24th April, 2024

1. The Supreme Court has allowed a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud.
2. Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) India’s leading biosciences research and innovation ecosystem has recently partnered with Blockchain for Impact (BFI) in a significant move.
3. In view of the various instances that came to the notice of DGCA wherein children below the age of 12 years were not seated along with their parent/guardian.
4. The Indian government is devising a strategy to enhance exports of 20 high-potential agriculture products, including basmati rice, alcoholic beverages, honey, mangoes, and bananas.
5. South Korean researchers have developed a high power hybrid sodium-ion battery that can be charged in seconds.
6. The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada.
7. Zydus Lifesciences, an Ahmedabad-based global lifesciences company, has achieved a significant milestone
8. CelerityX, the enterprise networking solutions business of OneOTT Entertainment (OIL), India’s 4th largest private ISP and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions, announced the launch of OneX – a unified network-as-a-service solution covering network management, security, and LAN-side control solution.
9. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced a waiver on transaction charges for futures and options (F&O) contracts on the Nifty Next 50 index until October 31, 2024, aiming to promote trading in this index.
10. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has prolonged the cross-margin benefit in the derivatives segment, allowing offsetting positions with different expiry dates between index futures and constituent stock futures.
11. Microsoft has unveiled a cost-effective, small-language artificial intelligence model called Phi-3-mini, designed to perform tasks like content creation and social media post generation using smaller datasets.
12. The Bombay High Court has declared that public sector banks lack legal authority to issue Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against defaulting borrowers, deeming all such LOCs issued by these banks invalid.
13. The net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, which represents inflows minus outflows, plummeted by 45.5% during the 11-month period of financial year 2024 (April 2023 to February 2024) compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to a surge in capital repatriation.
14. Outward remittances under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) reached a new peak of $29 billion during the period of April 2023 to February 2024, marking a substantial 21.7% increase compared to the previous year.
15. Money flowing into non-resident Indians’ (NRIs’) deposits soared by 84.4% to $11.8 billion during the period of April 2023 to February 2024, compared to $6.40 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.
16. A recent report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate” by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) sheds light on the alarming consequences of excessive heat on occupational health.
17. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to manufacture the Bismaleimide (BMI) Engine Bay Door (EBD) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
18. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been closely monitoring the changes in glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas. Their long-term satellite imagery spanning from 1984 to 2023 reveals significant expansions in lakes.
19. Garbiñe Muguruza, the powerful Spanish tennis player announced her retirement from professional tennis.
20. The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards were held in Madrid.
21. The World Energy Council has announced the recipients of its inaugural World Energy Leadership Awards, announced on the eve of the 26th World Energy Congress hosted in Rotterdam (Netherlands)
22. JSW Neo Energy Limited (JSW Neo), a subsidiary of JSW Energy Limited, has been awarded a Letter of Award (LOA) for the development of a 700 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected solar power project by NTPC Limited.
23. Aimed at empowering marginalized communities, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will provide vocational training to tribal and underprivileged youth across multiple states.
24. April 23: UN English Language Day
25. April 23: Spanish Language Day
26. April 23: World Book and Copyright Day
27. 19th April: 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch
28. Narpat Singh was appointed as Railway Advisor of India’s High Commission in Bangladesh
29. Director JFC Durai passed away due to age-related complications in Chennai.
30. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully developed seed production technology for golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), a high value marine fish.

National News

1. Supreme Court (SC) permits abortion beyond 24 weeks of Pregnancy
   • What: The Supreme Court has allowed a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud.
     • SC used special powers under Article 142 to allow a medical termination of a 14 year old minor who survived rape.
     • Article 142: It provides a unique power to the SC, to do “complete justice” in any case before it, where, at times, the law or statute may not provide a remedy.
   • What is India’s law on abortion?
     • The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTP Act) allows the termination of pregnancy under the following circumstances.
       • Upto 20 weeks, termination is allowed on the advice of one doctor.
       • In case of a pregnancy of 20-24 weeks, abortion is allowed as an exception, but only under certain categories, after two registered medical practitioners have evaluated the right to seek termination.
         Source: Indian Express
2. C-CAMP has joined the Blockchain for Impact Biome Virtual Network Program
   • What: Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) India’s leading biosciences research and innovation ecosystem has recently partnered with Blockchain for Impact (BFI) in a significant move.
   • Why: It has joined the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program, which aims to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions through biomedical innovation in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • Support for Innovators and Start-ups: Through this program, BFI will allocate over 200,000 USD over three years, leveraging C-CAMP’s expertise to develop essential programs for healthcare-based startups.
       Source: Krishi Jagran
3. DGCA directs airlines to seat kids up to 12 years with their parents
   • What: In view of the various instances that came to the notice of DGCA wherein children below the age of 12 years were not seated along with their parent/guardian.
   • The existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 has been suitably modified to ensure that children up to the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are traveling on the same PNR, and a record of the same shall be maintained
     Source: Times of India
4. India Plans Export Boost for 20 High-Potential Agriculture Products
   • What: The Indian government is devising a strategy to enhance exports of 20 high-potential agriculture products, including basmati rice, alcoholic beverages, honey, mangoes, and bananas.
     • Discussions involving the Department of Commerce and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are underway to formulate an action plan with stakeholders, including states.
   • Why: With India’s current share in global exports at 2.5%, the government aims to raise it to 4-5% in the coming years. This initiative is crucial, especially as overall agricultural exports have declined due to various factors, including export restrictions and geopolitical tensions.
   • Tell me more: The action plan aims to address challenges faced by Indian agricultural commodities in global markets and tap into export potential worth $405.24 billion. While external factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict impact global trade dynamics, the government’s focus is on expanding export opportunities in countries like the United States, Malaysia, Canada, Russia, and others.
     Source: Indian Express

International News

1. South Korean scientists develop sodium ion battery that can be charged in seconds
   • What: South Korean researchers have developed a high power hybrid sodium-ion battery that can be charged in seconds.
   • Led by Professor Jeung Ku Kang from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the research team integrated anode materials typically used in batteries with cathodes suitable for supercapacitors.
   • The study indicates that the battery can be a viable next-generation alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
     • It can then meet a wide range of applications ranging from mobile electronic devices through electric vehicles (EVs) to large-scale grid systems.
       Source: WION
2. Fourth meeting of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) held in Canada
   • What: The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada.
   • United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022, mandating the creation of an INC to develop a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution across its life cycle.
   • Additionally, three thematic side events held on the margins of INC-4, covering topics such as plastic pollution in the marine environment, approaches to capacity building, financing, and financial mechanisms, and enabling just transition.
     Source: UNEP
3. Zydus gets China nod for kidney disease drug
   • What: Zydus Lifesciences, an Ahmedabad-based global lifesciences company, has achieved a significant milestone. The National Medical Products Administration of China (NMPA) has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for Desidustat Tablets. This innovative oral drug is designed to treat anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
     Source: Business Standard

Banking and Economy

1. CelerityX launches OneX to address connectivity challenges faced by credit societies
   • What: CelerityX, the enterprise networking solutions business of OneOTT Entertainment (OIL), India’s 4th largest private ISP and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions, announced the launch of OneX – a unified network-as-a-service solution covering network management, security, and LAN-side control solution.
     • About OneX Platform: Unveiled by OIL, a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Limited, the OneX platform serves as a unified network-as-a-service solution encompassing network management, security, and Local Area Network (LAN) side control solutions.
   • Tell me more:
     • Initially, the OneX will be deployed to tackle the connectivity challenges faced by cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra. Through a strategic partnership with the Maharashtra State Cooperative Credit Societies Federation (MAFCOCS), it aims to enable secure and high uptime banking connectivity for over 40,000 branches in the state, with the potential to serve over 100,000 branches nationwide.
     • The OneX platform, developed by OIL, has the potential to cater to over 1 lakh branches nationwide.
     • CelerityX has received its first order from Samta Sahakari Patasanstha for its branches in Maharashtra.
       Source: Business Standard
2. NSE to waive transaction charges on Nifty Next 50 contracts till October 31
   • What: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced a waiver on transaction charges for futures and options (F&O) contracts on the Nifty Next 50 index until October 31, 2024, aiming to promote trading in this index.
     • Futures contracts: These are agreements between two parties to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date.
     • Options contracts: These give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price by a certain date (expiry date)
   • Why: This move is intended to incentivize trading in the Nifty Next 50 index, fostering liquidity and participation in its derivatives market.
   • Tell me more:
     • The NSE will introduce derivatives contracts for the Nifty Next 50 index, making it the fifth index to have F&O contracts on the exchange, following Nifty 50, Nifty Bank, Nifty Financial Services Index, and Nifty Midcap Select.
       Source: Business Today

3. Cross-margin benefits for index, futures extended
   • What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has prolonged the cross-margin benefit in the derivatives segment, allowing offsetting positions with different expiry dates between index futures and constituent stock futures.
     • cross-margin benefit specifically refers to the ability to offset positions between different types of derivatives contracts.
   • Why: This extension of cross-margin benefits aims to enhance liquidity and financing flexibility for market participants by reducing margin requirements and net settlement obligations.
   • Tell me more:
     • Previously, cross-margin benefits were only available when correlated indices or an index and its constituents had the same expiry day.
     • This move is expected to optimize trading strategies and improve risk management in the derivatives market.
       Source: Business Standard
4. Microsoft launches smaller AI model
   • What: Microsoft has unveiled a cost-effective, small-language artificial intelligence model called Phi-3-mini, designed to perform tasks like content creation and social media post generation using smaller datasets.
   • Why: Phi-3-mini is introduced to address the needs of companies with limited resources, offering efficient performance in tasks requiring language, coding, and math capabilities.
     Source: Business Today
5. RBI Directs Fintechs to Monitor High-Value Transactions During Elections
   • What: For the first time, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed fintech companies, including payment processors, to monitor high-value transactions during the Lok Sabha elections, aiming to track suspicious deals.
   • Why: This measure aims to enhance oversight and prevent potential illicit activities during the election season.
   • Tell me more:
     • While banks routinely monitor transactions during elections, this move marks the first time fintech companies are included in such scrutiny.
       Source: Business Standard
6. Bombay High Court Rules Public Sector Banks Cannot Issue Look Out Circulars
   • What: The Bombay High Court has declared that public sector banks lack legal authority to issue Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against defaulting borrowers, deeming all such LOCs issued by these banks invalid.
     • A Look Out Circular (LOC) is a mechanism used by Indian authorities to track the movement of a person who may be wanted for legal reasons. It functions like an alert system for immigration checkpoints.
   • Why: The court’s decision, prompted by petitions challenging the validity of a clause in an office memorandum empowering public sector bank chairpersons to issue LOCs, aims to address concerns regarding the constitutionality and legality of such powers.
   • Tell me more:
     • While the court found the office memorandum issued by the Centre to be constitutional, it deemed the clause authorizing public sector bank chairpersons to issue LOCs as arbitrary and lacking legal basis.
     • The Bureau of Immigration is instructed not to act on LOCs issued by banks against defaulters. However, the judgment does not affect orders issued by tribunals or criminal courts restraining individuals from traveling abroad.
     • The office memorandum, amended in 2018, allowed public sector banks to issue LOCs in cases deemed detrimental to India’s economic interests.
       Source: Business Standard
7. Sharp Drop in Net FDI in India Due to Increased Capital Repatriation
   • What: The net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, which represents inflows minus outflows, plummeted by 45.5% during the 11-month period of financial year 2024 (April 2023 to February 2024) compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to a surge in capital repatriation.
     • Capital repatriation refers to the process of transferring funds or assets back to the home country or another foreign location by individuals, businesses, or investors who had initially invested or deployed capital in a foreign country.
   • Why: The decline in net FDI to $14.55 billion in April 2023-February 2024, down from $26.71 billion in the same period a year ago, reflects increased repatriation of capital by foreign investors.
   • Tell me more:
     • According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, FDI inflows stood at $26.69 billion, while outflows were $12.14 billion during April 2023-February 2024.
     • Notably, repatriation/disinvestment by direct investors in India surged to $38.30 billion in FY24 from $27.17 billion in the previous year.
     • The majority of FDI equity flows were channeled into manufacturing, computer services, and financial services sectors.
       Source: Business Standard
8. Outward Remittances Surge to Record $29 Billion Amidst Economic Recovery
   • What: Outward remittances under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) reached a new peak of $29 billion during the period of April 2023 to February 2024, marking a substantial 21.7% increase compared to the previous year.
   • Why: The surge in outward remittances reflects increased economic activity and confidence, with Indians remitting $29.43 billion abroad during the April-February period, up from $24.18 billion in the same period of the previous year.
   • Tell me more:
     • Despite experiencing a drop in FY21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, remittances under LRS have witnessed a steady recovery since FY22.
       Source: Business Standard
9. Surge in Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Deposits Reaches $11.8 Billion
   • What: Money flowing into non-resident Indians’ (NRIs’) deposits soared by 84.4% to $11.8 billion during the period of April 2023 to February 2024, compared to $6.40 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.
   • Why: The significant increase in NRI deposits, particularly in foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) accounts, reflects growing confidence and investment from NRIs amidst improving economic conditions.
     • An FCNR account stands for Foreign Currency Non-Resident Account. It’s a special type of fixed deposit account offered by Indian banks specifically for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
   • Tell me more:
     • FCNR accounts received the highest inflows, totaling $5.53 billion in the April 2023-February 2024 period, compared to $1.48 billion in the same period a year ago.
     • The outstanding NRI deposits also saw a notable rise, reaching $149.72 billion at the end of February 2024, up from $147.73 billion in the previous month.
       Source: Business Standard

Report and Indices

1. Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate – report released by ILO
   • What: A recent report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate” by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) sheds light on the alarming consequences of excessive heat on occupational health.
   • Why: This report presents critical evidence related to the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health (OSH), to bring attention to the global health threat workers are currently facing.
   • Tell me more:
     • Occupational Injuries and Deaths: Annually, approximately 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 deaths are reported globally due to excessive heat. These incidents result in significant disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), totaling 2.09 million.
     • Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemic: Workers in hot rural regions, including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and India, are particularly vulnerable to irreversible kidney failure.
       • In 2020 alone, an estimated 26.2 million people were living with chronic kidney disease attributed to exposure to excessive heat at the workplace.
     • High Exposure Rates: The report highlights that over 70% of all workers globally, accounting for approximately 2.41 billion individuals, are exposed to excessive heat. This exposure has surged by 34.7% from 2000 to 2020.
     • Cancer Risk from UV Radiation: Annually, approximately 1.6 billion workers are exposed to solar Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, putting them at risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer.
       • Non-melanoma skin cancer is a cancer that develops in the upper layers of the skin, usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
       • More than 18,960 work-related deaths occur each year due to non-melanoma skin cancer caused by UV radiation exposure.
     • Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure: Over 1.6 billion outdoor workers are continuously exposed to outdoor air pollution, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory health.
     • Pesticide Poisoning: Annually, more than 300,000 workers succumb to pesticide poisoning, highlighting the occupational hazards associated with pesticide use in agriculture and other industries.
     • Vector-Borne Diseases: Around 15,170 workers die annually due to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
       Source: ILO

Defence News

1. HAL and CSIR-NAL Partner for LCA Tejas Mk1A Engine Bay Door Production
   • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to manufacture the Bismaleimide (BMI) Engine Bay Door (EBD) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
   • This agreement empowers HAL to produce these high-temperature resistant composite parts directly for the production of LCA MK1A.
     Source: Economic Times

Science and Tech

1. ISRO tracks notable expansion of glacial lakes in Indian Himalayas
   • What: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been closely monitoring the changes in glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas. Their long-term satellite imagery spanning from 1984 to 2023 reveals significant expansions in lakes.
   • Of these lakes:
     • 601 lakes (89%) have expanded more than twice
     • 10 lakes have grown between 1.5 to 2 times
     • 65 lakes at 1.5 times
       Source: ISRO

Sports

1. Former World No. 1 Tennis player, Garbine Muguruza announces retirement
   • What: Garbiñe Muguruza, the powerful Spanish tennis player announced her retirement from professional tennis.
     Source: The Associate Press

Important Days

1. April 23: UN English Language Day
   • What: World English Day, also known as United Nations (UN) English Language Day, is celebrated annually on April 23rd. The day aims to recognize and celebrate the impact of the English language globally as a tool for communication, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
     Source: Indian Express
2. April 23: Spanish Language Day
   • What: Spanish Language Day is an annual celebration of one of the six official languages of the United Nations, marked every year on April 23. The celebration aims to promote and appreciate multi-linguism and the significance of Spanish culture in the world, especially in the Americas.
     Source: UN Today
3. April 23: World Book and Copyright Day
   • What: To celebrate the importance of literature and reading, World Book and Copyright Day is observed annually on April 23.
   • This day was initiated by UNESCO to promote reading habits, particularly among the younger generation, in today’s world where information is abundant from various sources.
   • Tell me more:
     • Every year, UNESCO selects the World Book Capital for one year, which carries out a program of activities to celebrate and promote books and reading.
       • This year, Strasbourg (a French city) has been selected as the World Book Capital.
     • The theme for this year’s World Book and Copyright Day is “Read Your Way,” which aims to promote a love of reading for everyone, regardless of their age or background.
       Source: UNESCO
4. 19th April: 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch
   • What: On April 19, 1975, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its first satellite, Aryabhata, into space
     Source: Zee News

Awards

1. 25th Laureus World Sports Awards
   • What: The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards were held in Madrid.
   • Why: This prestigious event looks forward to honoring the greatest sportsmen, sportswomen, and teams from the year 2023.
   • Tell me more (List of winners)
     Source: Laureus
2. COP28 President receives Inaugural ‘Global Energy Transition Impact Award’
   • What: The World Energy Council has announced the recipients of its inaugural World Energy Leadership Awards, announced on the eve of the 26th World Energy Congress hosted in Rotterdam (Netherlands)
   • Tell me more:
     • This prestigious event marks 100 years of convening the global energy community and driving regional impact.
     • The Global Energy Transition Impact Award is awarded to H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, COP28 President, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, for achieving a historic COP28 agreement known as the UAE Consensus, and for the added achievements of launching Net Zero energy transition alliances involving multiple energy sectors.
     • The Energy Systems Luminary Award for significant thought leadership contributions is awarded to Vaclav Smil in recognition of his significant contributions to advancing energy literacy.
     • The Humanising Energy Award is given to Barefoot College International (BCI) for achieving millions of smaller steps in making faster, fairer and more far-reaching energy transitions happen.
       Source: World Energy. org

Memorandum of Understanding

1. JSW Neo Energy Limited Secures 700-MW Solar Project from NTPC
   • What: JSW Neo Energy Limited (JSW Neo), a subsidiary of JSW Energy Limited, has been awarded a Letter of Award (LOA) for the development of a 700 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected solar power project by NTPC Limited.
   • Why: This project is part of NTPC’s initiative to procure 1,500 MW of ISTS-connected Solar Power Projects (NTPC-ISTS-II) through tariff-based competitive bidding.
   • JSW Energy has set an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with global sustainability goals.
     Source: Business Standard
2. ISKCON Collaborates With NSDC For Skill Development
   • What: Aimed at empowering marginalized communities, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will provide vocational training to tribal and underprivileged youth across multiple states.
   • Why: The strategic partnership will focus on skilling youth from tribal and marginalized communities in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.
   • Tell me more:
     • Expansion Plan: The collaboration plans to replicate the successful model of Govardhan EcoVillage in multiple locations, including Nandurbar (Maharashtra), Jaipur Rural (Rajasthan), and areas surrounding Mandla, Balaghat, and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
     • Skill Development Focus: NSDC and ISKCON will utilize Skill India Centers to provide skill training to youth and women from tribal and marginalized communities across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Future expansion to other regions is also planned.
     • Sectoral Focus: The collaboration will focus on training locals, particularly women, in the Hospitality, Retail, and Logistics sectors in key cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
     • Culinary School: ISKCON will establish a Culinary School to empower tribal youth from regions like Palghar and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
     • Employment Opportunities: Trained individuals will have employment prospects at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Kitchen in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, NSDC International will facilitate international mobility for skilled individuals.
     • Digital Training: Short-term courses will be conducted on the Skill India Digital Hub platform, offering industry-recognized certifications to boost employability.
     • Domestic and International Placements: Successful participants will gain access to both domestic job opportunities and international placements through NSDC International, enhancing their career prospects.
       Source: Free Press Journal

Appointment

1. Narpat Singh was appointed as Railway Advisor of India’s High Commission in Bangladesh
   • What: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for the appointment of Shri Narpat Singh, to the post of Railway Adviser in the High Commission of India, Dhaka, Bangladesh, with the diplomatic status as Counsellor, for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
     Source: DoPT Circular

Miscellaneous

1. JFC Durai, National Award-winning director passed away
   • What: Director JFC Durai passed away due to age-related complications in Chennai.
   • His film ‘Pasi Durai’ won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
     Source: Indian Express
2. CMFRI achieves captive breeding of high value marine fish golden trevally
   • What: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully developed seed production technology for golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), a high value marine fish.

• It will help to promote sustainable seafood production and boost India’s mariculture activities.

Source: PIB

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