Daily Current Affairs 25 April 2024 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

PayU Receives RBI’s In-Principle Approval to Operate as a Payment Aggregator

• Digital financial services provider PayU has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payments Aggregator (PA) under the Payment Settlements Act, 2007.
• In January 2023, RBI had returned applications of Prosus Group firm PayU and asked it to resubmit them within 120 days.
• With in-principle approval in place, PayU can now onboard new merchants to provide them digital payment services.
• PayU is a payment gateway that also offers services including buy-now-pay-later, and competes with the likes of Tiger Global-backed Razorpay and Walmart-owned PhonePe.

What is a payment aggregator?

• A payment aggregator (PA) is a third-party service provider that enables customers to make and businesses to accept payments online.
• Payment aggregators enable their clients to accept various payment methods such as debit cards, credit cards, cardless EMIs, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and e-mandates.
• A PA licence is mandatory for a platform to acquire merchants and deliver digital payment acceptance solutions.

Recent News :

• In April 2024, Bengaluru-based fintech unicorn Cred received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for its Payment Aggregation (PA) business.
• In April 2024, PayU partnered with US-based fintech company PayPal to enhance the cross-border payment experience for Indian merchants.
• In Feb 2024, Amazon Pay, the fintech arm of Amazon India, secured a payment aggregator license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), joining a select group of authorized organizations in the country.

About PayU :

• Established : 2002
• Headquarters : Hoofddorp, Netherlands
• CEO : Anirban Mukherjee

BharatPe Introduces ‘BharatPe One’, an All-in-One Payment Device  

• Indian fintech major BharatPe launched BharatPe One, an all-in-one payment product that integrates POS (point of sale), QR code, and speaker into one device.
• The product is designed to streamline payment transactions for merchants, offering a versatile range of payment acceptance options, including dynamic and static QR codes, tap-and-pay, and traditional card payments across various debit and credit cards.
• BharatPe plans to launch BharatPe One in over 100 cities in the first phase, with further expansion to 450+ cities in the next 6 months.

Key Highlights :

• Enhanced Features and Functionality:BharatPe One provides real-time transaction updates and instant voice payment confirmations, offering an improved payment experience for both merchants and customers.
• The device is equipped with a high-definition touchscreen display, 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, and powered by the latest Android operating system (OS) for enhanced performance and security.
• Competition in the Payment Device Market:BharatPe One competes with similar payment devices offered by other companies, including Paytm and PhonePe’s sound boxes, as well as POS machines offered by Pine Labs and MSwipe.
• Paytm has deployed over 10 million soundboxes in the Indian market, while PhonePe has deployed over 4 million “SmartSpeakers” with plans to add 10 million devices by the end of this year.
• Market Potential for Soundboxes:A Bank of America (BofA) Securities report published in June 2023 estimated that the target market for soundboxes in India is approximately 25 million medium-sized small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and 15-17 million smaller SMEs.

About BharatPe :

• Founded : 2018
• Headquarters : New Delhi
• CEO : Nalin Negi

IndusInd Bank successfully conducted the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot, becoming the first bank to do so

• IndusInd Bank has successfully executed a pilot for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), marking the first instance of such a project by any bank in India.
• Collaboration and Purpose:The pilot project was conducted in collaboration with Circularity Innovation Hub India Private Limited (CIH).
• This initiative involves an alternate form of CBDC, where the bank can program the end-use of funds, specifically targeting farmers for carbon credit generation.

Key Highlights :

• Targeted Recipients : As a part of this pilot, IndusInd Bank initiated the programmable CBDC disbursement to 50 farmers in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and will cover around 1,000 farmers going ahead, marking a milestone in the adoption of innovative financial solutions for the agriculture sector.
• Technological Innovations:Emertech Innovations developed a Blockchain-backed platform to provide end-to-end traceability and transparency in the generation and disbursement of Circularity Credits.
• The programmable nature of the CBDC allows banks to track the specific usage of funds, thereby ensuring that the intended purpose is met.
• Stakeholder Involvement:Hindustan Agro & Jackfruit King Company spearheaded farmer engagement, linking sustainable practices to additional revenue streams.
• The project provides new revenue opportunities for farmers while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
• Future Phases:The next phase (Phase 2) of the project will focus on Safai Karmacharis (sanitation workers), aiming to increase their income by leveraging revenues generated from the collection, recycling, and repurposing of plastic waste.

About IndusInd Bank :

• Founded : April 1994
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO : Sumant Kathpalia.
• Tagline : We Make You Feel Richer

Tata Power Solar Teams Up with Indian Bank to Boost Solar Rooftop Installations in Residential Sector                

• Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) has partnered with Indian Bank to encourage and support the adoption of solar rooftop systems in residential properties.
• The tie-up aims to facilitate financing solutions under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme for installations up to 3 KW, as well as support for 3-10 KW installations under the regular scheme.

Key Highlights :

• Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:This scheme provides loans up to ₹2 lakh for solar rooftop installations up to 3 KW with a 7% annual interest rate.
• There is a nominal margin money requirement of 10%, and the financing is collateral-free.
• The repayment tenure can be extended up to 10 years.
• Financing for Larger Installations (3 KW – 10 KW):For installations exceeding 3 KW but within the 10 KW limit, TPSSL and Indian Bank offer tailored financing solutions.
• Loans of up to ₹6 lakh are available, with a 20% margin money requirement and competitive interest rates ranging from 8.4% to 10.8% per annum.

About Tata Power Solar Systems Limited :

• Founded : 1989
• Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Tata Power Solar Systems Limited, formerly Tata BP Solar, is an Indian company that specialises in solar energy services.
• In February 2017, Tata Power Solar became the first Indian company to ship over 1 GW solar modules worldwide.

About Indian Bank :

• Founded : 15 August 1907
• Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• MD & CEO : Shanti Lal Jain

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

NBCC secures new work orders worth Rs 23,500 crore in 2023-24 fiscal

• State-owned construction firm NBCC Ltd secured projects worth Rs 23,500 crore during the last fiscal year.
• NBCC has secured significant business during 2023-24 financial year.
• The company “has secured record new works of Rs 23,500 crore on consolidated basis and Rs 18,400 crore on standalone basis, as compared to Rs 6,700 crore (consolidated basis) and Rs 4,225 crore (standalone basis) in preceding fiscal.”
• Among the major orders received in 2023-24, NBCC said it has got additional FAR (floor area ratio) works in Amrapali worth about Rs 10,000 crore.
• NBCC Chairman and Managing Director K P Mahadevaswamy emphasised the company’s strength in the construction and infrastructure domain, particularly in redevelopment and land monetisation endeavours.
• NBCC also bagged its first re-development project outside of Delhi from Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB) valuing Rs 2,000 crore.
• It also diversified into the agri-infrastructure sector through the construction of grain storage under the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan” with an approximate value of Rs 1,500 crore.

The government gets Rs 3,443 crore special dividend from TCIL

• The government has received Rs 3,443 crore as a special dividend from Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Telecom.
• The “Government has received about Rs 3,443 crore from Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) as a special dividend,” Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• Established in 1978, TCIL is an engineering and consultancy and a profit-making organisation since its inception, as per its website.
• In the current fiscal, the government has budgeted to get Rs 48,000 crore as dividend from central public sector enterprises (CPSEs).

About TCIL

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Founder: Government of India
• Founded: 1978, India

SJVN CMD felicitates the winners of SJVN’s Inter-Projects Sports Meet 2023-24

• SJVN Limited’s Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Geeta Kapur graced the closing ceremony of SJVN’s Inter-Projects Sports Meet 2023-24 held at Corporate Headquarters, Shimla.
• The event marked the culmination of a series of sports events that commenced in November 2023 and spanned till April 2024.
• Kapur felicitated the victorious teams and participants during the ceremony. On this occasion, Executive Director (HR) Chandra Shekhar Yadav, Executive Director (IT&SE) Salil Shamshery along with senior officials of SJVN were present.
• Inter Project Sports Meet 2023-24 was organised from November 2023 till April, 2024 and comprised of eight events viz Volleyball, Football, Cricket, Kabaddi, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Carrom for Men and four events for Women viz Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Carrom.
• Inter Project Sports Meet concluded with the Chess Tournament that was held on April 21 to 22.
• Overall winners of the various events were Team NJHPS, Team CHQ and Team RHPS, securing first, second and third positions respectively.
• The events saw spirited participation from teams representing various projects of the company.

About SJVN

• Founded: 1988
• Headquarters: India

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Gruner Renewable Energy bags projects worth ₹1,500 Cr for CBG plants

• Gruner Renewable Energy, India’s fastest-growing renewable energy company, has recently secured multiple projects valued at Rs 1,500 crore for Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants nationwide within its first year of establishment.
• In a notable development, the company secured 11 projects worth Rs 1,100 crore from India’s leading business conglomerate and an additional 19 projects valued at Rs 400 crore from individual business leaders.
• These projects, collectively valued at Rs1,500 crore, will contribute to an annual production of over 88,000 tons of compressed biogas for the Indian market.
• Strategically located across various cities such as Ayodhya, Satna, Balasore, Navsari, Yavatmal, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry, these initiatives aim to bolster India’s renewable energy infrastructure significantly.

Expect capex for EV components to cross ₹25,000 cr in next 3-4 years

• The auto component industry is expected to invest over ₹25,000 crore in the next 3-4 years to expand the production of electric vehicle parts, rating agency ICRA
• EV penetration in the country has reached 4.7% in FY2024, with much of it driven by the electric two-wheeler segment, although e-three-wheelers and electric buses have also contributed to the same,
• There has been substantial localisation in traction motors, control units, and battery management systems over the years.
• However, advanced chemistry batteries, which remain the most critical and the costliest component, accounting for almost 35%-40% of the vehicle price, are imported.
• The low localisation levels give rise to manufacturing opportunities for domestic auto component suppliers.

About ICRA

• Headquarters: India
• CEO: Ramnath Krishnan
• Owner: Moody’s Corporation
• Founded: 1991

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Naima Khatoon Becomes First Woman Appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University in Over a Century 

• Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for a term of 5 years, making her the first woman to hold the top post in over 100 years.
• Khatoon was appointed after obtaining approval from President Draupadi Murmu, who is the Visitor of the University.
• In view of the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), permission was also sought from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

About Naima Khatoon :

• Khatoon was appointed the principal of the Women’s College in 2014.
• She was a lecturer at the National University of Rwanda in Central Africa for an academic year.
• Being a writer and researcher, Khatoon has also published numerous articles in national and international publications.
• For her overall performance, Naima Khatoon received the Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award.

About Aligarh Muslim University :

• AMU was established in 1875 as Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College and became Aligarh Muslim University after the Aligarh Muslim University Act in 1920.
• In September 2020, AMU completed 100 years as a university, making it one of the oldest universities in India.
• Before Naima Khatoon, AMU never had a woman Vice-Chancellor.
• Begum Sultan Jahan, appointed in 1920, is the only woman to have served as the AMU Chancellor.

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Approves Appointments of Multiple Officers to Joint Secretary/Equivalent Positions

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointments of several officers for Joint Secretary / Joint Secretary equivalent-level posts.

Here is the full list of newly appointed officers:

• Muthukrishnan Sankaranarayanan (IAS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), replacing Richa Bagla (IAS).
• He will serve for a combined tenure of 7 years, up to October 24, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Shobhit Gupta (IRSEE) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, replacing Satyendra Kumar Mishra (IRS).
• His tenure is up to March 1, 2025, or until further orders, for an overall tenure of 5 years.
• Vimal Anand (IRS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, replacing Nidhi Mani Tripathi (IAS).
• His tenure is for a combined seven-year period, up to December 9, 2026, or until further orders.
• Monalisa Dash (IFoS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDNER), replacing Harpreet Singh (IPoS).
• She will serve for a five-year tenure up to October 11, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Rahul Jain (IAS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the 16th Finance Commission.
• His tenure is for 5 years up to November 3, 2024, which is further extendable for two additional years, or until further orders.
• Ranjit Singh (IA&AS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, replacing Sanoj Kumar Jha.
• He will serve for a 7-year tenure up to March 21, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Rajeev Kumar (IOFS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, replacing Sumita Singh (CSS).
• His tenure is up to March 5, 2025, or until further orders.
• Vrunda Manohar Desai (IRS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, replacing Vikram Sahay (IRS).
• Her tenure is for 5 years up to April 12, 2027, or until further orders.
• Navin Agarwal (IRPS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Investment & Public Asset Management, replacing Parama Sen (IA&AS).
• His tenure is up to March 14, 2027, or until further orders.
• Mahendra Kumar (IRSEE) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Vivek Kumar Bajpai (IRSME) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, replacing UC Joshi (IRTS).
• His tenure is for five years up to March 22, 2027, or until further orders.
• Rajiv Manjhi (CSS) has been appointed as Director at Institute of Secretariat Training & Management (ISTM) under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), replacing Sumita Singh (CSS).
• His tenure is up to his superannuation on September 30, 2028, or until further orders.
• Jai Prakash Pandey (IRPS) has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), replacing Pushpendra Rajput (IAS).
• His tenure will be for a combined seven-year period up to February 20, 2027, or until further orders.
• Abhishek Bhagotia (IAS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in Lokpal, replacing Navin Agarwal (IRPS).
• His tenure is for a total of 5 years up to April 3, 2027, or until further orders.
• Lal Chhandama (CSS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development, replacing Abhishek Bhagotia (IAS).
• His tenure is for 5 years or until further orders.
• Debolina Thakur (IA&AS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, replacing Sanjay Pandey (ICAS).
• His tenure is for 5 years or until further orders.
• Rahul Kashyap (CSS) has been appointed as Secretary in the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) under the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, replacing RK Khandelwal (IAS).
• His tenure is for 5 years or until further orders.

Recent News :

• In April 2024,Rakesh Kumar Verma, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

About ACC :

• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
• Chairman : Narendra Modi

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Sets Target for Debris-Free Space Missions by 2030- ISRO Chief S. Somanath           

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath announced India’s pledge to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030 at the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet.
• India’s commitment aligns with global efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainability of space exploration and reducing space debris.

Key Highlights :

• Objective of Space Exploration Initiative:ISRO has a clearly defined plan for space exploration, with the primary goal of achieving debris-free space missions by 2030.
• Current Status:Presently, India has 54 spacecraft in orbit, along with numerous non-functional objects contributing to space debris.
• Deorbiting Efforts:ISRO has undertaken efforts to deorbit several old satellites and the fourth stage of PSLV rockets as part of its mission to achieve zero orbital debris.
• Future Plans:India aims to establish its own space station, named ‘Bharatiya Antriksh Station,’ by the year 2035, indicating its ambitious goals in space exploration and infrastructure development.

Recent News :

• In April 2024, ISRO achieved a breakthrough in rocket engine technology with the development of a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines.

About ISRO :

• Established: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Chairman: S. Somanath

India Delivers First BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles to the Philippines, Marking a Significant Military Export Milestone                 

• India handed over the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, signifying a major military export achievement

Key Highlights :

• Deal Details:The Philippines signed a $375 million deal with India in January 2022 for three batteries of the shore-based, anti-ship version of the BrahMos.
• This makes the Philippines the first export customer for the BrahMos missile, which is a joint venture between India and Russia.
• Strategic Context : The Philippines acquired the system under Horizon 2 of its Armed Forces Modernization Program, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities.
• The delivery of BrahMos to the Philippines comes amid tensions in the South China Sea with China.
• The new system will significantly enhance the defensive posture of the Philippines Armed Forces when it becomes operational.
• Background and Collaboration:The BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• The name “BrahMos” is derived from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
• Operational Capability:BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from various platforms, including land, sea, sub-sea, and air, against surface and sea-based targets.
• It has been in service with the Indian Armed Forces for a long time.
• History and Testing : The first successful test in 2001 was conducted from a specially designed land-based launcher.
• Technical Specifications : BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile.
• The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is being upgraded to Mach 5.0.
• Originally limited by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to a range of 290 km, the range was extended to 450 km after India’s entry into the regime in June 2016.

About Philippines :

• President : Bongbong Marcos
• Capital : Manila
• Currency : Philippine peso

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Tata Power Solar Systems, Indian Bank partner to boost residential rooftops

• Tata Power Solar Systems announced its partnership with the state-owned Indian Bank to promote the adoption of solar rooftops among residential consumers.
• The collaboration aims to facilitate financing solutions under the popular Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme for installations up to 3 KW, as well as extend support for installations ranging from 3 to 10 KW under the regular scheme.
• Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana initiative, residential consumers can avail of loans up to Rs 2 lakh at an annual interest rate of 7 per cent, in compliance with government regulations.
• With a nominal margin money requirement of 10 per cent and collateral-free financing, homeowners can embark on their solar journey with ease.
• Furthermore, the tenure for repayment extends up to 10 years, offering flexibility and convenience.
• For installations exceeding 3 KW up to 10 KW, TPSSL and Indian Bank present a tailored financing solution that accommodates the diverse needs of homeowners.
• Eligible applicants can access loans up to Rs 6 Lakh, with a margin money requirement of 20 per cent.
• Interest rates ranging from 8.4 per cent to 10.8 per cent per annum ensure competitive financing options.

Juniper Green Energy, Tata Power sign PPA for 85 MW hybrid project in Maharashtra

• Juniper Green Energy has signed an agreement with Tata Power for the development of an 85-megawatt hybrid power project in Maharashtra.
• The project is the first wind-solar energy project for the company.
• It will utilize both wind and solar resources by combining 51 MW of wind energy and 34 MW of solar power.
• The power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tata Power is for the development of an 85 MW hybrid power project in Maharashtra.
• The project is expected to generate a total of 215 million units (MUs) of electricity per year, and contribute to the electrification of about 42,753 households.
• Juniper Green Energy is an independent renewable energy power producer and operator of solar, wind and hybrid power projects.

Air India enters into codeshare pact with Japan’s All Nippon Airways

• Air India has entered into a codeshare partnership with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
• With the codeshare, effective for travel from May 23, Air India and All Nippon Airways passengers can fly to their desired destination by combining those flights between India and Japan with a single ticket.
• Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code on ANA’s flights between Tokyo Haneda and Delhi as well as Tokyo Narita and Mumbai.
• ANA will add its ‘NH’ designator code on Air India’s flight between Tokyo Narita and Delhi
• Both airlines are considering further expanding their cooperation on additional routes.
• Now, Tata Group-owned Air India, which is expanding its presence, has codeshare partnerships with 15 airlines, including ANA .

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Father of Indian psychoanalysis Sudhir Kakar Passed away

• Sudhir Kakar, India’s foremost psychoanalyst who helped readers understand Indian men and women like none other, passed away at the age of 85.

About Sudhir Kakar :

• Sudhir Kakar was a novelist and author in the fields of cultural psychology and the psychology of religion.
• He had been a lecturer at Harvard University, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Study of World Religions at Harvard, and visiting professor at the universities of Chicago, McGill, Melbourne, Hawaii and Vienna.
• French magazine Le Nouvel Observateur had once described Kakar as one of the 25 major thinkers of the world.
• He leaves behind a rich legacy of books, both non-fiction and fiction, including among others, The Inner World (which has never been out of print since its first publication in 1978), Shamans, Mystics and Doctors, Intimate Relations: Exploring Indian Sexuality, Indians: A Portrait, The Colours of Violence, The Analyst and Mystic, The Kipling File, The Ascetic of Desire, Young Tagore: The Makings of a Genius and so forth.
• In 2012, Kakar was conferred Order of Merit by Germany, the country’s highest civilian honour for special achievements in political, economic, cultural and intellectual fields.
• The German weekly Die Zeit described Kakar as one of “21 important thinkers for the 21st century”.
• Kakar was honoured with numerous awards for his work, including the the Kardiner Award of Columbia University, Germany’s Goethe Medal and the Distinguished Service Award of the Indo-American Psychiatric Association.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Malaria Day 2024: April 25

• World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 all over the world.
• World Malaria Day will reinforce the Global Fund Investment (GFI) using the themes of advancing quality, building resilience, and ending malaria.
• World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 during the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, which is the decision-making body of the WHO.
• This day aims to increase awareness and knowledge about malaria and to promote the implementation of national malaria-control strategies throughout the year, including community-based initiatives for prevention and treatment in areas where malaria is prevalent.
• Before the creation of World Malaria Day, Africa Malaria Day was observed on April 25 starting in 2001, after the signing of the Abuja Declaration by 44 malaria-endemic countries at the African Summit on Malaria.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 25

• State-owned construction firm NBCC Ltd secured projects worth Rs 23,500 crore during the last fiscal year
• The government has received Rs 3,443 crore as a special dividend from Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Telecom.
• SJVN Limited’s Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Geeta Kapur graced the closing ceremony of SJVN’s Inter-Projects Sports Meet 2023-24 held at Corporate Headquarters, Shimla
• Gruner Renewable Energy, India’s fastest-growing renewable energy company, has recently secured multiple projects valued at Rs 1,500 crore for Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants nationwide within its first year of establishment.
• The auto component industry is expected to invest over ₹25,000 crore in the next 3-4 years to expand the production of electric vehicle parts, rating agency ICRA.
• Tata Power Solar Systems announced its partnership with the state-owned Indian Bank to promote the adoption of solar rooftops among residential consumers
• Juniper Green Energy has signed an agreement with Tata Power for the development of an 85-megawatt hybrid power project in Maharashtra
• Air India has entered into a codeshare partnership with Japan’s All Nippon Airways
• Digital financial services provider PayU has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payments Aggregator (PA) under the Payment Settlements Act, 2007.
• Indian fintech major BharatPe launched BharatPe One, an all-in-one payment product that integrates POS (point of sale), QR code, and speaker into one device.
• IndusInd Bank has successfully executed a pilot for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), marking the first instance of such a project by any bank in India.
• Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) has partnered with Indian Bank to encourage and support the adoption of solar rooftop systems in residential properties.
• Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for a term of 5 years, making her the first woman to hold the top post in over 100 years.
• Muthukrishnan Sankaranarayanan (IAS) has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), replacing Richa Bagla (IAS).
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath announced India’s pledge to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030 at the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet.
• India handed over the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, signifying a major military export achievement
• Sudhir Kakar, India’s foremost psychoanalyst who helped readers understand Indian men and women like none other, passed away at the age of 85.
• World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 all over the world.