Current Affairs may-18th-2024
National News
IMD Issues ‘Severe Heatwave’ Alert for Northern India from May 18-20
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave alert for parts of northern India, including Punjab and Delhi, from May 18-20.
- With temperatures forecasted to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius in the national capital, the region is preparing for extreme heat conditions.
International News
India’s Growing Economic Prospects vs. China: UN Expert’s Insights
- A recent briefing on the mid-year update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024 highlighted India's impressive economic performance compared to China.
- According to a UN expert, India's GDP growth projections for 2024 have been revised upwards, nearing seven percent.
- The expert cited various factors contributing to India’s economic success, including increased investments from Western companies and favorable import arrangements with Russia.
Appointment News
Senior IPS Officers A.Y.V. Krishna & N. Venu Gopal Appointed as Additional Directors in CBI
- In a notable development, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers A.Y.V. Krishna and N. Venu Gopal have been appointed as additional directors in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- These appointments emphasize the government’s commitment to enhancing the investigative capabilities of India's premier investigative agency.
Economic News
Outlook for India’s Export Growth in FY25: FIEO Projections
- The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) projects that India’s merchandise exports will reach $500-510 billion in FY25, recovering from a 3% contraction in the previous fiscal year.
- Additionally, services exports are expected to contribute $390-400 billion, leading to total exports of approximately $890-910 billion.
- Key sectors driving this growth include engineering, advertising services, and the expansion of global capability centers.
Important Days
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024 Observed on May 17th
- World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, celebrated annually on May 17, highlights the transformative impact of telecommunication and information technology on global connectivity and development.
- As we commemorate this special day in 2024, it’s crucial to reflect on its significance, theme, historical roots, and the pressing issues it addresses.