National News

India's First Privately Managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve Scheduled for 2029-30

• India is set to embark on a significant milestone by establishing its inaugural privately managed strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by the fiscal year 2029-30.
• This initiative marks a departure from conventional state-managed reserves, opting instead for a model akin to those witnessed in nations such as Japan and South Korea. The envisaged approach grants the operator the flexibility to engage in trading activities involving all stored oil.
• This strategic move reflects India's evolving energy security strategies, which entail diversification and innovation.
• Notably, India's current SPR framework incorporates partial commercialization, with ambitious plans underway to scale up this approach through the initiation of new SPR projects.

Government Greenlights Onion Exports to Friendly Nations

• Responding to appeals from several friendly nations, including Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Bhutan, the Indian government has granted approval for the export of onions.
• India, renowned as a major global exporter of onions, had imposed a temporary ban on onion exports in December 2023, triggering a surge in onion prices across the aforementioned nations.
• The recent decision to resume onion exports underscores India's commitment to fostering diplomatic relations while balancing domestic supply dynamics.

International News

Romania Unveils World’s Most Powerful Laser

• A research center situated in Romania has unveiled a groundbreaking technological marvel: the world's most potent laser.
• Leveraging the pioneering contributions of Nobel Physics Prize laureates Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland, this awe-inspiring laser, managed by the French company Thales, holds immense promise across diverse sectors.
• From healthcare innovations to transformative applications in space exploration, the implications of this technological breakthrough are far-reaching, positioning Romania at the forefront of scientific innovation on the global stage.

Appointments News

Rakesh Mohan Joins World Bank Economic Advisory Panel

• The World Bank Group has welcomed aboard Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as a distinguished member of its esteemed Economic Advisory Panel.
• Tasked with providing invaluable insights and counsel, this panel, helmed by Lord Nicholas Stern, the distinguished IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics, embodies a diverse wealth of expertise.
• Co-chaired by World Bank Group Chief Economist Indermit Gill, the panel's collective stewardship promises to navigate complex economic landscapes, fostering sustainable development and resilience on a global scale.

Defence News

Successful Flight Test of 'Agni-Prime' Ballistic Missile by DRDO

• In a resounding testament to India's indigenization efforts in defense technology, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) have triumphantly conducted a flight test of the cutting-edge 'Agni-Prime' ballistic missile.
• Executed at the revered Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, this milestone achievement was meticulously monitored and recorded by an array of advanced range sensors strategically positioned across diverse locations.
• Noteworthy attendees, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army, bore witness to this historic event, underscoring India's steadfast commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities.

Science and Technology News

Meta Expands Fact-Checking Initiative with PTI in India

• Meta, the parent conglomerate encompassing social media giants such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has augmented its ongoing endeavors to combat misinformation by forging a strategic alliance with the esteemed Press Trust of India (PTI).
• This collaborative venture entails the establishment of a dedicated fact-checking unit within PTI's editorial framework, empowered to discern, assess, and debunk misinformation proliferating across Meta platforms.
• This concerted effort underscores Meta's unwavering resolve to uphold the integrity of information dissemination, fostering a more discerning and informed digital ecosystem.

Important Days

International Conscience Day 2024: Date, History, and Theme

• Each year on April 5th, the world commemorates the International Day of Conscience, urging individuals to reflect, follow their conscience, and act morally.
• The theme for the 2024 celebration is ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience’, underscoring the significance of fostering global harmony, compassion, and ethical conduct.

National Maritime Day 2024: History, Theme, and Significance

• In India, April 5th marks National Maritime Day, an occasion dedicated to acknowledging the pivotal role of the maritime sector in the nation's international trade and economic prosperity.
• This date holds historical significance, harkening back to April 5, 1919, when the SS Loyalty set sail for the United Kingdom, breaking the British monopoly on sea routes and catalyzing India's shipping industry's growth.

260th Raising Day of Army Medical Corps

• Celebrating its 260th Raising Day on April 3, 2024, the Army Medical Corps (AMC) has been a stalwart in serving the nation since its inception in 1764.
• Upholding the motto 'Sarve Santu Niramaya' (let all be free from disease), the AMC has exemplified selflessness, dedication, and sacrifice in both wartime and peacetime endeavors.

Sports News

Bindyarani Devi Secures Bronze, Mirabai Chanu Qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024 at IWF World Cup

• At the IWF World Cup 2024 hosted in Phuket, Thailand from March 31 to April 11, 2024, Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 55kg category.
• Meanwhile, Mirabai Chanu’s stellar performance secured her qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024, showcasing India’s prowess on the global weightlifting stage.

Miscellaneous News

Manohar International Airport in Goa Introduces Digi Yatra System

• The Manohar International Airport in Mopa, Goa, has recently implemented the Digi Yatra system, marking its integration into the 14th airport in India to adopt this innovative technology.
• Leveraging facial recognition technology, Digi Yatra streamlines passenger verification processes at various checkpoints, enhancing travel efficiency and convenience.
• This system, already operational in 13 other Indian airports, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, reflects India’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions to elevate the travel experience.