International News

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Incident Overview

• The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, following a collision with a container ship, has resulted in a tragic incident presumed to have caused the deaths of six individuals who fell into the cold waters below.
• This catastrophic event has brought operations at one of the busiest ports on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard to a standstill.

States News

Gujarat State Education Minister Launches Shiksha Reform

• In a significant move towards educational reform, Gujarat's Minister of State for Education, Praful Pansheriya, inaugurated the online learning platform Shiksha Reform in Surat.
• Attended by notable figures such as educationist Deepak Rajguru, trustees, principals, and representatives from Finland's Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, including Kimmo Nikkanen and educationist Antti Isovita, the event underscored the critical role of technology in modern education.
• Minister Pansheriya emphasized the imperative of enhancing digital skills, recognizing the swift global transition towards technological integration in learning environments.

Appointments News

Indian Diplomat Abhay Thakur Appointed as Next Envoy to Myanmar

• Senior Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur has been appointed as India's next ambassador to Myanmar, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 26.
• Abhay Thakur, a distinguished officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1992, currently serves as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs.
• With notable contributions such as serving as the sous-sherpa for the G20 process during India's presidency of the influential group of 20 major economies, his appointment reflects India's commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with Myanmar.

Neeraj Chopra Named Eveready’s New Brand Ambassador

• In a bid to bolster its brand presence, Eveready Industries India (EIIL), a leading battery brand, has enlisted the renowned Olympic gold medalist and World no. 1 in men's javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, as its latest brand ambassador.
• This collaboration signals Eveready's dedication to excellence and innovation, exemplified by the introduction of the new Ultima Alkaline battery series.
• By catering to the evolving needs of the youth demographic in India, Eveready aims to offer durable and cost-effective solutions for high-drain devices, strengthening its market position.

Hansha Mishra Appointed as Director in UPSC

• Hansha Mishra, an esteemed officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) from the 2010 batch, has assumed the role of Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi.
• Her appointment follows a recommendation for central deputation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, highlighting her exemplary credentials and expertise in public service.

Economy News

S&P Global Ratings Forecasts 75 Basis Points Repo Rate Cut In India In 2024-25

• S&P Global Ratings projects a potential reduction of up to 75 basis points in the repo rate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during the fiscal year 2024-25.
• This forecast aligns with anticipated adjustments in US policy rates, with the majority of cuts expected in the latter half of the financial year.
• Factors such as declining inflation, a reduced fiscal deficit, and lower US policy rates pave the way for potential rate cuts by the RBI, possibly around June 2024 or later.
• Similar adjustments are also anticipated in countries like Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, reflecting broader trends in global monetary policy.

Awards News

Michel Talagrand Awarded the 2024 Abel Prize

• Michel Talagrand, hailing from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris, France, has been bestowed with the 2024 Abel Prize by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
• Recognized for his seminal contributions to probability theory and functional analysis, Talagrand's work has found remarkable applications in mathematical physics and statistics, marking a significant milestone in the realm of scientific inquiry.

Science and Technology News

IIT Guwahati Transfers Pioneering Swine Fever Vaccine Technology to BioMed Pvt

• In a pioneering move, the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) has transferred groundbreaking vaccine technology to BioMed Pvt. Ltd., a prominent player in the vaccine manufacturing sector.
• This innovative technology revolves around a recombinant vector vaccine tailored to combat the classical swine fever virus prevalent in pigs and wild boars.
• The transfer of this technology fills a crucial void in India's vaccine landscape, promising advancements in veterinary healthcare and disease prevention.

Important Days News

World Theatre Day 2024

• Marking a celebration of artistic expression, World Theatre Day is observed annually on March 27 to commemorate the significance of theatre in society.
• This special day serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of theatre and its profound impact on cultural enrichment and entertainment.
• It serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of theatrical arts, fostering appreciation and recognition for this timeless form of expression.

Sports News

Historic Day-Night Women’s Ashes Test at MCG

• Amidst sporting fervor, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is poised to host a historic day-night Test match between the Australian and English women's cricket teams.
• This groundbreaking event marks the inaugural pink-ball Test to grace the iconic venue, scheduled to unfold from January 30 to February 2, 2025.
• The convergence of tradition and innovation promises an exhilarating spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Haryana Crowned Champion at Boxing Sub Junior National Championship

• In a display of sporting prowess, Haryana emerged triumphant at the Boxing Sub Junior National Championship, securing team titles in both the boys' and girls' categories.
• With an impressive combined medal tally of 19, Haryana's dominance was evident throughout the tournament, underscoring the state's prowess in the realm of boxing.
• The championship, featuring the participation of 612 boxers, serves as a testament to India's burgeoning talent pool in the sport.