NATIONAL:
1. India’s First Multi-Purpose Green Hydrogen
Why in news: India’s First Multi-Purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Inaugurated in Himachal Pradesh
Key points:
• India's inaugural multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station signifies a leap in renewable energy.
• The project aims to produce green hydrogen through renewable energy sources.
• The project features a 20Nm3/hr electrolyzer and 25kW fuel cell capacity-based green hydrogen pilot system.
• It is the nation’s first multi-purpose green hydrogen generation plant, serving both electricity generation and the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coating facility of NJHPS.
2. India's Largest Climate Clock in New Delhi
Why in news: India’s Largest Climate Clock Unveiled at CSIR HQ for Earth Day Celebration
Key points:
• It was done for Earth Day Celebration.
• This initiative underscores CSIR’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change and its adverse impacts.
• CSIR was founded in 1942 by the Government of India with the primary goal of fostering scientific research and industrial development within the nation.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Shenzhou-18 Mission
Why in news: China's Shenzhou-18 spacecraft sent three astronauts to the Tiangong space station
Key points:
• These astronauts have been sent for a six-month tenure, focusing on scientific research and space station maintenance.
• The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft, dubbed the “Divine Vessel,” lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
• China’s broader space exploration goals aim to put astronauts on the Moon by 2030, with significant progress made in developing crucial elements for crewed lunar missions.
2. India on Priority Watch List for IP Protection
Why in news: U.S. Placed India on Priority Watch List for IP Protection
Key points:
• In the recently released 2024 Special 301 Report by the U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR), India finds itself on the Priority Watch List for intellectual
property (IP) protection and enforcement.
• This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding India’s handling of IP security issues.
• India faces significant challenges in its patent system, with applicants encountering lengthy waiting periods and excessive reporting requirements.
3. Kamikaze Drone
Why in news: Iran Unveils Kamikaze Drone Similar to Russian Lancet
Key points:
• The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new kamikaze drone resembling Russia’s Lancet drone.
• This drone, yet to be named publicly, is designed for targeted attacks, akin to those witnessed in the Ukraine conflict.
CONFERENCES/SUMMITS:
1. Critical Minerals Summit
Why in news: Mines Ministry Organized Critical Minerals Summit
Key points:
• The summit was organized to foster collaboration, sharing knowledge and driving innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing in New Delhi.
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was exchanged between the Ministry of Mines and Shakti sustainable energy foundation.
• This deal aims to provide knowledge support in critical minerals which are crucial for the nation’s economic development, national security and low-carbon transition.
ECONOMY:
1. Gems & Jewellery Export Trends in FY23-24
Why in news: In FY23-24, India's gems and jewellery exports fell by 14.94% to US$32.02 billion
Key points:
• The gem and jewellery sector saw a decline of 12.17% in rupee terms and 14.94% in dollar terms, totaling Rs. 265187.95 crore and US$32.02 billion, respectively.
• Import figures also reflected a decrease, with a decline of 11.09% in rupee terms and 13.84% in dollar terms, amounting to Rs. 184355.48 crores and $22.26 billion, respectively.
2. Navratna’ Status
Why in news: REDA granted ‘Navratna’ Status
Key points:
• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a public sector enterprise, has been granted the coveted ‘Navratna’ status by the government.
• This prestigious designation takes the total number of Navratna PSEs (Public Sector Enterprises) in India to 17
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Phi-3-Mini
Why in news: Microsoft Introduced Phi-3-mini-AI model
Key points:
• Microsoft has unveiled Phi-3-mini, the smallest model in its new Phi-3 family of open AI models.
• Phi-3-mini is claimed to be the most capable and cost-effective small language model (SLM) available.
• Despite its small size, it outperforms models twice its size across various benchmarks in language, reasoning, coding, and math.
• Language models form the backbone of AI applications like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
2. mRNA-4157 (V940)
Why in news: World’s First Personalised mRNA Vaccine for Melanoma Undergoing Trials
Key points:
• The vaccine, developed by Moderna and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), is designed to help a patient’s immune system recognise and eliminate remaining cancerous cells after surgical removal of the tumour.
• The vaccine, named mRNA-4157 (V940), is created to match the unique genetic signature of each patient’s tumour.
BOOK & AUTHORS:
1. ‘India’s Nuclear Titans’
Why in news: The book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans,’ has been edited by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua
Key points:
• The book traces the evolution of India into a nuclear state.
• The book also highlights the pivotal roles played by renowned figures like Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Abdul Kalam, and K. Subrahmanyam, among others.
2. “The Winner’s Mindset”
Why in news: A Book Titled “The Winner’s Mindset,” Authored by Shane Watson
Key points:
• In his book, “The Winner’s Mindset,” Watson shares the insights and strategies that enabled him to conquer his fears and reach new heights in his cricketing career.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. International Dance Day 2024
Why in news: International Dance Day is celebrated annually on April 29th
Key points:
• It stands as a global tribute to the art of dance.
• It was conceived by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
• This day commemorates the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), revered as the progenitor of modern ballet.
SPORTS:
1. Archery World Cup
Why in news: Indian Contingent Won Eight Medals At Archery World Cup In Shanghai
Key points:
• The Indian contingent has won eight medals including 5 Gold, 2 Silver and a bronze so far at Archery World Cup in Shanghai.
• The Indian trio of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav shocked reigning Olympic champions of South Korea in Recurve Men’s Team event to claim the fifth gold.
• Reigning Asian Games champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam added a fourth gold in women’s compound individual section.
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