National News

PM Modi Unveils 5 AIIMS Facilities

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated five new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) facilities across different states including Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh).
• This move signifies a significant advancement in India's healthcare infrastructure, aiming to improve tertiary healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide.
• The inauguration of these AIIMS facilities underlines the government's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to all citizens.

PM Narendra Modi Launches India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge, Sudarshan Setu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Sudarshan Setu, India's longest cable-stayed bridge, connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat.
• This monumental infrastructure project, formerly known as the Signature Bridge, highlights the nation's dedication to progress and connectivity.
• Spanning an impressive 2.32 km and constructed at a cost of ₹979 crore, Sudarshan Setu serves as a crucial link between Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island, facilitating smoother transportation and fostering regional development.

President Murmu To Inaugurate ‘Purple Fest’ For Disabled

• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is organizing the 'Purple Fest' at Amrit Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26th February, 2024.
• President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the event, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment.
• Spearheaded by the Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, this event aims to promote disability rights and foster inclusivity across society.

PM Launches Ayush Projects In Jhajjar & Pune

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two institutes of the Union Ministry of Ayush via virtual ceremony.
• The 'Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy' (CRIYN) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) titled ‘NISARG GRAM’ in Pune, Maharashtra, were unveiled.
• These institutes, equipped with robust infrastructure and educational programs, are poised to promote holistic healthcare practices and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being.

Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced the Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024, effective from 21-2-2024.
• These amendments bring significant changes to surrogacy arrangements, particularly regarding the use of donor gametes and consent agreements.
• Previously, surrogacy mandated both gametes to be from the intending couple, barring the use of donor gametes.
• However, the recent amendment allows for the use of one donor gamete under specific circumstances, providing more flexibility in surrogacy arrangements.

PM’s 110th Mann Ki Baat Episode Highlights Women's Contributions

• In the 110th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi sheds light on the extraordinary achievements of women across India.
• With Women’s Day approaching, he emphasizes the inspiring stories of individuals like Sunita Devi, fondly referred to as “Drone Didi,” who are shattering stereotypes and making significant societal changes.
• Women like Sunita Devi, who have embraced drone technology to revolutionize agricultural practices in rural areas, are emblematic of a new era of empowerment and progress.

International News

Vietnam's Ambitious Hydrogen Strategy Aims for 2030 Targets

• Vietnam has unveiled an ambitious national hydrogen strategy, aiming to carve a niche in the global hydrogen market.
• With goals set between 100,000 to 500,000 tons of clean hydrogen production annually by 2030, escalating to 10-20 million tons by 2050, the strategy focuses on harnessing both green and blue hydrogen production methods.
• It prioritizes renewable energy-driven hydrogen production while integrating carbon capture techniques for conventional energy sources.

Dubai Introduces 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Indian Travelers

• Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa program aimed at facilitating travel between India and the UAE.
• This initiative, in response to the surge in Indian tourists visiting Dubai, positions India as a key tourism market in the region.
• The visa processing time ranges from 2 to 5 working days upon acceptance, granting holders a 90-day stay in the UAE, extendable once for an additional 90 days, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days within a year.

UAE Removed from FATF Gray List

• Less than two years after being placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “gray list,” the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been swiftly removed, signaling substantial progress in its efforts to combat illicit financial activities.
• The Paris-based watchdog acknowledged the UAE’s bolstered anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, leading to the country’s removal from enhanced monitoring.
• Following the latest FATF review, Namibia and Kenya have been added to the gray list.

State Exams

Haryana Launches Innovative “Savera” Program for Early Breast Cancer Detection

• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the “Savera” program, a pioneering initiative aimed at early detection and prevention of breast cancer among women.
• Developed in collaboration with the Medanta Foundation and the Health Department, Savera harnesses the unique capabilities of visually impaired women to conduct breast cancer screenings.
• Leveraging their heightened tactile sensitivity, visually impaired individuals can detect abnormalities earlier, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Central University of Bihar (CUSB) Attains Category-1 Status From UGC

• The Central University of Bihar (CUSB) recently achieved a noteworthy milestone by obtaining Category-1 status from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• This status simplifies administrative procedures, exempts the university from regular inspections, and renders it eligible for research grants.
• Additionally, it grants CUSB the authority to introduce new courses, programs, schools, or centers within its existing academic framework without the necessity of prior approval.

Anurag Singh Thakur Announces Film Certification Facilitation Office in Chandigarh

• Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, announced plans for establishing a Film Certification Facilitation Office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh.
• This initiative aims to provide regional filmmakers with accessibility to screen their films and submit necessary edits or alterations without the requirement of traveling to Delhi or Mumbai.
• The move is anticipated to significantly benefit the Punjabi film industry. The CBFC operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

Defence News

IAF Enhances Air Defense with Indigenous SAMAR-2 Missile System

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made significant progress in fortifying the nation’s air defense capabilities through the development of the Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR-2) missile system.
• This innovative system repurposes Russian R-27 air-to-air missiles, converting them into a potent surface-to-air defense solution.
• SAMAR-2 signifies a strategic approach to maximizing the utility of aging missile systems, ensuring their continued effectiveness in safeguarding Indian airspace.

Indo-Japan “Dharma Guardian” Military Exercise Commences

• The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ began at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
• Scheduled from February 25th to March 9th, 2024, the exercise brings together the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for focused training aimed at enhancing interoperability and fostering closer military cooperation.
• The exercise concentrates on joint tactical maneuvers in a simulated semi-urban environment, aligning with the principles outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Business News

RBI Greenlights HDFC Bank’s 90% Stake Sale in HDFC Credila

• HDFC Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the divestment of a 90% stake in HDFC Credila, its education loan subsidiary.
• This decision follows RBI’s directive to HDFC to reduce its stake in Credila to below 10% within two years post the HDFC Bank merger in April 2023.
• A consortium comprising BPEA EQT and ChrysCapital group, with specific entities such as Kopvoorn B.V., Moss Investments Ltd, Defati Investments Holding B.V., and Infinity Partners, will acquire the stake.

Important Days News

World NGO Day 2024 Celebrates NGOs' Contributions

• Each year on February 27th, the global community observes World NGO Day, a special occasion dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• These organizations, driven by a passion for positive change, play a pivotal role in tackling some of humanity's most pressing issues.
• The theme for World NGO Day 2024 is "Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Ranks & Reports News

HCES Report: Per Capita Monthly Household Consumer Spending Doubles

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has released insights from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) conducted between August 2022 and July 2023.
• This survey aimed to assess the Household Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) across diverse demographics, including rural and urban sectors, states, union territories, and socio-economic groups.
• The findings reveal that per capita monthly household consumption expenditure more than doubled from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
• Average rural spending increased from ₹1,430 to ₹3,773, while urban spending rose from ₹2,630 to ₹6,459.

Appointments News

Geeta Batra Appointed as Director of World Bank's GEF

• Geeta Batra, an esteemed Indian economist, has been appointed as the Director of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• This historic appointment marks Batra as the first woman from a developing country to hold this prestigious position.
• With extensive experience and expertise, including serving as the Chief Evaluator & Deputy Director for Evaluation at the GEF’s IEO, Geeta Batra is poised to contribute significantly to her new role.

Sports News

Army Emerges Victorious in Khelo India Winter Games 2024

• The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 concluded in Gulmarg with the Army clinching the title after an exhilarating final day of competition.
• Alpine skier Bobby Pandey's gold medal in the parallel slalom event played a pivotal role, propelling the Army to the top of the medal tally with 10 gold medals.
• This narrow victory placed them ahead of Karnataka (9 gold) and Maharashtra (7 gold), who had led after the initial round in Ladakh.

Ashwin Becomes India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Home Tests

• Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made history by surpassing legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble to become the leading wicket-taker in Test matches played on Indian soil.
• This remarkable achievement occurred during the ongoing fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi.
• With 351 wickets in Tests played in India, Ashwin surpassed Kumble’s previous record of 350 wickets achieved in 63 matches.

Science & Technology News

Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon Revolutionizes Law Enforcement

• The Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon, a collaborative effort between Telecom Centres of Excellence India under the Department of Telecommunications and the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to revolutionize Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)
• This initiative sought to explore innovative solutions and promote innovation within the law enforcement domain by leveraging the potentials of 5G technology and beyond.