05th April, 2024
myCGHS iOS App, Strategic petroleum reserve, incentives under PLI, Wheat buying from three states, Haldiram, Schengen Visa, NATO Anniversary, Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy”, Launch of Loan product, UPI transactions, RBI@90, Innovation fund, Reliance change in control, Small Finance Banks sell 9,300 Crore, CD issuances by banks up 34%, Allianz Partners to launch ops in GIFT City, Exchange-traded forex derivatives, The World Bank report, Launch of the report on energy transitions, HAL Delivers Two Dornier 228 Planes, Next-gen lunar rover , Pratush Technology, International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Commonwealth Games 2026, new Prime Minister of Senegal, member of the AAA, Rakesh Mohan appointed to World Bank panel, new head of digital enterprise at Maruti Suzuki, India fast emerging as World’s Cancer capital, Rising depression rate in India
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) unveiled the ‘myCGHS’ app tailored for iOS devices, equipped with robust security features such as two-factor authentication and mPIN functionality.
- India plans to build its first privately managed strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, granting the operator the freedom to trade all of the stored oil.
- The Indian government has paid $1.02 billion in incentives to boost local manufacturing, following over $13 billion in investments from private firms under the Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
- The Centre has announced plans to significantly increase wheat purchase from non-traditional states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, setting a target of a seven-fold jump in procurement to 5 million tonnes during the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year.
- The Delhi High Court has declared ‘Haldiram’ as well as the red oval-shaped mark of the brand as a “well-known” mark.
- Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, becoming its newest members.
- On 4th April,1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, was formed with the goal of collective defense among member countries. This means that if one member was attacked, all members would come to their aid. Originally, there were only 12 founding members.
- PhonePe has announced a strategic partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd (Star Health Insurance), India’s largest retail health insurance company, to launch the “Star comprehensive Insurance policy”.
- Canara Bank launched a range of innovative products aimed at enhancing financial inclusivity and addressing healthcare needs.
- UPI transactions in India surged by 56% year-on-year (YoY) in the second half (H2) of 2023, while card transactions saw a modest growth of 6%, according to a report by Worldline
- The RBI which was established under the RBI Act of 1934, began its operations on April 1, 1935, has celebrated the 90th anniversary of its establishment on April 1, 2024.
- Bandhan Mutual Fund (MF) has announced the launch of a new fund called the Bandhan Innovation Fund.
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has granted approval for a proposed change in control at Reliance Securities, in line with regulations governing research analysts and investment advisors.
- Small finance banks (SFBs) in India have increasingly turned to securitization to sell loans worth approximately ₹9,300 crore in the financial year 2023-24, up from about ₹6,400 crore in the previous fiscal year.
- Banks in India resorted to mobilizing funds through the issuance of certificates of deposit (CDs) during the financial year 2023-2024.
- France-based Allianz Partners has launched its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO Reinsurance Branch) in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deferred the implementation of norms on exchange-traded currency derivatives (ETCDs) linked to Indian rupee until May 3 following concerns by investors. The norms were scheduled to take effect from 5th April, 2024.
- The report titled “Measuring the Emissions and Energy Footprint of the ICT Sector: Implications for Climate Action” has been jointly released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank.
- The report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All” which was prepared by IIM Ahmedabad was released.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)
- Venturi Astrolab Inc., a Los Angeles-based startup, successfully tested the Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) lunar rover prototype in California’s Mojave Desert.
- Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH) is a radio telescope to be sited on the moon’s far side.
- The UN observes International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action annually on April 4th.
- Singapore has ruled out bidding for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Sheyphali B. Sharan assumed the role of Principal Director General (PDG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
- Former Indian track and field athlete Shiny Kurisingal Abraham Wilson was nominated as a member of the Athletic Commission of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) for the years 2024-2028.
- The World Bank Group has appointed former Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as a member of the Economic Advisory Panel.
- Tapan Sahoo appointed as new head of digital enterprise at Maruti Suzuki
- India is rapidly emerging as the “cancer capital of the world”, according to data shared by the annual Health of Nation report by Apollo Hospitals.
- As per annual Health of Nation report by Apollo Hospitals, one in every 10 individuals had depression out of a sample size of 5,000.
Table of Content
National News
- Health Ministry introduces myCGHS iOS App with enhanced security measures
- What: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) unveiled the ‘myCGHS’ app tailored for iOS devices, equipped with robust security features such as two-factor authentication and mPIN functionality.
- Why: It has been launched to improve healthcare accessibility for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries.
- Tell me more:
- It is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and the NIC Health Team.
- It Incorporates 2-factor authentication and mPIN functionality to ensure user data integrity and confidentiality.
- The myCGHS app will be available for free download on both iOS and Android platforms.
Source: India TV
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) - It is a comprehensive healthcare scheme provided by the Indian Government to its employees, pensioners, and their dependents. - It was established in 1954 with the aim of providing quality healthcare services to government employees and their families. |
- India aims for 1st strategic petroleum reserve with pvt company by 2029-30
- What: India plans to build its first privately managed strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, granting the operator the freedom to trade all of the stored oil.
- Why: To establish a petroleum reserve which can be used in the emergency situations.
- Tell me more:
- India has adopted the idea to allow a fully commercial SPR along with private sector, from countries like Japan and South Korea, which allow private lessees, mostly oil majors, to trade the crude.
- India plans to build two new SPRs – the first a 18.3 million barrels cavern at Padur in southern Karnataka state, and then a 29.3 million barrels SPR in eastern Odisha state – with private partners allowed to trade all of the oil locally.
- However, the government will have the first right to the oil in the event of a shortage.
Source: Business Standard
Knowledge Nuggets – |
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– Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the government in 2004 under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oversees strategic petroleum reserves in India. |
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- Private firms got $1 bn incentives under PLI.
- What: The Indian government has paid $1.02 billion in incentives to boost local manufacturing, following over $13 billion in investments from private firms under the Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
- It is a key scheme, which covers 14 sectors ranging from electronic products to drones.
- Why: The PLI scheme aims to incentivize manufacturing in various sectors, which is crucial for India’s economic growth.
- Tell me more:
- One of the notable impacts of the scheme is the boost in mobile phone exports, which reached a record $15 billion in the financial year ending March 31, according to industry estimates.
Source: Business Standard
- One of the notable impacts of the scheme is the boost in mobile phone exports, which reached a record $15 billion in the financial year ending March 31, according to industry estimates.
- What: The Indian government has paid $1.02 billion in incentives to boost local manufacturing, following over $13 billion in investments from private firms under the Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
- Centre aims 7-fold rise in wheat buying from UP, Raj, and Bihar
- What: The Centre has announced plans to significantly increase wheat purchase from non-traditional states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, setting a target of a seven-fold jump in procurement to 5 million tonnes during the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year.
- Why: This news has come about due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, indicating a strategic move by the Centre to address agricultural concerns and potentially influence voter sentiment in these states.
- Tell me more:
- The Union Food Ministry has set a target to procure 16% of the total wheat procurement target of 31 million tonnes for the 2024-25 marketing year.
Source: Business Standard
- The Union Food Ministry has set a target to procure 16% of the total wheat procurement target of 31 million tonnes for the 2024-25 marketing year.
State News
- Delhi High Court declares Haldiram as ‘well-known’ mark
- What: The Delhi High Court has declared ‘Haldiram’ as well as the red oval-shaped mark of the brand as a “well-known” mark.
- A well-known mark has the ability to imbue products with distinctiveness and assurance of quality that extends beyond mere geographical confines.
Source: Indian Express
- A well-known mark has the ability to imbue products with distinctiveness and assurance of quality that extends beyond mere geographical confines.
- What: The Delhi High Court has declared ‘Haldiram’ as well as the red oval-shaped mark of the brand as a “well-known” mark.
International News
- Romania And Bulgaria Can Now Issue Schengen Visa to Travellers
- What: Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, becoming its newest members.
- Tell me more:
- With this development, any person crossing the internal air and sea borders of Romania and Bulgaria will no longer be subject to checks.
- The Schengen area now comprises 30 members.
- What is Schengen Area:
- The Schengen Area is a free travel area encompassing most of the European Union (EU) members (27 European countries).
- The Schengen Area was established by the Schengen Agreement, a treaty signed by Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, the member states of the European Economic Community (EC), in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, in 1985.
Source: Outlook India
- Nato marks 75th anniversary
- What: On 4th April,1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, was formed with the goal of collective defense among member countries. This means that if one member was attacked, all members would come to their aid. Originally, there were only 12 founding members.
- Today, there are 32 member countries, all working together to ensure the safety and security of their people.
Source: WION
Banking and Economy
- Star and PhonePe launched the “Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy”.
- What: PhonePe has announced a strategic partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd (Star Health Insurance), India’s largest retail health insurance company, to launch the “Star comprehensive Insurance policy”.
- Why: The collaboration aims to provide customers with health insurance options featuring monthly and annual payment choices, enhancing flexibility and convenience.
- Tell me more:
- Through this partnership, PhonePe users gain access to Star Health Insurance’s Comprehensive Health Insurance policy, with coverage extending up to Rs 1 crore.
Source: Economic Times
- Through this partnership, PhonePe users gain access to Star Health Insurance’s Comprehensive Health Insurance policy, with coverage extending up to Rs 1 crore.
- Canara Bank launches loan products to meet hospitalization expenses.
- What: Canara Bank launched a range of innovative products aimed at enhancing financial inclusivity and addressing healthcare needs.
- Tell me more (Details of the new products)
- Canara Heal: A healthcare loan product covering hospitalization expenses beyond insurance limits, available at competitive interest rates.
- Canara Angel: A custom savings account for women featuring unique features like a cancer care policy.
- Canara ReadyCash: Pre-approved personal loans.
- Canara MyMoney: An online loan against term deposit product.
- Other launches during the event:
- Canara UPI 123PAY ASI: A user-friendly payment interface for convenient transactions.
- Rajesh Bansal, CEO of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), launched a Digital Self Help Group (SHG) initiative named Canara SHG e-MONEY at an event.
- This initiative makes Canara Bank the first bank to offer seamless doorstep digital services to SHGs in collaboration with RBIH.
- Bansal also exchanged a White paper on Digital SHG with K Satyanarayana Raju, MD & CEO of Canara Bank.
- The Digital SHG initiative will enable customers to get instant digital credit in their accounts, as per a statement by the company.
Source: Economic Times
- The Digital SHG initiative will enable customers to get instant digital credit in their accounts, as per a statement by the company.
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Canara Bank - Canara Bank, established in 1906 and nationalized in 1969, is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. - MD & CEO: K Satyanarayana Raju - Tagline: Together We Can. |
- UPI transactions post 56% YoY volume growth in H2 2023 – Worldline report
- What: UPI transactions in India surged by 56% year-on-year (YoY) in the second half (H2) of 2023, while card transactions saw a modest growth of 6%, according to a report by Worldline.
- Tell me more:
- From July to December 2023, the total number of UPI transactions registered a growth of 56 percent on-year in H2 2023, with the volume being at 65.77 billion as against 42.09 billion in H2 2022.
- However, the average ticket size (ATS) for UPI transactions, experienced an 8% decline from Rs 1648 to Rs 1515.
- This indicates an increasing integration of UPI in smaller transactions, particularly person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
- Growth in Payments Acceptance Infrastructure:
- Between July 2022 and December 2023, there was a significant expansion in the payment acceptance infrastructure channels, according to a report. Here are the key highlights:
- Point of Sale (PoS) terminals increased by 26%, reaching 8.56 million. Private Sector Banks held 73% market share, Public Sector Banks had 18%, Payments and foreign banks had 8%.
- Bharat QR (BQR) usage grew by 32% to 5.96 million. UPI QRs grew by 57% to 317 million.
- UPI transactions consist of person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. P2M transactions saw a 77% increase in volume and 62% increase in value, while P2P transactions surged by 34% in volume and 38% in value during H2 2023.
- In terms of volume and value, PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm dominated the UPI app space, accounting for 95.4% of all transactions by volume and 93% by value in December 2023.
- Between July 2022 and December 2023, there was a significant expansion in the payment acceptance infrastructure channels, according to a report. Here are the key highlights:
- Credit, Debit and Prepaid cards
- Total cards in circulation reached 1.384 billion in December 2023, up 6% YoY. Credit cards saw the highest growth at 21%, followed by prepaid cards at 13%, and debit cards at 2%.
- Private sector banks issued 71% of credit cards and 24% of debit cards, while public sector banks issued 65% of debit cards and 24% of credit cards.
- Card transactions in H2 2023 were valued at Rs 12.66 trillion, up 13% from H2 2022, with credit cards contributing Rs 9.39 trillion, debit cards Rs 3.02 trillion, and prepaid cards Rs 241 billion.
- The average ticket size (ATS) for all cards was Rs 2742, up 10% YoY, driven by debit card ATS growth. Credit cards ATS was Rs 5276, prepaid cards ATS Rs 310, and debit cards ATS Rs 2642.
- The value of online purchases surged by 24% to Rs 7.34 trillion in H2 2023. Credit card transactions increased by 40% to Rs 6.12 trillion, while debit card transactions decreased by 18% to Rs 1.03 trillion, and prepaid card transactions dropped by 32% to Rs 190 billion.
- Mobile Payments
- Mobile payments, conducted through mobile phone apps, have experienced robust growth.
- In H2 2023, the volume of mobile transactions reached 62.95 billion, up from 45.58 billion in H2 2022, marking a 38% increase.
- The value of mobile transactions in H2 2023 amounted to Rs 152.33 trillion, compared to Rs 116 trillion in H2 2022, reflecting a 31% increase.
Source: Financial Express
- Highlights of the RBI@90 program
- What: The RBI which was established under the RBI Act of 1934, began its operations on April 1, 1935, has celebrated the 90th anniversary of its establishment on April 1, 2024.
- The ceremony was held at the National Centre of Performing Arts in Mumbai.
- Tell me more:
- A commemorative coin was released by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to mark this special occasion of ‘RBI@90’.
- The coin is made from pure silver and weighs about 40 grams.
- The obverse side features the RBI emblem at the center, with “RBI@90” inscribed below.
- On the reverse side, the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar is showcased, with the national motto “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed in Devanagari script below.
- Highlights of PM speech at the RBI@90 event.
- He mentioned that more than 1200 crore monthly transactions were made via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- Currently, seven countries have officially accepted the UPI system: Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal.
- As of December 2023, women in India hold 56% of total Jan Dhan accounts, and about 51.25 crore bank accounts were opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
- More than 7 crore farmers, fishermen, and cattle owners have access to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Credit Cards.
Source: PIB
- What: The RBI which was established under the RBI Act of 1934, began its operations on April 1, 1935, has celebrated the 90th anniversary of its establishment on April 1, 2024.
- Bandhan MF to launch innovation fund.
- What: Bandhan Mutual Fund (MF) has announced the launch of a new fund called the Bandhan Innovation Fund.
- Why: By investing in such companies, the Bandhan Innovation Fund aims to capitalize on potential opportunities for growth and higher margins offered by innovative businesses.
Source: Business Standard
- Reliance Securities gets approval from Sebi for change in control.
- What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has granted approval for a proposed change in control at Reliance Securities, in line with regulations governing research analysts and investment advisors.
- Why: The plea—made to Sebi’s market intermediaries department—comes ahead of the change in promoter group at parent Reliance Capital from the erstwhile Anil Ambani group to now Hinduja group following IndusInd International Holdings’ (IIHL) successful bid to acquire the beleaguered financial services company.
Source: Business Standard
- Small Finance Banks sell 9,300 Crore loans in FY24 through securitization.
- What: Small finance banks (SFBs) in India have increasingly turned to securitization to sell loans worth approximately ₹9,300 crore in the financial year 2023-24, up from about ₹6,400 crore in the previous fiscal year.
- Securitization is a financial practice where various types of loans, like those offered by SFBs, are bundled together and sold to investors as securities. This allows the SFBs to free up capital on their balance sheets and potentially expand their lending capacity.
- Why: This move aims to generate liquidity for their business operations amid intense competition for resources.
- Tell me more:
- According to ICRA’s data, the overall securitization volumes originated mainly by financial institutions reached approximately ₹1.88 trillion in the financial year 2023-24.
Source: Financial Express
- According to ICRA’s data, the overall securitization volumes originated mainly by financial institutions reached approximately ₹1.88 trillion in the financial year 2023-24.
- What: Small finance banks (SFBs) in India have increasingly turned to securitization to sell loans worth approximately ₹9,300 crore in the financial year 2023-24, up from about ₹6,400 crore in the previous fiscal year.
- CD issuances by banks up 34% in FY24, hit ~9.56 trillion.
- What: Banks in India resorted to mobilizing funds through the issuance of certificates of deposit (CDs) during the financial year 2023-2024.
- Why: Due to tight liquidity conditions and sluggish growth in deposits. The issuance of CDs surged by 31% compared to the previous year.
- Tell me more:
- According to Prime Database, banks issued CDs worth approximately ₹9.56 trillion in the financial year 2023-2024, up from around ₹7.28 trillion in the previous fiscal year.
- However, the net amount raised through CD issuance was approximately ₹71,300 crore, as banks issued short-term CDs to roll over on maturity.
Source: Business Standard
- France-based Allianz Partners to launch ops in GIFT City
- What: France-based Allianz Partners has launched its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO Reinsurance Branch) in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
- Why: Allianz Partners’ looking
- forward to expand its strategic expansion in India.
- Tell me more:
- The IFSC Insurance Office (IIO Reinsurance Branch) is a branch of AWP P&C SA, a group entity of Allianz Partners headquartered in Paris.
- The company has become the first foreign reinsurer to open its office at IFSC, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion efforts in India.
Source: Zee Business
- RBI defers implementing rules on exchange-traded forex derivatives to May 3
- What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deferred the implementation of norms on exchange-traded currency derivatives (ETCDs) linked to Indian rupee until May 3 following concerns by investors. The norms were scheduled to take effect from 5th April, 2024.
- Tell me more:
- The deferred implementation allows more time for stakeholders to adjust to the new norms and provides clarity on regulatory compliance requirements.
- Under the new norms, rupee-denominated currency contracts traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE require underlying exposure. Traders are not obligated to provide evidence of underlying exposure for positions up to $100 million, but they must confirm its existence.
- The RBI’s decision to postpone the implementation date underscores its commitment to ensuring an effective and well-regulated currency derivatives market in India.
- The norms reiterated by the RBI do not introduce any changes to the existing regulatory framework but rather reinforce the guidelines for participation in ETCDs involving the Indian rupee.
Source: Business Standard
Reports and Indices
- The World Bank report- “Measuring the Emissions & Energy Footprint of the ICT Sector: Implications for Climate Action” was released.
- What: The report titled “Measuring the Emissions and Energy Footprint of the ICT Sector: Implications for Climate Action” has been jointly released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank.
- Why: It presents the energy and emissions profile of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and assesses the 30 highest emitting countries (including India) for telecommunications.
- Tell me more (Key highlights of the report)
- The rapid expansion of Digitalization is requiring more energy and resulting in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
- At least 1.7% of global emissions stem from the ICT sector.
- One-third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people), remain unconnected to the internet connecting whom will drive emissions even higher.
- ICT sector accounted for 60% of renewable power purchases in 2021, pointing to
potential avenues to abate increasing emissions.
Source: World Bank
- The rapid expansion of Digitalization is requiring more energy and resulting in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
- Launch of the report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets
- What: The report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All” which was prepared by IIM Ahmedabad was released.
- The study project was sanctioned in November 2021 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India with one-third funding from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
- Why: It aims to minimize power costs for consumers and determine an optimal power mix for net-zero emissions.
- Tell me more:
- Led by Prof. Amit Garg, the project team at IIM Ahmedabad collaborated with an expert group chaired by Dr. R. B. Grover, including experts from various power generation sectors.
- The report focuses on having a substantial nuclear power and renewable energy generation for achieving net-zero by 2070, requiring decarbonization of the electricity sector well before then.
- India’s emissions in 2070 are estimated between 0.56 btcO2 and 1.0 btcO2, with the remaining gap offset through sequestration as per Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Financial requirements for 2020-2070 are estimated at Rs 150-200 lakh Crore.
Source: PIB
- What: The report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All” which was prepared by IIM Ahmedabad was released.
Defence News
- HAL Delivers Two Dornier 228 Planes to Guyana Defence Force
- What: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Source: News 18
- What: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Guyana - Currency: Georgetown - Capital: Guyanese Dollar |
Science and Tech
- Next-gen lunar rover successfully tested in California’s Mojave Desert
- What: Venturi Astrolab Inc., a Los Angeles-based startup, successfully tested the Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) lunar rover prototype in California’s Mojave Desert.
- Tell me more:
- Designed for NASA’s Artemis program, FLEX could become the first passenger-capable rover on the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972.
- It boasts efficient navigation capabilities and a cargo capacity of 3,300 pounds.
Source: The Economic Times
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established in 1958. - NASA Director: Bill Nelson |
- Pratush Technology
- What: Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH) is a radio telescope to be sited on the moon’s far side.
- Why: It will be to detect signals from the first stars and galaxies, reveal the cosmic dawn of the universe, answering the question when the first stars formed, the nature of the first stars and what was the light from the first stars.
- tell me more:
- It is being built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru with active collaboration from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Source: The Hindu
Important Days
- April 4: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
- What: The UN observes International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action annually on April 4th.
- The theme for 2024 is ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace.’
- Hosted by: The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
Source: India Today
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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- UNMAS, headquartered in New York, USA, was established in 1997. - Its director is Ilene Cohn. |
Sports
- Commonwealth Games 2026: Singapore rules out hosting event.
- What: Singapore has ruled out bidding for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Previously, Australia has also, withdrew as the original host due to rising costs.
- The host for the 2030 Games is yet to be confirmed after Alberta, Canada, withdrew its support for a bid.
Source: BBC
Appointments
- Sheyphali Sharan takes charge as PIB’s Principal DG
- What: Sheyphali B. Sharan assumed the role of Principal Director General (PDG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Source: PIB
- What: Sheyphali B. Sharan assumed the role of Principal Director General (PDG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
- Ousmane Sonko was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Senegal
- What: Ousmane Sonko has been appointed as the Prime Minister of Senegal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Source: Reuter
- What: Ousmane Sonko has been appointed as the Prime Minister of Senegal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Senegal - Capital : Dakar - Official Language: French |
- Shiny Kurisingal Abraham Wilson was nominated as a member of the AAA.
- What: Former Indian track and field athlete Shiny Kurisingal Abraham Wilson was nominated as a member of the Athletic Commission of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) for the years 2024-2028.
- Tell me more:
- Notably, she was the first Indian woman to be the flagbearer for the Indian contingent at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Source: Sportstar
- Notably, she was the first Indian woman to be the flagbearer for the Indian contingent at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Knowledge Nuggets - |
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About Athletic Commission of the Asian Athletics Association - President - Gen.Dahlan Jaman B. Al-Hamad - Headquarters - Bangkok, Thailand - Established - 1973 |
- Rakesh Mohan appointed to World Bank panel.
- What: The World Bank Group has appointed former Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as a member of the Economic Advisory Panel.
- Why: He has been appointed because Rakesh Mohan has an extensive experience and expertise in economic matters, which makes him a valuable addition to the Economic Advisory Panel.
- Tell me more:
- Rakesh Mohan currently holds the position of president emeritus and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) and is also a part-time member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
Source: Business Standard
- Rakesh Mohan currently holds the position of president emeritus and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) and is also a part-time member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
- Tapan Sahoo appointed as new head of digital enterprise at Maruti Suzuki
Miscellaneous
- India fast emerging as World’s Cancer capital.
- What: India is rapidly emerging as the “cancer capital of the world”, according to data shared by the annual Health of Nation report by Apollo Hospitals.
- By 2030, these diseases are projected to cost India $3.55 trillion in lost economic output.
Source: Business Standard
- Rising depression rate in India
- As per annual Health of Nation report by Apollo Hospitals, one in every 10 individuals had depression out of a sample size of 5,000.
- The percentage of depression is highest among those in the age category of 18-25, where one in five was depressed 80% of young adults (18-30 years) and seniors (above 65 years) reported significant stress levels.
Source: Business Standard
About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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