Current Affairs - March 14, 2024 Current Affairs

Tata Motors is set to establish a manufacturing unit worth Rs 9,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, showcasing its strategic investment in South India. This move not only aims to expand production capabilities but also signifies Tata Motors' commitment to leveraging Tamil Nadu's business-friendly environment for growth, leading to job creation and economic development in the state.

NITI Aayog's 'Vocal for Local' initiative, launched under its Aspirational Blocks Programme, focuses on promoting local economies and grassroots entrepreneurship. By encouraging the use of indigenous products and supporting local businesses, this initiative aims to enhance self-reliance, foster sustainable growth, and empower communities at the grassroots level.

The Government of India signed a $181 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to focus on enhancing infrastructure and services in Ahmedabad's peri-urban areas, aiming to improve livability and mobility in the region.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) inaugurated its first international office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, showcasing its commitment to international growth and strengthening regional ties. This strategic move highlights NRL's focus on expanding its presence beyond India's borders and tapping into new markets.

The Prime Minister launched the PM-SURAJ national portal, also known as the 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan' portal, during an event organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This portal is aimed at extending credit support and empowering one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, reflecting the government's dedication to socio-economic upliftment.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor facilities worth approximately Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore in Gujarat and Assam. These projects aim to bolster semiconductor manufacturing capability in the country.

India signed a protocol with the Dominican Republic to establish the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), marking a significant step in strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations. This protocol aims to foster deeper collaboration and enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman as part of the "Security Belt-2024" exercise aimed at enhancing regional maritime security. This location is strategically significant for ensuring navigation safety and cooperation among the participating countries.

National Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th each year to honour the mathematical constant π (pi). This date was chosen because it corresponds to the first three digits of pi: 3, 1, and 4 (3/14). It is a day for math enthusiasts and educators to engage in activities and discussions about the importance of pi in mathematics and its applications in various fields.

Sanjay Kumar Singh has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for the role of Director (Projects) at NHPC Limited. Currently serving as Chief General Manager at SJVN Limited, Singh emerged as the top candidate among twelve contenders.

The 'Agray' and 'Akshay' ships launched by the Indian Navy are primarily designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), marking a significant milestone in the ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project. These ships contribute to the Navy's capabilities in detecting and countering submarine threats in shallow waters.

The share of private sector banks in total deposits has risen to 34% as of December 2023, showing significant growth from 25% recorded at the end of the financial year 2017-18. This increase reflects the success of private banks in attracting deposits through competitive interest rates and effective customer relationship management strategies.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed the Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards, as per the regulatory norms issued on March 7th. This directive applies specifically to credit cards and not other financial products like debit cards, personal loans, or savings accounts.

World Kidney Day is observed on March 14th every year. It is a global health awareness campaign focused on raising awareness about kidney health and the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide.

The Bank of Baroda has introduced the Bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme to gather funds for eco-friendly projects, demonstrating its commitment to supporting green initiatives and fostering a sustainable economy.