National News

India's First Ayurvedic Café Unveiled in Delhi

• Delhi's Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital located in Shalimar Bagh is gaining attention for its groundbreaking initiative, Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen, marking the inception of India's first Ayurvedic café.
• Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen boasts a unique approach where food is tailored to individual health needs.
• Offering a menu featuring delicacies like Dumplings and Pav Bhaji, meticulously crafted without onion and garlic, the café caters not only to hospital patients seeking holistic healing but also to discerning outside visitors keen on embracing Ayurvedic principles.

International News

Nepal Elevates Pokhara to Tourism Capital Status

• Nepal's government has taken a significant stride to bolster its tourism sector by formally designating Pokhara, a city nestled in the Gandaki province, as the nation's tourism capital.
• This announcement unfolded during a special ceremony held at the picturesque Barahi Ghat along the Phewa Lake shores.
• Renowned for its natural splendor and adventure tourism offerings, Pokhara has long been a focal point for visitors to Nepal.
• The city's attainment of tourism capital status follows stringent government criteria, poised to amplify Pokhara's allure and beckon travelers from across the globe.

International Relations News

Guyana Secures Deal to Acquire Indian-Made Dornier Aircraft

• In a notable development signaling India's expanding defense industry outreach to the Caribbean, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has finalized plans to procure two aircraft from India.
• Facilitated by a $23.27 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of India, Guyana is set to acquire two Dornier 228 aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The agreement, formalized between the Guyanese Finance Minister and the Deputy General Manager of EXIM Bank, underscores burgeoning bilateral ties and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Defence News

India-US Joint Military Exercise “EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24”

• The collaborative military endeavor titled Tiger Triumph-24 between India and the United States commenced on March 18, extending through March 31.
• This strategic exercise unfolds along the Eastern Seaboard of India, emphasizing enhanced coordination between the armed forces of both nations, particularly in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

Awards News

T M Krishna Awarded Prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi

• Thodur Madabusi Krishna, a revered figure in Carnatic music, clinched the esteemed Sangita Kalanidhi award for the year 2024.
• Presented by the Music Academy in Chennai, this accolade, often likened to the Oscars of Carnatic music, honors Krishna's profound vocal prowess and his significant contributions as a social activist.
• Having received early tutelage from maestros like Bhagavatula Seetharama Sarma and Chengalpet Ranganathan, both esteemed recipients of the Sangita Kala Acharya award, Krishna's artistic journey embodies excellence and advocacy.

Appointments News

Poonawalla Fincorp Appoints Arvind Kapil As MD & CEO

• Arvind Kapil, a seasoned luminary in retail banking formerly associated with HDFC Bank, assumes the mantle of Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer at Poonawalla Fincorp, a distinguished Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
• Set to embark on his five-year tenure commencing June 24, 2024, Kapil succeeds Abhay Bhutada, who elected early retirement, heralding a new era of leadership and vision within the organization.

Important Days

International Day of Happiness 2024

• March 20th marks the annual observance of the International Day of Happiness, underscoring the paramount significance of joy in human existence.
• Originating from a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on July 12, 2012, this day serves as a global platform to advocate for happiness as a fundamental human right and universal aspiration.

French Language Day 2024

• The United Nations commemorates French Language Day on March 20th, honoring one of its six official languages.
• This day holds historical significance, tracing back to March 20, 1970, with the inception of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) stemming from the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT).
• Celebrating the richness and diversity of the French language, this occasion serves as a testament to linguistic heritage and cultural exchange on a global scale.

Science and Technology News

Scientists Discover A ‘Gigantic’ Volcano On Mars With A Surprising Secret

• A groundbreaking revelation unfolds on Mars as researchers unveil the existence of Noctis Volcano, a monumental geological marvel towering approximately 29,600 feet tall and spanning approximately 450 kilometers in width.
• Nestled within the Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus region just south of Mars' equator, this colossal volcano eluded detection until now, thanks to data derived from a collaborative effort involving missions spearheaded by NASA and ESA.
• The discovery unveils the enigmatic secrets harbored within Mars' rugged terrain, offering profound insights into the planet's geological history.

Sports News

Carlos Alcaraz Tops Daniil Medvedev To Repeat As Indian Wells Champion

• In a riveting finale at the Indian Wells ATP tournament, Spain's prodigious talent, Carlos Alcaraz, triumphs over Russian stalwart Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, clinching victory with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.
• At just 20 years old, Alcaraz etches his name in history as the first player since Novak Djokovic's reign from 2014 to 2016 to secure consecutive Indian Wells titles, signaling his ascent to tennis stardom and cementing his status as a formidable force on the global stage.