IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Mine Awareness 2024 observed on 4 April

• The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024, observed on April 4, highlights the critical importance of addressing the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

• The theme for 2024 is “Witnessing a Way Forward: Protecting Lives. Building Peace.”

• This year's campaign underscores the needs and rights of disabled survivors of explosive hazards, as well as all individuals with disabilities affected by conflicts.

• It commemorates the fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475, which urges Member States to consider and protect persons with disabilities, ensure their access to assistance, and involve them in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

• The day will be marked by a multimedia exhibition at the UNHQ in New York.

NATIONAL NEWS

AjitDoval Leads Indian Delegation at SCO Security Council Meeting

• The 19th annual meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 2 to 3, 2024.

• Leading the Indian delegation was the National Security Advisor (NSA), AjitDoval. During the meeting, NSA Doval held discussions with Kazakhstan President Kassym-JomartTokayev, who currently serves as the Chairman of SCO.

• President Tokayev proposed the adoption of a Cooperation Programme aimed at combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism for the period 2025-2027.

• Additionally, he highlighted the importance of implementing the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for the years 2024-2029.

• President Tokayev underscored the significance of addressing the "three evil forces" – terrorism, separatism, and extremism – along with challenges related to transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity during Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the SCO.

AWARDS

Professor MeenaCharanda to receive 'International Culture Award' in 2024

• Professor MeenaCharanda, the Principal of Kalindi College at Delhi University, was awarded the prestigious 'International Culture Award' in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service.

• The award ceremony took place on March 30, 2024, at the India International Center, where Prof. Charanda was presented with a memento, plaque, shield, and citation by the University in acknowledgment of her remarkable accomplishments.

• With more than 20 years of experience teaching political science at Kalindi College, Prof. Charanda holds a PhD from Delhi University, specializing in Dalit assemblies in Uttar Pradesh.

• She has authored a book on Dalit MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and has made significant contributions with over 50 published articles in various newspapers and magazines. Currently, she serves as a mentor to two PhD researchers.

Hardik Singh and SalimaTete win Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year 2023

• Indian hockey team midfielders Hardik Singh and SalimaTete were honoured with the Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year 2023 in the men's and women's category respectively at the Hockey India Annual Awards.

• The sixth annual Hockey India Awards 2023 were announced on 31st March 2024 in New Delhi. At the ceremony, SalimaTete and Hardik Singh were selected as the female and male players of the year 2023.

• Hardik Singh as the vice-captain of the Indian hockey men's team was part of the bronze medal-winning Indian team and the Hangzhou Asian team at the Tokyo Olympics 2023.

• SalimaTete also won a bronze medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games by being a part of the Indian women's hockey team.

• Ashok Kumar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for the recognized achievements that were part of the 1975 World Cup triumph.

APPOINTMENTS

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi takes oath as Egypt’s President for 3rd term

• Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was inaugurated for his third term as the President of Egypt on April 2, 2024, at the Egyptian Parliament's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

• President Sisi secured victory in the presidential election held in December 2023 with a resounding majority.

• Having been in office for the past decade, Sisi is poised to continue serving as president until 2030, following his decisive win in the December election, where he garnered 89.6 percent of the vote against three relatively lesser-known contenders.

SPORTS

Maharashtra clinch India's 56th National Kho-Kho Championship

• Maharashtra emerged as the champions in both the men's and women's categories at the 56th National KhoKho Championships, defeating Railways and AAI, respectively.

• The men's final witnessed a fiercely contested match, while the women's team secured victory with the crucial contributions of captainSampadaMaurya.

• The championships were held at the Indira Gandhi National Stadium in Delhi, showcasing the exceptional skills of KhoKho players from across the country.

INDEX AND RANKINGS

Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2024

• According to the Forbes 38th Annual World’s Billionaires List 2024, MukeshAmbani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is the only Indian to make it to the list of the top 10 billionaires in the world.

•  Ambani was ranked 9th on the list, which was topped by Bernard Arnault& family, owner of the French luxury giant LVMH.

•  Nikhil Kamath At the age of 37 years, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, is the youngest Indian billionaire in the Forbes list.

•  Top 10 Billionaires in the World

• Bernard Arnault & family (France): $233 billion
• Elon Musk (USA): $195 billion
• Jeff Bezos (USA): $194 billion
• Mark Zuckerberg (USA): $177 billion
• Larry Ellison (USA): $114 billion
• Warren Buffett (USA): $133 billion
• Bill Gates (USA): $128 billion
• Steve Ballmer (USA): $121 billion
• Mukesh Ambani (India): $116 billion
• Larry Page (USA): $114 billion