Daily GK Update- 27th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ECI launched Saksham app to facilitate easier voting for PwD: Election Commission has launched the Saksham App to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process. This initiative aims to address the needs of voters above 85 years of age and Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) with a 40 percent benchmark disability, allowing them to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes. These targeted measures by the Election Commission signify a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process with ease and dignity.

 

2. Bharat Biotech starts clinical trials of Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC in India: Bharat Biotech International Ltd started clinical trials of the Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC on adults in India. This is the first vaccine against Tuberculosis derived from a human source by the Spanish bio-pharmaceutical company, Biofabri. The trials are carried out by Bharat Biotech in close collaboration with Biofabri. After completing a dose escalation trial in HIV uninfected adults, a Phase2 study in HIV-infected adults has started in 2024 to determine whether MTBVAC is safe in this population.

 

3. From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond authored by S Raman: A book titled “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond “ is written by S Raman. S Raman, who retired as CMD of Canara Bank, and as a wholetime Member of the board of SEBI, rose to the top, having started his career as a clerk with SBI. Within two years, he was selected as a direct recruit officer in Bank of India and rose meteorically to be an Executive Director in Union Bank and then as CMD of Canara. He hails from a middle-class Tamil family in Hyderabad.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Harivansh attends 148th assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union in Switzerland’s Geneva: An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh participated in the 148th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegation attended the meetings of the IPU Asia Pacific Geo Political Group, APG BRICS Parliamentary Coordination Forum and IPU Forum of Women Parliamentarians. It also held a bilateral meeting with the Parliamentary delegation of Thailand. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral Parliamentary cooperation.

 

2. Mumbai Overtakes Beijing to Become Asia’s Billionaire Capital: Hurun Report: Mumbai has dethroned Beijing as Asia’s billionaire capital, marking a historic milestone in the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2024. With 271 billionaires, India now stands third globally in terms of billionaire count. The report unveils a total of 3,279 billionaires globally, with 167 additions in the past year. While China maintained its lead with 814 billionaires, India added nearly 100 new billionaires, while China saw a decline of 155. The top 10 cities with billionaires include, New York, London, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Moscow, New Delhi, and San Francisco.

 

3. Soumendu Bagchi appointed India’s next ambassador to Iraq: Soumendu Bagchi, currently a deputy director general at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), has been appointed as the country’s next envoy to Iraq. Bagchi is a 1993-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). While, Abhilasha Joshi, presently additional secretary in the ministry, has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to the Republic of Chile. Joshi is a 1995-batch IFS officer.

 

4. 25 March – International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed every year on 25 March. The day marked anniversary of abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009. The day is to observed year on 25 March to mobilise action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.

 

5. 26 March – Purple Day of Epilepsy: World Purple Day, also known as Epilepsy Awareness Day is observed every year on 26 March. This day holds special significance as it aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. World Purple Day traces its origins back to 2008 when Cassidy Megan, a young Canadian girl, initiated the idea to increase awareness about epilepsy.

 

6. March 27 – World Theatre Day: World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27 to honour the art of theatre. Objective – To raise awareness about the role of theatre in our lives, and to promote its growth. The history of World Theatre Day dates back to 1962, when the first World Theatre Day was celebrated.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sreeja Akula wins women’s singles title at WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024: In Table Tennis, India’s Sreeja Akula won the women’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 table tennis tournament at the Al Kawthar Secondary School in Lebanon. Akula, the world No. 47, beat Luxembourg’s Sarah De Nutte to win what was her second WTT singles career title. The 25-year-old’s maiden crown came at the Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 in Texas. For the mixed doubles crown, India’s Poymantee Baisya and Akash Pal beat Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra, while in Men’s Doubles Final, Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar won the event of the WTT Feeder Beirut- II tournament in Lebanon.

 

2. Carlos Sainz wins F1 Australian GP: Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz ended Red Bull’s Formula 1 winning streak by winning the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz, who started on the front row alongside Verstappen, kept his place into turn one, but passed the Dutchman on lap two at turn nine for the lead and took control once his rival retired two laps later with a fiery mechanical failure. Verstappen had won the first two F1 races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and was on a nine-race winning streak.

 

3. Kenya allrounder Collins Obuya retires from cricket: Kenya allrounder Collins Obuya has retired from cricket following their defeat to Uganda in the third-place play-off match in the African Games. A leg spinning allrounder, Obuya played 104 ODIs for Kenya, scoring 2044 runs and taking 35 wickets. He is their third-highest run-scorer in the format, with Kenya stripped of their ODI status in 2014. He is also Kenya’s highest run-scorer in T20Is, with 1794 runs from 76 appearances.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank & NPCI partner for contactless payments: Federal Bank has launched a RuPay smart key chain called ‘Flash Pay’ for contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) payments at enabled metro stations and PoS terminals. Customers can make payments up to ₹5,000 without a PIN, whereas those over ₹5,000 will require PIN authentication. The per day limit at any PoS terminal has been capped at ₹1 lakh. ‘Flash Pay’ allows users to make secure payments with just a tap, eliminating the need for physical cards or cash.

 

2. Government allocated Rs 6200 cr to boost RRB: The union government has allocated Rs 6212.03 crore to regional rural banks under the recapitalization scheme. Under the scheme, recapitalization support is provided to RRBs to maintain the minimum prescribed capital-to-risk (Weighted) Assets ratio of nine per cent. The performance of RRBs has improved significantly, with a consolidated CRAR (Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio) at an all-time high of 13.83 per cent as of December 31, 2023. Indian RRBs have shown the highest ever consolidated net profit of Rs 4,974 crores in FY22-23 and a net profit of Rs 5,236 crore up to the 3rd quarter of FY 2023-24.

 

3. Star Housing Finance partners with Tata Capital Housing Finance: Star Housing Finance (Star HFL) has entered into a co-lending partnership with Tata Capital Housing Finance (TCHFL). The partnership aims to leverage domain of Star HFL in low ticket affordable housing finance space and the mutual synergies arising out of operations. Star HFL branch network across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, NCR and Tamil Nadu would be utilized in this partnership to provide housing finance assistance predominantly to home buyers in economically weaker section (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) segment.

4. LIC world’s strongest insurance brand: Brand Finance Insurance: Insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the strongest insurance brand globally, according to a report Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024. The report said that LIC’s brand value remains steady at USD 9.8 billion, accompanied by a brand strength index score of 88.3 and an associated AAA brand strength rating. Following LIC, the rankings highlight Cathay Life Insurance as the second strongest brand, experiencing a 9 per cent increase in brand value to USD 4.9 billion, closely followed by NRMA Insurance, which saw an 82 per cent rise in brand value to USD 1.3 billion.

Daily GK Update- 26th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tech Mahindra collaborates with IBM to drive digital adoption: IT services and consultation company Tech Mahindra has collaborated with American technology firm IBM to set up a ‘Synergy Lounge‘ in its Sinin its Singapore campus, to assist enterprises in operationalizing and deriving value from next-gen technologies. This collaboration seeks to leverage next-gen technologies to drive innovation and offer unique solutions to various industries. Built on the Hex-I concept, the Lounge will feature different experience zones fzones focusing on various technologies that will help enterprises solve complex business problems, improve customer experiences, reduce operational costs, and enhance workforce efficiency.

 

2. Mariam Mammen Mathew to chair DNPA: Chief Executive Officer, Manorama Online, Mariam Mammen Mathew has been appointed as chairperson of Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) for two years from April 1. She will be succeeding Tanmay Maheshwari, the Managing Director (MD) of Amar Ujala. Mathew served as the vice-chairperson during Maheshwari’s chairmanship. Puneet Gupt, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Times Internet, has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of DNPA, while Puneet Jain, the CEO of Digital HT Media, continues in his role as the treasurer.

 

3. ‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate stranded Indians in Haiti launched: India has launched ‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate its citizens stranded in war-torn Haiti amid the intense fighting between the armed groups and the government. 12 citizens have been successfully rescued to the Caribbean nation Dominican Republic and further thanked its government for their support.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 23 March – World Meteorological Day: The World Meteorological Day is observed every year on 23 March. It commemorates the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The day highlights the essential role that the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) plays towards the safety and well-being of society. Theme 2024 – At the Frontline of Climate Action World Meteorological Day was established in 1950 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to commemorate the entry into force of the World Meteorological Organization Convention on 23 March 1950.

 

2. 25 March – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on 25 March. The day honours and remembers those who suffered and died as a consequence of the transatlantic slave trade. The day was first observed in 2007 by the United Nations.

3. New Zealand bans disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes: The New Zealand government will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, increase fines on retailers that sell to those younger than 18 years old and better regulate retailers. The New Zealand government has received significant criticism for rolling back a world-first law banning tobacco sales for future generations. It is committed to reducing smoking but is just taking a different approach, including further regulations around vaping.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran won WTT Feeder Beirut 2024 men’s title: Star paddler G. Sathiyan has become the first-ever Indian to win a men’s singles trophy at a WTT Feeder Series event in Beirut, Lebanon. He defeated compatriot Manav Thakkar 3-1 (6-11 11-7 11-7 11-4) on the final day of WTT Feeder Beirut 2024. In the women’s singles event, Xia Lian Ni claimed her second WTT Feeder title, exhibiting an excellent performance to defeat Suh Hyo Won with a score of 11-9 11-5 11-5.

 

2. Sharath Kamal to be Indian Flagbearer at Paris Olympics 2024: Ace table tennis player Sharath Kamal will be the Indian team’s flagbearer for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. While Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom has been named as the chef de mission for the Summer Games.

Ranked World No. 88, Kamal has won the national table tennis championship a record 10 times. He has also claimed 13 medals at the CWG, including seven golds, and has earned two medals at the Asian Games. The legendary table tennis player is also a three-time bronze medalist at the World Championships.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. THDC bags ‘The GEEF Global Environment Award 2024’ in power industry: THDC India Limited has been awarded in the gold category for the prestigious ‘The GEEF Global Environment Award 2024’ in the power industry. The company has been consistently establishing new benchmarks in the energy sector and conferring this award is testimony of a display of professionalism and sensitivity to address environmental concerns in its journey of providing affordable power to all. The award ceremony was part of the Global Clean Energy Summit-2024 and the Global Environment – Safety Awards 2024 held at JW Marriott Aerocity, New Delhi.

 

2. Nishant gets 29th Devi Shankar Awasthi Award: Young poet critic Nishant has been given the 29th Devi Shankar Awasthi Award for the year 2023. Nishant has given this honor for his criticism book ‘Kavita Pathak Aalochna’. The honor selection committee included senior writers Mridula Garg, Sudhir Chandra, Purushottam Ashok Vajpayee and Kamlesh Awasthi.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 25th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mariam Mammen Mathew to chair DNPA: Chief Executive Officer, Manorama Online, Mariam Mammen Mathew has been appointed as chairperson of Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) for two years from April 1. She will be succeeding Tanmay Maheshwari, the Managing Director (MD) of Amar Ujala. Mathew served as the vice-chairperson during Maheshwari’s chairmanship. Puneet Gupt, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Times Internet, has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of DNPA, while Puneet Jain, the CEO of Digital HT Media, continues in his role as the treasurer.

 

2. Election Commission of India’s Initiatives for Accessible Voting: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched several initiatives to ensure accessible voting for all citizens, with a special focus on elderly voters and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The ECI’s motto, “no voter is left behind,” underscores its commitment ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate stranded Indians in Haiti launched: India has launched ‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate its citizens stranded in war-torn Haiti amid the intense fighting between the armed groups and the government. 12 citizens have been successfully rescued to the Caribbean nation Dominican Republic and further thanked its government for their support.

 

2. New Zealand bans disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes: The New Zealand government will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, increase fines on retailers that sell to those younger than 18 years old and better regulate retailers. The New Zealand government has received significant criticism for rolling back a world-first law banning tobacco sales for future generations. It is committed to reducing smoking but is just taking a different approach, including further regulations around vaping.

 

3. 23 March – World Tuberculosis Day: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24th. Objective – To raise awareness around the disease, increase efforts to eradicate the disease, and mobilise support for those affected by TB. Theme 2024 – Yes! We can end TB March 24, 1882 is considered a significant date in the battle against tuberculosis as it is on this day that Dr Robert Koch discovered the bacteria that causes TB.

 

4. 25 March – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on 25 March. The day honours and remembers those who suffered and died as a consequence of the transatlantic slave trade. The day was first observed in 2007 by the United Nations.

 

5. Biden Signs $1.2 Trillion Funding Package averting Shut-down: On March 24, 2024, US President Joe Biden signed into law a long-awaited $1.2 trillion funding package passed by Congress, keeping federal agencies running through September and averting a damaging partial government shutdown. Background The funding package, which represents the ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 23 March – Shaheed Diwas: Every year, Shaheed Diwas, or Martyrs’ Day, is observed in India on March 23 in remembrance of the three brave martyrs of the nation. It was on March 23, 1931, when freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, along with his associates Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, were hanged to death by the British. People on this day remember and pay tribute to all the valiant warriors who fought to protect our country and sacrificed their lives during the Indian freedom struggle.

 

SPORTS

 

1. 3rd edition of North East Games 2024 begins In Nagaland: In Nagaland, the 3rd edition of North East Games 2024 kick-started with a glittering opening ceremony at Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially declared open the 3rd North East Games 2024. More than 3000 athletes from eight North Eastern states are competing in 15 disciplines being held in 12 venues across three districts Chumoukedima, Dimapur and Kohima. Highlights of event include Archery, Athletics, Badminton Basketball, Boxing, football, lawn tennis, Pencak Silat, S, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, And Wushu.

 

2. Sharath Kamal to be Indian Flagbearer at Paris Olympics 2024: Ace table tennis player Sharath Kamal will be the Indian team’s flagbearer for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. While Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom has been named as the chef de mission for the Summer Games.

Ranked World No. 88, Kamal has won the national table tennis championship a record 10 times. He has also claimed 13 medals at the CWG, including seven golds, and has earned two medals at the Asian Games. The legendary table tennis player is also a three-time bronze medalist at the World Championships.

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. THDC bags ‘The GEEF Global Environment Award 2024’ in power industry
: THDC India Limited has been awarded in the gold category for the prestigious ‘The GEEF Global Environment Award 2024’ in the power industry. The company has been consistently establishing new benchmarks in the energy sector and conferring this award is testimony of a display of professionalism and sensitivity to address environmental concerns in its journey of providing affordable power to all. The award ceremony was part of the Global Clean Energy Summit-2024 and the Global Environment – Safety Awards 2024 held at JW Marriott Aerocity, New Delhi.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Election Commission of India’s Initiatives for Accessible Voting: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched several initiatives to ensure accessible voting for all citizens, with a special focus on elderly voters and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The ECI’s motto, “no voter is left behind,” underscores its commitment ..

 

2. Tata Cummins Inaugurates Hydrogen ICE Manufacturing Facility: Tata Cummins Private Limited (TCPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. USA, has inaugurated a new factory in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, to produce hydrogen-based internal combustion engines (ICEs) for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Facility Details The ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN Adopts First Global Resolution on Artificial Intelligence: On March 24, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the first global resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including Russia, China, and Cuba, aims to ensure that ..

 

2. Biden Signs $1.2 Trillion Funding Package averting Shut-down: On March 24, 2024, US President Joe Biden signed into law a long-awaited $1.2 trillion funding package passed by Congress, keeping federal agencies running through September and averting a damaging partial government shutdown. Background The funding package, which represents the ..

 

3. World Tuberculosis Day: World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and the efforts made to eliminate it. It provides recognition to health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates in the fight ..

 

4. PM Modi receives Bhutan’s ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a 2-day state visit to Bhutan on Friday, amidst efforts by Bhutan and China to resolve their border dispute and Beijing’s attempts to establish diplomatic links with the Himalayan nation. The visit saw the ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Australia’s SSN-AUKUS Submarine Program: Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States entered into a trilateral security partnership called AUKUS to build nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The program, known as SSN-AUKUS, is a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between the ..

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Pushpak: ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its third mission involving the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named “Pushpak” on March 22, 2024. The launch took place at approximately 7 a.m. from the Chalakere Runway in Karnataka’s Aeronautical Test Range .

 

Daily GK Update- 23rd Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IGNCA Released Two Literary Works: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) released two literary works aimed at deepening the understanding of India-Japan cultural connections.The books namely Siddham Calligraphy of Sanskrit Hieronyms and Sanskrit Manuscripts from Japan, Volume I were released by Member Secretary of IGNCA Sachchidanand Joshi, Advisor (Japan) in Ministry of External Affairs Ashok Chawla and First Secretary at Japanese Embassy Takashi Kobayashi among others in New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 59th ITEC Day Celebrated In Kathmandu: The Embassy of India, Kathmandu celebrated the 59th Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day. In the past 15 years alone, more than 2,000 officials from Nepal have been trained under ITEC. These capacity-building programmes form a part of India’s effort to not only support human resource development of Nepal along with learning experiences for India to contribute to the overall socio-economic benefit of the region.

 

2. World Meteorological Day 2024: 23 March : ‘World Meteorological Day’ is celebrated every year on 23 March. It is a global event celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The main objective of celebrating this day every year is to make people aware about meteorology and the continuous changes taking place in it. The theme of ‘WMD’ this year in 2024 is “At the frontline of climate action”.

 

3. Simon Harris: Ireland’s New Prime Minister: Simon Harris is an Irish politician who is the current favourite to become Ireland’s next Prime Minister (Taoiseach) following the surprise resignation of Leo Varadkar. Harris, 37, is currently the Minister for Further and Higher Education and has been a ..

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Pushpak: ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its third mission involving the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named “Pushpak” on March 22, 2024. The launch took place at approximately 7 a.m. from the Chalakere Runway in Karnataka’s Aeronautical Test Range ..

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Modi receives Bhutan’s ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’: PM Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo,' the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour. The award has been conferred to PM Modi in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations and for his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people. India’s decision to double its assistance for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan from Rs 5000 crore  to Rs 10000 crore.

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GRID-INDIA is now a Miniratna Company: Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) achieved a significant milestone by being conferred with the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). This recognition, bestowed upon by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, underscores GRID-INDIA’s pivotal role in the nation’s power landscape. Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA holds the crucial mandate of overseeing the seamless and uninterrupted operation of the Indian Power System, ensuring the efficient transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating trans-national power exchanges with a focus on reliability, economy, and sustainability.

 

2. 47th Meeting of National Committee of Archivists held in Srinagar: The two-days’ 47th Meeting of the National Committee of Archivists (NCA) was concluded at the Sher-e Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Delegates from Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the meeting.

 

3. 4th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Startup Forum organized in New Delhi: The fourth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Startup Forum was organized in New Delhi. The initiative focused on broadening startup interactions among the SCO Member States, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, promoting job creation, and inspiring young talent to develop innovative solutions. The plenary session of the forum witnessed physical participation from SCO Member States including a delegation of SCO startups, nodal agencies for startups at the Member States, senior government officials and diplomats.

 

4. Bhushan Gagrani appointed new Mumbai civic commissioner: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Maharashtra government to appoint senior IAS officer Bhushan Gagrani as the new Mumbai municipal commissioner. Gagrani, till now serving as additional chief secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), will replace Iqbal Singh Chahal, who has been moved out from the post of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner on EC orders. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, will vote in five phases in April-May.

 

5. M V Rao elected as chairman of Indian Banks’ Association: MD and CEO of Central Bank of India, M V Rao has been elected as Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association. Rao has been elected as IBA Chairman for the term 2023-24 at a meeting of the Managing Committee of IBA. Three Deputy Chairmen for IBA would be Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India (SBI); S L Jain, MD and CEO, Indian Bank and N Kamakodi, Managing Director and CEO, City Union Bank. Madhav Nair, Country Head and CEO, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, would be Honorary Secretary of the Association.

 

6. Naveen Jindal elected the President of ISA: Noted industrialist and former member of Parliament Naveen Jindal has been elected as the President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA).

He replaced Dilip Oommen, CEO, AMNS India and Executive Vice President, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India. Naveen Jindal is currently the chairman of Jindal Steel & Power (JSP), India’s leading Industrial conglomerate with interests in steel, mining and infrastructure sector.

 

7. 22 March – Bihar Diwas: Bihar Day is celebrated every year on 22 March in India. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of Bihar state in 1912. The state was previously part of the Bengal Presidency. The first Bihar Diwas event was organized in 2010 to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the state.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ITU elects India as co-chair of its Digital Innovation Board: Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, led a high-level delegation to Geneva for a series of crucial meetings at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters. The visit focused on fostering collaboration and exploring innovative initiatives in the telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has selected 17 organizations from around the world to host Network of Acceleration Centres with the Global Innovation Centre at ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre, New Delhi, India to coordinate the efforts of Network Acceleration centres around the globe.

 

2. 21 March – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on 21st March. This day reminds us about the negative consequences of racial discrimination. Theme 2024 – A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent This date marks the day when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

 

3. 21 March – World Down Syndrome Day: World Down Syndrome Day is observed every year on 21 March. Objective – To raise awareness about the discrimination faced by people with Down Syndrome. In 2012, World Down Syndrome Day was officially announced by the United Nations to be celebrated on March 21 every year. The date was chosen keeping in mind the 21st chromosome that is responsible for causing Down Syndrome. Since then, the special day is observed every year on March 21.

 

4. 22 March – World Water Day: World Water Day is celebrated every year on 22 March. It is an occasion to realize the importance of freshwater, especially this year amid the ongoing Bengaluru water crisis. The tech hub is facing an acute water shortage due to failed monsoons and drying groundwater resources. Theme 2024 – Water for Peace In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro saw the first formal proposal of World Water Day under Agenda 21. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 1992 by which March 22 was declared World Water Day.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad named new CSK Skipper: The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as its new captain with Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepping down as the skipper after a highly successful stint. 42-year-old Dhoni’s decision comes a day ahead of the high-stakes opening match of IPL 2024 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. Dhoni is the most successful IPL captain with a whopping 133 wins followed by Rohit Sharma at 87.

 

2. India, Mozambique, Tanzania Joint Maritime Exercise begins: INS Tir and INS Sujata has participated in the second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise. It is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24. The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22, saw participation of INS Tarkash with the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies. The current edition of the exercise is planned in two phases. As part of the harbour phase scheduled from 21-24 Mar 24, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. DBS Bank India unveils $250 mn lending support to start-ups and ‘new economy’ organizations: DBS Bank India has announced a USD 250 million loan commitment for new-age entrepreneurs. The project is part of the bank’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country’s vibrant startup environment. The Indian start-up sector, a foundational pillar of the country’s development goals, has seen significant expansion over the years with over 90,000 start-ups and more than 100 unicorns as of 2024.