06th April, 2024

1. State-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has closed down its Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-I of 220 MW permanently.
2. President Droupadi Murmu on launched India’s first indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of cancer.
3. The Indian government plans to establish a national digital database of organ donors to facilitate smoother organ transplants.
4. The Uttarakhand government has formed two expert teams to assess the risk posed by five hazardous glacial lakes in the region.
5. Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) plans to invest approximately ₹1.5 trillion by 2030 to develop the world’s largest renewable energy plant at the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat.
6. India is set to replace its minimum wage system with a living wage system by 2025. The government is seeking technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to develop a framework for estimating and implementing the living wage.
7. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report titled “Small Island Digital States: How Digital Can Catalyse SIDS Development,” emphasizing the transformative potential of digital for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
8. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) published a report called “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024: Boosting Affordable and longer-term Financing for Governments.”
9. The 16th Business Environment Rankings (BER) 2024 has been released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
10. Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), conducted the successful flight test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
11. The Indian Army has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems as part of ‘Project Akashteer’ to strengthen its air defense capabilities.
12. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had recently received the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT).
13. Sagar Kavach 01/24, a coastal security exercise, took place in Lakshadweep.
14. OpenAI Unveils Voice Engine: A Groundbreaking AI Model capable of Replicating Any Voice in Any Language.
15. NASA is developing Coordinated Lunar Time for the moon and celestial bodies.
16. The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the 20th edition of “Young Global Leaders Community: The Class 2024” in Geneva, Switzerland.
17. The National Maritime Day is celebrated annually on April 5. This day recognizes the maritime sector’s contributions to the country’s economic growth, cultural exchange, and GDP.
18. The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience (IDC) is annually observed across the globe on 5 April.
19. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu secured her spot for the Paris Olympics 2024 as the sole Indian weightlifter.
20. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the 8th Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

National News

1. NTPC shuts down operations of 220 MW Barauni Stage-I project permanently
   • What: State-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has closed down its Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-I of 220 MW permanently.
   • Tell me more:
     • NTPC acquired Barauni Thermal Power Station (720 MW) in District Begusarai, Bihar, from Bihar State Power Generation Company in 2018.
       Source: Business Standard

2. President launches India’s first homegrown CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment.
   • What: President Droupadi Murmu on launched India’s first indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of cancer.
   • Tell me more:
   • Developed by the IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, this gene-based therapy will help in curing different types of cancer. This NexCAR19 CAR T-cell therapy is the country’s first ‘Made in India’ CAR T-cell therapy, which will significantly bring down the cost of cancer treatment.
   • “NexCAR19 has been rolled out at approximately one-tenth of the price at which it is available outside India.
     Source: The Hindu
3. The Centre plans to create a national digital database of organ donors for smooth transplants.
   • What: The Indian government plans to establish a national digital database of organ donors to facilitate smoother organ transplants.
   • Why: The register will serve as a single platform with Aadhaar authenticated data for all donors and patients waiting for organ transplants to ensure in-time and transparent organ donation in the country while doing away with the middlemen.
     Source: Economic Times

State News

1. Uttarakhand govt wants to evaluate the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
   • What: The Uttarakhand government has formed two expert teams to assess the risk posed by five hazardous glacial lakes in the region.
     • These lakes are susceptible to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), events that have caused disasters in the Himalayan states recently.
   • Tell me more:
     • The aim of the risk assessment is to reduce the likelihood of GLOF incidents and allow more time for relief and evacuation in case of a breach.
     • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states prone to breach due to heavy rainfall, with thirteen located in Uttarakhand.
       Source: Indian Express

Banking and Economy

1. AGEL to invest ₹1.5 trillion in developing world’s largest RE park in Khavda.
   • What: Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) plans to invest approximately ₹1.5 trillion by 2030 to develop the world’s largest renewable energy plant at the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat.
   • Why: The project aims to achieve a 30-gigawatt capacity, part of AGEL’s target to reach 45 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity in India by 2030, comprising 26 GW of solar and 4 GW of wind generation.
   • Currently, AGEL operates a renewable portfolio of 10.93 GW across 12 states, including 7.39 GW of solar, 1.4 GW of wind, and 2.14 GW of hybrid.
   • AGEL plans to add 4 GW in Khavda in the current financial year, with 2 GW already commissioned and a total of 6 GW expected by March 2025. Additionally, they plan to add around 5 GW annually in other parts of the country.
   • The project will make Khavda the largest renewable energy park in India, with a cumulative capacity of about 45 GW, surpassing the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, currently the largest with 2.24 GW capacity.
   • Other developers in the Khavda Park include NTPC and Gujarat Industries Power Company (GIPC).
     Source: Livemint

   
   
2. India to shift from minimum wage to living wage system by 2025
   • What: India is set to replace its minimum wage system with a living wage system by 2025. The government is seeking technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to develop a framework for estimating and implementing the living wage.
     • The living wage is the wage level required to afford a decent standard of living for workers and their families, considering the country’s circumstances, and calculated for the work performed during normal hours.
   • Why: The shift from minimum wages to living wages is aimed at accelerating efforts to lift millions out of poverty and ensure their well-being.
   • Tell me more:

Source: Livemint

Reports and Indices

1. Report titled “Small Island Digital States: How Digital can Catalyse SIDS Development”
   • What: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report titled “Small Island Digital States: How Digital Can Catalyse SIDS Development,” emphasizing the transformative potential of digital for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
     • Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a group of developing countries that are islands and face specific challenges. These challenges stem from being small, isolated, and often located in environmentally sensitive areas.
     • Main focus is how digital technology can help small islands develop.
   • Why: The report underscores the crucial role of digitalization in the development of SIDS, requiring long-term planning, strategic thinking, and dedicated funding
   • Tell me more:
     • It says digital technology is very important for these islands to grow, but it needs careful planning and enough money.
     • The report also says that we need to work even harder to use digital technology to solve the problems faced by these islands.
     • The UNDP worked with around 30 island countries to find out how digital technology can help them.
     • The report follows the structure of the UNDP Digital Transformation Framework, consisting of 5 core pillars and related sub-pillars: Connectivity; Government; Regulation; Economy; and People.
   • Key Findings from the Report:
     • To make the most of digital tools and technology in small island countries, everyone in society needs to work together.
     • It’s important for different groups to work together to try out and use new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
       Source: UNDP
2. UNESCAP’s report “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024” was released.
   • What: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) published a report called “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024: Boosting Affordable and longer-term Financing for Governments.”
   • Tell me more (India specific data)
     • According to the report, India is projected to suffer a loss of around 5.8% of daily working hours by 2030 due to rising temperatures. This decrease in working hours is anticipated to result in lower productivity and reduced fiscal revenue collection.
     • Climate change in India may worsen disease spread, leading to lower government revenue. To cope, the government might need to spend more.
     • Climate change could mean more agricultural subsidies in India, which already make up 20% of farm incomes.
     • India has 600 million youth aged 15 to 24. Policies are needed to boost their productivity through better education, given the changing job market.
     • India’s economy grew by 6.8% in 2023, with formal unemployment at a 12-year low of 4.1%.
     • As care demands decrease, women may have more opportunities to use their skills, the report suggests.
       Source: UNESCAP
3. Business Environment Rankings 2024 – Released by Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU)
   • What: The 16th Business Environment Rankings (BER) 2024 has been released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
   • Why: The report has been released to help companies decide where to invest or expand based on strong economies, political stability, and infrastructure.
   • Tell me more:
     • Singapore maintains its top rank for the 16th consecutive year.
     • Denmark and the United States (US) secured 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
     • India is placed at 51st position with a score of 1.08.
     • The assessment covers 82 countries, evaluating 91 indicators across 11 categories.
     • The report analyzes business environment improvements from 2019-2023 to 2024-28.
   • Greece saw the biggest improvement in business climate in the EIU’s index.
     • “India is the only single-country market that offers a potential scale comparable to that of China,” the report said, adding that the country’s young demographic profile bodes well for its labor force and future demand. After Greece, and Qatar, India ranked third on the list of most improved business environments.
       Source: CNBC

     
     

Defence News

1. New generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime successfully flight-tested
   • What: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), conducted the successful flight test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
     • ‘Agni Prime’ is a two-stage canisterized solid propellant nuclear-capable ballistic missile equipped with a dual redundant navigation and guidance system.

   • Tell me more:
     • Range: 1,000Km to 2,000 Km
     • Agni-Prime is the 6th variant of the Agni series missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which also includes Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, Agni, and Akash missiles.

2. Army inducts indigenous Akashteer system
   • What: The Indian Army has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems as part of ‘Project Akashteer’ to strengthen its air defense capabilities.
   • Why: ‘Project Akashteer’ is an advanced initiative aimed at automating air defence control and reporting processes through digitization.
   • Tell me more:
     • The deployment began with the flagging off of the first batch of Control Centres from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
     • Developed by BEL, the project aims to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and integration of the Army’s air defence mechanisms.
       • In 2023, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹1,982-crore contract with BEL to sharpen the army’s air defense capabilities with the new system “Akashteer”.
     • The induction of Akashteer Control Centres aligns with the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ designated for 2024, meeting both current and future requirements for complex air defence operations.
       • Year of Technology Absorption- This theme focuses on leveraging technology as a catalyst for transformative change for the army
         Source: Indian Express

3. Indian Air Force receives first indigenously designed Crash Fire Tender
   • What: The Indian Air Force (IAF) had recently received the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT).
     • A Crash Fire Tender (CFT), also known as an airport crash tender or fire appliance, is a specialized fire engine designed for fighting fires involving aircraft.
   • Why: The Indian Air Force needs Crash Fire Tenders (CFTs) to fight intense aircraft fires quickly, rescue crew from burning planes, and handle other airfield emergencies.
   • Tell me more:
     • It is manufactured by a Noida-based Indian MSME firm, against a contract worth Rs 291 Cr,
     • It will be delivered within 14 months of contract signing.
       Source: Business Standard
4. Exercise Sagar Kavach
   • What: Sagar Kavach 01/24, a coastal security exercise, took place in Lakshadweep.
   • The exercise involved assets from various maritime security agencies including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, and others.
   • It showcased improved preparedness, reaction mechanisms, and collaboration in surveillance capabilities among coastal security stakeholders.
   • Earlier, the first edition of the State Level Biannual Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach (01/24) for Kerala and Mahe was conducted in March, 2024.
     Source: Economic Times

Science and Tech

1. OpenAI’s new Voice Engine
   • What: OpenAI Unveils Voice Engine: A Groundbreaking AI Model capable of Replicating Any Voice in Any Language
     • It lets users upload brief audio samples and generate audio in the same voice and manner of speaking.
     • It is yet to be released for public use
       Source: Indian Express

2. NASA Will Create a New Time Zone for the Moon, Called Coordinated Lunar Time
   • What: NASA is developing Coordinated Lunar Time for the moon and celestial bodies.
   • Why: The initiative aims to establish a consistent time-keeping standard for lunar missions and space activities.
   • Tell me more:
     • An Earth-based clock on the moon would lose an average of 58.7 microseconds per Earth-day due to time dilation.
     • Time dilation, influenced by relative motion and gravitational fields, causes time to pass at different rates for observers.
     • Coordinated Lunar Time addresses these challenges to synchronize timekeeping in space exploration endeavors.
       Source: Reuters

   
   

Awards

1. World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Young Global Leaders Class of 2024 awards announced.
   • What: The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the 20th edition of “Young Global Leaders Community: The Class 2024” in Geneva, Switzerland.
   • Why: The awards are announced to Shine a light on future leaders who can solve global problems, and Inspire others with their achievements.
   • Tell me more:
     • In the South Asia category, a total of 11 members were named, with 7 of them being Indians.
     • Under the Business Category, 4 Indians were selected.
       • Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka Group,
       • Arjun Bhartia, Director, Jubilant Group
       • Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc
       • Adwaita Nayar, CEO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures Private Limited, and the co-founder owner of Nykaa Fashion.
     • Sharad Vivek Sagar, Founder and CEO of Dexterity Global, in the “Social Entrepreneur” category.
     • Bhumi Pednekar, Actress, in the “Arts, Culture and Sports” category.
     • Richa Bajpai, Founder and CEO of Campus Fund, India’s first and only Dorm Room Fund, was named under the “Social Entrepreneur” category.
       Source: Young Global Leaders. Org

Important Days

1. April 5: 61st National Maritime Day
   • What: The National Maritime Day is celebrated annually on April 5. This day recognizes the maritime sector’s contributions to the country’s economic growth, cultural exchange, and GDP.
   • Tell me more:
     • Merchant Navy Week 2024 (National Maritime Week) is celebrated alongside National Maritime Day 2024 from 30th March 2024 to 5th April 2024.
     • The theme of National Maritime Day is-“Navigating the Future: Safety First!”
     • The theme of National Maritime Week 2024 is- ‘Sustainable Shipping: Opportunities and Challenges’.
       Source: PIB and Business Standard

2. April 5: International Day of Conscience
   • What: The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience (IDC) is annually observed across the globe on 5 April.
   • Why: IDC aims to mobilize the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity, to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony.
     Source: UNESCO

Sports

1. Mirabai Chanu qualifies for Paris Olympics
   • What: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu secured her spot for the Paris Olympics 2024 as the sole Indian weightlifter.
   • She clinched third place in Group B of the women’s 49kg division at the 2024 IWF World Cup, finishing 12th overall with a total lift of 184kg.
   • The 2024 IWF World Cup took place in Phuket, Thailand.
   • To qualify for the Paris Olympics, athletes must participate in two compulsory events, one of which is the IWF World Cup, along with three other qualifiers.
   • The IWF World Weightlifting Championships 2023 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2023, was another mandatory event for qualification.
     Source: Times Now

Appointments

1. UN names veteran EU official Astrid Schomaker as new biodiversity chief
   • What: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the 8th Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
   • Schomaker becomes the first Executive Secretary of the CBD from Germany.
   • Tell me more:
     • Astrid Schomaker is expected to take charge of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) this year, ahead of the Cop16 summit in Cali, Colombia, where governments will gather for the first time since setting this decade’s biodiversity targets.
       Source: The Guardian

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