Daily Current Affairs 4 March 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 4 March 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Indiramma Housing Scheme, Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024, World Hearing Day 2024.

Top 22 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 4 March 2024

National News

1.Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates First Made-in-India ASTDS Tug

• Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, virtually inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) on March 2, 2024.
• The Ocean Grace is the first Make-in-India ASTDS Tug developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW. The MMU is part of the port’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
• The MMU, dedicated alongside the Ocean Grace, offers a diverse range of healthcare services, underscoring the port’s dedication to community well-being.

State News

2.Chapchar Kut Festival Celebrated Across Mizoram

• Chapchar Kut, the grandest festival in Mizoram, resonated throughout the state with vibrant traditional customs and jubilant festivities.
• Thousands of attendees converged upon the Assam Rifles Ground – Lammual – in the heart of Aizawl city, filling it to its capacity.
• The event featured a rich display of Mizo community traditions and culture, highlighted by traditional songs and captivating cultural dance performances, making it a day-long celebration to remember.

Defence News

3.Indian Navy To Commission New Base INS Jatayu On Minicoy Island

• The Indian Navy is set to inaugurate a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island, marking a significant step in bolstering security infrastructure in the strategically vital Lakshadweep Islands.
• Scheduled for March 6, the commissioning ceremony will be graced by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, underscoring the importance of this development.
• Minicoy Island, situated as the southernmost outpost of the Lakshadweep archipelago, commands a crucial position along the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).

4.INAS 334 Squadron To Welcome MH 60R ‘Seahawks’ Into The Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy is poised to achieve a significant milestone on March 6, 2024, with the commissioning of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi.
• The Seahawks squadron will be designated as INAS 334, symbolizing a new era in naval aviation for the country.
• These helicopters are part of a 24-aircraft Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract inked with the US government in February 2020.

Banking News

5.Kotak Mahindra Bank Introduces Smart Choice Gold Loan

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has unveiled its latest offering, the Smart Choice Gold Loan, targeting aspirational customers seeking convenient and flexible loan options.
• This new product is designed to leverage the significant gold reserves held by Indian households, providing an easy and efficient way to meet their financial needs.

6.Amit Shah Launches National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC)

• Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) in New Delhi.
• This umbrella organization aims to modernize and strengthen the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector, benefiting banks and customers alike.
• It highlights the objective of establishing an Urban Cooperative Bank in every town as part of the One Town-One Urban Cooperative Bank initiative.
• It received certification from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Non-Banking Finance Company and a Self-Regulatory Organisation.

7.Policybazaar Insurance Brokers, PB Fintech’s subsidiary, Receives IRDAI Approval for Composite Insurance Broker License

• PB Fintech’s subsidiary, Policybazaar Insurance Brokers, has secured approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to transition from a direct insurance broker to a composite insurance broker.
• This upgrade enables Policybazaar to sell reinsurance products in addition to general and life insurance offerings, thereby enhancing insurance penetration in India.
• It enhances range of services includes risk management, the sale of reinsurance products, and maintenance of claims data.

Business News

8.Flipkart Introduces Its Digital Payments Solution, Flipkart UPI

• Ecommerce giant Flipkart has made a significant move in the digital payments space by introducing its own UPI services, Flipkart UPI, in partnership with Axis Bank.
• Flipkart UPI, initially exclusive to Android users, facilitates both online and offline transactions within and outside the Flipkart app.
• Users can create a UPI ID via the Flipkart app, enabling effortless transactions with merchants, individuals, and utility bill payments without switching between apps.

Important Days News

9.World Hearing Day 2024

• Observed every year on March 3, World Hearing Day 2024 fall on a Sunday. The theme for this year, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all.”
• World Hearing Day stands as a global call to action, focusing on the prevention of deafness, hearing loss, and the promotion of ear and hearing care across the globe.
• This annual event not only encourages individuals to safeguard their hearing but also seeks treatment for hearing-related issues.

10.National Safety Day 2024

• National Safety Day is celebrated each year on March 4. In India, this date also signals the commencement of National Safety Week, extending the focus on safety measures beyond just a day.
• National Safety Day, observed annually, underscores the critical importance of safety and precautionary measures across all sectors.
• The theme for National Safety Day 2024, “Safety for a Sustainable Future,” brings to light the intrinsic link between safety measures and sustainability.

 Schemes News

11.Telangana Government Announces Launch of Indiramma Housing Scheme

• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced the launch of the Indiramma Housing Scheme starting March 11. The scheme aims to provide housing solutions to the economically disadvantaged segments of society.
• The first phase will witness the approval of 3,500 houses in each Assembly constituency, catering to a significant number of beneficiaries.
• Individuals owning a plot of land will receive Rs. 5 lakh for constructing a new house on their plot. Homeless individuals will be provided with Rs. 5 lakh along with a house plot for construction.

12.Haj Suvidha App Launched and Haj Guide Released for Haj-2024 by Union Minister Smriti Irani

• Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, introduced two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the Haj pilgrimage experience for 2024.
• The Haj Suvidha App was launched to provide essential information and access to crucial services, while the Haj Guide-2024 was released to educate pilgrims about various aspects of the journey, with a focus on utilizing the app effectively.

Awards News

13.Ministry Of I&B Honored For Outstanding Accounting Performance

• On the occasion of the 48th Foundation Day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been honored with the Award for Best Performance in Accounts during the Financial Year 2023-24.
• Under the able leadership of Ajay S. Singh, serving as the Chief Controller of Accounts, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has demonstrated unparalleled efficiency and diligence in its accounting practices.

14.Dr Pradeep Mahajan receives Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024

• Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, the Founder and Chairman and Managing Director of StemRx Hospital and Research Centre, along with StemRx Bioscience Solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024.
• This accolade is a testament to his pioneering efforts and substantial impact in advancing regenerative medicine, offering new hope and innovative treatments to patients worldwide.
• Dr. Mahajan has focused on providing cost-effective solutions with minimal side effects, thereby enhancing patient care and quality of life.

Agreements News

15.BPCL Teams Up With Neeraj Chopra As Brand Ambassador For ‘Speed’ Petrol

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), one of India’s leading petroleum companies, has recently announced its partnership with Olympic and World Javelin Champion Neeraj Chopra.
• Neeraj Chopra will serve as the brand ambassador for BPCL’s premium petrol variant, ‘Speed.’ This collaboration adds to BPCL’s list of esteemed brand ambassadors.
• Speed’s technology aims to address engine problems caused by low-quality fuel by providing comprehensive care for all engine components. It prevents rust, corrosion, and provides overall protection, thereby reducing maintenance costs and extending the engine’s lifespan.

Appointments News

16.Tuvalu Appoints Feleti Teo as New Prime Minister

• Tuvalu has named Feleti Teo, the former Attorney General, as the Pacific Island nation’s new prime minister.
• This appointment comes in the aftermath of a general election that placed the country’s diplomatic affiliations, especially its ties with Taiwan, under intense scrutiny.
• Feleti Teo’s elevation to the prime ministerial position was marked by an uncontested nomination, as he was the sole candidate proposed by his 15 lawmaker colleagues.

Sports News

17.Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, Puneri Paltan Clinches Maiden Title

• The 10th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) concluded with Puneri Paltan emerging as champions for the first time, after a closely contested final against Haryana Steelers.
• The final score read 28-25 in favor of Puneri Paltan, with the match taking place on March 1. Pankaj Mohite shone brightly for Paltan, scoring nine raid points, including a crucial super raid that proved to be a game-changer.

Science & Technology News

18.Iran launches ‘Pars 1’ satellite into orbit from Russia

• Iran’s venture into space exploration and satellite deployment continues with the launch of the “Pars 1” satellite, facilitated by Russia from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
• This event underscores the technological collaboration between Iran and Russia, occurring against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and concern from Western nations.
• This launch is part of Iran’s broader efforts in space technology, following its claim of launching three satellites into orbit using its own rocket earlier in January.

19.New Species of Amazon Anaconda Discovered: Eunectes Akiyama

• Researchers in Ecuador’s rainforest have uncovered a new species of anaconda, Eunectes Akiyama, which split from its closest relatives 10 million years ago.
• The discovery was made by a team led by Dutch biologist Freek Vonk, who encountered the massive 20-foot-long specimens in the Amazon.
• The new species, dubbed the “northern green anaconda,” weighs up to 200 kilograms (441 pounds) and showcases significant genetic divergence from its counterpart.

20.Google Unveils Genie AI: Revolutionizing Video Game Creation

• Google’s DeepMind team introduces “Genie,” a groundbreaking AI platform poised to transform the gaming industry and creative endeavors.
• This innovative project signifies a fusion of cutting-edge technology and imaginative potential, offering the capability to craft interactive 2D video games from single image prompts or text descriptions.
• It empowers users to create immersive gaming experiences with minimal input. Democratizes programming by utilizing natural language like English for game creation.

Obituaries News

21.Padma Shri Awardee Arun Sharma breathes his last at 91

• The world of archaeology mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished figures, Padmashree Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, who passed away at the age of 90 at his residence in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
• Sharma’s career was marked by significant contributions to Indian archaeology, including his pivotal role in the excavation of the Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya site.
• Dr. Sharma’s 33-year tenure with the ASI was marked by exemplary service, culminating in his retirement as the Superintendent Archaeologist at the ASI Nagpur in 1992

Miscellaneous News

22.Neolithic Child Burial Site Unearthed in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu

• A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has been made in Chettimedu Pathur village, approximately 77 kilometres from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Researchers from the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Madras have unearthed a child burial site dating back to the Neolithic period, around 2500 BCE to 3000 BCE.
• Located atop a small habitation mound, the site revealed a wealth of artifacts spanning five distinct cultural periods, from the Neolithic to the Medieval period.

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

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