NATIONAL NEWS
First secure link between India, US navies set up
India and the US have set up the first ever secure communication link between the naval headquarters in New Delhi and the US Central as well as Pacific Naval Commands under the landmark Indo-US COMCASA pact reached last year. The US has also activated the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module GPS system in some of C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft as a result of the implementation of the COMCASA (Communications, Compatibility & Security Agreement).
- In a major boost to India’s defence diplomacy, the two upgrades will allow both sides to share real-time operational intelligence.
India inks MoU to set up agriculture, rural development institute in Malawi
India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Service (NABCONS) for setting up the India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) in Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa.
- Ministry of External Affairs signed with NABCONS for setting up IAIARD. IAIARD will be a pan-African institute wherein trainees not only from Malawi but also from other African countries, will receive training to develop their human resources and build their capacity.
- Extra info.:
Malawi Capital: Lilongwe
Currency: Malawian kwacha
Govt sets up tribunal to review ban imposed on Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF
The Government of India (GoI) has set up a tribunal, headed by Justice Chander Shekhar of the Delhi High Court, to adjudicate if there exists sufficient cause to ban the Jama’at-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeI) and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front – Yasin Malik (JKLF-Y) faction.
- The decision has been taken by the Home Ministry exercising the powers conferred under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The JeI and the JKLF-Y were declared as unlawful associations on February 28 and March 22 respectively.
ISRO opens its 1st visitors gallery to watch rocket launches
In a first, The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) opened a visitors' gallery with 5,000 capacity at Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota island. The gallery has a clear line of sight to two launch pads and large screens to explain launcher and satellite features.
- This comes as ISRO is launching defence satellite EMISAT along with 28 foreign satellites on April 1, 2019.
Odisha's Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) gets Geographical Indications (GI) tag
'Kandhamal Haldi', a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, has earned the Geographical indication (GI) tag from Intellectual Property India, an organisation functioning under the auspices of the Union ministry of commerce & industry.
- Kandhamal Haldi is so well known because of its potent medicinal properties.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Japan reveals name of new imperial era as 'Reiwa'
Japan has unveiled the name of the new imperial era that will begin when Prince Naruhito becomes head of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy next month. Reiwa, comprising of two Chinese characters that can be read “order” and “peace”, replaces Heisei (“achieving peace”), the title of the current era under Naruhito’s father, Emperor Akihito.
- Akihito (85), who is in failing health, will become the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in about 200 years at the end of this month, bringing down the curtain on his 30-year reign.
- The new era name will go into effect at the stroke of midnight on May 1st, when Crown Prince Naruhito officially becomes the nation’s 126th emperor.
Algerian President Bouteflika steps down
Ailing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down from his post before his mandate ends on April 28. Bouteflika's resignation announcement also comes one week after the country's army chief called for Bouteflika to resign.
- On April 1, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah reiterated his call for the application of a provision in the Algerian Constitution that could remove the president on account of his failing health.
- Extra info.:
Algeria Capital: Algiers
Currency: Algerian dinar
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Garuda Prakashan launches 'Modi Again' and 'Saffron Swords'
One of India's homegrown startup publishing houses Garuda Prakashan is all set to launch its next 2 books '#Modi Again' and 'Saffron Swords - Centuries of Indic Resistance to Invaders' after the success of its recently launched books - 'Urban Naxals' by Vivek Agnihotri and 'Thank you India' by Maria Writh.
- Aabhas' "#Modi Again: Why Modi is right for India, An Ex-Communist's Manifesto" is the story of someone who was raised on communist ideology but grew to question the dogmas he was taught in the education system. Manoshi's "Saffron Swords: Centuries of Indic Resistance to Invaders" is another book of timeless tales. It fills in the gap in the current education system which treats invasions of India as one long saga of defeat for Indian people.
- Saffron Swords' is a book on 52 unsung warriors of India from the last 1300 years. It celebrates the glory of our ancestors who offered stiff resistance, won battles and fought till their last breath against Islamic invaders and British.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Indian economy to grow at 7.2 pc in FY 19 due to rising consumption: ADB
The growth is forecast to pick up modestly to 7.2 per cent in FY 2019 on revived rural consumption, continued growth in private investment in response to improved bank and corporate balance sheets, more competitive domestic firms and products under the Goods and Services Tax, and less drag from net exports.
- The Asian Development Outlook 2019 said growth slowed slightly in fiscal 2018 as expansion in agriculture and services slipped even though industry and investment strengthened. The current account deficit widened but remained modest while inflation continued to be benign.
- Growth is expected to inch up further to 7.3 per cent in FY 2020 on dividends reaped from recent reforms to improve the business climate, strengthen banks, and alleviate agricultural distress.
- Extra info.:
ADB HQ: Manila, Philippines
President: Takehiko Nakao
Membership: 67 countries
Talenmark to build India's biggest cultural monument
India's future forward real estate company, Talenmark announced that their ambitious and iconic structure deemed to be "The Biggest Cultural Center of India" is under construction in Calicut, Kerala.
- The unique building is more than 80 per cent finished and will be ready for launch in March 2020. The Cultural Monument that promises to be something that all Indians will be proud of was conceived as part of the 125 acres integrated township project 'Markaz Knowledge City'.
SPORTS
India awarded ICC Test Championship Mace for third straight year
India retained the ICC Test Championship Mace and won the purse of USD one million for a third year running after a memorable season that saw them winning their maiden series in Australia. India finished at the top of the ICC Test team rankings recently while New Zealand have ensured second place.
- Nine Test nations will compete across 27 series and 71 Test matches to reach the World Test Championship Final in 2021 where the champions will be crowned.
Britannia, ICC tie up to restart World Cup contest
Britannia Industries Ltd. partnered with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to bring back their World Cup lucky draw contest whereby the winners can watch the showpiece cricket event live.
- The contest, which debuted in 1999, will have the mega prize going to 100 consumers who will each win an all-expenses paid trip to watch a cricket World Cup match live in England and Wales.
AWARDS
Vikram Patel awarded the prestigious John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award
The Gairdner Foundation announced the 2019 Canada Gairdner Award laureates, recognising Goa and Boston-based Vikram Patel for his research career raising the global profile of mental health problems.
- Prof Patel has been awarded 2019 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for his world-leading research in global mental health, generating knowledge on the burden and determinants of mental health problems in low-and-middle-income countries and pioneering approaches for the prevention and treatment of mental health in low-resource settings.
Max Bupa wins 'The Economic Times Best Brands 2019' award
Max Bupa, a leading standalone health insurance player, has been conferred with the prestigious 'Economic Times Best Brands 2019' award at a ceremony held in Mumbai. Max Bupa emerged as the only health insurance brand among the 50 most preferred brands of the Indian consumers to be felicitated with the honour.
- The Economic Times Best Brands, now in its third year, is a prestigious and credible forum that recognises brands across various sectors including FMCG, Lifestyle, BFSI, Healthcare, Education, Technology and Luxury.
OBITUARIES
Renowned dramatist Kartik Rath passes away
Eminent theatre organiser and playwright Kartik Chandra Rath passed away at his residence in Cuttak following a brief illness. He was 70.
- Recipient of Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi award and Odishi Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Rath has penned over hundred plays and directed over 500 plays in his career as a dramatist.
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