Current Affairs february-29th-2024


National News

Reliance Launches “Vantara,” A National Initiative For Animal Welfare

Usthadian Academy / Reliance Launches “Vantara,” A National Initiative For Animal Welfare

  • Reliance Industries, in collaboration with Reliance Foundation, has unveiled an ambitious initiative named "Vantara" (Star of the Forest), dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of animals in need.
  • Spearheaded by Anant Ambani, Vantara operates within a vast 3,000-acre sanctuary nestled within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat.
  • This sanctuary provides a natural and nurturing habitat for rescued animals to heal and flourish, symbolizing a remarkable commitment to animal welfare.

PM Modi Announces India’s Own Space Station By 2035

Usthadian Academy / PM Modi Announces India’s Own Space Station By 2035

  • During his address at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's vision to establish its own space station by 2035.
  • PM Modi also emphasized India's lunar exploration aspirations, envisioning the country's indigenous spacecraft technology facilitating a historic touchdown on the moon's surface by an Indian astronaut.
  • This endeavor not only marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey but also underscores its commitment to advancing scientific frontiers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Bharat Tex 2024 In New Delhi

Usthadian Academy / Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Bharat Tex 2024 In New Delhi

  • In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, the largest textile event in India, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and economic growth.
  • With over 3000 exhibitors and traders from 100 countries participating, the event showcased India’s rich textile heritage alongside modern innovations.
  • PM Modi emphasized Bharat Tex 2024 as a pivotal bridge between India’s traditional textile legacy and contemporary technological advancements, signaling a transformative era in the textile industry.

Government Launches ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ Campaign In Higher Educational Institutions

Usthadian Academy / Government Launches ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ Campaign In Higher Educational Institutions

  • To foster active participation among the youth in the electoral process, the government has launched the 'Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye' campaign in higher educational institutions nationwide, commencing on February 27, 2024.
  • This campaign aims to underscore the importance of voting for national progress, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urging the youth to exercise their voting rights extensively.
  • The campaign resonates with PM Modi's call to empower first-time voters and the youth to shape the nation's future through democratic engagement.

International News

New Zealand To Repeal Anti-Tobacco Law

Usthadian Academy / New Zealand To Repeal Anti-Tobacco Law

  • Under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's coalition government, New Zealand is set to repeal the law prohibiting tobacco sales to future generations, originally enacted during Jacinda Arden's tenure.
  • The legislation aimed to curb nicotine consumption and reduce tobacco retailers by over 90%.
  • However, the new coalition government, elected in October, has expedited the repeal of this law without public consultation, aligning with its policy agenda.

State News

Uttarakhand To Become Third State Enacting Law Holding Rioters Liable For Damages

Usthadian Academy / Uttarakhand To Become Third State Enacting Law Holding Rioters Liable For Damages

  • Uttarakhand is poised to become the third state, following Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to enact a law holding rioters financially liable for damages to both public and private property.
  • The proposed Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill, slated for introduction in the upcoming budget session, aims to ensure accountability for losses resulting from protests or strikes.
  • This legislative move underscores the state government's commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding public and private assets from unlawful destruction.

Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha Inaugurates 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav

Usthadian Academy / Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha Inaugurates 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav

  • Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha kickstarted the 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav, orchestrated by Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission, at Children’s Park, Agartala.
  • This event aimed to enhance urban livelihood opportunities and uplift women in the region.
  • Highlighting the state government's initiatives for women's empowerment, Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha emphasized the importance of such endeavors.

Tripura CM Inaugurates Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project In Udaipur

Usthadian Academy / Tripura CM Inaugurates Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project In Udaipur

  • Manik Saha, the Chief Minister of Tripura, marked a milestone in the state’s progress with the inauguration of the Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project in Udaipur.
  • This project signifies a new phase in Udaipur’s development, with the renovated Jagannath Dighi unveiling a promising future for the area.
  • The initiative aims to revive the water body and its environs, meeting the aspirations of the local populace and enhancing its attractiveness to tourists.

Telangana Government’s Decision To Scrap Hyderabad Pharma City

Usthadian Academy / Telangana Government’s Decision To Scrap Hyderabad Pharma City

  • The Telangana government has decided to halt the Hyderabad Pharma City project due to legal complexities, farmer protests, and environmental issues.
  • Legal disputes have entangled the project, while ongoing farmer protests have influenced the government's decision.
  • As an alternative approach, the government intends to establish Pharma Villages to distribute the growth of the pharmaceutical sector across the state.

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ISRO’s Second Spaceport In Tamil Nadu

Usthadian Academy / PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ISRO’s Second Spaceport In Tamil Nadu

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the cornerstone for ISRO’s second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, addressing the increasing demand for satellite launches, especially for small satellites.
  • With an estimated cost of Rs 950 crore, the new spaceport sprawls over 2,233 acres, offering strategic advantages such as fuel savings and enhanced efficiency in satellite launches compared to the existing facility in Sriharikota.

World’s First Vedic Clock Unveiled In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Usthadian Academy / World’s First Vedic Clock Unveiled In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

  • Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, introduces an innovative timekeeping solution with the world’s first Vedic Clock.
  • This unique timepiece, situated on an 85-foot tower at the city’s Jantar Mantar, will be officially unveiled on March 1st, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a virtual ceremony.
  • Positioned near the Government Jiwaji Observatory, the Vedic clock transcends traditional time displays, offering comprehensive information pertinent to the Vedic Hindu Panchang.

Defence News

NATO Launches Steadfast Defender 2024 Military Exercise

Usthadian Academy / NATO Launches Steadfast Defender 2024 Military Exercise

  • NATO initiated its most extensive military exercise in Europe in decades, Steadfast Defender 2024, in late January 2024.
  • Conducted amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, this large-scale operation showcases NATO's collective military strength and steadfast commitment to its member states' security.
  • With a strategic focus on European nations bordering the Baltic Sea, the exercise highlights the region's significance due to its proximity to Russia’s exclave Kaliningrad and its economic importance for oil exports.

Economy News

Government Forms Expert Committee for Uniform KYC Norms

Usthadian Academy / Government Forms Expert Committee, Chaired By Finance Secretary T V Somanathan, For Uniform KYC Norms

  • Responding to discussions within the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), the government has initiated the establishment of an expert committee chaired by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan.
  • This committee, comprising representatives from various sectors, aims to streamline and finalize uniform Know Your Customer (KYC)
  • The move underscores the government's commitment to enhancing financial transparency and efficiency across sectors.

Banking News

RBI Introduces Master Direction to Simplify Reporting Norms for REs

Usthadian Academy / RBI Issues Master Direction To Ease Reporting Norms For REs

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a master direction aimed at simplifying reporting norms for regulated entities (REs).
  • This directive consolidates 20 existing instructions, streamlining processes for finance companies and others.
  • By reducing compliance burdens and enhancing clarity in reporting, the initiative seeks to promote a more efficient regulatory environment.
  • Boards and senior management of REs are urged to prioritize robust risk management frameworks to ensure compliance with the new directive.

Important Days News

Reserve Bank of India Promotes Financial Literacy Week 2024

Usthadian Academy / Reserve Bank Of India Observes Financial Literacy Week 2024

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is actively promoting financial literacy among young adults through its annual Financial Literacy Week (FLW) campaign.
  • With a focus on themes such as "Saving and Power of Compounding" and "Digital and Cyber Hygiene," the campaign aligns with the National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025.
  • By fostering financial awareness and responsible banking practices, the RBI aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and contribute to economic stability.

National Science Day Celebrates Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat

Usthadian Academy  / National Science Day 2024

  • National Science Day, celebrated annually on February 28th in India, commemorates the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
  • This year's theme, 'Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,' highlights the importance of promoting indigenous scientific and technological innovations.
  • Through various events and activities, National Science Day serves as a platform to showcase India's progress in science and technology and inspire future generations of innovators.

Schemes News

KPDCL Extends Amnesty Scheme for Domestic Consumers in Jammu & Kashmir

Usthadian Academy / KPDCL Extends Amnesty Scheme For Domestic Consumers In Jammu & Kashmir

  • Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has extended its amnesty scheme for domestic consumers in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • This scheme allows consumers to clear outstanding electricity dues in easy installments without late payment surcharges.
  • With an emphasis on transparency and consumer welfare, KPDCL's initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote responsible energy consumption among domestic consumers in the region.

Appointments News

World Gold Council Appoints Sachin Jain as CEO for India

Usthadian Academy / World Gold Council Appoints De Beers’ Sachin Jain As Chief Executive Officer

  • The World Gold Council (WGC) has appointed Sachin Jain as its new CEO for India, effective from March.
  • With extensive experience in the industry, including notable roles at De Beers, Jain brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
  • His appointment reflects WGC's commitment to advancing the interests of the gold mining sector in India and promoting responsible practices within the industry.

Justice A M Khanwilkar Appointed Lokpal Chairperson

Usthadian Academy / Justice A M Khanwilkar Appointed Lokpal Chairperson

  • Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman.
  • Joined by other key members, including Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Khanwilkar's appointment marks a significant step in strengthening India's anti-corruption framework.
  • His distinguished judicial career underscores his commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in public office.

Awards News

C-DOT Wins Three Awards for Telecom Innovations at 14th Aegis Graham Bell

Usthadian Academy / C-DOT Wins 3 Awards For Telecom Innovations At 14th Aegis Graham Bell

  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has secured top honors in three categories at the prestigious 14th Annual Aegis Graham Bell Awards.
  • Recognized for innovations in AI, social good, and telecom, C-DOT's groundbreaking contributions underscore its role as a premier Telecom R&D center in India.
  • The awards highlight C-DOT's commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the telecommunications sector, paving the way for future advancements in technology.

Sports News

Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Sets Record for Fastest T20I Hundred

Usthadian Academy / Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Smashes Fastest T20I Hundred

  • Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, the explosive Namibian cricketer, has left an indelible mark on cricket history by achieving the fastest T20 International (T20I) century.
  • His remarkable feat occurred during a scintillating innings against Nepal in the first T20I of the Tri-Nation series.
  • Loftie-Eaton's exceptional display of power-hitting on Tuesday, February 27, captivated fans and experts alike, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.

Neil Wagner Bids Farewell to International Cricket

Usthadian Academy / Neil Wagner Announces Retirement From International Cricket

  • Veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a illustrious 12-year journey with the Black Caps.
  • Wagner, aged 37, represented New Zealand in 64 Tests, amassing a total of 260 wickets, a feat that ranks him fifth on the nation’s all-time wicket-takers list.
  • His contributions were pivotal in New Zealand's triumphant journey to clinch the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, marking the end of a remarkable era in New Zealand cricket.