Table of Contents
National News
India’s Toy Exports Slip to $152.34 Million in 2023-24: GTRI Report
India’s toy exports experienced a slight decline to USD 152.34 million in the fiscal year 2023-24, with limited benefits from quality control measures. Despite efforts to bolster the domestic industry and ensure product safety, exports did not see significant improvement.
International News
John Swinney, Scotland’s New First Minister and Veteran SNP Leader
John Swinney, a veteran of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has been elected as the party’s new leader, paving the way for him to succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s First Minister. Swinney emerged as the sole contender in the contest to pick a new premier, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Scottish politics.
Appointments News
IRDAI Approves Appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life
Following Deepak Parekh’s resignation from the post of Chairman, HDFC Life Insurance appointed Keki Mistry to fill the position. Subsequently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted approval for Mistry’s appointment.
Business News
P-note Investments in Indian Markets Soar to Nearly 6-Year High
Investments through participatory notes (P-notes) in the Indian capital markets reached a staggering Rs 1.5 lakh crore at the end of February 2024, marking the highest level in nearly six years. This surge in P-note investments, encompassing Indian equity, debt, and hybrid securities, has been driven by the strong performance of the domestic economy.
Setu Unveils Sesame, India’s First BFSI-Focused Large Language Model
Setu, a leading Indian fintech company and part of the Pine Labs Group, has unveiled Sesame, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM) specifically designed for the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector. Developed in collaboration with indigenous AI research firm Sarvam AI, this groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the adoption of advanced AI technologies in the financial services industry.
India Leads Global Remittances, Surpassing $100 Billion Mark
India emerged as the global leader in remittances in 2022, receiving over $111 billion, surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) highlighted India, alongside Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France, as the top five remittance recipient countries.
NCLT Approval: Sapphire Media’s Acquisition of Big 92.7 FM
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai has sanctioned Sapphire Media’s acquisition plan for Reliance Broadcast Network’s Big 92.7 FM. This approval follows a resolution process initiated in February 2023 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
Defence News
IAF Conducts Bambi Bucket Operations to Combat Forest Fires in Uttarakhand
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively assisting the state in combating the forest fires. In response to the raging fires in the Pauri Garhwal sector, the IAF provided much-needed relief by undertaking Bambi Bucket operations using its Mi17 V5 helicopters.
Sports News
Yuzvendra Chahal Creates History to Become First Indian Bowler to 350 T20 Wickets
Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner from Rajasthan Royals, continues to etch his name in the annals of T20 cricket history. In the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chahal achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian bowler to take 350 wickets in the shortest format of the game.
Obituaries News
Filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan Passes Away At 61
Renowned filmmaker from Kerala Sangeeth Sivan passed away at the age of 61. He had films like ‘Vyooham,’ ‘Daddy,’ ‘Gandharvam,’ and the ‘Yodha’. Apart from this, he also made 10 Hindi movies like ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum’ and ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’.
Miscellaneous News
National Archives of India Acquires Invaluable Collection of Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai
The National Archives of India (NAI) has acquired a priceless collection of private papers and original correspondences belonging to the late Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building efforts. This acquisition ensures the preservation of a significant part of our nation’s history and the legacy of a remarkable leader.
Understanding West Nile Fever: A Mosquito-Borne Viral Infection
West Nile fever is a viral infection caused by the West Nile virus (WNV), which is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. First detected in Uganda in 1937, this vector-borne disease has now spread globally, including in India, where it was first reported in Kerala in 2011.
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