Daily Current Affairs 10th & 11th March, 2024

Daily Current Affairs 10 & 11 March 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.

NATIONAL NEWS

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar unveils plaque of Arun Jaitley Multipurpose Stadium at Shri Ram College of Commerce
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar unveiled the plaque of the Arun Jaitley Multipurpose Stadium at Shri Ram College of Commerce, SRCC, University of Delhi. 

• The stadium has been named to commemorate the former Union Minister Arun Jaitley’s contribution towards nation building and his deep affection for his alma mater, SRCC.

New Zealand’s Deputy PM Winston Peters Arrives In Ahmedabad For Official Visit To India
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters arrived in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on an official visit to India from March 10 to 13.

• Deputy Prime Minister Peters visited Ahmedabad and New Delhi on his first visit to India after the new government in New Zealand assumed office in November 2023. He had earlier visited India as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in February 2020. 
• In New Delhi, EAM and Deputy Prime Minister Peters are hold a bilateral meeting, during which the entire gamut of our bilateral relationship with New Zealand is expected to be discussed.

Union Minister Arjun Munda inaugurates Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Center
With the aim of empowering the farmers of the country by equipping them with information, services and facilities using digital technology, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda inaugurated the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Center established at Krishi Bhawan, Delhi.

• He said that the objective of the new initiative is to provide farmers the information about the reality of the farm and also to find out what are the real challenges in the agriculture sector. 
• He said that with the availability of real-time data and its analysis, their problems can be resolved and capacity will be expanded.  The farmers will also be able to avail the benefits of the government schemes. 

Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurates the National Cooperative Database & unveils ‘National Cooperative Database 2023:A Report’ in New Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the National Cooperative Database and released the ‘National Cooperative Database 2023: A Report’ in New Delhi.

• National Cooperative Database is a web-based digital dashboard wherein data of cooperative societies, including national/state federations, have been captured. It has collected or mapped information about 8 lakh cooperatives.
• The minister said the database has the potential to connect primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) to Apex, villages to cities, mandis to the global market, and state databases to international databases. 

On Women’s Day, PM announces reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said that on Women’s Day(March 7), Government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti, he further added.

• By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for them.” 

Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman Campaign Event held in Bikaner
To commemorate 75th Year of India as a Republic, Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman Campaign Event held in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Earlier,  on 24th January, 2024 ,the Department of Justice had organized an event in New Delhi during which the Hon’ble Vice-President of India inaugurated a year-long campaign titled ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ aimed at empowering every citizen with awareness about Constitution and their legal rights and duties. 

• During the launch, it was decided to organize Regional/State level programs and at regular intervals throughout the year so that the wave of awareness and enthusiasm reaches and penetrates every nook and corner of society.
• The event aims to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and celebrate the shared values that bind our nation. It will provide an opportunity for citizens to engage meaningfully in our democratic journey and empower them with knowledge about their rights and duties.
• The event will witness the official launch of the program “Nyaya Sahayak” in 500 Aspirational blocks in India. They act as Community based messengers for generating door to door awareness on legal services and solutions of DoJ in Aspirational Blocks & Districts.

NHAI Collaborates with HLL Life care Limited to Strengthen Incident Management Systems and assist accident victims on National Highways
To provide immediate assistance to accidents victims and strengthen the Incident Management System (IMS) on the National Highways, NHAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HLL Lifecare Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW).

• The MoU will help NHAI to strengthen its existing Incident Management System, which includes Ambulances, Route Patrol Vans & Cranes, real time tracking, and supportive supervision. 
• This will improve response time and facilitate referral of accident victims to the nearest health facilities, establishing a seamless process for incident management. This will include Operation & Management of Trauma Centres/Emergency Stabilization Centers to maximize assistance during the golden hour and improve health outcomes. 

740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools will be made functional across country by 2025-26, says Union Minister Arjun Munda
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda has said that 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools will be made functional across the country by 2025-26.

• Mr. Munda said, that out of these, 401 Eklavya Model Residential schools have been started. He said that 10,000 teachers have been recruited for these schools and soon 10,000 more teachers will be recruited.
• The Tribal Affairs Ministry has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru to provide skill training to Scheduled Tribe students in the field of Semiconductor. 

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur announces two National Centres of Excellence for Women
On the occasion of International Women’s Day(March 7), Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Anurag Singh  Thakur announced the establishment of two National Centres of Excellence, exclusively for women. NCOEs cover 23 focused/priority disciplines where Indian athletes have a chance to win medals in global competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics.

• The Ministry said the National Centres of Excellence cover 23 priority disciplines where Indian athletes have a chance to win medals in global competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics. 
• The Sports Authority of India established 23 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) across the country to impart specialized training to promising athletes by providing state-of-the art infrastructure and playing facilities.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities signs MoU with SignAble Communications to support Divyangjan with Speech & Hearing disabilities
In a significant leap towards bolstering support for persons with disabilities, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SignAble Communications.

• The MoU signifies a significant step forward in improving support for individuals with speech and hearing disabilities.
• The MoU aims to enhance communication and accessibility for visually and hearing impaired Divyangjan. Presently, various departmental organizations utilize different helpline numbers, making it crucial to establish a centrally maintained, user-friendly Short Code Helpline Number. 

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities signs MoU with Electronics Sector Skills Council of India for Skilling of PwDs
In a pivotal move towards enhancing the empowerment and skill development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI).

• The MoU, spearheaded by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, was formalized with the aim of equipping PwDs with the necessary skills for various job roles within the electronics sector.
• This landmark MoU signifies a collaborative effort to cultivate human resources through vocational training aligned with industry demands. By leveraging the expertise of ESSCI, the initiative aims to create pathways for sustainable livelihoods and foster a globally competitive workforce.

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BANKING & FINANCE

Kotak Life Insurance launches non-linked par product Kotak G.A.I.N
Private sector life insurer Kotak Life Insurance launched a non-linked participating product Kotak G.A.I.N which offers long-term saving or income.

• The minimum annual premium payable to avail the product is Rs 50,000. While taking the policy, the minimum age of the policyholder should be 90 days while the policy maturing age should be minimum 40 years and maximum 85 years.
• The product provides three options to the policyholder to choose from. Under the first option, policyholders can receive regular income from the 1st month of policy issuance for monthly payout mode and 1st year onwards for annual payout mode. 

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Unemployment rate drops to 3.1% in 2023: PLFS – CMIE
India’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 per cent in 2023 from 3.6 per cent in the preceding year, reflecting continued improvement in the labour markets, revealed the latest employment-unemployment indicators report released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

• During the calendar year 2023 (CY23), the unemployment rate in both rural and urban areas declined to 2.4 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively, from 2.8 per cent and 5.9 per cent in 2022.
• The unemployment rate for rural women (1.9 per cent) was lower than for rural men (2.7 per cent) in 2023, whereas in urban areas, the rate was higher for women (7.5 per cent) compared to men (4.4 per cent).
• The unemployment rate under the so-called ‘usual status’ for persons aged 15 years and above during the one-year period shows a decline for the second consecutive year since 2021 when the NSO report started enlisting data on an annual basis.

Crisil predicts India’s GDP to grow up to 6.8% in FY25
The Indian economy will witness significant growth in the coming fiscal with a GDP growth rate of 6.8 per cent in the next fiscal year, ratings agency Crisil said. The GDP growth rate compares the year-over-year (or quarterly) change in a country’s economic output to measure how fast an economy is growing.

• The ratings agency further said that with this growth trajectory, India can attain upper middle-income status by 2031, with the economy expected to double to $7 trillion.
• Crisil, in its India Outlook report, said the Indian economy will take support from domestic structural reforms and cyclical levers and can retain — perhaps even improve — its growth prospects to become the third-largest economy by 2031.

Airbus signs pact with IIM Mumbai to offer aviation training to professionals
European aviation major Airbus said it has signed a contract with Indian Institute of Management Mumbai to offer aviation training to professionals.

• Aimed at equipping these professionals with industry-ready skills under Airbus Beyond programme, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), as part of the initiative will offer short-term aviation courses to aspiring and working professionals. 
• The programme offers courses in the areas of aviation logistics, supply chain management, operations excellence, cargo handling, strategic procurement, business analytics and digitisation.
• Under the pact, IIM Mumbai will organise courses, onboard students and provide infrastructure and logistical support.

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SPORTS

James Anderson, 41, first-ever pacer in 147 years to claim 700 Test wickets
James Anderson achieved a piece of cricketing history as he became the first-ever fast bowler to pick up 700 Test wickets. The 41-year-old got to the major landmark when he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test against hosts India at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

• It was only fitting that Anderson achieved the Himalayan feat with the mountains in the backdrop at the scenic venue. The legendary fast bowler became only the third man after Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and leg-spinner Shane Warne (708) to achieve the feat.
• Anderson has 96 wickets more than his nearest pace-bowling rival Stuart Broad, who retired from Test cricket after the Ashes last year. Anderson has also become the first fast bowler to reach the 600 and 700-wicket milestones after former West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh got to 500 first.

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APPOINTMENTS

Prez Murmu nominates philanthropist Sudha Murty to Rajya Sabha
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated educator, author, and philanthropist Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha. 

• The President of India nominates 12 members to the Upper House of the Parliament for their contributions towards arts, literature, sciences, and social services. The nomination of Sudha Murty to Rajya Sabha announced by Prime Minister Modi comes on International Women’s Day.
• Murty, 73, is a celebrated philanthropist and author and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Murty’s husband Narayana Murthy is the founder of IT giant Infosys. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is her son-in-law. 
• Murty was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, for social work by the Government of India in 2006. In 2023, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns
Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned from his post. President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation tendered by Mr Goel.

• With Mr Goel’s resignation, there are now two vacancies in the poll panel. Mr Goel had assumed office as an Election Commissioner in November 2022. 
• His tenure was till December 5, 2027, and he would have become Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired in February next year. 

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AWARDS

Krystyna Pyszkova, hailing from the Czech Republic, clinched the coveted title of Miss World in the 71st edition of the esteemed pageant.

• Competing against representatives from over 110 nations, Krystyna emerged victorious, with Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon securing the position of first runner-up.

• Krystyna, currently pursuing a law degree at Charles University in Prague, dedicates her time to volunteer work at the Sonta Foundation in Tanzania, where she imparts English education to underprivileged children. Her interests in music are evident, having spent nine years honing her skills at an art academy.

Murmu presents President’s Standard and Colours to four IAF units
President Droupadi Murmu presented the President’s Standard’s to two fighters squadrons of IAF and President’s Colours to two formations at Hindon Air Force station. This is the first time in the history of the service that four units have been awarded the President’s Standard and Colours together in a single ceremony.

• These include No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’, the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) squadron of the IAF, No. 221 Squadron ‘Valiants’ which flew almost one-third of all offensive missions of the IAF during the 1999 Kargil conflict will be at President’s Standard while the 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit (SU) will be presented President’s Colours.
• The award of President’s Standard and Colour is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon an Air Force Unit or Squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both during war and in peace. The President’s Standard was awarded after 18 years of service and the President’s Colours award after 25 years of service.

India receives ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ Award for Exemplary Efforts in Measles and Rubella Disease Prevention
In recognition of country’s tireless efforts to combat Measles and Rubella, India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C. received the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

• The Measles and Rubella Partnership comprises a multi-agency planning committee, including the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, all dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.
• This accolade celebrates India’s unwavering commitment to public health and its outstanding leadership in curbing the spread of these infectious diseases among children. It further recognizes India for providing regional leadership to the measles & rubella elimination programme by using ‘measles as a tracer’ to strengthen routine immunization under country’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

PM Narendra Modi announces National Creators Award 2024: List Of Winners Across 23 Categories
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the first-ever National Creators Awards at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This award celebrates the contributions of digital content creators who have brought about positive social change and innovation.

• Over 200 creators were nominated across 23 categories ranging from The Best Storyteller Award to Favourite Celebrity Creator to New India Champion. 

Here is the list of the all the winners in their respective categories:

1. Disruptor of the Year award: Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps)
2. Best Creator in Education Category(Male & Female):  Naman Deshmukh
3. Best Creator in Tech Category: Gaurav Chaudhary(Technical Guruji)
4. Favourite Travel Creator: Kamiya Jani
5. Best Health and Fitness Creator: Ankit Baiyanpuria
6. Best Creator in Food Category: Kabita Singh (Kabita’s Kitchen) 
7. Celebrity Creator of the Year: Aman Gupta
8. Green Champion’ Category: Pankhti Pandey
9. Best Storyteller: Keerthika Govindasamy
10. Cultural Ambassador of the Year: Maithili Thakur
11. Most Creative Creator Female: Shraddha Jain
12. Most Creative Creator Male: RJ Raunac
13. Heritage Fashion Icon Award: Jahnvi Singh
14. Best Creator for Social Change Award: Jaya Kishori
15. Best Micro Creator Award: Aridaman
16. Best Creator in Gaming Category Award: Nishchay
17. Swachhta Ambassador Award: Malhar Kalambe
18. Best International Creator Award: Drew Hicks, Kili Paul, 
19. Cassandra Mae Spittmann
20. Best Nano Creator Award: Piyush Purohit
21. Most Impactful Agri Creator: Lakshay Dabas
22. The New India Champion Award: Abhi and Niyu

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 

MethaneSAT, a satellite which will ‘name and shame’ methane emitters
MethaneSAT, a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California.

• While the washing-machine-sized satellite is not the first spacecraft to identify and quantify methane emissions, it will provide more details and have a much wider field of view than any of its predecessors.
• The entity behind MethaneSAT is the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) — a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group. To develop the satellite, EDF partnered with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
• Essentially, MethaneSAT will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, monitoring the oil and gas sector. It will create a large amount of data, which will tell “how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time. 

Kerala launches state-owned OTT platform CSpace
Kerala has launched the first government-owned OTT platform ‘CSpace’ with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan describing it as a decisive step in the onward journey of Malayalam Cinema.

• The aim is to provide a curated content at just Rs 75 or much less. It is based on pay-per-view to view the films, shorts, films or other content. The move aims to promote good cinema without hurting the interests of the producers and exhibitors. 
• CSpace will be managed under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). CSpace will be featured with award-winning films, short films, documentation and other content which is not highly popular but worth watching. It is a special OTT place for the great artistic and cultural merit people.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Bengaluru, launches India’s fastest router
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, launched India’s fastest and indigenously-designed IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) router in Bengaluru.

• MPLS is a routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next, based on labels rather than network addresses.
• The project is spearheaded by the collaboration of the government’s Department of Telecom, CDOT and Nivetti. It marks a momentous achievement in the nation’s journey towards becoming a major product and manufacturing hub in the global tech landscape.

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