Daily GK Update- 31st Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HPCL and Tata Join Forces to Build Nationwide EV Charging Network: Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TEPM) has signed an MoU with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) to set up 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations across India. The collaboration will leverage HPCLs widespread fuel station network and TPEMs insights from over 1.2 lakh Tata EVs on Indian roads, to set up chargers at locations frequently visited by Tata EV owners. The collaboration will leverage HPCL’s extensive network of over 21,500 fuel stations across the country.

 

2. Arnab Banerjee elected as Chairman of ATMA: MD & CEO of CEAT Ltd, Arnab Banerjee has been elected as the new Chairman of Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA). Arnab Banerjee joined CEAT in 2005 as the Vice President-Sales and Marketing.

 

3. Threats to the Great Indian Bustard and Conservation Efforts: The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a critically endangered bird species native to the Indian subcontinent. With fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild, the GIB faces numerous threats that are driving it towards extinction. The GIB ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 30 March – International Day of Zero Waste: International Day of Zero Waste is celebrated every year on March 30th. This day aims to raise awareness about reducing waste and promoting zero-waste initiatives to achieve sustainable development. On 14 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution at its seventy-seventh session to proclaim 30 March as International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually. Promoting zero-waste initiatives through this international day can help advance all the goals and targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Sustainable Development Goal 12.

 

2. Michelangelo’s David statue and Italy’s Cultural Heritage Code: Michelangelo’s David is a renowned marble sculpture created by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti between 1501 and 1504. The statue depicts the Biblical figure David, a young shepherd who fought and defeated the giant Goliath. The sculpture is considered ..

 

3. Russia’s Veto on North Korea’s Sanctions Monitoring: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been monitoring North Korea’s compliance with sanctions imposed due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. A panel of experts was set up in 2009 to track and report on any violations ..

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. LCA Tejas MK-1A completes maiden flight in Bengaluru: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the first flight of indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet in Bengaluru. The aircraft was airborne for 15 minutes during its first flight.  The fighter aircraft is likely to be deployed at Nal airbase in Rajasthan’s Bikaner near the Pakistan border where it can take care of the western adversary. LCA Mk-1A is an advanced variant of the LCA Mk-1, and it has advanced electronic radar, superior warfare capabilities, and improved maintenance features.

 

2. India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise concludes at Mozambique: The second edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT 24) concluded at Nacala, Mozambique. The week-long exercise underscores the importance of enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Navies of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania. INS Tir and Sujata participated in IMT TRILAT 24 through a series of joint exercises, training sessions and collaborative activities, providing invaluable opportunities for all three Navies to exchange knowledge, enhance capabilities and bolster maritime security in the region.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Hockey India Awards 2023: The Hockey India Awards 2023 were held in New Delhi on March 31, 2024 to celebrate the outstanding Indian hockey players from the previous calendar year. The event saw several players being recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to ..

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India’s first Artificial Intelligence based Film ‘IRAH’ trailer launched: The trailer and song launch of the first Hindi film on this subject, “IRAH,” took place in Mumbai. The movie features Rohit Bose Roy, Rajesh Sharma, Karishma Kotak, and Rakshith Bhandarry in prominent roles. The movie is Produced by Big Films Media and directed by Sam Bhattacharjee. The film is set to release nationwide in theaters on April 4th through Iamplex Digital Theatrical Distribution.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of India to raise Rs 10,000 cr via infrastructure bonds: Bank of India (BoI)’s board has given approval to raise Rs 10,000 crore through long-term infra bonds to fund infrastructure projects. The fund would be raised in 2024-25, BoI said in a regulatory filing. Recently, many banks including SBI have issued infrastructure bonds to secure funds that are solely dedicated to advancing various infrastructure development projects. These bonds help in building roads, bridges, airports, power plants, and telecommunications networks etc and addressing the infrastructure deficit of the country.

 

2. IT Dept slaps ₹564.44 crore penalty on Bank of India: Income Tax department has levied a penalty of Rs 564.44 crore on Bank of India, the public sector lender. The bank has received the order under Section 270A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from the Income Tax Department, Assessment Unit pertaining to AY2018-19, wherein the penalty of Rs 564.44 crore has been imposed on various disallowances made.

 

3. Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering establishing a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to combat the proliferation of illegal lending apps and curb growing cyber fraud. This proposed agency aims to verify digital lending apps, maintain a public

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World’s First Om-Shaped Temple inaugurated in Rajasthan: The World’s first-ever Om-shaped temple has inaugurated in the village of Jadan in Pali district of Rajasthan. This temple became the world’s first temple designed in this iconic form. This architectural masterpiece will not only attract tourists, but will also boast of an impressive visual presence that will be visible from space too. The ‘Om Aakar’ temple spans across a vast expanse of 250 acres in Jadan Village.

 

2. Girija Subramanian appoints as CMD of New India Assurance Company: The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has selected Girija Subramanian as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the New India Assurance Company and Bhupesh Sushil Rahul as CMD of United India Insurance Company. The post of CMD at United India has been vacant since February 2024 following the retirement of Satyajit Tripathy, and Neerja Kapur’s tenure at New India Assurance is set to end in April 2024. Girija Subramanian is currently the CMD of the Agriculture Insurance Company of India, and B S Rahul serves as the general manager at the same company.

 

3. 30 March – Rajasthan Diwas: Rajasthan Diwas is celebrated every year on 30 March. This year Rajasthan celebrates its 75th anniversary. On this day in 1949, 19 princely states and 3 states were merged to form the state of Rajasthan after a process that took eight and a half years. On January 14, 1949, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel announced the merger of the princely states of Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer in a public meeting in Udaipur. To implement this announcement, Patel inaugurated Greater Rajasthan in a ceremony in Jaipur on March 30, 1949.

 

4. Kerala Government Challenges Governor’s Role in Lawmaking Process: The Kerala government has recently approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns about President Droupadi Murmu withholding assent to four Bills passed by the state without disclosing any reason, and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan withholding assent to seven Bills for extended ..

 

5. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024: The Environment Ministry of India has recently introduced new rules that make it more difficult for manufacturers of disposable plastic products to label them as ‘biodegradable.’ The updated Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024, now require that biodegradable plastics not ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World’s largest copper manufacturing plant owned by Adani Group: Billionaire Gautam Adani-led group has started of the first phase of the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant at Mundra in Gujarat, which will help cut India’s dependence on imports and aid energy transition. The 1st phase of the facility will produce 0.5 million tonnes a year of refined copper. India joins China and other nations that are rapidly expanding production of copper. India’s per capita copper consumption is around 0.6 kg and the global average is 3.2 kg.

 

2. India, Mozambique, and Tanzania Conclude Trilateral Naval Exercise IMT TRILAT 24: The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT 24) concluded at Nacala, Mozambique, on March 28, 2024. The week-long exercise, which took place from March 21 to 28, aimed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies

 

3. Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month: Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month is observed annually in March to raise awareness about a rare type of blood cancer that develops in the bones and other parts of the body. What is Multiple Myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a form of ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. IIM Mumbai and Starburst collaborate to boost aerospace, defence startups: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has partnered with Europe’s Starburst, in a bid to boost the aerospace, new space, and defence (ASD) industry in India. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a hub for ASD innovation on the global stage, as well as offer a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. This strategic collaboration between IIM Mumbai and Starburst signifies a crucial step towards nurturing and empowering the burgeoning ASD startup ecosystem in India.

 

2. LCA Tejas MK-1A completes maiden flight in Bengaluru: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the first flight of indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet in Bengaluru. The aircraft was airborne for 15 minutes during its first flight. The fighter aircraft is likely to be deployed at Nal airbase in Rajasthan’s Bikaner near the Pakistan border where it can take care of the western adversary. LCA Mk-1A is an advanced variant of the LCA Mk-1, and it has advanced electronic radar, superior warfare capabilities, and improved maintenance features.

 

SPORTS

 

1. IIT Madras to host the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament: An International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated Rapid Chess Tournament will be hosted by IIT Madras. More than 35 players from the institute will take part in the event. The ‘6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament’ will witness the participation of six Grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three Women Grandmasters and a Women International Master. The total prize fund of the tournament is ₹5,00,000 with the first prize being ₹65,000. The tournament not only offers substantial prize funds but also attracts a diverse range of player.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank launches Digital US Dollar Fixed Deposits for NRIs at GIFT City: Axis Bank has launched the digital US dollar Fixed Deposits (FD) tailored for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers at the IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) situated in GIFT City, Gujarat. The US Dollar fixed deposit scheme offers a diverse array of investment tenures ranging from seven days to an extensive ten years. Additionally, customers retain the flexibility to request partial or full premature closure of their FD through the Axis Bank mobile application, enhancing their control and convenience over their investments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Vijay Jain bagged prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 Award: Managing Director of Star Estate, Vijay Jain has been awarded the prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 Award. The award ceremony, held recently in Noida, was organized by The Times Group.

Daily GK Update- 29th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Neeraj Chopra becomes Eveready’s new brand ambassador: Neeraj Chopra joined Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan as he was named the newest brand ambassador of Eveready Batteries. The brand aims to enhance its connection with the youth by offering long-lasting value-for-money solutions. Neeraj Chopra is the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in javelin and the first Asian to win gold at the World Championship.

 

2. Sadanand Date appointed as chief of NIA: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Sadanand Vasant Date has been appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He will succeed Dinkar Gupta, who is due to superannuate on March 31. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Date as the Director General (DG) of the NIA for a tenure up to his superannuation on December 31, 2026.

 

3. Sita Ram Meena appointed as India’s next ambassador to Niger: Sita Ram Meena has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Niger. Meena currently serves as Director in the Ministry. The bilateral activities between the two nations gained momentum after India’s Mission in Niamey was opened in May 2009. Niger opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 2011.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-British writer's book in inaugural Women's Prize for Non-fiction sho: Indian-British journalist and commentator Madhumita Murgia's book which explores the impact of AI on human society has been shortlisted for the 2024 inaugural Women's Prize for Non-fiction. The six books cover a broad range of subjects - from life writing, religion, art and history, to AI, social media and online politics.

 

2. India at G20 2nd Employment Working Group Meeting at Brasilia: The two-day 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the Brazilian Presidency commenced in Brasilia, Brazil. The G20 EWG’s mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all. As India is a member of the G20 Troika, represented by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment, India is co-chairing the 2nd EWG meeting, along with Brazil and South Africa.

 

3. Saudi Arabia to participate in Miss Universe event in historic first: Saudi Arabia officially joined the Miss Universe pageant with Rumy Alqahtani as the Islamic country’s first-ever representative.

This is another step for Saudi Arabia, which has been shedding its conservative cloak under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model, would be the first participant from the country in the international beauty pageant.

4. 28 March – World Piano Day: World Piano Day is celebrated annually on the 28th March. This day serves as a global platform to recognize the beauty, cultural significance, and enduring appeal of the piano, fostering appreciation for its rich legacy across generations and cultures. World Piano Day, the annual event, is observed on the 88th day of the year. This day was chosen in correspondence to the number of keys available on a piano. And according to this, it falls on March 28 in the year 2024.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad record for highest IPL total of all time: Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 277/3 in 20 overs in Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians to break the record of RCB’s total of 263/5 in 2013 against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India. Highest totals in IPL history:

 

2. Sri Lanka to host Women’s Asia Cup 2024: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th 2024. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th, 2024. The tournament will feature eight teams, one more than the previous edition in 2022. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will be joined by the semifinalists of the Women’s Premier Cup 2024 – UAE, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Nidhu Saxena appointed MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra: The Ministry of Finance appointed Nidhu Saxena as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Maharashtra. He replaced AS Rajeev upon his selection as Vigilance Commissioner in CVC. Saxena is currently Executive Director of Union Bank of India.

 

2. NHPC inks pct with JBIC for 20 billion: The State-owned hydropower giant NHPC has inked a loan agreement of JPY 20 billion (around Rs 1,100 crore) with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for developing a 300 MW solar project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This is the first kind of loan syndication by NHPC with JBIC for the financing of renewable energy project. JBIC’s loan is co-financed with MUFG Bank Ltd., Japan and Bank of Yokohama Ltd, Japan.

 

3. Kotak Mahindra Bank acquires Sonata Finance: Kotak Mahindra Bank has acquired 100 per cent stake in Sonata Finance Private Limited – a microfinance institution — for Rs 537 crore. With this acquisition, Sonata has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the private sector bank. Sonata operates in 10 states through 549 branches and has assets under management worth Rs 2,620 crore as on December 31, 2023.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Madhumita’s book shortlisted for Women’s Prize for Non-fiction
: Indian-British journalist and commentator Madhumita Murgia’s book which explores the impact of AI on human society has been shortlisted for the 2024 inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. The six books in the shortlist are Murgia’s “Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI”, “Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death” by Laura Cumming, “Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World” by Naomi Klein, “A Flat Place” by Noreen Masud, “All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake” by Tiya Miles, and “How to Say Babylon: A Jamaican Memoir” by Safiya Sinclair. The six books cover a broad range of subjects – from life writing, religion, art and history, to AI, social media and online politics.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hansha Mishra appointed as Director in UPSC: Hansha Mishra (IA&AS) has been selected for the appointment as Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He has been selected for the appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier. Mishra is an Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer of 2010 batch.

 

2. Ritu Raj Awasthi sworn in as Judicial Member, Lokpal: Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi was sworn-in as the judicial member, Lokpal. The oath was administered by Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, Chairperson, Lokpal of India. Additionally, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey took oath as member, Lokpal. The new appointments took place as two existing Judicial Members namely Justice P. K. Mohanty and Justice Abhilasha Kumari and three Members namely D. K. Jain, Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh completed their tenure in Lokpal on March 26, 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye wins Senegalese presidential election: Bassirou Diomaye Faye (44-years) has won the Senegalese presidential election with 54.28% of the votes in the first round.

He is the first opponent to win in the first round since Senegal’s independence from France in 1960. His victory still needs to be validated by Senegal’s Constitutional Council in the next few days.

 

2. Luis Montenegro named Portugal’s Prime Minister: Portugal’s president has named Luis Montenegro, head of the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), as the country’s new prime minister and invited him to form a minority government after eight years of Socialist rule. The long-awaited results of the March 10 elections were published late on Wednesday after votes from abroad were counted, and saw AD win 80 seats in the 230-member parliament, while the Socialist Party and the far-right Chega party clinched 78 and 50 seats, respectively. Montenegro, a 51-year-old lawyer and longtime parliamentarian, will succeed the Socialist Party’s Antonio Costa, who held office since 2015 and was forced to resign in November following corruption allegations.

 

3. Abhay Thakur Appointed as Next Envoy to Myanmar: Senior diplomat Abhay Thakur has been appointed as the country’s next envoy to Myanmar. Abhay Thakur is a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He is currently working as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs. He had served as the sous-sherpa (deputy representative) for the G20 process during India’s presidency of the influential group of 20 major economies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Samudra Paheredar Arrives in Manila Bay, as Part of ASEAN Deployment: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship ‘Samudra Peheredar’( special pollution control ship) is on a three-day visit to Manila Bay, Philippines. The ICG ship is on overseas deployment to ASEAN countries – Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei from 25 March to 12 April 2024. The objectives of this initiative are to demonstrate ICG marine pollution response capabilities and strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG).

 

2. SARL partners with IIT Madras to establish €100 million startup hub: French aerospace and defence firm, Starburst Accelerator SARL has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to set up an innovative hub for start-ups with €100 million in funding support. Through this collaboration, IIT Madras will enable Starburst to set up accelerator programs to boost the Aviation, Space, and Defence (ASD) ecosystem in India. A key focus of this partnership will be entrepreneurs, research parks, investors (public and private), government, and corporate firms.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Haryana crowned Champions of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Ch: Hockey Haryana beat hosts Hockey Maharashtra in the final to win the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship. The match was played at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra. In the final, the two teams were tied at 1-1 at the end of the full-time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Hockey Haryana defeated Maharashtra 3-0 to win the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship for the third time.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. CAG Signs MoU with IIT Delhi on Artificial Intelligence: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Artificial Intelligence. It aims to encourage innovation, skilling of the workforce, and promotion of responsible AI adoption. As part of the MoU, the CAG will have access to cutting-edge AI expertise, capacity building for our workforce, and development of bespoke AI solutions tailored to specific audit needs.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Innoviti Payments, Concerto Software get RBI payment aggregator licences: Offline point-of-sales deploying company Innoviti Payments and payment gateway Vegaah, which is run by Concerto Software and Systems, have secured the online payment aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India, joining the likes of MSwipe, Razorpay, Cashfree, and Zomato. CCAvenue, which is run by listed fintech company Infibeam Avenues, also received its PA licence from the RBI earlier this month. As PAs, these companies are authorized to settle ecommerce transactions. The licence also brings these payment companies directly within the purview of RBI regulations.

 

2. S&P Global raises India’s FY25 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%: S&P Global has raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) by 40 basis points to 6.8 per cent or lower than the central bank and government’s projection of 7 per cent. The Indian economy is estimated to have clocked a growth of 7.6% in the current fiscal. In November, last year, the U.S.-based agency had projected India’s growth to be 6.4% in 2024-25 fiscal on robust domestic momentum.

 

3. Ujjivan SFB partners with Veefin Solutions for MSME growth: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has partnered with Veefin Solutions Ltd to enhance supply chain finance offerings for MSMEs, addressing the sector’s working capital needs. it aims to provide end-to-end solutions, bridging the credit gap in the MSME sector and fostering inclusive growth. The collaboration underscores the commitment of both entities to leverage technology and innovative solutions to address the long-standing challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing timely and affordable credit.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Michel Talagrand awarded Abel Prize 2024: The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has decided to award the Abel Prize for 2024 to Michel Talagrand of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) Paris, France. Talagrand received the prestigious prize “for his groundbreaking contributions to probability theory and functional analysis, with outstanding applications in mathematical physics and statistics.” The common theme in Michel Talagrand’s groundbreaking discoveries is working with and understanding the random processes we see all around us.

Daily GK Update- 27th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ECI launched Saksham app to facilitate easier voting for PwD: Election Commission has launched the Saksham App to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process. This initiative aims to address the needs of voters above 85 years of age and Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) with a 40 percent benchmark disability, allowing them to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes. These targeted measures by the Election Commission signify a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process with ease and dignity.

 

2. Bharat Biotech starts clinical trials of Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC in India: Bharat Biotech International Ltd started clinical trials of the Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC on adults in India. This is the first vaccine against Tuberculosis derived from a human source by the Spanish bio-pharmaceutical company, Biofabri. The trials are carried out by Bharat Biotech in close collaboration with Biofabri. After completing a dose escalation trial in HIV uninfected adults, a Phase2 study in HIV-infected adults has started in 2024 to determine whether MTBVAC is safe in this population.

 

3. From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond authored by S Raman: A book titled “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond “ is written by S Raman. S Raman, who retired as CMD of Canara Bank, and as a wholetime Member of the board of SEBI, rose to the top, having started his career as a clerk with SBI. Within two years, he was selected as a direct recruit officer in Bank of India and rose meteorically to be an Executive Director in Union Bank and then as CMD of Canara. He hails from a middle-class Tamil family in Hyderabad.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Harivansh attends 148th assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union in Switzerland’s Geneva: An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh participated in the 148th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegation attended the meetings of the IPU Asia Pacific Geo Political Group, APG BRICS Parliamentary Coordination Forum and IPU Forum of Women Parliamentarians. It also held a bilateral meeting with the Parliamentary delegation of Thailand. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral Parliamentary cooperation.

 

2. Mumbai Overtakes Beijing to Become Asia’s Billionaire Capital: Hurun Report: Mumbai has dethroned Beijing as Asia’s billionaire capital, marking a historic milestone in the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2024. With 271 billionaires, India now stands third globally in terms of billionaire count. The report unveils a total of 3,279 billionaires globally, with 167 additions in the past year. While China maintained its lead with 814 billionaires, India added nearly 100 new billionaires, while China saw a decline of 155. The top 10 cities with billionaires include, New York, London, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Moscow, New Delhi, and San Francisco.

 

3. Soumendu Bagchi appointed India’s next ambassador to Iraq: Soumendu Bagchi, currently a deputy director general at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), has been appointed as the country’s next envoy to Iraq. Bagchi is a 1993-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). While, Abhilasha Joshi, presently additional secretary in the ministry, has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to the Republic of Chile. Joshi is a 1995-batch IFS officer.

 

4. 25 March – International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed every year on 25 March. The day marked anniversary of abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009. The day is to observed year on 25 March to mobilise action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.

 

5. 26 March – Purple Day of Epilepsy: World Purple Day, also known as Epilepsy Awareness Day is observed every year on 26 March. This day holds special significance as it aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. World Purple Day traces its origins back to 2008 when Cassidy Megan, a young Canadian girl, initiated the idea to increase awareness about epilepsy.

 

6. March 27 – World Theatre Day: World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27 to honour the art of theatre. Objective – To raise awareness about the role of theatre in our lives, and to promote its growth. The history of World Theatre Day dates back to 1962, when the first World Theatre Day was celebrated.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sreeja Akula wins women’s singles title at WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024: In Table Tennis, India’s Sreeja Akula won the women’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 table tennis tournament at the Al Kawthar Secondary School in Lebanon. Akula, the world No. 47, beat Luxembourg’s Sarah De Nutte to win what was her second WTT singles career title. The 25-year-old’s maiden crown came at the Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 in Texas. For the mixed doubles crown, India’s Poymantee Baisya and Akash Pal beat Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra, while in Men’s Doubles Final, Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar won the event of the WTT Feeder Beirut- II tournament in Lebanon.

 

2. Carlos Sainz wins F1 Australian GP: Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz ended Red Bull’s Formula 1 winning streak by winning the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz, who started on the front row alongside Verstappen, kept his place into turn one, but passed the Dutchman on lap two at turn nine for the lead and took control once his rival retired two laps later with a fiery mechanical failure. Verstappen had won the first two F1 races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and was on a nine-race winning streak.

 

3. Kenya allrounder Collins Obuya retires from cricket: Kenya allrounder Collins Obuya has retired from cricket following their defeat to Uganda in the third-place play-off match in the African Games. A leg spinning allrounder, Obuya played 104 ODIs for Kenya, scoring 2044 runs and taking 35 wickets. He is their third-highest run-scorer in the format, with Kenya stripped of their ODI status in 2014. He is also Kenya’s highest run-scorer in T20Is, with 1794 runs from 76 appearances.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank & NPCI partner for contactless payments: Federal Bank has launched a RuPay smart key chain called ‘Flash Pay’ for contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) payments at enabled metro stations and PoS terminals. Customers can make payments up to ₹5,000 without a PIN, whereas those over ₹5,000 will require PIN authentication. The per day limit at any PoS terminal has been capped at ₹1 lakh. ‘Flash Pay’ allows users to make secure payments with just a tap, eliminating the need for physical cards or cash.

 

2. Government allocated Rs 6200 cr to boost RRB: The union government has allocated Rs 6212.03 crore to regional rural banks under the recapitalization scheme. Under the scheme, recapitalization support is provided to RRBs to maintain the minimum prescribed capital-to-risk (Weighted) Assets ratio of nine per cent. The performance of RRBs has improved significantly, with a consolidated CRAR (Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio) at an all-time high of 13.83 per cent as of December 31, 2023. Indian RRBs have shown the highest ever consolidated net profit of Rs 4,974 crores in FY22-23 and a net profit of Rs 5,236 crore up to the 3rd quarter of FY 2023-24.

 

3. Star Housing Finance partners with Tata Capital Housing Finance: Star Housing Finance (Star HFL) has entered into a co-lending partnership with Tata Capital Housing Finance (TCHFL). The partnership aims to leverage domain of Star HFL in low ticket affordable housing finance space and the mutual synergies arising out of operations. Star HFL branch network across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, NCR and Tamil Nadu would be utilized in this partnership to provide housing finance assistance predominantly to home buyers in economically weaker section (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) segment.

4. LIC world’s strongest insurance brand: Brand Finance Insurance: Insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the strongest insurance brand globally, according to a report Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024. The report said that LIC’s brand value remains steady at USD 9.8 billion, accompanied by a brand strength index score of 88.3 and an associated AAA brand strength rating. Following LIC, the rankings highlight Cathay Life Insurance as the second strongest brand, experiencing a 9 per cent increase in brand value to USD 4.9 billion, closely followed by NRMA Insurance, which saw an 82 per cent rise in brand value to USD 1.3 billion.