National News:

Union Minister Arjun Munda Inaugurates Agriculture Integrated Command And Control Center

• In a significant move towards empowering farmers nationwide, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Arjun Munda, unveiled the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Centre at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
• This initiative is geared towards providing farmers with vital information, services, and facilities, with the overarching goal of enhancing their self-reliance.
• Through real-time data access, farmers can make informed decisions, thereby addressing the genuine challenges within the agriculture sector effectively.

International News:

 Hong Kong Introduces Stricter National Security Law, Tougher Jail Terms

• Hong Kong's introduction of a new national security law draft, encompassing treason, espionage, and external interference, signals a significant increase in state authority in the region.
• This development comes amidst a broader crackdown on dissent, leading to the imprisonment or exile of pro-democracy figures.
• The proposed legislation introduces stricter penalties for various offenses, with legal analysts pointing out broad definitions, especially concerning sedition and state secrets.

State News:

 Bichom Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s 27th District

• The inauguration of Bichom as the 27th district of Arunachal Pradesh, carved out of West and East Kameng, marked a significant milestone for the region, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
• This milestone follows the passing of the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Organisation of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, facilitating the creation of Bichom and Keyi Panyor districts.
• Bichom district comprises 27 villages from West Kameng and 28 from East Kameng, contributing to its establishment.

Economy News:

 India’s Real GDP Growth Expected To Moderate To 7% And 6.8% In FY25 And FY26: UBS

• UBS anticipates a moderation in India’s real GDP growth for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, projecting rates of 7% and 6.8%, respectively.
• The report underscores the continuation of growth momentum in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024, driven by cyclical recovery and structural improvements.
• While positive surprises have been noted in India’s GDP growth, averaging above 8% in the first three quarters of FY2024, the expectation of moderation is attributed to global factors such as weaker growth and local factors like softness in public capex.

Important Days News:

CISF Raising Day 2024

• Celebrated annually on March 10th, CISF Raising Day commemorates the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969.
• Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, CISF was founded with a few battalions and has since evolved into a multi-skilled security force with specialized training, reflecting its growth and strength over the years.
• Established by an Act of Parliament, CISF plays a crucial role in safeguarding various sectors across the nation.

No Smoking Day 2024

• March 13th marks the annual observance of No Smoking Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental effects of smoking.
• This event serves to encourage individuals to quit smoking while emphasizing the significance of cultivating a smoke-free environment.
• Each year, No Smoking Day adopts a distinctive theme to drive its campaign. For the year 2024, the theme revolves around ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,’ underscoring the need to safeguard the younger generation from the influence of tobacco.

Awards News:

Sudha Murty Nominated To Rajya Sabha

• Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty received a prestigious nomination to the Rajya Sabha from President Droupadi Murmu.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations, acknowledging Murty’s substantial contributions across diverse fields.
• Murty, known for her work in education and philanthropy, previously served as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation.
• Additionally, she is actively involved in public healthcare initiatives, including those supported by the Gates Foundation.
• Murty's endeavors also extend to academia, evident in her establishment of the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.

Sports News:

Minister Hardeep S Puri Inaugurates 5th ONGC Para Games

• Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the 5th ONGC Para Games, commending para-athletes for their remarkable dedication.
• The event, held at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, witnessed the participation of 371 athletes, including 249 representatives from ONGC.
• Notable dignitaries such as Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and senior officials from Oil & Gas PSUs graced the occasion, highlighting the significance of promoting inclusivity and support for para-sports.

Books & Authors News:

“The Conspiracy” By Gotabaya Rajapaksa

• Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emerged with a book titled The Conspiracy to Oust Me from the Presidency, offering insights into the circumstances surrounding his removal from office.
• Rajapaksa contends that his departure was orchestrated amidst geopolitical tensions, particularly involving China and other nations.
• The book, unveiled without an official launch, sheds light on Rajapaksa's perspective on the events leading to his ousting, providing a unique narrative on a significant chapter in Sri Lanka's political history.

Science & Technology News:

India To Construct A 10,000-GPU Supercomputer For Self-Sufficient AI Advancement

• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has approved a substantial investment of $1.24 billion for the IndiaAI mission.
• This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem in India, fostering innovation and bolstering the nation's technological capabilities.
• A key component of this endeavor is the construction of a high-performance computing (HPC) system equipped with 10,000 or more GPUs as AI accelerators.
• Developed through a public-private partnership, this supercomputer aims to support startups and research organizations, facilitating significant advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.