Zero Discrimination Day 2024

• Ten years ago, UNAIDS introduced Zero Discrimination Day with the aim of promoting "equality and fairness for all, irrespective of gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity, or HIV status."
• The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that Zero Discrimination Day originally centered on HIV awareness, emphasizing the importance of educating and advocating for the rights of individuals living with and impacted by HIV.
• The theme for Zero Discrimination Day 2024 is “To protect everyone's health, protect everyone's rights."

Cabinet Approves Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance

• The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the formation of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with its headquarters situated in India.
• A one-time budgetary allocation of Rs.150 crore has been approved for five years, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
• The Prime Minister articulated the need for a coalition of global leaders to combat poaching in Asia during his address on Global Tiger Day in 2019.
• This sentiment was reiterated on April 9, 2023, commemorating 50 years of India's Project Tiger, where the Prime Minister officially introduced the launch of the International Big Cat Alliance.
• The initiative aims to ensure the future sustainability of large feline populations and their habitats, drawing inspiration from India's longstanding conservation efforts which may serve as a model for other countries.

PM Modi Launches India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first hydrogen fuel cell ferry via virtual means.
• Crafted by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), this vessel is slated for service deployment in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Manufactured at a budget of Rs 18 crore, the ferry will undergo extensive trials before being transferred to the Inland Waterways Authority of India by CSL.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has generously contributed 75 percent of the project's total cost.

Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary Knighthood

• Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Chairman and founder of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded an honorary Knighthood by King Charles III of Britain.
• He holds the distinction of being the first Indian recipient of this esteemed accolade, in recognition of his significant contributions to fostering UK-India business relations.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches "Coal Logistics Plan and Policy"

• Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi, has inaugurated a pioneering initiative known as the "Coal Logistics Plan and Policy" at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• It was organized by the Indian National Committee World Mining Congress under the auspices of the Ministry of Coal.
• Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized the critical importance of efficient logistics to meet the escalating energy demand.
• The Coal Logistics Plan advocates for a strategic transition towards a railway-centric system in FMCs projects, aiming to achieve a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs and an annual cost saving of Rs 21,000 Crore.
• Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted the significance of enhancing the capacity of the railway network through First-Mile Connectivity.