National News

PM Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs. 7300 Crores In Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

• In a significant step towards fostering development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several development projects worth approximately Rs. 7300 crores in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on uplifting the tribal population.
• These projects span various sectors, including water supply, education, and road infrastructure.
• Additionally, under the Aahar Anudan Yojna, the Prime Minister disbursed monthly instalments to around 2 lakh women beneficiaries from backward tribes, providing Rs. 1500 per month for nutritious food, thus aiming to improve the well-being of marginalized communities.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Fourth Terminal At Cherlapally

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the fourth terminal at Cherlapally, Telangana, towards the end of the month or in the first week of March.
• The ongoing redevelopment of Secunderabad railway station, costing approximately ₹700 crore, was highlighted by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
• Once completed, the modern station aims to resemble an airport, offering segregated arrivals and departures, food courts, passenger lounges, disabled-friendly facilities, and eco-friendly structures.

International News

Former PM Alexander Stubb Wins Finland Presidential Election

• Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb emerged victorious in Finland's presidential runoff against ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
• Stubb's win places him in charge of navigating Finland’s foreign and security policies, a role of heightened importance following Finland's recent NATO membership in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Stubb, representing the National Coalition Party, secured 51.6% of the votes, while independent candidate Haavisto received 48.4%.

State News

Sangeet Natak Akademi To Establish Cultural Center In Hyderabad

• The Ministry of Culture took a significant step towards cultural enrichment with the inauguration of the Regional Centre of Sangeet Natak Akademi in Hyderabad, known as the Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra.
• Envisioned as a premier cultural space, the Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra will serve as a hub for the promotion and preservation of various art forms, including music, folk and tribal arts, theater, and puppetry.
• It will stand as a beacon for the advancement of South India’s rich artistic legacy, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, a stalwart in music and the freedom movement.

Defence News

Underwater Harbour Defence And Surveillance System Inaugurated In Andaman And Nicobar Command

• In a significant move aimed at bolstering India’s maritime security and operational capabilities, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R.
• Hari Kumar recently concluded a pivotal visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only operational tri-service command. His visit from February 6 to 9, 2024, underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its strategic posture and surveillance capabilities in the crucial maritime region.
• A highlight of Admiral Kumar’s visit was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh.
• This advanced radar system is a game-changer for naval aviation, providing highly accurate horizontal and vertical guidance to aircraft, particularly under low visibility conditions such as heavy rain and fog.

Economy News

EPFO Raises Interest Rate On PF Deposits To 8.25%, A Three Year High

• During a recent Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) made a significant decision to increase the EPF interest rate to 8.25% for the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a three-year high.
• This decision comes after a series of adjustments in the interest rate over the past years. Notably, in March 2023, the interest rate on EPF saw a marginal increase to 8.15% for the fiscal year 2022-23, up from 8.10% in the previous fiscal year.
• However, in March 2022, the EPFO had lowered the interest rate on EPF to 8.1%, the lowest in over four decades, for the fiscal year 2021-22, down from 8.5% in 2020-21. The interest rate on EPF for the fiscal year 2020-21 was set at 8.5% by the CBT in March 2021.

Business News

Launch Of UPI And RuPay Card In Sri Lanka And Mauritius

• India's flagship instant payment system, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), along with RuPay card services, is scheduled to be launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius on February 12.
• This launch signifies a significant expansion of digital payment services beyond India's borders. UPI services will offer seamless digital transactions for Indian nationals visiting these countries and Mauritian nationals traveling to India.
• Additionally, RuPay card services will be introduced in Mauritius, allowing Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Important Days News

International Day For The Prevention Of Violent Extremism As And When Conducive To Terrorism 2024

• February 12th marks the observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism (PVE Day).
• This annual event serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the dangers of violent extremism and foster international cooperation in combating this multifaceted challenge.
• The theme for this year, "Living Together: Fostering Community Resilience to Prevent Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism," underscores the collective responsibility to build inclusive and resilient societies where violent extremism finds no fertile ground.

200th Birth Anniversary Of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

• In a momentous commemoration of the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Prime Minister Modi delivered a profound address via video message at the birthplace of the revered Swami, Tankara in Morbi, Gujarat.
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati, born Mool Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, left an indelible mark on Indian society through his advocacy for religious reform, education, and social justice.
• His legacy, from the founding of the Arya Samaj to his relentless promotion of Vedic principles, continues to inspire generations and shape the ethos of modern India.

World Radio Day 2024

• Every year on February 13th, the world comes together to celebrate World Radio Day, highlighting the enduring significance of radio as a medium of communication.
• Recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this day serves as an opportunity to reflect on radio's enduring virtues and its continued relevance in an increasingly digital world.
• The theme for World Radio Day 2024, "Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating," pays homage to the historical evolution of radio and its profound impact on society across the globe.

World Unani Day 2024

• World Unani Day is commemorated annually on February 11th to honor the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a revered figure in Unani medicine.
• His contributions to this ancient healthcare system, which originated in Greece and flourished in the Middle East and South Asia, are celebrated on this day.
• World Unani Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the Unani system's relevance in contemporary healthcare, emphasizing its potential to promote health, wellness, and sustainable medical solutions globally.

Ranks & Reports News

NITI Aayog’s Economic Transformation Plans For Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, And Vizag

• NITI Aayog, under the leadership of CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, is driving an ambitious economic transformation initiative in four pivotal cities - Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, and Vizag.
• This strategic effort aims to propel India towards achieving developed economy status by 2047. NITI Aayog has meticulously crafted comprehensive economic plans for these cities, focusing on revitalizing their economic landscapes.
• A vision document is in progress, envisioning India's economic prosperity with a targeted GDP of USD 30 trillion by 2047. Prime Minister Modi is poised to unveil this document, outlining the roadmap towards economic advancement.

Schemes News

SWATI Portal Launched To Empower Women In STEMM

• The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) recently launched the "Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)" Portal, hosted in New Delhi.
• Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, highlighted the portal's significance in addressing gender inequality challenges within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields.
• By centralizing information on women and girls in STEMM, the SWATI Portal aims to bridge the gender gap and foster inclusivity in science and technology.
• Its features include an interactive database covering various categories such as icons, faculty members, research fellows, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in alternate careers.

Government To Include ASHA And Anganwadi Workers/Helpers In Ayushman Bharat Scheme

• The government is set to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers/helpers.
• This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the AB-PMJAY scheme by providing free health coverage to these essential healthcare workers.
• The Health Ministry has received Aadhaar details of over 23 lakh anganwadi workers/helpers and more than 3 lakh ASHA workers.
• Health Secretary Apurva Chandra aims to have their cards ready by March 1st, facilitating their inclusion in the scheme.

Awards News

K.P.P. Nambiar Award For ISRO Chairman S. Somanath

• The IEEE Kerala Section recently announced the recipient of the esteemed P.P. Nambiar Award, a prestigious accolade in the field of space exploration and technology in India.
• This year, the award was conferred upon ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, recognizing his outstanding contributions to space technology innovation and leadership.
• Named after K.P.P. Nambiar, a pioneer in the electronic industry and founder chair of the IEEE Kerala section, this award honors individuals or groups within the state who have made significant strides towards advancing technology for humanity.

Govt Introduces National Creator’s Awards For Modern Influencers

• The Government of India has introduced the 'National Creators Award' to honor the significant contributions of contemporary influencers and creators in shaping India’s digital sphere.
• This initiative, as stated by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), aims to commend individuals who have not only fostered innovation and creativity but have also instigated positive social change through their digital pursuits.
• The 'National Creators Award' recognizes exceptional creativity and innovation across more than 20 categories, encompassing storytelling, social change advocacy, environmental sustainability, education, gaming, and more.

Agreements News

Education Ministry Partners FIFA To Boost Sports Culture With Football

• The Ministry of Education has embarked on a transformative venture in collaboration with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to bolster sports culture, particularly football, across India.
• This initiative entails the distribution of 11 lakh footballs nationwide, benefitting over 1.5 lakh schools in phases.
• Central to this program is its commitment to inclusivity, aiming to integrate football-related activities into the education system regardless of gender, in partnership with various stakeholders.

Prama India & C-DAC Forge Partnership For Thermal Camera Technology

• In a significant stride towards indigenous manufacturing and innovation, Prama India has entered a partnership with the Government of India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• Facilitated through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement, this collaboration focuses on the production, marketing, and support of Thermal Cameras.
• Aligned with the Digital India Programme’s objective of positioning India as a global leader in electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), this initiative underscores the nation's commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance.

Appointments News

Southern Railway Appoints First Transwoman TTE, Breaks Barriers In Dindigul

• Sindhu Ganapathy has been appointed as the first transwoman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) of Southern Railway, marking a significant milestone towards inclusivity and diversity in the Indian workforce.
• Ganapathy commenced her career with the Railways in 2003 as an Assistant. Her appointment not only breaks barriers but also sets a precedent for greater representation of the transgender community in esteemed government positions, symbolizing progress towards a more inclusive society.

Sports News

U19 World Cup 2024 Final, Australia Beats India By 79 Runs

• Australia emerged victorious in the U19 World Cup 2024 Final, defeating India by 79 runs. This victory marks Australia's fourth U-19 Cricket World Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 2002, 2010, and 2020.
• The consistent performance showcased by the Australian team throughout the tournament highlighted their depth and talent, solidifying their status as deserving champions.
• Kwena Maphaka was honored as the U19 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament, while Mahli Beardman received the Player of the Match award for their exceptional contributions.