26th March, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
Supreme Court Appoints Committee for Great Indian Bustard Preservation

In response to the urgent need to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) population from extinction caused by collisions with high-powered power cables in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra has appointed an expert committee to address this critical issue while balancing conservation efforts with renewable energy goals.
The Great Indian Bustard population faces extinction due to collisions with high-powered power cables in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The committee comprises wildlife experts, conservationists, and government officials from relevant ministries.
The committee is tasked with assessing the feasibility of underground and overhead electric lines in priority bird habitats.
The committee will explore alternatives for sustainable development while ensuring bird conservation.
The committee is expected to propose additional measures and submit a report to the Supreme Court by July 31st.

Mumbai Surpasses Beijing as Asia’s Billionaire Capital

In a landmark shift, Mumbai has overtaken Beijing as Asia’s billionaire capital, according to the latest report from the Shanghai-based Hurun Research Institute. This monumental achievement reflects Mumbai’s burgeoning economic landscape and underscores India’s rising prominence in global wealth distribution.
Mumbai boasts 92 billionaires, securing its position as Asia’s third billionaire capital, trailing behind New York (119) and London (97).
Notable figures driving Mumbai’s billionaire status include Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries and Gautam Adani of Adani Group.
India’s robust economy, growing at 7.5% in 2023, facilitated the addition of 94 billionaires, marking the country’s highest count since 2013.
Despite maintaining the top spot with 814 billionaires, China experienced a decline in ultra-rich individuals, with 155 fewer billionaires compared to 2022.
Struggles in China’s real estate and renewable energy sectors, coupled with weak stock markets, contributed to the decrease in billionaire numbers.

INTERNATIONAL
New Zealand Govt Accuses China Of Cyber Hacking Parliament In 2021

The New Zealand government said, it has raised concerns with the Chinese government about its involvement in a state-sponsored cyber hack on New Zealand’s parliament in 2021, which was uncovered by the country’s intelligence services.
The revelations that information was accessed through malicious cyber activity targeting New Zealand’s parliamentarian entities comes as Britain and the U.S. accuse China of a widesweeping cyber espionage campaign. Both New Zealand and Australia have condemned the broader activity.
Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, foreign interference of this nature is unacceptable, and they have urged China to refrain from such activity in future. He said, concerns about cyber activity attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese government, targeting democratic institutions in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom had been conveyed to the Chinese ambassador.

Also Read: Economy: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (February 19 to 25, 2024): With whom the Government of Goa has collaborated to establish a Blended Finance facility?

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ECONOMY
Government Allocates Rs 6212.03 Crore for Strengthening Regional Rural Banks

The Union government has allocated Rs 6212.03 crore to Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) as part of the recapitalization scheme on March 6. RRBs, established in 1975 and owned by the Indian government, function at the regional level across various states. They were set up with the objective of offering fundamental banking and financial services to rural regions, specifically targeting small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs.
Consolidated Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) reached an all-time high of 13.83 percent by December 31, 2023, indicating strengthened financial position.
Achieved highest-ever consolidated net profit of Rs 4,974 crores in FY22-23 and Rs 5,236 crore by the third quarter of FY 2023-24.
Consolidated credit-deposit ratio rose to 72.13 percent as of September 30, 2023, the highest in the past 15 years.

ENVIRONMENT
Researchers Named after ISRO New species of Isopod Discovered in Kollam

Researchers have made an exciting discovery off the coast of Kollam in Kerala. They have found a new species of deep-sea isopod, which is a tiny crustacean that feeds on fish. This new species belongs to the genus Brucethoa and was found living inside the gill cavity of a fish called the Spinyjawgreeneye.
This new species of isopod has been given a special name – Brucethoaisro. The name is a tribute to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has achieved remarkable success in space missions. Brucethoaisro is only the second species within the Brucethoa genus to be discovered in India.
Isopods are a fascinating group of invertebrates that belong to the larger family of crustaceans, which includes crabs and shrimp. They are found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to mountains, and even in the depths of the ocean.

Despite their diversity, isopods share some common features: