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Daily Current Affairs April 24: Check Here

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Daily Current Affairs April 24: Check Here

Daily Current Affairs April 24

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs April 24. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

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April 24 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 24

1. What is the main objective of celebrating National Panchayati Raj Day in India?
A) To honor the memory of Mahatma Gandhi
B) To award outstanding Panchayats for their contributions to rural development
C) To observe the anniversary of the 73rd Amendment Act
D) To encourage rural-to-urban migration
E) To promote the agenda of central governance
Answer: C) To observe the anniversary of the 73rd Amendment Act

Event and Location:

  • Event: National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24 in India to honor the enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992.
  • Location: The main event in 2024 includes a National Colloquium held in New Delhi.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Celebration: The day marks the establishment of a formal structure of Panchayati Raj in India, promoting decentralized governance and empowerment of local bodies.
  • Significance of the Event: A colloquium titled “Governance at the Grassroots after Three Decades of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment” highlights the progress and challenges in grassroots governance.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Panchayati Raj System: A decentralized form of governance involving a three-tiered structure, which includes local bodies empowered with self-governance.
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act: Enacted in 1992, this law formalized the existence and functioning of Panchayats at the village and other levels, making them a vital part of local governance in India.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event National Panchayati Raj Day
Location New Delhi, India
Date April 24, 2024
Chief Guests Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh
Significance Observance of the anniversary of the 73rd Amendment Act, recognizing the importance of local self-governance through Panchayats

2. What is the primary message conveyed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace?
A) The importance of individual nation efforts
B) The need for global cooperation and trust to address challenges
C) The significance of holding annual summits
D) The focus on economic growth over peace
E) The reduction of UN involvement in global affairs
Answer: B) The need for global cooperation and trust to address challenges

Event and Location:

  • Event: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
  • Location: Global observance under the auspices of the United Nations

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Message: To emphasize the importance of multilateral solutions, dialogue, and diplomacy in overcoming global challenges such as conflicts, climate change, poverty, and inequalities.
  • Significance: The message underscores the UN’s commitment to fostering global cooperation to safeguard human rights and promote peace and prosperity worldwide.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Multilateralism: The cooperation of multiple countries working in concert on a given issue, particularly through an institution like the United Nations.
  • Diplomacy: The management of international relations by negotiation and dialogue.
  • Summit of the Future: A planned international meeting aimed at promoting a new agenda for peace and reinforcing faith in multilateral efforts.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

United Nations:

  • Founded Year: 1945
  • Current Secretary-General: António Guterres
  • Headquarters: New York City, USA

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
Location Global
Date Annually observed
Chief Guest António Guterres (UN Secretary-General)
Significance Advocates for strengthened global cooperation to tackle major global issues like conflicts and climate change

 

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs April 24

3. What is the primary feature of RazorPay’s UPI Switch in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank?
A) It offers lower transaction fees
B) It can handle 10,000 transactions per second
C) It supports transactions only on sale days
D) It resolves disputes in 7 days
E) It provides personalized customer service
Answer: B) It can handle 10,000 transactions per second

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of UPI Switch by RazorPay in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank.
  • Location: The service is launched in India and facilitated online through RazorPay’s platform.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of UPI Switch: To enhance UPI infrastructure by offering higher transaction handling capacity, quicker dispute resolution, and higher success rates for businesses.
  • Significance: Designed to address the limitations of existing UPI infrastructures like scalability issues, downtime, and poor customer experience due to technical declines.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, merging several banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments under one umbrella.
  • NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): The organization that operates retail payments and settlement systems in India, which has developed UPI as one of its flagship products.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

RazorPay:

  • Founded Year: 2014
  • CEO: Harshil Mathur
  • Headquarters: Bangalore, India

Airtel Payments Bank:

  • Founded Year: 2017
  • CEO: Anubrata Biswas
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Launch of UPI Switch
Location India
Chief Guest Khilan Haria (Head of Payments Product)
Significance Enhancement of UPI infrastructure capabilities with high transaction capacity and faster dispute resolutions

4. What is the primary benefit for PayU receiving in-principle approval from the RBI to operate as a payment aggregator?
A) PayU can now start international operations
B) PayU can now use its own digital currency
C) PayU can now on-board new merchants and offer digital payment services
D) PayU is now exempt from RBI regulations
E) PayU can delay payments to merchants
Answer: C) PayU can now on-board new merchants and offer digital payment services

Event and Location:

  • Event: PayU receives in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a payment aggregator.
  • Location: The approval and operations are relevant to India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Approval: Allows PayU to expand its services by on-boarding new merchants and offering them digital payment services, enhancing its role in the digital payments ecosystem.
  • Significance: This approval is crucial for PayU to resume its growth and service expansion after a temporary halt due to regulatory compliance issues.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Payment Aggregator: A fintech service provider that facilitates e-commerce sites and merchants to accept various payment instruments from customers, acting as an intermediary to process payments.
  • RBI (Reserve Bank of India): India’s central banking institution, which regulates the monetary policy of the Indian rupee as well as banking regulations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

PayU:

  • Founded Year: 2006
  • CEO: Anirban Mukherjee
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands (Global), Gurgaon, India (Indian operations)

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event RBI’s in-principle approval to PayU
Location India
Date Announcement made on Wednesday (exact date not specified)
Chief Guest Anirban Mukherjee (CEO of PayU)
Significance Enables PayU to on-board new merchants and offer digital payment services, contributing to the digital financial infrastructure and inclusion

5. What were the primary reasons for the RBI imposing restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank?
A) Poor financial performance
B) High volume of digital transactions
C) Deficiencies in IT systems and non-compliance with regulatory guidelines
D) Inadequate customer service
E) Mismanagement of customer funds
Answer: C) Deficiencies in IT systems and non-compliance with regulatory guidelines

Event and Location:

  • Event: RBI imposes restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank.
  • Location: India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of RBI’s Action: To address serious deficiencies and non-compliances found in Kotak Mahindra Bank’s IT inventory management, patch and change management, user access management, vendor risk management, and data security.
  • Significance: Ensures that the bank enhances its IT systems and controls to prevent further risks and disruptions in its operations.

Important Terms Explained:

  • IT Risk Management: The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to an organization’s capital and earnings that arise from its information technology systems.
  • Regulatory Guidelines: Standards set by regulators like the RBI that institutions must follow to ensure stability, transparency, and fairness in operations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

  • Founded Year: 1935
  • Governor: Shaktikanta Das
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India

Kotak Mahindra Bank:

  • Founded Year: 2003
  • CEO: Ashok Vaswani
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event RBI imposes restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank
Location India
Date Announced on April 24, 2024
Significance Address serious IT deficiencies and non-compliance with regulatory standards to enhance operational resilience and data security

6. What are the main objectives of the newly amended FEMA regulations related to the direct listing of Indian companies on international exchanges?
A) To restrict the flow of foreign investments
B) To allow direct listing of Indian companies on international exchanges
C) To increase the tax burden on foreign investments
D) To decrease the number of companies eligible for international listing
E) To limit the use of foreign currency accounts by Indian residents
Answer: B) To allow direct listing of Indian companies on international exchanges

Event and Location:

  • Event: Amendment of FEMA regulations for the direct listing of Indian companies on international exchanges.
  • Location: India, specifically mentioning GIFT-IFSC.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Amendments: To facilitate the direct listing of securities by Indian companies on international exchanges, enhancing the ability for these companies to access foreign capital and broaden their investor base.
  • Significance: These amendments aim to streamline the process of overseas listings and improve the effective utilization of foreign exchange, boosting foreign investments and economic integration.

Important Terms Explained:

  • FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act): A regulatory mechanism that enables the Reserve Bank of India to pass regulations and manage the foreign exchange market in India.
  • GIFT-IFSC (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre): A global financial and IT services hub in Gujarat, India, aimed at providing facilities to finance services and technology firms to expand their overseas operations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Ministry of Finance:

  • Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Amendment of FEMA regulations for international listing
Location India, GIFT-IFSC
Date Regulations notified in 2024
Chief Guests Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the initiative
Significance Enables Indian companies to list directly on international exchanges, improving access to global capital markets

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs April 24

7. What unique feature does the Nifty Next 50 index derivatives have according to Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at NSE?
A) They are overlapping with other market capitalisation-based broad indices.
B) They have the highest weightage in financial services.
C) They do not have overlapping constituents with other market capitalisation-based broad indices on NSE.
D) They only include the top 50 stocks from the Nifty.
E) They are not available for futures trading.
Answer: C) They do not have overlapping constituents with other market capitalisation-based broad indices on NSE.

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of derivative contracts on the Nifty Next 50 index by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
  • Location: National Stock Exchange, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Launch: To introduce new derivative products that cater to market participants interested in investing beyond the top 50 stocks, offering additional tools for risk management.
  • Significance: The launch provides investors with new opportunities for investment and risk management in the stocks that may eventually move into the Nifty 50 index, enhancing the depth and breadth of the derivative market in India.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Derivatives: Financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset or benchmark, such as stocks, indices, or commodities.
  • Nifty Next 50 Index: Comprises 50 stocks that follow the Nifty 50 in terms of market capitalization, representing potential future additions to the Nifty 50 based on index methodology.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

National Stock Exchange (NSE):

  • Founded Year: 1992
  • Location: Mumbai, India
  • Notable Indices: Nifty 50, Nifty Next 50

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Launch of Nifty Next 50 index derivatives
Location National Stock Exchange, India
Chief Guests Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at NSE
Significance Introduction of a new derivative product without overlapping constituents with other broad indices, enhancing market diversity and risk management options

 

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 24

8. What is the primary role of Gita Sabharwal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Indonesia?
A) To facilitate international trade agreements
B) To coordinate UN support for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
C) To provide direct financial aid to Indonesia
D) To manage diplomatic relations between the UN and India
E) To oversee military operations in Indonesia
Answer: B) To coordinate UN support for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Gita Sabharwal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.
  • Location: Indonesia

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of Appointment: To enhance the coordination and implementation of the United Nations’ support for Indonesia’s development goals, particularly in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Significance: As the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at the country level, the Resident Coordinator plays a crucial role in aligning UN resources and efforts with the national priorities and challenges of Indonesia.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UN Resident Coordinator: The UN Secretary-General’s representative at the country level, responsible for leading the UN country team and coordinating all UN organizational activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the host country.
  • 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: A global plan adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Gita Sabharwal:

  • Nationality: Indian
  • Previous Roles: UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, Peacebuilding and Development Advisor in Sri Lanka
  • Education: Master’s degree in Development Management from the University of Wales, UK

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Appointment of Gita Sabharwal
Location Indonesia
Date Appointment effective from 22 April
Chief Guest Gita Sabharwal, António Guterres (UN Secretary-General by representation)
Significance Enhances UN’s support for Indonesia’s sustainable development goals

9. Who has FSIB recommended for the appointment as the Managing Director of Indian Bank?
A) Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh
B) Asheesh Pandey
C) SL Jain
D) Bhanu Pratap Sharma
E) Deepak Singhal
Answer: B) Asheesh Pandey

Event and Location:

  • Event: FSIB’s recommendation for top management positions in State Bank of India and Indian Bank.
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of FSIB Recommendations: To appoint qualified leaders for managing director positions at major public sector banks, enhancing leadership based on performance and experience.
  • Significance: These appointments are critical for guiding the strategic and operational activities of the banks, ensuring they meet their objectives and serve their stakeholders effectively.

Important Terms Explained:

  • FSIB (Financial Services Institutions Bureau): A bureau responsible for the selection of candidates for leadership roles in public sector banks and financial institutions in India.
  • Managing Director (MD): A key executive role in banks, responsible for overseeing the operations and performance of the institution.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Bank:

  • Founded Year: 1907
  • Headquarters: Chennai, India

State Bank of India (SBI):

  • Founded Year: 1955
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Current Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event FSIB recommends new MDs for SBI and Indian Bank
Location India
Date Recommendations made on April 24, 2024
Chief Guests Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Asheesh Pandey
Significance Ensures leadership continuity and strategic management in major Indian banks

10. What responsibilities does T Rabi Sankar hold as the RBI Deputy Governor?
A) Monetary policy management
B) Currency management, foreign exchange, and payment systems
C) Corporate affairs
D) Public relations
E) Legal affairs
Answer: B) Currency management, foreign exchange, and payment systems

Event and Location:

  • Event: Extension of tenure for RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar.
  • Location: Reserve Bank of India, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Extension: To continue leveraging T Rabi Sankar’s expertise in managing critical departments of RBI including currency management, foreign exchange, and payment systems.
  • Significance: The extension underscores the importance of stability and continuity in the leadership overseeing significant sectors of India’s central banking system.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Deputy Governor of RBI: One of the key positions in the Reserve Bank of India, responsible for overseeing various crucial departments that manage the country’s monetary policy, currency, and other financial systems.
  • Currency Management, Foreign Exchange, Payment and Settlement Systems: Key areas in banking that involve the regulation of currency supply, handling foreign exchange resources, and managing transactions and settlements in the banking system.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

T Rabi Sankar:

  • Education: Master of Philosophy in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
  • Previous Role: Executive Director of RBI

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Tenure extension of RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar
Location Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai, India
Date Extension effective from May 3, 2024
Chief Guests T Rabi Sankar
Significance Ensures experienced leadership in critical financial sectors of RBI, enhancing monetary and financial stability

11. Who has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company?
A) Akhil Chaturvedi
B) Prateek Agrawal
C) Navin Agarwal
D) Niket Shah
E) Raamdeo Agrawal
Answer: B) Prateek Agrawal

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Prateek Agrawal as MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company.
  • Location: Mumbai, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Appointment: To lead Motilal Oswal AMC following Navin Agarwal’s return to the parent company.
  • Significance: This transition represents a commitment to internal growth and the promotion of proven leaders within the organization.

Important Terms Explained:

  • MD & CEO (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer): A top executive role responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of a company.
  • AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of the investments managed by a financial institution on behalf of its clients.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Industry: Asset Management
  • Founded: Part of the Motilal Oswal Group, established in 1987

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Appointment of new MD & CEO at Motilal Oswal AMC
Location Mumbai, India
Date Effective from Friday following the announcement on April 24, 2024
Chief Guests Prateek Agrawal
Significance Leadership transition aimed at continuing the trajectory of growth and operational excellence in asset management

Awards – Daily Current Affairs April 24

12. Which location hosted the 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2024?
A) London, UK
B) Madrid, Spain
C) Paris, France
D) Berlin, Germany
E) New York City, USA
Answer: B) Madrid, Spain

Event and Location:

  • Event: 25th Laureus World Sports Awards.
  • Location: Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Laureus Sports Awards: To recognize outstanding sporting achievements throughout the year.
  • Significance: The awards are considered the sporting equivalent of the Oscars, highlighting excellence in sports globally.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Laureus World Sports Awards: Annual awards ceremony that honors individuals and teams from the world of sports along with breakthrough and comeback athletes.
  • Palacio de Cibeles: A famous landmark in Madrid, serving as the ceremony’s venue.

List of all the winners of the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards:

Award Title Winner
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award  Novak Djokovic: Tennis, Serbia.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award  Aitana Bonmati: Football, Spain/ FC Barcelona.
Laureus World Team of the Year Award  Spain Women’s National Football Team
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award  Jude Bellingham: Football, England/Real Madrid.
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award  Simone Biles: Gymnastics, USA.
Laureus Sport for Good Award  Fundacion Rafa Nadal/The Rafa Nadal Foundation.
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award  Diede de Groot: Wheelchair Tennis, Netherlands.
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award  Arisa Trew: Skateboarding, Australia.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Novak Djokovic:

  • Sport: Tennis
  • Notable Achievements: 24-time Grand Slam winner

Aitana Bonmati:

  • Sport: Football (Soccer)
  • Team: Spanish National Team and club level

Jude Bellingham:

  • Sport: Football (Soccer)
  • Teams: England National Team, Real Madrid

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event 25th Laureus World Sports Awards
Location Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain
Date April 22, 2024
Chief Guests Winners including Novak Djokovic, Aitana Bonmati, Jude Bellingham
Significance Recognizes and celebrates global sports excellence

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs April 24

13. What is the primary function of the solar sail in NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft?
A) To navigate the spacecraft using gravitational forces
B) To reflect solar particles for propulsion
C) To shield the spacecraft from solar radiation
D) To generate solar power for onboard instruments
E) To communicate with Earth using solar signals
Answer: B) To reflect solar particles for propulsion

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft.
  • Location: Launched from New Zealand.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Mission: To utilize solar sail technology for propulsion, which uses the pressure of sunlight to move the spacecraft without conventional fuel.
  • Significance: Demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective propulsion method, potentially reducing reliance on heavy propulsion systems for future space missions.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Solar Sail: A spacecraft propulsion method that uses large, reflective sails to capture the momentum of sunlight or solar wind for movement.
  • CubeSat: A miniaturized satellite for space research that is usually about the size of a large microwave oven, which in this case houses the main components of the spacecraft.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration):

  • Founded Year: 1958
  • Administrator: Bill Nelson
  • Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Launch of NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft
Location New Zealand
Date April 24, 2024
Significance Testing of solar sail technology for spacecraft propulsion, emphasizing sustainable space exploration methods

14. According to NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report, what percentage of companies in India use half or more of their data to train AI models?
A) 49%
B) 60%
C) 70%
D) 91%
E) 82%
Answer: D) 91%

Event and Location:

  • Event: Release of NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report.
  • Location: Global, with specific insights on India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Report: To analyze and present the state of AI project implementation globally, highlighting the leadership of India in AI adoption compared to the global average.
  • Significance: The report underscores the advanced adoption and integration of AI technologies in Indian companies, setting a benchmark for global AI implementation rates.

Important Terms Explained:

  • AI Projects: Initiatives that involve the application of artificial intelligence technologies to solve complex problems or enhance operational efficiencies in various sectors.
  • Cloud Complexity Report: An annual report that evaluates the complexities and advancements in cloud and AI technologies across different regions and industries.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Release of NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report
Location Global, with a focus on India
Date 2024
Significance Highlights India’s leadership in AI project implementation globally with significant data utilization for AI training

Defence – Daily Current Affairs April 24

15. What is the primary purpose of the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Kazakhstan attended by the Indian delegation?
A) To discuss economic trade agreements
B) To review regional security issues and defence cooperation initiatives
C) To participate in joint military exercises
D) To finalize a new treaty for arms reduction
E) To promote tourism between SCO member states
Answer: B) To review regional security issues and defence cooperation initiatives

Event and Location:

  • Event: Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States.
  • Location: Astana, Kazakhstan.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Meeting: To discuss and review regional security challenges and enhance defence cooperation among SCO member states.
  • Significance: The meeting is crucial for fostering collaborative security efforts and strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation on defence-related issues within the SCO framework.

Important Terms Explained:

  • SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation): A significant regional intergovernmental organization aimed at enhancing cooperation on security, economic, and cultural matters among its member states.
  • Regional Security: Concerns and activities aimed at ensuring the stability and safety of states in a specific region.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Kazakhstan:

  • Country Name: Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge
  • Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting
Location Astana, Kazakhstan
Date April 25-26, 2024
Chief Guests Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane
Significance Review and enhance regional security and defence cooperation among SCO member states

 

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 24

16. What key theme was highlighted during the National Colloquium on Grassroots Governance to mark National Panchayati Raj Day?
A) Reduction of rural heritage sites
B) Privatization of local governance
C) Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions through digital empowerment and capacity building
D) Centralization of governance away from rural areas
E) Decreasing the role of women in local governance
Answer: C) Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions through digital empowerment and capacity building

Event and Location:

  • Event: National Colloquium on “Governance at the Grassroots after Three Decades of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment” held to mark National Panchayati Raj Day.
  • Location: New Delhi, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Colloquium: To discuss and strengthen the Panchayati Raj system in India, particularly focusing on leveraging digital technologies for better governance at the grassroots level.
  • Significance: This event aimed to emphasize the central role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in improving rural governance and citizen empowerment through digital innovations and robust capacity building.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): Local self-government bodies in rural India that enable democratic decision-making at the grassroots level.
  • Digital Empowerment: Utilization of digital technologies to enhance governance and service delivery, enabling higher transparency and efficiency.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event National Colloquium on Grassroots Governance
Location New Delhi, India
Date April 24, 2024
Chief Guests Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh
Significance Focused on strengthening PRIs through digital empowerment and capacity building to enhance rural governance and citizen services

17. What is the main purpose of the MoU signed between KABIL and CSIR-NGRI?
A) To reduce the operational costs of KABIL
B) To promote the sale of strategic minerals internationally
C) To collaborate on geophysical investigations in the minerals sector
D) To dissolve the joint venture of KABIL
E) To increase the import of minerals into India
Answer: C) To collaborate on geophysical investigations in the minerals sector

Event and Location:

  • Event: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI).
  • Location: NALCO Corporate Office, Bhubaneswar.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the MoU: To enhance collaboration in geophysical investigations to support KABIL’s projects in the critical and strategic minerals sector.
  • Significance: The MoU aims to strengthen the exploration capabilities of KABIL by leveraging CSIR-NGRI’s expertise in geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys, which is crucial for identifying and developing mineral resources.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Geophysical Investigations: Studies related to the physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis.
  • Critical and Strategic Minerals: Minerals that are essential for the economy and necessary for national defense, with no easy substitutes.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited):

  • Founded Year: 2019
  • CEO: Shri Sadashiv Samantaray (also Director (Commercial) of NALCO)
  • Headquarters: Bhubaneswar, India

CSIR-NGRI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute):

  • Founded Year: 1961
  • Director: Dr. Prakash Kumar
  • Headquarters: Hyderabad, India

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event MoU Signing between KABIL and CSIR-NGRI
Location Bhubaneswar, India
Chief Guests Shri Sadashiv Samantaray, Dr. Prakash Kumar, Shri Sridhar Patra
Significance Collaboration in geophysical investigations to advance mineral exploration and development efforts

18. What key point did Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasize in his address at the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure?
A) The importance of reducing government spending on infrastructure
B) The necessity of investing in resilient infrastructure for a better future
C) The requirement to focus solely on new infrastructure
D) The need to limit international cooperation on infrastructure resilience
E) The priority to disregard the impact of natural disasters on infrastructure
Answer: B) The necessity of investing in resilient infrastructure for a better future

Event and Location:

  • Event: 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI).
  • Location: Address delivered via video message.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective of the Conference: To strengthen global discourse and decision-making on disaster resilient infrastructure, focusing on resilience both in new construction and post-disaster rebuilding.
  • Significance: Highlighting the importance of resilience as an integral part of infrastructure projects to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and ensure sustainable development.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: Infrastructure designed to withstand the effects of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, thereby reducing the risk to human life and economic loss.
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): An international initiative launched to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, ensuring sustainable development.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event 6th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Location Address delivered via video message
Date 24 April 2024
Chief Guest Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Significance Emphasis on investing in resilient infrastructure to enhance global and individual country resilience against natural disasters


Over All Review

Important Days

  • National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24.
  • The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is celebrated on April 24 every year.

Banking and Finance 

  • Razorpay launches UPI switch in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank.
  • PayU gets RBI’s in-principle approval to operate as payment aggregator.
  • RBI imposed restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank.
  • RBI comes out with FEMA regulations for direct listing on international exchange.

Business And Economy

  • National Stock Exchange (NSE) introduced derivative contracts on Nifty Next 50 index.

Appointments

  • India’s Gita Sabharwal Appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.
  • FSIB recommends appointment of Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh as SBI MD, Asheesh Pandey as Indian Bank MD.
  • Government approves one-year extension to RBI Deputy Governor Rabi Sankar.
  • Prateek Agrawal has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company.

Awards 

  • Madrid, Spain hosted the 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2024.

Science and Technology

  • NASA launches solar sail mission into space using advanced composite system.
  • NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report states that 91% percentage of companies in India use half or more of their data to train AI models.

Defence

  • Defence Secretary to lead Indian delegation at SCO Defence Ministers’ meet in Kazakhstan.

National Affairs

  • Shri Vivek Bharadwaj and Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh inaugurates National Colloquium on Grassroots Governance to mark National Panchayati Raj Day at New Delhi.
  • KABIL inks MoU with CSIR-NGRI for Advancing Geophysical Investigations in Critical and Strategic Minerals Sector.
  • PM addresses 6th edition of International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

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