Indian-American Vivek Murthy takes oath as US Surgeon General 

Indian-American Dr. Vivek Murthy was sworn-in as the US Surgeon General on 23 April 2015. Vivek Murthy is 19th US Surgeon General and youngest-ever (37-year-old) to become in- charge of the country’s public health. With this appointment he is also the highest ranking Indian-American in the Obama Administration.

National Panchayati Raj Day observed on 24 April 2015

National Panchayati Raj Day was observed across India on 24 April 2015. The day is observed to mark the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.

India and France begin naval exercise ‘Varuna’

10-day naval exercise ‘Varuna’ between India and France began on 23 April 2015 off the Goa coast. It is the fourteenth edition of this naval exercise which will host of naval assets of both countries and will conclude on 3 May 2015. The Indian Navy and the French Navy have been conducting naval exercises since 1983.

Switzerland tops World Happiness index, India ranked at 117

Switzerland, the land of clocks and chocolates is the world’s happiest country. Switzerland topped the third annual World Happiness index produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, an initiative under the United Nations. Switzerland was closely followed by Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada. In this list India ranked at 117 and Syria ranked at last (158) least happy country in the world.

China, Pakistan signed an agreement on Economic Corridor plan worth 46 billion US dollars

China and Pakistan signed an agreement on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan worth 46 billion US dollars. The agreement was signed by China’s President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The CPEC plan is a network of roads, railways and pipelines aimed to build energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan by establishing an economic corridor between Pakistan’s southern Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea and China’s western Xinjiang region.

Union Cabinet approves lowering juvenile age from 18 to 16 years for serious crimes

Union Cabinet cleared amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act 2014. This amendment will propose and add special provisions to tackle heinous offences like murder and rape committed by juveniles in the age group of 16-18 years.

 Turrialba Volcano erupted in Costa Rica

Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica erupted on 24 April 2015. The eruption led to rise of a column of gas and ash in the sky and forced closure of the airport in the capital city San Jose. The blast from the Turrialba volcano in the east of the Central American country came after the Calbuco volcano in Chile erupted twice on 22 April and 24 April 2015.