1. India and the World
Chandler Good Government Index 2021 ranks India 49th
India has been placed at 49th position among 104 nations in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2021.
Finland has topped the CGGI Index 2021 and Venezuela is the last ranked country at 104.
The index is prepared based on seven pillars: leadership and foresight, strong institutions, robust laws and policies, attractive market place, financial stewardship, helping people rise, global influence and reputation.
Quick Fact: The Executive Director of Chandler Institute of Governance is Wu Wei Neng.
2. International News
China Launches Robot Prototype ‘NEO-01’ to Clear Space Debris
The Chinese government has launched a robot prototype named as ‘NEO-01’, in the Earth’s low orbit, on its Long March 6 rocket.
The 30kg robot prototype has been developed by Shenzhen-based space mining start-up ‘Origin Space’.
Its aim is to observe small celestial bodies in deep space and to experiment with space debris removal techniques.
Quick Fact: The President of China is Xi Jinping.
3. Miscellaneous News
ASICS brand ambassador: Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja
Japanese Sportswear brand ASICS has appointed Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, as its brand ambassador.
The company focuses on sporting gear for the running category.
ASICS has been working with young and fresh athletic talent across various genres of sports.
Quick Fact: The Founder of ASICS is Kihachiro Onitsuka and it is headquartered in Kobe, Japan.
4. Important Days
International Dance Day: 29 April
The day celebrates the value and importance of dance and encourages participation in this art form through events and festivals.
The day 29 April marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), known as the creator of modern ballet.
The theme of International Dance Day 2021: ‘Purpose of dance’.
Quick Fact: The day was created in 1982, by the Dance Committee of the ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.
5. Finance News
India’s GDP to grow 11% in FY22 as projected by ADB
The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected the growth rate of India’s economy as: FY22 (2021-22): 11% ; FY23 (2022-23): 7%.
ADB has based the rate on the strong vaccine drive being undertaken across the country.
However, it has also cautioned that the recent surge in COVID cases may put the country’s economic recovery at risk.
Quick Fact: President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
6. Awards
1st Indian woman to get ‘Wild Innovator Award’: Krithi Karanth
Dr. Krithi K Karanth, Chief Conservation Scientist at CWS, becomes the first Asian woman to get the 2021 ‘Wild Innovator Award’.
This award is given by the ‘Wild Elements Foundation’ to identify solutions to global sustainability and conservation.
The Foundation’s approach to addressing climate change is the ‘Power of Three’ – animal-kind, humankind, and plantkind.
Quick Fact: The Founder and CEO of Wild Elements Foundation is Nikki Eslami.
7. National News
Ladakh Ignited Minds project update: Indian Army signs MoU with HPCL & NIEDO
The project Ladakh Ignited Minds has been conceptualized to secure a better future for the youth of Ladakh.
The programme under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army would be executed by NIEDO, a Kanpur-based NGO.
The Army would oversee the overall operations to include administration and logistics with requisite funding support through HPCL.
Quick Fact: Governors & Administrators of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.
