Current Affairs March 16, 2024
National News
Inauguration of ‘DBT SPEEDY SEEDS’: Boosting Agricultural Innovation for Farmer Empowerment
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates the ‘National Speed Breeding Crop Facility, “DBT SPEEDY SEEDS” at National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali.
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income, fostering economic empowerment, and supporting Agri-StartUps.
- The facility offers farmers the opportunity to enhance both the quality and quantity of their crops.
- The inauguration underscores the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural innovation and supporting the farming community.
- ‘DBT SPEEDY SEEDS’ facility aims to accelerate crop breeding processes, leading to increased productivity and resilience in agriculture.
- This initiative is a significant step towards modernizing Indian agriculture and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
About jitendra singh: Jitendra Singh is He is the Minister of State for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions;
GoI Designates September 17 as “Hyderabad liberation day”
- On 13th march 2024 the ministry of home affairs (MoHA), government of india (GoI) issued a gazette notification, officially designation September 17 of every year as Hyderabad liberation day
- The day marks the integration of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad into the indion union in 1948
- Hyderabad remained under the rule of Mir Osman ali khan, nizam of Hyderabad for 13 months’ post-independence on 15th august 1947
Ministry of home affairs: Amit Anil Chandra Shah is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the 31st Minister of Home Affairs
Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar Renamed ‘Ahilyanagar’ in Honor of Ahilyabai Holkar
- The Maharashtra Cabinet officially approves the renaming of Ahmednagar district to ‘Ahilyanagar’ after the 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
- Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had announced the decision to rename the district on Ahilyabai Holkar’s 298th birth anniversary in May last year.
- Ahilyabai Holkar, renowned for her administrative skills and benevolent rule, established Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh as the capital of the Holkar dynasty.
- The renaming pays tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar’s contributions to Maharashtra’s history and culture, honoring her legacy.
Maharashtra state:
- Capital: Mumbai
- Chief minister: Eknath Shinde
- Governor: Ramesh Bais
Rajasthan Government Initiates Free Seed Distribution Program to Enhance Millets Production
- The Rajasthan government announces a plan to distribute free seeds of millets and coarse grains to farmers to stimulate millet production.
- Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reveals the initiative, targeting specific seeds for distribution including maize, pearl millet (bajra), mustard, moong, sorghum (jowar), and moth.
- Approximately 1.2 million farmers will receive maize seeds, 800,000 farmers will be provided pearl millet seeds, while mustard seeds will be distributed to 700,000 farmers.
- Additionally, moong seeds will be given to 400,000 farmers, and sorghum (jowar) and moth seeds to 100,000 farmers, contributing to a diversified agricultural landscape.
- The program aims to support farmers in adopting millets and coarse grains cultivation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan state:
- Chief minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Area: 342,239 km²
- Capital: Jaipur (Executive Branch)
Agreement News
MoU Signed Between NIELIT and ITI Egypt to Enhance Workforce Skills and Employment Opportunities
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between NIELIT (India) and ITI (Egypt) to bolster collaboration in workforce development.
- Aimed at addressing skills gaps, fostering international cooperation, and promoting employment opportunities in both nations.
- Signed in Cairo, Egypt, in the presence of H.E Dr. Amr Talaat and Mr. Ajit Gupte, emphasizing bilateral commitment.
- Focus on skill enhancement initiatives to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving IT industry.
- Signifies a strategic step towards strengthening Indo-Egyptian ties through knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Banking News
L&T Finance Holdings Secures $125 Million Pact with JICA to Enhance Rural Lending
- L&T Finance Holdings Ltd (LTFH) signs a financing agreement worth $125 million with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to bolster rural and peri-urban lending in India.
- The funding aims to support financing initiatives, particularly targeting women borrowers in rural areas.
- The agreement entails a loan facility from JICA, which will be disbursed in three tranches.
- This partnership underscores the commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment of rural communities, aligning with national development goals.
- Collaboration with JICA signifies international support and recognition of India’s efforts in rural economic development.
About L&T finance holdings ltd.
- MD & CEO- sudipta roy
- Headquarters-mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established-2007
About japan international cooperation agency:
- President-tanaka akihiko
- Headquarters- Tokyo, japan
- Establishment-1974
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Introduces ‘Vikas Spoorty’ Loan Scheme to Empower Rural Entrepreneurs
- Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) launches ‘Vikas Spoorty’ loan scheme to enhance rural credit delivery and encourage small-scale income-generating activities.
- The scheme offers hassle-free loans without the need for collateral security or surety, catering to the genuine credit requirements of small entrepreneurs.
- Chairman Shreekanth M Bhandiwad emphasizes the scheme’s focus on meeting the credit needs of rural entrepreneurs and facilitating their access to financial resources.
- ‘Vikas Spoorty’ scheme links loan repayment to small daily contributions made by borrowers through the bank’s ‘Daily Deposit’ scheme (pigmy account) at their doorstep.
- This initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and economic development in rural Karnataka, empowering individuals to pursue livelihood opportunities.
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank:
- Headquarters: Dharwad
- Founded: 12 September 2005
Ranks and reports News
India Ranks 134th in Global Human Development Index: UNDP Report
- India has advanced one spot on the global Human Development Index (HDI) according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report titled ‘Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarised world’.
- The report reveals that India moved up from 135th position in 2021 to 134th in 2022, within the Medium Human Development category.
- Sri Lanka and China are ranked higher than India, while Bhutan and Bangladesh also surpass India’s ranking within the same category.
- Switzerland tops the global HDI ranking.
- The report highlights the progress and challenges in human development across nations, shedding light on disparities and opportunities for cooperation in a polarized world.
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme):
- Founded: 22 November 1965, United States
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Head: Achim Steiner
Award News
Krystyna Pyszková Crowned Miss World 2024 in Mumbai Ceremony
- Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic becomes the new 71st Miss World 2024 at a lavish event held in Mumbai, India.
- She succeeds Karolina Bielawska from Poland, who held the title of Miss World 2022.
- The 71st edition of miss world pageant was hosted by india for the 1st time after 28 years previously india hosted the event in 1996
- The coronation ceremony, attended by dignitaries and spectators, marked the culmination of a prestigious global pageant.
- Pyszkova’s crowning symbolizes her achievement in beauty, grace, and intellect, representing her nation on the international stage.
- The event not only celebrates beauty but also promotes philanthropy and humanitarian causes, reflecting the Miss World organization’s values.
- In this even reliance foundation chairperson Nita Ambani honoured with beauty with a purpose humanitarian award
Runners-Up and Continental Winners
- First Runner-Up: Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon
- Miss World Asia and Oceania: Yasmin Azaytoun of Lebanon
- Miss World Europe: Krystyna Pyszková of Czech Republic
- Miss World America and Caribbean: Aché Abrahams of Trinidad and Tobago
- Miss World Africa: Lesego Chombo of Botswana
About miss world:
- The miss world organization owns and manage the annual miss world finals
- The 1st edition of miss world was held in 1951
- Indian has won the 6 miss world title- 1st winner reita faria (1966)
Defence News
Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Indian Navy HQ ‘Nausena Bhawan’ in Delhi Cantonment
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates the newly constructed headquarters of the Indian Navy, named ‘Nausena Bhawan’, in Delhi Cantonment.
- The state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate the administrative functions and operations of the Indian Navy.
- The inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
- ‘Nausena Bhawan‘ reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing defense infrastructure and strengthening national security.
- The facility’s strategic location in Delhi Cantonment ensures efficient coordination and communication within the naval command structure.
Important points
National Vaccination Day: Promoting Awareness and Immunization
- National Vaccination Day is observed annually on March 16th to raise awareness about the significance of vaccines in preventing diseases.
- Vaccines play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals from life-threatening illnesses such as polio and smallpox by stimulating the body’s immune response.
- The day serves as a reminder for people to prioritize their health and receive necessary vaccinations to maintain immunity and well-being.
