Today's Current Affairs 14th March 2024

NATIONAL

NITI Aayog’s ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative: Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurship

• NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme on March 13, 2024.
• Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, unveiled the logo for ‘Aakanksha’ under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ Fifth and Sixth Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project

• On 13th March 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding program with the launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, the 5th and 6th ships of the 08 x ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project.
• These ships are being built by M/S Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata for the Indian Navy.
• The launch ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force. 

OBITUARY

Renowned Artisan and Padma Awardee Kapildev Prasad Passes Away

• Kapildev Prasad, a renowned artisan and Padma awardee for his contributions to the handloom industry and the revival of Bababuti sarees, passed away in Basavanbigha village, Bihar Sharif. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Sanjay Kumar Singh Nominated As Next Director (Projects) Of NHPC Limited

• Sanjay Kumar Singh is poised to step into the role of Director (Projects) at NHPC Limited, following a commendation by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel on March 12.
• Currently serving as Chief General Manager at SJVN Limited, Singh emerges as the recommended candidate from a pool of twelve contenders.
• Founded in 1975 under the Companies Act, 1956, NHPC has expanded its portfolio to include solar and wind energy ventures. 

Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu Appointed as New Election Commissioners

• The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led three-member committee has appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new Election Commissioners.

About Election Commissioner of India:

HQ: Delhi

Established: 25th January 1950. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Action for Rivers 2024:14th March

• The International Day of Action for Rivers is observed annually on March 14th. This year, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, the theme is “Water for All,” emphasizing the fundamental right of every individual to access clean water.
• The International Day of Action for Rivers has its roots in the First International Meeting of People Impacted by Dams, held in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 1997. 

World Kidney Day 2024: 14^th March

• It is observed on the second Thursday of March every year. This year World Kidney Day is observed on 14th March.
• The 2024 World Kidney Day campaign theme is Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.
• World Kidney Day was first observed in 2006 with the slogan ‘Are Your Kidneys ok?’. 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Smt. Droupadi Murmu Conferred Honorary Doctorate by University of Mauritius

• On March 12, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Mauritius.
• This prestigious honor demonstrates the depth of bilateral ties between India and Mauritius.
• In 1901, Mahatma Gandhi inspired Indian indentured workers in Mauritius to educate themselves, leading to their political and social empowerment. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI Directs Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to Stop Issuing New Co-Branded Credit Cards

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued notices to Federal Bank and South Indian Bank, directing them to halt the issuance of new co-branded credit cards. The two banks informed the stock exchanges about this development.
• According to market sources, the common link between the two banks is likely to be OneCard, a co-branded metal card issuer. 

PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone of three Semiconductor Facilities worth 1.25 Lakh Crore

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three semiconductor projects virtually, with a combined investment of approximately Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore.
• The three facilities include a semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera, Gujarat, an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Morigaon, Assam, and another OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat.