24th April, 2023 Current Affairs

24th April, 2023 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Centre conducts first-ever census of water bodies across the country

• Ministry of Jal Shakti has conducted the first-ever census of water bodies across the nation. The census provides a comprehensive inventory of India's water resources, including natural and man-made water bodies like ponds and lakes.
•  In the census, over 24.24 lakh water bodies have been enumerated in the country out of which more than 23 lakh water bodies are in rural areas and nearly 69,000 are in urban areas.
• The top five States in terms of number of water bodies are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam which constitute around 63 per cent of the total water bodies in the country. The Census also highlighted disparities between rural and urban areas and varying levels of encroachment and revealed crucial insights into the country's water resources.

India making rapid progress towards eliminating Malaria by 2030

• India is making rapid progress towards eliminating Malaria by 2030. In his virtual address to the Asia Pacific Malaria Leaders Conclave 2023 in New Delhi.
• India’s G20 Presidency mantra of One Earth, One Family, One Futureis committed to sharing its resources, knowledge and learnings with other countries as well in their mission to eliminate Malaria.
• The Malaria elimination programme in India has several components including early diagnosis, complete treatment, surveillance and behaviour change communication. 
• The  ASHA workers have been trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of malaria and respond quickly to the cases.
• Government's various health initiatives including Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are contributing immensely towards strengthening India's fight against the disease.

INTERNATIONAL
Md. Sahabuddin takes oath as the 22nd President of Bangladesh

• Veteran freedom fighter, jurist and politician Md. Sahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh.
• Parliament Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury administered the oath of office at an impressive ceremony in the historic Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, Cabinet members and other dignitaries.
• Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain conducted the programme.
• Md. Sahabuddin was born on December 10, 1949, in Pabna town of Bangladesh. His nickname is Chupu. After obtaining his MSc degree from Rajshahi University in 1974, he entered into the Judicial service in Bangladesh. During his career, he served as District and Sessions Judge and Anti Corruption Commissioner (ACC) Commissioner.

• Md. Sahabuddin actively participated in the 6-Point Movement in 1966, Bhutta (Maize) Movement in 1967, mass uprisings in1969, the election of 1970 and Liberation War in 1971. Later, in 1975 he led a protest against the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujiburrahman along with his family members for which he was imprisoned for three years.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu to visit India for SCO Defence Ministers' meeting

• Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu will visit India to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers' meeting to be held on April 27 and 28. This will be the first time that a Chinese defence minister will be in India following the Galwan Valley clash between the two countries in June 2020.
• India has also sent an invite to Pakistan for its defence minister’s participation in the meeting. However, Islamabad is yet to confirm their participation.

ECONOMY
India reaches 38th spot on World Bank's Logistics Performance Index

• India has reached the 38th spot on World Bank's Logistics Performance Index. In 2014, India was ranked 54th. It climbed 16 places from 2014 to 2022.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it an encouraging trend, powered by government reforms and focus on improving logistics infrastructure. In a tweet, he said these gains will reduce costs and make country's businesses more competitive.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DRDO & Indian Navy successfully conduct trial of BMD Interceptor from naval platform

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted a trial of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor from a naval platform.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the scientists involved in the project for their determination and efforts in strengthening the country's defence capabilities.

SPORTS
Archery World Cup: India end campaign with two golds and a silver and bronze medals at Turkiye's Antalya

• The Indian men's recurve team finished with a silver medal after losing to China by the narrowest of margins in a shoot-off at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 in Antalya, Turkey.
• The men's recurve team, comprising Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das and Dhiraj Bommadevara, lost 4-5 to the Chinese team of Li Zhongyuan, Qi Xiangshuo and Wei Shahoxu.
• Later, in the men’s individual recurve event, Dhiraj beat Kazakhstan’s IlfatAbdullin, 7-3 to grab a bronze medal.
• India finished with two golds, one silver and one bronze from Stage 1 of the meet.

Published date : 01 May 2023 05:39PM