INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Pokhara Declared as Nepal’s New Tourism Capital

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

The event was presided over by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and was marked by musical performances by celebrated artists, symbolising the region's cultural richness.

The city is renowned for its natural beauty and serene ambience, as it is situated on the shores of Phewa Lake with the majestic Annapurna mountain range serving as a stunning backdrop.

Pokhara is also a gateway to popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek, while cultural attractions such as the Bindhyabasini Temple and the World Peace Pagoda offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

Pokhara was elevated to tourism capital of Nepal after meeting rigorous criteria set by the authorities.

 

BANKING

Max India’s Subsidiary Collaborates with IIT D for Senior Citizen Care

Max India Limited's wholly owned subsidiary, Antara Assisted Care Services Limited, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) with an aim to develop offerings tailored specifically for the senior demographic.

The collaboration entails knowledge exchange, research consultancy, Entrepreneurial Development Programs (EDPs), and the sharing of laboratory resources.

The collaboration emphasizes the development of inclusive design solutions that promote safety, independence, cognition, and communication for the elderly population.

One of the projects under this collaboration involves designing a walking aid customized to the specific needs and preferences of seniors.

 

SPORTS

Formula 4 Race Organized for First Time in Srinagar, J&K

Formula-4 car racing event was organized for the first time in Srinagar. This car racing event was held on the banks of Dal Lake in Boulevard Road located on the Zabarwan Mountain Range.

This race took place on a 1.7 kilometer track from Lalit Ghat to Nehru Park.

The Formula-4 car racing event in Srinagar was organized by the Federation of Motor Clubs of India.

There is no world championship for FIA Formula-4 racing events but instead they are organized as regional events.

In comparison to Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula 4 are low speed races. In this, the maximum speed of the car can be up to 210 kilometers per hour.

The minimum age to participate in the Formula-4 car racing event should be 15 years.

The event was organized to promote tourism under the auspices of the Tourism Department in collaboration with Formula-4 and Indian Racing League.

The race was organized with the aim of encouraging multi-career options for local youth.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

Bihar’s Begusarai Most Polluted Metropolitan City Globally in 2023

According to the 6th Annual World Air Quality Report, Begusarai has emerged as the most polluted metropolitan area globally in 2023.

India is among the world's top three most polluted countries in 2023, according to the 6th Annual World Air Quality Report released by IQAir..

IQAir uses data from both government sources, such as air-quality data from regulatory bodies like the US Environmental Protection Agency, and lower-cost sensors like the ones it produces.

The report analyzed data from over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations worldwide and indicates a concerning situation for India's environment and public health.

The report says India's average PM2.5 concentration is more than ten times the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual guideline, ranking India behind only Bangladesh and Pakistan in the list of the most polluted countries.

The report found that only ten countries and territories had "healthy" air quality levels, namely Finland, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and French Polynesia.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

2023 Saraswati Samman

The K K Birla Foundation has selected noted poet and litterateur Prabha Varma for the 33rd Saraswati Samman for 2023 for his novel Roudra Sathwikam .

 According to the Birla Foundation, the novel “ Roudra Sathwikam, written in poetic verse in the Malayalam language, probes the conflict between power and politics, individual and state and art and power in a unique way.

He has published over 30 books, including a dozen collections of poems, three novels in verse, eight books on the contemporary socio-political milieu and literature and seven collections of essays in criticism.

He has also received the State and Filmfare award for best film lyrics. Prabha Varma is the media advisor to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Saraswati Samman is an annual prize. It is given to an outstanding literary work published in the last 10 years. It is given to a work written in any Indian language by an Indian citizen.

The winner is given a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs, a citation and a plaque.

Sangita Kalanidhi and Nritya Kalanidhi Award

Renowned Carnatic musician T M Krishna has been selected for the 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi.

Neena Prasad has been selected for the Nritya Kalanidhi Award for 2024.

The Executive Committee of the Sangeet Academy decided to give him this award in its meeting on March 17, 2024.

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

Sri Krishna is an author who has written analytical books on music. Krishna has received numerous awards for his music, his writing and his advocacy of social issues.

Sangita Kala Acharya Awards will be presented to mridangam maestro Parasala Ravi and singer Geeta Raja.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Spokesperson of Government of India

Senior Indian Information Service officer Sheyphali B Sharan was appointed as the spokesperson of the Central Government.

Sheypheli B Sharan is a 1990 batch Indian Information Service officer. Sheyphell B Sharan will hold the charge of Principal Director General (PDG) of Press Information Bureau (PIB).

The tenure of the current Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau, Manish Desai, is ending on March 31, 2024. After this Sheyphali B Sharan will take over the charge.

After 2014, Sheyphali B Sharan will be the first woman officer to become PDG of PIB.

Sheyphali Sharann worked as the spokesperson of the Election Commission during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Director General of All India Radio

Maushami Chakraborty was appointed as the Director General of All India Radio.

According to the information given by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Maushami Chakraborty will replace Vasudha Gupta.

Maushami Chakraborty is a 1991 batch Indian Information Service officer.

Broadcasting in India began about 13 years before All India Radio came into existence.

In June 1923, the Radio Club of Bombay made the first broadcast in the country.

 

DEFENCE

Exercise Tiger Triumph-24

Exercise 'Tiger Triumph - 24' is being organized between India and America. 'Tiger Triumph - 24' is being organized on the eastern seaboard from 18 to 31 March 24.

'Tiger Triumph - 24' is in line with the established India-US partnership. It is a bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) military exercise between the two countries.

Indian Navy ships with integral helicopters and landing craft, Indian Naval aircraft, Indian Army personnel and vehicles and Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters along with Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) will participate in the exercise.

The United States is being represented by US Navy ships. This will include US Marine Corps and US Army soldiers.

Military Exercise ‘Tiger Triumph – 24’ aims to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations.

The aim is to improve the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable faster and smooth coordination between the armies of the two countries.

 

OBITUTARY

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet Singer Sadi Mohammad

In Bangladesh, A legendary Rabindra Sangeet singer and composer Sadi Mohammad passed away at the age of 70.

Sadi Mohammad is the son of Liberation War martyr Salim Ullah.

In 2007, Mohammad debuted as a music composer when he released the album Amakey Khujey Pabey Bhorer Shishirey.

He released the albums Srabon Akashey in 2009 and Sharthok Janom Amar in 2012.

He served as the director of the cultural organization, Rabi Raag.

In 2017, Mohammad was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Channel i.

He received the Rabindra Award from the Bangla Academy.