NATIONAL:
1. Startup Mahakumbh
Why in news: Three Day Startup Mahakumbh Began in Delhi
Key points:
• This startup event aims at connecting startups with a spectrum of inventors including venture capitalists, investors and potential corporate partners.
• The Startup India initiative was launched in 2016.
2. Arabian Sea Operation
Why in news: Indian Navy conducted 40-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea
Key points:
• The Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata is set to bring 35 apprehended pirates to India.
• The Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata has taken 35 sea pirates into custody and is being brought to India along with the 17 crew members rescued after the major operation.
• INS Kolkata was mission-deployed in the Arabian Sea.
• It thwarted the designs of the Somali pirates to hijack ships transiting through the region by intercepting the pirate ship.
3. Sheetal Devi As National PWD Icon
Why in news: EC Announced Para Archer & Arjuna Awardee Sheetal Devi as National PwD Icon
Key points:
• Election Commission has announced Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee, Sheetal Devi as its National PwD Icon.
• Her name was announced at an Exhibition Cricket Match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association Team and the Delhi and District Cricket Association team held in Delhi.
• The match was organised by the Election Commission in association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to foster voter education and inclusivity.
4. India’s First Indoor Athletics and Aquatic Centres
Why in news: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated India's first indoor athletics stadium and indoor aquatic centre at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneshwar
Key points:
• The newly developed indoor athletics stadium is the first of its kind in India.
• It has facilities to host national and international athletic events.
• The stadium, built at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore, can accommodate 120 athletes for full-time coaching.
5. India-Brazil Relation
Why in news: India and Brazil held First ‘2+2’ Defence and Foreign Ministerial Dialogue
Key points:
• In 2+2 Dialogue, both countries explored ways to expand cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, and counter-terrorism.
• 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers from two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest.
• India has 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with US, Australia, Japan etc.
ECONOMY:
1. India’s Forex Reserves
Why in news: India's foreign exchange reserves soared to a two-year high of $636.1 billion, with a $10.47 billion increase marking the highest weekly rise since July 2023
Key points:
• Reserves rose by $10.47 billion during the week, the highest weekly increase since July 14, 2023.
• The current level of reserves stands close to the all-time high of $645 billion achieved in October 2021.
• Foreign currency assets surged by $8.12 billion to reach $562.4 billion.
• Gold reserves saw a notable increase of $2.3 billion, reaching $50.72 billion as of March 18, 2024.
• SDRs increased by $31 million to $18.21 billion.
• Reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rose by $19 million to $4.82 billion.
DEFENCE:
1. LAMITIYE-2024
Why in news: Indian Army Contingent to Participate In Tenth Edition Of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” in Seychelles
Key points:
• Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” is to be held between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces SDF.
• LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Europa Clipper Mission
Why in news: In October, NASA's Europa Clipper mission aims to explore Europa for signs of life
Key points:
• Scientists are particularly interested in a potential salty lake hidden beneath its icy crust.
• As part of this mission, NASA plans to send a unique message to Europa, symbolizing human curiosity and creativity.
• The spacecraft will carry a triangular metal plate engraved with “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa” by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón.
• Additionally, it will hold a silicon microchip featuring over 2.6 million names submitted by the public.
• Last year, NASA conducted a “Message in a Bottle” campaign, inviting the public to submit their names to be included on the spacecraft.
2. Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)
Why in news: Government launched National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)
Key points:
• Launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NAP-SE aims at systematic reduction of snakebite envenoming risk.
• Its vision is to reduce snakebite deaths and disability cases by halve by 2030, through ‘One Health’ approach.
• One Health is an integrated approach to sustainably balance and optimize health of people, animals and ecosystems.
• It envisages step-wise approach for states/ union territories to develop their own action plan as per their needs.
AWARDS/HONOURS:
1. Diana Memorial Award
Why in news: Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta from India were honored with the prestigious 'Diana Memorial Award' on 14 March 2024
Key points:
• This award is given every two years in memory of Princess Diana.
• It recognizes exceptional youth for their social work or humanitarian services.
• Uday Bhatia is an inventor from Delhi.
• His company, Uday Electric, founded by the 18-year-old, is headquartered in Delhi.
• Uday’s low-cost invention can provide relief from power cuts.
• Manasi Gupta is a mental health campaigner from Haryana.
• The Huesothemind Foundation, founded by Manasi Gupta, is headquartered in Gurugram.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Rahul Singh
Why in news: Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Key points:
• Rahul Singh will succeed Nidhi Chhibber, who has been named Advisor in the Niti Aayog.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Singh, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Bihar cadre, as chairperson, CBSE.
2. Navneet Sehgal
Why in news: Retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board
Key points:
• Sehgal is a retired IAS officer of the 1988 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
• He has been closely associated with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
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