Daily Current Affairs 7th & 8th April, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 7 & 8 April 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
Sagar Kavach 2024: Coastal Security Exercise in Lakshadweep Islands
- A two-day exercise involving all maritime security agencies of the country was conducted off the Lakshadweep Islands from April 1-2, officials said.
- The exercise involved the participation of all maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, and other security agencies.
- During the exercise, validation of the effectiveness of coastal security mechanisms while dealing with asymmetric threats emanating from the sea was undertaken, they said.
- The exercise witnessed enhanced preparedness, response mechanism, surveillance capabilities and coordination between the coastal security stakeholders, the officials said.
Uttarakhand’s Response to GLOF Risks in Himalayas
- The state government of Uttarakhand recently set up two expert panels to conduct risk-assessment and monitor five glacial lakes that have been facing risk of immediate danger.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods or GLOFs have been threatening them leading the government to label them as High-Risk Prone areas.
- The government is undertaking measures to mitigate potential hazards that might occur as a consequence of the threat connected with these lake bodies.
Indian Coast Guard Inaugurates Aquatic Centre at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal inaugurated the Indian Coast Guard Aquatic Centre at ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, as part of his four-day visit to the maritime force’s bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
- The visit aimed to review operational preparedness and infrastructure development in the region, with a focus on ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas.
- As part of the ongoing visit of Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal, AVSM, PTM, TM, and DG ICG to the Eastern Region, he visited ICG Station Krishnapatnam and had a first-hand review of infrastructure projects.
India permits limited essential exports to Maldives amid tensions
- The central government has agreed to increase the export of essential supplies to the Maldives for the fiscal year 2024-25, underscoring its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
- This decision comes amidst a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region, particularly concerning China’s growing influence and the ‘India Out’ campaign led by the Muizzu administration in the Maldives.
- The revised export quotas mark a notable increase in the supply of critical commodities such as river sand and stone aggregates, which are vital for the Maldives’ construction sector by 25 per cent to 1,000,000 metric tonnes. Additionally, there’s a 5 per cent increase in the export limits for essential food items like eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and pulses.
Punjab Launches ‘Booth Raabta’ Website
- In the district of Malerkotla, Punjab, a unique initiative has been launched by the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Pallavi. The initiative involves the launch of a special website called ‘Booth Raabta’, which aims to provide election-related information to the people of the district.
- The website, which means ‘Booth Contact’, is a unique initiative of the Malerkotla district authorities. According to Dr. Pallavi, the Deputy Commissioner of Malerkotla district, Booth Raabta will guide people of the district on various election-related issues.
- For the first time, young voters can download certificates through the website, and voters can also rate any polling station.
- Additionally, keeping in mind the heat wave season, the website also includes arrangements for calling ambulances and information about government hospitals at one click.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India tops list of doping offenders in 2022: WADA anti-doping report
- India has emerged as the country with the highest percentage of doping offenders, according to the 2022 testing figures released by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- The report revealed that out of 4,064 samples collected from Indian athletes (including urine, blood, and athlete biological passports), 127 individuals tested positive for banned substances, constituting 3.26 per cent of the sample size.
- WADA report also found a 6.4 per cent increase in the total number of samples analysed and reported in its Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) in 2022, compared to the previous year. The percentage of AAF also increased to 0.77 per cent in 2022, from 0.65 per cent in 2021.
- Following India, South Africa ranked second with 80 doping failures (2.04 per cent from 4,169 samples tested), followed by Bangkok’s testing laboratory in third place, reporting 1.93 per cent of its testing pool (3,402 samples), returning 65 cases of AAFs. The United States and Qatar secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
US, UK forge an alliance to standardise testing public safety in AI models
- The United States and Britain have announced a new partnership in which they will be working together to address concerns about the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
- US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington to collaborate on the development of an advanced AI model. This partnership follows commitments made at an AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park in November.
- Both countries are establishing government-led AI safety institutes. Britain announced its institute in October to examine and test new types of AI, while the United States launched its own safety institute in November to evaluate risks from advanced AI models. The US institute is now collaborating with 200 companies and entities.
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI cancels four NBFCs’ certificate of registration
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it has cancelled certificate of registration of four non-banking finance companies (NBFCs).
- These NBFCs are Kundles Motor Finance Pvt Ltd, Nithya Finance Ltd, Bhatia Hire Purchase Pvt Ltd, and Jiwanjyoti Deposits and Advances Limited, according to a statement issued by the central bank.
- In a separate notification, the central bank said five NBFCs have surrendered their licences due to exit from NBFC business. These NBFCs are Growing Opportunity Finance (India) Pvt Ltd, Invel Commercial Pvt. Ltd, Mohan Finance Ltd, Saraswati Properties Ltd, and Quicker Marketing Pvt Ltd, release said.
UBI Raises Rs 4,200 Crore from DIFC To Fund Overseas Business
- State-owned Union Bank of India said it has raised USD 500 million (about Rs 4,200 crore) from foreign markets to fund overseas business growth. The fund was arranged by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Branch, Union Bank of India said in a regulatory filing.
- The fund was arranged by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Branch, Union Bank of India said.
- A syndicated term loan of $ 500 million ($400 million and Green Shoe of $100 million) would be drawn in two tranches with tenure of 3 and 5 years. The first tranche of $100 million was drawn.
American Express Launches New Metal Corporate Platinum Card
- American Express announces the launch of the all-new metal Corporate Platinum Card, designed to cater to the evolving needs of business owners and entrepreneurs in India. This refresh comes with an array of exclusive benefits, aiming to provide unparalleled service and rewards as they navigate challenges and pursue success.
- The refreshed card now comes in a metal form with best-in-class benefits such as Gold Elite Status at Marriott Bonvoy and Taj Epicure Plus Membership, among others. Card Members can earn up to 5X rewards on spends across select categories including airlines, e-commerce, and IT/ITES spends among others.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
IFFCO & ACME Signed MoU To Boost Sustainability in Agriculture and Renewable Energy Usage In India
- Aiming for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy usage in India, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited (ACME) signed an MoU for the purchase and supply of 2,00,000 MT ammonia made through renewable energy route.
- This initiative is in line with the PM’s vision of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This will make India the Global Hub for the production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
- This collaboration will also contribute to India’s aim to become Aatmanirbhar Bharat through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global clean energy transition.
BEML & BEL partners to Develop Indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS)
- Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS), aimed at what they called “revolutionising” rail communication technology in the country.
- The primary objective of this partnership is to identify potential areas of cooperation between BEML and BEL, with a focus on exploring the joint development of high-value products and solutions tailored to the requirements of Indian Railways and Metro systems.
- Currently, Train Control Management Systems (TCMS) are predominantly supplied by propulsion suppliers, leading to dependency on imported technology.
SIDBI Partners with KarmaLife to Offer Micro Loans for Gig Workers
- Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has entered into an agreement with a fintech Onion Life Private Limited to use the latter’s technology platform KarmaLife for a pilot to provide micro loans to gig workers. This is expected to support the gig workers’ financial inclusion to formal institutional credit.
- KarmaLife will help gig workers access micro loans through a mobile app and eliminates the hassle of extensive paperwork or physical documentation.
- This streamlined process will make it easier for gig workers to manage the liquidity needs of their enterprise activities.
SPORTS
Max Verstappen clinches Japanese Grand Prix as Red Bull finish 1-2
- Triple world champion Max Verstappen romped to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, leading team-mate Sergio Perez to a dominant one-two finish for Red Bull.
- Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, who emerged victorious in Australia two weeks prior, strategically utiliwed fresher tyres in the latter part of the race. This allowed him to surpass his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who opted for a one-stop strategy, securing the third spot on the podium.
- Lando Norris of McLaren clinched fifth place, while the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton struggled, finishing seventh and ninth respectively.
APPOINTMENTS
IPS Officer Love Kumar Appointed as IG in Special Protection Group
- Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Love Kumar has been appointed as Inspector General in Special Protection Group (SPG).
- Kumar is a 2004-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He has been appointed to the post for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of post or till further orders, whichever is earlier. Currently, he is posted as DIG in the same group.
- Further, Umesh Chander Datta (IPS) has also been appointed as IG in SPG for a period of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post till the further order whichever is earlier.
Bilquis Mir-The First Indian Woman on the Paris Olympics Jury
- Bilquis Mir of Jammu Kashmir has become the first Indian to be appointed a jury member at the 33rd Summer Olympics to be held in Paris, France, from 26 July -11 August 2024.
- She is also the first woman from India to be made a jury member in the Olympics games. Bilquis Mir, who is a qualified jury member, was a jury member at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, last year.
- According to the Indian Olympic Association, former canoeist Bilquis Mir was nominated by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association to officiate at the Paris Olympics.
Olympic Champion Valerie Adams Named Ambassador for TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2024
- Dame Valerie Adams, the iconic shot putter, a four-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medallist has been named the International Event Ambassador for the “16th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru” to be held, 28th April 2024.
- The 39-year-old from New Zealand is arguably the most successful female shot putter of all time. Across her five appearances in the Olympics, she has won two gold medals (in 2008, and 2012), a silver (in 2016) and a bronze medal (in 2020). Notably, Adams also boasts an impressive record of four consecutive gold medals in the World Championships, as well as being a four-time world indoor champion and a three-time Commonwealth Games winner.
Peter Pellegrini Wins Slovakia Presidential Elections
- Slovak nationalist-left government candidate Peter Pellegrini has won the country’s presidential election, cementing the grip of pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico over the country.
- Pellegrini had 53.26 percent of the vote, versus 46.73 percent for pro-Western opposition candidate Ivan Korcok, results from 99.66 percent of voting districts showed.
- Fico, who took power for the fourth time last October, has turned the country’s foreign policy to more pro-Russian views and initiated reforms of criminal law and the media, raising concerns over weakening the rule of law.
Wipro Appoints New CEO: Srinivas Pallia
- Wipro has announced the appointment of Srinivas Pallia as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Thierry Delaporte who has resigned from the post.
- The Bengaluru-based IT giant said in a statement that Pallia will be assuming the role of MD and CEO, effective immediately.
- Srinivas Pallia is a Wipro veteran, having spent over three decades at the company. Most recently, he served as the CEO for Americas 1. In this role, he managed various industry sectors, set their goals, and executed plans to expand, leading to higher market shares in those sectors.
Fin Min appoints Justice PS Dinesh Kumar as Presiding Officer of SAT; Dheeraj Bhatnagar as Technical Member
- The Finance Ministry has appointed P S Dinesh Kumar, a retired judge, as the presiding officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) for four years.
- Kumar is a former chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. He was a judge at the High Court since 2015 and vacated office in February this year. His tenure as chief justice was less than a month. Kumar assumed charge on January 31 after the Supreme Court collegium recommended his name to the government on January 19.
- The ministry has also appointed Dheeraj Bhatnagar as a technical member of the tribunal for four years or till he reaches the age of 67, whichever is earlier. Bhatnagar retired as principal chief commissioner of Income Tax, Delhi.
MCA Appoints Two Part-Time Members to IBBI Governing Board
- Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA) has appointed two part-time members to the Governing Board of insolvency regulator, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
- The two part-time members are M.P. Ram Mohan, a Professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, and Dinabandhu Mohapatra, a Non-Executive Independent Director at Indiabulls Housing Limited.
- These appointments will take effect on February 19 for a period of five years or until they attain the age of sixty-five or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
- With these appointments, the IBBI Governing Board’s composition is complete in line with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. It has now ten members, including the Chairperson, Ravi Mital.
AWARDS
GAIL Wins 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award for Barauni – Guwahati Pipeline
- GAIL (India) Limited won the 15th ‘CIDC Vishwakarma Award’ in the ‘Achievement Award for Best Construction Projects’ category for its Barauni – Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline project (BGPL).
- The BGPL project, an integral part of Jagdishpur – Haldia & Bokaro – Dhamra Pipeline project, has connected North-East India with the National Gas Grid for the first time. The 718 km long pipeline will act as the gateway for access of environmental-friendly fuel natural gas for entire North-East through Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
SJVN Ltd Won 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for its CSR Contribution
- SJVN Limited has won two prestigious awards at the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024, instituted by the Construction Industry Development Council. SJVN has been conferred with ‘Achievement Award for Creating Social Development & Impact’ and ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’.
- All the CSR initiatives of SJVN are undertaken through the registered trust, SJVN Foundation. Till date, the company has spent more than Rs. 450 crores on a spectrum of CSR activities spanning the verticals of Education & Skill development, Health & Hygiene, Infrastructural Development & Community Asset Creation, Sustainable Development, Assistance during Natural Disasters, Preservation & Promotion of Local Culture and Sports.
- CIDC Vishwakarma Awards have become an epitome for recognizing organizations and individuals for their initiatives across various fields, including Corporate Social responsibility, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainable development of the nation.
SEBI gets ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification for Information Security Management Systems
- SEBI has successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for the Information Security Management System at the primary data centre, Security Operations Control (SOC) and Network Operations Control (NOC) as well as the Information Security Management System at the disaster recovery site.
- The ISO/IEC 27001:2002 is an internationally recognized standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that enables organizations to identify, prevent, and defend potential security vulnerabilities.
- The certification was obtained after rigorous evaluation by the certification body under the accreditation of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
Sitars, tanpuras made in Maharashtra’s Miraj town get awarded with GI tags
- The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
- These instruments made in Miraj are much in demand among some of the prominent artistes, including those renowned in the field of classical music as well as film industry, the makers claim.
- The GI tag denotes the product comes from a particular geographical area, and often enhances its commercial value.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Sam Pitroda’s New Book ‘The Idea of Democracy’
- Renowned author Sam Pitroda has written a new book titled ‘The Idea of Democracy’, has been released recently.
- Pitroda’s book addresses the paradox of so-called democratic success coupled with its liberal decline. It provides a detailed analysis of the essence of democracy, its workings, the values it needs to encapsulate, and the forces and safeguards that can help preserve liberal democracy.
- This book explores the current state of democracy and its potential challenges in countries like India and the United States.