21st-22nd March, 2024

1. Union Cabinet has approved a budgetary support of Rs. 2207.5 crore in the 15th Finance Commission cycle to run the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS) as a campus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
2. Union Minister Amit Shah has virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS), designed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.
3. Six heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the tentative list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites (WHS).
4. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed an android mobile app, ‘MARLIN@CMFRI‘.
5. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has inaugurated 1st LNG-powered bus in India
6. Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the 1st Indoor Athletics Centre and a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic hub of India at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
7. 3F Oil Palm Private Limited has commenced the commercial operation of the 1st Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit of India.
8. SEBI has approved same-day settlement (T+0) for 25 scrips. This approval is given to select brokers to improve flexibility in trading.
9. Airtel Payments Bank Limited (APBL) has collaborated with Nexxbase Marketing Private Limited (Noise) and Mastercard to develop the Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch.
10. Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) and the Republic of Guyana have signed a Line of Credit (LOC) agreement for the procurement of two Dornier aircraft.
11. Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has signed a Non-Financial MoU with Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited (BFIL) to improve livelihood interventions of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
12. REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed an MoU to jointly develop Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects across India.
13. India and Brazil have held their 1st ‘2+2’ Secretary-level Political and Military Dialogue in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.
14. Indian Army contingent ‘Gorkha Rifles’ is participating in the 10th Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” with Seychelles Defence Forces (SD).
15. Indian Army has launched the “Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG)” in New Delhi to enhance its communication infrastructure.
16. Thodur Madabusi Krishna (TM Krishna), a renowned Carnatic vocalist has been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi award 2024 by The Music Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
17. Ratan Tata has won the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Philanthropy.
18. International Day of Happiness 2024
19. UN French Language Day 2024
20. World Oral Health Day 2024
21. World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2024
22. World Sparrow Day
23. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024
24. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced strategic partnerships to enhance the country’s skill ecosystem.
25. Russian President Vladimir Putin has won the 2024 Presidential elections, securing a record 5th term.
26. Kapil Dev Prasad, a renowned handloom artist has passed away in Basman Bigha village, Nalanda district, Bihar.
27. S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has presented 2 books to Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

National News

1. Union Cabinet approves Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS).
   • What ? Union Cabinet has approved a budgetary support of Rs. 2207.5 crore in the 15th Finance Commission cycle to run the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS) as a campus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
   • Objective:
     • To leverage the expertise of AIIMS to enhance healthcare services at CAPFIMS.
   • Key points:
     • The CAPFIMS hospital will offer healthcare services to CAPF employees, their dependents, pensioners, and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries, among others.
     • CAPFIMS includes a 970-bed referral and research hospital, a 500-bed general hospital, a 300-bed super-specialty hospital, and 170 beds dedicated to ICU/critical care.
       Source: TOI
2. Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), inaugurated several key initiatives.
   • What ? Union Minister Amit Shah has virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS), designed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.
   • Other initiatives:
     • He also launched a mobile app ‘Sankalan‘.
     • It is a compendium of New Criminal Laws by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
     • He has also inaugurated 2 new branch offices of NIA in Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir-J&K) and Kochi (Kerala), and a residential complex in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

   • About Digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) by NIA:
     • CCMS facilitates better coordination in terrorism and organized crime cases, enhancing justice delivery.
     • The new standalone version is user-friendly, easy to deploy, and browser-based, aiding State Police forces in investigations and prosecution.
     • It supports the implementation of newly legislated criminal laws.

   • Sankalan Mobile App by NCRB:
     • Sankalan is a compendium of new criminal laws designed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
     • The app bridges the gap between old and new criminal laws, serving as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders.
     • It offers offline accessibility for stakeholders to access crucial information anytime, anywhere.
   • Inauguration of NIA Branch Offices:
     • Two new branch offices were inaugurated in Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) and Kochi (Kerala).
     • A residential complex was inaugurated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
       Source: PIB
     
     

3. Six heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh (MP) have been included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
   • What ? Six heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the tentative list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites (WHS).
   • Six heritage sites are Gwalior Fort, Khooni Bhandara, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock art sites of Chambal Valley, Historic ensemble of Dhamnar, Gond monuments of Ramnagar.
   • Key Points:
     • These sites have been recognized for their outstanding universal value.
     • Inclusion in the tentative list makes these sites eligible for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
       Source: ET
4. ‘MARLIN@CMFRI’ app has been developed by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
   • What ? Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed an android mobile app, ‘MARLIN@CMFRI‘.
   • Objective:
     • To promote citizen science initiatives in marine fisheries research.

   • Key points:
     • It was developed under a project led by Eldho Varghese at the Fishery Resources Assessment, Economics, and Extension division (FRAEED) of CMFRI.
     • The acronym ‘MARLIN’ stands for MARine Fishery Machine Learning Routines of INdian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
     • Features:
       • Geotagging: Allows users to provide the exact location where marine species are landed, enhancing data accuracy.
       • Photo Upload: Users can upload photos of marine fish species encountered in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), contributing to the creation of a visual repository of marine fishery resources.
     • The data gathered through the app will support the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered system.
     • This system will automatically identify marine fishery resources, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy in research.

Source: The Hindu

State News

1. MSRTC launches 1st LNG-powered bus of India.
   • What ? Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has inaugurated 1st LNG-powered bus in India.
   • Key points:
     • It will be operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
     • MSRTC and M/s Kings Gas have signed an MoU for the conversion of diesel buses to LNG, including the supply of fuel.
       Source: BS
2. India’s first Indoor Athletics Centre and a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic hub have been inaugurated.
   • What ? Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the 1st Indoor Athletics Centre and a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic hub of India at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
   • More about the Indoor Athletics Centre & Aquatic Centre:
     • The Indoor Athletics Centre was established by Mondo SpA, an Italian company.
     • It includes facilities for long jump, triple jump, 100m and 200m races, pole vault, and shot put.
     • The Aquatic Centre features a temperature-controlled 50m Olympic-size swimming pool and a 25m warm-up pool.
     • With a seating capacity of 1,000 spectators, it is ideal for hosting international championships.
       Source: TOI
3. 1st Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit of India has begun operations in Arunachal Pradesh.
   • What ? 3F Oil Palm Private Limited has commenced the commercial operation of the 1st Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit of India.
   • Key points:
     • The facility is located in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
     • it is operated by 3F Oil Palm Private Limited.
     • It is the first of its kind under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
     • The unit is designed to process fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) into high-quality palm oil with a capacity of 10 metric tons per hour.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. SEBI approves T+0 settlements for selected stocks and eases norms for FPIs.
   • What ? SEBI has approved same-day settlement (T+0) for 25 scrips. This approval is given to select brokers to improve flexibility in trading.
   • Key approvals:
     • FPIs holding over 50% of Indian equity in one group are exempt from additional disclosures if their holdings in a listed company with no identified promoter remain under 3%.
     • The timeline for FPIs’ material change disclosures has been relaxed and they can now reactivate within 30 days of registration expiry, or dispose within 180 days, with unsold securities transferred to escrow after 360 days.
     • Disclosure timelines for FPIs are categorized into Type I and Type II.
     • Type I material changes must be notified within seven working days, and supporting documents must be provided within 30 days.
     • Listed entities’ market capitalization compliance is now based on a six-month average ending on December 31.
     • An industry-standard approach for market rumor verification has been established through the Industry Standards Forum (ISF), comprising ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI.
     • Stock exchanges are now recognized as a body for the administration and supervision of research analysts and investment advisors.
       Source: lexology
2. APBL in partnership with Noise & Mastercard has launched Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch.
   • What ? Airtel Payments Bank Limited (APBL) has collaborated with Nexxbase Marketing Private Limited (Noise) and Mastercard to develop the Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch.
   • More about Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch:
     • It is equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology powered by Mastercard.
     • It allows contactless payments directly from the smartwatch.
     • Users linked to an Airtel Payments Bank account can make payments ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 25,000 per day at Point of Sale (POS) machines.
     • It includes 130 different sports modes along with other health and productivity features and is rated as IP68 for water and dust resistance.

3. Line of Credit (LOC) Agreement between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Export-Import Bank of India.
   • What ? Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) and the Republic of Guyana have signed a Line of Credit (LOC) agreement for the procurement of two Dornier aircraft.
   • Key points:
     • LOC is designated for the procurement of two Dornier aircraft by the Government of Guyana.
     • The Line of Credit extended by India Exim Bank signifies India’s support to Guyana in advancing its defense capabilities.

4. MoRD Signs a Non-Financial MoU with BFIL to Boost Livelihood Intervention in Rural Livestock & Fisheries Sector.
   • What ? Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has signed a Non-Financial MoU with Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited (BFIL) to improve livelihood interventions of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
   • Another MoU of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD):
     • It has signed a MoU with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), to expand the ‘Samaveshi Aajeevika‘ program across India.
       Source: rural.gov.in
5. RECPDCL & BHEL Signed MoU to Develop Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects.
   • What ? REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed an MoU to jointly develop Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects across India.
   • Objective:
     • To contribute to the clean energy targets of the nation through a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

Source: PIB

Defence News

1. India and Brazil hold 1st ‘2+2’ Defence and Foreign Ministerial Dialogue.
   • What ? India and Brazil have held their 1st ‘2+2’ Secretary-level Political and Military Dialogue in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.
   • More about 2+2 dialogue:
     • The discussions covered a variety of subjects, including defence, space, energy, critical minerals, technology, counter-terrorism, and regional and multilateral issues.
     • The dialogue aimed to improve bilateral cooperation and address mutual concerns and interests between India and Brazil.
       Source: Indian Express
2. 10th Edition Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2024’ held in Seychelles.
   • What ? Indian Army contingent ‘Gorkha Rifles’ is participating in the 10th Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” with Seychelles Defence Forces (SD).
   • Objective:
     • To improve interoperability in sub-conventional operations within a semi-urban environment, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.

   • More about LAMITIYE-2024:
     • This is a biennial event that has taken place in Seychelles since 2001.
     • Each side is represented by 45 personnel during the exercise.
     • The 10-day exercise includes field training, combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations, and concludes with a two-day validation exercise.
       Source: ibg
3. Indian Army launches Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG).
   • What ? Indian Army has launched the “Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG)” in New Delhi to enhance its communication infrastructure.
   • Objective:
     • To enhance the Indian Army’s capabilities in the digital domain, meeting the requirements of modern warfare for seamless communication support during operations.

   • About STEAG:
     • The unit will be headed by a Colonel-rank officer from the Corps of Signals.
     • STEAG will operate under the Signals Directorate and will have around 280 personnel.
     • Its headquarters will be in Delhi.
     • STEAG will conduct technical scouting, evaluation, development, and management of core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions.
     • It will offer user interface support by maintaining and upgrading contemporary technologies.
       Source: ET

Awards

1. Sangita Kalanidhi Award by The Music Academy.
   • What ? Thodur Madabusi Krishna (TM Krishna), a renowned Carnatic vocalist has been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi award 2024 by The Music Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
   • Key points:
     • He is recognized for his powerful voice, adherence to tradition while exploring the art, and using music as a tool for social reform.
     • He has won Ramon Magsaysay Award (2016),
     • TM Krishna has authored several books including “The Spirit of Enquiry” (2021), “Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mridangam Makers” (2020), and “A Southern Music: The Karnatic Story” (2016).
   • Other Awards by The Music Academy:

   
   

2. PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Philanthropy.
   • What ? Ratan Tata has won the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Philanthropy.
   • About PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award:
     • It is named after the former Prime Minister of India.
     • It is an award of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes.
       Source: moneycontrol

Important Days

1. March 20: International Day of Happiness 2024; Theme: Happier Together
   Source: doh
2. March 20: UN French Language Day 2024; Theme: Create, innovate, undertake in French
   • International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) recognizes this day as International Francophonie Day.
     Source: HT
   
   
3. March 20: World Oral Health Day 2024; Theme: A Happy Mouth is A Happy Body
   Source: who
4. March 20: World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2024; Theme: ‘Take a Child to the Theatre, Today’
   Source: assitej
5. March 20: World Sparrow Day; Theme: I LOVE Sparrows
   Source: wsd
6. March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024; Theme: “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”
   • It is annually observed across the globe on 21st March to create awareness about the challenges faced by people of African descent.
     Source: UN

   
   

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MSDE Announces Exchange of MoUs, Strategic Initiatives, and Launch of New Courses.
   • What ? Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced strategic partnerships to enhance the country’s skill ecosystem.
   • Objective:
     • To reduce the gap between industry requirements and skill development initiatives, ensuring the competitiveness of the young workforce of India.
   • Key points:
     • National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) has launched Mock Test 2.0 in 12 languages and introduced 4 new courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.
     • 2 Centres of Excellence (CoE) in media and electronics sectors at Skill Development Institute (SDI) in Bhubaneshwar have been inaugurated.
     • Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in media and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) were launched to enhance Media & Entertainment and Electronics capabilities.
     • Launch of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to leverage technology for inclusive skilling and enhance accessibility to skill development programs.
       Source: PIB
     
     

Appointments

1. Vladimir Putin has won 5th term as President of Russia.
   • What ? Russian President Vladimir Putin has won the 2024 Presidential elections, securing a record 5th term.
   • Key point:
     • With this new six-year term, Putin surpasses Joseph Stalin to become the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader in history.
       Source: The Hindu

Miscellaneous

1. Padma Shri Awardee & Handloom artist Kapil Dev Prasad passed away.
   • What ? Kapil Dev Prasad, a renowned handloom artist has passed away in Basman Bigha village, Nalanda district, Bihar.
   • More about About Kapil Dev Prasad:
     • He promoted the traditional art of handloom after receiving formal training at the Biharsharif Nav Ratna Mahal school from 1963 to 1965.
     • He received the Padma Shri award for art in 2023 for popularizing Bihar’s Buddhist art of weaving Bawan Buti (52 motifs) on Sarees.
2. Union Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman has been presented with 2 Valuable Books by S. Ramann CMD, SIDBI.
   • What ? S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has presented 2 books to Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
   • Key points:
     • The two books presented were titled ‘Prabhaav‘ and ‘Diagnostic Mapping of Cluster- Charting the Path Ahead through Intervention‘.
     • About Prabhav:
       • ‘Prabhaav‘ is an impact assessment report on the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) released by SIDBI.
       • It includes a 3rd-party assessment of the scheme undertaken by CRISIL.
       • The report details the outcomes of FFS, which committed Rs 10,000 crore to 100 Alternative Investment Funds (AIF).
     • About Diagnostic Mapping of Cluster:
       • It is the 1st book in the information series of SIDBI and it is aimed at promoting cluster development.
       • The book identifies the mapping of skill, technology development, and credit gap as important issues for policy interventions.
         Source: PTI

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