Daily Current Affairs- 18th April 2024

Today's Current Affairs 18th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Nigeria pioneers new meningitis vaccine rollout  

• In a historic development, Nigeria has become the first country to launch the groundbreaking Men5CV vaccine, endorsed by the WHO, designed to address five strains of meningococcal bacteria. This significant achievement offers great potential in tackling meningitis, a serious concern in Africa, especially in Nigeria. The introduction of this vaccine, supported by Gavi funding, marks a pivotal advancement towards realizing the WHO's objective of eradicating meningitis by 2030.

NATIONAL

Madhya Pradesh leads in implementing the Centre's Green Credit Programme (GCP)

• Madhya Pradesh leads in implementing the Green Credit Programme (GCP) by the central government for environmental conservation. In the last two months, GCP has approved tree planting on 500 plots of land covering 4,980 hectares in 10 states.

SPORTS

Pat Cummins and Sciver-Brunt named Wisden's top cricketers

• In the 2024 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, Australian captain Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt have been named the Wisden Leading Cricketers in the World, showcasing their exceptional talents.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Saurabh Garg takes charge as Secretary of MoSPI.

• In a notable decision, the Central Government has appointed IAS officer Saurabh Garg as the Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in addition to his current responsibilities. This announcement, conveyed through an order from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), highlights Garg’s substantial experience and proficiency in public administration.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Heritage Day 2024

• Each year on April 18, World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated. This Thursday, April 18, 2024, marks the occasion. The purpose of this day is to increase awareness of the global cultural heritage's diversity and significance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding it for the generations to come.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Amitabh Bachchan to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

• In a significant event, the renowned Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award will be given to legendary Hindi cinema actor Amitabh Bachchan this year. This accolade, presented by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratisthan Public Charitable Trust and the Mangeshkar family, recognizes Bachchan's outstanding contributions to Indian cinema throughout his distinguished five-and-a-half-decade career.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

SBI Life Launches IdeationX: Pioneering Life Insurance Innovation

• SBI Life Insurance has launched IdeationX, an innovative program designed to promote innovation in life insurance. It invites emerging leaders from leading B-Schools to develop creative solutions that address changing consumer demands in the insurance industry.

About SBI:

Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara

Headquarters: Mumbai

Founded: 1 July 1955