April Month PDF Tyari Plus 1556553361 20 PDF

CURRENT AFFAIRS April 2019
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PREFACE
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On the Basis of your continuous demand for a Monthly PDF of most-trusted Current Affairs, the No.1
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As we know Current Affairs, including related General Knowledge (GK), form a crucial component of any
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selecting questions from Static GK, the paper setters are harping on current affairs to increase the
difficulty quotient of any paper. The lack of preparation for current affairs by the aspirants and candidates
often is a main cause of their failure.
The Current Affairs April 2019 PDF covers the most important and exam-focused current affairs. The PDF
has been designed basis the concept of complete Study Cycle, viz., Study ----> Revise ----> Test and thus
has three parts: (i) Detailed Section-wise Current Affairs in bullet points; (ii) One Liners; and (iii) Current
Affairs Questions with Explanation.
The Current Affairs PDF of April 2019 comes with one more value addition, that is, 8 Topics of the Month.
We have also selected 9 articles of the month from The Hindu, The Indian Express and Mint. These topics
have been selected on the basis of their impact and will be very useful for subjective papers like IAS
(Mains) Exam 2019.
Our experts have tried to put in their best efforts to make sure that the content provided remains in the
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................................................................................................................................ 1
Preface ...................................................................................................................2
Topics of the Month ............................................................................................. 8
1. Arab Spring 2.0 ........................................................................................................................... 8
2. World’s first anti-malaria vaccine launched..............................................................................10
3. UN agency listed Bhopal gas tragedy among the world’s major industrial accidents in the last
century .............................................................................................................................................. 11
4. Indian Monsoon forecast by IMD .............................................................................................. 12
5. Namami Gange gets global recognition at world summit ........................................................ 13
6. UN State of the World Population 2018 report .........................................................................14
7. Most ancient type of molecule of the Universe discovered ..................................................... 15
8. UPI grows faster than e-wallets ................................................................................................16
Important articles of April .................................................................................. 18
1. How Chief Justice Of Indian Can Be Impeached? ......................................................................18
2. Election Commission Constitutional Power..............................................................................19
3. World Heritage Sites In India ................................................................................................... 20
4. What Is VVPAT?.......................................................................................................................... 21
5. 100 Years Of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre .................................................................................. 22
6. What Is AFSPA?......................................................................................................................... 23
7. What Is Blockchain Technology? .............................................................................................. 24
8. Article 370 ................................................................................................................................. 25
9. What Is Nyay Scheme Of Rahul Gandhi Or Minimum Income Guarantee Scheme? ................ 26
National ............................................................................................................... 27
1. SC Constitutes A Three-Judge Panel To Probe Case Against CJI.............................................. 27
2. Ministry Of Ayush, CSIR Sign MoU To Promote Traditional Medicines .................................. 27
3. Pan-India Single Emergency Helpline Number 112 Joined By 20 States ................................... 27
4. CBSE To Allow Visual Aids For Disabled Kids From 2020 ......................................................... 28
5. India Suspends LoC Trade With Pakistan ................................................................................. 28
6. India To Launch Coffee Consumption Drive ............................................................................ 29
7. Political Parties Must Disclose Details Of Donations Through Electoral Bonds To EC: SC ...... 29
8. President Kovind Releases NIRF And ARIIA-2019 ..................................................................... 30
9. ITBP Soldiers Cast First Vote Of Lok Sabha 2019 In Arunachal Pradesh ................................... 31
10. Sharukh Khan Receives Honorary Doctorate From The University Of Law, London .......... 32
11. Ministry Of Commerce Launched Blockchain Based E Marketplace For Coffee ................. 32
12. Health Ministry Notified New Rule To The Drugs And Clinical Trials Rules ......................... 33
International ....................................................................................................... 34
1. Arab League Pledged USD 100 Million Per Month To Palestinian Authority ........................... 34
2. U.S. Ends Waiver For India On Iran Oil ..................................................................................... 35
3. Indian Foreign Secretary’s Visit Of China ................................................................................. 36
4. Ukraine Comedian Zelensky Wins Presidency ......................................................................... 36
5. Libya Crisis ................................................................................................................................ 37
6. Mueller Report Released.......................................................................................................... 39
7. Saudi Arabia to host G20 Summit in 2020 ................................................................................ 40
8. Notre-Dame De Paris ................................................................................................................ 40
9. EU Approves Tougher EU Copyright Rules In Blow To Google, Facebook .............................. 40
10. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Swears In New Government ..................................41
11. China Develops World’s First Armed Amphibious Drone Boat: Report................................41
12. Omar Al-Bashir Of Sudan Ousted? ........................................................................................ 42
13. What Is Yellow Vest Protest In France? ................................................................................ 43
14. Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu Wins Election, Secures Fifth Term In Office ............................... 44
15. 25 Years Of Rwandan Genocide ............................................................................................ 44
16. Pakistan Could Be Blacklisted By FATF................................................................................. 45
17. India Gets Access To Bolivia Lithium Reserves..................................................................... 46
Science & Tech .....................................................................................................47
1. Antares Rocket Takes Off From Iss .......................................................................................... 47
2. First Earth-Size Planet: HD 21749b Discovered By NASA’s Tess Exoplanet Mission ................ 48
3. PIO-Led Team’s CubeSat To Be Launched By NASA ................................................................. 49
4. RailTel turns 1600 railway stations into RailWire Wi-Fi zone ................................................... 49
5. Lizards Genetically Modified For The First Time Using Crispr-Cas9 Technology .................... 50
6. New State Of Matter Discovered ............................................................................................. 50
7. Candida Auris: Deadly Drug-Resistant Fungus’ ......................................................................... 51
8. PSLV-C45 Successfully Launches Emisat And 28 Customer Satellites....................................... 51
9. The World’s First 5g Network Trials Go Live In Shanghai ........................................................ 52
Reports and Surveys .......................................................................................... 54
1. World Press Freedom Index 2019 ............................................................................................. 54

2. Face Of Disasters 2019 Report .................................................................................................. 54
3. WHO Raises Alarm Over 300% Increase In Case Of Measles Globally ...................................... 55
4. India Facing Shortage Of 600,000 Doctors, 2 Million Nurses: Study ....................................... 56
5. Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth Released By UNESCAP ............................................. 56
6. Global Report on Food Crises 2019 ........................................................................................... 57
7. Climate Change Threatens 19 Million Bangladesh Childrens’ Lives, Future: UNICEF Report .. 58
Banking & Economy ............................................................................................59
1. Deposits In Jan Dhan Accounts Are Set To Cross Rs 1 Lakh Crore Mark .................................. 59
2. RBI Sets High Cut-Off At Fx Swap Auction, Forward Rates Jump ........................................... 59
3. Reliance Retail Became 1st Indian Retail Company To Cross Rs 1 Lakh Crore In Annual Revenues
60
4. Canara Bank Became The First PSB To Meet RBI’s EMV Mandate........................................... 60
5. The Euro’s First 20 Years ...........................................................................................................61
6. India Brings Down Trade Deficit With China By $10 Billion In 2019 ......................................... 62
7. IMF Forecasts Dip In Global Growth In 2019 ............................................................................ 63
8. RBI Issues Norms For Banks To Set Up Currency Chests ......................................................... 63
9. India Tops Remittances List, Received $79 Billion In 2018 ....................................................... 64
10. RBI Sets Limits On The Ways And Means Advances ............................................................ 64
11. RBI Reduces Key Lending Rate By 25 Bps ............................................................................. 65
12. GST Revenue Collection For March, 2019 Crossed Rupees One Lakh Crore ........................ 66
13. Supreme Court (Sc) Quashed February 12, 2018 Circular Of RBI .......................................... 67
Defence & Security ............................................................................................. 68
1. Indian Navy Launches Guided Missile Destroyer 'Imphal' ....................................................... 68
2. INS Kolkata, INS Shakti To Participate In IFR In China ............................................................. 68
3. “Varuna 2019”: India-France’s Joint Naval Exercise ................................................................. 69
4. India’s 1st Indigenously Made Long-Range Missile Nirbhay Successfully Test Fired .............. 69
5. Indian Navy Gets Virtual Reality Centre For Designing Warships............................................ 70
6. India Singapore Military Exercise ............................................................................................ 70
7. First Batch Of Dhanush Artillery Guns ...................................................................................... 71
8. Ausindex-19 Joint Naval Exercise Begins On 2 April ................................................................. 71
9. U.S. State Department Approves Sale Of 24 Mh-60r Copters Worth $2.6 Bn To India ............ 71
Awards & Person in News ................................................................................... 73
1. Benny Antony Won National Intellectual Property Award ..................................................... 73

2. First Female Astronaut Candidate Of Usa Jerrie Cobb Dies..................................................... 73
3. Time’s 100 Most Influential People List Released .................................................................... 73
4. Pulitzer Prize 2019 .................................................................................................................... 74
5. PM Narendra Modi Honoured With Order Of St Andrew The Apostle ................................... 75
6. UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize 2019 ................................................................ 76
7. Wikileaks Cofounder Julian Assange Arrested By British Police ............................................. 76
8. Alice G. Vaidyan Awarded The Freedom Of The City Of London ............................................. 77
9. Famous Dramatist Kartik Rath Passes Away............................................................................ 77
10. David Malpass Named World Bank President ...................................................................... 78
sports ...................................................................................................................79
1. Gomathi Brings India’s First Gold At Asian Athletics ............................................................... 79
2. FIFA Ban Former Brazilian Football President Jose Maria Marin For Life ............................... 79
3. Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial International Hockey Tournament 2019 Organised In Chandigarh
79
4. Cologne Boxing World Cup 2019 .............................................................................................. 80
5. Graham Reid Named As Chief Coach Of India Men's Hockey Team ........................................ 80
6. Lin Dan Clinches Malaysia Open ............................................................................................... 80
7. Praful Patel Becomes 1st Indian In Fifa Executive Council ....................................................... 80
8. Neeraj, Sindhu Picked For ESPN India Multi-Sport Award 2018................................................81
9. Justice D. K. Jain: Ethics Officer Of Bcci On An Ad-Hoc Basis ...................................................81
10. Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey: Korea Wins The Title .......................................................... 82
Environment ....................................................................................................... 83
1. Mount Agung Volcano Erupts .................................................................................................. 83
2. In A First, East Asian Birds Make Andaman Stopover .............................................................. 84
3. CMFRI, ISRO Ink MoU To Protect Smaller Wetlands ............................................................... 84
4. Man-Made Forest Fires Threaten ‘Neelakurinji’ Plants ............................................................ 85
5. National Seminar On “Greenery And Landscaping” ................................................................ 85
6. What Is Global Cooling Coalition? ............................................................................................ 86
State .................................................................................................................... 88
1. Garia Festival Celebrated In Tripura ......................................................................................... 88
2. Rongali Bihu Festival Celebrated In Assam .............................................................................. 88
3. Justice Pradeep Nandrajog Takes Oath As New Chief Justice Of Bombay High Court ........... 88
4. Nagaland Observed The 75th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Kohima ...................................... 89

5. ‘Café Scientifique’ Started In Kerala ........................................................................................ 89
6.
Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (Turmeric) Gets Gi Tag .................................................................. 90
7. Utkarsh Bangla And Sabooj Sathi Schemes Won The Prestigious Un’s Wsis Award .............. 90
Important Days of the Month ............................................................................ 92
1. World Book Day: April 23 2019 ................................................................................................. 92
2. April 22: Global Earth Day......................................................................................................... 92
3. Civil Services Day: 21 April ........................................................................................................ 92
4. 128th Birth Anniversary Of Dr. Ambedkar ................................................................................. 93
5. International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day .......................................................... 95
6. National Maritime Day: 5th April ............................................................................................. 95
7. President’s Greetings On The Eve Of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava ............................. 96
8. World Health Day: 07 April ....................................................................................................... 97
8.1. About the day ...................................................................................................................... 97
8.2. History .................................................................................................................................. 97
9. Rajasthan Day Observed On 30 March ..................................................................................... 97
10. World Heritage Day: April 18 ................................................................................................ 98
Questions of the Month ..................................................................................... 99
Explanations.................................................................................................................................... 103
One Liners of the Month ................................................................................... 107
National ........................................................................................................................................... 107
Banking ...........................................................................................................................................108
International .................................................................................................................................... 111
Sports ...............................................................................................................................................113
Person in News.................................................................................................................................115
General Knowledge......................................................................................................................... 116
TOPICS OF THE MONTH
1. ARAB SPRING 2.0
What was Arab Spring

1.0?
The 2011 Arab Spring
had swept the Arab
world in Middle East
and North Africa.
It resulted in removal
of four despotic rulers -
in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya
and Yemen - an on-
going civil war in Syria,
Yemen and Libya - and
series of large scale
protests in Bahrain,
Algeria, Somalia,
Lebanon, Kuwait,
Morocco and many
other countries.
It seems what has been left undone in Arab Spring 2011 has got momentum now and probably more
regimes are under threat since the uprising uprooted the authoritarian rulers in Algeria and Sudan. It is
now called Arab Spring 2.0.
1.1. RESULTS OF ARAB SPRING 1.0
 Except Tunisia, nowhere we have seen a successful power transition towards a democratic
process.
 Egypt had a democratically elected government of the Muslim Brotherhood but its
fundamentalism pushed people again to protest and now the army is back in the controlling role.
 Libya and Yemen are dark patches of civil and faction wars.
 Syria has become the scourge of the modern times pushing the largest contingent of refugees
across the world.
1.2. ARAB SPRING 2.0
 Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who was 85 years old and hardly seen in public was
overthrown after a massive demonstration. He ruled Alrgeria for 20 years.
 Now, the Algerian army has taken the power and promised a democratic transition. However,
authoritarian rulers can be overthrown but the system made by them remains there.
 Omar al-Bashir, who had been at the helm in Sudan for three decades, quit amid public anger,
reviving memories of the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings earlier.
1.3. WHY PEOPLE ARE PROTESTING?
 The Arab uprising was originally triggered by a combination of factors. The economic model based
on patronage was crumbling in these countries.
 The rulers had been in power for decades, and there was popular longing for freedom from their
repressive regimes.
 More important, the protests were transnational in nature, though the targets of the
revolutionaries were their respective national governments.
 The driving force behind the protests was pan-Arabist anger against the old system.
 Inflation, bad economy and Unemployment are prerequisties for any revolution.
 Arab rulers for years bought loyalty of the masses in return for patronage, which was then
buttressed by the fear factor.
 This model is no more viable.
 If Arab countries were shaken by the 2010-11 protests, they would be thrown into another crisis in
2014, with the fall in oil prices. Having touched $140 a barrel in 2008, the price of oil collapsed to
$30 in 2016.
 This impacted both oil-producing and oil-importing countries. Producers, reeling under the price
fall, had cut spending — both public spending and aid for other Arab countries.
2. WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-MALARIA VACCINE LAUN CHED
Government of Malawi has launched world’s first malaria vaccine on 23 April in a landmark pilot
programme.
The country is the first of three in Africa in which the vaccine, known as Mosquirix will be made available to
children up to 2 years of age; Ghana and Kenya will introduce the vaccine in the coming weeks.
2.1. MALARIA
 It is caused by the infectious Plasmodium.

 Spread: Female Anopheles mosquitoes deposit parasite
sporozoites into the skin of a human host.
 Malaria is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality.
 Despite huge progress in tackling the disease, there are still 212
million new cases of malaria and 430,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide each
year according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Most cases (80%) and deaths (90%) were
in sub-Saharan African.
2.2. MOSQUIRIX
 Mosquirix uses antibodies to target proteins presented by sporozoites (such as the

circumsporozoite protein of falciparum)to enhance the immune system and help prevent the
parasite from infecting the liver.
 Mosquirix is also engineered using a hepatitis B viral protein and a chemical adjuvant to further
boost the immune response for enhanced effectiveness.
3. UN AGENCY LISTED BHO PAL GAS TRAGEDY AMON G THE WORLD’S

MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN THE LAST CENTURY
The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people is among
the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report
has said, warning that 2.78 million workers die from occupational
accidents and work-related diseases each year.
The report released by the the UN labour agency International Labour
Organization (ILO) said in 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl isocyanate gas,
which was released from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Madhya Pradesh
capital, affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants.
The report titled 'The Safety and Health at the Heart of the Future of Work - Building on 100 years of
experience' said the Bhopal disaster was among the world's "major industrial accidents after 1919".
Among the other 9 major industrial disasters after 1919 listed in the report are the Chernobyl and
Fukushima nuclear disasters as well as the Rana Plaza building collapse.
3.1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT
 According to recent estimates released by the ILO, each year 2.78 million workers die from
occupational accidents and work-related diseases (of which 2.4 million are disease-related).
 An additional 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. It is estimated that
lost work days globally represent almost four per cent of the world's GDP, and in some countries,
this rises to six per cent or more.
 The report says 36 per cent of workers are working excessive long hours, meaning more than 48
hours per week.
BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY
The Bhopal disaster, also referred to as the Bhopal gas tragedy, was a gas leak
incident on the night of 2–3 December 1984 at the union carbide India limited
pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
It is considered to be the world's worst industrial disaster.
4. INDIAN MONSOON FORECAST BY IMD
India is likely to receive near-normal monsoon rains in 2019; according to Indian Meteorological
Department’s (IMD) first long-range forecast for the south-west monsoon.
4.1. MONSOON FORECAST
 The June-September monsoon season is likely to see 96% of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall.
 The IMD defines average or normal rainfall as between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 89 cm
for the entire four-month season.
 El-Nino conditions will weaken in coming months.
4.2. WHY MONSOON FORECAST IS IMPORTANT?
 The south-west monsoon, which makes its onset over the country in June, irrigates over half of
India’s cropland and sustains the livelihood of over 58% of its population that is dependent on
agriculture.
 The monsoon forecast is crucial as it directly influences the agricultural production and has a
spiralling impact on inflation and growth.
 The monsoon was dismal in 2018 ending with an overall deficit of 9.4%, pushing several states—
including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh—into drought.
4.3. DANGER OF EL NINO
 Weak El Niño conditions would persist in the monsoon season, but with reduced intensity.
 El Niño is a weather phenomenon linked to below normal rains and drought.
5. NAMAMI GANGE GETS GLOBA L RECOGNITION AT WOR LD SUMMIT
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was awarded the distinction
of “Public Water Agency of the Year” by Global Water Intelligence
at the Global Water Summit in London.
The Global Water Awards are presented at the Global Water

Summit, the major business conference for the water
industry worldwide.
The awards recognise excellence across the international

water industry and reward those initiatives in the water, waste
water, and desalination sectors, which bring remarkable
improvements in the lives of people.
5.1. GLOBAL WATER SUMMIT
 Global Water Summit is the annual business conference for the water industry worldwide. The
summit attracts high-level executives from industry, municipalities and international water
companies and provides the opportunity to connect with hard-to-reach industry insiders that will
not attend any other water event.
 The summit provides a platform for connecting the public and private sector and for accelerating
change and innovation within the sector, it attracts the most influential industry representatives
and also becomes a forum for business development and expanding your network.
5.2. NMAMI GANGE
 Namami Gange Programme – is an umbrella programme which integrates previous and currently
ongoing initiatives by enhancing efficiency, extracting synergies and supplementing them with
more comprehensive & better coordinated interventions.
 Government of India is supplementing the efforts of the state governments in addressing the
pollution of river Ganga by providing financial assistance to the states.
6. UN STATE OF THE WORL D POPULATION 2018 RE PORT
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released the State of the
World Population 2018 report.
The world’s population rose to 7.715 billion in 2019, up from 7.633

billion the year before, with the average life expectancy remaining
72 years.
 The least developed countries recorded the highest population growth,

with countries in Africa registering an average of 2.7% a year.
 Much of the overall increase in global population till 2050 is projected to occur in high fertility
countries, mostly in Africa, or in countries with large populations, such as India and Nigeria.
6.2. INDIA SPECIFIC
 India’s population grew at 1.2% a year between 2010 and 2019, marginally higher than the global
average of 1.1% a year in this period, but more than double China’s 0.5% a year.
 Around half India’s population in 24 states have achieved so-called replacement fertility rates of 2.1
children per women, which is the desired family size when the population stops growing, but the
country’s large youth bulge will continue to fuel population growth even as the size of the ageing
population increases.
7. MOST ANCIENT TYPE OF MOLECULE OF THE UNIVERSE

DISCOVERED
Helium hydride ion, the first molecule that formed almost 14 billion years
ago, was detected by NASA's flying observatory SOFIA towards a
planetary nebula.
Scientists have detected the most ancient type of molecule in our
universe in space for the first time ever.
It was discovered with the help of the GREAT spectrometer aboard
SOFIA in the envelope of the planetary nebula NGC 7027.
7.1. HELIUM HYDRIDE ION
 Helium hydride ion (HeH+) was the first molecule that formed when, almost 14 billion years ago,
falling temperatures in the young universe allowed recombination of the light elements produced
in the Big Bang.
 At that time, ionised hydrogen and neutral helium atoms reacted to form HeH+, said researchers
from The Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) in Germany.
 Despite its importance in the history of the early Universe, HeH+ has so far escaped detection in
astrophysical nebulae — cloud of gas and dust in outer space.
7.2. HOW IT WAS FORMED?
 Helium combined first with free electrons to form the first ever neutral atom. At that time
hydrogen was still ionized or present in form of bare protons. Helium atoms combined with these
protons into the helium hydride ion HeH+, the universe’s first molecular bond.
 As recombination progressed, HeH+ reacted with then neutral hydrogen and created a first path to
the formation of molecular hydrogen — marking the beginning of the modern universe.
7.3. GREAT SPECTROMETER AND SOFIA
 German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT) is a spectrometer loaded on the
flight of Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) launched in 2011.
 The GREAT instrument is a receiver for spectroscopic observations at far-infrared frequencies
between 1.2 and 5 terahertz (wavelengths between 60 and 250 microns).
 Those wavelengths are not accessible from ground-based telescopes because of atmospheric
water vapor absorption.
8. UPI GROWS FASTER THA N E-WALLETS
According to analysis done by The Hindu; Unified Payments Interface (UPI) are
growing faster than e-wallets.
An analysis by The Hindu of data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and some
industry players from April 2018 to March 2019 shows that not only is
the UPI platform outperforming e-wallets in terms of the value of
transactions done, but it is also eating away at e-wallets’ market share
in specific areas such as person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
Payments made on the UPI platform saw a remarkable growth of over 400% in the April to March period,
from a little more than ₹27,000 crore in April 2018 to ₹1.35 lakh crore in March 2019.
E-wallets saw total transaction value grow 210% in the November 2016 to March 2017 period, but this has
since slowed to 123% in the April 2018 to February 2019 period.
8.1. WHAT IS UPI?
 Unified Payments Interface is an instant real-time payment system developed by National

Payments Corporation of India facilitating inter-bank transactions.
 The interface is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and works by instantly transferring funds
between two bank accounts on a mobile platform.
8.2. WHAT IS E-WALLET?
 E-wallet stands for electronic wallet.

 It is a type of electronic card which is used for transactions made online through a computer or a
smartphone.
 The utility of e-wallet is same as a credit or debit card.
 An e-wallet needs to be linked with the individual's bank account to make payments.
 The main objective of e-Wallet is to make paperless money transaction easier.
8.3. WHY UPI IS PERFORMING BETTER THAN E-WALLET?
 UPI is definitely simpler in peer-to-peer transactions and hence there is a pick-up in UPI
transactions. A wallet transaction involves multiple legs, including transfer of money from bank
account to the wallet and then to the beneficiary, which the UPI doesn’t require.
 UPI picked up quickly after the launch of the Bharat Interface for Money or BHIM mobile app.
Subsequently, apps like Google Tez were launched that helped increase the volume and value of
UPI transactions.
 Another obstacle that e-wallets are facing is the requirement of mandatory KYC for all customers.
This regulatory requirement kicked in from March this year and official data shows a clear impact
on transactions. The value of e-wallet transactions has seen a fall of close to 30% between February
and March.
 As of now, KYC is not required for UPI as it is just like any other internet banking transaction.
 One of the major constraints in using an e-wallet is that even after you complete your KYC, it is
currently not possible to transfer money from one wallet to another.
 The interoperability of e-wallets is expected to address this issue and once it is operational.
IMPORTANT ARTICLES O F APRIL
1. How Chief Justice Of Indian Can Be Impeached?
The Constitution lays down the procedure for the removal of a judge of
Supreme Court, which is applicable in the case of the Chief Justice of India
as well.
The Chief Justice of India remains in the office until the age of 65 years,
unless he or she is impeached on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.
The Constitution, along with the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 and the
Judges (Inquiry) Rules, 1969, provides for the entire process of
Impeachment.
ART 124 (4):
"A judge of the supreme court shall not be removed from his office except by an
order of the president passed after an address by each house of parliament
supported by a majority of the total membership of that house and by a majority
of not less than two-thirds of the members of that house present and voting has
been presented to the president in the same session for such removal on the
ground of proved misbehaviour incapacity."
1.1. 5 STEP PROCESS FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF CHIEF JUSTICE
I. A notice of motion is issued by 100 MPs from the Lok Sabha or 50 MPs from the Rajya Sabha. This motion for
removal can be moved in either House.
II. The motion can either be accepted or rejected by the Speaker/Chairman of the House.
If the motion is admitted, the Speaker or the Chairman of the House forms a three-member committee
comprising a senior judge of the Supreme Court, a judge of the High Court and a distinguished jurist to
investigate the charges. This committee would look into the alleged charges levelled against the Chief
Justice of India.
III. If the three-member committee decides to support the motion, it is taken up for discussion in the House,
where it had been introduced and must be passed by a special majority - which means it has to be supported
by a majority of the total membership of that House not less than two-thirds of the members of that House
present and voting.
IV. Once it is passed, it is taken up in the next House where again it needs to be passed by a special majority.
V. After the motion is passed through both the Houses with two-third majority, the President of India is
approached to remove the Chief Justice of India.
2. Election Commission Constitutional Power
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional

body responsible for administering elections in India according to the
rules and regulations mentioned in the Constitution of India. The
ECI ensures smooth and successful operation of the democracy.
It was established on January 25, 1950. The major aim of election

commission of India is to define and control the process for
elections conducted at various levels. The most critical challenge
before the Election Commission of India is to implement norms
and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure free and fair
elections in the country.
2.1. STRUCTURE OF ECI
 Presently, it consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The
concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since 1993, with decision-making
power by majority vote.
 The President has the power to select Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The Chief Election
Commissioner can be removed from office only through accusation by Parliament.
2.2. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
 Art. 324: broadly speaks of the functions of EC and its composition. EC has superintendence,
direction, and control of the entire process for conduct of elections to Parliament and Legislature
(state legislative assembly & state legislative council) of every State and to the offices of President
and Vice-President of India.
 Art. 325: there shall be one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency for election to
either Houses of Parliament and State legislature. It establishes equality among citizens by
affirming that no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in the electoral roll on the grounds of
religion, race, caste or sex.
 Art. 326: lays down adult suffrage as the basis of elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative
Assemblies of States.
 Art. 327: confers on Parliament the power to make provisions with respect to elections to federal
and State Legislatures
 Art. 328: confers on State Legislature the power to make laws with respect to elections to such
legislature
 Art. 329: bars interference by courts in electoral matters. Notwithstanding anything said in the
constitution i.e. validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of
seats to such constituencies shall not be called in question in any court
2.3. JUDICIAL POWER
 Under the Constitution, the Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post-election
ineligibility of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
 The Commission has the power to prohibit a candidate who has failed to lodge an account of his
election expenses within the time and in the manner set by law.
 The Commission has also the power to remove or reduce the period of such disqualification as also
other disqualification under the law.
3. World Heritage Sites In India
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are important
places of cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.
There are 37 World Heritage Sites located in India. These include 29 cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed
site. India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world.
3.1. LIST OF UNESCO HERITAGE SITES
CULTURAL
 Agra Fort, UP (1983)
 Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra (1983)
 Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
 Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP (1989)
 Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat (2004)
 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)

 Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
 Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra (1987)
 Ellora Caves, Maharashtra (1983)
 Fatehpur Sikri, UP (1986)
 Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu (1987,2004)
 Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka (1986)
 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu (1984)
 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka (1987)
 Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
 Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
 Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
 Khajuraho Group of Monuments, MP (1986)
 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar (2002)
 Mountain Railways of India, Maharashtra (1999,2005,2008)
 Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
 Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
 Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007)
 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, MP (2003)
 Sun Temple, Konârak, Odisha (1984)
 Taj Mahal, UP (1983)
 The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement), Chandigarh
(2016)
 The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
 Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
NATURAL
 Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh (2014)
 Kaziranga National Park, Assam (1985)
 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur , Rajasthan (1985)
 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam (1985)
 Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand (1988,2005)
 Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal (1987)
 Western Ghats (known as the Sahyadri Mountains) (2012)
MIXED
 Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim (2016)
4. What Is VVPAT?
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines are used during election process to verify that the vote
polled by a voter goes to the correct candidate.
VVPATs are a second line of verification particularly and are particularly useful in the time when allegations
around Electronic Voting Machines' tampering crop up.
Parties have been making regular demands for VVPATs to be used during elections after alleging EVMs
may not be completely secure and tamper proof.
VVPAT system gives instant feedback to the voter showing that the vote polled has in fact been allotted
against the candidate chosen.
4.1. HOW IT WORKS?
 After a voter presses the button on the EVM against the chosen candidate, the VVPAT prints a slip
containing name of the candidate and the election symbol and drops it automatically into a sealed
box.
 The machines give the chance for the voter to verify their vote. The machine is placed in a glass
case in a way that only the voter can see it. The slip is displayed to the voter for seven seconds
after which the VVPAT machine cuts it and drops in into the storage box with a beep.
 The machines can be accessed, though, by the polling officials and not by the voter.
 The Election Commission of India has not conceded to any allegation that the EVMs used for
polling can be tampered with.
 However, VVPATs have been used in some elections in a bid to counter all allegation of tampering.
 In 2013, the Supreme Court had directed the poll agency to introduce VVPAT in the 2014 General
Elections to improve voter confidence. However, it was used in some phases and not for the entire
election.
 After allegations of EVM tampering sparked a massive row, VVPATs started being used in all
elections across India from June 2017.
5. 100 Years Of Jall ianwala Bagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, took place on 13 April 1919 when
troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer fired rifles into a crowd of
Punjabis, who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar.
The Rowlatt Act, 1919 had been implemented, but the civilians were not informed. The civilians had
assembled for a festival known as Baisakhi.
Baisakhi marks the Sikh new year and commemorates the formation of Khalsa panth of warriors under
Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
It is additionally a spring harvest festival for the Sikhs.
It is also stated that it marks peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national
leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew.
5.1. ITS IMPORTANCE IN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
 The Massacre of Amritsar turned millions of moderate Indians from patient and loyal supporters of
the British raj into nationalists who would never again place trust in British “fair play.”
 It thus marks the turning point for a majority of the Congress’s supporters from moderate
cooperation with the raj and its promised reforms to revolutionary non-cooperation.
 Liberal Anglophile leaders, such as Jinnah, were soon to be displaced by the followers of Gandhi,
who would launch, a year after that dreadful massacre, the non-cooperation movement, his first
nationwide satyagraha (“holding on to truth”) nonviolent campaign as India’s revolutionary
response.
6. What Is AFSPA?
In simple terms, AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. They
have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open
fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search
premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.
Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest
police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest.
6.1. ORIGIN OF AFSPA
 The Act came into force in the context of increasing violence in the Northeastern States decades ago, which
the State governments found difficult to control. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both
the Houses of Parliament and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958.
 It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
6.2. WHICH STATES ARE UNDER AFSPA?
 It is effective in the whole of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur (excluding seven assembly constituencies of Imphal)
and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Centre revoked it in Meghalaya on April 1, 2018. Earlier, the AFSPA was
effective in a 20 km area along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
 In Arunachal Pradesh, the impact of AFSPA was reduced to eight police stations instead of 16 police stations
and in Tirap, Longding and Changlang districts bordering Assam.
 Tripura withdrew the AFSPA in 2015.
 An Act passed in 1990 was applied to Jammu and Kashmir and has been in force since.
7. What Is Blockchain Technology?
Bengaluru-headquartered digital commodity management platform Eka Software, which counts mining
giant Rio Tinto and agriculture major Cargill among its
customers, has taken its first step to grow in its home
market by creating a blockchain platform for coffee
farmers in India.
Launched in tie-up with Coffee Board of India on

March 28, it’s the first marketplace on blockchain in
India.
7.1. BLOCKCHAIN
 A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed and

public digital ledger that is used to record transactions
across many computers so that any
involved record cannot be altered retroactively,
without the alteration of all subsequent blocks.
 It is a growing list of records, called blocks,
which are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous
block, a timestamp, and transaction data (generally represented as a Merkle tree).
 By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of the data. It is "an open, distributed ledger
that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent
way". Once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration
of all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus of the network majority.
 Although blockchain records are not unalterable, blockchains may be considered secure by design.
Currently, there are three types of blockchain networks — public blockchains, private blockchains
and consortium blockchains.
7.2 HISTORY OF BLOCKCHAIN
 The first work on a cryptographically secured chain of blocks was described in 1991 by Stuart Haber
and W. Scott Stornetta.
 In 1992, Bayer, Haber and Stornetta incorporated Merkle trees to the design, which improved its
efficiency by allowing several document certificates to be collected into one block.
 The first blockchain was conceptualized by a person (or group of people) known as Satoshi
Nakamoto in 2008. Nakamoto improved the design in an important way using a Hashcash-like
method to add blocks to the chain without requiring them to be signed by a trusted party.
 The design was implemented the following year by Nakamoto as a core component of the
cryptocurrency bitcoin, where it serves as the public ledger for all transactions on the network.
 Blockchain technology can be integrated into multiple areas such as cryptocurrencies, Blockchain-
based smart contracts, banking, video games, supply chain logistics and management.
8. ARTICLE 370
The constitutional relationship between J&K and the Indian Union has been the subject of numerous
discussions in recent times. Recently, Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said that the
relationship between the Union and the State would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.
8.1. WHAT IS ARTICLE 370?
 It is temporary provision given to the state of Jammu and Kashmir which provides special
autonomous state.
 Under Part XXI of the Constitution of India, which deals with “Temporary, Transitional and Special
provisions”, the state of Jammu & Kashmir has been accorded special status under Article 370.
 All the provisions of the Constitution which are applicable to other states are not applicable to
J&K.
8.2. PROVISIONS UNDER ART 370
 According to this article, except for defence, foreign affairs, finance and communications,
Parliament needs the state government’s concurrence for applying all other laws.
 Thus the state’s residents live under a separate set of laws, including those related to citizenship,
ownership of property, and fundamental rights, as compared to other Indians.
 Indian citizens can’t purchase property in this state.
 Financial Emergency under Art 360 can’t be provoked in the state. It can declare emergency in the
state only in case of war or external aggression.
 The power to make laws related to preventive detention in Jammu and Kashmir belong to the
legislature J&K and not the Indian parliament .
 Part IV (directive principles of the state policy) and part IVA (fundamental duties) of the constitution
are not applicable to J&K .
9. What Is Nyay Scheme Of Rahul Gandhi Or Minimum Income

Guarantee Scheme?
India’s main opposition Congress party said it would introduce a minimum income guarantee and boost
support for farmers if it wins the upcoming parliamentary elections beginning on April 11.
Arvind Subramanian, India’s former chief economic adviser had floated the idea of a universal basic income
for the poor in the Economic Survey for 2016-17.
9.1. WHAT IS MINIMUM INCOME GUARANTEE BY RAHUL GANDHI?
 Cash transfers to poor household across the country.

 Fixed amount would be identified as minimum income level.
 Rs 72,000 per year will be given as minimum income to poor families, benefiting around 25 crore
people.
9.2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME (UBI) AND MINIMUM GUARANTEE
SCHEME (MGS)
 UBI is a universal scheme which doesn’t identify someone is poor or rich. A fixed amount will be
transferred irrespective of his/her income.
 MIG is a targeted scheme for the poor section of the society.
 UBI is unconditional meaning that one does’t have to prove that he is poor or rich.
 Under the MIG scheme, state governments will compile the list of beneficiaries and a minimum
income will be transferred.
 UBI will provide every member of the family a fixed income so it doesn’t differentiate between
individual and a family.
 MIG will see family as a unit.
 The Economic Survey of India's model suggested to provide Rs. 7,620 per annum to 75% of India's
population. The income was based on Tendulkar's poverty line of 2011-12 inflation-indexed to 2016-
17 while under the MIG; 25 crore poor will get Rs. 6000 per month.
 It is estimated that UBI will cost around 4.9% of GDP while the total outlay of the MIG would be
around 2% of GDP.
NATIONAL
1. SC Constitutes A Three-Judge Panel To Probe Case Against CJI
 The Supreme Court on April 23, 2019 constituted a three-judge panel headed by Justice SA Bobde,
the senior-most judge in apex court after the Chief Justice of India (CJI), to inquire into the sexual
harassment complaint by a former junior court assistant against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.
Besides Justice SA Bobde, the inquiry panel comprises Justice NV Ramana, the next senior most
judge, and Justice Indira Banerjee, who was elevated to the Supreme Court on August 7, 2018.
 The panel would be conducting an in-camera proceeding.
 It is expected to hear the complainant in person and analyze the evidence put forward by her.
 This will be the first time in the 69-year-old history of the Supreme Court that a sexual harassment
complaint against the head of the judiciary would be inquired into by a panel of three SC judges.
2. Ministry Of Ayush, C SIR Sign MoU To Promote Traditional

Medicines
 A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi for cooperation in research and
education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science.
 Previously, CSIR jointly with Ministry of AYUSH developed the Traditional Knowledge Digital
Library (TKDL), a globally recognized proprietary database on Indian systems of medicine for
preventing bio-piracy and misappropriation of our traditional knowledge.
 The constituent laboratories of CSIR and councils of the Ministry of AYUSH have also supported
each other in the development of improved varieties and captive cultivation of the medicinal plants
including rare, engendered and threatened (RET) species, Botanical Reference Standards and
Pharmacopoeial standards, and Ayurgenomics, among many others.
3. Pan-India Single Emergency Helpline Number 112 J oined By 20

States
20 states and Union Territories have so far joined a pan-India network of single emergency helpline
number '112' on which immediate assistance can be sought by anyone in distress.
The '112' helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers, and the
project is being implemented under the central government's Nirbhaya Fund.
The single number for emergency services is similar to '911' in the United States.
The 20 states and UTs include Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman
and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.
3.1. 112: HOW IT WORKS?
 The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) envisages a single pan-India emergency number
'112', which is an internationally recognised number, to target all types of emergencies.
 A panic button is already provided on all mobile phones, which on activation will trigger an
emergency call to '112'.
 To access emergency services, a person can dial '112' on a phone or press the power button of a
smartphone 3 times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre.
 The Emergency Response Centre (ERCs) can receive panic signal via voice call to '112', email
requests on state ERSS website or the '112' mobile app.
 Location based tracking of the victim can be done through location-based services of all phones or
even more accurately through GPS for smartphones.
 In case of a normal phone, a long press of the '5' or '9' key will activate the panic call.
4. CBSE To Allow Visual Aids For Disabled Kids From 2020
The CBSE students, from 2020, will be allowed to use magnifying glasses and portable video magnifiers
during the Class X final examination.
CBSE Statement:
Alternative-type questions will be provided in lieu of questions having visual inputs for visually impaired
candidates in social science.
With effect from 2020, in lieu of large-font question papers, candidates will be allowed to use magnifying
glasses/ portable video magnifiers.
4.1. CBSE
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national level board of education in India for public
and private schools, controlled and managed by Union Government of India.
CBSE has asked all schools affiliated to follow only NCERT curriculum.
There are approximately 19,316 schools in India and 211 schools in 28 foreign countries affiliated to the
CBSE.
5. India Suspends LoC Trade With Pakistan
 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued orders to suspend all cross-LoC trade with Pakistan in
Jammu and Kashmir with effect from April 19, 2019.
 The Centre received reports that the routes were allegedly being used by elements in Pakistan to
push weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency into India.
 It has been revealed that the trade has changed its character to mostly third-party trade and
products from other regions, including foreign countries, are finding their way through this route.
 The trade is allowed through two trade facilitation centres located at Salamabad, Uri, District
Baramulla and Chakkan-da-Bagh, District Poonch. The trade takes place four days a week.
 The trade is based on barter system and zero-duty basis.
6. India To Launch Coffee Consumption Dri ve
India will plan and roll out a coffee consumption campaign on behalf of global coffee growers who
suffered huge financial losses on account of falling coffee prices and soaring labour cost.
The coffee growers around the globe are becoming poverty stricken.
6.1. WHAT IS HAPPENING?
 As per International Coffee Organization (ICO), 25 million farmers, including more than 3,00,000 in
India, produce coffee in 60 counties.
 Over 90% of these growers are smallholders and are forced to sell their coffees at a price much
below the cost of production. This scenario has led to socio-economic issues.
 These growers and their families have gone deeper into debts. Many even have abandoned their
farms and migrated to cities.
 To bring world coffee producers, including Indian growers, out of this appalling situation, The
World Coffee Producers Forum has decided to reach out to the coffee consuming countries around
the world.
 India consumes 300 million KG coffee consumption.
 As per ICO, the world drinks 1.5 billion cups of coffee every day and consumers on an average pay
$3.1 a cup in the U.S., $4.60 in Shanghai, $6.24 in Copenhagen and $3 to $4 in Bangalore and New
Delhi. But unfortunately, not even 5% of this cup price reaches the grower.
7. Political Parties Must Disclose Details Of Donations Through

Electoral Bonds To EC: SC
On April 12, the Supreme Court issued an interim order directing all political parties to disclose to the
Election Commission details of donations received through electoral bonds till May 15, 2019.
As per directives, Names and details of donors also need to be disclosed. All the information has to be
provided to the Election Commission by May 31.
Supreme court also directed the finance ministry to make amendments with respect to the extra five days
provided in the months of April and May for issuance of electoral bonds by the State Bank of India. The law
allows only a 50-day spread in the months of January, April, July and October during which the bonds can
be bought.
7.1. LEGAL FIGHT
The petition against the electoral bonds was filed by the NGO, Association of Democratic Reforms,
through lawyer Prashant Bhushan. He has argued against amendments to various laws made in order to
pave a smooth path for the implementation of the scheme.
7.2. WHAT IS ELECTORAL BOND?
 Electoral Bond is a financial instrument (similar to a promissory note) for making donations to
political parties.
 These are issued by Scheduled Commercial banks upon authorisation from the Central Government
to intending donors, but only against cheque and digital payments (it cannot be purchased by
paying cash).
 These bonds shall be redeemable in the designated account of a registered political party within
the prescribed time limit from issuance of bond.
 It is an interest free banking instrument issued on a non-refundable basis and are not available for
trading. Further, no loan would be provided against these bonds.
 A citizen of India or a body incorporated in India will be eligible to purchase the bond. It would be
issued/purchased for any value, in multiples of Rs.1,000, Rs.10,000, Rs.1,00,000, Rs.10,00,000 and
Rs.1,00,00,000 from the Specified Branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). It will not carry the
name of payee.
 Electoral bond was announced in the Union Budget 2017-18. Required amendments to the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934 (Section 31(3)) and the Representation of People Act, 1951 were made
through Section 133 to 136 of Finance Bill, 2017.
 As per Section 29C(1) of The Representation of People Act, 1951, the political party needs to
disclose the details of non-governmental corporations and persons who donate more than Rs.
20,000 to it in a financial year.
8. President Kovind Releases NIRF And ARIIA -2019
President Ram Nath Kovind on 08 April released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2019
and presented the awards to the top eight institutions in different categories at a function held in New
Delhi.
He also released the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) and presented the
ARIIA awards to the top two institutions.
IIT Madras ranked on top in overall category in NIRF-2019 while Miranda House College of Delhi University
ranked number one in ARIIA.
NIRF has been accepted and launched by the Ministry of Human Resources Development on 29th
September 2015.
NIRF outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. Since its inception, NIRF has been
awarding ranks to the universities in the country based on some certain parameters. The first NIRF Ranking
was issued on 4th April 2016.
8.1. TOP 10 ENGINEERING INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA
1. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

2. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
4. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
5. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
6. Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
7. Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
8. Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
9. Anna University, Chennai
10. National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
8.2. TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA-2019
I. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

II. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
III. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
IV. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
V. Calcutta University, Kolkata
VI. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
VII. Anna University, Chennai
VIII. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
IX. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
X. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
9. ITBP Soldiers Cast First Vote Of Lok Sabha 2019 In Arunachal

Pradesh
The soldiers of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were the first to cast their vote for the 2019 Lok Sabha
elections in Arunachal Pradesh as Service Voters.
What is Service Voter?

Service voter belonging to defence and paramilitary forces have the option of either voting
through postal ballot or through a proxy voter duly appointed by him/her.
There are roughly 30 lakh service voters including defence and paramilitary forces who (in many
cases with families at family stations) will cast their votes through service voter facility.
9.1. WHO IS SERVICE VOTER?
 Service voter is a voter having service qualification. According to the provisions of sub – section (8)
of Section 20 of Representation of People Act, 1950, service qualification means:
 Being a member of the armed Forces of the Union ; or
 Being a member of a force to which provisions of the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950), have been made
applicable whether with or without modification ;
 Being a member of an Armed Police Force of a State, and serving outside that state; or
 Being a person who is employed under the Government of India, in a post outside India.
10. Sharukh Khan Receives Honorary Doctorate From The University

Of Law, London
 Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan received an honorary doctorate from The University of Law in
London, United Kingdom during the college's graduation ceremony on 4 April.
 Shah Rukh Khan was awarded for his efforts to give back to society. The actor
has supported various government campaigns, including Pulse Polio and the National AIDS Control
Organisation (NACO).
 His non-profit initiative Meer Foundation works with survivors of acid attacks.
11. Ministry Of Commerce Launched Blockchain Based E Mark etplace

For Coffee
Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched blockchain based coffee e-marketplace. Blockchain based
market place app for trading of Indian coffees is intended to bring in transparency in the trade of Indian
coffee.
This pilot project will help integrate the farmers with markets in a transparent manner and lead to
realisation of fair price for the coffee producer. The blockchain will also reduce the number of layers
between coffee growers and buyers and help farmers double their income.
Coffee Board is collaborating with M/s Eka Plus, one of the global leaders in Digital Commodity
Management platforms for Agriculture for development of Blockchain based marketplace application. Eka
Plus have developed the application and a group of 15-20 coffee farmers, exporters, roasters, importers
and retailers are already registered on the platform from India and abroad.
11.1. INDIAN COFFEE MARKET
 India is the only country in the world where entire coffee is grown under shade, handpicked and
sun dried.
 It produces one of the best coffees in the world, produced by small coffee growers, tribal farmers
adjacent to National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are
two of the major bio-diversity hot spots in the world.
 Indian coffee is highly valued in the world market and sold as premium coffees. The share of
farmers in the final returns from coffee is very meagre.
12.Health Ministry Notified New Rule To The Drugs And Clinical Trials
Rules
The Union Health Ministry has notified the ‘Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules-2019’.
The rules will apply to all new drugs, investigational new drugs for human use, clinical trials, bio-
equivalence studies and ethics committees.
As per new rules,
 There is a reduction in time for approving applications, which has now come down to 30 days for
drugs manufactured in India and 90 days for those developed outside the country.
 In case of no communication from Drugs Controller General of India, the application will be
deemed to have been approved.
 The requirement of a local clinical trial may be waived for approval of a new drug if it is approved
and marketed in any of the countries (EU, UK, Australia, Japan and US) specified by the Drugs
Controller General with the approval of the government.
 The new rules protect the rights, safety and well-being of patients while ensuring a strong
scientific base for the conduct of clinical trials.
 Today, India has the second largest population in the world and the highest disease burden but
does less than 1.2% of global clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL
1. Arab League Pledged USD 100 Million Per Month To Palestinian

Authority
The Arab League has pledged $100 million per month to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to make up for
funds withheld by Israel because of payments made to the families of Palestinian attackers and prisoners.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the Arab League in Cairo, as part of a diplomatic effort to
rebuff the Trump administration’s Middle East peace plan.
Israel collects taxes on behalf of the PA but withheld $138m in transfers in February over Palestinian
payments to political prisoners jailed for attacks against Israelis.
In 1967, Israel illegally occupied the eastern half of Jerusalem, as well as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip -
and in 1980, passed a law declaring Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. The
Palestinians seek those territories for a future state.
1.1. ARAB LEAGUE
 It is a regional organization of Arab states in and around North Africa, the Horn of Africa and
Arabia.
 It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (renamed
Jordan in 1949), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
 Currently, the League has 22 members.
 Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt
2. U.S. Ends Waiver For India On Iran Oil
The U.S. will not renew exemptions from its sanctions for importing oil from Iran, U.S. Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo announced on 22 April.
The exemptions were granted last November for a 180-day period for India and seven other countries, and
are due to expire on May 2.
2.1. WHO WILL BE IMPACTED?
 India, China and U.S. allies Japan, South Korea and Turkey will be the most impacted by the non-
renewal of waivers.
 The other three currently exempted countries — Italy, Greece and Taiwan — have already reduced
their imports to zero.
2.2. IMPACT ON INDIA
 India, which is the second biggest purchaser of Iranian oil after China, had agreed to restrict its
monthly purchase to 1.25 million tonne or 15 million tonne in a year (300,000 barrels per day), down
from 22.6 million tonne (452,000 barrels per day) bought in the 2017-18 financial year.
 The world's third biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through
imports.
 Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total
needs.
US
THE SANCTIONS HAVE PROVIDED THE U.S. AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT MORE

OF ITS OWN CRUDE ON THE MARKET. U.S. CRUDE PRODUCTION WAS 1.6
MILLION BPD HIGHER THAN IT WAS IN 2017, AND AN ADDITIONAL 1.5 MILLION
BPD IS EXPECTED IN 2019
3. Indian Foreign Secretary’s Visit Of China
Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was on a visit to China to discuss several bilateral issues.
The talks were taking place at a time when prickly differences have emerged in bilateral ties despite the
bonhomie generated during the informal summit between Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and President Xi
Jinping at the central Chinese city of Wuhan a year ago.
Key issues such as coordinating the positions of the two sides at international forums and the listing of
Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist are on the agenda of the visit.
The Indian foreign secretary is visiting Beijing days ahead of the second Belt and Road Forum for
International Cooperation (BRF), which India will skip because of concerns over territorial sovereignty
related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In addition to talks aimed at maintaining momentum in bilateral ties in the wake of last year’s informal
Wuhan summit, Gokhale is expected to discuss coordinating India and China’s positions on key global
issues at forums such as the G20 Summit to be held in Tokyo in June.
3.1. BELT AND ROAD FORUM
 China is hosting three day long Belt and Road Forum from April 25, which will be attended by nearly
40 countries.
 India and Bhutan are among the countries that will not attend the forum.
 India has repeatedly expressed concerns about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), largely because
of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and the
uneven playing field created by China for Xi’s flagship connectivity project.
4. Ukraine Comedian Zelensky Wins Presidency
Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has scored a landslide

victory in the country's presidential election.
Mr Zelensky had taken more than 73% with incumbent

Petro Poroshenko trailing far behind on 24%.
4.1. REEL LIFE TO REAL LIFE
 Mr Zelensky, a political novice, is best known for starring in a satirical television series Servant of
the People, in which his character accidentally becomes Ukrainian president.
 With no previous political experience, Mr Zelensky's campaign focused on his difference to the
other candidates rather than on any concrete policy ideas.
 He was up against incumbent president Petro Poroshenko, who had a more established network
on the ground and the support of administrators across the country.
Ukraine: Key Facts
Population: 43.9m
GDP per capita: $8,800
GDP growth: 2.5%
Ethnic Ukrainians (est): 78%
Ethnic Russians (est.): 17%
Unemployment (est.): 9.2%
5. Libya Crisis
Sometimes a controlled chaos is much better option than altogether freedom.

This is an another tragic story of a long-time dictator controlled country set
free to idolize itself on the style of Western democracy.
Recently, oil rich African country Libya was again on the turmoil as
local militia are fighting in control of the country’s capital Tripoli.
The battle began when the Libyan National Army (LNA), a force in
control of most of Eastern Libya, launched a surprise offensive on
Tripoli.
That attack threatens to reinvigorate the armed conflict in a country

marred by instability since former dictator Muammar Qaddafi was deposed in
2011.
5.1. KHALIFA HAFTAR
 The LNA is led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar, who fled to the US after his first failed coup attempt against
Qaddafi.
 Haftar launched the latest attack in hopes of fulfilling a promise to unite Libya under his control.
 Standing in his way are armed factions defending the capital and its internationally recognized,
United Nations-backed government, the Government of National Accord (GNA).
 Haftar, a 75-year-old general who once served under Qaddafi, returned to Libya in 2011 to aid in the
revolution against the dictator.
 After Qaddafi was deposed, Haftar eventually became the leader of militia forces controlling the
country’s eastern region.
 He’s a staunch anti-Islamist general backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Haftar has also
received aid from Russia and from France, which partnered with the general in hopes he could help
slow immigration from African countries.
5.2. LIBYA: A LITTLE HISTORY OF MOHAMMED GADDAFI
 Till 1942, Libya was an Italian Colony.

 In 1951, Libya became independent under king Idris al-Sanusi.
 In 1956, Libya grants two American oil companies a concession of some 14 million acres.
 In 1969, King Idris deposed in military coup led by Col Muammar Gaddafi, who pursues a pan-Arab
agenda by attempting to form mergers with several Arab countries, and introduces state socialism
by nationalising most economic activity, including the oil industry.
 In 1971, National referendum approves proposed Federation of Arab Republics (FAR) comprising
Libya, Egypt and Syria. However, the FAR never takes off.
 In 1977, Col Gaddafi declares a "people's revolution", changing the country's official name from the
Libyan Arab Republic to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah and setting up
"revolutionary committees" - heralding the start of institutionalised chaos, economic decline and
general arbitrariness.
5.3. 2011: ARAB SPRING
 Inspired by revolts in other Arab countries, especially neighbouring Egypt and Tunisia, violent
protests break out in Benghazi, spread to other cities, leading to escalating clashes between
security forces and anti-Gaddafi rebels.
 UN Security Council authorises a no-fly zone over Libya and air strikes to protect civilians, over
which NATO assumes command.
 Libyan rebels initially capture territory but are then forced back by better-armed pro-Gaddafi
forces.
 Col Gaddafi is captured and killed as rebel fighters take his hometown Sirte.
5.4. 2014: CIVIL WAR
"Libyan National Army" Renegade General Khalifa Haftar Launches Military

Assault Including Airstrikes Against Militant Islamist Groups In Benghazi; Tries
To Seize Parliament Building, Accusing Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteg Of Being
In Thrall To Islamist Groups.
Prime Minister Maiteg Resigns After Supreme Court Rules His Appointment
Illegal.
5.5. 2016: RISE OF KHALIFA HAFTAR
 New UN-backed Government of National Accord arrives in Tripoli by boat after opposing forces
block airspace.
 In 2016, Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar seizes key oil export terminals in the east.
 In 2018, Khalifa Haftar claims that his forces are fully in control of Derna, the last Islamist
stronghold in the east and the only city in the region hitherto outside his control.
 Libya's UN-backed government declares a state of emergency in Tripoli, after dozens of people are
killed in clashes between rival militia groups in the city's southern suburbs.
 In 2019, The Haftar Libyan National Army advances on Tripoli, sparking clashes with the forces of
the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord.
6. Mueller Report Released
The special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, investigated Russian election

interference, ties to the Trump campaign and possible presidential
obstruction of justice. His report has been released.
In an extensive 448-page report sent to US Congress on18 April , the

former FBI director Mueller detailed dozens of instances in which
Russian operatives interacted with Trump associates, although he
ultimately found no evidence that the campaign worked with Russia in
the end.
6.1. WHAT WAS MULLER REPORT ALL ABOUT?
 The investigation report looked at connections between Russians and Trump associates, including
attempts by people connected to the Russian government reach out to the campaign.
 It also scrutinized Trump’s Russian business dealings, including the Trump Tower Moscow project.
6.2. WHAT THE REPORT SAYS ABOUT US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP?
 The report explicitly says that there is no evidence Trump “conspired or coordinated with the
Russian government” during the 2016 election.
 The investigation also found that although Trump campaign members communicated with
members of the Internet Research Agency – the group responsible for Russia’s social media
campaign – there isn’t evidence that any of the campaign officials knew they were talking to
Russians.
7. SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST G20 SUMMIT IN 2020
Saudi Arabia will be hosting the ‘G20 summit’ in November 2020 in its capital Riyadh. This would be the
first G20 summit in the Arab world.
Japan is all geared to host this year's summit in Osaka in June end.
7.1. THE GROUP OF TWENTY
 The Group of Twenty, or G20, is the premier forum for international cooperation on the most
important aspects of the international economic and financial agenda.
 The new Group of Twenty (G20) forum of finance ministers and central bank governors was
formally created at the September 25, 1999, meeting of the G7 Finance Ministers.
 The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and
USA. The G20 Countries together represent around 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade, and
two thirds of the world’s population.
8. Notre-Dame De Paris
A major fire erupted at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019
which claimed its spire and roof.
The exterior of the roof over the long main section believed to have
been built in early 13th century, bore the maximum damage.
8.1. HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME
 Construction of iconic Notre Dame began in 1163 during the

reign of King Louis VII and was completed in 1345.
 It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a worldwide Parisian icon
and the location of some of the most important moments in the history
of France.
 Henry VI of England was crowned inside the cathedral in 1431 and Napoleon Bonaparte was
crowned emperor of France inside the cathedral in 1804.
 The Notre Dame cathedral receives nearly 13 million visitors a year and is home to exquisite
religious artifacts, paintings, sculptures and other priceless works of art.
9. EU Approves Tougher EU Copyright Rules In Blow To Google,

Facebook
Google will have to pay publishers for news snippets and Facebook filter out protected content under new
copyright rules aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the European Union’s $1 trillion creative industries.
European Union members on 15 April backed the move launched by the European Commission two years
ago to protect Europe’s creative industries, which employ 11.7 million people in the bloc.
Under the new rules, Google and other online platforms will have to sign licensing agreements with
musicians, performers, authors, news publishers and journalists to use their work.
9.1. COPYRIGHT IN EUROPEAN UNION
 There were several European Union members who opposed the new copyright law passed by
European Union - Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden opposed it.
 But 19 countries, including France and Germany, endorsed the revamp, while Belgium, Estonia and
Slovenia abstained.
 Under the new regime Google-owned YouTube, Facebook’s Instagram and other sharing platforms
will have to install filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted materials.
9.2. WHAT GOOGLE SAID?
 Google said the new rules would hurt Europe’s creative and digital economies, while critics said it
would hit cash-strapped smaller companies rather than the tech giants.
 Poland said the overhaul was a step backwards as the filter requirement may lay the foundation for
censorship.
10. Palestinian President Mahmoud Ab bas Swears In New

Government
 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on 13 April 2019 swore in a new government headed by a
loyalist from his dominant Fatah party, a move rejected by his rivals Hamas as a blow to unity
efforts.
 Mohammed Shtayyeh, an economist and longtime Abbas adviser, will serve as prime minister of
the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA).
 The rival Hamas group that runs Gaza called the move a blow to unity efforts that faltered since
the two groups signed a new reconciliation deal in Cairo in October 2017, but disputes over power-
sharing had blocked the implementation of the agreement.
 Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia claiming the
West Bank and Gaza Strip with Jerusalem as the designated capital, although its administrative
center is currently located in Ramallah.
11. China Develops World’s First Armed Amphibious Drone Boat:

Report
A division of state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) has delivered the world's first
unmanned, armed amphibious combat vessel, dubbed the "Marine Lizard."
Its builder claims that it is capable of autonomous navigation.
11.1. MARINE LIZARD
 The Marine Lizard's aluminum trimaran hull form and its waterjet propulsion give the vessel a
claimed speed of 50 knots at sea.
 Four sets of tracks are fitted in the bottom of the hull fore and aft and are deployed for beach
landings. Diesel-electric power gives it a claimed top speed of about 12 miles per hour on land.
 The vessel is armed with two machine guns and launchers for anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles.
 It is intended for use in contested-environment beach assault operations, where it would be
deployed in advance of troop landings.
12.Omar Al-Bashir Of Sudan Ousted?
 Omar Al-Bashir was ousted following months of protest in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum over rising
prices.
 The military forced him to step down and imposed a three-month state of emergency.
 Mr Bashir had been in power for nearly 30 years and was a severe and uncompromising ruler.
12.1. OMAR AL BASHIR POLITICAL CAREER
 Mr Bashir seized power in a military coup in 1989, amid a long civil war between Sudan's north and
south.
 During his time in power, he was accused of war crimes during the Darfur conflict, which began in
2003 when rebels took up arms at alleged government discrimination. Hundreds of thousands
were killed in the crisis.
 The International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted Mr Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity
and genocide - although the investigation was eventually suspended due to a lack of UN support.
 However, Mr Bashir went on to win his first term as an elected president in polls in 2010.
 In 2011, following a referendum, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan. The referendum
had been part of a peace deal agreed between Mr Bashir and rebels from the south.
 However, the split had significant financial repercussions, because South Sudan gained 75% of the
territory's oil.
 The government imposed austerity measures and cut subsidies in response to the drop in oil
revenue - but this lead to waves of protests as prices for basic goods shot up.
 The government responded by dispersing protesters, arresting opposition politicians, and
censoring the media.
 Meanwhile, Mr Bashir was re-elected in 2015 in a vote boycotted by the opposition.
12.2. PROTEST GETS MOMENTUM IN 2018
 In late 2017, the US lifted some sanctions on Sudan. However, the economy continued to
deteriorate - by November 2018, inflation was at almost 70%.
 As the Sudanese pound plummeted in value, the government imposed emergency austerity
measures and cut fuel and bread subsidies.
 In February, Sudan's National Security and Intelligence Services said that Mr Bashir would step
down.
 However, Mr Bashir was defiant, declaring a national state of emergency, dismissing the federal
government and replacing all state governors with members of the security forces instead.
 On 11 April 2019, the military announced that Mr Bashir had been ousted and arrested.
13. What Is Yellow Vest Protest In France?
France’s Yellow Vest protest has reached to 22nd straight Saturday in some provinces of France.
The yellow vests movement or yellow jackets movement is a populist, grassroots political movement for
economic justice that began in France in November 2018.
After an online petition posted in May had attracted nearly a million signatures, mass demonstrations
began on 17 November.
13.1. WHY THE PROTEST?
 They were angry about the almost 20% increase in the price of diesel since the start of the year, as
well as the planned fuel tax hike President Emmanuel Macron had recently announced.
 While Macron said the tax was necessary to "protect the environment" and "combat climate
change", protesters claimed the decision was yet another sign that the president is out of touch
with regular folk struggling to make ends meet.
13.2. MACRON’S REPLY
 French president agreed to their demands and cancelled the proposed taxes and announced
schemes worth 10 billion euro to calm the protesters.
 However, the decision didn’t calm protesters and they continued and soon they were against the
entire economic policy of French president.
13.3. WHAT INDIA CAN LEARN FROM YELLOW PROTEST?
 French president’s intention was right in the direction of imposing taxes on fuels as it might have
helped in controlling the emissions. However, the poor people who struggle to meet their day’s
ends; they couldn’t think about environment.
 Everybody understands that global warming and environment pollution is a big issue and it must
be solved. However, without providing the alternatives of non-renewables to masses, any policy
will meet the same fate as what is happening in France today.
14. Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu Wins Election, Secures Fifth Term In

Office
PM Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to secure a record fifth term after almost complete results from Israel's
election suggest a new right-wing coalition.
His Likud party is expected to finish with a similar number of seats as ex-military chief Benny Gantz's
centrist Blue and White alliance.
But Likud and right-wing allies are set to be the largest bloc with 65 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (Israeli
Parliament).
14.1. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU
 In 1996, he became Israel's first directly elected prime minister after an early election following the
assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.
 Mr Netanyahu was also Israel's youngest prime minister and the first to be born after the state was
founded in 1948.
 This will be his fifth term as Prime Minister
15. 25 Years Of Rwandan Genocide
In just 100 days in 1994, about 800,000 people were slaughtered in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists.
They were targeting members of the minority Tutsi community, as well as their political opponents,
irrespective of their ethnic origin.
Rwanda on 7 April 2019 begins one hundred days of mourning for over 800,000 people slaughtered in a
genocide that shocked the world, a quarter of a century on from the day it began.
President Paul Kagame will start a week of commemoration activities by lighting a remembrance flame at
the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are believed to be buried, mainly from the
Tutsi people.
15.1. HOW DID IT START?
 About 85% of Rwandans are Hutus but the Tutsi minority has long dominated the country. In 1959,
the Hutus overthrew the Tutsi monarchy and tens of thousands of Tutsis fled to neighbouring
countries, including Uganda.
 A group of Tutsi exiles formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which invaded
Rwanda in 1990 and fighting continued until a 1993 peace deal was agreed.
 On the night of 6 April 1994 a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, and his
counterpart Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi - both Hutus - was shot down, killing everyone on
board.
 Hutu extremists blamed the RPF and immediately started a well-organised campaign of slaughter.
The RPF said the plane had been shot down by Hutus to provide an excuse for the genocide.
15.2. 100 DAYS OF GENOCIDE
 With meticulous organisation, lists of government opponents were handed out to militias who
went and killed them, along with all of their families.
 Neighbours killed neighbours and some husbands even killed their Tutsi wives, saying they would
be killed if they refused.
 At the time, ID cards had people's ethnic group on them, so militias set up roadblocks where Tutsis
were slaughtered, often with machetes which most Rwandans kept around the house.
15.3. WHAT DID THE UN DO?
 The UN and Belgium had forces in Rwanda but the UN mission was not given a mandate to stop
the killing.
 A year after US troops were killed in Somalia, the US was determined not to get involved in
another African conflict.
 The Belgians and most UN peacekeepers pulled out after 10 Belgian soldiers were killed.
16. Pakistan Could Be Blacklisted By FATF
Pakistan could be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force, FATF due to insufficient physical actions
on the ground against banned terror groups to block the flow of funds and activities.
In June 2018, the Paris-based FATF had placed Pakistan on the 'grey list' of countries whose domestic laws
are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terror financing.
The FATF noted that Pakistan had revised its terror financing risk assessment but did not demonstrate a
proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the Islamic State group, Al-Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-
Dawah, Falah-i-Insaniat, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network and persons affiliated with the Taliban.
Pakistan's foreign minister has acknowledged that the country could lose up to 10 billion dollars annually if
it remains on that list.
16.1. WHAT IS FATF?
 The Financial Action Task Force, also known by its French name, Groupe d'action financière, is an
intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to
combat money laundering.
 In 2001 its mandate expanded to include terrorism financing.
 It is headquartered in Paris.
17. India Gets Access To B olivia Lithium Reserves
India and Bolivia have signed an agreement for the development and industrial use of lithium, a prime
component used to power electric vehicles and cell phones.
AGREEMENT
India And Bolivia Agreed To Forge A Mutually Beneficial Partnership To

Facilitate Bolivian Supplies Of Lithium Carbonate To India And Foster Joint
Ventures For Lithium Battery/Cell Production Plants In India.
This Agreement Will Make Bolivia, Which Is Known To Have One-Fourth Of The
World’s Lithium Reserves, One Of The Major Provider Of Metal For India’s E-
Mobility And E-Storage Needs.
17.1. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?
 India is the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world and has the ambitious goal
of 30 per cent electric vehicles by 2030.
 But India imports all its lithium-ion batteries since India has no known sources of lithium, and zero
lithium-ion battery manufacturing capabilities currently.
 As a result, India is heavily dependent on China, Taiwan and Japan for import, especially of
batteries required for portable electronics.
 This agreement could also turn out to be the backbone for the recently launched FAME India policy
(Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle) and will also give a substantial
push to India’s ambition to have at least 30 per cent of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030.
SCIENCE & TECH
1. Antares Rocket Takes Off From Iss
A US rocket has been launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore, carrying
cargo with the space agency's re-supply mission for the International Space Station (ISS).
The Antares rocket built by Northrop Grumman lifted off on 17 April carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft
to the ISS.
It carried about 7,600 pounds (3,450 kg) of supplies and scientific experiments to the station. Some
instruments it transports will examine astronauts' health in microgravity. It is also carrying 40 intrepid
mice.
1.1. WHY MOUSE ON THE ROCKET?
 The mice aboard Cygnus are at the core of one such study, which aims to test the effectiveness of
an anti-tetanus vaccine.
 The rodents are split into two groups of 20; half will receive the vaccine in space and the other 20
will not receive the vaccine.
 Scientists will study the mice to see how the animals responded to the vaccine once they are back
on Earth.
1.2. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
 The International Space Station is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth
orbit. Its first component was launched into orbit in 1998, with the first long-term residents arriving
in November 2000. It has been inhabited continuously since that date.
 The total length of the ISS from end to end is about 109 metres (357 feet) while its liveable space is
roughly equal to a five-bedroom house.
 The ISS orbits the Earth every 90 minutes and since its launch in 1998 it has completed
approximately 60,000 orbits and travelled more than 2.4 billion kilometres.
 At an estimated cost of $100bn dollars, the ISS is the most expensive single object ever built by
mankind.
 Roughly half of the total price was contributed by the USA, the rest by other nations including
Europe, Japan and Russia.
2. First Earth-Size Planet: HD 21749b Discovered By NASA’s Tess

Exoplanet Mission
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Nasa) latest planet-hunting probe TESS has
discovered its first Earth-sized exoplanet.
The probe's newly discovered Earth-sized exoplanet is orbiting a star 53 light-years away.
The Transiting Exoplanets Survey Satellite (Tess) also discovered a warm sub-Neptune-sized world in the
same system, according to a study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
2.1. HD 21749B
 With an orbit that takes about 36 days to complete, the sub-Neptune, HD 21749b, has the longest
period of any of the TESS discoveries published so far.
 Its host star has about 80 per cent of the mass of our Sun and is found about 53 light-years distant
from Earth. HD 21749b has about 23 times Earth's mass and a radius of about 2.7 times Earth's.
 Its density indicates the planet has substantial atmosphere but is not rocky, so it could potentially
help astronomers understand the composition and evolution of cooler sub-Neptune planet
atmospheres.
3. PIO-Led Team’s CubeSat To Be Launched By NASA
A team led by an Indian American student has been chosen by NASA to have its CubeSat—a mini research
satellite to detect cosmic rays—flown into space on future missions of the US space agency.
A team led by an Indian American student has been chosen by NASA to have its CubeSat—a mini research
satellite to detect cosmic rays—flown into space on future missions of the US space agency.
The team’s CubeSat BLAST (Bouchet Low-Earth Alpha/Beta Space Telescope) is named for physicist
Edward A Bouchet—the first African American to receive a PhD in America.
Students designed the satellite over the course of four years and received the launch grant through
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative competition.
WHAT IS BLAST?
Blast Is A Scientific Investigation Mission To Map The Distribution Of Galactic

Cosmic Radiation Across The Night Sky.
The Satellite Will Identify And Count Alpha Particles And Beta Particles In The
Rays, And Measure The Radiation Energy Around Earth.
4. RAILTEL TURNS 1600 R AILWAY STATIONS INTO RAILWIRE WI-FI

ZONE
RailWire Wi-Fi by RailTel is now live at 1600 railway stations across the country, with Santacruz railway
station in Mumbai becoming the 1600th station to become a RailWire Wi-Fi zone.
RailWire is a retail Broadband initiative of the RailTel.
4.1. RAILTEL
 It envisages extending broadband and application services to the public.

 RailTel is working to establish bringing fast and free Wi-Fi at all stations (except the halt stations)
within a year.
 The Wi-Fi at 415 A, A1 and C category stations has been provided in association with Google as the
technology partner.
 Wi-Fi connections at 200 stations were provided with support from the Universal Service
Obligatory Fund of the Government of India.
5. Lizards Genetically Modified For The First Time Using Crispr -Cas9
Technology
For the first time, four lizards have been genetically modified using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool.
5.1. HIGHLIGHTS
 Researchers from the University of Georgia (UGA) were able to target the pigmentation genes of
Anolis sagrei lizards to create four albino offspring.
 The team specifically targeted the tyrosinase gene and successfully injected the gene editing
solution into 146 oocytes.
 Albinism is a trait inherited from both parents and in this study, the researchers found that the
CRISPR protein targeted the tyrosinase protein from both the mother and father of the offspring
which means that the CRISPR solution was active long after fertilization.
What is Genes?
Genes contain the bio-information that defines any individual. Physical attributes like height, skin or hair
colour, more subtle features and even behavioural traits can be attributed to information encoded in the
genetic material.
5.1. CRISPR TECHNOLOGY
 The clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR/CRISPR-associated

protein 9 (Cas9) (CRISPR-Cas9) system has revolutionised genetic manipulations and made gene
editing simpler, faster and easily accessible to most laboratories.
 CRISPR technology is basically a gene-editing technology that can be used for the purpose of
altering genetic expression or changing the genome of an organism. The technology can be used
for targeting specific stretches of an entire genetic code or editing the DNA at particular locations.
6. New State Of Matter Discovered
Scientists have found a new state of physical matter recently.
The new state is solid and liquid at the same time. Atoms can exist as both solid and liquid simultaneously.
The state is known as the chain melted state.
6.1. HOW IT WAS FOUND?
 When applying high pressures and temperatures to potassium, a simple metal; it creates a state in
which most of the element’s atoms form a solid lattice structure.
 However, some elements can, when subjected to extreme conditions, take on the properties of
both solid and liquid states.
 Researchers have shown that this unusual but stable state is part solid and part liquid.
6.2. WHY THIS HAPPENS?
 Applying pressure to the atoms leads to the formation of two interlinked solid lattice structures.
Chemical interactions between atoms in one lattice are strong, meaning they stay in a solid form
when the structure is heated, while the other atoms melt into a liquid state.
 Under the right conditions, over half a dozen elements, including sodium and bismuth are thought
to be capable of existing in the newly discovered state.
7. Candida Auris: Deadly Drug-Resistant Fungus’
A deadly fungus that’s resistant to commonly used antifungal medications is spreading in healthcare
facilities around the world.
Already, hundreds of infections have been reported in the United States, and the Centres for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has called this a “global emerging threat.”
7.1. CANDIDA AURIS
 The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Candida auris as “an emerging
fungus that presents a serious global health threat”, and has sent severely ill patients to hospital in
countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait,
Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Venezuela, the
UK, and the US.
 That C. auris is difficult to identify with standard lab methods may have had a role to play in the
development of its resistance.
 Healthcare personnel oblivious to it for long continue to prescribe antibiotics — giving the
organism time to acclimatise to the medication.
 C. auris is known to cause outbreaks in hospitals, where it finds vulnerable individuals.
 In 2013, a team of Indian scientists led by those from the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Delhi,
documented in Emerging Infectious Diseases “the emergence of a new clonal strain of C. auris as
an etiologic agent of candidemia in India”.
8. PSLV-C45 Successfully Launches Emisat And 28 Customer

Satellites
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C45) on 1 April 2019 successfully launched EMISAT and 28
international customer satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.
This flight marked the first mission of PSLV-QL, a new variant of PSLV with four strap-on motors.
8.1. 28 CUSTOMER SATELLITES
Lithuania: 2
Spain: 1
Switzerland: 1
USA: 24
EMISAT
 EMISAT is a satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 bus weighing about 436 kg.
 The satellite is intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement.
9. The World’s First 5g Network Trials Go Live In Shanghai
Shanghai’s Hongkou district in China is reportedly the first district in the world to have functional 5G
network capabilities.
The Chinese government plans to install 10,000 5G base stations in the area by the end of 2019.
The presence of a 5G network bolsters the application of internet of things in the district.
9.1. 5G RACE IN THE WORLD
 In race between Japan, China, South Korea and the US — China seems to have come out on top.
 According to the GSM association, China will represent 40% of global 5G connections by 2025.
 The US, on the other hand, has been pressuring countries to cut ties with Huawei and their 5G
technology.
 Huawei is constructing a global network of undersea Internet cables and next-generation mobile
networks that could give China effective control of the digital commanding heights.
9.2. WHAT IS 5G?
 The fifth generation of mobile communication networks is called 5G.

 Most consumers now use 3G or 4G/LTE networks, which were introduced to the public in 2001 and
2009.
9.3. BENEFITS OF 5G
 Faster Speed: Data transfer speeds are projected to be about 10 times higher with 5G than is
possible with 4G. That means significantly faster transmission of images and videos. With 4G/LTE,
downloading a high-definition movie might take about 10 minutes. With 5G, it should take less than
a second.
 Increased Connectivity: Cell towers equipped with 5G technology would have greatly increased
capacity over 4G/LTE. That means more people — and more devices — should be able to
communicate at the same time.
9.4. WHAT ABOUT INDIA?
 India, traditionally been a late adopter of advanced technologies.

 We still are struggling to achieve the speed 4G network offers. In fact 4G speeds in India are some
of the worst in the world. It is highly unlikely that we will witness any major developments in the
coming year.
 The telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) has started the process of auctioning the 5G
spectrum in India.
 Meanwhile, analysts have predicted that India will fully adopt 5G by 2022.
REPORTS AND SURVEYS
1. World Press Freedom Index 2019
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its ‘World Press Freedom Index 2019'.
Journalists around the world are seeing increased fear and violence in their line of work as media freedom
faces further decline, according to data published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
1.1. KEY FINDINGS
 Norway is ranked first in the 2019 Index for the third year running while Finland has taken second
place from the Netherlands (down one at 4th).
 India has dropped two places on a global press freedom index to be ranked 140th out of 180
countries.
 In Africa, the rankings of Ethiopia (up 40 at 110th) and Gambia (up 30 at 92nd) have significantly
improved from last year's Index.
 At the bottom of the Index, both Vietnam (176th) and China (177th) have fallen one place and
Turkmenistan (down two at 180th) is now last, replacing North Korea (up one at 179th).
 RSF finds that hatred of journalists has degenerated into violence, contributing to an increase in
fear around the world.
1.2. ABOUT REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is an international non-profit, non-governmental

organization based in Paris that conducts political advocacy on issues relating to freedom of information
and freedom of the press. It was founded in 1985.
2. Face Of Disasters 2019 Report
According to the report, ‘The Face of Disasters 2019’, released by the Supporting Entrepreneurs for
Environment and Development (SEEDS), the “average” rainfall figures hide extremes of floods and
droughts across the country.
2.1. REPORT SUMMARY:
 Key Findings: While the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a “normal” monsoon this
year, the “average” rainfall figures hide extremes of floods and droughts across the country.
 Example: During the June to September monsoon of 2018, Punjab experienced a “normal”
monsoon. However, that figure masked the fact that Ropar saw 71% excess rainfall while Ferozepur
experienced a 74% shortage.
 Other disasters are hidden because of slow-onset or they may be affecting ignored populations or
occurring at the same time as more high profile disasters.
 Similarly, eastern Uttar Pradesh saw a minimal shortage of 16% lower than usual. However, Kushi
Nagar received 82% less while Kannauj actually had a surplus of 62%.
2.2. THE REPORT ALSO OUTLINES THE FOLLOWING EIGHT KEY AREAS:
 Water and the changing nature of disaster risk: A ‘new normal’ of rainfall variability is bringing
challenges of too much and too little water, often in parallel.
 No disaster is ‘natural’: Risks lurking under the radar slip through the cracks because they don’t
meet the idea of a ‘natural disaster’.
 The silent events: The disasters that go unseen leave those affected at even greater risk.
 Land becomes water (and water becomes land): Changes to the coastline are already affecting
livelihood sources and will be hotspots for vulnerability in the future.
 The complexity of disaster impact: Beyond official ‘damages’, the long-term and uncaptured
disaster impacts have life-changing consequences for affected communities.
3. WHO Raises Alarm Over 300% Increase In Case Of Measles Globally
World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a 300 percent increase in the case of measles
globally in the first quarter of 2019 compared with last year. WHO said provisional data has indicated a
clear trend, with all regions of the world seeing outbreaks.
Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World
Health Organization (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping global vaccination rates.
It also added that Africa has witnessed the most dramatic rise - up 700% which has weaker vaccination
coverage than other regions.
WHY IT IS INCREASING?
According To WHO, It Is Easily Preventable But Due To Falling Rate Of

Vaccination, It Has Made A Sharp Comeback.
3.1. MEASLES
 Measles, an airborne infection causing fever, cough and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases -
had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.
 Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus.
 Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure to an infected person and last 7–10 days.
Initial symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104 °F), cough, runny nose, and
inflamed eyes.
4. India Facing Shortage Of 600,000 Doctors, 2 Million Nurses: Study
India has shortage of an estimated 600,000 doctors and 2 million nurses, say scientists who found that lack
of staff that are properly trained in administering antibiotics is preventing patients from accessing live-
saving drugs.
The discovery was published in the report by the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy
(CDDEP) in the US.
 In India, 65% of health expenditure is out-of-pocket, and such expenditures push some 57 million
people into poverty each year.
 The majority of the world's annual 5.7 million antibiotic-treatable deaths occur in low- and middle-
income countries where the mortality burden from treatable bacterial infections far exceeds the
estimated annual 700,000 deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections.
 In India, there is one government doctor for every 10,189 people (the World Health Organization
(WHO) recommends a ratio of 1:1,000), or a deficit of 600,000 doctors, and the nurse-patient ratio
is 1:483, implying a shortage of two million nurses.
 Lack of access to antibiotics kills more people currently than does antibiotic resistance.
5. Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth Released By UNESCAP
A report titled "Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth" on SDGs was recently released by the UN
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
 Rising financial instability, household debts, non-performing assets and trade wars can put growth
at risk.
 Malaysia, Thailand and the Republic of Korea have rising household debts; and China has fast
expanding corporate debts.
 The emergence of non-bank online consumer loans has also generated new risks, with higher
default rates than mortgage loans.
 An additional annual investment of $1.5 trillion would allow countries in the Asia-Pacific region to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
5.2. RECOMMENDATIONS:
 The report argues that keeping the old paradigm of prioritising GDP growth at all costs is neither
feasible nor desirable.
 Too much focus on economic growth will lead to unsustainable growth, and will perpetuate
inequality and environmental degradation.
5.3. INDIA SPECIFIC
 The report flags concern regarding India’s rising non-performing asset.

 This could potentially derail the country’s efforts to achieve the SDGs.
 According to the C Rangarajan committee report, India has around 363 million people living in
poverty.
 Given this, the report emphasises that India needs to spend around 10% of its GDP.
 In other words, India needs to spend nearly $2 per day per person to remove poverty.
 Despite the poll promises, with rising fiscal deficit year after year, it will be difficult for political
parties to provide direct cash support.
 Growth in India would necessitate creation of enough jobs for those joining the labour force.
5.4. UNESCAP
 The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is the regional
development arm of the UN for the Asia-Pacific region.
 It was established in 1947, and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. It is made up of 53 Member
States and 9 Associate Members.
6. GLOBAL REPORT ON FOOD CRISES 2019
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) recently published the Global Report on Food Crises 2019.
It is a report released jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme
(WFP) and EU.
6.1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:
 Approximately 113 million people in 53 countries experienced high levels of food insecurity last
year. These crises are primarily driven by conflict and climate-related disasters.
 The number going chronically-hungry has remained well over 100 million over the past three years,
with the number of countries affected, rising.
 According to the report, nearly two-thirds of those facing acute hunger come from just eight
countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan,
Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
 Climate and natural disasters pushed another 29 million people into acute food insecurity in 2018
and that number excludes 13 countries – including North Korea and Venezuela – because of data
gaps.
6.2. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)
 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that
leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
 It is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
7. Climate Change Threatens 19 Million Bangladesh Childrens’ Lives,

Future: UNICEF Report
The report, titled ‘A Gathering Storm: Climate change clouds the future of children in Bangladesh’ is
published by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on 5 April 2019.
The report points out that Bangladesh’s flat topography, dense population and weak infrastructure make
it uniquely vulnerable to the powerful and unpredictable forces that climate change is compounding. The
threat is felt from the flood and drought-prone lowlands in the country’s north to its storm-ravaged
coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
7.1. STATEMENTS MADE UNDER THE REPORT
 Devastating floods, cyclones and other environmental disasters linked to climate change are
threatening the lives and futures of more than 19 million children in Bangladesh.
 Climate change is deepening the environmental threat faced by families in Bangladesh’s poorest
communities, leaving them unable to keep their children properly housed, fed, healthy and
educated.
 In Bangladesh and around the world, climate change has the potential to reverse many of the gains
that countries have achieved in child survival and development.
 A combination of extreme weather events and longer-term phenomena directly related to climate
change, such as sea level rise and salt water intrusion, are forcing families deeper into poverty and
displacement. In the process, children’s access to education and health services is severely
disrupted.
BANKING & ECONOMY
1. Deposits In Jan Dhan Accounts Are Set To Cross Rs 1 Lakh Crore

Mark
 The total balance in the Jan Dhan accounts, which has been steadily rising, was at Rs 97,665.66
crore as on April 3, as per the latest government data.
 The total number of Jan Dhan accounts have crossed 35.39 crore.
 The deposits stood at Rs 96,107.35 crore on March 27 and Rs 95,382.14 crore in the week before.
More than 27.89 crore account holders have been issued the Rupay debit cards.
1.1. PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY)
 PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014 with an aim to provide universal access to banking
facilities to all households.
 The government enhanced the accident insurance cover to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1 lakh for new
accounts opened after August 28, 2018.
 The overdraft limit was also doubled to Rs 10,000.
2. RBI Sets High Cut-Off At Fx Swap Auction, Forward Rates Jump
 Reserve Bank of India on April 23 set a cut-off at its second dollar/rupee swap auction at a much
higher than expected premium, in a sign that the system is flush with dollar liquidity that banks are
struggling to find buyers for.
 The Central Bank set a premium of 8.38 rupees at the three-year buy-sell swap auction and
accepted the entire planned $5 billion up on offer.
 The RBI has been conducting the auctions in a bid to absorb the dollars in the system and prevent a
sharp rise in the currency while also providing rupee liquidity to the banks.
2.1. DOLLAR-RUPEES SWAP AUCTION
 The RBI has different tools through which it injects liquidity into financial markets.
 Adjusting repo rates and purchasing bonds by conducting open market operations (OMO) are a
couple of tools which the RBI uses regularly either to increase or decrease the currency supply in
the market.
 Through this auction, the RBI will buy US dollars from banks totalling to $5 billion.
 In turn the RBI will pay rupees to the participating banks at the current spot rate.
 At an average spot rate of 70 per dollar, the RBI will able to infuse about ₹35,000 crore into the
system through this auction process.
 Simultaneously, the banks will agree to buy-back the same amount of dollars from the RBI after
three years — the tenor of this auction.
 The participating banks have to bid in the auction by quoting a forward premium in terms of paisa
that they will pay to buy back the dollars.
 For example, if the spot exchange rate is 70 to a dollar, say Bank A quotes a premium of 150 paisa
and bids for $25 million. So, the bank will get ₹175 crore ($25 million multiplied by the exchange rate
of 70). After three years, the bank has to pay back approximately ₹179 crore ($25 million multiplied
by the exchange rate of 71.5) to the RBI to buy back $25 million.
3. Reliance Retail Became 1st Indian Retail Company To Cross Rs 1

Lakh Crore In Annual Revenues
 India’s most valued firm by market capitalisation Reliance Industries achieved several milestones in
2018, one of them being Reliance Retail becoming the first Indian retail company to top Rs 1 lakh
crore revenue in FY19.
 The retail-arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani Reliance Industries reported a total income of Rs
1,30,556 crore for 2018-19, 89% more than the previous year’s Rs 69,198 crore.
 Reliance Industries became the first Indian private sector company to report a quarterly profit of
more than Rs 10,000 crore for the second time in a row, in the latest quarter.
 The oil-to-telecom behemoth reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 10, 362 crore in the fourth
quarter ended 31 March, 2019. The Revenue rose by 19.4 per cent to Rs 154,110 crore.
4. Canara Bank Became The First P SB To Meet RBI’s EMV Mandate
Canara Bank is the first public sector bank to shift to EMV chip and PIN for card present transactions across
the country’s vast ATM network.
ACI Worldwide announced that Canara Bank has successfully rolled out major new functionality to support
EMV card acquiring across its ATM network and Aadhaar Authentication, leveraging ACI’s UP Retail
Payments solution to achieve market firsts.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had set a deadline of December 31, 2018 for the switch, mandating use of
an embedded chip to replace the traditional magnetic stripe card. The EMV shift, as in other major global
markets, is aimed at reducing lost and stolen card fraud and making counterfeit card fraud more difficult.
4.1. WHAT IS EMV?
 EMV is a standard relating to integrated circuit cards, point-of-sale (POS) terminals and automated
teller machines, set by Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV). EMV is a jointly developed global
standard that allows interoperability between the cards with computer chips and terminals used
by the largest financial services companies.
 The EMV standard was first implemented in Europe in the 1990s due to phone line card
authorization being prohibitively expensive for European card issuers.
 ACI Worldwide is a global provider of realtime electronic payment and banking solutions. ACI has
played a central role in driving EMV rollouts across numerous countries over the years. ACI offer
flexible, scalable payments technology.
5. The Euro’s First 20 Years
The euro celebrated its 20th anniversary on 1st January 2019, marking the end of a second decade that saw
the shared currency survive a devastating sovereign-debt crisis and European political turmoil.
5.1. EURO’S HISTORY
 Economic and monetary union was an idea that was seriously discussed beginning in the 1960s, but
global political and economic turmoil stood in the way.
 Nevertheless, in the 1970s, member states of what would become the European Union agreed to
narrow currency fluctuations between each other’s monetary units, and in 1979, the European
Monetary System was established, linking currencies together in an effort to limit fluctuations.
 After years and months of wrangling and negotiation, the euro itself was launched on Jan. 1, 1999,
in a process created by the Maastricht Treaty in 1991.
 No euro notes or coins were yet in circulation, but exchange rates of the participating countries
were locked against each other. The European Central Bank, which sets monetary policy for the
eurozone, came into existence only six month earlier, in the summer of 1998.
 Three years later, on Jan. 1, 2002, euro notes and coins entered circulation. All 27 European Union
members states are legally committed to joining the eurozone at some point down the line. This
only excludes Denmark and the United Kingdom. The Danish krone is instead pegged to the
eurozone currency, while the U.K. secured an opt-out from the EU.
5.2. BENEFITS OF SINGLE CURRENCY
 Since its inception, the shared currency has become one of the world’s most used payment and
reserve units after the U.S. dollar.
 The benefits of the euro quickly became apparent in its early years with the most obvious
advantages being the removal of transaction costs (the cost of exchanging currency), increased
price transparency and the simplification and stabilization of cross-border trade, investment and
business.
 Cross-border supply and cross-border economies have grown up around it as a result of the euro.
5.3. JOURNEY OF EURO
 In the first decade, the ECB achieved its objectives, at least in terms of growth and inflation. But
beneath the surface, stresses in the euro area were building in the form of large intra-regional
financial imbalances driven by excessive leverage in a number of individual countries, Spain,
Portugal, Greece and Ireland.
 For all of the second decade, from 2009-2018, the ECB was dealing with the macro consequences
of the unwinding of the imbalances that had built in the first decade.
 The euro has also thrown up disadvantages, however, with critics saying its "one policy fits all"
approach is unfit for a region with massive variations in its member economies. The loss of an
independent monetary policy also means that members cannot devalue their own currencies in
order to regain competitiveness. This has been a major problem for countries like Greece. it's
harder for these countries to bring about economic recovery.
 In the '90s, the challenges (for European countries) were more focused around exchange rate
volatility. With intra-euro exchange rates fixed since 1999, any adjustments in competitiveness had
to be done internally with wage restraint and structural reforms.
 While structural reforms remain a bone of contention in the modern-day euro zone, it's first major
challenge a decade ago was the global financial crash of 2008 and subsequent sovereign debt
crises (of varying degrees and causes) in Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Cyprus. Italy was also
fragile but did not request any financial help although it remains a risk in the region. With major
economies in the euro zone at risk from economic collapse, it fell to the ECB.
5.4. HANDLING OF CURRENCY
 Replacing earlier funding programs and changing the way bailouts would be handled, the
European Stability Mechanism was created to cover any future lending to euro members in
financial difficulty and was used in 2012 and 2013 for Spain and Cyprus' bank recapitalization
programs.
 In order to prevent future financial crises, a banking union was also initiated in 2012 so that
European banks would be subject to more supervision and rules from the ECB.
 Along with this 'Single Supervisory Mechanism' there is a second pillar of the banking union, the
'Single Resolution Mechanism' (SRM). This contains a fund (a 'Single Resolution Fund'), financed
by contributions from the banking sector, that was created to resolve failing banks in the region,
and to shore up the whole financial system. The process is not yet finished, however.
6. India Brings Down Trade Deficit With China By $10 Billion In 2019
India has managed to bring down its trade deficit with China by $10 billion to $53 billion in 2018-19 year on
year, thanks to efforts by New Delhi to get greater market access to the latter's markets and take benefit
out of the current Washington-Beijing trade war.
India's exports to China rose to $17 billion during the year from $13 billion during 2017-18,
while imports declined to $70 billion from $76 billion.
6.2. INDIA’S POSITION
 India is the seventh largest export destination of China, while China is the fourth largest export
destination of India. On the other hand, China is the top import source for India, while the latter is
the 25th largest import source for China.
7. IMF Forecasts Dip In Global Growth In 2019
International Monetary Fund has released World Economic Outlook April 2019 report recently.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that global growth will be 3.3% in 2019, down from
3.6% in 2018 and 4% in 2017.
This lower projection is due to lower global expansion in the second half of 2018 caused by U.S.-China
trade tensions, macroeconomic stress in Turkey and Argentina, tighter credit policies in China and financial
tightening plus a normalisation of monetary policy in advanced economies.
 India’s growth is projected to pick up (from 7.1% in 2018) to 7.3% in 2019 and 7.5% in 2020.
 IMF’s downward revisions in India’s growth forecasts are 20 basis points each in 2019-20 and 2020-
21 from its outlook released in January.
 Both ADB and RBI last week cut their 2019-20 growth projection for India to 7.2% from 7.4% earlier,
blaming rising risks to global economic growth as well as weakening domestic investment activity.
 China is projected to grow at 6.3% and 6.1% in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
8. RBI Issues Norms For Ba nks To Set Up Currency Chests
The Reserve Bank of India on 08 April came out with guidelines for banks to set up new currency chests,
which include minimum area of 1,500 square feet for strong room.
For those situated in hilly/ inaccessible places, the strong room/ vault area of at least 600 sq ft.
8.1. OTHER FEATURES:
 The currency chests should have a processing capacity of 6,60,000 pieces of banknotes per day.
 For banks situated in the hilly and inaccessible places, the processing capacity shall be 2,10,000
pieces of banknotes per day.
 The currency chests shall be open to accept automation and adaptability to implement IT solutions.
 The new chests shall maintain Chest Balance Limit (CBL) of Rs 10 billion, subject to ground realities
and reasonable restrictions at the discretion of the Reserve Bank.
8.2. CURRENCY CHEST
 The Currency Chests are part of banks wherein currency notes and coins are stored. The currency
chests can be a strong room or a vault. When the cash is taken out of the vault, it becomes bank's
cash and is used for the payments.
 The RBI has authorised few branches of selected banks to stock rupee notes and coins on its
behalf. The vault of the Currency Chest which stores cash belongs to RBI.
 The responsibility for managing the currency in circulation is vested in the RBI.
9. India Tops Remittances List, Received $79 Billion In 2018
 India retained its position as the world's top recipient of remittances with its diaspora sending a
whopping USD 79 billion back home in 2018, the World Bank said in a report.
 India was followed by China (USD 67 billion), Mexico (USD 36 billion), the Philippines (USD 34
billion), and Egypt (USD 29 billion).
 Over the last three years, India has registered a significant flow of remittances from USD 62.7
billion in 2016 to USD 65.3 billion 2017.
 The upsurge was driven by stronger economic conditions in the United States and a pick-up in oil
prices, which had a positive impact on outward remittances from some GCC countries.
 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional inter-governmental political and economic bloc of
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
 According to RBI; 82 per cent of the total remittances received by India originated from eight
countries, viz., the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, the
United Kingdom and Malaysia.
10. RBI Sets Limits On The Ways And Means Advances
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the government of India has set the limits for Ways
and Means Advances (WMA) for the first half of the financial year 2019-20 (April 2019 to September 2019)
at Rs 75000 crore.
10.1. WHAT IS WMA?
 The Reserve Bank of India gives temporary loan facilities to the centre and state governments as a
banker to government. This temporary loan facility is called Ways and Means Advances (WMA).
 The WMA scheme for the Central Government was introduced on April 1, 1997, after putting an end
to the four-decade old system of adhoc (temporary) Treasury Bills to finance the Central
Government deficit.
 The WMA scheme was designed to meet temporary mismatches in the receipts and payments of
the government.
 This facility can be availed by the government if it needs immediate cash from the RBI.
 The WMA is to be vacated after 90 days. Interest rate for WMA is currently charged at the repo
rate. The limits for WMA are mutually decided by the RBI and the Government of India.
11. RBI Reduces Key Lending Rate By 25 Bps
 The Reserve Bank of India on 04 April once again reduced the benchmark lending rate by 0.25
percentage points to 6 per cent.
 Four members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) voted in favour of the rate cut, while
Deputy Governor Viral Acharya and Chetan Ghate voted for maintaining the status quo.
 RBI has maintained 'Neutral' stance on the monetary policy.
11.1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONETARY POLICY
 This is second back-to-back rate cut

 RBI maintains Neutral stance on the monetary policy
 Four out of six MPC members voted in favour of rate cut
 GDP growth projection lowered to 7.2 per cent for 2019-20
 RBI revises downward retail inflation estimate to 2.4 per cent in Q4 FY19.
 MPC notes output gap remains negative and domestic economy facing headwinds
11.2. WHAT IS REPO RATE?
 The term ‘Repo’ stands for ‘Repurchase agreement’.

 Repo is form of short-term, interest-bearing and collateral-backed borrowing. Interest rate for such
borrowings is termed as repo rate.
 In Indian Banking terms, repo rate is the rate at which Reserve Bank of India lends money to all the
commercial banks in the country in the event of scarcity of funds.
11.3. WHAT IS REVERSE REPO RATE?
 Reverse repo is an opposite contract to the Repo Rate.

 Reverse Repo rate is the rate at which Reserve Bank of India borrows funds from all the other
commercial banks in the country.
 In other words, it is the rate at which commercial banks in India park their excess money with
Reserve Bank of India for a short-term period.
11.4. IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY: WHEN REPO RATE RISES
 When Reserve Bank of India hikes repo rates, it becomes costlier for banks to borrow.
 In other words, banks will have to pay more interest on their short-term borrowings from the
Reserve Bank of India. Costlier credit option for banks prompts them to hike the lending rate which
they offer to their end customers.
 With the costlier credit for banks, they will ultimately lend the consumers at relatively increased
rate. This may lead to costlier bank loans for customers. As the lending get expensive, borrower
gets discouraged and demand for bank loan reduces.
 Reduced borrowing results in lower consumption demand which will lead to economic slowdown
that hinders the growth of GDP for the short term. As the consumption demand reduces,
profitability of every sector in the economic system takes a hit.
11.5. IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY: WHEN REPO RATE DECREASES
 When Reserve Bank of India decides to cut the repo rate, the short-term loans for commercial
banks become cheaper. This prompts them to offer consumer loans at a relatively cheaper rate.
 Reduced base rate increases the consumption as people will have more money at their disposal.
Increased consumption positively impacts the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
Cheaper availability of credit encourages businesses to grow and expand.
11.6. MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE
 The Monetary Policy Committee of India is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate in
India. The meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee are held at least 4 times a year and it
publishes its decisions after each such meeting.
 The committee comprises six members - three officials of the Reserve Bank of India and three
external members nominated by the Government of India.
 The Governor of Reserve Bank of India is the chairperson ex officio of the committee.
12.GST Revenue Collection For March, 2019 Crossed Rupees One Lakh
Crore
GST collection in March 2018-19 has been the highest ever since the introduction of the indirect tax regime
with the government recording a 15.6 % growth in revenue over 2017-18.
Total GST = CGST + SGST + IGST
Rs 1,06,577 crore = Rs 20,353 crore + Rs 27,520 crore + Rs 50,418 crore
Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST)
State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)
Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)
What is GST?
 GST is an Indirect Tax which has replaced many Indirect Taxes in India.
 The Goods and Service Tax Act was passed in the Parliament on 29th March 2017.
 The Act came into effect on 1st July 2017; Goods & Services Tax Law in India is a comprehensive,
multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition.
TYPES OF GST
 CGST: Collected by the Central Government on an intra-state sale (Eg: transaction happening
within Maharashtra)
 SGST: Collected by the State Government on an intra-state sale (Eg: transaction happening within
Maharashtra)
 IGST: Collected by the Central Government for inter-state sale (Eg: Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu)
13. Supreme Court (Sc) Quashed February 12, 2018 Circular Of

RBI
In a move that will bring significant relief to power and infrastructure companies such as GMR Energy,
Jaypee Group, Essar Group and Reliance Power, the Supreme Court on 02 April set aside the RBI’s circular
on a revised framework for the resolution of stressed assets.
Debt worth Rs. 3.8-lakh crore across 70 large borrowers came under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
(IBC) for resolution after the RBI issued the circular on February 12, 2018.
13.1. RBI’S FEBRUARY 12 CIRCULAR
 The RBI’s February 12 circular required banks to compulsorily implement a plan in a time-bound
manner or refer the borrowers under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
 Supreme Court’s verdict will give the promoters of stressed assets an opportunity to renegotiate
their debt with lenders without going through the insolvency process.
13.2. IMPACT OF SC DECISION
 Financial industry experts said the court ruling spells bad news for the banking sector, as the
recovery of debt could get delayed.
 IBC experts said the court may have opened a Pandora’s box, paving the way for many distressed
promoters to pull their company out of insolvency proceedings.
 Banks had filed about 150 insolvency cases after the RBI issued the February 12 circular and,
technically, in all these cases, promoters can move the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to
withdraw the proceedings.
 According to RBI data, the top 100 large borrowers accounted for 16% of gross loans and 21.2% of
gross NPAs of banks at the end of the September quarter of FY19.
DEFENCE & SECURITY
1. Indian Navy Launches Guided Missile Destroyer 'Imphal'
The Indian Navy launched guided missile destroyer Imphal, the third ship under Project 15-B, at Mazagon
Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai on April 20.
It has been named after the Battle of Imphal and Kohima that were fought 75 years ago.
1. IMPHAL
 Imphal has a length of 163 metres and 17.4 metres at the beam and a displacement of 7.300 tonnes,
which are propelled by four gas turbines to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots.
 Like the previously launched warships Vishakhapatnam and Marmugao, Imphal can also carry and
operate two multiple role helicopters.
2. INS Kolkata, INS Shakti To Participate In IFR In China
Two Indian Navy warships, namely the destroyer INS Kolkata and tanker INS Shakti, would be taking part
in Chinese international fleet review to be held at Qingdao on April 23.
The celebrations are being held by the Chinese as part of the 70th Anniversary of the People's Liberation
Army's Navy there and major navies are likely to take part in it.
2.1. INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW
 International Fleet Review (IFR) is a parade of naval ships, aircraft, and submarines, and is
organised by nations to promote goodwill, strengthen cooperation and showcase their
organisational capabilities.
 IFR also serves as an ideal platform for the world's navies to showcase their prowess and
indigenous ship designing and shipbuilding capabilities in the international arena.
2.2. INS KOLKATA
 INS Kolkata is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to address threats in all
dimensions of naval warfare.
2.3. INS SHAKTI
 INS Shakti is a replenishment ship, and one of the largest tankers displacing over 27,000 tonnes
and capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes of liquid cargo and over 500 tonnes of solid cargo including
victuals and ammunition.
3. “Varuna 2019”: India-France’s Joint Naval Exercise
Indian Navy and French Navy operating off their aircraft carriers will exercise together off Goa coast in May
under the bilateral exercise ‘Varuna 2019’.
There will be a major focus on carrier operations and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training. France is
sending its nuclear-powered carrier Charles De Gaulle and India will be deploying INS Vikramaditya. Other
focus areas of the exercise are explosive detection and mine hunting.
3.1. INDIA-FRANCE RELATION
 France (Capital: Paris; Currency: Euro) is a country whose territory consists of metropolitan France
in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
 Relations between India and France have traditionally been close and friendly. With the
establishment of strategic partnership in 1998, there has been a significant progress in all areas of
bilateral cooperation.
 France was the first country with which India entered into an agreement on civil nuclear
cooperation following the waiver given by the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, enabling India to resume
full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community.
 France has joined the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) inaugurated by the
Indian Navy in December 2018. The two countries are already cooperating in the area of Maritime
Domain Awareness through information exchange and have recently taken steps for space-based
maritime surveillance.
4. India’s 1st Indigenously Made Long -Range Missile Nirbhay

Successfully Test Fired
Indian Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the sixth flight test of the
nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile.
It is India’s first indigenously designed and developed long-range cruise missile.
Cruising at 0.7 Mach at altitude as low as 100 meters, the test reportedly validated the missile’s sea-
skimming capability.
4.1. NIRBHAY
 The Nirbhay is a subsonic long-range land attack cruise missile that can be armed with a 200-300-
kilogram warhead.
 The nuclear-capable, solid fuel, missile can reportedly reach top speeds of 0.6-0.7 Mach and can
strike land targets at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers.
 It can be launched from multiple platforms — the first test of the air-launched variant is expected
to take place in 2021 — and reportedly has loitering capability.
5. Indian Navy Gets Virtual Reality Centre For Designing Warships
Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Centre on 12 April.
The said facility is expected to provide a major impetus to indigenous warship design capabilities of the
Indian Navy.
It's situated at the Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship group) in New Delhi and aims to buttress the
'Make in India' initiative of the Government of India.
The project will facilitate collaborative design reviews for continuous interaction between designers and
end-users to improve design and ergonomics on board warships.
5.1. WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?
 Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to the user in
such a way that the user suspends belief and accepts it as a real environment.
 On a computer, virtual reality is primarily experienced through two of the five senses: sight and
sound.
 The simplest form of virtual reality is a 3-D image that can be explored interactively at a personal
computer, usually by manipulating keys or the mouse so that the content of the image moves in
some direction or zooms in or out.
6. India Singapore Military Exercise
India, Singapore joint military exercise, ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2019’ began on April 8, 2019 at Babina
Cantonment, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. This is the 12th edition of the exercise.
The three-day exercise is being conducted to develop military technology, boost maritime security and
bolster the nations’ fight against terrorism.
6.1. BACKGROUND
 India and Singapore had signed a cooperation agreement in November 2017 to strengthen the
defence ties between Indian Military and Singapore Armed Forces.
 As per the agreement, the Singapore military would undergo training and participate in firing
exercise with Indian counterpart.
7. First Batch Of Dhanush Artillery Guns
The Indian Army on 08 April received the first batch of six 'Dhanush' artillery guns from the Ordnance
Factory Board (OFB).
7.1. DHANUSH
 The 155mm x 45 calibre modern artillery gun system was developed by the Ordnance Factories
jointly with the Army.
 The artillery gun incorporates the latest features such as an inertial navigation system, an on-board
ballistic computer, direct day and night firing system, a modern target acquisition system and a
communication system.
 Weighing less than 13 tonnes, with a high ground clearance of 400 mm, 'Dhanush' is the "most
manoeuvrable artillery system" and can be deployed in any terrain.
8. Ausindex-19 Joint Naval Exercise Begins On 2 April
3rd edition of AUSINDEX a joint naval exercise between India and Australia will be held off the coast of
Vishakhapatnam from 2 – 16 April 2019.
AUSINDEX is a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The first edition of the exercise, AUSINDEX-15 took place in 2015 off the East Coast of India.
8.1. AUSINDEX 2019
 The exercise is aimed at strengthening professional interaction and enhance interoperability

between the two navies.
 It seeks to strengthen maritime cooperation between the India and Australia.
 The focus of AUSINDEX 2019 will be anti-submarine warfare.
 India will deploy P-8I aircraft and Australia will deploy P-8A aircraft.
 These are designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, and
surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
 AUSINDEX assumes particular significance at a time when China’s growing presence in the Indo-
Pacific region has been a matter of concern for India, Australia and USA.
9. U.S. State Department Approves Sale Of 24 Mh -60r Copters Worth

$2.6 Bn To India
The U.S. State Department approved the possible sale of 24 Sikorsky MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to
India.
9.1. SIKORSKY MH-60R
 Nicknamed the Romeo, the MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters manufactured by Lockheed
Martin subsidiary Sikorsky are designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and
conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea.
 The Romeos would replenish India’s aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.
 In addition to the helicopters, India has requested 10 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 38 Advanced
Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) rockets, 30 MK 54 torpedoes, and other weapons, training
missiles and equipment.
AWARDS & PERSON IN NEWS
1. Benny Antony Won National Intellectual Property Award
Benny Antony, Joint Managing Director, the Kochi-based Arjuna Natural Ltd, has been conferred with the
National Intellectual Property Award for 2019 in the category of Top Individual for Patents and
Commercialization.
He is the inventor of BCM-95, the world’s leading patented turmeric extract formulation, with over 80
international patents to his credit.
Antony was also conferred with the ‘WIPO Medal for Inventors’ jointly by Intellectual Property Office India
and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
1.1. NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) AWARDS:
 The Indian Intellectual Property Office bestows National Intellectual Property (IP) awards to
outstanding innovators, organisations and companies in the field of patents, designs, trademarks
and geographical indications on the occasion of World IP Day every year.
 Both the awards will be given away on April 26 at a function jointly organised by the Indian
Intellectual Property Office and the Confederation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CII)
in New Delhi.
2. First Female Astronaut Candidate Of Usa Jerrie Cobb Dies
 NASA's first female astronaut candidate, pilot Jerrie Cobb, has died at the age of 88.
 In 1961, Cobb became the first woman to pass astronaut testing. Altogether, 13 women passed the
arduous physical testing and became known as the Mercury 13.
 But NASA already had its Mercury 7 astronauts, all test pilots and men. None of the Mercury 13 ever
reached space.
 Cobb served for decades as a humanitarian aid pilot in the Amazon jungle.
 She emerged in 1998 to make another pitch for space, as NASA prepared to launch John Glenn on
shuttle Discovery at age 77.
 Cobb argued unsuccessfully that the research should include an older woman.
3. Time’s 100 Most Influential People List Released
 Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and public-interest litigators Arundhati Katju and
Menaka Guruswamy, who spearheaded a historic legal battle for LGBTQ rights in India, are among
the Indians who have been named by TIME magazine in its prestigious list of the 100 most
influential people in the world.
 The Time 100 Most Influential People 2019 list was released on 17 April naming the world's most
influential pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons of the year.
 The list includes Indian-American comedian and TV host Hasan Minhaj, US President Donald Trump,
Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, iconic golfer Tiger
Woods and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
4. Pulitzer Prize 2019
The prestigious Pulitzer Prize 2019 was announced on 16 April 2019.
The late American singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize Special
Citation honour for her contribution to the American music and culture.
4.1. REUTERS
 Reuters won two Pulitzer Prizes on 15 April, one for revealing the massacre of 10 Muslim Rohingya
men by Buddhist villagers and Myanmar security forces, and another for photographs of Central
American migrants seeking refuge in the United States.
 The awards marked the second year in a row that Reuters has won two Pulitzers, the most
prestigious prize in American journalism. Reuters has won seven since 2008.
 Reuters and the Associated Press were both awarded prizes for international reporting, with AP
winning for its coverage of war atrocities in Yemen.
4.2. THE COMPLETE LIST OF 2019 PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS:
JOURNALISM
Public service: Staff of the South Florida Sun Sentinel
Breaking-news reporting: Staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Investigative reporting: Matt Hamilton, Harriet Ryan and Paul Pringle of the Los Angeles Times
Explanatory reporting: David Barstow, Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner of the New York Times
Local reporting: Staff of the Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)
National reporting: Staff of the Wall Street Journal
International reporting: Maggie Michael, Maad al-Zikry and Nariman El-Mofty of the Associated Press, and
the staff of Reuters, with notable contributions from Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo
Feature writing: Hannah Dreier of ProPublica
Commentary: Tony Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Criticism: Carlos Lozada of The Washington Post
Editorial writing: Brent Staples of the New York Times
Editorial cartooning: Darrin Bell, a freelance cartoonist
Breaking-news photography: Photography staff of Reuters
Feature photography: Lorenzo Tugnoli of The Washington Post
Special citation: Staff of the Capital Gazette
BOOKS, DRAMA AND MUSIC
Fiction: “The Overstory” by Richard Powers
Drama: “Fairview” by Jackie Sibblies Drury
History: “Frederick Douglass” by David W. Blight
Biography or autobiography: “The New Negro” by Jeffrey C. Stewart
Poetry: “Be With” by Forrest Gander
General nonfiction: “Amity and Prosperity” by Eliza Griswold
Music: “p r i s m” by Ellen Reid
Special citation: Aretha Franklin
5. PM Narendra Modi Honoured With Order Of St Andrew The

Apostle
 Russia has awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi Order of St Andrew the Apostle, the highest
order of the Russian Federation.
 PM Modi was awarded the order for "exceptional services in promoting special & privileged
strategic partnership between" Russia and India, the Russian embassy in India said in a tweet.
 According to the Russian government, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle was established in the
17th century by Peter the Great around 1699 and is the oldest of Russia's state decorations.
 The Order of St Andrew the Apostle is both the highest and the oldest state decoration of Russia.
The order was abolished in the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1918 and was re-established in 1998.
 In 2017, Chinese president Xi Jinping was awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle.
6. UNESCO/GUILLERMO CAN O Press Freedom Prize 2019
Two Reuters journalists who are currently serving seven-year prison sentences in Myanmar are to be
awarded a prize for press freedom by the U.N.’s cultural organization.
The 2019 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize, which honors the defense and promotion of press
freedom, is being awarded to Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo as a tribute to their courage and commitment to
freedom of expression, according to a press release from UNESCO.
The two journalists had been working on stories about a military crackdown and alleged human rights
violations in Rakhine state in Myanmar when they were arrested. They were also named as TIME’s Person
of the Year in 2018.
6.1. UNESCO/GUILLERMO CANO WORLD PRESS FREEDOM PRIZE
 The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was created in 1997 and is awarded to a
laureate who is “nominated by an international jury of experts”.
 It is awarded to an individual or organization who has “made a notable contribution to the defense
and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially if risks have been involved.
 The award will be presented on UNESCO’s celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Addis Ababa
on May 2.
 The Prize is named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, the Colombian journalist who was assassinated in
front of the offices of his newspaper El Espectador in in Bogotá, Colombia, on 17 December 1986.
7. Wikileaks Cofounder Julian Assange Arrested By British Police
Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange has been arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in London on April 11,
after Equador revoked his seven-year asylum.
Eqaudor President Lenin Moreno said that Assange's aggressive and disruptive behavior were the reason
for Equador to revoke his asylum. President Moreno also requested that Assange is not extradited to a
country where he could face torture or death penalty.
7.1. JULIAN ASSANGE CASE
 Assange set up Wikileaks in 2006 with the aim of obtaining and publishing confidential documents
and images. The organisation hit the headlines four years later when it released footage of US
soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq.
 Former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was arrested in 2010 for disclosing more than
700,000 confidential documents, videos and diplomatic cables to the anti-secrecy website. She was
found guilty by a court martial in 2013 of charges including espionage. However, her jail sentence
was later commuted.
 Assange, the 47-year-old Australian national, took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid
extradition to Sweden over a sexual assault case that has since been dropped.
 At Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 11, he was found guilty of failing to surrender to the
court. He now faces US federal conspiracy charges related to one of the largest ever leaks of
government secrets.
8. Alice G. Vaidyan Awarded The Freedom Of The City Of London
Alice G. Vaidyan has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work to
promote insurance ties between India and the UK.
Award presented during the first India-UK Insurance Summit in London on April11. She was nominated for
the traditional honour by the Lord Mayor of London, Peter Estlin, and City of London Corporation Policy
Chair Catherine McGuinness.
8.1. WHO IS ALICE G. VAIDYAN?
 Alice G. Vaidyan is the Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation (GIC)
of India, the country's reinsurance major.
 Beside her astute business credentials, she is an excellent ambassador for India. Vaidyan has been
at the helm of India's only reinsurance firm since January 2016.
8.2. ABOUT HONOUR
 The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and has since developed into an
honour bestowed upon individuals who make an impact in the financial hub of London, referred to
as the City or the Square Mile.
 The Freedom of the City of London is a very special and ancient tradition.
9. Famous Dramatist Kartik Rath P asses Away
Kartik Chandra Rath (70), an eminent theatre organiser and playwright, has passed away in Cuttack ,
Odisha on April 1, 2019.
9.1. WHO WAS KARTIK CHANDRA RATH?
 He wrote a play called “Aie Desa, Aie mati” at the young age of 15 and then never looked back in
his artistic journey.
 His play “Bhagwan Jane Manisha” staged at the National Theatre festival in Allahabad way back in
1980s gave him an opening as a dramatist from where he scripted a passionate career as a
dramatist.
 Recipient of Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi award and Odishi Sangeet Natak Akademi award,
Rath has penned over hundred plays and directed over 500 plays in his career as a dramatist.
 He is known for organising the international theatre festival in Cuttack for more than 20 years.
 He won the prestigious literary award for his One Act Play ‘Nisang Bisarga’. “Mansara Phula” is his
another widely acclaimed play, which was staged at various theatre festivals across the country.
10. David Malpass Named World Bank President
Senior U.S. Treasury official David Malpass was appointed president of the World Bank Group.
Malpass was unanimously selected to serve a five-year term from April 9, the World Bank’s executive
board said in a statement on 5 April.
Malpass succeeds Jim Yong Kim, who stepped down Feb. 1 to join an investment firm.
10.1. AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN PLAY AT WORLD BANK AND IMF
 The position of World Bank president has historically gone to an American, while a European has
led its sister organization, the International Monetary Fund.
 Some observers have called for the bank to break with tradition and appoint a non-American in
recognition of the growing clout of emerging markets such as China and India, and the lender’s
focus on development.
10.2. DAVID MALPASS
 63 years old David Malpass had served as Treasury undersecretary for international affairs under
Trump.
 In that role, he represented the U.S. at international economic gatherings including Group of 20
summits and the IMF and World Bank meetings.
10.3. WORLD BANK
 The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world
for capital projects.
 It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the
International Development Association.
 The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group.
 It is headquartered in Washington, DC.
SPORTS
1. Gomathi Brings India’s First Gold At Asian Athletics
 Gomathi Marimuthu won India's first gold medal of the Asian Athletics Championships 2019,
finishing the 800m final with a personal best timing of 2:20.70s and Tajinder Singh Toor followed it
up with a gold in men's shot put.
 Gomathi ran the race of her life, one with a smart strategy too, as she fought her way from the
back of the pack and shocked the field to take the women’s 800m honours.
 It was the 30-year-old Tamil Nadu athlete’s first major gold.
 Asian Athletics Championships 2019 is currently behind held in Qatar.
2. FIFA Ban Former Brazilian Football President Jose Maria Marin

For Life
 Former Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President Jose Maria Marin has been given a life ban
from all football-related activities for corruption by international football governing body
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
 The 86-year-old was also fined one million Swiss francs ($997,000) and ordered to forfeit $3.34
million.
 Marin, who is currently serving a four-year prison term in the US after being convicted on bribery
charges last year, was found guilty by FIFA's ethics committee of accepting illicit payments in
exchange for media and marketing rights.
3. Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial International Hockey Tournament

2019 Organised In Chandigarh
2nd Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial International Hockey Tournament is being organised by Air Force Sports
Control Board in Chandigarh during 16 April to 25 April 2019.
The conduct of this Hockey Tournament is a befitting tribute to the legend and way to express our
gratitude towards his contribution to the nation.
3.1. WHO IS MARSHAL ARJAN SINGH?
 Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC (1919 –2017) was an Indian Air Force marshal who
served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1964 to 1969.
 In 1966, he became the first IAF officer to be promoted to air chief marshal. In 2002, he became the
first and only officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to five-star rank as Marshal of the
Indian Air Force, equal to the army rank of Field Marshal.
4. Cologne Boxing World Cup 2019
India finished its campaign at the Cologne Boxing World Cup 2019 with a haul of five medals. The Cologne
Boxing World Cup 2019 was held at Cologne, Germany.
4.1. INDIAN MEDAL TALLY
 Meena Kumari Maisnam (54kg) won the only gold medal for India in the tournament.
 It was the only bout of the tournament for the Manipur pugilist Meena Kumari as she had been
directly placed in the final due to a smaller draw.
 Youth world champion Sakshi (57kg) and India Open gold medallist Pwilao Basumatary (64kg) lost
their final bouts and finished with silver medals.
 Pinki Rani (51kg) and Parveen (60kg) won bronze medals after losing their semi-final bouts.
 Cologne Boxing World Cup earlier known as Chemistry Cup witnessed participation from more
than 20 nations and 160 boxers in seven women and ten men weight classes.
 It is one of the strongest international events in Europe with nearly 50 years of traditions. The first
edition was held in 1970.
5. Graham Reid Named As Chief Coach Of India Men's Hockey Team
 Hockey India named Graham Reid as the new chief coach of the India men's hockey team on on 08
April.
 The 54-year-old will join the team in Bengaluru shortly for the on-going National Camp at Sports
Authority of India.
 India had been without a head coach ever since Harendra Singh was sacked after the men's team
exited the Hockey World Cup at home in the quarter-final following a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.
6. Lin Dan Clinches Malaysia Open
 Chinese badminton ace Lin Dan clinched the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur on April 7, 2019.
After an electric performance , he beat countryman Chen Long 9-21, 21-7, 21-11.
The title is Lin's first win this year, and also his first major success since taking the Malaysia Open in
2017.
 PV Sindhu was knocked out of the Malaysia Open 2019 in the pre-quarter-finals after she lost to
Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in straight games in Kuala Lumpur on 04 April.
7. Praful Patel Becomes 1st Indian In Fifa Executive Council
 All India Football Federation president Praful Patel has become the first Indian to be elected as a
member of the FIFA Executive Council.
 He got 38 out of 46 votes.
 Mr Patel was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the election which was held during
the 29th Asian Football Confederations Congress in Kuala Lumpur on 5 April.
 The membership in the council will be for four years, from 2019 to 2023.
8. Neeraj, Sindhu Picked For ESPN India Multi-Sport Award 2018
Olympic silver medallist P.V. Sindhu and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra were named as female and
male Sportsperson of the Year in the ESPN India Multi-Sport Awards for their achievements in 2018.
8.1. WINNERS IN OTHER CATEGORIES -
Sportsperson of the Year (Male) - Neeraj Chopra (athletics)
Sportsperson of the Year (Female) – P. V. Sindhu (badminton)
Comeback of the Year - Saina Nehwal (badminton)
Coach of the Year - Jaspal Rana (shooting)
Emerging Sportsperson of the Year - Saurabh Chaudhary (shooting)
Team of the Year - Women’s team (table tennis)
Match of the Year - Amit Panghal vs Hasanboy Dusmatov (boxing)
Differently-abled athlete of the Year - Ekta Bhyan (para-athletics)
Moment of the Year - Women’s 4x400m relay
Lifetime Achievement Award - Pradip Kumar Banerjee (football).
ESPN Multi-Sport awards recognised achievements across 11 categories, of which winners across 10
categories.
9. Justice D. K. Jain: Ethics Officer Of Bcci On An Ad -Hoc Basis
Supreme Court-appointed BCCI Ombudsman Justice D. K. Jain (retd) appointed as the Ethics Officer of the
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on an ad-hoc basis on March 28.
According to BCCI, provisions in its constitution require an Ethics Officer to be appointed to determine and
decide issues related to conflict of interest.
The Ld. Ombudsman of the BCCI, the Hon'ble Justice D.K. Jain (retd.), shall discharge the functions of the
BCCI Ethics Officer, in addition to his role as the BCCI Ombudsman, as an ad hoc arrangement till such time
that an Ethics Officer is appointed.
Justice Jain, who was appointed the first Ombudsman of the cricket board on February 21, 2019 by the
Supreme Court.
9.1. ABOUT BCCI
 The Board of Control for Cricket in India is the national governing body for cricket in India. It is a
consortium of state cricket associations and the state associations select their representatives.
 The board was formed in December 1928 as a society, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies
Registration Act. It's headquarter is in Mumbai.
10. Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hoc key: Korea Wins The Title
South Korea defeated India by 4-2 in the shootout to lift the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey title.
The 2019 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was the 28th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
It was held in Ipoh, Malaysia from 23 until 30 March.
It is an annual international men's field hockey tournament held in Malaysia.
10.1. SULTAN AZLAN SHAH CUP
 It began in 1983 as a biennial contest.

 The tournament became an annual event after 1998, following its growth and popularity.
 The tournament is named after the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia, Sultan Azlan
Shah, an avid fan of field hockey.
ENVIRONMENT
1. Mount Agung Volcano Erupts
Mount Agung on Indonesia's resort island of Bali erupted again early on 21 April 2019, spewing volcanic ash
into the sky to a height of 2km.
The active volcano erupted at 3.21am and the thick ash column was blown to the south-west, causing a
drizzle of volcanic ash in Karangasem, Bangli and Klunglung districts.
Two other volcanoes on Java island also continue to erupt.
Mount Bromo in East Java and Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta remain on stand-by, with exclusion zones in
place.
1.1. WHY IT IS SO DANGEROUS?
 It's a composite volcano, also known as a stratovolcano. Such volcanos can often be found at
tectonic subduction zones.
 In Bali, the Indo-Australian Plate is pushed below the Sunda Plate. It’s part of the Pacific Ring of
Fire. In those areas, one can often find lava of high viscosity - unlike shield volcanos, for example,
where the lava's more liquid.
 This means that, in the eruption zones, the volcanic lava, ash and other eruption materials pile up
steeply.
 They form the typical conical volcanos, which can also be very high mountains. Mount Agung, after
all, is the tallest mountain on Bali, reaching more than 3,140 meters (10,300 feet) high.
 If the magma's highly viscous, the volcano can be particularly explosive. The reason is that gases
are caught inside the magma, under pressure.
 The pressure then increases as the magma rises to the surface. But when the volcano erupts, it
suddenly discharges those gases - they expand and escape.
 In doing so they literally tear the magma to pieces, which results in huge ash clouds.
 These eruptions are repeated and can continue for many days, because there's a constant source
of fresh magma and gases rising to the surface and releasing energy.
2. In A First, East Asian Birds Make Andaman Stopover
According to Zoological Survey of India (ZSI); sighting of the new species has gone up since the 2004
Indonesian tsunami.
2.1. HORSFIELD’S BRONZE CUCKOO
 Distinguished by the green and brown plumage on its back, the diminutive Horsfield’s Bronze
Cuckoo (Chalcites basalis) is a native of Australia and New Guinea.
 It is a tiny word measuring 15cm and weighing just 22gram.
 Two other first time visitors were also recorded on the islands over 2017-18.
 The Zappey’s Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cumatilis) a song bird that breeds in China and spends the
winters in the Malay peninsula, Sumatra and Java, was spotted six times in different areas of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands between December 2017 and March 2017 — at least thrice in pairs.
2.2. WHY THEY ARE FLYING TO ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR?
 Researchers are intrigued by the fact that number of new sightings has increased post the tsunami.
 The new records include the Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki), Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta
moluccensis), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and the Chinese Paradise Flycatcher
(Terpsiphone incei).
 These birds also use Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a few week rest before they can fly along
the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
 The EAAF extends from Arctic Russia and North America to the south Australian boundaries and
includes the most of the east Asian regions including Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with just about 0.25 % the country’s landmass, is home to about 350
species of exotic birds.
3. CMFRI, ISRO Ink MoU To Protect Smaller Wetlands
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) have signed an MoU to map, validate and protect smaller wetlands in the coastal region and restore
them through coastal livelihood programmes.
Smaller wetlands (which were smaller than 2.25 hectares) cover an area of more than 5 lakh hectares
across the country, with Kerala alone having as many as 2,592 such wetlands.
3.1. HOW IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED?
 As per the MoU, a mobile app and a centralised web portal with a complete database of wetlands
in the country which were smaller than 2.25 hectares will be developed.
 The two institutes will identify and demarcate the wetlands and restore the degraded ones
through suitable livelihood options such as coastal aquaculture.
 The collaboration is part of the national framework for fisheries and wetlands recently developed
under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient.
3.2. WETLANDS IMPORTANCE
 Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment.

 They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and
improve water quality.
 They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting
plants and animals that are found nowhere else.
3.3. RAMSAR CONVENTION
 The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat

is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as
the Convention on Wetlands.
 It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971.
4. Man-Made Forest Fires Threaten ‘Neelak urinji’ Plants
Forest fires, caused by Kalhatti residents, in the hillocks where the mass blooming of the iconic
‘neelakurinji’ (Strobilanthes kunthianus) was observed last year, could threaten the plants’ continued
presence along the Kalhatti slopes, horticulturalists and environmentalists fear.
4.1. NEELAKURINJI
 Kurinji or Neelakurinji is a shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in South
India.
 Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish blue
flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years.
5. National Seminar On “Greenery And Landscaping”
Central Public Works Department (CPWD) organized a seminar on Greenery and Landscaping on 5 April
2019.
Horticulturists, Architects and Engineers from within CPWD and from other Government and Private
organizations participated in the Seminar.
5.1. RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Green Urban Areas play an important role in the social and natural sustainability and improve
quality of life.
 Greenery and Dense plantation have a major impact on the conservation of energy, and reduce the
energy requirement of the building.
 In order to maintain sustainable environment, pollution free clean air, it is essential to take up the
plantation work.
 Cost of land has increased manifold and high rise buildings are coming up, people are getting
hardly any area for the greenery.
 Keeping in view the same, plantation, greenery and other environment friendly applications should
be planned around the building by way of dwarf trees, small shrubs, ground covers, hanging
baskets, creepers, etc.
 There is need to adopt wood alternative in building construction. Use of alternate materials like
Bamboo needs to be encouraged.
5.2. CPWD
 CPWD is a premier Central Government authority in charge of public sector works.

 The Central Public Works Department, under the Ministry of Urban Development now MoHUA
(Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), deals with buildings, roads, bridges, flyovers, complicated
structures like stadiums, auditoriums, laboratories, bunkers, border fencing, border roads (hill
roads), etc.
 CPWD came into existence in July 1854 when Lord Dalhousie established a central agency for
execution of public works and set up Ajmer Provincial Division.
 It has now grown into a comprehensive construction management department, which provides
services from project concept to completion, and maintenance management.
6. What Is Global Cooling Coalition?
The first-ever global coalition on clean and efficient cooling was launched at the recently concluded First
Global Conference on Synergies between the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement in Copenhagen
(Denmark) during 1-3 April 2019.
6.1. GLOBAL COOL COALITION
 The Global Cool Coalition is a unified front that links action across the Kigali Amendment, Paris
Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
 Launched at the First Global Conference on Synergies between the 2030 Agenda and Paris
Agreement, the Cool Coalition aims to inspire ambition and accelerate action on the transition to
clean and efficient cooling.
 The Cool Coalition will complement and build upon ongoing successful programs to advance clean
and efficient cooling, including, the Cooling for All Secretariat, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition,
the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Programme, private sector action like the Global Cooling Prize, and
other initiatives.
 The Cool Coalition is a global effort led by UN Environment, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the
Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
 The coalition includes ministers of environment from Chile and Rwanda and Foreign Affairs from
Denmark as well as the heads of Danish engineering firm Danfoss and ENGIE, and the leaders of
civil society, research, academia and intergovernmental institutions.
6.2. KEY POINTS -
 2018 was the fourth-warmest year on record, with unprecedented peak temperatures recorded
across the planet, from 43°C in Baku, Azerbaijan, to the low 30s across Scandinavia.
 Already, 30% of the world’s population face potentially dangerous temperatures for more than 20
days a year. Heat waves cause 12,000 deaths annually.
 As global temperatures rise and the growing energy demands of air conditioning threaten to emit
more greenhouse gases. Amidst rising temperatures and spending power, the number of air
conditioners in use is expected to rise from 1.2 billion today to 4.5 billion by 2050. If the world
continues down this path, emissions from the sector will grow 90% by 2050 over 2017 levels.
 Many cooling technologies use refrigerants that can be 10,000 times more potent greenhouse
gases than carbon dioxide. On the first day of 2019, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol started phasing down these gases, known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This
amendment can deliver almost 0.4°C of avoided warming from addressing these gases alone.
 Chile is experiencing an exponential growth in cooling demand as global temperature rises.
STATE
1. Garia Festival Celebrated In Tripura
Garia festival is an important festival for the Tripuri tribal community of the state.
The Garia dance is very popular among the Tripuris and the Reangs.
Symbolic of the worship of deities as well as of the socio-economic activities of the households, these
dances represent hunting, fishing, food-gathering and various other activities.
1.1. GARIA PUJA
 The Garia Puja is usually held from the beginning of the last day of the month of Chaitra till the
seventh day of the month of April (Vaishakha).
 They offer prayers to a bamboo pole whom they considered as their Lord Garia and sought His
blessings for a good and prosperous life.
 The devotees sacrifice roosters as part of the rituals during the puja.
 The puja is followed by traditional dance derived from the Garia dance or the dance of Shiva and
other cultural activities.
2. Rongali Bihu Festival Celebrated In Assam
 This year Rongali Bihu will be celebrated on April 14.

 Derived from the word bishu, Bihu means 'to ask for prosperity from the Gods during the harvest
season'.
 Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the Assamese New Year wherein farmers thank the lord
for the successful harvest and welcome the spring season.
 Observed at almost the same time as Baisakhi in Punjab, Poila Baisakh in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil
Nadu and Vishu in Kerala, this year, Rongali Bihu will be celebrated on April 14.
3. Justice Pradeep Nandrajog Takes Oath As New Chief Justice Of

Bombay High Court
Justice Pradeep Nandrajog on April 7, 2019 took oath as the new Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
He was administered the oath by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao at the Raj Bhavan.
Justice Nandrajog was serving as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court since March 2017, following
his transfer from the Delhi High Court.
3.1. HIGH COURTS IN INDIA
 According to Article 214, each state of India shall have a High Court. It is the final interpreter of the
constitution.
 There are 24 High Courts in India, three having control over more than one State. Delhi has a High
Court of its own among the Union Territories.
3.2. APPOINTMENT
 The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President with the consultation of the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court and the Governor of the State.
 The other judges are appointed by the will of President, Governor and the Chief Justice of High
Court.
4. Nagaland Observed The 75th Anniversar y Of The Battle Of Kohima
The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima was observed by the Nagaland government on 04 April April
with representatives from the UK and Japan speaking on the theme of 'Remembrance, Reconciliation and
Rebirth'.
4.1. BATTLE OF KOHIMA
 The Battle of Kohima was the turning point of the Japanese U Go offensive into India in 1944
during the Second World War.
 The battle was fought in three stages from 4 April to 22 June 1944 around the town of Kohima in
Nagaland in northeast India.
 From 3 to 16 April, the Japanese attempted to capture Kohima ridge, a feature which dominated
the road by which the besieged British and Indian troops of IV Corps at Imphal were supplied.
 The battle ended on 22 June when British and Indian troops from Kohima and Imphal met at
Milestone 109, ending the Siege of Imphal.
 The battle is often referred to as the "Stalingrad of the East".
5. ‘Café Scientifique’ Started In Kerala
‘Café Scientifique’ is the first of its kind initiative in the State of Kerala AIMED AT POPULARISING SCIENCE .
The café envisages to bring science back into popular culture by demystifying scientific research for the
public and empowering non-scientists to comfortably assess science and technology issues, particularly
those that impact social policymaking.
It is a grassroots public science initiative based on the French café philosophique model .
Originating in England, the concept quickly gained popularity and was adopted by other countries.
5.1. HOW IT IS ORGANIZED?
 The plan is to organise meetings of science enthusiasts in the district every month at a café or a
convenient place, where one or more scientists are invited to talk to the public about new
developments in science.
 The project is also aimed at making science relevant, powerful and important to the public,
especially the younger generations.
6.
Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (Turmeric) Gets Gi Tag
Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric), famous for its healing properties, has received GI tag.
6.1. KANDHAMAL HALDI (TURMERIC)
The golden yellow spice, named after the district where it is produced, has been cultivated since time
immemorial and is known for its medicinal value.
Turmeric is the main cash crop of tribal people in Kandhamal. Apart from domestic use, turmeric is also
used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
More than 60,000 families (nearly 50% of Kandhamal population) are engaged in growing the variety. The
crop is sustainable in adverse climatic conditions.
6.2. GI TAG
 A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial

goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.
 Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially
attributable to the place of its origin.
 Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar
products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product.
 At international level, GI is governed by WTO’s agreement on trade -related aspects of intellectual
property rights (TRIPS) .
 In India, geographical indications of goods (registration and protection act), 1999 governs it .
7. Utkarsh Bangla And Sabooj Sathi Schemes Won The Prestigious

Un’s Wsis Award
Two schemes of the West Bengal government for skill development and distribution of bi-cycles to
students have won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) awards under the
aegis of the United Nations. The schemes are "Utkarsh Bangla" and "Sabooj Sathi".
Utkarsh Bangla got the topmost award and emerged a winner in Capacity Building category. Sabooj Sathi
ranked in the first five as a champion project under ICT application: E-Government category.
7.1. WHAT ARE THE SCHEMES?
 The "Utkarsh Bangla" project aims at creating a pool of skilled candidates who are industry ready.
 The "Sabooj Sathi" scheme aims at distributing bi-cycles to students between class IX and XII
studying in government run and government aided schools and madrashas of the state.
7.2. ABOUT WSIS AWARD
 The prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) award is an international contest
to create an effective mechanism to evaluate and recognise individuals, governments and private
bodies for outstanding success in implementing development oriented strategies that leverage the
power of ICTs as an enabler of the development.
 The contest, organised by the WSIS in Geneva, was first held in 2012.
IMPORTANT DAYS OF TH E MONTH
1. World Book Day: April 23 2019
 World Book Day, observed on April 23, honours a symbolic day when several prominent authors
either were born or died.
 The list includes the likes of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Josep Pla who died on
April 23 and Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon who were born on April 23.
 World Book Day is organized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright.
 This year will be the 24th edition of World Book Day.
 Every year UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the
book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select a World Book Capital for a one-year
period, effective 23 April each year.
 The World Book Capital for 2019 is Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
2. APRIL 22: GLOBAL EARTH DAY
April 22 is every year observed as the Earth Day.
The focus of Earth Day 2019 is protection of Earth species.
Worldwide, Earth Day is a cause for political action and civic participation where people march, sign
petitions, plant trees, clean up towns and roads to accelerate work towards conservation and
sustainability.
2.1. BACKGROUND:
 The United Nations General Assembly, in order to achieve a just balance among the economic,
social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, to promote harmony with
nature and the Earth, and noting that Earth Day is observed each year in many countries, decided
to designate 22 April as International Mother Earth Day.
3. Civil Services Day: 21 April
 The Civil Service Day is celebrated on 21 April every year.

 The purpose for this day is to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people.
 It is observed by all Civil Services.
3.1. BACKGROUND:
 It was on this day that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel addressed the first batch of civil servants in
Independent India at Metcalf House where he referred to civil servants as the 'steel frame of India'.
3.2. AWARDS
 On this occasion, all officers of Central and State Governments are honoured for excellence in
public administration.
 The 'PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration' is presented in three categories. Under this
scheme of awards instituted in 2006, all the officers individually or as group or as organization are
eligible.
 The award includes a medal, scroll and a cash amount of Rs.1 lakh.
 In case of a group, the total award money is Rs.5 lakh subject to a maximum of Rs.1 lakh per
person. For an organization the cash amount is limited to Rs.5 lakh.
 There were no celebrations on 21 April on the occasion of Civil Services Day due to on-going
general elections.
4. 128 t h Birth Anniversary Of Dr. Ambedk ar
Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti is celebrated every year on April 14 on the birth anniversary of Bhimrao
Ramji Ambedkar or B R Ambedkar.
This is the 128th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.
The celebrated Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer is not only regarded as the architect
of India’s Constitution and one of the founding fathers of the Republic but also for his immense
contribution in shaping India’s future as a democracy and ensuring rights for all its citizens.
4.1. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF DR. AMBEDKAR
 Ambedkar studied at University of Mumbai, Columbia University and London School of Economics.
 He inspired the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India and embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1956.
 Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, in New Delhi where he was accorded a Buddhist
cremation.
 Ambedkar was posthumously conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1990.
4.2. HIS CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN CONSTITUTION
 Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the constitution drafting committee on August 29,
1947.
 He believed that the gap between different classes was important to equalize, otherwise it will be
very difficult to maintain the unity of the country.
 He emphasized on religious, gender and caste equality.
 Ambedkar introduced the reservation system to create a social balance amongst the classes.
4.3. HIS LITERARY WORKS
Dr. Ambedkar had knowledge of 9 languages like Hindi, Pali, Sanskrit, English, French, German, Marathi,
Persian and Gujarati. Dr. Ambedkar's books are currently counted among most selling books in India.
S.N. Books Publication date
1. Castes in India: Their Mechanism, 1916

Genesis and Development
2. Mook Nayak (weekly) 1920
3. The Problem of the Rupee: its 1923

origin and its solution
4. Bahishkrut Bharat (India 1927

Ostracized)
5. Janta (weekly) 1930
6. The Annihilation of Caste 1936
7. Federation Versus Freedom 1939
8. Thoughts on Pakistan 1940
9. Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah 1943
10. Mr. Gandhi and Emancipation of 1943

Untouchables
11. What Congress and Gandhi have 1945

done to the Untouchables
12. Pakistan Or Partition Of India 1945
13. State and Minorities 1947
14. Who were the Shudras 1948
15. Maharashtra as a Linguistic 1948

Province
16. The Untouchables 1948
17. Buddha Or Karl Marx 1956
18. The Buddha and his Dhamma 1957
5. International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day
A two day convention was organised on 9-10th April 2019 by the Central Council for Research in
Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous research organisation, Ministry of AYUSH on the occasion of the
World Homoeopathy Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
World Homeopathy Day is observed on 10 April every year.
5.1. BACKGROUND:
 The World Homoeopathy Day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of
Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann.
 India's annual market size for Homeopathy is 516.9 million U.S. dollars with 100 million patients
following it out of 500 million patients worldwide with a global market size of 3.73 billion U.S.
dollars, according to industry experts.
5.2. WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?
 Homeopathy is based on the concept that diluting a version of a substance that causes illness has
healing properties.
 So pollen or grass could be used to create a homeopathic hay-fever remedy.
 One part of the substance is mixed with 99 parts of water or alcohol, and this is repeated six times
in a "6c" formulation or 30 times in a "30c" formulation.
 However, it is currently a debate in United Kingdom to put homeopathy into Blacklist as their tiny
tablets are made of mostly sugar syrups.
6. National Maritime Day: 5th April
 National Maritime Day is celebrated on April 5 every year.

 The saga of India shipping first started on April 5, 1919, when the SS Loyalty, the first ship of The
Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd travelled from Mumbai to the United Kingdom.
 This is the 56th edition of the National Maritime Day and the theme of the National Maritime Day
2019 celebrations is "Indian Ocean-An Ocean of opportunity".
 India's first shipping company had been found a few days earlier, on March 27.
 The company consisting of four Gujarati businessmen - Walchand Hirachand, Narottam Morarjee,
Kilachand Devchand and Lallubhai Samaldas.
7. President’s Greetings On The Eve Of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi

Padava
President Ram Nath Kovind on 05 April wished people on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava,
Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba and hoped the festivals would strengthen the bonds of love and
affection in the society.
7.1. CHAITRA SUKLADI
 Chaitra Sukladi is the New Year in traditional Hindu calendar based on the beginning of the new
moon. This New Year is observed on the first day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Chaitra
month (March - April) in traditional calendar.
 This year it is observed on 06 April 2019.
7.2. UGADI
 Yugadi or Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
states in India.
 It is festively observed in these regions on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of
Chaitra.
7.3. GUDI PADWA
 Gudi Padwa is a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Marathi and Konkani
Hindus.
 It is celebrated in and near Maharashtra and Goa on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the
beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
7.4. CHETRI CHANDRA
 Chetri Chandra is a festival which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year for the Sindhi Hindus.
 The festival date is based on the lunar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar, it being the first day of
the year and the Sindhi month of Chet.
7.5. NAVREH
 Navreh is the lunar New Year celebrated in Kashmir.

 It is Sanskrit word ‘Nav Varsha’ from where the word ‘Navreh’ has been derived.
7.6. SAJIBU CHEIRAOBA
 It is celebrated on the first day of the Manipuri month, Sajibu, which falls in the month of March or
April.
 It is the lunar New Year festival of the people who follow the sanamahism religion of the Indian
state of Manipur.
8. World Health Day: 07 Apri l
April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day.
WHO’s theme for 2019 is ‘Universal Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere.’
8.1. ABOUT THE DAY
 Universal health coverage is WHO’s number one goal. Key to achieving it is ensuring that everyone
can obtain the care they need, when they need it, right in the heart of the community.
 Progress is being made in countries in all regions of the world. But millions of people still have no
access at all to health care.
 Millions more are forced to choose between health care and other daily expenses such as food,
clothing and even a home.
 This is why WHO is focusing on universal health coverage for this year’s World Health Day, on 7
April.
8.2. HISTORY
 April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First
Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create
awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health
Organization.
 The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an
opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.
 Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health,
maternal and child care, and climate change.
9. Rajasthan Day Observed On 30 March
Rajasthan Day is celebrated every year on March 30 to commemorate the day on which the state of
Rajasthan came into existence.
Rajasthan, earlier known as Rajputana, came into existence on March 30, 1949.
Rajasthan Day commemorates the valour, strong will power and sacrifice of the people of Rajasthan.
9.1. A LITTLE HISTORY
 Before Independence, Rajasthan was comprised of around 21 small and big princely states.
 The princely states were annexed to the union of India on 15th August 1947 but their unification
could be accomplished only later.
 Rajasthan Union came into existence by the union of states namely Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur,
Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Tonk, and Kota on 25th March 1948.
 The United State of Rajasthan was inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 18th April 1948.
 Greater Rajasthan States like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Jodhpur got merged and formed
Greater Rajasthan on 30th March 1949 which was inaugurated by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel .
10. World Heritage Day: April 18
The International Day for Monuments and Sites also known as World Heritage Day is an international
observance held on 18 April each year around the world.
2019 Theme: Rural Landscapes
This year’s International Day for Monuments and Sites offers the opportunity for National and
International Scientific Committees to raise awareness about the relevance of rural landscapes.
Rural landscapes are defined as “terrestrial and aquatic areas co-produced by human-nature interaction
used for the production of food and other renewable natural resources, via agriculture, animal husbandry
and pastoralism, fishing and aquaculture, forestry, wild food gathering, hunting, and extraction of other
resources, such as salt. Rural landscapes are multifunctional resources. At the same time, all rural areas
have cultural meanings attributed to them by people and communities: all rural areas are landscapes.”
10.1. ABOUT THE DAY
 In 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) established 18 April as the
International Day for Monuments and Sites.
 UNESCO approved it the following year during its 22nd General Conference.
QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

Q1. India’s reconnaissance satellite EMISAT Q6. MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters
was launched by ISRO using which of the also known as Romeo will be imported by
launch vehicles? (2 April) India from which of the following country? (4
April)
1. PSLV – C44
2. PSLV – C43 1. France
3. PSLV- C45 2. Russia
4. PSLV – C41 3. USA
4. Japan
Q2. Which of the following Indian state
celebrates 1 April as its Foundation Day? (2 Q7. Which of the following country has
April) conferred Indian PM Narendra Modi with
Zayed Medal? (5 April)
1. Uttrakhand
2. Jharkhand 1. Turkey
3. Bihar 2. UAE
4. Odisha 3. Saudi Arabia
4. Iran
Q3. Who has become the first female
president of Slovakia? (2 April) Q8. Global Report on Food Crises 2019 is
released by which of the following
1. Zuzana Caputova international organization? (5 April)
2. Maros Sefcovic
3. Maria Candila 1. World Bank
4. Joseph Elizabeth 2. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
ORGANIZATION
Q4. AUSINDEX is a naval exercise between 3. WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
which of the two following countries? (3 April) 4. UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
1. India and Ukraine
2. India and Indonesia Q9. Sajibu Cheiraoba, a New Year celebration
3. Australia and Indonesia is observed in which of the following state? (7
4. Australia and India April)
Q5. ‘Café Scientifique’, an initiative to 1. Manipur

popularize the science has been started in 2. Meghalaya
which Indian state? (3 April) 3. Assam
4. Punjab
1. Bihar
2. Madhya Pradesh Q10. Who has become the first Indian to be
3. Kerala elected as a member of the FIFA Executive
4. Andhra Pradesh Council? (7 April)
1. Sunil Chetri Q15. Who has been named as the new chief
2. Udanta Singh coach of the India men's hockey team? (10
3. Praful Patel April)
4. Sandeep Tyagi
1. C S Kanjugam
Q11. Famous dramatist Kartik Rath, who 2. Manpreet Singh
recently passed away, belonged to which of 3. Andy Rolf
the following state? (8 April) 4. Graham Reid
1. Odisha Q16. World Economic Outlook report is

2. Maharashtra released by which of the following
3. Karnataka international organization? (11 April)
4. West Bengal
1. International Monetary Fund
Q12. Kurinji or Neelakurinji shrub is found in 2. World Bank
which geographical locations of India? (9 3. World Economic Forum
April) 4. BRICS Bank
1. Western Ghat Q17. Which of the following artillery guns are
2. Eastern Ghat indigenously developed by India? (11 April)
3. Himalayas
4. Northeast India 1. Dhanush Howitzer
2. M77 Howitzer
Q13. Which of the following African country 3. Pindad 40 MM Silent Mortar
has declared 100 days of mourning for over 4. Raad-1
800,000 people slaughtered in genocide in
1994? (9 April) Q18. Candida Auris which has become a
serious global health threat, is a ……? (April
1. Uganda
12)
2. Rwanda
3. Kenya 1. Virus
4. Congo 2. Fungus
3. Mosquito
Q14. According to National Institutional
Ranking Framework (NIRF) which of the 4. None of them
following engineering college has been
Q19. Scientists have found a new state of
ranked at top position in Overall category? (10
physical matter recently. The new state is solid
April)
and liquid at the same time. This new state is
1. IIT Bombay called? (12 April)
2. IIT Madras
1. Chain Melted State
3. IIT Delhi
2. Melted Frozen State
4. IIT Kanpur
3. Nosolliq State
4. None of them

Q20. RailWire Wi-Fi zone is an initiative of 1. Mari Kom

which of the following entity? (14 April) 2. Pinki Rani
3. Meena Kumari Maisnam
1. RailTel
4. Simranjit Kaur
2. BSNL
3. Alphabet Q26. Who among the following late American
4. Airtel singer-songwriter was posthumously awarded
the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation 2019? (17
Q21. Yellow Vest protest is currently going on April)
which of the following country? (14 April)
1. Michael Jackson
1. Germany 2. Chester Bennington
2. France 3. Aretha Franklin
3. Nigeria 4. Avici
4. Russia
Q27. Which of the following statements are
Q22. Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti is true about El Nino? (17 April)
celebrated every year on which of the
following day? (15 April) I. El Niño occurs when surface
temperatures in the equatorial Pacific
1. 12 April
Ocean see an unusual fall
2. 13 March
II. It helps in bringing good rainfall during
3. 14 April
Indian Monsoon season
4. 19 March
Options:
Q23. Omar Al-Bashir who was ousted by
military recently was president of which of the 1. Only I
following country? (15 April) 2. Only II
3. None of them
1. Uganda
4. Both I and II
2. Sudan
3. South Sudan Q28. 23rd Asian Athletics Championship was
4. Algeria held in which of the following country? (22
April)
Q24. Which of the following is not an example
of e-wallet? (16 april) 1. UAE
2. China
1. JioMoney
3. India
2. PayTM
4. Qatar
3. BHIM
4. Google Pay Q29. Which of the following is considered as
first molecule of our universe? (22 April)
Q25. Who among the following female India
boxer won the only gold medal at Cologne 1. Ozone
Boxing World Cup 2019? (16 April) 2. Hydrogen

3. Helium hydride ion 1. Saudi Arabia

4. Iron 2. Iraq
3. Iran
Q30. Civil Services Day is observed on which of
4. UAE
the following date in India? (22 April)
Q35. Abdelaziz Bouteflika ruled over which
1. 22 March
among the following country who was
2. 22 April recently overthrown after a massive public
3. 21 March uprising?
4. 21 April
1. Sudan
Q31. Who has won the Ukraine’s presidential 2. Tunisia
election? (23 April) 3. Algeria
1. Petro Poroshenko 4. Chad
2. John Ibrahamvonic
3. Latfasa Curien
4. Volodymyr Zelensky
Q32. According to International Labour

Organization (ILO)’s report; which of the
following industrial accident of India is listed
in “major industrial accidents" of the 20th
century? (23 April)
1. 2009 Jaipur Fire

2. 1984 Bhopal Disaster
3. 1944 Bombay Dock Explosions
4. 1975 Chasnala Mining Disaster
Q33. World’s first anti-malaria vaccine

Mosquirix has been launched in which of the
following country? (24 April)
1. Malawi
2. India
3. Tanzania
4. USA
Q34. The US will end waiver for India from

May 2 on import of crude oil from which of the
following country? (24 April)

EXPLANATIONS
1. India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Seahawk multi-role helicopters

(PSLV-C45) on 1 April 2019 successfully manufactured by Lockheed Martin
launched EMISAT and 28 international subsidiary Sikorsky are designed for
customer satellites from Satish hunting submarines as well as
Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in knocking out ships and conducting
Sriharikota. search-and-rescue operations at sea.
2. Odisha celebrated its 84th foundation 7. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 04
day on April 1, 2019. The day is also April honoured Prime Minister
known as ‘Utkal Divas.’ To Narendra Modi with the prestigious
commemorate the sacrifices of people Zayed Medal for giving a “big boost’
for the formation of Odisha province to bilateral strategic ties between the
in 1936, programmes are being two countries.
organised at various places across the 8. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
State. ORGANIZATION (FAO) RECENTLY
3. Zuzana Caputova has won Slovakia’s PUBLISHED THE GLOBAL REPORT ON
presidential election, making her the FOOD CRISES 2019. The Food and
country’s first female head of state. Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a
Ms Caputova defeated high-profile specialized agency of the United
defeated high-profile diplomat Maros Nations that leads international
Sefcovic, nominated by the governing efforts to defeat hunger. It is
party. headquartered in Rome, Italy.
4. 3rd edition of AUSINDEX a joint naval 9. Sajibu Cheiraoba is celebrated on the
exercise between India and Australia first day of the Manipuri month,
will be held off the coast of Sajibu, which falls in the month of
Vishakhapatnam from 2 – 16 April March or April. It is the lunar New Year
2019. AUSINDEX is a biennial bilateral festival of the people who follow the
maritime exercise between Indian sanamahism religion of the Indian
Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN). state of Manipur.
5. Café Scientifique’ is the first of its kind 10. All India Football Federation president
initiative in the State of Kerala AIMED Praful Patel has become the first
AT POPULARISING SCIENCE. Indian to be elected as a member of
6. The U.S. State Department approved the FIFA Executive Council.
the possible sale of 24 Sikorsky MH- 11. Kartik Chandra Rath (70), an eminent
60R multi-mission helicopters to India. theatre organiser and playwright, has
Nicknamed the Romeo, the MH-60R

passed away in Cuttack , Odisha on threat”, and has sent severely ill
April 1, 2019. patients to hospital in countries
12. Kurinji or Neelakurinji is a shrub that is including Australia, Canada, China,
found in the shola forests of the France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan,
Western Ghats in South India. Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan,
13. Rwanda on 7 April 2019 begins one Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South
hundred days of mourning for over Africa, South Korea, Spain, Venezuela,
800,000 people slaughtered in a the UK, and the US.
genocide that shocked the world, a 19. Scientists have found a new state of
quarter of a century on from the day it physical matter recently. The new
began. state is solid and liquid at the same
14. President Ram Nath Kovind on 08 time. Atoms can exist as both solid
April released the National and liquid simultaneously. The state is
Institutional Ranking Framework known as the chain melted state.
(NIRF) 2019 and presented the awards 20. RailWire is a retail Broadband initiative
to the top eight institutions in of the RailTel. RailTel is working to
different categories at a function held establish bringing fast and free Wi-Fi
in New Delhi. IIT Madras ranked on top at all stations (except the halt
in overall category in NIRF-2019 while stations) within a year.
Miranda House College of Delhi 21. The yellow vests movement or yellow
University ranked number one in jackets movement is a populist,
ARIIA. grassroots political movement for
15. Hockey India named Graham Reid as economic justice that began in France
the new chief coach of the India men's in November 2018. After an online
hockey team on on 08 April. petition posted in May had attracted
16. The World Economic Outlook is a nearly a million signatures, mass
survey conducted and published by demonstrations began on 17
the International Monetary Fund. It is November.
published biannually and partly 22. Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti is
updated two times a year. celebrated every year on April 14 on
17. The Indian Army on 08 April received the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji
the first batch of six 'Dhanush' artillery Ambedkar or B R Ambedkar.
guns from the Ordnance Factory 23. Omar Al-Bashir was ousted following
Board (OFB). The 155mm x 45 calibre months of protest in Sudan’s capital of
modern artillery gun system was Khartoum over rising prices. The
developed by the Ordnance Factories military forced him to step down and
jointly with the Army. imposed a three-month state of
18. The US Centers for Disease Control emergency. Mr Bashir had been in
and Prevention (CDC) describes power for nearly 30 years of Sudan
Candida auris as “an emerging fungus and was a severe and uncompromising
that presents a serious global health ruler.

24. E-wallet stands for electronic wallet. It 30. The Civil Service Day is celebrated on
is a type of electronic card which is 21 April every year. The purpose for
used for transactions made online this day is to rededicate and recommit
through a computer or a smartphone. themselves to the cause of the people.
Unlike mobile wallets (PayTM, 31. Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr
MobiKwik, mPesa, Airtel Money, etc.) Zelensky has scored a landslide victory
which hold money, the BHIM app is in the country's presidential election.
only a mechanism which transfers Mr Zelensky had taken more than 73%
money between different bank with incumbent Petro Poroshenko
accounts. So BHIM is not a e-wallet. trailing far behind on 24%.
25. India finished its campaign at the 32. The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which
Cologne Boxing World Cup 2019 with a killed thousands of people is among
haul of five medals. The Cologne the world's "major industrial
Boxing World Cup 2019 was held at accidents" of the 20th century, a UN
Cologne, Germany. Meena Kumari report has said, warning that 2.78
Maisnam (54kg) won the only gold million workers die from occupational
medal for India in the tournament. accidents and work-related diseases
26. The prestigious Pulitzer Prize 2019 was each year. The report released by the
announced on 16 April 2019. The late the UN labour agency International
American singer-songwriter Aretha Labour Organization (ILO) said in
Franklin was posthumously awarded 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl
the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation isocyanate gas, which was released
honour for her contribution to the from the Union Carbide pesticide plant
American music and culture. in the Madhya Pradesh capital,
27. El Niño occurs when surface affected more than 600,000 workers
temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and nearby inhabitants.
Ocean see an unusual rise. Warmer 33. Government of Malawi has launched
temperatures suppress monsoon world’s first malaria vaccine Mosquirix
rainfall, while the opposite on 23 April in a landmark pilot
phenomenon of La Niña has been programme. The country is the first of
found to help bring good rainfall. three in Africa in which the vaccine,
28. 3rd Asian Athletics Championship was known as Mosquirix will be made
held in Doha, Qatar. available to children up to 2 years of
29. Helium hydride ion, the first molecule age; Ghana and Kenya will introduce
that formed almost 14 billion years the vaccine in the coming weeks.
ago, was detected by NASA's flying 34. The U.S. will not renew exemptions
observatory SOFIA towards a from its sanctions for importing oil
planetary nebula. Scientists have from Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Mike
detected the most ancient type of Pompeo announced on 22 April. The
molecule in our universe in space for exemptions were granted last
the first time ever. November for a 180-day period for

India and seven other countries, and hardly seen in public was overthrown
are due to expire on May 2. after a massive demonstration. He
35. Algerian President Abdelaziz ruled Algeria for 20 years.
Bouteflika who was 85 years old and

ONE LINERS OF THE MO NTH
NATIONAL
 First Blockchain based e-marketplace

 The soldiers of Indo-Tibetan Border
launched for - Indian coffees.
Police (ITBP) were the first to cast
 As per the ‘Drugs and Clinical Trials their vote for the 2019 Lok Sabha
Rules-2019’, the requirement of a local elections in - Arunachal Pradesh.
clinical trial may be waived for

 Institute that ranked on top in overall
approval of a new drug if it is
category in National Institutional
approved in - EU, UK, Australia, Japan
Ranking Framework -2019 (NIRF) - IIT
and US.
Madras.
 Kandhamal turmeric, that received the

 Winner of the prestigious
GI tag, produced in – Odisha.
'AIMA Managing India Award 2019’ for
 AFSPA stands for - Armed Forces outstanding PSU of the year' - Indian
Special Powers Act Oil Corporation (IOC).
 No. of scholars who won ‘Maharshi  All insurers are instructed to notify
Badrayan Vyas Samman’ Awards in policyholders status of their claims at
Classical Languages - Around 100. various stages of processing by –

IRDAI
 According to the ADB’s ‘Asian
Development Outlook (ADO) 2019’  The date set by IRDAI as the last date
report, ADB has lowered India's for insurance companies to comply
growth forecast for 2019-20 to - 7.2%. with the new rule is - 1 July 2019
 A Madras High Court order asking the  The country’s first coal-fired power
government ban popular Chinese plant to deploy energy-efficient
video app – TikTok. supercrictical technology, situated

near - Mundra port (Kutch district,  No. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Gujarat). located in India – 37.
 RailTel Corporation provides internet  India’s rank in ‘World Press Freedom

facility through - RailWire Wi-Fi. Index 2019' by Reporters Without
Borders (RSF) - 140th.
 India will plan and roll out a coffee
consumption campaign on behalf of  India suspended all cross-LoC trade
global coffee growers in – 2020. with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir,
which is allowed through two trade
 According to CDDEP (US), India has
facilitation centres located at –
shortage of an estimated – 6 lakh
Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh.
doctors.
 The CBSE students will be allowed to
 Newly created post in the Office of the
use magnifying glasses during the
Comptroller & Auditor General of India
Class X final examination from - 2020.
- Deputy Comptroller & Auditor
General (Coordination,
Communication and Information
System).
BANKING
 India's annual wholesale price inflation

 In the fiscal year 2018-19 that ended in
in March 2019 - 3.18%.
March, the India’s finished steel
 During the April-18 to March-19 period, exports fell by - 34%.
Payments made on the UPI platform
 For MSMEs bill discounting on Apr 17,
saw a remarkable growth of over -
this state-owned bank has partnered
400%.
with M1Xchange Trade Receivables

Discounting System (TReDS) platform sell its products to the bank's

- Bank of Maharashtra (BoM). customer base - Aditya Birla Health
Insurance.
 To train entrepreneurs and create jobs
across India, Global Alliance for Mass  According to the World Bank’s report,
Entrepreneurship (GAME) on Apr 16 the world's top recipient of
partnered with – Facebook. remittances in 2018 - India.
 Interest rate for General Provident  As per RBI’s guidelines for banks to set
Fund (GPF) for the first quarter of up new currency chests, minimum
current financial year 2019-20 - 8%. area for strong room - 1,500 square
feet.
 First Indian public sector bank to shift
to EMV chip and PIN for card present  On Apr 8, the Bombay Stock Exchange
transactions - Canara Bank. (BSE) has signed a MoU with ……
with an endeavour to strengthen the
 EMV is a standard relating to
BSE Startups platform by spreading
integrated circuit cards, point-of-sale
more awareness on the benefits of
(POS) terminals and automated teller
listing of startups - HDFC Bank.
machines, set by - Europay,
MasterCard and Visa (EMV).  According to the IMF's 'World
Economic Outlook 2019' April report,
 This payments bank launched a new
the India’s growth rate in 2019-20 -
two-wheeler insurance product in
7.3%.
partnership with Bharti AXA General
Insurance - Airtel Payments Bank.  The Interim Budget in February
estimated to collect Rs ………… lakh
 The board of this bank has approved
crore in direct taxes, including
the private sector lender's merger
corporate tax and personal income
with Indiabulls Housing Finance -
tax. - 13.80
Lakshmi Vilas Bank.
 The name of Revenue Secretary in the
 This health insurance company has
Finance Ministry - Ajay Bhushan
tied up with foreign bank Citibank to
Pandey

 India has managed to bring down  The Supreme Court quashed the
its trade deficit with China by ….. to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular
$53 billion in 2018-19 - $10 billion. February 12, 2018, on company
insolvency, which mandated that
 According to the RBI data, bank credit
lenders have to provide a resolution
rose by ….. to Rs 97.67 lakh crore for
plan for large stressed accounts of Rs
the fortnight to March 29, while
2,000 crore and above within - 180
deposits grew by 10.03% to Rs 125.72
days of default.
lakh crore during the same period -
13.24%.  On Apr 4, the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) has cut the repo rate, or the rate
 This state-run bank is planning to sell
at which it lends to banks, by 25 basis
part of its 13% stake in PNB Housing
points to - 6%.
Finance (PNBHFL) to General Atlantic
Group and Varde Partners - Punjab  The Reserve Bank of India on 04 April
National Bank (PNB). once again reduced the benchmark
lending rate by …. percent. – 6%
 GST Revenue collection in the month
of March 2019 crossed - Rs. 1 Lakh  How many members of the monetary
Crore. policy committee (MPC) voted in favor
of the rate cut – 4
 On April 1, banks should disclose bad
loan divergences if the additional  GDP growth projection lowered to
provisioning has exceeded …… of the …….. per cent for 2019-20 - 7.2%
company's profit before provision and
 The term ‘Repo’ stands for -
contingencies, according to RBI - 10%
‘Repurchase agreement’
(from 15%).
 The Reserve Bank of India gives

 According to the Asian Development
temporary loan facilities to the centre
Outlook (ADO) 2019, India's growth in
and state governments as a banker to
FY 2018-19 is expected to grow at -
government. This temporary loan
7.2%.
facility is called - Ways and Means
Advances (WMA)

 As per the Securities and Exchange  RBI will set up a regulatory sandbox to
Board of India’s (SEBI’s) new have appropriate regulatory and
corporate governance regulations supervisory frameworks to ensure an
which effective on April 1, Directors orderly development of – Fintech
who have turned …… have resigned companies.
from at least 228 companies in the
past few months - 75 or more.
INTERNATIONAL
 Theme of Earth Hour 2019 - Reduce, Security Agreement (COMCASA)
Reuse, Change the Way We Live agreement with the - U.S.
(March 30).
 This nation has launched two WTO
 First female President of Slovakia - disputes against India over import
Zuzana Caputova. duties on IT products - European

Union.
 The 4th Meeting of India-Ukraine
Working Group on Trade and  UAE confers prestigious …… Medal
Economic Cooperation (IU-WGTEC) on Narendra Modi – Zayed
was held in - New Delhi.

 The UAE accounts for …. per cent of
 To facilitate supplies of lithium India's oil imports – 8
Carbonate to India, India signed a

 Pakistan could be blacklisted by -
MoU with - Bolivia.
Financial Action Task Force, FATF
 The World Trade Organisation (WTO)

 The first Global Conference on
predicted that global trade growth is
Synergies between the 2030 Agenda
expected to be lower in 2019 at - 3.7%.
and Paris Agreement concluded in -
 To transfer secure communication Copenhagen (Denmark).
equipment to India, India also signed

the Communications Compatibility and

 The United States is expected to  The withdrawal of the United

designate Revolutionary Guards Kingdom (UK) from the European
Corps (IRGC) of …… a "terrorist Union (EU) is known as - Brexit
organisation" - Iran.
 In a suit against the US-based
 This african country on 7 April 2019 International Finance Corporation
begins 100 days of mourning for 1994 (IFC) over pollution, The US Supreme
genocide - Rwanda. Court ruled in favour of a group of
fishermen of – Gujarat.
 This European country proposed new
online safety laws on April 8 to protect  Winner of “Public Water Agency of the
users from harmful content – Britain Year” by Global Water Intelligence -
(UK). National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) of India.
 According to the UNESCAP’s "Survey
2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth"  On April 9, the Global Water Summit
report on SDGs, An additional annual 2019 was held in - London (UK).
investment that would require to
 The world's largest stock market -
achieve the SDGs by 2030 in the Asia-
USA.
Pacific region - $1.5 trillion.
 The Yellow Vest protest against the

 According to the IMF's 'World
increase in fuel prices and taxation
Economic Outlook 2019' April report,
was launched in - France.
the global growth rate in 2019-20 -
3.3%.  This country has awarded PM
Narendra Modi with ‘Order of St
 According to the UNFPA’s ‘State of
Andrew the Apostle’ - Russia.
the World Population 2018’ report,
India’s population between 2010 and  World's largest airplane, which is
2019 grew at - 1.2% a year. powered by six engines on a twin
fuselage with six Boeing 747 engines –
 European Union Extends Brexit
Roc (US).
Deadline to – 31 October 2019

 'AI Everything', the world’s foremost  First in ‘World Press Freedom Index
Artificial Intelligence Summit held in - 2019' by Reporters Without Borders
Dubai, UAE. (RSF) - Norway.
 Under the new rules by …..  A token named “Learning coin” to

government, online platforms needs gather more knowledge on the
to sign licensing agreements with Blockchain technology among its staff,
artist, publishers and journalists to use is launched by - International
their work - European Union. Monetary Fund (IMF).
 World Health Organization (WHO) has  Heavy fighting between UN-backed

raised alarm over a 300% increase in Government of National Accord and
the case of …… globally in the first Gen Haftar’s Libyan National Army
quarter of 2019 compared with last (LNA) has erupted in -Libya.
year - Measles.
 Venue of the ‘G20 Summit 2019’ to be

held in June 2019 - Osaka, Japan.
SPORTS
 Mercedes driver wins Formula One's

 Winner of the Men's Singles event at
1,000th race - Lewis Hamilton.
2019 Holland Open International
 Winner of the 2019 Singapore Open Badminton Championship - Harshal
Badminton Championship - Kento Dani (India).
Momota (men), Tai Tzu Ying

 Winner of the 2019 Masters golf
(women).
Championship - Tiger Woods
 Indian player, who won gold medal in (America).
the 54 kg at the Boxing World Cup

 2nd Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial
in Cologne - Meena Kumari Maisnam.
International Hockey Tournament is
being organised in - Chandigarh.

 Indian who clinched a bronze medal in tournament - Roger Federer

the ITTF Belgium Junior and Cadet (Switzerland).
Open 2019 - Manush Shah and Raegan
 Winner of the Women's singles event
Albuquerque.
at the 'Miami Open 2019' tennis
 Winner badminton player of the men's tournament - Ashley Barty (Australia).
singles event at the Malaysian Open
 Winner of '2019 Bahrain Grand Prix
2019 - Lin Dan (China).
Formula One' - Lewis Hamilton
 Winner badminton player of the (Mercedes).
women's singles event at the
 New chief executive officer of
Malaysian Open 2019 - Tai Tzu-ying
International Cricket Council (ICC) -
(Taipei).
Manu Sahni.
 Winning pair of the Women's doubles
 Winner of the '2019 Sultan Azlan Shah
event at the 'Malaysia Open 2019'
Cup hockey’ title in Malaysia - South
badminton championship - Chen
Korea.
Qingchen and Jia Yifan (China).
 Sportsperson of the Year in the ESPN

 New Chief Coach of India Men's
India Multi-Sport Awards for their
Hockey Team - Graham Reid.
achievements in 2018 - P. V. Sindhu
 World’s Cricketer of the Year by (women) and Neeraj Chopra (men).
Wisden - Virat Kohli (man), Mann
 Winner of the International Tennis
Smriti Mandhana (Female),
Federation’s (ITF) Philippe Chatrier
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (T20).
Award 2019 - Gabriella Sabatini
 The Ethics Officer of the Board of (Argentina's tennis player).
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on
 First Indian who elected as a member
an ad-hoc basis on March 28 - Justice
of the FIFA Executive Council - Praful
D. K. Jain (retd).
Patel.
 Winner of the men's singles event at
the 'Miami Open 2019' tennis

PERSON IN NEWS
 Current President of Bolivia - Evo

 A person has been awarded the
Morales Ayma.
Freedom of the City of London by UK,
 A person, who won ‘Maharshi named - Alice G. Vaidyan.
Badrayan Vyas Samman 2019’ Awards

 Co-founder of Wikileaks has been
for the efforts of the promotion of
arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in
Arabic language - Professor Maulana
London on April 11 - Julian Assange.
Syed Asad Raza Hussaini.
 Author of ‘The Fate of Butterflies’ -

 Father of entrepreneurship movement
Nayantara Sahgal.
in India, passed away on April 4 - Dr. V.
G. Patel.  Author of ‘The Friendly Ones’ - Philip
Hensher.
 13th President of the World Bank
Group - David Malpass.  Journalists to be awarded with the
2019 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press
 An eminent theatre organiser and
Freedom Prize - Wa Lone and Kyaw
playwrighter passed away on April 1,
Soe Oo.
2019 - Kartik Chandra Rath.
 President of Sudan was ousted by

 New Chief Justice of the Bombay High
military - Omar Al-Bashir.
Court - Justice Pradeep Nandrajog.
 New Prime Minister of Palestine -

 ‘Business Leader of the Year’ in
Mohammad Shtayyeh.
'AIMA Managing India Award 2019’ -
Sanjeev Mehta (President of HUL).  Author of the book “The Verdict:
Decoding India's Elections” - Prannoy
 Benjamin Netanyahu has won the
Roy and Dorab Sopariwala.
national election, to be the Prime
Minister for record fifth term in -  NASA's first female astronaut
Israel. candidate, who died on Apr 18 - Jerrie
Cobb.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press

 European Union (EU) – founded in:
Freedom Prize is given by - United
1993; Headquarter: Brussels
Nations Educational, Scientific and
(Belgium).
Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
 The Pulitzer Prize was established in –

 World Wetlands Day - 2 February.
1917.
 Indian Space Research Organization

 India Meteorological Department
(ISRO) – Established in: 1969;
(IMD) was established in - 1875.
Headquarter: Bangalore.
 Measles is caused by the - measles

 Russia - Capital: Moscow; Currency:
virus.
Russian ruble.
 Vietnam - Capital: Hanoi; Currency:

 Sudan - Capital: Khartoum; Currency:
Vietnamese dong.
Sudanese Pound.
 In 1966, the first IAF officer to be

 National Payment Corporation of India
promoted to air chief marshal -
(NPCI) – founded in : 2008;
Marshal Arjun Singh.
Headquarter : Mumbai.
 In India, the Employees' Provident

 Israel - Capital: Jerusalem (self-
Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a
declared); Currency: Israeli New
statutory body formed by -
Shekel.
Employees' Provident Fund and
 Capital of Palestine - Jerusalem (East). Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
 Voter Variable Paper Audit Trail  International Day for Monuments and
(VVPAT) was first used in - US. Sites (World Heritage Day) - April 18.

 The International Council on  Iran - Capital: Tehran; Currency:

Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) – Iranian rial.
founded in: 1965; Headquarter: Paris,
 The Battle of Kohima, that was fought
France.
between UK and Japan during the
 The United Nations Educational, Second World War in – 1944.
Scientific and Cultural Organization
 Second World War - from 1939 to 1945.
(UNESCO) - founded in: 1945;
Headquarter: Paris, France.  First World War - from 1914 to 1918.
 The Group of Twenty (or G20) was  Founder of Homoeopathy - Dr.

established in - 1999. Christian Fredrich Samuel
Hahnemann.
 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) –
founded in: 1985; Headquarter: Paris  Maximum number of members of Lok
(France). Sabha – 552.
 International Monetary Fund (IMF) –  First Lok Sabha of the Indian

Formed in: 1944; Headquarter: Parliament - 17 April 1952.
Washington D.C. (US).
 Number of High Courts in India – 25.
 France - Capital: Paris; Currency: Euro.
 Rwanda - Capital: Kigali; Currency:
 Election Commission of India (ECI) was Rwandan franc.
established in – 1950.
 All India Management Association
 The International Space Station (ISS) (AIMA) was founded in - 1957
project was launched in - 1998. (Headquarter: Delhi).
 Capital of United States of America  The Sustainable Development Goals

(USA) - Washington D.C. are a collection of 17 global goals set
by the UNGA in 2015 for the year -
 Central Board of Secondary Education
2030.
(CBSE) was established in - 1962.

 A place where the RBI kept all the  Pan nation electricity mobile app
excess money of banks under custody Jagruk developed by - National
- Currency chest. Informatics Centre (NIC)
 UN Economic and Social Commission  CRISPR - Clustered, Regularly

for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) – Interspaced, Short Palindromic
founded in: 1947; Headquarter: Repeats
Bangkok (Thailand).
 UN’s World Summit on the
 International Monetary Fund (IMF) – Information Society (WSIS) awards
formed in: 1944; Headquarter: was first instituted in – 2012.
Washington D.C. (US).
 Electoral bond was issued by the
 Currency of Israel - Israeli New Shekel. Specified Branches of the - State Bank
of India (SBI).
 United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) – established in : 1969;  China - Capital: Beijing; Currency:
Headquarter: New York (US). Chinese Renminbi (Yuan).
 Singapore - Capital: Singapore;  The official currency of the European

Currency: Singapore Dollar. Union (EU), which came into existence
on 1 January 1999 - Euro.
 IRDAI stands for -
Insurance Regulatory and  Indian Navy was established in – 1934.
Development Authority of India
 India's Naval day - December 4.
 CDC stands for - Centres for Disease
 India's first Indigenous nuclear
Control and Prevention
submarine - INS Arihant.
 Candida auris is a deadly – Fungus
 Railtel Corporation was founded in –
 British Prime Minister - Theresa May 2000.
 India's 'Namami Gange' Mission was

launched in – 2015


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CURRENT AFFAIRS April 2019

1. World Press Freedom Index 2019 ............................................................................................. 54

1. Benny Antony Won National Intellectual Property Award ..................................................... 73

4. Nagaland Observed The 75th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Kohima ...................................... 89

TOPICS OF THE MONTH

1. ARAB SPRING 2.0

What was Arab Spring

1.1. RESULTS OF ARAB SPRING 1.0

1.2. ARAB SPRING 2.0

1.3. WHY PEOPLE ARE PROTESTING?

2. WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-MALARIA VACCINE LAUN CHED

 It is caused by the infectious Plasmodium.

 Mosquirix uses antibodies to target proteins presented by sporozoites (such as the

3. UN AGENCY LISTED BHO PAL GAS TRAGEDY AMON G THE WORLD’S

3.1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY

It is considered to be the world's worst industrial disaster.

4. INDIAN MONSOON FORECAST BY IMD

4.1. MONSOON FORECAST

4.2. WHY MONSOON FORECAST IS IMPORTANT?

4.3. DANGER OF EL NINO

5. NAMAMI GANGE GETS GLOBA L RECOGNITION AT WOR LD SUMMIT

The Global Water Awards are presented at the Global Water

The awards recognise excellence across the international

5.1. GLOBAL WATER SUMMIT

5.2. NMAMI GANGE

6. UN STATE OF THE WORL D POPULATION 2018 RE PORT

The world’s population rose to 7.715 billion in 2019, up from 7.633

6.1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

 The least developed countries recorded the highest population growth,

6.2. INDIA SPECIFIC

7. MOST ANCIENT TYPE OF MOLECULE OF THE UNIVERSE

7.1. HELIUM HYDRIDE ION

7.2. HOW IT WAS FORMED?

7.3. GREAT SPECTROMETER AND SOFIA

8. UPI GROWS FASTER THA N E-WALLETS

8.1. WHAT IS UPI?

 Unified Payments Interface is an instant real-time payment system developed by National

8.2. WHAT IS E-WALLET?

 E-wallet stands for electronic wallet.

8.3. WHY UPI IS PERFORMING BETTER THAN E-WALLET?

IMPORTANT ARTICLES O F APRIL

1. How Chief Justice Of Indian Can Be Impeached?

ART 124 (4):

1.1. 5 STEP PROCESS FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF CHIEF JUSTICE

2. Election Commission Constitutional Power

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional

It was established on January 25, 1950. The major aim of election

2.1. STRUCTURE OF ECI

2.2. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

2.3. JUDICIAL POWER

3. World Heritage Sites In India

3.1. LIST OF UNESCO HERITAGE SITES

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)

4.1. HOW IT WORKS?

5. 100 Years Of Jall ianwala Bagh Massacre

It is additionally a spring harvest festival for the Sikhs.

5.1. ITS IMPORTANCE IN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

6.1. ORIGIN OF AFSPA

6.2. WHICH STATES ARE UNDER AFSPA?

7. What Is Blockchain Technology?

Launched in tie-up with Coffee Board of India on

 A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed and