Current affairs 18 April 2024

Sany India launched India’s first locally manufactured electric dump.

• Mining and construction equipment manufacturer Sany India launched the SKT105E Electric Dump Truck.
• This marks the first instance of an electric dump truck being manufactured locally in the country.
• Unveiled at the company's India facility, this truck is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of open-cast mining operations.

RBI opens India's Sovereign Green Bonds to Foreign Investors.

• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) green lighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
• A sovereign green bond is a type of debt security issued by a national government specifically to fund projects that have positive environmental and climate benefits.
• These bonds are part of a broader category known as green bonds.

Senior citizens' fixed deposits jumped by 143% in 5 years: SBI Report.

• The SBI Research Ecowrap report estimates that there are approximately 74 million term deposit accounts held by senior citizens in the country, with a total deposit amounting to Rs 34 lakh crore.
• Government initiatives such as increasing the limit and rate under Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Mahila Samman Savings Certificate have also contributed to this trend.

,

India allows export of 10000 tonnes of onion to Sri Lanka.

• India lifts partial ban on onion exports, allowing shipments to Sri Lanka and the UAE, with an extra 10,000 MT allocated to each.
• In December last year, the government banned onion exports until March 2024.
• In August, the government imposed a 40 percent duty on onion export.
• Government strategies also include maintaining a larger buffer stock of onions to stabilize prices.

Amitabh Bachchan awarded "Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar".

• Amitabh Bachchan is to be honored with the Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar for his contributions to the nation and society.
• The award celebrates impactful contributions in music, cinema, social service, and literature.
• PM Modi was its 1st recipient, followed by Asha Bhosle in 2023.
• A R Rahman will receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music.