Today's Current Affairs 30th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India's Chinese import bill has risen 2.3 times in 15 years and is expected to increase further

• India's imports from China surged to over $101 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, a substantial increase from approximately $70 billion recorded in 2018-19. According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the country's share of industrial goods imports from China has escalated from 21% to 30% over a span of 15 years. The GTRI report anticipates a significant rise in Chinese imports in the forthcoming years. Notably, goods imported from China have witnessed a growth rate 2.3 times faster than India's overall imports during the same 15-year period. 

NATIONAL

Drone farming to double by FY25, gaining a big boost

• Industry estimates suggest that the current utilization of drones in agriculture stands at around 3,000, a number projected to exceed 7,000 by FY25. The government's emphasis on promoting drones for tasks like crop mapping, analysis, and applying nutrients and pesticides has manufacturers anticipating a substantial surge in demand for these UAVs in the coming years. 

SPORTS

Velavan Senthilkumar of India wins Batch Open Squash

• Velavan Senthilkumar of India clinched his eighth Professional Squash Association Tour title by winning the Batch Open Challenger tournament. In the final, he defeated French player Melvil Scianimanico with scores of 11-6, 11-9, 11-6. This victory marked Senthilkumar's 12th appearance in a Professional Squash Association final. Ranked 58th globally, he also triumphed over Hong Kong's Andes Ling in the semifinals with scores of 11-2, 11-1, 11-6 in just 22 minutes. 

MS Dhoni Sets New IPL Record in CSK’s Dominant Win

• The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched a commanding 78-run victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, which could influence the course of both teams' 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) journeys. This decisive win notably improved CSK's net run rate, moving them to the third position in the league rankings. Conversely, SRH faced their second consecutive loss, dropping to the fourth position.

About MS Dhoni:

Born: 7 July 1981 (age 42 years), Ranchi

Spouse: Sakshi Dhoni (m. 2010)

Parents: Pan Singh Dhoni, Devaki Devi

Awards: Padma Bhushan (2018), Padma Shri (2009), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2008)     

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Sarvadanand Barnwal named Director in Department of Land Resources

• Sarvadanand Barnwal, a 2010 batch Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer, has assumed the role of Director in the Department of Land Resources. This appointment, effective from Friday, April 26, 2024, was authorized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Celebrating India's Healthcare Initiative - Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2024.

• Ayushman Bharat Diwas, observed on April 30 every year, aims to raise awareness about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and its objectives. This year, it falls on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, as established by the government to emphasize the scheme's goal of improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services, particularly for the underprivileged. 

    AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Sana, the AI anchor from India Today Group, excels at Global Media Awards

• Sana, the AI-powered news anchor created by the India Today Group, has garnered significant acclaim at the esteemed International News Media Association (INMA) Global Media Awards in London. This pioneering AI innovation has won two prestigious awards, establishing itself as a leader in AI-driven journalism. 

Alok Shukla secures the esteemed Goldman Environmental Prize for 2024

• Alok Shukla, an acclaimed environmental activist and convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, has been chosen for the esteemed 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize. This award, also dubbed as the "Green Nobel Prize," recognizes grassroots environmental leaders globally for their remarkable efforts in environmental preservation. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI's Guidelines for Voluntary Conversion of Small Finance Banks into Universal Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released guidelines for the voluntary conversion of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) into Universal Banks, effective immediately. These guidelines, titled "Guidelines for 'on-tap' Licensing of SFBs in Private Sector," dated December 5, 2019, outline the pathway for SFBs to transition into universal banks.

About RBI :

Established : 1 April 1935

Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Governor : Shaktikanta Das