National News

India's First Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit:

• India's stride towards self-reliance in edible oils received a significant boost with the inauguration of the nation's maiden integrated oil palm processing unit by 3F Oil Palm. ‘
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual ceremony, marked this momentous occasion.
• Situated in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing, this project embodies the essence of Mission Palm Oil under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).

International News

Vladimir Putin Secures Another Six-Year Term:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin secured another term in office with a commanding lead of 76.1% of the vote in the recent election, according to preliminary results.
• This victory solidifies Putin's longstanding dominance in Russian politics, extending his tenure to a remarkable 24 years in power.

State News

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan Resigns:

• Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Governor of Telangana, tendered her resignation on Monday, March 18, 2024.
• Reports suggest that she intends to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu.
• Additionally, Soundararajan stepped down from her role as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, sending her resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu.

Tamil Nadu Signs MoU to Implement PM SHRI School Scheme:

• In a bid to bolster the quality of education in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to implement the PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India)
• This initiative is in line with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.

Appointment News

Navneet Sehgal Appointed as Prasar Bharati Board Chairman:

• Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired bureaucrat, assumes the role of the new chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board.
• The position had remained vacant for four years following the retirement of A Surya Prakash in February 2020, who had reached the upper age limit of 70 for the post.

Senior Bureaucrat Rahul Singh Appointed New CBSE Chief:

• Rahul Singh, a senior bureaucrat, assumes the role of Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in a recent bureaucratic reshuffle by the Centre.
• This appointment signifies a strategic move aimed at enhancing the governance and educational policies within the CBSE framework.

Kotak Bank Appoints Jaideep Hansraj As President Of ‘One Kotak’:

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Jaideep Hansraj, the current MD and CEO of Kotak Securities, as the Group President – One Kotak, effective April 1, 2024.
• This strategic appointment emphasizes the bank's commitment to synergizing its various subsidiaries to provide enhanced financial services to its customers.

Economy News:

India’s Forex Reserves Jump To Over Two-Year High Of $636.1 Bn:

• India's foreign exchange reserves have witnessed a substantial surge, reaching a two-year high of $636.1 billion in the week ended March 8, 2024.
• This surge reflects positive economic indicators and underscores India's robust financial position on the global stage.

Science and Tech News:

NASA To Carry ‘Message In Bottle’ To Europa, One Of Jupiter’s Moon In October:

• NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission aims to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa in search of signs of life, particularly focusing on a potential salty lake hidden beneath its icy crust.
• As part of this mission, NASA plans to send a symbolic message to Europa, symbolizing human curiosity and exploration.

Important Days News:

Ordnance Factories Day 2024 in India:

• Ordnance Factories Day, observed on March 18th annually, commemorates the contributions of Indian Ordnance Factories to the nation's security.
• These factories, vital in supplying arms and ammunition to the Indian Armed Forces, are celebrated for their role in safeguarding the nation.

Defence News:

Indian Army contingent departing for the joint military exercise “Exercise Lamitiye – 2024”:

• An Indian Army contingent has departed for Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” with the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
• Scheduled from March 18 to 27, 2024, this exercise strengthens bilateral military cooperation between India and Seychelles.