National NEWS:
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Achieves Record-Breaking Cargo Throughput in FY 2023-24:
- Paradip Port Authority (PPA) achieved a remarkable milestone by handling an incredible 145.38 MMT cargo throughput in FY 2023-24.
- This achievement nudged Paradip Port past Deendayal Port, Kandla, gujarat to emerge as the highest cargo handling major port in the country.
- This is the first time in the 56-year history of operation that Paradip Port has surpassed previous records set by Deendayal Port.
- The port recorded a growth of 10.02 million metric tonnes (7.4%) of traffic on a year-on-year basis.
- During the financial year, the port achieved its highest ever coastal shipping traffic of 59.19 million metric tonnes, showing a growth of 1.30% over the previous year.
Port details:
- Paradip port Location: Paradip, Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, India
India Achieves Record Coal and Lignite Production in FY 2023-24:
- India’s coal and lignite production surpasses one billion tonnes for the first time ever in the financial year 2023-24.
- Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi attributes the milestone to government support, resulting in capacity expansion and a growth of over 70% in production over the last decade.
- Joshi credits the transformation of the coal mining sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to align with the aspirations of a developed India (‘Viksit Bharat’).
- He extends congratulations to all stakeholders for achieving this significant milestone.
Key points:
- Pralhad Venkatesh Joshit union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines of India, and Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha,
- since 2004, representing the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency
NMDC Launches “Samman” Portal for Former Employees:
- NMDC Limited introduces “Samman,” a portal for former employees, facilitating management of medical claims, personal profiles, dependent details, and application status online.
- Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) (Additional Charge) inaugurated the portal at NMDC headquarters in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- The portal aims to ensure timely reimbursements and easy access to services, enhancing comfort and convenience for former employees.
NMDC Limited, formerly known as National Mineral Development Corporation, is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) under the Ministry of Steel.
- Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) (Additional Charge)
Uttar Pradesh Leads in Geographical Indication (GI) Certified Products:
- Uttar Pradesh surpasses all states in India with the highest number of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products, totaling 69, after the addition of 15 new products.
- Varanasi, the holy city in Uttar Pradesh, stands out as a leader in GI-tagged goods production, boasting 30 certified products, the highest from a single geographical area.
- GI certification ensures the uniqueness and authenticity of products, representing specific cultures, societies, or crafts.
About Uttar Pradesh:
- Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
Economy NEWS:
Indian Financial Markets Conclude FY24 with Strong Performance:
- Domestic equity indices Nifty50 and Sensex closed the financial year 2023-24 on a positive note, marking their most robust performance in three fiscal years.
- Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, and Coal India Limited emerged as the top three index performers in FY24, reflecting their strong performance in the market during the period.
BSE: bombay stock exchange
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 9 July 1875; 148 years ago
Banking NEWS:
RBI to Establish Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to Combat Illegal Lending Apps:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces the establishment of Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to address the proliferation of illegal lending apps.
- DIGITA will serve as a crucial checkpoint to tackle illegal lending apps, with unverified apps deemed unauthorized for law enforcement purposes.
- The agency’s objective is to vet digital lending apps for compliance and maintain a public register of verified apps.
- RBI provided Google with a list of 442 digital lending apps for whitelisting, resulting in the removal of over 2,200 apps from the PlayStore.
- Google now enforces a policy allowing only RBI-regulated entities (REs) or their partners to publish apps on the PlayStore, in response to requests from RBI and the Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry.
- Additionally, efforts are underway to rescue citizens involved in cyber fraud activities, particularly those engaged in employment scams in Cambodia.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
- Governor – Shaktikanta Das
- Deputy Governors – Swaminathan Janakiraman,
- Michael Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Rabi
Agreement NEWS:
HAL and CSL Contract for Indian Navy’s NGMV Project:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signs a Rs 1,173.42 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to supply 6 sets of LM2500 gas turbines (GT) and GT Auxiliaries (GTAE), spares, and tools for Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project.
- The domestic contract is scheduled for execution between FY26 to FY29.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited:
- Headquarters – Bengaluru
- CMD – CB Ananthakrishnan
Defence NEWS:
IAF’s ‘Gagan Shakti’ Exercise at Pokhran Field Firing Range:
- Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts its largest exercise, ‘Gagan Shakti,’ at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, running from April 10.
- The exercise showcases the striking capabilities of major fighter aircraft and modern helicopters of the Air Force.
- Indian Army provides logistics support, facilitating movement of approximately 10,000 IAF personnel and ammunition to validate the Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan.
- ‘Gagan Shakti’ involves various locations across the country, with participation from fighter planes and helicopters like Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi 30, Jaguar, Globemaster, Chinook, Apache, and Prachanda.
About IAF:
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 8 October 1932,
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan
Award NEWS:
REC Limited Receives SKOCH ESG Award 2024 for Renewable Energy Financing:
- REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been honored with the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in the ‘Renewable Energy Financing’ category.
- The award highlights REC’s commitment to sustainable financing, contributing to a greener future and expediting the shift towards renewable energy.
- Shri T.S.C. Bosh, Executive Director of REC Limited, received the award in New Delhi, acknowledging the organization’s significant contribution to renewable energy financing.
- The SKOCH ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Award recognizes organizations and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in sustainable practices, social responsibility, and effective governance. SKOCH Group, a think tank dealing with socio-economic issues, organizes these awards to highlight and honor initiatives that contribute positively to the environment, society, and governance standards.
About REC:
- Founded: 25 July 1969
- Formerly: Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
- Chairman: Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan
Hardik Singh and Salima Tete Honored with Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Sr. Awards:
- Hardik Singh, Vice-captain of the Indian Hockey men’s team, received the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Sr. award for Player of the Year 2023 (Men) at the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023 event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
- Indian field hockey player Salima Tete was honored with the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Sr. award for the Player of the year 2023 (Women).
- The Balbir Singh Senior Sr. award for Player of the year (both men and women) includes a cash prize of Rs 25,00,000 for each recipient.
Prof. Meena Charanda Receives International Culture Award 2024:
- Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, honored with the prestigious ‘International Culture Award’ for 2024.
- Prof. Charanda’s remarkable contributions in education and social service were recognized, leading to this prestigious honor.
Vineet Jain Honored with Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023:
- Vineet Jain, managing director of the Times Group, receives the prestigious ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian television news.
- Jain attributes the achievement to the collective efforts of teams at the Times Group and acknowledges the support of his elder brother, Samir Jain, during the group’s expansion and diversification journey.
Science and Tech NEWS:
Trailer and Song Launch of India’s First Hindi Film on Artificial Intelligence “IRAH“:
- Mumbai hosts the trailer and song launch event for “IRAH,” India’s first Hindi film on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- The movie features a stellar cast including Rohit Bose Roy, Rajesh Sharma, Karishma Kotak, and Rakshith Bhandarry in prominent roles.
- Produced by Big Films Media and directed by Sam Bhattacharjee, “IRAH” is set to release nationwide on April 4th, 2024, through Iamplex Digital Theatrical Distribution.
- The event witnessed the presence of music composer Sameer Sen, adding to the excitement surrounding the film’s release.
