National News

1. Seven PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park sites announced

• The Ministry of Textiles, under the Government of India, has taken a significant step by announcing the establishment of 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, allocating a total budget of Rs. 4,445 crore.
• These parks are set to be established across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, chosen from a pool of 18 proposals received from 13 different states.

International News

2. Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav becomes Nepal’s third Vice President

• In a landmark development, Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, representing the Janata Samajbadi Party, has been elected as Nepal’s third Vice President.
• His victory came after a tightly contested election where he garnered support from various political factions, including Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), and the CPN (Unified Socialist).
• The election witnessed the participation of 311 federal lawmakers and 518 Provincial Assembly members, with the polling station situated at the Federal Parliament Building in Kathmandu.

State News

3. Rajasthan CM announced 19 new districts and three new divisions

• During discussions on the Finance and Appropriation Bill in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made a significant announcement regarding the creation of 19 new districts and 3 new divisions in Rajasthan.
• This decision expands the administrative landscape of the state, bringing the total number of districts to 50 and divisions to 10.

Important Days

4. International Day of Happiness 2023 celebrates on 20 March

• Every year, on March 20th, the International Day of Happiness is observed with a theme aimed at fostering mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness.
• This day underscores the universal pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human right.

5. World Oral Health Day 2023 observed on 20th March

• Marked globally on March 20th, World Oral Health Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.
• The focus lies on promoting good oral health practices and preventive measures against dental issues.
• Shockingly, WHO Global Oral Health reports indicate that approximately 75% of the global population suffers from permanent teeth caries, affecting 514 million children's primary teeth.
• The recurring theme for 2023, 'Be Proud of Your Mouth,' continues the campaign initiated by FDI in 2021.

Appointments News

6. G Krishnakumar appointed as Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s chairman

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced the appointment of G. Krishnakumar as its Chairman and Managing Director.
• Krishnakumar, an electrical and electronics engineer from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and a postgraduate in finance management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, previously served as the company's executive director.
• He succeeds Arun Kumar Singh, who retired as chairman in October 2022. Krishnakumar's tenure as chairman and managing director will extend until April 2025 or until further notice, as per an official order.

7. Lalit Kumar Gupta named as CMD of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

• Lalit Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• CCI, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Textile, will now be led by Gupta. His appointment, effective immediately, is for a period of five years or until his superannuation, or further orders, whichever comes first.
• Gupta's selection for the CMD role was recommended by the PESB panel, and he currently holds the position of Director (Finance) within the organization.

Schemes News

8. ‘Sagar Parikrama Phase IV’ concludes in Karnataka

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has announced the successful conclusion of the fourth phase of the Sagar Parikrama program in Karnataka.
• Spanning from March 18 to March 19, the program focused on three coastal districts of Karnataka – Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada.
• Notable attendees included Purushottam Rupala, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, alongside state ministers and stakeholders.
• The program highlighted the achievements of progressive fishermen in various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and State Scheme.

Awards News

9. Oscars awards 2023: Check the complete list of winners

• The 95th Academy Awards (Oscars Awards 2023) recently concluded, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
• Originating in 1929, the Oscars celebrated their 95th anniversary with the event held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on March 13 IST.
• The ceremony, hosted by popular late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel, showcased outstanding achievements in the film industry.

Sports News

10. Former Australia Cricket Captain Tim Paine Announces Retirement from the Sport

• Tim Paine, former captain of the Australian test cricket team, has declared his retirement from cricket following his final Sheffield Shield first-class match for Tasmania against Queensland.
• Paine led the Australian team in 23 tests from 2018 to 2021, playing a total of 35 tests throughout his career.
• His captaincy tenure began after Steve Smith's removal from the role following the ball-tampering scandal during Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa.