NATIONAL:
1. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for upcoming 2024 Parliamentary Elections
Why in news: Election Commission of India (ECI) announced Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for upcoming 2024 Parliamentary Elections
Key points:
• MCC comes into effect after ECI announced that country would vote in seven phases from April 19 to June 1 and results will be announced on June 4.
About MCC:
• It is a set of guidelines laid down by ECI to govern conduct of political parties and candidates in run-up to an election to ensure free and fair elections.
• This is in keeping with Article 324 of Constitution, which gives ECI power to supervise elections to Parliament and State legislatures.
• It is operational from date that the election schedule is announced till date that results are announced.
• It is not enforceable by law, but some provisions are enforceable through corresponding provisions in statues like Representation of People Act, 1951 etc.
Activities Prohibited after Implementation of MCC:
• Candidates cannot announce financial grants.
• Moreover, government cannot launch new projects.
• No promises from authorities related to infrastructure development like roads, etc.
• Prohibition of any ad-hoc appointments in government or public undertakings.
• Ministers or candidates cannot sanction grants or payments from discretionary funds.
• Ban of government resources.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Regional Conference on Rainwater Harvesting & Management
Why in news: In Nepal, the Regional Conference on Rainwater Harvesting and Management is underway in Kathmandu
Key points:
• The two-day conference aims to seek solutions to the increasing water crisis and damages due to excessive rainfall.
2. Presidential Election
Why in news: Vladimir Putin Won Russian Presidential Elections For Record Fifth Term
Key points:
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has clinched a historic fifth term, securing a landslide victory in the presidential polls.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Air Quality Report 2023
Why in news: New Delhi is ranked the world’s most polluted capital city
Key points:
• According to Air Quality Report 2023 conducted by Swiss organisation IQAir, Delhi’s PM2.5 levels worsened from 89.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
• Bihar’s Begusarai has emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area.
• With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre, India had the third worst air quality after Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• The report estimated that more than one billion people in India experience PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended annual guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
DEFENCE:
1. Indian Army Inducted First Apache 451 Aviation Squadron
Why in news: The Indian Army has raised its first squadron, the 451 Aviation Squadron, to operate the newly acquired AH-64E Apache attack helicopters
Key points:
• The squadron was formally established on March 15 at Jodhpur.
• The Army will receive the first batch of three Apache helicopters in May 2023.
• Another three Apaches will be inducted in July 2023.
• In February 2020, India signed a deal worth around $800 million with Boeing for six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army.
2. EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24
Why in news: Tiger Triumph-24 between India and the United States started on March 18 and will continue until March 31
Key points:
• This exercise is taking place on the Eastern Seaboard (East Coast) of India.
• The main purpose of this exercise is to improve cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Value Addition:
• The first Tiger Triumph exercise was held in 2019 for 9 days.
• India and the US also participated in the Milan-24 multilateral naval exercise in February 2024.
• They took part in the Sea-Defenders 2024 maritime security exercise in Port Blair on March 8, 2024.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Gigantic’ Volcano on Mars Traced
Why in news: Researchers has revealed Noctis Volcano, a colossal Martian landmark standing 29,600 feet tall and stretching 450 kilometers wide.
Key points:
• The finding, made possible by data from a suite of missions including NASA’s Mariner 9, Viking Orbiter 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the ESA’s Mars Express.
• Volcanic regions like those surrounding Noctis Volcano may harbor vital clues to Mars’ potential for hosting life.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Vinay Kumar
Why in news: 1992 batch IFS officer Vinay Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Russia.
Key points: Mr. Kumar is presently the Ambassador of India to Myanmar.
STATE/UT:
1. Mission 414
Why in news: Election Commission launched ‘Mission 414’ campaign in Himachal Pradesh to boost voter turnout
Key points: The Election Commission has launched a special campaign in Himachal Pradesh to boost voter turnout in 414 polling stations with less than 60% voting during the last Lok Sabha polls.
Objectives:
• Increasing Voter Turnout:
• Conducting awareness campaigns and cultural events.
• Designating identified stations as model polling stations.
2. Bihar Lok Sabha Election 2024
Why in news: The Lok Sabha elections in Bihar for 2024 are set to take place in seven phases,
Key points: This election is crucial as Bihar holds 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the most significant states in Indian politics.
Bihar Lok Sabha Election 2024 Dates: City-wise List:
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