“IMPORTANT DAY”

Zero Discrimination Day 2024

March 1 marks Zero Discrimination Day, a day dedicated to advocating for the right of every individual to live a life free from discrimination and prejudice. This global observance, initiated by UNAIDS, aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of discrimination and the importance of promoting equality, compassion, and respect for all.

Theme of Zero Discrimination Day 2024

“To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights”, the theme for Zero Discrimination Day 2024 emphasizes the critical link between health and human rights. Ensuring access to healthcare services without discrimination is paramount to achieving optimal health outcomes and upholding the rights and dignity of every individual.

World Seagrass Day 2024

Celebrated annually on March 1, World Seagrass Day is a vital global observance aimed at highlighting the importance of seagrass in marine ecosystems. Established by the United Nations General Assembly on May 22, 2022, following Sri Lanka’s resolution, the day underscores the urgent need for seagrass conservation. Seagrass, a flowering marine plant found along coastlines worldwide, plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. Providing food for marine life and stabilizing water quality, seagrass is found everywhere except Antarctica. It has evolved over millions of years to adapt to underwater life, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits.

“DEFENCE”

DRDO Successfully Tests Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on February 28th and 29th, 2024. The tests, carried out from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha, demonstrated the system’s capability to intercept and destroy high-speed unmanned aerial targets under various interception scenarios.

“AWARD”

Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary Knighthood

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and founder of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred with an honorary Knighthood by Britain’s King Charles III. He becomes the first Indian citizen to receive this prestigious honour, recognized for his contributions to UK-India business relations. Sunil Bharti Mittal received a Knighthood of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), one of the highest honours bestowed by the British monarch. The award acknowledges Mittal’s significant role in fostering business relations between the UK and India.

 “APPOINTMENT”

IPS Officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary Named NSG’s New Director General

Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a 1990 batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG), marking a significant development in India’s security apparatus. Chaudhary, currently serving as the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), will now shoulder the additional responsibility of leading the NSG, commonly referred to as the “black cats”.

Sachin Jain appointed as CEO of WGC India

The World Gold Council has named Sachin Jain as its new CEO for India. Jain’s extensive experience, particularly in the jewellery market and strategic leadership, positions him well for this crucial role. He joins from De Beers where he has held several senior roles over the past 13 years. As managing director of DeBeers India, he has led the De Beers Forevermark business in India and the Middle East.

Arkaja Das appointed as Director in Women & Child Development Ministry

The Central Government has approved the appointment of Arkaja Das (IPoS) as Director in the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Das has been appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme with effect from 1 March 2024 and for a period up to 26 October 2027. Das is an Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officer of 2010-batch. Presently, she is posted as Deputy Secretary in the same Ministry.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

PM Modi Launches India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s inaugural hydrogen fuel cell ferry, a product of indigenous development and construction built by Cochin Shipyard. Participating from Thoothukudi, he launched the inland waterway vessel, which is part of the Harit Nauka initiative—a pilot project aimed at showcasing the technology for the maritime sector.

New Zealand to Repeal Anti-Tobacco Law

The New Zealand government plans to revoke a pioneering law scheduled for implementation in July. This law, considered the toughest globally, aimed to ban tobacco sales to individuals born after January 1, 2009, while also reducing nicotine content and slashing tobacco retailers by over 90%.