By: D.K Chaudhary
1. Cabinet Nod to Restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Scheme
i. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme aimed at making rural local bodies self-sustainable, financially stable and more efficient.
ii. According to the Union Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, PM Narendra Modi will launch Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme in Mandla in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day.
2. World Earth Day: 22 April
i. The World Earth Day (WED) is celebrated on 22nd April not only to spread awareness of the need for conservation but also to take action to protect the environment.
ii. This day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 and has ever since been an annual event. The theme for World Earth Day 2018 is ‘End Plastic Pollution’. Earth Day 2018 is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally.
3. 6 Countries Suspend Membership in UNASUR Regional Bloc
i. Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Huanacuni has announced that Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru had decided to temporarily leave the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), given differences over choosing the secretary general of the group.
ii. A South American bloc created a decade ago to counter US influence in the region has temporarily lost half its members after six countries suspended their memberships amid differences over who should lead the group.
- UNASUR was promoted by late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela remain in the bloc.
4. Deepika Padukone, Virat Kohli Among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
i. The TIME Magazine released the 100 Most Influential People List of 2018 designating individuals whose time is now. The 2018 list features the names of four self-made Indians- Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, Ola co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal and Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella.
ii. The list also features the US President Donald Trump. The list of 100 Most Influential People of 2018 includes the names of actress Nicole Kidman, ‘Wonder Women’ starrer Gal Gadot, Prince Harry and his fiance Meghan Markle and singers Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.
ii. The list also features the US President Donald Trump. The list of 100 Most Influential People of 2018 includes the names of actress Nicole Kidman, ‘Wonder Women’ starrer Gal Gadot, Prince Harry and his fiance Meghan Markle and singers Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.
5. FM and CBGs from G20 Agree for Economic Growth by Promoting Trade
i. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from G20, the Group of 20 economies, have agreed to aim for economic growth by promoting trade.
ii. In their two day meeting at Washington, the financial leaders agreed to work together to promote trade and global economic growth. Argentine Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne has chaired the meeting.
ii. In their two day meeting at Washington, the financial leaders agreed to work together to promote trade and global economic growth. Argentine Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne has chaired the meeting.
