Daily Current Affairs 5 March 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 5 March 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on ‘MYUVA Scheme,’ DefConnect 2024, All India Research Scholars’ Summit 2024.

Top 24 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 5 March 2024

National News

1.Steel Minister Unveils India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant In Stainless Steel Sector

• Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar, on 4th March, 2024.
• The stainless steel industry’s pioneering off-grid Green Hydrogen plant, a global first. Also, the world’s inaugural Green Hydrogen facility featuring rooftop and floating solar technology.
• It aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per annum and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next two decades.

2.Union Minister Inaugurates Three CIPET Centers Across India

• Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, virtually inaugurated three centers of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) from New Delhi.
• These centers, located in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, are significant additions to CIPET’s network.
• The government’s efforts to increase the number of CIPET centers from 23 to 47 over the last decade underscore its commitment to supporting the petrochemical industry’s growth.

3.India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the beginning of a new era in India’s nuclear energy sector by witnessing the “Core Loading” at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
• This event signifies the near completion of India’s first indigenous PFBR, a landmark project fully designed and constructed within the country by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), in collaboration with over 200 Indian industries, including numerous MSMEs.

4.Geological Survey of India Celebrates 174th Foundation Day

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) commemorated its 174th Foundation Day on March 4th, 2024, with zeal and enthusiasm resonating across all its offices nationwide.
• The event was a grand affair, with celebrations held in Kolkata, the Central Headquarters of GSI, and the Southern Region’s headquarters in Hyderabad.
• The 174th Foundation Day celebrations of the Geological Survey of India served as a poignant reminder of the organization’s enduring commitment to advancing geological knowledge and fostering a deeper connection with India’s rich geological heritage.

International News

5.Real-life ‘superheroes’ fly in the world’s first jet suit race

• Dubai witnessed an extraordinary event with the city-state’s inaugural jet suit race. Organized by Gravity Industries in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, this groundbreaking competition showcased pilots equipped with jet engines on their hands and backs, resembling real-life ‘Iron Men’.
• These remarkable jet suits, boasting an impressive 1,500 horsepower, outmatched the power of many luxury sports cars. Fueled by aviation fuel used by Dubai-based airline Emirates for its commercial aircraft, including Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, the jet suits represented cutting-edge technology in action.

6.France Pioneers Constitutional Protection for Abortion Rights

• In a groundbreaking move, France has made history by becoming the first nation globally to anchor the right to abortion within its constitution.
• A special joint session of the French parliament witnessed a robust majority in favor of this constitutional amendment, with 780 votes cast in support and only 72 against.
• This pivotal moment led to the inclusion of explicit language in Article 34 of the French Constitution, ensuring women’s freedom to choose abortion under the law.

State News

7.Uttar Pradesh Leads In Issuing 5 Crore Ayushman Cards Under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY

• Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has achieved a milestone by becoming the first state in the country to issue five crore Ayushman cards.
• This accomplishment underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of every citizen. The state of Uttar Pradesh has issued 50,017,920 Ayushman cards, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals.
• This achievement is further highlighted by the fact that 3,716 hospitals in the state are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Moreover, a total of 3,481,252 health claims have been filed, with a settlement rate of 92.48 percent.

Defence News

8.DefConnect 2024: Rajnath Singh Launches ADITI Scheme to Boost Defence Innovation

• During DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 4, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.
• The scheme aims to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, providing start-ups with significant grants for research and development.

Economy News

9.February Sees Marginal Decline in UPI Transactions

• After reaching an all-time high in January, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions in India experienced a slight decrease in both value and volume in February.
• This decline, amounting to 0.7% in value and 0.8% in volume, can be attributed to various factors including technical issues at multiple banks and the shorter duration of the month.
• February’s UPI transactions were 61% higher in volume and 48% higher in value compared to the same month in 2023.

10.Moody’s Upgrades India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.8% for 2024

• Moody’s, the global credit rating agency, has raised its GDP forecast for India in 2024 to 6.8%, reflecting a positive economic outlook.
• This revision is based on India’s position as the fastest-growing economy among G20 nations, supported by robust growth prospects and policy continuity.
• Moody’s projects India’s GDP growth momentum to persist into 2025, with a forecasted growth rate of 6.4%.

Banking News

11.India-Nepal Financial Cooperation Strengthened, Digital Payment to be Launched Soon

• In a recent development, India and Nepal have bolstered their financial cooperation, with a focus on digital payments. This initiative aims to streamline cross-border transactions and enhance convenience for citizens of both nations.
• The new regulations permit multiple financial services between the people of India and Nepal. Notable changes include allowing Nepal citizens to send Rs 2 lakh per transaction to Nepal, with walk-in customers able to remit Rs 50,000 per transaction.

12.RBI Approval: Merger of Fincare SFB with AU Small Finance Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India has given its approval for the merger of Fincare Small Finance Bank Ltd. with AU Small Finance Bank, effective from April 1.
• The merger is sanctioned under Section 44A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. All branches of Fincare Small Finance Bank will operate as branches of AU Small Finance Bank post-merger.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) stated that the merger involves Fincare and AU, with AU being the merged entity. Shareholders of Fincare will receive shares in the merged entity.

13.RBI Bans IIFL Finance from Giving Gold Loans: Reasons and Implications

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken stern action against IIFL Finance by imposing an immediate ban on the approval and disbursement of gold loans.
• This directive comes following a comprehensive inspection of the company’s financial position as of March 31, which revealed significant supervisory concerns in its gold loan portfolio.
• Serious deviations were found in assaying and certifying the purity and net weight of gold during loan sanction and auction upon default. Breaches in Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio were noted by the central bank.

Important Days News

14.International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024

• Disarmament, as defined by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), involves the elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) alongside a balanced reduction of armed forces and conventional armaments.
• The inaugural International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was observed on March 5, 2023, following a UNGA resolution adopted on December 7, 2022. This annual event seeks to promote public awareness, particularly among youth, about the importance of disarmament.

15.Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day 2024: March 5th

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously named Multiple Personality Disorder, presents a complex mental health challenge for both individuals affected by it and the professionals who aim to diagnose and treat it.
• This condition involves the existence of two or more distinct personality states, each exhibiting its own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This disorder is annually acknowledged on March 5th.
• Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day, first observed in 2012 by the Ivory Garden, is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about DID and providing support for those affected by the disorder.

Schemes News

16.CM Yogi Rolls Out ‘MYUVA Scheme’ For Young Entrepreneurs In UP

• In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched an initiative to support young entrepreneurs called “Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA).”
• The scheme offers interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs for projects valued up to Rs 5 lakh. The government aims to prepare one lakh young entrepreneurs every year through this initiative.
• The scheme promotes digital transactions in business operations and provides grants to encourage the adoption of digital payment methods.

Summits & Conferences News

17.IIT Madras Hosts Four-Day Long All India Research Scholars’ Summit 2024

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is hosting the All India Research Scholars’ Summit (AIRSS) 2024 from 4th to 7th March 2024.
• Organized by the Research Affairs Council of IIT Madras, this event promises to be a gathering of minds from diverse disciplines across India, aiming to showcase and explore the latest advancements in various research domains.
• The summit aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and promoting self-reliance through innovation.

Appointments News

18.Brajesh Mehrotra appointed as new chief secretary of Bihar

• The Bihar government made a significant announcement, appointing senior IAS officer Brajesh Mehrotra as the new chief secretary of the state.
• Currently serving as the additional chief secretary of revenue and land reforms, with additional responsibilities in general administration and parliamentary affairs, Mehrotra’s illustrious career is marked by dedication and competence.
• Notably, he also holds the position of the state’s chief information commissioner, showcasing his multifaceted expertise.

19.Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari Makes History as BSF’s First Female Sniper

• Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari has etched her name in history as the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force (BSF).  Suman achieved the prestigious ‘instructor grade’, a testament to her proficiency and expertise.
• Her recent completion of an eight-week intensive sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore not only showcases her exceptional abilities but also her pioneering spirit.

Agreements News

20.REC Limited Partners With UNISED To Support Education Of Children In Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh

• REC Limited has recently joined hands with the Unit of Science and Educational Development (UNISED) to bolster educational initiatives in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, REC Foundation, REC has pledged a significant financial assistance of Rs. 9.91 crores for the education of approximately 75,500 children in the district.
• UNISED, recognized for nationwide educational innovation, will implement solar-powered smart classrooms and joyful learning labs in Siddharthnagar district.

21.BIMSTEC Faculties Exchange Programme in Dhaka Aims to Boost Mutual Cooperation

• A five-day exchange programme for faculty members of foreign service academies within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states has commenced in Dhaka, marking the first of its kind.
• The programme aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diplomats of BIMSTEC member countries to propose strategies for enhancing mutual cooperation among the region’s Foreign Service training institutions.

Science & Technology News

22.India Introduces Chakshu: Report Fraud Calls & Texts Platform

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently unveiled the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) alongside the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.
• This initiative aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to combat the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.
• ‘Chakshu’ is a citizen-centric facility introduced on the Sanchar Saathi portal. It aims to empower individuals to report suspected fraud communications received via various channels, including calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.

23.Three new moons discovered orbiting Uranus and Neptune

• In an exciting development for space exploration, astronomers affiliated with the International Astronomical Union have identified three new moons in the outer reaches of our solar system.
• These celestial bodies, with two orbiting Neptune and one around Uranus, were detected through the use of powerful land-based telescopes across the globe.
• This discovery increases the count of known moons to 28 for Uranus and 16 for Neptune. Among these, a particularly small moon measuring just five miles in diameter circles Uranus, showcasing the diverse sizes and orbits of these distant moons.

Miscellaneous News

24.Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar muslin get GI tag

• The Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, more widely known as Silver Filigree, has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
• Silver Filigree, or Tarakasi, is a testament to the unparalleled skill and precision of artisans in Cuttack. The craft’s history traces back to over 500 years ago, with influences spanning from Persia to Indonesia, and finally making its home in Cuttack, Odisha.

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

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