1. The President attends the function organized to mark the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank
The President Smt. Draupadi Murmu attended the function organized to celebrate the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank in Kolkata on March 28, 2023 . On the occasion, the President virtually inaugurated 50 new branches of UCO Bank. He also laid the foundation stone for the renovation work of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Center in Rairangpur, Odisha under the CSR initiative of UCO Bank. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that UCO Bank since its inception in 1943 has been a guide and a pioneer in the banking sector. UCO Bank established in the year 1943 is a commercial bank and a Government of India undertaking. The idea of this bank is Mr. G.D. Birla had given as a result of his thoughts United Commercial Bank Limited was born on 6 January 1943 with its registered and head office at Kolkata. The name of the bank was changed to UCO Bank in the year 1985 by an Act of Parliament.
2. Indo-Africa joint military exercise ‘AFindex-23’ concluded at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune
The second edition of the Africa-India joint military exercise Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-23) concluded at the Foreign Training Node at Aundh, Pune . AfIndex-23 was organized from March 16 to March 29, 2023. A total of 25 countries from the African continent and soldiers from the Sikh, Maratha and Mahar regiments of India participated in the multinational exercise with 124 participants. The validation phase of the exercise was observed by the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande along with all the African heads of state and representatives who participated in the Chiefs’ Conclave. The aim of the exercise was to build positive military-to-military relations, assimilate each other’s best action plans and execute humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations under the mandate of the United Nations.
3. First meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Road and Technological Transport Systems held in New Delhi
The first meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Road and Technological Transport Systems was held in New Delhi. The purpose of this meeting is to streamline mutual cooperation in road transport, management of movement of goods, technology related systems. Both the countries discussed various issues including technology related transport systems, cleaner modes of transport, road safety and technology implementation in road transport and highway sector.
4. Spring Fiesta 2023 to be organized to celebrate the 69th year of establishment of the National Museum of Modern Art, New Delhi
The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi is organizing Spring Fiesta 2023 for the first time to celebrate its 69th year of establishment . The Union Ministry of Culture said that more than 50 stalls will be set up for the display and sale of items related to handicrafts, ceramics, indigenous art and fashion. Food stalls will also be available in the museum premises. The Education and Research Department of the National Gallery of Modern Art is constantly working on ideas and projects to provide an interactive experience to the visitors. These activities aim to engage visitors more with the museum.
5. The Ministry of Defense has signed three contracts worth about five thousand four hundred crore rupees to strengthen the defense capabilities in the country.
The Ministry of Defense has signed three contracts worth about five thousand four hundred crore rupees to strengthen the defense capabilities in the country. The first contract has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited . This contract worth Rs 1,982 crore pertains to the procurement of Project Akashteer , an automated air defense control and reporting system for the Indian Army. The second contract with Bharat Electronics Limited pertains to the procurement of Sarang Electronics Cooperation System for the Navy at a cost of Rs 412 crore. Sarang is an advanced electronics support system for helicopters of the Indian Navy. New Space India Limited The third contract with India is for the purchase of advanced communication satellite G-SAT 7-B . This contract worth Rs 2,963 crore is for the Indian Navy. This satellite will significantly increase the communication capacity of the army.
6. Vice President appoints Professor Renu Cheema Vig as Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University
The Vice President , Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar , who is also the Chancellor of Panjab University , appointed Professor (Dr.) Renu Cheema Vig as the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University. Presently he is the Dean of University Instruction (DUI). Mr. Dhankhar has appointed Professor Vig for a period of three years using the powers conferred by Section 10 of the Punjab University Act- 1947. Earlier, Professor Raj Kumar resigned from the post of Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, after which Professor Vig was the acting Vice Chancellor from January 16, 2023.
7. Female cheetah from Namibia gave birth to four cubs
The female cheetah Siya , who came from Namibia , has given birth to four cubs in Madhya Pradesh ‘s Kuno National Park . The female cheetah and the four little guests are absolutely healthy at the moment. A special team is taking special care of the new guests and the female cheetah. Cheetahs became extinct in the country in 1952. This has happened for the first time after 70 years, when cheetahs are born on the land of the country. On the occasion of his 72nd birthday, PM Modi had released eight cheetahs brought from Namibia, which included five male and three female cheetahs, at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district of MP. Recently, a female cheetah Sasha had died due to infection.
8. Second meeting of G20 agriculture representatives begins in Chandigarh
The second Agriculture Representatives Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) under India’s G20 chairmanship began in Chandigarh on 29 March . The day was dedicated to the Rapid Response Forum (RRF) of Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and began with the welcome remarks by Shri Arun Kumar, Senior Economic and Statistical Adviser, Government of India. He welcomed all the delegates to the 12th session of RRF and talked about the need of the hour to make timely evidence-based policy making so as to address the concern of high food prices.
9. Indian Coast Guard conducts Area Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Indian Coast Guard conducted Regional Level Search and Rescue Exercise at Kakinada , Andhra Pradesh from 28 to 29 March 2023 . The objective of conducting this exercise was to create a simulated situation like a real contemporary maritime disaster scenario and to expose the working methods of Search and Rescue (SAR) organization with a view to conduct large scale rescue operations. The exercise effectively involved all the stakeholders while efficiently utilizing the available resources to respond to any M-SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue) contingency.
10. Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India
Letters (notes) were exchanged between Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance , Government of India, and Mr. Suzuki Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to India. These notes include the Rs 5,509 crore (98.612 billion JPY) Patna Metro Rail Construction Project (I) , the Rs 520 crore (JPY 9.308 billion) Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Project for Climate Change Response in West Bengal and the Rs 1,055.53 crore (JPY 18.894 billion Japanese yen) for the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II) .
11. NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd signs term sheet with Greenco ZeroC Pvt Ltd for 1,300 MW capacity round-the-clock RE power supply for its Green Ammonia Plant
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited , a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited, has entered into a 1,300 MW capacity agreement with Greenco ZeroC Private Limited (a Greenco Group company) to power Greenco Company’s upcoming Green Ammonia Plant at Kakinada, India. Term sheet has been signed for round the clock RE power supply. The agreement between the two companies is one of the world’s largest contracts for 24-hour renewable energy supply to an industrial customer.
12. Mission Arikomban: Kerala
A wild elephant named Arikomban is creating havoc in the high hills of Idukki district . Arikomban is infamous for its habit of raiding rice shops and causing mayhem in its path. Over the years, Arikomban has killed at least 10 people and destroyed around 60 houses and shops. Forest Department plans to capture Arikomban and train it as a ‘kumki’ Have brought Kumki is a captive elephant used for operations against rogue elephants. People for Animals – Thiruvananthapuram filed a petition challenging the decision of the Forest Department to capture Arikomban. The plea of the petitioner was that the elephant should be released at another place in the forest by putting a radio-collar. However, a division bench of the Kerala High Court stayed the forest department’s decision to detain Arikomban till March 29.
13. Operation Interflex to provide military assistance to Ukraine
Operation Interflex began on June 27, 2022 , with the United Kingdom and several other countries training approximately 2,000 Ukrainian military recruits for five weeks. The initiative builds on the UK’s £2.3 billion commitment to military aid and support to Ukraine It is part of, and is a collaborative effort between, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and the Netherlands. The training imparted to recruits under Operation Interflex focused on a number of areas, including weapon handling, range activity, marksmanship, fieldcraft basics, field tactics, battle casualty drill, counter explosives, laws of armed conflict, first aid and cyber security awareness Are included. The aim is to give them the skills and experience they need to work after they return to Ukraine.
14. Successful test of anti-tank guided missile Amogha-3
India has rapidly expanded its missile capability to promote greater self-reliance in the defense sector. In this sequence, the land version of Anti-Tank Guided Missile Amogha-3 was successfully tested. Promoting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, defense company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has developed third generation man portable Amogha-3 missile, which was test fired on 28 March. This missile hit its designated target like other anti-tank missiles.
15. The first international conference on quantum communication on teaching latest advances in quantum technology concludes
Recently, the ‘ First International Quantum Communications Conference ‘ was organized by the Department of Telecommunications on March 27-28, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi . The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister for Communications Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State for Communications Shri Dev Singh Chauhan on March 27. During the inauguration, the ministers presented the Pandit Deendayal Telecom Skills Excellence Awards 2022 to various winners. The award is given for outstanding contribution in services manufacturing and applications. Its objective is to encourage the telecom ecosystem.
16. Maharashtra Cow Service Commission Bill
The Maharashtra Cow Service Commission Bill was introduced in the state assembly recently, with an aim to promote and protect indigenous cattle breeds . The Maharashtra Gau Seva Commission Bill was introduced in the state assembly by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state budget. The Maharashtra Cow Service Commission will be a 25-member body consisting of members from animal husbandry and other government departments. It will also have members from various universities and NGOs.
17. Defense Secretary Mr. Giridhar Armane and Romania’s Defense Secretary Mrs. Simona Cojocaru hold bilateral talks
The Department of Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations of Romania held a bilateral meeting with the Indian officials. The meeting covered a wide range of issues including military cooperation, military training and courses, defense co-development and co-production and capacity building. The two countries signed an agreement on defense cooperation, enhancing bilateral defense cooperation. During the meeting, both sides discussed regional security challenges and expressed their commitment to work together to enhance cooperation in all defense sectors. The meeting reflects the growing partnership between India and Romania in the field of defence, as both countries seek to strengthen their capabilities and promote stability and security in the region.
18. Indo + Caribbean: The creation of a culture, to be unveiled in May 2023
The Museum of London Docklands was established in 2003, with a main focus on highlighting the history of the River Thames, the development of the Port of London and the historical links to the Atlantic slave trade. The museum features exhibitions and programs that focus on the region’s rich history and cultural diversity. Upcoming exhibition, Indo + Caribbean: The creation of a culture , to be unveiled May 2023 Will be done in Indo + Caribbean: The creation of a culture aims to trace the under-represented history of Indian indentured laborers in the British Caribbean and to shed light on the Indo-Caribbean culture present in London today. The exhibition is a significant milestone as it is the first time that a major exhibition at the British Museum has focused on the history of the Indo-Caribbean community.
19. Government of Pakistan proposed a bill to reduce the powers of the Chief Justice of the country
Pakistan ‘s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarad introduced the Supreme Court Bill in the National Assembly . Its purpose is to limit the discretionary powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notices . The House has referred the proposed Bill to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for consideration and approval. The bill has already been approved by the Union Cabinet. Supreme Court Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Jamal Khan Mandokhali had earlier appealed to reconsider the authority of the Chief Justice. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party President Imran Khan has said that the purpose of this bill is to put pressure on the Supreme Court.
20. China spent $240 billion helping Belt and Road countries: study
A recent study conducted by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, EdData and The Kiel Institute for the World Economy has revealed that China faces difficulties in repaying loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure project . Spent about $240 billion from 2008 to 2021 to help 22 developing countries .
21. Rs 915 crore (JPY 15 billion) green funding from JBIC to SJVN
Rs 915 crore (15 billion Japanese yen) from Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) to SJVN for 90 MW Omkareshwar floating solar power project and 100 MW Raghanseda solar projects Has given green funding. Nandlal Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN informed that SJVN and JBIC have virtually signed the facility agreement under the Global Action for Solutions for Economic Growth and Environmental Protection (Green) programme. This loan of Rs 915 crore is being financed by a private financial institution of Japan. The loan is intended to finance the 90-MW Omkareshwar Floating Solar Power Project in Madhya Pradesh and the 100-MW Raghanseda Solar Power Project in Gujarat. Their combined estimated cost is Rs 1,288.35 crore.
22. Hamza Yusuf elected leader of Scottish National Party
Pakistani- origin politician Humza Yusuf has won the Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership election, becoming Scotland’s youngest and first Muslim leader. Joseph, 37, will take over as the head of the semi-autonomous government after winning an approval vote in the Scottish Parliament. He will replace Nicola Sturgeon. Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom, its capital is Edinburgh, and its currency is the pound sterling.
23. ‘Ironman’ Krishna Prakash becomes first man to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves
Maharashtra Police Special IG Krishna Prakash has become the first person in the world to swim from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves. IPS, popularly known as Air Man, has done this swimming under the awareness campaign of prevention of drowning. He completed the journey of 16.20 km in 5 hours 26 minutes. IPS Krishan Prakash is the only police officer who has achieved the title of Iron Man in the Iron Man Triathlon competition. In Air Man Triathlon competition, players have to complete 3.8 km swim, 180.2 km long cycle ride, 42.2 km run within 16 to 17 hours. IPS Krishna Prakash’s name is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for this reason.
24. Intel co-founder Gordon Moore passes away
Intel co-founder Gordon Moore has died at the age of 94 at his home in Hawaii. He was instrumental in the design and manufacturing of semiconductor chips . Gordon Earle Moore was born on January 3, 1929 in San Francisco . He received the National Medal of Technology from President George H.W. Bush . Bush in 1990 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush in 2002. Moore’s Law, named after him, states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, while the cost of the chips remains the same. Moore has made significant contributions to the development of many important technologies, including the integrated circuit and the semiconductor industry.