1 Chess: D Gukesh created history, became the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates Tournament
India’s D. Gukesh has created history in the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament being played in Toronto , Canada . 17-year-old Gukesh has become the youngest chess player in the world to win this tournament . In his final round played yesterday, Gukesh drew with Hikaru Nakamura of America but his victory was decided when the game between Ian Nepomniachtchi and top seeded American Fabiano Caruana ended in a draw. Young Indian player Gukesh has achieved this victory at the youngest age by breaking the record of Garry Kasparoff. Kasparoff won this tournament in 1984 at the age of 20 . Additionally, Gukesh became the second Indian player after India’s Viswanathan Anand to qualify for the World Chess Championship . After this spectacular victory, Gukesh will now challenge the current champion Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship.
2 Iran’s attack on Israel condemned at G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Capri
The meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) was held in the Italian city of Capri from 17 to 19 April 2024 . The meeting of the world’s advanced industrial economies was held against the backdrop of Iran’s attack on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza and Ukraine . The Foreign Ministers’ meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and the United States. Representatives of the European Union also participated in the meeting. Italy is the current chair of the G7 countries, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. After the meeting, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries issued three communiques on global affairs.
3 United States vetoes UNSC resolution to recognize Palestinian state
In a recent development, the United States used its veto power to block a resolution in the United Nations Security Council . The purpose of this resolution was to recognize Palestine as a separate state . Despite twelve members of the Security Council voting in favor of the resolution, two countries , Britain and Switzerland, abstained from voting. The US used its veto power to prevent the resolution from being passed. The US opposes the Palestinian bid for UN membership, saying that statehood should be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The US believed that premature action in New York would deny the Palestinians statehood. After Hamas attacked Israel, Palestinians responded and Israel retaliated, killing thousands in Gaza.
4 North Korea tests Pyongyang-1-2 anti-aircraft missile and a new weapon
North Korea announced the test of the warhead of an anti-aircraft Pyongyang-1-2 missile and a super strategic cruise missile Hwasal-1 Ra-3 in the West Sea off Korea on 20 April 2024 . This missile test was conducted by North Korea on 19 April 2024. North Korea’s testing of new anti-aircraft missiles and cruise missile warheads has further escalated tensions with South Korea and the United States. The super-strategic cruise missile Hvasal-1 is capable of carrying Ra-3 nuclear warheads. North Korea also conducted a similar test in February 2024, but it did not disclose the names of the missiles at that time.
5 Lakshman Tirtha river dried up due to drought and extreme heat
Lakshmana Theertha River, located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, is famous for its picturesque hills, dense forests and crystal-clear rivers. However, due to ongoing severe drought conditions and extreme heat, the river is facing a severe water crisis. The flow of the Kaveri River , another important water source in the district, has also reduced, and as a result, the Lakshman Teerth River has completely dried up. The Lakshmana Theertha River originates from the dense forests at Kutta in Ponnampet Taluk and extends for about 180 km before merging with the Kaveri River through Piyapatna and Hunsur in Mysore. Ultimately the river flows into the KRS reservoir. The river has historically been the lifeblood for the communities of South Kodagu, flowing continuously throughout the year. However, this year, by early April, the river has dried up, leaving no trace of water.
6 Nalin Prabhat becomes the new chief of National Security Guard
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nalin Prabhat has been appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG), the country’s counter-terrorism and counter-kidnapping force . Nalin Prabhat is a 1992 batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre. Nalin Prabhat is currently serving as the Additional Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the order issued by the Personnel Ministry, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Nalin Prabhat as NSG Director General till August 31, 2028. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief Daljit Singh Chaudhary was holding additional charge of NSG.
7 A new species of clouded tiger cat discovered in the Brazilian rainforest
Recently a new species of tiger has been discovered in the dense rainforests of Brazil . This cat named Clouded Tiger Cat (Leopardus pardinoides) may be small in structure but it is extremely important for biodiversity and conservation. Scientists and animal lovers alike are amazed by this amazing discovery. However, it underlines the fragility of our planet’s ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them. A small wild cat called the clouded tiger cat is about the same size as a domestic cat. Its body has a spotted coat which helps it blend in with its surroundings. Scientists associated with the Tiger-Cats Conservation Initiative in Brazil have discovered that this cat is a different species from other similar cats. They came to this conclusion after studying the cat’s appearance, genetic diversity and location.
8 HDFC Life Chairman Parekh resigns: Keki Mistry will be the chairman of the board.
Banker Deepak S Parekh has resigned from the post of chairman and non-executive director of HDFC Life Insurance on April 18, 2024. After this, Keki Mistry has been appointed as the Chairman of HDFC Board in place of Deepak Parekh.
9 On the occasion of Lord Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and postage stamp
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Lord Mahavir Nirvana Mahotsav on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi . Shri Modi paid homage to the statue of Lord Mahavir with rice and flower petals and watched the performance of a dance drama titled ” Akrant Mein Vardhaman ” on Lord Mahavir Swami by school children. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative postage stamp and coin on the occasion. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, promoted peaceful co-existence and world brotherhood by inculcating the principles of non-violence, truth, selflessness, celibacy and aparigraha.
10 Balraj Panwar wins India’s first quota for Paris Olympics
Balraj Panwar has secured India’s first quota for the Paris Olympics by securing third place in sailing in the World Asia-Oceania Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Competition in South Korea. Balraj Panwar is an Indian Army personnel. He completed the 2 thousand meter race in 7 minutes and 1.27 seconds.
11 World Creativity and Innovation Day: 21 April
World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated by the United Nations every year on 21 April . The day creates awareness about the importance of innovation and creativity to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. According to the ‘Creative Economy Report’ published by the United Nations Development Programme, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and UNOSSC (United Nations Office for the South-South), creativity and innovation are the two main assets of a country in the 21st century. . At this time, with international lockdowns due to COVID-19, it is important for major economic players to get creative to keep the global economy running.
12 Civil Services Day: 21 April
Every year, Civil Services Day is celebrated on 21 April in India . The main objective of celebrating this day is to inspire the efforts and work of civil servants. On Civil Services Day, Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to various officers of India. These awards serve as inspiration for civil servants. These awards are presented in three categories. Category 1 which includes hill states and north eastern states. Category 2 includes 7 union territories. Category 3 includes the remaining 18 states.
