NATIONAL:
1. Suvidha Portal
Why in news: Over 73,000 applications received on Suvidha portal since the announcement of Lok Sabha elections
Key points:
• Suvidha Portal has been developed by Election Commission of India to ensure a level playing field upholding the democratic principles of free, fair, and transparent elections.
• It streamlined the process of obtaining and acting upon requests for permissions and facilities from political parties and candidates during election period.
• It caters to permissions for organizing rallies, helicopters, vehicle permits, temporary party offices etc.
• The portal can help to scrutinize election expenditures, contributing to greater accountability and integrity in the electoral process.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Reactor Damaged
Why in news: Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor damaged following drone attack, raising questions on nuclear security
Key points:
• Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, is located in southeast Ukraine, on the banks of the Dnipro or Dnieper River (drains into the Black Sea).
• It is currently under the control of the Russian forces.
• Nuclear security is the prevention of, detection of, and response to, criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving or directed at nuclear material, other radioactive material, or associated facilities.
ECONOMY:
1. Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR)
Why in news: Indian banks are battling the worst deposit crunch in 20 years and at 80%, the credit-deposit ratio is at its highest since 2005
Key points:
• CDR is the ratio of how much a bank lends out of the deposits it has mobilised.
• A higher CDR suggests that a significant portion of the bank's resources are allocated to loans.
• It could potentially stimulate economic growth but also implies higher risk.
• Regulators often monitor CDR to ensure banks maintain a prudent balance between lending and risk management.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. First Images of the Human Brain
Why in news: ‘Iseult’ the World's most powerful MRI scans the first images of the human brain
Key points:
• Iseult’ can help refine our understanding of anatomy of brain.
• It could also shed light on diseases like Alzheimer's or psychological conditions like depression or schizophrenia.
• Iseult has power of 11.7 teslas which enables it to scan images with 10 times more precision than commonly used MRIs.
2. John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration
Why in news: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission awarded the prestigious John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration
Key points:
• The Space Foundation, in presenting the John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration to the Chandrayaan-3 team, recognized the exceptional technical and engineering achievements of the mission.
• The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched by ISRO on July 14, 2023, was a groundbreaking achievement for India.
• The mission consisted of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan.
• It successfully landed at the unexplored south pole of the moon on August 23, 2023.
• This made India the first country in the world to land a lunar module at the south pole of the moon.
3. ISRO’s START Programme
Why in news: GUJCOST Designated as Nodal Centre for ISRO’s START Programme
Key points:
• It aimed at nurturing aspiring scientists and engineers in the field of space science and technology.
• The programme, conceptualized by ISRO, provides an introductory online platform covering various areas of space science research.
• Under the START programme, GUJCOST will conduct live classes, acting as the central hub for knowledge dissemination.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Simon Harris
Why in news: Simon Harris, aged 37, has been elected as Ireland’s youngest-ever prime minister, succeeding Leo Varadkar who resigned last month.
Key points:
• Harris’s rise within the Fine Gael party has been rapid.
• Joining its youth branch at 16, he became a county councillor at 22 and entered parliament at 24, earning him the nickname “Baby of the Dail.”
SPORTS:
1. ICC Players of the Month
Why in news: Sri Lankan Star Kamindu Mendis and England’s Maia Bouchier Crowned ICC Players of the Month for March 2024
Key points:
• Mendis’ historic batting performances in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s comfortable victory.
• On the women’s side, England’s Maia Bouchier has been awarded the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2024.
• Bouchier’s exceptional performances in the T20I series against New Zealand were crucial in securing a 4-1 series victory for the visitors.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. National Safe Motherhood Day 2024
Why in news: National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on April 11th.
Key points:
• This day is a crucial occasion to highlight the importance of maternal health and well-being.
• In 2003, the Indian government officially recognized April 11th as National Safe Motherhood Day,
• It coincided with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, a champion of women’s empowerment.
2. World Homeopathy Day 2024
Why in news: World Homeopathy Day is observed on April 10th every year
Key points:
• The theme for World Homeopathy Day 2024 is "Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family."
• Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of modern homeopathy, was born in 1755.
• Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, believed that homeopathic remedies could provide a better and more effective way to treat diseases.
CULTURE:
1. Gangaur Festival 2024
Why in news: Gangaur is a famous festival celebrated throughout Rajasthan
Key points:
• Gangaur is observed during Chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar, marking the transition from winter to spring.
• The festival commemorates the union of Lord Shiva (Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri).
• Gangaur festival honors Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva’s wife, who exemplifies strength, bravery, and conjugal loyalty.
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