Today's Current Affairs 2nd April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Indian Engineering Exports Surge: UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia Lead the Way

• India’s engineering exports soared by 15.9% year over year in February 2024, marking the third consecutive month of growth and reaching a record high of $9.94 billion for the fiscal year 2023–2024.
• Out of 34 engineering panels, 28 reported higher exports in February 2024, with notable growth in various sectors. 

NATIONAL

Vedanta’s BALCO: First Indian Company Certified with ASI Performance Standard

• Chhattisgarh-based Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has achieved the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 Certification.
• The certification recognizes BALCO’s adherence to 11 principles and 62 criteria across three sustainability pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance. 

SPORTS

Novak Djokovic Becomes the Oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings History

• Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, continues to break records on the ATP Tour. As of this week, he begins his 419th week as the World No. 1, extending his huge record.
• On Sunday, April 9, 2024, Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer’s record and become the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at the age of 36 years and 321 days. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WHO Launches CoViNet: A Global Network for Coronaviruses

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced CoViNet, a global initiative aimed at enhancing the detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses worldwide.
• CoViNet expands upon the existing WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network to encompass a broader spectrum of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and potential novel strains of public health concern.
• CoViNet leverages the expertise of 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Ms Sheyphali Sharan Takes Charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau

• Ms Sheyphali B. Sharan has assumed charge as the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, upon the superannuation (retirement) of Shri Manish Desai. 

Veteran Dealmaker Atul Mehra Joins Axis Capital as MD & CEO

• Axis Capital has appointed Atul Mehra as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of two firms – Kross and Saraswati Saree Depot. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Autism Awareness Day 2024: 2^nd

• World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2nd every year. It aims to raise awareness and support for people with autism. The theme for 2024 is “Empowering Autistic Voices.”
• The United Nations established World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

MGNREGS Wage Rates Revised: Hikes Range between 4-10%

• The Union rural development ministry announced the revision of wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme on March 27, following clearance from the Election Commission amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force.
• Haryana boasts the highest wage rate for unskilled workers at Rs 374 per day.
• Conversely, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have the lowest wage rates at Rs 234. 

RBI Data Reveals: Credit Cards Breach 100 Million Mark in India

• As of December 2023, India witnessed a surge in credit card usage, with the total number crossing the 100 million mark.
• In December 2023, the total number of outstanding credit cards reached 97.9 million, with a record addition of 1.9 million cards during the month alone. 

UPI Ends FY24 with Record Transactions Worth ₹199 Lakh Crore

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) concluded FY24 on a remarkable note, achieving new milestones in transaction volume and value during March 2024.
• UPI transactions are expected to surpass 100 crore transactions per day by FY27, according to a report by PwC India.