Today's Current Affairs 26th March 2024

INTERNATIONAL

PepsiCo to invest $400 million more in two new plants in Vietnam

• PepsiCo, the U.S. food and beverage giant, has committed to investing an additional $400 million in Vietnam.
• This decision was made public during a visit by delegations from over 60 U.S. enterprises, including Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, to Vietnam last week.

 NATIONAL

Chandigarh set to host international film festival

• Five-day Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) will be held from March 27 to 31 at Cinepolis in Jagat Mall, Sector 17.
• Showcasing a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces from around the globe, the festival promises to captivate audiences with its eclectic mix of films spanning various genres and themes.
• Actor Boman Irani will inaugurate the event and Cannes winner French film The Taste of Things will be the inaugural film of CIFF.
• Three student films from SUPVA (Rohtak) will also be screened in the festival. 

ASI Begins Excavation in MP to Find India’s Oldest Temple

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting excavations at two mounds in Nachne village, located in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The excavation sites are situated just 30 meters away from two ancient temples – a Gupta-era Parvati temple and the Chaumukh Nath temple built by the Kalachuri dynasty. These temples, known as the Nachna Hindu temples.

About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

Director General: Yadubir Singh Rawat;

Headquarters: New Delhi, India;

ASI Established: 1861 

SPORTS

Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 12,000 T20 Runs

• Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to score 12,000 runs in the T20 format.
• Virat Kohli also holds the record for the highest runs in IPL of all time. He has scored 7,284 runs in 239 matches and 230 innings at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. 

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz clinched victory at the Australian Grand Prix

• Australian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari emerged victorious, marking a remarkable comeback just two weeks after undergoing appendicitis surgery.
• The race was filled with drama, including the first retirement in two years for Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Army deploys advanced anti-drone defense systems along China border

• In response to escalating tensions along the northern borders with China, the Indian Army has initiated significant enhancements to its air defence capabilities.
• Central to this strategic maneuver is the deployment of cutting-edge Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDD&IS), developed domestically in collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics.

 APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Hansha Mishra appointed as Director of UPSC

• Hansha Mishra (IA&AS) has been selected for the appointment as Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• According to an order issued from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), she has been selected for the appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

The Chipko Movement: A 50-Year Legacy of Environmental Protection

• The Chipko Movement originated in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas in early 1973. The name “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi.
• While the modern Chipko Movement began in 1973, its roots can be traced back to the 18th century, when the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan stood up to protect trees.
• In 1973, environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt led the first Chipko protest near the village of Mandal. 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

HSL bags 3 Governance Now 10th PSU Awards

• Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) has once again been recognised for its excellence in the maritime industry.
• The shipyard has received three awards at the Governance Now 10th PSU Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday.
• Two awards were presented to HSL in the categories of "CMD Leadership" and "Innovation in Refining Technology." HSL's Director (Shipbuilding) Cmde Kunjumon E Mathew received the awards on behalf of HSL. These awards reflect HSL's commitment to embracing technological innovation. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

India’s GDP to grow by 6.8% in FY25: S&P Global

• S&P Global released its Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q2 2024 report, offering insights into the region’s economic landscape.
• S&P Global raises India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.8%, a 40 basis points increase, contrasting with the government and central bank’s projection of 7%.
• Forecasts a slowdown in China’s GDP growth to 4.6% in FY25 from 5.2% in FY24.