23rd APRIL. CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. India's 99th Ramsar Site

India's 99th Ramsar Site: The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has officially been designated as a Ramsar Site, providing a vital refuge for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

With this recognition, Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, the highest among Indian states

Shekha Jheelwetland is especially known for attracting large numbers of migratory birds during the winter season

It functions as a major stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s most important migratory bird routes. Bird species commonly recorded here include the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, and several species of ducks.

Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for wetland conservation

India ratified the convention on 1982.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet

It marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention,

Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were the first Indian sites designated.

2.INS Nireekshak-Exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026

The Indian naval vessel INS Nireekshak arrived in Colombo to participate in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026

Host: Sri Lanka (Colombo).

Participants: The Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy.

strengthen coordination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under India’s MAHASAGAR vision.

3Goldman Environmental Prize forSix women

Recipients of the 2026 "Green Nobel," the first time all winners are female. Recognized activists include Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria) and Borim Kim (South Korea).

The Goldman Environmental Prize was established in 1989

For the first time in the history the all six winners are women and representing different parts of the world

Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria) – Africa

Borim Kim (South Korea) – Asia

Sarah Finch (United Kingdom) – Europe

Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea) – Islands & Island Nations

Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States) – North America

Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia) – South & Central America

4. G20 satellite is expected to be launched in 2027

Designed to study climate and air pollution and monitor weather, is expected to be launched in 2027.

He said India is the first country to succeed in placing more than 100 satellites using a single rocket without any collision

The G20 Satellite Mission is an Indian-led initiativespearheaded by ISRO to launch an advanced environmental monitoring satellite by 2027.

It will provide crucial data to G20 nations on climate change, air pollution, weather tracking, and disaster management.

Key Details of the G20 Satellite Mission:

Launch and Operations: Planned for 2027, the satellite will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit, 720 km above Earth, with a 5-year mission lifespan.

Core Objective: The mission aims to monitor climate indicators, greenhouse gases, air pollution hotspots, and ocean behavior, aiding in rapid disaster response.

Scientific Instruments: The mission will utilize four key sensors:

EnSAC: To measure trace greenhouse gases.

HyMATHS: For temperature and humidity monitoring.

POLSAC: To analyze clouds, aerosols, and air quality.

SACFF: For monitoring forest fires and land cover.

Global Collaboration: India is the primary developer, it is a collaborative project inviting G20 nations to share data & contribute to sustainable, data-driven climate action.

The project supports the "One Earth-One Family-One Future" theme, aligning with UN 2030 sustainability goals.

5.Atal Pension Yojana

Atal Pension Yojana is asocial security scheme of the Government of India.

It is specifically designed to provide a steady income stream to workers in the unorganized sector, ensuring they have financial independence in their old age.

LaunchedAnnounced: Union Budget 2015–16.

Launched: May 9, 2015

Administration: The scheme is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Guaranteed Monthly Pension: Subscribers receive a fixed monthly pension of ₹1,000, ₹2,000, ₹3,000, ₹4,000, or ₹5,000 after attaining 60 years of age,