Current Affairs March 1, 2024
National News
Ashwini Vaishnaw Honors AIRF’s Century Legacy with Commemorative Stamp
- Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw releases postage stamps celebrating 100 years of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).
- AIRF, established on April 24, 1924, is one of India’s oldest and largest trade unions of railway workers.
- Vaishnaw lauds AIRF’s commendable journey, acknowledging its resilience in facing challenges and achieving successes over the years.
Ministry of Railways
Officeholders: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Minister), Rajen Gohain (Minister of State)
Founded: 18 February 1905
Child agencies: Indian Railways; DFCCIL
Union Cabinet Approves Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in India
- The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of IBCA headquartered in India.
- The decision includes a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).
- IBCA aims to conserve big cat species including Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Built by Cochin Shipyard
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry, constructed by Cochin Shipyard.
- The ferry, located in Thoothukudi, marks a significant step towards utilizing hydrogen in the marine sector, promoting zero-emission, noise-free, and energy-efficient transportation.
- This indigenous development aligns with India’s commitment to combat global warming and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing the adoption of green hydrogen technology.
Fifth Cycle of Leopard Population Estimation Unveiled by Shri Bhupender Yadav
- Shri Bhupender Yadav, in collaboration with NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, unveils the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India.
- India’s leopard population stands at 13,874, reflecting stability compared to previous estimates.
- However, 70% of leopard habitat, including the Himalayas and semi-arid regions, remains unsampled.
- Madhya Pradesh hosts the largest leopard population, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Banking News
Financial Literacy Week 2024 RBI announces financial literacy ideathon for PG students
- The RBI has launched financial literacy ideathon for postgraduate students, currently enrolled in recognized education institutions
- The ideathon is being organized as a part of the RBI’s Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2024 observed from 26 February to 1st March 2024
- The theme of FLW 2024 is “Make a right to become financially smart”
About Financial Literacy Week: Financial Literacy Week is annually observed by RBI since 2016 to promote financial literacy
Objective: to create awareness of the advantages of inculcating financial discipline from an early age with inputs on saving, budgeting, power of compounding
About RBI
- Governor-shaktikanta das
- Established -1st April 1935
- Headquarters-Mumbai, Maharashtra
Economy News
India’s GDP Surges to 8.4% Year-on-Year Growth in Third Quarter of FY24
- Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reports India’s GDP growth of 8.4% in the third quarter of FY24.
- Construction and manufacturing sectors are identified as key drivers behind this remarkable acceleration.
- The surge reflects robust economic activity, indicating resilience and recovery amidst global challenges.
Award News
Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary Knighthood by Britain’s King Charles III
- Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and founder of Bharti Enterprises, receives honorary Knighthood, the first Indian to do so.
- Recognized for his contributions to UK-India business relations, Mittal’s award highlights his role in fostering bilateral ties.
- The prestigious honor underscores Mittal’s significant impact on strengthening economic cooperation between the UK and India.
Sangeet Natak Akademi honours six artists as fellow 92 with Akademi Puruskar
- The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi the national academy of Music, dance and Drama New Delhi unanimously elected 6 eminent personalities in the field of performing arts for sangeet natak akademi fellowship (Akademi Ratna Sadasyata)
- the general council selected 92 artists from the field of music, dance, theatre, traditional/ folk/ tribal music/dance/theatre
about sangeet natak akademi
- Chairman- Dr. Sandhya Purecha
- Headquarters- New Delhi
- Establishment-1953
Appointment News
Daljit Singh Chaudhary Appointed as Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG)
- Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a 1990 batch IPS officer, was appointed as the Director General (DG) of NSG.
- Chaudhary, currently serving as DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), leads NSG, known as the “black cats”.
- The appointment marks a significant development in India’s security apparatus, highlighting Chaudhary’s expertise and leadership in the field of national security.
Books and author
Former Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri launched her debut novel “Swallowing the Sun”
- Lakshmi murdeshwar puri former assistant secretary general, united nations and wife of union minister hardeep singh puri penned her debut novel “swallowing the sun: a novel” she is also a former deputy executive director of UN women
Important Days
Zero Discrimination Day: Advocating for Equality and Compassion
- March 1 is observed as Zero Discrimination Day, initiated by UNAIDS.
- The day highlights the importance of promoting equality, compassion, and respect for all individuals.
- It aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of discrimination and prejudice.
- Zero Discrimination Day advocates for the right of every individual to live a life free from discrimination and bias.
