06th-07th February, 2024

1. Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to be implemented under Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF).
2. Union Cabinet has approved extension of scheme of sugar subsidy for Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY) families distributed through Public Distribution Scheme (PDS).
3. Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for export of Apparel/Garments and Made ups upto 31st  March 2026.
4. Cabinet has approved determination of marketing margin on supply of domestic gas to fertiliser (urea) units for the period from May 1, 2009 to November 17, 2015.
5. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched new satellite data acquisition and processing facility (Oceansat3 and X/L band ground station) and released a postal stamp marked the 25 years
6. 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was held from 29th January 2024 to 2nd February 2024 at Kochi.
7. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has released a book titled “9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government: Emergence of a New and Vibrant Haryana” in Faridabad, Haryana.
8. Union Government also approved the signing and ratification of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).
9. China has launched 9 satellites into orbit on powerful Jielong-3 (Smart 3) rocket.
10. Ministry of External Affairs has provided Rs 9,013.72 crore to the EXIM Bank after it has invoked Government of India (GoI) guarantee on these loans.
11. Federal Bank has launched National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-integrated debit cards.
12. Indian Institutional Ranking Framework(IIRF)’s Top Master of Business Administration (MBA) Colleges in India – 2024 has been released.
13. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani has been ranked 1st among all the Indians and 2nd globally in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024 compiled by Brand Finance.
14. Indian economy is expected to experience a consistent growth of 6.7% annually from 2024 to 2031, as per the latest report by CRISIL.
15. 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Mahabali has been delivered to Indian Navy
16. REC Limited has been awarded with the prestigious Best Green Bond – Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024.
17. Government has announced Bharat Ratna for senior BJP Leader and the man behind the Ram Janambhoomi movement, Lal Krishna Advani.
18. INS Sandhayak, the 1st Survey Vessel Large ship has been commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
19. International Day of Human Fraternity
20. World Cancer Day
21. Safer Internet Day 2024
22. Former shooter Abhinav Bindra has been selected as torchbearer for Paris 2024 Olympics.
23. ice President of Namibia, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has taken oath as the new President following the death of the country’s President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob.
24. Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen has appointed its foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the country’s new prime minister.
25. CDS General Anil Chauhan has unveiled a book ‘Artificial Intelligence and National Security’ at Defence Literature Festival, “Kalam and Kavach” in Pune.

National News

1. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund.
   • What 👉Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to be implemented under Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF).
   • Key points-
     • Total outlay- Rs.29,610.25 crore
     • Extension has been approved for another 3 years up to 2025-26.
   • More about AHIDF-
     • Scheme will incentivize investments for Dairy processing and product diversification, Meat processing etc.
     • Government of India will provide 3% interest subvention for 8 years including two years of moratorium for loan up to 90%.
     • Who will provide the Loan?
       • Scheduled bank and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), NABARD and NDDB.
     • Government of India will also provide credit guarantee to the MSME and Dairy Cooperatives up to the 25% of the credit borrowed from the Credit Guarantee Fund of Rs.750 crore.
     • Eligible entities- Individuals, Private Companies, FPO, MSME, Section 8 companies
       Source: PIB

2. Sugar Subsidy for AAY Families under PDS.
   • What 👉Union Cabinet has approved extension of scheme of sugar subsidy for Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY) families distributed through Public Distribution Scheme (PDS).
   • Key points-
     • Extension period- 2 more years (till 31 March 2026)
     • Government will continue giving subsidy to participating States for distribution of sugar to AAY families through PDS at the rate of 1 kg per family per month.
     • Under the Scheme, the Central Government gives subsidy of Rs.18.50 per kg per month of sugar to AAY families of participating States.
     • The scheme is expected to benefit about 1.89 crores AAY families of the country.

3. Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies for export of Apparel/Garments.
   • What 👉 Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for export of Apparel/Garments and Made ups upto 31st  March 2026.
   • Objective-
     • To compensate for the State and Central Taxes and Levies in addition to the Duty Drawback Scheme on export of apparel/ garments and Made-ups by way of rebate.
       Source: PIB

   
   
4. Marketing margin for supply of domestic gas to urea plants.
   • What 👉 Cabinet has approved determination of marketing margin on supply of domestic gas to fertiliser (urea) units for the period from May 1, 2009 to November 17, 2015.
   • Key points-
     • Marketing margin is charged by gas marketing companies from consumers over and above the cost of gas for taking on the additional risk and cost associated with marketing of gas.
     • The Government had previously determined marketing margin on supply of domestic gas to urea and LPG producers in 2015.
       Source: The Hindu
     
     
     
     

5. Satellite Data Acquisition and Processing Facility and a special postal stamp by INCOIS.
   • What 👉 Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched new satellite data acquisition and processing facility (Oceansat3 and X/L band ground station) and released a postal stamp marked the 25 years
   • Key points-
     • Hindi and English versions of the book INCOIS 25-Year Journey was also released on the occasion.
     • Chief Post Master General for TS circle P.V.S. Reddy handed over ‘INCOIS My Stamp’.
       Source: The HIndu

   
   
6. 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs.
   • What 👉 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was held from 29th January 2024 to 2nd February 2024 at Kochi.
   • Key points-
     • Quality standards for 5 spices, namely small cardamom, turmeric, juniper berry, allpice and star anise were finalised.
     • Committee has finalised the first group standard for ‘spices derived from fruits and berries’ (covering 3 spices, viz, juniper berry, allspice and star anise) in the present session.
     • Large number of Latin American countries have participated for the 1st time.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Book- 9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government: Emergence of a New and Vibrant Haryana.
   • What 👉 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has released a book titled “9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government: Emergence of a New and Vibrant Haryana” in Faridabad, Haryana.
   • Key points-
     • Book encapsulates perspectives from individuals occupying various positions in politics, education, social work, administration and the judiciary.
     • Vice President has described 7 principles of good governance —shiksha, swasthya, suraksha, swabhiman, swavlamban, sushasan and sewa—as “satvik”.
       Source: HT
     
     

International News

1. Bilateral investment treaty with U.A.E.
   • What 👉 Union Government also approved the signing and ratification of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).
   • Objective-
     • To improve the confidence of investors, especially large investors, resulting in an increase in foreign investments and overseas direct investment opportunities.
     • India and UAE have also implemented a free trade agreement in May 2022. India received an FDI of $16.7 billion between April 2000 and September 2023.
       Source: The Hindu
2. Jielong-3 (Smart 3) rocket.
   • What 👉 China has launched 9 satellites into orbit on powerful Jielong-3 (Smart 3) rocket.
   • Key points-
     • Developed by- CAS Space
     • Jielong-3 can carry a 1,500 kg (3,300 pounds) payload into a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit.
       Source: IT

    

Banking and Economy

1. Non Performing Assets of EXIM Bank
   • What 👉 Ministry of External Affairs has provided Rs 9,013.72 crore to the EXIM Bank after it has invoked Government of India (GoI) guarantee on these loans.
   • Key points-
     • Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) had to invoke guarantees on decade-old loans extended to certain African countries, as these loans turned into non-performing assets (NPAs).
     • These loans, classified as doubtful, were not written off.
     • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided Rs 4,383.40 crore in 2024-25 towards payment to Exim Bank for guarantees that may be invoked against such doubtful debts.
       Source: Indian Express

   
   
   
   
2. Federal Banks RuPay-enabled NCMC wallet debit cards.
   • What 👉 Federal Bank has launched National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-integrated debit cards.
   • Key point-
     • Federal Bank RuPay Debit Card holders can now use their debit cards for offline payments at transit operators.

   
   

Source: BT

Reports and Indices

1. IIRF’s Top Master of Business Administration (MBA) Colleges in India – 2024.
   • What 👉 Indian Institutional Ranking Framework(IIRF)’s Top Master of Business Administration (MBA) Colleges in India – 2024 has been released.
   • Key points-
     • Top Government MBA college in India- IIM Ahmedabad
     • Top Private MBA college in India- Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI)
     • Top-ranked college (Overall among Government & Private) in India- IIM Ahmedabad
   • Top Public (Government) Institutions Ranking-
   • Top Private Institutions Ranking-
     Source: IIRF
2. Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) 2024
   • What👉 Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani has been ranked 1st among all the Indians and 2nd globally in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024 compiled by Brand Finance.
   • What is Brand Guardianship Index 2024 ?
     • Brand Guardianship Index is a global recognition of CEOs, who are building business value in a sustainable manner, by balancing the needs of all stakeholders – employees, investors, and the wider society.
     • Brand Guardianship Index includes-
       • ‘Perception’ factors, which reflect current perceptions
       • ‘Performance’ factors, which reflect the tangible results of these perceptions
       • ‘Promotion’ factors, which support future perceptions and performance
     • Other Indians on the list-
       • Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been ranked at No.5, up from No.8 in the 2023 ranking.
       • Anish Shah has ranked at at No.6 of Mahindra Group.
         Source: livemint
3. Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL) Report
   • What👉 Indian economy is expected to experience a consistent growth of 6.7% annually from 2024 to 2031, as per the latest report by CRISIL.
   • Reason for the strong growth-
     • Investment-driven approach of government during a period when the private sector hesitated to make substantial investments.
   • Key points-
     • After achieving a robust 7.3% growth in the current fiscal year 2023, CRISIL predicts a moderation to 6.4% in the next financial year 2024.
     • In December 2023, inflation level stood at 5.7%, primarily driven by fluctuating vegetable prices and food grain inflation.
       Source: livemint

Defence News

1. Delivery of 25T Bollard Pull Tug
   • What👉 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Mahabali has been delivered to Indian Navy
   • Key points-
     • Constructed by- M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (M/s SSPL)
     • These Tugs are being built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
       Source: PIB
     
     

   
   

Awards

1. Best Green Bond – Corporate Award.
   • What👉 REC Limited has been awarded with the prestigious Best Green Bond – Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024.
   • Key points-
     • REC has received the award for issuance of $750 million USD Green Bonds in April 2023
     • It was also the 1st USD Green Bond issuance from India after assumption of G20 Presidency by India.
       Source: PIB

2. Bharat Ratna for former Deputy PM LK Advani
   • What👉 Government has announced Bharat Ratna for senior BJP Leader and the man behind the Ram Janambhoomi movement, Lal Krishna Advani.
   • Key points-
     • He will be the 50th recipient of the highest civilian award since its inception.
     • This is the 7th Bharat Ratna awarded by the current ruling government (Prime Minister Narendra Modi regime), since assuming power in 2014.
       Source: HBL
     
     

3. INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025)
   • What👉 INS Sandhayak, the 1st Survey Vessel Large ship has been commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
   • Key points-
     • Constructed by- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
     • INS Sandhayak will carry out full scale hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels/routes, etc.
     • It is constructed under the watch of Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy.
       Source: PIB
     
     

Important Days

1. February 4– International Day of Human Fraternity
2. February 4– World Cancer Day; Theme– Close the Care Gap: Together, we challenge those in power.
3. February 6- Safer Internet Day 2024; Theme- Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online

Sports

1. Torchbearer for Paris 2024 Olympics
   • What 👉 Former shooter Abhinav Bindra has been selected as torchbearer for Paris 2024 Olympics.
   • Key point-
     • He has won the men’s 10m air rifle event at Beijing 2008
     • He is first-ever Indian Olympic gold medal winner
       Source: olympics

Appointments

1. New President of Namibia.
   • What 👉 Vice President of Namibia, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has taken oath as the new President following the death of the country’s President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob.
     Source: creport

   
   
2. New Prime Minister of Yemen
   • What 👉 Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen has appointed its foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the country’s new prime minister.
     Source: livemint
   
   
   
   

Miscellaneous

1. Book – ‘Artificial Intelligence and National Security’
   • What 👉 CDS General Anil Chauhan has unveiled a book ‘Artificial Intelligence and National Security’ at Defence Literature Festival, “Kalam and Kavach” in Pune.
   • Key points-
     • More about Artificial Intelligence and National Security-
       • Written by- Amit Sinha and Vijay Khare
       • Published by- Pentagon Press
     • Defence Literature Festival is hosted by– Army Southern Command and Pentagon Press
     • Another book titled “Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan: A World at War” written by Ajay Singh was released at the event.
       Source: ANI

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