• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced the launch of the Indiramma Housing Scheme starting March 11. The scheme aims to provide housing solutions to the economically disadvantaged segments of society.
• During DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 4, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. The scheme aims to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, providing start-ups with significant grants for research and development.
• Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has launched a pioneering initiative, the ‘Vidhwa Punarvivah Protsahan Yojana’ (Widow Remarriage Incentive Scheme). This scheme, a first in India, aims to support and encourage widows to embark on a new journey of companionship by providing a financial incentive of Rs 2 lakh to those who choose to remarry.
• Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce and Industry, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the ’e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) in New Delhi. This initiative is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat’, by 2047, with agriculture as its foundational pillar.
• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, 2024 (UNNATI - 2024). This scheme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to invigorate industrial development in the North East Region, fostering economic growth and job creation.
• The Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has greenlit the ambitious IndiaAI mission, allocating a substantial budget of Rs. 10,371.92 crore. This initiative aligns with the vision of bolstering $\mathrm{Al}$ innovation within India and leveraging $A I$ for the nation’s advancement. The mission aims to establish a robust Al ecosystem through a strategic public-private partnership approach.
• The NAMASTE Scheme, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to eliminate manual engagement of sanitation workers in hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning operations. Implemented by the NSKFDC for three years, the scheme prioritizes the safety and well-being of workers with a budget of 349.73 crores.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ in Chhattisgarh from Kashi, Uttar Pradesh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to women in the state. PM Modi disbursed the first installment of Rs 1,000 to $70,12,417$ women in Chhattisgarh. The state government has allocated Rs 655.57 crore for this purpose.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, introduces the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme to enhance industry capabilities and align with global standards. Its approval follows a thorough review by the Scheme Steering Committee, considering the revised Schedule-M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rule, 1945.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal during an event organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The portal signifies the government’s commitment to extending credit support and empowering one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.
• NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme on March 13, 2024. This initiative aims to bolster local economies and promote grassroots entrepreneurship, ultimately fostering selfreliance and sustainable growth.
• The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, introduces the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024). This scheme aims to expedite the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) within the country, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem while bolstering the EV manufacturing sector.
• Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced the launch of the bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme. The scheme aims to raise deposits that will be used to finance eligible environment-friendly projects and sectors, fostering India’s transition to a green and sustainable economy.
• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has inaugurated a unique talent hunt event called KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) in Chandigarh. This nationwide programme, under the Khelo India mission, aims to identify talented athletes between the ages of 9 and 18 years, currently enrolled in schools across the country.
• The Tamil Nadu government has agreed to implement the PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education in the state and align with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.
• In response to the urgent need to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) population from extinction caused by collisions with high-powered power cables in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra has appointed an expert committee to address this critical issue while balancing conservation efforts with renewable energy goals.

Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding ( $ \mathrm{M o U}$ )

• In a recent development, India and Nepal have bolstered their financial cooperation, with a focus on digital payments. This initiative aims to streamline cross-border transactions and enhance convenience for citizens of both nations.

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog and Meta have joined forces to establish Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) in strategically important schools. This collaboration aims to democratize access to future technologies and foster innovation among students.

• India aims to enhance its strategic partnership with South Korea by expanding cooperation into new and critical areas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul. Co-chairing the meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, Jaishankar highlighted the comprehensive and productive discussions held on various aspects, including defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has forged a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, to conduct joint research on Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This collaboration aims to establish the “NPCI-IISc Centre of Excellence (COE) for Deep Tech Research & Development” to drive innovation in the fintech sector.

• Airbus, a prominent name in the aviation industry, has announced a significant partnership with the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) to deliver high-quality aviation training to professionals. This collaboration marks a crucial step towards enhancing industry-ready skills among aspiring and working individuals in the aviation sector.

• Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in collaboration with the Department of Sports, has introduced significant reforms in the recruitment, promotion, and incentive mechanisms for athletes. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and turning sports into a lucrative career option.

• India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein have signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This modern and ambitious agreement marks India’s first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed nations in Europe, offering significant economic opportunities and promoting free trade and economic integration.

• NTPC and its renewable energy arm NGEL signed nonbinding MoUs with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) in Jaipur. These agreements represent a significant stride towards improving the efficiency and costeffectiveness of the Chhabra Thermal Power Plant. The focus lies on exploring avenues for integrating supercritical units into the current infrastructure to modernize and enhance power generation.

• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has entered a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

• On March 12, 2024, a significant milestone in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and the Dominican Republic was achieved as the Protocol for the establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo.

• Grain commerce platform Arya.ag has collaborated with Shivalik Small Finance Bank to extend financial assistance to farmers, agro-processors, and micro-enterprises. This partnership aims to facilitate over ₹200 crore in warehouse receipt financing in the current fiscal year, enhancing financial inclusion in the agricultural ecosystem.

• India and Singapore have solidified their cooperation in the realm of law and dispute resolution through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law Mr. Edwin Tong SC and India’s Minister for Law and Justice Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal. This agreement aims to bolster collaboration in areas such as international commercial dispute resolution.

• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is collaborating with the Council of Architecture (COA) to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in public spaces and buildings. This partnership signifies a significant advancement in architectural practices and aims to raise awareness about designing environments that accommodate the needs of PwDs.

• In a significant step towards promoting innovation and advancing the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Europol have entered into a significant Working Arrangement aimed at combating crime and fostering cooperation between the two agencies. This collaborative effort underscores the necessity of global partnerships in addressing modern-day challenges posed by transnational crime networks.

• Tech Mahindra and IBM have joined forces to inaugurate a Synergy Lounge in Singapore, aimed at accelerating digital adoption for enterprises across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration seeks to leverage next-gen technologies to drive innovation and offer unique solutions to various industries.

• State-owned power giant NTPC has finalized an agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to obtain foreign currency loans totaling USD 200 million (JPY 30 billion or approximately Rs 1,650 crore). This financing arrangement signifies a significant step in NTPC’s endeavor to augment its renewable energy initiatives.

• The Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh, held a bilateral meeting with their Armenian counterparts on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) event in Geneva, Switzerland.

• The SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) and ABRASAT, the Brazilian Satellite Communications Association, have joined forces to propel advancements in the space sector. This strategic partnership aims to foster collaboration and drive innovative ventures and technological cooperation between India and Brazil.

• In a significant move poised to reshape India’s Aerospace, New Space, and Defence (ASD) industry, the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) partners with Starburst, a prominent European Aerospace, New Space, and Defence (ASD) accelerator. This collaboration aims to bolster the ASD startup ecosystem in India, leveraging the resources and expertise of both entities.

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), one of India’s leading petroleum companies, has recently announced its partnership with Olympic and World Javelin Champion Neeraj Chopra. Neeraj Chopra will serve as the brand ambassador for BPCL’s premium petrol variant, ‘Speed.’ This collaboration adds to BPCL’s list of esteemed brand ambassadors.

• The world of archaeology mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished figures, Padmashree Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, who passed away at the age of 90 at his residence in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Sharma’s career was marked by significant contributions to Indian archaeology, including his pivotal role in the excavation of the Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya site.

• The Bihar government made a significant announcement, appointing senior IAS officer Brajesh Mehrotra as the new chief secretary of the state. This appointment underscores the government’s commitment to efficient governance and administrative excellence.

• Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari has etched her name in history as the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force (BSF). Her recent completion of an eight-week intensive sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore not only showcases her exceptional abilities but also her pioneering spirit. Suman achieved the prestigious ‘instructor grade’, a testament to her proficiency and expertise.

• Alok Rungta has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Future Generali India Life Insurance, effective April 1st, pending regulatory approvals. He will succeed Bruce De Broize, who currently holds the position until March 31st.

• Slice, the popular mango-flavored drink, has recently announced the appointment of acclaimed actress Nayanthara as its latest brand ambassador.

• German technology giant SAP has made a significant leadership change in the Indian Subcontinent region. Manish Prasad has been appointed as the new president and managing director for the region, succeeding Kulmeet Bawa.

• Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Director (Finance) of NHPC, has recently assumed the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited, a premier hydropower company in India and a Schedule ‘A’ enterprise under the Government of India. This transition marks a significant moment in the company’s leadership, bringing Goyal’s extensive experience and expertise to the forefront.

• Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, has been elected as the new President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). He succeeds another renowned para-athlete, Deepa Malik.

• AS Rajeev was appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission by the Honourable President of India on 9th February 2024.

• Kishor Makwana has assumed the charge of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi. Shri Luv Kush Kumar has also taken charge as a Member of the NCSC.

• Justice Satyendra Kumar Singh was appointed as the new Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) of Madhya Pradesh. He took the oath of office on Sunday night, with the ceremony being administered by Governor Mangubhai Patel at Raj Bhavan.

• The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has appointed Mr. Deepak Ballani as its new Director General. With over 25 years of extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and organizational management, Mr. Ballani brings a wealth of expertise to this pivotal role.

• Sanjay Kumar Singh is poised to step into the role of Director (Projects) at NHPC Limited, following a commendation by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel on March 12.

• The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led three-member committee has appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new Election Commissioners. This decision was conveyed to the media by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury after the committee’s meeting on March 14, 2024.

• B Sairam has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL). NCL is the Singrauli-based flagship Subsidiary of Coal India Limited. Sairam has assumed the charge for this post.

• Retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board. The position had been vacant for four years after $ \mathrm{A}$ Surya Prakash retired in February 2020 after turning 70, the upper age limit for the post.

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Jaideep Hansraj, the current MD and CEO of Kotak Securities, as the Group President - One Kotak, effective from April 1, 2024. This move signifies a strategic shift towards optimizing the Group’s financial conglomerate model and enhancing customer offerings through collaborative efforts across subsidiaries.

• Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre.

• Poonawalla Fincorp, a notable NBFC, has chosen Arvind Kapil, a seasoned retail banking expert from HDFC Bank, as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer. Kapil will commence his five-year term on June 24, 2024, succeeding Abhay Bhutada, who opted for early retirement.

• Vinay Kumar, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1992 batch, has been named as the next Ambassador of India to Russia. Kumar is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Myanmar.

• Leading FMCG company P&G India has announced the appointment of Kumar Venkatasubramanian as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from May 1, 2024.

• The Election Commission of India has made a significant decision regarding the leadership of the West Bengal police force. Vivek Sahay has been replaced by Sanjay Mukherjee as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for the state of West Bengal. This decision comes amidst a series of changes in key positions within the state administration, particularly in light of past incidents and the upcoming elections.

• The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has elected M V Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Bank of India, as its new Chairman. The decision was taken during the IBA’s managing committee meeting.

• Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power, has been unanimously elected as the President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA) by the apex committee, which is the governing body of the ISA. He took charge on Thursday, succeeding Dilip Oommen, CEO of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.

• Microsoft named British Al pioneer Mustafa Suleyman as the head of its Al division. Suleyman, who co-founded Google’s DeepMind, will now report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

• Ashwani Kumar, Partner at Victor Forgings in Jalandhar, has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

• Mariam Mammen Mathew, CEO of Manorama Online, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) for a two-year term starting April 1, 2024. She succeeds Tanmay Maheshwari, Managing Director of Amar Ujala.

• The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) has appointed Govind Dholakia, a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, as its new chairman. This appointment comes a day after the previous chairman, Vallabhbhai Patel (Lakhani), resigned from his position.

• Senior Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur has been appointed as the country’s next ambassador or top envoy to Myanmar. This was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 26.

• Eveready Industries India (EIIL), a leading battery brand, has announced a partnership with Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and World no. 1 in men’s javelin throw, as its new brand ambassador.

• Hansha Mishra, an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) from the $ \mathrm{2 0 1 0}$ batch, has been appointed as Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi. Her appointment comes after she was recommended for central deputation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has taken oath as the new judicial member of the Lokpal (ombudsman) on 27 March 2024. The oath was administered by Justice AM Khanwilkar, the Chairman of the Lokpal of India. Central Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava and senior officers from CBI and Enforcement Directorate were present.

• Sadanand Vasant Date, a distinguished 1990-batch IPS officer from Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of the NIA. Piyush Anand, a 1991batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been entrusted with the responsibility of heading the NDRF. Rajeev Kumar, an accomplished IPS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the BPR&D.

• In a significant development, the central government has approved the appointment of Nidhu Saxena as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank of Maharashtra. This appointment will be effective for a period of three years starting from 27 March 2024.

• The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Kamal Kishore of India as the new Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. He will lead the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

• Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani was administered the oath of office as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The oath was administered by Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh in Srinagar.

• Arnab Banerjee, the Managing Director & CEO of CEAT Ltd., has been elected as the new Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA). ATMA is the national industry body representing the automotive tyre sector in India.

• Microsoft has named Pavan Davuluri as the new head of its combined Windows and Surface teams. This move comes after the previous leader, Panos Panay, left for Amazon last year.

• Girija Subramanian, the current Chairperson and MD of Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC), has been selected as the next CMD of New India Assurance. Bhupesh Sushil Rahul, a General Manager at AIC, has been chosen as the new CMD of United India Insurance.