Daily Current Affairs 4th April, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 4 April 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
ECI introduces ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ to proactively combat mis-information in General Elections 2024
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a new initiative aimed at combating the spread of misinformation surrounding the electoral process and the upcoming general elections.
- The ‘Myth vs Reality Register’, accessible via the Election Commission’s website at https://mythvsreality.eci.gov.in, will serve as a reliable resource to differentiate between facts and falsehoods, ensuring that voters have access to accurate and verified information throughout the electoral process.
- The platform can be used to verify information, prevent the spread of misinformation, debunk myths, and stay informed about key issues during the General Elections 2024.
IIIT Hyderabad signs MoU with Plaksha University to set up joint center for sustainability
- IIIT Hyderabad and Plaksha University signed an MoU on campus for establishing a Sustainability Center based on smart and sustainable Communities. The MoU was signed by Prof. PJ Narayanan, Director, IIIT Hyderabad and Prof. Rudra Pratap, founding Vice Chancellor of Plaksha University.
- The Sustainability Center will primarily focus on research for bottom of the pyramid use cases around villages and towns. IIITH and Plaksha University will jointly work on technologies applicable to sustainable communities including sensors, ML models, communication/5g, digital twins, economics, social/human sciences.
- It will also take up problems in functional domains like air pollution, water (networks, wtp, stp, rain), energy (smart meters, distribution, grids, storage), waste management (solid water and otherwise), food/agriculture (sustainably produce, process, consume), health (preventive and public health and mental health).
SJVN Partners with IIT Patna to Enhance Tunneling Project Performance
- SJVN Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) to use advanced geological models in SJVN’s tunnelling projects, thus significantly reducing time and cost overruns.
- One of the key outcomes of this partnership will be the development of predictive analytics algorithms. These algorithms, leveraging integrated geotechnical data, will forecast potential risks and provide early warning systems specifically tailored for tunnelling projects. Such proactive measures are expected to substantially mitigate time and cost overruns during project execution.
- The primary focus of the MoU is to develop cutting-edge methodologies which integrate diverse geotechnical data sources. These would include geological surveys, borehole data, geophysical measurements and monitoring data from projects of SJVN.
Union Health Ministry Launches myCGHS iOS App
- The government has launched the ‘myCGHS’ app for iOS to provide Central Government Health Scheme beneficiaries access to electronic health records, information, and resources.
- The app facilitates a wide range of services, including booking and cancellation of online appointments, accessing reports from CGHS labs, checking medical reimbursement claim status, and locating nearby wellness centres and empanelled hospitals, labs, and dental units among others.
- According to officials, the app features security features like 2-factor authentication and functionality of mPIN ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of users’ data, the health ministry said.
MoHFW Mandates Linking of CGHS Beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said in a memorandum that the linking of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiary ID with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID will be mandatory with effect from April 1, the deadline to do so would be April 30.
- The ministry said that the linking of the CGHS beneficiary ID with the ABHA ID must be completed within 30 days by all existing beneficiaries.
- The linking of the CGHS beneficiary ID with the ABHA ID is aimed at creating digital health identification of CGHS beneficiaries and storing their digital health records.
MCD Extends Deadline for Geo-tagging of Properties Till 30 June 2024
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has extended the last date for geo-tagging of properties till June 30, in a move to give another opportunity to taxpayers to register their property with the civic body, an official order said.
- The extension has been given as a large number of taxpayers were not able to register their properties at the MCD portal due to technical glitches or other issues, the order said.
- If a taxpayer fails to geo-tag their property, they cannot avail the rebate on the lumpsum payment of tax by June 30 in the current financial year 2024-25, the notification added.
India to Build First Commercial Crude Oil Strategic Storage
- India plans to build its first privately managed strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, granting the operator the freedom to trade all of the stored oil, the chief executive of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) said.
- Allowing a fully commercial SPR mirrors the model adopted by countries such as Japan and South Korea, which allow private lessees, mostly oil majors, to trade the crude.
- So far, India has allowed only partial commercialisation for its three existing SPRs in southern India, which have a combined capacity of 36.7 million barrels.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WHO’s unveils S.A.R.A.H, its 1st AI-Powered Digital Health Promoter
- Ahead of World Health Day, focused on ‘My Health, My Right’, the World Health Organization (WHO) announces the launch of S.A.R.A.H., a digital health promoter prototype with enhanced empathetic response powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI).
- This cutting-edge digital health promoter is designed to engage users round the clock in eight languages, covering a myriad of health topics on any device. From fostering healthy habits to addressing mental health concerns, S.A.R.A.H. aims to empower individuals to optimize their health and well-being journey.
- It offers engagement on health subjects 24/7 in 8 languages across various devices, as stated by WHO.
India, US conduct joint exercise as part of ‘Tiger Triumph-24’ off Kakinada-Visakhapatnam ports
- The closing ceremony of the bilateral tri-service humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) amphibious exercise between India and US ‘Tiger Triumph 2024’ was held onboard USS Somerset.
- The exercise signifies the robust strategic partnership between the two countries and was aimed towards sharing best practices and standard operating procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations.
- The harbor phase was conducted at Visakhapatnam from March 18-25, which included pre-sail discussions, subject matter expert exchange, sports engagements, ship boarding drills and cross deck visits.
- The Sea phase was conducted from 26 to 30 Mar 24 and it included units of both countries undertaking maritime exercises at sea followed by landing of troops at Kakinada for setting up of a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operation.
BANKING & FINANCE
TATA AIG General Insurance Company Introduces ‘Travel Guard Plus’ Insurance Product
- TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, a leading general insurance provider, has launched “Travel Guard Plus“, a comprehensive travel insurance product that redefines complete coverage for travellers with an array of bundle plans.
- TATA AIG’s Travel Guard Plus has been meticulously designed to meet people’s diverse travel needs with a wide range of plans where 41 different types of covers has been packaged to meet the need of customers.
Star Health Insurance and PhonePe Partnership
- PhonePe has announced a strategic partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd (Star Health Insurance), India’s largest retail health insurance company. The collaboration aims to provide customers with health insurance options with monthly and annual payment choices, enhancing flexibility and convenience for users.
- Through this partnership, PhonePe users gain access to Star Health Insurance’s Comprehensive Health Insurance policy, with coverage extending up to Rs 1 crore.
Canara Bank Launches Healthcare Loans and Savings Accounts for Women
- Canara Bank, a Public Sector Bank has unveiled a series of new products and services aimed at enhancing customer experience and streamlining banking operations.
- The bank is launching a healthcare focused loan product Canara Heal, to meet the shortfall of hospitalization expenditure while settling through Third Party Administrator (TPA) healthcare insurance claims of self and/or dependents.
- A customized savings account for women ‘Canara Angel’ with features like Cancer Care policy, pre-approved personal loan Canara ReadyCash and online loan against term deposit product Canara MyMoney.
Axis Bank’s Stake Acquisition in Max Life Insurance
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said that it has approved the transaction involving Axis Bank’s additional 6 per cent stake buy in Max Life Insurance, a private life insurer. The deal, valued at ₹1,612 crore, had received IRDAI nod in February this year.
- The Competition Commission of India approves the subscription to 14,25,79,161 equity shares of Max Life Insurance Company Limited by Axis Bank Ltd.
- Pension regulator PFRDA had already approved the proposed change in Max Life’s shareholding pattern pertaining to the infusion of capital by Axis Bank.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Gross GST revenue crosses ₹20 lakh crore in 2023-24, with 11.7% growth
- Financial year 2023-24 marked a milestone with total gross GST collection of ₹20.14 lakh crore, exceeding ₹20 lakh crore with a 11.7 per cent increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
- The average monthly collection for this fiscal year, that ended in March 2024 stood at ₹1.68 lakh crore, surpassing the previous year’s average of ₹1.5 lakh crore.
- GST revenue net of refunds as of March 2024 for the current fiscal year is ₹18.01 lakh crore which is a growth of 13.4 per cent over same period last year.
GeM crosses ₹4 lakh cr in GMV in FY24; doubles its business with over 1.5 lakh govt buyers, 21 lakh sellers
- Government e Marketplace has closed this financial year with ₹4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise value (GMV) – doubling its GMV clocked at the end of previous Fiscal Year.
- This testifies to the portal’s unique digital capabilities and functionalities that have facilitated greater efficiency, transparency, and seamlessness in public procurement, the statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- The procurement of services through the GeM portal has proved to be a pivotal force behind this staggering GMV. Nearly 50% of this GMV has been attributed to the procurement of Services, displaying a remarkable surge of 205% in terms of services procured on GeM last FY.
GoI Raises Rs 16,500 Cr by Selling Stakes in Companies in FY23-24
- The Indian government has raised Rs 16,500 crore ($1.98 billion) in 2023/24 by selling its stakes in about 10 state-run companies, official data showed, about 9 per cent lower than its internal target of Rs 18,000 crore.
- However, lower stake sale receipts have been partly made up by higher dividends that the government received from state-run companies.
- In 2023/24, the government received about Rs 63,000 crore as dividends, above its target of Rs. 50,000 crore, government data showed.
Adani Green Energy Ltd Surpasses 10,000 MW Operating Portfolio: Leading India’s Renewable Energy Sector
- Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), India’s largest and one of the world’s leading renewable energy (RE) companies, has surpassed 10,000 megawatts (MW) of operational portfolio, delivering reliable, affordable, and clean power to the national grid.
- AGEL’s operational portfolio consists of 7,393 MW solar, 1,401 MW wind and 2,140 MW wind-solar hybrid capacity. The milestone is a testament to AGEL and its development partners firmly moving towards the goal of 45,000 MW renewable energy by 2030.
- AGEL’s 10,934 MW operational portfolio will power more than 5.8 million homes and avoid about 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
QCI and LUB Signed MoU to Boost MSME Competitiveness
- The Quality Council of India (QCI) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) have collaborated to enhance awareness and participation in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Competitive Lean Scheme (MCLS) of the Ministry of MSME among the members of Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), typically MSMEs.
- The MoU outlines a roadmap for collaborative initiatives, including awareness programs, camps, and consultations at state and district levels, to facilitate the adoption of lean principles and sustainable practices under the scheme among the LUB members.
- To ensure smooth implementation, a designated nodal officer from each organization will act as a single point of contact for all MCLS-related matters.
BMW Group and Tata Tech Signed JV Agreement to Develop Automotive Software and IT Hub
- German automotive major BMW Group and Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services firm, said they will form a joint venture to set up an automotive software and IT development hub in India.
- The two firms have signed an agreement to form a joint venture (JV) with the aim to establish an automotive software and IT development hub in Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, a joint statement by the companies said.
- The main development and operations activities will be established in Bengaluru and Pune.
Meta Partners with PTI to Expand its Fact-Checking Program in India
- Social media giant Meta announced its collaboration with the Press Trust of India (PTI) under its third-party fact-checking programme in India.
- The partnership will enable PTI to identify, review, and rate content as misinformation across Meta platforms.
- Meta’s fact-checking programme in India includes partnerships with independent fact-checking organisations that assist users in identifying, reviewing, verifying information, and helping to prevent the spread of misinformation on its platforms.
APPOINTMENTS
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Sworn in for Third Term as Egyptian President
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been sworn in before parliament for his third term as Egyptian president. He was re-elected in December with 89.6 percent of the vote in a race pitting him against three largely unknown candidates.
- In power for the past decade, the 69-year-old former army chief is set to remain president until 2030.
- El-Sisi came to power after the 2013 overthrow of the country’s first popularly elected president, Mohamed Morsi. He was re-elected in 2018. In both previous elections, he won with 97 percent of the vote.
Ravi Kota IAS Takes Charge as New Chief Secretary of Assam
- Senior IAS officer Ravi Kota took charge as the new chief secretary of Assam. In an official ceremony at the secretariat, Kota, who was the additional chief secretary, assumed charge from Paban Kumar Borthakur, who retired.
- Kota, an IAS officer of the 1993 batch, was looking after Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises, and Finance departments as the additional chief secretary. Ravi Kota assumes charge as new chief secretary of Assam Guwahati: Senior IAS officer Ravi Kota on Sunday took charge as the new chief secretary of Assam.
EC Ropes in Ayushmann Khurrana to Urge Youth to Vote
- Actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been roped in by the Election Commission of India to urge the youngsters to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
- The 39-year-old actor features in the ECI’s campaign video that encourages the youth to exercise their franchise in the upcoming elections.
AWARDS
Bundelkhand Wheat Variety Gets GI Tag
- The Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh has received its first Geographical Indication (GI) tag for a farm produce.
- The indigenous farm produce wheat, popularly known as Kathiya Gehu (wheat), has been conferred the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- This will help in promoting this indigenous brand of wheat which is rich in protein and can be grown with very less irrigation.
Dr. Karthik Kommuri Honoured at National Fame Awards 2024
- Dr. Karthik Kommuri was felicitated with the Distinguished Overseas Dental Specialist (Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain) title at the National Fame Awards 2024, held at The Club in Mumbai.
- Dr. Kommuri is renowned for his exceptional patient care and commitment to contemporary practice in orthodontics and dentistry. He is known for his unwavering dedication to patient well-being, pursuit of excellence, and creating brighter smiles.
- The National Fame Awards are an initiative by Brands Impact to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations that have risen to fame and nationwide popularity. The awards aim to celebrate their inspiring achievements and positive impact in their fields.