Table of Contents
International News
India-Nepal Joint Initiative to Promote Sanskrit Research and Education
The Indian and Nepalese governments, along with scholars from both countries, have collaborated to advance Sanskrit research and education. This partnership aims to strengthen bilateral relations and preserve the cultural heritage shared by India and Nepal.
State News
Tripura: Matabari Pera Prasad, Rignai Pachara Textiles Get GI Tag
Three traditional products from Tripura have recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The products are Matabari pera prasad and Rignai pachara textiles. With this, Tripura now has 4 GI Protected products.
Appointment News
Veteran Dealmaker Atul Mehra Joins Axis Capital as MD & CEO
Axis Capital has appointed Atul Mehra as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His appointment is waiting for final approval. Mehra will be overseeing both the investment banking and institutional equities businesses at Axis Capital. Atul Mehra is an experienced dealmaker with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He was previously the Joint MD at JM Financial.
Ms Sheyphali Sharan Takes Charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau
Ms Sheyphali B. Sharan has assumed charge as the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, upon the superannuation (retirement) of Shri Manish Desai. Ms. Sharan is an officer of the 1990 batch of Indian Information Service.
Banking News
RBI Data Reveals: Credit Cards Breach 100 Million Mark in India
As of December 2023, India witnessed a surge in credit card usage, with the total number crossing the 100 million mark. This trend has been steadily growing over the past few years, fueled by both strategic bank initiatives and evolving consumer spending habits.
Karnataka Bank Raises Rs 600 Crore Through QIP: Bolsters Growth and Stability
Karnataka Bank has successfully concluded a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to raise Rs 600 crore, adding to its planned capital raise program of Rs 1,500 crore announced in September 2023. This strategic move aims to enhance the bank’s financial strength, fueling its growth trajectory while ensuring stability.
Economy News
March 2024 GST Collection Surges
In March 2024, the Goods and Service Tax (GST) collection in India witnessed a notable surge, marking the second-highest since its inception in July 2017. The month’s collection amounted to Rs 1.78 lakh crore, reflecting an 11.5% increase compared to the previous year.
UPI Ends FY24 with Record Transactions Worth ₹199 Lakh Crore
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) concluded FY24 on a remarkable note, achieving new milestones in transaction volume and value during March 2024. Despite a slight dip in February 2024 due to fewer days in the month and increased investment activity ahead of the financial year end, transactions worth ₹19.78 lakh crore were processed in March 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous record of ₹18.41 lakh crore set in January 2024.
Indian Engineering Exports Surge: UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia Lead the Way
India’s engineering exports soared by 15.9% year over year in February 2024, marking the third consecutive month of growth and reaching a record high of $9.94 billion for the fiscal year 2023–2024. Notably, this growth surpassed December 2023 figures.
Business News
Vedanta’s BALCO: First Indian Company Certified with ASI Performance Standard
Chhattisgarh-based Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has achieved the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 Certification. This accolade positions BALCO as the inaugural Indian company to attain this certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices in the aluminium value chain.
Defence News
India, Maldives & Sri Lanka’s ‘Dosti-16’ Held in Maldives
Highlighting the importance of “collaboration and interoperability” among the coast guards personnel of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon said the trilateral exercise ‘Dosti‘ will unite the troika to address “shared maritime security concerns through collaboration.”
IAF’s 10-day mega exercise ‘Gagan Shakti’ begins from April 1-10
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is showcasing its might and capability to carry out high-octane operations during the upcoming ‘Gagan Shakti-2024‘ exercise “in a realistic environment” from April 1-10. The exercise involves all air force bases and assets scattered across the country.
Awards News
REC Wins SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in Renewable Energy Financing Category
REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been bestowed with the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in the ‘Renewable Energy Financing’ category. The award underscores REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, paving the way for a greener future and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Executive Director of REC Limited, Shri T.S.C. Bosh, received the award in New Delhi.
Economy News
WHO Launches CoViNet: A Global Network for Coronaviruses
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced CoViNet, a global initiative aimed at enhancing the detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses worldwide. CoViNet expands upon the existing WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network to encompass a broader spectrum of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and potential novel strains of public health concern.
Important Days News
World Autism Awareness Day 2024, Date, History and Significance
World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2nd every year. It aims to raise awareness and support for people with autism. The theme for 2024 is “Empowering Autistic Voices.” A report says around 18 million people in India have autism. Between 1-1.5% of children aged 2-9 years old are diagnosed with autism. Boys are more commonly affected than girls.
Sports News
Novak Djokovic Becomes the Oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings History
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, continues to break records on the ATP Tour. As of this week, he begins his 419th week as the World No. 1, extending his huge record. On Sunday, April 9, 2024, Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer’s record and become the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at the age of 36 years and 321 days.
02nd April CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR