NATIONAL NEWS
Central government formed a panel on the issues of queer community.
• The central government has established a panel to address issues concerning the queer community.
• This committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, was created following a directive from the Supreme Court in October.
• Comprised of members from various ministries including Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Law Ministry, its mandate is to examine and determine the rights of queer couples in unions.
• Additionally, the committee will assess measures to ensure the safety and protection of the queer community from violence, harassment, or coercion.
• In 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court declined to recognize the right to marry as a fundamental right for same-sex couples.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Hemophilia Day 2024 observed on 17 April
• On April 17, 2024, the global bleeding disorders community will come together to celebrate World Hemophilia Day.
• The theme of World Hemophilia Day is "Equal access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders".
• The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) vision of Treatment for All is for a world where all people with inherited bleeding disorders have access to care, regardless of their type of bleeding disorder, gender, age, or where they live.
• The day was first celebrated in 1989 and 17th April was selected to mark the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, the founder of WHF.
AWARDS
International literature prize awarded to Kannada poet Mamta G Sagar
• The World Organization of Writers (WOW) conferred the esteemed World Literary Prize upon Kannada poet, playwright, and scholar Mamta G Sagar.
• This recognition was part of WOW's inaugural congress in Abuja, Nigeria.
• Over three days, the congress convened at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Writers Village, established by the esteemed Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe in 1981.
• The event was a collaborative effort involving ANA and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).
• Hailing from Bengaluru, Mamta G Sagar is known for her literary works addressing themes of gender, politics, and human rights violations, notably through anthologies such as 'Kaada Navilina Hejje' (1992) and 'Nadiya Neerina Teva' (1999).
NATIONAL NEWS
India's first 'hybrid pitch' made in Dharamshala
• The cricket stadium in Dharamshala is set to make history as the first venue recognized by the BCCI to feature a state-of-the-art 'hybrid pitch.'
• In collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, the installation of this innovative pitch is made possible through a partnership with SISGrass.
• The hybrid pitch boasts advanced durability and consistency, offering players an optimal playing surface for top-tier performances.
• Leading the charge in this technological investment is SISGrass, a Netherlands-based company renowned for its expertise in cutting-edge sports turf solutions.
SPORTS
Jonathan Christie wins men's singles title at 2024 Badminton Asia Championships
• Jonatan Christie won his first Asian Badminton Championship by defeating Li Shi Feng in the 2024 Badminton Asia Championships final.
• The tournament was held in Ningbo, China, and was the 41st edition of the Badminton Asia Championships.
• This championship is a BWF Super 1000 event, with the winner earning 1000 ranking points in both singles and doubles categories.
• It served as the final qualifying event before the Summer Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
• Jonatan Christie, the reigning All England Open champion, displayed excellent form, winning the final match in straight sets 21-15, 21-16.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
India's growth forecast for 2024 was increased by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 6.5% to 6.8%.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India's growth forecast for 2024 from 6.5% to 6.8%.
• India maintained its position as the emerging market and developing economy with the fastest growth rate.
• The IMF predicted India's growth to reach 6.5% in 2025, supported by robust domestic demand and a growing working-age population.
• According to the IMF's latest World Economic Outlook report, approximately two-thirds of new workers globally during the medium term will come from sub-Saharan Africa and India.
• Over the past two decades, the Group of Twenty (G20)'s ten emerging countries consistently outpaced advanced economies in economic growth.
• Since 2000, the G20 emerging markets, including Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey, have more than doubled their share of global GDP.
• India's official statistics revealed that during the October–December quarter of the fiscal year 2023–2024, the country's GDP expanded by 8.4%.
• In the preceding quarters of April–June and July–September in 2023–2024, India's GDP grew by 7.8% and 7.6%, respectively.
• In the fiscal years 2022–2023 and 2021–2022, India's GDP expanded by 7.2% and 8.7%, respectively.
• Overall, the IMF projected global growth rates of 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025.
India's overall export (Merchandise and Services combined) in March 2024 is estimated to be USD 70.21 Billion.
• In March 2024, India's overall export (Merchandise and Services combined) shows a negative growth of (-) 3.01 per cent over March 2023.
• Overall import in March 2024 is estimated to be USD 73.12 Billion. It shows a negative growth of (-) 6.11 per cent over March 2023.
• India's overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in FY 2023-24 (April-March) are estimated to be USD 776.68 Billion. It exhibits a positive growth of 0.04 per cent over FY 2022-23 (April-March).
• Overall imports in FY 2023-24 (April-March) are estimated to be USD 854.80 Billion. It shows a negative growth of (-) 4.81 per cent over FY 2022-23 (April-March).
• Merchandise exports in March 2024 were USD 41.68 Billion, as compared to USD 41.96 Billion in March 2023.
• As compared to USD 60.92 Billion in March 2023, Merchandise imports in March 2024 were USD 57.28 Billion.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India and Mauritius have signed a protocol to amend tax treaty
• India and Mauritius inked a protocol to amend their tax treaty, specifically the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (Dother
• This amendment addresses gaps in the existing agreement, strengthening scrutiny on tax avoidance related to investments flowing into India.
• The protocol introduces a Principal Purpose Test (PPT), which determines the eligibility of foreign investors for treaty benefits and whether tax benefits are the primary motive for routing investments through Mauritius.
• The DTAA serves as a bilateral pact aimed at preventing double taxation of income earned in one country by residents of the other.
