NATIONAL:
1. ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ Programme
Why in news: PM Modi launches several development projects worth over 6,400 crore rupees from Srinagar
Key points:
• The Prime Minister participated in the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme during his visit to Kashmir.
• This is Mr. Modi’s first visit to Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
• Earlier, the Prime Minister launched the 5,000 crore Rs worth programme - the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ - for boosting agri-economy in J&K.
• He also launched multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than 1,400 crore Rs under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme.
• He also launched the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar.
2. “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” Project
Why in news: PM Modi to lay foundation stone of “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” project
Key points:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” project in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
• The Prime Minister will also inaugurate development works under the Prasad Scheme in Amarkantak. It
• Includes development around Narmada Temple, expansion of tourist and public facilities in Amarkantak.
3. Reforms in the Recruitment, Promotion, and Incentive Mechanisms for Athletes
Why in news: Medal winners of Khelo India Games are now eligible for government Jobs
Key points:
• The Department of Personnel and Training and Sports Ministry have made progressive revisions to the eligibility criteria for sportspersons seeking government jobs.
• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has announced that medal winners at the Khelo India Games—spanning Youth, University, Para, and Winter categories are now eligible for government jobs.
4. Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP)
Why in news: India's First City-Specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP) launched in Nagpur
Key points:
• Nagpur’s ZCBAP aims at developing all buildings to be net zero carbon by 2050.
• Zero carbon buildings are buildings that improve their lifecycle environmental performance without compromising visual and thermal comforts.
• ZCBAP in Nagpur has been developed jointly with implementing partners of Zero Carbon Building Accelerator (ZCBA) project.
• ZCBA project was launched by World Resources Institute (WRI) in 2021 along with its global partners.
• Nagpur is one of six global cities (other in Kenya, Costa Rica, Turkey, and Colombia) where ZCBA project is being implemented.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Maldives
Why in news: Maldives signed China military pact
Key points:
• The Maldives signs a 'military assistance' deal with China, marking a significant shift away from India.
• Relations with New Delhi became tense when Male ordered Indian troops to leave the archipelago.
• India and Maldives had historically enjoyed good relations, which turned sour after pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu came to power on an "India Out" platform in last year's elections.
• The islands, which lie in a strategically important position halfway along major east-west shipping routes, have long been considered by India as part of its sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean.
DEFENCE:
1. INS Jatayu
Why in news: Navy commissions strategically important ‘INS Jatayu’ base in Lakshadweep Islands
Key points:
• INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
• Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar commissioned the new base at a function held in Minicoy.
• Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, 215 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
• This strategic move aims to enhance the Navy’s capabilities and reach in the vital Indian Ocean region.
ECONOMY:
1. 1600 MW Singrauli Super Thermal Power Project (Stage II)
Why in news: BHEL bags order to set up 1,600 MW thermal project from NTPC
Key points:
• The project will be executed at an estimated cost of INR 9,500 Crore.
• The scope of work involves the construction of 2×800 MW thermal power units at the Singrauli Plant in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
STATE/UT:
1. AI Centre in Karnataka
Why in news: Karnataka-WEF agree to set up world-class Centre for Artificial Intelligence in state
Key points:
• This will be the WEF's only centre dedicated to AI in India.
• The Karnataka centre will be part of the WEF Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network.
• The centre will play a pivotal role in establishing industry-academia networks.
2. Electricity Bill Waiver for Farmers
Why in news: Uttar Pradesh government has announced a complete waiver of electricity bills for private tube wells owned by farmers
Key points:
• It will be effective from April 1, 2023.
• To facilitate the implementation of this significant policy, the Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked a substantial sum of ?1,800 crore in the 2024-2025 budget.
• The promise of a 100% rebate was made in the Budget 2023, and with the latest announcement, the government has now fully realized this commitment.
3. New Climate Strategy Project in Bihar
Why in news: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Bihar Climate Action Conclave in Patna
Key points:
• He unveiled the draft of the “Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway for Bihar,” the first of its kind in the country.
• He also launched 26 projects worth ?108.33 crore from the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (DoEFCC).
• He additionally unveiled an integrated dashboard for air quality monitoring sensors installed in all 543 block offices in the State.
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