Today's Current Affairs 17th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Nepal has joined as a founding member of the International Big Cats Alliance   

• Nepal has been established as one of the founding members of the International Big Cats Alliance. At the alliance's launch under India's leadership, Minister for Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet presented the letter declaring Nepal's founding member status to Indian Minister for Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav.

About Nepal:

Capital: Kathmandu

Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Currency: Nepalese Rupee       

NATIONAL

Guwahati's Bihu performance sets Guinness World Record

• Assam's groundbreaking accomplishment was marked by its entry into the Guinness Book of World Records, with more than 11,000 dancers and drummers captivating audiences with the traditional ‘Bihu’ dance and ‘dhol’ performances at a single location. This historic event took place at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, organized as part of the State Government’s endeavor to establish a new world record in the Guinness Book.

About Assam:

Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Capital: Dispur

Folk Dance: Bihu

Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria

MRF solidifies its position as the 'second strongest tyre brand globally'

• MRF has been positioned as the second-strongest global tyre brand, as revealed in a recent report by Brand Finance, a U.K.-based brand valuation consultancy. The assessment considered multiple criteria, with MRF excelling in several areas, including being the world's second fastest-growing tyre brand. Garnering an impressive score of 83.2 out of 100, MRF attained a AAA- brand rating. Notably, the report recognized MRF as the most valuable Indian tyre brand and the sole Indian tyre manufacturer within the top 10 rankings. Moreover, MRF demonstrated commendable performance in the Sustainability Perception Value category, underlining its commitment to environmental responsibility.

About MRF:

Founder: K. M. Mammen Mappillai

Founded: 1946, Chennai

Headquarters: Chennai

AWARDS

Nandini Gupta clinches the title of Femina Miss India World 2023

• In a recent grand ceremony, Nandini Gupta from Rajasthan was crowned as Femina Miss India World 2023, marking her victory in the 59th edition of the beauty pageant. The first runner-up was Shreya Poonja from Delhi, while the second runner-up was Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur. The event was graced with dazzling performances by Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, and it was hosted by Manish Paul and Bhumi Pednaker. Nandini Gupta is set to represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

About Nandini Gupta:

Born: 13 September 2003 (age 20 years), Kota

Education: Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics, St. Paul's Senior Secondary School

Height: 1.78 m

Title: Femina Miss India World 2023

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hemophilia Day 2023 observed on 17th April

World Hemophilia Day is commemorated annually on April 17th to raise awareness about hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The day was initiated in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) as a tribute to the birthday of WFH founder Frank Schnabel. Its purpose is to educate the public about hemophilia disease and advocate for better treatment and support for individuals affected by bleeding disorders.

SPORTS

Kagiso Rabada sets record for fastest 100 IPL wickets

• In a match between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans at IS Bindra Stadium, Kagiso Rabada made history by claiming his 100th wicket in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This feat made him the fastest bowler to achieve this milestone, doing so in just 64 IPL matches. Rabada, known for his right-arm pace bowling, surpassed the previous record held by Lasith Malinga, who reached the 100-wicket mark in his 70th match. The pivotal wicket leading to Rabada's achievement was that of Wriddhiman Saha.

About Kagiso Rabada:

Born: 25 May 1995 (age 28 years), Johannesburg, South Africa

Current teams: Punjab Kings (Cricket Bowler)

Parents: Mpho Rabada, Florence Rabada

Height: 1.91 m

BANKING AND ECONOMY

SBI re-launches the 400-day 'Amrit Kalash' retail term deposit scheme

• State Bank of India (SBI), India's largest lender by assets, has reintroduced its retail term deposit scheme, Amrit Kalash. The scheme features a special tenor of 400 days, offering an interest rate of 7.6% for senior citizens and 7.1% for others. Initially launched on February 15, 2023, and valid until March 31, 2023, the scheme has been reintroduced to provide customers with another chance to benefit from SBI's attractive interest rates.

About SBI:

Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara

Headquarters: Mumbai

Founded: 1 July 1955