01st-02nd February, 2024

1. India has nominated ‘Maratha Military Landscape’ for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25.
2. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has released the report on the Status of Snow leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi.
3. Union Minister Amit Shah has launched the computerization scheme for the offices of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCSs) and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) of the states in New Delhi.
4. Dronetech startup Marut Drones has delivered 1st mineral exploration drones of India to state-run iron ore miner NMDC Ltd.
5. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav has announced the designation of 5 more wetlands as Ramsar sites.
6. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal launched the “Bharat 5G Portal- an integrated portal” on the sidelines of ‘Bharat Telecom 2024 – An Exclusive International Business Expo’.
7. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the eligibility norms for the inclusion of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934.
8. India has been ranked 93rd out of 180 countries in 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International.
9. International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s growth forecast in its latest World Economic Outlook update for January.
10. Odisha government has launched LABHA (‘Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya’) Yojana a 100% State-funded minimum support price (MSP) scheme for minor forest produce (MFP).
11. January 30– Martyrs’ Day (Saheed Diwas)
12. February 1– Indian Coast Guard Day
13. February 1-7 (1st week of February)- World Interfaith Harmony Week
14. GAIL India has signed a long term contract for procuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of 0.5 MTPA.
15. Union Cabinet has approved a MoU between India and Sultanate of Oman on cooperation in the field of Information Technology.
16. Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for signing of a protocol for establishment of Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) between India and Dominican Republic.
17. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed a MoU with Airbus Helicopters to co-manufacture the renowned H125 single-engine helicopters.
18. President Droupadi Murmu has appointed three full-time members and a part-time member to the 16th Finance Commission.
19. Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Lahoti as the 9th Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
20. AU Small Finance Bank has appointed Harun Rashid Khan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as non-executive chairman.
21. Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (Sultan Ibrahim), the Ruler of the southern Malaysian state of Johor, has been sworn in as the 17th King of Malaysia.

National News

1. India has nominated ‘Maratha Military Landscape’ for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25.
   • Key points-
     • Ministry of Culture has nominated a total of 12 component in this nomination.
     • Twelve components of this nomination are-

• More about Maratha Military Landscape-
  • These landscapes were developed between 17th and 19th centuries.
  • They represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.

2. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has released the report on the Status of Snow leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi.
   • Key points-
     • Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program is the first-ever scientific exercise.
     • Snow leopard population in India- 718 individuals
     • National Coordinator for this exercise- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
     • Conservation partners- Nature Conservation Foundation Mysuru and WWF-India
     • SPAI has systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard range in the country.
     • Estimated population in different states are as follows:

3. Union Minister Amit Shah has launched the computerization scheme for the offices of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCSs) and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) of the states in New Delhi.
   • Objectives-
     • To improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in the working of Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCSs) and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs).
   • Total cost of computerisation will be Rs 225 crore, of which Rs 95 crore would be Rs 95 crore would be spent on computerisation of RCSs.
     Source: ET
4. Dronetech startup Marut Drones has delivered 1st mineral exploration drones of India to state-run iron ore miner NMDC Ltd.
   • Key points-
     • Hyderabad-based startup has supplied two customised Octacopter drones to the NMDC Ltd.
     • More about Marut Drones-
       • Marut drones are equipped with advanced sensors that are being utilised for the first time for mineral exploration in the country.
       • Advanced sensors such as Magnetometer, Hyperspectral, and Lidar that enhance its capabilities for accurate exploration and mapping. tnn.

5. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav has announced the designation of 5 more wetlands as Ramsar sites.
   • Key points-
     • India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) to 80 from existing 75 after adding these sites.
     • Addition has been made on the eve of World Wetlands Day 2024 (WWD 2024), which is observed on 2nd February.
     • The theme of WWD-2024 is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’.
     • List of newly added Ramsar sites-

6. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal launched the “Bharat 5G Portal- an integrated portal” on the sidelines of ‘Bharat Telecom 2024 – An Exclusive International Business Expo’.
   • Key point–
     • Bharat Telecom Expo has been organized by Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) in collaboration with DoT
   • About Bharat 5G Portal- an integrate portal-
     • It is a comprehensive platform serving the interests of startups, industry and academia in quantum, 6G, IPR and 5G domains.
     • It also features the Future Tech-Experts registration portal in collaboration with PANIIT USA.
     • It aims to increase 5G capabilities of India, promote innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the telecom sector.
       Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the eligibility norms for the inclusion of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934.
   • Objective-
     • To improve their financial stability, governance, and strengthen the regulatory framework for UCBs.
   • Key points-
     • Instructions are issued under clause (a) of sub-section (6) of section 42 of the RBI Act, 1934.
     • The revision will repeal the circular on UCBs for their inclusion in the 2nd Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934 issued in 2013.
   • Eligibility criteria-
     • It includes licensed Tier 3 and Tier 4 Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, fulfilling the criteria stipulated for Financially Sound and Well Managed Urban Co-operative Banks by the Reserve Bank of India.
     • These are subject to maintenance of minimum deposits required for categorisation as a Tier 3 Urban Co-operative Bank for two consecutive years.
       Source: RBI

Reports and Indices

1. India has been ranked 93rd out of 180 countries in 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International.
   • Key points-
     • This year, overall score of India is 39, India got 85th rank in 2022 with overall score of 40.
     • India has tied with Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Lesotho to rank at 93 out of 180 countries.
     • 1st rank- Denmark (for sixth consecutive year)
     • 180th rank (Bottom rank)– Somalia, with the lowest score of 11
     • Bottom of the index also included Myanmar (162), Afghanistan (162) and North Korea (172).
     • Pakistan scored 29 with a rank of 133 and China, scored 42 occupying rank 76, and Sri Lanka has ranked 115th.
     • In the Asian region, Singapore has ranked at the top, scoring 83 and occupying the 5th slot.

Source: Indian Express

GDP Forecasts

1. International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s growth forecast in its latest World Economic Outlook update for January.
   • Forecast for India-
     • Updated GDP growth– 6.7% in FY24
     • GDP forecast in October 2023- 6.3%
     • Expected GDP growth in both 2024 (FY25) and 2025 (FY26)– 6.5%
     • Reason for upward forecast-
       • Upward forecast is based on better-than-expected resilience in its domestic demand.
   • Global forecast-
     • IMF forecast global growth of 3.1% in 2024, and global growth of 3.2% in 2025.
       Source: BT

State News

1. Odisha government has launched LABHA (‘Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya’) Yojana a 100% State-funded minimum support price (MSP) scheme for minor forest produce (MFP).
   • Key points-
     • Under the scheme, a primary collector (a tribal person) will be able to sell the MFP, collected at the procurement centres by the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Limited of Odisha (TDCCOL), at the MSP.
     • 99% of primary collectors are tribals and the majority of them are women, the LABHA Yojana will integrate the efforts with Mission Shakti’s Women SHGs (self help groups).
     • These procurement centres will be managed by SHGs and any other notified agencies assisted by TDCCOL.
     • Amount would be transferred as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s account.
     • Procurement automation system will capture the total collection of MFPs, the details of the primary collectors, and the procurement point.
   • Other key initiative-
     • State government has set up a tamarind processing plant in Rayagada at an estimated investment of ₹25 crore.

Source: The Hindu

Important Days

1. January 30– Martyrs’ Day (Saheed Diwas)
   • It is observed to pay homage to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and welfare of the nation.
   • The day also marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
     Source: ET
2. February 1– Indian Coast Guard Day
   • February 1, 2024 marks 48th Raising Day of Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
   • Indian Coast Guard was established in 1977.
   • Motto of Indian Coast Guard- “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect)
     Source: PIB

   
   
3. February 1-7 (1st week of February)- World Interfaith Harmony Week
   Source: UN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. GAIL India has signed a long term contract for procuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of 0.5 MTPA.
   • Key points-
     • The delivery will start across India from 2026 onwards for a duration of 10 years.
     • long-term LNG purchase agreement with ADNOC Gas is expected to improve energy security of India.
       Source: Hindu BusinessLine
     
     
2. Union Cabinet has approved a MoU between India and Sultanate of Oman on cooperation in the field of Information Technology.
   • Objective-
     • To promote comprehensive cooperation between the Parties through mutual support, sharing of technologies, information and investments in the field of Information Technology.

   • Signatory-
     • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Sultanate of Oman.
       Source: PIB
     
     

   
   
3. Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for signing of a protocol for establishment of Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) between India and Dominican Republic.
   • Key points-
     • Signed between– Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.

   • More about Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)-
     • It will be the first bilateral institutional mechanism between India and the Dominican Republic on trade and commerce.
     • It will improve the economic relationship between India and the Dominican Republic.
     • It will provide a platform to discuss, and exchange information, knowledge and ideas to facilitate trade and industry.
     • It will also facilitate the trade of goods and services and boost employment opportunities for professionals in both countries.
       Source: PIB
     
     
4. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed a MoU with Airbus Helicopters to co-manufacture the renowned H125 single-engine helicopters.
   • Objective-
     • To address the increasing demand for helicopters in India, with applications ranging from high-net-worth individuals to the transportation of goods and responding to medical emergencies.

   • Key points-
     • TASL will oversee the assembly of these aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
     • Helicopters are intended for both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries.
       Source: FE
     
     

Appointments

1. President Droupadi Murmu has appointed three full-time members and a part-time member to the 16th Finance Commission.
   • Three full-time Members-
     • Ajay Narayan Jha (former Member of the 15th Finance Commission and former Secretary, Department of Expenditure)
     • Annie George Mathew (former Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure) and
     • Niranjan Rajadhyaksha (Executive Director, Artha Global)
   • Part-time member-
     • Soumya Kanti Ghosh (Group Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India)
   • Other key points-
     • 16th Finance Commission would have to make its report available by October 31, 2025 covering a period of five years from April 1, 2026.
     • Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey was appointed Secretary to the 16th Finance Commission on December 31.
     • Panagariya, an Indian-American economist, had served as the first Vice-Chairman of the Government think-tank NITI Aayog between January 2015 and August 2017.
     • 16th Finance Commission will make recommendations on the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes that are to be divided between them.
       Source: The Hindu Business Line

   
   
2. Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Lahoti as the 9th Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
   • Key points-
     • Tenure- 3 years or until the age of 65 years
     • He will succeed PD vaghela, who retired from the post on 30th September 2023.

3. AU Small Finance Bank has appointed Harun Rashid Khan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as non-executive chairman.
   • Key point-
     • Tenure- January 30, 2024 – December 27, 2024

Source: BS

3. Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (Sultan Ibrahim), the Ruler of the southern Malaysian state of Johor, has been sworn in as the 17th King of Malaysia.
   • Key points-
     • He will serve the tenure of 5 years (till 2029).
     • He has succeeded Al-Sultan Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah (16th King), Ruler of Pahang state, who served as the 16th King since 2019.
       Source: livemint

Start Quiz of 01st-02nd February 2024 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 01st-02nd February 2024 on Desktop