National News

PM Modi’s UAE Visit: UPI payment, CBSE office, BAPS Hindu temple, and other key highlights

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), receiving a warm reception from President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• Their discussions encompassed various aspects, reflecting the deepening of bilateral ties.

Pulwama Terror Attack 5th Anniversary

• Five years ago, on a February day, India confronted one of its gravest challenges in recent memory.
• The Pulwama attack, an appalling act of terrorism, left an enduring mark on the nation, mourning the loss of 40 courageous soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
• A suicide bomber, driving an explosives-laden vehicle, targeted a convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, catching the soldiers unaware.

International News

Dubai Launches World’s First Air Taxi Service at World Government Summit 2024

• Dubai unveiled groundbreaking agreements at the World Government Summit 2024, introducing the world’s inaugural air taxi service.
• This initiative, featuring the innovative Joby Aviation S4 aircraft, promises to transform Dubai’s urban landscape with its electric-powered, environmentally sustainable design.

Trinidad and Tobago Declares National Emergency After Offshore Oil Spill

• Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister has declared a state of "national emergency" following a significant oil spill in the eastern Caribbean.
• Originating from an overturned vessel near Tobago, the spill has caused extensive environmental damage along the coastline, raising concerns about its impact on the nation's economy, particularly its tourism sector.

State News

Assam Designates Kaji Nemu as the Official State Fruit

• Assam's government has officially recognized kaji nemu (Citrus limon), a unique lemon variety native to the region, as the 'State Fruit'.
• The declaration, announced by State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora after a Cabinet meeting on February 12, underscores the fruit's cultural, traditional, and nutritional importance to the state and its inhabitants.

Appointments News

ICAI elects a new President, Vice President

• In a significant leadership transition, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently elected Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as President and CA.
• Charanjot Singh Nanda as Vice-President for the term 2024-25, commencing February 12, 2024.
• This change heralds a new era for ICAI, promising to steer the institute towards greater professional excellence and regulatory prowess.

Important Days

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2024, Date, Significance and Types

• Every February 14th, amidst celebrations of love, the medical and health advocacy communities unite to observe Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day.
• Dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart defects (CHDs), this day highlights the most common birth defect affecting infants globally.
• Organizations like the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association and the American Heart Association spearhead efforts to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with CHDs and advocate for advanced medical research and treatments.

Basant Panchami 2024: Date, History, Significance, and Rituals

• Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a spiritually significant festival celebrated across several states of India.
• This auspicious day honors Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing knowledge, education, and information.
• Set to occur on February 14th in 2024, the festival marks the onset of spring and initiates preparations for the vibrant Holi festival.

Awards News

India Wins the 9th GovTech Prize for AI-Powered Road Safety Initiative

• India received the 9th GovTech Prize at the World Government Summit 2024 in the United Arab Emirates for its AI-Powered Road Safety Initiative.
• This recognition underscores India's innovative use of artificial intelligence in improving government services, particularly in the realm of road safety.
• Established by the UAE government, the award acknowledges creative and innovative technological solutions implemented by government entities globally.

Sports News

Shamar Joseph and Amy Hunter Crowned ICC Players of the Month for January 2024

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has honored Shamar Joseph from the West Indies and Amy Hunter from Ireland as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for January 2024, respectively.
• Their outstanding contributions to their teams in the past month have earned them this prestigious recognition.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Gandhinagar Premier League

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Gandhinagar Premier League (GPL) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, signaling a significant step towards nurturing grassroots cricket and promoting local talent nationwide.
• The event, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries, highlights efforts to bolster cricket at the grassroots level.
• India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also present at the launch, showcasing support for the league's initiatives.