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.

Daily GK Update- 21st Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kiren Rijiju Gives Additional Charge Of Ministry Of Food Processing Industry: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been given an additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries after Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party Chief Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned from the Union Cabinet yesterday. The President’s office said that President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Mr.Paras with immediate effect. Mr Rijiju is currently holding the charge of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

 

2. India’s 1st Battery Energy storage GigaFactory to be launched in J&K: GoodEnough Energy will start operations at India’s first battery energy storage gigafactory in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir by October. The facility will help industry in cutting more than 5 million tons of carbon emissions in a year. GoodEnough has already spent 1.5 billion rupees ($18.07 million) on the 7 gigawatts per hour (GWH) facility and will spend 3 billion rupees by 2027 to raise capacity to 20 GWH. Battery energy storage projects are critical to India’s ambitious plan to expand its renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, from 178 GW at present. India has set a 2070 goal for becoming net zero.

 

3. Kumar Venkatasubramanian appoints as CEO of P&G India: Leading FMCG maker P&G India has appointed Kumar Venkatasubramanian as CEO of the company, with effect from 1 May 2024. The current CEO, L V Vaidyanathan will leave the company to pursue personal interests after 28 years of service. Kumar is currently leading the P&G business in Australia and New Zealand as CEO. Before the Australia role, Kumar was leading sales team in P&G India until 2020.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Forestry Day 2024: 21st March: World Forestry Day is celebrated on March 21 each year to promote the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees. The theme for World Forestry Day 2024 is “Forests and innovation: new solutions for a better world.”

 

2. Ireland’s PM Leo Varadkar announces resignation: Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar says he is stepping down as the leader of the governing Fine Gael party. In the surprise announcement Varadkar said he would also relinquish his role as prime minister as soon as a successor is chosen.

Varadkar, whose mother is Irish and father is Indian, was also Ireland’s first biracial prime minister.

 

3. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024: The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), observed every March 21, brings the world community together to increase its efforts in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and racism. This day reminds us about the negative consequences of racial discrimination. The theme for 2024 is “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”.

 

4. World Happiness Report – India ranks 126th; topped by Finland: The 2024 World Happiness Report has been released, with Finland as the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year.

India ranked 126 out of the 143 countries Denmark and Iceland retain their positions at second and third place, respectively, with Sweden following closely at fourth. Notably, Costa Rica and Lithuania have broken into the top 20 list for the first time, securing ranks 12 and 19, respectively.

Afghanistan retained its status as the unhappiest country in the world for yet another year. Joining Afghanistan at the bottom of the list are Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and Congo.

 

5. Vinay Kumar appointed Indian Ambassador to Russia: Vinay Kumar, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1992 batch, has been named as the next Ambassador of India to Russia. Kumar currently holds the position of Ambassador of India to Myanmar. Russia, where elections were held recently, has been a longstanding partner of India, with diplomatic ties between the two countries serving as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.

 

6. 20 March – World Oral Health Day: World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20. Objective – To spread awareness around oral health and its intricate link with your overall health. Theme 2024 – A Happy Mouth is A Happy Body World Oral Health Day was first celebrated September 12, 2007, on the birthday of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. It was organised by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness around importance of oral health and hygiene.

 

7. 21 March – World Poetry Day: World Poetry Day is celebrated on every year on 21 March. This day is dedicated to poetry and the celebration of literature in all forms. It is a time to recognize the importance of poetry in society and to promote its usage as a means of expression and communication. Theme 2024 – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rituraj Gaekwad appointed new skipper of CSK: The IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as its new captain with Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepping down as the skipper. The announcement will be a shocker for CSK fans as the IPL franchise won five IPL titles under Dhoni's captaincy and he earned the title of 'Thalaiva' (Tamil for leader). Ruturaj made his debut in the IPL format in 2020, and quickly made an strong impression. He was retained by CSK in 2022 edition for Rs 6 crore

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Gross Direct Tax collections for FY 2023-24 register a growth of 18.74%: The provisional figures of Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year 2023-24 (as on 17.03.2024) show that Net collections are at Rs. 18,90,259 crore, compared to Rs. 15,76,776 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding Financial Year (i.e. FY 2022-23), representing an increase of 19.88%. The Net Direct Tax collection of Rs. 18,90,259 crore (as on 17.03.2024) includes Corporation Tax (CIT) at Rs. 9,14,469 crore (net of refund) and Personal Income Tax (PIT) including Securities Transaction Tax (STT) at Rs. 9,72,224 crore (net of refund).

 

2. Airtel PB partners with Noise and Mastercard to unveil ‘A New Way To Pay’: Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Noise, India’s premier wristwatch brand, and Mastercard, a worldwide payments technology business, to launch A New Way to Pay. The institutions have collaborated to create the Bank’s Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch, which aims to revolutionise contactless payments by redefining and making them more accessible to a wider user base. These smartwatches, built by Noise and powered by Airtel Payments Bank, will improve Tap and Pay capabilities and the user experience by introducing the convenience of contactless payments via smart wearables.