Table of Contents:
1. Integrated Biological Control Laboratory is Inaugurated in Hyderabad
2. First Woman to Head PFC - Parminder Chopra 
3. New Union Law Minister - Arjun Ram Meghwal 
4. HDFC Mutual Fund Launches India's First Defence fund 

Integrated Biological Control Laboratory is Inaugurated in Hyderabad 

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) Hyderabad. 

This laboratory is an important milestone in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The primary focus of the laboratory is on the use of biological control methods. 

The laboratory serves as the center for research and development activities related to biological control. These methods involve the use of natural agents such as beneficial insects, predators and parasites for the management of pests and diseases in agricultural crops. 

• Hyderabad is the largest city and capital of Indian State Telangana. 

• Chief Minister of Telangana: K. Chandrashekar Rao 

• Governor of Telangana: Tamilisai Soundararajan 

First Woman to Head PFC - Parminder Chopra 

Parminder Chopra has become the first woman to assume the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) at Power Finance Corporation (PFC), India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). 

Parminder’s appointment is not only a testament to her remarkable leadership qualities and expertise but also a significant step forward for gender diversity in the corporate world. 

As the CMD of PFC, Parminder Chopra will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and shaping its future trajectory. She has been with the company since 2005 and has been serving as the Director (Finance) and CFO since 2020, as well as a member of the board of directors. 

She has over 35 years of experience in the power sector, including the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation of India (NHPC) and the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). 

Power Finance Corporation 

• Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India. 

• Established in: 1986 

• Headquarters: New Delhi 

New Union Law Minister - Arjun Ram Meghwal 

Arjun Ram Meghwal has replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union Minister for Law and Justice and appointed as new law minister of India 

Meghwal has been assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice, in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Kiren Rijiju. Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the portfolio of Ministry of Earth Sciences. Meghwal is the current Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture.  

HDFC Mutual Fund Launches India's First Defence fund 

HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd has announced the launch of the country's first mutual fund focused on defence sector, a move that will provide investors an opportunity to participate in the growth potential of this space. 

The new fund offering (NFO) of HDFC Defence Fund, an open-ended equity scheme, would open on May 19 and close on June 2. The fund will invest at least 80 per cent of its net assets in defence and allied sector companies.  

Defence and allied sector stocks include stocks forming part of aerospace and defence; explosives, shipbuilding and allied services.