19 February 2024

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Weekly Current Affairs in Short

National News

PM Inaugurates Projects in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Modi dedicated

development projects worth Rs. 7300 crores in Jhabua, focusing on tribal upliftment. He also
disbursed monthly instalments under the Aahar Anudan Yojna, providing Rs. 1500 per month
for nutritious food to around 2 lakh women beneficiaries.
PM Modi to Inaugurate Fourth Terminal at Cherlapally: PM Modi is set to inaugurate the
fourth terminal at Cherlapally, Telangana, with modern facilities akin to those at airports.
Parliament Passes Historic JK ST Quota Bill: The Rajya Sabha cleared three bills
addressing reservation issues in J&K, providing reservations to OBCs in local bodies.
Farmers Protest 2.0: Key Demands Explained Farmers from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha
(KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) are marching towards Delhi, demanding the
enactment of a law that guarantees a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. This
movement is driven by the need to secure stable and fair pricing for agricultural produce.
PM Modi's UAE Visit: Key Highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) was focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering
various sectors. Key achievements include the inauguration of a CBSE office, a BAPS Hindu
temple, and discussions on implementing UPI payments in the UAE.
Pulwama Terror Attack 5th Anniversary India commemorates the fifth anniversary of the
Pulwama terror attack, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. This day
serves as a somber reminder of the threats posed by terrorism.
Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Bonds: The Supreme Court has declared the electoral
bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of Article 14 and Article 19(1)(a) of the
Constitution. This decision challenges the legality of anonymous funding to political parties,
raising concerns about transparency and accountability in political financing.
16th Finance Commission Meeting: Chaired by Arvind Panagariya, the 16th Finance
Commission held its inaugural meeting to deliberate on its Terms of Reference. The
commission emphasized the need for extensive consultations with various stakeholders to
enhance fiscal federal relations, aiming to streamline the distribution of financial resources
between the central and state governments.
Milkyway Tablet Launch: The Epic Foundation has introduced the Milkyway tablet, a
technology innovation 'designed in India' specifically for educational purposes for school
children. The tablet is notable for its full repairability and upgradability, making it a sustainable
choice in the tech-education sector.
India at the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development: India led the
session, focusing on global collaboration to address social challenges, in alignment with the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
First Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in Uttarakhand: India is set to launch
its first HEMS from AIIMS Rishikesh, covering a 150-kilometer radius to facilitate swift medical
emergency airlifts.
DoT's 'Sangam: Digital Twin' Initiative: Launched to revolutionize infrastructure planning
using Digital Twin technology, inviting stakeholders for a two-stage implementation in a major
city.
Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra Unveiled: Prime Minister Modi has inaugurated two galleries of
the Mahabharata-inspired Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra in Rewari, with an investment of Rs 240
crore aimed at boosting Kurukshetra's cultural tourism.
Statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan: A 125-foot statue of the Assamese hero Bir Lachit
Borphukan is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Modi in Assam, symbolizing Assamese
valor against the Mughals.
 International News

Former PM Alexander Stubb Wins Finland Presidential Election: Alexander Stubb, the
former Prime Minister, secured victory in Finland’s presidential runoff, focusing on foreign and
security policies, especially relevant post-NATO membership.
India's IEA Full Membership Talks: India is currently engaged in negotiations with the
International Energy Agency (IEA) to attain full membership status. This move is indicative of
India's growing influence and commitment to addressing global energy and climate
challenges.
Saudi Arabia's Luxury Train: Saudi Arabia is set to introduce "Dream of the Desert," its first
luxury train, by 2025. The 800-mile journey promises to enhance the region's tourism by
offering a unique travel experience through the desert landscape.
Dubai Launches World's First Air Taxi Service At the World Government Summit 2024,
Dubai announced the launch of the world's first air taxi service using Joby Aviation S4 aircraft.
This service aims to revolutionize urban mobility with an environmentally friendly approach.
Trinidad and Tobago Declares National Emergency After Oil Spill Following a significant
oil spill caused by an overturned vessel, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago declared a
national emergency, highlighting concerns over environmental damage and its impact on
tourism.
Germany Surpasses Japan as Third-Largest Economy: Germany has taken the third spot,
overtaking Japan, due to yen depreciation against the stable euro.
Prabowo Subianto Wins Indonesian Presidency: Securing nearly 60% of votes, Subianto's
victory is in line with President Joko Widodo’s policies, expecting positive market reactions.
India's Strategic Shift in Maldives: India plans to replace military personnel with Indian
technical staff for aviation operations in the Maldives by May 10, adhering to the Maldives'
request for troop withdrawal and focusing on maintaining operational expertise.
Quad Bill Passed in US: The US House of Representatives has approved a bill to enhance
cooperation among the Quad nations (US, Australia, India, Japan), including the establishment
of a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group.
Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: In a landmark decision, Greece has legalized same-
sex marriage and granted equal parental rights to same-sex couples, marking a significant
societal shift.

State News

Sangeet Natak Akademi to Establish Cultural Center in Hyderabad: The Ministry of

Culture inaugurated the Regional Centre of Sangeet Natak Akademi in Hyderabad, aiming to
promote various art forms and honor Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao.
Odisha's Conservation Efforts: Gupteswar forest in Koraput district is declared Odisha's
fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), joining Mandasaru, Mahendragiri, and Gandhamardan
in conservation recognition.
Hyderabad's Literary Celebration: The 36th National Book Fair, a beacon for book lovers,
runs from February 9-19 at NTR Stadium, Hyderabad, aiming to revive reading culture.
Uttar Pradesh's Industrial Leap: CM Yogi Adityanath discusses infrastructure and industrial
development, including the introduction of a semiconductor policy and the creation of the
Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority.
Assam Declares Kaji Nemu as Official State Fruit The Assam government has officially
recognized kaji nemu, a local variety of lemon, as the state's official fruit, emphasizing its
cultural and nutritional importance.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Against 'One Nation, One Election': The Tamil Nadu Assembly
unanimously rejects the Union government’s proposals, arguing it undermines federalism and
could disproportionately affect states like Tamil Nadu.
Cancer Center Inauguration in Odisha: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the
Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre in Bhubaneswar, advancing cancer care in the region.
Komuravelli Railway Station Foundation: Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy has laid the
foundation stone for the Komuravelli Railway Station in Telangana, enhancing access to the
Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
Himachal Pradesh: India’s Most Welcoming Region: Himachal Pradesh has been
recognized as India's most welcoming region in Booking.com's 12th Annual Traveller Review
Awards 2024.

Defence News

Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System Inaugurated in Andaman and

Nicobar Command: Admiral R. Hari Kumar inaugurated a Precision Approach Radar at INS
Utkrosh, enhancing India’s maritime security and operational capabilities.
Tribute to General Bipin Rawat: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand’s CM
unveil a statue in Dehradun, commemorating India's first Chief of Defence Staff for his
contributions to national security.
MoD's Milestone on GeM: The Ministry of Defence has achieved a significant milestone by
recording ₹1 lakh crore worth of procurement on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since
its inception. This achievement highlights the volume of defense acquisitions made through
the online portal, promoting transparency and efficiency in government procurements.
Defence Equipment Acquisition: India's Defence Acquisition Council has approved capital
acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore, emphasizing self-reliance in defense
manufacturing.
MILAN Naval Exercise: Visakhapatnam is set to host the 12th edition of the MILAN naval
exercise, focusing on "Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future."

Banking News

PayU and NPCI Partnership: Introduces 'Credit Lines on UPI' for merchants, offering
enhanced financial flexibility and pre-sanctioned credit lines.
RBI Directive to Visa and Mastercard: The Reserve Bank of India has issued directives to
Visa and Mastercard to halt card-based commercial payments over concerns regarding KYC
compliance. This move underscores the central bank's commitment to enforcing stringent
regulatory standards for financial transactions.
LIC's Stake in SBI Cards: The Life Insurance Corporation of India has increased its
shareholding in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited, reinforcing its investment strategy in
the credit card provider and signaling confidence in the company's growth prospects.

Economy News

EPFO Raises Interest Rate on PF Deposits: EPFO raised the interest rate on EPF deposits
to 8.25% for the FY 2023-24, marking a three-year high.
WPI Moderation: India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded a three-month low at 0.27%
in January, signaling a slowdown in inflation rates for food and manufacturing products. This
moderation in WPI is a positive indicator for the economy, suggesting easing price pressures.
Services Trade Surplus Record: India achieved a record services trade surplus of $44.9
billion in the October-December quarter. This milestone is expected to play a crucial role in
mitigating the current account deficit, showcasing the strength of India's services sector on the
global stage.
National Coal Index Decline: December 2023 saw a 4.75% drop in the National Coal Index
compared to December 2022.
India's Urban Employment Trends: Urban jobless rate declines to 6.5% in Q3FY24,
indicating an improving labor market, according to PLFS data.
India's Economic Indicators: Retail inflation dips to a three-month low of 5.1% in January,
while industrial production grows by 3.8% in December.
Innovations in Rail Travel: Rail Coach Factory (RCF) to launch the Vande Metro prototype
by April, enhancing medium-distance intercity travel.
Paytm's Strategic Shift: One97 Communications considers transitioning Paytm into a third-
party payment app for seamless UPI access.

Business News

Launch of UPI and RuPay Card in Sri Lanka and Mauritius: UPI and RuPay card services
are set to be launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, facilitating digital transactions for Indian
nationals and promoting financial inclusivity.
Paytm E-commerce Rebrands as Pai Platforms, Acquires Bitsila: Paytm E-commerce
rebranded as Pai Platforms and acquired Bitsila, a prominent ONDC seller platform.
Reliance Industries Surpasses ₹20-Lakh Crore Market Cap Reliance Industries Limited
(RIL) has reached a new milestone by surpassing a market capitalization of ₹20-lakh crore,
marking a significant achievement in the Indian stock market.
"SUFALAM" Launch for Food Entrepreneurs: Union Minister Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras
inaugurated the startup conclave, aiming to drive innovation in the food processing sector.
Tata Group and Uber Strategic Alliance: Discussions on a partnership to increase traffic
volumes on Tata’s digital platform, Tata Neu, by leveraging Uber’s mobility solutions.
LIC Launches 'Amritbaal': A new non-participating product for children aimed at supporting
their future educational needs.
SIDBI's 'Prabhaav' Report: Highlights the impact of the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
scheme, showing significant investment in startups and promoting entrepreneurship.

Important Days News

International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism: Observed annually on February
12th, highlighting the need to prevent violent extremism and promote community resilience.
200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati: Commemorating the birth
anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, emphasizing his contributions to Indian society.
World Radio Day: Celebrated on February 13th, recognizing radio's significance as a medium
of communication.
World Unani Day: Celebrated on February 11th, raising awareness about the Unani system
of medicine and its contributions to healthcare.
World Hippo Day 2024: World Hippo Day is celebrated on February 15th to highlight the
conservation needs of endangered hippos, aiming to raise awareness about the threats facing
these majestic creatures and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2024: Observed on February 15th, International
Childhood Cancer Day focuses on raising awareness about childhood cancer. The day
supports recovery efforts for young patients and advocates for improved medical research and
treatment options for pediatric cancers.
World Anthropology Day 2024: Celebrated to emphasize the study of human behavior and
societies, promoting awareness about anthropology.
Celebrating National Icons: February 13 marks the 145th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu,
celebrated as National Women’s Day.
National Productivity Day 2024: Focuses on AI's role in economic growth, under the theme
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Productivity Engine for Economic Growth.”
International Epilepsy Day 2024: Highlights personal milestones of individuals dealing with
epilepsy, fostering community support.
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2024 February 14th is observed as Congenital
Heart Defect Awareness Day, focusing on the most common type of birth defect and
advocating for advanced medical research.
Basant Panchami 2024: Celebration of Knowledge and Spring Basant Panchami,
dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with cultural
and spiritual fervor across India.
Global Tourism Resilience Day: Celebrated to enhance the resilience of the tourism
industry, with a focus on sustainable development and economic stability.

Ranks & Reports News

NITI Aayog’s Economic Transformation Plans: NITI Aayog launched economic plans for
Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, and Vizag, aiming for India’s economic prosperity by 2047.
NITI Aayog's GROW Initiative for Agroforestry Development The Greening and
Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) initiative aims to revitalize India's
wastelands into productive zones using advanced technologies.
India's Digital Economy Ranking: India ranks as the third-largest digitalized country globally,
showcasing significant progress in digital infrastructure and engagement.

Schemes News

SWATI Portal Launched To Empower Women in STEMM: INSA launched the SWATI Portal
to promote inclusivity in STEMM fields, bridging the gender gap.
Government to Include ASHA and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers in Ayushman Bharat
Scheme: The government aims to extend benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to ASHA
and Anganwadi workers/helpers.
Rajasthan Pension Yojana 2024: The Rajasthan government has introduced the
Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana for laborers and street vendors. This scheme
provides a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000, aiming to offer financial support to the state's
vulnerable populations.
Updated AHIDF Scheme Launch: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala has launched the
realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme. With an
increased outlay, the scheme aims to boost the livestock sector by providing financial
assistance for infrastructure development.
UP Government Enhances Kanya Sumangala Yojana Grant: From Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000
per beneficiary, aiming to support the well-being and education of girls.
Haryana's 'Van Mitra' Scheme: Launched to increase green cover by encouraging
community participation in afforestation efforts outside traditional forest areas.
'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana': PM Narendra Modi launches a scheme to provide one
crore households with up to 300 units of free electricity monthly, via solar power.
Odisha's Pension Scheme Enhancement: CM Naveen Patnaik increases pension under
Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), benefiting various vulnerable groups.
Special Scheme for Micro Units: Launched by MSME Minister Narayan Rane, enabling
GST-exempted micro enterprises to access collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakh.

Awards News

K.P.P. Nambiar Award for ISRO Chairman S. Somanath: ISRO Chairman S. Somanath
received the K.P.P. Nambiar Award for his contributions to space technology.
Govt Introduces National Creator’s Awards For Modern Influencers: The government
introduced the 'National Creators Award' to recognize new-age influencers shaping India’s
digital landscape.
India Wins the 9th GovTech Prize for AI-Powered Road Safety Initiative At the World
Government Summit 2024, India was awarded the 9th GovTech Prize for its innovative use of
AI in improving road safety under the 'AI-Powered Government Services' category.
Vishisht Seva Medal to Havildar Varinder Singh: Havildar Varinder Singh was recognized
with the Vishisht Seva Medal for developing a Multipurpose Octocopter. This innovation
enhances military technology and showcases the potential for significant advancements in
defense capabilities.
Changes in National Film Awards Categories: Names of Indira Gandhi and Nargis Dutt
removed from specific award categories, reflecting a shift towards more general titles.
South Indian Bank Wins Best Technology Bank Award: Recognized for its technological
advancements at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference.
Noida as “Water Warrior” City: Awarded for its outstanding sewage treatment and water
reuse projects, emphasizing sustainable water management.
City Union Bank's Technological Excellence: Awarded seven accolades at the 19th
Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, highlighting its innovation in banking
technology.

Summits & Conferences

7th Indian Ocean Conference: Held in Perth, Australia, focusing on stability and
sustainability in the Indian Ocean region.
67th All India Police Duty Meet: Organized by RPF in Lucknow, promoting scientific crime
detection and fostering police collaboration.
National Conference on APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card Dharmendra Pradhan,
Union Minister of Education, inaugurated the conference focused on implementing a unified
student ID card across India, underscoring the importance of digital public infrastructures.
India-UAE Payment Linkage MoU: An agreement to link UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) instant
payment platforms was signed. This initiative aims to enhance financial transactions between
the two countries, facilitating easier and more efficient cross-border payments.
Digital India Future SKILLS Summit: Hosted in Guwahati, the summit focused on
discussions around developing future-ready talent in emerging technologies. This aligns with
India's vision to become a global talent hub in the field of digital innovation and technology.

Agreements News

Education Ministry Partners FIFA To Boost Sports Culture With Football: Ministry of
Education collaborated with FIFA to promote football in schools across India.
Prama India & C-DAC Forge Partnership For Thermal Camera Technology: Prama India
partnered with C-DAC for the production and support of Thermal Cameras, aligning with
Digital India Programme.
Social Justice Ministry & Brahma Kumaris Initiative: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Vehicle was launched in Delhi-NCR. This campaign vehicle, introduced by the Social Justice
Ministry in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, aims to raise awareness about drug abuse and
its harmful effects.
Tata Steel and IIT Bhubaneswar Partnership: Signed an MoU to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship in technology.
RBI and Nepal Rastra Bank for UPI-NPI Linkage: An agreement to integrate UPI and NPI
for seamless cross-border transactions between India and Nepal.
CIAL and BPCL Green Hydrogen Plant: Set to establish the first green hydrogen plant at
Cochin Airport, marking a step towards sustainable aviation.
India-Colombia Digital Cooperation: An MoU has been signed to share successful digital
solutions and foster digital transformation.
 Books and Authors News

Book Launch - “Maha Swaapnikudu”: Chronicles the political journey of former Chief
Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighting his influence on Indian politics.

Appointments News

Southern Railway Appoints First Transwoman TTE: Sindhu Ganapathy appointed as the
first transwoman Travelling Ticket Examiner, setting a precedent for inclusion.
Katrina Kaif Joins Chennai Super Kings as Brand Ambassador for IPL 2024: Katrina Kaif
appointed as the brand ambassador for Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2024 season.
ICAI Elects New President and Vice President The Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India (ICAI) has elected CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as President and CA. Charanjot Singh
Nanda as Vice-President for the term 2024-25.
New CMD for IRCTC: Sanjay Kumar Jain has taken charge as the Chairman & MD of IRCTC,
bringing extensive experience to the role. His appointment is expected to drive growth and
innovation within the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.
SBICAPS Leadership Change: Virendra Bansal has been appointed as the MD and CEO of
SBICAPS, succeeding Rajay Kumar Sinha. Bansal's leadership is anticipated to steer the
company towards new heights in the financial services sector.
Nikhil Joshi as Managing Director of Boeing Defence India: With a strong background in
aerospace and military, Joshi is expected to boost Boeing's operations in India.
ICJ's New President: Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam has been elected as the new president
of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Sports News

U19 World Cup 2024 Final: Australia U19 won the U19 World Cup 2024 Final against India
by 79 runs, securing their fourth World Cup title.
ICC Players of the Month for January 2024 Announced Shamar Joseph (West Indies) and
Amy Hunter (Ireland) have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for
January 2024, respectively.
Inauguration of the Gandhinagar Premier League Union Home Minister Amit Shah
inaugurated the Gandhinagar Premier League, a cricket event aimed at promoting local talent
in Gujarat.
Chess Olympiad Torch Handover: Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur handed over
the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, celebrating India's rich chess heritage. This symbolic
gesture underscores the global recognition of India's contributions to the sport of chess.
Athlete Suspensions for Doping: Significant suspensions were imposed on athletes Rachna
Kumari and Nirmala Sheoran for anti-doping rule violations. These actions reflect the strict
stance against doping in sports, emphasizing the importance of fair play and integrity in
athletic competitions.
100-Year-Old Diver at World Championships: Taghi Askar from Iran participated in the
Diving World Championships in Doha, showcasing an inspiring performance.
Indian Football's Decline in FIFA Rankings: India fell to the 117th position, its lowest in
seven years, following a disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup.
Sumit Nagal's Tennis Milestone: Achieves a top-100 ATP ranking after winning the Chennai
Open, marking a significant career achievement.
ICC Bans Rizwan Javed: UK cricketer Rizwan Javed faces a 17-year ban for match-fixing,
emphasizing the importance of integrity in sports.
Satellite-Based Tolling Initiative: India to test GNSS-based toll collection on the Mysuru-
Bengaluru Expressway, promoting efficiency in toll collection.
 Science & Technology News

IIT Jammu's Sound-Based Anti-Drone System: Developed by Professor Karan Nathwani,

this system can detect drones, aircraft, and birds within a 300-meter range, offering a cost-
effective solution to conventional technologies.
IIT Guwahati's SWASTHA Project: Launches a clean room facility for advancements in
nanotechnology, supported by MeitY and aimed at innovation in nanoelectronics.

Obituaries News

Veteran artist A Ramachandran Passes Away in Delhi: Renowned artist A Ramachandran

passed away in Delhi at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of profound artistic expression.
Dattajirao Gaekwad, Nation's Oldest Test Cricketer, Passes Away At the age of 95,
Dattajirao Gaekwad, celebrated for his contributions to Indian cricket, has passed away,
leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship and resilience.
Passing of Usha Kiran Khan: Renowned litterateur and Padma Shri awardee, celebrated for
her contribution to literature.
Tragic Loss of Kelvin Kiptum: World marathon record holder dies in a road accident, a
significant loss to the sports community.
Kavita Chaudhary Passes Away: Renowned for her role in "Udaan" and as "Lalitaji" in Surf
commercials, she leaves behind a legacy of inspiring work.
Chef Imtiaz Qureshi's Culinary Legacy: The Padma Shri awardee and proponent of the
dum pukht cooking technique passed away, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cuisine.

Miscellaneous Updates

Palace on Wheels' Spiritual Journey: The luxury train introduces a new route exploring
sacred cities in Uttar Pradesh.
SARAS Aajeevika Mela in J&K: Promotes rural women's empowerment by providing a
platform for their products and cultural exchange.