Current Affairs - April 3, 2024 Current Affairs

The World Bank estimates India's GDP growth for FY24 at 7.5%, indicating a robust economic performance. This projection reflects optimism about India's economic activity and potential for growth in the coming fiscal year.

India's defence exports surged by 32.5% in FY 2023-24, reaching a record Rs 21,083 crore. This significant growth is attributed to policy reforms, digital solutions, and global acceptance of Indian defence products, marking a milestone achievement for the sector.

PepsiCo India is investing ₹1,266 crores in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to establish a cutting-edge flavour manufacturing facility. This investment promises economic growth, job opportunities, and sustainable practices in the region.

Jaunpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned as the "City of Imarti" due to its unique Imarti delicacy, which has a distinct taste and aroma that has been cherished since the British era. The district administration has been working to obtain a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Jaunpur's Imarti, highlighting its cultural significance.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has collaborated with Panasonic Energy to establish a joint venture for manufacturing lithium-ion cells in India, aiming to meet the surging demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

The Indian Coast Guard vessel "Samudra Paheredar" visited Vietnam as part of its ASEAN Mission, focusing on maritime cooperation, pollution control, and professional engagements with the Vietnam Coast Guard. This visit highlights strategic partnerships in maritime security and enforcement activities.

Sanjay Nayar, a prominent figure in global financial markets and former Chief Executive of KKR India, has been appointed as the new President of ASSOCHAM, bringing extensive experience in financial and capital markets to the role.

AU Small Finance Bank merged with Fincare Small Finance Bank on April 1, 2024, in an all-stock deal approved by the RBI. This merger enhances AU SFB's reach in South India, creating a customer base of approximately 1 crore and expanding its network to 2,350 physical touchpoints across 25 states and union territories.

Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, handling 145.38 MMT of cargo, showcasing its dominance in coastal shipping and productivity excellence. This achievement reflects Paradip Port's cost efficiency, offering the lowest tariffs and maintaining frozen tariff rates for cargo handling for three years, contributing to its success as India's leading cargo-handling port.

Prevention of Blindness Week 2024 is observed from April 1 to April 7, as declared by the Indian government to raise awareness about eye care and prevent blindness through regular check-ups and hygiene practices.

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established on April 1, 1899, by the British, marking a significant milestone in solar astrophysics research with its long history of groundbreaking discoveries related to the Sun and a vast database of solar images. In 2024, the observatory celebrated its 125th anniversary, highlighting its enduring legacy in solar science.

BMW Group has collaborated with Tata Technologies to establish automotive software and IT hubs in Chennai, Pune, and Bengaluru, focusing on delivering automotive software and digital transformation solutions for business IT needs.

Scientists in South Korea achieved a new world record using the KSTAR device, an artificial sun nuclear fusion reactor, by generating plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds. This breakthrough in nuclear fusion research holds promise for clean and abundant energy sources in the future.

Germany legalized recreational cannabis use on April 1, 2024, allowing adults over 18 to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and grow up to three marijuana plants at home. This move marked a significant shift in Germany's drug policy despite opposition from some quarters.

Santosh Kumar Jha, an Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) officer of the 1992 batch, has been appointed as the new CMD of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. His extensive experience and diverse expertise make him well-suited for this role.