Daily Current Affairs 4 January 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
PM Inaugurates Rs 400 Crore Fast Reactor Plant In Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Demonstration Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (DFRP) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu District.
- Built at a cost of about Rs 400 crore, this groundbreaking facility has the unique distinction of being the world’s only industrial-scale plant capable of handling both carbide and oxide spent fuels from fast reactors. DFRP houses several indigenously designed and developed novel equipment.
- A testament to Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the DFRP symbolises the successful collaboration between government R & D infrastructure and Indian industries, leading to a crucial stepping stone for the next generation of breeder and fast reactors.
Uttar Pradesh Leads In Implementing ICJS
For the third consecutive year, Uttar Pradesh has achieved the highest entry rate on the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform, showcasing the state’s commitment to leveraging technology in the administration of justice.
- Uttar Pradesh has recorded 1,56,22,514 entries on the ICJS platform so far. He added that Madhya Pradesh is in the second spot with 35,04,828 entries, and Bihar is in third place with 16,65,107 entries.
- The ICJS platform, a brainchild of the Supreme Court’s e-committee and implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of the criminal justice system in India.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s First Hindu Temple On February 14
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the emirate, which will be open to the public in 2024.
- According to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, PM Modi has accepted the invitation extended by Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas for the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2024.
- The under-construction BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, located at Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, is the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu temple.
BANKING & FINANCE
Tata Pay secures payment aggregator licence from RBI
Tata Pay, owned by Tata Digital business unit, has secured a payment aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This licence allows Tata Pay to facilitate e-commerce transactions within its subsidiary entities and improve fund management.
- This license positions Tata Pay among industry leaders such as Razorpay, Cashfree, and Google Pay, enabling it to efficiently handle ecommerce transactions within its subsidiary entities.
SBI Garners USD 1 Billion From Overseas To Cater To ESG Financing Market
State Bank of India (SBI) said it has raised USD 1 billion or (about Rs 8,300 crore) to cater to the domestic ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) financing market.
- The bank has concluded the issuance of USD 1 billion (USD 750 million and green shoe of USD 250 million) through Syndicated Social Loan, SBI said in a regulatory filing.The loan book was closed on January 2, 2024,
- The funds were raised through two tenures: a three-year and a five-year loan. These funds were raised at 80 basis points and 100 basis points over the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR), respectively.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Growth in Asia Pacific emerging markets to remain strong in 2024: Fitch
The economic growth in Asia Pacific will remain strong in 2024 and GDP is expected to grow by about 5 per cent in India and a host of emerging market countries, Fitch Ratings said.
- In its report titled ‘APAC Cross-Sector Outlook 2024’, Fitch said the outlooks for the banking sectors in India and Indonesia, as well as APAC emerging markets as a whole, move to improving in 2024, partly reflecting the robust economic backdrop.
- Economic growth in APAC will generally remain strong in 2024, especially in emerging markets (EMs), supporting sector outlooks across the region. We expect real GDP to expand by, or above, 5 per cent in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and China’s performance will still be strong by most other countries’ standards.
SPORTS
Beatrice Chebet Breaks 5 km World Record in Barcelona Event
In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet concluded her remarkable year by smashing the world record for the women’s 5 km marathon at the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona.
- Clocking an astounding 14:13, Chebet outpaced her competitors and bettered the previous record by six seconds, setting the stage for a memorable achievement. Although subject to World Athletics’ ratification procedure, this victory marks a triumphant end to Chebet’s stellar 2023 campaign.
APPOINTMENTS
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II to abdicate after 52 years on throne
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II announced that she plans to abdicate after 52 years and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.
- The queen, who is Europe’s longest-reigning living monarch, announced during her New Year’s speech that she would step down on January 14, which is the anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.
Nadia Calviño takes over as EIB President
Nadia Calviño took over as president of the European Investment Bank on 1 January, replacing Werner Hoyer. The eighth president of the EU bank, Calviño is the first woman to lead the institution.
- Notably, Calvino is the first woman and the first Spaniard to lead this prestigious institution, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s history.
- Before ascending to this prominent role, President Calviño had a noteworthy tenure as the first vice-president of the government of Spain and minister of economy, trade and enterprise. Her extensive experience extends to various influential positions within the European Commission.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
“Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir – Ek Saajhi Virasat: Kuchh Ansuni Baten”, Book Release – Geeta Singh and Arif Khan Bharti
A historic event unfolded at Delhi Akashvani Rang Bhawan Auditorium, marking the release of the book “Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir – Ek Saajhi Virasat: Kuchh Ansuni Baten”, Co-authored by Geeta Singh and Arif Khan Bharti, with a foreword by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
- The English version will be translated by Dr Shailesh Lachu Hiranandani, the book will also be translated into various other languages.
- The book, “Ram Mandir Rashtra Mandir Ak Sajhi Virast,” explores the intricate relationship between the Ram Mandir and the national heritage.