Daily Current Affairs 17th & 18th March, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 17 & 18 March 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah virtually launches unique Digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) Platform of National Investigation Agency (NIA)
In a major fillip to India’s fight against terrorism and organised crime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS), designed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.
- Home Minister Shah also inaugurated NIA’s 2 new branch offices in Jammu and Kochi and a residential complex in Raipur. Shah also launched a mobile app ‘Sankalan’ – A compendium of New Criminal Laws by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
- The newly developed Criminal Case Management System will enable the NIA personnel to better coordinate in terrorism and organised crime cases, thereby improving justice delivery.
Ministry of Rural Development, GoI signs MoU with the Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited to synergize the livelihood intervention in livestock sector
Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has signed a Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited (BFIL) to support the livelihood intervention of DAY-NRLM by syncing their activities in livestock and fisheries development.
- As part of the MoU, in initial phase a centralized Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) will be established to support DAY-NRLM at national level and State PMU in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Bihar will be developed.
- The PMU will comprise specialists from livestock (as per the need in respective state), Market Linkage etc. BFIL will also strengthen the Pashu Sakhis (last mile extension workers at village) developed under DAY-NRLM to provide basic healthcare support to animals.
Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India signs Memorandum of Understandings with SIDBI and NIESBUD for transformation of Fair Price Shops
To transform the Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in India and align them with the Prime Minister’s vision of Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat and Digital India, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has entered into two MoUs with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
- The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DoF&PD) signed an MoU with the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, NIESBUD under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), to tackle skill development challenges faced by FPS dealers, particularly in areas of digital literacy, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills needed to adapt to the market changes and explore new business opportunities.
- This initiative will enable FPS to operate on a credit model for selling non-PDS commodities. The goal is to turn FPSs into nutrition hubs that leverage technology in their operations and also offer a diverse range of nutrient-rich non-PDS commodities to the public, going beyond the distribution of food grains.
Pioneering Food Safety in Jails, FSSAI certifies nearly 100 Prisons as Eat Right Campuses
Nearly 100 jails across the country have been certified as ‘Eat Right Campus’ by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), marking a significant milestone in its goal of promoting safe and healthy eating habits within different campuses.
- This initiative falls under FSSAI’s Eat Right India movement and aims to promote safe, healthy and sustainable food in different workplaces and institutions, including jails.
- The initiative saw participation and certification of some prominent jails of India, including the Tihar Prison (Delhi), Central Jail Gaya (Bihar), Modern Central Jail (Punjab), Central Jail Rewa (Madhya Pradesh) and others, along with several district and Mandal jails. The highest number of certified jails were from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Punjab, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
Max India’s subsidiary partners with IIT Delhi for senior citizen care
Max India Ltd,, reported that its wholly owned subsidiary, Antara Assisted Care Services Limited, an integrated service provider for senior care needs, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi). This partnership aims to develop offerings tailored specifically for the senior demographic.
- The company reported, in response to India’s growing elderly population and the accompanying challenges of mobility-related disabilities, the company with IIT Delhi will conduct research and design solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors.
- The collaboration will span various projects, including the development of mobility-assisting products and cognitive enhancement games to combat age-related issues like Dementia.
TN govt to sign MoU with Centre for implementation of PM SHRI Schools scheme
The Tamil Nadu School Education Department informed that the state government has decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry to implement the PM SHRI scheme in the state.
- The MoU will be signed by the Tamil Nadu government before the beginning of the academic year 2024-25.
- PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerge as an exemplary school over a period of time and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
Maharashtra renames Ahmednagar as Ahilyanagar and Velha tehsil as Rajgad
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the proposal to rename Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar after the 18th century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
- The Maharashtra government also renamed Velha Tehsil, which was the first capital of the Maratha Empire under the Maratha warrior king Shivaji in Pune district to Rajgad.
- According to the government, many people’s groups, citizens and representatives have been pushing to change the name of the city of Ahmednagar. Along with the multiple demands, the state government had received the resolution passed by the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation.
- Meanwhile, the state government also took a decision to change the colonial names of eight railway stations in Mumbai. “The proposal will be sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Railways with the approval of the Legislature.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India’s DHL global connectedness rank reaches 62 out of 171
According to the 2024 DHL Global Connectedness Report, India ranks 62nd out of 171 countries on the DHL Connectedness Index.
- This is a 5-position improvement from the previous year, when India ranked 67th. The report ranks countries based on their connectedness to the world through the flow of trade, capital, information, and people.
- The report also says that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and that it will play an increasingly central role in the development of globalization over the coming decades.
- Singapore was the most globally connected country, followed by the Netherlands and Ireland.The report found Europe to be the most globally connected region. After Europe, the most connected regions were North America, followed by the Middle East(West Asia) and North Africa.
- The DHL Global Connectedness Report has been published annually since 2011. The report is commissioned by the German logistics company DHL and prepared by the New York University Stern School of Business.
LAMITIYE-2024: Indian Army contingent departs to Seychelles for joint exercise
Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
- ‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001. 45 personnel each from the GORKHA RIFLES of the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) will participate in the exercise.
- The aim of the Exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations in Semi-Urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations. The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations.
BANKING & FINANCE
SANY India signs MoU with J&K Bank to give finance solution to their customers
In a significant move that promises to bolster the construction sector in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, SANY India has partnered with J&K Bank through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- This alliance is set to provide comprehensive financial solutions to customers, facilitating the acquisition of advanced construction equipment vital for the region’s infrastructure development.
- This strategic partnership is tailored to harness the strengths of both entities to offer a suite of financial solutions, including competitive rates and flexible repayment options, enabling customers to access essential construction machinery.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Adani Green Energy operationalises 126 MW wind power plant in Gujarat
Adani Green Energy said it has operationalised the 126 MW capacity of a 300 MW wind power project in Gujarat. The 174 MW capacity was operationalised earlier.
- The project will produce 1,091 million electricity units, leading to a reduction of approximately 0.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, according to a statement.
- With the operationalisation of the project, AGEL continues to strengthen its market leadership, operating India’s largest renewable energy portfolio of 9,604 MW.
MoU signing between DGFT and DHL
In a significant move to bolster e-commerce exports and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global logistics giant DHL.
- The objective of the MoU is to make Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of 76 districts export-ready by leveraging e-commerce.
- The Union commerce ministry has been actively engaging in boosting e-commerce exports from the country, leveraging its ‘district as export hubs’ initiative. The goal is to promote and enable MSMEs to explore the international markets through e-commerce channels.
SPORTS
Matthew Wade retires from Red-Ball Cricket to focus on shorter formats
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade said he will retire from first-class cricket after the upcoming Sheffield Shield final, but will remain available for selection in white-ball formats.
- The Sheffield Shield final between Tasmania and Western Australia, beginning on March 21, will be Wade’s final red-ball match of a career that started in 2012.
- After that game, the left-handed batter will join Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024, though he will miss the first couple of matches as the Shield final clashes with the league’s schedule.
- Wade appeared in 36 Tests for Australia and made 1613 runs with four centuries at an average of 29.87. His last Test appearance was against India at Brisbane in 2021 after which lost his place to Alex Carey.
APPOINTMENTS
ECI names Para-archer and Arjuna Awardee Sheetal Devi as PwD National Icon
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee, Sheetal Devi, as its National PwD Icon.
- Her name was announced at an exhibition cricket match between the teams of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) held in Delhi.
- The ECI on the occasion also launched a dedicated Voter’s Guide for PwDs and senior citizen voters.
Putin wins Russian Presidential Poll, secures another six-term
Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a record fifth term after sweeping the presidential polls which had no serious contender, making victory evident for incumbent Putin.
- In the polls, Putin bagged 88% of votes, Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov came second with just under 4%, newcomer Vladislav Davankov third, and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky fourth, results suggested.
- Putin, a former KGB agent who first rose to power in 1999, has surpassed Josef Stalin to become Russia’s longest-serving leader.
Kotak Bank appoints Jaideep Hansraj as President of ‘One Kotak’
Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Kotak Securities MD and CEO Jaideep Hansraj as Group President – One Kotak, with effect from April 1, 2024.
- This move signifies a strategic shift towards optimizing the Group’s financial conglomerate model and enhancing customer offerings through collaborative efforts across subsidiaries.
- Shripal Shah, President and COO at Kotak Securities, will take over from Hansraj as the head of Kotak Securities.
B Sairam appointed new CMD of Northern Coalfields Limited
Sairam has taken over as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Northern Coalfields Limited, the main subsidiary of Coal India Limited located in Singrauli.
- With 33 years of dedicated service in the coal sector, Sairam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
- Before his appointment as CMD of NCL, Sairam served as Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited in Ranchi. In this role, he played key roles in enhancing the company’s organic growth, developing coal logistics such as tripling the Tori-Shivpur Line to increase coal dispatch to upcountry power consumers, initiating First Mile Connectivity projects like North Urimiri CHP-Silo, facilitating Forest & Environment Clearance, and overseeing the development of greenfield and brownfield mines.
Tamilisai Soundararajan quits as Telangana Governor
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has tendered her resignation, the Raj Bhavan said.
- Tamilisai, who is also the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, has submitted her resignation to Droupadi Murmu, President of India.
- Sources said that she is likely to contest Lok Sabha polls either from Tamil Nadu or Puducherry.
Navneet Kumar Sehgal appointed as Prasar Bharati’s new chairperson
Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired bureaucrat, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati. An order issued by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry states that Sehgal’s term will last for three years or until he reaches the age of seventy, whichever comes earlier.
- The chairperson’s post has been vacant since A Surya Prakash reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in February 2020.
- Sehgal is a retired IAS officer of the 1988 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is known for playing a significant role in UP’s global investor summit. During his stint as the additional chief secretary of sports and youth in the UP government, Noida hosted the first edition of MotoGP in India last year.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NASA To Carry ‘Message In Bottle’ To Europa, One Of Jupiter’s Moon In October
NASA will carry ‘message in a bottle’ to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moon in October this year. The mission dubbed as Europa Clipper mission will explore signs of life as Scientists chose predicts a salty lake under its icy crust.
- The Europa Clipper spacecraft will carry a triangular metal plate with an engraving of US Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s handwritten “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa,” along with a silicon microchip stenciled with more than 2.6 million names submitted by the public.
- The other, outward-facing side of metal plate will sport etchings of 103 waveforms, a visual representation of the sound wave produced by saying the word “water” in 103 different languages – including Hindi.
UK MoD tests a laser weapon ‘DragonFire’
Britain has successfully test fired its DragonFire laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) that will shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles at a per-shot cost of less than £10, or Rs 1,056, United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) revealed in January this year.
- A recently released video shows the DragonFire LDEW being fired during a January demonstration in Scotland, with the UK MoD claiming that the laser was successfully used against an aerial target in the test.
- According to the UK MoD, the DragonFire’s task requires precision equivalent to hitting a target as small as a £1 coin from a kilometre away. However, the UK ministry said that the exact range of the laser was classified.
- The DragonFire weapon system has been built with a £100 million joint investment by the UK MoD and British industry.
OBITUARIES
Tribal leader Lama Lobzang passes away in Delhi at 94
Former member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Prominent Buddhist Monk of Ladakh popularly known as Lama Lobzang passes away in New Delhi. He was 94.
- A distinguished tribal leader, Lama Lobzang has served the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for 19 years since 1984. When the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes became constitutional through an amendment of Article 338 of the constitution, Lama Lobzang was appointed anew as its member for two terms from 1995 to 1998 and 1998 to 2001. Lama Lobzang retired from public office after serving another term as a member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes from 2004 to 2007.
- He also served as the president in several Buddhist Organisations including the International Buddhist Conference and the World Fellowship of Buddhists
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