Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 30th April 2024

National News 

1. India’s Ecommerce Market will be World’s Third Largest by 2030 

• India’s e-commerce landscape is poised for a monumental gain by 2030, a report by investment promotion and facilitation agency Invest India has claimed. 
• Forecasting a substantial surge to $325 billion by 2030, the report added that the nation’s digital economy is expected to reach an impressive $800 billion by the same time. 
• Currently valued at $70 billion, India’s online shopping makes up approximately 7 per cent of the country’s total retail market, therefore presenting a huge opportunity for growth. 
• In the coming years, several factors, like high internet penetration, low-cost internet services, and substantial increase in rural smartphone users, are expected to propel the sector towards a promising future. 
• With a staggering 881 million users, India boasts the world’s second-largest internet user base, positioning itself to emerge as the third-largest online retail market by 2030, driven by the rapid expansion of its digital economy. 

2. IREDA, National Fertilizers and HUDCO got Navratna company status 

• Shares of state-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) rose over 12% to Rs 192 on the BSE after it was granted 'Navratna' status by the central government. 
• PSUs have been given the status of Maharatna companies, Navratna companies and Miniratna companies. Navratna companies can invest up to Rs 1,000 crore without prior government approval. 
• IREDA is a non-banking financial institution engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects related to new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation. 
• To become Navratna, the company must first have Miniratna status. Besides, it is also necessary to have four independent directors on their board. Apart from this, the company is required to score 60 marks out of 100 in many parameters like Net Worth, Net Profit, Total Production Cost, Manpower Cost, Service Cost, PBDIT. 

National Fertilizers 

• State-owned National Fertilizers Limited has been awarded "Navratna" status by the Department of Public Enterprises. It was established on 23 August 1974. Its corporate office is in Noida (UP). It has an authorized capital of Rs 1000 crore and a paid-up capital of Rs 490.58 crore of which the Government of India holds 74.71% and 25.29% is held by financial institutions and others. 

HUDCO

• Government financial institution Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has got the status of 'Navratna'. 
• It was incorporated as "The Housing and Urban Development Finance Corporation Private Limited" as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956 on April 25, 1956, changed the present name, "Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited" and a fresh certificate of Incorporation on July 9, 1974 was issued by the then Registrar of Companies, Released by Delhi and Haryana. 

3. Hitachi Payment Services launches upgradeable ATM in India

• Hitachi Payment Services has unveiled new upgradeable ATMs in India, allowing banks to adapt their machines into cash recycling machines (CRMs) as per emerging needs. Manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these ATMs provide flexibility and efficiency to banks, potentially revolutionizing the Indian ATM industry. 
• These upgradeable ATMs enable banks to protect their investments and expand services, including cash deposit facilities, depending on business needs and market conditions. 
• They eliminate the need for costly replacements and lengthy installations, ensuring banks are future-ready for changing market requirements. 
• In response to recent announcements from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enabling UPI for cash deposits, these ATMs have been designed to support UPIbased cash withdrawal and deposit services. 
• Hitachi Payment Services expects significant growth in the upgradeable ATM market, estimating capacity at approximately 100,000 units over the next eight years. By providing efficient upgrade paths and innovative solutions such as UPIenabled ATMs, the company aims to increase banking reach and promote financial inclusion in underbanked areas. 
• In addition to upgradeable ATMs, Hitachi Payment Services had earlier introduced a first-of-its-kind UPI ATM on the Android platform for card-less cash withdrawals in September 2023. 

International News 

4. Important fourth session of talks on Global Plastics Treaty was held in Ottawa, Canada 

• The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), was held in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. 
• The purpose of the session is to advance negotiations so that the Committee can finalize the document at its fifth session (INC5) in November. The first document, drafted by Rwanda and Peru, emphasizes the need for a global target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers. 
• The second document, submitted by Norway, outlines a comprehensive approach to the identification and regulation of chemicals of concern in plastics. Communicate with accountability and integrity based on scientific evidence and facts on the scale and urgency of ending plastic pollution. 
• INC-5, to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea from 25 November to 2 December 2024, aims to conclude the INC process. This will be followed by a diplomatic conference where the heads of state will sign the agreement. 
• INC-4 is the final stage of negotiations; This follows three first rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in November 2022 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, INC-2, which was held in Paris, France, in June 2023, and INC-3, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2023. 
• Agreeing a global agreement on plastic pollution by the end of 2024 would be one of the most important environmental decisions and the first agreement of its kind to unite the world around a common goal to end plastic pollution. 

5. V Senthilkumar won the title of 'Batch Open Squash' of France 

• National men's squash champion Velavan Senthilkumar defeated Melville Scimanico of France to win the Batch Open Challenger Squash. This was US-based Indian Velavan Senthilkumar's eighth PSA (Professional Squash Association) title. 
• The Batch Open was organized by the world squash governing body Professional Squash Association in collaboration with the host French Squash Federation from 24–28 April 2024 at Jeu de Palm, Paris, France. 
• World number 58 Velavan Senthilkumar defeated Melvil Scimanico of France in straight sets 11-6, 11-9 and 11-9. 
• Squash is a court game. The sport of squash is also not an Olympic sport, however, the International Olympic Committee has decided to include squash for the first time in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics 2028. 

Major squash 

• Saurav Ghoshal is the most famous Indian squash player, who has recently announced his retirement from the international circuit. He was the first Indian to be ranked World Junior No. 1 and the only Indian male player to be ranked in the world top 10 in men's senior singles. 
• Deepika Pallikal is the most famous female player in women's squash. Deepika has won 11 PSA titles. She is the first Indian woman player to be ranked in the top 10 PSA women's singles rankings. 
• She won the first mixed doubles gold medal at the Asian Games when Deepika and Harinder Pal Sandhu won the gold medal at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games. 
• She also won the women's singles title at the Asian Championship in 2017. 
• Joshna Chinappa is another famous female squash player. She was the second Indian woman player to top the women's singles world rankings. Joshna Chinappa is the first Indian to win a singles title at the Asian Squash Championship. 

State News 

6 Chhattisgarh's environmental activist Alok Shukla will be honored with 'Goldman Award 2024' 

• Chhattisgarh's environmental activist and convenor of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan Alok Shukla has been selected for the 2024 Goldman Environment Award. The Goldman Environment Prize, also known as the Green Nobel Prize, is awarded annually to grassroots environmental champions around the world. 
• Hasdev castor forest area of Chhattisgarh is considered the lungs of Chhattisgarh. The area is rich in coal and in 2010 the government auctioned two coal blocks to private companies for mining. Alok Shukla founded Hasdev Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti to save the forest area and its ecosystem. 
• He organized the local tribal communities of the area and succeeded in pressurizing the government to reverse its policy of auctioning 21 proposed coal mines in Hasdeo Aranya. The government canceled the proposed auction of coal mines in the region in 2022. So far seven Indians have been awarded the Goldman Environment Prize- 
• Medha Patkar in 1992, M.C.Mehta in 1996, Rashida B and Champa Devi Shukla in 2004, Ramesh Aggarwal in 2014 and Prafulla Samantara in 2017. 

Goldman Environment Prize 

• The Goldman Environment Prize was established in 1989 by American couple Richard and Rhoda Goldman. The first Goldman Environment Prize was announced in 1990. Each year, grassroots environmental leaders are selected from six regions of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South and Central America, and islands and island nations. 

Other Winner 

• Marcel Gomes, Brazil Murrawah Maroochy Johnson, Australia Teresa Vicente, Spain Andrea Vidaure, United States Nonhle Mabuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu, South Africa 

7. Innovative 3D Printed Dummy Ballot Unit unveiled by IIT Guwahati 

• The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation Cell (SVEEP) of Kamrup Election District has partnered with Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati to develop a innovative 3D printed dummy ballot unit. 
• The inauguration of the dummy ballot unit was held at the IIT Guwahati campus and was attended by several dignitaries. 
• Crafted with the objective of acquainting citizens, particularly new voters, and senior citizens, with the intricacies of voting procedures, the 3D printed dummy ballot unit aims to dispel any apprehensions, anxiety or uncertainties associated with the voting process. 
• By offering a hands-on experience, the dummy ballot unit endeavours to foster maximum voter participation. 

IITs in News 

• ADIF and IIT Guwahati incubation center sign MoU to boost startup ecosystem 
• C-DOT and IIT Jodhpur sign agreement for “Automated Service Management in Network of 5G 
• BEL signs MoU with IIT-Mandi for co-operation in research 
• AFMS partnered with IIT Kanpur to Address Healthcare Challenges for Soldiers 
• Lightstorm signed with IIT Madras to launch employment skilling initiative 

Appointment News 

8. Dinesh Kumar takes charge as the SAT Presiding officer 

• Retired Justice Dinesh Kumar took charge as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) for a four-year term. 
• Before taking over as the presiding officer of SAT, Justice Dinesh Kumar was the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. He retired from the post in February 2024. 
• The SAT has been functioning without a presiding officer for the last four months, as the last presiding officer, Justice Tarun Aggarwal, retired in December 2023. 
• Dheeraj Bhatnagar also took charge as the technical member of the tribunal. He has been appointed for a term of four years or till he reaches the age of 67, whichever is earlier. Dheeraj Bhatnagar retired as principal chief commissioner of Income Tax Delhi. 

Recent Appointment 

• Director in Department of Land Resources – Sarvadanand Barnwal 
• CVO of Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Authority – Manoj Kumar
• Director of MoHUA – Sunil Kumar Yadav 
• Executive Chairman of Coromandel International – Arun Alagappan (replace A. Vellayan) 
• Chairman of Wrestling Federation of India’s Athletes’ Commission – Narsingh Pancham Yadav 

9. India's Abhay Sharma appointed as head coach of Uganda cricket team 

• The Uganda Cricket Association has appointed Abhay Sharma as the head coach of the men's national team, a significant move in preparation for the start of cricket's upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. 
• An experienced coach in the Indian domestic circuit since his retirement as a player in 2003, Abhay has previously been the fielding coach for the India senior men's and women's teams as well as the India A and India Under-19 men's teams. 
• In a statement released on the UCA's official website, the association expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the Cricket Cranes into a new era of success, citing Sharma's "wealth of knowledge and expertise". 
• At the T20 World Cup, Uganda has been drawn in Group C with Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and West Indies, one of the two hosts, while the USA is the other. They began their campaign with a match against Afghanistan in Guyana on 4 June, the third day of the tournament. 

Pakistan – Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie head coaches 

• Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of renowned coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for ODI and T20I and Test cricket respectively. Additionally, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was appointed as the assistant coach across all formats. 

Award News

10. 10 including Hema Malini, Saira Banu will be honored with 'Pt. Lachhu Maharaj Award' 

• Famous Hindi film superstars Hema Malini and Saira Banu along with other prominent personalities from the field of art and culture will be honored with the Pandit Lachhu Maharaj Award for their contribution to the iconic Kathak dance form. The award will be given at a ceremony in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 31 August 2024. 
• This decision was taken in a meeting held at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow, which was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Mandvi Singh. 
• Lachchu Maharaj Award, established in the memory of famous Kathak exponent Lachchu Maharaj, was not given after 2014. 
• In such a situation, Pandit Lachhu Maharaj Ballet Foundation has decided to honor 10 personalities this year. No award has been announced for the year 2020 due to Covid-19. 

Lachhu Maharaj 

• Lachhu Maharaj, born Baij Nath Prasad in Lucknow in 1907, was a renowned classical Kathak dancer and choreographer. He died in 1978. 
• Lachchu Maharaj was the founder and director of the Kathak Center of the Government of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. 
• In 1957 he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The Government of India recognizes Kathak as one of the eight classical dance forms. 
• Other classical dance styles are Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Sattriya (Assam), Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam from Kerala. 

Major award winners 

• Uma Sharma, 2015, New Delhi, Kathak 
• Rama Vaidyanathan, 2016, New Delhi, Kathak 
• Uma Dogra, 2017, Jaipur, Kathak 
• Hema Malini, 2018, Mumbai, Kathak, film actress 
• Saira Banu, 2019, Mumbai, Kathak, Film Actress 
• Sandhya Puricha, President, Sangeet Natak Akademi, 2018, Mumbai, 
• Bharatanatyam exponent Dr. Malabika Mitra, 2021, Kolkata, Kathak 
• Prachi Shah, 2022, Mumbai, Kathak, Film Actress 
• Ashim Bandhu Bhattacharya, 2023, Mumbai, Kathak 
• Pandit Rajendra Gangani, 2024, Jaipur, Kathak 

Important day 

11. 29 April – World Wish Day 

• World Wish Day is celebrated on April 29 each year. 
• This national holiday is sponsored by the “Make-A-Wish Foundation” — an organization that focuses on making the wishes of terminally ill children come true. 
• It is a holiday that even children take joy in celebrating — as it primarily has to do with them.
• World Wish Day was first celebrated on April 29, 2010. It is a holiday inspired by the touching story of a young leukemia patient back in 1980. 
• Christopher James Greicius was a seven-year-old, highly spirited boy, battling blood cancer. However, even with his illness, Greicius’ one wish was to be a police officer. 

12. 30 April – Ayushman Bharat Diwas 

• Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on 30 April in India to raise awareness of the objectives of the government’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana. 
• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is also known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. 
• It is a healthcare scheme launched by the Indian government to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to about 50 crore people who are economically disadvantaged. 
• The government introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana scheme after it saw the problem of many people facing difficulties in accessing essential medical care due to financial constraints. 
• Under this scheme, the government will provide medical expenses of up to Rs 5 lakh annually to people who are financially backward. 

History of Ayushman Bharat Diwas 

• The Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY) is a healthcare scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. 
• Under this scheme, free health insurance of Rs 5 lakh is provided to more than 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families every year under the PM-JAY scheme. 
• Through this scheme, the government provides three days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of pre-hospitalization care to the patients. 

13. 30 April – International Jazz Day 

• International Jazz Day is celebrated every year on 30 April. 
• This day is dedicated to the city of Tangier, Morocco, and the cultural heritage of jazz in Africa. 
• Tangier is known for its rich history of jazz and is home to many world-renowned jazz artists. 
• The four-day celebration of International Jazz Day includes a series of educational programs, cultural activities, and performances. The All-Star Global Concert, the highlight of the event, is held at the new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier. 
• This concert, which features a range of jazz musicians, is broadcast live on YouTube, Facebook, the United Nations, and UNESCO to millions of viewers worldwide. 
• The history of International Jazz Day dates back to November 2011, when the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed April 30 as International Jazz Day.

14. 30 April – National Honesty Day 

• National Honesty Day is celebrated on 30 April, every year. 
• It is a day dedicated to promoting honesty and building trust. The day is counterbalanced by April Fools’ Day, which is known for jokes and deception. 
• Honesty Day was first suggested by M. Hirsh Goldberg, the author of The Book of Lies in the early 1990s. 

Sports News 

15. India won eight medals including 5 gold in Shanghai Archery World Cup 

• The Indian contingent has won eight medals including 5 gold, 2 silver and one bronze at the 18th Archery World Cup 2024 in Shanghai. The Indian trio of Dheeraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai and Praveen Jadhav defeated defending Olympic champions South Korea to finish fifth in the recurve men's team event. 
• The Indian men's recurve team won a historic gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage-1 for the first time by defeating world champion South Korean team. The gold medal ended a 14-year gold medal drought in the men's recurve team event at the Archery World Cup. Asian Games champion and world No. 3 Jyothi Surekha Vennam of Andhra Pradesh won a hat-trick of gold medals in the compound event. She won gold medals in the individual, women's team and mixed team events. 
• In the last 19th Hangzhou Asian Games, Jyoti had also scored a hattrick of gold by winning the compound individual event, women's team and mixed team event. 
• The Archery World Cup Stage-1 was organized by the World Archery from 23 to 28 April 2024 in Shanghai, China. It is the first of four World Cup events to be organized by World Archery in 2024. 
• The next competitions will be held on 21-26 May, Yecheon (South Korea), 18-23 June, Antalya (Turkey) and the final on 19-20 October, Tlaxcala (Mexico). 
• World Archery was founded in 1931 to promote and develop the sport of archery throughout the world. World Archery is based in Lausanne, the Olympic capital of Switzerland. 

Major winner 

• Gold Medal - Men's Recurve Team - Tarundeep Rai, Mrinal Chauhan, Praveen Jadhav, Dheeraj Bommadevara. 
• Gold Medal - Women's Compound Team - Avneet Kaur, Preneet Kaur, Aditi Gopichand Swamy, Jyoti Surekha Vennam 
• Gold Medal - Men's Compound Team - Riyansh, Prathamesh Phuge, Abhishek Verma, Rajat Chauhan 
• Gold Medal – Jyoti and Abhishek Verma. 
• Silver Medal - Men's Compound Individual - Priyansh 
• Silver Medal - Women's Individual Recurve - Deepika Kumari