Current Affairs - April 24, 2024 Current Affairs

National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24th every year to commemorate the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system in India. This system, introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993, empowers local self-governing bodies at the village level, known as Gram Panchayats, promoting participatory democracy and inclusive development.

Bhutan is leading the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference on Earth Day 2024, aiming to raise $1 billion for tiger conservation efforts over a decade. This initiative highlights Bhutan's commitment to sustainable finance, global partnerships, and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting tiger habitats and supporting local communities.

Saurav Ghosal, the Indian squash Player, announced his retirement from professional squash, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Throughout his career, Ghosal achieved numerous milestones, including winning 12 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles, multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) and Asian Games, and breaking into the top 10 in the World rankings. His retirement from professional squash leaves a significant void in the sport, highlighting his contributions and achievements as a squash player.

Gita Sabharwal, an experienced development professional from India, has been appointed as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia. With nearly three decades of experience in various roles related to development, climate transition, peacebuilding, and governance, Sabharwal brings a wealth of expertise to her new position, where she will lead UN efforts in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.

Papua New Guinea appointed Col Edison Napyo as its first Defence Advisor to India, marking a significant development in bilateral relations between the two countries. The appointment underscores the warm and friendly relations enjoyed by India and Papua New Guinea, which formalized diplomatic ties in 1976. Port Moresby serves as the capital of Papua New Guinea, and the currency used is the Papua New Guinean Kina.

Professor Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), breaking a century-old glass ceiling. This historic appointment is significant, representing a step towards inclusive leadership and showcasing the government's commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is observed annually on April 24th to reaffirm principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution among nations. Multilateralism fosters cooperation based on shared norms and values, while diplomacy plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, preventing conflicts, and facilitating peaceful dispute settlement.

Air India entered into a codeshare agreement with Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA), enhancing connectivity and flight options between India and Japan. This partnership allows passengers of both airlines to benefit from seamless travel arrangements with a single ticket, providing convenience and expanded travel opportunities.

IFFCO, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, is preparing to commence production of Nano Urea Plus, a new version of nano urea designed to meet crop nitrogen requirements during critical growth phases. This innovative fertilizer, with 16 per cent nitrogen content, serves as a chlorophyll charger and yield booster, promoting climate-smart farming practices. IFFCO had previously launched the world's first 'Nano Liquid Urea' fertilizer in June 2021, highlighting its commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and sustainability.

Razorpay and Airtel Payments Bank have introduced the UPI Switch, a cloud-based infrastructure designed to revolutionize digital payments. This collaboration aims to enhance success rates, handle high transaction volumes, and address challenges in UPI infrastructure, promising businesses and consumers a more efficient and seamless payment experience.

INSV Tarini, crewed by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, made history by completing a landmark 2-month transoceanic expedition, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. The expedition started from INS Mandovi in Goa and concluded in Port Louis, Mauritius, showcasing the capabilities of INSV Tarini and the skill of its crew members.

India's largest Climate Clock was unveiled at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) headquarters in New Delhi for the Earth Day celebration. CSIR, established in 1942, is dedicated to scientific research and industrial development across various domains, emphasizing its commitment to raising awareness about climate change and its impacts through initiatives like the Climate Clock unveiling.