Daily Current Affairs 23rd April, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 23 April 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
PM inaugurates 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- During the event, the PM released a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the occasion. In his address, Modi highlighted the significance of the youth’s commitment to the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer and emphasised the importance of celebrating these values for thousands of years to come.
- PM Modi spoke on the importance of the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, highlighting its coincidental alignment with significant national events like the 75th year of the Constitution and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
NSDC collaborates with ISKCON to provide vocational training to tribal youth
- In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering marginalised communities, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) are all set to provide vocational training to tribal and underprivileged youth across multiple states.
- As per an official statement, the strategic partnership will initially focus on skilling youths from tribal and marginalised communities in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.
- Through jointly conducted short-term courses, participants will receive industry-recognised certifications via the Skill India Digital Hub platform, enhancing their employability prospects.
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) signs MoU with Ministry of Civil Service, Cambodia on cooperation in the field of Human Resource Development in Civil Service
- Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under Ministry of Personnel, Public Administration and Pensions signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Ministry of Civil Service, Cambodia on cooperation in the field of Human Resource Development in Civil Service.
- The MoU advances the cordial and friendly ties between India and Cambodia in the field of Human Resource Development in Civil Service over the next 05 years.
- The MoU will focus on strengthening and promoting bilateral exchange and cooperation between the two countries in the field of Human Resource Development in Civil Service as also facilitate a dialogue between India’s Personnel Administration agencies and the agencies of the Ministry of Civil Service of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
India Excels In QS World University Rankings As Top-Performing G20 Nation
- India has emerged as the top-performing nation among G20 countries in the latest QS World University Rankings, with its universities recording a 14% year-on-year improvement in the average ranking.
- India has become one of the world’s most rapidly expanding research centres, said Nunzio Quacquarelli, President of Quacquarelli Symonds. From 2017 to 2022, India’s research output surged by an impressive 54%, making it the world’s fourth-largest producer of research.
- According to Quacquarelli, the analysis covered over 1,500 universities in 96 countries, highlighting excellence in 55 academic subjects and five faculty areas.
- India now ranks prominently across 44 out of the 55 QS Subject Rankings. Standout performances were noted in Computer Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Business Studies, and Physics, among others.
- The Institutes of Eminence (IoE) figured in 47 of the 69 Indian university positions within the top-100 in any of the Subject Rankings. Across Asia, India now holds the second-highest number of featured universities in the QS Subject Rankings, behind China.
Rashtriya Raksha University signs MoU with French Starburst Aerospace
- Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Starburst Aerospace of France entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance aerospace, defence, and homeland security innovation.
- The MoU includes the creation of a venture capital fund of 100 million euros for aerospace, defence and security technology and provides export promotion support for Indian start-ups to explore international markets, the RRU said.
- The partnership between Starburst and RRU is a reflection of the progress in the India-France Strategic Partnership in defence and space, it said.
- RRU and Starburst will work together to advance a vibrant security and defence ecosystem in India, facilitating enterprise creation and nurturing the rapid growth of innovative start-ups in the region.
AFMS & IIT Delhi ink MoU for collaborative research & training
- Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
- The MoU was signed by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen Daljit Singh and Director IIT Delhi Prof Rangan Banerjee.
- The scope of this MoU includes undertaking research and innovation to develop novel medical devices and focus on solving health issues specific to serving soldiers in varied terrains.
- Under the ambit of this MoU, faculty exchange program, joint academic activities and development of joint PhD programmes will also be planned.
RVNL signs MoU with TUMAS India for Railways and Metro Infrastructure sector
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with M/s Turkish Engineering Consulting & Contracting – TUMAS India Private Limited for India’s public transportation and infrastructure related projects.
- This collaboration will strengthen the capabilities of both entities to accelerate and improve infrastructure development, operational efficiency and connectivity within India’s rail network.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
EU Adopts New Visa Rules, Allows Frequent Travellers From India To Apply For Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa With Longer Validity
- European Union, EU has adopted new visa rules that will allow frequent travellers from India to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visa with longer validity, easing travel to 29 European countries. Announced by the EU delegation to India and Bhutan, the rules will make it easier for regular Indian travellers to get the visa under the new cascade regime.
- The delegation’s statement said, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.
- The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. It added that during the validity period of these visas, holders will enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.
India fourth-largest military spender, overall global spending accelerates: SIPRI report
- India was the fourth largest military spender globally in 2023, a leading conflict think-tank said. At $83.6 billion, the country’s military expenditure was 4.2 per cent higher than in 2022.
- Meanwhile, global military expenditure rose by 7 per cent to $2,443 billion in 2023, the steepest annual rise since 2009, said the latest report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- The 10 largest military spenders were the US ($916 billion), China ($296 billion), Russia ($109 billion), India ($84 billion), Saudi Arabia ($76 billion), UK ($75 billion), Germany ($67 billion), Ukraine ($65 billion), France ($61 billion) and Japan ($50 billion). Pakistan was placed at the 30th spot with $8.5 billion.
- The largest percentage increase in military spending by any country in 2023 was seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+105 per cent), where there has been protracted conflict between the government and non-state armed groups. South Sudan recorded the second largest percentage increase (+78 per cent) amid internal violence and spillover from the Sudanese civil war, the report says.
BANKING & FINANCE
IndusInd Bank pilots cenbank’s e-rupee payments program with farmers
- IndusInd Bank said it has executed transactions to pay farmers for carbon credits with a programmable version of the Reserve Bank of India’s digital currency, or e-rupee.
- The RBI piloted its central bank digital currency (CBDC), which uses distributed-ledger technology, in 2022 and allows banks to offer these tokens.
- IndusInd is providing a platform for farmers to exchange their carbon credits for CBDCs. Earlier, the farmers could only exchange their credits for fiat rupees. The private lender conducted the project with 50 farmers in India’s Maharashtra state and plans to expand it, it said in an exchange filing.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Reliance Jio emerges world’s largest mobile operator in data traffic surpassing China mobile
- Reliance Jio, the telecom giant of India, has become the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic, surpassing China Mobile. The announcement came recently as Jio revealed its quarterly results, showcasing staggering numbers and milestones.
- As of March 2024, Jio boasts a subscriber base of 481.8 million, out of which 108 million subscribers are on Jio’s True5G Standalone network. The number reflects Jio’s stronghold in the Indian telecom market.
- According to a press release, the total traffic on the Jio network has reached 40.9 Exabytes, marking a 35.2 per cent year-on-year increase.This surge is attributed to the growing adoption of 5G and Home services.
NGEL and ITL join alliance for green energy advancement
- NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL) and Indus Towers Ltd. (ITL) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing green energy initiatives in alignment with the Government of India’s efforts towards achieving a carbon-neutral economy.
- Under the MoU, collaborative efforts will be made towards the development of grid-connected Renewable Energy based Power Projects, including solar, wind, energy storage, and related solutions.
- Indus Towers Limited aims to progressively expand its renewable energy portfolio to achieve gigawatt-scale capacity across its operations nationwide, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
CSIR-IICT, BHEL partner to develop CO2 conversion technology with focus on achieving net-zero goals
- CSIR-IICT (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) and BHEL corporate R&D have joined hands to develop a technology for capturing and converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into Dimethyl Ether (DME) through direct catalytic conversion. This clean fuel can be blended with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
- The project is being taken up under Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology.
- This is the science and technology ministry’s initiative on the country’s net-zero emissions goals in partnership with industry for deploying Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies in hard to abate sectors like coal gasification. India has a goal to reach net-zero emission (carbon neutrality) by 2070
SPORTS
Two-time world champion Kento Momota announces retirement from badminton at 29
- Two-time world champion Kento Momota has announced his retirement from international badminton at the age of 29. Momota’s career took a downturn after a serious car accident in 2020, which significantly impacted his performance.
- Despite a momentous year in 2019, winning 11 titles, the accident left him with a fractured eye socket and double vision, causing a struggle to return to his peak form.
- The Japanese star, once ranked number one globally, has decided to step away from the international scene after representing Japan for the last time at the Thomas Cup in China. Following the Thomas Cup, Momota will continue to play in domestic competition.
Verstappen claims maiden Shanghai Grand Prix win
- The three-time defending champion, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Chinese Grand Prix starting from the pole, his fourth victory in five races this season and his 23rd in the last 27 extending through last season.
- The Dutchman’s triumph marked the first Formula One race in China in five years, and he left no room for doubt, leading from start to finish.
- Verstappen’s commanding performance saw him cross the finish line a staggering 13.7 seconds ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren, who secured second place. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, completed the podium, finishing a further six seconds behind Norris.
India’s 17-Year-Old D Gukesh Wins Candidates Chess Tournament: Creates History By Becoming Youngest Challenger For World Championship Title
- India’s 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh makes history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament, becoming the youngest challenger to the world title.
- Gukesh, from Chennai, finished with nine points out of 14, securing a match against world champion Ding Liren. He surpassed Garry Kasparov’s record, who was 22 when he qualified in 1984.
- Gukesh, only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the tournament, expressed relief and happiness at his victory.
AWARDS
Ratan Tata Receives KISS Humanitarian Award from Achyuta Samanta
- Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, was honored with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2021. The award ceremony was held at his residence in Mumbai, marking a significant recognition of Tata’s commitment to social development and exemplary corporate leadership.
- The award was presented by the Founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta. Due to health reasons, Tata has been avoiding public appearances, leading to the private arrangement of the ceremony at his home.
- Initiated in 2008 by Achyuta Samanta, the KISS Humanitarian Award is the highest honour of KIIT and KISS dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of humanitarian work worldwide.
President of India presents 3 Padma Vibhushan, 8 Padma Bhushan and 55 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024
- The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented 3 Padma Vibhushan, 8 Padma Bhushan and 55 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held with grandeur in Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- Founder of Sulabh International, Bindeshwar Pathak, posthumously, renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan.
- Actor Mithun Chakraborty and singer Usha Uthup will receive the Padma Bhushan award. The other Padma Bhushan awardees include philanthropist Dr Sitaram Jindal, cardiologist Dr Tejas Madhusudan Patel and former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
India’s first Metaverse Experience Center launched in Noida
- India is all set to embark on a revolutionary journey into the future of technology with the inauguration of its first Metaverse Experience Center in Noida.
- This initiative marks a significant leap forward in India’s technological landscape, introducing the concept of the Immersive (XR) Technologies. The Metaverse Experience Center aims to foster a vibrant community of seekers, creators and innovators.
- The Metaverse Experience Center (MEC), spearheaded by Metaverse911 team, aims to redefine the way industry leaders learn and explore XR technologies.
- Equipped with XR technology, the center offers visitors an immersive platform to delve into a multitude of virtual realms, from futuristic cities to manufacturing floors.
Intel announces Hala Point – World’s Largest Neuromorphic System for Sustainable AI
- Intel has made waves in the technology world with the construction of the largest neuromorphic system globally.
- Dubbed “Hala Point,” this colossal innovation, initially deployed at Sandia National Laboratories, represents a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence (AI) research, promising to reshape the landscape of computational efficiency and sustainability.
- At the heart of Hala Point lies Intel’s Loihi 2 processor, a marvel of engineering designed to emulate the intricate workings of the human brain. This ambitious project builds upon Intel’s previous endeavour, the Pohoiki Springs research system, introducing architectural enhancements that boast over 10 times the neuron capacity and up to 12 times higher performance.
ENVIRONMENT
Lakshmana Teertha river dries up due to shortage of rainfall
- The Lakshmana Tirtha River, located in the Kodagu District, Karnataka, is well-known for its picturesque hills, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers. However, due to ongoing severe drought conditions and intense heat, the river is facing an acute water crisis.
- The flow of the Cauvery river, another important water source in the district, has dwindled and as a result the Lakshmana Tirtha river has completely dried up.
- The Lakshmana Tirtha river originates from dense forests in Kutta of Ponnampet taluk and stretches about 180 km before merging into the Cauvery river through Piyapatna and Hunsur in Mysore.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Room for optimism: review of Akshat Rathi’s Climate Capitalism
- The book titled ‘Climate Capitalism’ written by Akshat Rathi has been released recently.
- In Climate Capitalism, Akshat Rathi explores how to transform the world’s dominant economic system while ensuring that the wheels of progress don’t come to a halt. From renewable power to green cement, electric cars to carbon capture, emission-reducing technologies have tossed new opportunities for private capital and government regulations to work in tandem.
- The process to harness the forces of capitalism to achieve zero emissions has already begun. Although these are still early days for capitalism to wear a natural look for addressing impending climatic concerns, a faint ray of optimism seems to have been generated.
PM Modi receives Panchjanya’s book “Sabke Ram”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a book titled “Sabke Ram” by Panchjanya editor Hitesh Shankar and Managing Director of Bharat Prakashan Arun Goyal.
- The book “Sabke Ram” narrates the history of Ayodhya. It contains the truth about Lord Ram’s birth place and date of birth.
- In this book, an attempt has been made to look scientifically at Lord Ram and Ayodhya. This book will answer many of unresolved questions based on evidence.