APRIL 14, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC

Disclaimer: Images Used for Illustration Purposes Only

The images featured in this blog are created solely for illustrative purposes using Microsoft Designer’s AI Image Generator. These visuals are generated based on textual descriptions and are not sourced from external copyrighted material.

Additionally, the current affairs mentioned in this blog are based on reputable newspaper articles such as The Hindu and The Assam Tribune. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but please note that news can evolve rapidly, and we recommend cross-referencing with the original sources for the most recent updates.

If you believe that any of the article and generated images infringe upon your copyright or intellectual property rights, please contact us immediately at publicsectorpaths@gmail.com. We take copyright issues seriously and will promptly address any valid concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Amarnath Yatra

(GS-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.)
  • Why in News? 
    • The annual pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Amarnath will commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19, as announced by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).
  • Key Points:
    • The Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually during the 'Shravani Mela' in July-August, the only time the Amarnath Cave is accessible.
    • The pilgrimage is marked by 'Pratham Pujan' and holds significant religious importance for devotees.

India-Nepal Relations

(GS-II: IR- India and its neighbourhood- relations.)
  • Why in News?
    •  Recently, the Indian government has gifted 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations in Nepal, focusing on the fields of health and education respectively.
  • Key Points:
    • The vehicles were distributed across different districts of Nepal, with special attention given to earthquake-affected areas like Jajarkot and West Rukum.
    • The gifting of ambulances and school buses has been a tradition for three decades, carried out on occasions like India's Independence Day and Republic Day.
    • This initiative is part of the Nepal-India Development Partnership, aiming to strengthen infrastructure in health and education sectors in Nepal.
    • Since 1994, the Indian government has gifted a total of 1009 ambulances and 300 school buses to Nepal, reflecting continued support for improving healthcare and education facilities in the country.

Iran- Israel Relations

(GS-II: IR- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Iran launched a direct attack on Israeli territory with explosive drones and missiles.
    • This marks the first direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran.
  • Key Points:
    • The attack follows increased tensions between Israel and Iran, including an earlier strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus.
    • The ongoing war in Gaza has escalated tensions in the region, with clashes spreading to Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.
    • The conflict threatens to escalate into a direct confrontation between Iran and its allies against Israel and the United States.
    • Previous hostilities between Israel and Iran have mostly been through proxies or targeting each other's forces in third countries.

Foreign Exchange Reserves

(GS-III: Economic Development)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, India's foreign exchange reserves have reached an all-time high of USD 648.562 billion, marking the seventh consecutive weekly increase.
  • Key Points:
    • The surge in reserves is driven by a USD 549 million rise in foreign currency assets (FCA), reaching USD 571.166 billion.
    • Gold reserves also climbed by USD 2.398 billion to USD 54.558 billion.
    • In 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bolstered forex reserves by approximately USD 58 billion, rebounding from a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022.
    • In 2024, reserves have grown by about USD 28 billion, showcasing the nation's economic resilience.
    • Foreign exchange reserves act as a crucial buffer for economic stability, primarily held in reserve currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling.
    • The RBI strategically intervenes in the forex market to maintain stability and control excessive volatility in exchange rates, ensuring orderly market conditions.
    • While previous peaks were reached in October 2021, fluctuations since then have been influenced by factors such as fluctuating costs of imported goods in 2022 and RBI interventions.

Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System

(GS-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at PFFR in Rajasthan.
  • Key Points:
    • The MPATGM Weapon System, including the missile, launcher, Target Acquisition System (TAS), and Fire Control Unit (FCU), was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.
    • The Tandem Warhead System of MPATGM has been tested successfully in penetration trials, showing its capability to defeat modern armour-protected Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
    • The MPATGM system features day/night and top attack capabilities, as well as a dual-mode seeker functionality for tank warfare.
    • With the completion of technology development and successful demonstrations, the MPATGM system is now ready for final user evaluation trials before induction into the Indian Army.

World Quantum Day

(GS-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, India celebrates World Quantum Day on April 14, aiming to establish itself as a global leader in quantum science and technology. This reflects India's commitment to leveraging quantum principles for advancement.
  • Key Points:
    • Quantum Mechanics, once theoretical, now drives practical engineering, leading to innovations like LEDs, lasers, and atomic clocks. Focus shifts to harnessing quantum systems for Quantum Computing, Communications, and Sensing.
    • World Quantum Day originates from a 2022 international initiative to raise awareness of quantum science and technology. Held annually on April 14th, it highlights rapid progress in applying quantum principles.
    • National Quantum Mission (NQM): NQM, led by PM-STIAC and DST, invests Rs 6003.65 Crore over eight years to catalyze R&D in Quantum Technology (QT). It focuses on establishing thematic hubs and fostering collaboration among academia, research, startups, and industry.
    • NQM aims to nurture talent, drive innovation, and position India as a frontrunner in quantum technology development. It focuses on critical domains like Quantum Computing, Communication, Sensing, and Materials & Devices.
    • Importance of quantum-safe technologies, especially quantum cryptography, in enhancing security measures for sectors like banking and infrastructure.

Places in News

(Prelims Point of View)
  • Places in News? 
    • The Bangladeshi cargo ship, MV Abdullah, along with its 23 sailors, has been released by Somalian pirates after being held captive for 32 days.
    • The ship was hijacked at gunpoint on March 12 while en route from Maputo, Mozambique, to Dubai, UAE, approximately 600 nautical miles off the Somalian coast in the Indian Ocean.


Credit: DD News

Comments