NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First Semiconductor Fabrication Unit Chips In Punjab

Nearly 35 years after a mysterious fire destroyed its facilities at the 51-acre campus at Mohali in Punjab, Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) is fighting back to extinguish old memories and earn its place in the sun.

That’s courtesy of a generous Rs 10,000 crore modernisation plan drawn up by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity), which wants India’s original semiconductor fabrication unit to not only continue its operations in the 180 nanometers (nm) technology fab, but upgrade to 28 nm.

It’s ironic that SCL first started manufacturing in 1984, three years before Taiwan’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which eventually became a global chip leader, set up shop.

But the fire and slow decision-making, typical of a government-owned company, stopped SCL in its tracks as it took nearly a decade to resume operations in

When the US-based Micron rolls out the first chip from its assembly, test, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facility at Sanand, Gujarat, part of the credit will go to SCL, which has not only provided the first-level training to the professionals working on Micron’s project, but is busy doing the same for other such projects in the pipeline.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nepal Leads Inaugural Rainbow Tourism Conference

The first International Rainbow Tourism Conference opened, with Nepal offering itself as a safe and respectful destination in South Asia for the sexual minority community.

The single-day international conference was organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal, a non-governmental organisation.

“This pioneer event organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry,” reads a press release issued ahead of the event.

The conference's main objective is to position Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourism destination.

The international conference was inaugurated by Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhary, who underlined the need to forge collaboration among different stakeholders to promote LGBT tourism.

BANKING

IRDAI Removes Age Limit of 65 Years for Individuals

Insurance regulator IRDAI has removed the age limit of 65 years for individuals buying health insurance policies.

This marks a significant departure from the conventional constraints that limited individuals in securing comprehensive coverage.

Under the earlier guidelines, individuals were allowed to purchase a new insurance policy only till the age of 65.

However, with the recent amendment, which is from April 1, anyone, regardless of age, is eligible to buy a new health insurance policy.

In a recent gazette notification, IRDAI stated, “Insurers shall ensure that they offer health insurance products to cater to all age groups. Insurers may design products specifically for senior citizens, students, children, maternity, and any other group as specified by the competent authority.”

Besides, insurers have been mandated to offer health policies to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions of any kind.

Consequently, insurers cannot refuse to issue policies to individuals with severe medical conditions such as cancer, heart or renal failure, and AIDS.

Insurers are allowed to offer premium payment in instalments for the convenience of policyholders. Travel policies can only be offered by general and health insurers, it stated.

SPORTS

Saurav Ghosal Retires from Professional Squash

India’s most successful male squash player, Saurav Ghosal, has announced his retirement from professional squash.

The Professional Squash Association (PSA), just like the ATP for men’s tennis players or BWF for professional badminton players, is a circuit for professional squash players.

Saurav Ghosal has won several Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles on the PSA professional tour.

Saurav Ghosal started his professional career in squash in 2003. He has won 10 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles and has reached the finals of the 18 PSA tournaments.

Saurav Ghosal won his last PSA title in 2021, when he won the Malaysian Open Squash Championships, defeating Colombian Miguel Rodriguez in the final.

His last PSA tournament was the 2024 Windy City Open, where he lost to Timothy Brownell.

Laureus Sports Awards

Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles, Aitana Bonmatí, and Jude Bellingham were honored at the 2024 Laureus Sports Awards ceremony held in Madrid. The event was a grand celebration of the world's best athletes and their achievements.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time, matching Roger Federer's record for the most decorated male athlete in this category.

Simone Biles, an American artistic gymnast, became the most decorated gymnast in history, with 37 World and Olympic medals. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the sport.

Aitana Bonmati, a Barcelona and Spain football star, made history as the first footballer to win the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award. She was praised for her exceptional skills and sportsmanship.

Jude Bellingham, an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the England national team, was also honored at the ceremony.

Carlos Alcaraz, a tennis ace and Real Madrid fan, presented the award to Bellingham in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Max Verstappen Wins Chinese Grand Prix F1 Title

World Champion formula one (F1) driver Max Verstappen has won the Chinese Grand Prix race ensuring his continued domination of the F1 races in 2024 season.

The Chinese Grand Prix was held at the Shanghai International Circuit,Jiading, Shanghai on 21 April 2024.

In the Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen,won the race by 13 seconds. His nearest rival, Lando Norris of McLaren's, came second.

Sergio Perez of Red Bull came third, while the Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Max Verstappen has already won the Bahrain Grand Prix, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Japanese Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Pavuluri Subbarao Gets Aryabhatta Award in Field of Astronautics

Pavuluri Subba Rao Founder and CEO, Chairman of Ananth Technologies has been received with the ‘Aryabhatta Award’.

The Aeronautical Society of India (ASI) has instituted an award to recognize outstanding contributions made to the promotion of astronautics in India.

Recently, the award and the title of 'Distinguished Fellow' were conferred upon a recipient in recognition of their significant lifetime achievements.

The recipient of the award is known for their remarkable contributions to the field of astronautics in India.

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri has over 40 years of experience in the Indian Space Program (ISRO) and is an entrepreneur and technologist. He established Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) in 1993 to design, develop, and fabricate reliable systems and sub-systems for the Indian Space Program (ISRO) and Indian Defence.

Every year, the Astronautical Society of India presents the Aryabhatta Award to people who have made significant contributions in the field of astronautics and aerospace technology in India.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATONS

First Women VC of AMU

The Union Ministry of Education has appointed Professor Naima Khatoon the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). She is the first women to be appointed the Vice Chancellor of the University.

The ministry appointed Professor Khatoon after the President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Visitor of the university approved her name. Currently Professor Khatoon is the Principal of the Women's College of the Aligarh Muslim University.

Professor Khatoon has been appointed the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University for a period of five years from the date she assumes the charge or attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

Professor Naima Khatoon joined Aligarh Muslim University as a lecturer in 1998. She was made the Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at the University, and in 2014, she was appointed Principal at Women's College.

IMPORTANT DAYS

English Language Day

Every year 23 April is celebrated as 'English Language Day'.

April 23 was chosen as 'English Language Day' because it is William Shakespeare's birthday and his death anniversary.

Apart from being the most famous playwright of the English language, Shakespeare also had a huge influence on the modern English language.

The theme of English Language Day for the year 2024 is "Use of Technology for Multilingual Teaching: Challenges and Opportunities".

The purpose of celebrating this day is to inform people about the history, culture and achievements related to the language. The English language is the most widely used and spoken language in the world.

Currently the English language has adopted words, concepts and cultural influences from around the world.

This day is celebrated to commemorate the popularity of the English language and even its eccentricities.