Current Affairs March 9, 2024

National News

Union Minister Arjun Munda Launches Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Centre in New Delhi

• The Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Centre unveiled at Krishi Bhawan aims to empower farmers nationwide.
• The initiative focuses on providing essential information, services, and facilities to enhance the self-reliance of farmers.
• Real-time data access will enable farmers to make informed decisions about their farms.
• The goal is to identify and address genuine challenges within the agriculture sector.
• The initiative aligns with the broader objective of fostering agricultural self-sufficiency across the Country.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Inaugurates Digital Exhibition ‘Subhash Abhinandan’ on National Archives Foundation Day

• The digital exhibition “Subhash Abhinandan” is inaugurated by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on the 134th Foundation Day of the National Archives of India.
• Organized by the National Archives, the exhibition pays tribute to Subhash Chandra Bose, covering 16 sections highlighting key aspects of his life.
• The exhibition spans significant milestones from Bose’s birth to his enduring legacy, providing a comprehensive overview.
• The event marks an important occasion to commemorate the life and contributions of Subhash Chandra Bose.

National Archives

• Establishment: The National Archives of India (NAI) was founded on March 11, 1891, in Calcutta (now Kolkata) as the Imperial Record Department.
• Shift to Delhi: Relocated to New Delhi in 1911 when the capital moved, now situated in the present building.
• Function: The primary role is to acquire, preserve, and provide public access to the records of the Government of India.
• Collection: Houses extensive records encompassing official documents, manuscripts, maps, and photographs, spanning diverse topics and historical periods.

Jharkhand to Launch Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme: Rs 2 Lakh Incentive to Enhance Living Standards

• Jharkhand government initiates the Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme to improve living standards and uphold the dignity of widows.
• Chief Minister Champai Soren to formally launch the scheme, providing a financial incentive of Rs 2 lakh to widows who choose to remarry.
• The scheme aims to address challenges faced by widows, recognizing the importance of enhancing their quality of life.

Jharkhand State:

• Capital: Ranchi
• Chief minister: Champai Soren
• Founded: 15 November 2000

Uttar Pradesh Government Announces Waiver of Electricity Bills for Farmers with Private Tube Wells

• Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, decides to waive electricity bills for farmers with private tube wells.
• The waiver is effective retrospectively from April 1, 2023, benefiting approximately 1.5 crore farmers across the state.
• The decision, taken in a state cabinet meeting, reflects a major move to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and support agriculture.
• A budget allocation of Rs 1,800 crore in the 2024-25 budget has been earmarked for the implementation of this scheme.

Uttar Pradesh:

• Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
• Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath

Banking News

NPCI International Payments Ltd and Fonepay Partner to Facilitate Cross-Border UPI Transactions between India and Nepal

• NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) collaborates with Fonepay Payment Service Ltd in Nepal to enable cross-border Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions.
• The partnership aims to enhance the payment experience for Indian tourists, who constitute approximately 30% of Nepal’s total tourist influx.
• Cross-border UPI transactions are expected to streamline financial interactions, providing a convenient and efficient payment system for travellers.
• The initiative contributes to strengthening economic ties between India and Nepal, fostering financial connectivity.
• The collaboration aligns with efforts to promote digital payments and advance financial technology in the South Asian region.

Science and Tech News

Department of Science and Technology Launches Machine Learning and AI Technology Hub (MATH) in Collaboration with T-Hub, Hyderabad

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and T-Hub have jointly inaugurated the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH) in Hyderabad.
• MATH aims to accelerate innovation in AI, facilitate job creation, and cultivate a supportive ecosystem for start-ups in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• The initiative reflects a commitment to advancing technology and promoting research in emerging fields with a focus on AI and ML.
• MATH is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing start-ups, fostering collaboration, and driving advancements in the AI and ML sectors.
• The launch aligns with broader efforts to position Hyderabad as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.

Sports News

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Inaugurates 5th ONGC Para Games, Commends Para-Athletes’ Determination

• Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurates the 5th ONGC Para Games in New Delhi.
• The event at Thyagaraj Stadium witnessed the presence of Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and senior officials from Oil & Gas PSUs.
• Minister Puri praises para-athletes for their unwavering determination, highlighting their resilience and commitment.
• A total of 371 athletes, including 249 ONGCians, participate in the 5th ONGC Para Games, engaging in various sporting disciplines.
• The event underscores the commitment of ONGC and the government to promote inclusivity and provide a platform for para-athletes to showcase their talent and dedication.

Defence News

US and Indian Coast Guards Launch ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ Joint Exercise in Indo-Pacific Region

• The US Coast Guard Cutter Berthold’s arrival at Port Blair marks the commencement of the joint exercise ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ with the Indian Coast Guard.
• Scheduled for March 9-10, 2024, the drill underscores deepening strategic ties between the United States and India.
• The exercise aims to enhance maritime safety and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
• ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ focuses on diverse exercises to elevate readiness levels and foster operational synergy between the US Coast Guard and the Indian Coast Guard.
• The collaboration aims to ensure effective joint responses to maritime challenges, contributing to regional security and stability.

Economy News

UBS Forecasts Moderation in India’s GDP Growth for FY 2025 and 2026

• UBS predicts a moderation in India’s real GDP growth, projecting rates of 7% for fiscal year 2025 and 6.8% for fiscal year 2026.
• The report underscores the continuation of growth momentum in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024.
• The growth is attributed to cyclical recovery and structural improvements within the Indian economy.
• The forecast reflects UBS’s assessment of economic trends, considering both domestic and global factors.

Scheme News

Ministry of Women and Child Development Initiates Nationwide ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ for Nutrition Awareness

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is set to organize ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ nationwide from March 9 to March 23, 2024.
• This 15-day celebration is dedicated to spreading awareness about nutrition, dietary practices, and women’s health.
• Poshan Pakhwada aims to emphasize the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through “Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari” (public movement and participation).
• The initiative seeks to engage the public in creating a collective movement towards improved nutrition and overall well-being.
• By fostering awareness and public participation, Poshan Pakhwada contributes to the government’s efforts in addressing nutrition-related challenges and promoting a healthier society.