National News

Satellite Insights: Expansion of Glacial Lakes in the Indian Himalayas

• The Himalayan Mountains, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to their extensive glaciers, are undergoing significant transformations as a result of global climate variations.
• The process of glacial retreat leads to the formation and enlargement of lakes, consequently posing threats such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• Despite the inherent challenges in monitoring these changes, it is imperative for comprehending the environmental repercussions and effectively managing associated risks.

India’s Largest Climate Clock Unveiled at CSIR HQ for Earth Day Celebration

• In commemoration of Earth Day, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) recently introduced India’s largest Climate Clock at its headquarters in New Delhi.
• This initiative serves as a testament to CSIR’s dedication towards raising awareness about climate change and its detrimental consequences.

International News

Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference: Bhutan’s Earth Day Initiative

• Bhutan takes the lead on Earth Day 2024 by hosting the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference.
• With an ambitious objective of mobilizing $1 billion over the span of a decade, the conference aims to conserve tiger habitats crucial for biodiversity preservation and the livelihoods of millions.

Appointments News

India’s Gita Sabharwal Appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia

• The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Gita Sabharwal from India as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.
• Assuming her responsibilities on Monday, Sabharwal brings with her nearly three decades of experience in development work, spanning climate transition, sustainable peace, governance, and social policy.
• Her expertise in leveraging digital technology and data to expedite the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further strengthens her role.

Naima Khatoon Breaks Glass Ceiling, Becomes First Woman Vice-Chancellor of AMU

• In a groundbreaking development, Professor Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), shattering a century-old glass ceiling.
• This historic appointment, perceived as a part of the BJP government’s efforts to empower Muslim women, coincides with the upcoming second phase of the Lok Sabha election.

Sports News

Chahal to Bumrah: Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in IPL History

• The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed numerous memorable bowling performances, with several bowlers etching their names in the annals of cricketing history.
• As the 2024 edition of the IPL unfolds, let’s delve into the top 10 highest wicket-takers in the tournament's history.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, the crafty leg-spinner representing the Rajasthan Royals, holds the distinction of being the highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

Saurav Ghosal Bids Farewell to Professional Squash

• Saurav Ghosal, the eminent Indian squash player, has recently declared his retirement from the professional squash circuit, marking the culmination of a distinguished career spanning more than two decades.
• Throughout his journey, Ghosal has carved a legacy marked by numerous accolades and has been a source of pride for the nation.

Awards News

The Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 Announced

• The Laureus World Sports Awards for the year 2024, held in the vibrant city of Madrid, served as a platform to honor the extraordinary achievements of athletes worldwide.
• Among the notable recipients was Novak Djokovic, the renowned tennis maestro, who clinched the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for an unprecedented fifth time, solidifying his stature as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Books and Authors News

A book titled ‘Heavenly Islands of Goa’ released by Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai

• Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai of Goa has embarked on a literary venture aimed at unraveling the natural splendor of the state.
• His latest literary offering, "Heavenly Islands of Goa," serves as a testament to his commitment to showcasing Goa's lesser-explored facets, thereby enriching the literary landscape with narratives of the region's pristine beauty.

Important Days

National Panchayati Raj Day Observed on April 24th every year

• April 24th marks the observance of National Panchayati Raj Day in India, commemorating the inception of the Panchayati Raj system, a pivotal milestone in the country's governance framework.
• Enshrined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1993, this decentralized model of governance aims to empower grassroots-level self-governing bodies, known as Gram Panchayats, fostering local development and participatory democracy.

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024

• On the same day, the world acknowledges the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, reaffirming the commitment to resolving global conflicts through diplomatic dialogue and cooperation.
• Rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter, this observance underscores the significance of multilateralism in fostering sustainable peace and collective security among nations.