Daily GK Update- 9th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM launches 52 tourism sector projects worth more than Rs 1400 crores: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched 52 tourism sector projects worth over Rs 1400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes. Nine tourism infrastructure projects, spread across the country, developed under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes worth Rs 469 crore were launched, besides 43 other projects worth Rs 963 crore were also launched under the two schemes of tourism ministry.

The project launch events were also carried out at all the 52 destinations, simultaneously by the ministry, state government, UT administrations and local authorities.

 

2. PM Modi dedicated Sela tunnel to nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh to the country, with the new route allowing faster deployment of weapons, soldiers and equipment to forward areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector. the tunnel is built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of Rs 825 crore. It is the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet. The tunnel will cut down the travel time to Tawang by at least one hour as well as provide all-weather connectivity. Sela tunnel will not only boost the country’s defence preparedness but will also give a fillip to the region’s socio-economic development, the officials said.

 

3. Bichom becomes 27th district of Arunachal Pradesh: Bichom, carved out of West and East Kameng, became the 27th district of Arunachal Pradesh. In February this year, the state assembly passed the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Organization of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for the creation of Bichom and Keyi Panyor districts. A total of 27 villages from West Kameng and 28 from East Kameng were made part of Bichom district.

 

4. Rajendra Prasad Goyal assumes additional charge of NHPC Limited: Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Director (Finance), NHPC has taken over the additional charge of the post of Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company and a Schedule ‘A’ Enterprise of Government of India. Goyal joined NHPC on 18th November 1988 as Finance Professional and he has risen the professional ladder by virtue of utmost sense of responsibility, ethics and dedication to the Company. He has vast experience of more than 35 years in NHPC in the core areas of Finance, coupled with in-depth understanding of Financial, Contractual and Regulatory issues involved in the construction and operation of hydropower projects.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sweden officially becomes 32nd member of NATO: Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO after it completed the accession process in Washington. The handover of documents took place at a ceremony two years after Sweden applied to join the military alliance following the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022. The foundations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) were officially laid down on 4 April 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, more popularly known as the Washington Treaty. The Treaty was signed in Washington D.C. on 4 April 1949 by 12 founding members. At present, NATO has 32 member countries. These countries, called NATO Allies.

 

2. 9 March – No Smoking Day: No Smoking Day is celebrated on 13 March every year. This day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the destructive impacts of smoking and to inspire individuals to stop smoking. Theme 2024 – Protecting children from tobacco industry interference. The historical backdrop of No Smoking Day traces all the way back to 1984, when a charity called No Smoking Day was founded. The day was first observed on Ash Wednesday in 1984. It was initially intended to spread awareness about the health risks related to smoking and to help smokers in kicking the habit.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 9 March – CISF Raising Day: CISF Raising Day is celebrated every year on March 10. This day marks the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. CISF is an important armed police force in India that provides security to many important places and projects across the country. DG of CISF – Nina Singh Headquarters – New Delhi, India

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI and Bank Indonesia sign MoU to establish a framework to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank Indonesia (BI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies — the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — for cross-border transactions. This framework would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies, which in turn would enable the development of an INR-IDR foreign exchange market. The MoU covers all current account transactions, permissible capital account transactions, and any other economic and financial transactions as agreed upon by both countries.

 

2. Govt keeps interest rates on small savings schemes unchanged for Q1 FY25: The government has kept the interest rates unchanged on various small savings schemes for the first quarter of the next fiscal, beginning April 1, 2024. With this, the interest rates will remain unchanged till June 30, 2024. These schemes offer guaranteed returns at regular intervals compounded monthly, quarterly or annually as the case may be. These instruments cater to conservative investors and offer guaranteed but low returns and range between 6-8 per cent.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Creators Award: On Friday, March 8, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the inaugural National Creators Award at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The awards were given to recognize young talent across 20 categories, including storytelling, social change advocacy, environmental sustainability, education, ..

 

2. President’s Standard and President’s Colours Awarded: On March 8, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, presented the prestigious President’s Standard to 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron, and the President’s Colours to 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit .