Legal Bites April 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Here are Legal Bites April 2024 monthly GK updates. The notable happenings of the months were related to the Supreme Court, Ambedkar Jayanti 2024, Right to Privacy, Chandrayaan-3 Mission Team and so on. We have covered all the happenings in the gist so that it helps the readers to remember all legal and current updates about April 2024 most efficiently and easily.

1. Odisha Day - Utkal Divas

Utkal Divas is also known as Odisha Day. It is celebrated on 1st April to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha. The state of Odisha was formed on this day it was the first state formed on a linguistic basis in British Raj.

2. 125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

On 1st April 2024, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world. It was established in the year 1899, in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory has always played a crucial role in solar research. Recently, there have been 125 years of observatories' existence.

3. The World's most powerful laser was unveiled in Romania

On 1st April 2024, it was revealed that the world's most powerful laser has been developed by a research centre in Romania. The research centre is part of the European Union Infrastructure Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project. The research was based on the inventions of 2018 Nobel Physics Prize winners Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland's project. According to the Romanian research centre, this laser is expected to utterly revolutionize various fields, such as the health sector to space exploration.

4. Juice Jacking Scam

On 1st April 2024, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), an authority that works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, issued a warning regarding a new type of scam. It is advised to the general public that they shall not use charging ports present in public locations, such as cafes, malls, hotels, airports, etc.

It is observed that hackers may exploit such charging ports to gain access to the information of a user's device using 'juice jacking'. Juice jacking is a relatively new scam where cybercriminals may use charging ports to install malware or malicious software into a user's device that is being charged at a public/open-to-all charging port.

5. Evidence of Ozone on Jupiter’s Moon Callisto

On 3rd April, strong evidence of the presence of ozone Callisto on one of the largest moons of Jupiter was discovered by a team of international team of scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad. The team was led by R. Ramachandran from PRL’s Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Division, a study was published in a journal that explained the various chemical processes occurring on Jupiter's moon, and the study also explored how the moon may have the favorable and suitable environment required for supporting life.

6. Tamil Nadu Government takes Centre Government to SC over Disaster Relief Funds

On 3rd April 2024, the Tamil Nadu government filed a lawsuit against the central government before the Supreme Court. The lawsuit stated that the centre is purposefully withholding its disaster relief funds.

7. RBI has kept policy rates unchanged

On 5th April 2024, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), decided that the main policy rate which was 6.5 per cent, is to be kept unchanged. The decision was taken in a majority 5:1 voting by the six-member MPC. The meeting was headed by the Governor of RBI, Mr. Shaktikanta Das.

8. Cochin Shipyard Signs Master Shipyard Repair Agreement with U.S. Navy

On 5th April 2024Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a state-run shipbuilding facility in Kochi, became the third Indian shipyard to enter into a Master Shipyard Repair Agreement (MRSA) with the U.S. on 5th April 2024. The agreement enables the US Navy vessels under the Military Sealift Command to dock at CSL for repairs in the Indian Ocean region. CSL is the third Indian shipyard to sign an MSRA with the US, which is part of an effort to expand cooperation in ship repair and maintenance and make India a regional hub.

9. Rare Superman Comic Sells for Record $6 Million at Auction

On 5th April 2024, a 1938 copy of Action Comics No. 1, the comic that introduced Superman to the world, was sold for a record-setting $6 million at auction.

10. UPI Rule Change: Money in PPI Wallets Can Be Spent Using Any UPI

On 5th April 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed PPI holders to link their PPIs with third-party UPI applications, which means that PPI wallet holders can use any UPI app to access their wallets, even if the wallet and the UPI app belong to different companies. This new rule gives PPI holders more flexibility and allows them to make UPI payments like bank account holders.

11. International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide

on 7th April, 2024The Rwanda Genocide of 1994 marked 30 years of the genocide orchestrated by armed Hutu extremists. The Rwanda Genocide was triggered due to the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu. The assassination occurred on April 6, 1994. The genocide lasted for a total of 100 days, the massacre is assumed to have approximately taken the lives of around 800000 people, making it one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century.

12. Apollo unveils 4th edition of its Health of Nation Report

On 7th April 2024, which is also World Health Day, Apollo Hospitals unveiled the latest edition of its annual report, known as “Health of Nation”. The report stated the concerning rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), specifically in India. Such diseases consisted of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other mental health issues. All of these diseases significantly impact the overall health of the nation. The thing that was observed which was specifically alarming is the escalation of the incidence of cancer in India when compared to the global rates. This makes India the “cancer capital of the world”.

13. Canada Unveils $2.4 Billion AI Investment Package

On 7th April 2024, the Canadian Government announced a substantial 2.4 billion dollar investment package to improve the country’s artificial intelligence sector.

14. Veteran Cinematographer Gangu Ramsay Passed Away at 83

On 7th April 2024, famous cinematographer filmmaker Gangu Ramsay passed away at a hospital in Mumbai at age 83. He was one of the seven Ramsay Brothers known for various cult horror films, such as Purani Haveli and Tehkhana.

15. India’s First Military-Grade Geospatial Satellite Launched by Private Sector

On 7th April 2024, India's first military-grade geospatial satellite by the name of TSAT-1A was launched by the private sector. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Satellogic Inc. built this satellite with a collective effort in Karnataka.

16. NASA Jets Chased The Solar Eclipse

On 8th April 2024, NASA deployed two of its specialized WB-57 jet planes, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, to track the eclipse and conduct scientific studies on the Sun's outer atmosphere, which is also known as the corona.

17. Nepal Army Launches Mountain Cleaning Campaign 2024 at Mt. Everest

On 8th April 2024, the Nepal Army launched the Mountain Cleaning Campaign 2024 in the Everest region to collect 10 tons of garbage and five bodies from Mount Everest. The 50-day campaign aims to reduce human-made pollution in the Himalayas and address climate change issues.

18. India Gets First Batch Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS)

On 8th April 2024, the Indian Army received the first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and 100 missiles as part of a larger deal that includes domestic production in India. India signed this procurement with Russia for 120 launchers and 400 missiles in November 2022.

19. President's Greetings on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba

On 8th April 2024, the President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu conveyed her greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba. These festivals, celebrated in different parts of the country, mark the beginning of the spring season and the Indian New Year. The President emphasized that these festivals spread the message of peace, harmony, and tolerance, and are symbols of India's rich culture and heritage.

20. Supreme Court Directs Centre to Respond to Karnataka’s Plea for Drought Relief Funds

On 8th April 2024, the Supreme Court of India stated that disputes shall not occur between the Centre and States over the release of funds. The plea submitted by the Karnataka government was considered and the court directed the Centre to release Rs 35,162 Cr of funds in total, for drought relief given "grave humanitarian distress" and "calamity" of severe nature faced by it.

21. The Chief of Greece National Defense Staff's Official Visit to India

On 8th April 2024, The Chief of Greece's National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, arrived in India for an official visit. As part of the ceremonial reception, General Choupis received the Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns, located in Delhi.

22. Indonesian Delegation Visits India to Learn Best Practices in Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Digital Inclusion

On 8th April 2024, an Indonesian delegation led by Mochammad Firman Hidayat visited India to explore collaboration in various sectors and learn from India’s best practices in the mid-day meal scheme and digital inclusion. The visit comes in the context of Indonesia’s recently concluded elections and the incoming plans to introduce new socio-economic norms.

23. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Announced to Impose Double Property Tax for Non-Marathi Signboards

On 8th April 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that starting 1st May 2024, all the shops and establishments in Mumbai will be required to display signboards in Marathi or Devanagari script. Those who fail to do so will face double property tax.

24. India's Chandrayaan-3 Mission Team Given 2024 John L. 'Jack' Swigert Jr. Award

On 8th April 2024, India's premier national space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chandrayaan 3 mission team was awarded the 2024 John L "Jack" Swigert, Jr, Award for Space Exploration by the US-based Space Foundation. The Indian Consul General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath, received the 2024 John L "Jack" Swigert, Jr, Award for Space Exploration Award on behalf of the ISRO's Chandrayaan -3 team. The award was presented on the opening day of the three-day annual symposium in the United States.

Law and GK Test Series: Practice MCQs month-wise questions and answers covering polity, law, important world events, important days, economics, etc.

25. 100th Anniversary of Discovery of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Observed

On 9th April 2024, the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the electroencephalogram (EEG) occurred. The EEG was discovered by a German psychiatrist by the name of Hans Berger, in the year 1924. It was observed that rhythmic electrical activity is generated from the scalp of human subjects and Hans believed that the activity came from within the brain, and that is how the term "electroencephalogram" was introduced. Therefore, the EEG is a medical test that is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. In today’s date, EEG has become a crucial tool for understanding the brain and seeking cures for various neurological disorders.

26. Candidates have Right to Privacy from Voters: Supreme Court

On 9th April 2024, the Supreme Court of India made a ruling regarding the right to privacy of election candidates. A petition was filed by Arunachal Pradesh MLA, Karikho Kri, challenging the Gauhati High Court's decision, where it was declared that his election was void due to the non-disclosure of three vehicles as assets in his affidavit. The case was heard by a bench consisting of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sanjay Kumar. Justice Kumar was the one who authored the judgment, and it was held that a candidate's choice to retain privacy on matters irrelevant to their candidature for public office does not amount to a corrupt practice.

27. HDFC Bank opens a branch in Lakshadweep's Kavaratti Island

On 10th April 2024, HDFC Bank became the first ever private sector bank to establish a branch in Kavaratti Island, which is a part of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The main focal area of the bank is to improve the banking system and infrastructure in the region by offering multiple services, with the main focus being on digital banking. Such a move is expected to benefit the residents of the island and help them advance further.

28. Justice Aniruddha Bose retires from the Supreme Court

On 10th April 2024, Justice Aniruddha Bose has retired from the Supreme Court. While bidding farewell to Justice Bose, Chief Justice Chandrachud called him ideally suited for the post of Director of the Judicial Academy.

29. World Homeopathy Day 2024 Observed

31. WTO Report states that India Emerges as Fourth-Largest Exporter of Digitally Delivered Services

On 11th April 2024, according to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report, India has become the world's fourth largest exporter of digitally delivered services, with total exports of 257 billion dollars in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year.

32. Fire in Kerala destroys 100 hectares in Wayanad Sanctuary

On 11th April, close to 100 hectares of forest were destroyed in a fire in the Sulthan Bathery forest range under Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) in Kerala.

33. The seventh round of negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement Concluded

On 11th April 2024, the seventh round of negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement finally concluded. It took place in New Delhi, India from April 8 to April 11, 2024. The discussions involved understanding the priorities and concerns of each other and ensuring that the negotiations were rooted in mutual respect and benefit

34. India, US to reactivate Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS)

On 11th April 2024, India and the US plan to restart the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS), a network of 36 buoys stationed on the high seas. These buoys will be tasked with collecting data on ocean and atmospheric conditions, which might be useful in helping improve the quality and certainty of weather forecasts.

35. Proposed Smart Multi-Layer Perimeter Security for 30 More IAF Bases

On 11th April 2024, The Indian Air Force (IAF) decided to enhance the security at 30 more of its air bases across the country with an advanced multi-layered, multi-sensor, hi-tech surveillance, and intrusion detection system. This move shall build on the installation of the Integrated Perimeter Security System (IPSS).

36. Election Commission Eases Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrant Voters

On 12th April 2024, The Election Commission of India eliminated the requirement for Kashmiri migrant voters in Jammu and Udhampur districts of J&K to fill out ‘Form M’ to vote in the Lok Sabha polls.

37. Taliban to Restore Land Rights to Afghan Hindus, Sikhs

On 12th April 2024, India welcomed the Taliban regime's decision to restore private land rights to Afghan Hindus and Sikh minorities as a positive development. The Taliban administration has set up a commission to ensure the return of property rights to the Hindu and Sikh communities, which were seized by warlords during the previous dispensation in Kabul.

38. Siachen Day 2024 Observed

On 13th April 2024, the Siachen Day is observed, which commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Indian Army soldiers serving at the highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen Glacier.

39. Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti 2024

On 14th April 2024, Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the "Father of the Indian Constitution".

40. IISc Scientists Develop Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics from Water

On 12th April 2024, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution.

41. World Chagas Disease Day Observed by WHO

On 14th April, the Chagas Disease Day is observed. The Chagas disease is also known as American trypanosomiasis. It is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the faeces of infected triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs," that typically bite humans on the face at night. 

42. Birth Anniversary of Kandukuri Veeresalingam

On 16th April, the birth anniversary of Kandukuri Veeresalingam was celebrated. He was born on April 16, 1848, and was a prominent writer and social reformer from the state of Madras.

43. Most Massive Stellar Black Hole in the Milky Way Discovered

On 16th April 2024, astronomers found the most massive stellar-mass black hole ever detected in our galaxy, the Milky Way. This black hole is named Gaia BH3 and it is located approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Aquila, making it the second closest known black hole to our planet.

44. PayTM approved by NPCI for User Bank Migration

On 17th April 2024, Paytm received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to migrate its users to other banks for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) based payment services.

45. Meta Launches Advanced AI Assistant Powered by Llama 3

On 18th April 2024, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced the launch of its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Meta AI.

46. Bharat BillPay Enables SBI NCMC Card Recharge

On 18th April, National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) wholly owned subsidiary NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to enable online recharge of SBI's National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) through the Bharat BillPay platform.

47. African Swine Fever Outbreak in Kohima

On 19th April 2024, the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Kohima was reported, which initially caused concern among the public, has now been successfully contained by veterinary experts from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS).

48. Indonesian Volcano Erupts Again

On 30th April 2024, Mount Ruang, an Indonesian Volcano erupted again, spewing ash and peppering villages with debris. MANADO, Indonesia. Indonesia's Mount Ruang volcano erupted Tuesday for a second time in two weeks, spewing ash almost 2 kilometres into the sky, closing an airport, and peppering nearby villages with debris.