National News

Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional

• The Supreme Court of India has made a historic decision by declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional.
• This decision, based on the grounds of arbitrariness and violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, follows a series of petitions challenging the legality of the scheme, which permitted anonymous funding to political parties.
• A Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala, and Manoj Mishra, has concluded that the non-disclosure of voluntary political contributions infringes upon Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

International News

Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train ‘Dream Of The Desert’ Set To Launch First In The Middle East

• Saudi Arabia is on the brink of introducing its inaugural luxury train, named the Dream of the Desert, marking a significant milestone as the Middle East's first luxury train service.
• This opulent journey will span 800 miles, commencing from Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and meandering northwest towards the Jordanian border.
• Promising a blend of luxury and cultural immersion, this venture is poised to become a timeless experience. Bookings for the inaugural ride are set to open by late 2024, ahead of its scheduled launch in 2025.

Economy News

India’s Services Trade Surplus Hits Record High To $44.9 Billion In The October-December Quarter

• India has achieved a remarkable milestone in its services trade sector, with a record-high surplus of $44.9 billion in the October-December quarter of FY24, marking a 16% year-on-year increase.
• Despite global challenges, this surge in surplus is expected to alleviate the current account deficit (CAD) for the period.
• Services exports witnessed a 5.2% expansion to $87.7 billion during Q3, while services imports experienced a 4.3% contraction, totaling $42.8 billion for the same period.

Important Days News

World Hippo Day 2024

• Celebrated annually on February 15th, World Hippo Day aims to raise awareness about the endangered status of hippos, emphasizing the various threats they face, including poaching, habitat loss, and urbanization.
• With the hippo population estimated between 115,000 and 130,000, concerted conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding this iconic species.

International Childhood Cancer Day 2024

• Every February 15th, International Childhood Cancer Day serves as a global platform to highlight the challenges encountered by children and adolescents battling cancer.
• Established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, this day underscores the resilience of young patients and underscores the collective support needed for their journey to recovery.
• It emphasizes the impact of childhood cancer on patients, families, and society, fostering awareness and advocacy for improved care and research.

Schemes News

Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana 2024

• The Rajasthan government has unveiled the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana, a special scheme aimed at supporting laborers and street vendors.
• Individuals aged 60 or above who qualify for this scheme will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to street vendors, enabling them to meet their daily needs independently.
• The primary goal behind the launch of the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana is to ensure the welfare of laborers and street vendors across Rajasthan.

Agreements News

NMBA Vehicle Launched in Delhi-NCR by Ministry Of Social Justice & Brahma Kumaris

• In collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has introduced the NMBA Vehicle in Delhi-NCR.
• Launched on February 14th, this initiative aims to raise awareness about drug abuse. The vehicle serves as a platform for conducting NMBA awareness activities throughout Delhi-NCR, enhancing the initiative's reach and impact.
• The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was initiated by the Ministry with the objective of educating the public, especially the youth, about the detrimental effects of substance abuse.

Appointments News

Virendra Bansal Appointed as MD and CEO of SBICAPS

• Virendra Bansal has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI Capital Markets (SBICAPS), the investment banking arm of State Bank of India (SBI).
• He succeeds Rajay Kumar Sinha and brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked across key financial hubs such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Washington DC.
• Bansal's appointment underscores his ability to lead and manage in diverse and dynamic environments.

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Transfer Of 3 High Court Judges

• The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has recommended the transfer of three high court judges in response to their respective requests.
• Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya is recommended for transfer to the High Court for the State of Telangana, Justice Anu Sivaraman to the Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sujoy Paul to the High Court for the State of Telangana. These recommendations aim to facilitate better administration of justice.

Awards News

Havildar Varinder Singh Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal For Developing Multipurpose Octocopter

• Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army has been honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal for his outstanding contribution to military technology.
• President Droupadi Murmu recognized Singh's efforts in developing a Multipurpose Octocopter, a groundbreaking piece of equipment that offers versatility beyond conventional surveillance drones.
• Singh's innovation showcases the advancement in drone technology, providing a tool capable of executing various tasks effectively.

Sports News

Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Hands Over Chess Olympiad Torch To Budapest

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has passed on the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary, the host city for the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad.
• The ceremony, held at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi, not only symbolized the formal handover but also celebrated chess as an intellectual sport deeply embedded in India's heritage.
• The inauguration of the first Chess Olympiad Torch Relay by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked a historic moment for the sport.