Daily Current Affairs 14th March, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 14th March, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 14th March, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 14th March, 2024 Current affairs test.
National News
1. Countdown to International Day of Yoga Begins with a Focus on Empowering Women
- The celebration for Yoga Mahotsav-2024 commenced the 100-day countdown to the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan.
- This year’s theme centers on “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” underlining the Ministry of Ayush’s dedication to enhancing global health and peace through yoga, with a special emphasis on improving the health of women.
2. Introduction of PB-SHABD by Anurag Thakur
- Anurag Singh Thakur introduced PB-SHABD, a platform for sharing news content, during the launch event for the updated websites of DD News and Akashvani News, as well as the new version of the News on Air app, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.
- PB-SHABD will provide various news formats daily, utilizing Prasar Bharati’s vast network. The updated websites feature improved navigation and a range of content sections like National and International News, Education, Health, and more.
International News
3. India and the Dominican Republic Ink Deal for Joint Economic Committee
- On March 12, 2024, India and the Dominican Republic signed a protocol in Santo Domingo to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), following approval from India’s Union Cabinet on January 24, 2024.
- The protocol aims to bolster cooperation across trade, services, and industrial technology sectors.
State News
4. Tata Motors’ New Manufacturing Venture in Tamil Nadu
- Tata Motors has announced a Rs 9,000 crore investment to establish a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu over the next five years.
- This move aims to take advantage of the state’s favorable business climate to enhance Tata Motors’ production of commercial and passenger vehicles.
Defence News
5. Tri-Nation Naval Exercise in the Gulf of Oman
- Naval forces from China, Iran, and Russia have embarked on joint naval exercises named “Security Belt-2024” near the Gulf of Oman.
- This marks the fourth collaborative drill since 2019, focusing on building peace and security in the region, with exercises including anti-piracy and search and rescue operations.
6. Indian Navy Launches Two New ASW Ships
- The Indian Navy’s shipbuilding project reached a new milestone with the launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, the fifth and sixth ships of the ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
- These ships, part of the Arnala class, are intended to replace the current Abhay class ASW Corvettes.
7. RPF Achieves High Female Personnel Representation
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF) leads among central paramilitary forces in female representation, achieving a milestone where women constitute 10 percent of its personnel.
- This achievement is attributed to focused recruitment efforts and a commitment to inclusivity.
Banking News
8. Rise in Private Banks’ Deposit Share
- Private sector banks have seen their share in total bank deposits climb to 34% by December 2023, from 25% in 2017-18, driven by competitive interest rates and customer service improvements.
- In contrast, public sector banks’ share has declined to 59% from 66% in the same period.
9. RBI Halts New Co-Branded Credit Cards by Federal Bank and South Indian Bank
- The Reserve Bank of India has directed Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to cease issuing new co-branded credit cards.
- Both banks will continue serving existing co-branded cardholders and offer non-co-branded credit cards to new and existing customers.
10. Bank of Baroda Introduces Environmental-Friendly Deposit Scheme
- Bank of Baroda has launched the bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme, offering up to 7.15% p.a. interest on deposits.
- The scheme aims to finance environment-friendly projects, promoting a sustainable and green economy.
11. RBI Penalizes Two Banks for Non-Compliance
- The Reserve Bank of India imposed penalties on Bank of India and Bandhan Bank for failing to adhere to specific regulatory directives.
- Bank of India faced a ₹1.40 crore fine, while Bandhan Bank was fined ₹29.55 lakh for issues related to deposit interest rates.
Business News
12. PM Modi Inaugurates Semiconductor Projects
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated three semiconductor facilities with a total investment of about Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore.
- These include a fabrication unit in Gujarat and two Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities in Assam and Gujarat.
13. Numaligarh Refinery’s First International Office in Bangladesh
- Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) opened its first international office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking its expansion into the international market.
- This is part of NRL’s effort to supply petroleum products to Bangladesh through a pipeline project.
Important Days News
14. World Kidney Day Emphasizes Global Kidney Health
- Observed on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day 2024 focused on “Kidney Health for All,” aiming to increase awareness about kidney diseases and promote kidney health worldwide.
15. International Day of Action for Rivers Advocates for Clean Water
- The International Day of Action for Rivers, observed on March 14, 2024, highlighted the theme “Water for All,” emphasizing the universal right to clean water and the importance of conserving and managing rivers sustainably.
Schemes News
16. PM-SURAJ Portal Launched for Empowering Marginalized Communities
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM-SURAJ portal to support the economic empowerment of one lakh entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.
- The portal is part of a broader effort to provide credit support and empower disadvantaged groups.
17. ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative by NITI Aayog
- NITI Aayog’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, part of its Aspirational Blocks Programme, aims to support local economies and encourage grassroots entrepreneurship across 500 Aspirational Blocks, promoting self-reliance and sustainable development.
18. Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme Announced
- The Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, contributing to a sustainable transportation system and boosting the domestic EV manufacturing industry.
Rankings & Reports News
19. India Makes Significant Gains in UNDP Gender Inequality Index
- India has improved its position on the UNDP’s Gender Inequality Index 2022, moving up 14 ranks from the previous year, showcasing progress in addressing gender disparities.
Agreements News
20. ADB Loan Agreement to Enhance Ahmedabad’s Livability and Mobility
- India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $181 million loan agreement to improve infrastructure and services around Ahmedabad, aiming to enhance the city’s livability and appeal as an investment destination.
Appointments News
21. Sanjay Kumar Singh Named Director (Projects) of NHPC Limited
- Sanjay Kumar Singh has been selected as the next Director (Projects) of NHPC Limited by the Public Enterprises Selection Board, moving from his current position at SJVN Limited.
22. New Election Commissioners Appointed
- Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been appointed as new Election Commissioners by a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, filling vacancies in the Election Commission.
Sports News
23. Launch of KIRTI Program to Identify Young Athletes
- Shri Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the KIRTI program in Chandigarh, aiming to discover young athletic talent across India under the Khelo India mission. The program plans to assess 20 lakh students nationwide.
Obituaries News
24. Passing of Artisan Kapildev Prasad, Padma Awardee
- Kapildev Prasad, celebrated for his contribution to the handloom industry and the preservation of Bababuti sarees, passed away in Bihar.
- His work was instrumental in keeping traditional weaving techniques alive.
25. Death of Paul Alexander, Survivor in an Iron Lung
- Paul Alexander, known for living in an iron lung after contracting polio, died at 78. Despite his condition, he achieved remarkable accomplishments as a lawyer, writer, and artist, sharing his life story in his memoir.
