International News

France Takes Lead As First EU Nation To Offer Digital Visas

• France has pioneered the issuance of Digital Schengen visas, becoming the first EU nation to do so, effective January 1, 2024.
• This innovative step marks a significant leap in streamlining visa processes within the European Union.
• The initiative precedes the broader digitalization of Schengen visa procedures set for full implementation in 2026.
• By digitalizing the Schengen visa system, France aims to create a more efficient and streamlined application process.
• This initiative is particularly significant in light of upcoming major sporting events, as it enhances visa accessibility and convenience for travelers.

Michelle O’Neill Becomes Northern Ireland’s First Minister

• In a groundbreaking move, Michelle O’Neill, representing Sinn Fein, an Irish nationalist political party, has been appointed as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
• This appointment reflects Sinn Fein's aspiration for a United Ireland, a vision they believe is now attainable.
• O’Neill's elevation to the position of First Minister underscores Sinn Fein's growing influence and political clout in Northern Ireland.
• Her commitment to serving all citizens equally, as highlighted in her address to the assembly, emphasizes her role as a leader for all of Northern Ireland.
• O’Neill's appointment signals a new era of inclusivity and representation in the region’s political leadership.

National News

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s New Facilities

• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently spearheaded the inauguration of cutting-edge healthcare facilities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare in Odisha.
• The newly inaugurated Dharmasala offers 492 beds distributed across 159 rooms, providing unprecedented lodging options within the state.
• Additionally, the newly inaugurated Trauma Centre, equipped with an ICU, modular OTs, and advanced diagnostic services, stands as a beacon of hope during traumatic situations.
• The introduction of the HELA Machine represents a revolutionary leap in cancer care, ensuring precise radiation therapy and significantly reducing waiting times for cancer patients.

State News

Ellora Ajanta Festival Held From Feb 2-4, 2024

• The Ellora – Ajanta International Festival, held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, concluded, marking the end of a three-day musical extravaganza that delighted audiences with a rich cultural treat.
• After a seven-year hiatus, the event returned in 2023, with plans to host it annually in early February. District Guardian Minister Sandipan Bhumre expressed confidence that the festival would bring cultural acclaim to the city, contributing to its global recognition.
• The festival showcased a diverse range of performances, including Ganesh Vandana Bharatnatyam, Bharatnatyam dance, and Instruments Fusion, highlighting the cultural richness of the region.

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit Resigns

• Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit resigned from his post, citing personal reasons.
• His resignation comes shortly after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi and following the BJP’s triumph in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, where they secured all three posts.
• Banwarilal Purohit's resignation marks the end of his tenure as the 29th Governor of Punjab, India, and Administrator of Chandigarh.
• He previously served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021 and the Governor of Assam from 2016 to 2017.

Assam Welcomes Northeast’s First Naturopathy Hospital

• Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Chief Minister Assam, laid the foundation stone for the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN) and a 100-bedded Naturopathy hospital at Dihing Khamtighat in Dibrugarh.
• The institution aims to blend traditional knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy with modern technology, promoting holistic healthcare in the region.
• With an investment of approximately ₹100 crores, CRIYN is poised to set benchmark standards in education, preventive healthcare, and research in Yoga and Naturopathy.
• Scientific validation of traditional medicine practices will be prioritized, fostering evidence-based research and promoting international collaboration.

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill: Tabled In Assembly On Feb 6

• The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has given the green light to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, a historic move.
• Crafted based on recommendations from a government-appointed committee, the bill will be presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6.
• It proposes measures such as banning polygamy and child marriage, advocating for uniform marriageable age and divorce procedures.
• If passed, Uttarakhand would become the first state post-Independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, aiming to standardize civil laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Banking News

RBI Data Indicates 97.5% Return Of ₹2,000 Notes To Circulation

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the withdrawal of ₹2,000 denomination banknotes on May 19 last year, reshaping the currency landscape.
• As of January 1, 2024, the RBI revealed that a staggering 97.38% of ₹2,000 notes in circulation had been successfully returned.
• This marks a significant decline from the total value of ₹2,000 banknotes on May 19, 2023, with the total value shrinking to ₹8,897 crore as of January 31, 2024.
• The high return rate signifies that 97.50% of these notes have made their way back into the system.

Business News

State Govt Imposes Rs 6 Crore Fine On Fertilizer Plant For Ammonia Leak

• Forty days after an ammonia gas leak from a fertilizer plant owned by Coromandel International Limited shook Ennore in Tamil Nadu, the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department has taken decisive actions against the company.
• The leak originated from the under-sea pipeline, damaged during Cyclone Michaung, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure in hazardous environments.
• The department has imposed a significant penalty of Rs 5.92 crore on Coromandel International Limited for its role in the gas leak incident, reflecting authorities' seriousness in addressing environmental hazards.

Adani Group’s $1.2 Billion Copper Plant Boosts India’s Metal Independence For Energy Transition

• The Gautam Adani-led Adani Group is constructing the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat.
• This $1.2 billion facility, set to commence its first phase operations by March-end, aims to reach a full-scale production capacity of 1 million tonnes by 2029.
• This strategic move aligns with India’s efforts to reduce dependence on copper imports and support the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

Important Days News

International Day Of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation 2024

• February 6th, 2024, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a pivotal moment for communities worldwide to unite against a practice that infringes on the rights, health, and well-being of millions of women and girls.
• This day serves as a call to action and a reminder of the progress made and challenges remaining in the fight to eradicate FGM.
• The theme for 2024, “Her Voice. Her Future,” underscores the crucial role of community-led initiatives in achieving lasting change.

Summits & Conferences News

India Energy Week 2024: Goa Gets Ready For India’s Largest And Only All-Encompassing Energy Exhibition And Conference

• Building on the success of the 2023 edition, India Energy Week 2024 will take place in Goa from February 6 to 9, 2024.
• Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, this premier event is the country’s largest and sole comprehensive energy exhibition and conference.
• The event will be held at Quitol, South Goa, with the inauguration ceremony scheduled for February 6 at the IPSHEM-ONGC Training Institute.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officiate the opening, marking the beginning of a four-day event that concludes on February 9.

Ranks & Reports News

Mukesh Ambani Tops Global Brand Guardianship Index 2024

• Mukesh Ambani, the visionary leader steering Reliance Industries Limited, secures the first position among Indian executives and an impressive second globally in the prestigious Brand Guardianship Index 2024 by Brand Finance.
• This recognition places Ambani ahead of renowned global leaders such as Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, and Elon Musk.
• Brand Finance awarded Mukesh Ambani an impressive Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) score of 80.3, just below the leading score of 81.6 held by Huateng Ma of China-based Tencent.
• The BGI emphasizes CEOs’ ability to act as stewards of their company’s brand and long-term value.

Appointments News

Apurva Chandra Takes Charge As Health Secretary

• Apurva Chandra, previously heading the Information and Broadcasting department, now assumes the role of Health Secretary.
• With over three decades of experience in government service since 1988, Chandra brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
• Concurrently, Sanjay Jaju transitions to the role of Information and Broadcasting Secretary, bringing his extensive experience, which began in 1992.
• Additionally, Ashish Kumar Bhutani steps in as the new Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperation, while Raj Kumar Goyal assumes the responsibilities of Secretary for the Department of Border Management.
• Notably, Niten Chandra transitions from Legal Affairs to oversee Ex-Servicemen Welfare, and K. Moses Chalai assumes leadership of the Inter-State Council Secretariat. Anil Malik is slated to lead the Ministry of Women and Child Development following Indevar Pandey's retirement.

Justice Ritu Bahri Becomes Chief Justice Of Uttarakhand High Court

• Justice Ritu Bahri ascends to the position of Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. Administered the oath by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh in a ceremonious event at Raj Bhawan, her appointment was announced on February 2, 2024.
• Bahri's new role follows her tenure as Acting Chief Justice in Punjab and Haryana, with the Supreme Court's endorsement on November 2, 2023, underscoring the significance of her appointment.

Ranveer Singh Joins boAt As A Stakeholder And Brand Ambassador

• Renowned Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh makes headlines by investing in the popular lifestyle brand boAt, simultaneously becoming a stakeholder and the brand's official ambassador for audio products.
• This strategic collaboration enhances boAt's brand visibility, adding Singh to its roster of distinguished ambassadors, which includes notable celebrities and sports personalities.
• With Singh onboard, boAt's brand ambassador lineup now features influential figures from both the entertainment and sports industries, reinforcing its market presence.

Awards News

Grammy Awards 2024

• The 66th Annual Grammy Awards commemorated outstanding achievements in music from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.
• Hosted for the fourth consecutive time by Trevor Noah, the ceremony celebrated remarkable recordings, compositions, and artists.
• Reflecting the diversity and excellence of the music industry, the event underscored the universal language of music.

Priest Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri Honored With The Shankar Smriti Award

• Priest Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri, chief priest (Rawal) of Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand, receives the prestigious Shankar Smriti Award in Kerala.
• This accolade recognizes his dedication and service in the spiritual domain, contributing to India's rich religious heritage.
• Presented annually during the 103rd Malliyoor Bhagavat Hamsa Smarana Utsav, the award celebrates individuals' exceptional contributions to spirituality, art, and service.

Books & Authors News

Jagdeep Dhankhar Releases The Book Titled ‘9 Incredible Years Of Haryana Government

• Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar unveils the book, '9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government – Rise of a New and Vibrant Haryana,' at Surajkund Faridabad.
• The book, available in Hindi and English, highlights the Haryana government's accomplishments over nine years.
• It features perspectives from various stakeholders, including politicians, educators, social workers, administrators, and jurists, offering insights into the government's initiatives and their impact on society.

Science & Technology News

Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko Sets World Record For Most Time In Space

• Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko achieves a historic milestone, surpassing Gennady Padalka's record for the most time spent in space.
• Kononenko's dedication to space missions positions him as a prominent figure in human spaceflight history, marking a significant achievement in the realm of space exploration.

India’s Woman Robot Astronaut “Vyommitra” Will Fly Into Space Ahead Of ISRO’s Ambitious “Gaganyaan” Mission

• India's space endeavors reach a new milestone as Vyommitra, the woman robot astronaut developed by ISRO, prepares for an uncrewed mission.
• This mission, named after the Sanskrit words “Vyoma” (Space) and “Mitra” (Friend), advances India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, its maiden manned spaceflight.
• Equipped with advanced capabilities, Vyommitra simulates human functions in space, showcasing its versatility for future space exploration endeavors.

Obituaries News

Rocky Actor Carl Weathers Passed Away At 76

• Hollywood mourns the loss of Carl Weathers, acclaimed for his roles in 'Rocky' and 'Predator.'
• With a career spanning five decades, Weathers leaves an indelible mark on cinema, particularly with his portrayal of Apollo Creed.
• His captivating performances captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place among Hollywood's legends.

Namibian President Hage Geingob Passes Away At 82, Undergoing Cancer Treatment

• Namibia mourns the passing of President Hage Geingob, a pivotal figure in the country's political landscape.
• Geingob's contributions, including chairing the drafting of Namibia's constitution and serving as its first prime minister, shaped the nation's trajectory. As Namibia faces a transition, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba assumes interim leadership responsibilities until upcoming elections.
• Geingob's legacy encompasses efforts to address economic disparities and promote Namibia's prominence in the mining sector.