National News

Vividdhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav Inauguration at Rashtrapati Bhavan

• President Smt. Droupadi Murmu initiated the ‘Vividdhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the cultural richness of Northeast India.
• This event, held from February 8th to 11th, 2024, was organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Ministry of Culture.
• It featured over 320 stalls exhibiting unique handicrafts, handlooms, and agricultural products from eight Northeastern states.
• Additionally, the GI Pavilion showcased more than 25 textile, craft, and agricultural GI products, celebrating the region’s diversity.

State News

Tamil Nadu MSME Minister Unveils ‘Smart Cards’ to Aid Startups

• The Tamil Nadu MSME Minister introduced two pivotal initiatives: the Smartcard scheme and the StartUp Challenge website, emphasizing the government’s dedication to supporting startups and fostering innovation within the state.
• The Smartcard scheme, a central aspect of this initiative, aims to provide startups with essential support services at discounted rates.
• It seeks to assist startups in accessing crucial resources necessary for their growth and operations, including human resources, legal advice, IT infrastructure, media, and publicity.
• Furthermore, the event showcased the introduction of over 20 startups across diverse sectors such as artificial intelligence, media, and software technology through the Launch Pad event.

Uttar Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Initiative Targets 1 Million Tonne Capacity and 1.2 Lakh Jobs

• Uttar Pradesh has set its sights on transforming its energy sector by establishing a one million tonne per annum (mtpa) green hydrogen production capacity, which is expected to generate approximately 120,000 jobs.
• During the UP Global Investors Summit in February 2023, the state secured investment proposals worth Rs 2.73 trillion from 20 companies.
• To attract investment in green hydrogen infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is formulating a comprehensive policy that offers incentives on capital outlay, land acquisition, and power transmission.

Telangana to Establish AI Hub, Make Internet a Basic Right

• Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan made significant announcements outlining the state government’s ambitious agenda for digital inclusion and technological advancement.
• With a focus on ensuring universal access to the internet and positioning Hyderabad and Telangana as the nation’s AI capital, Governor Soundararajan's vision sets a bold precedent for the state’s future development.
• Additionally, her commitment to making the internet a basic right for all citizens of Telangana underscores her dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering every individual with the tools for success in the digital era.

New Delhi Book Fair 2024: Feb 10-18, 2024

• The New Delhi Book Fair, organized by the National Book Trust in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), is scheduled to captivate visitors at Pragati Maidan from February 10 to 18, 2024.
• This year’s theme, “Multilingual India: A Living Tradition,” promises a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.
• Saudi Arabia takes center stage as the Guest of Honor, showcasing its rich literary heritage. With 25 delegates from the Kingdom participating, the fair becomes a platform for strengthening bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Sikkim Becomes First Northeast State To Reinstate Old Pension Scheme For Employees

• Sikkim, a state nestled in the Northeast of India, recently made headlines by becoming the first in the region to reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for its government employees.
• Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang made this announcement during the State Level Temporary Employees’ Convention.
• This move is set to benefit employees hired on or after April 1, 2006, under the Sikkim Services Pension Rules, 1990.
• The revival of OPS is a significant step towards ensuring the financial security of state government employees, especially with the forthcoming state assembly elections on the horizon.

Defence News

Embraer, Mahindra Partner On C-390 Millennium Medium Transport Aircraft In India

• Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace giant, and Mahindra have joined hands in a strategic partnership to cater to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) need for the C-390 multi-mission transport aircraft.
• With the IAF looking to replace its aging AN32 fleet, this collaboration aligns with India’s defense modernization efforts, particularly under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The procurement of 40 to 80 medium transport aircraft by the Indian Air Force underscores the necessity for modernization and operational efficiency.
• Embraer Defence and Security’s C-390 Millennium stands as one of the top contenders for this procurement project, highlighting the importance of advanced aerospace technology in meeting defense requirements.

Economy News

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Reach One-Month High To $622.47 Billion

• India's foreign exchange reserves have seen a significant surge, reaching a one-month high of $622.47 billion as of February 2, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• This marks the second consecutive week of increase, with reserves climbing by $5.74 billion during the reporting period, the largest rise in nearly two months.
• The Reserve Bank of India plays an active role in mitigating excessive volatility in the rupee's value by intervening in the foreign exchange market, which significantly influences changes in the foreign exchange reserves.

Important Days News

International Day Of Women And Girls In Science 2024

• February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS), a day celebrated globally to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• The theme for this year, “Closing the Gender Gap in Science: Accelerating Action,” emphasizes the urgent need to address barriers hindering women and girls from pursuing and excelling in STEM careers.

2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai

• The 2024 World Governments Summit, scheduled to take place in Dubai from February 12-14, has named India, Türkiye, and Qatar as guests of honor.
• Themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ the summit aims to facilitate discussions among government and state heads from over 25 countries worldwide.
• President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani are set to lead their respective delegations.
• These nations will showcase their successful government experiences and best developmental practices during the summit.

Awards News

Neeraj Chopra Honoured At Jungfrau’s Ice Palace In Switzerland

• Neeraj Chopra, India’s celebrated Olympic gold medalist and world champion javelin thrower, was recently honored with a commemorative plaque at the iconic Ice Palace in Jungfraujoch, Switzerland.
• This recognition highlights Chopra's extraordinary journey from a humble village in Haryana to global sporting prominence.
• The plaque, nestled within the glacier-carved Ice Palace, serves as a testament to Chopra's dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring millions worldwide.

Agreements News

ADB And Government Of India Sign $200 Million Loan For Brahmaputra River Project

• In a bid to address the persistent challenges of flooding and erosion along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan.
• This project, aiming to enhance flood and riverbank erosion risk management, adopts a holistic approach, emphasizing long-term planning and intensifying support for climate and disaster resilience.
• The agreement between ADB and the Government of India signifies a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of natural disasters in the region.

Appointments News

Ajay Kumar Choudhary Appointed Non-Executive Chairman Of NPCI

• Ajay Kumar Choudhary, a distinguished central banker with over three decades of experience at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the new non-executive chairman and independent director of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• NPCI, playing a pivotal role in managing retail payments and settlement systems in India, welcomes Mr. Choudhary's wealth of expertise to drive growth and innovation.
• His appointment marks a significant milestone in NPCI's journey towards enhancing digital payment infrastructure in the country.

IRS Officer Narendra Kumar Yadav Leads The “Fit India” Movement As Brand Ambassador

• Narendra Kumar Yadav, an IRS officer renowned for his commitment to public service, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Fit India Movement.
• His appointment reflects the movement's dedication to promoting holistic wellness practices and fostering a culture of fitness across India.
• As a fervent advocate for health and fitness, Yadav's appointment aims to inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritize physical well-being.

Sports News

NADA’s “Road To Paris 2024” Conference: Promoting Clean Sports And Anti-Doping Unity

• The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) recently hosted the "Road to Paris 2024: Championing Clean Sports and Uniting for Anti-Doping" Conference, gearing up for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
• This conference underscores NADA's commitment to promoting clean sports and educating athletes about the perils of prohibited substances.
• With the unveiling of "The Paris Pinnacle: NADA's Guide to Ethical Sporting," Indian athletes are equipped with comprehensive resources to compete ethically and uphold fair play principles at the pinnacle of sporting events.

Etihad Airways Takes Flight As Official Sponsor Of CSK

• Etihad Airways embarks on a thrilling partnership as the official sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), injecting new excitement into the world of cricket.
• This strategic collaboration promises to elevate the cricketing experience for fans worldwide, uniting two entities committed to excellence and cultural connectivity.
• Etihad Airways' global prominence in the aviation industry aligns seamlessly with CSK's legacy of cricketing excellence, heralding a new era of sports sponsorship.

Pathum Nissanka Smashes Sri Lankan Records With Historic Double Century

• Pathum Nissanka made history in Sri Lankan cricket by achieving a historic double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs), a first for the nation.
• His remarkable unbeaten knock of 210 runs against Afghanistan shattered records and propelled Sri Lanka to victory.
• Nissanka's achievement, surpassing previous records set by cricketing legends, underscores his prowess and potential in the sport, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lankan cricket history.