National News

1. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Unveils Coal Logistics Plan And Policy

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi recently introduced the National Coal Logistics Plan and Policy, 2023, on February 29.
• This initiative is geared towards optimizing railway usage in coal transportation, with a target of surpassing 87% by FY 2029-30.
• With an anticipated increase in coal consumption from 980 million tons to 1.5 billion tons by 2030, the policy focuses on cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and logistical effectiveness in coal transportation.

2. Cabinet Approval, Establishment Of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), headquartered in India.
• This significant decision is accompanied by a one-time budgetary allocation of Rs. 150 crore for the period spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
• The primary objective of the International Big Cat Alliance is the conservation of various big cat species including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs.

3. PM Modi Launches India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry via virtual means.
• This ferry, developed and constructed indigenously by Cochin Shipyard, holds promise for the marine sector by introducing hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.
• With zero emissions, minimal noise, and enhanced energy efficiency, the ferry represents a significant step towards combating global warming.
• Its adoption aligns with India's ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

International News

4. PM Modi & PM Jugnauth Inaugurate Airstrip, Jetty In Agalega Island

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Agalega Island, signaling a landmark moment in the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius.
• The newly established airstrip is expected to improve connectivity to Agalega Island, thereby facilitating smoother transportation and fostering economic development in the region.
• Additionally, the inauguration of the St. James Jetty introduces crucial maritime infrastructure, bolstering trade and transportation between Agalega Island and the mainland.

5. Ghana Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill

• Ghana’s parliament recently passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, awaiting presidential approval.
• This legislation aims to uphold traditional Ghanaian family values while regulating human sexual rights.
• It criminalizes identification with LGBTQ identities, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison. Furthermore, individuals found promoting or supporting LGBTQ activities could face imprisonment for up to five years under the proposed law.
• It's worth noting that Ghana already prohibits gay sexual acts, carrying a maximum prison sentence of three years.

State News

6. ‘Tawi Festival’ in Jammu to Kick Off on March 1, 2024, for Four Days

• The upcoming 'Tawi Festival' in Jammu, slated to commence on March 1, 2024, holds promise for showcasing the cultural richness and artistic heritage of the region.
• Spearheaded by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), this four-day extravaganza aims to shine a spotlight on local artisans' skills and creativity, celebrating the diverse tapestry of art forms prevalent in the area.

Economy News

7. India’s Q3 FY24 GDP Surges to 8.4%: Exceeds Expectations

• India's GDP for the third quarter of FY24 witnessed a remarkable surge, reaching 8.4% year-on-year growth, surpassing expectations.
• As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's report on February 29, the robust performance of the construction and manufacturing sectors played a pivotal role in driving this notable growth trajectory during the ongoing financial year.

8. Index of Eight Core Industries Increase by 3.6 Percent in January 2024

• January 2024 witnessed a notable uptick in the Combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), registering a 3.6 percent increase (provisional) compared to January 2023.
• This index, encompassing critical sectors such as Cement, Coal, Crude Oil, and others, constitutes a significant portion of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), underlining its substantial contribution to the industrial landscape.

Banking News

9. RBI Revamps BBPS Norms for Enhanced Efficiency

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a revamped regulatory framework for the Bharat Bill Payment Systems (BBPS), effective April 1, 2024.
• This overhaul aims to streamline bill payments, promote wider participation, and fortify consumer protection measures in response to the evolving dynamics of the payment landscape.
• NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Ltd (NBBL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), assumes the role of the designated Payment System Provider for BBPS.

Important Days News

10. World Seagrass Day 2024

• World Seagrass Day, observed annually on March 1, serves as a crucial global commemoration emphasizing the significance of seagrass in marine ecosystems.
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly following Sri Lanka’s resolution on May 22, 2022, this day underscores the urgent need for seagrass conservation.
• With seagrass tracing its origins back approximately 100 million years, its evolution represents a remarkable adaptation to marine environments, highlighting its ecological importance.

11. Zero Discrimination Day 2024

• March 1st marks Zero Discrimination Day, a globally recognized occasion dedicated to advocating for the fundamental right of every individual to live a life devoid of discrimination and prejudice.
• Initiated by UNAIDS, this annual observance seeks to raise awareness about the adverse effects of discrimination while emphasizing the importance of promoting equality, compassion, and respect for all individuals.
• The inception of Zero Discrimination Day dates back to 2014, following the launch of the Zero Discrimination Campaign by UNAIDS on World AIDS Day in December 2013.

Awards News

12. Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary Knighthood

• Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Chairman, and founder of Bharti Enterprises, has been honored with an honorary Knighthood by Britain’s King Charles III.
• Notably, Mittal becomes the first Indian citizen to receive this esteemed recognition, lauded for his significant contributions to fostering UK-India business relations.
• The award acknowledges Mittal’s pivotal role in nurturing and strengthening business ties between the United Kingdom and India.

Appointments News

13. IPS Officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary Named NSG’s New Director General

• Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a distinguished IPS officer from the 1990 batch, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG), marking a pivotal milestone in India’s security landscape.
• Currently serving as the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Chaudhary's new role at the helm of the NSG, often referred to as the "black cats," underscores his commendable track record and expertise in the realm of security operations.

Agreements News

14. India Post Payments Bank Partners With Hindustan Zinc for CSR Financial Services

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) have forged a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering financial inclusion in rural Rajasthan.
• This collaboration endeavors to facilitate easy access to essential banking services such as account opening, pension products, savings, and investment schemes.
• Furthermore, it empowers beneficiaries to serve as Individual Business Correspondents for IPPB services, promoting government social welfare schemes and facilitating income-generating loans.

15. MoSPI Signs MoU With ISRO on Urban Frame Survey Using Bhuvan

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) have joined forces to digitize the Urban Frame Survey (UFS) utilizing advanced Geo ICT tools via the Bhuvan Platform.
• This collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of data collection and maintenance during the Urban Frame Survey (UFS), leveraging digital technologies.
• The focus lies on the development and enhancement of a mobile application for Geo-tagging NSSO Urban Frame Survey data, thereby streamlining survey operations and improving data quality.

Schemes News

16. Ministry of Women and Child Development Organizes ‘Poshan Utsav: Celebrating Nutrition’ to Promote Good Nutrition Behavior

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development orchestrated the 'Poshan Utsav' at The Oberoi on February 29th, 2024.
• This event was meticulously designed to advocate for good nutrition behavior, shedding light on India's persistent endeavors to combat malnutrition by fostering positive nutrition practices.
• A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 'Poshan Utsav Book,' a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI), aimed at furthering the cause of nutrition awareness.

17. Telangana Government Introduces One-Time Scheme

• The Telangana state government has initiated a directive mandating the adoption of the One-Time Scheme (OTS) across all urban local bodies (ULBs), including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
• This strategic move seeks to ease the financial burden faced by property owners grappling with accumulating arrears interest on property tax payments, offering them a one-time reprieve.

Sports News

18. Juventus Midfielder Paul Pogba Banned for 4 Years for Doping

• Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban from football in the wake of doping allegations, spearheaded by Italy’s sports prosecutors.
• The doping controversy ensued subsequent to Juventus’ triumphant 3-0 victory against Udinese in the Italian Serie A opener, resulting in Pogba's provisional suspension from the sport.

Miscellaneous News

19. Zoological Survey of India Names New Marine Species after President Droupadi Murmu

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has unveiled a newly identified species of marine head-shield sea slug, christened Melanochlamys droupadi, discovered along the coastlines of West Bengal and Odisha.
• This distinct species, adorned with a striking ruby red spot, boasts unique characteristics setting it apart from its counterparts.
• Discovered in the coastal regions of Digha in West Bengal and Udaipur in Odisha, Melanochlamys droupadi features a short, blunt cylindrical body and a smooth dorsal surface, signifying a significant addition to marine biodiversity.

20. Indian Dam in Punjab Halts Ravi River Flow to Pakistan

• After a span of 45 years, the completion of the Shahpur-Kandi barrage stands as a monumental achievement, effectively stemming the flow of the Ravi River into Pakistan.
• This development is poised to have a substantial impact on the Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering irrigation across over 32,000 hectares of land.
• Initiated in 1995 by former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, this project operates within the framework of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, thereby bolstering water resource management in the region.

21. DGCA Penalizes Air India ₹30 Lakh for 80-Year-Old Passenger’s Demise

• Following a tragic incident on February 12th, wherein an 80-year-old passenger collapsed and subsequently passed away upon arrival from New York at Mumbai airport due to the unavailability of a pre-booked wheelchair, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a penalty of ₹30 lakh on Air India.
• In response, DGCA issued a stern advisory to all airlines, urging them to ensure the availability of an adequate number of wheelchairs for passengers requiring assistance, thus prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.