Today's Current Affairs 25th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Prabowo Subianto named Indonesia's President-Elect amid controversy

• The electoral commission of Indonesia has formally announced Prabowo Subianto as the president-elect. This decision came after the country's highest court dismissed challenges to his overwhelming win, which were filed by two other presidential candidates. Subianto, who is presently the defense minister, obtained 58.6% of the votes, totaling over 96 million ballots. This figure is more than double the number of votes received by each of his competitors.

NATIONAL

Karnataka and Gujarat lead India’s clean energy transition, says report

• A recent report by the IEEFA and Ember assesses India’s state-level progress in transitioning to clean electricity. Karnataka and Gujarat lead, while states such as Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh are behind, highlighting the need for more efforts in renewable energy integration and decarbonization.

SPORTS

T20 World Cup ambassador Usain Bolt optimistic about cricket in USA

• Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has been appointed as the official ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies and the United States from June 1 to 29. Bolt, renowned as the fastest man alive, brings his cricket passion and worldwide appeal to energize the tournament and expand the sport's reach.

OBITUARY

Father of Indian psychoanalysis Sudhir Kakar passed away at 85

• Sudhir Kakar, India’s leading psychoanalyst known for his unparalleled understanding of Indian men and women, died at 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.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

FSIB recommends MDs for SBI and Indian Bank

• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended candidates for the positions of Managing Director (MD) at State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Bank. Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has been proposed for SBI MD, while Asheesh Pandey has been recommended for Indian Bank MD.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Immunization Week 2024 is observed from April 24 to 30

• World Immunization Week is observed annually from April 24 to 30, focusing on raising awareness about vaccination's vital role in protecting against preventable diseases and showcasing humanity's achievements in immunization, notably eradicating smallpox and near-defeating polio.

World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25th

• World Malaria Day on April 25 raises awareness about preventing, treating, and controlling the mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical regions. It highlights global efforts towards eradicating malaria and promoting a healthier world.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI issues new guidelines for ARCs starting April 24, 2024

• The RBI has released a detailed master direction for asset reconstruction companies (ARCs), effective from April 24, 2024. These guidelines seek to improve the regulatory framework for ARCs, ensuring their financial stability and efficacy in handling distressed assets.

Tata Power Solar partners with Indian Bank to boost rooftop solar installations  

• Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) and Indian Bank have joined forces to promote solar rooftop systems in residential properties. This collaboration intends to provide financing solutions for installations under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, including support for 3-10 KW installations under the regular scheme.

About Indian Bank:

Founded: 15 August 1907

Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

MD & CEO: Shanti Lal Jain