Current Affairs March 31, 2024
National News
India ReNews Electricity Export Agreement with Nepal, Allowing Import of 554 MW

- India has renewed the agreement to export electricity to Nepal until June end, responding to Nepal’s request.
- Under the agreement, Nepal can import a total of 554 MW electricity from India between 6 am to 6 pm.
- This agreement includes imports via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line (500 MW) and Tanakpur (54 MW).
- The renewal underscores the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector between the two nations.
Banking News
SEBI Introduces Beta Version of T+0 Trade Settlement for 25 Scripts

- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveils framework for optional introduction of beta version of T+0 trade settlement cycle alongside existing T+1 cycle in equity cash market.
- Beta version of T+0 settlement will commence with 25 selected scrips and limited brokers, according to Sebi.
- All investors can participate in T+0 settlement cycle provided they adhere to prescribed timelines, processes, and risk requirements.
- Surveillance measures applicable to T+1 settlement cycle will also apply to scrips under T+0 settlement cycle, ensuring market integrity.
SEBI, or the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is the regulatory body governing the securities market in India. Here are some key points about SEBI:
- Chairperson:, Madhabi Puri Buch was indeed the Chairperson of SEBI.
- Headquarters: SEBI is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Establishment: SEBI was established in 1992 under the SEBI Act, 1992. It was given statutory powers on April 12, 1992, through the SEBI Act, 1992.
India’s Credit Card Count Exceeds 100 Million, Reveals RBI Data

- In February 2024, the total number of credit cards issued by banks in India crossed the 100 million milestone, witnessing a monthly addition of 1.1 million cards.
- The Reserve Bank of India’s latest data disclosed that as of February 2024, the outstanding count of credit cards in circulation reached 100.60 million, marking a significant increase from the 99.5 million cards recorded in February 2023.
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das (as of my last update in January 2022, please verify for the current status)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Establishment: Founded in 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, during British rule. Began operations on April 1, 1935. Nationalized on January 1, 1949.
PFRDA Mandates 2-Factor Aadhaar Authentication for NPS CRA Access

- Pension regulator PFRDA mandates 2-Factor Aadhaar Authentication for accessing the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) system for NPS-related activities.
- CRAs play a crucial role in centralized recordkeeping, administration, and customer service for all NPS subscribers, with three licensed CRAs operating in India.
- Previously, Nodal Offices under Central and State Governments used password-based login for accessing CRA for NPS transactions, which will now be replaced by Aadhaar Authentication.
Appointment News
Sita Ram Meena Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Niger

- Sita Ram Meena, currently serving as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Niger.
- The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
- Meena, a member of the Indian Foreign Service batch of 2008, is expected to assume his new role shortly.
About niger country:
- Capital: Abuja
- Currency: Nigerian Naira
- President: Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Joyshree Das Verma Assumes Presidency of FICCI Ladies Organisation

- Joyshree Das Verma becomes the 41st National President of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) for 2024-25.
- FLO is recognized as the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber in South East Asia.
- Additionally, Verma has been appointed by Israel as its Honorary Consul for Northeast India, highlighting her diplomatic role in the region.
About FICCI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group based in India.
- President: Subhrakant Panda
- Founded: 1927
- Founder: Ghanshyam Das Birla
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Obituary News
Louis Gossett Jr., Trailblazing Actor of Oscars and Emmy Fame, Passes Away at 87

- Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor known for being the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in “Roots,” has died at the age of 87.