Today’s Current Affairs: 19th Mar 2024 for SSC CGL, State SSC, RRB, Railways, Banking Exam & IBPS, etc
SIPRI Report 2023:
- According to ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023’ released by Swedish think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s top arms importer for the period 2019-23.
- India’s imports has increased by 4.7% compared to the period 2014-18.
- Saudi Arabia and Qatar were the 2nd and 3rd largest importers.
- United States (US), France, Russia were the top 3 largest exporters of arms between 2019-23.
India & Dominican Republic Signs Protocol For Establishment Of Joint Economic And Trade Committee:
- The protocol for the establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) between India and the Dominican Republic was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) of the Dominican Republic at Santo Domingo.
ADB & MoF signed USD 181 Million Loan Agreement to Improve Urban Mobility in Peri-Urban Areas of Ahmedabad:
- The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement worth USD 181 Million for the ‘Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability Improvement Project’.
- The amount will be utilised to build quality infrastructure and services toward improving urban livability and mobility in the peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat.
Fitch revises India’s FY25 GDP Growth Forecast to 7% from 6.5%:
- Fitch Rating, an international credit rating agency, has increased its forecast for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by 0.5% points to 7% for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) from its prior prediction of 6.5% due to improving domestic demand and increasing investments.
- For FY24, India’s GDP growth is estimated at 7.8% and the growth rate is projected to be 6.5% for FY26.
Golden Book Award 2024:
- Wings Publication International announced the winners of Golden Book Award 2024, which celebrates and honours the outstanding authors and their literary works.
- Author Rakhi Kapoor won her 2nd Golden Book Award for her 26th book titled “Breaking Free Embracing Me: healing from childhood abuse and Toxic Conditioning”.
Gyanesh Kumar & Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu appointed as new Election Commissioners;
- Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu took charge as the New Election Commissioners(ECs) in the Election Commission of India(ECI).
Ranji Trophy 2023-2024:
- The Mumbai cricket team led by Ajinkya Rahane won the Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 season by defeating Vidarbha led by Akshay Wadkar in the finals held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
World Consumers Rights Day 2024:
- World Consumers Rights Day (WCRD) is annually observed across the globe on 15 March to raise global awareness of consumer rights, needs, protection, and empowerment.
- The 2024 theme of WCRD is, ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers’.
Election Commission Launches ‘Know Your Candidate’ App:
- This app will enable voters to find out if any electoral candidate in their constituency has any criminal records.
Formula-4 Car Racing Event in Dal Lake:
- The beautiful Dal Lake in Kashmir witnessed an exciting event on March 18.
- Formula-4 car racing was held for the first time in the region.
- The sleek racing cars raced along the Boulevard road near the lake, creating a thrilling atmosphere.
Diana Memorial Award’:
- Diana Memorial Award Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta from India were honored with the prestigious ‘Diana Memorial Award’ on 14 March 2024.
- Along with them, a total of 20 people from around the world were honored with the ‘Diana Memorial Award’.
