National NEWS:
President Droupadi Murmu To Dedicate CAR-T Cell Therapy To Nation At IIT Bombay:
- President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the CAR-T Cell Therapy developed in India by Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy (ImmunoACT) at IIT Bombay.
- The CAR-T Cell Therapy is a result of collaboration between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).
- Development Process:
- Designed and developed at IIT Bombay.
- Integrative process development and manufacturing conducted at ImmunoACT.
- Clinical investigations and translational studies carried out by teams at TMC.
- Treatment for Cancer Patients: CAR-T Cell Therapy is designed to treat cancer patients, offering potentially life-saving benefits.
- Cost Efficiency: The therapy is expected to be more cost-effective compared to similar products available outside India.
- Impact: The introduction of indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy holds promise for saving lives and improving access to advanced medical treatment within India.
Meta Collaborates with PTI to Expand Fact-Checking Program in India:
- Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has teamed up with the Press Trust of India (PTI) to enhance its third-party fact-checking program in India.
- PTI will now play a role in identifying, reviewing, and rating content as misinformation across Meta platforms, contributing to the fight against fake news and misinformation.
- Meta’s initiative in India involves partnering with independent fact-checking organizations to assist users in identifying, reviewing, and verifying information, with the aim of curbing the spread of misinformation on its platforms.
About Press Trust of India:
- Founded: 27 August 1947
- Headquarters: PTI Building, 4, Parliament Street, New Delhi, India
- (Chairman): Aveek Sarkar
Tamil Nadu Governor Inaugurates Param Vir Chakra Garden and Aikyam Exhibition:
- Inauguration: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi inaugurated the Param Vir Chakra garden and Aikyam exhibition at Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir in Tambaram.
- Accompanying Dignitaries: Ravi was joined by Lt. Gen. Karanbir Singh Brar, AVSM, General Officer Commanding (Dakshin Bharat area), and V. Shankar, chairman of the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Trust.
- Tribute to Heroes: The garden honors the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, showcasing their history and statues as a tribute to their valor and sacrifice.
- Significance: The inauguration of the Param Vir Chakra garden and Aikyam exhibition symbolizes reverence for India’s military heroes and their extraordinary acts of bravery.
Tamilnadu Governor: RN Ravi
Economy NEWS:
World Bank Raises Indian Economic Growth Forecast to 6.6% for 2024-25:
- World Bank’s Projection: The World Bank, in its bi-annual report “South Asia Development Update,” released on April 2, 2024, has revised its growth rate forecast for the Indian economy upwards to 6.6% for the fiscal year 2024-25.
- Previous Forecast: In its earlier report, the World Bank had estimated a growth rate of 6.4% for the Indian economy in FY 2024-25.
- Reason for Revision: The World Bank attributes the upgraded growth forecast to increased public investment in the Indian economy.
- Comparison with Previous Year: However, the World Bank’s growth projection of 7.5% for the fiscal year 2023-24 is slightly lower than the 7.6% forecasted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
About World Bank:
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Founded: July 1944, United States
- Parent organization: World Bank Group
- President: Ajay Banga
Ranks and reports NEWS:
Savitri Jindal Tops Forbes’ List as India’s Richest Woman with $35.5 Billion Net Worth:
- Savitri Jindal has been acknowledged as India’s wealthiest woman by Forbes, with a notable net worth of $35.5 billion.
- Her remarkable success underscores the growing presence and influence of women entrepreneurs and business leaders in India’s economic landscape.
- Jindal’s ascent to the top of the wealth rankings not only signifies personal accomplishment but also reflects broader trends of women’s empowerment in the Indian business sphere.
- Savitri Jindal hails from the prestigious Jindal family, known for their significant contributions to India’s industrial sector.
- Other persons are: Rekha Jhunjhunwala – $8.5 billion, Vinod Rai Gupta – $5 billion, Renuka Jagtiani – $4.8 billion, Smita Crishna-Godrej – $3.8 billion
About Forbs:
- Headqurters: Jersey City, New Jersey
- Head: Steve Forbes
Mukesh Ambani Sole Indian in Top 10 Billionaires on Forbes’ List; Nikhil Kamath Youngest Indian Billionaire:
- Mukesh Ambani’s Ranking: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is the sole Indian to feature in the top 10 billionaires worldwide on the recently released “Forbes 38th Annual World’s Billionaires List 2024,” securing the 9th position.
- Bernard Arnault Tops List: The list is topped by Bernard Arnault & family, owners of the French luxury conglomerate LVMH, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Appointment NEWS:
Sanjay Nayar Assumes Presidency of ASSOCHAM, Succeeding Ajay Singh:
- Sanjay Nayar, Chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, has taken over as the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) for the term 2024-25, succeeding Ajay Singh.
- Ajay Singh, the former Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, completed his tenure as the President of ASSOCHAM, marking the end of his leadership role in the industry body.
- Sanjay Nayar brings with him extensive experience and expertise in the investment sector, having served as the Chairman of Sorin Investment Fund prior to assuming the presidency of ASSOCHAM.
About Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India:
- ASSOCHAM is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group based in
- headquarters – New Delhi
- established in the year 1920
Luís Montenegro Takes Office as Prime Minister of Portugal, Vows Tax Cuts and Business-Friendly Policies:
- Luís Montenegro, a center-right leader, has been sworn in as Portugal’s new prime minister at the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon, marking a change in government leadership.
- Luís Montenegro will lead a minority government, facing challenges in passing legislation due to the fragmented nature of Portugal’s parliament, necessitating cooperation and negotiation with other political parties.
About Portugal:
- Capital: Lisbon
- Official EU language(s): Portuguese
- Currency: euro
Sports NEWS:
Bindyarani Devi Wins Bronze, at IWF World Cup 2024:
- Bindyarani Devi, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 silver medallist, secured a bronze medal at the IWF World Cup 2024 in Phuket, Thailand,
- Bindyarani Devi and Mirabai Chanu were the sole representatives of India in the IWF World Cup 2024, highlighting their individual performances and contributions to Indian weightlifting.
- The IWF World Cup 2024, organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), is being held in Phuket, Thailand, from March 31 to April 11, 2024, featuring participation from both male and female weightlifters.
International Weightlifting Federation (IWF):
- The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) was established in 1905. It is the world governing body of men’s and women’s weightlifting and has been recognised by the International Olympic Association.
- Members -193 countries
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- President: Mohamad Hassan Jaloud
Important Days:
International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 2024: Theme and Significance:
- International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, also known as United Nations Mine Awareness Day, is observed annually on April 4th.
- The theme for International Mine Awareness Day 2024 is “Protecting Lives. Building Peace,” emphasizing the importance of mine action efforts in safeguarding lives and promoting peace in conflict-affected regions.
Science and Tech NEWS:
WHO Launches S.A.R.A.H.: AI-Powered Digital Health Promoter Prototype:
- Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) announces the launch of S.A.R.A.H., a digital health promoter prototype, ahead of World Health Day, themed ‘My Health, My Right’.
- S.A.R.A.H.: S.A.R.A.H. stands for Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, equipped with generative artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced empathetic response.
- Features: S.A.R.A.H. engages users 24/7 in 8 languages on various health topics, accessible across multiple devices, representing an evolution of AI-powered health information avatars.
- Scope: The digital health promoter covers major health topics, including healthy habits and mental health, aiming to optimize users’ health and well-being journey.
- Empowerment: WHO’s initiative provides an additional tool for individuals to exercise their rights to health, offering accessible health information and support regardless of location.
About WHO:
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 7 April 1948
- Head: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Top of Form:
Obitutary NEWS:
Venezuela’s Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, World’s Oldest Man, Passes Away at 114:
- Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, a Venezuelan resident, held the title of the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records in 2022.
- Pérez Mora passed away at the age of 114, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
- At 112 years and 253 days old, Pérez Mora was officially recognized as the oldest living person by Guinness on February 4, 2022.
About Venezula Country:
- Capital: Caracas
- Currency: Venezuelan bolívar
- President: Nicolás Maduro
