Daily Current Affairs 24th April, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 24 April 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
Rashtriya Raksha University signs MoU with French Starburst Aerospace
- Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France’s Starburst Aerospace to improve innovation in aerospace, defence, and homeland security. This agreement reflects the ongoing development of the strategic partnership between India and France in defence and space, RRU said.
- A €100 million venture capital fund will be established through the MoU, dedicated to these sectors. It will support Indian startups to reach international markets.
- The partnership involves RRU, Starburst, and the Security and Scientific Technical Research Association (SASTRA), a non-profit organisation created by RRU. It aims to promote innovation and advance the aerospace, defence, and homeland security industries.
India to receive remaining S-400 Triumf missile regiments from Russia by next year
- India is set to receive the remaining two regiments of S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems from Russia by next year. This new timeline comes after some delays in supplies due to the war in Ukraine. Russia has already delivered three units of the long-range missile systems to India under a USD 5.5 billion deal.
- India is also expected to take delivery of the warship Tushil, the first of the two Russian-built frigates, in September. The second warship, Tamal, will be supplied by Russia in January. Originally, the ships were supposed to be delivered by 2022, the delays were attributed to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- India is acquiring these systems to bolster its air power capabilities, primarily to address security challenges from China.
In a first, people of Andaman’s vulnerable Shompen tribe vote
- For the first time in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, seven members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs) of Great Nicobar Islands on Friday exercised their voting rights for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the union territory, an official said.
- Not only Shompen tribe members exercised their voting rights at polling station 411 named as ‘Shompen Hut’ built inside the forest staff quarters but also they posed for selfies at a designated cut-out made by the Election Commission of India, which reads – “I vote for sure”.
- The Shompen tribes were assisted in their language by an interpreter known as ‘Mathiyas’ (a Nicobari tribal youth).
Meghalaya: Seng Khihlang Festival in Wahiajer concludes
- The 34th Seng Khihlang festival, Concluded in Wahiajer, Meghalaya which had been started in Wahiajer since April 19, 2024. This year, the esteemed Monolith was received in Wahiajer from Seng Khasi Shaid Shaid, located in the West Khasi Hills.
- The Seng Khihlang festival holds immense significance for the followers of the Khasi Indigenous Faith. It serves as a unifying platform, bringing together adherents from across the region under the stewardship of the Seng Khasi Sein Raij.
- As the year draws to a close, the Monolith stands as a symbol of the faith, culture, and community that define this ancient tradition.
Internet subscribers increase nearly 2% to 936.16 million in last quarter of 2023 : TRAI report
- Total number of internet subscribers in India increased from 918.19 million at the end of Sep-23 to 936.16 million at the end of Dec-23, registering a quarterly rate of growth 1.96%, according to the “Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report” for the quarter release by telecom regulator TRAI.
- Out of 936.16 million internet subscribers, number of wired internet subscribers are 38.57 million and number of Wireless Internet subscribers are 897.59 million, the report said.
- The report provides a broad perspective of the telecom services in India and presents the key parameters and growth trends of the sector as well as cable TV, DTH and radio broadcasting services in India for the period covering October 1 to December 31, 2023 compiled mainly on the basis of information furnished by the service providers, the Ministry of Communications said.
- The internet subscriber base is comprised of broadband internet subscriber base of 904.54 million and narrowband internet subscriber base of 31.62 million, it said.
CEO Haryana Launches ‘Voters-In-Queue’ App For Information On Queues At Polling Centres
- The Chief Electoral Officer’s office of Haryana has launched an app called ‘Voters-in-Queue’, through which voters can obtain information about the queue at polling centres from the comfort of their homes and can go to vote as the crowd decreases.
- Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal said that the ‘Voter-In-Queue’ App has been approved for use by the Election Commission of India. He said that the app has been launched with the target of achieving at least 75 percent voting in the Lok Sabha elections as compared to the 70 percent voting in the previous Lok Sabha elections.
- He said that this time, the ‘Voter-In-Queue’ app will be operational in 30 urban assembly constituencies as per the important decision taken by the Election Commission. He said that it will be helpful for those voters who leave the polling booth without casting their votes after seeing the crowd.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
UK’s India Gate To Honour Role Of Indian Soldiers Who Fought In Two World Wars
- A local council in the seaside resort of Brighton in south-east England has approved plans for an annual multi-faith event to commemorate the role of Indian soldiers in the two World Wars at the town’s India Gate memorial from this October.
- The India Gate was presented to the people of Brighton by the “princes and people of India” as a gesture of thanks for the care provided by the town’s hospitals and is “dedicated to the use of the inhabitants of Brighton.”
- It was unveiled by the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, on October 26, 1921, and stands at the southern entrance of the Royal Pavilion – one of three buildings in Brighton serving as a base hospital which treated these soldiers from undivided India wounded on the Western front.
BANKING & FINANCE
AU SFB launches multiple products like credit cards with exclusive features
- In a bid to increase fee income, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) launched an array of products including Rupay credit card and ATM insurance.
- Among the latest offerings are two innovative credit cards: the AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card and Secured Credit Card – NOMO (No Missing Out), developed in collaboration with NPCI and VISA, respectively.
- The NOMO Credit Card marks AU SFB’s debut into the realm of secured credit cards, backed by a fixed deposit, the bank’s managing director Sanjay Agarwal said.
- Additionally, AU SFB has unveiled the AU 0101 Business App, designed to offer customized solutions for proprietorships and MSMEs, alongside AU0101 Version 2.0, engineered to provide customers with an enhanced mobile banking experience, complete with exciting new features.
Konark Urban Co-op Bank: RBI restricts customer account withdrawals
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed several restrictions, including on withdrawals, on The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank, Ulhasnagar (Maharashtra), due to the bank’s deteriorating financial situation.
- The restrictions in the form of Directions under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, on The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank came into effect from the close of business on April 23.
- The bank, it added, will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions until its financial position improves.
BharatPe launches all-in-one payment device
- BharatPe announced a payments device that combines point of sale (POS), QR code, and speaker functionalities. The payments startup will introduce BharatPe One in some 100 cities and expand to another 450 in six months.
- BharatPe One will streamline transactions for merchants, offering versatile payment acceptance options including dynamic and static QR codes, POS, and speaker capabilities, said the company.
- The device is part of BharatPe’s suite of simple, easy-to-use, and secure fintech products, which includes payments and business loans for its merchant partners.
- The device provides a comprehensive payment solution for businesses, helping them manage transactions efficiently. The device’s versatility allows merchants to cater to various customer preferences, enhancing the overall payment experience.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India’s GDP growth can average 7.5% till 2030: Nomura
- India’s GDP growth can average at least 7.5% per annum for this decade if the economy witnesses a faster-than-expected revival of private investment, Nomura said in a report.
- The Tokyo-headquartered investment banking firm said India’s GDP growth is likely to average 7% from 2024-25 to 2029-30.
India must grow at 8-10% every year to reap demographic dividend: RBI bulletin
- The Indian economy needs to grow at a rate of 8-10 per cent per annum over the next decade to reap the demographic dividend, the Reserve Bank of India said in its monthly bulletin released.
- In order to achieve its developmental aspirations over the next three decades, the Indian economy must grow at a rate of 8-10 per annum over the next decade to reap the demographic dividend that started accruing from 2018 and, as calculations show, will last till 2025.
- In India, conditions are shaping up for an extension of the trend upshift that took the average real GDP growth above 8 per cent during 2021-24, the RBI further added.
- Notably, as per an SBI report, India’s GDP growth for the current financial year is expected to be close to 8 per cent.
India’s business activity surges to 14-year high in April: PMI data
- Business activity in April expanded at its fastest pace in nearly 14 years, propelled by strong demand, said a private report.
- The HSBC Flash India PMI indicated positive job growth and a decline in input inflation, suggesting India is positioned to maintain its status as the fastest-growing major economy this year.
- The flash India Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global and HSBC, climbed to 62.2 in April compared to March’s final reading of 61.8. A reading above the 50, which separates expansion from contraction, has been observed since August 2021.
- Services activity led the expansion, with the index reaching a three-month high at 61.7, driven by accelerated new business, indicating robust demand. Separately, manufacturing PMI remained strong at 59.1 in April, with output and new orders for goods continuing to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace than last month.
KMF to sponsor Scotland and Ireland cricket teams during T20 World Cup
- The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), known for its Nandini brand of dairy products, has announced its sponsorship of the Scotland and Ireland teams for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup.
- Scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States from June 1-29, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 boasts a record 20 teams participating in this year’s edition of the Twenty20 cricket championship.
- In addition to sponsoring the teams, KMF is set to introduce Nandini Splash, an energy drink derived from whey, in the US market during the tournament, according to the Managing Director of KMF.
SPORTS
Elena Rybakina claims Stuttgart title
- World No.4 Elena Rybakina claimed her third WTA Tour title of the year, defeating No.27 Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the Tennis Grand Prix event in Stuttgart. The victory over Kostyuk was her tour-leading 26th win of the season.
- The triumph at Stuttgart is Rybakina’s eighth career title and third on clay, following wins at 2023 Rome and 2019 Bucharest. The 24-year-old leaves Germany with the outright lead in titles this season, adding Stuttgart to a collection that includes Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.
- It was announced that Iga Swiatek has held the No 1 position for 100 weeks, becoming the ninth woman in history to top the WTA rankings for that long or more.
Casper Ruud defeats Tsitsipas to win Barcelona Open
- World number six Casper Ruud defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3 to win the Barcelona Open.
- The Norwegian earned revenge after his defeat by the Greek world number seven in the Monte Carlo Masters final last week to claim the biggest trophy of his career.
- Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, had won 10 titles at 250 level with the 500-ranked clay-court event in Barcelona his 11th career triumph.
AWARDS
Puravankara Bags Prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award for Social Development and Impact
- Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, has bagged the Achievement Award for Creating Social Development and Impact at the 15th Edition of the Vishwakarma Awards, hosted by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) – a joint initiative by the Niti Aayog and the Indian construction industry.
- The award recognises Puravankara’s exemplary efforts in driving positive change through its impactful campaigns, particularly its collaboration with the Biome Environmental Trust in rejuvenating heritage wells as part of the “Million Wells for Bengaluru” campaign.
- This initiative reflects Puravankara’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DRDO develops country’s lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level
- A unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed the lightest bulletproof jacket in the country for protection against the highest threat level 6, an official statement said.
- This jacket is based on a new design approach where novel material along with new processes has been used, the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said.
- DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest bulletproof jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. Recently, this bulletproof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per BIS 17051-2018.
IAF successfully tests air-launched ballistic missile in Andamans, significantly boosts stand-off capabilities
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful test firing of an air-launched ballistic missile capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers away.
- The missile, known as ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, is of Israeli originand was test-fired from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Preparations for the test were conducted in the area under the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command, led by an Air Force officer
- The Crystal Maze 2 is an extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile designed to strike high-value stationary and relocatable targets, including long-range radars and air defense systems. It is specifically effective in GPS-denied environments, similar to the conditions faced by India during the Kargil War, and can also penetrate areas protected by air defense systems.
Microsoft’s AI app VASA-1 makes faces in pictures talk and sing
- Microsoft has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) model that can generate videos of talking human faces by combining an audio clip and a still image. The videos created by this model, called VASA-1, have synchronised lip movements to match the audio. Furthermore, it also adds facial expressions and head movement to make videos appear natural.
- As per Microsoft, VASA-1 uses a user-provided photo and an audio clip to create a short video. It is claimed to handle artistic photos, singing audios and non-English speech.
- The company revealed the details about their new AI model in their research blog, saying that VASA-1 can generate realistic videos of people talking, at a resolution of 512×512 pixels and up to 40 frames per second.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai’s ‘Heavenly Islands of Goa’ 221st Book Unveiled
- Shankaracharya of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Swami released “Heavenly Islands of Goa”, a book authored by Governor of Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, in Goa.
- The book, which is Mr. Pillai’s 221st, was released at a programme held at New Durbar Hall in the Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula.
- In the book, Pillai, the author, talks about the island in great detail, beginning with the etymology of its name to its heritage, caves and forts, temples and churches, biodiversity, tourist attractions, accessibility and testimonials of those who’ve been there.
IMPORTANT DAYS
133rd Khongjom Day Observed To Pay Tribute To Brave Souls Of Anglo-Manipuri War
- The 133rd Khongjom Day was observed widely across the Manipur State with tributes being offered to honour the courageous Manipuri ancestors who laid down their lives at the Battle of Khongjom, 1891.
- As part of the observation, the Governor and Chief Minister led others in laying floral wreaths, followed by a guard of honour, a general salute, reverse arms, the sounding of the last post, and a two-minute silence observation.
- Every year, April 23 is observed as Khongjom Day, remembering those who laid down their lives in the Khongjom Battle in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891. The observation was held in different parts of the state.