National News

Indian Historical Records Commission Unveils New Logo and Motto

• The Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC), established in 1919, serves as the apex advisory body on archival matters in India.
• It acts as a national forum for creators, custodians, and users of records, providing advice to the Government of India on record management and their utilization for historical research.
• Led by the Union Minister of Culture, the IHRC recently revealed its new logo and motto, symbolizing its commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich historical heritage.

India’s First Multi-Purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Inaugurated in Himachal Pradesh

• In a significant stride towards renewable energy, India inaugurated its first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal Pradesh’s Jhakri.
• Spearheaded by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), this pioneering initiative aims to produce green hydrogen using renewable energy sources.
• The project marks a pivotal moment in India's transition towards sustainable energy alternatives, contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.

Appointments News

Narsingh Yadav Elected Chairman of WFI Athletes Commission

• The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) recently concluded the establishment of an Athletes Commission as mandated by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport's global governing body.
• This development came as a prerequisite for the lifting of WFI's suspension by UWW.
• Narsingh Yadav's election as Chairman of the Athletes Commission underscores WFI's commitment to addressing the grievances of wrestlers and fostering a conducive environment for the sport's development.

Axis Bank Re-appoints Amitabh Chaudhry as MD & CEO for Three More Years

• Axis Bank's board has greenlit the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry
• as Managing Director & CEO for an additional three-year term, commencing January 2025, pending RBI approval.
• Alongside Chaudhry, Independent Directors Meena Ganesh and Gopalaraman Padmanabhan have also secured re-appointment for four years each.
• This strategic move underscores Axis Bank's confidence in Chaudhry's leadership and its commitment to sustaining growth and stability in the banking sector.

Rabi Sankar Re-appointed RBI Deputy Governor: Government Grants One-Year Extension

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has granted approval for the re-appointment of T. Rabi Sankar as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a one-year term, effective from May 3, 2024.
• With a distinguished career spanning over three decades at the RBI, Sankar's re-appointment reaffirms his invaluable contribution to the central bank's mission.
• This extension highlights the government's recognition of Sankar's expertise and leadership in navigating the complexities of monetary policy and financial regulation.

Defence News

IAF Conducts Successful Test of Air-Launched Ballistic Missile

• In a monumental achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful test of a new iteration of an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile.
• This test, conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, saw the missile, codenamed ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, being launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet.
• This milestone underscores India's advancements in defense technology and its commitment to bolstering its strategic capabilities.

Awards News

Randeep Hooda Honoured with Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

• Actor Randeep Hooda was honored with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in a ceremony held at Mumbai’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagrih.
• The award, recognizing Hooda's outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, particularly his portrayal in the film "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," highlights his talent and dedication to the craft.
• This accolade further solidifies his position as a respected figure in the film industry.

Business News

Unlocking the Potential of Phi-3-mini: Microsoft’s Breakthrough in AI

• Microsoft's latest innovation in artificial intelligence, Phi-3-mini, marks a significant breakthrough in the field.
• This small language model (SLM) has showcased unparalleled performance and efficiency, surpassing benchmarks set by models of similar or larger sizes.
• Its adoption by prominent entities like India’s ITC demonstrates its potential to revolutionize various sectors through cutting-edge AI solutions. Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology is evident in Phi-3-mini's capabilities.

Important Days

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2024 Observed on April 26th

• April 26th marks the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, dedicated to honoring the victims and raising awareness about one of history's most catastrophic nuclear disasters.
• The explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 released a massive radioactive cloud, affecting millions of lives and leaving a long-lasting impact on the environment.
• This day serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of nuclear safety and the devastating consequences of nuclear accidents.

World Intellectual Property Day 2024 Celebrates on 26th April

• Every April 26th, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrates World Intellectual Property Day, emphasizing the role of intellectual property (IP) in fostering innovation and creativity.
• The theme for 2024, ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity,’ highlights the integral role of IP in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a better future for humanity.
• This observance recognizes the importance of protecting and promoting intellectual property rights to drive progress and innovation globally.