National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Major Railway And Road Infrastructure Projects

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spearheaded the inauguration and commencement of several pivotal infrastructure projects, encompassing railway modernization, road overpasses, and underpasses.
• The primary objective behind these initiatives is to bolster connectivity, safety, and efficiency across the nation.
• This endeavor aims to revamp 553 railway stations spread across 27 states and union territories, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 19,000 crore.
• The overarching goal is to enhance station facilities through the implementation of modern infrastructure, thereby elevating the overall passenger experience.

India Unveils Largest Solar-Battery Project, Pioneering Renewable Energy Innovation

• India has also taken a significant stride in renewable energy innovation with the unveiling of the largest solar-battery project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
• The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has commissioned this groundbreaking initiative, which integrates solar energy generation with battery storage systems.
• By storing solar energy during daylight hours and releasing it during peak demand periods, the project ensures grid stability and reliability, marking a pioneering leap in India's renewable energy landscape.

International News

Algeria Inaugurates World’s Third-Largest Mosque

• Algeria recently commemorated the inauguration of Djamaa El-Djazair, acclaimed as Africa's largest mosque and the third-largest globally.
• This architectural marvel stands as a testament to modernist innovation, featuring the world's tallest minaret at 265 meters.
• With a capacity to accommodate 120,000 worshippers, the mosque represents not only a religious sanctuary but also a symbol of architectural grandeur and cultural significance.

State News

PM Modi Inaugurates Sikkim’s First Railway Station In Rangpo

• Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Sikkim’s inaugural railway station in Rangpo, a monumental moment in the state's history.
• Designed with deep-rooted elements of local culture and heritage, the Rangpo railway station symbolizes a larger initiative to revolutionize rail infrastructure nationwide.
• With over 2,000 projects valued at approximately Rs 41,000 crore, this ambitious endeavor aims to enhance connectivity and spur economic development across the region.

Defence News

Adani Group Launches South Asia’s Largest Ammunition And Missiles Complex In U.P.

• The Adani Group recently launched South Asia’s largest Ammunition and Missiles Complex in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• This complex, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande, signifies a pivotal milestone in the state’s defense corridor.
• Dedicated to the courageous warriors of the Balakot strike, the complex is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs, thereby fostering growth and development in the region's defense sector and benefiting local MSMEs and the broader ecosystem.

Defence Minister Approves Financial Incentive Scheme For Armed Forces Personnel Excelling In Asian Games

• Shri Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, has exhibited robust support for Armed Forces personnel who demonstrated exceptional prowess at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou, China, during September-October 2023.
• To acknowledge their achievements and bolster their morale for the upcoming Paris Olympics Games 2024, the Ministry of Defence has introduced a Financial Incentive Scheme.
• This scheme aims to commend Medal Winners by providing Cash Rewards. Gold medalists in both the Asian Games and Asian Para Games will be granted Rs 25 lakh each, Silver medalists will receive Rs 15 lakh each, and Bronze medalists will be rewarded with Rs 10 lakh each.

Economy News

NSSO Survey Shows Poverty Down To 5%: NITI Aayog CEO

• B V R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, sheds light on the encouraging findings from the latest NSSO consumer expenditure survey.
• The survey indicates a substantial decline in poverty levels to less than 5% in India, showcasing a remarkable stride towards prosperity.
• Both rural and urban areas have witnessed a surge in per capita monthly household expenditure, signifying increased economic well-being.
• Per capita monthly household expenditure has more than doubled in 2022-23 compared to 2011-12. Moreover, the gap between urban and rural consumption has narrowed from 84% in 2011-12 to 71% in 2022-23.

Banking News

Vijay Shekhar Sharma Steps Down From Paytm Payments Bank Board

• In a significant development, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the Founder and CEO of Paytm, has stepped down from his role as part-time non-executive chairman and board member of Paytm Payments Bank.
• This decision comes in response to regulatory concerns and a directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to wind down operations by March 15.
• Vijay Shekhar Sharma holds a 51% stake in Paytm Payments Bank, with the remaining stake owned by One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm.

Summit & Conferences News

US-India Cybersecurity Initiative Launched

• The US Consulate, in collaboration with the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), has launched the inaugural US-India Cyber Security Initiative.
• This initiative aims to unite top cybersecurity experts globally, foster people-to-people ties in cyberspace, and stimulate job creation and the development of cutting-edge solutions.

Awards News

Dr. Aditi Sen De Receives 2023 GD Birla Award

• Aditi Sen De, a distinguished physicist from the Harish Chandra Research Institute in Prayagraj, has been honored with the 2023 GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence.
• Her pioneering contributions to quantum technologies represent a significant milestone in scientific research.
• As the first woman recipient of the GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence, Dr. De's accomplishments transcend individual recognition, serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists worldwide.

Appointments News

Maryam Nawaz Becomes First Woman Chief Minister Of Punjab

• Maryam Nawaz, a prominent figure in Pakistan's political arena and daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab province.
• Despite facing challenges, including a walkout by lawmakers from Imran Khan's party-backed Sunni Ittehad Council, Maryam Nawaz emerged victorious in the chief ministerial elections.
• Her triumph over Rana Aftab of the PTI-backed SIC marks a significant political achievement in the pivotal Punjab province.

Science & Technology News

Scientists Achieve First Successful Laser-Cooled Positronium For Quantum Research

• In a groundbreaking feat, an international collaboration of researchers has achieved the laser cooling of Positronium, a short-lived hydrogen-like atom crucial for quantum research.
• Positronium, comprising an electron and a positron, serves as a fundamental atom for studying bound-state quantum electrodynamics.
• This achievement opens avenues for advanced studies, enhancing our understanding of the interactions between matter and antimatter facilitated by light and charged matter.

NVIDIA And Indian Govt Join Forces For Sovereign AI

• Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced a partnership between NVIDIA and the Indian Government to develop Sovereign AI, bolstering Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Sovereign AI, envisioned by NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang, signifies more than just algorithmic capabilities; it represents a shift in power dynamics, empowering nations to regain autonomy in generative AI.
• This initiative emphasizes autonomy and self-sustainability, reducing dependence on individual providers.

Gaganyaan Mission And ISRO Projects Inauguration By PM Modi

• During his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi unveiled the identities of the four pilots currently undergoing training for India’s inaugural human space flight mission, Gaganyaan.
• These astronauts, awarded 'astronaut wings' by the Prime Minister, signify India's leap into manned space exploration.
• The Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for launch between 2024-2025, marks a significant milestone in India's space endeavors.

Obituaries News

Karnataka Congress MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik Passes Away

• Karnataka Congress MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik, a revered figure in Surapur’s political landscape, passed away on February 25, leaving behind a profound political legacy.’
• Naik's tenure as a four-time MLA and his recent appointment as Chairman of Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation underscore his unwavering commitment to the people of Surapur.

Shafiqur Rahman Barq, India’s Oldest MP And Samajwadi Party Leader, Dies At 94

• Shafiqur Rahman Barq, a stalwart of Indian politics and senior leader of the Samajwadi Party, breathed his last at the age of 94.
• Representing Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, in the Lok Sabha, Barq's political journey was marked by dedication and service to his constituents.
• His demise leaves a significant void in Indian politics, particularly within the Samajwadi Party, where he was a revered figure.