NATIONAL:
1. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Why in news: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 Centrally Protected Monuments (CPMs)
Key points:
• ASI has invoked Section 35 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) to delist 18 CPMs.
• Section 35 allows central government to declare that any Monument of National Importance (MNI) has ceased to be of national importance.
• Under AMASR Act, MNIs are to be conserved and maintained by ASI as an important site pertaining to history and culture.
• Any kind of construction-related activity is not allowed around a protected site.
• Delisting effectively means that it will no longer be conserved, protected, and maintained by the ASI.
DEFENCE:
1. LCA Tejas Mk1A
Why in news: LCA Tejas Mk1A completed first flight from HAL facility in Bengaluru.
Key points:
• The advanced variant of LCA, Mk1A aircrafts are equipped with advanced electronic RADAR, warfare, communication systems, and combat capabilities.
• It is also armed with Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite, beyond-visual-range missiles and Air-to-Air refuelling.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Western Ghat Regions (WGR)
Why in news: Western Ghat Regions (WGR) are witnessing an alarming rate of Soil erosion: IIT-Bombay study
Key points:
• Study was conducted between 1990 and 2020 using data from LANDSAT-8, rainfall records etc.
• Portions of WGR in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat registered 121% and 119% increase in soil erosion respectively.
• Across whole of WGR, the increase in erosion rate was 94%.
• In absolute terms, Maharashtra had the highest 79 ton per hectare per year soil loss in 2020, while Kerala had the lowest loss.
• Causes identified for erosion include increasing rainfall erosivity factor (rainfall's potential to cause soil erosion), steep slopes and high rainfall, climate change and unsustainable land use cultivation of tea, coffee etc.
REPORTS/INDICES:
1. India Gaming Report 2024
Why in news: Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) and WinZO released
Key points:
• With 568 million users, India is officially the largest gaming market and accounts for every one in five online gamers globally.
• Indian gaming market is expected to reach $6 Billion by 2028.
• Number of Indian gaming companies surged from 25 in 2015 to over 1400 in 2023.
SPORTS:
1. Footballer Elangbam Panthoi Chanu
Why in news: Manipur’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu made history in Australian Football League
Key points:
• A woman footballer from Manipur, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu from Keirakhas set a record by becoming a footballer in the international arena.
• She is the first Indian footballer to play in the Australian League.
• She is the current goalkeeper for the Indian National Team.
2. Kabaddi
Why in news: India made New Guinness World Record in Kabaddi with participation of 128 Players
Key points:
• The venue for the Kabaddi was Tau Devi Lal Indoor Stadium of Panchkula in Haryana.
• An MOU recently signed between Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) and the Government of Haryana, for the promotion of Kabaddi, globally.
• It was one of the main reasons to choose India as a venue and Haryana in particular, for the event.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Sadanand Vasant Date
Why in news: Senior IPS Officer Sadanand Vasant Date appointed as Director General Of NIA.
Key points:
• The 1990-batch Indian Police Service officer is currently serving as Chief of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Mr Date for a tenure up to his superannuation on December 31, 2026.
2. Piyush Anand
• Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Piyush Anand has been appointed as Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• He is presently working as Special DG of Central Industrial Security Force CISF.
State/UT:
1. Anjali Kumari
Why in news: Anjali of Chhapra to participate in 'World Athletics Cross Country Championship 2024'
Key points:
• Anjali Kumari, working as a constable in Patna Police, has been selected for the 'World Athletics Cross Country Championship 2024'.
• Anjali of Chhapra has qualified for this championship. Anjali will represent India.
• This championship will be held in Belgrade, Serbia.
• Anjali's match will be held on March 30.
• Participants from all over the country will participate in it.
• India will be represented by 6 players including 3 women and 3 men.
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