Daily Current Affairs 10th April 2024

National News

EU and India Partner to Support EV Battery Recycling Startups

• A collaborative initiative between the European Union and India aims to support startups specializing in the recycling of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries.
• This partnership is a direct result of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) established in April 2022, with a focus on advancing clean and green technology cooperation.

International News

Ireland Elects Its Youngest Prime Minister, Simon Harris

• At the age of 37, Simon Harris has been elected as the youngest prime minister in Ireland’s history, taking over from Leo Varadkar who stepped down last month.
• As a former minister for health and higher education, Harris won the parliamentary vote with support from independent members and his coalition partners, securing an 88-69 victory.

Zimbabwe Launches Gold-Backed Currency, ZiG

• Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency named ZiG, standing for “Zimbabwe Gold,” in an effort to bring stability to its economy.
• This introduction comes as a response to the country’s prolonged economic challenges, including hyperinflation and financial instability.

Appointments News

Jayaraj Shanmugam Named Air India’s Head of Global Airport Operations

• Air India has appointed Jayaraj Shanmugam, with his 25 years of diverse experience, as the Head of Global Airport Operations.
• This move is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to improve operations and customer service under the Vihaan.AI transformation plan.

Awards News

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission Receives John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award

• The Chandrayaan-3 mission team of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with the 2024 John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr.
• Award for Space Exploration by the Space Foundation. This award recognizes exceptional achievements in space exploration.

Defence News

CRPF Celebrates 59th Bravery Day in 2024

• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) marks its Bravery Day or Valour Day on April 9th each year.
• The 59th anniversary in 2024 commemorates the valor of the soldiers who have served the nation with bravery.

Science and Technology News

Indian-origin Neurologist Joins UK Dementia Research Team

• Dr. Ashwini Keshavan, an Indian-origin expert, has been selected to join a premier UK research team focused on dementia detection through blood tests.
• This research is expected to significantly impact dementia diagnosis and management over the next five years.

GUJCOST Becomes Nodal Centre for ISRO’s START Programme

• ISRO has appointed GUJCOST as the Nodal Centre for its START programme, which aims to inspire future scientists and engineers in space science and technology.
• The programme provides an online introductory platform for space science research.

Banking News

Canara Bank and SINE, IIT Bombay Partner to Support Startups

• Canara Bank has partnered with the Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay to provide financial support to startups.
• This collaboration, formalized on April 3rd, is a key development for the startup ecosystem.

Sports News

ICC Honors Kamindu Mendis and Maia Bouchier as Players of the Month

• Kamindu Mendis from Sri Lanka and England’s Maia Bouchier have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for March 2024, respectively.
• Mendis was recognized for his contributions in Sri Lanka’s Test against Bangladesh, while Bouchier was pivotal in England’s T20I series win over New Zealand.

First National Women’s Hockey League Set to Debut in India

• India is set to host the first season of the National Women’s Hockey League in Ranchi, promising a competitive platform for showcasing top female hockey talent.
• The league runs from April 30 to May 9, 2024 – 2025.

Sumit Nagal Triumphs at Monte Carlo Masters

• Sumit Nagal made history as the first Indian to win an ATP Masters 1000 match on clay at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, highlighting his status as one of India’s top tennis talents.

Important Days

World Homeopathy Day 2024 Observed with “Homeoparivar” Theme

• Celebrated annually on April 10th, World Homeopathy Day 2024 embraces the theme “Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family,” focusing on the holistic approach of homeopathy to treat diseases.

National Safe Motherhood Day 2024: Emphasizing Maternal Health

• Observed on April 11th annually, National Safe Motherhood Day 2024 underscores the importance of maternal health and the need for safe childbirth practices.

Obituaries News

Tamil Nadu Mourns the Loss of R.M. Veerappan

• The political scene in Tamil Nadu has lost R.M. Veerappan, a key ally and minister under the late Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), who passed away on April 9th.
• Veerappan was a prominent figure during the 1980s and closely associated with MGR.