NATIONAL:
1. 'Designated Indian Carrier'
Why in news - The finance ministry has recognized Akasa Air as a ‘designated Indian carrier’, bolstering the airline's international flight ambition.
Key Points -
• Akasa Air will operate its first international flight between Mumbai and Doha from March 28.
• Akasa Air became the first Indian airline to take to global skies within 19 months of commencing its operations.
• An airline must have 20 planes in its fleet to start international operations.
2. Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)
Why in news - World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) inaugurated at Hyderabad.
Key Points -
• This C4IR will be the world's first thematic centre which will focus on healthcare and life sciences.
• The inauguration was done during 21st edition of Bio Asia 2024.
• WEF’s C4IR initiative is aimed at harnessing potential of technological progress for equitable and human-centred transformation of industries, economies and societies.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Africa Club
Why in news - African Union established Africa Club at its 37th Summit at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Key Points -
• Africa Club is also known as the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).
• Coalition of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AMFIs) to address shortcomings in global and continental financial architecture.
• Membership will be open to all African Multilateral Financial Institutions.
2. Nature Restoration Law (NRL)
Why in news - European Parliament adopted NRL to restore 20% of EU’s land and sea.
Key Points -
• NRL will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states.
• It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
• It will help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives, and enhance food security.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:
1. SWAYAM Plus Platform
Why in news - Ministry of Education launched the SWAYAM Plus Platform.
Key Points -
• In alignment with NEP 2020, the SWAYAM Plus platform will now include courses supporting industry needs that enhance learners’ employability.
• The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) will be operating the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ Platform.
• SWAYAM, the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform providing educational opportunities for a vast number of learners, was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2017.
2. Harit Nauka Initiative
Why in news - The Prime Minister launched India's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative.
Key Points -
• It is manufactured by Cochin Shipyard.
• Harit Nauka – Green Transition Guidelines for Inland Vessels has been launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• It aims at laying out Central Government’s focus on bringing about the shift of inland vessels to greener technologies.
RANKS & INDICES:
1. 12th International IP (Intellectual Property) Index
Why in news - The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12th edition of its International IP (intellectual property) Index.
Key Points -
• India ranked at 42 out of the 55 countries in the index (overall score - 38.64%).
• Top 3 - United States (1st), United Kingdom (2nd) and France (3rd).
• Policymakers in India are recognizing the critical link between IP rights and economic activity, which will underscore India’s global competitiveness.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Clean Air Flagship
Why in news - Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched Clean Air Flagship.
Key Points -
• It was launched at the Climate and Clean Air Ministerial meeting 2023.
• Clean Air Flagship promotes actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants that have quick impacts on global warming, air quality, food security and human health.
SCIENCE - TECH:
1. Juice Jacking
Why in news - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warned users against charging mobile phones using public ports amidst the rising incidents of juice jacking.
Key Points -
• It is a form of cyberattack where hackers load malware with public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices.
• These kinds of attacks are mainly reported from public spaces such as airports, hotels, and shopping centres.
2. Space Infrastructure Projects
Why in news - Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated three Space Infrastructure Projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala worth around Rs 1800 crores.
Key Points -
Three projects include -
(a) PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota to boost frequency of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launches from 6 to 15 per year.
(b) Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri.
(c) Trisonic Wind Tunnel at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Justice A M Khanwilkar
Why in news - Justice A M Khanwilkar was appointed the chairperson of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal.
Key Points -
• The government has also appointed six members, including three judicial members, to the Lokpal.
• The first Lokpal chairperson was former Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, who had assumed office in March 2019.
Value Addition -
• Lokpal is a multi-member body that consists of one chairperson and a maximum of 8 members (1+8)
• Chairperson of the Lokpal should be either the former Chief Justice of India or the former Judge of Supreme Court or an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability.
• The Lokpal chairperson and the members are appointed for a term of five years or serve till they are 70 years old, whichever is earlier.
• The judicial member of the Lokpal is either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a High Court.
• The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
SPORTS:
1. Elena Norman
Why in news - Hockey India’s CEO Elena Norman resigned.
Key Points -
• Norman quit because of ‘unpaid wages and difficult working atmosphere’.
• It comes shortly after India women’s head coach Janneke Schopman resigned.
2. Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024
Why in news - India wrapped up its campaign at the Asian Track Cycling Championship with an impressive haul of 9 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze.
Key Points -
• Para cyclists contributed eight gold and four silver to the Indian medal tally.
• Top 3 -
BIHAR:
1. Crime Control Bills
Why in news - Two Bills related to crime control were passed in the assembly.
Key Points -
The bills are -
(a) Bihar Control of Crime Bill, 2024
(b) Bihar Public Security Enforcement Bill, 2024.
• The Bills have been introduced to crack down on trafficking, sexual offences, illegal mining, prohibition, and violations of the IT Act.
• Bihar Control of Crime Act, 2024, will replace the Bihar Crime Control Act, 1981.
• Bihar Public Security Enforcement Act, 2024 allows the government to install CCTV cameras around institutions, and at all nodal points, like bus stands, to track the criminals.
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