“IMPORTANT DAYS”

Prevention of Blindness Week 2024, 1st to 7th April

Our eyes are very important and allow us to see the world around us. However, many people around the world suffer from blindness or vision problems. To address this, the Indian government has declared April 1 to April 7 as Prevention of Blindness Week. 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.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: Celebrating 125 Years of Unraveling the Mysteries of the Sun

Perched atop the picturesque Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, the iconic Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) recently commemorated a remarkable milestone – its 125th anniversary of studying the celestial body that sustains life on Earth, the Sun. On April 1, 2024, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, organized a grand celebration to honor the legacy of this historic observatory and felicitate the scientists who have dedicated their lives to advancing our understanding of our star.

“AWARD”

REC Wins SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in Renewable Energy Financing Category

REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been bestowed with the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in the ‘Renewable Energy Financing’ category. The award underscores REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, paving the way for a greener future and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Executive Director of REC Limited, Shri T.S.C. Bosh, received the award in New Delhi.

 “DEFENCE”

India, Maldives & Sri Lanka’s ‘Dosti-16’ Held in Maldives

Highlighting the importance of “collaboration and interoperability” among the coast guards personnel of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon said the trilateral exercise ‘Dosti‘ will unite the troika to address “shared maritime security concerns through collaboration.”

“APPOINTMENTS”

Lt Gen JS Sidana is New Director General of EME

Lieutenant General JS Sidana has taken over as the 33rd Director General of the Department of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DGEME) and Senior Colonel Commandant of the EME Corps on April 1, 2024. During his 38-year career, Lt Gen Sidana has held many important regimental, command, instructional, and staff appointments

Ms Sheyphali Sharan Takes Charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau

Ms Sheyphali B. Sharan has assumed charge as the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, upon the superannuation (retirement) of Shri Manish Desai. Ms. Sharan is an officer of the 1990 batch of Indian Information Service.

Congo Appoints First Female Prime Minister Amid Eastern Violence

The Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the country’s first female Prime Minister. This move by President Felix Tshisekedi fulfills a campaign promise and comes at a time of worsening violence in the mineral-rich eastern region bordering Rwanda.

Sanjay Nayar Appointed as New ASSOCHAM President

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a prominent industry chamber, has appointed Sanjay Nayar as its new President. Nayar has replaced Ajay Singh, the Co-Founder of SpiceJet airline, whose tenure has ended. Sanjay Nayar is a well-known figure in the global financial markets. He was the former Chief Executive of KKR India, a leading investment firm. Nayar brings with him over 40 years of experience in financial and capital markets. He has worked for 25 years at Citigroup and nearly 14 years at KKR, before retiring last year.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Paradip Port Emerges as India’s Top Cargo-Handling Port in 2023-24

Paradip Port Authority, Odisha, surpasses Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, to become India’s leading cargo-handling major port in the fiscal year 2023-24, handling 145.38 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of cargo, marking a 7.4% growth from the previous year.

‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Norm Implemented

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag‘ norm, which aims to prevent the use of a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle. This new norm has come into effect from April 1, 2024. NHAI had previously extended the compliance deadline to the end of March, considering the issues faced by Paytm FASTag users. According to an NHAI official, “Multiple FASTags won’t work… People who have multiple FASTags for one vehicle won’t be able to use all of them from today (April 1).”