April 2019

ODISHA   Rainwater conservation: Centre alerts State   Union Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has called for a coordinated and integrated action plan by the Centre as well as the State Governments to conserve water.   The Cabinet Secretary has asked the Central Ministries to convey to the State Governments the total financial provision for … Read more

INTERNATIONAL   London becomes world’s 1st city to launch 24×7 pollution charge zone   London became the first city in the world to implement a special Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that would charge an entry feefor older vehicles if they do not meet the emission standards. This move aims to reduce toxicair pollution and protect public health. The ULEZ will be operational … Read more

INTERNATIONAL World Intellectual Property Day: 26 April   World Intellectual Property Day observed across the globe on 26 April.   Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names and images used in commercial activities.   The day is observed across the world to spread awareness about the … Read more

ODISHA   East Coast Railway fines 1.76 lakh ticketless travellers in 2018-19   The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has collected Rs 8.21 crore as fine amount from 1.76 lakh ticketless travellers between April 1 last year and March 31 this year. It had collected Rs 7.15 crore by imposing fine on 1.65 lakh ticketless passengers in 2017-18. … Read more

INTERNATIONAL   UAE adopts National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031   The UAE Cabinet has adopted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.   Its aims at positioning the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031 and to develop an integrated system that employs artificial intelligence in vital areas in the country.   The … Read more

ODISHA   Olive Ridley hatchlings begin a new journey from Gahirmatha coast   Millions of baby Olive Ridley turtles have started emerging from the pits at Gahirmatha beach in Kendrapara district.   This Sanctuary is known as the World’s largest nesting ground for these endangered species.   Around 4.50 lakh turtles had congregated at the … Read more

INTERNATIONAL World Hemophilia Day: 17 April   Every year April 17 is celebrated as World Hemophilia Day to increase awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.   This year, the theme of World Hemophilia Day is ‘outreach and identification’.   Haemophilia is an inherited genetic disorder that weakens the ability of the body to clot … Read more

INTERNATIONAL World Heritage Day 2019: 18 April   World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on April 18.   The day is also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites.   The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage, monuments and their relevance.   The theme for 2019 … Read more

INTERNATIONAL Singapore airport named worlds best aviation hub for the seventh time   According to the Skytrax World Airport Awards, Singapore’s Changi Airport has been crowned the world’s bestaviation hub for the seventh time in a row, while New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport featured at number 59. Singapore Changi Airport is known for its rooftop swimming pool, two 24-hour movie theaters and shopping … Read more

INTERNATIONAL Japan names new imperial era, set to begin on May 1, as ‘Reiwa’   Reiwa’ will be the name for the new era when Prince Naruhito succeeds his father Emperor Akihito, whose abdication on April 30 will end the 31-year ‘Heisei’ era (Since 1989). While ‘Rei’ means “good” and “beautiful” as well as “order” or “command”, ‘Wa’ means “peace” or “harmony”. Japan imported … Read more