Daily Current Affairs 16th April 2024

International News

Singapore’s Political Transition: Lee Hsien Loong to Resign

• Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has declared that he will resign from his role on May 15, after holding the position for two decades.
• He will hand over leadership responsibilities to Lawrence Wong, the current Deputy Prime Minister.
• This change in leadership comes as Singapore faces the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State News

Uttar Pradesh Introduces a New Tourist Attraction: Glass Skywalk in Chitrakoot

• The government of Uttar Pradesh has completed the construction of its first glass skywalk bridge at Tulsi (Shabari) Waterfall in Chitrakoot.
• Designed to resemble Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, this bridge is expected to boost eco-tourism in the area.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Nyishi Tribe Marks Longte Festival

• The Longte festival, a major cultural event for the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, is celebrated without animal sacrifices. Instead, the festival features altars decorated with white feathers and bamboo.

Appointments News

Kristalina Georgieva to Continue as IMF Chief

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reappointed Kristalina Georgieva as its Managing Director for another five-year term beginning October 1, 2024. Georgieva was the only nominee for this year’s selection.

Books and Authors News

New Book Explores the Connection Between Law and Spirituality

• A new publication, “The Law and Spirituality: Reconnecting the Bond,” co-edited by Professors Raman Mittal and Seema Singh, investigates the relationship between legal principles and spiritual beliefs, providing a novel perspective on their interdependence.

Banking News

New Home Loan Initiative by IMGC and Bank of India

• The India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation has partnered with the Bank of India to offer new home loan options backed by mortgage guarantees.
• This initiative targets both salaried and self-employed people seeking affordable housing.

Economy News

Monthly Economic Indicators for India

• The Wholesale Price Index in India rose by 0.53% in March 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by price rises in various sectors including food and energy.
• Separately, India’s trade balance improved with March exports hitting a yearly high of $41.68 billion despite a marginal year-on-year decline.
• The overall trade deficit was reduced significantly, helped by a sharp decrease in gold imports and a spike in silver imports.

Business News

LIC Buys More Shares in Hindustan Unilever

• The Life Insurance Corporation of India has increased its stake in Hindustan Unilever Limited to just over 5% by purchasing additional shares, raising its total holdings in the company.

Awards News

Kannada Writer Receives Global Literary Honor

• Mamta G. Sagar, an accomplished poet and academic from Bengaluru, has been awarded the World Literary Prize by the World Organization of Writers, acknowledging her significant literary contributions.

Sports News

Notable Achievements in Cricket and Discus Throw

• Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee joined an exclusive group of cricketers by hitting six sixes in one over during a T20I game.
• Meanwhile, Lithuanian athlete Mykolas Alekna broke the world record in discus throw at a meet in Oklahoma.
• In tennis, Stefanos Tsitsipas won the Monte Carlo Masters, his third title at this event in four years.

Obituaries News

Passing of English Cricket Legend Derek Underwood

• The cricket community mourns the loss of Derek Underwood, a legendary English spinner, who passed away at the age of 78.

Miscellaneous News

Visibility of Comet Pons-Brooks Increases

• As Comet Pons-Brooks moves closer to the sun, it becomes brighter and its tail more visible, offering a spectacular view for skywatchers.