Today's Current Affairs 8th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

U.S. and Britain Forge Alliance to Enhance AI Safety

• The United States and Britain have joined forces to bolster the safety measures surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) amidst concerns over upcoming advanced AI iterations.
• Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan signed the memorandum of understanding in Washington. 

India Lifts Export Restrictions on Essential Goods for Maldives amid Diplomatic Strain

• India has removed export restrictions on essential commodities for the Maldives, including items like eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, and dal, for the fiscal year 2024-25.
• India has emerged as the Maldives’ significant trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching $973.37 million in 2022-23, up from approximately $740 million in the previous fiscal year.

 NATIONAL

Sagar Kavach 2024: Coastal Security Exercise in Lakshadweep Islands

• A two-day coastal security exercise called Sagar Kavach 01/24 was conducted off the Lakshadweep Islands from April 1-2, 2024.
• The exercise involved the participation of all maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, and other security agencies. 

Innovative Election Initiative: Punjab Launches ‘Booth Raabta’ Website

• Punjab’s Malerkotla district has introduced the ‘Booth Raabta’ website. Spearheaded by District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Pallavi, this platform, accessible via boothraabta.com. 

Indian Coast Guard Inaugurates Aquatic Centre at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu

• Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal inaugurated the Indian Coast Guard Aquatic Centre at ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, as part of his four-day visit to the maritime force’s bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. 

Miraj’s Sitars and Tanpuras Awarded Geographical Indication Tags

• The small town of Miraj in Maharashtra’s Sangli district is known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, particularly sitars and tanpuras. 

SPORTS

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Dominated the Japanese Grand Prix

• Triple world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull dominated the Japanese Grand Prix, leading a one-two finish for his team alongside teammate Sergio Perez.
• Verstappen was back to his best after a brake issue in the previous race in Australia saw him retire. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

IPS Officer Love Kumar Appointed as IG in Special Protection Group

• Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Love Kumar has been appointed as the Inspector General (IG) in the Special Protection Group (SPG) for a period of two years, according to an official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

GAIL Wins 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award for Barauni – Guwahati Pipeline

• GAIL (India) Limited has been honored with the prestigious 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award in the ‘Achievement Award for Best Construction Projects’ category for its remarkable accomplishment in the Barauni – Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline project (BGPL).