Top 5 Current Affairs: 12 April 2019

Russia confers highest Order on PM Modi

Russia on April 12, 2019 announced that it had honoured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, the highest order of the Russian Federation, for promoting partnership and friendly relations between the two countries.

PM Modi has been decorated with the order for exceptional services in promoting a special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian people. The information was shared by the Russian Embassy in India.

Rural Development Ministry recommends on fostering higher inclusive growth

The Ministry of Rural Development headed by Secretary Amarjeet Sinha, made a detailed presentation on the Ministry’s plans on fostering higher inclusive growth, equity, efficiency and transparency – to the Chairperson N.K. Singh and Members and senior Officials of the Fifteenth Finance Commission on April 11, 2019.       

The Presentation dwelled upon the changing structure of rural economy; Gram Panchayat led, data driven and accountable development approach; governance reforms for better outcomes and other specific proposals for rural development.

SpaceX launches its first commercial flight with Falcon Heavy

US space flight company SpaceX carried out its first commercial launch with its Falcon Heavy rocket by placing a Saudi satellite in orbit on April 11, 2019. The 13,000-pound Saudi Arabian telecommunication satellite is operated by Arabsat and is expected to provide television, internet and mobile phone service to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The bright white Falcon Heavy rocket was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch was initially scheduled on April 10 but was postponed due to fierce winds in the upper atmosphere.

Libyan Crisis explained

Libya has been torn by violence and political instability since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed by rebels in 2011. The crisis was triggered by the Arab Spring protests, a series of anti-government protests, uprisings and armed rebellions that spread across the Middle East in late 2010.

The protests led to a civil war, which invited intervention from a multinational coalition led by NATO forces to protect civilians against attacks by the government's forces.

Sudan crisis explained

Sudan's long-time president Omar al-Bashir has been removed from office and arrested following months of protests against Bashir's regime. With this act three-decade rule of Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir has ended on April 11, 2019.

In a television address, Defense Minister Ahmed Awad Ibn Awf said the 75-year-old leader has been arrested and put in a safe place. The army general also announced the dissolution of the government, the suspension of the 2005 constitution, along with a three-month state of emergency. He also said Sudan’s airspace will be closed for 24 hours. He added that elections would be conducted at the end of the transitional period.