Daily Current Affairs 13th April 2024

National News

Gopi Thotakura Joins Blue Origin for Space Tourism as India’s First Pilot in Space

• Gopi Thotakura is poised to become the first Indian pilot to travel to space as a tourist.
• He will be part of the Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, a pivotal moment that signifies India’s progress in space tourism and exploration.

International News

First Successful Launch of Russia’s Angara-A5 Rocket

• On April 11, 2024, Russia’s Angara-A5 rocket was successfully launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, after two earlier attempts on April 9 and 10 were aborted due to technical issues with the pressurization and engine launch-control systems.

MUFG Buys Stake in HDFC Subsidiary Before IPO

• Japan’s MUFG is set to acquire a 20% interest in HDB Financial Services, affiliated with India’s HDFC Bank.
• This investment values the company at $9-10 billion pre-IPO and could rise to $9-12 billion when it goes public, depending on the market.

Banking News

Revolut India Granted Preliminary PPI License by RBI

• Revolut India has received preliminary approval from the Reserve Bank of India to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments.
• This license allows them to offer products like multi-currency forex cards and facilitate cross-border payments, further expanding their services in India.

Business News

Adani Constructs the Largest Renewable Energy Facility in the World

• Adani Green Energy is developing the largest renewable energy park worldwide in Khavda, Gujarat, spanning an area five times the size of Paris.

Ashneer Grover Launches New Fintech App ZeroPe

• Following his departure from BharatPe, Ashneer Grover has entered the fintech industry once more with his new venture, the ZeroPe app focused on medical loans.

Economy News

Forecast: India’s Economic Growth to Hit 6.1% in 2024, Says Moody’s Analytics

• Moody’s Analytics has slightly increased its growth forecast for India in 2024 to 6.1% from a previous estimate of 6%. However, this rate is still below the 7.7% growth observed in 2023, amid persistent inflation concerns.

Appointments News

Sachidananda Mohanty Named to University Grants Commission

• Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed to the University Grants Commission by the Indian Ministry of Higher Education for a three-year term.

Jagjit Pavadia Wins Third Term on International Narcotics Control Board

• Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board, marking another significant international role for India.

Awards News

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni Receives U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award

• The American President’s Volunteer Service Award for 2024 has been awarded to Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni for his extensive volunteer service in the U.S., contributing positively to community life.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang Honored with Global Health Award

• Dr. Gagandeep Kang has been recognized with the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for her contributions to global health research in 2024.

Ranks and Reports News

India Leads in Digital Service Exports Over China, According to WTO

• A World Trade Organisation report indicates that India has surpass China in digital service exports in 2023, achieving a 17% growth and reaching $257 billion.

New World Cybercrime Index: Russia and Ukraine Most Affected

• A novel World Cybercrime Index places Russia and Ukraine at the top, identifying these as major centers of cybercrime activity.
• The index, which also lists India in the 10th position, was compiled from expert surveys and highlights the sophistication of cybercrime globally.

Important Days

World Chagas Disease Day: Awareness and History

• World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14 each year, a WHO initiative from the 72nd World Health Assembly in 2019 to increase awareness about this tropical disease predominantly affecting Latin America.