Daily Current Affairs 29 March 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

State News

World’s First Om-Shaped Temple Inaugurated in Rajasthan

The world’s first-ever temple designed in the iconic Om shape has been inaugurated in the village of Jadan, Pali district of Rajasthan. This architectural masterpiece, spanning across 250 acres, is not only expected to attract tourists but will also boast an impressive visual presence visible from space.

Appointments News

Nidhu Saxena Appointed as MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra

In a significant development, the central government has approved the appointment of Nidhu Saxena as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank of Maharashtra. This appointment will be effective for a period of three years starting from 27 March 2024.

Indian Expert Kamal Kishore to Lead UN’s Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Kamal Kishore of India as the new Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. He will lead the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani Sworn in as Additional Judge of J&K and Ladakh High Court

Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani was administered the oath of office as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The oath was administered by Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh in Srinagar.

Banking News

Kotak Mahindra Bank Acquires Sonata Finance

In a strategic move, Kotak Mahindra Bank has successfully acquired Sonata Finance Private Limited (Sonata) for a total consideration of approximately Rs. 537 crore. This acquisition grants Kotak Mahindra Bank full ownership of Sonata, bolstering its presence in the microfinance sector.

Axis Bank Launches Digital US Dollar Fixed Deposits for NRIs at GIFT City

Axis Bank has announced the introduction of digital US dollar fixed deposits (FDs) for NRI customers at the IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gujarat. The bank has become the first to offer a digital journey for opening deposits at GIFT City.

Business News

Ambani and Adani Join Forces: Reliance Buys Stake in Adani’s Power Project

In a remarkable move, two of India’s richest businessmen, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, have joined forces for the first time. Reliance Industries, owned by Ambani, has acquired a 26% stake in a power project owned by Adani’s company in Madhya Pradesh.

Core Industries Show Robust Growth in February 2024

The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) witnessed a significant 6.7% increase (provisional) in February 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This growth was driven by positive performances across various sectors, including Coal, Natural Gas, Cement, Steel, Crude Oil, Electricity, and Refinery Products.

SEBI Crackdown: Karvy Investor Services Loses Merchant Banker Registration

In a significant move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cancelled the registration of Karvy Investor Services Ltd (KISL) as a merchant banker due to a breach of eligibility criteria. SEBI conducted an inspection of Karvy Investor Services during March 15-17, 2023. During the on-site inspection, SEBI found that KISL was not functioning or operational at both its registered and correspondence addresses. Further inspection revealed that the merchant banker lacked the required infrastructure.

HPCL and Tata Join Forces to Build Nationwide EV Charging Network

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a unit of Tata Motors, has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to establish a nationwide network of 5,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2024.

Adani’s Mega Copper Plant Begins Operations in Gujarat

The Adani Group has announced the start of the first phase of the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant at Mundra in Gujarat. The facility, owned by Kutch Copper (a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd), will help reduce India’s dependence on copper imports and support the energy transition.

India Attracts Highest Foreign Funds in Asia, Domestic Buying at 4-Year High

In March 2024, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) pumped a massive $3.63 billion into Indian equities, their biggest buying spree since December 2023. This made India the top destination for foreign funds among Asian markets.

Defence News

Indian Army Kicks Off Annual Army Commanders’ Conference in Hybrid Format

The Indian Army is organizing the first Army Commanders’ Conference for the year 2024 in a hybrid mode. The virtual segment of the conference is scheduled for 28th March 2024, followed by the physical mode in New Delhi on 1st and 2nd April 2024. The conference will be chaired by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, and attended by senior military leadership, including Army Commanders participating virtually from their respective Command Headquarters.

Books and Authors News

Indian-British Writer’s Book on AI Shortlisted for Women’s Prize

The inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction has announced its shortlist of six books, including “Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI” by Indian-British journalist and commentator Madhumita Murgia. The book explores the impact of artificial intelligence on human society.

Sports News

PR Sreejesh and Camila Caram Appointed Co-Chairs of FIH Athletes Committee

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed former Indian men’s hockey team captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and Chile’s Camila Caram as co-chairs of the FIH Athletes Committee. This announcement was made by the FIH on March 27, 2024.

Miscellaneous News

900-Year-Old Chalukyan Inscription Found in Neglected State at Gangapuram

A 900-year-old Kannada inscription dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty has been discovered in a state of utter neglect at Gangapuram, a temple town in Jadcherla mandal, Mahabubnagar district. The rare inscription was found lying uncared for on a tank bund near the Chowdamma temple.

29 MARCH CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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