National News

Gopi Thotakura: First Indian Pilot to Embark on Space Tourism with Blue Origin

• Gopi Thotakura has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian pilot to embark on a journey into space as a tourist, joining the NS-25 mission by Blue Origin.
• This momentous event not only marks a personal achievement for Thotakura but also signifies a remarkable milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors, heralding the dawn of a new era for space tourism.

International News

Russia’s Successful Angara-A5 Rocket Test Launch

• Russia celebrated a significant achievement with the successful test launch of its Angara-A5 space rocket on April 11, 2024.
• The launch, carried out from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East of Russia, comes after the cancellation of previous attempts on April 9 and 10 due to technical issues, including a malfunction in the pressurization system and an engine launch-control system glitch.

Banking News

Neobank Revolut India Receives In-Principle Approval for PPI License from RBI

• Revolut India, supported by Tiger Global and Softbank, has secured in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI), marking a significant milestone in the fintech sector.
• This approval paves the way for Revolut to expand its footprint in the Indian market, offering diverse financial services such as multi-currency forex cards and cross-border remittance solutions.
• With this license, Revolut aims to streamline payment experiences for Indian consumers, providing a seamless platform for both domestic and international transactions.

Economy News

Moody’s Analytics Forecasts India’s Economy to Grow by 6.1% in 2024

• Moody’s Analytics has revised its forecast for India’s economic growth in 2024, anticipating a modest expansion of 6.1%, slightly higher than its previous projection in March.
• While this growth trajectory reflects a positive outlook, it remains below the 7.7% growth recorded in 2023.
• The report underscores concerns regarding inflationary pressures, citing India’s persistent consumer price inflation hovering around 5%, with no signs of immediate relief.

Appointments News

Sachidananda Mohanty Appointed as Member, University Grants Commission (UGC)

• Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed as a Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) for a tenure of three years, effective immediately.
• This appointment, endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India, underscores Mohanty’s expertise and contribution to the education sector.

Jagjit Pavadia Re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board

• India's re-election of Jagjit Pavadia for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reaffirms its commitment to combating the global drug menace.
• Pavadia's continued presence on the board underscores India's proactive role in international efforts to address narcotics trafficking and related challenges.

Awards News

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni Honored with American President’s Volunteer Award 2024

• Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni's recognition with the American President’s Volunteer Service Award for his extensive voluntary contributions exemplifies India's spirit of altruism on the global stage.
• This prestigious accolade not only honors Muni's philanthropic endeavors but also highlights the positive impact of Indian individuals in fostering community welfare beyond national borders.

Prestigious John Dirks Gairdner Global Health Award for Dr. Gagandeep Kang

• Gagandeep Kang's receipt of the 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award acknowledges her significant contributions to advancing global health research.
• As an Indian researcher, Kang's achievement reflects India's growing prominence in the field of healthcare innovation and underscores the importance of fostering scientific excellence on a global scale.

Ranks and Reports News

World Cybercrime Index Unveiled: Russia and Ukraine Top List

• The unveiling of the World Cybercrime Index sheds light on the complex dynamics of cyber threats facing nations worldwide.
• With Russia and Ukraine emerging at the forefront of cybercrime prevalence, the index underscores the need for concerted international efforts to combat cyber threats and bolster cybersecurity measures.
• India's ranking among the top ten countries in the index underscores the imperative of enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure and fostering digital resilience.

Important Days

World Chagas Disease Day 2024, Date, Theme, History, and Significance

• The observance of World Chagas Disease Day on April 14th serves as a poignant reminder of the global health challenges posed by neglected tropical diseases.
• Spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), this annual event aims to raise awareness about Chagas disease's impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in Latin America.
• By commemorating World Chagas Disease Day, the international community reaffirms its commitment to combating neglected diseases and advancing global health equity.