Current Affairs - March 29, 2024 Current Affairs

IIT Madras is hosting the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament, showcasing the participation of several top-level chess players and offering a substantial prize fund.

Sri Lanka has claimed rights to explore the Indian Ocean Seabed, including the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount). This region, rich in cobalt and other minerals, is subject to international regulations overseen by the International Seabed Authority under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Reliance Industries, owned by Mukesh Ambani, has acquired a 26% stake in a power project owned by Adani's company in Madhya Pradesh. This strategic move signifies a significant collaboration between two influential entities in India's energy sector, potentially leading to synergies and advancements in power generation and distribution.

Axis Bank has introduced digital US dollar fixed deposits (FDs) for NRI customers at the IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gujarat. This initiative, offered through the bank's mobile banking application, provides a seamless and paperless process for opening and managing FDs, enhancing customer experience and convenience.

SEBI cancelled Karvy Investor Services Ltd's registration as a merchant banker due to a breach of eligibility criteria, specifically related to operational functionality, infrastructure, and compliance with regulatory requirements, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulatory standards in financial services.

Adani Group's world's largest single-location copper manufacturing plant has begun operations in Gujarat, specifically at Mundra. This facility, owned by Kutch Copper (a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd), marks a significant step in reducing India's dependence on copper imports and supporting the energy transition.

Madhumita Murgia, an Indian-British journalist and commentator, has been shortlisted for the inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction for her book "Code-Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI." This book explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on human society, showcasing Murgia's insightful analysis and writing prowess.

The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) witnessed a significant 6.7% increase (provisional) in February 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, reflecting positive growth and performance across key sectors contributing to India's industrial production.

Kotak Mahindra Bank's acquisition of Sonata Finance Private Limited for approximately Rs. 537 crore demonstrates its strategic move to strengthen its presence in the microfinance sector. This acquisition allows Kotak Mahindra Bank to expand its financial services offerings and tap into new market segments, showcasing its commitment to strategic growth and diversification in the banking industry.

Kamal Kishore of India has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction by the United Nations. With nearly 30 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, climate action, and sustainable development, he brings extensive expertise to lead the UN's efforts in disaster risk reduction.

The physical segment of the first Army Commanders' Conference for the year 2024 is being held in New Delhi, following the virtual segment scheduled for 28th March 2024. This conference, chaired by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, brings together senior military leadership for strategic discussions and planning.

Tata Motors has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to establish a nationwide network of 5,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2024. This collaboration leverages HPCL's extensive fuel station network to promote EV adoption and infrastructure development.

Nidhu Saxena has been appointed as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Bank of Maharashtra, bringing over 26 years of banking experience to the role, including previous positions as Executive Director at Union Bank of India.

The trailer and song launch of the film "IRAH," which is India's first Artificial Intelligence based film, took place in Mumbai. The movie features notable actors and is produced by Big Films Media, marking a significant development in Indian cinema.

The world's first Om-shaped temple was inaugurated in the village of Jadan, Pali district of Rajasthan. This architectural marvel, known as the 'Om Aakar' temple, spans across 250 acres and is a testament to Rajasthan's rich cultural and architectural heritage, attracting tourists and showcasing innovative design.