NATIONAL:
1. Right Against Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Why in news: Supreme Court recognized Right Against Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Key points:
• The Supreme Court of India in its recent recognized the right against adverse effects of climate change as a fundamental right within the ambit of Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution.
• The Supreme Court’s observation came while delivering a judgment in a case related to the protection of endangered bird species, the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican, in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. China became the Largest Importer of Russian Crude
Why in news: China has become the largest importer of Russian seaborne crude, surpassing India
Key points:
• This shift is attributed to India’s slowdown in imports due to sanctions and rising prices.
• Despite a 7% month-on-month increase in March, India’s imports fell short of China’s, indicating a strategic shift in its oil procurement.
2. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Why in news: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) launched its ‘Vision for Regional Security’
Key points:
• Vision, adopted in Dec 2023, proposes a comprehensive framework of regional security which promotes negotiation and dialogue to overcome disagreements, violence, and conflict.
• The vision is based on the principles of shared destiny and indivisible security of the member states and any threat to one is a threat to all.
• It also urges member states to combat terrorism, extremism, and money laundering.
3. A Report about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Disrupt Elections
Why in news: Microsoft released a report about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to disrupt elections in Taiwan
Key points:
• China had attempted an AI-generated disinformation campaign in the Taiwan presidential election.
• Methods used were AI-generated audio, AIgenerated anchors, AI-enhanced videos, AI generated memes, etc. to influence various aspects of the elections.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. India’s First Privately-Built Sub-Metre Resolution Surveillance Satellite
Why in news: The collaboration between TASL and Satellogic resulted in the successful launch of TSAT-1A
Key points:
• TASL and Satellogic have jointly launched India's first privately-built sub-metre resolution surveillance satellite, TSAT-1A.
• It has been launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Assembled at TASL’s Vemagal facility in Karnataka, TSAT-1A promises high-resolution optical satellite imagery with multispectral and hyperspectral capabilities.
DEFENCE:
1. Parivartan Chintan
Why in news: The inaugural Tri-Service Planning Conference, 'Parivartan Chintan,' held in New Delhi
Key points:
• This landmark event aimed to foster jointness and integration among the Indian Armed Forces, especially in light of ongoing efforts to establish unified theatre commands.
• General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, presided over the conference.
• A theatre command refers to a geographical area susceptible to conflict, be it on land, air, or sea.
2. Indian Army Enhanced Air Defence
Why in news: The Indian Army has acquired Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) from Russia
Key points:
• The Igla-S system, comprising the 9M342 missile, 9P522 launching mechanism, 9V866-2 mobile test station, and 9F719-2 test set, offers a versatile and comprehensive air defence solution.
• Designed for deployment in high mountainous terrain along the northern border, the Igla-S systems have already been received by one regiment.
ECONOMY:
1. Sittwe Agreement Approved by MEA
Why in news: India secures operational control over Sittwe Port in Myanmar, expanding its maritime presence after Chabahar
Key points:
• It is a strategic move to bolster its maritime presence and enhance regional connectivity.
• It will allow India Ports Global (IPGL), a company fully owned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to manage the entire port on the Kaladan River, marking India’s second overseas port acquisition after Chabahar in Iran.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
Why in news: Centre has recently issued a draft notification demarcating an ESZ around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Key points:
• The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is a 2600-hectare (6400+ acres) nature preserve located in the Sivalik Hills of Chandigarh, India, near Sukhna Lake.
• ESZ are ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas.
• Notified by central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
STATE/UT:
1. Ugadi 2024
Why in news: Ugadi 2024, falling on April 9th, marks the New Year for states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
Key points:
• Rooted in Hindu mythology, it celebrates the creation of the world by Lord Brahma.
• While Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka celebrate it as Ugadi, Maharashtra and Goa observe the day as Gudi Padwa.
• In West Bengal, it is celebrated as Poila Boishak.
• This day symbolizes the end of harsh winters and the onset of the spring season, akin to the beginning of a new era.
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