Daily Current Affairs 19th May, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 19th May, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 19th May, 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 19th May, 2024 Current affairs test.
International News
India and the UK Pledge to Finalize Free Trade Agreement
- During the annual UK-India Strategic Dialogue held in London, India and the United Kingdom pledged to finalize a mutually advantageous Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- They have engaged in 13 discussion rounds, with the 14th scheduled for January 2024.
- The discussions also covered advancements on the 2030 Roadmap, established in 2021 to boost cooperation across various sectors.
Banking News
SBI Increases Interest Rates on Short-Term Retail Fixed Deposits
- In a move reflecting shifts in economic conditions, the State Bank of India (SBI) has raised the rates on short-term retail fixed deposits by 25 to 75 basis points.
- This is SBI’s first rate hike since December and is expected to influence other banks to offer better returns to depositors.
Business News
India’s Merchandise Exports Slightly Increase as Trade Deficit Expands
- India observed a slight 1% increase in merchandise exports in April, totaling $34.99 billion, driven by strong performance in sectors such as electronics, chemicals, petroleum products, and pharmaceuticals amidst global economic uncertainties.
- However, the trade deficit widened to a five-month high of $19.1 billion as imports grew by 10.25% to $54.09 billion, with significant increases in gold and crude oil imports.
Economic News
ONDC Draws Interest from Major Indian Unicorns and Startups
- Supported by the government, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has attracted significant attention, with 125 startups and several unicorns like Zerodha, EaseMyTrip, and Cars24 joining the initiative.
- This reflects a substantial movement toward democratizing digital commerce in India.
Science & Technology News
ISRO Plans Mars Mission with Rover and Helicopter
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for Mangalyaan-2, an ambitious mission to land a rover and a helicopter on Mars.
- Announced on National Technology Day at the Space Application Centre, this project aims to position India alongside the US and China in interplanetary exploration.
