Current affairs 04 September 2024

India's Trade Surplus with 151 Nations; Deficit with 75.

• India recorded a trade surplus with 151 countries, including the U.S. and Netherlands, totaling $72.1 billion in the first half of 2024, while it had a trade deficit of $185.4 billion with 75 nations, notably China and Russia.
• The top trade deficit partners were China ($41.88 billion), Russia ($31.98 billion), and Iraq ($15.07 billion).

West Bengal Assembly passed historic Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill.

• The West Bengal Assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill, amending central laws on rape and sexual crimes.
• The bill introduces the death penalty for rape resulting in death or a vegetative state, and life imprisonment without parole for other rape convictions.
• West Bengal became the first state to amend central laws relating to rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.

IIT-Delhi opened first international campus in Abu Dhabi.

• IIT-Delhi's first international campus in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
• New collaborations include joint research and academic exchanges with Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi etc.
• This campus will offer diverse programs in energy, engineering, and computer science.

DRDO delivered 30mm HEPF Shell Production Docs to Indian Navy.

• DRDO has handed over the production document for the 30mm High Explosive Preformed Fragmentation (HEPF) shell to the Indian Navy's Director General of Naval Armament Inspection.
• The HEPF shell, compatible with the existing AK-630 naval gun, offers superior fragmentation and is designed to improve the Navy’s defense against drone swarms.

Tata AIA launched USD Life Insurance for NRIs from GIFT City.

• Tata AIA has launched its offshore branch at GIFT City, providing USD-denominated life insurance products for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
• The initial offering, Life Protect Supreme, covers risks such as death, disability, and critical illness, with flexible plan options.
• Tata AIA will soon introduce Unit Linked life insurance products, offering opportunities in global equity markets.