National News

Exploring Biochar in Steel Production:

• The Indian government has launched the 14th Task Force dedicated to investigating the potential use of biochar in steel production.
• With the steel industry being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative aims to mitigate carbon intensity and promote sustainability within steel manufacturing processes.

State News

Utkal Diwas 2024: Celebrating Odisha's Culture and Heritage:

• Utkal Diwas, also recognized as Odisha Day or Utkala Dibasa, is an annual celebration in the Indian state of Odisha.
• Commemorated on April 1st, it marks the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936.
• This occasion holds profound cultural and historical significance as it symbolizes the culmination of a prolonged struggle for a separate state, distinct from the combined Bihar and Orissa provinces during the British colonial era.

UP Leads in GI-Tagged Products:

• Uttar Pradesh, a northern Indian state, has secured the lead in the number of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products nationwide.
• With the recent addition of 15 new products, Uttar Pradesh now boasts a total of 69 GI-tagged products, surpassing Tamil Nadu's 58.
• Notably, Varanasi, the holy city, has emerged as a frontrunner in GI-tagged goods production, boasting 30 certified products—the highest from a single geographical area.
• GI certification ensures the uniqueness and authenticity of these products, representing specific cultural, societal, or craft traditions.

International News

UN's Controversial Choice for Women's Rights Forum:

• Despite facing criticism for its poor track record on women's rights, Saudi Arabia has been appointed to chair the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
• The decision to appoint Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil has drawn widespread outrage from human rights groups due to the vast disparity between the kingdom's actions and the commission's mandate to promote gender equality.

Recapping the International Year of Millets 2023:

• The International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 concluded with a closing ceremony held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, on March 29th, 2024.
• This event served as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and insights gained throughout the year-long celebration.

Appointments News

New President for FICCI Ladies Organisation:

• Joyshree Das Verma has assumed office as the 41st National President of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) for the term 2024-25.
• FLO stands as the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber in Southeast Asia.

Awards News

Professor Meena Charanda Receives International Culture Award:

• Professor Meena Charanda, the Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, was honored with the prestigious 'International Culture Award' for her outstanding contributions to education and social service in 2024.
• The award ceremony, held at the India International Center on March 30, 2024, recognized her noteworthy endeavors in the respective fields.

Vineet Jain Acknowledged with ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award:

• Vineet Jain, the managing director of the Times Group, was bestowed with the Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for his significant role in Indian television news.
• At the award ceremony, Jain credited the accomplishment to the collective efforts of the Times Group teams and expressed gratitude for the support of his elder brother, Samir Jain.

Science and Technology News

Microsoft and OpenAI Announce 'Stargate' AI Supercomputer:

• Microsoft and OpenAI unveiled plans for the groundbreaking 'Stargate' AI supercomputer, representing a remarkable collaboration in the realm of technology.
• Estimated at a monumental $100 billion, the project signifies a significant advancement in AI infrastructure and capabilities, promising innovative developments in the field.

Important Days

National Maritime Week Celebrated in India:

• India commemorated National Maritime Week from March 29 to April 5, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving the 'Merchant Navy Flag' from Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on March 29, 2024.
• This symbolic gesture marked the initiation of the week-long celebrations, highlighting the significance of maritime activities and their contributions to the nation's development.

Sports News

MS Dhoni Makes History in T20 Cricket:

• Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the revered wicketkeeper-batter, achieved a historic milestone during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
• Dhoni became the first wicketkeeper to achieve 300 dismissals in T20 cricket, adding another remarkable feat to his illustrious career.