NATIONAL:
1. Quantum Telecom Network
Why in news – India’s first quantum computing-based telecom network link is now operational in New Delhi.
Key Points –
• The first international quantum enclave held in New Delhi.
About Quantum Computing –
• It uses laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers.
• It mimics the behaviour of atoms and subatomic particles to drastically increase processing speed.
• Quantum superposition - Particles can exist in several states simultaneously.
• It involves qubits.
• Unlike a normal computer bit, which can be either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a multidimensional state.
• Quantum supremacy (claimed by Google) - It describes the point where quantum computers can do things that classical computers cannot. E.g., Google developed a processor that took 200 seconds to do a calculation that would have taken a classical computer 10,000 years.
• Sycamore - Google’s quantum computer.
2. Upward Lightning
Why in news - Brazilian researchers recently took pictures of Upward lightning.
Key Points –
• Upward lightning – Positive upward discharges of electricity from lightning conductor rods, travelling to connect with the negative discharge from lightning in the clouds.
• The vertical elevation of a tall object accentuates the electric field locally on the ground, resulting in conditions favourable for the initiation of an upward streak (called a leader) from a tall object.
3. Swimming from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves
Why in news - IPS officer Krishna Prakash swam from Gateway of India to the Elephanta caves.
Key Points –
• He is the “first person in the world to do so”.
• Distance covered - 16.20 kilometres in 5 hours 26 minutes.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Pearl Town
Why in news - Archaeologists have found the world’s oldest pearl town on an island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Key Points –
• Island - Siniyah Island (Umm al-Quwain emirate).
• Date - late 6th century (pre-Islamic age).
• This is the first time that a physical town has been found across Gulf nations.
• Earlier, archaeologists had discovered an ancient Christian monastery on Siniyah Island.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. Urban Climate Film Festival
Why in news – The first Urban Climate Film Festival was organised in New Delhi through the CITIIS program.
Key Points –
• Organised by - National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with support from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
• The inaugural session was chaired by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa.
National Institute of Urban Affairs –
• A Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
• A national think-tank undertaking cutting-edge multi-disciplinary research in the domain of urban development.
CITIIS (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain) –
• Joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and NIUA.
• It is assisting 12 Smart Cities in India to implement sustainable urban infrastructure projects.
ECONOMY:
1. GI (Geographical Indication) Tag
Why in news – The Geographical Indication Registry under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has accorded GI tag to 3 products.
Key Points –
• Products –
(a) Sundarja mangoes (Rewa, Madhya Pradesh)
(b) Gajak (Morena, Madhya Pradesh)
(c) Nagari Dubraj rice (Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh).
• Sundarja mango – It is fiber-free and its sugar can be consumed even by sugar patients.
• Gajak is a type of sweets.
• GI tag was started in 2003. First GI tag in India - Darjeeling Tea of West Bengal (2004).
2. $750 Billion Exports
Why in news – India’s overall exports crossed an all time high of $750 billion
Key Points –
• Exports increased from US$ 500 billion in 2020-21 to US$ 676 billion in 2021–22.
SCIENCE – TECHNOLOGY:
1. 3D Printed Rocket
Why in news - A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts made its launch debut.
Key Points –
• Launched by - Relativity Space.
• Lifted off from - Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA.
• But, it crashed into the Atlantic ocean
About 3D printing (additive manufacturing) –
• It uses computer-aided design (CAD) to create three-dimensional objects
• It is achieved using additive processes
• Additive process - An object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created.
• It enables us to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.
• 3-D Printer - It builds up a 3D model one layer at a time, from the bottom upward using fused depositional modeling (FDM) method
• 3D printing ink - Plastic, resin, thermoplastic, metal, fiber or ceramic.
• Applications - Preparation of confectionery items, Manufacture of bionic ears, Automotive industry etc.
National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (2022) –
• By - Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim - to increase India’s share in global additive manufacturing to 5% by 2025.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Forbes India Leadership Awards 2023
Why in news – It was held on March 24 in Mumbai.
Key Points –
• “Gennext Entrepreneur” award - Isha Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Retail.
• 'CEO of the Year' award - CK Venkataraman, MD of Titan Company.
• 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award - Abhay Soi.
BIHAR:
1. Patna High Court
Why in news – Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran took oath as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court on March 29, 2023.
Key Points –
• He took oath as the 44th Chief Justice of Patna High Court.
• The oath was administered by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• Chief Justice Vinod Chandran's tenure would end in April 2025.
POINTERS:
• Who has been appointed by Reliance Industries as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Srikanth Venkatachari.
• What is the new interest rate increased by Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) for the financial year 2022-23 - 8.15%.
• The Chief Minister of which state has launched the “Pathashree-Rastashree” scheme for the development of rural roads - West Bengal.
• Which country's electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio Inc has started trials for high-speed electric-vehicle battery swapping stations – China.
• IMF has provided $80.77 million in Emergency Financing Support to which African country - Burkina Faso.
• A pocket-friendly device has been developed by the researchers of which IIT to detect adulteration in milk in 30 seconds - IIT Madras.
• In which country Russia has announced to deploy nuclear weapons – Belarus.
• Who has been honored with a special literary award by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (OSWAAL) - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Where has 'Aerator cum Dancing Fountain' been inaugurated – Srinagar.
• Who will be the next Ambassador of India to the Islamic Republic of Iran - Rudra Gaurav Shresth.