Daily GK Update- 22nd Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. LAccMI bus service covers all 30 districts Of Odisha: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched the LAccMI Bus Service in Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Nuapada and Boudh districts through video conferencing. 255 buses were launched in 1,057 panchayats of 5 districts benefitting more than 71 lakh people. A total of 1,354 buses have started running in 30 districts benefitting 3.64 crore people of 6,031 panchayats. It is worth noting that a total of 1,745 LAccMI buses will run in all the panchayats of the state.

 

2. PhonePe sets up app store for Android: Walmart's PhonePe is launching Indus Appstore to compete with tech giants Google and Apple. Indus Appstore focuses on localization, personalization, and freedom for developers. It will partner with OEMs for distribution and offer advertising solutions and a la carte cataloguing and payment services. Aims to attract developers for growth amidst tussle over Play Store policies and commission fees.

 

3. Centre decides to continue Women's safety scheme till 2025-26: The Union Government has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the continuation of the implementation of the Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of around one thousand 180 crore rupees during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26 Women's help desks and 827 antihuman trafficking units have been set up at 13,557 police stations across the country so far and women's help desks will also be established in the remaining 3,329  police stations

 

4. AYUSH & Tribal Affairs Ministries launch Joint Initiative for Health: The Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Tribal Affairs announced a Joint Initiative on Public Health of Tribal Students. The joint National Level Project of Health Screening and Management through Ayurvedic Interventions will benefit over 20 thousand Tribal Students. The Ministry of Ayush through its research council CCRAS has taken this health Initiative for Tribal Students with the joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ICMR-NIRTH Jabalpur.

 

5. Modi govt approves hike in sugarcane FRP by Rs 25 to Rs 340 per quintal: The government decided to hike the minimum price that mills have to pay to sugarcane growers by Rs 25 to Rs 340 per quintal for the 2024-25 season, effect from October 1, 2024. In terms of quantum, this is the second time that the Modi government has increased the FRP by Rs 25 per quintal in one go.

The FRP has been determined on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

 

6. India's Largest Tribal Festival Medaram Jatara Kicks Off In Telangana: Telangana government organised Sammakka Saralamma Jathara (also known as Medaram Jathara) in Medaram village, Mulugu district. Around one core pilgrims are expected to visit Medaram during the four days festival, which is conducted once in two years. The prominent event of the festival is the procession where the idols of the goddesses are taken out in a grand procession. The Jathara festival is scheduled to take place from February 21 to February 24 this year.

 

7. PM Modi Inaugurates IIT Hyderabad Campus: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation two central institutions in Telangana and five in Andhra Pradesh. The list includes the Campus Development Project of Indian Institute of Technology and Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad. The Indian Institute of Management in Visakhapatnam, the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (both in Tirupati), the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing in Kurnool and the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City, reports Amisha Rajani.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Greece Aim to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030: India and Greece have agreed to double their bilateral trade by the year 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held bilateral and delegation level talks in New Delhi. During the meeting, both the countries deliberated on range of issues and expressed their commitment to enhance cooperation in the field of space, pharma, shipping, communication, defence, agriculture and maritime, and air connectivity.

 

2. Bangladesh observes Language Day- Amar Ekushey: Bangladesh is observing the historic Language Day named ‘Amar Ekushey’, paying tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives during the language movement in 1952 demanding Bangla as the official language for then East Pakistan. Scores of students were killed on this day in 1952 when Pakistani forces fired upon them during the protest leading to widespread civil unrest. The day is also observed as International Mother Language Day.

 

3. Mansukh Mandaviya launches WHO's Global Initiative on Digital Health: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya virtually addressed the public launch event of the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH). The GIDH is a WHO managed network which was unanimously adopted by all G20 countries, invited countries and international organizations. India's collaboration with the WHO on the GIDH is a testament of our shared commitment towards transforming the digital health ecosystem.

 

4. Finance Minister chairs 28th meeting of Financial Stability and Development: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 28th Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in New Delhi. Issues related to formulation of strategy for implementing the decisions of the FSDC and the Union Budget announcements were discussed in the meeting. These include prescribing uniform KYC norms, inter-usability of KYC records across the financial sector, and simplification and digitalization of the KYC process.

5. World Thinking Day 2024: February 22: Every year, World Thinking Day is celebrated on February 22. World Thinking Day helps in raising funds for empowerment and development of around 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world. The theme of this year's World Thinking Day is - Our World, Our Thriving Future.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 19,000 cr mega Indian Navy deal: The Union Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on its warships. The deal, worth around Rs 19,000 crore, was cleared. The BrahMos is the main weapon for anti-ship and attack operations for Indian Navy warships, which have been regularly firing the weapon system. BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India and Russia, produces supersonic cruise missiles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt. allows 100% FDI in space sector: The Centre has approved an amendment in the Foreign Direct Investment, FDI policy, allowing 100% foreign investment in the space sector. The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed to attract potential investors to invest in Indian companies in space. FDI up to 100% under the Automatic route will be allowed for the manufacturing of components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segments, and user segments.

 

2. PayPal registers with FIU of India under anti-money laundering law: American payments gateway service provider PayPal has registered its operations with the Financial Intelligence Unit of India, about six years after a protracted legal battle ensued between the two entities. It has completed the formal procedure of being designated as a reporting entity under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) recently and submitted documents to FIU.

 

3. RBI grants payment aggregator licence to Mswipe Technologies: Merchant-led digital payments provider Mswipe Technologies said it has been granted a payment aggregator (PA) licence by the Reserve Bank of India. The company had received an in-principle nod from the central bank to operate as a payment aggregator in August 2022. PA is provided under Section 7 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Till February 2024, 16 entities had received payment aggregator licences from the RBI. Among them are merchant payment solutions providers Juspay and Razorpay, fintech Stripe, search behemoth Google, neo-bank Open, software major Zoho and food-delivery company Zomato.

Daily GK Update- 21st Feb, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ICRISAT announces World’s first Pigeon Pea speed breeding protocol: The Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has come up with an innovation in Pigeonpea breeding and announced the World’s first Pigeon pea speed breeding protocol. The new convention promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new Pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, effectively bringing food to dryland communities faster.

 

2. Centre clarifies, ban on export of onions to continue till 31st of March: Centre has clarified that the ban on onion export will continue till 31st March. Earlier, the export of onion was put under prohibition from 8th December last year till 31st March this year to ensure availability of onion to the domestic consumers at affordable prices. Government took the decision taking into account delay in Kharif arrival. The quantity of onion exported and global situation such as trade and non-trade restrictions imposed by major suppliers.

 

3. PM Modi to inaugurate 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 9th edition of the RAISINA Dialogue in Delhi. Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will join the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, and deliver the keynote address.  The theme of this edition is "Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create”. The three-day Raisina Dialogue will witness the participation of representatives from over 100 countries.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Mother Language Day 2024: February 21: Every year, International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21. The genesis of International Mother Language Day traces back not to India, but to Bangladesh, highlighting a pivotal movement in the history of linguistic rights. The theme for this year's International Mother Language Day is - Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning.

 

2. Relics of Lord Buddha from National Museum in New Delhi to be Displayed: Relics of Lord Buddha presently kept in the National Museum in New Delhi will be taken to Thailand. They will be displayed in four cities including Bangkok and Krabi. The relics are being taken in a special IAF aircraft with an adequate number of security personnel. This is for the first time that the revered relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, will be showcased together.

 

3. Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance: India has welcomed Malta as the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance. Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry, Malta, Christopher Cutajar signed the ISA Framework Agreement in the presence of Head of Depository and Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), Abhishek Singh in New Delhi. The International Solar Alliance is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries.

 

4. Japan Commits 232.2 Billion Yen for Nine Development Projects in India: The Government of Japan has committed an Official Development Assistance loan of an amount of about 232.2 billion Japanese Yen for nine projects in various sectors in India. The road network connectivity projects aim to improve infrastructure development in India’s North East region, while the Chennai peripheral ring road project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and strengthen connections to the southern part of the state.

 

5. Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment - SIDE 2024 organised in Dhaka: The High Commission of India in Bangladesh hosted a Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment - SIDE 2024 in Dhaka. The High Commissioner described SIDE 2024 as a reflection of Indian defence industry’s interest in partnering with Bangladesh and to taking India-Bangladesh defence cooperation forward to the next level, including by utilizing the Defence Line of Credit of US$500 million extended by Government of India to Government of Bangladesh.

 

6. Henley Passport Index for 2024: India at 85th; topped by France: The Henley Passport Index for 2024 has been released, with France securing the top spot, while India’s passport ranking has slipped one place from last year, moving from 84th to 85th position. The Henley Passport Index ranks nations based on the strength of their passports. In 2024, France leads the list, with its passport granting visa-free access to 194 countries. Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain are also among the top-ranked countries alongside France.

 

7. 21 February – International Mother Language Day: International Mother Language Day is observed globally every year on February 21. Objective – To recognize and promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Theme 2024 – Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning According to UNESCO, the idea to celebrate this day was the initiative of Bangladesh and was approved in 1999 at UNESCO General Conference.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Upendra Dwivedi assumes charge as VC of Army Staff: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Prior to this appointment, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command based at Udhampur from 2022 to 2024. He replaces LG MV Suchindra Kumar who moved on to take charge of Udhampur based Northern Command. He will be the senior-most officer in the Army when Army Chief Lt. Gen. Manoj Pande retires from service in May and is in line for the top post based on seniority.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 22: The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (17th edition) is set to begin on March 22. League chairman ArunDhumal said that only the schedule of the first 15 days will be announced at first. The roster for the remaining games will be decided after the announcement of the general election dates. The entire tournament will be held in India. As is the norm, the IPL opener will be played between the last year's finalists and runners-up Gujarat Titans.

 

2. Manoj Tiwary announces retirement from all forms of cricket: India and Bengal batter Manoj Tiwary has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. Tiwary played 148 First-Class matches and gathered 10,195 runs at an average of 47.86, with a career-best 303 not out and 30 centuries. He scored 5,581 runs in List-A matches and 3,436 runs in T20s. Tiwary played for India in 12 ODIs, scoring 287 runs, including a knock of 104 not out against West Indies in Chennai in 2011. He also featured in three T20Is.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mitsubishi Corp to acquire 32% stake in TVS Vehicle Mobility: TVS Mobility and Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation has announced a strategic partnership under which the latter will pick up a 32 per cent stake in a newly-formed subsidiary of the Chennai-based group for Rs 300 crore. With this, the dealership business of TVS Mobility will transform into the newly-formed subsidiary TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution (TVS VMS) — offering a complete portfolio of services to its customers. TVS Mobility holds dealerships of major companies like Ashok Leyland, Honda, Mahindra and Renault, among others. These are mainly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.

 

2. IEPFA and DBS Bank signs MoU to spread awareness on investment and fraudulent schemes: Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and Singapore-headquartered DBS Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to spread awareness on investment and fraudulent schemes. Under the MoU, DBS Bank aims to support IEPFA’s investor awareness activities by disseminating safety messages via its various digital platforms. Leveraging DBS Bank’s extensive network of branches and ATMs in 19 States, as well as its digital infrastructure, will significantly increase the reach of IEPFA’s investor awareness and protection messages to end users.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024: The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 was held in Mumbai.

·       Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan)

·       Best Actress: Nayanthara (Jawan)

·       Best Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Animal)

Jawan hit the theatres last year in September and minted over ₹1000 crore at the worldwide box office.

 

2. Shashi Tharoor conferred France’s highest civilian honour: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was conferred France’s highest civilian honour, the Chevalier de la Legion d’ Honneur France, at an intimate ceremony in the French embassy in the national capital. Mr. Tharoor was awarded the honour in August 2022, but formal conferring took place yesterday. French democracy” as the land where “the people” first replaced “the king” as the nucleus of the nation.

 

3. REC Ltd receives ‘Innovative Technology Development Award’: REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been honoured with the ‘Innovative Technology Development Award’ at the ‘Building India 2047: Technology for Better Tomorrow’, an IIT Madras Corporate Social Responsibility Summit. The award has been conferred in recognition of REC’s CSR initiative of installation of 2 MW rooftop solar plant at IIT Madras. The solar plant generates around 3.15 million units of clean energy every year, thus helping IIT Madras reduce its carbon footprint.

Daily GK Update- 20th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. KVS Manian new joint managing director in Kotak Mahindra bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank re-designating whole-time director KVS Manian as the joint managing director effective 1 March. Manian, an alumnus of the Indian Institutes of Technology (BHU) - Varanasi, with a degree in electrical engineering and a postgraduate in financial management. Ekambaram, who has over 30 years of service at Kotak, holds a commerce degree, is a chartered accountant, and a Cost and Works Accountant.

 

2. Women participation in country's labour force rises to 37% from 23%: Labour and Employment Secretary, Arti Ahuja has said that the participation of women in the labour force in the country has increased from 23 percent to 37 percent. She added that as the country’s population is growing, India needs to appreciate fifty percent of the talented, motivated and hardworking female workforce. Female labour force participation rate can be defined as percentage women employed with respect to labour force of the country.

 

3. Statehood Day of Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh: 20 Feb 2024: The Northern States Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have celebrated their Foundation Day on February 20 since 1987. Mizoram State took place on 20th February, 1987,as India’s 23rd state. Arunachal Pradesh, a land of natural wonders and cultural heritage, became a full-fledged state on February 20, 1987.

Until 1972, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).

 

4. Government approves fifty more Amrit Bharat Trains: Fifty more Amrit Bharat Trains have been approved by the Government.  Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that after the huge success of Amrit Bharat Train, another 50 trains have been approved. The Amrit Bharat train is an LHB push-pull train with non-air-conditioned coaches. It provides improved facilities for rail passengers like beautiful and attractive designed seats, better luggage racks with suitable mobile holders, among others.

 

5. Maharashtra Cabinet approves draft bill to extend 10% reservation to Marath: The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing a 10%reservation for the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment. This proposed reservation surpasses the 50 percent cap, an extension justified by a report submitted to the state government by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), led by Chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre.

 

6. 20 February – Mizoram Foundation Day: Mizoram Foundation Day is celebrated every year on February 20 to honour the northeastern state’s accomplishment of statehood in 1987. It was on this day that the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council was raised to the status of a complete state, turning into the 23rd state of India. February 20 denotes the Statehood Day of both Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Settled in the remote northeast of India, Mizoram remains as the region’s southernmost landlocked state. Thick forests, covering more than three-fourths of its territory, murmur stories of important timber and one-of-a-kind biodiversity.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India contributes 1 million USD to Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund: India has contributed 1 million US Dollars to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund established by India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over the cheque to the Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) Dima Al-Khatib. The IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) was established jointly by grouping in March 2004 and it became operational in 2006.

 

2. PM of Greece to arrive in New Delhi on a four-day State visit to India: Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis will arrive in New Delhi tonight on a four-day State visit to India. He will be accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation. This will be the first bilateral Head of State or Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years. He will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.

 

3. INDUS-X Summit to boost India-U.S. defence cooperation: The India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem summit, INDUS-X, began in New Delhi. The two-day aims to enhance strategic technology partnerships and defence cooperation between the two nations. The summit will bring together stakeholders from both countries to explore and leverage emerging opportunities in defence innovation. The event will also recognize winners of the Joint INDUS X challenge under the IMPACT program.

 

4. World Day of Social Justice 2024:20th Feb 2024: Every year on 20 February the World Day of Social Justice is observed worldwide.  As grave injustices and widespread labour insecurity threaten social issues, the day stresses the need to build fairer and more equitable societies. The theme of World Day of Social Justice 2024 is "Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances".

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. North Korea launched new surface-to-sea missiles: North Korea test-launched the new surface-to-sea missiles, “Padasuri-6”. The missile hit a target after launch over waters in the East Sea for around 1400 seconds, or 23 minutes and 20 seconds. The missile seems to be designed to counter the naval capabilities of South Korea and the United States, such as U.S. aircraft carriers.

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anush Agarwalla secures country's maiden Paris Olympics quota in dressage: Asian Games medallist Anush Agarwalla has secured the first-ever Paris Olympics quota in dressage discipline for the country. He obtained the Paris 2024 quota for the country based on his performance in four FEI events.  Agarwalla had clinched India’s first individual bronze at the Asian Games in dressage last year. In dressage competitions, the horse and rider perform a series of pre-determined movements in an arena of 20 metres to 60 metres.

 

2. MI Emirates wins ILT20 title by defeating Dubai Capitals: MI Emirates has won the title of the 2nd edition of UAE International League T20 (ILT20). MI Emirates secured the title by defeating Dubai Capitals by 45 runs in the final match at Dubai International Stadium MI team posted a total of 208 runs for the loss of 3 wickets,Dubai Capitals team could score only 163 runs at the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. ILT20 is a franchise-based T20 league organized by the Emirates Cricket Board, featuring six participating franchises.

 

3. MS Dhoni Named Captain of IPL’s Greatest All-Time Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni was picked as the captain to lead the all-time greatest IPL side. The 15-member squad was selected by a panel of experts, including former legends Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, and Tom Moody, along with 70 other journalists. The top order consisted of Australian batter David Warner, Indian superstar Virat Kohli, and West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle. While Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history with 7,263 runs, Warner is third and first among overseas batters with 6,397 runs.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NASA, Japan to launch world’s 1st wooden satellite soon: Japan and the US are planning to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, the LingnoSat, into space in 2024. This unusual spacecraft is made up of Magnolia wood which, during the experiments, was found to be particularly stable and resistant to cracking. The wooden satellite was created by Japanese scientists and now the US has become a part of their mission as they finalized the satellite to be launched on a US rocket. The researchers at Kyoto University in collaboration with the logging company Sumitomo Forestry built the timber satellite. They came up with the idea of using an alternative to metal, which are biodegradable material.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bandhan Bank authorized to collected revenues of West Bengal govt: Private lender Bandhan Bank has been authorized by the West Bengal government to collect tax and non-tax receipts on its behalf. The mandate will enable the bank to collect revenues through the Government Receipt Portal System (GRIPS). By virtue of this mandate, people will be able to pay various taxes like property tax, motor vehicle tax and professional tax using this portal.

Daily GK Update- 19th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arunachal Pradesh achieves 100% coverage under Har Ghar Jal: Arunachal Pradesh has achieved 100 percent saturation in ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme under the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).The state has become the first in the northeast and tenth in the country to achieve a cent per cent saturation under the central government sponsored scheme. The Centre’s share for the scheme in the state was ₹ 3,965.41 crore, while the state contributed ₹ 455.51 crore to complete the project, ensuring every household gets clean and safe piped water.

 

2. UP emerges as top state in total vehicle sales, Maharashtra 2nd: SIAM: Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of vehicle sales in October-December 2023, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. As per data from SIAM, Uttar Pradesh clocked a total sale of 8,22,472 units across passenger and commercial vehicles; and two and three-wheeler categories. In two-wheeler category, Uttar Pradesh topped the list followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

 

3. Karnataka boasts highest number of EV charging stations in India: BEE: Karnataka tops the country in terms of public electric vehicle charging stations with 5,059, according to statistics from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union Ministry of Power. Bengaluru Urban District has the most public charging stations with 4,281, which constitutes 85% of the charging infrastructure in the State. In 2017, Karnataka became the pioneer in India by introducing the first electric vehicle (EV) policy. At present, it leads in the number of public charging stations, with Maharashtra (3,079), Delhi (1,886), Kerala (958), Tamil Nadu (643), Uttar Pradesh (583), and Rajasthan (500) following suit.

 

4. Pradeep Kumar Sinha to take over as Non-Executive Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank: Former Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha will take over as Non-Executive Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank after G. C. Chaturvedi’s term ends on 30 June 2024. The Bank’s Board, has approved the appointment of Sinha as an Additional (Independent) Director for a period of five years, with immediate effect subject to the approval of shareholders. Sinha joined the Indian Administrative Service (Uttar Pradesh in 1977).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Colombia sign MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions: India and Colombia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.

It was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Information Technologies and Communications of Colombia. These infrastructures constitute a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable. They can be built on open standards to deliver and provide equitable access to public and private services.

 

2. 17 February – World Human Spirit Day: World Human Spirit Day is observed on 17 February each year. It is a day to reflect on the human spirit and reconnect with our sense of awe and purpose.

The holiday was first established in 2003 by Michael Levy, and it is now more commonly associated with meditation and mindfulness as a way to induce relaxation and reconnect with our true selves.

 

3. 18 February 2024 – World Whale Day 2024: World Whale Day is observed every year on the third Sunday of February. This year, the day falls on February 18. This day seeks to appreciate these aquatic creatures that are an important part of the ecosystem. It also goes beyond that and draws attention to the man-made challenges that have erupted making marine life difficult. Whales are not just marvels of the natural world; they are essential players in the Earth’s environmental health. Their contribution to carbon capture is immense, with the International Monetary Fund valuing their ecosystem service at $1 trillion. Furthermore, whales bolster phytoplankton growth, which is crucial for oxygen production and carbon dioxide capture, thereby playing a vital role in combating climate change and maintaining marine biodiversity.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC bans UK cricketer Rizwan Javed for over 17.5 years for Match-Fixing: A UK club cricketer, Rizwan Javed received a 17.5 years ban from all cricket due to his participation in match-fixing attempts during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League. Authorities enforced the ban on September 19, 2023, as Javed failed to address charges related to his involvement in the league.

Javed was among eight players and officials charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in September last year. Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain received charges and is currently serving a two-year ban.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISRO launched INSAT-3DS Satellite from Sriharikota: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS with the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. This will help in enhancing the weather forecast. This was ISRO’s second success in the current calendar after the launch of XPoSAT from Sriharikota on January 1 in PSLV’s 60th flight. The GSLV-F14 – blasted from the second launch pad – was the 16th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI launches digital enrolment for PMJJBY and PMSBY Schemes: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a self-subscribing journey for enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) schemes for its customers.

The facility will provide impetus to the Indian Government’s drive of covering all eligible citizens under PMJJBY & PMSBY schemes. The functionality enables customers to enrol under the schemes as per their convenience without visiting the branch or Customer Service Point. The customer needs to key in the account number, date of birth on Jan Suraksha portal and to select the Bank. The Certificate of Insurance is generated instantly on payment of premium.

 

2. IRDAI reconstitutes expert committee for Ind AS/IFRS implementation: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced the reconstitution of the Expert Committee on the implementation of Ind AS/IFRS. The 13-member committee, which will be headed by the Member (Finance and Investment) F&I of IRDAI, will also include the Chairman of the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) of ICAI, the President of the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI), the CGM & HOD of IRDAI’s Actuarial Department, among others. The committee will work on steps that may be taken towards the effective implementation of the Indian Accounting Standards, along with giving phase-wise time-lines.

 

3. Paytm shifts nodal account to Axis Bank for seamless transactions: Fintech firm One97 Communications — owner of the brand Paytm — has shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank from Paytm Payments Bank. The move will allow continuity of Paytm QR, Soundbox, and card machine after the March 15 set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as per a regulatory filing. The company has also shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank (by opening an escrow account) to continue seamless merchant settlements as before. This arrangement is expected to seamlessly replace the nodal account that OCL was using with Paytm Payments Bank.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Awarded Prestigious Jnanpith Award 2023: Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award 2023. Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, 89, is celebrated for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era. Rambhadracharya, 74, the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts, including four epics. Gulzar received Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.