National News

PEN Required for Students Starting Academic Year 2024-25

• Starting from the academic year 2024-25, students embarking on their educational journey will be required to obtain a Permanent Education Number (PEN).
• This initiative, spearheaded by the School Education Department, aims to simplify the process of transitioning students between schools.
• The PEN serves as a unique identification number assigned to each student by the Union Ministry of Education through the UDISE+ portal.
• With over 14.89 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers, and 26.5 crore children covered under this system, the implementation of PEN is poised to streamline administrative processes and enhance educational governance.

Appointments News

Nalin Prabhat Appointed as Director-General of NSG

• Nalin Prabhat, a distinguished 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumes the esteemed position of Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
• Concurrently, Sapna Tewari, also a member of the 1992 batch IPS officers hailing from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• These appointments, sanctioned by the appointments committee of the Cabinet, underscore the government's commitment to bolstering the nation's security apparatus with experienced and capable leadership.

Santosh Viswanathan's Strategic Appointment

• In a strategic maneuver aimed at leveraging India's burgeoning economic landscape and consolidating its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region, Intel Corporation has announced the appointment of Santosh Viswanathan as the India Region Head.
• This decision is part of Intel's broader reorganization efforts within its Sales, Marketing, and Communications Group (SMG).
• By tapping into Viswanathan's expertise, Intel aims to navigate the complexities of the Indian market while capitalizing on emerging opportunities for growth.

Defence News

India Delivers First Batch of BrahMos Missiles to Philippines

• India's military diplomacy takes a significant stride forward with the delivery of the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
• This milestone underscores the burgeoning defense partnership between the two nations, particularly against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
• The successful delivery of these missiles, a result of a $375 million agreement inked in January 2022, solidifies the Philippines' status as the maiden export customer for this collaborative missile project between India and Russia.

Awards News

Deepika Soreng Honoured with Asunta Lakra Award

• Deepika Soreng, a rising talent within the India Women's Hockey Team, receives accolades with the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year.
• Bestowed upon her during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023, this recognition celebrates Soreng's exceptional performance and promising potential as a future luminary in the sport.

Kaushik Rajashekara's International Recognition

• Kaushik Rajashekara, a prominent faculty member at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, has been bestowed with the esteemed title of International Fellow by the Engineering Academy of Japan.
• This prestigious acknowledgment underscores his exceptional contributions to the field of power conversion and the electrification of transportation.
• As an International Fellow, Rajashekara's expertise and research endeavors stand as a testament to his significant impact on advancing engineering knowledge and innovation globally.

Science and Technology News

Exploring the Cosmos: The Discovery of BH-3

• European astronomers have made an astonishing revelation, uncovering the largest stellar black hole within our Milky Way galaxy.
• Dubbed 'BH-3', this cosmic giant boasts a mass an astonishing 33 times greater than that of our Sun and resides a mere 2,000 light-years away from Earth.
• This groundbreaking discovery not only expands our understanding of celestial phenomena but also sheds light on the complex dynamics of black holes, unraveling mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Meta's Technological Leap with Meta AI

• Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has unveiled the latest innovation from the tech giant – Meta AI, powered by the cutting-edge language model Llama 3.
• This upgraded AI assistant is poised to revolutionize user experiences across Meta's diverse ecosystem of platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
• Furthermore, Meta AI extends its reach beyond social media, with accessibility through a dedicated website, meta.ai. By harnessing the power of advanced AI technology, Meta aims to enhance connectivity and engagement within the digital realm, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of virtual assistance.

Sports News

Rohit Sharma's IPL Milestone

• Rohit Sharma, the illustrious former captain of the Mumbai Indians, has etched his name in Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming only the second player to participate in 250 IPL matches.
• This remarkable feat was achieved during a gripping encounter against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, solidifying Sharma's legacy as an iconic figure within the realm of IPL cricket.
• With unparalleled skill and resilience, Sharma continues to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of cricketers with his enduring passion for the sport.

Important Days

National Civil Service Day: Honoring India's Administrative Backbone

• National Civil Service Day holds profound significance in India, commemorating the invaluable contributions of the country's administrative machinery.
• Celebrated annually on April 21st, this occasion pays homage to the unwavering dedication and professionalism exemplified by civil servants across the nation.
• While the theme for National Civil Service Day 2024 is yet to be revealed, it is anticipated to reflect contemporary challenges and opportunities facing India's civil service.
• Originating in 2006 to honor the legacy of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role played by civil servants in shaping the nation's progress and development.