IMPORTANT DAYS

World Wildlife Day is observed on 3rd March

• World Wildlife Day (WWD) is commemorated annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about the challenges facing the world's animals and plants.

• The World Wildlife Day 2024 Theme is Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.

• Each year, we acknowledge the distinct roles and invaluable contributions of wildlife to both humanity and the planet.

• The main aim of this day is to celebrate and enhance our appreciation of the abundant diversity of wild animals and plants found worldwide.

APPOINTMENTS

Democratic Republic Of Congo Appoints Judith SuminwaTuluka As African Nation’s First Woman Prime Minister

• President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo appointed the nation's inaugural female Prime Minister.

• President Tshisekedi, taking a significant stride forward in the aftermath of last year's re-elections, made this appointment to initiate the establishment of a new government.

• His decision comes amid various challenges confronting Congo, such as escalating conflict and humanitarian emergencies in the eastern regions, as well as the effective management of the country's extensive mineral resources.

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS Paradip Port Emerges as India’s Top Cargo-Handling Port in 2023-24

• In the fiscal year 2023-24, Paradip Port Authority in Odisha outpaced Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla to emerge as India's top cargo-handling major port.

• Paradip Port Authority managed to handle 145.38 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of cargo, reflecting a notable growth of 7.4% compared to the preceding year.

• ParadipPort established by the Odisha government in 1962; taken over by the Indian government in 1965.

• Declared a major port by the Indian government on April 18, 1966, becoming the 8th major port of India.

• Operates as an autonomous body under the Major Port Trusts Act 1963, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, administered by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Government of India.

SPORTS

MirabaiChanu becomes the only Indian Weightlifter to qualify for Paris Olympics

• MirabaiChanu, the Tokyo Olympics medalist, has secured her spot as the sole Indian weightlifter to qualify for the Paris Olympics this year. She achieved this milestone after a successful performance at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand today. Despite finishing third in Group B of the women’s 49kg category (and 11th overall), the 29-year-old athlete secured her berth at the 2024 Paris Games.

• Returning to action after a six-month injury layoff, Chanu lifted a total of 184kg at the World Cup, which serves as the final and mandatory qualifier for Paris 2024.

• Having met the qualification criteria for the Paris Olympics, which includes participation in two compulsory events and three other qualifiers, the silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics is currently ranked second in the women’s 49kg Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR), just behind China’s Jiang Huihua.

• The official confirmation of her qualification will be announced after the conclusion of the World Cup. It is expected that the top 10 lifters from each weight class will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

RohanBopanna and Matthew Ebden win Miami Masters doubles title

• Indian tennis player RohanBopanna, along with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, clinched the Miami Open doubles title, marking their second significant victory of the year.

• The duo secured the championship by defeating Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek in an enthralling match that extended for over an hour and a half.

• Earlier this year, Bopanna and Ebden made history by winning the Australian Open.

• At 44 years old, RohanBopanna ascended to the top position in the men's doubles rankings.

DEFENCE

IAF's biggest exercise 'Gagan Shakti' begins at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district

• 'The Indian Air Force (IAF) is presently engaged in its most extensive exercise, named 'Gagan Shakti,' being conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.

• 'Gagan Shakti' commenced recently and is slated to continue until April 10, featuring a display of the combat capabilities of major fighter aircraft and modern helicopters.

• This exercise receives support from the Indian Army, which facilitates logistical operations to ensure the seamless movement of approximately 10,000 IAF personnel and ammunition across India.

• Participating in 'Gagan Shakti' are various fighter planes and helicopters including Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi 30, Jaguar, Globemaster, Chinook, Apache, and Prachanda. This showcases the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Indian Air Force.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

PM Modi addresses 90th anniversary celebrations of Reserve Bank of India

• Prime Minister Modi delivered a keynote address at a prestigious event in Mumbai, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• During the event, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a special commemorative coin worth Rs. 90, marking the significance of this milestone occasion.

• The event underscored the pivotal role played by the RBI in maintaining economic stability and overseeing the banking sector's operations.

• Manufactured at the Kolkata Mint, the Rs. 90 coin weighs 40 grams and serves as a symbolic representation of the enduring legacy and achievements of the Reserve Bank of India.