Current Affairs March 30, 2024
National News
President Droupadi Murmu to Present Bharat Ratna Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to present the Bharat Ratna Awards at Rashtrapati Bhava.
- The awardees include former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and P V Narasimha Rao, former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, and eminent scientist M. S. Swaminathan, all of whom will receive the award posthumously.
- Additionally, former Deputy Prime Minister and Veteran BJP leader L K Advani will be honored with the top civilian award of the country.
About bharat ratna award:
- Institution: Instituted by the Government of India on 2 January 1954.
- Recipients: Diverse range including politicians, scientists, artists, social reformers.
- Selection Process: Chosen by President of India on Prime Minister’s advice.
- Award Ceremony: Conferred by President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
- 1st awardees- C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C. V. Raman
India Reports 24.7 Lakh Drug-Susceptible TB Cases in 2023: India TB Report 2024
- The India TB Report 2024 released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry reveals that 24.7 lakh individuals were diagnosed with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) in India in 2023.
- Among these patients, 23.6 lakhs, which accounts for 95%, were initiated on treatment.
- DS-TB refers to cases of tuberculosis where patients are diagnosed with bacteriologically-confirmed or clinically-diagnosed TB without evidence of infection with strains resistant to the drugs rifampicin and isoniazid.
- The combination of rifampin and isoniazid is commonly used to treat TB infection, either alone or with other medications.
- Rifampin, belonging to the class of antibiotics, functions to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, playing a crucial role in TB treatment.
About health and family welfare ministry- Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya is an Indian politician currently serving as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers of India. He is also a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya is an Indian politician currently serving as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers of India. He is also a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat
cVIGIL App Crucial in Flagging Election Code Violations During General Elections 2024: Over 79,000 Complaints Received
- The cVIGIL app, managed by the Election Commission of India, has emerged as a powerful tool for citizens to report election code violations.
- Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, more than 79,000 complaints have been received through the app.
- Remarkably, over 99% of these complaints have been resolved, with close to 89% resolved within 100 minutes, emphasizing the app’s efficiency.
- Illegal hoardings and banners account for over 73% of the total complaints, followed by complaints related to money, gifts, liquor distribution, defacement of property, and display of firearms/intimidation.
Banking and finance
GoI Updates List of Banks Authorized for Gold and Silver Import in FY25
- The Government of India revised the list of banks authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to import gold and silver for the financial year 2024-2025.
- RBI has authorized 11 banks to import both gold and silver, while 3 banks are authorized to import only gold, effective from April 1, 2024.
- The authorization is valid until March 31, 2025.
- Banks authorized for both gold and silver import include Axis Bank Limited, Federal Bank Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, ICICI Bank Limited, IndusInd Bank Limited, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, Karur Vysya Bank Limited (KVB), RBL Bank Limited, State Bank of India (SBI), and Yes Bank Limited.
- Banks authorized for gold import only include Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Union Bank of India (UBI).
- India imported USD 35.8 billion worth of gold in 2022, ranking as the 5th largest importer globally, and USD 1.32 billion worth of silver, ranking as the 8th largest importer worldwide.
Bank of India Slapped with Rs 564 Crore Income Tax Penalty, Plans Appeal
- Bank of India announces receiving a penalty order of Rs 564.44 crore from the Income Tax Department under Section 270A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, pertaining to Assessment Year 2018-19.
- The penalty is imposed on various disallowances made by the Income Tax Department.
- The public sector lender states its intention to appeal against the penalty order and is in the process of filing an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax, National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC).
- The regulatory filing emphasizes the bank’s response to the penalty and its efforts to address the matter through the appeals process.
Bank of India:
- Founded: 7 September 1906,
- Headquarters: Mumbai CEO
- CEO: Rajneesh Karnatak
Economy News
Indian Government’s Fiscal Deficit Widens to Rs 15.01 Lakh Crore in April 2023-February 2024: CGA Data
- According to data from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, India’s fiscal deficit increased to Rs 15.01 lakh crore in April 2023-February 2024 from Rs 11.03 crore in April 2023-January 2024.
- The fiscal deficit for April 2023-February 2024 represents 86.5% of the revised estimate of Rs 17.35 lakh crore.
- In comparison, the fiscal deficit in April-February 2023 was Rs 14.53 lakh crore, accounting for 82.8% of the revised estimate.
- The widening fiscal deficit underscores the challenges faced by the Indian government in managing its finances amid economic uncertainties and expenditure pressures.
India’s Forex Reserves Reach New Record High of $642.63 Billion: RBI Data
- India’s foreign exchange reserves have increased for the fifth consecutive week, reaching an all-time high of $642.631 billion.
- The latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicates a $139 million jump in reserves for the week ending on March 22.
- Gold reserves also saw an increase during the same week, rising from $347 million to $51.487 billion.
- The continuous rise in forex reserves signifies India’s robust position in terms of external financial stability and liquidity.
International News
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Elected Africa’s Youngest President in Senegal
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s surprising ascent marks a significant milestone in Senegalese politics, making him the youngest elected president in Africa.
- His remarkable journey follows a tumultuous period, including imprisonment alongside ally and political influencer Ousmane Sonko.
- The unexpected release of Faye and Sonko just a week before the presidential election added intrigue to the already intense political landscape in Senegal.
About Senegal
- Capital: Dakar
- President: Macky Sall
- Currency: West African CFA franc
Books and author News
S. Raman’s Autobiography “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond” Chronicles Inspiring Journey in Finance Sector
- “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond” is an autobiography by S. Raman, detailing his journey from a clerk at SBI to becoming the Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank and a Member of SEBI.
- The book provides a firsthand narrative of Raman’s rise in the finance sector, highlighting the role of personal integrity, professional challenges, and systemic issues.
- Raman’s story serves as inspiration for aspiring professionals, offering insights into navigating the complexities of the financial world while upholding principles of integrity and resilience.
Science and tech News
Skyroot Aerospace Achieves Milestone with Test-Firing of Stage-2 Vikram-1 Rocket:
- Hyderabad-based spacetech startup Skyroot Aerospace reaches a significant milestone with the successful test-firing of the stage-2 propulsion system of its first orbital rocket in development, named Vikram-1.
- The test, conducted at ISRO’s testbed in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, saw the Kalam-250 engine firing for 85 seconds, demonstrating a peak thrust of 186kN.
- Vikram-1’s stage-2 propulsion system features advanced components including a carbon composite rocket motor, EPDM TPS (Thermal Protection System), flex nozzle, and precision actuators for trajectory control.
- This achievement marks a significant step forward for Skyroot Aerospace in its mission to develop indigenous launch vehicles and contribute to India’s space exploration endeavors.
Skyroot aerospace:
- Founders: Pawan Kumar Chandana, Naga Bharath Daka
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Founded: 12 June 2018
Sports
Sharfuddoula Makes History as First Bangladeshi Umpire on ICC Elite Panel
- Sharfuddoula achieves historic milestone as the first Bangladeshi umpire appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
- His appointment follows the International Cricket Council’s annual review and selection process.
- This recognition highlights Bangladesh’s growing presence and contribution to international cricket officiating.
International Cricket Council:
- Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Founded: 15 June 1909
- CEO: Geoff Allardice
- Chairman: Greg Barclay
IIT Madras to Host 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament
- IIT Madras will organize the prestigious 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament on March 30 and 31, 2024.
- The tournament is sanctioned by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), ensuring its credibility and global recognition.
- Esteemed players from around the world, including Grandmasters, International Masters, and Women Grandmasters, are expected to participate.
- The event showcases IIT Madras’s commitment to promoting intellectual pursuits and fostering a culture of excellence in sports and academics.
International Chess federation:
- President: Arkady Dvorkovich
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Formation: July 20, 1924; 99 years ago in Paris
Obituary
Karnataka Sahithya Academy Ex-Chairman Prof Gurulinga Kapse Passes Away at 96
- Prof Gurulinga Kapse, renowned writer and former chairman of Karnataka Sahithya Academy, has passed away at the age of 96 on March 28,2024 after battling prolonged illness.
- He leaves behind a legacy of literary contributions, including works on the life and works of litterateur Madhurachanna, philosophy, spirituality, and Kannada prose and poetry.
Important days
United Nations Designates March 30th as International Day of Zero Waste
- On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish the International Day of Zero Waste, to be celebrated annually on March 30th.
- The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and promote initiatives for achieving sustainable development goals.
- Zero Waste initiatives focus on minimizing waste generation, maximizing recycling and composting, and promoting sustainable consumption practices.
- Theme “Let’s all work together to build a world where waste is minimized, resources are valued, and our planet thrives!”
