Indian Postal Department Releases Special Stamp Cover on Ice Stupas

The Indian Postal Department has released a special stamp cover on “Ice Stupa”. The stamp was released by Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Postmaster General during a function organised at the Ice Stupa site at Gangles Village in Leh on March 18, 2019. A number of officers and dignitaries from Army and civil administration were present on the occasion. The special stamps aim to create awareness about depleting glaciers and affect the ecology around the Himalayas. Global warming and ecological imbalance have caused irreparable damage to the Himalayas in the past several years.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi becomes the 12th Busiest in the World!

As per Airports Council International (ACI), the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) of New Delhi has jumped 4 ranks to reach at 12th position in terms of busiest airport as compared to 2017’s 16th position. The list of world’s busiest airports by passenger traffic ranking has been topped by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (US) followed by Beijing Capital International Airport (China) and Dubai International Airport (UAE).

Army Will Soon Get 10 Lakh Made in India Hand Grenades

Defence Ministry approved projects worth Rs 2355 crores, including acquisition of multimode grenades and fire control systems for the Teg, Talwar and Saryu class of warships, sources. The approval was given during the Defence Acquisition Council meeting. During the meeting, the Minister also cleared the proposal for acquisition of 10 lakh ‘Made in India’ hand grenades for Indian Army. The new grenades will be replacing the existing inventories of grenades.

Brazilian Astronomer Marcelo Gleiser Wins 2019 Templeton Prize

Brazilian physicist and astronomer Marcelo Gleiser was awarded 2019 Templeton Prize worth $1.4 million for his work on blending science and spirituality. It makes him first Latin American to win this award. Templeton Prize is awarded annually on person for outstanding his/her contributions in affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works. Mother Teresa was the first winner in 1973. Some of its other recipients include Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1975), Dalai Lama (2012) etc. In 2018, it was awarded to King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Microsoft Translates Digital Information into DNA

Microsoft developed a storage device in partnership with the University of Washington that can translate digital information into DNA. The software used in the system converts the 1’s and 0’s of digital data into DNA sequence (A’s, T’s, C’s and G’s) and stored it as a liquid.  The device converted the word ‘Hello’ into DNA which took 21 hours.

Pakistan to Receive Over 2 Billion US Dollars Loan from China

Cash-strapped Pakistan will receive over 2 billion US Dollars loan from China by Monday to provide a boost to its ailing economy. Pakistan’s Finance Ministry has announced that all procedural formalities for the transfer of the 2.1 billion US Dollars loan being provided by the Chinese government have been completed, and the funds will be deposited in the State Bank of Pakistan's account by Monday.

Centre Bans Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front

The Centre on 22^nd March 2019 banned Separatist Yasin Malik-led Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Front has been banned for allegedly promoting secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The front’s chief, Yasin Malik, is under arrest and is currently lodged in Jammu’s Kot Balwal jail. With the policy of zero tolerance against terrorism the Centre decided to ban JKLF. It has been creating hatred against the government as well as the armed rebellion.

RBI Turns Down IDBI Bank’s Proposal to Change It’s Name

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has turned down IDBI Bank’s proposal to change its name following the transfer of a controlling 51% stake to LIC, insurance behemoth, from the government of India. The board of IDBI Bank had, last month, sought the RBI’s approval for a change in the name of the lender to either LIC IDBI Bank or LIC Bank following the takeover by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

Suresh Raina Becomes First ever Player in IPL to Surpass 5,000 Runs Mark

On 23rd March 2019, Suresh Raina, the batsman of Chennai Super Kings became the first batsman to make a record by surpassing 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League in Chennai. Now Virat Kohli who has 4,954 runs needs 51 runs to surpass Suresh Raina to set a new Record in the IPL.

23 March: Martyrs Day 

In 1931 on 23rd March Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged by the British Government for killing British police officer John Saunders.  To commemorate the death anniversary of three of India’s freedom fighter Martyrs Day is observed on 23rd march every year in India

March 24: World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis.