represents the expansion of Axis Bank’s credit card portfolio into the omnichannel commerce market.
Key Features:
- Free membership to ‘Shoppers Stop First Citizen Club Golden Glow’. ii. Earn up to 20 First Citizen points on Shoppers Stop purchases.
- Dining Delights with Eazy Diner (15% fast discount up to Rs 500 per month with a minimum transaction value of Rs 2500).
- Exclusive bargains with Grab deals
- 1% fuel fee is waived on gasoline transactions.
About Axis Bank Ltd.:
- Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amitabh Chaudhry
- Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Started Operations in– 1994
- Tagline– Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
Click here to read from source
6) SIDBI signs MoU with Jeevika Bihar & UMED Maharashtra to extend Prayaas to Rural Livelihood Missions
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), in collaboration with Women’s World Banking (WWB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jeevika, Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM), and UMED, Maharashtra-SRLM, to extend the Prayaas scheme to individual women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) via Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
Aim: To provide a market-driven solution that would ensure long-term economic stability for women-led SHG CLFs.
Key Features:
- During the pilot phase of the scheme, SIDBI would collaborate with 35 to 40 CLFs in Bihar and Maharashtra to provide affordable loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 women entrepreneurs.
- For this initiative, the chosen CLFs will collaborate with SIDBI as partners.
- SIDBI has given a Rs 50 crore budget for the pilot testing phase.
- The WWB will give manpower support to CLFs for capacity building and Prayaas technical reinforcement.
- The MetLife Foundation will provide financial assistance for the initiative.
- WWB and CLFs will identify individual members of SHGs to provide individual loans.
Borrowers’ loans will be sanctioned based on a digital evaluation conducted through the Straight Through Process.
About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
- SIDBI is statutory body established under an Act of the Parliament in 1990.
- Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Sivasubramanian Ramann
- Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh(U.P.)
Click here to read from source
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
7) UNCTAD Projected India’s GDP Growth at 6.5% for FY2024-25
According to a research provided by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Indian economy is predicted to increase by 6.5% in 2024, compared to 6.7% in 2023.
Global growth projections by UNCTAD
- According to a UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, the world economy would increase by 2.6 percent in 2024, up from 2.5 percent previously forecast.
- According to the research, European nations such as Germany and Italy are experiencing lackluster economic activity, industrial slowdowns, and a budgetary crisis, which is affecting their growth prospects.
About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental organization created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. It consists of 195 member nations that make up the organization.
- Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
- Secretary General– Rebeca Grynspan
Click here to read from source
8) IMF’s World Economic Outlook(WEO) 2024 report raises India’s GDP growth forecast by 30bps to 6.8% for FY25
On April 17, 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued its bi-annual report, World Economic Outlook (WEO) – Steady But Slow: Resilience Amid Divergence (April 2024). According to the study, the IMF has upped India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth prediction for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) by 30 basis points (bps) to 6.8%, while maintaining the FY26 forecast at 6.5%.
India’s GDP increased by a remarkable 7.8% in FY 2024 (2023-2024), above the 6.7% forecast in the IMF’s January 2024 report.
About International Monetary Fund(IMF):
- Managing Director- Kristalina Georgieva
- Member nations- 190
- Headquarters- Washington D.C., United States of America(U.S.A.)
- Established in 1944
Click here to read from source
Click here to read: Current Affairs 17th April 2024
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
9) MoL &J Forms 6-Member Committee to Examine Issues of Queer Community
The Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) has formed a six-person committee to investigate different issues concerning the queer (LGBTQIA+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, and Asexual) population. The Committee is led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
Background:
In the case of Supriyo v Union of India, the Supreme Court of India ordered the creation of a six-member committee to investigate LGBT community concerns in October 2023.
Members:
- Ajay Kumar Bhalla is the Secretary of the Department of Home, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Anil Malik
- Apurva Chandra, Secretary of Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Development (MoHFW); iv. Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary of Legislative Department, MoL&J;
- Saurabh Garg, Secretary of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE).
Mandate of the committee:
- The committee will develop policies to guarantee that the gay community does not encounter prejudice while accessing commodities, services, and social assistance programs.
- The group will also look into measures to avoid violence, harassment, and coercion, as well as involuntary medical treatments and procedures for the LGBTQ+ community.
- This will also maintain the flexibility to address relevant concerns as needed.
Other Directives:
- The committee will include additional subject matter experts to address the mental health problems of individuals and members of the gay community.
- The Committee’s findings will be implemented at the administrative level by the Union Government, State Governments, and Union Territories.
Additional info:
- The 5-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, chaired by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, denied legal recognition for same-sex weddings, deferring to Parliament for a decision.
- The Court refused to overturn the Special Marriage Act 1954, which prohibits the registration of same-sex marriages.
- The court underlined the need of protecting LGBTQIA+ couples from harassment.
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
10) CCI Approvals on 16th April 2024 (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
- On April 16, 2024, the Competition Commission of India authorized the following proposed combinations.
- PAMP Ventures SA (PAMP Switzerland) acquired a share in PAMP Technologies (India) Private Limited (PAMP Technologies) and MMTC PAMP India Private Limited (MMTC PAMP).
- Protos Engineering Company Private Limited and Paharpur Cooling Towers Limited acquired an interest in Thyssenkrupp Industries India Private Limited.
Acquisition of PAMP Technologies & MMTC PAMP by PAMP Ventures
CCI approved PAMP Switzerland’s purchase of 100% of PAMP Technologies’ share capital as well as 72.65% of MMTC PAMP’s fully diluted share capital.
- Target: PAMP Technologies and MMTC PAMP
- Acquirer: PAMP Switzerland
Points to note:
This is an internal group restructure in which MKS PAMP Group Limited, the parent entity of the MKS PAMP Group, transfers its indirect shareholdings in PAMP Technologies and MMTC PAMP to PAMP Switzerland.
Acquisition of Shareholding of Thyssenkrupp Industries by Protos & Paharpur
CCI has authorized Protos and Paharpur’s acquisition of further Thyssenkrupp Industries shareholdings.
Points to note:
- Protos is the only selling agency for Thyssenkrupp Industries. It serves as an agency for enterprises that manufacture equipment, machinery, and raw materials in a variety of industries, including steel, cement, sugar, and other industrial items.
- Paharpur manufactures and sells industrial cooling systems, generates wind power, and provides non-banking financial services. • Thyssenkrupp Industries provides Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for turnkey projects in various industries, as well as aftersales services.
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
11) Nigeria the 1st Country Globally to Launch Men5CV Meningitis Vaccine Recommended by WHO (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
Nigeria has become the first country to market Men5CV, a new vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect individuals against five strains of the meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X), which cause meningitis. Men5CV might pave the road for the WHO’s objective of eradicating meningitis by 2030.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, stepped forward to support both the development of the novel vaccination and the emergency vaccination initiatives. In collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, PATH (previously known as the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health) played a crucial role in developing this new vaccine.
Additionally, Gavi continues to promote routine meningitis immunization in low-income countries.
The United Kingdom (UK) government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and work Office funded its work.
The new vaccination provides a larger protection than previous versions, which were solely effective against the A strain. It employs the same technology as the Meningitis A conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac®).
Note:
- Nigeria is located in the African Meningitis Belt, one of 26 nations with a high prevalence of meningitis.
- Meningitis is a dangerous infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
SPORTS
12) Monte Carlo Masters 2024: Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas won his 3rd Monte-Carlo Singles title (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud to win the Monte Carlo Masters 2024 singles championship. This is Stefanos Tsitsipas’ third Monte Carlo Masters win. He previously claimed the championship in 2021 and 2022.
Monte Carlo Masters 2024, the 117th edition of the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, took place from April 6 to 14, 2024, at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap Martin, France.
- Belgian professional tennis players Alum Sander Gille and Joran Vliegan won the doubles title in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2024, defeating Brazilian Marcelo Melo and German Alexander Zverev.
- On April 9, 2024, Sumit Nagal, India’s rising tennis star, defeated Matteo Arnaldi of Italy, becoming the first Indian to win a main draw match at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
OBITUARY
13) Bernd Hölzenbein, Former German footballer & 1974 World Cup winner, Passed Away (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
Former German footballer Bernd Hölzenbein, who won the 1974 World Cup with West Germany, died at the age of 78. He was born on March 9, 1946, in Runkel, Germany.
About Bernd Hölzenbein:
- Bernd Hölzenbein played for the West German national team from 1973 until 1978. He has five goals in 40 games for West Germany.
- He was a member of the West German squad that won the 1974 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in West Germany.
- He also played for West Germany, who came second in the 1976 UEFA European Football Championship (UEFA Euros).
Club Career:
- From 1967 to 1981, Bernd Hölzenbein represented Eintracht Frankfurt e.V., a German professional sports team.
- He has scored 215 goals in 532 competitive matches for Eintracht Frankfurt.
- During his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, he won the DFB Cup in 1974, 1975, and 1981, as well as the UEFA Cup in 1980.
- He has previously played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Memphis Americans, and Baltimore Blast.
- After leaving Eintracht in 1981, he played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Memphis Americans, and Baltimore Blast in the United States.
- He has previously held positions at Eintracht Frankfurt, including Vice President (1988-94), Sports Manager (1994-96), Chief Scout (2004-2014), Strategic Advisor (2004-22), and Club Representative (2017-22)
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
BOOKS & AUTHORS
14) Salman Rushdie Releases New Memoir ‘Knife’ Recounting Stabbing (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
On April 16, 2024, Salman Rushdie, an Indian-born British-American novelist, published his new memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder”.
Penguin Random House released the memoir, which details how he escaped being stabbed 12 times during an arts event in New York, United States of America (USA) in August 2022.
The attack caused lifelong damage to the author, including the loss of sight in his right eye.
About Salman Rushdie
Notable works and awards:
- Rushdie was well known for his 1988 novel ‘The Satanic Verses’.
- In 1981, he got the Booker Prize for Midnight’s Children.The novel later received the Booker of Bookers (1993) and Best of the Booker (2008).
- He has been given the German Book Trade’s Peace Prize for 2023 (Germany’s most prestigious award) for his unwavering spirit, affirmation of life, and contribution to our planet via his love of storytelling.
Click here to read from source
(Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
IMPORTANT DAYS
15) World Hemophilia Day 2024 – April 17 (Current Affairs 18th April 2024)
Each year, on April 17th, the World Hemophilia Day (WHD) raises awareness about hemophilia, a hereditary bleeding illness, and other bleeding disorders that impede proper blood clotting.
WHD also provides as a forum for advocating for better treatment and assistance worldwide.
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) organizes the annual World Heart Day celebration.
The topic for World Hemophilia Day 2024 is “Equitable access for all: Recognizing all bleeding disorders”.
Background:
- The World Federation of Hemophilia established World Haemophilia Day in 1989.
- Subsequently, the first-ever World Haemophilia Day was commemorated with great significance on April 17, 1989.
- The 17th of April is the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH.
About World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH):
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), a non-profit organization, works diligently to improve and maintain treatment for people with hereditary bleeding diseases around the world.
- President– Cesar Garrido (Venezuela)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Alain Baumann
- Headquarters– Québec, Canada
- Established in 1963
Click here to read from source
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