Daily Current Affairs 18 April 2024, MPSC Exam Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs for MPSC Exam

Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah appointed as New Prime Minister of Kuwait

• Kuwait's Emir appoints Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister following former PM Sheikh Mohammad's resignation.
• The appointment comes after Kuwait's latest parliamentary elections on April 4, leading to the cabinet’s resignation.
• Sheikh Ahmad, a seasoned economist, has previously held key ministerial positions including Finance, Health, Oil, and Information.

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J&K High Court quashes man's detention under PSA, 1978

• The J & K Public Safety Act, 1978 is a preventive detention law aimed at preventing actions that threaten state security or public order.
• Enforced via administrative orders by either a Divisional Commissioner or District Magistrate, not through police-based specific allegations.
• Detainees under the PSA cannot apply for bail or have legal representation before the detaining authority.

Steps towards protection and Justice for Vulnerable groups

• Supreme Court told, School  Transfer Certificate Inadequate to determine POCSO Victim age
• The bench of S. Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar opined In disputes over a person's age under the POCSO Act, courts must follow the Juvenile Justice Act's Section 94.
• It prioritizes school certificates, then official documents, and lastly, medical tests if needed.
• Case Name: P Yuvaprakash vs State

Maharashtra second in forest land allotment to tribals

• Maharashtra has emerged as the second highest after Chhattisgarh in distributing forest land under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
• A status report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs reveals that Maharashtra distributed more than 58.70 lakh acres of forest land under individual forest rights (IFRs) and community forest rights (CFRs) till February 29, 2024.
• Chhattisgarh topped the chart by distributing 61 lakh acres towards IFRs and CFRs.
• Other states that settled maximum IDRs and CFRs and distributed forest land include Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

CBDT hits record with 125 APAs in FY 2023-24

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes signed a record 125 Advance Pricing Agreements in FY 2023-24, marking a 31% increase from the previous year.
• A significant milestone was achieved with the highest number of Bilateral APAs ever concluded in a financial year.
• The APA program supports ease of doing business in India by offering clarity on transfer pricing and protecting against double taxation.

IMF raises India’s GDP growth projection to 6.8% for FY 2024-25

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded India’s GDP growth projection to 6.8% for the financial year 2024-25, marking an increase from its previous estimate of 6.5%.
• The IMF also projects global growth to hold steady at 3.2% through FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, highlighting the relative robustness of India's economic performance.
• IMF/HQs - Washington, D.C.
• MD - Kristalina Georgieva

Cummins, Nat Sciver named as Wisden Leading Cricketers in the world

• Pat Cummins and Nat Sciver-Brunt are named Wisden's Leading Cricketers in the World, recognizing their remarkable performances in 2024.
• Cummins is the 1st Aussie since Michael Clarke to secure the top honour and he has succeeded Ben Stokes, the English skipper who won the honour 3 times.
• Sciver Brunt has been recognized as the top women's cricketer because of her role in the women's Ashes.

India to test 130 km strike range Astra Mark-2 missile

• India announced plans to test the Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile with a 130 km range
• The Astra Mark-1, already in use, is set to be outclassed by the Mark-2 version, benefiting fighters like LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation targets advances in aerial combat, with aspirations for Astra missiles to match Meteor's capabilities and explore export potentials

Vivek Aggarwal (IAS) re-appointed as Director of FIU-India

• Vivek Aggarwal (IAS) receives a 6-month extension as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-India).
• A 1994-batch IAS officer of the MP cadre, serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue.
• FIU-India plays a crucial role in collecting intelligence on financial offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Amitabh Bachchan awarded "Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar"

• Amitabh Bachchan is to be honored with the Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar for his contributions to the nation and society.
• The award celebrates impactful contributions in music, cinema, social service, and literature.
• PM Modi was its 1st recipient, followed by Asha Bhosle in 2023.
• A R Rahman will receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music

World Haemophilia Day: 17th April

• World Hemophilia Day is observed on 17 April every year to raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
• It emphasizes treatment for all and envisions a society in which every individual with inherited bleeding disorders has access to care, regardless of their kind of bleeding condition, gender, age, or location.
• World Hemophilia Day was first observed in 1989.