Daily GK Update- 18th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Apple collaborates with CleanMax to accelerate renewable energy in India: CleanMax, a renewable energy company has partnered with Apple to accelerate renewable energy adoption in India.  As a part of the collaboration, CleanMax stated that it has successfully installed 14.4 megawatts of rooftop solar installations across six industrial sites in the country. These installations are expected to reduce approximately 207,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over their entire operational life.

 

2. IMF raises India's GDP forecast to 6.8% for 2024-25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection to 6.8 percent for the financial year (FY) 2024-25. The IMF's update to the World Economic Outlook report stated that India's growth is expected to remain strong in FY 2024-25 at 6.8 percent and in FY 2025-26 at 6.5 percent due to the continuing strength in domestic demand and a rising working-age population.

 

3. Lightstorm signed with IIT Madras to launch employment skilling initiative: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with digital infrastructure provider Lightstorm for employment enablement and skill development programme in the country The collaboration aims to address the skill gap among underprivileged students and support underserved youth, women, and job seekers from tier II and III cities. It will provide extensive placement assistance, including job readiness facilities, for students pursuing degrees in arts, science, and commerce.

 

4. BharatPe appoints Nalin Negi as CEO: Fintech major BharatPe has appointed Nalin Negi as its chief executive officer, after more than a year after he took over as interim CEO and CFO. Negi was appointed as its chief financial officer in 2022 after its then top executive Suhail Sameer stepped down in January 2023. He was was instrumental in driving the company’s significant growth and strategic advancements across key business segments.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Liver Day 2024: April 19: Every year, World Liver Day is observed on April 19. World Liver Day is celebrated every year to create awareness about the significance of liver functions and prevention measures we should take to ensure that the liver is healthy The theme for this year's World Liver Day is - Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Ups and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases.

 

2. Sany India launches fully electric dump truck: Sany India has launched the SKT105E, a fully electric dump truck, which will be manufactured domestically. The truck is designed to meet the demands of open-cast mining operations with significant energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness and has a payload capacity of 70 tonnes. The truck's design, coupled with its zero-emission operation, makes it an environmentally friendly solution for mining sites.

 

3. Nigeria rolls out world's first full shot against meningitis: Nigeria has rolled out the world's first vaccine against all strains of meningitis. The shot will help ease the burden of disease in Africa's “meningitis belt.” Nigeria has become the first country in Africa's "meningitis belt" to introduce the new Men5CV or 'MenFive' meningitis vaccine. It is the world's first vaccine to provide protection against all five strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis.

 

4. World Heritage Day 2024:April 18: World Heritage Day, also monikered as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), is observed on April 18 every year to honor and protect out cultural legacy. On this day, many organizations, societies, governments, and individuals come together to advocate the preservation of historical sites and to increase public awareness about their significance. The purpose of WHD is to raise awareness among local communities about protecting our cultural heritage.

 

5. France hosts the International Humanitarian Conference: An international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries was held in the French capital, Paris. Objective – To raise funds for the people of Sudan who have been caught in a war between Sudan’s army and the rebel paramilitary force Rapid Support Forces. The conference was organized in response to the United Nations’ funding appeal on 7 February 2024. France, Germany and the European Union organized the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. ISRO aims to make space missions debris free by 2030: Making India’s intention clear to join global efforts to remove debris from space, Isro chairman S Somanath announced that the country aims to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030. Somanath said Isro has a clearly laid-out plan for space exploration. This initiative aims to achieve debris-free space missions by all Indian space actors, governmental and non-governmental, by 2030.

 

2. DRDO successfully test fires Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test flight of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The missile performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path.

 

3. Russia launches new Angara A5 heavy-lift rocket on 4th orbital test mission: Russia successfully test-launched its Angara-A5 space rocket for the first time from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This marks a significant milestone in Russia's efforts to develop a new post-Soviet launch vehicle. The test launch of the Angara-A5 aimed to demonstrate Russia's ambition to establish itself as a major space power and underscored the growing importance of the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur region of Russia's Far East.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of India signed with IMGC for mortgage guarantee on home loans: Public sector lender Bank of India and Indian Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC) have signed a pact to provide mortgage guarantee-backed home loan products in the affordable housing segment. It will cover salaried and self-employed home loan customers. IMGC’s guarantee will mitigate the risk of defaults for the bank, allowing it to potentially offer more favourable loan terms to borrowers, the company said in a statement.

 

2. UNCTAD forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in 2024: In a recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s economy is forecasted to grow at a rate of 6.5 percent in 2024. This projection follows a growth of 6.7 percent in 2023, indicating a continued upward trend. The report highlights India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy globally. According to the UNCTAD report, multinational companies are expanding their manufacturing operations in India to enhance their supply chain diversification. This move is expected to bolster Indian exports, contributing positively to economic growth. The growth observed in 2023 was attributed to robust public capital investment and expansion in the service sector.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s electronics exports increase 23.6% to $29.12 billion in FY24: India exported electronics goods worth $29.12 billion in 2023-24 (FY24), up 23.6 per cent compared to a year ago, even as the country’s total exports contracted 3 per cent. According to commerce department officials, the top five export market of electronics good are — the US, United Arab Emirates, Netherland, United Kingdom, and Italy. During FY24, exports also ventured into new markets, such as Montenegro, Cayman Islands, El Salvador, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Honduras and St Vincent.

 

2. IIT Madras launches India’s 1st mobile medical devices calibration facility: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched India’s first medical devices calibration facility on wheels. The facility can calibrate up to 45 different life-saving medical devices including defibrillator analyser, electrical safety analyser, gas flow analyser, and dialysis reference meter.

The calibration of medical devices on a regular basis is must to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients. This vehicle will go to the doorsteps of labs and calibrate life-saving medical equipment. The equipment will be tested in just a few hours.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Hemophilia Day 2024:April 17^th: World Hemophilia Day is an annual observance held on April 17th to raise awareness about hemophilia, a rare and inherited bleeding disorder. This year, the theme for World Hemophilia Day 2024 is “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders.” The foundation of World Hemophilia Day was laid in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).

 

2. Kuwait’s Emir appoints Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah as PM: Kuwait’s Emir has appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new Prime Minister of Kuwait. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah resigned in April only a few months after he was designated to form a government. His resignation was a procedural move after a new parliament was elected that month, the fourth since December 2020.

 

3. Georgieva selected for second term as IMF Managing Director: The International Monetary Fund’s executive board selected Bulgarian economist Kristalina Georgieva to serve as managing director for a second five-year term, starting on Oct. 1, 2024. The Board commended Ms. Georgieva’s strong and agile leadership during her term, navigating a series of major global shocks. Georgieva is the second woman to head the IMF and the first person from an emerging market economy. She is the IMF’s 12th managing director since its founding in 1944.

 

4. 17 April – World Hemophilia Day: World Hemophilia Day is observed every year on 17 April. Objective – To raise awareness about hemophilia, a rare and inherited bleeding disorder. Theme 2024 – Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders. World Hemophilia Day was first celebrated on the 17th of April 1989. It marks the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the founder of the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Sanjana Sanghi Named Brand Ambassador for SPACE India: Sanjana Sanghi has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for SPACE India, a leading space education organization. Sanjana Sanghi holds a gold medal from Lady Shri Ram College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, showcasing her academic excellence alongside her achievements in the entertainment industry. SPACE India, founded in 2001, serves as the registered Space Tutor of ISRO and has inspired over 1.5 million students through its educational initiatives.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fitch affirms ratings of SBI and Canara Bank at 'BBB-': Fitch Ratings affirmed the long-term Issuer Default Rating of both State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank at 'BBB-' and said the outlook looks stable. Fitch has also affirmed SBI's Viability Rating (VR) at 'BB' and Government Support Rating (GSR) of 'BBB'-. "SBI's IDR and GSR are at the same level as India's sovereign rating (BBB-/Stable), reflecting Fitch's view that SBI has the highest probability of extraordinary state support among Indian banks if required.

 

2. SBI Life launches IdeationX: SBI Life Insurance has launched the 1st edition of ‘IdeationX’, a pioneering initiative that promises to revolutionize the future of the insurance industry. The innovative platform aims at engaging and encouraging future leaders from B-Schools across the country to think, innovate and present unconventional life insurance solutions that address consumer’s evolving insurance needs and contribute towards reshaping India’s life insurance sector landscape. The key objective behind this initiative is to involve the young minds who are the future leaders of the country, to identify various insurance needs and conceptualize product solutions addressing those needs.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Amitabh Bachchan to be honoured with Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award: Famous Hindi cinema actor Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the 3rd Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024. The award was announced at a press conference organized by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratisthan Public Charitable Trust and the Mangeshkar family in Mumbai. The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted by Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratishthan in honour of Swar Kokila Lata Mangeshkar.

2. Adwaita Nayar named Young Global Leader in World Economic Forum’s Class of 2024
: Adwaita Nayar, the co-founder of Nykaa and CEO of Nykaa Fashion, has been inducted into the esteemed World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Community as part of the Class of 2024. Comprising 90 remarkable individuals, this group of changemakers is at the forefront of shaping the future and fostering positive change through their innovative endeavors. As the forum of young leaders completes 20 glorious years, this recognition reflects their commitment to fostering the next generation of changemakers.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Vandita Kaul appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts: Senior Bureaucrat Vandita Kaul has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Posts. She will succeed Vineet Pandey upon his superannuation. Kaul, a 1989-batch Indian Postal Service officer, currently serves as Member (Banking & Direct Benefit Transfer) of the Postal Services Board.

 

2. UPSC 2023 results: 1,016 candidates recommended for appointment: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for the year 2023 on April 16, 2024. A total of 1,016 candidates were recommended for various prestigious government services such as the Indian Administrative

 

3. Indians Permitted to Hedge Gold Price Risk Overseas Markets: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Indian residents to hedge their gold price risk on recognised exchanges in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the decision during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where the ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Govt Gifts 35 Ambulances and 66 School Buses in Nepal: The India government gifted 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations, spread across different districts of Nepal, and working in the field of health and education respectively. The keys of the vehicles were handed over by Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal in the presence of Barsha Man Pun, Finance Minister, Government of Nepal. Out of the total 101 vehicles gifted, 2 ambulances were handed over on location in the earthquake-affected Jajarkot and West Rukum districts by the representative of the Embassy of India in the presence of district officials and local residents.

 

2. 2nd edition of Janakpurdham Cultural Festival held in Nepal: The 2nd edition of the Janakpurdham Cultural Festival was organized by the Embassy of India in Nepal coinciding with the Bikram Sambat Nepali New Year 2081. The festival was held at the Mahendranarayan Nidhi Mithila Cultural Center in Janakpur and comprised two sessions. Saroj Kumar Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, inaugurated the first session of the Festival as the Chief Guest. In a keynote address by Haribans Jha on ‘Jaanaki Lila,’ it was mentioned that the religious book Sitayan is worth reading, even though it is not as popular as Ramayan.

 

3. Delhi Airport among top 10 Busiest Airports in World: The Airports Council International (ACI) World, a global organization which measures and assesses airport standards–ranked Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport as the tenth busiest airport in the world in 2023. The IGI Airport was ranked 9th in 2022, 13th in 2021, and as the 17th busiest airport in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. The IGI airport in the capital handled 7.22 crore passengers annually. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States held the top rank with 10.46 crore passengers.

 

4. 15 April – World Art Day: World Art Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on 15 April. The day was established in order to reinforce the link between artistic productions and society, raise awareness of the variety of artistic expressions, and highlight the contributions of artists to sustainable development. Theme 2024 – A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art The history of World Art Day dates back to 2012, when the International Association of Art (IAA) held a special ceremony in Guadalajara, Mexico, to celebrate the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci.

 

5. 16 April – World Voice Day: World Voice Day is celebrated every year on April 16. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of the human voice and vocal health. Theme 2024 – Educate. Celebrate The first World Voice Day was celebrated in 1999, with events held in over 50 countries.

 

6. 16 April – Save the Elephant Day: Save the Elephant Day is celebrated every year on 16 April. Objective – To raise awareness for these majestic creatures and take action to protect their future. This day was created in 2012 by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to shine a light on the threats facing elephants, such as poaching and loss of habitat. Elephants are known for their intelligence, social bonds, and their important role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO & Indian Army conduct successful trials of MPATGM weapon system: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) carried out successful trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan The Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. It consists of MPATGM, the Man Portable Launcher, the Target Acquisition System (TAS), and the Fire Control Unit (FCU). An adequate number of missile firing trials have been successfully conducted towards achieving compliance with the complete operational envelope as stipulated in the GSQR (Infantry, Indian Army).

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Radhika wins silver medal at Asian Wrestling Championships 2024: India’s 23-year-old wrestler Radhika has won the silver medal in the women’s 68kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Radhika defeated Kazakhstan’s Albina Kairgeldinova 12-2 in the quarter-finals before securing a 2-0 win over Gulnura Tashtanbekova of Kyrgyzstan in the semis to enter the gold medal bout. Shivanee Pawar also won the bronze medal in the women’s 50kg weight class. Pushpa Yadav and Priya returned empty-handed after failing to win their bronze medal matches in the 59kg and 76kg weight categories, respectively.

 

2. Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee becomes third batsman to hit six sixes in an over: Nepal’s hard-hitting Dipendra Singh Airee became the third batter to smash six sixes in an over in T20 internationals in Al Amerat. Airee achieved the feat against hosts Qatar during the ongoing ACC Men’s Premier Cup T20 International fixture in Al Amerat. Thus, Airee joined an elite company of Yuvraj Singh (against Stuart Broad during T20 World Cup 2007) and Kieron Pollard (against Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya in 2021) as batters with six maximums in one over.

 

3. Tsitsipas win Monte Carlo Masters for the third time: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece swept aside Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 to win the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters for the third time in four years.

The 12th-ranked Greek, who will return to top 10, also won the title in the principality in 2021 and 2022. He is the fifth man to win three or more Monte Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11) and Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase who won three apiece.

 

4. Travis Head smashes the fourth-fastest hundred in IPL history: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head scripted history, smashing the fourth-fastest hundred in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Batting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Australian batter notched up the maiden century in the cash-rich league, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s 42-ball hundred against MI in 2008. Opening the batting for Hyderabad, Head went off on an absolute carnage, reaching a century in 39 deliveries with the help of nine fours and eight sixes.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. SPACE India appoints Sanjana Sanghi as its Brand Ambassador: Sanjana Sanghi has been appointed as Brand Ambassador of SPACE India. Sanjana Sanghi is a rising young Bollywood star and UNDP Youth Champion. Her commitment to social activism and advocacy for education make her the ideal fit for this role at SPACE India and SPACE Arcade. SPACE India is the registered Space Tutor of ISRO, creating impact through its education and outreach programs for schools that involve students’ participation in national and international competitions for citizen science projects with ISRO and NASA.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Wholesale inflation rises to 3-month high of 0.53% in March: India’s wholesale price index-based inflation accelerated to 0.53 per cent in March on an annual basis, its highest level in three months, as against 0.20 per cent in February, data from the Commerce Ministry. This inflation was primarily attributed to increased prices in food articles, electricity, crude petroleum & natural gas, machinery & equipment, and other manufacturing sectors. Last week, India’s retail inflation data was released which showed that it eased to 4.85 per cent on an annual basis in March as against 5.09 per cent in the previous month.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mahindra to invest nearly Rs 1,200 crore in renewable energy projects: Mahindra Group will invest 12 billion rupees to set up solar and wind energy projects of 150 megawatt (MW) hybrid capacity in India. The projects will be developed by the group's renewable energy unit Mahindra Susten with Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board. Mahindra & Mahindra will also acquire a 26% stake in its solar power generating unit Gelos Solren for Rs 40.08 crore taking the combined investment to nearly $150 million.

 

2. Nyishi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates Longte festival: Nyokum is a festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Word Nyokum has been derived from the combination of two words – Nyok means land (earth) and Kum means collectiveness or togetherness. The festival is commonly celebrated by the people from all class and walk of life for better productivity, prosperity and happiness of all human beings.

 

3. Swiggy launches ‘Swiggy Pawlice’ initiative for finding missing pets: Swiggy has launched a new initiative ‘Swiggy Pawlice’ for finding missing pet. This feature empowers pet parents to report a missing pet directly on the Swiggy app, harnessing the network of Swiggy’s delivery partners as compassionate allies in the search efforts. Pet parents can report their missing pets directly through the Swiggy app, providing all necessary details and pictures. Swiggy’s vast network of over 3.5 lakh delivery partners plays a crucial role in this initiative. If a delivery partner spots a missing pet, they simply need to inform a dedicated team at Swiggy, providing details and location.

 

4. Suryoday SFB appoints Deepak Kumar Sharma as Additional Director: The Board of Directors of Suryoday Small Finance Bank have appointed Deepak Kumar Sharma as an Additional Director (under the independent category) on the Board of the Bank. This appointment, which is on the basis of the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and subject to the approval of Shareholders of the Bank, is for a period of five consecutive years per the Bank’s regulatory filing. The Bank said Sharma has nearly three decades of proven track record in building successful ventures within banking, telecom, and service sectors. He has spent 20+ years in Banking in different leadership positions.

 

5. Justice Aniruddha Bose appointed as head of National Judicial Academy: Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose has been appointed as the new director of the National Judicial Academy (NJC) Bhopal. Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud announced the decision to appoint him during a ceremonial bench held in honour of the retired judge.

 

6. 14 April – Ambedkar Jayanti: Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is celebrated on April 14 every year to honor the memory of “Father of Indian Constitution” Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. This year, Ambedkar Jayanti 2024 marks 134th birthday of Baba Shaeb. Ambedkar was not only the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, but the first Law Minister of Independent India, a jurist, economist, and a social reformer. He dedicated his life to eradicate discrimination against the untouchables and fight for the rights of women and labour. Hence, his birth anniversary is also known as ‘Equality Day’

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Art Day 2024: 15th April: World Art Day is celebrated every year on 15 April. This day is dedicated to promoting the development, distribution, and enjoyment of art worldwide. The theme for World Art Day 2024 is "A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.”

 

2. Iran launches operation ‘True Promise’ against Israel: Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have stated that Operation ‘True Promise’ is a response to Israeli actions and is part of their strategy to punish Israel for its perceived crimes.

The attack was in response to the April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC members, including two generals in charge of leading operations in Syria and Lebanon, along with six other people.

 

3. World Cybercrime Index: India at 10th; topped by Russia: India ranked number 10 in cybercrime, with frauds involving people to make advance fee payment being the most common type, according to new research that surveyed cybercrime experts around the world. An international team of researchers has compiled the ‘World Cybercrime Index’ that ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime, including ransomware, credit card theft and scams. Russia topped the list, and was followed by Ukraine, China, the US, Nigeria and Romania. North Korea was at the 7th position, while the UK and Brazil were at the 8th and 9th positions, respectively, according to the research published in the journal PLoS ONE.

 

4. 13 April – International Turban Day: International Turban Day is celebrated every year on 13 April. 13 April is dedicated to honoring Sikh heritage and values. The day acknowledges the importance of the turban in Sikh culture and promotes religious harmony and inter-cultural understanding. On this day on 13 April 1699, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib which made it a meaningful date for Sikhs around the world. International Turban Day has been celebrated on 13 April since 2004 in Sikh culture to bring awareness about the need to wear a turban as an essential part of their religion.

 

5. 14 April – World Quantum Day: India celebrates World Quantum Day 2024 on 14 April with aspirations to become a global leader in various fields of Quantum Science and Technology. Quantum Mechanics, the study of atoms and sub-atomic particles, has now advanced to such an extent that it has now moved to the engineering domain and is leading to novel and varied applications. Researchers worldwide have utilized its principles to develop technologies such as LEDs, lasers, and ultra-precise atomic clocks used in the Global Positioning System.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’ to commence from today: The fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan is scheduled to begin in Uzbekistan’s Termez district from today. During the 14-day exercise, soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan will undergo comprehensive joint training sessions. The fourth edition of the joint military exercise between the two countries was held on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Russia successfully launches Angara A5 rocket: Russia has successfully launched the Angara-A5 rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. The Angara family of rockets, developed to replace the Soviet-designed Proton rockets, is central to Russia’s strategy to secure its independence in accessing outer space and to reduce reliance on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. According to mission control that launched the rocket, it reached an altitude of more than 25,000 kilometers (15,500 mi) per hour within minutes as it blasted off into space.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI rejects two applications for small finance bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rejected two more applications for setting up small finance banks: Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services Private Limited and Tally Solutions Private Limited. So far, the regulator has received 13 applications to set up banks under the guidelines for ‘on tap’ licensing of Universal Banks and Small Finance Banks. In January 2024, Fino Payments Bank applied to the RBI for a small finance bank licence. Bhubaneswar-based micro-lending Annapurna Finance Private Limited applied for a universal bank licence in January last year. Both applications are still under consideration.

 

2. Karnataka Bank collaborates with FISDOM to provide 3-in-1 accounts via Mobil app: The private lender Karnataka Bank has partnered with FISDOM to offer 3-in-1 accounts (savings, demat, and trading) through its mobile banking app, KBL Mobile Plus. This strategic partnership will strengthen the present value proposition by allowing users to invest in equities and mutual funds. The 3-in-1 facility enables customers to streamline their investment journey by consolidating their demat and trading accounts. This integration eliminates the need for multiple platforms, simplifying account management and enhancing overall user experience.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Avantika Vandanapu named South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard: Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, who is best known for playing Karen Shetty in the musical comedy Mean Girls (2024), has been honoured with the “South Asian Person of the Year” award and title by Harvard University. The 19-year-old actress was recognised for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts and society. As one of the key leads in the new adaptation of Mean Girls, Avantika proved her acting prowess. She also recently made her OTT debut with the Indian series Big Girls Don’t Cry.

 

Daily GK Update- 14th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Manipur Reports 60% Decline in Opium Poppy Cultivation: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced a significant victory in the state’s fight against opium poppy cultivation, with a 60% decrease in the cultivation area over the three-year period from 2021 to 2024, based on a report by ..

 

2. Sachidananda Mohanty appointed as member of UGC: Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed as Member, University Grants Commission (UGC) for three years with immediate effect. Mohanty is the former Professor and Head of the Department of English, University of Hyderabad and former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Odisha. Winner of many national and international awards such as the Katha, British Council, Fulbright(twice), Charles Wallace and the Salzburg, he has published extensively in the field of British, American, gender, translation and post-colonial studies. His books have appeared in Oxford, Sage, Routledge and Orient Ĺongman, among other notable publishing houses.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board: A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). India scored the highest number of votes among all the elected members of the anti-narcotics body. Pavadia (70), who has already served as President of the Board from 2021 to 2022, has been re-elected for the term 2025-2030. Pavadia held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years. She has been a member of the INCB since 2015, and also held the posts of Second Vice-President and Chair (2015, 2017 and 2020), Vice-Chair (2018) and member (2019 and 2023) of the Standing Committee on Estimates.

 

2. What can be possible Impact of Iran-Israel Conflict on Global Politics?: The recent drone and missile attacks by Iran on Israel mark a significant escalation in the longstanding covert war between the two nations. This conflict, which began with an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing several members of ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Anurag Kumar (IPS) appointed as Joint Director in CBI: Senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar has been appointed as the Joint Director in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Kumar, a 2004 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, is currently working in the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as the Joint Director (JD) in the CBI for a tenure upto February 24, 2027.

 

2. ‘Dustlik 2024’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan: The 5th edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan begins in Uzbekistan. The 14-day exercise will be conducted in Termez District of Uzbekistan from 15 to 28 April 2024. During the 14-day exercise, soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan will undergo comprehensive joint training sessions. The fourth edition of the joint military exercise between the two countries was held on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The training exercise focused on sharing best practices in subconventional operations under UN mandates.

 

3. DRDO and Indian Army Successfully Trial MPATGM weapon system: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have successfully conducted trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at PFFR in Rajasthan. The MPATGM Weapon System was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and .

 

4. What is the Arrow Aerial Defense System?: The Arrow Defense System is a cornerstone of Israel’s multi-layered defense strategy against aerial threats, including ballistic missiles. Developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, this system began creation in the late 1980s and has ..

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mary Kom steps down as Chef-de-Mission for Paris Olympics: Olympic bronze medalist and six times World champion boxer C. Mary Kom stepped down as the Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics citing “personal reasons”. Mary, who is also the chairperson of the IOA’s Athletes Commission, was named as the Chef-de Mission in March 2024. In March 2024, Mary was chosen as the chef de mission, winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan was named her deputy.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IISc Scientists Develop Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics from Water: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution. Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimetres in size, are pervasive in oceans, soil, and even ..

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Moody’s projects India’s GDP growth at 6.1% in 2024-25: Moody’s Analytics has projected a slight uptick in the Indian economy’s growth for calendar year 2024 to 6.1 per cent from 6 per cent in March this year. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow 6.1 per cent in 2024 after 7.7 per cent last year. Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that uncertainties in food prices continue to influence the inflation outlook. It maintained its retail inflation projection for the current fiscal year 2024-25 at 4.5 per cent. The Moody’s report also said that while China and Japan are held back by weak domestic demand, the performance of India and ASEAN economies is flattered by a delayed post-pandemic rebound.

 

2. At 4.85%, retail inflation falls to 10-month low in March: Despite high food prices, retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined to a 10-month low of 4.85 per cent in March as against 5.09 per cent in February, data released by National Statistical Office (NSO). Food prices are expected to remain volatile in the coming months which could impact the headline number.

Meanwhile, industrial growth based on the Index of Industrial Production rose to a four-month high in February, to 5.7 per cent, against 4.1 per cent in January.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. American President’s Volunteer Service Award: The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s Presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose voluntary work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.