Daily Current Affairs 8th Oct, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains important current affairs of 8th Oct, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 8th Oct, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 8th Oct, 2024 Current affairs test.
International News
India and Maldives Strengthen Ties with $750 Million Currency Swap Deal
- India has provided crucial financial assistance to the Maldives by signing a $750 million currency swap deal, aimed at alleviating the Maldives’ foreign exchange crisis.
- This aid includes a $400 million swap and an additional ₹3,000 crore ($357 million) under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, which is available until 2027.
- The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a five-day visit to India.
- The leaders discussed enhanced economic and security cooperation, agreeing on a “vision statement” that strengthens their partnership.
India-Maldives Collaboration Grows: RuPay Card Launch and Airport Expansion
- The relationship between India and the Maldives reached new heights with the inauguration of a new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport and the launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives.
- These developments, marked through a virtual ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu, are seen as key milestones in boosting economic ties and tourism between the two nations.
Unified Cross-Border Payments: UPI and AANI Partnership
- Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India and the UAE are working towards linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UAE’s AANI system.
- This initiative aims to streamline cross-border transactions and is expected to benefit the more than 3 million Indians residing in the UAE, offering them the convenience of using UPI and AANI for payments.
National News
Postmaster General Yadav Launches National Postal Week
- The Department of Posts continues to extend its services across India by adopting innovative technologies and strategies, with a focus on rural and remote regions.
- At the inaugural event of ‘National Postal Week’ held at the Regional PMG office in Ahmedabad, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Postmaster General of the North Gujarat Region, emphasized the sustained importance of traditional mail systems despite the dominance of digital communication in today’s world.
Appointments News
India Appoints New Ambassador to France
- The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Sanjeev Kumar Singla as India’s next Ambassador to France.
- This strategic diplomatic appointment reflects the importance India places on its partnership with France and brings experienced leadership to the role.
BCCI Names Sharad Kumar as Chief of Anti-Corruption Unit
- In its ongoing fight against corruption in cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar as the new head of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
- Kumar brings decades of law enforcement experience to the role, further strengthening the board’s anti-corruption efforts.
Air Marshal SP Dharkar Takes Over as Vice Chief of Air Staff
- Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a seasoned fighter pilot with over 3,600 hours of flying experience, has been appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
- His vast experience in aviation and leadership roles within the Indian Air Force is expected to enhance the force’s operational readiness and strategic strength.
Banking News
RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority Ink $400 Million Currency Swap Deal
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed a currency swap agreement under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, covering the period from 2024 to 2027.
- This agreement will allow the Maldives to access up to $400 million via the US Dollar/Euro Swap Window and Rs 30 billion under the Indian Rupee Swap Window.
Extension of Tenure for RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao
- The government has extended the tenure of RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao for another year, effective from October 9, 2024.
- This decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and follows a notification issued on October 4.
- Rao, who was initially appointed for a three-year term starting in October 2020, is now serving his second consecutive one-year extension.
HDFC Bank Sells 100% Stake in HDFC Education Services for ₹192 Crore
- HDFC Bank has announced the sale of its entire 100% stake in HDFC Education and Development Services Pvt. Ltd (HDFC Edu) to Vama Sundari Investments for ₹192 crore.
- This all-cash transaction, priced at ₹9.60 per share, aligns with HDFC Bank’s strategy to comply with regulatory requirements and streamline operations following its merger with e-HDFC Ltd.
Business News
Luxury Skincare Brand Augustinus Bader Launches in India via Reliance’s Tira
- Reliance’s beauty platform Tira has introduced the luxury skincare and haircare brand Augustinus Bader to the Indian market.
- Renowned for its scientifically advanced, award-winning formulations, Augustinus Bader products will now be available exclusively on Tira, marking a significant entry into India’s premium beauty market.
Indian E-commerce Market Poised to Hit $325 Billion by 2030: Deloitte Report
- According to a Deloitte report, India’s e-commerce market is set to grow dramatically, reaching a valuation of $325 billion by 2030.
- This growth, driven by a 21% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), reflects a fundamental transformation in the way commerce is conducted in India and underscores the digital revolution reshaping the country’s retail sector.
Defence News
Indian Navy Ships Arrive in Muscat for Training Deployment
- As part of its long-range training mission, the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, consisting of Indian Naval Ships Tir and Shardul and the Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera, has arrived in Muscat, Oman.
- This visit highlights India’s commitment to bolstering maritime cooperation and reinforcing ties with regional partners.
Awards News
2025 National Anubhav Awards Recognize Public Service Contributions
- The National Anubhav Awards, an initiative led by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, honors retiring and retired government employees for their impactful service.
- The scheme encourages these individuals to share their experiences and insights, celebrating their contributions to public service.
Schemes News
Nijut Moina Scheme Launched in Assam to Combat Child Marriage
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Nijut Moina scheme, which offers monthly financial assistance to families to fight child marriage.
- This initiative is a major step in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat the social issue and aims to empower young girls to pursue education and enhance their well-being.
Sports News
Dipa Karmakar Retires, Ending an Iconic Gymnastics Career
- Dipa Karmakar, India’s pioneering gymnast who gained global recognition for performing the risky “Produnova” vault at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has announced her retirement from the sport.
- Karmakar leaves behind a remarkable legacy of courage, determination, and excellence that helped elevate Indian gymnastics on the world stage.
Important Days
Indian Air Force Day 2024: Celebrating a Legacy of Strength and Self-Reliance
- India is set to celebrate the 92nd Indian Air Force (IAF) Day on October 8, 2024, recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of its air personnel.
- This year’s theme, “Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), reflects the IAF’s vision of operational excellence and India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.