In March 2024, the Tamil Nadu government agreed to implement the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education.
The scheme aims to improve the quality of education in Tamil Nadu and upgrade existing government schools to become model schools for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
International Affairs
3.Vladimir Putin has been elected as the President of Russia for which term? – Fifth
A state of emergency has been declared in southern Iceland following a volcanic eruption on Iceland’s Rékjens peninsula This is the fourth volcanic eruption on the Reykjens Peninsula this year.
Science & Technology
5. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), recently seen in the news, is related to – Viral disease of livestock
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has hit 60% of milch cattle in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh. FMD, a highly contagious viral disease, affects livestock like cattle, swine, sheep, and goats.
It’s not harmful to horses, dogs, or cats. Intensively reared animals are more prone. FMD is a transboundary animal disease, affecting livestock production and trade.
It’s caused by an aphthovirus and characterized by fever and blister-like sores. Recovery is common but leads to production losses.
6. Recently ‘Yaunde Declaration’ was in discussion, it is related to – Malaria disease
Recently, the Yaounde Declaration has proved to be an important milestone in the fight against malaria.
Under this, the health ministers of 11 African countries pledged to end deaths due to malaria.
The objective of this declaration is to strengthen health infrastructure, expand capacity of personnel and enhance program implementation. Yaoundé is the capital of the African country Cameroon.
Environment
7. Bugun Liocichla, recently seen in the news, belongs to which species? – Bird
Arunachal Bugun Tribe generously donates land in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary for the protection of critically endangered Bugun Liocichla, a small babbler bird with olive-grey plumage and black cap, measuring only 20 cm. Discovered by astrophysicist Ramana Athreya in 2006, this species is exclusive to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
With just 14 individuals spotted in Braiduah village, it’s India’s first bird discovery post-independence, facing severe endangerment.
Short News
Persons in News
8. Who has been chosen by the Election Commission of India as the National Disability Icon? – Sheetal Devi
Para archer and Arjuna Award winner Sheetal Devi has been appointed as the National Disability Icon by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In view of the Lok Sabha elections, ECI and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organized an exhibition cricket match to promote voter education.
Appointments
9. Who has been appointed as the Group President of ‘One Kotak’ by Kotak Mahindra Bank? – Jaideep Hansraj
Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Jaideep Hansraj, current MD and CEO of Kotak Securities, as Group President of ‘One Kotak’ with effect from April 1, 2024.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited is an Indian banking and financial services company headquartered in Mumbai.
Awards & Honours
10. Which Carnatic musician has been awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi Award-2024 by the Madras Music Academy? – T. M. Krishna
‘Tiger Triumph – 24’, a bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) military exercise between India and the USA, is being conducted from 18 to 31 March 2024.
The ‘Harbor Phase’ of this military exercise is scheduled from 18 to 25 March 24.
13. Exercise “LAMITIYE, recently seen in the news, is conducted between which two countries? – India and Seychelles
The Indian Army contingent embarked for Seychelles for the Tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”.
This biennial event, meaning ‘Friendship’ in Creole, fosters cooperation between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
45 personnel from each side will participate, aiming to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations.
The exercise, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, promotes bilateral military relations, exchanging skills, experiences, and tactical drills in a Semi-Urban environment.
State Current Affairs
14.Tamilisai Soundararajan, who announced her resignation recently, was the governor of which state? – Telangana
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan resigned from her post on Monday, citing a desire to serve the public directly, amidst speculation of contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.
Also the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, she submitted her resignation from both positions to President Droupadi Murmu.
15. Which state police recently launched the digital platform ‘Trinetra’ App 2.0? – Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Police will now use the state-of-the-art digital platform Trinetra App 2.0, which has been designed to help in crime prevention and investigation.
UP DGP Prashant Kumar along with ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash launched the app at the DGP headquarte.
