From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column – GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom.

The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024 is scheduled to take place in June. Applicants have to get ready for what is considered to be one of the hardest exams in the world, not just in India. Most competitive assessments in India, including the UPSC, consist largely of questions about current affairs and general awareness. You might have an advantage over other applicants in the general knowledge portion if you study up on current events.

Here is a collection of significant highlights from last week that you can read to help you prepare for forthcoming tests.

India To Deliver BrahMos Missiles To Philippines:

The Philippines is scheduled to receive the first set of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India as part of a USD 375 million agreement signed in 2022. According to defence sources, the Indian Air Force is using American-made C-17 Globemaster transport planes to transfer missile systems to the Philippine Marine Corps. Additionally, cargo ships have been commissioned to convey these systems via sea routes. According to ANI, the export of ground systems for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system began last month, along with the missiles themselves.

SC on Minor Seeking Termination of 28-Week Pregnancy:

The Supreme Court ordered a medical examination for a 14-year-old alleged rape victim on April 19 seeking to end her 28-week pregnancy. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala convened at 4:30 pm to hear the matter urgently, after reviewing an e-mail filed on behalf of the rape survivor requesting immediate judicial assistance. The government’s representative in the matter was Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. The court requested a report from Mumbai’s Sion Hospital on the girl’s likely physical and psychological condition if she undergoes medical termination of pregnancy or is advised against it.

UAE Struggles to Recover After Heaviest Rainfall:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 18 fought to recover from the greatest recorded rainfall in the desert nation’s history, as its main airport worked to restore regular operations while floodwater still covered portions of important highways and roadways. Dubai International Airport, the world’s biggest international airport, reopened Terminal 1 to global carriers on April 18. Emirates, whose operations had been disrupted since the storm on April 16, had barred passengers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they attempted to relocate connecting passengers.

PM Modi on Tesla CEO’s Visit:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently stated that Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who would visit India later this month, is a supporter of India. While the precise agenda of the business tycoon’s visit has yet to be revealed, it is commonly assumed that he would unveil major investment plans for the country. In an interview with the news agency ANI, the prime minister was asked about Musk’s claim that he is a “Modi fan”. “Look, the first thing saying that Elon Musk is a supporter of Modi is one thing, basically, he is a supporter of India. And I just met him. It’s not like that,” he was quoted as saying.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024:

The seven-phase marathon Lok Sabha elections began on April 19, with 102 seats across 21 states and union territories up for grabs, as voters battled searing heatwaves in many parts of the country to elect their parliamentary members. Until 7 pm, an average voter turnout of 60.03 per cent was recorded, with the number expected to grow. Elections were held in Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Puducherry.