APPOINTMENTS

Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed as a member of UGC.

• Sachidananda Mohanty, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, assumes a new role as a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

• This appointment, effective immediately and spanning three years, marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career spanning over four decades.

• Throughout his distinguished career, Mohanty has garnered numerous accolades in the realms of education and culture, both domestically and internationally.

• His contributions extend beyond academia, having previously served as a Professor and Head of the Department of English at the University of Hyderabad.

• Furthermore, Mohanty's involvement in India's Education Commission to UNESCO and his membership on the Governing Board of Auroville Foundation underscore his commitment to advancing education and cultural initiatives on a global scale.

Justice Aniruddha Bose Retires from Supreme Court, Appointed Head of National Judicial Academy

• Justice Aniruddha Bose retired from the Supreme Court after a distinguished five-year tenure, known for his intellect and elegance.

• Praised by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and legal luminaries for his sense of justice, compassion, and gentlemanly demeanor.

• Graduated from St Xavier’s College and Surendranath Law College, he began his legal career in 1985 and rose to become Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court in 2018.

• Appointed to head the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal post-retirement, showcasing his continued commitment to legal education and reform.

• His retirement marks one of four Supreme Court retirements this year, alongside Justice Ajjikuttira Somaiah Bopanna, Justice Hima Kohli, and CJI Chandrachud.

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna is slated to become the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11th, succeeding CJI Chandrachud.

 Jagjit Pavadia of India has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for a third term. She secured the highest number of votes among the contestants, reaffirming her significant contributions and global recognition in the field of narcotics control.

• Pavadia's third five-year term will commence from March 2025 to 2030. This extended tenure reflects the confidence and trust placed in her capabilities to effectively address narcotics-related challenges at the international level.

• Since 2015, Mr. Pavadia has been a member of the International Narcotics Control Board.

• Founded in 1968, the INCB is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions.

• Elected by the Economic and Social Council, it consists of 13 members who serve in their personal capacity and not as government representatives.

• Three members with medical, medicinal or pharmaceutical experience are selected from a list of individuals nominated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• While 10 members are selected from the list of persons nominated by the governments..

IMPORTANT DAYS

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

• April 13 is remembered every year as Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day.

• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of the darkest moments of India's colonial past, remains etched in the nation's collective memory even after 105 years.

• On this day in 1919, the unarmed Indian public was killed in Jallianwala Bagh, located in Amritsar.

• On this day in 1919, the unarmed Indian public was killed in Jallianwala Bagh, located in Amritsar.

• The protests soon turned violent, killing some protesters. The government enforced martial law to prevent any such protests in the future.

• On the day of Baisakhi on 13 April 1919, a large crowd of people unaware of martial law gathered in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

• Brigadier General Dyer, arriving at the scene with his men, surrounded the assembly blocked the only gate to go out, and opened fire on the unarmed mob. More than 1000 unarmed men, women, and children were killed.

• Later, the Hunter Commission was set up by the government to investigate the massacre..

INDEX AND RANKING

India ranks 10th in Cybercrime Index

• India has secured the 10th position in cybercrime rankings, with Russia leading the list followed closely by Ukraine. The findings stem from a recent study conducted by an international team of cybercrime experts, shedding light on prevalent trends in the digital landscape.

• The study, which introduces the 'World Cyber Crime Index,' scrutinizes nearly 100 countries, pinpointing major hotspots across various cybercrime categories such as ransomware, credit card theft, and fraudulent schemes.

• The researchers identified distinct categories of cybercrime, encompassing technology-related infractions like malware and compromised systems, as well as extortion tactics including ransomware. Additionally, scams ranging from hacking and compromised accounts to data and identity theft, including credit card fraud and advance fee schemes, were examined.

• Russia tops the list, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania. The UK comes in at number eight. Brazil is at the ninth position, according to the research published in the journal PLoS ONE. Russia tops the list, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania. The UK comes in at number eight. Brazil is at the ninth position, according to the research published in the journal PLoS ONE.

• Russia and Ukraine emerged as prominent hubs for sophisticated cybercrime activities, whereas Nigerian cybercriminals predominantly engage in less technologically advanced schemes.

• India's expertise, according to the study, lies in the domain of scams. Moreover, while Romania and the US exhibit proficiency in both high-tech and low-tech cybercrimes, India is depicted as a "balanced hub," specializing primarily in mid-tech criminal activities.

AWARDS

Renowned Spiritual Leader Lokesh Muni Receives American President’s Volunteer Award 2024

• India's Jain spiritual leader Lokesh Muni has been honored with the US Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award for his contribution to the welfare of people and humanity.

• The esteemed award was presented to Muni by Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman at the US Capitol.

• Muni, renowned as the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and the World Peace Center in India, has tirelessly worked towards fostering peace and compassion on a global scale.

• Established in 2003 under President George Bush's tenure, the US President's Volunteer Service Award acknowledges individuals who have dedicated a minimum of 500 hours to volunteer service, leaving a positive impact on communities and inspiring others through their selfless acts.

• Muni's receipt of this award underscores his profound commitment to service and his remarkable influence in promoting peace and humanitarian values.

SPORTS

Asian Wrestling Championships 2024

• Indian male wrestlers won three medals, one silver and two bronze medals, on the first day of the 20th Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 on 11 April 2024.

• The 20th Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 was held in the Kyrgyzstan capital, Bishkek, from 11 -16 April 2024.

• Indian wrestling wrestler Udit won the silver medal in the men's 57kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024.

• Abhimanyu (70kg) and Vicky (97kg) also won bronze medals in their respective weight categories, taking India's medal tally to three.

• U20 Asian champion Udit competed for the gold medal by defeating his competitors in the qualification, quarterfinals and semifinals. He illuminated India's name in this championship.

DEFENCE

Fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ Joint Military Exercise will start in Termez District, Uzbekistan.

• The fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ Joint Military Exercise is set to commence in the Termez District of Uzbekistan. Scheduled from April 15 to 28, 2024, this exercise marks another milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and Uzbekistan.

• Contingents from both the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan will converge in Termez District to partake in this joint military exercise, fostering enhanced collaboration and facilitating future military interactions. Each side will be represented by 45 soldiers, symbolizing the commitment to bolstering positive relations between the armies of both nations.

• The exercise will encompass a series of comprehensive joint training sessions conducted by the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to strengthen the tactical prowess and strategic coordination between the participating forces.

• The fourth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise took place on February 20, 2023, at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The inaugural edition was held in Uzbekistan in November 2019.respective weight categories, taking India's medal tally to three.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Moody’s revised Real GDP Growth Projection of India to 8%.nt Military Exercise will start in Termez District, Uzbekistan.

• Moody's, the renowned rating agency, has revised its projection for India's Real GDP Growth to 8%, signaling a robust outlook for the nation's economy.

• This revision comes alongside a stable outlook for India, with Moody's anticipating a gradual improvement in the country's fiscal metrics.

• The government of India's long-term and short-term ratings have been reaffirmed at Baa3 and P-3, respectively, by Moody's.

• Anticipating a positive trajectory, Moody's forecasts India's real GDP growth to reach 8% for the fiscal year 2024-25, citing strong growth figures observed in the first three quarters of the ongoing financial year 2023-24. Furthermore, the agency predicts that economic growth will continue to exceed 6% over the next two fiscal years.

• In line with this optimistic outlook, Moody's projects that India's economic growth in 2024-25 will outpace that of its G20 peers and other emerging economies.

• Highlighting recent performance, India's GDP surged by an impressive 8.4% during the October-December quarter of the current financial year 2023-24. This follows a growth rate of 7.2% in 2022-23 and 8.7% in 2021-22, reflecting the nation's steadfast economic momentum.