Today's Current Affairs 24th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Bhutan leads Earth Day with Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference

• Bhutan is taking the lead on Earth Day 2024 with the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference. Its objective is to raise $1 billion within ten years, focusing on conserving crucial tiger habitats essential for biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people.

NATIONAL

Satellite data shows growing glacial lakes in Indian Himalayas

• The Himalayan Mountains, termed the "Third Pole" for their extensive glaciers, are undergoing notable shifts due to global climate changes. Glacial melting creates and expands lakes, raising risks such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Monitoring these transformations is crucial albeit challenging, aiding in understanding environmental effects and mitigating potential hazards.

CSIR HQ unveils India's biggest Climate Clock for Earth Day

• To mark Earth Day, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed India’s largest Climate Clock at its New Delhi headquarters. This move highlights CSIR’s dedication to raising awareness about climate change and its negative consequences.

SPORTS

Top 10 IPL wicket-takers from Chahal to Bumrah

• In the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), many bowlers have made their mark with exceptional performances. As the 2024 IPL progresses, let's explore the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in the tournament. Yuzvendra Chahal, the crafty leg-spinner of the Rajasthan Royals, leads the pack as the highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Gita Sabharwal from India is now the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia

• António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has named Gita Sabharwal from India as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia. Sabharwal began her role on Monday, bringing almost thirty years of experience in development, aiding climate transition, sustainable peace, governance, and social policy. She also focuses on using digital technology and data to speed up the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Naima Khatoon shatters glass ceiling as first female AMU Vice-Chancellor

• President Droupadi Murmu has made history by appointing Professor Naima Khatoon as the first female Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), shattering a century-old barrier. This move, perceived as a part of the BJP government's efforts to connect with Muslim women, comes just before the second phase of the Lok Sabha election.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Panchayati Raj Day: April 24th annually

• National Panchayati Raj Day, observed each year on April 24th, marks the inception of India's Panchayati Raj system. Introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993, this decentralized governance model aims to empower Gram Panchayats as local self-governing bodies at the village level.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

2024 Laureus World Sports Awards announced

• The 2024 Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid were a grand celebration of top athletes and their remarkable achievements. The event honored several sporting icons who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, made history by winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai releases "Heavenly Islands of Goa" book

Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai of Goa is on a literary journey to showcase the state's abundant natural heritage through captivating books. His recent work, "Heavenly Islands of Goa," reflects his commitment to preserving and promoting Goa's lesser-known aspects.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Razorpay, Airtel Payments Bank launch UPI Switch, revolutionizing payments

• Razorpay and Airtel Payments Bank have launched the UPI Switch, a pioneering cloud-based infrastructure set to transform digital payments. This innovative solution aims to boost success rates by 4-5% and process up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), providing businesses with unparalleled efficiency and scalability.

BharatPe introduces BharatPe One, revolutionizing payments

• BharatPe introduces BharatPe One, an all-in-one payment device reshaping digital transactions. This innovative product combines POS, QR, and speaker features into a single device, offering unmatched convenience for both merchants and customers.