National News

AadiMahotsav – National Tribal Festival Concludes

• The Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival, inaugurated by Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, concluded on 18th February 2024.
• Held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, the 9-day festival organized by TRIFED showcased a vibrant tapestry of Tribal Entrepreneurship, Crafts, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce.
• Approximately 1100 tribal artisans, artists, healers, chefs, and cultural troupes from 27 States and Union Territories showcased their work.

Centre’s Proposal For Farmers Amidst Protest: 5-Year MSP Plan For Pulses, Maize, And Cotton

• A panel of Union ministers has proposed a five-year plan to purchase pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) from farmers.
• Government agencies will buy pulses, maize, and cotton crops at MSP for five years through agreements with farmers.
• Entities like NCCF and NAFED will enter contracts with farmers growing specific crops to ensure MSP procurement.
• No restrictions are placed on the quantity purchased, enhancing farmer security and market stability. Furthermore, a dedicated portal will be established to facilitate transparent transactions.

International News

Japan’s 1,000-Year-Old Sominsai Festival Comes To An End

• The Sominsai festival, an ancient tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture, has recently concluded its final celebration after a millennium-long legacy.
• Commencing on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year and spanning through the night, it was a spectacle of tradition and spirituality.
• At the heart of the festival was a display of fervor and tradition as hundreds of nude men engaged in spirited wrestling matches over wooden talismans.

U Tirot Sing’s Bust Unveiled In Dhaka, Bangladesh

• U Tirot Sing Syiem, a revered freedom fighter from the Khasi community, was commemorated for his indomitable spirit and sacrifice as the Meghalaya government unveiled his life-size bust at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• U Tirot Sing Syiem’s legacy is marked by his pivotal role in the fight against colonial oppression.
• On April 4, 1829, he initiated a daring attack on the British Garrison at Nongkhlaw, signaling a relentless resistance against foreign rule.

Economy News

India’s Outward FDI In January 2024 Rises 25.7% To $2.1 Billion

• According to recent data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), In January 2024, India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments surged by 25.7% year-on-year to $2.09 billion.
• In January 2024, equity commitments surged to $760.9 million, marking a substantial increase from $597.4 million recorded in January 2023.
• However, this figure was slightly lower than the equity commitments of $834.7 million reported in December 2023.

Important Days News

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2024

• February 19th marks the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, the 394th birth anniversary of one of the most revered figures in Indian history.
• While the date varies according to the Hindu Tithi, as per the Gregorian calendar, this day is dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji Maharaj.
• The day is marked by various events, including processions, cultural programs, and ceremonies that highlight the life, achievements, and values of Shivaji Maharaj.

World Whale Day 2024

• World Whale Day, observed on the third Sunday of February, is a pivotal event aimed at highlighting the critical importance of whale conservation.
• This year, the day falls on February 18, spotlighting the urgent need to protect these marine behemoths crucial for ecological equilibrium.
• Founded in 1980 by Greg Kauffman and the Pacific Whale Foundation, the initiative, initially centered on North Pacific humpback whales, has evolved into the Maui Whale Festival, celebrating broader successes in whale conservation.

World Pangolin Day 2024 Observed On February 17th

• The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with environmentalists, has launched an awareness campaign to commemorate World Pangolin Day on February 17, 2024.
• Highlighting the plight of the Indian Pangolin also known as the Thick-Tailed Pangolin or Scaly Anteater, this initiative underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts for one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.

Schemes News

Odisha Govt Introduces ‘Swayam’ Scheme For Youth Empowerment

• In a significant move towards empowering the youth of Odisha, the state government has unveiled the ‘Swayam’ scheme aimed at providing interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs.
• This initiative, announced by Odisha Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering self-employment opportunities and economic growth.
• Under the ‘Swayam’ scheme, eligible rural and urban youth aged between 18-35 years will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Ranks & Reports News

UP Leads In Vehicle Sales Oct-Dec 2023; Maharashtra Follows: SIAM Report

• In the dynamic landscape of India’s automobile industry, the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for October-December 2023 reveals intriguing trends.
• Uttar Pradesh emerges as the frontrunner in vehicle sales during this period, with Maharashtra closely trailing behind.
• Maharashtra secures the second position with 6,88,192 units sold. It leads in passenger vehicle sales with 1,21,030 units sold.

Henley Passport Index 2024: France Tops List; India At 85th

• The 2024 edition of the Henley Passport Index has been published, offering significant insights into global mobility and soft power.
• This index assesses nations based on passport strength, providing valuable insight into the global landscape of mobility and soft power.
• France secures the top spot on the Henley Passport Index, with its passport granting visa-free access to 194 countries.
• India slips one rank down to 85th place, despite an increase in visa-free access for its citizens to 62 countries.

Appointments News

Pradeep Kumar Sinha Appointed As Non-Executive Part-Time Chairman Of ICICI Bank

• ICICI Bank announced the appointment of Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha as the Non-Executive Part-time Chairman at its recent board meeting.
• This decision follows the retirement of G. C. Chaturvedi, the current Chairman, effective June 30, 2024.
• He was appointed as an Additional (Independent) Director for a five-year term, starting immediately, pending shareholder approval.
• Additionally, he will serve as the Non-Executive Part-time Chairman from July 1, 2024, or upon RBI approval, succeeding Mr. G. C. Chaturvedi.

Awards News

Gulzar And Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Awarded Prestigious Jnanpith Award 2023

• The Jnanpith Award, India’s most prestigious literary accolade, has announced its recipients for the year 2023, marking a momentous occasion in the annals of Indian literature.
• This year, the honour is bestowed upon two luminaries from the world of letters: celebrated Urdu poet and Bollywood personality Gulzar, and the distinguished Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
• Their selection for the 58th edition of the award underscores the rich diversity and depth of Indian literary traditions, spanning the classical to the contemporary.

Agreements News

Fisheries Department To Ink MoU With ONDC For Improved Fisherman Market Access

• Scheduled for February 19th, 2024, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, an important MoU will be inked between the Department of Fisheries (GoI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Its goal is to access broader markets, expanding reach and potential customer base. It will be the first formal collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and ONDC.
• Digital platform to be provided for fisherfolks, fish farmer producer organizations, entrepreneurs, SHGs, fishermen cooperatives, and other stakeholders.

Sports News

Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024: India Women Win Title

• In an unforgettable showdown at Shah Alam, Malaysia, the Indian women’s badminton team etched their names into history by clinching a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024.
• This victory marks a groundbreaking moment in India’s badminton journey, as the team emerged victorious against Thailand with a thrilling 3-2 scoreline.
• The finale saw 17-year-old Anmol Kharb deliver a stellar performance in the decisive match, securing India’s maiden continental triumph.

MS Dhoni Named Captain Of IPL’s Greatest All-Time Team

• The Indian Premier League (IPL), since its inception in 2008, has been a powerhouse of talent and excitement in the cricketing world.
• The selection panel comprises renowned cricketing figures including Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody, and Dale Steyn, whose expertise and experience bring invaluable insight to the decision-making process.
• The iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni was unanimously chosen to lead this star-studded ensemble, bringing his unparalleled leadership and cricketing acumen to the fore.

Books & Authors News

Unveiling A Book Titled “Dabbling In Diplomacy” By Prof. S.D. Muni

• In his compelling work, “Dabbling in Diplomacy: Authorised & Otherwise, Recollections of a Non-Career Diplomat,” Professor S.D. Muni offers an unparalleled glimpse into the intricate web of South Asian geopolitics through the lens of an academic deeply entrenched in the region’s affairs.
• Having served as both a distinguished professor and a diplomat, Muni bridges the gap between scholarly research and real-world diplomacy, providing readers with a unique perspective on the subtleties of international relations in the South Asian context.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Young Scientist Programme 2024 (YUVIKA): Empowering Future Space Explorers

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) introduces the “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA) to foster the innate curiosity of children and youth towards space science.
• YUVIKA aims to impart fundamental knowledge on Space Science, Technology, and Applications, particularly targeting rural areas.
• The program aspires to ignite interest in STEM fields and nurture future talents in space exploration.
• Its objective is to provide basic knowledge on Space Science, Technology, and Applications, with a focus on emerging trends.

NASA And JAXA Set To Launch World’s First Wooden Satellite

• In a groundbreaking collaboration between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the world’s first wooden satellite, dubbed the LignoSat probe, is poised for imminent launch.
• Developed by Kyoto University scientists in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry, this innovative initiative aims to revolutionize spaceflight operations by prioritizing sustainability.
• Constructed from wood sourced from magnolia trees, the LignoSat probe offers a biodegradable alternative to conventional spacecraft materials.

India’s First Indigenous Spy Satellite By TASL Set For SpaceX Launch

• India is preparing to launch its first spy satellite developed by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) aboard a SpaceX rocket in April.
• This satellite, designed for discreet information gathering, will bolster the country’s defense capabilities by providing real-time monitoring and ground control.
• Previously, Indian armed forces relied on foreign vendors for exact coordinates and timings. The indigenous spy satellite will end this dependency, ensuring sovereignty and security.