Current Affairs & GK Weekly One Liners 01st to 07th of April 2024

Hockey India Awards 2023:

1. Player of the Year Awards:
   • Hardik Singh was named Player of the Year in the men’s category. He was part of the bronze medal-winning hockey team at the Tokyo 2023 Olympics and won the Asian Games 2023 gold medal.
   • Salima Tete received the Player of the Year award in the women’s category. She was part of the women’s team that won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.
2. Other Notable Awards and Winners:
   • P.R. Sreejesh received the Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year.
   • Harmanpreet Singh won the Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year.
   • Abhishek was honored with the Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year.
   • Deepika Soreng was named Women’s U-21 Player of the Year.
   • Araijeet Singh Hundal received the Men’s U-21 Player of the Year award.
   • Ashok Kumar, a Munich 1972 Olympic bronze medallist, was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the sport.
3. Hockey India League (HIL):
   • The Hockey India League (HIL) will return in January 2025 after a hiatus since 2017. It will feature eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, with auctions likely to be held after the Paris Olympics.
4. Prize Pool:
   • The total prize pool for the awards ceremony was ₹7.56 crores.
5. Honoring Past Achievements:
   • The 2016 Junior World Cup-winning men’s team was also honored at the event, eight years after their triumph.

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Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2024:

1. Bernard Arnault & family (France): Topping the list with a net worth of $233 billion, Bernard Arnault oversees the LVMH empire, which includes brands like Louis Vuitton and Sephora.
2. Elon Musk (USA): With a net worth of $195 billion, Musk is known for cofounding companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Boring Company.
3. Jeff Bezos (USA): Founder of e-commerce giant Amazon, Bezos has a net worth of $194 billion.
4. Mark Zuckerberg (USA): The creator of Facebook, Zuckerberg’s net worth stands at $177 billion.
5. Larry Ellison (USA): As chairman and co-founder of Oracle, Ellison owns nearly 40% of the software giant, with a net worth of $114 billion.
6. Warren Buffett (USA): Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett is a highly successful investor, with a net worth of $133 billion.
7. Bill Gates (USA): Co-founder of Microsoft, Gates has a net worth of $128 billion.
8. Steve Ballmer (USA): Former Microsoft CEO, Ballmer’s net worth is $121 billion.
9. Mukesh Ambani (India): Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Ambani is the only Indian in the top 10, with a net worth of $116 billion.
10. Larry Page (USA): Co-founder of Google, Page’s net worth is $114 billion.

In India, the top 10 billionaires are as follows:

1. Mukesh Ambani: Ranked 9th globally, his net worth is $116 billion.
2. Gautam Adani: Ranked 17th globally, Adani’s net worth is $84 billion.
3. Shiv Nadar: Ranked 39th globally, Nadar’s net worth is $36.9 billion.
4. Savitri Jindal & Family: Ranked 46th globally, their net worth is $33.5 billion.
5. Dilip Shanghvi: Ranked 69th globally, Shanghvi’s net worth is $26.7 billion.
6. Cyrus Poonawala: Ranked 90th globally, Poonawala’s net worth is $21.3 billion.
7. Kushal Pal Singh: Ranked 92nd globally, Singh’s net worth is $20.9 billion.
8. Kumarmangalam Birla: Ranked 98th globally, Birla’s net worth is $19.7 billion.
9. Radhakrishna Damani: Ranked 107th globally, Damani’s net worth is $17.6 billion.
10. Lakshmi Mittal: Ranked 113th globally, Mittal’s net worth is $16.4 billion.

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• The Reserve Bank of India-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent for the seventh consecutive time. This decision was confirmed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das during the bimonthly policy meet. The committee also maintained its ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ stance while focusing on liquidity management to control inflation. Here are some key details from the April MPC:

1. Repo Rate: Remains steady at 6.5%.
2. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: Unchanged at 6.25%.
3. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and Bank Rate: Both stand at 6.75%.
4. Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: Remains unchanged at 3.35%.
5. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Continues at 4.50%.
6. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Remains at 18.00%.

Additionally, the MPC projected the following inflation rates for different quarters:

• Q1: 4.9%
• Q2: 3.8%
• Q3: 4.6%
• Q4: 4.5%

Furthermore, net foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows stood at $41.6 billion, compared to outflows in the previous fiscal years. The RBI will allow the use of third-party UPI apps for making payments from prepaid payment instrument (PPI) wallets. Additionally, a mobile app will be introduced for retail investors to operate in the retail direct portal. The total flow of resources to the commercial sector in FY24 was ₹31.2 lakh crore. The projected real GDP growth for FY25 is 7%, with the following quarterly estimates:

• Q1: 7.1%
• Q2: 6.9%
• Q3 and Q4: Each at 7%

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• The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently unveiled the Class of 2024 for its Young Global Leaders Community, celebrating the 20th edition of this prestigious program. Comprising nearly 90 individuals under the age of 40, these emerging leaders come from diverse backgrounds, including politics, business, civil society, arts, and academia. Among the honorees are five Indians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential:

1. Bhumi Pednekar (Art and Culture): A renowned Bollywood actress known for her roles in films like “Dum Laga Ke Haisha,” “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha,” and “Badhaai Do.”
2. Adwaita Nayar (Business): Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Nyka Fashion.
3. Arjun Bhartia (Business): Holding the position of Director at Jubilant Group.
4. Priya Aggarwal Hebbar (Business): Contributing as a Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Limited.
5. Sharad Vivek Sagar (Social Entrepreneurs): The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dexterity Global.

The Young Global Leaders Program, initiated by the WEF in 2005, aims to identify the next generation of leaders who can address the world’s most critical challenges. Participants engage in a three-year leadership development curriculum, attend executive education courses, embark on learning journeys, and collaborate with their peers. Through this program, the WEF fosters positive change and encourages collective action.

As for the World Economic Forum itself, it is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland. Established in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, its mission is to promote public-private cooperation in addressing global issues. The WEF is renowned for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, as well as its influential research reports, including the Global Gender Gap Report, Global Competitiveness Report, and Energy Transition Index

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• Stake Sale in State-Run Companies:

In the fiscal year 2023/24, the Indian government aimed to raise funds through the sale of stakes in state-run companies. However, the achieved amount of 165 billion rupees fell short of the internal target by about 9%, reaching $1.98 billion. This setback was attributed to the forthcoming general elections, diverting focus from privatization efforts.

• Honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

On March 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the ‘Merchant Navy Flag’ during the National Maritime Week celebrations. The flag was pinned on his lapel by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

• AI Film “IRAH”:

Amidst the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI), India’s first Hindi film on this subject, “IRAH,” had its trailer and song launch event in Mumbai. The movie features an impressive cast, including Rohit Bose Roy, Rajesh Sharma, Karishma Kotak, and Rakshith Bhandarry in prominent roles.

• Engineering Exports Surge:

• India’s engineering exports witnessed a 15.9% year-over-year growth in February 2024.
• This growth reached a record high of $9.94 billion for the fiscal year 2023–2024, surpassing December 2023 figures.

• One Vehicle, One FASTag Norm:

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ norm.
• This norm aims to prevent the use of a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.
• It came into effect from April 1, 2024, following an extension of the compliance deadline due to issues faced by Paytm FASTag users.

• Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs): India plans to strengthen its SPRs by constructing the country’s first privately managed storage facility in partnership with a private company by 2029-30. This initiative aims to allow trading of stored oil, aligning with models seen in countries like Japan and South Korea.

• CAR-T Cell Therapy: India’s President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched the country’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer called CAR-T cell therapy at IIT Bombay on April 4, 2024. This groundbreaking treatment represents a major breakthrough in the battle against cancer.

• Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Retirement: Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, has retired from the Rajya Sabha, marking the end of his three-decade-long tenure in the Upper House.

Onion Export Approval: In response to requests from friendly nations, including Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Bhutan, the Indian government has granted approval for the export of onions. India, a significant global exporter of onions, had enforced a ban on onion exports in December 2023, leading to soaring prices in these nations.

• Reducing Urea Imports: India aims to halt urea imports by the end of 2025 by boosting domestic production and promoting alternative fertilizers. This move addresses the nation’s significant reliance on imports, which currently satisfy around 30% of its annual urea demand.

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Param Vir Chakra Garden Inauguration:

• Date: March 30, 2024.
• Location: Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir School Campus, Tambaram, Chennai.
• Chief Guest: Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi.
• Purpose: Honoring the 21 heroes who received the Param Vir Chakra for their exceptional valor and sacrifice in defending our nation.
• Features: Statues of the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
• Significance: A tribute to their bravery and service .

• Aikyam Exhibition:

• Location: Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir, Tambaram.
• Inaugurated alongside the Param Vir Chakra Garden.
• Details: The Aikyam exhibition likely promotes unity and harmony.

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Saudi Arabia to Chair UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 2025:

• The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025. Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohamed Al-Wasel will be the Kingdom’s first permanent representative to the United Nations to lead the UNCSW since its establishment in 1946. The appointment has sparked both support and criticism due to Saudi Arabia’s record on women’s rights.

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Romania and Bulgaria Partially Join Schengen Travel Zone:

• Romania and Bulgaria have taken a significant step toward 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

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International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023:

• The IYM 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, highlighting the importance of millets in global food security and nutrition.

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Katchatheevu Island: A Contested Territory Between India and Sri Lanka:

• Katchatheevu, an Indian island, has been a focal point of contention between India and Sri Lanka since its cession in 1974. The dispute revolves around sovereignty, fishing rights, and access to the island’s religious sites.

Germany Legalizes Recreational Cannabis Use:

• On April 1, 2024, Germany became the largest European Union (EU) nation to legalize recreational cannabis use. Despite facing opposition from politicians and medical associations, adults over 18 are now permitted to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home.

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• Korean Artificial Sun (KSTAR Fusion Reactor): Scientists in South Korea achieved a remarkable feat by sustaining high-temperature plasma for 48 seconds using the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device, also known as the “artificial sun.” The plasma reached an ion temperature exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for nuclear fusion research and energy production.

• Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi: President al-Sisi has commenced his third term, extending his leadership until 2030. Amid economic challenges, he aims to prioritize national interests and fulfill the aspirations of the Egyptian people for a modern, democratic state. His tenure has seen significant infrastructure projects but also concerns about debt and economic resources.

• Southern Africa Drought Crisis: Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared a state of disaster due to a severe drought sweeping across southern Africa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa attributes this crisis to an “El Nino-induced drought,” affecting over 80% of Zimbabwe. Climate change exacerbates food shortages and humanitarian challenges in the region.

• NATO’s 75th Anniversary: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1949, NATO remains a crucial alliance for collective defense and security. A special event in Brussels, Belgium, will commemorate this milestone.

• India-Nepal Sanskrit Collaboration:
  • India and Nepal are jointly promoting Sanskrit research and education to strengthen bilateral relations and preserve their shared cultural heritage.
  • Scholars from both countries collaborate on various aspects of Sanskrit language, literature, and culture.

• IOCL and Panasonic Energy Partnership:
  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and Panasonic Energy have formed a joint venture to produce lithium-ion cells in India.
  • This strategic collaboration addresses the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions.

• SJVN and IIT Patna’s Tunneling Project Revolution:
  • SJVN and IIT Patna aim to enhance tunneling project performance by integrating advanced geological models.
  • This partnership contributes to safer and more efficient tunnel construction.

• RBI’s 90th Anniversary Celebration:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nation’s central banking institution, is celebrating its 90th year on April 1st, 2024.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the event at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.
• Equity Transaction by Savita Oil Technologies:
  • On March 26, 2024, Savita Oil Technologies announced a significant equity transaction.
  • The company’s promoter, Mr. Gautam N. Mehra, sold a 3% stake to SBI Mutual Fund.
  • This reduced the promoter group’s stake to 59.78%

• GST Collection Surge in March 2024:
  • In March 2024, India witnessed a notable surge in Goods and Service Tax (GST) collection.
  • The collection amounted to ₹1.78 lakh crore, reflecting an 11.5% increase compared to the previous year.

• UPI Transactions in FY24:
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) achieved new milestones in transaction volume and value during March 2024.
  • Despite a slight dip in February due to fewer days and increased investment activity, transactions worth ₹19.78 lakh crore were processed in March 2024, surpassing the previous record set in January 2024.

• Credit Card Usage in India:
  • As of December 2023, India witnessed a surge in credit card usage, with the total number crossing the 100 million mark.
  • This trend has been fueled by both strategic bank initiatives and evolving consumer spending habits, according to RBI data.

• BALCO’s Sustainability Achievement:
  • Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a Chhattisgarh-based unit of Vedanta Aluminium, achieved the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 Certification.
  • BALCO is the inaugural Indian company to attain this certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices in the aluminium value chain.

Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA):

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering establishing DIGITA to combat illegal lending apps.
• This initiative aims to strengthen cybersecurity measures and curb fraudulent activities in the digital lending sector.

Paradip Port Authority’s Achievement:

• Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) to become India’s leading cargo-handling major port in FY 2023-24.
• It handled 145.38 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of cargo, reflecting a 7.4% growth from the previous year.

AU Small Finance Bank’s Merger:

• AU Small Finance Bank merged with Fincare Small Finance Bank through an all-stock deal finalized on April 1, 2024.
• This consolidation strengthens AU SFB’s presence in South India and enhances its customer base and distribution network.

PepsiCo’s Investment in Flavour Manufacturing:

• PepsiCo India announced a massive investment of ₹1,266 crore to set up a cutting-edge flavour manufacturing facility in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• The plant is scheduled to commence operations in Q1 2026, benefiting both PepsiCo and the local economy.

SEBI’s Enhanced Complaint Redress System (SCORES 2.0):

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched SCORES 2.0, an upgraded version of its Complaint Redress System.
• This system features automated routing, oversight by designated authorities, and streamlined processes for addressing investor complaints.

India’s GDP Growth Projection:

• The World Bank revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 to 6.6%.
• Despite anticipated slowdowns, robust economic activity in India is expected to drive growth in South Asia, outpacing other emerging market and developing economies.

• FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO):
  • Joyshree Das Verma has taken over as the 41st National President of FLO for the year 2024-25. FLO is the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber in South East Asia.

• Axis Capital:
  • Atul Mehra has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Axis Capital. His appointment is pending final approval. He will oversee both the investment banking and institutional equities businesses at Axis Capital.

• Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM):
  • Sanjay Nayar has been appointed as the new President of ASSOCHAM, replacing Ajay Singh, the Co-Founder of SpiceJet airline, whose tenure has ended.

• Department of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DGEME):
  • Lieutenant General JS Sidana has taken over as the 33rd Director General of DGEME and Senior Colonel Commandant of the EME Corps on April 1, 2024.

• Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL):
  • Santosh Kumar Jha, an Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) officer of the 1992 batch, will assume the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of KRCL on April 1, 2024.

• Sandeep Jain as FISME President (2024-25):
  • Sandeep Jain, an auto-component manufacturer and alumnus of IIT-Kanpur, has been unanimously elected as the President of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) for the year 2024-25. His name was approved at the meeting of the Central Executive Committee of FISME held in New Delhi.

• Rajeev Singhal as Tata International MD:
  • Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of Tata Group, has appointed Rajeev Singhal as its new Managing Director (MD). His appointment is effective from April 1, 2024, succeeding Anand Sen, who retired on March 31, 2024.

• Rakesh Mohan on World Bank Economic Advisory Panel:
  • Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Rakesh Mohan has been appointed as a member of the World Bank Group’s Economic Advisory Panel. The panel, chaired by Lord Nicholas Stern, will focus on strategic issues related to the World Bank Group’s objectives, research agenda, and actions.

• Dr. Meenesh Shah as NCDFI Chairman:
  • Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman & Managing Director of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI). His extensive experience in the dairy sector and leadership qualities make him a valuable addition to NCDFI.

• Dosti Exercise:
  • The Dosti exercise involves coast guard personnel from the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka.
  • It emphasizes collaboration and interoperability to address shared maritime security concerns.

• Defence Exports Surge:
  • In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion), growing by 32.5% compared to the previous year.
  • This achievement is attributed to efforts from both the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) supported by policy reforms.

• Key Initiatives and Tests:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started a project in Junput village, West Bengal, to establish a test centre for the country’s weapon systems, addressing testing saturation at Odisha’s Chandipur Integrated Test Range (ITR).
  • The DRDO and India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully conducted a flight test of the new-generation ballistic missile called ‘Agni-Prime’.

• Indigenous Akashteer System:
  • The Indian Army has begun the induction of the indigenous Akashteer system, enhancing its air defence capabilities.
  • Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this automated air defence control and reporting system aims to integrate army air defence units for improved operational efficiency.

• Professor Meena Charanda:
  • Award: Received the ‘International Culture Award’ for 2024.
  • Reason: Remarkable work in education and social service.
  • Ceremony: Held at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.

• Vineet Jain:
  • Award: ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
  • Contributions: Significant impact on Indian television news.

• Dr. Kommuri:
  • Title: Distinguished Overseas Dental Specialist (Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain).
  • Event: National Fame Awards 2024, Mumbai. Chief guest: Dia Mirza.

• SJVN Limited:
  • Awards: Two prestigious awards at 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024.
  • Recognition: Contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

• SCO Security Council Meeting in Astana: The 19th annual meeting of SCO security council secretaries was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, led by Indian NSA Ajit Doval. Discussions likely centered on regional security issues. Ajit Doval also met with Kazakhstan President Tokayev during the event.

• Uttar Pradesh Leads in GI-certified Products: Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, now leads the country with 69 GI-certified products, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s 58. This reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and diverse range of unique products.

• Global Life Expectancy Study: A Lancet study reports a significant global rise in life expectancy, with an average increase of 6.2 years between 1990 and 2021. India experienced an eight-year increase, attributed to declines in various ailments, despite setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

• Miami Open Men’s Doubles Title:
  • Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and Australian partner Matthew Ebden clinched the Men’s Doubles Title at the prestigious Miami Open. They defeated the second seeds, Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, in an exciting final with a score of 6-7(3), 6-3, [10-6].

• Novak Djokovic’s Record-Breaking Streak:
  • Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, continues to make history on the ATP Tour. He recently began his 419th week as the World No. 1, extending his remarkable record. On April 9, 2024, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer’s record to become the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at the age of 36 years and 321 days.

• Maharashtra Dominates National Kho Kho Championship:
  • The 56th National Kho Kho Championship 2023-24 witnessed Maharashtra emerging as the undisputed champion. They clinched both the men’s and women’s titles in a thrilling competition held at Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium and the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

• Arjun Erigaisi: India’s New Chess Star:
  • In the latest FIDE rankings, India has a new number 1 chess player – Arjun Erigaisi. With a standard rating of 2756, Erigaisi is ranked ninth in the world. This marks his debut in the top 10 of the Open standard list, showcasing his talent and potential.

• IWF World Cup 2024:
  • The IWF World Cup 2024 took place in Phuket, Thailand, from March 31 to April 11, 2024. Organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), this event featured athletes from around the world. Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi competed in the women’s 55kg category and secured a bronze medal.

• Delhi High Court’s Forest Safeguard Committee:
  • The Delhi High Court appointed former judge Najmi Waziri to lead a committee focused on safeguarding forests in the national capital.
  • This decision comes in response to concerns about various government departments not fully cooperating in efforts to protect these vital natural resources.

• Bilquis Mir’s Historic Appointment:
  • Bilquis Mir, a canoeist from Jammu and Kashmir, is set to make history as the first Indian woman to represent the country as a jury member at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
  • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially conveyed this prestigious appointment to the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

• Stargate: The $100 Billion AI Supercomputer
  • Microsoft and OpenAI are collaborating on an ambitious project called Stargate.
  • Stargate aims to construct an AI supercomputer data center in the U.S., estimated to cost over $100 billion.
  • It will power OpenAI’s next-gen AI systems and be one of the largest and most advanced data centers globally.
  • Completion is expected in 5-6 years.

• Meta’s Fact-Checking Initiative in India
  • Meta (formerly Facebook) partners with the Press Trust of India (PTI).
  • PTI will fact-check misinformation across Meta platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram).

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IMPORTANT DAYS

• Utkal Diwas (Odisha Day): Celebrated on April 1, it commemorates the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936. It’s a significant event in Odisha, marking its statehood and cultural identity.

• Prevention of Blindness Week: Observed from April 1 to 7, it aims to create awareness about eye care and regular examinations to prevent eye diseases like macular degeneration.

• International Mine Awareness Day: Recognized on April 4, it raises awareness about the impact of landmines on civilians and promotes the protection of persons with disabilities in conflict zones.

• International Conscience Day: Celebrated on April 5, it encourages people to follow their conscience and promote peace. The theme for 2024 is ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience’.

• National Maritime Day: Observed on April 5 in India, it highlights the maritime sector’s importance in international trade and economic growth. The 2024 theme is “Navigating the future: safety first!”

• National Handmade Day: Celebrated on the first Saturday of April, this year on April 6, it honors skilled individuals who create handmade goods. The 2024 theme is ‘Buy a Handmade Product’.

• National Library Day: Celebrated on April 6, it acknowledges the vital role of libraries and librarians in society, emphasizing the importance of reading and making books accessible for everyone.
• Barbara Rush’s Acting Career: Golden Globe-winning actress Barbara Rush started her entertainment journey in the 1950s. Her breakthrough came with the 1954 science-fiction film “It Came from Outer Space,” earning her the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer, marking a significant milestone in her career.

• Juan Vicente Pérez, World’s Oldest Man: Venezuelan man Juan Vicente Pérez lived an exceptional life, passing away at the age of 114. Born on May 27, 1909, in El Cobre, his longevity garnered attention, potentially making him the world’s oldest man, pending confirmation from Gisaburo Sonobe’s family, a 112-year-old man from Japan.

• Tripura’s GI Tagged Products: Tripura celebrates three traditional products – Matabari pera prasad, Rignai pachara textiles, and Risa – receiving Geographical Indication (GI) tags, adding to the state’s four GI Protected products, boosting recognition and preservation of its unique cultural heritage.

• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory’s Milestone: The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in Tamil Nadu marks its 125th anniversary of studying the Sun, situated atop the scenic Palani Hills. This milestone underscores its significant contribution to solar research, enhancing our understanding of the celestial body essential for life on Earth.

• Kathiya Gehu GI Tag: Uttar Pradesh’s indigenous wheat variety, Kathiya Gehu, from the Bundelkhand region, secures the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition highlights the wheat’s unique qualities linked to its geographical origin, bolstering the region’s agricultural heritage and promoting local farmers’ interests.

• 5,200-Year-Old Harappan Settlement Discovery: Archaeological excavation near Khatiya village in Gujarat reveals a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet. Led by Kerala University researchers, the project sheds light on Early Harappan cultural formations, enriching our understanding of ancient civilizations in the region.

• J&K Bank’s Virtual ATM Service: J&K Bank collaborates with Paymart India Pvt Ltd to introduce a Virtual ATM (VATM) facility, enabling cardless cash withdrawals through local retailers. This initiative aims to enhance banking accessibility, particularly in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, where traditional ATM access may be limited.

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     STATIC GK

• RBI Chief: Shaktikanta Das leads the Reserve Bank of India, founded on April 1, 1935, in Kolkata, with headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Odisha: Bhubaneswar serves as its capital, governed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
• Congo: Kinshasa is the capital, with French as the official language and the Congolese Franc as currency. Felix Tshisekedi holds the presidency.
• Election Commission of India: Established on January 25, 1950, headquartered in New Delhi, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
• IRCTC: Founded on September 27, 1999, with headquarters in New Delhi.
• Tamil Nadu: Capital is Chennai, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and governed by Governor R.N. Ravi.
• United Nations: Founded on October 24, 1945, headquartered in New York, with António Guterres serving as Secretary-General.
• UNESCO: Established on November 16, 1945, headquartered in Paris, led by Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
• WHO: Founded on April 7, 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as its head.
• Indian School of Business: Founded in 2001, chaired by Harish Manwani, with Dean Madan Pillutla, and located in an urban campus spanning 260 acres.
• European Union: Established on November 1, 1993, in Maastricht, Netherlands, co-founded by Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
• Rajasthan: Capital is Jaipur, led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and governed by Governor Kalraj Mishra.
• MobiKwik: Upasana Taku serves as Chairperson, Co-founder & COO.

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Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, APSC, Bank, SSC, Government Jobs, and Sarkari Exams

Boost your Daily Current Affairs and Daily GK knowledge with important one-liners from 01st to 07th of April 2024 Perfect for Indian students preparing for UPSC, APSC, Bank Exams, SSC, Government Jobs, and other Sarkari Exams. Stay updated and enhance your competitive exam preparation with the latest and most relevant information.

Prepare for Sarkari Naukri, Government Job Exams, or Competitive Exams like UPSC, APSC, Bank PO, SSC CGL, and more with our latest Current Affairs and General Knowledge (GK) one-liners from 8th to 14th April 2024. These updates are essential for all aspirants aiming to crack their dream job in government sectors.

Daily Current Affairs & GK Overview

Stay updated with the most important Daily Current Affairs and General Knowledge (GK) for Sarkari Exams like UPSC, APSC, Bank PO, SSC CGL, and more.

April 2024 Current Affairs in Hindi

अप्रैल 2024 की सबसे जरूरी करंट अफेयर्स और सामान्य ज्ञान। ये अपडेट्स सरकारी नौकरी और प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी के लिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं।

Important GK for Sarkari Naukri

Revise these key General Knowledge (GK) points for your Sarkari Naukri preparation. Our Weekly GK is specially designed to help with UPSC, Bank exams, and other Government Jobs.

For UPSC preparation, revising Daily Current Affairs and Monthly GK is essential. Bank exam aspirants should focus on both daily GK updates and monthly compilations to cover all aspects of the syllabus. SSC CGL candidates can also benefit from our current affairs 2024 for key national and international events.

FAQs Section

Q1: What are the most important current affairs topics for UPSC 2024?
Q2: How can I improve my GK for Bank exams?
Q3: Where can I find Hindi current affairs for Sarkari exams?

Make sure to follow our daily and weekly updates to stay on top of GK and current affairs. This will help you succeed in UPSC, APSC, Bank exams, and other Sarkari Naukri opportunities.