NATIONAL:
1. Myth Vs Reality
Why in news: EC Launched Myth Vs Reality Register to Combat spread of misinformation in General Elections 2024
Key points:
• This platform can be used to verify information, prevent the spread of misinformation, debunk myths, and stay informed about key issues during the General Elections.
• This register provides already busted election related fake information, probable myths circulating around on social media platforms.
• The register will be updated on a regular basis.
• It is accessible to the public through the Election Commission’s official website.
2. Prevention of Blindness Week 2024
Why in news: The Indian government has declared April 1 to April 7 as Prevention of Blindness Week
Key points:
• This week aims to create awareness about the importance of taking care of our eyes and getting regular eye examinations to prevent eye diseases like age-related
macular degeneration.
ECONOMY:
1. Paradip Port
Why in news: Paradip Port became the top cargo-handling port in India in 2023-24
Key points:
• The Paradip Port Authority, Odisha, has displaced the Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, as the top cargo-handling major port of India in 2023-2.
• It handled 10.02 million metric tons more cargo than last year, registering a growth of 7.4%.
• The Paradip port has the capacity to handle 289 million metric tonnes.
2. DIGITAL Initiative
Why in news: RBI’s DIGITA initiative is meant for Curbing Illegal Lending Apps
Key points:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is contemplating the establishment of the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA).
• It is meant to combat the proliferation of illegal lending apps.
• This initiative aims to bolster cybersecurity measures and clamp down on fraudulent activities in the digital lending sector.
DEFENCE:
1. Trilateral Exercise ‘Dosti16’
Why in news: India, Maldives & Sri Lanka’s ‘Dosti-16’ Held in Maldives
Key points:
• Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth and Abhinav, along with Sri Lanka Naval Ship Samudura participated in the exercise ‘DOSTI-16‘in Maldives.
• Bangladesh participated in this exercise as an observer.
• Aim: To enhance cooperation, strengthen friendship, improve mutual operational capability, and develop interoperability among the Coast Guard personnel of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
2. India’s Defence Exports Reached an All-time High
Why in news: India’s Defence Exports reached an all-time high of Rs. 21,083 crores in FY 2023-24
Key points:
• Defence exports have grown by 31 times in last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14 and growth of 32.5% over FY 2022-23.
• Private sector contributed about 60% in defence exports.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Jupiter’s Moon Callisto
Why in news: Scientists discover evidence of Ozone (O3) on Jupiter’s moon Callisto
Key points:
• The discovery came to light while the researchers were investigating the chemical evolution of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) on Jupiter's moon, with Ultraviolet (UV)
irradiation.
• This revealed the traces of formation of O3 on the Callisto.
2. Artificial Sun
Why in news: Artificial sun sets the new world record of 48-second-long operation at 100 million degrees
Key points:
• Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor reached temperatures seven times that of the Sun's core in latest advancement for nuclear fusion.
• Scientists generally use donut-shaped reactor called tokamak where hydrogen variants are heated to extraordinarily high temperatures to create a plasma.
• This is called artificial Sun because it replicates reaction of nuclear fusion taking place in Sun.
3. One Vehicle, One FASTag
Why in news: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI’s) norms of ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ has come into force.
Key points:
• It aims to discourage use of single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.
• This will enhance efficiency of electronic toll collection system and provide seamless movement at toll plazas.
• FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification technology for making toll payments directly while vehicle is in motion.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi today was sworn in for his third term as President.
• He is set to remain president until 2030.
2. Sanjay Nayar
• The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has appointed Sanjay Nayar as its new President.
• Sanjay Nayar is a well-known figure in the global financial markets.
PERSONS/PLACES IN NEWS:
1. Barbara Rush
• Veteran Actress Barbara Rush passed away in Los Angeles.
• She was a Golden Globe-winning actress.
• Her breakthrough role came in 1954 with the science-fiction film “It Came from Outer Space,” which earned her the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
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