National News

Piyush Goyal Launches ‘E-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ To Ease Farmers’ Warehousing Logistics

• In a move aimed at revolutionizing India's agricultural landscape, Shri Piyush Goyal unveiled the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) in New Delhi.
• This initiative, under the auspices of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), stands as a pivotal step towards India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, with agriculture as its cornerstone.
• By offering a no-collateral, extra security deposit policy, the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ seeks to mitigate distress sales, empowering farmers to avoid selling their produce at subpar prices due to inadequate post-harvest storage facilities.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw To Launch ‘NITI For States’ Platform

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to inaugurate the ‘NITI For States’ platform in New Delhi, a significant development by NITI Aayog.
• This Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aims to fortify policy formulation and foster good governance across states.
• Encompassing 10 sectors including agriculture, education, energy, health, livelihoods and skilling, manufacturing, MSME, tourism, urban, water resources & WASH, alongside themes of gender and climate change, the platform is poised to enhance administrative efficacy and promote holistic development.

International News

India And South Korea To Boost Cooperation In New Tech And Semiconductors

• Strengthening ties between India and South Korea, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed a commitment to deepen cooperation in crucial domains during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul.
• Discussions, co-chaired with Cho Tae-yul, covered diverse areas such as defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
• Both nations deliberated on advancing trilateral cooperation and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific developments, challenges, and mutual interests on regional and global fronts.

State News

Uttar Pradesh Government Announces Electricity Bill Waiver For Farmers

• Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, announced a significant relief measure for farmers by waiving off electricity bills for private tube wells, effective from April 1, 2023.
• This decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers, is projected to enhance agricultural productivity and overall well-being.
• The state government has allocated a substantial sum of ₹1,800 crore in the 2024-2025 budget to facilitate the implementation of this policy.

Kerala To Launch India’s First Government-Backed OTT Platform

• Kerala is poised to make history in India's digital entertainment arena with the launch of CSpace, the country's first government-backed Over-The-Top (OTT)
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will lead the unveiling ceremony at Kairali Theatre on Thursday, March 7.
• CSpace not only provides a platform for established artists but also nurtures emerging talent, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and innovation, thus enriching Kerala's cultural heritage.

Economy News

India’s Unemployment Rate Drops To 3.1% In 2023

• India witnessed a notable drop in its unemployment rate to 3.1% in 2023, marking the lowest figure in the past three years.
• This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased economic activity following the relaxation of lockdown measures.
• Notably, the unemployment rate among females decreased to 3%, while for males, it dropped to 3.2%. Additionally, the urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.2%, while the rural rate dropped to 2.4%.

Important Days News

International Women’s Day 2024

• Celebrated annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a global tribute to women's achievements and a rallying cry for gender equality.
• In 2024, the theme chosen by the United Nations for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ emphasizing the imperative of empowering women to drive societal advancement.

Agreements News

CSIR-IIP Partners With UCOST To Implement Pine Needle Fuel Tech In Champawat

• In a significant development towards sustainable development, CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, and UCOST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the “Adarsh Champawat”
• This collaboration, directed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to implement Pine Needle Fuel Technology in Champawat, addressing environmental challenges and fostering eco-friendly practices.

Awards News

Yatin Bhaskar Duggal Wins First Prize In National Youth Parliament Festival 2024

• Haryana's Yatin Bhaskar Duggal clinched the top spot in the National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024, showcasing remarkable talent and eloquence.
• Vaishna Pitchai from Tamil Nadu secured the second prize, while Kanishka Sharma representing Rajasthan, claimed the third prize.
• These accolades underscore the diverse pool of talent across the nation, reflecting dedication and hard work.

Sports News

Khelo India Medal Winners Now Eligible For Government Jobs

• Recognizing the importance of sports in nation-building, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in collaboration with the Department of Sports, has revamped recruitment policies to benefit Khelo India medal winners.
• Now eligible for government jobs, athletes who excel in the Khelo India Games across various categories—Youth, University, Para, and Winter—receive enhanced support, reaffirming the government's commitment to nurturing sporting talent.

Science & Technology News

SpaceX Sends MethaneSAT Satellite Into Orbit To Track Methane Gas

• SpaceX's launch of the MethaneSAT satellite marks a significant milestone in environmental monitoring.
• Spearheaded by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), MethaneSAT endeavors to revolutionize methane emissions tracking globally.
• Equipped with advanced technology, MethaneSAT aims to independently verify industry reports and identify methane hotspots, empowering stakeholders to combat greenhouse gas pollution effectively.