National News

PM Modi Inaugurates Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for the Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting India’s strides in digital technology and innovation.
• He stressed the importance of supporting local handicrafts and crafts to boost economic growth while preserving cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Modi’s Developmental Initiatives in Jammu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Jammu will witness the inauguration of various projects worth over Rs 45,375 crore, underscoring the government's commitment to infrastructure and healthcare development in the region.
• Among these projects is the inauguration of the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and the laying of the foundation stone for a new terminal at Jammu Airport.

Launch of ‘Sagar Aankalan’ Guidelines to Enhance Port Efficiency

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal led the launch of the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines, aimed at improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian ports.
• These guidelines, focused on national benchmarking of port performance, are set to rejuvenate the country’s maritime infrastructure, signaling a significant step towards port efficiency enhancement.

International News

PM Modi Inaugurates Bharat Mart in Dubai to Boost Exports

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with UAE Vice President Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated Bharat Mart, a facility integrating retail, warehousing, and logistics at Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai.
• This initiative, a collaboration between DP World and India’s commerce ministry, aims to streamline shipping processes, reducing costs and time from India to Africa and Europe.

State News

Northern Railways Enhances Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

• The Northern Railway Firozpur division is set to revolutionize connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir with the introduction of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train services between Baramulla and Sangaldan stations.
• This initiative, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, will facilitate easier access for commuters, enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.

Chandigarh Hosts 11th International Puppet Festival

• The 11th International Puppet Festival held at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh showcased cultural heritage and artistic innovation.
• The festival featured captivating performances, including the renowned puppet show "Petrushka" by the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre from Russia.
• Additionally, a Puppet Exhibition held at Tagore Theatre added to the cultural extravaganza, providing a platform for artistic expression and exchange.

Defence News

Indian Air Force’s ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’ Showcase

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’ at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, displaying its formidable aerial firepower.
• Attended by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, the event showcased the IAF’s offensive capabilities through meticulously planned aerial manoeuvres and precision strikes.
• With over 120 aircraft participating, the exercise, themed ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky,’ highlighted the IAF’s day and night offensive prowess.

Indian Army’s Modernization Project for T-72 Tank Fleet

• The Indian Army is embarking on a Rs 57,000 crore project to modernize its armored forces by replacing the aging Russian T-72 tank fleet with cutting-edge Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs).
• These FRCVs, totaling 1,770 units, will feature advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drone integration, active protection systems, and enhanced situational awareness.
• The phased induction of these vehicles will ensure maximum survivability and lethality, bolstering India’s defense capabilities.

Economy News

Government Boosts Authorized Capital of FCI

• The Indian government has raised the authorized capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from ₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore, signaling its commitment to enhancing operational capacities.
• This move, announced by the Food Ministry, aims to strengthen FCI’s role in ensuring food security and safeguarding farmers’ interests.
• The augmentation of authorized capital is expected to improve FCI’s operational efficiency, reduce interest burdens, and positively impact government subsidies.

Important Days News

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024 Celebration

• Arunachal Pradesh celebrates its Foundation Day on February 20th annually, commemorating its attainment of full statehood in 1987.
• This occasion marks the region’s transition from the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to a distinct state within the Indian union.
• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024, observed on February 20th, pays tribute to the state’s official declaration as a distinct entity within India.

Mizoram Foundation Day 2024 Observance

• Mizoram Foundation Day, celebrated on February 20th each year, holds profound significance for the people of Mizoram, marking the establishment of the state as the 23rd state of India in 1987.
• This day commemorates the hard-fought struggle for political rights and self-determination by the Mizo people, culminating in the realization of their aspirations.
• It also commemorates the historic peace accord between the government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986.

World Day of Social Justice 2024: Advocating for Equality and Inclusion

• Each year, on February 20th, the global community observes the World Day of Social Justice, highlighting the imperative to address inequality, injustice, and social exclusion worldwide.
• This day advocates for decent work and fair globalization, emphasizing collaboration and partnership to address global challenges.
• The theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2024, “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” underscores the importance of collective action in promoting social justice and fostering inclusive societies.

Summit & Conferences News

Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair: Promoting Sustainable Solutions

• The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, held in New Delhi on February 19-20, 2024, is a collaborative initiative aimed at showcasing the diverse applications of neem in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
• Organized by ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, and various stakeholders, the event focuses on advancing sustainable practices under the theme “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment.”

INDUS-X Summit: Driving Defence Innovation Between India And The USA

• The INDUS-X Summit, scheduled for February 20-21, 2024, in New Delhi, marks a significant step in fostering defense innovation collaboration between India and the United States.
• Hosted by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), in partnership with the U.S.-India Business Council and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to strengthen strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation.
• This event underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing defense capabilities through innovation and collaboration.

Agreements News

IREDA and PNB Collaborate to Advance Renewable Energy Projects

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive renewable energy initiatives across India.
• Signed on February 19, 2024, at IREDA’s New Delhi office, the agreement enables joint efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for a wide spectrum of renewable energy projects, furthering the nation’s transition towards sustainable energy sources.

IEPFA and DBS Bank Partner to Strengthen Investor Awareness

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has partnered with DBS Bank to enhance awareness about investment safety and fraudulent schemes.
• Through this collaboration, initiatives will focus on raising investor awareness, fostering proactive engagement with stakeholders across various platforms, and enhancing responsiveness to the authority’s objectives.
• By empowering investors with knowledge and promoting active engagement, the partnership aims to align with the authority’s mission of investor protection and education.

Awards News

Hon’ble President Presents ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ to RPSF Constable

• On Republic Day 2024, the Hon’ble President of India conferred the prestigious ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ upon Sh. Shashikant Kumar, a constable of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
• Established in 1961, the Jeevan Raksha Padak awards recognize acts of heroism and humanity in saving lives during emergencies such as accidents, drownings, fires, and natural disasters.

REC Ltd Receives ‘Innovative Technology Development Award’ at IIT Madras CSR Summit

• REC Limited, a leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, was honored with the ‘Innovative Technology Development Award‘ at the ‘Building India 2047: Technology for Better Tomorrow’ CSR Summit, hosted by IIT Madras.
• This recognition acknowledges REC’s CSR initiative of installing a 2 MW rooftop solar plant at IIT Madras, contributing significantly to sustainable energy generation.

Appointments News

KVS Manian Named Kotak Mahindra Bank’s New JMD

• Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the appointment of KVS Manian as the joint managing director, effective from March 1st.
• With nearly three decades of experience within the organization, Manian, an alumnus of Indian Institutes of Technology (BHU) – Varanasi, brings a wealth of expertise in electrical engineering and financial management to his new role.

Shubman Gill Appointed Punjab ‘State Icon’ for Lok Sabha Polls

• Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has been designated as the new “state icon” for Punjab by the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer’s office, aiming to enhance voter engagement, particularly among the youth and sports enthusiasts.
• Gill’s involvement in voter awareness campaigns is expected to encourage higher voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Sports News

Khelo India University Games Inaugurated by Anurag Singh Thakur in Guwahati

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India University games in Guwahati.
• The event, symbolized by the mascot Ashtalakshmi in the shape of a butterfly, aims to promote sports and youth engagement across diverse regions of India.

Miscellaneous News

Khajuraho Dance Festival Marks 50 Years of Celebrating Classical Dance

• The Khajuraho Dance Festival celebrates its 50th year in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, showcasing India’s rich classical dance heritage.
• Inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the festival aims to promote tourism and cultural exchange.
• As part of the festivities, over 1500 artists will perform in a Kathak Kumbh, aiming to set a world record and highlight the significance of Kathak dance.