National News

India’s First Battery Storage Gigafactory in Jammu and Kashmir

• GoodEnough Energy is set to inaugurate India's pioneering battery energy storage gigafactory in Jammu and Kashmir by October 2023.
• This revolutionary move marks a significant step towards sustainable energy practices in the country. With the commencement of operations at this facility, industries can anticipate a reduction of over 5 million tons of carbon emissions annually.
• Notably, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

International News

New Zealand's Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes

• In a bold move, the New Zealand government has implemented a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and vapes.
• This decision comes swiftly on the heels of the country's recent repeal of legislation aimed at phasing out tobacco smoking.
• New Zealand's proactive stance underscores its commitment to public health and underscores a growing trend towards stricter regulations on vaping products worldwide.

Important Days

Observing World Water Day 2024: Significance Amid Crisis

• World Water Day, commemorated annually on March 22, serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of freshwater resources.
• Against the backdrop of the Bengaluru water crisis, exacerbated by erratic monsoons and dwindling groundwater reservoirs, this year's observance takes on heightened significance.
• With the theme 'Water for Peace,' World Water Day 2024 underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts in water resource management.
• Additionally, the release of the 2024 edition of the UN's World Water Development Report (WWDR), exploring this pivotal theme, marks a crucial milestone in global water conservation efforts.

Defence News

Commencement of 'Operation Indravati' for Haitian Evacuation

• Amidst escalating gang violence in Haiti, particularly in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, India has initiated 'Operation Indravati' to evacuate its citizens to safety in the Dominican Republic.
• This decisive action underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its nationals in the face of adversity.
• Similarly, the United States has facilitated the airlift of more than 15 American nationals to Santo Domingo, demonstrating international solidarity in times of crisis.

Appointments News

M V Rao Assumes Chairmanship of Indian Banks Association

• The Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has elected M V Rao, currently serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Bank of India, as its new Chairman.
• This appointment, made during the IBA's managing committee meeting, reflects Rao's esteemed leadership and expertise in the banking sector.
• As the newly appointed Chairman, Rao is poised to steer the IBA towards greater heights of excellence and innovation in the realm of banking and finance.

6. Naveen Jindal Takes Over as President of Indian Steel Association

• In a significant development within the Indian steel industry, Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power, has assumed the prestigious role of President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA).
• This unanimous election by the apex committee underscores Jindal's esteemed stature and leadership in the sector.
• His ascension to this position marks a new chapter for the ISA, succeeding Dilip Oommen, CEO of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.

7. Ashwani Kumar Elected as New President of FIEO

• Ashwani Kumar, Partner at Victor Forgings in Jalandhar, has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
• A distinguished business entrepreneur and exporter hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, Kumar's election underscores his profound contributions to the engineering sector.
• His appointment heralds a promising era for the FIEO, promising innovative strategies and robust advocacy for India's export community.

8. Mustafa Suleyman, The New Face of Microsoft’s AI Division

• Microsoft has appointed British AI pioneer Mustafa Suleyman as the head of its AI division, signaling a new phase of innovation and leadership in artificial intelligence.
• With a remarkable track record, including co-founding Google's DeepMind, Suleyman brings unparalleled expertise to his new role.
• Reporting directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Suleyman is poised to drive transformative advancements in AI technology and applications.

Awards News

9. PM Modi Honoured with Bhutan’s ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming the first non-Bhutanese recipient of the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian award.
• This prestigious honor, conferred by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during Modi's state visit to Thimphu, underscores the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between India and Bhutan.
• Recognized as a lifetime achievement award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' symbolizes the pinnacle of Bhutan's honor system, with only a select few distinguished individuals receiving this esteemed accolade.

Sports News

10. Nayana James Shines at Indian Open Jumps Competition

• In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Nayana James from Kerala clinched the gold medal in the women’s long jump event at the 3rd Indian Open Jumps Competition.
• Setting a new personal best mark of 6.67m, Nayana's stellar performance underscores her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
• This achievement, coming nearly seven years after her previous personal best, exemplifies James' unwavering determination and perseverance in pursuit of excellence.