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CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (MARCH 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
With parliamentary approval, Finland ready to join NATO
NATION
The Finnish parliament has approved a legislation
allowing the country to join the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO). 184 members of the parliament
voted in favour, with seven against and one abstention.
AL
U.S. selling Taiwan F-16 munitions for $619 million
The United States has approved the sale to Taiwan of
$619 million in munitions for F-16 fighter jets, in a move
China said seriously damages relations between
Washington and Beijing.
China adopts plan to ‘reform’ Party and state institutions.
China’s ruling Communist Party has concluded a key annual
meeting and adopted a plan “for the reform of party and state
institutions” that is set to further tighten the party’s and leader
Xi Jinping’s direct oversight of government bodies.
26 killed & eighty-five injured after two trains collide
in Athens, Greece
In Greece, at least 26 people were killed and eighty-five injured
after two trains collided head-on in the north of Athens.
WHO urges countries to come clean on COVID origins
intel after China’s denial.
The WHO has urged all countries to reveal what they
know about the origins of COVID-19, following U.S. claims
of a Chinese lab leak and furious denials from Beijing. The
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had now
assessed the source of COVID-19 pandemic was most
likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan.
Japan pledges financial & technological support to
help ASEANs decarbonize.
Japan's government pledged financial and technological
support to help ASEAN countries accelerate their efforts to
decarbonize their economies and combat global climate
change.
China increases defence spending by 7.2%
China’s government has announced a hike in defence
spending by 7.2% to $225 billion in 2023, saying the rise
was needed to deal with complex security challenges.
UN inks first ‘High Seas Treaty’ in a bid to protect
ocean bodies of the world
The United Nations inked the first ‘High Seas Treaty’ in a
bid to protect the ocean bodies. The High Seas Treaty
now places 30 percent of the world's international waters
into protected areas (MPAs) by 2030. The treaty aims to
protect against potential impacts like deep sea mining.
UN takes new measures to fight climate change.
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization has come up
with a new Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure
that aims to provide better ways of measuring planet-
warming pollution and help inform policy choices.
Türkiye quake damage estimated to exceed 100 bn:
UN
The United Nations said, damage from the catastrophic
earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria last month has been
estimated at over 100 billion dollars for Türkiye alone.
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India sending 20,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan
via Chabahar
India will send its next consignment of wheat as aid to
Afghanistan under the Taliban regime via Chabahar, the
External Affairs Ministry said.
‘Deeply concerned’ over new U.K. asylum plan, says
UN rights chief
The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, criticized a British draft
law that would outlaw asylum claims by anyone arriving in
the country illegally, warning it would violate international
law. Britain’s government intends to outlaw asylum claims
by all illegal arrivals in a bid to stop migrants from crossing
the Channel.
Biden Unveils $6.8 Trillion 2024 Budget Plan
U.S. President Joe Biden has unveiled a $6.8 trillion
government spending plan for 2024 calling for dozens of
new policy initiatives and higher taxes on corporations
and wealthy individuals.
Union Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh participates in
19th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting
Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan
Singh has participated in the 19th BIMSTEC Ministerial
Meeting virtually from Bangkok. The meeting was hosted
by Chair Thailand.
Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano erupts
Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active
volcanoes, erupted, spewing out smoke and ash that
blanketed villages near the crater. The volcano is located on
Java Island, near Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta.
French Senate votes in favor of raising legal
retirement age from 62 to 64
In France, the Senate has voted in favour of raising the
legal retirement age from 62 to 64. The move is part of the
French government's plan to reform the country's pension
system. Young people, including even those who are yet
to enter the job market, have been up in arms against the
controversial move.
North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missile
North Korea has conducted submarine-launched cruise
missile tests. The missile test came, a day before the U.S.
and South Korean militaries begin large-scale joint military
drills that North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion.
Eyeing China, Biden and allies unveil nuclear-
powered submarine plan for Australia.
The United States, Australia and Britain have announced
the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered
attack submarines. The move was a major step towards
countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific.
under the 2021 AUKUS partnership.
South Korea & US kicks off their largest joint military
exercises in 5 years.
South Korea and the United States kicked off their largest
joint military exercises in five years. The US-South Korea
exercises, called Freedom Shield, are scheduled to run
for 11 days and will focus on the changing security
environment.
/1
Overall death toll from tropical Cyclone Freddy rises
to over 270
Malawi and Mozambique were racing to rescue survivors
from Tropical Cyclone Freddy as the death toll rose above
270 from one of the most powerful storms recorded in the
southern hemisphere. Freddy tore through southern
Africa for the second time in a month.
US recognizes McMahon Line as international border.
The US formally recognized the McMahon Line as the
international boundary between India’s Arunachal Pradesh
and China and rejected Beijing’s claim that the north-eastern
state falls under Chinese territory. hemisphere.
Overcoming a century of difficult ties, Japan and
South Korea renew ties at Tokyo summit
Japan and South Korea agreed to resume regular visits
between their leaders and take steps to resolve a trade
dispute during a highly anticipated summit in Tokyo, in
what Japan’s Prime Minister called a “big step” to rebuild
the two nations’ security and economic ties as they try to
overcome a century of difficult history.
Poland to send four fighter jets to Ukraine in coming
days
Poland' President Andrzej Duda has promised to send
four Soviet-era Mig fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming
days. The transfer would make Poland the first NATO
member to have delivered the fighter jets, as Kyiv appeals
for warplanes to fight Russian forces.
ChatGPT rival launched in Abu Dhabi with 40 billion
parameters.
The UAE now has it's very own home-built rival to
ChatGPT. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the
applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced
Technology Research Council (ATRC), has launched
'Falcon LLM,' a foundational large language model (LLM)
with 40 billion parameters - which outperforms ChatGPT3.
International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant
against Putin over Ukraine
The International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an
arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin
for the “unlawful deportation” of Ukrainian children. Russia
is not a member of the ICC.
UAE, China review enhancing joint investment
opportunities in new economic sectors
Representatives from the Ministry of Economy, UAE, held
a bilateral meeting with representatives of Deputy
International Trade for the People's Republic of China, at
the UAE-China Economic Forum held in Dubai. The
meeting aimed to strengthen joint investment
opportunities in various economic sectors.
Protest breaks as govt restricts same-sex parent
rights in Italy
Protests broke out in Italy as the country’s new
government led by Giorgia Meloni restricted the rights of
same-sex parents. Hundreds of people have taken to the
streets in Milan to protest against the move.
Kosovo and Serbia fail to sign agreement after
marathon talks
Kosovo and Serbia stopped short of signing a potentially
landmark deal after holding a marathon round of talks.
Leaders of both countries had negotiations for nearly
12 hours during a summit in North Macedonia, picking
over an 11-point plan unveiled by the EU last month
during a Brussels summit.
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Bangladesh commissions its first submarine base
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first
submarine base of Bangladesh ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’ at
Pekua in Cox’s Bazar. Prime Minister Hasina said that her
government has been working on ‘Forces Goal 2030’ to
transform its military force into a modern organisation
suitable for the times.
Thailand Prime Minister dissolves Parliament and
calls for election.
Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha dissolved
Parliament, setting up a general election in May as the
former coup leader seeks to extend Army-backed rule.
US President signs bipartisan bill to declassify
intelligence about origins of Covid-19
US President Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan bill that
directs the federal government to declassify intelligence
about the origins of Covid-19. In a statement, he said, the
US needs to get to the bottom of COVID-19's origins
including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
IMF approves Sri Lanka’s much-awaited bailout package.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund
has approved Sri Lanka’s bailout program under an
Extended Fund Facility. IMF has said the first tranche of
the loan will be released in the next couple of days.
China boosts South Pacific influence with Solomons
port deal
A state-backed Chinese company has won a contract to
develop a key port in the Solomon Islands, a major victory
in Beijing’s quest to gain a strategic toehold in the South
Pacific. Solomon Islands’ government announced that the
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had
been chosen to lead a $170 million project to develop the
international port in the capital Honiara.
Tested underwater drone able to trigger a radioactive
tsunami, says North Korea
North Korea claimed that it had tested an underwater
nuclear attack drone able to unleash a “radioactive
tsunami”, as it blamed the recent U.S.-South Korea
exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation.
The new weapon, called Haeil which means tsunami in
Korean, can be deployed at any coast and port or towed
by a surface ship for operation.
Russian President announces plan to station tactical
nuclear weapons in Belarus
President of Russia Vladimir Putin announced that Russia
will install tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Mr. Putin
said that the action would not violate nuclear non-
proliferation commitments. This will be the first time since
the middle of the 1990s that Russia bases such weapons
outside of its borders.
Emergency declared in Mississippi following
devastating tornado in US
US President Joe Biden approved on Sunday an
emergency declaration for Mississippi after the state was
hit by devastating storms and a tornado which killed at
least 25 people and left a trail of destruction while one
person was killed in Alabama.
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu announces suspension
of judicial reforms following nationwide protests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to
suspend a planned judiciary reform until the next parliament
session after nationwide protests. Mr Netanyahu made
the announcement after two days of large protests against
the plan.
/2
Hungarian lawmakers voted to support Finland's
accession to NATO
Hungarian lawmakers voted on Monday to support
Finland's accession to NATO, putting an end to months of
delays and bringing the Nordic country one step closer to
becoming a full member of the Western military alliance.
Myanmar dissolves Suu Kyi’s NLD party
Myanmar’s junta-stacked Election Commission
announced that Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for
Democracy Party would be dissolved for failing to re-
register under a tough new military-drafted electoral law.
United Arab Emirates Launches National Genome
Strategy
The UAE has launched its National Genome Strategy,
which aims to provide a comprehensive legislative and
governance framework to support the development and
implementation of genomic programs. The strategy will
last ten years and will focus on delivering public health
priorities while improving the country's well-being.
Saudi Arabia's cabinet approves to join Shanghai
Cooperation Organization
Saudi Arabia's cabinet has approved to join the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO). Riyadh also approved a
memorandum on granting the kingdom the status of a
dialogue partner in the SCO. Last year, Iran signed the
necessary paperwork to become a full member.
Tunisia cuts off drinking water supply at night to
maintain reserves amid severe drought in country.
In Tunisia, drinking water supplies are being cut off at night in
cities across in a bid to maintain reserves in the country.
A severe drought is being blamed for the shortage, along with
poor water management and faulty infrastructure.
Former US president Donald Trump criminally charged
in New York over alleged payment to porn star.
Former US President Donald Trump was indicted in New
York on charges involving payments to a porn star made
during his 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of
an extramarital sexual encounter.
Pak. Senate adopts Bill to limit Chief Justice’s powers.
Amidst criticism by the Opposition, Pakistan’s Senate has
passed the Bill to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court regarding suo motu cases and the
constitution of Benches.
Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work in U.S., says
judge; relief to foreign workers
A judge in the U.S. has ruled that spouses of H-1B visa holders,
a significantly large number of whom are Indians, can work in
the country, in a big relief to foreign workers in the American
tech sector which has seen massive retrenchments.
NATIONAL
Legislator facing disqualification can’t attend floor
test: Supreme Court
NATI
Allowing an MP or an MLA who is facing disqualification
under the anti-defection law to participate in a floor test
caused by his own doings will defeat the very purpose of
ON
Tenth Schedule, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud,
heading a Constitution Bench, said.
India, Australia sign agreement on mutual recognition
of qualifications.
AL
India and Australia signed a Framework Mechanism for
Mutual Recognition of Qualifications that will help ease
the mobility of students and professionals between the
two countries.
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Portal opened for complaints against decisions of
social media platforms.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
launched the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) portal
under the IT Rules, 2021, allowing people dissatisfied with
resolution of complaints to social media companies on
content takedown requests, to be heard by one of the three
committees constituted by the government.
India, Uzbekistan joint military exercise progresses
with full steam
Ex DUSTLIK-2023, a Joint Exercise between India &
Uzbekistan is progressing with full steam covering the
vast canvas of multi-domain operation in a sub-
conventional environment in Uttarakhand.
W-20 meeting concludes at Chatrapti Sambhajinagar
In Maharashtra, a two-day inception meeting of W20 (Women
20), which is an official engagement group under India's G20
Presidency concluded in Chatrapati Sambhajinagar. Around
150 women dignitaries from member countries, guest
countries and special invitees participated in this meeting.
Centre approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic
Trainer Aircraft for Indian Air Force
Centre has approved the procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic
Trainer Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
for the Indian Air Force at a cost of over six thousand
828 crore rupees.
Panel of PM, CJI, Oppn. leader to pick CEC: SC
The Supreme Court of India has overturned the existing
practice of appointing election commissioners and ordered
appointments to be made on the advice of a panel of the Prime
Minister, Chief Justice of India and the leader of the Opposition.
SC set up a committee to examine the Hindenburg
Research report issue on Adani Group companies.
The Supreme Court of India will set up an expert
committee on the issue arising from the Hindenburg
Research report on Adani Group companies.
The committee will consist of six members, headed by
former apex court judge Justice AM Sapre.
PM Modi inaugurates 8th edition of Raisina Dialogue
in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the eighth
edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. Italian Prime
Minister Giorgia Meloni is the Chief Guest of the three-day
Dialogue. Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference
on geopolitics and geo-strategy. The theme of the 2023
Edition is "Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence:
Lighthouse in the Tempest.”
President inaugurates 7th International Dharma
Dhamma Conference in Bhopal
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International
Dharma Dhamma Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The Conference is being organized by the India Foundation in
collaboration with Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies.
Supreme Court eases norm for selection of consumer
court presidents, members.
The Supreme Court of India used its extraordinary powers
under Article 142 to attract younger talent to preside over
consumer courts by reducing the mandatory professional
experience from 20 to 10 years.
World Bank to lend $1 billion to support India’s health
sector.
The World Bank is lending up to $1 billion to help India with
preparedness for future pandemics as well as to strengthen
its health infrastructure. The lending will be divided into two
complementary loans of $500 million each.
/3
Government approves nano liquid DAP fertilizer for
benefits of farmers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the approval of
the nano liquid DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertiliser as
an important step towards making life easier for the farmers.
Health Minister releases book 'India’s Vaccine Growth
Story- From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri'
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh
Mandaviya released the book, 'India’s Vaccine Growth
Story- From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri', at World Book Fair
in New Delhi. The book is authored by Additional
Secretary of Finance Ministry Sajjan Singh Yadav.
India, Mexico sign MoU on research, technology and
innovation collaborations
India and Mexico signed an MoU on research, technology
and innovation collaborations in New Delhi. It will specifically
focus on several key technology areas including Aerospace,
Electronics, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Water, Mining,
Minerals, Clean Energy, Biotech and Healthcare.
Govt signs MoU with Prajapati Brahma Kumari for
spreading message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed a
MoU, with the Prajapati Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Mount Abu in New Delhi for spreading the
message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, NMBA, among
youth, women and students.
Sale of gold jewelry hallmarked without six-digit code
to be banned from next month.
Centre has decided to ban the sale of gold jewellery and
gold artefacts hallmarked without a six-digit code from next
month. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution in a statement said that the decision has been
taken to ensure quality culture in micro sale units.
Centre to launch Seed Traceability System to ensure
availability of good quality seeds to farmers
The Union Government will soon launch the Seed Traceability
System to ensure the availability of good quality seeds to
farmers. This will curb pilferage in the seed trade sector.
Centre issues guidelines for celebrities & influencers
on social media platforms
The Centre has released a set of guidelines for celebrities,
influencers, and virtual influencers on social media platforms
aimed at ensuring that individuals do not mislead their
audiences when endorsing products and services and that
they are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.
Indian Navy carries out successful precision strike by
ship launched BrahMos missile in Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy has carried out a successful precision
strike by ship launched BrahMos missile in the Arabian
Sea. It was done with the indigenous seeker and booster
designed by the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO).
Rushikulya sands teem with Olive Ridleys
Nearly 6.37 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have arrived for mass
nesting on the Rushikulya coast this year, setting a new
record for the beach in Ganjam district of Odisha. The
arrival of the turtles for laying eggs from February 23 to
March 2 — which is treated as the mass nesting period.
Maiden Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23 between
Indian Army & French Army
The maiden Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23 between
Indian Army and French Army was conducted at Pangode
Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on the 7th
and 8th of March 2023.
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Defence Ministry signs contracts for procurement of
indigenously developed 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft
The Defence Ministry has signed the contracts with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro
Limited for procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer
Aircraft and three Cadet Training Ships.
Hardeep Singh Puri launches Swachhotsav under
Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has launched
Swachhotsav, 3-week women-led swachhata campaign,
under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0. The
campaign aims to recognize and celebrate the transition
from women in sanitation to women-led sanitation.
Second Meeting of Global Partnership for Financial
Inclusion concludes in Hyderabad.
The 2nd Meeting of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion,
GPFI under G20 India Presidency concluded in Hyderabad.
The two-day meeting was led by GPFI Co-Chair and G20
India Presidency and saw participation from Ministry of
Finance and Central Bank representatives from G20 and
non-G20 countries and International Organisations.
PM Modi & Anthony Albanese inaugurate friendship
hall of fame in Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian
counterpart Antony Albanese watched the first play of the
fourth cricket test match of the Border Gavaskar trophy in
Ahmedabad. Both Prime Ministers inaugurated the
friendship hall of fame which showcases the rich history
of India-Australia Cricket Contests.
Indian Navy’s operational level exercise TROPEX
2023 culminates in Arabian Sea
Indian Navy’s major operational level exercise TROPEX
2023 culminated in the Arabian Sea. The maritime
exercise also facilitates operational-level interaction with
the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announces exclusive
women's portal for research grants and funds.
Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra
Singh has announced an exclusive women's portal for
research grants and funds. The portal will become
functional with effect from the first of April this year.
EC hosts 3rd International Conference on theme
Inclusive Elections & Elections Integrity in virtual format.
Election Commission of India hosted the 3rd International
Conference on the theme ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections
Integrity’ in the virtual format on, March 9. ECI is leading the
Cohort on Elections Integrity which was established as a
follow-up to the ‘Summit for Democracy’ held in 2021.
India & Australia agree to bolster Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership at 1st India-Australia Annual
Summit in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime
Minister Anthony Albanese held a delegation level bilateral
talks in New Delhi. During the first India-Australia Annual
Summit, both the countries shared their commitment
towards further deepening of Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership. Both the nations exchanged MoU for
cooperation in sports and audio-visual co-production.
Ministry of Defence signs a contract for procurement
of 6 Dornier-228 aircraft for IAF from HAL
Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for procurement
of six Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, at a cost of 667 crore
rupees. The aircraft was used by IAF for transport role and
communication duties.
/4
Central government announces 10% reservation for
Ex-Agniveers in BSF recruitment.
The Central government has announced that 10 percent
reservation will be given to Ex-Agniveers in the BSF
recruitment. In a notification issued by the Home Ministry
yesterday, the government has amended the recruitment
rules of the Border Security Force.
Two-day G20 flower festival held in New Delhi
A two-day G20 Flower Festival was organized at Delhi’s
Connaught Place. It is aimed at highlighting the vibrancy
of G20 members and guest countries.
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurates
Youth-20 Consultation series in Pune.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur
inaugurated the fourth Y20 consultation meeting in Pune. The
Y20 Summit presents a unique platform for young minds to
share their vision, values, and ideas, and develop solutions and
recommendations which will be presented to G20 leadership.
PM Modi dedicates world’s longest railway platform
in Hubballi station in Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation
the "longest railway platform in the world" at Shree
Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Station in Karnataka. The
record has been recognized by the Guinness Book of
World Records recently, adding that the 1,507 m long
platform has been built at a cost of about ₹20 crore.
Same-sex marriages can rock societal values: Centre
The Centre has opposed in the Supreme Court a batch of
pleas seeking legal validation of same-sex marriage,
saying it would cause a complete havoc with the delicate
balance of personal laws and in accepted societal values.
India and Sweden sign a MoC to strengthen
cooperation & promote research networking
A Memorandum of Cooperation, MoC was signed
between India and Sweden to strengthen cooperation and
promote research networking between research
institutions from both countries. It was signed between
Science and Engineering Research Board and the
Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in
Research and Higher Education, Stockholm, Sweden.
SC refers pleas seeking legal validation of same-sex
marriages to a 5-judge constitution bench for
adjudication.
The Supreme Court referred the pleas seeking legal validation
of same-sex marriages to a five-judge constitution bench for
adjudication, saying the issue is of "seminal importance".
First international conference on Shared Buddhist
Heritage to begin in New Delhi
The first international conference on Shared Buddhist
Heritage commenced in New Delhi. It is being organised
with a focus on India’s civilisational connect with the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) nations 2023.
SC dismisses Centre’s plea seeking more money
from Union Carbide
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the
government’s curative petition for additional
compensation from the Union Carbide Corporation (UCC)
to pay the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy as an attempt
which came 39 years too late after what came to be known
as “the world’s largest industrial disaster”.
Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL Sarthi to
strengthen ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs
Atal Innovation Mission - NITI Aayog has launched ATL
Sarthi, a comprehensive self-monitoring framework to
strengthen the ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs.
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3.7 lakh Indians migrated for work to 18 countries in
2022.
In 2022, emigration clearances were issued to 3,73,434
Indians, of which 10,654 were from Punjab, the Lok Sabha
was informed.
India first responder in disaster relief, says Gen. Chauhan
India has emerged as the first responder in humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts at the global
level, said Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in his
virtual message to a workshop on humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief as part of India’s chairmanship of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Foreign lawyers, firms can operate in India, says BCI
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has opened up law practice
in India to foreign lawyers and law firms. The BCI, a
statutory body governing legal practice in India, has
framed the ‘Bar Council of India Rules for Registration of
Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2021’.
PM Modi, Bangladesh PM Hasina inaugurates India-
Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of
Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the India-Bangladesh
Friendship Pipeline through videoconference. This is the first
cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh.
BRO opens strategic Zojila Pass in record 68 days.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has opened the
strategic Zojila Pass located in the Greater Himalayan Range
at an altitude of 11,650 feet, which acts as a gateway between
the Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
T.N., Karnataka among 7 States to get textile parks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally launched the
₹4,445 crore project to develop seven ‘PM MITRA’ mega
textile parks -- one each in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh.PM MITRA mega textile parks will boost the
textiles sector in line with 5F (Farm to Fibre to Factory to
Fashion to Foreign) vision.
President inaugurates silver jubilee celebration of
‘Kudumbashree’ and launches ‘Unnathi’ in Kerala
President Droupadi Murmu attended a civic reception hosted
in her honour by the Government of Kerala in
Thiruvananthapuram. On the occasion, the President
inaugurated the silver jubilee celebration of ‘Kudumbashree’
- one of the largest women’s self-help networks in the world.
India hosts African Chiefs Conclave, field training
exercise
The Indian Army hosted the second edition of the Africa-India
field training exercise (AFINDEX-23) from March 21 to 30,
and African Chiefs Conclave on March 28 in Pune. The
objective is to build upon the initiatives taken to strengthen
India-Africa relations, with a focus on enhancing peace and
creating opportunities to exchange ideas.
PM Modi inaugurates Global Millets Conference in
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets
(Shree Anna) Conference in New Delhi. He unveiled a
customized postal stamp and currency coin on the
International Year of Millets (IYM) - 2023. Based on India’s
proposal, the year 2023 was declared the International Year
of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly.
3rd annual edition of International SME Convention
2023 organized in New Delhi
The 3rd annual edition of the International SME
Convention 2023 organized in New Delhi. The main focus
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areas of the convention are India's major four Sunrise
Sectors, which are Cleantech and Green Energy,
Manufacturing, Services Sector and Agro Food
Processing and Agri Implements sector.
India hosts Ministerial Round Table of leading millets
countries to chalk out strategies for enhancing
production and consumption world over
India hosted the Ministerial Round Table of leading millets
countries to chalk out strategies for enhancing production
and consumption world over. Ministers from Guyana,
Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Zambia and high-
level delegates from Gambia, Maldives and Nigeria
attended the meet at Delhi.
No antibiotics, plasma therapy to treat adult COVID
patients: govt.
The COVID-19 National Task Force of the Union Health and
Family Welfare Ministry has issued revised clinical guidelines
for the management of adult COVID-19 patients. As per the
new guidelines, convalescent plasma therapy and drugs,
including lopinavir-ritonavir, molnupiravir, favipiravir,
azithromycin and doxycycline, are not to be used for treatment.
Emaar first overseas company to start project in
Kashmir
The Dubai-based Emaar has become the first overseas
company to invest in a mega-mall spread over 10 lakh
square feet in Srinagar, a first since the Centre ended
Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position
under Article 370 in 2019.
Supreme Court directs govt. to clear ₹28,000-crore
OROP arrears by February next year.
The Supreme Court of India gave the government leeway
to pay in instalments ₹28,000 crore in arrears due to
veterans under the One Rank One Pension (OROP)
scheme. The staggered payment of OROP arrears would
be made to various categories of eligible pensioners,
totalling 21 lakh persons, from April 2023 to February 2024.
Airports Council International launches Airport
Carbon Accreditation program
The Airports Council International has launched the Airport
Carbon Accreditation program, which is a global standard for
carbon management at airports. The program helps airports to
assess their carbon emissions, develop a carbon management
plan, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Govt releases guidelines to address Human-Wildlife
Conflict
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released
fourteen guidelines to address Human-Wildlife Conflict.
The guidelines aim to facilitate a common understanding
among key stakeholders, on what constitutes effective
and efficient mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict in India.
Cough syrup deaths: Marion Biotech’s licence cancelled.
The Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has
cancelled the drug licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt.
Ltd. after 18 children died in Uzbekistan, last year, allegedly
after consuming cough syrup manufactured in India.
Indian Army to reintroduce millets in rations of soldiers.
The Indian Army is set to reintroduce millets flour in the
rations of soldiers and has sought the Union government
sanction to procure millets flour not exceeding 25% of the
authorized entitlement of cereals (rice and wheat flour), in
rations for troops commencing from the financial year
2023-24 onwards.
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IAF pilots sharpen their skills at Exercise Cobra
Warrior in U.K.
Over the past three weeks, five Indian Air Force (IAF)
Mirage-2000 aircraft have been undertaking joint training
involving high intensity, large force, and tactical air war
fighting operations with six other Air Forces as part of the
multilateral ‘Exercise Cobra Warrior’ under way in the U.K.
India, UK hold joint maritime exercise 'Konkan' in
Arabian Sea
Konkan 2023, a joint maritime exercise, was conducted
between the Royal Navy of Britain and the Indian Navy
from the 20th of March to the 22nd, off the Konkan coast
in the Arabian Sea.
Narendra Singh Tomar launches DigiClaim for
disbursal of claims by farmers through National Crop
Insurance Portal
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has launched
DigiClaim, under the ambit of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana, for claim disbursal through National Crop Insurance
Portal. With the launch of a DigiClaim Module, the insurance
claims of over one thousand 260 crore rupees have been
disbursed to insured farmers of six states.
NSU in Manipur is specialized University & first of its
kind in country to promote Sports Education
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur
has said, Government of India has set up the National
Sports University NSU at Imphal in Manipur and it is a
Central Sports University established through the National
Sports University Act, 2018.
Defence Ministry signs contracts with BEL to
enhance operational capabilities of Indian Air Force
Defence Ministry has signed two separate contracts with
Bharat Electronics Limited at a total cost of over
3,700 crore rupees to enhance the operational capabilities
of the Indian Air Force. The first contract, worth over 2,800
crore rupees, pertains to the supply of Medium Power
Radars ‘Arudhra’ for the Indian Air Force.
Lok Sabha approves setting up of GST Appellate Tribunal
Lok Sabha cleared changes in the Finance Bill to pave the way
for setting up of an appellate tribunal for resolution of disputes
under GST. Currently, taxpayers are filing writ petitions before
high courts in the absence of an appellate tribunal.
Karnataka scraps 4% Muslim quota prior to Assembly
poll
The Karnataka government has announced two new
categories for reservation in jobs and education and
scrapped the 4 per cent quota for Other Backward Classes
(OBC) Muslims.
Govt. extends ₹200 subsidy under PMUY by a year.
The Union government has extended the subsidy of ₹200
per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri
Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for a year, in view of the high
prices of petroleum products in the international market.
NGT slaps ₹10 cr. fine on Kerala
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
in New Delhi has slapped a penalty of ₹10 crore on the
Kerala government for its failure to check the
indiscriminate pollution of the Vembanad and Ashtamudi
lakes, listed as Ramsar sites.
Chandrayaan 3 likely to be launched in mid-2023:
ISRO
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has said the launch of
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, and the first solar
mission Aditya L1 will possibly happen by the middle of 2023.
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NASA hands over NISAR satellite to ISRO
The ISRO has received the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR)
satellite from the U.S. space agency. NISAR is a Low Earth
Orbit observatory jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
NISAR carries L and S dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR), which operates with the Sweep SAR technique to
achieve large swaths with high-resolution data.
DRDO successfully conducts flight test of indigenous
Power Take off Shaft on LCA Tejas
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
has successfully conducted a maiden flight-test of the Power
Take off (PTO) Shaft on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas)
Limited Series Production (LSP) -3 aircraft in Bengaluru.
DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests
of Very Short-Range Air Defence System missile.
Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight tests
of Very Short-Range Air Defence System missile. It has
been designed and developed indigenously by Research
Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with other
DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
ISRO puts 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit
ISRO’s LVM-3, in its second commercial launch, placed
36 OneWeb satellites in orbit, completing the first-
generation constellation enabling the UK-based company
to initiate global coverage this year.
MoD signs ₹19,600 cr contracts for 11 Next
Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels & six Next
Generation Missile Vessels
Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Indian shipyards
for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol
Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at an
overall cost of 19 thousand 600 crore rupees. The contract
for acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Vessels
NGMV was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited CSL at
a cost of nine thousand 805 crore rupees.
Law panel to examine simultaneous elections.
The issue of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok
Sabha and the State Assemblies has been referred to the
Law Commission for further examination, Law Minister
Kiren Rijiju told the Lok Sabha.
MoD inks over ₹9,100 crore contracts for improved
Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars
Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army
Ministry of Defence signed contracts for procurement of
improved Akash Weapon System(AWS) and 12 Weapon
Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at
an overall cost of over nine thousand 100 crore rupees. The
AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air
Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Bhupender Yadav launches Aravalli Green Wall Project
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Bhupender Yadav, unveiled the Aravalli Green
Wall Project, which aims to green the 5 km buffer area
around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states.
Trains to ply on ‘world’s highest rail bridge’ in 2024:
Minister
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has conducted
the first trial run on a track-mounted vehicle on the rail
bridge over the Chenab River in J&K's Reasi district - the
world's highest railway bridge. The trial run marks a
significant milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-
Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, which will connect the
Valley with the rest of the country by train in January 2024.
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2nd G20 IWG meeting under G20 Indian Presidency
took place at Visakhapatnam
The second G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG)
meeting under G20 Indian Presidency was held at
Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, on the 28th and the
29th of March 2023. The flagship priority to be discussed
in this meeting is “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive,
Resilient and Sustainable”, along with other priorities
outlined in the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda.
Cheetah dies of kidney ailment in Kuno Park
Sasha, one of the cheetahs brought from Namibia, died of
a kidney ailment at the Kuno National Park in Madhya
Pradesh. The female cheetah, aged four-and-a-half, was
among the eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia and
housed in the park in Sheopur district since September 17.
Now, India to estimate TB burden using own system.
India has become the first country in the world to unveil its
own model for estimating tuberculosis burden, choosing to
step away from the global estimates drawn up each year by
the World Health Organization (WHO).
Centre sanctions ₹800 crore for setting up over 7000
public EV charging stations across country.
Centre has sanctioned eight hundred crore rupees under
FAME Scheme Phase -2 for setting up seven thousand
432 public fast charging stations across the country.
Education Ministry selects 9000 schools for flagship
Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India scheme
The Education Ministry has shortlisted around nine thousand
schools across the country for its flagship Pradhan Mantri
Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The Ministry
informed that the institutions were selected from over two
lakh fifty thousand government schools including Kendriya
Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Govt extends last date for linking PAN and Aadhaar
cards to June 30
The last date for linking PAN and Aadhaar has been
extended to 30th June this year to provide some more time
to the taxpayers. In a statement, Central Board of Direct
Taxes, CBDT said, from 1st July, the PAN of taxpayers who
have failed to intimate their Aadhaar will become inoperative.
International conference on cooperation on trade
finance among G20 member countries held in Mumbai
An international conference on cooperation on trade
finance among the G20 member countries was held in
Mumbai. The event was hosted by the Department of
Commerce and organised by ECGC Limited and India
EXIM Bank on the side lines of the 1st G20 Trade and
Investment Working Group (TIWG) Meeting in Mumbai.
New India Literacy Programme launched to cover
target of 5 crore non-literates
The Union Government has launched a new Centrally
Sponsored Scheme namely, New India Literacy
Programme with financial outlay of over one thousand
crore rupees for implementation during the financial year
2022-23 to 2026-27.
Country’s power generation capacity from solar
increased 197 percent in last 5 years
India’s power generation capacity from solar has
increased 197 percent in the last five years. The solar
capacity of the country has increased from 21,651
megawatt to 64,380 megawatt in the last five years.
Lok Sabha passes Competition (Amendment) Bill 2022
The Lok Sabha passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill
2022 without discussion. Finance Minister Nirmala
/7
Sithraman moved the Bill in the House amid the din.
The Bill seeks to amend the Competition Act, 2002 to
regulate mergers and acquisitions based on the value of
transactions.
ISRO successful in key test for India’s third moon
mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of
the CE-20 cryogenic engine that will power the Cryogenic
Upper Stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle for the
Chandrayaan-3 mission.
First G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group
meeting held in Gujarat
The First G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group
meeting under India’s G20 Presidency took place at
Gandhinagar, in Gujarat. Around 100 delegates from the
G20 member countries, invitee countries and from nine
international organizations participated in the three-day
event.
IIT Madras researchers to develop technology to
upcycle paddy waste
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras
plan to develop eco-friendly technology to upcycle paddy
waste. It will be used to manufacture raw material for
industrial applications. The technology would provide an
additional source of income to farmers.
BANKING & ECONOMY
Core sector output rose to a 10-month high in January.
NATIONA
Output growth in India’s eight core sectors hit a four-
month high of 7.8% in January, quickening from 7% in
December 2022, led by a sharp 17.9% year-on-year
uptick in fertilizer production and double-digit expansions
L
in coal mining and electricity generation.
State Bank of India raises $1 bn in syndicated social
loan.
SBI has completed a $1 billion Syndicated Social Loan
Facility. The loan was $500 million with a green shoe of
$500 million.
Moody’s cuts India’s FY23 GDP growth forecast to
6.8%
Moody’s Investors Service has scaled down its GDP
growth forecast for India’s economy to 6.8% for 2022-23,
from an earlier projection of 7%.
Axis closes Citibank India deal at a lower value of
₹11,630 crore.
Axis Bank announced the closure of its acquisition of Citibank’s
consumer business for a total purchase consideration of
₹11,603 crore. This is lower than the ₹12,325 crore
($1.6 billion) when the deal was announced in March 2022.
BSE & UN Women India launches a new programme,
'FinEMPOWER'
BSE and UN Women India launched a new programme,
'FinEMPOWER', at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
It is a year-long joint capacity-building programme
between BSE and UN Women to empower women
towards financial security.
RBI launches Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’
RBI launched the Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’ on the
occasion of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW)
2023. This is part of RBI’s endeavor to make every person
in India a user of digital payments. DPAW 2023 will be
observed from the 6th to 12th of March 2023.
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India’s jobless rate rose to 7.45% in Feb., says CMIE
India’s unemployment rate rose to 7.45% in February from
7.14% in the previous month, data from the Centre for
Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed.
Adani raises ₹15,446 cr. via stake sale to U.S. firm
GQG
The Adani Group had sold minority stakes in four listed
companies to U.S. based equity investment boutique
GQG Partners for ₹15,446 crore.
Moody’s downgrades Bangladesh banking sector
outlook to negative
Moody’s in its latest Investors Services report
downgraded the outlook for the Bangladesh banking
sector to negative. Bangladesh along with Australia,
Korea, New Zealand and Pakistan will have worsening
state of banking operations, stated the Moody’s report.
Sugar diverted for ethanol increases to 28.5 lakh tonnes.
Sugar diverted for ethanol production between October
2022 and February 2023 is higher at 28.5 lakh tonnes
compared with 21.9 lakh tonnes between October 2021
and February 2022, according to an ISMA update.
Manufacturing firms record lower sales growth in Q3:
RBI
Listed manufacturing companies recorded lower sales
growth of 10.6% in the December quarter of the current
fiscal compared with 20.9% in the previous quarter,
according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI).
RBI imposes ₹3.06 Crore penalty on Amazon Pay (India)
RBI has imposed a penalty of three crore six lakh sixty-six
thousand rupees on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited
for non-compliance of certain directions related to Prepaid
Payment Instruments and Know Your Customer.
CBDT gives five-year tax exemption for insolvency
regulator IBBI.
In a big boost to the insolvency regime, the Central Board
of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has granted tax exemption to
certain specified incomes of the insolvency regulator IBBI
for five financial years starting from the current fiscal.
ONGC, TotalEnergies ink MoU to explore deep-water
blocks
ONGC has signed a MoU with French major TotalEnergies
for exploration of deep-water blocks. The MoU seeks to
provide technical help for ONGC’s push to explore and
reduce greenhouse emissions in development of deep-
water blocks especially in Mahanadi and Andamans, off
east coast.
City Union Bank introduces credit card in tie up with
42 CS
City Union Bank (CUB), in partnership with 42 Card Solutions
Pvt. Ltd. (42 CS), has rolled out Dhi CUB Visa Signature
Credit Card. 42 CS would manage the end-to-end credit card
processing services backed by Brazilian tech firm Pismo.
Aurobindo arm gets U.S. FDA nod for cancer drug copy
Drugmaker Aurobindo Pharma’s subsidiary Eugia
Pharma Specialities has received final approval from the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) to
manufacture and market cancer drug Lenalidomide
Capsules, in different strengths.
PMLA to apply on trade in crypto currencies says, Govt
The Centre has said that the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, 2002 will apply to trade in crypto currencies
or virtual assets. In a notification, the Ministry of Finance said
that the exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat
/8
currencies, the exchange between one or more forms of
virtual digital assets and the transfer of virtual digital assets
will be covered under the money laundering act.
Jio buys U.S.-based Mimosa Networks for $60 million
Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries will
buy communications equipment maker Mimosa Networks
for $60 million as it looks to bolster its 5G telecom and
broadband services.
Ashok Leyland unveils all-women production line at
Tamil Nadu plant.
Heavy commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland has
unveiled a new production line that would produce
engines at its manufacturing facility in Hosur completely
operated by women employees.
Women hold around 36% of senior positions in India's
mid-market biz: Report.
According to Grant Thornton's International Business
Report on 'Women in Business 2023 - The push for parity',
32 per cent of senior management positions are now held
by women globally, in mid-market businesses, and the
same stands at 36 per cent in India.
India's industrial production growth recovers to 5.2%
in January.
Growth in factory output, or index for industrial production,
recovered to a two-month high of 5.2 per cent in January,
from 4.7 per cent in December, on the back of a lower
base and double-digit growth in the electricity output.
Silicon Valley Bank collapsed.
Silicon Valley Bank which served mostly technology workers
and ventures capital-backed companies has collapsed,
marking the largest failure of a U.S. financial institution.
India, US sign pact on semiconductor supply chain,
innovation partnership
India and the US signed a pact on setting up a semiconductor
supply chain and innovation partnership and established a
semiconductor sub-committee under the framework of the
India-US Commercial Dialogue, revived after three years.
Rohit Jawa to take over Hindustan Unilever's reins
from Sanjiv Mehta
Rohit Jawa will take charge as MD and CEO, Hindustan
Unilever (HUL), on June 27, when Sanjiv Mehta retires
after being at the helm of the company for 10 years.
Janet Yellen rules out bailout from federal govt for
bankrupt SVB
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has ruled out a
bailout from the federal government for bankrupt Silicon
Valley Bank. She said that during the financial crisis, there
were investors and owners of systemic large banks that
were bailed out, but they are not going to do that again.
Central Govt releases 14th instalment of tax
devolution to State governments
The Central Government has released the 14th instalment
of tax devolution to State governments amounting to
1,40,318 crore rupees.
Retail inflation based on CPI eases to 6.44% in February
Retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI),
eased to 6.44 percent in February. Earlier, Inflation in
January stood at a three-month high level of 6.52 percent.
Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark meets PM Modi
Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark met Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. In a tweet, Mr Modi informed that
both of them discussed aspects relating to technology and
leveraging it for the welfare of society.
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Hyundai signs up to buy GM’s Pune plant.
Hyundai Motor India Limited has signed a ‘term sheet’ for
the potential acquisition of assets related to General
Motors India’s Talegaon plant. The ‘term sheet’ covers
land and buildings, machinery and equipment.
LIC increases shareholding in Dr. Reddy’s Labs to 9.69%
LIC increased its stake in Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories by
about 2 percentage points through open market purchase
of more than 33.61 lakh shares in over five months from
October at an average price of ₹4,403.02 each.
Defence Ministry signs contract of over ₹900 crores
for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine
The Defence Ministry has signed a contract of over 900 crore
rupees for the Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at
Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam to achieve
Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Sindhukirti is Diesel Electric Submarine.
Wholesale inflation falls to two-year low of 3.85% in
February.
Wholesale Price-based Inflation (WPI) for February 2023
eased to two years low of 3.85 percent against
4.73 percent recorded in preceding month. Decline in the
WPI is primarily contributed by fall in prices of crude
petroleum & natural gas, food products, electronic,
chemicals and electrical equipment.
CCI approves Reliance Retail Metro AG deal
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had approved
Reliance Retail Venture’s acquisition of German firm
Metro AG’s wholesale operations in India.
RBI has permitted banks from 18 countries to trade in
rupee: Centre
Banks from 18 countries have been permitted by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open special vostro rupee
accounts (SVRAs) for settling payments in Indian rupees,
the government told the Rajya Sabha.
Exports fall 8.8%, trade deficit shrinks over 7%
Tentative global demand pulled India’s goods exports
down 8.8% in February to $33.9 billion, while imports fell
8.2% from a year ago to $51.31 billion, according to
Commerce Ministry data.
LIC reduces stake in NMDC to 11.69%
Life Insurance Corporation of India’s (LIC) shareholding in
NMDC has reduced by 2 percentage points to 11.69%
subsequent to the insurance major, as an institutional
investor, unloading more than 5.88 crore shares of the
state-owned mining major in the open market.
With $230-bn funds, South Korea to build ‘world’s
largest’ chip centre
South Korea said it would build the world’s largest chip
centre using $230 billion of private investment mostly from
Samsung Electronics.
Sri Lankan economy suffered worst ever contraction
of 7.8% in 2022.
Sri Lanka's economy shrank 7.8% in 2022 from the
previous year, government data showed, as the country
struggled with its worst financial crisis in more than seven
decades. The island's fourth-quarter GDP contracted
12.4%, according to the figures.
IFC agrees to provide 400-million-dollar swap facility
to 3 banks in Sri Lanka
International Finance Corporation, IFC has agreed to
provide 400-million-dollar swap facility to three banks in
Sri Lanka for trade financing. Commercial Bank of Ceylon,
Sampath Bank and Nations Trust Bank will get the money
to help import food, medicine and fertilizers.
/9
Credit Suisse’s $54 bn lifeline gives global banks
tentative relief.
Switzerland’s second-largest bank Credit Suisse sought to
shore up liquidity and restore investor confidence by
borrowing up to $54 billion from Switzerland’s central bank,
after a stock slump fanned fears of a global banking crisis.
Cabinet approves listing of IREDA on Stock Exchanges
Union Government has approved for listing of the Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) on the
Stock Exchanges.
RBI and Central Bank of UAE sign MoU to promote
innovation in financial products and services
The RBI and the Central Bank of the UAE signed a MoU in Abu
Dhabi to promote innovation in financial products and services.
As per the MoU, both central banks will work together to
explore Central Bank Digital Currencies and investigate
interoperability between the CBDCs of CBUAE and RBI.
SVB Financial Group seeks bankruptcy protection for
reorganisation.
SVB Financial Group has filed for a court-supervised
reorganization for bankruptcy protection under the United
States Bankruptcy Code, to seek buyers for its assets.
The move comes days after SVB Financial Group's former
unit Silicon Valley Bank was taken over by U.S. regulators.
India’s start-ups hold about $1 billion in SVB:
Chandrasekhar
About $1 billion in funds of Indian start-ups have been
impacted by the collapse of California-based Silicon
Valley Bank (SVB), Minister of State for Electronics and
Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.
U.S. tells ByteDance to sell shares in TikTok or be banned
The U.S. has told China-based ByteDance to sell its
shares in the TikTok app or face a national ban, the Wall
Street Journal reported.
India & Australia aim to push bilateral trade to
100 billion dollar in next five-years.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Australia and India
will aim for 100-billion-dollar trade in the next five years as
they are dissatisfied with the 30 billion dollar of trade
between the two nations.
HCLTech joins Intel foundry services accelerator
design services alliance
HCLTech has joined the Intel Foundry Services (IFS)
Accelerator Design Services Alliance. With this, HCLTech
will be able to build advanced solutions for the global chip
manufacturing ecosystem by leveraging its capabilities
across digital, engineering and cloud.
GAIL signs agreement with Shell Energy India on
ethane sourcing
GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Shell Energy India Private
Limited to explore prospects of importing and handling of
ethane and other hydrocarbons.
Switzerland's biggest bank UBS agrees to take over
troubled Credit Suisse
The Swiss National Bank said that UBS would be taking over
embattled lender Credit Suisse. The announcement came
after a weekend of emergency talks in Switzerland between
the two banks and the country's financial regulators.
Short-term inflation in Pakistan hits record 45.64 pc
Short-term inflation in Pakistan based on the Sensitive
Price Index (SPI), saw a record increase to 45.64 per cent
for the combined income group on a year-on-year basis
for the week ending 16th of March.
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Credit Suisse’s $17 bn AT1 hit hurts bonds
European bank bonds slumped following the state-backed
rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS as a Wipeout of some
bondholders raised concerns around broader bank capital.
FinMin permits CPSUs to issue LoCs
The Finance Ministry allowed central public sector firms
(CPSUs) to issue letters of comfort (LoCs) to financiers,
provided no liability will devolve on the Government.
BoB-backed IndiaFirst Life Insurance gets regulatory
approval for IPO
India First Life Insurance, which is backed by Bank of
Baroda, has got the market regulator’s approval for its
initial public offering (IPO), paving the way for the fourth
life insurer to be listed on the bourses.
U.S. Federal Reserve lifts interest rate amid banking
sector fears
The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its lending rate, as it
sought to strike a balance between curbing high inflation
and averting further upheaval in the commercial banking
sector. The quarter-point increase, which was in line with
expectations, lifts the target range to 4.75-5.00 percent at
the end of a two-day policy meeting.
Number of foreign businesses exiting India surpass
new entrants.
The number of foreign companies quitting India have
exceeded the number of new entrants since 2018, with
foreign businesses setting up shop in the country falling to
at least a five-year low in 2022, as per official data. In
2022, 64 new foreign investors started operations in India,
the lowest figure since 2018 while just one new overseas
business has begun operations (as of March 9) in 2023.
GST appellate tribunal may be headed by a former SC
judge
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Appellate Tribunal is
likely to be headed by a former Supreme Court judge or a
former Chief Justice of a High Court and its framework
may permit the resolution of disputes involving dues or
fines of less than ₹50 lakh by a single-member bench.
Govt. raises Securities Transaction Tax on derivatives.
The Centre has raised the Securities Transaction Tax
(STT) on futures and options contracts in the stock market
by 25% from April 1, 2023, a move that may push some
traders to offshore markets and dent trading volumes on
the bourses.
ICICI Lombard becomes first to offer ‘Anywhere
Cashless’ feature
In an industry-first, ICICI Lombard General Insurance
launched ‘Anywhere Cashless’ feature for health insurance
policyholders to avail cashless facilities at any hospital, even
if not part of ICICI Lombard’s current network of hospitals.
HDFC gets nod to raise ₹57,000 crore via NCDs
Mortgage lender HDFC board has approved raising funds
through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in tranches
aggregating to ₹57,000 crore.
India's overall exports cross all time high of 750
billion: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India’s
overall exports have crossed 750 Billion US dollar. He
said, this is an all-time high and this achievement comes
in the 75th year of independence, as the country is
celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
UPI payments of over ₹2,000 may attract up to 1.1% fee
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has
notified that an interchange fee of up to 1.1% will be
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applicable on merchant UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
transactions done using prepaid payment instruments
(PPIs) — wallets or cards — with effect from April 1.
NCLA upholds CCI’s penalty of ₹1338 crore on Google
The National Company Law Appellate (NCLAT) has upheld
the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) Android
dominance order against Google. The tribunal has upheld
the penalty of 1338 crore rupees imposed by CCI.
SEBI pushes norms to ensure better disclosures,
boost transparency
The SEBI moved to improve disclosure norms and
transparency by mandating that large, listed companies
must confirm or deny price-sensitive market rumours, and
in the case of material board decisions disclose them to
exchanges within 30 minutes.
Trade deficit with China crossed $71 bn in first 10
months of FY23
India’s trade deficit with China touched $71.56 billion in the
first 10 months of 2022-23, just $1.7 billion short of the
record high of $73.31 billion in 2021-22, data shared by the
Commerce Ministry in the Lok Sabha show.
Edtech start-up Unacademy to lay off 12% of workforce
Edtech start-up Unacademy is laying off 12% of its workforce,
citing a funding winter and pressure to turn profitable.
The SoftBank-backed startup laid off about 380 employees,
reducing its total employee count to under 3,000.
Aurobindo, Cipla, Viatris to make ViiV’s HIV drug
A U.N.-backed public health organisation Medicines Patent
Pool(MPP) has signed agreements with Aurobindo Pharma,
Cipla and Viatris (via subsidiary Mylan) under which the
drugmakers will manufacture generic versions of ViiV
Healthcare’s HIV prevention medicine cabotegravir LA.
Agriculture exports register over 6% rise during April
2022 to January 2023
Agriculture exports have registered over six per cent rise
during April 2022 to January, 2023 over the corresponding
period of the previous financial year. The agricultural
exports during this period were over 43 billion dollars.
AWARDS
ACF confers Gukesh with ‘player of the year’ award
NA
Indian GM D. Gukesh has been honored with player-of-
the-year award by the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) for
clinching the gold with nine points out of 11 in the 44th
Chess Olympiad last year. All India Chess Federation
TI
(AICF) bagged the most active federation award,
conferred during the ACF annual summit.
Health and Family Welfare Ministry receives Porter
O
Prize 2023
The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has
received the Porter Prize 2023. It recognized the
government's strategy in managing COVID-19, also the
N
approach, and involvement of various stakeholders
especially involvement of ASHA workers in the industry to
create PPE Kits.
British architect David Chipperfield awarded Pritzker
A
prize
British architect David Chipperfield has been awarded the
2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize — the field’s top award for
his understated but transformative designs. He was honored
transforms social relationships.L
for timeless modern design that confronts climate urgencies,
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Rights group in Ukraine wins Norway’s freedom prize.
Ukrainian rights group Truth Hounds, which documents
war crimes in the Ukraine conflict, was awarded Norway’s
Sakharov Freedom Award.
Oscar winners at the 95th Academy Awards
Everything Everywhere All at Once" lead this year's
Oscars, winning seven of the 11 awards it was nominated
for including the night's biggest prizes of best picture and
best director. Meanwhile, Naatu Naatu from RRR movie
won the Best Original Song, The Elephant Whisperers
won the Best Documentary Short from India.
Academy Award Winners
Best picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best actor: Brendan Fraser, The Whale
Best actress: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at
Once
Best actor in a supporting role: Ke Huy Quan - Everything
Everywhere All at Once
Best actress in a supporting role: Jamie Lee Curtis -
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best director: Daniel Kwan with Daniel Scheinert,
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best documentary short: The Elephant Whisperers
Best original song: Naatu Naatu (RRR), M.M. Keeravaani,
Chandrabose
Best original score: All Quiet on the Western Front.
Journalist Dhanya Rajendran wins Chameli Devi Award
Dhanya Rajendran, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The
News Minute portal, has been declared the winner of the
Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media
person for 2022.
Sangita Kalanidhi award for 2023 goes to Bombay
Jayashri
Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri has been selected for
the Sangita Kalanidhi award of the Music Academy for 2023.
The Nritya Kalanidhi award for dance will go to
Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari. The Sangita Kala Acharya
award goes to Carnatic vocalist Palkulangara Ambika Devi
from Kerala and mridangam player K.S. Kalidas.
Nepal’s Aasif Sheikh declared winner of 2022 CMJ
Spirit of Cricket Award
Nepalese Wicketkeeper-batsman Aasif Sheikh has been
declared the winner of the 2022 Christopher Martin-
Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award. Sheikh was honoured for
his sporting conduct shown in a Men’s T20 International
between Nepal and Ireland in February 2022.
U.S.-Argentine scholar wins 2023 Abel Prize for
mathematics.
The 2023 Abel Prize for mathematics was awarded to
Argentine American Luis Caffarelli, an expert in “partial
differential equations” which can explain phenomena
ranging from how water flows to population growth.
Ophthalmologists’ association honors Rajan Eye
Care CMD
The Bombay Ophthalmologists Association and Eye
Advance 2023 presented gold medal to Mohan Rajan,
chairman and managing director of Rajan Eye Care
hospital, during its annual conference in Mumbai recently.
The award was in recognition of his work in the field of
ophthalmology and contribution to ophthalmic education
and science for the past three decades.
Mirabai Chanu wins BBC Indian Sportswoman-of-the-
Year award
Tokyo Olympic Games silver-medallist weightlifter Mirabai
Chanu has bagged the 2022 ‘BBC Indian Sportswoman-
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of-the-Year’ award after a public vote. The 28-year-old
became the first athlete to win the award twice in a row
after bagging it in 2021 as well.
Brook beats Jadeja to ICC award; Gardner wins again
England’s Harry Brook won the ICC Player-of-the-Month
award for February with Australian Ashleigh Gardner
claiming the top prize in women’s section. Brook became
only the second man to win it twice. It was also Gardner’s
second.
PERSONS IN NEWS
(National and International)
Xi Jinping
Chinese leader Xi Jinping formally secured an
unprecedented third term as China’s president as he
embarked on a fresh five-year tenure, becoming country's
most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
Li Qiang
Li Qiang, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping has
been appointed as China’s premier replacing Li Keqiang
who is retiring after serving two five-year terms.
Humza Yousaf
Humza Yousaf has been selected to succeed Nicola
Sturgeon as Scotland's first minister. He is set to become
the first person of colour to serve as Scotland’s first
minister, the first Muslim, and the youngest person to hold
the office.
Manik Saha
BJP leader Manik Saha has taken charge as the Chief
Minister of Tripura for the second time. The BJP-IPFT
alliance had retained power in Tripura by winning 32 seats
in the 60-member assembly, for which elections were held
on February 16.
Vo Van Thuong
Vietnam's National Assembly has elected Vo Van Thuong
as the country's new President, in a reshuffle of the country's
top leadership amid an anti-graft campaign.
Ram Chandra Paudel
Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel has
been elected the new President of Nepal. In the voting that
took place for the third Head of State of the country,
Poudel was elected to the post with 33,802 votes.
Arun Subramanian
Indian American Arun Subramaniam has been confirmed as
first South Asian District Judge for the Southern District of
New York. South District New York notably has one of the
largest South Asian-American populations in the country.
Bola Tinubu
Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling party in Nigeria,
was declared the winner and sworn in as President of
Africa's most populous country.
MV Suchindra Kumar
Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar has assumed
the charge of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Muhyiddin Yassin
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested
former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on the
charges of corruption. He was the Prime Minister for 17
months between 2020 and 2021.
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Surekha Yadav
Surekha Yadav, a native of Satara district of Maharashtra,
Asia’s first woman loco pilot, has become the first woman
to operate the newly introduced semi-high-speed Vande
Bharat Express train.
Rajesh Malhotra
Senior Indian Information Service officer Rajesh Malhotra
has assumed the charge of Principal Director General,
Press Information Bureau. Mr. Malhotra takes over after
the superannuation of Satyendra Prakash.
Rajesh Gopinathan
Rajesh Gopinathan, Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Consultancy Services
(TCS) has tendered his resignation effective Sept 15.The
board named K. Krithivasan, presently President and
Global Head of the Banking, Financial Services, and
Insurance (BFSI) Business Group, as the CEO-designate.
Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav
Janata Samajbadi Party leader Ram Sahaya Prasad
Yadav has been elected as Nepal's third Vice President.
In voting, Yadav defeated Astalaxmi Shakya of CPN
(UML) and Mamata Jha of the Janamat Party.
G Krishnakumar
G Krishnakumar has taken over as the new chairman and
managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd
(BPCL).
Deepak Mohanty
The Centre has appointed Deepak Mohanty as
chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA) and Mamta Shankar as
whole-time member (economics). Mr.Mohanty is a former
whole-time member of PFRDA.
Gianni Infantino
Gianni Infantino has been re-elected president of FIFA
until 2027 after standing unopposed at the congress of
world football’s governing body.
Manmeet K Nanda
The board of Invest India has appointed Manmeet K
Nanda as the Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of the investment promotion and facilitation body
under the commerce ministry.
Ales Bialiatski
A court in Belarus sentenced Nobel Peace Prize winner
and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski to 10 years in
prison for financing protests and other crimes, in a case
that rights groups say was politically motivated.
Eric Garcetti
The US Senate confirmed President Joe Biden's nominee
Eric Garcetti as ambassador to New Delhi. Senators
backed Garcetti by 52-42, as seven Republicans joined
the majority of Democrats in supporting Garcetti.
Paul Rusesabagina
Ailing ‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero Paul Rusesabagina was set to
be released after its government has commuted a 25-year
jail sentence against the fiercely outspoken critic of
Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Ryuho Okawa
Ryuho Okawa, the leader of the Japanese "Happy
Science" cult who claimed to be able to communicate with
the spirits of everyone from Jesus to Donald Trump, died
aged 66.
/12
P.S. Vishwanath
P.S. Vishwanath, a former First-Class cricketer for
erstwhile Mysore State, a reputed coach, and an
administrator, passed away. Vishwanath first played First
Class cricket for Mysore in the 1948-49 season.
Andrey Botikov
Andrey Botikov, one of the scientists who helped to create
the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, was strangled
to death. Russian President Vladimir Putin honored the
virologist with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland award
for his work on the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.
Sampath
Former India football goalkeeper Kuppuswami Sampath
passed away. Sampath is remembered for his exemplary
performance in the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games when
India won the bronze medal
Satish Kaushik
Veteran actor and director Satish Kaushik passed away
following a heart attack. He had acted in more than 100
films. Kaushik was best known for his roles in films such
as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Mr. India, Deewana Mastana,
and Udta Punjab.
Vijaya Rama Rao
Former director of CBI, K Vijaya Rama Rao, who served as
a minister in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, died at a private
hospital in Hyderabad due to brain-related health issues.
Jiang Yanyong
The doctor who exposed China’s cover-up of the SARS
epidemic in 2003 died aged 91. Jiang Yanyong, then a
doctor in a Beijing military hospital, angered officials when
he informed foreign media of attempts to downplay the
outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome,
revealing the existence of hundreds of earlier cases.
Patrick French
World-renowned biographer and historian Patrick French
passed away in London, after a four-year battle with
cancer. French, best known for his biography of V.S.
Naipaul, The World Is What It Is, and India: A Portrait.
Gordon Moore
Gordon Moore, the electronics pioneer who co-founded
Intel Corp. and whose groundbreaking theories (Moores
Law) defined the tempo of innovation in semiconductors,
has died at the age of 94.
Innocent
Veteran Malayalam actor and former member of
Parliament Innocent died at a private hospital in Kochi.
He had won from the Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency
in 2014 as a CPI-M candidate.
Girish Bapat
Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha and senior Bhartiya
Janata Party leader Girish Bapat passed away in Pune
after suffering from a prolonged illness. He was 73.
SPORTS
India-A wins women’s snooker World Cup
NA
India-A defeated England-A in the final of the women’s
snooker World Cup in Bangkok. Represented by Amee
Kamani and Anupama Ramachandran, India-A exhibited
skill and determination to overcome established players
TI
on the tour--the 12-time world champion Reanne Evans
and current world number four Rebecca Kenna--to lift
the title.
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N
Ashwin dethrones Anderson, becomes No. 1 Test bowler.
Off-spinner R. Ashwin jumped to the top of the latest ICC
Men’s Test bowling rankings, replacing England pacer
James Anderson. Ashwin gained two places after taking
six wickets in India’s emphatic victory over Australia in the
second Test in New Delhi.
Hockey India confirms Fulton as chief coach.
Hockey India confirmed that South African Craig Fulton
will be the new chief coach of the Indian men's hockey
team, succeeding Graham Reid who resigned after India’s
poor outing at the 2023 World Cup in January 2023.
Dubai Open: Medvedev beats Rublev to clinch third
title in three weeks.
Former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev beat defending
champion Andrey Rublev in an all-Russian final at ATP500
event in Dubai to clinch his third title in three weeks.
RoundGlass Punjab become I-League champions
with a match to spare.
RoundGlass Punjab FC entered their name in the history
books by winning the I-League title with a game to spare,
after notching up a dominating 4-0 victory over Rajasthan
United in New Delhi.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2023: Verstappen wins season-
opener in Red Bull one-two, Alonso third
Max Verstappen and Red Bull made a dream start to the
Formula One season with a dominant one-two in Bahrain
on Sunday while Fernando Alonso joined the party with a
podium on his Aston Martin debut.
Karnataka beats Meghalaya 3-2 to clinch Santosh
Trophy football after 54 years.
Karnataka ended their 54-year wait to win the Santosh
Trophy National Football Championship, beating
Meghalaya 3-2 in a pulsating final at the King Fahd
International Stadium in the Saudi Arabia capital, Riyadh.
Karnataka, who last played the senior national
championships final 47 years back (1975-76).
IOC Session to be held in Mumbai from Oct. 15 to 17
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced
that the 140th IOC Session will be held in Mumbai from
October 15 to 17. The Olympic body uses the occasion to
decide host cities for upcoming events, inclusion or
exclusion of sports disciplines or international federations,
and changes to its Olympic Charter.
Khelo India Dus Ka Dum Tournament for women
athletes
Khelo India Dus Ka Dum Tournament was started March
10. In the run-up to the International Women’s Day 2023
celebrations, the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry is
organizing the Khelo India Dus Ka Dum tournament from
the 10th to the 31st of March month.
4th & final test match of Border-Gavaskar trophy
between India & Australia ends in a draw
The fourth and final test match of the Border-Gavaskar
trophy between India and Australia ended in a draw at
Ahmedabad. India have retained the trophy after winning
the first two Tests of the four-match series.
Williamson fashions thrilling win
Kane Williamson orchestrated a dramatic last-ball win for
New Zealand over Sri Lanka on a rain-disrupted final day.
New Zealand’s win dented Sri Lanka’s chances of making
the World Test Championship final, handing India the
spot. New Zealand chased down the target of 285. Having
lost eight wickets and on a day limited to 53 overs.
/13
Bangladesh trounce World Champion England, clean
sweep T20 series 3-0
Bangladesh made history at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium at
Mirpur, Dhaka defeating England by 16 runs in the third
T20 international cricket match to make a 3-0 clean sweep
of the series.
2026 FIFA World Cup to have a record 104 matches
with 48 teams
The expanded 2026 men’s football World Cup in North
America will start with 12 groups of four teams, a change
from the original planned format of 16 groups of three, the
game’s governing body FIFA announced. It means that
there will be 104 matches, a big increase from the 64
games played in Qatar.
Rohan Bopanna Becomes Oldest Player to Win Indian
Wells After Claiming Doubles Title with Matthew Ebden
India’s Rohan Bopanna became the oldest ATP Masters
1000 champion when he and his Australian partner Matt
Ebden claimed the men’s doubles crown at the BNP
ParibasOpen.
Alcaraz routs Medvedev in Indian Wells final, reclaims
No. 1 ranking
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz snapped Daniil Medvedev’s 19-
match win streak with a 6-3 6-2 rout in the Indian Wells
final on Sunday that will see him leapfrog Novak Djokovic
and return to world number one in the rankings.
An Se and Li Shi take the singles honours at All
England Open badminton
South Korea’s An Se Young beat Olympic champion
Chen Yu Fei of China to the win the women’s singles title
at the All England Open badminton championships in
Birmingham. Meanwhile, Li Shi Feng beat fellow Chinese
Shi Yu Qi to claim the men’s crown.
Saudi Arabian GP 2023: Sergio Perez wins,
Verstappen second
Mexican Sergio Perez won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
from pole position for Red Bull as double world champion
teammate Max Verstappen raced to second from 15th place.
Advani retains Asian billiards title with facile win over
Damani
Pankaj Advani defeated compatriot Brijesh Damani to
retain his title in the Asian billiards championship in Doha
on Sunday. S. Shrikrishna, who lost to Damani 5-4 in the
semifinals, claimed a bronze.
4th Asian Kho Kho Championship for Men and
Women begins in Assam
The 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship for Men and
Women has begun in Baksa district of Assam. The event
will conclude on the 23rd of this month. Altogether 9
countries - India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Malaysia,
Nepal, Bhutan, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia have
participated in the competition.
ODI World Cup likely to start on October 5
The 2023 ODI World Cup in India is likely to start on Oct. 5
with the final to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in
Ahmedabad on Nov. 19. The BCCI has shortlisted at least a
dozen venues for the 10-team mega event, which will see
48 matches, including three knockouts in the 46 days.
World Cup winner Mesut Ozil retires
Football World Cup winner Mesut Ozil announced his
retirement from football after an illustrious international
career with Germany and club spells with Real Madrid and
Arsenal.
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India clinches both men's and women's titles of Asian
Kho Kho Championship
The host India clinched both men and women titles of the
Asian Kho Kho Championship held at Tamulpur in Assam.
In the women category, Indian Eves defeated Nepal by an
inning and 33 points. On the other hand, the men's team
defeated Nepal by an inning and six points.
Rudrankksh edges Haonan for 10m air rifle bronze in
thriller
Rudrankksh Patil won bronze in the men’s 10m Air Rifle,
his second of the ISSF World Cup tournament.
He confirmed his second medal in two days and his fourth
ISSF World Cup podium overall.
Indian weightlifters Dhanush and Jyoshna win bronze
medals in their respective categories in IWF World
Youth Championships
Indian weightlifters Dhanush Loganathan and Jyoshna
Sabar won bronze medals in their respective categories on
the opening day of the IWF World Youth Championships in
Durres, Albania. Competing in the women's 40 kg event,
14-year-old Jyoshna had a combined lift of 115 kg.
Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora clinch Gold in
Women's World Boxing Championship
India's Nitu Ghanghas (48 kg) and Saweety Boora (81 kg)
scripted history as the duo were crowned world
champions after notching contrasting wins at the marquee
tournament in New Delhi.
Cricket: Mumbai Indians lift inaugural Women's
Premier League trophy beating Delhi Capitals
Mumbai Indians have won the inaugural Women's
Premier League. They defeated Delhi Capitals by seven
wickets in the Summit Clash at the Brabourne Stadium in
Mumbai.
India bag 4 gold in World Women's Boxing
Championship
India wrapped up the Women's World Boxing
Championships in New Delhi with four gold medals.
Lovlina Borgohain added fourth gold to India's tally by
defeating Caitlin Parker of Australia in the final of the
middleweight 75-kilogram category.
Swiss Open: Satwik and Chirag win first title of the
season.
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy defeated
China’s Tan Qiang and Ren Xiang Yu to clinch the Swiss
men’s doubles badminton title. The second-seeded Indian
pair ranked World No. 6. got the better of the World No.
21 Chinese pair to win its first title of the season.
Weightlifters bag bronze in World Youth
Championships
Indian weightlifters Dhanush Loganathan and Jyoshna
Sabar won bronze medals on the opening day of the IWF
World Youth Championships in Durres, Albania.
Bhavani Devi clinches gold in Sabre Weapon
CA Bhavani Devi has bagged the gold medal in the
Women's Individual Sabre category of the 33rd Senior
National Fencing Championship being played at Shree
Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi.
Bedabrate bags bronze at World Youth weightlifting
Indian weightlifter Bharali Bedabrate has clinched the total
and clean & jerk bronze medals in the men’s 67 kg section
at the IWF World Youth Championships in Durres,
Albania.
/14

MISCELLANEOUS
Colombia opens military service to women for first
time in 25 years.
Colombia has opened military service to women for the first
time in 25 years. A cohort of 1,296 women have been enlisted
in Colombia’s Army last month, February. Colombia has
long had compulsory military service for men ages 18 to 24.
UN: Afghanistan is world’s most repressive country
for women
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the country
has become the most repressive in the world for women
and girls, deprived of many of their basic rights, the United
Nations said.
Middle East's first plant-based meat factory opens in
Dubai.
The IFFCO Group, a UAE-based food products company,
has opened the first 100% plant-based meat factory in the
Middle East, located in Dubai Industrial City. The factory
will produce healthy and sustainable local plant-based
meat products that cater to 30% of the GCC population.
Wabag says ranked among top 3 water firms globally
Chennai-based water technology firm Va Tech Wabag Ltd.
(Wabag) had been ranked among the top three water
companies globally by Global Water Intelligence (GWI),
London, for ensuring safe and clean drinking water and
sanitation to more than 88.8 million people across the globe.
India scores 74.4 in World Bank index on working
women.
According to the World Bank’s (WB) Women, Business
and the Law report 2023 - an index on the life cycle of a
working woman, India's score dropped to 74.4 out of 100.
14 countries—all high-income economies—have laws
that give women the same rights as men.
NASA unveils new generation of spacesuit for
humanity's return trip to Moon.
NASA has unveiled a new generation of spacesuit for
humanity's return trip to the Moon. The novel design of the
spacesuit comes with specialist features to support astronauts
as they conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface.
UAE announces world’s first free zone dedicated to
digital and virtual asset companies.
The government of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the seven
emirates of the United Arab Emirates, has announced plans
to establish RAK Digital Assets Oasis, the world's first free
zone dedicated to digital and virtual asset companies.
Finland happiest country in the world, India ranked
126th: U.N. report.
For the sixth year running, Finland was named the world's
happiest country in an annual U.N.-sponsored index. India
was ranked 126 of the 137 countries on the list. Afghanistan
occupied the bottom spot on the table since 2020.
Japan forced to destroy flagship H3 rocket in failed
launch.
Japan was forced to blow up its new rocket during a failed
launch, in a setback to the country's efforts to crack a
market led by Elon Musk's SpaceX.
8 aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed at a Royal
Saudi Air Force base.
In a historic first, eight aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed
at a Royal Saudi Air Force base heralding a new chapter in
the defence relationship between the two countries.
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INS Trikand reaches Bahrain for participation in
International Maritime Exercise 2023
The Indian warship INS Trikand has arrived in Bahrain for
her first participation in the International Maritime Exercise
organised by the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, a
34-nation naval group. INS Trikand is taking part in the
International Maritime Exercise/Cutlass Express 2023
(IMX/CE-23).
26 % of world's population does not have safe
drinking water: UNESCO report.
26 per cent of the world's population does not have safe
drinking water and 46 per cent lack access to safely
managed sanitation, according to a report published by
UNESCO at the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York.
Canadian government bans on Chinese-owned social
media app TikTok.
Canadian government has announced a ban on Chinese-
owned social media app TikTok from government-issued
devices. Users of these devices will also be blocked from
downloading the application in the future.
23% in Germany are immigrants, children of
immigrants, as of 2021.
As of 2021, some 18.9 million people, or 23% of
Germany’s population, either immigrated to the country
since 1950 or are the children of immigrants, Germany’s
Federal Statistics Office said.
SpaceX launches astronauts to the space station.
SpaceX launched its Crew Dragon capsule with four
people aboard from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It's the fourth time this capsule, named Endeavor, has
flown to space and the fourth time it will visit the space
station.
Antarctic sea ice shrunk to record low.
The Antarctic Sea ice shrunk to a record low.
US researchers said, it is its lowest extent in the 45 years
of satellite record-keeping. Antarctica’s sea ice fell to
1.79 million square kilometres.
International Day of Women Judges: 10th March
The International Day of Women Judges, which is
celebrated every year on March 10, honours all female
judges who have taken the lead in the fight against social
injustice. This International Day of Women Judges is
being observed with the campaign “Women in Justice,
Women for Justice”.
World Consumer Rights Day 2023 observed on March 15
World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 to
raise the awareness about the rights of consumers. The theme
of the World Consumer Rights Day, 2023 is “Empowering
consumers through clean energy transitions”.
World Water Day:22nd March
World Water Day is observed on March 22 each year to
emphasize the significance of water and to create
awareness about the global water crisis.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and
Missing Staff Members: 25th March
The United Nations observes the International Day of
Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on
March 25 every year to honor the memory of Alec Collett,
a journalist who died while on a UN mission after being
kidnapped.
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