Daily Current Affairs 04th May 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

States News

Eight Railway Station in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Renamed

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has granted approval to the Uttar Pradesh Government’s proposal to rename eight railway stations in Amethi district. Spearheaded by BJP Amethi MP Smriti Irani, this decision aims to preserve the cultural identity and heritage of the region by honoring local temples, saints, idols, and freedom fighters through the new station names.

International News

American Express Announces Inauguration of 1 Million Sq Ft Campus in Gurugram

American Express is set to inaugurate its expansive new campus in Gurugram, spanning nearly one million square feet, showcasing the company’s commitment to fostering a vibrant work environment. The move signifies a strategic step in leveraging global expertise and local talent to drive innovation and value for customers worldwide.

Appointments News

Sanjaya Kumar Mishra to head GST Appellate Tribunal

Retired Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra has been appointed as the President of the Goods & Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) by the Centre. The move aims to streamline the resolution of disputes concerning businesses efficiently. The appointment, made by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee, comes with a salary of ₹2.50 lakh per month for a tenure of four years.

Shashi Bhushan Singh Appointed Secretary of National Jute Board

Shashi Bhushan Singh, a 2010-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, has been appointed as the Secretary (at the Director level) of the National Jute Board in Kolkata under the Ministry of Textiles. The appointment, approved by the Central Government, is effective for a five-year term or until further orders.

Awards News

Purnima Devi Barman Gets the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award 2024

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, has been recognized with the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for her exemplary conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat. This accolade, often referred to as the ‘Green Oscar’, highlights her remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation and underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in safeguarding biodiversity.

UNESCO Guillermo Cano Prize 2024 Awarded to Palestine Journalists in Gaza

In a gesture of solidarity and recognition, Palestinian journalists covering the crisis in Gaza have been named laureates of the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The announcement comes from the recommendation of an International Jury of media professionals, emphasizing the courage and commitment of these journalists amidst challenging circumstances.

Banking News

HDFC Life Introduces “No Jhanjhat Life Insurance Fatafat” Campaign: Revolutionizing Insurance Purchase Experience

HDFC Life launches the “No Jhanjhat Life Insurance Fatafat” campaign, aimed at simplifying and expediting life insurance purchases through its online platform. The campaign underscores the importance of addressing India’s low insurance penetration and vast protection gap.

YES Bank Collaborates with ANQ to Launch Pi and Phi Credit Cards

YES Bank has partnered with ANQ to introduce two innovative credit cards, Pi and Phi, aiming to blend traditional banking with fintech solutions. The Pi card offers digital-only credit on UPI for domestic transactions, while the Phi card provides physical access for both domestic and international purchases.

Fi Secures NBFC License from RBI: Expanding Financial Services Offerings

Fi, a neobanking startup, backed by investors such as Peak XV and Temasek, has obtained a non-banking finance company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enabling it to provide loans from its own books. This development aligns with the trend seen among fintech startups in recent years, where acquiring NBFC licenses facilitates direct lending and asset base establishment.

RBI Approves Re-appointment of Atanu Chakraborty as HDFC Bank Part-Time Chairman

Atanu Chakraborty’s re-appointment as part-time Chairman of HDFC Bank for three years, effective from May 5, 2024, to May 4, 2027, has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Board of Directors has also sanctioned his re-appointment as an Independent Director for the same tenure.

Ranks and Reports News

World Press Freedom Index 2024 Announced, India Ranked 159th Out of 180 Countries

In the latest edition of the World Press Freedom Index published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India finds itself at a concerning position, ranking 159th out of 180 countries. This marks a slight improvement from its previous rank of 161, yet it still underscores significant challenges faced by journalists in the country. Surprisingly, India trails behind its neighboring nation Pakistan, which holds the 152nd position, while Sri Lanka stands at 150th place. Norway topped the ranking, while Denmark was on the second rank in World Press Freedom Index. Sweden ranked third on the list.

Agreements News

CAG of India and Auditor General of Nepal Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration in Auditing

In a significant development, Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyam Raya, Auditor General of Nepal. This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration and facilitate the exchange of expertise in auditing practices between the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of both countries.

Economy News

OECD Raises Indian Economy Growth Forecast to 6.6% for 2024-25

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised India’s GDP growth projection upward to 6.6% for the fiscal year 2024-25. This adjustment reflects the anticipation of robust growth driven primarily by increased public investment and improved business sentiment.

Important Days News

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024 Observed on May 4th

The International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed annually on April 4th, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) worldwide. This day not only underscores the urgent need for collective action to address these threats but also celebrates the progress made in mine action efforts globally.