NATIONAL:
1. 5,200-Year-Old Harappan Settlement in Kachchh
Why in news: Archaeological excavation reveals 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement in Kachchh, Gujarat
Key points:
• Archaeologists from Kerala University have unearthed a significant Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in Gujarat.
• The excavation was led by assistant professors Abhayan G.S. and Rajesh SV.
• The expedition uncovered crucial evidence shedding light on the cultural formation of Early Harappan settlements in the region.
• The excavation unearthed evidence of a Harappan settlement dating back to circa 3200 BCE to 1700 BCE.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. World Future Energy Summit
Why in news: Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, is gearing up to host the World Future Energy Summit (WFES).
Key points:
• This summit serves as a pivotal global event focusing on future energy, clean technology, and sustainability.
• It will feature forums by Masdar’s initiatives such as Y4S (Youth 4 Sustainability) and WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy).
• On April 16, Masdar will also host the annual Green Hydrogen Summit, aiming to expedite the development of the global green hydrogen economy.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. CAR-T Cell Therapy
Why in news: India's first homegrown gene therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) for cancer launched by the President
Key points:
• It is developed through collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT.
About Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) Cell Therapy:
• It modifies immune cells, specifically T-cells, by turning them into potent cancer fighters known as CAR-T cells.
• T-cells are special cells (types of white blood cells) whose primary function is cytotoxic, meaning killing other cells.
• T cells are taken from patient blood and are changed in lab by adding a gene for a man-made receptor (called CAR).
• CARs are proteins that assist the T-cells to recognise and attach to a specific protein present on cancer cells.
• CAR-T cells are then given back to the patient.
• CAR-T cell therapy for one cancer won't work for another type of cancer, can have negative effects on the nervous system, risk of infection, etc.
2. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)
Why in news: Centre is planning to create a national digital database of organ donors for smooth transplants.
Key points:
• As per the NOTTO data, India witnessed 16,041 organ transplants in 2022, as against the wait list of nearly 500,000 organ failure recipients.
• NOTTO is National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• NOTTO activities include coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues.
• It also includes registration of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation.
ECONOMY:
1. Penalties on IDFC First Bank and LIC Housing Finance
Why in news: RBI imposed penalties on IDFC First Bank and LIC Housing Finance
Key points:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on two financial institutions – IDFC First Bank and LIC Housing Finance – for non-compliance with various regulations.
• The RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on IDFC First Bank for non-compliance with certain directions on ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions’.
• The central bank has also imposed a penalty of ₹49.7 lakh on LIC Housing Finance for breach of norms.
2. Virtual ATM Facility
Why in news: J&K Bank introduced Virtual ATM facility in collaboration with Paymart India
Key points:
• In a bid to enhance banking accessibility, J&K Bank has collaborated with Paymart India Pvt Ltd to unveil a Virtual ATM (VATM) facility.
• This innovative service enables cardless cash withdrawals for customers through local retailers.
DEFENCE:
1. Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems
Why in news: Indian Army boosts air defence capabilities with 'Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems'
Key points:
• The Army has started the induction of control and reporting systems under ‘Project Akashdeep’ to bolster its air defence capabilities.
• This automated air defence control and reporting system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), aims to integrate the army’s air defence units for enhanced operational efficiency.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Meenesh Shah
Why in news: NCDFI has elected Dr. Meenesh Shah as its new Board of Directors
Key points:
• Dr. Meenesh Shah was unanimously chosen as the new Chairman of The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI).
• NCDFI is the national-level apex dairy cooperative, registered on December 7, 1970.
• It operates under the provisions of the Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024
Why in news: the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6th every year
Key points:
• This day is dedicated to recognizing the positive impact that sports and physical activity can have on people’s lives and communities around the globe.
• The theme for IDSDP 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.
• In 2013, the UN General Assembly officially designated April 6th as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
STATE/UT:
1. Sharad Sagar
Why in news: Bihar’s Sharad Sagar named ‘2024 Young Global Leader of the World
Key points:
• He is the youngest from India and the first ever from Bihar to be chosen for the coveted position by the World economic Forum.
• Starting this year, Sagar will have the opportunity to join the prestigious Davos Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in January every year.
• Born in Zeradei in Siwan district, Sagar was only 16 when he founded the national organization Dexterity Global in 2008.
• Dexterity Global is headquartered in Patna, Bihar.
• In 2016, Sagar became the only Indian to be invited by US President Barack Obama to the White House for a special gathering of young leaders.
• In 2021, Sagar became the first Indian in history to be elected President of the Student Government at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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