Current Affairs One - Liner : 2nd April 2024

• National:
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reimposed the ALMM order on solar PV modules from April 1, 2024. This order, which mandates compulsory registration of solar PV modules in India, was previously suspended for the fiscal year 2023-24. The move has raised concerns among stakeholders due to the absence of previously announced exemptions.

• The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule by NHAI started on April 1, 2024, to streamline toll collection and prevent FASTag misuse. Users must complete their KYC process, and non-compliant FASTags will be deactivated. Each vehicle should have only one active FASTag, and users can check their status on the official IHCML website.
• International:
• The Council of the European Union has agreed to lift air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania. This decision means that from 31st March 2024, there will no longer be checks on persons at EU internal air and maritime borders between Bulgaria and Romania and the other countries in the Schengen area. This agreement comes after 12 years of negotiations.
• Banking:
• On April 2, 2024, the Prestige Group signed a strategic deal worth Rs 2,001 crore with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Kotak AIF. The funds will be used to develop housing projects in Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, and the NCR region.
• From April 1, 2024, new IRDAI rules on surrender value are in effect. These rules provide a guaranteed surrender value after two years of premium payment, with varying percentages based on the year of surrender. The IRDAI has also approved the sale of Index Linked Insurance Products and required non-linked insurance savings products to guarantee benefits at the policy’s start.
• Economy:
• Defence exports from India reached a record high of Rs 21,083 crore (approximately US$ 2.63 Billion) in FY 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal. The private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed about 60% and 40% respectively. The number of export authorisations also increased to 1,507 in FY 2023-24 from 1,414 in FY 2022-23.
• Science & Technology:
• ISRO’s ‘Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START)’ is an online program for post-graduate and final-year undergraduate students of physical sciences and technology. The program covers various domains of space science and is delivered by scientists from Indian academia and ISRO centres. The training is tentatively scheduled for July-August 2023, with 2-3 hours/day lectures for 2-3 weeks.
• Sports:
• Italy’s Jannik Sinner won the Men’s Singles title at the ATP Miami Open Masters 1000 on March 31, 2024. The tournament took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. In the final, Sinner defeated Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov with a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory.
• On April 1, 2024, Novak Djokovic became the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at the age of 36 years and 321 days, surpassing Roger Federer’s record. This marked his 419th week as World No. 1. His dedication to training and well-being practices have contributed to his sustained success.
• Defence:
• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) signed a contract on March 29, 2024 for the supply of six sets of LM2500 gas turbines and related equipment for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project. The contract is valued at ₹1,173.42 crore.
• Important Days:
• International Fact-Checking Day is celebrated on April 2nd every year. It was initiated by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) in 2016. The day underscores the importance of accurate information and the crucial role of fact-checkers worldwide. The cause of the day is #FactsMatter.
• Appointments:
• Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been appointed as the first woman Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She was appointed by President Félix Tshisekedi on 1 April 2024. Before her appointment as Prime Minister, she served as the Minister of Planning in the Lukonde government.
• Sandeep Bapat was appointed as the senior partner and co-chief investment officer at Singularity Growth on April 2, 2024. He will be responsible for identifying key trends for current and potential portfolio companies and will also undertake leadership responsibilities for investment activities.
• Ms. Sheyphali B. Sharan, an officer of the 1990 batch of the Indian Information Service, assumed charge as the Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau on April 1, 2024. She has served in various roles in the Ministries of Finance, Health and Family Welfare, and Information and Broadcasting.
• Awards & Honours:
• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), has indeed been awarded the prestigious SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in the ‘Renewable Energy Financing’ category. This award recognizes REC’s commitment to sustainable financing, facilitating India’s transition to renewable energy and a greener future.
• Obituaries:
• Tim McGovern, an Oscar-winning visual effects pioneer known for his work on films like ‘Total Recall’ and ‘TRON’, passed away in his sleep at the age of 68 on March 30, 2024. His contributions to the film industry spanned over four decades.

Questions:

Q.1 Who became the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history on April 1, 2024?
a. Roger Federer
b. Rafael Nadal
c. Novak Djokovic
d. Andy Murray
Q.2 What is the purpose of the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule?
a. To increase the number of vehicles on the road
b. To streamline toll collection and prevent FASTag misuse
c. To increase the price of FASTags
d. To limit the number of vehicles one person can own