1. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Setu’ mobile app of National Logistics Portal Marine
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shripad Y. Naik, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) in the presence of Shri Sudhanshu Pant, Secretary and other senior officials launched the app version of the National Logistics Portal (Marine) ‘ SAGAR-SETU’‘ launched. Features like Login Module, Service Catalogue, Common Application Format, Letter of Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification and Track and Trace etc. have been included in this app. The app will provide importer, exporter and customs broker with real-time information on activities including vessel related information, gates, container freight stations and transactions which are usually not within their reach. It also enables digital transactions for essential payments like container freight station charges, shipping line charges, transportation charges, etc. in the clearance process during imports and exports.
2. Fourth Joint Defense Cooperation Committee meeting between India and Philippines held in New Delhi
The 4th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee meeting between India and the Philippines was held on March 31, 2023 in New Delhi . The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, while the Philippines delegation was led by Mr. Pablo M. Lorenzo, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessment and International Affairs, Department of National Defense. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral defense cooperation and discussed effective and practical initiatives to take the relationship forward. The Co-Chairs reaffirmed their commitment to implement the 2006 Agreement on Defense Cooperation based on mutual trust and understanding, common interest and shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
3. Defense Ministry signs Rs 470 crore contract with Ultra Dimensions Pvt Ltd for modernization of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa and Kochi
The Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Ultra Dimensions Pvt Ltd (UDPL), Visakhapatnam on March 31, 2023 for the modernization of the Naval Aircraft Yard (NAY) at Goa and Kochi, worth about Rs 470 crore . These yards undertake servicing/repair of naval aircraft, aero engines, rotables and test equipment at Goa and Kochi. In addition, Ministry of Defense has contracted MECON Limited, Ranchi as monitoring consultant for the project at a cost of Rs.24 crore.
4. Former US President Donald Trump is the first former US President to face criminal charges
Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted in New York on charges of paying a pornographic actress to hush up claims of extramarital sex during the 2016 presidential campaign. has been applied. A New York grand jury has voted to indict Trump for payments made to a porn star. Thus Trump has become the first former US President to face criminal charges. According to reports, Trump is expected to appear in court next week. The process of his surrender is underway. New York Prosecutor Alvin Bragg’s office has confirmed that Republican lawyers have been contacted to coordinate Trump’s surrender. A date for his court appearance has not yet been set.
5. US allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in US, giving major relief to foreign workers
In a major relief to foreign workers in the US technology sector , a judge has ruled that the spouses of H-1B visa holders can now work in the US Are. The decision was given by US District Judge Tanya Chutkan while rejecting a petition by the organization Save Jobs USA. The petition urged the repeal of an Obama-era rule that gave employment authorization cards to the spouses of employees of certain categories of H-1B visa holders. Save Jobs USA is an organization of information technology workers who claim that H-1B visa holders are losing their jobs. Big companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft associated with the technology sector have opposed this petition. The US has so far issued nearly one lakh work permits to the spouses of H-1B workers.
6. Book titled ‘Basu Chatterji: And Middle-of-the-Road Cinema’ released
A new book titled Basu Chatterji: And Middle-of-the-Road Cinema has been released, which chronicles the life and times of Indian film director Basu Chatterjee . The book is authored by Anirudh Bhattacharya , an award-winning author, and is published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). The book takes readers behind some of the memorable films like ‘Chitchor’, ‘Sara Akash’, ‘Khatta Meetha’ and ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’. It provides information about Chatterjee’s filmmaking style and the cultural and social context in which his films were made.
7. Saudi Arabia becomes a “dialogue partner” country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Saudi Arabia has decided to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) . The decision to join the SCO comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is moving closer to China and relations with the US are going through a rough phase . Saudi Arabian government a dialogue partner in SCO (dialogue partner) approved a memorandum giving the status of the country. This is essentially the first step towards joining the SCO. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a permanent intergovernmental international organization that was established in Shanghai on June 15, 2001. Its five initial members were: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It replaced the Shanghai Five. The Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was signed in Saint Petersburg in June 2002. India and Pakistan were granted full membership status in June 2016 at a meeting held in Astana. At present there are eight member countries of this organization. These countries are: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Its secretariat is in Beijing while the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is in Tashkent. Chinese and Russian are its official languages.
8. Government to set up Center for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE)
Center for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) is a newly established body with the objective of removing the name of a company from the records under the Companies Act, 2013. Processing and disposal of applications. C-PACE is set up in Manesar, Haryana, as a one-stop solution for companies that wish to wind up their business and strike off their names from the Register of Companies. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Rao Inderjit Singh announced the setting up of C-PACE in March 2023, the notification of which was issued on 17 March. This will come into effect from April 1, 2023. The primary purpose of C-PACE is to facilitate the process of winding up businesses and striking off company names from the Register of Companies. Companies applying for deletion of name from the Register of Companies under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013 can benefit from C-PACE.
9. Pranav Haridasan will be the MD and CEO of Axis Securities
Pranav Haridasan has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Securities for the next three years . B Gopakumar , currently MD & CEO of Axis Securities, has been transferred to Axis Asset Management Company as MD & CEO.
10. PFRDA increases the age limit of Lokpal from 65 years to 70 years
The government has increased the maximum age for the Ombudsman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) from 65 years to 70 years . The Ombudsman is responsible for receiving, evaluating and helping to resolve complaints or grievances under the PFRDA regulations. As per the rules of PFRDA, a complainant whose complaint is not resolved within thirty days from raising the complaint in the National Pension System Trust or a complainant who has made a complaint directly against the National Pension System Trust and there is no other intermediary and who within thirty days remains unresolved within 30 days, he can file an appeal with the Ombudsman.
11. International Monetary Fund approves $15.6 billion aid package for Ukraine
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a US$15.6 billion aid package for Ukraine . This aid package is being given with a view to assisting in the economic recovery of conflict-torn Ukraine. The loan is part of a wider international support package of US$115 billion to help meet the country’s immediate funding needs. Of the total amount approved by the IMF, $2.7 billion is being made available to Ukraine immediately and the remaining funds will be released over the next four years. The Extended Fund Facility is the first major financing program approved by the IMF for a war-torn country.
12. SBI announces donation of Rs 48 lakh for tree plantation
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility , State Bank of India (SBI) has partnered with NGO The Eko Foundation to contribute Rs 48 lakh to plant 32,000 saplings at Garden City University in Bengaluru . Can be donated. The initiative aims to contribute to the environment by increasing green cover and promoting sustainable practices. An MoU has been signed between SBI, Garden City University and Eco Foundation for the successful implementation of this project. The tree plantation project at Garden City University in Bengaluru is being implemented using Miyawaki’s technique. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the technique involves the creation of dense, native forests that grow 10 times faster and are 30 times denser than normal.
13. NASA will send four humans to live on Mars
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is training four people to live on Mars in June 2023 . These four ‘Martians’ will be part of NASA’s human exploration mission to Mars. These four people will be a part of NASA’s Human Exploration Journey to Mars. In addition, NASA is sending a satellite, the InSight lander, a robotic helicopter and related systems to Mars, which will conduct comprehensive investigations of Mars. NASA is working on a plan for three such trips to Mars.
14. India’s defense exports will reach Rs 40,000 crore by 2026: Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that India will export defense equipment and material worth Rs 35,000 to 40,000 crore by 2026. The Defense Minister was delivering the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Memorial Lecture on ‘Role of Youth in Nation Building’ organized by Symbiosis International University. He said that first there should be a sense of confidence that we will make India ‘self-reliant’. In the year 2014, our defense exports were only Rs 900 crores, but ever since we adopted Indianisation (programme), today our defense exports have increased to Rs 15,000 crores.
15. SpiceJet’s Ajay Singh takes over as Assocham President
SpiceJet chief officer Ajay Singh has become the new president of the Association of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) . He has replaced Sumant Sinha . Sanjay Nair, founder and chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, has been appointed as the new senior vice-chairman of Assocham.
16. Naveen Jindal honored with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by University of Texas
Naveen Jindal has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) . Jindal is the second person in the university’s history to receive this prestigious honour. Prior to this , the honor has been conferred on American-Turkish biologist Aziz Sanker , who received his PhD degree from this university in 1977. Naveen Jindal has been awarded this honor for his exemplary contribution in the field of successful industrialist, politician and education. Jindal earned a master’s degree in management from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1992. He was honored on 25 March 2023 in a special event.
17. IIT Madras researchers develop pocket-friendly device to detect adulteration in milk
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds . The paper-based portable device can detect several commonly used adulterants, including urea, detergent, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodium-hydrogen-carbonate and salt, the researchers said. This can be tested at home. Only one milliliter of liquid is required as a sample for this test. The researchers said the test could be used to detect adulterants in other liquids as well, including water, fresh juices and milkshakes. The research, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, has been published in the journal Nature.
18. Passing out parade of first batch of Agniveers at 1INS Chilka
The first batch of 2,585 Agniveers celebrated their Passing Out Parade at INS Chilka, Odisha on 28 March . The parade was organized under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command . The parade was reviewed by Admiral R Hari Kumar , Chief of the Naval Staff in the presence of Hon’ble Member of Parliament PT Usha, eminent sports personality Mithali Raj and eminent naval veterans. Among those passing out at the parade are 272 women Agniveers. Khushi Pathania was awarded the General Bipin Rawat Trophy for Best Female Agniveer at the first passing out parade of Agniveers at INS Chilka. Khushi, 19, from Pathankot, is the granddaughter of a Subedar Major and the daughter of a farmer. Amalakanti Jayaram, Agniveer (SSR), Ajit P , Agniveer (MR) were awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR in the men’s category respectively.
19. 800 year old Mahim Fort in Mumbai now open as a tourist destination
Mahim Fort is a historical fort located in Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Built by the descendants of King Bimbdev between 1140 and 1241 , the fort has a rich history and has witnessed frequent contests over the years. Mahim Fort was built by the descendants of King Bimbdev, who established his kingdom of Mahikawati in the northern Konkan belt of Maharashtra. The fort is strategically located at Mahim Bay, and from its vantage point, one can see Worli in the south, Bandra in the north and Mahim in the east.
20. Star Sports ropes in Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador
Star Sports Network, a channel owned by Walt Disney India, has signed Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador. Last week, the Bollywood actor replaced Indian batsman Virat Kohli to become the most valuable celebrity of 2022. On being chosen as the brand ambassador, Ranveer Singh said, “It is a brand that is synonymous with sports in India. Star Sports Network (Star Sports), a company owned by The Walt Disney Company India.
21. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame
The Premier League inducted former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger into its Hall of Fame . This is the first time that managers have been included in this prestigious list. The two managers together have 16 English top-flight titles in the 1990s. Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United during his 26-year stint, while Wenger won 3 Premier League titles and 7 FA Cups with Arsenal during his 22-year stint. The Premier League Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to honor players who have made an extraordinary contribution to the league.
22. Shakib Al Hasan became the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket
Shakib Al Hasan has overtaken Tim Southee to become the highest wicket- taker in T20I cricket against Ireland in the second T20I match . Shakib has taken 136 wickets in T20Is and averages 20.67. Shakib has also scored 2339 runs in T20Is with a strike rate of 122.33. Shakib made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2006 and has since played in 114 matches, appearing in all editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
23. BCCI announces Herbalife as its official partner for Tata IPL 2023
Herbalife , the premier global nutrition company, has partnered with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for IPL (2023) . The partnership between IPL and Herbalife brings together two powerful brands that share a common passion for sports. Cricket fans in India and around the world love the IPL, and Herbalife has a proven track record of helping athletes improve their performance through high-quality, science-backed food products. IPL will be organized from March 31 to May 28, in which a total of 74 matches will be played.
24. International Drug Checking Day: 31 March
International Drug Checking Day is an annual event celebrated on March 31 since 2017. The day aims to educate people about drugs and their effects and promote harm reduction tools to reduce the dangers associated with drug use.
25. World Backup Day 2023: 31 March
World Backup Day is observed every year on 31 March . The day reminds us to protect our precious digital documents as we have become more dependent on technology. It is a day for people to learn about the growing role of data in our lives and the importance of regular backups. Originally, World Backup Day began as World Backup Month by a hard drive company called Maxtor, which was later acquired by Seagate Technology.
26. International Transgender Day of Visibility 2023: March 31
The International Transgender Day of Visibility is observed globally every year on 31 March to celebrate the achievements and contributions of transgender people, as well as to recognize the discrimination and violence faced by the transgender community around the world . It also happens to bring in.