Current Affairs - March 18, 2024 Current Affairs

The Indian Army contingent has departed for Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise "LAMITIYE-2024" between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This exercise aims to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban environment.

Sheetal Devi, a renowned Para-archer and Arjuna Awardee was announced as the National Icon in the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category during the exhibition cricket match organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

India's foreign exchange reserves surged to a two-year high of $636.1 billion, with a $10.47 billion increase, marking the highest weekly rise since July 2023. This record-breaking increase reflects positive trends in India's economic stability and currency strength.

India's ranking on the DHL Connectedness Index improved significantly from 67th in 2022 to 62nd in 2023. This jump indicates India's growing involvement in global economic activities, including trade, capital flows, information exchange, and movement of people. The DHL Connectedness Index evaluates countries based on their level of connectivity and integration into the global economy, making India's rise in the rankings a noteworthy achievement in terms of its global economic presence.

Jaideep Hansraj has been appointed as the Group President - One Kotak by Kotak Mahindra Bank, effective from April 1, 2024. This appointment aims to enhance internal collaboration and deliver enhanced customer value under the 'One Kotak' framework.

The Tamil Nadu government has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Education to implement the PM SHRI Schools scheme, aimed at improving the quality of education in the state. This partnership aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and has a budget of Rs 27,360 crore from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

India's first integrated oil palm processing unit, operated by 3F Oil Palm, is situated in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing. This project is part of the Mission Palm Oil under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), contributing to the nation's self-reliance in edible oils.

NASA is planning to carry a 'Message in a Bottle' to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, as part of its Europa Clipper mission scheduled for October. This message includes a triangular metal plate with a poem and a silicon microchip containing public names, symbolizing human curiosity and creativity in space exploration.

Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), succeeding Nidhi Chhibber. This appointment is part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle by the Centre.

Ordnance Factories Day is observed in India every year on March 18th. This day is dedicated to honouring the Indian Ordnance Factories for their contributions in providing arms and ammunition to the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring the nation's safety and security.

Pandavula Gutta, known for its rich historical and archaeological significance, is situated in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana. It is renowned for its prehistoric habitation sites and cave paintings depicting various aspects of wildlife and symbols.

The first Formula-4 car racing event held in Kashmir took place along the scenic Dal Lake, adding a touch of excitement and thrill to the picturesque surroundings. This event marked a significant milestone for the region, showcasing its ability to host world-class sports events and highlighting its potential for tourism and economic growth.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated India's first indoor athletics stadium and indoor aquatic centre at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneshwar, marking a significant milestone in sports infrastructure development in the state. These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to host national and international athletic and aquatic events, providing a conducive environment for training and nurturing sporting talent.

Vladimir Putin secured his sixth term in the Russian election with a commanding lead of 76.1% of the vote, marking his continued dominance in Russian politics and extending his tenure to a total of 24 years in power.

SANY India and J&K Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial solutions for infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to offer comprehensive financial services with competitive rates and flexible repayment plans, thereby supporting the acquisition of advanced machinery for infrastructure development in the region.