Daily Current Affairs 02nd May 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India Renews Agreement to Train 1500 Bangladeshi Officers

The Government of India has signed an agreement with the Government of Bangladesh to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for training 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. The agreement was signed between the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, and the Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration.

India to Host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Kochi

India reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem and advancing scientific exploration in the region. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.

MCA Approves Hitesh Sethia as Jio Financial Services’ MD and CEO for 3 Years

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has granted its approval for the appointment of Hitesh Kumar Sethia as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jio Financial Services for a three-year period, effective from November 15, 2023.

International News

Kathmandu Tops The List of Cities With ‘unhealthy air’ in the World

The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal has urged residents to wear masks due to the alarming increase in air pollution levels in the Kathmandu valley. According to IQAir, an organization that measures real-time pollution in 101 cities worldwide, Kathmandu has been ranked as the most polluted city globally.

China to Launch Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe Carrying Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q Mission

China is set to launch the Chang’e-6 lunar probe on a round trip to the Moon, marking a significant advancement in their space exploration. The mission aims to gather soil and rock samples from the far side of the Moon, providing crucial insights into its early evolution and the inner solar system.

Banking News

Worldline ePayments India Receives RBI Approval as Payment Aggregator

Worldline ePayments India has announced its receipt of approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator. This approval underscores the company’s dedication to the Indian market and emphasizes its commitment to compliance within a well-regulated payments landscape.

Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Transactions Decline Slightly in April

In April 2024, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions witnessed a marginal dip of 1% in volume and 0.7% in value compared to March. Despite this, year-on-year growth remains robust, with a 50% increase in volume and 40% in value. The dip in April is attributed to the typically higher transaction volumes in March.

Economy News

Record High GST Revenue Collection in April 2024

In April 2024, India witnessed a historic milestone in its Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collection, reaching an unprecedented Rs 2.10 lakh crore. This marked a substantial 12.4% increase from the previous year’s collections. The surge was primarily driven by a robust 13.4% growth in domestic transactions and an 8.3% rise in imports.

Core Sector Growth Moderates to 5.2% in March

In March, the growth of India’s core sectors slowed to 5.2% from February’s 7.1%, primarily due to the statistical effect of a high base. However, sequentially, there was a notable increase of 9.9%, marking the highest growth in a year.

Business News

Indian Oil Corporation’s Investment in Renewable Energy: Rs 5,215 Crore for 1 GW Capacity

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has announced a significant investment of Rs 5,215 crore to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity in India. This strategic move aligns with IOC’s broader diversification strategy beyond traditional oil and gas ventures.

Defence News

Indian Army and Punit Balan Group Collaborate to Develop India’s First Constitution Park

The Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group joined hands to inaugurate the nation’s first Constitution Park in Pune. The ceremony, led by Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh, emphasized the importance of citizens honouring their duties outlined in the Constitution to drive India towards development by 2047.

Awards News

Dr. Bina Modi Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility

The Government of India has signed an agreement with the Government of Bangladesh to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for training 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. The agreement was signed between the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, and the Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration.

Important Days

World Tuna Day 2024 Observed Annually on May 2nd

World Tuna Day, observed annually on May 2nd, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of tuna conservation. Tuna is popular for its numerous health benefits, as it provides Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vital vitamins. But, tuna populations face significant threats due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices.

Obituaries News

Playback Singer Uma Ramanan Bids Adieu at 72

Renowned playback singer Uma Ramanan, who predominantly sang in Tamil, passed away at the age of 72 in Chennai. The veteran singer, known for her melodious voice and extensive repertoire, has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry.

Acclaimed Author Paul Auster Passes Away at 77

Paul Auster, the renowned American novelist and filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 77. The prolific writer, best known for his acclaimed work “The New York Trilogy,” died on Tuesday at his home in Brooklyn, New York, due to complications from lung cancer.