1. What is the primary objective of Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP), recently seen in the news? – To replace India’s 25 crore conventional meters with smart meters
Kerala’s decision to opt for an alternative approach to smart electricity meters undermines government’s Rs 3 lakh crore smart meters project.
Smart meters record electricity usage and voltage levels, aiming to enhance billing and collection efficiencies for distribution companies.
The Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) seeks to replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart ones across India.
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Ministry of Power, leads the implementation.
2. Recently, the Election Commission of India launched which app to facilitate easier voting for persons above 85 years of age and PWDs with 40%? – Saksham App
As of March 2024, water is disappearing from Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico’s vital desert oasis, due to agricultural activities.
The oasis is the Chihuahuan Desert’s most important wetland, and scientists say it can help them understand climate change, the origin of the Earth, and the chances of life on Mars.
However, water is being used for alfalfa crops and other agricultural activities, causing the oasis to dry up.
As a result, communities have to bring in water by truck when there is gasoline, which is a costly expense.
4. Recently, where was the 148th Inter Parliamentary Union meeting held? – Geneva, Switzerland
The 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly was held in Geneva, Switzerland from March 23–27, 2024.
The IPU is an international organization founded in 1889, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as offices in New York, United States of America, and Vienna, Austria.
A seven-member Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh attended the event. The IPU boasts 180 member countries.
Economic Affairs
5. Who has acquired Lanco Amarkantak Power Limited which has been approved by CCI? – Adani Power Limited
Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved 100 percent acquisition of Lanco Amarkantak Power Limited by Adani Power Limited. Adani Power Limited (Acquirer) is a company of Adani Group.
Lanco Amarkantak is a company associated with thermal power generation.
The Competition Commission of India is the main national competition regulator in India.
Science & Technology
6. Recently the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named the asteroid 2005 EX296 located between the Sun and Jupiter after which Indian? – Professor Jayanta Murthy
India’s Vinay performed brilliantly in the Para Powerlifting World Cup held in Egypt and won the gold medal by lifting 120 kg in the 59 kg youth category.
18 year old athlete Vinay is a resident of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. In the same event, Ahmed Abdelkader of Egypt won the silver medal.
Short News
Appointments
8. Who has recently been appointed the head of the National Investigation Agency? – Sadanand Vasant Date
Maharashtra cadre officer Sadanand Vasant Date has been appointed as the chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Piyush Anand has been appointed Director General of NDRF and Rajeev Kumar Sharma has been appointed Director General of Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).
9. Who has been elected as the President of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)? – MV Rao
M.V. Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Central Bank of India has been elected as the new President of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for 2023-24.
MV Rao has been appointed in place of Atul Kumar Goel.
Dinesh Khara, Shanti Lal Jain, and Dr N Kamakody have been appointed as vice-presidents and Madhav Nair as secretary of the Indian Banks’ Association on (IBA).
Exercises & Operations
10. Operation Sankalp is the major operation run by which army of India? – Indian Navy
Telangana’s Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary faces forest fires in the Tadvai region. Established in 1953, it lies near Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders, traversed by the Dayyam Vagu River.
Renowned for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, it’s traversed by the Godavari River.
Vegetation comprises tropical dry deciduous types with teak, bamboo, and climbers.
Notable fauna include Indian gaur, giant squirrel, tiger, leopard, and various others like sloth bear and wild dogs.
Misc
12. According to the Hurun Global Rich List 2024, which city of Asia has become the “Billionaire Capital of the Asia”? – Mumbai
With 92 billionaires, Mumbai has the highest number of billionaires in Asia and third in the world In the year 2023, 26 billionaires are added to Mumbai.
13. According to the UN Water Report 2024, how many people are still out of access to clean drinking water? – 2.2 billion
