1. Prime Minister witnesses the commencement of historic “Core Loading” at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MW) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
Marking India’s entry into the crucial second phase of the three-stage nuclear programme , Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi observed the commencement of ” Core Loading ” at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MW) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Did. India has developed extensive capabilities across the entire spectrum of the nuclear fuel cycle. To build and operate India’s most advanced nuclear reactor—the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), the government approved the creation of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in 2003 . In line with the true spirit of self-reliant India, the PFBR has been completely indigenously designed and manufactured by Bhavini with significant contribution from over 200 Indian industries including MSMEs . Once operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercially operational fast breeder reactor . The Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) will initially use uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. The uranium-238 “blanket” surrounding the fuel core will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, giving it the name ‘breeder’. The use of thorium-232, which is not a fissionable material in itself, as a blanket in this phase is also proposed. Through conversion, the thorium will create fissile uranium-233, which will be used as fuel in the third stage. Thus FBR; This is an important step forward for the third phase of the programme, which will ultimately pave the way for the full utilization of India’s abundant thorium reserves.
2 MPs and MLAs are no longer exempted from legal action for taking bribe for speech or voting in the House: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has ruled that MPs and MLAs will no longer be exempted from legal action for taking bribes for speeches or votes in the legislature . A seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict of a five-judge bench in the JMM bribery case . In the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) bribery case, the court had decided to exempt MPs and MLAs from legal action for taking bribe for giving speech or voting in the legislature. Top court said bribery not protected by parliamentary privileges and the interpretation of the 1998 judgment is contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court said that bribery is not exempted under the constitutional articles because it destroys integrity in public life.
3 DefConnect 2024: Defense Minister launches ADITI Scheme to encourage innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies
Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in collaboration with Innovations for Defense Excellence (IDEX) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 04, 2024. ) Scheme launched. Under this scheme, start-ups in defense technology are eligible to receive grant-in-aid up to Rs 25 crore for research, development and innovation efforts. Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators and policy makers from the industry, the Defense Minister said that the scheme will nurture the innovation of the youth and help India move forward in the field of technology. The program is organized by Innovation for Defense Excellence-Defence Innovation Organization (IDEX-DIO) under the aegis of Department of Defense Production. The IDEX framework allows military personnel to work with innovators in a co-development model. It was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
4 Union Steel Minister inaugurates India’s first green hydrogen plant in stainless steel sector
Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia virtually inaugurated India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar . It will be the world’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the world’s first green hydrogen plant with roof-top and floating solar . The project is also a state-of-the-art green hydrogen facility, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 metric tons per year and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next two decades.
5 The State Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Act 2024.
The Uttarakhand government approved an ordinance to recover compensation from miscreants for damage caused to public and private property during the riots. The state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the Uttarakhand Public (Government) and Private Property Damage Recovery (Ordinance) Act 2024. It has been sent to the Governor for approval. According to the state government, the entire cost of treatment of those injured during the riots will also be recovered from the people responsible. Apart from this, all the expenses incurred on police, administration and other riot control agencies during the riots will also be recovered. The government has also approved setting up of a formal claims tribunal to deal sternly with the rioters. As soon as this law is implemented, strict action can be taken against the rioters through the tribunal. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a social media post that those who disturb the peace of the state through this law will now have to pay a heavy price.
6 Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launches Digital Intelligence Platform and Chakshu Portal on Sanchar Sathi Portal
Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched Digital Intelligence Platform on Sanchar Sathi Portal and Chakshu Portal in New Delhi to curb cyber fraud . The Digital Intelligence Platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications aims to create coordination among stakeholders to prevent misuse of telecom resources in cyber crimes and financial frauds. Any person can report suspicious messages received on fraud call, SMS or WhatsApp on Chakshu portal. This fraud is done by impersonating a government official in the name of completion of KYC or updating the bank account and switching off the mobile number.
7 Minority Affairs Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani launched ‘Haj Suvidha App’ and ‘Haj Guide’ 2024 during the training program for trainers
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated a two-day training program for trainers as part of preparations for Haj 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri John Barla . More than 550 trainers from different States/UTs participated in this program. The objective of the Trainers’ Training Program is to sensitize and educate the trainers who further train the Haj pilgrims to ensure that the pilgrims have a satisfying experience and are well equipped with various aspects of the pilgrimage. Be aware. As part of the Government’s efforts to make Haj a seamless and comfortable experience, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani launched Haj Suvidha App for the benefit of all Haj pilgrims.
8 Indian Navy to enhance its operational capability by deploying INS Jatayu in Minicoy Island (Lakshadweep)
Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar on 06 March 2024 . The event is a significant achievement in the Navy’s resolve to enhance security infrastructure in the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands . Naval Detachment Minicoy was established in the early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer in Chief (Lakshadweep). Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, straddles the Sea Critical Lines of Communication (SLOC).
9 Flipkart offers its digital payment solution, Flipkart UPI
Ecommerce giant Flipkart has taken a significant step into the digital payments space by introducing its own UPI services , Flipkart UPI , in partnership with Axis Bank . The initiative aims to provide customers with seamless payment options integrated directly into the Flipkart platform.
10 Dr. Pradeep Mahajan received Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024
In remarkable recognition of his contribution in the field of regenerative medicine , Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Founder and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of StemRx Hospital and Research Center has been awarded the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 along with StemRx Bioscience Solutions . This honor is a testament to his pioneering efforts and substantial impact in advancing regenerative medicine, providing new hope and innovative treatments to patients around the world.
11 Telangana government announced the launch of Indiramma Housing Scheme
Telangana government will launch Indiramma Housing Scheme for the poor on March 11 . Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy took this decision and directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for the launch. Under the scheme, the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to build houses to those who already have a residential plot. To benefit the poor who do not have plots, plots and Rs 5 lakh will be given under the housing scheme.
12 World Hearing Day
March 3 is celebrated every year as World Hearing Day to raise awareness about preventing hearing loss and to promote hearing care across the world. It aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and prevent deafness, while also highlighting the importance of early detection, early intervention and preventive measures. This year the event is ‘ Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!’ ‘ is being celebrated on the theme.
13 National Security Day: 4 March
National Security Day was celebrated in the country on 4 March . This day is celebrated to honor the work of Indian security forces . This includes all security personnel, policemen, paramilitary forces, guards, commandos, army officers etc. National Security Day is celebrated every year on 4 March because the National Security Council was established on this day. The Security Council analyzes India’s economic, political and strategic security concerns. It was established in 1998 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.