Today in History
On April 5, 1919, the first Indian-owned commercial vessel SS Loyalty, owned by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Limited, commenced its sail from Mumbai to London. National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on April 5 to commemorate this event.
World Bank lowers India’s growth forecast to 6.3%
The report South Asia Economic Focus: Expanding Opportunities: Toward Inclusive Growth, released by the World Bank, lowered India’s growth forecast for FY23-24 to 6.3% from 6.6% due to rising borrowing costs, slower income growth, and tightening fiscal deficit. It reported that the services and construction sector were India’s fastest-growing sectors. Also, the growth forecast for the next financial year was pegged at 6.4% for FY24-25.
India Justice Report
As per the India Justice Report, the High Court of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, has the highest average case pendency of 11.34 years. The lowest average High Court case pendency is in Tripura. Women judges at the District Court level are 35% of total strength and 13% of full strength at the High Court level. Goa has the highest number of women judges in subordinate courts, at 70% of total strength.
Himachal Pradesh to bring legislation to protect “Children of the State”
The State Government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya (Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill to provide comprehensive care, protection, and development opportunities to orphans, semi-orphans, and specially-abled children in need. These children will be given the status of “Children of the State.”
Nathu La
Seven people were killed after being hit by an avalanche near Nathu La in Sikkim. Nathu La is a strategic mountain pass located in the Dongkya Range of the Himalayas. It connects Sikkim and West Bengal with Chumbi Valley in Tibet.
Finland became the 31st member of NATO.
Finland formally joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) after the completion of the accession process. The event marks the end of an era of military non-alignment of Finland since World War II after it repealed an invasion attempt by USSR.
Australia bans TikTok on Government devices.
Australia became the latest member of the Five Eyes Intelligence to ban TikTok on Government devices due to security reasons. The Five Eyes Intelligence is an alliance of Australia, New Zealand, the U.S.A, the U.K., and Canada for cooperation in signals intelligence.
