National News:

PM Modi Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Medical Facility in Thimphu:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay, recently unveiled the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan.
• This state-of-the-art medical facility stands as a testament to the robust development collaboration between India and Bhutan.

Election Commission’s Saksham App Revolutionizes Voting Accessibility:

• In a bid to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process, the Election Commission has introduced the Saksham App.
• This innovative application caters to the voting needs of individuals aged above 85 and Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) with a 40 percent benchmark disability, enabling them to exercise their voting rights conveniently from their residences.

State News:

The Chipko Movement: A 50-Year Legacy of Environmental Protection:

• Originating in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas in early 1973, the Chipko Movement celebrates its 50th anniversary.
• The term "Chipko," meaning "to hug" in Hindi, symbolizes the act of embracing trees to safeguard them from deforestation.
• This grassroots movement, which commenced in Uttarakhand, continues to resonate as a significant environmental conservation initiative.

Allahabad High Court Strikes Down Madrasa Education Act:

• The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has invalidated the UP Board of Madarsa Education Act of 2004, citing its inconsistency with constitutional principles.
• Deemed unconstitutional, the act was found to contravene the tenets of secularism and various articles of the Constitution, including Articles 14, 21, and 21-A, as well as Section 22 of the University Grants Commission Act of 1956.

Books and Authors News:

‘Phool Bahadur’ – The First Magahi Novel in English:

• At the Dibrugarh University International Literary Festival held from 19th to 21st March 2024, a notable literary event unfolded with the launch of the English translation of the pioneering Magahi novel, ‘Phool Bahadur’.
• Crafted by Abhay K, a distinguished author hailing from Nalanda, Bihar, this translation marks a significant milestone in bringing Magahi literature to a wider audience.

Science and Technology News:

Indian Scientist Prof Jayant Murthy Honoured with Asteroid Name:

• In a rare acknowledgment of scientific excellence, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has designated an asteroid with the name (215884) Jayantmurthy in honor of Indian astrophysicist Professor Jayant Murthy.
• This recognition underscores Prof. Murthy's significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, elevating him to a celestial distinction.

Researchers Named after ISRO New species of Isopod Discovered in Kollam:

• Off the coast of Kollam in Kerala, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery - a novel species of deep-sea isopod.
• Belonging to the genus Brucethoa, this tiny crustacean, found within the gill cavity of the Spinyjaw greeneye fish, adds to the rich biodiversity of marine life.
• The discovery highlights the ongoing exploration and research endeavors in marine biology.

Sports News:

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Clinches Victory at the Australian Grand Prix:

• At the Australian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari secured a thrilling victory, showcasing an impressive comeback merely two weeks post-appendicitis surgery.
• The race witnessed gripping moments, including Red Bull's reigning world champion Max Verstappen's unexpected retirement, marking a dynamic spectacle in Formula One racing.

Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 12,000 T20 Runs:

• Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli has etched his name in cricketing annals by surpassing the milestone of 12,000 runs in the T20 format.
• Achieving this historic feat during the inaugural match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli's achievement underscores his unparalleled prowess in the sport.

Miscellaneous News:

ASI Begins Excavation in MP To Find India’s Oldest Temple:

• In a quest to unveil India's ancient heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on excavation endeavors in Nachne village, situated in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district.
• The excavation sites hold the promise of unearthing what could potentially be India's oldest temple, offering invaluable insights into the country's rich cultural and religious history.