DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: March 20, 2024

Begusarai Leads Global Ranking as Most Polluted City

Tags: Reports

Begusarai in Bihar has been identified as the most polluted city in the world in the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir.

An Overview of the News

• According to the report, 83 of the top 100 most polluted cities globally are located in India.

• After Begusarai, Guwahati is the second most polluted city, while Delhi and Mullanpur (Punjab) are in the third and fourth positions respectively.

India's ranking in the Global Air Pollution Report

• Globally, according to the list of 134 countries, India ranks third behind Bangladesh and Pakistan among the top five most polluted countries.

• The World Air Quality Report underlines that India's PM2.5 level is 54.4 µg/m3, which is 10 times higher than WHO's annual guideline of PM2.5 refers to harmful fine particulate matter.

Impact of air pollution in South Asia

• South Asia has emerged as the most affected region, hosting the top 10 most polluted cities globally, with factors such as climate conditions and cross-border haze increasing PM2.5 levels across Southeast Asia.

• Of the 134 countries surveyed, only 7 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland, meet WHO's annual PM2.5 guideline.

Appointment of Vinay Kumar as India's new Ambassador to Russia

Tags: Person in news

Vinay Kumar, a 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) member, has been appointed as the new Indian Ambassador to Russia.

An Overview of the News

• Vinay Kumar currently serving as India's Ambassador to Myanmar, Kumar is set to assume his new role in Moscow soon, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

• Russia holds an important position as a long-term partner of India, their diplomatic relations are an integral part of India's foreign policy.

• Kumar will take over from Pawan Kapoor, who has been appointed as the new Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs as India's representative in Moscow.

About Vinay Kumar

• Kumar, a graduate of IIT-Kharagpur, entered the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1992.

• He held the post of India's Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2018 to 2020.

• Kumar's previous roles include serving as Joint Secretary (South) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

• He also served in the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.

About Russia:

Capital - Moscow

Currency - Russian Ruble

Continent - Europe, Asia

Official language - Russian

Prime Minister - Mikhail Mishustin

India's first Ayurvedic café unveiled in Delhi

Tags: National News

Maharishi Ayurved Hospital at Shalimar Bagh, Delhi has launched Soma - Ayurvedic Kitchen, India's first Ayurvedic Kitchen.

An Overview of the News

• Food with an Ayurvedic touch: Soma – The Ayurvedic kitchen customizes meals based on the health of visitors, offering dishes like pakodas and pav bhaji without onion and garlic.

• Blending Ayurveda with Food: Dr. Himanshu, a physician, at Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, emphasizes the homely and refreshing nature of Soma's dishes, emphasizing the blend of Ayurvedic principles with food.

• Positive Patron Experience: Many visitors share their delightful experiences with the healthy and delicious Ayurvedic cuisine at Soma – The Ayurvedic Kitchen.

Uttar Pradesh Police Unveils Trinetra App 2.0 for Enhanced Crime Investigation

Tags: State News

In March 2024, Uttar Pradesh Police introduced the advanced digital platform Trinetra App 2.0 to enhance crime investigation and tackle criminal activities.

An Overview of the News

• Trinetra App 2.0, aimed at crime prevention and investigation, was officially launched by Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar and ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash at the DGP Headquarters.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions company Stack Technologies, in collaboration with UP Government and Special Task Force, unveiled AI-powered Crime GPT Trinetra 2.0.

• The primary objective behind the launch of Trinetra 2.0 Crime GPT is to strengthen security measures and facilitate cracking down on criminals by leveraging AI solutions.

Trinetra 2.0:

• Crime GPT Trinetra 2.0 uses both written and audio input to extract criminal databases and generate results accordingly, enabling quick access to critical information.

• The application includes functionalities like criminal gang analysis, voice recognition, facial recognition, etc. which streamline the process of tracking criminals.

• Trinetra 2.0 Crime GPT significantly contributes to strengthening the security infrastructure and assists in the creation of the digital criminal database.

Co-founder and CEO of Stack Technology - Atul Rai

TM Krishna and Neena Prasad selected for the prestigious Kalanidhi Award

Tags: Awards

Carnatic musician T M Krishna has been selected for the 2024 Sangeet Kalanidhi Award and Neena Prasad for the Nritya Kalanidhi Award.

An Overview of the News

• The Executive Committee of the Sangeet Academy decided to confer the award during its meeting on March 17, 2024.

• T M Krishna will be honored with the prestigious Sangeet Kalanidhi Award by the Music Academy, Madras.

• The award to TM Krishna was announced by Music Academy President N Murali.

About T M Krishna

• Krishna is recognized for his notable contributions to the field of music, including analytical writing and advocacy of social issues.

• Krishna wrote a book titled 'Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mridangam Makers' focusing on MS Subbulakshmi.

About Dr. Neena Prasad

• Prasad has been selected as the recipient of the Nritya Kalanidhi Award for 2024.

• Neena Prasad received training in Mohiniyattam from Kalamandalam Kshemavathi and Kalamandalam Sugandhi.

• Prasad also learned Bharat Natyam from Music Art Acharya Adyar's Lakshmanan, Kuchipudi from Vempati Chinna Satyam and Kathakali from Vembayam Appukuttan Pillai.

• Her PhD from Rabindra Bharati University focused on Lasya and Thandava in South Indian classical dances.

Pokhara named as Nepal's new Tourism Capital

Tags: International News

On 17 March, the Government of Nepal officially designated Pokhara as the country's tourism capital during a ceremony at Barahi Ghat.

An Overview of the News

• Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' presided over the event, which featured cultural performances by renowned artists.

• Nepal announced to seek China's assistance in the development of Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed by China and was considered ready for commercial operations in January 2022.

• Despite operations, it is not being used as a result of disputes between Nepal and China over the airport's status under the Belt and Road Initiative.

• Concurrently, Nepal is preparing to seek Chinese assistance to build the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park, spread over about 4,000 acres in Jhapa in eastern Nepal, and potentially extending up to 6,600 acres along the Nepal-Bengal border.

• The Industrial Friendship Park and the 327-MW Upper Marsyangdi hydropower project are expected to be formalized at the Kathmandu investment summit on April 29-30.

About Pokhara

• It is known for its natural beauty and serene environment, situated on the banks of Phewa Lake with the majestic Annapurna mountain range as a stunning backdrop.

• Boating on Phewa Lake with its reflection of snow-capped peaks is a favorite activity for tourists seeking peace and adventure.

• Serving as the gateway to popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Trek, Pokhara offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.

• Cultural attractions such as the Bindhyabasini Temple and the World Peace Pagoda provide insight into the rich heritage of the region.

About Nepal

• Location: Nepal is located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south.

• Government: It follows a federal democratic republic government.

• Capital: Kathmandu

• Currency: The official currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee.

• Major Mountain Ranges: Nepal is famous for its majestic mountain ranges including the Himalayas and Annapurna.

• Major Rivers: The country is surrounded by important rivers like Karnali and Koshi.

March 20th: International Day of Happiness

Tags: Important Days

International Day of Happiness, observed annually on 20 March, focuses on promoting global happiness and well-being.

An Overview of the News

• The theme of the International Day of Happiness in 2024 is "Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities," encouraging participation by all to celebrate happiness.

History of International Day of Happiness

• Based on a proposal from Bhutan, the United Nations (UN) declared 20 March as the International Day of Happiness in 2012.

• Bhutan's advocacy of prioritizing national happiness over national income dates back to the early 1970s, emphasizing the importance of gross national happiness.

• Bhutan convened an important high-level meeting on “Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” during the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

• The first International Day of Happiness was celebrated in 2013, which has been an annual tradition ever since.

Importance of International Happiness Day

• The day reminds of happiness as a universal right, which aims to spread happiness and positivity among individuals.

• It offers everyone an opportunity to contribute to happiness by initiating small acts of kindness and promoting well-being.

• The United Nations General Assembly advocates an economic development approach that prioritizes inclusivity, equity and balance, aiming to enhance the happiness and well-being of all individuals.

Prabha Verma wins 33rd Saraswati Samman for 'Roudra Sathwikam'

Tags: Awards

Famous Malayalam poet and writer Prabha Varma was honored with the 33rd Saraswati Samman for the year 2023 for his novel in verse 'Roudra Sathwikam'.

An Overview of the News

• Prabha Verma's novel 'Roudra Sathwikam' was published in 2022.

• In 1991, K.K. Saraswati Samman, instituted by the Birla Foundation, is one of India's most respected literary awards.

• It acknowledges exceptional literary contributions in various Indian languages with a focus on works published within the last decade.

About the novel 'Roudra Sathwikam'

• According to the Birla Foundation, Prabha Varma's "Roudra Sathwikam" presents a distinctive exploration of the conflict between power and politics, the individual and the state, and art and power.

• The novel, written in poetic Malayalam verse, transcends conventional notions of time and space, engaging with the complexities of righteousness (dharma) and adharma in a creative philosophical manner.

• Through its deeply poetic narrative, the work highlights complex themes of morality, ethics, human nature, and the perpetual struggle between the forces of good and evil.

Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan assumes charge as Governor of Telangana

Tags: Person in news State News National News

Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan takes charge as the Governor of Telangana.

An Overview of the News

• After the resignation of Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, President Draupadi Murmu has handed over the additional responsibility of looking after Telangana to Governor Radhakrishnan.

• Additionally, Governor Radhakrishnan has been assigned the task of acting as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

• The official swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, with Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe administering the oath.

About Telangana

Capital - Hyderabad

Chief Minister - Revanth Reddy

Established - 2 June 2014

World Sparrow Day - 20 March

Tags: Important Days

World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on 20 March.

An Overview of the News

• World Sparrow Day aims to raise awareness around the world about the declining population of the common house sparrow.

Origin and Effects:

• World Sparrow Day originated as a collaboration between the Nature Forever Society (NFS) in India and the Eco-Sys Action Foundation in France.

• World Sparrow Day was inaugurated in 2010 to draw attention to the alarming decline of the house sparrow and encourage concerted conservation efforts.

• NFS founder Mohammed Dilawar was inspired by the 'Save the Sparrow' campaign that began in Rajasthan, India during the 1960s.

• Dilawar's goal was to turn this local campaign into a global movement for sparrow conservation.

• The NFS website serves as a repository of knowledge, providing information on sparrow species from more than 25 countries.