World Forestry Day 2024: Forests are very significant for our daily lives. From the book we read to the air we breathe to the house we build; forests play an irreplaceable role in each of our lives. They bind the soil, they help in water retention, they contribute to the overall ecosystem of the world, and most importantly, they give us the oxygen that we need for survival. Forests are also the greatest source of medicinal plants which can cure a lot of diseases. In short, we cannot live without trees and forests in the world.

However, with time, industrialisation and overpopulation, we have mindlessly cut down trees and done deforestation for our own benefits. This has contributed to global warming and the depleting of resources. It is time to understand that we do not have another planet to go to, and we should take care of the planet we call home.

IPS officer Sanjay Mukherjee has been appointed the new West Bengal Director-General of Police (DGP) by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a day after the election body transferred the State’s current DGP Rajeev Kumar.

Mr. Mukherjee‘s appointment by the ECI also comes after the West Bengal government appointed Vivek Sahay as the new DGP hours after Mr. Kumar was transferred.

In a memo to the State Chief Secretary, ECI secretary Rakesh Kumar said that the Commission approved Mr. Mukherjee’s name for the post of DGP and directed the Chief Secretary to ensure immediate compliance and confirm the same by 5 p.m.

Senior IAS officer Deepak Kumar was on Tuesday named the new additional chief secretary of the home department of Uttar Pradesh.

The Election Commission has approved Kumar’s name as the new ACS, Home.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa confirmed to PTI the appointment of Kumar in the home department.

Kumar, a 1990 batch IAS officer, is presently additional chief secretary of finance and basic education.

Senior IAS officer Sanjay Prasad, who is associated with the chief minister’s office (CMO) and is also holding the charge of the information department, was also looking after the home department.

New Delhi Noted poet and litterateur Prabha Varma will be awarded the prestigious Saraswati Samman, 2023 for his verse novel Roudra Sathwikam, the KK Birla Foundation said in a statement on Monday.

Instituted in 1991, Saraswati Samman is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country. It is given every year to an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language by an Indian citizen and published within the last 10 years. It carries a citation, a plaque, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh. The recipient is chosen by a selection committee, whose current head is former Supreme Court judge, Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday called fake news and disinformation based on AI and digital technology threats to democracy, as some officials attending a global summit accused Russia and China of conducting malicious propaganda campaigns.

Speaking at the opening of the Summit for Democracy in Seoul, Yoon said countries had a duty to share experiences and wisdom so that artificial intelligence and technology could be employed to promote democracy.

“Fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology not only violates individual freedom and human rights but also threatens democratic systems,” Yoon said.

South Korea is hosting the third Summit for Democracy conference, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden aimed at discussing ways to stop democratic backsliding and erosion of rights and freedoms.

UNION MINISTER for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said Tuesday that India is powering its way to become the third largest economy, but economic progress apart, convictions and principles are equally important to live by in a democracy.

Presenting the 17th Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism for the years 2021 and 2022 at a well-attended ceremony in New Delhi, Gadkari said, “We are the fastest growing economy in the world and working towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. Economic progress is important but it cannot be the ultimate end of life. Those who have stayed with their conviction and ideals and worked for democracy since 1947, we will remember them when we complete 100 years of Independent India.”

Legendary Indian cueist Pankaj Advani achieved yet another milestone in his glorious career as he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the World Billiards Museum in Shangrao City in China.

Last November, the 38-year-old Indian star won his 26th IBSF (the International Billiards and Snooker Federation) title after beating compatriot Sourav Kothari who had threatened his chances early on in the billiards’ long-format contest.

“I am deeply honoured to join the Hall of Fame at the World Billiards Museum. The love and support I’ve received throughout this incredible journey have been overwhelming and I’m extremely grateful for it,” Advani said.

The importance of oral health cannot be overstated, as it not only affects our physical well-being but also our overall quality of life. World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually on March 20th to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health practices.

Access to quality dental care can be a challenge for many people, having insurance can make a huge difference in ensuring that individuals can receive the care they need.

The International Day of Happiness, also known as World Happiness Day or Happiness Day, is observed on March 20 every year. The day’s goal is to make the world a kinder and happier place by encouraging people to practise simple, daily happiness habits.

The International Day of Happiness encourages people to consider that there are a variety of ways to find happiness, including meaningful relationships with others, good mental health, and self-fulfilment. This day is celebrated as a call to action for people and organisations to concentrate on raising their own and their communities’ standards of happiness. We can make the world a happier and more fulfilling place for everyone if we acknowledge and prioritise happiness.

US-based applied AI lab, Cognition, has introduced what it claims is the world’s first AI software engineer. The makers say that the AI agent, named Devin, has passed practical engineering interviews held by leading AI companies. Cognition claims it has also completed real jobs posted on Upwork, an US-based freelancing platform. “Devin is a tireless, skilled teammate, equally ready to build alongside you or independently complete tasks for you to review. With Devin, engineers can focus on more interesting problems, and engineering teams can strive for more ambitious goals,” read the company’s official blog post.