18th-19th February, 2024

1. President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, aimed at preventing malpractices in government recruitment examinations.
2. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has launched the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) Scheme in New Delhi.
3. 1st Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) of India will be started from All Indian Institute of Medical Science in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
4. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin‘ initiative, and invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from industry pioneers, startups, MSMEs, academia, innovators and forward-thinkers.
5. Union Minister of Food Processing, Pashupati Kumar Paras has inaugurated “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024”.
6. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) is hosting the 1st-ever Future Skills Summit in Guwahati.
7. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the ‘Van Mitra’ scheme and its portal to encourage community participation in tree planting activities in non-forest areas.
8. Odisha Cabinet has approved the launch of the new scheme ‘SWAYAM’ for interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh to rural unemployed youth and entrepreneurs intending to expand their existing business.
9. Rajasthan government has announced a special scheme for laborers and street vendors, named the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana.
10. Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations has chaired the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development.
11. Germany has overtaken Japan as the 3rd largest economy in the world due to slow growth of Japan and fall in the value of Yen (currency of Japan).
12. Payments solution provider, PayU has announced collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for rolling out of the ‘Credit Lines on UPI’ feature on its platform.
13. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed global payment giants Visa and Mastercard to suspend card-based commercial transactions by both small and large businesses.
14. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has emerged as the most valuable company of India for the 3rd consecutive year in 2023 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 released by Axis Bank’s Burgundy Private and Hurun India.
15. Government of India has announced the Inaugural Edition of the National Creators Award to celebrate Digital Creator Economy of India and its Impact.
16. President Droupadi Murmu has awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal to Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army for his development of a ‘multipurpose octocopter’.
17. Booking.com has released list of Most Welcoming Regions and Cities of India in the 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards.
18. World Anthropology Day
19. Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024
20. India and Colombia have signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
21. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
22. Boeing has announced the appointment of Nikhil Joshi as the managing director of Boeing Defence India to improve its operations and growth strategy in India.

National News

1. President gives assent to bill aimed at checking malpractices in government recruitment examinations.
• What ? President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, aimed at preventing malpractices in government recruitment examinations.
• Objectives-
  • To bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examination systems.
  • To reassure the youth that their sincere and genuine efforts will be fairly rewarded and their future is safe.
• Key points-
  • Bill is intended to prevent unfair means in the public examinations such as UPSC, SSC, RRC, NTA, etc.
  • Bill intended to prohibit collusion or conspiracy to facilitate indulgence in any unfair means.
  • As per the provisions of the Bill, committed offence will be punishable with imprisonment between 3 to 10 years, and a fine up from 10 lakh to 1 crore rupees.
  • All offences under the Bill will be cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

Source: AIR

2. Launch of realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund(AHIDF) Scheme.

• What ? Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has launched the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) Scheme in New Delhi.
• Key points-
  • Scheme was started during COVID period and it has been realigned and will be implemented for another 3 years.
  • Total outlay for realigned AHIDF under Infrastructure Development Fund- ₹ 29610 crore.
  • Tenure for further implementation of scheme- 3 years from March 31, 2023 till 2025-26.
  • Under the realigned scheme, the following will be the benefit:
    • Interest Subvention of 3% payable up to 8 years
    • Individuals, FPO, Dairy Cooperatives, Private Companies, Section 8 companies, MSME
    • Credit guarantee cover unto 25% of the term loan.
    • No ceiling on the loan amount
    • Loan up to 90% of the estimated/actual project cost

3. 1st helicopter emergency medical service of India to start from Uttarakhand.
• What ? 1st Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) of India will be started from All Indian Institute of Medical Science in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
• Key points-
  • HEMS would operate under project ‘Sanjeevani’.
  • Under project ‘Sanjeevani helicopter service will cover the radius area of 150 km to airlift the people to the hospital.

Source: HT

4. DoT unveils an unparalleled venture ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative.
• What ? Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin‘ initiative, and invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from industry pioneers, startups, MSMEs, academia, innovators and forward-thinkers.
• What is Digital Twin technology?
  • Digital Twin technology offers a solution by creating virtual replicas of physical assets, allowing for real-time monitoring, etc.

Source: PIB

5. Union Minister, Pashupati Kumar Paras has inaugurated “SUFALAM”.
• What ? Union Minister of Food Processing, Pashupati Kumar Paras has inaugurated “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024”.
• Key points-
  • “SUFALAM” provides a platform aimed at catalyzing innovation, promoting collaboration, and driving growth within the food processing industry.
  • Event comprises four knowledge sessions, two pitching sessions, and exhibition.
  • The knowledge sessions are held in collaboration with FSSAI, EIC, APEDA, Start-up India, and FICCI.

Source: PIB

6. Ministry of Electronics & IT to hold first-ever Digital India futureSKILLS summit in Guwahati.
• What ? Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), ****through National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) ****is hosting the 1st-ever Future Skills Summit in Guwahati.
• Objective-
  • To build multiple partnerships with industry and academic institutions across the country, making sure that educational programs match industry needs and standards closely.
• Key points-
  • Summit will witness over 20 strategic collaborations between NIELIT and Intel, HCL, Microsoft, Kindryl, IIM Raipur, IIITM Gwalior, Wipro, and others.
  • Summit will feature four-panel discussions on the following themes:
    • Semicon India #futureSKILLS
    • IndiaAI #futureSKILLS
    • Cyber Security & Emerging Technologies for the #futureSKILLS
    • Digital #futureSKILLS – India’s Talent for Global Workforce

Source: PIB

State News

1. Haryana Chief Minister launches ‘Van Mitra’ scheme to encourage participation in tree planting.
• What ? Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the ‘Van Mitra’ scheme and its portal to encourage community participation in tree planting activities in non-forest areas.
• Objective-
  • To directly involve the local public in increasing forest areas across the state, ensuring an increase in the survival rate of afforestation, and promoting tree planting in non-forest areas.
• More about Van Mitra-
  • Any individual aged between 18 years and 60 years can become a van mitra.
  • Each van mitra will receive an incentive based on the maintenance of the plant and they can plant a maximum of 1,000 saplings.
  • In the 1st phase of the scheme, the selection of 7500 van mitra will be done through the portal.
  • A van mitra can choose non-forest land for tree planting in their village, town, or city.
• Incentives under the scheme-
  • Van mitra will be considered the owner of the tree if the planted tree grows on their own land.
  • In the 1st year, van mitras will receive Rs 20 for each dug pit upon uploading geo-tagging and photograph of the pit on the mobile app, after geo-tagging, van mitras will receive Rs 30 for each planted tree.
  • Van Mitras will receive Rs 10 per living plant for the maintenance and security of trees planted.
  • In the 2nd year, van mitras will receive Rs 8 per living plant each month, in the 3rd year, they will receive Rs 5 per living plant each month, and in the 4th year, this amount will be Rs 3 per living plant.

Source: The print

2. Odisha cabinet approved various proposals including the establishment of a new scheme named Swatantra Yuva Udyami Scheme (SWAYAM).
• What ? Odisha Cabinet has approved the launch of the new scheme ‘SWAYAM’ for interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh to rural unemployed youth and entrepreneurs intending to expand their existing business.
• Key points-
  • Eligibility-
    • Youth in the 18-35 (18-40 years for special category) age group residing in rural areas.
    • All rural unemployed youth or those with no outstanding loan for the same purpose from any Central/state government supported schemes.
    • Applicant must have a UDYAM registered/assisted number.
    • Applicants belonging to the families covered under KALIA /BSKY scheme or having income of less than rs 2 lakh per annum where “family” implies self and spouse can avail the loan.
  • Loan amount- up to Rs 1 lakh
  • Budget outlay- Rs 448 crore

Source: dworld

3. Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana 2024.
• What ? Rajasthan government has announced a special scheme for laborers and street vendors, named the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana.
• Key points-
  • Primary objective of the scheme is to ensure the welfare of laborers and street vendors in Rajasthan.
  • Eligible workers aged 60 or above will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000.

Source: DH

International News

1. India chairs the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (5th – 14th Feb).
• What ? Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations has chaired the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development.
• Key points-
  • Commission serves as an important intergovernmental platform to discuss and enhance international cooperation on social development matters.
  • Poland will preside over the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development in 2025.
  • Priority theme of the 62nd session-
    • “Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to Accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to Achieve the Overarching Goal of Poverty Eradication,”.

Source: pmine

2. Germany overtakes Japan as 3rd largest economy.
• What ? Germany has overtaken Japan as the 3rd largest economy in the world due to slow growth of Japan and fall in the value of Yen (currency of Japan).

Source: livemint

Banking and Economy

1. PayU has partnered with NPCI to roll out the ‘Credit Lines on UPI’ feature.
• What ? Payments solution provider, PayU has announced collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for rolling out of the ‘Credit Lines on UPI’ feature on its platform.
• Key points-
  • Banks will provide pre-sanctioned Credit Lines through UPI.
  • It will empower businesses and consumers alike, strengthening financial inclusion agenda of India.
  • As part of integration, PayU will provide information about the relevant identifiers related to the type of credit the consumer has undertaken, such as pay-later, personal loans, etc.

Source: ET

2. RBI asks Visa, Mastercard to halt commercial card payments.
• What ? Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed global payment giants Visa and Mastercard to suspend card-based commercial transactions by both small and large businesses.
• Why ? RBI made this decision because of increasing concerns about KYC compliance.

Source: BT

Reports and Indices

1. Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 (Burgundy Private is Axis Bank’s private banking business).
• What ? Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has emerged as the most valuable company of India for the 3rd consecutive year in 2023 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 released by Axis Bank’s Burgundy Private and Hurun India.
• Key points-
  • Maharashtra has the highest number of companies followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
  • List contains companies across 44 cities of 16 states in India, led by Mumbai (156), Bengaluru (59), and New Delhi (39).
  • The top three cities contributed 254 entrants – compared to 264 entrants in the 2022 India 500.
• List of companies with highest revenue-

• List of companies with highest net profit-

Awards

1. Inaugural Edition of the National Creators Award
• What ? Government of India has announced the Inaugural Edition of the National Creators Award to celebrate Digital Creator Economy of India and its Impact.
• Objective-
  • To highlight the diverse voices and talents shaping growth, culture, social change, and innovation in India’s digital sphere.
• More about National Creators Award–
  • Award recognizes exceptional creativity and innovation across 20+ categories.
  • Award features different categories recognizing excellence and impact across various domains, including storytelling, social change advocacy, environmental sustainability, education, gaming, and more.
  • Selection process includes a nomination phase, screening of the nominations, followed by a combination of public voting and review of a jury.

Source: PIB

2. Sikh Regiment havildar conferred Vishisht Seva Medal for innovative octocopter development.
• What ? President Droupadi Murmu has awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal to Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army for his development of a ‘multipurpose octocopter’.
• Octocopter is capable of conducting surveillance operations, performing tasks such as grenade dropping, aerial target engagement with weapons like the AK-47, and logistics operations.

3. Booking.com honors Most Welcoming Regions and Cities of India.
• What ? Booking.com has released list of Most Welcoming Regions and Cities of India in the 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards.
• Key points-
  • Himachal Pradesh has been ranked 1st and won the title of ‘Most Welcoming Region’.
  • Goa and Kerala have secured the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

Source: bnn

Important Days

1. February 15- World Anthropology Day
• World Anthropology Day is observed on the third Thursday of February month every year.
2. February 17– Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India signs MoU with Colombia on sharing open-sourced DPIs of India.
• What ? India and Colombia have signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
• Objective-
  • To promote digital transformation through India Stack
• What is India Stack?
  • India Stack is a framework that aims to accelerate digital transformation of India and enhance financial inclusion.
• Signatories-
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Information Technologies and Communications of Colombia

Source: PIB

2. MoU between Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
• What ? Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
• Objective-
  • To set up a green hydrogen plant on the airport premises.
• Key point-
  • CIAL will become the first airport operator in the world to have a hydrogen power generation facility on its premises.

Source: The Hindu

Appointments

1. Nikhil Joshi Appointed Managing Director of Boeing Defence India.
• What ? Boeing has announced the appointment of Nikhil Joshi as the managing director of Boeing Defence India to improve its operations and growth strategy in India.

Source: fi

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