NATIONAL:
1. BhashaNet Portal
Why in news: Electronics and IT Secretary S. Krishnan Launched BhashaNet Portal in New Delhi
Key points:
• BhashaNet portal is based on concept of Universal Acceptance (UA). in New Delhi.
• It will connect people with a truly multilingual internet.
• BhashaNet portal is such a step, aims to make .in (dot in) universally accepted domain.
• The BhashaNetportal is developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing with support of the National Internet Exchange of India.
2. Marriage Rate in China
Why in news: China’s Marriage Rates Rise
Key points:
• China witnessed a significant increase in the number of couples choosing to marry in 2023.
• Data show 12.4% increase in marriage compared to the previous year.
• The rise in marriage rates comes as the Chinese government ramps up efforts to promote marriage and boost birth rates.
DEFENCE:
1. STEAG (Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group)
Why in news: Indian Army (IA) established specialized technology unit ‘STEAG’ for Future Warfare
Key points:
• STEAG is first of its kind unit to undertake research and evaluation in futuristic communication technologies such as AI, electronic warfare systems, 6G networks, etc.
• It is part of the IA’s “On Path to Transformation” initiative and is in line with making 2024 as the year of technology absorption for the IA.
• Objective: To identify and implement most suitable technologies to enhance IA’s communication infrastructure and nurture technologies across wired and wireless systems.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 Notified
Why in news: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to amend Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016
Key points:
• It inserts new rule for responsibility of panchayats at district level to undertake assessment of plastic waste generated and plastic waste management infrastructure available at District level.
• PWM Rules, 2016 had provisions for responsibility of Gram Panchayat related to waste segregation, collection, storage, etc.
• Who introduces any plastic packaging in the market shall be responsible for collection of such plastic packaging.
ECONOMY:
1. India’s First Small Scale Liquefied Natural Gas (SSLNG) unit at Vijaipur
Why in news: GAIL (India) Limited sets up India’s first Small Scale Liquefied Natural Gas (SSLNG) unit at Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh
Key points:
• Small Scale Liquefied Natural Gas generally refers to supplying gas in its liquid or super-chilled form – LNG – to industrial and commercial consumers through specialised trucks and small vessels in regions not having pipeline connectivity.
• Traditionally, LNG is regasified and supplied through gas pipelines.
• Major use cases for SSLNG include marine fuel, power generation in off-grid locations, transport fuel etc.
• LNG typically comprises of around 90% methane along with ethane, propane, butane and trace amounts of nitrogen.
2. Miniratna Status
Why in news: GRID-INDIA achieved Miniratna Status
Key points:
• Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) has achieved the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
• This recognition was bestowed upon by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA holds the crucial mandate of overseeing the seamless and uninterrupted operation of the Indian Power System.
REPORT:
1. World Happiness Report (WHR) 2024
Why in news: WHR 2024 released by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
Key points:
• India has been ranked 126 out of 143 countries.
• Top 3 countries are Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, respectively.
• Large gap of 6 points (on a scale of 10) between top (Finland) and bottom (Afghanistan) countries.
2. Global Climate Report 2023
Why in news: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its State of the Global Climate Report 2023
Key points:
• 2023 was the warmest year on record.
• The global average near-surface temperature in 2023 was 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above the pre-industrial (1850–1900) average.
• This it became the warmest year in the 174-year observational record.
SPORTS:
1. Opening Ceremony of Paris Games
Why in news: Russian And Belarusian Athletes will Not Allowed to Participate in Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony of Paris Games
Key points:
• Following Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, athletes from Russian and Belarusian were banned from many international sporting events.
• The athletes who will be competing in the Games under a neutral flag will not participate in the parade and teams during the opening ceremony since they are individual athletes.
• Russian and Belarusian athletes who qualify for the Games will do so without their flags and anthems.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. World Forestry Day 2024
Why in news: Every year World Forestry Day is celebrated on March 21st
Key points:
• The United Nations General Assembly established World Forestry Day in 2012 to raise awareness about the vital role of forests and encourage efforts for their conservation and sustainable management.
• The theme for 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”
STATE:
1. Strawberry Festival
Why in news: Meghalaya to Hold Strawberry Festival
Key points:
• The juicy strawberries here are famous throughout the country for their sweetness.
• With the aim of promoting the popularity of Meghalaya’s strawberry, Strawberry Festival will be celebrated in the state from April 5 to 13.
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