IMPORTANT DAYS

National Civil Service Day 2024 observed on 21 April

• National Civil Service Day, observed annually on April 21st, commemorates the dedicated efforts of civil servants across various departments and organizations, crucial for the efficient functioning of administrative processes.

• Following India's independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel famously hailed civil servants as the 'steel frame' of the nation.

• He instituted National Civil Service Day to acknowledge their invaluable service. The inaugural celebration took place on April 21, 2006.

• Charles Cornwallis, credited as the "Father of the Indian Civil Service," significantly contributed to the reform and modernization of India's civil services.

• His efforts left an enduring impact on the structure and ethos of the Indian bureaucracy.

SAPPOINTMENTS

Nalin Prabhat has been appointed as the NSG chief

• Nalin Prabhat has been appointed as the Director General of the country's counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG).

• Currently, Prabhat is serving as Additional Director General in CRPF.

• His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), extends until August 31, 2028, coinciding with his superannuation date.

• Previously, the NSG's helm was temporarily held by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary. However, Prabhat's appointment marks a definitive leadership transition for the NSG.

• In another significant move, the ACC has ratified the appointment of Intelligence Bureau Additional Director Sapna Tewari as the agency's Special Director. Tewari's tenure spans two years from assuming office or until April 30, 2026, whichever comes first.

• This appointment underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of key national security institutions.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India’s outward FDI declined 39% to $28.64 billion in FY24.

• India’s overseas direct investment declined by 39 per cent to $28.64 billion in the year ending March 2024.

• According to the RBI data, outward FDI is represented by total financial commitment. It was $46.96 billion in the year ended March 2023.

• Out of the total overseas direct investment, $9.62 billion was made through the equity route.

• The equity contributed around 34 per cent of the total financial commitment made in FY2024.

• The loan commitments stood at $5.24 billion as against $7.73 billion in FY2024.

• The overseas guarantees issued by the Indian companies were around $14 billion as compared to $20.09 billion in FY2023..

• In FY2024, the highest outward FDI was witnessed in March.

India imported 58 million tonnes (mt) of coking coal in FY24, the highest amount in ten years.

• In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), India imported 58 million tonnes (mt) of coking coal, marking the highest import volume in a decade.

• Over the span of ten years, coking coal imports surged by over 20%, with a yearly increase of 7%, compared to 54.3 million tonnes in FY23.

• Russia's coking coal supply hit multi-year highs, reaching 6.4 million tonnes in FY24, marking a staggering 200% year-on-year increase from 2.3 mt in FY23 and a remarkable 300% surge over a six-year period from 1.6 mt in FY19.

• India remains among the world's leading importers of coking coal, with import volumes fluctuating between 47 to 54 million tonnes over the past decade.

• Australia retained its position as the primary coking coal supplier for FY24, accounting for 34.2 mt or 59% of all shipments.

• Six years ago, Australia contributed 18% of coal exports, while Russia and the United States accounted for 3% and 8%, respectively.

• Russia's increased supply propelled it to become the third-largest coking coal supplier, surpassing countries like Canada and Mozambique.

• In FY24, India's sponge iron production reached 52 mt, witnessing a notable 20% year-on-year growth from 43 mt in FY23./p>

• The production of crude steel in India during the previous fiscal year (FY23) soared to 143 mt, marking a substantial 14% increase from 127 million tonnes produced in the preceding year.