Current Affairs - April 1, 2024 Current Affairs

HDFC Bank intends to divest its entire 100% stake in HDFC Education and Development Services. This decision is part of the bank's strategy to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in the selection process for a buyer through the Swiss challenge method.

Six new sites from Madhya Pradesh, including Gwalior Fort, Dhamnar Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur, and Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla, were added to the Tentative UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites (WHS).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is celebrating its 90th year on April 1st, 2024, marking its establishment in 1934 to maintain monetary stability and its evolving roles in financial regulation, foreign exchange management, and developmental functions under various Governors, including the current Governor, Shaktikanta Das.

Utkal Diwas is celebrated in Odisha on April 1st every year to mark the formation of the state on that date in 1936, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Odisha's heritage. The celebration is a tribute to Odisha's rich culture, traditions, art forms, and cuisine, symbolized by the festive atmosphere, decorations, and display of the state flag's colours – green, yellow, and red – representing pride and unity among the Odia community.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the beta version of the T+0 settlement, allowing same-day settlement on an optional basis to enhance market efficiency and reduce transactional risks in India's capital markets.

Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, has been awarded the prestigious 'International Culture Award' for the year 2024 in recognition of her remarkable contributions to education, social service, and research in political science.

India's Foreign Exchange Reserves rose by $140 million, reaching an all-time high of $642.631 billion during the week ended March 22, reflecting a positive trend in the country's economic stability and financial resilience.

India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit was inaugurated at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to promote natural gas usage and enhance its share in the country's energy mix.

Tripura's traditional items, Matabari Pera and Pachra, have been honoured with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for local artisans and weavers in the state.

Arnab Banerjee, the MD & CEO of CEAT Ltd, has been elected as the new Chairman of ATMA, the national industry body for the automotive tyre sector in India, representing a significant industry worth ₹90,000 crore ($11 bn).

SBI Mutual Fund acquired a 3% stake in Savita Oil Technologies through a block deal on March 26, 2024. This transaction resulted in a reduction of the promoter group's stake in the company.

Saudi Arabia has been appointed to chair the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) despite criticism of its poor record on women's rights. The appointment of Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil has raised concerns among human rights groups regarding the kingdom's commitment to gender equality initiatives.

India celebrates National Maritime Week from March 29 to April 5 annually, honouring the contributions of seafarers and commemorating significant events in maritime history, including the historic voyage of the first Indian Steamship, "S.S. LOYALTY," in 1919.

Moushumi Basu, a professor at the School of International Studies, has been appointed as the new President of Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) for the term of 2024-2025, leading a team of office-bearers to address faculty members' needs and concerns.

Microsoft is collaborating with OpenAI to construct the 'Stargate AI supercomputer, representing a significant leap forward in AI infrastructure with a planned completion by 2028 and a cost estimate of $100 billion.