National News

Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates First Made-In-India ASTDS Tug

• Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, ceremoniously inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) on March 2, 2024.
• Crafted by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW, the Ocean Grace stands tall as the pioneering Make-in-India ASTDS Tug.
• Accompanying this feat of engineering, the MMU stands as a testament to the port's dedication to corporate social responsibility, offering a spectrum of healthcare services for community welfare.

State News

Chapchar Kut Festival Celebrated Across Mizoram

• The air in Mizoram was filled with festivity as Chapchar Kut, the state's most illustrious festival, unfolded across its expanse.
• Gathering at the Assam Rifles Ground – Lammual – in Aizawl city, thousands reveled in traditional customs and cultural vibrancy.
• The event, brimming with Mizo heritage, echoed with traditional melodies and mesmerizing dance performances, painting a picture of joyous celebration.

Defence News

Indian Navy To Commission New Base INS Jatayu On Minicoy Island

• In a strategic move to fortify security infrastructure in the Lakshadweep Islands, the Indian Navy is poised to commission the new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island.
• Scheduled for March 6, the inauguration ceremony will witness the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, emphasizing the significance of this development.
• Positioned at the southernmost tip of the Lakshadweep archipelago, Minicoy Island holds pivotal importance along the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).

INAS 334 Squadron To Welcome MH 60R ‘Seahawks’ Into The Indian Navy

• March 6, 2024, marks a historic milestone for the Indian Navy with the commissioning of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi.
• Designated as INAS 334, this squadron heralds a new chapter in India's naval aviation.
  Procured through a 24-aircraft Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract with the US government, these helicopters represent cutting-edge technology in maritime defense.

Banking News

Kotak Mahindra Bank Introduces Smart Choice Gold Loan

• Kotak Mahindra Bank unveiled its latest financial product, the Smart Choice Gold Loan, catering to the needs of discerning customers seeking flexibility and convenience.
• Leveraging India's substantial gold reserves, this innovative offering provides a hassle-free solution for meeting diverse financial requirements.

Amit Shah Launches National Urban Cooperative Finance And Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC)

• In a significant stride towards modernizing the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector, Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) in New Delhi.
• This umbrella organization, certified by the Reserve Bank of India, aims to bolster the sector's infrastructure, benefiting both banks and customers.
• It underscores the ambitious initiative of establishing an Urban Cooperative Bank in every town, aligning with the One Town-One Urban Cooperative Bank vision.

Policybazaar Insurance Brokers, PB Fintech’s Subsidiary, Receives IRDAI Approval For Composite Insurance Broker License

• PB Fintech's subsidiary, Policybazaar Insurance Brokers, has garnered approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to transition into a composite insurance broker.
• This elevation empowers Policybazaar to offer a broader spectrum of insurance products, including reinsurance, alongside general and life insurance offerings.
• With an expanded range of services encompassing risk management and claims data maintenance, this move enhances insurance accessibility and penetration in the Indian market.

Business News

Flipkart Introduces Its Digital Payments Solution, Flipkart UPIFlipkart Introduces Its Digital Payments Solution, Flipkart UPI

• In a noteworthy development in the digital payments arena, Flipkart has introduced its own UPI services, Flipkart UPI, in collaboration with Axis Bank.
• Initially available exclusively to Android users, Flipkart UPI facilitates seamless online and offline transactions within and outside the Flipkart ecosystem.
• With the ability to create a UPI ID via the Flipkart app, users can effortlessly conduct transactions with merchants, individuals, and utility bill payments, streamlining the payment process.

Important Days News

World Hearing Day 2024

• World Hearing Day, observed annually on March 3, serves as a global reminder to prioritize ear and hearing care.
• This year's theme, "Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all," as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the importance of prevention and treatment of deafness and hearing loss worldwide.
• It not only encourages individuals to safeguard their hearing but also advocates for improved access to hearing-related healthcare services.

National Safety Day 2024

• National Safety Day, celebrated on March 4, kickstarts National Safety Week in India, extending the focus on safety measures beyond a single day.
• The theme for National Safety Day 2024, "Safety for a Sustainable Future," highlights the indispensable connection between safety measures and sustainability across all sectors.
• This annual observance underscores the paramount importance of embracing safety practices to ensure a secure and sustainable future for all.

Schemes News

Telangana Government Announces Launch Of Indiramma Housing Scheme

• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has unveiled the Indiramma Housing Scheme, set to kick off on March 11, aimed at offering housing solutions to economically disadvantaged sectors.
• The scheme's first phase will witness the allocation of 3,500 houses per Assembly constituency, benefiting a substantial number of individuals.
• Beneficiaries owning land plots will receive Rs. 5 lakh for constructing new houses, while the homeless will be granted Rs. 5 lakh along with a house plot to facilitate construction.

Haj Suvidha App Launched And Haj Guide Released For Haj-2024 By Union Minister Smriti Irani

• Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, introduced two impactful initiatives for the 2024 Haj pilgrimage.
• The Haj Suvidha App, launched to provide essential information and access to crucial services, aims to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
• Additionally, the Haj Guide-2024, released to educate pilgrims about various aspects of the journey, underscores the ministry's commitment to facilitating a smooth and informed pilgrimage.

Awards News

Ministry Of I&B Honored For Outstanding Accounting Performance

• On the 48th Foundation Day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was lauded for its exceptional accounting performance during the Financial Year 2023-24.
• Led by Chief Controller of Accounts Ajay S. Singh, the ministry demonstrated unparalleled efficiency and diligence in its accounting practices, earning recognition for its outstanding performance.

Dr Pradeep Mahajan Receives Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024

• Pradeep Mahajan, Founder and Chairman and Managing Director of StemRx Hospital and Research Centre, alongside StemRx Bioscience Solutions, was honored with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024.
• This recognition celebrates Dr. Mahajan's groundbreaking contributions to regenerative medicine, offering innovative treatments and new hope to patients globally.
• Mahajan's focus on cost-effective solutions with minimal side effects underscores his commitment to enhancing patient care and quality of life.

Agreements News

BPCL Teams Up With Neeraj Chopra As Brand Ambassador For ‘Speed’ Petrol

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has forged a partnership with Olympic and World Javelin Champion Neeraj Chopra, appointing him as the brand ambassador for its premium petrol variant, 'Speed.'
• This collaboration enhances BPCL's profile and underlines its commitment to quality and innovation.
• Speed's advanced technology addresses engine issues caused by low-quality fuel, providing comprehensive care for all engine components and extending the engine's lifespan while reducing maintenance costs.

Appointments News

Tuvalu Appoints Feleti Teo As New Prime Minister

• Tuvalu has appointed Feleti Teo, former Attorney General, as its new prime minister, marking a significant political transition for the Pacific Island nation.
• Teo's nomination follows a general election that drew international attention to Tuvalu's diplomatic relations, particularly with Taiwan.
• Notably, Teo's elevation to the prime ministerial position was uncontested, being the sole candidate proposed by his 15 lawmaker colleagues.

Sports News

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, Puneri Paltan Clinches Maiden Title

• The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 10 witnessed Puneri Paltan clinching their maiden title after a thrilling final against Haryana Steelers.
• The closely contested match concluded with a score of 28-25 in favor of Puneri Paltan, with Pankaj Mohite emerging as a standout performer, securing nine raid points, including a pivotal super raid that tilted the game in Paltan's favor.

Science & Technology News

Iran Launches ‘Pars 1’ Satellite Into Orbit From Russia

• Iran's foray into space exploration sees a significant development with the launch of the "Pars 1" satellite from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome.
• This collaboration highlights the technological synergy between Iran and Russia amidst international scrutiny.
• It underscores Iran's strides in space technology, following its recent claim of launching three satellites using indigenous rockets earlier this year.

New Species Of Amazon Anaconda Discovered: Eunectes Akiyama

• In Ecuador's rainforest, researchers have made a remarkable discovery of a new species of anaconda, named Eunectes Akiyama, which diverged from its closest relatives ten million years ago.
• Led by Dutch biologist Freek Vonk, the team encountered massive 20-foot-long specimens of the "northern green anaconda" in the Amazon.
• This finding showcases significant genetic divergence and adds to the biodiversity of the region.

Google Unveils Genie AI: Revolutionizing Video Game Creation

• Google's DeepMind team introduces "Genie," an innovative AI platform poised to revolutionize video game creation.
• Genie enables users to craft interactive 2D video games from single image prompts or text descriptions, democratizing game development by utilizing natural language like English for creation.
• This groundbreaking project represents a convergence of advanced technology and creative potential, offering users the ability to create immersive gaming experiences with minimal input.