Daily Current Affairs and GK | 11 May 2024

Topic: Sports

1. World wrestling body suspends Bajrang Punia until 2024.

• UWW's decision comes after the national doping body suspended Bajrang Punia for refusing to undergo a dope test.
• Bajrang Punia said that he never refused to give his sample for testing but only asked the Dope Control Officer to explain the presence of expired kits.
• Recently, under the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), Bajrang has been sanctioned Rs 8,82,000 for his proposal to train in Dagestan, Russia.
• Doping is the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs in sports. The use of drugs will enhance the performance of sportspeople, which is considered unethical.
• What is a dope test?
  • It is the test that checks the presence of psychoactive drugs in biological specimens.
  • Psychoactive drugs affect the working of the brain and cause changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
  • The test can be conducted through fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, and blood or solid specimens like hair and nails.

Topic: Defence

2. India and France will carry out the 7^th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ from 13-26 May.

• This exercise will be carried out in the Umroi region of Meghalaya.
• The aim of the exercise is to enhance the joint military capacity of India and France to undertake Multi-Domain Operations in a Sub Conventional scenario.
• This exercise will facilitate the development of interoperability between the Armed Forces of India and France.
• The sixth edition of the exercise, Ex Shakti 2021 was carried out at the Military School of Draguignan, France in November 2021.
• A composite team consisting of three officers, three junior commission officers, and 37 soldiers from a battalion of the Gorkha Rifles represented the Indian Army contingent.

Topic: National Appointments

3. Dileep Sanghani has been elected as IFFCO Chairman.

• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) carried out its 15th RGB elections for its Board of Directors.
• Balvir Singh has been elected as the Vice Chairman.
• On 9 May 2024, the elections for the post of 21 Directors were held.
• Managing Director IFFCO, Dr US Awasthi, congratulated Chairman Dileep Sanghani, Vice Chairman Balvir Singh and all the board members.
• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative is a multi-state cooperative society.
• It takes part in the manufacture and marketing of fertiliser. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It was founded in 1967.

Topic: Indian Economy

4. India’s industrial production increased by 4.9% in March 2024.

• The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased by 4.9% in comparison to the same period last year.
• As per Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation’s latest data, the quick estimates of IIP for March 2024 stood at 159.2.
• Manufacturing sector has shown the highest growth rate of 5.2%.
• It is followed by electricity at 8.6%, and mining at 1.2%.
• Within the manufacturing sector, basic metals, pharmaceuticals, and other transport equipment have shown growth rates of 7.7%, 16.7%, and 25.4% respectively.
• The cumulative growth rate for April-March 2023-24 was 5.8% in comparison to the previous year.
• In March 2024 compared to March 2023, primary goods, capital goods, intermediate goods, infrastructure/construction goods, consumer durables, and consumer non-durables all have shown growth.

Topic: Summits/ Conference /Meetings

5. On 9 April, the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress concluded in Abu Dhabi.

• It marks the culmination of a dynamic three-day event that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and visionary innovators from across the globe.
• From May 6 to 9, this congress served as a forum for discussion focused on investment strategies, regional economic forecasts, and growing investment prospects.
• Its objective was to promote cooperation and brainstorm innovative solutions to global challenges.
• The event featured a wide variety of companies, ranging from leaders in future transportation to cutting-edge medical technology startups.
• In AIM 2024, 35 Indian startups participated, along with delegations from organisations such as CII, Invest India, DPIIT, Kerala Startup Mission, and Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone.
• Panel discussions were also held where India's sustainability reporting and assurance standards were highlighted.
• Led by the AIM Global Foundation, the AIM Congress aims to shape investment strategies and policies, promote investment and economic opportunities, strengthen international economic ties, and advance innovative solutions.

Topic: Indian Economy

6. India is poised to become the world's third-largest consumer market by 2026, surpassing Germany and Japan.

• According to UBS's 'India Economic Perspectives' report, India is set to consolidate its position as a global economic powerhouse and become the world's third-largest consumer market by 2026.
• The forecast has been revealed as India's consumer market continues to grow and expand.
• Over the past ten years, the country's consumer market has grown and shown extraordinary resilience and growth despite facing many challenges.
• According to the report, India will overtake Germany by 2024 and Japan by 2026 and strengthen its position as a global economic superpower.
• In 2023, India's household consumption is projected to grow to US$2.1 trillion with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%, almost double from the previous decade.
• This growth rate has overtaken major economies like China, America and Germany.
• The impressive growth trajectory positions India as one of the fastest-growing economies and the fifth-largest consumer market globally.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

7. A visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passports has been signed by India and Moldova.

• On 10 May 2024, India and Moldova signed an agreement on visa waiver for diplomatic and official passports.
• After this agreement, holders of diplomatic and official passports of either country will be allowed to travel to the other, without a visa.
• The agreement was signed by the External Affairs Ministry, Secretary (West), Pavan Kapoor and Moldova’s Ambassador, Ana Taban.
• Moldova:
  • It is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It shares a border with Romania and Ukraine.
  • Its capital is Chisinau, the largest city and main cultural and commercial centre.
  • It is the second poorest country in Europe by GDP.
  • It has one of the lowest Human Development Indexes countries in Europe.

Topic: International News

8. Ukraine parliament has passed bill that permits prisoners to join military.

• Ukraine parliament has passed this bill amidst the nation’s pressing need for military personnel.
• Ukrainian forces are facing a critical shortage of manpower.
• Now the bill awaits final approval from chairperson of parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before implementation.
• Under the bill, participation in military will be voluntary and limited to specific prisoner categories.
• Individuals convicted of sexual violence, severe corruption, multiple homicides, and former high-ranking officials are excluded from eligibility.
• Eligible prisoners must have less than three years left on their sentence. 

Topic: International News

9. India supported Palestine’s bid to become a full UN member.

• The 193-member General Assembly met to vote on a resolution to make Palestine a full UN member.
• India voted in favour of the draft resolution to make Palestine a full UN member.
• This resolution was presented by the United Arab Emirates.
• As per this resolution, Palestine is qualified to be admitted as a full member of the United Nations.
• The resolution got 143 votes in favour, nine against, and 25 abstentions.
• Currently, Palestine is a non-member observer state at the UN. It got this status from the General Assembly in 2012.
• In 1974, India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
• India was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine.

Topic: Defence

10. Defence Ministry notified the New Inter-Services Organizations Act.

• The Inter-Services Organizations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act has been notified by the Defense Ministry.
• This bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session last year. The bill received the assent of the President on August 15, 2023.
• Its objective is to enable the Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of inter-service organizations to exercise control over the service personnel serving under them, for the maintenance of effective discipline and administration, without disturbing the individual service conditions specific to each service.
• This act will empower the heads of Inter-services Organizations and pave the way for the early disposal of cases.
• This will pave the way for expeditious disposal of cases by avoiding multiple proceedings and is an important step towards greater integration and jointness among the armed forces.
• The act came ahead of the planned reorganization of the Indian military into integrated theatre commands.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: India and its Neighbour

11. Export of non-Basmati white rice to Mauritius allowed by India.

• According to an official notification, the Central Government allowed the export of 14,000 tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to Mauritius.
• Notably, the export of non-Basmati white rice was banned in July 2023 to curb domestic prices and ensure domestic food security.
• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in its notification that permission has been granted to export rice to Mauritius through National Cooperative Exports Limited.
• Earlier, India had allowed the export of this rice variety to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, UAE, Singapore, Comoros etc., although in varying quantities.
• Exports will be permitted to other countries to meet their food security needs as per the permission given by the Government and at the request of their Government.
• The West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-Basmati rice from India.

Topic: National Appointments

12. HDFC Life appointed Keki Mistry as its chairman.

• On May 7, the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life was approved by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• After the resignation of Deepak S. Parekh as chairman and non-executive director of the company, the company appointed Mistry as chairman of the board in April.
• Mistry was the vice chairman and CEO of HDFC Limited.
• After the amalgamation of HDFC Limited with HDFC Bank, he was designated as a non-executive director on the board of HDFC Bank Limited.
• In addition, He is also a member of the Primary Market Advisory Committee (PMAC) constituted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• HDFC Life is a life insurance provider. It is headquartered in Mumbai. Vibha Padalkar is its MD and CEO. 

Topic: International News

13. A digital wallet application launched by Google in India.

• On May 8, Google announced a standalone app "Google Wallet" in India for Android devices.
• Under this application, users are allowed to safely store their personal information such as loyalty cards, transit passes, IDs, and more.
• However, the company has clearly stated that the launch of Google Wallet will not impact its already popular UPI application, Google Pay.
• Initially, to start the app, Google has partnered with over 20 brands including PVR & INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, Pine Labs, Kochi Metro, and Abhibus for the rollout of Wallet.
• Although Google Wallet supports credit and debit cards globally, its Indian version will not support them.
• Difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay:
  • Google Wallet is a 'secure and private digital wallet' that gives users instant access to payment cards, passes, tickets, and IDs shared on the app.
  • On the other hand, Google Pay is a platform for users to manage their money and finances and send money to their friends and family.

Topic: Important Days

14. National Technology Day 2024: 11 May

• Every year on 11 May, National Technology Day is celebrated in India.
• The theme of National Technology Day 2024 is “From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate.”
• On May 11, 1998, the Indian Army conducted the historic Pokhran nuclear tests in Rajasthan.
• In honour of these tests, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared the day as National Technology Day in India.
• The Council for Technology arranged the first National Technology Day event the following year, on May 11, 1999.
• It is also celebrated to highlight the country's growth in many other technological achievements.