Daily Current Affairs 3 January 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates UP’s First Floating Restaurant In Prayagraj
Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the state’s first floating air-conditioned restaurant during his visit to Sangam City. The restaurant, managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC), is set to redefine the dining experience for visitors on the picturesque Yamuna river.
- The newly inaugurated floating restaurant is poised to become a unique attraction in Prayagraj. With a seating capacity for approximately 40 visitors at a time, it offers an exquisite choice of cuisine and beverages, including sizzler steaks and mocktails.
- This venture aims to enhance tourism in Sangam City, providing locals and tourists alike with an unprecedented culinary experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Yamuna.
India launches a single-window portal for medical devices management
In a move to streamline the import, clinical investigations, and testing of medical devices, the Centre has launched the National Single Window System (NSWS).
- Rajeev Raghuvanshi, drugs controller general of India, said the NSWS has been established as a “genuine single-window system, which acts as a one-stop shop for all the approvals required by the investor and facilitates ease of doing business.
- The NSWS portal, distinct from the existing SUGAM and cdscomdonline portals, has been developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). It facilitates applications for the certificate of registration and licences to manufacture or import medical devices for various purposes, including clinical investigations, tests, evaluations, demonstrations, and training.
J&K becomes first UT to implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory (UT) to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY), an initiative that aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsman community, officials said.
- The inauguration of the training programme for the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) in ‘darzi craft’ was virtually conducted by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Secretary of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Atul Kumar Tiwari, at ITI Shopian.
Jharkhand govt reduces qualifying age for old-age pension to 50
In a major announcement, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said the government has reduced the qualifying age for old-age pension for tribals and Dalits to 50 years from the previous 60 years.
- According to the CM, only 16 lakh people received pension benefits in the 20 years after the formation of Jharkhand in 2000, but his government has provided pensions to 36 lakh people – mostly to those aged above 60 years.
Assam CM flags off 200 green buses from Guwahati to curb pollution
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off 200 electric buses from Guwahati. He termed the initiative as the government’s one of the biggest push towards a pollution-free environment.
- Meanwhile, the Assam Chief Minister also ceremonially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), a versatile transport card in Guwahati.
- The card, introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a one-stop solution for facilitating payments of travel fares, toll taxes, and retail purchases, and allows cash withdrawals.Operating via the RuPay card system, the NCMC can be obtained as a prepaid, debit, or credit card from associated banks.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Putin Kicks Off Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship
On January 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially marked the commencement of Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship. During this handover, President Putin emphasized the motto for the upcoming tenure, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.”
- This signifies Russia’s commitment to fostering collaboration among the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Pakistan likely to get $700 million from IMF as next tranche of bailout this month: Report
Cash-strapped Pakistan is expected to get $700 million as the next tranche of the bailout from the IMF as the Executive Board of the global lender meets on January 11, according to a media report.
- The board of the Washington-based International Monetary Fund is set to deliberate and potentially grant final approval for the disbursement of the next $700 million tranche for Pakistan under the existing $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), the Dawn newspaper reported.
BANKING & FINANCE
France, Germany to fund India’s urban infra mission
France’s development agency AFD and Germany’s KfW Bank are in talks with India to provide €100 million loan to fund the country’s urban infrastructure plan, AMRUT mission, according to persons aware of the matter.
- Negotiations on the loan are set for early 2024 with the signing expected in February. This follows the countries’ recent collaboration on the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain or CITIIS 2.0 program, a four-year initiative focused on urban renewal and sustainable waste management, to which they contributed €100 million each.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Ola Electric becomes first EV company to get PLI nod
Ola Electric has become the first Indian e-scooter company to become eligible for the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has given its approval after a four-month-long process.
- Ola Electric has successfully met the stringent eligibility assessment requirements outlined in the PLI Scheme, including a minimum of 50 percent domestic value addition to its vehicles. PLI certification will empower Ola Electric for benefits ranging from Rs 15,000 to 18,000 per unit. The financial boost is expected to drive increased penetration of EVs across the country.
AWARDS
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers becomes first woman with $100-billion net worth after L’Oréal SA shares jump to record high
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers became the first woman to amass a $100 billion fortune, marking another milestone for the heiress and for France’s expanding fashion and cosmetics industries.
- Her wealth jumped to $100.1 billion , according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The milestone came as shares of L’Oréal SA, the beauty products empire founded by her grandfather, rose to a record high, with the stock set for its best year since 1998. She’s the 12th-richest person in the world, just behind Mexico’s Carlos Slim.