Rupendra Tandon an IFS offcier of 1994 batch has been appointed as next Indian ambassador to Greece.

• He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
• In september 2020 he joined as India's ambassador to Afganistan.
• He has done postings at the Indian embassies in Paris(France), Algiers(Algeria), Kabul (Afganistan) and Moscow(Russia).

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on April 1 that India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade in the Indian Rupee.

• This development is attributed to the landmark decision taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in July 2022 to allow the settlement of international trade in the Indian Rupee.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully conducted an experiment that it said would propel the country forward in its goal to send reusable rockets into space.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully conducted an experiment that it said would propel the country forward in its goal to send reusable rockets into space.

The Georgia Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia, making it the first American State to take such a legislative measure.

• Condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, the resolution said Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries.
• It encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect and peace.

The ninth edition of the bi-lateral Naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Exercise) concluded on 10 Mar 22. 

Sri Lankan Naval Ship Sayurala, an Indian built Advanced Off-shore Patrol Vessel,  Indian Naval ships Jyoti, Kirch along with Dornier Aircraft, ALH MK Ill, Sea King and Chetak participated in the exercise.

• The sea phase of SLINEX was held in the Bay of Bengal included Joint Boarding and Slithering operations by Special Forces of both navies.
•  The inter-operability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be operationally beneficial for both the navies. The present edition of the exercise has further strengthened ties between the two Maritime neighbours and helped in improving interoperability.
•  SLINEX was conducted from 07 to 10 Mar 22 at Visakhapatnam.  The harbour phase included professional interactions between two navies on various topics, sports fixtures and formal calls as well as informal interactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and confer the President Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Gold Medal for Best Investigating Officers of the agency.

• The PM will also release a Postage Stamp and Commemorative Coin marking the Diamond Jubilee Celebration year of CBI, besides launching CBI's official Twitter handle.
• He will also inaugurate the newly constructed office complexes of CBI at Shillong, Pune and Nagpur.
• CBI was established by a resolution of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated April 1, 1963.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promote the livelihood of people having autism.

• It also aims to encourage early diagnosis and intervention that can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autism.
• Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the communication, social interaction, and behavior of an individual. It is characterised by repetitive behaviours, communication difficulties and problems with social interaction.
• Autism affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

History

France has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Paris as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade in July, sources confirmed here, but said the visit is still under discussion.

• The visit, which would add to Mr. Modi’s already-packed diplomatic calendar, is likely to take place around July 14.
• The PM and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to discuss a number of major agreements including those on the Indo-Pacificregion, nuclear power and defence, as the two countries mark the 25 th year of their strategic partnership.

The US Senate has confirmed Indian-American lawyer, diplomat and executive Richard Verma as the Deputy Secretary of State, Management and Resources, a position which is normally seen as the CEO of the powerful State Department in the US government.

• Mr Verma, 54, was confirmed by a vote of 67-26 on Thursday.
• He served as the US ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017, and is currently the chief legal officer and the head of global public policy at Mastercard.
• During the previous Obama administration, Verma served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs.

Godrej Capital and State Bank of India (SBI) have signed a strategic MoU where the bank would provide various financial products and offerings.

• The two institutions will join together to make financial solutions more accessible and affordable, unlocking opportunities for financial inclusion.
• The association leverages the strengths of both groups by facilitating a gamut of financial services provided by the bank such as banking products, credit cards, wealth management and insurance products as preferred partners.
• Godrej Capital has, so far, disbursed over ?5,000 crore since inception in November 2020 across housing, SME, and MSME loans.