Swachhata Pakhwada Launched by Parliamentary Affairs Ministry

• Swachhata Pakhwada was launched by Umang Narula, Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, on April 16, 2024, and will run until April 30, 2024.
• All pending Ministry physical files would be examined, documented, and, if necessary, weeded out at this time.
• There would be a special cleanliness effort in the rooms. If necessary, old and outdated electronics as well as other items would be gathered and put up for auction.
•  The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs' designated rooms and chambers, it has been suggested that one of the designated Delhi schools hold an intra-school essay competition during Swachhata Pakhwada.
• The purpose of this is to increase youth awareness of the significance and effectiveness of Swachhata in general.

Indians Authorized to Manage Gold Price Risk in International Markets

• Indian citizens are now able to use recognized exchanges in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to hedge their gold price risk as on April 16, 2024.
•  At the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Governor Shaktikanta Das made the announcement that the repo rate would increase by 35 basis points to 6.25 %.
• Indian citizens will profit from the permission to hedge gold on reputable exchanges in the IFSC, especially those who work in the import and export of gold.
• Industry participants can safeguard themselves against unfavorable price changes and currency fluctuations by hedging their gold price risk.
• The Indian jewelry sector is anticipated to become more prices competitive as a result of this permission, which allows companies to manage their exposure to gold prices more effectively.

IMF Raised India’s GDP Growth Projection to 6.8%

• The International Monetary Fund, (IMF), increased India's GDP growth estimate for the fiscal year (FY) 2024–25 to 6.8%, as of April 16, 2024.
• The IMF increased its prediction of 6.5 percent in January by 30 basis points in its update to the World Economic Outlook.
• The IMF stated in its study that India's growth is expected to continue to be robust, with 6.8% growth in FY 2024–25 and 6.5% growth in FY 2025–26.
•  This robustness is a result of expanding working-age population and sustained strength in domestic demand.
• Additionally, it stated that global growth, which was predicted to reach 3.2% in 2023, would likely maintain its current rate in FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26.

Men5CV Meningitis Vaccine Rolled Out by Nigeria

• Nigeria became the first nation in the world on April 16, 2024, to introduce the Men5CV vaccination.
• The Vaccine Alliance, or Gavi, provides funding for the vaccine. Its mission is to assist routine meningitis vaccination programs in lower-income countries.
•  In comparison to earlier vaccinations, the new Men5CV vaccine gives broader protection against all 5 key strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) in a single dose.
• Meningococcal A outbreaks have already been eradicated in Nigeria thanks to the vaccine's technology.

World Future Energy Summit 2024 Held

• The 16th World Future Energy Summit convened experts in the disciplines of sustainable energy and climate change from around the globe in Abu Dhabi on April 16, 2024.
• The summit seeks to establish itself as a preeminent platform for discourse on renewable energy, sustainable development, energy and water security, and global climate action.
•  An important occasion that shapes and supports business and intellectual progress in the energy sector is the World Future Energy Summit.
• It gives experts a forum to exchange ideas and knowledge while learning about the most recent developments in their industry.
• The summit is well-known and essential to the advancement of sectors related to energy.

Mykolas Alekna

•  Lithuanian discus thrower Mykolas Alekna, broke the current Men's World Record at the Oklahoma Throw Series match in Romana on April 16, 2024.
• He threw the discus 74.35 meters, an amazing distance.
• The world record of 74.08 meters, held by legendary German thrower Jürgen Schult in 1986, was surpassed by Mykolas Alekna's amazing feat. The record had stood for an amazing 38 years.
•  Mykolas Alekna's incredible performance has definitely enhanced his status as a genuine gold medal contender with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris just around the corner.
•  His ability to routinely produce throws further than 70 meters, along with his ability to remain composed under duress, make him a dangerous opponent for any discus thrower in the world.

Stefansos Tsitsipas

• Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece won the coveted clay-court Monte Carlo Masters on April 16, handily defeating Casper Ruud of Norway.
• This was Stefanos Tsitsipas's 3rd consecutive title in the tournament.
•  The world's 12th-ranked player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, displayed his prowess on the clay courts of the Monte Carlo Country Club, putting on a clinic that left his opponent reeling.
• The Greek athlete was considered one of the sport's rising stars after hitting a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2021.

Ekta Vishnoi

• 50 years Old Ekta Vishnoi, 50, won medals at the most recent National Senior Power lifting Championship in Hyderabad on April 16, 2024.
• By competing against girls half her age, Ekta Vishnoi won a Bronze overall and Silver in the deadlift with an incredible 165 kg lift.
•  In the 2022 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship, Asian Powerlifting Championship, and National Masters Powerlifting Championship, Ekta Vishnoi won gold, silver, and bronze.
• Not only is Ekta Vishnoi the creator of the Fit India Movement, but she also holds the position of Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World

• Pat Cummins and Nat Sciver-Brunt were crowned the World's Leading Cricketers by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack on April 16, 2024.
• Pat Cummins is the first Australian cricketer to be named Wisden's Leading Cricketer since Michael Clarke in 2012, succeeding England's Ben Stokes, who won the award three times in four years, in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
• Cricketers of the Year included English batsman Harry Brook, Australian women's all-rounder Ashley Gardner.
• 2 more names were added in the Cricketer of the Year Australian batsman Usman Khawaja, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, and English pacer Mark Eood.
• Mitchell Starc had the most wickets (23) in last year's Ashes.
• Nat Sciver-Brunt is widely regarded as the best women's cricketer of the for her performance in the Women's Ashes.

Paris Olympics 2024 Torch lit in Ancient Olympia, Greece

• The Olympic flame for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was lighted on April 16, 2024, one day before the countdown to 100 days.
•  It was lit in the historical birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia in Greece.
• The Olympic torch, which represents peace and hope, will now travel throughout Greece before reaching France.
• After arriving in Marseille on May 8,2024, it will tour throughout the country and certain French overseas territories until arriving at the Opening Ceremony in Paris on July 26, 2024.
• The event was hosted by Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and an IOC member.

Kristalina Georgieva

• Kristalina Georgieva on April 16, 2024, was reappointed as the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Managing Director (MD) for a further 5-year term beginning on October 1, 2024.
• An Executive Director or an IMF Fund Governor may propose candidates for the MD position. Since 2019, Bulgarian Kristalina Georgieva has headed the IMF as its MD.
• She had previously served as the World Bank's Chief Executive Officer and Interim President of the World Bank Group.
• She also held the position of European Commission Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation, and Crisis Response.

World Literary Prize

• The World Organization of Writers (WOW) awarded Mamta G Sagar the esteemed World Literary Prize on April 16, 2024.
• This esteemed award affirms Mamta G Sagar's position as a trailblazing literary legend and acknowledges her outstanding contributions to the literary world.
• Mamta G Sagar has always addressed challenging subjects in her writing, from feminism and identity politics to cultural diversity.
•  She has given voice to the voiceless through her poems, promoting social justice and female emancipation.
•  Mamta G Sagar has received many honors for her exceptional contributions to the literary world, such as the LIFFT prize, a gold medal, and a certificate.

Glass Skywalk Bridge in Chitrakoot

• At the charming Tulsi (Shabari) Waterfall in Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh) constructed its first-ever glass skywalk bridge on April 16, 2024.
•  Shaped like Lord Ram's bow and arrow, this inventive and breathtaking edifice is positioned to become one of the area's top ecotourism destinations.
• At an expense of ₹ 3.70 crore, the glass skywalk bridge was built to blend in with the Kodand forest area, which is home to the tumbling Tulsi Waterfalls.
•  The building of the glass skywalk bridge represents a significant advancement in Uttar Pradesh's efforts to promote immersive and sustainable ecotourism experiences.

Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft and Tiranga Barfi received GI Tag for Varanasi

• The Tiranga Barfi from Varanasi and the Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft were officially added to the esteemed GI category on April 16, 2024.
•  Tiranga Barfi and Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft have increased the state's total number of GI products to 75, including 58 handicrafts and 17 agricultural and food products.
• During the war for freedom, this tricolored sweetmeat was cleverly designed to promote secret meetings and information exchange among revolutionaries.
• The saffron color is generated from saffron, the green color comes from pistachio, and the white color is created with khoya and cashew nuts.
• The Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft, which originated in the Kashipura area of Varanasi, has gained national recognition for its intricate and exquisite metal idols.

Sweden 38th Signatory to Artemis Accords is Sweden

• The NASA on April 16, 2024 welcomed Sweden, the 38th country to sign the Artemis Accords and commit to peaceful and safe space travel.
• Mats Persson, Minister for Education, signed the accords on Sweden's behalf during a Stockholm event.
• Sweden has a sophisticated space sector, and the societal advantages of space research and activities have risen in importance.
• By adopting the Artemis Accords, Sweden improves its strategic space collaboration with the United States in sectors such as Swedish space research and the space industry, thereby strengthening Sweden's overall defense capacity.
• NASA and the US Department of State announced the Artemis Accords, a set of principles to guide the next phase of space exploration, in 2020.