1. Valerie Adams Named International Ambassador for TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2024
Tags: International News
Valerie Adams, the renowned shot putter and multiple-time World Champion, has been appointed as the International Event Ambassador for the 16th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
Adams, a four-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist from New Zealand, is celebrated as one of the most successful female shot putters in history.
With a remarkable Olympic record, Adams has secured two gold medals (2008, 2012), one silver (2016), and one bronze medal (2020) across five appearances.
The World 10K Bengaluru:
The World 10K Bengaluru, also recognized as the TCS World 10K Bengaluru due to sponsorship from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is an annual road running event held in Bangalore, India.
Established in 2008, this 10-kilometer competition typically occurs towards the end of May each year.
Initially sponsored by Sunfeast, a brand under ITC Limited, the event has evolved over the years.
Participants from various backgrounds come together to compete in this renowned race, showcasing their endurance and athleticism.
2. Peter Pellegrini wins in Slovakia's Presidential Election
Tags: International News
Peter Pellegrini, a candidate backed by Slovakia's nationalist-leftist government, won the presidential election, strengthening the influence of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who holds pro-Russian views.
An Overview of the News
Fico, serving his fourth term as prime minister, has shifted Slovakia's foreign policy toward Russia and reformed criminal law and media regulations, raising concerns about the rule of law.
Pellegrini received 53.26% of the vote, while his pro-West rival Ivan Korčić received 46.73%, with almost all voting districts reporting.
Although the powers of the Slovak President are limited, he can veto laws and nominate judges to the Constitutional Court, which could potentially influence political conflicts over Fico's reforms, especially regarding corruption penalties.
Fico's coalition, which also includes Pellegrini's party, halted official arms shipments to Ukraine, reflecting their stance against Western involvement in the conflict.
About Slovakia
It is officially known as the Slovak Republic, located in Central Europe.
It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west and the Czech Republic to the northwest.
Slovakia is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the sea.
Its neighboring countries create a diverse geopolitical landscape within Central Europe.
The borders with Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic define the territorial extent of Slovakia.
Capital - Bratislava
Official language - Slovak
Prime Minister - Robert Fico
Currency - Euro
3. Romania unveils world's most powerful laser
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Developed by a research center in Romania as part of the EU Infrastructure Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project.
An Overview of the News
Operated by French company Thales, this laser claims to have revolutionary potential in a variety of fields, from healthcare to space exploration.
At the core of this groundbreaking laser technology lies chirped-pulse amplification (CPA), a method developed by Mourou and Strickland.
CPA facilitates the amplification of laser power while ensuring safe intensity levels by stretching and compressing the ultra-short laser pulse.
This innovative technology achieves unprecedented levels of intensity, opening the door to myriad applications such as corrective eye surgery and advanced precision instruments in industrial operations.
Nobel Prize Winner Contribution:
Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018 for their pioneering work in laser technology.
His inventions have led to revolutionary advancements by enabling precision instruments and applications.
Possible Applications:
Nuclear waste treatment: Laser technology can reduce the radioactivity period of nuclear waste, increasing the safety and manageability of disposal.
Space debris removal: Laser technology can be deployed to clear space debris, reducing the risk of collisions with satellites and spacecraft.
Medical Advances: The precision of lasers promises breakthroughs in medical treatments, including targeted cancer treatments and advanced surgical techniques.
Involvement of the ELI Project and Thales Group:
Part of the European Union Infrastructure Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project, which aims to push laser technology boundaries.
Operated by Thales Group, a leading global provider of aerospace, defense and security solutions, headquartered in France.
4. Unprecedented Recognition: Over 60 Products GI Tags
Tags: National News
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been awarded to over 60 products from different parts of India.
An Overview of the News:
This is the first time that so many products have been recognized at the same time for Geographical Indication (GI) purposes.
The prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) label has been awarded to nineteen traditional Assamese items and crafts, thirteen of which are credited to the Bodo community.
Name of the Select 60 Products that Were Awarded GI Tags:
Assam: Mishing handloom products, Pani Meteka crafts, Sarthebari metal crafts, Jaapi (bamboo headpiece), Asharikandi terracotta crafts, Bodo Eri silk (fabric of peace or ahimsa), Bihu dhol, Bodo Dokhona (traditional attire of Bodo women), and Bodo Sifung (long flute).
Tripura: Matabari Peda (a sweet delicacy) and Pachra-Rignai (traditional attire worn on auspicious occasions).
Meghalaya: Chubitchi, Lyrnai Pottery, Garo Textile Weaving.
Uttar Pradesh: Banaras Lal Bharwan Mirch, Banaras Lal Peda, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Thandai.
A GI tag: what is it?
A GI tag is a designation or label that identifies goods as coming from a particular region and highlights their distinctive features.
Protected by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
it gives owners of rights the ability to stop unapproved usage by noncompliant third parties
Key fact about GI tag:
In 2004, the Darjeeling tea from West bengal received the first-ever GI tag in India.
5. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Sworn in for Third Term
Tags: International News
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was sworn in for his third term as Egypt's president in the country's new capital.
An Overview of the News
Sisi won the December election by a wide margin, winning 89.6% of the vote without any significant competition.
Economic Reforms and Financial Assistance:
Egypt allowed its currency to devalue after securing a $35 billion lifeline from the Emirati Wealth Fund, eliminating chronic currency shortages.
A commitment to reforms, including reducing state interference in trade, facilitated an expanded $8 billion deal with the IMF.
Military-led infrastructure projects:
Since 2014, Egypt has undertaken extensive infrastructure development, primarily led by the military.
These projects aim to promote economic growth and accommodate population growth, with the $58 billion New Administrative Capital Project being the largest.
Criticism of mega-projects:
Critics argue that these projects increase economic challenges by diverting resources and increasing the national debt.
Projects such as the Suez Canal expansion and new cities have faced scrutiny for their impact on Egypt's financial stability.
Global role amid regional crisis:
Egypt's involvement in the Gaza crisis has enhanced its global reputation, serving as the primary aid vehicle and mediator for ceasefire talks.
Sisi came to power in 2013 after ousting Mohammed Morsi, underscoring his background as a former intelligence general.
Human rights concerns and government response:
Rights groups estimate that thousands of people, including activists and Islamists, have been detained since Morsi's ouster.
Sisi's administration defends these actions, emphasizing stability and security while promising efforts toward providing social rights such as housing and employment.
6. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi took Oath as Rajya Sabha MP
Tags: National News
Prominent Congress leader Sonia Gandhi took oath as Rajya Sabha member on April 4, 2024.
An Overview of the News
After the completion of the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on April 3, Sonia Gandhi secured her seat from Rajasthan.
This is Sonia Gandhi's first term in the upper house of Parliament.
Along with Sonia Gandhi, 13 other members took oath as ministers.
Notable individuals who took the oath included former Congress and current BJP member RPN Singh, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Syed Nasir Hussain from Karnataka and BJP member Samik Bhattacharya from West Bengal.
Besides, YSRCP representatives Gola Babu Rao, Medha Raghunath Reddy and Yerum Venkata Subba Reddy also took oath.
The oath ceremony was presided over by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and was held at the new Parliament House.
About Sonia Gandhi
Background:
Sonia Gandhi, born on 9 December 1946, is an Indian politician and the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress.
He is from a small village near Vicenza, Italy and was raised in a Roman Catholic family.
Political Career:
Gandhi assumed the leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1998 after the assassination of her husband Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.
He held the position of party leader for 22 years until 2017, overseeing the Congress during a crucial period in Indian politics.
After a short hiatus, Gandhi returned to the post of Congress president in 2019 and remained in the position for an additional three years.
7. President dedicates CAR-T cell therapy at IIT Bombay to the nation
Tags: Science and Technology National News
President Draupadi Murmu dedicated CAR-T cell therapy at IIT Bombay to the nation.
An Overview of the News
CAR-T cell therapy, used in treating cancer patients, has been developed by IIT Bombay-incubated company ImmunoAdoptive Cell Therapy (ImmunoACT) in India.
This therapy is the result of a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Center (TMC).
It has been designed and developed at IIT Bombay, with integrated process development and manufacturing conducted at ImmunoACT.
Clinical investigations and translational studies were conducted by teams at TMH.
It is expected that the CAR-T cell therapy product has the potential to save many lives at a much lower cost than similar products available outside India.
CAR T-cell therapy:
It is a treatment method where a patient's T cells, a type of immune system cell, are modified in a laboratory setting to target cancer cells.
T cells are extracted from the patient's blood, and in the lab, a gene for a specific receptor called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is introduced into these T cells.
The CAR enables the modified T cells to bind to a particular protein found on the patient's cancer cells.
Following this modification, large quantities of CAR T cells are cultured in the laboratory and subsequently administered to the patient through infusion.
This therapy is primarily employed in treating certain types of blood cancers, and ongoing research is exploring its potential for treating other forms of cancer.
CAR T-cell therapy is also referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
8. Successful flight test of Agni-Prime missile
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Agni-Prime missile successfully flight tested in Odisha.
An Overview of the News
The test was conducted jointly by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
The Defense Ministry said that the Agni-Prime missile met all the test objectives, demonstrating its reliable performance.
Introduction of Agni-P (Agni-Prime):
Agni-P, also known as Agni-Prime, is a medium-range ballistic missile under development by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It is the sixth missile in the Agni series and is designed to be a two-stage, surface-to-surface, canister-launched, and road-mobile system.
Purpose and Deployment:
Agni-P is intended to be deployed within the Strategic Forces Command for operational use.
Its development aims to enhance India's ballistic missile capabilities, particularly in the medium-range segment.
Key Features and Upgrades:
The missile incorporates significant upgrades compared to its predecessors.
These upgrades include advancements in the composite motor casing, navigation systems, and guidance systems.
Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV):
Agni-P is equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), enhancing its effectiveness in penetrating enemy defenses and accurately hitting targets.
Solid-Fueled Design:
Agni-P utilizes solid fuel propulsion, ensuring reliability, mobility, and ease of deployment.
Canister Launch Capability:
Its canister-launch system adds to its mobility and readiness, allowing for rapid deployment and launch from various platforms.
Strategic Significance:
The development and deployment of Agni-P mark a significant advancement in India's strategic missile program.
It strengthens India's deterrence capability and provides a credible response to evolving security challenges in the region.
9. Judith Suminwa Tuluka becomes the first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tags: International News
Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been appointed as Congo's first female Prime Minister under President Félix Tshisekedi on April 1, 2024, amid a political realignment following the resignation of Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.
An Overview of the News:
In January 2024, President Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term. After this Prime Minister Tuluka was appointed.
Constitutional Mobility:
According to the Constitution of the DRC, the President cooperates with the Prime Minister, who is elected from the largest legislative party.
Challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
The DRC, which is endowed with abundant natural resources such as copper, uranium, cobalt and diamonds, is struggling with ongoing violence and instability, particularly in its eastern provinces.
The situation is worsened by tensions with neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of providing support to militia groups such as the March 23 Movement, which has led to mass displacement of civilians.
About the Democratic Republic of Congo:
Central Africa is the second largest country in Africa after Algeria. Known as the Republic of Zaire until 1971, it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
Kinshasa, the capital, is located next to the Congo River, the second longest river in Africa after the Nile River.
Congo is the only river in the world that crosses the equator twice.
Its currency is the Congolese franc.
10. NHAI Implements 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' Norm
Tags: National News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' norm to address misuse of FASTags.
An Overview of the News
This norm discourages the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a single vehicle.
Compliance Deadline Extension:
NHAI extended the compliance deadline for the initiative until the end of March due to issues faced by Paytm FASTag users.
Effective Enforcement Date:
Starting April 1st, 2024, multiple FASTags for a single vehicle will cease to function, and users with such setups won't be able to utilize them.
Objectives of the Initiative:
NHAI aims to enhance the efficiency of electronic toll collection and ensure smooth traffic flow at toll plazas through the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative.
Overview of FASTag System:
FASTag, operated by NHAI, is an electronic toll collection system widely adopted in India with over 8 crore users and a penetration rate of around 98%.
It utilizes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings accounts or directly to the toll owner.
