28th APRIL CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. Morocco to host 2021 annual meetings of World Bank, IMF

Morocco has been designated to host the 2021 annual meetings of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

• The choice, the second of its kind for the African continent since 1973, coincided with the 60th anniversary of Morocco's joining the two institutions on April 25, 1958.
• The announcement came after a long process, which involved the evaluation of 13 countries' bid.

2. 15th World Rural Health Conference held in New Delhi

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 15th World Rural Health Conference held in New Delhi.

• He said that approximately half of the global population lives in rural areas, but those areas are served by only 38% of the total nursing workforce and by less than a quarter of the total physician workforce.
• Its Theme is “Healing the Heart of Healthcare: Leaving No One Behind”.

3. Kerala CM launches Pravasi Pension Scheme

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan formally launched the Pravasi Pension Scheme of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board at a programme.

• The programme was organised by the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA), Telangana unit.
• The scheme gives those hailing from Kerala but living outside the state or country, a pension of Rs. 2,000 a month.
• People over the age of 60 years are eligible for the pension.

4. Israeli Modern Art Exhibition to be inaugurated in the Capital

The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India and the Petach Tikva Museum of Art, Israel is organizing an exhibition titled ‘To the End of Land’-contemporary art from Israel on the occasion of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

• The exhibition will be inaugurated on 28th of April, 2018 at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
• The exhibition is a collection of art creations of 19 Israeli artists, including the internationally acclaimed Shahar Marcus who will perform at the exhibition opening.

5. Van Dhan Scheme launched by PM

The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi launched the Van Dhan Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED at Bijapur, Chattisgarh. 

• Emphasizing the important role of value addition in increasing tribal incomes, he stated that Van Dhan, Jan Dhan and Gobar-Dhan Schemes had the potential to change the tribal-rural economic system.
• All these three schemes in tandem need to be promoted for this purpose by the State Governments.
• The establishment of “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” is for providing skill upgradation and capacity building training.

6. Google most trusted Internet brand in India: Report

Online search engine Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India, followed by Facebook, a report said.

• With 1.2 trillion searches per year, Google has become the first port of call for all things on the Internet.
• According to the report, e-commerce major Amazon ranked third among the most trusted Internet brands in the country and e-Bay ranked fourth.

7. India’s GDP to grow 7.3% in FY19: Fitch

India’s economy will grow 7.3% in the current financial year and gain pace to 7.5% next year as the “temporary drag” from demonetisation and the goods and services tax fades away, Fitch Ratings forecast.

• The rating company reaffirmed India’s ‘BBB-’ rating with a stable outlook as it pointed to India’s growth potential and lauded the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary management.
• Fitch said GST is an important reform that would support growth in the medium term when teething issues dissipate.

8. Rahul Bhatia named interim CEO of Indigo

Aditya Ghosh has resigned as the President and whole-time director of IndiGo and will leave the company by July 31, 2018.

• While Interglobe Chairman Rahul Bhatia has been appointed as the interim CEO of the company, Greg Taylor will be appointed as president and CEO of the company.

9. Amjad Ali Khan, Anupam Kher get Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle and veteran actor Anupam Kher were among the prominent personalities who were conferred the 'Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards' on the occasion of his 76th death anniversary .

• Bhosle was conferred the award for life achievements, while Anupam was acknowledged by a Special Award honouring his contributions to cinema and theatre.