Current Affairs Quiz 22nd April 2024 Quiz

Exp. BEL signs MoU with IIT-Mandi for co-operation in research

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi for co-operation in research and technology, product development, in the areas of semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones.

BEL is engaged inter alia in the design, development and manufacture of professional-grade electronic equipment, systems, sub-systems and modules in the areas of Communications, Electro-Optics, Electronic Warfare, Radars, Satcom, Telecommunications and Networking, Solar Photovoltaic, Strategic Electronic Components and civilian.

BEL is working in the fields of IoT, Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Network Management Systems, Artificial Intelligence among others.

The PSU has has achieved a turnover of around ₹19,700 crore (provisional and unaudited), during the financial year 2023-24, against the previous year’s turnover of ₹17,333 crore registering a growth of 13.65%.

IITs in News

• AFMS partnered with IIT Kanpur to Address Healthcare Challenges for Soldiers
• Lightstorm signed with IIT Madras to launch employment skilling initiative
• SJVN partners with IIT-Patna to improve tunneling project performance
• IIM Mumbai and Starburst collaborate to boost aerospace, defence startups
• IIT Madras hosts the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament

Exp. India signs MoU with Bulgaria to enhance collaboration, exchange auditing expertise

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAI (Supreme Audit Institutions) Bulgaria, the Bulgarian National Audit Office, in Sofia.

The agreement, inked by the two Supreme audit institutions, aims to enhance collaboration and the exchange of expertise in the field of auditing between the two nations.

Through this MoU, a platform will be established for the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst auditing professionals and technical teams through collaboration in training programs, and mutual assistance in conducting audits.

Recently India signed MoUs with others countries

• India and Nepal agree to promote Sanskrit research and education
• India & Singapore sign MoU on Law and Dispute Resolution

• India and Bhutan signed MoU in the field of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Measures

• India and Dominican Republic signs protocol for establishment of Joint Economic and Trade Committee
• India and Colombia signed MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions

Exp. Max Verstappen won Chinese Grand Prix

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the first Chinese Grand Prix in five years, the fifth round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, in Shanghai.

Verstappen’s commanding performance saw him cross the finish line a staggering 13.7 seconds ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren, who secured second place.

Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, completed the podium, finishing a further six seconds behind Norris.

Recent 2024 Grand Prix Winner

• Japanese Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Australian Grand Prix – Ferrari’s Carlos Saina (Spain)
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Bahrain Grand Prix 2- Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)

Exp. India’s Gukesh D becomes youngest to win Candidates Chess Tournament

In Chess, 17-year-old Indian prodigy, Dommaraju Gukesh from Chennai made history as the youngest-ever player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto.

In the final round, Gukesh held fellow ti tle contender Hikaru Nakamura of USA to a draw with black pieces but his fate was sealed on the other board where Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana battled for 109 moves before draw.

Gukesh became the youngest-ever Candidates Tournament champion, beating Garry Kasparov’s record, who was 20 years when he won this tournament in 1984.

After Vishwanathan Anand, he becomes the second Indian to qualify for the World Chess Championship. With this amazing victory, Gukesh will challenge the reigning Champion Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship.

Exp. Irdai removes age limit on health insurance policies

With a view to widen the market and foster adequate protection from healthcare expenses, insurance regulator IRDAI has removed the age limit of 65 years for individuals buying health insurance policies.

This marks a significant departure from the conventional constraints that limited individuals in securing comprehensive coverage.

IRDAI aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible healthcare ecosystem, ensuring adequate protection against unforeseen medical expenses.

As per the earlier guidelines, individuals were allowed to purchase a new insurance policy only till the age of 65. However, with the recent amendment, which has been effective from April 1, anyone, regardless of age, is eligible to buy a new health insurance policy.

Exp. Outward FDI drops 39% to $28.64 billion in FY24

India’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), or overseas direct investment, declined by 39 per cent to $28.64 billion in the year ended March 2024, amid uncertain global economic conditions.

In the year ended March 2023, outward FDI, which is represented by total financial commitment, stood at $46.96 billion, according to the RBI data.

The data released shows overseas direct investment both under the automatic route and the approval route. Of the total overseas direct investment, commitments through the equity route stood at $9.62 billion in fiscal 2024, compared to $19.13 billion in FY2023.

The equity contributed around 34 per cent of the total financial commitment made in FY2024.

In FY2024, the loan commitments stood at $5.24 billion as against $7.73 billion made in FY2023.

Exp. Airtel Payments Bank launches NCMC-enabled Debit and Prepaid Cards

Airtel Payments Bank has launched eco-friendly NCMC (National Common Mobility Cards) enabled debit and pre-paid cards.

The bank has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch these interoperable cards that are powered by RuPay.

The launch comes in alignment with the bank’s commitment to India’s One Nation, One Card vision.

The bank has introduced NCMC enabled debit card for its savings account customers and NCMC enabled pre-paid card for the wallet customers.

Both cards are being made from eco-friendly e-PVC material, which is certified for its environmental sustainability.

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• SBI Life Insurance launched the 1st edition of ‘IdeationX’ to revolutionize the future of the insurance industry.
• BharatPe to launch a new app called ‘ZeroPe’ , an app designed for medical loans.
• Bandhan Mutual Fund launched Bandhan Innovation Fund
• Canara Bank unveiled a series of new products Canara UPI 123PAY ASI, Canara HRMS Mobile App for Staff, Canara Angel, Canara Heal

About Airtel Payments Bank

• Founded – 23 November 2016
• Headquarters – New Delhi
• MD & CEO – Anubrata Biswas

Exp. Keki Mistry appointed as chairman of HDFC Insurance Board

Banker Deepak S Parekh resigned from the post of chairman and non-executive director of HDFC Life Insurance.

Following Parekh’s resignation, the company has been appointed Keki Mistry as the Chairman of HDFC Board.

Mistry has been associated with the company since December 2000 and is currently acting as Non-Executive Director.

He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Mistry was the Vice Chairman & CEO of Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Limited.

Deepak S Parekh received the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 2006 for his contributions to industry and trade.

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector

• MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank – Ajith Kumar K.K
• CEO of BharatPe – Nalin Negi
• Additional Director Suryoday SFB – Deepak Kumar Sharma
• Independent director of RBL Bank -Murali Ramakrishnan
• Chief Distribution Officer of Future Generali India Insurance Company – Ramit Goyal (replace Raghavendra Rao)

Exp. MS Dhoni appoints Citroen’s new brand ambassador

French carmaker Citroen has engaged cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador in India.

Dhoni is likely to endorse the brand for two years, charging Rs 7 crore for a year.

While Dhoni has endorsed other automobile brands in the past, including Ashok Leyland and TVS Motor, it’s the first time that he will be associating with a car brand.

Recent Brand Ambassador

• Sanjana Sanghi – SPACE India
• Neeraj Chopra – Eveready Batteries
• Nayanthar – Slice (the popular mango-flavored drink)
• Neeraj Chopra – BPCL’s Speed Petrol Variant
• Katrina Kaif – Chennai Super Kings Team
• IRS Officer Narendra Kumar Yadav – Fit India Movement
• Hrithik Roshan – 3rd RuPay Prime Volleyball League

Exp. Santosh Viswanathan appointed India Region Head of Intel

Intel has appointed Santhosh Viswanathan to head the India region business as its Managing Director (MD).

In March, the company announced India as a separate region within its SMG (Sales, Marketing, and Communications Group) organisation, to capitalise on the country’s rapid growth and business opportunities.

Viswanathan holds an engineering degree in industrial engineering and management and a master’s degree in business administration.

The company also announced the appointment of a new SMG leader for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region.

Recent Appointment

• Secretary of the Department of Posts – Vandita Kaul (replace Vineet Pandey)
• National Judicial Academy (NJC) Bhopal – Justice Aniruddha Bose
• As a Member of University Grants Commission (UGC) –Sachidananda Mohanty
• As member of 16th Finance Commission – Manoj Panda
• National women’s hockey coach – Harendra Singh (replace Janneke Schopman)

Exp. Kento Momota retires from international badminton

29-year-old former world champion Kento Momota from Japan has announced retirement from badminton, citing mental and physical issues amid a lean patch at the highest level.

The former World No. 1 confirmed that he will not represent his country again after the Thomas and Uber Cup, scheduled to be held in Chengdu in China from April 27.

Momota won the World Championships title in 2018 and 2019, a glorious year in which he won as many as 11 titles on the tour. However, ever since his return to action in the following year after recovering from injuries, Momota managed to win only 3 titles.

Momota last played in the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam in January before which he failed to qualify for the main draw at Indonesia Masters.

Recently Retired Players

• Umpire Marais Erasmus (South Africa) – ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
• Shahbaz Nadeem (Jharkhand, India) – International Cricket
• B Sai Praneeth (Teleangana, India) – International badminton.

• Deep Grace Ekka (India) – International Hockey
• Shaun Marsh (Australia) – Professional Cricket

Exp. India’s Commitment to Debris-Free Space Missions by 2030

India has made a declaration to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath made the declaration at the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet.

This initiative aims to achieve debris-free space missions by all Indian space actors, governmental and non-governmental, by 2030.

With 54 spacecraft in orbit and numerous non-functional objects, ISRO has been actively taking measures to dispose of or remove space debris. Efforts include deorbiting spacecraft once their mission is complete and designing systems to minimize debris creation.

With India planning to set up its own space station ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035, ISRO would like to look at the agreements of all the space stations and space actors, including private ones.

Exp. 22 April – International Mother Earth Day

World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is observed every year on 22 April.

Objective – To raise awareness and promoting the sustainability of our planet.

Theme 2024 – Planet vs. Plastics

The late 1960s saw a rise in public debate about environmental issues, with Rachel Carson’s influential book ‘Silent Spring’ (1962) and ‘the Santa Barbara oil spill’ (1969) raising awareness of environmental destruction. This was the beginning of the concept of Earth Day.

Exp. 21 April – World Curlew Day

World Curlew Day is observed every April 21 by various environmental organizations to raise awareness about the problems faced by curlews.

Curlews are a group of birds comprising nine species from the genus Numenius.

Long, slender, downcurved bills and mottled brown plumage are characteristics that can easily help identify the bird.

Mary Colwell started the day in 2017 as a grassroots initiative to help protect the species.

The plight of the bird is mostly man-made, and it is our primary responsibility to make the planet a safe place for not just humans, but all other living beings as well.

Exp. Kenya’s military chief killed in helicopter crash

Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Ogolla, was among 10 people killed when their military helicopter crashed shortly after take-off.

Ogolla, 61, a trained fighter pilot, had only been in the post for a year but was shortly due to mark 40 years of military service.

Under Kenyan military regulations, the defence chief normally retires at 62 or after four years in the post, whichever comes first.

Ogolla joined the KDF in April 1984, rising through the ranks to command the Kenyan Air Force in 2018, a post he held for three years before becoming vice chief of the defence forces in 2021.

About Kenya

• Capital- Nairobi
• Currency- Kenyan Shilling
• Continent – Africa
• President- William Ruto
• Official languages- Swahili, English