National News

The MY Bharat Portal: Empowering Youth Development

• The Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) portal has witnessed an impressive surge, boasting over 1.45 crore youth registrations in just three months since its launch on October 31, 2023.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated this platform, recognizing its potential as a catalyst for youth development.
• The success of the portal is attributed to its accessible and user-friendly interface, facilitating seamless registrations in a matter of minutes.
• MY Bharat adopts a unique 'Phygital' approach, seamlessly blending physical activities with digital connectivity, making it a pioneering initiative in the realm of youth engagement.

Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination for Girls Aged 9-14

• In the interim budget speech for 2024-25, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a commitment to actively promote vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14 years.
• Despite the lack of specific details in the budget speech, this initiative addresses a critical health challenge in India, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women.
• The move aims to enhance preventive healthcare measures, although uncertainties persist about its inclusion in the national immunization program.

Bharat Mobility Global Expo: Showcasing India’s Global Rise

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, a significant event in India's automotive landscape taking place from February 1-3.
• With over 800 exhibitors and 50 overseas participants, the expo highlights India's emergence as a global hub for mobility.
• Beyond the auto show, it features a large-scale tyre exhibition, showcasing the latest electric vehicles and cutting-edge technologies.
• The event facilitates strategic networking through buyer-seller meets, fostering valuable connections and partnerships for businesses.

Surat Airport's International Recognition

• Surat Airport in Gujarat has achieved the prestigious status of an International Airport, a decision endorsed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Union Cabinet.
• This recognition underscores Surat’s economic potential, particularly in the diamond and textile industries, aiming to enhance global connectivity.
• The move is expected to boost economic growth, attract foreign investment, and strengthen diplomatic ties.
• With increased passenger traffic and cargo operations, Surat Airport is poised to contribute significantly to regional development and globalization efforts.

‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’ Initiative in Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu's Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has introduced the 'Kalaignar Sports Kit' initiative, a scheme aimed at nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level.
• Named after the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi, the initiative plans to distribute sporting kits to 12,000 village panchayats across the state.
• The inaugural distribution is scheduled for February 7 in Trichy, marking the beginning of efforts to provide village-level athletes with the resources needed to pursue their sporting aspirations.

Karnataka’s Digital Detox Initiative

• Recognizing the adverse effects of excessive online gaming, the Government of Karnataka has unveiled a digital detox initiative to create a responsible gaming environment.
• The objective is to promote moderation and responsible behavior in the digital and gaming spheres.
• By advocating for scheduled breaks, encouraging offline activities, and fostering meaningful social interactions, the initiative aims to reduce the risk of digital addiction while enhancing physical health and mental well-being.

Defence News

2024: The Year of Naval Civilians

• The Indian Navy has strategically declared 2024 as the 'Year of Naval Civilians' to enhance efficiency and well-being within its civilian workforce.
• This initiative prioritizes comprehensive Civilian HR Management, focusing on administrative efficiency, digital transformation, targeted training programs, and employee welfare activities.
• By fostering a conducive environment for both military and civilian members, the Navy aims to empower its workforce to contribute effectively to the nation’s maritime security objectives.

Economy News

Bhutan Tops Foreign Aid Recipients in Budget 2024

• In the Interim Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed India’s foreign aid allocation, with Bhutan emerging as a significant recipient.
• In the Financial Year 2024-25, India allocated ₹6,541.79 crore to foreign governments, emphasizing Bhutan.
• This allocation, surpassing the budget estimates for 2023-24, reflects India's commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties and supporting its neighbors through substantial financial aid.

Transformative Economic Railway Corridors Unveiled

• The Interim Budget 2024 introduced a transformative plan to strengthen Indian Railways under the PM Gati Shakti framework.
• Three economic corridors, focusing on Energy, Mineral, and Cement; Port Connectivity; and High Traffic Density, are set to streamline transportation and improve operational efficiency.
• Additionally, the proposed upgrade of 40,000 coaches to Vande Bharat standards ensures enhanced safety, convenience, and comfort for passengers, aligning with India's commitment to modernize its railway infrastructure.

INR 1 Lakh Crore Corpus for Private Sector R&D Incentives

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a groundbreaking move in the Interim Budget 2024, establishing a substantial corpus of INR 1 lakh crore to foster research and development within the private sector.
• This initiative offers low-cost or interest-free loans for up to 50 years, promoting long-term financing and encouraging research and innovation in emerging fields, thereby positioning India as a hub for technological advancements.

Banking News

RBI's Digital Payments Index Soars

• The Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) exhibited robust growth, surging to 418.77 in September 2023.
• This upward trajectory, from 395.57 in March 2023 and 377.46 in September 2022, reflects a 10.94% annual rise in digital payments.
• The increased adoption of online transactions underscores the pivotal role played by facilitating mechanisms in the digital payment ecosystem, contributing to the evolving landscape of digital finance.

Business News

PM GatiShakti Summit: Boosting Efficient Logistics

• The PM GatiShakti Summit, organized by FICCI and DPIIT in New Delhi, focused on comprehensive area development and cross-sectoral investments under the PM GatiShakti framework.
• Insightful panel discussions explored opportunities, with sessions highlighting digital infrastructure and green logistics for building resilient and sustainable supply chains.
• The summit emphasized innovative approaches to enhance logistics efficiency and integrated planning in the business sector.

Important Days News

World Wetlands Day 2024: Celebrating Wetlands and Human Wellbeing

• On February 2, 2024, World Wetlands Day highlighted the crucial role of wetlands in environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.
• The theme, "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," underscored the intricate connection between wetland ecosystems and the health, safety, and prosperity of human communities.
• The international observance commemorates the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, emphasizing global recognition of wetlands' value.

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024: Fostering Peace and Understanding

• From February 1st to 7th, World Interfaith Harmony Week promoted mutual understanding, peace, and harmony among people of different faiths.
• Instituted by the United Nations, this observance provides a platform for dialogue and understanding across religious traditions, fostering a culture of peace and nonviolence.
• In a world often divided by religious conflicts, this week serves as a reminder of the shared goal of global peace through interfaith dialogue.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day 2024: Shedding Light on a Global Health Challenge

• On February 2nd, Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day aimed to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
• This observance emphasizes early diagnosis, treatment, and support, with a focus on understanding the nuances of rheumatoid arthritis.
• The day commemorates the history of RA treatment evolution, highlighting milestones in the quest for improved healthcare for those affected by this condition.

Appointments News

Jay Shah's Historic Third Term as ACC President

• On January 31, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) witnessed a historic moment as Jay Shah secured a unanimous third term as its President.
• Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demonstrated outstanding leadership during the ACC Annual General Meeting in Bali.
• The extension not only acknowledges Shah’s accomplishments but also reflects the unity and shared vision within the council, highlighted by the unanimous support from all ACC members.

Anil Kumar Lahoti Takes Helm as TRAI Chairman

• Anil Kumar Lahoti, former Railway Board Chief, assumes the role of Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), succeeding PD Vaghela.
• This significant appointment, approved by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), signifies a notable transition in India’s telecommunications sector.
• Lahoti, with a background in Civil Engineering and extensive leadership experience, is set to steer TRAI in strategic management.
• His three-year tenure, or until the age of 65, marks a pivotal moment following Meenakshi Gupta's temporary position.

HR Khan Appointed Non-Executive Chairman of AU Small Finance Bank

• AU Small Finance Bank appoints Harun Rashid Khan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as its Non-Executive Chairman.
• The Board of Directors, RBI, and shareholders approved this appointment, effective January 30, 2024.
• Harun Rashid Khan's leadership commences as he succeeds Raj Verma, concluding Verma’s term as Part-time Chairman on January 29, 2024.

Agreements News

India-Oman Pact Strengthens Defense Collaboration

• India and Oman fortify their strategic partnership with a significant pact in the defense sector.
• This agreement establishes clear guidelines for military equipment procurement, symbolizing a substantial step in strengthening their strategic ties.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets the stage for collaborative initiatives, including joint exercises, training programs, and information sharing mechanisms, fostering mutual trust and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.

Miscellaneous News

Tamil Actor Vijay Launches 'Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam'

• Renowned Tamil actor Vijay announced the formation of his political party, 'Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam,' on February 2, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• While revealing the party's name, Vijay clarified that it won't contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections but expressed the intent to participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
• This move marks Vijay’s official entry into the political sphere, adding a new dimension to the electoral landscape.