NATIONAL NEWS

India to stop importing urea by end of 2025

• As per the announcement by Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister MansukhMandaviya, India is poised to achieve self-sufficiency in urea production by the end of 2025, effectively eliminating the need for imports.

• Mandaviya highlighted the significant strides made in bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities, which have played a pivotal role in narrowing the gap between urea supply and demand.

• The Indian government has set a bold target to completely halt urea imports by 2025, signaling a concerted effort to enhance domestic production and bridge the existing supply-demand disparity.

• To achieve this goal, the government has implemented measures to promote the adoption of alternative fertilizers, including Nano Liquid Urea and Nano Liquid Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), thereby encouraging a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

• In line with this initiative, the government has introduced the 'PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nutrition, and Improvement of Mother Earth' (PM-PRANAM) scheme.

• In line with this initiative, the government has introduced the 'PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nutrition, and Improvement of Mother Earth' (PM-PRANAM) scheme. This scheme aims to incentivize States and Union Territories (UTs) to embrace alternative fertilizers, thereby reducing reliance on traditional chemical fertilizers.

• By fostering the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly fertilizers, PM-PRANAM seeks to promote soil health and agricultural sustainability across the nation.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

ParivartanChintan, a Tri-Service Conference held in New Delhi

• On April 8, 2024, New Delhi hosted the ParivartanChintan, a Tri-Service Conference with the objective of fostering innovation and reforms to enhance jointness and integration efforts. General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, led the day-long deliberations.

• This historic conference marked the first-ever gathering of Heads from all Tri-Services Institutions, the Department of Military Affairs, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, and the three Services.

• Officers representing diverse service backgrounds proposed strategic measures aimed at expediting the attainment of a "Joint and Integrated" operational framework.

SPORTS

Arjun Erigaisi becomes India's no.1 chess player

• India's 21 year old young chess player Arjun Erigasi has become India's number one chess player.

• Arjun Erigaysi is at number 9 in the world ranking list of the International Chess Federation.

• After which Arjun Erigasi has become the new number 1 chess player of the country, leaving behind VishwanathanAnand.

• Arjun has also appeared in the top 10 of the FIDE rating list for the first time.

• Seasoned chess ace VishwanathanAnand is far behind Erigaysi, demonstrating his enduring ability in the game and securing the second position among Indian players with a rating of 2751.

APPOITMENTS

Paris Olympics Bilquis Mir From J&K Makes History As India’s First Female Jury Member

• Bilquis Mir, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, is poised to etch her name in history as the first woman from India to serve as a jury member at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, slated to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

• With a rich background in water sports promotion, development, and athleticism, Bilquis Mir has been selected as a jury member by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association for the Paris Olympic Games' operational proceedings.

• This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first individual from India to assume such a role on the international stage.

• Bilquis Mir's remarkable journey traces back to her beginnings as a canoeist in Kashmir back in 1998.

• Her path to success is a testament to her unwavering perseverance and determination, particularly amidst the challenges preceding the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Despite obstacles, she pursued her passion for sports as a viable career choice, representing the nation with distinction at esteemed global platforms, including the Olympics and Asian Games.

DEFENCE

SagarKavach 2024

• A comprehensive coastal security drill, dubbed SagarKavach 01/24, was executed spanning two days amidst the Lakshadweep Islands, from April 1 to 2, 2024.

• This collaborative effort saw the active involvement of numerous maritime security entities, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries department, Customs officials, and other pertinent security agencies.

• The principal aim of this exercise was to assess and affirm the efficiency of the coastal security apparatus in countering asymmetric threats originating from the maritime domain.

• Throughout the exercise, there was a notable enhancement in readiness levels, responsiveness, surveillance capabilities, and seamless coordination among the diverse stakeholders responsible for safeguarding coastal regions.