Table of Contents
National News
Government Forms 14th Task Force to Explore Use of Biochar in Steel Production
The Indian government has taken proactive steps to address carbon emissions in the steel industry by establishing a task force to investigate the potential use of biochar. With the steel sector contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative aims to reduce carbon intensity and promote sustainability in steel manufacturing processes.
Indian Government’s Stake Sale in State-Run Companies Falls Short in 2023/24
The Indian government aimed to raise funds through the sale of stakes in state-run companies in the fiscal year 2023/24. However, the achieved amount of 165 billion rupees fell short of the internal target by about 9%, reaching $1.98 billion. This setback is attributed to the forthcoming general elections, causing a shift in focus away from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s privatization agenda.
State News
Utkal Diwas 2024, A Celebration of Odisha’s Rich Culture and Heritage
Utkal Diwas, also known as Odisha Day or Utkala Dibasa, is a significant annual celebration held in the Indian state of Odisha. It is observed on 1st April every year to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1, 1936. This day holds immense cultural and historical importance for the people of Odisha, as it represents the culmination of a long-standing struggle for a separate state, distinct from the combined Bihar and Orissa provinces during the British colonial era.
UP Leads with Most GI-Tagged Products
The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead in having the highest number of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products in the country. With the recent addition of 15 new products, Uttar Pradesh now boasts a total of 69 GI-tagged products, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s 58.
The holy city of Varanasi has emerged as a leader in GI-tagged goods production, with a remarkable 30 certified products – the highest from a single geographical area. GI certification ensures that these products are unique representations of a specific culture, society, or craft.
International News
UN Appoints Saudi Arabia to Lead Women’s Rights Forum Despite Criticism
Saudi Arabia has been chosen to chair the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), despite widespread criticism due to its poor record on women’s rights. The appointment of Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil has sparked outrage from human rights groups, given the stark disparity between the kingdom’s actions and the commission’s mandate to promote gender equality.
Romania and Bulgaria Partially Join Schengen Travel Zone
Romania and Bulgaria have taken a significant step in their integration with the European Union by partially joining the Schengen travel zone. While travelers arriving by air or sea now enjoy ID-check-free access, land border checks persist due to opposition from Austria.
International Year of Millets 2023: A Recap
The International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023, concluded with a closing ceremony held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, on March 29th, 2024. The event served as a platform to assess the accomplishments and insights gained from the year-long celebration.
Banking News
RBI Celebrates 90 Years of Service on Foundation Day 2024
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nation’s central banking institution, is entering its 90th year on April 1st, 2024. To mark this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the event at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.
HDFC Bank to Divest 100% Stake in Education Arm: Shares in Focus
HDFC Bank, a leading private sector lender in India, is pursuing the sale of its entire stake in HDFC Education and Development Services. This move comes as the bank seeks to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance while selecting a buyer through the Swiss challenge method. HDFC Bank disclosed its intention to divest its stake in HDFC Education and Development Services in a regulatory filing on March 30.
SBI Mutual Fund Acquires 3% Stake in Savita Oil Technologies
On March 26, 2024, Savita Oil Technologies announced a significant equity transaction via a block deal, wherein the company’s promoter, Mr. Gautam N. Mehra, sold a 3% stake to SBI Mutual Fund. This resulted in a reduction of the promoter group’s stake to 59.78%.
Appointments News
Moushumi Basu Takes Over as New President of JNU Teachers Association
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) has appointed a new team of office-bearers for the term of 2024-2025, according to a statement released. Moushumi Basu, a professor at the School of International Studies, has been appointed as the next JNUTA president.
Joyshree Das Verma Becomes New President of FICCI Ladies Organisation
Joyshree Das Verma has taken over as the 41st National President of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) for the year 2024-25. FLO is the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber of South East Asia.
Sports News
MS Dhoni Scripts History in T20 Cricket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, has etched his name in the history books once again. During an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first wicketkeeper to record 300 dismissals in T20 cricket.
Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden Triumph at Miami Open
The top-seeded duo of Rohan Bopanna from India and Matthew Ebden from Australia won the Men’s Doubles Title at the Miami Open, a prestigious ATP Masters tennis tournament. In an exciting final, they defeated the second seeds Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek with a score of 6-7(3), 6-3, [10-6].
Hardik Singh and Salima Tete Honoured at Hockey India Awards 2023
Hardik Singh and Salima Tete were named the Players of the Year for 2023 in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the sixth annual Hockey India Awards. During the event, Hockey India announced the revival of the Hockey India League (HIL), which will return in January 2025 after a hiatus since 2017. The revived league will feature eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, with auctions likely to be held after the Paris Olympics.
Awards News
Professor Meena Charanda Honoured with ‘International Culture Award’ 2024
Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Culture Award’ for the year 2024. Prof. Charanda received this honour in recognition of her remarkable work in the field of education and social service. The award ceremony took place on March 30, 2024, at the India International Center.
Vineet Jain Honoured with ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023
Vineet Jain, the managing director of the Times Group, received the prestigious Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian television news.
While accepting the award at a ceremony on Saturday, Jain attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of teams at the Times Group. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his elder brother, Samir Jain, throughout their journey of expanding and diversifying the group.
Science and Technology News
Microsoft and OpenAI Unveil $100 Billion ‘Stargate’ AI Supercomputer
In a groundbreaking collaboration, tech giants Microsoft and OpenAI have revealed plans to construct an unprecedented artificial intelligence supercomputer known as “Stargate.” This ambitious endeavor, estimated to cost a staggering $100 billion, represents a significant leap forward in AI infrastructure and capabilities.
Important Days
India Celebrates National Maritime Week 2024
On March 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the ‘Merchant Navy Flag’, pinned on his lapel by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This marked the beginning of the National Maritime Week celebrations, which span from March 29 to April 5.
Miscellaneous News
India’s First AI-Based Film ‘IRAH’ Trailer Unveiled
Amidst the growing buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI), the trailer and song launch event for India’s first Hindi film on this subject, “IRAH,” took place in Mumbai. The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Rohit Bose Roy, Rajesh Sharma, Karishma Kotak, and Rakshith Bhandarry in prominent roles.
Produced by Big Films Media and directed by Sam Bhattacharjee, “IRAH” is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 4th, 2024, through Iamplex Digital Theatrical Distribution. The event was graced by the presence of music composer Sameer Sen.
Katchatheevu Island: A Historical Perspective
Katchatheevu, an Indian island with a tumultuous past, has been a focal point of contention between India and Sri Lanka since its cession in 1974.
01st April CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR
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