NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi released 19th installment of PM-KISAN scheme from Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur in Bihar.The Prime Minister installment was released to 9.8 crore beneficiary farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer. More than 22 thousand 700 crore rupees in assistance directly released to the bank accounts of beneficiaries of the scheme.The PM-KISAN scheme provides six thousand rupees annually to landholding farmers in three equal installments. Programmes will also be organized in 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country with nearly two and a half crore farmers joining the programme physically or virtually.
2. Datia becomes Madhya Pradesh’s 8th public airport: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Datia Airport a license as a public aerodrome, under the 3C/VFR category.With this approval, Datia Airport has become the 8th public airport in Madhya Pradesh, available for general public use.Before September 2024, there were only five airports licensed for public use in Madhya Pradesh which include Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, and Gwalior.Subsequently, on September 9, 2024, Rewa Airport received a 3C/IFR category license, and its inauguration was done by Prime Minister Modi on October 20, 2024. Later, on December 23, 2024, Satna Airport was granted a 2B/VFR category public aerodrome license.The newly licensed Datia Airport spans approximately 118 acres, having a runway of 1,810 meters long and 30 meters wide. The terminal building covers 768 square meters, with a passenger handling capacity of 100 per hour. The apron is designed to accommodate two ATR-72 aircraft.
3. RailTel Secures Rs 288 Cr Contract To Implement Kavach Anti-collision System: RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has won a Rs 288 crore contract to install the Kavach anti-collision system across 71 stations.The project will cover 502 route kilometers (RKM) under the Danapur and Sonpur divisions of East Central Railway. The implementation of Kavach, an advanced automatic train protection system, aims to enhance railway safety and improve operational efficiency.Kavach is a state-of-the-art train protection system designed to prevent collisions by automatically applying brakes if a train passes a signal at danger or if there is a risk of collision. RailTel has described this as one of its largest signalling projects, emphasising its role in strengthening railway safety infrastructure.
4. Govt extends Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi’s tenure as DCGI by one year: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved an extension of tenure for Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for a one-year term.Raghuvanshi, who took charge as DCGI on February 23, 2023, was initially set to superannuate on February 28 this year. In addition, he also holds the additional charge of secretary-cum-scientific director of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).The DCGI is the head of the country’s apex health regulatory body, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is responsible for the regulation, manufacturing, sales, export, and import of all medicines, vaccines, cosmetics, and medical devices in the country.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Telangana to host Miss World pageant in May 2025: The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant will be held in Telangana from May 7 to May 31. The opening and closing ceremonies, including the grand finale, are scheduled to take place in Hyderabad.Nandini Gupta to Represent India at 72nd Miss World in Telangana.The 71st Miss World was previously held in New Delhi and Mumbai.
2. Bisleri Signs MoU with Archaeological Survey of India to Revive Water Bodies at Heritage Sites Across India: Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has signed an MoU with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ to integrate heritage conservation with sustainable water management.As part of Bisleri’s CSR initiative ‘Nayi Umeed,’ the partnership will focus on the rejuvenation of four historic water bodies: Chand Baori (Abhaneri), Baori (Neemrana), Padma and Rani Talabs (Ranthambore Fort), and Budha Budhi Pond (Kalinjar Fort) through desilting, cleaning, ecological revival, and landscaping.The project will be implemented in phases to maintain the integrity of the sites, with the addition of informative signages to boost tourism and encourage local community participation.Bisleri is committed to creating a meaningful impact on society through sustainability-driven initiatives. This collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ is a testament to our dedication to both environmental stewardship and heritage conservation.
3. 23 February – World Peace and Understanding Day: World Peace and Understanding Day is observed every year on February 23, marks the anniversary of the Rotary Club’s founding in 1905, emphasizing its commitment to global peace and humanitarian service.The day highlights the importance of fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaboration among nations to resolve conflicts and build sustainable peace.
4. 24 February – Central Excise Day: Central Excise Day is celebrated annually on February 24 in India to honour the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and its role in tax administration.The day acknowledges the dedication and contributions of excise officers in preventing tax evasion and ensuring compliance with indirect tax laws.Central Excise Day promotes transparent and efficient tax collection, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and preventing illegal trade activities
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Kash Patel sworn in as 9th FBI director : Indian-origin Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), taking oath on the sacred Hindu text of Bhagavad Gita.Kash Patel is not the first Indian-American to have taken his oath of office on the Gita. Earlier, Congressman Suhash Subrahmanyam also took his oath on the Gita.Patel, a former Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor, was nominated to replace Christopher Wray as the FBI director in November.
2. HAL, DIAT forge partnership to boost aerospace research, innovation : Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s nodal training institute, HAL Management Academy (HMA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) to bridge the gap between industry and academia.The MoU with Pune-based DIAT, a prestigious institute under DRDO, aims to promote cutting-edge research in the aerospace sector and drive technological advancements.Under this partnership, HAL officials will have the opportunity to pursue master’s and PhD programs at DIAT, participate in specialized capsule modules on emerging technologies, and engage in faculty and student exchange programs.
SPORTS
1. Rohit Sharma becomes second fastest to complete 11,000 runs in ODI cricket: India captain Rohit Sharma has become the second fastest batter after compatriot Virat Kohli to complete 11,000 runs in One-day Internationals during their Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh here. Rohit is only the fourth Indian and 10th batter overall to reach the mark in the 50-over format.The seasoned opener reached the mark in his 270th game, and is the second fastest behind Kohli to cross 11,000 runs in terms of innings.Kohli had crossed the 11,000-run mark in 222 innings while Rohit has brought up that many runs in 261 innings. In this list, they are followed by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (276 innings), Ricky Ponting (286) and Sourav Ganguly (288).Rohit is now placed behind former India captain Ganguly (11,363 runs) in the list of overall highest run-scorers in ODI cricket, with Tendulkar cemented firmly at the top position with 18,246 runs in 463 matches.
2. Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has created history as he became the quickest batter to score 14,000 runs in One-Day Internationals during the ICC Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan in Dubai.Kohli is the quickest ever to the milestone, having completed his 14,000 ODI runs in 287 innings.Kohli is now only the third batter in ODI cricket to have scored 14,000 runs, after the legendary Indian Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli already holds the record for scoring the most ODI centuries (50).Earlier in the game against Pakistan, Kohli had gone past former captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s record of most catches by any Indian fielder when he took his 157th catch. Azharuddin had taken 156 catches for India between 1985 and 2000.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Microsoft introduces new gen AI model ‘Muse’ : Microsoft has introduced Muse, its first generative AI model for game ideation. Muse is a gen AI model of a video game “that can generate game visuals, controller actions, or both”.Before renaming it as Muse, Microsoft originally referred to the gen AI model as the World and Human Action Model (WHAM).Muse is developed by the Microsoft Research Game Intelligence and Teachable AI Experiences (Tai X) teams in collaboration with Xbox Games Studios’ Ninja Theory.Muse was developed around the idea of how innovations in AI capabilities can support creativity. The tech giant found the gaming industry to be the perfect use case for Muse.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Ex-SBI chairman Khara to head panel to implement amendment to insurance law: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a seven-member committee headed by former chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) Dinesh Khara to look into the proposed amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938 and suggest a framework for implementation of the same.The finance ministry has proposed to amend various provisions of the Act, including raising foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100 per cent, reduction in paid-up capital, and provision for composite licence, among others.The Insurance Act, 1938 provided a broad legal framework within which the industry operates. It also led to the establishment of Irdai as a regulator for the industry. It details the various types of insurance policies across life, general, and health insurance that can be offered in India.
2. IRDAI Launches Bima-ASBA : The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has launched a new payment mechanism called Bima-ASBA (Applications Supported by Blocked Amount).The initiative, which aims to streamline the payment process for life and health insurance policies, allows policyholders to block funds in their bank accounts for premium payments, ensuring smooth transactions without immediate debits.All insurers must implement Bima-ASBA by March 1, 2025. They are required to include a standard declaration in proposal forms. Insurers can collaborate with multiple banks to facilitate the blocking of funds. It is also essential that the one-time UPI mandate is valid for up to 14 days.
3. What is Bima-ASBA?: Bima-ASBA stands for Applications Supported by Blocked Amount. It allows policyholders to secure funds in their bank accounts while waiting for the insurer’s decision on their application. The funds remain available but are blocked from use until the insurer either accepts or rejects the proposal.The insurer requests the bank to block the premium amount. Upon customer consent, the bank blocks the funds. These funds stay in the account but cannot be accessed. If the insurer approves the application, the amount is debited. If rejected, the funds are released back to the customer.
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