22nd-23rd February, 2024

1. Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).
2. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has addressed the national workshop at Lucknow and launches books on SBM-G and JJM.
3. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated the 1st Skill India Centre of the country in Sambalpur, Odisha.
4. Office of Punjab Chief Electoral Officer has designated Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as a “state icon” for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
5. Kerala government has launched the logo and web portal of the Kerala Brand to increase the domestic and global demand for high-quality products made in Kerala.
6. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has launched a universal health insurance scheme called Chief Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY).
7. 11th edition of the World Governments Summit (WGS 2024) has been held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
8. Malta has became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance.
9. India has contributed $1 million to a fund established by India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund (ISBA Fund) which undertake projects aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger.
10. As per S&P Global, credit growth in India is expected to moderate to 14% in FY25 from the existing 16% as deposit growth is unable to keep pace with loans.
11. India is hosting 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise-2024 “MILAN24” in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
12. Central government has decided to hike the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to Rs 340 per quintal for Sugar Season 2024-25 (October-September) from the existing Rs 315 per quintal.
13. NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its flying laboratory, the DC-8 in a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution.
14. Professor Aditi Sen De has been awarded the 33rd Ghanshyam Das (GD) Birla Award for Scientific Research 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the field of Physics.
15. International Mother Language Day
16. World Thinking Day
17. India has finished the athletics meet with four medals (3 gold and 1 silver) at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024 in Tehran, Iran.
18. Fantasy gaming app My11Circle has won the race to be an official partner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after bidding ₹125 crore per year for a period of 5 years in fantasy category.
19. Eminent jurist and Senior Supreme Court Lawyer Fali S Nariman has passed away.
20. Renowned sports journalist Norris Pritam has written a new book “Neeraj Chopra: The Man Who Made History”.

National News

1. Launch of ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index.
   • What ? Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).
   • Key points-
     • “Sagar Aankalan” guidelines aim to benchmark the performance of Indian seaports, harmonize standards with global benchmarks, and enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and overall performance in the port sector.
     • It also aims to improve the overall performance of the port sector with the focus on improvement, productivity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
     • GMIS Report and M.Tech in Dredging Technology course at IIT Chennai has been launched at the event.
       Source: PIB
2. National Conference on Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin SBM-G.
   • What ? Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has addressed the national workshop at Lucknow and launches books on SBM-G and JJM.
   • Key points-
     • Conference has been focused on promoting sustainable solutions in the rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
     • Conference has provided a unique platform for cross-learning through detailed presentations and digital displays of innovative solutions, technologies, and best practices in the rural WASH sector.
     • Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched 3 impactful books from SBM-G during the conference-
       • Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India- Vol. II (SBM-G)
         • It is a compilation of best practices from the community where impactful change continues to unfold for SBM-G.
       • ‘Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR)’ System
         • It is a benchmark index encompassing responsible sanitation across SBM-G aspects.
       • Compendium on Liquid Waste Management (LWM) Technologies
         • It is a booklet containing approved technologies, guidelines, and successful case studies for stakeholders in the rural Water Management sector.
         • It serves as a guide to promote a cleaner and healthier rural environment.
           Source: PIB
3. Inauguration of first Skill India Centre of the country in Odisha.
   • What ? Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated the 1st Skill India Centre of the country in Sambalpur, Odisha.
   • Objective-
     • To democratize access to quality education and create a level-playing field for aspiring youth by offering low-cost courses.
   • More about Skill India Centre-
     • Centre is equipped with modern infrastructure and technologies to meet industry standards and cater to the evolving needs of various sectors.
     • Industry experts and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will design curriculum, promote standardization, and create employment opportunities.
     • Under Kaushal Rath initiative candidates will be provided skill training and certification across districts, fostering digital literacy, retail, entrepreneurial skills, and inclusive growth.
     • Focus is on leveraging the potential of youth in Sambalpur through skill development and vocational training to enhance placement and employability prospects.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Cricketer Shubman Gill designated as Punjab ‘state icon’ for Lok Sabha polls.
   • What ? Office of Punjab Chief Electoral Officer has designated Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as a “state icon” for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
   • Key points-
     • He will engage in various campaigns aimed at voter awareness to ensure a voting percentage of 70%.
     • Poll panel has set the target of “Is Vaar 70 Paar”.
       Source: ET

2. Kerala unveils logo and web portal to boost global market presence.
   • What ? Kerala government has launched the logo and web portal of the Kerala Brand to increase the domestic and global demand for high-quality products made in Kerala.
   • Key points-
     • Logo of Kerala Brand carries the motto ‘Nanma’, a Malayalam expression which translates to ‘Goodness’.
     • Kerala Brand promotes products and services made in Kerala, emphasizing quality, authentic materials, and ethical practices for domestic and global markets.
     • Entrepreneurs interested in marketing their products under the Kerala Brand can apply through the dedicated web portal www.keralabrand.industry.kerala.gov.in.
     • web portal has been set up by the Department of Industries and Commerce for this purpose.
       Source: HBL

3. Tripura becomes 1st northeastern state to introduce universal health coverage.
   • What ? Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has launched a universal health insurance scheme called Chief Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY).
   • Objectives-
     • To assist people with medical emergencies and alleviate financial constraints for medical treatment.
     • To address the lack of health insurance provision for approximately 4.15 lakh families in Tripura, ensuring universal coverage and utilizing limited state resources effectively.
   • More about the scheme-
     • Scheme provides health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually to 4.15 lakh families in Tripura, including government employees not covered under PM-JAY.
     • Each enrolled family will receive cashless health insurance coverage, including free medicine for 15 days post-discharge.
       Source: BS

   
   

International News

1. 11th edition of the World Governments Summit (WGS 2024).
   • What ? 11th edition of the World Governments Summit (WGS 2024) has been held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
   • Key points-
     • Theme of WGS 2024– Shaping Future Governments
     • India, Türkiye and Qatar were named the Guests of honour at the WGS 2024.
     • iRASTE (Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering) project of India has won the 9th GovTech Prize under the “AI-Powered Government Services” category.
       Source: WGS
2. Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance.
   • What ? Malta has became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance.
   • About ISA-
     • ISA is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries that aims to reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels.
     • ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France.
     • It was conceptualized on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
   • About Malta-
     • Malta is an island country in southern Europe, located in the Mediterranean Sea.
       Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. India contributes $1 mn to IBSA Fund to alleviate poverty, hunger.
   • What ? India has contributed $1 million to a fund established by India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund (ISBA Fund) which undertake projects aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger.
   • Key points-
     • $1 million cheque has been given by Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
     • India, Brazil, and South Africa annually contribute $1 million each to the India, Brazil, and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund (IBSA Fund) to support transformative projects in developing countries.
     • Cumulative contribution of India to the IBSA Fund has exceeded $18 million since its establishment in 2004.
     • Fund Manager and Secretariat- United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
     • What is the purpose of ISBA Fund?
       • IBSA Fund supports projects aimed at promoting food security, addressing HIV/AIDS, and providing access to safe drinking water to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
         Source: BS
2. Credit growth in India expected to moderate to 14% in FY25: S&P Global
   • What ? As per S&P Global, credit growth in India is expected to moderate to 14% in FY25 from the existing 16% as deposit growth is unable to keep pace with loans.

Defence News

1. 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise-2024 “MILAN24”.
   • What ? India is hosting 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise-2024 “MILAN24” in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
   • Key points-
     • Objective-
       • To strengthen collaboration among friendly navies and gain valuable experience in conducting large-scale operations at sea.
     • Theme of MILAN 2024 – ‘Camaraderie, Cohesion, Collaboration’
     • Exercise is being conducted from 19th to 27th February 2024.
     • MILAN is a naval exercise that happens every two years under the Eastern Naval Command.
       Source: PIB

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Cabinet clears 8% increase in sugarcane Fair and Remunerative Price.
   • What ? Central government has decided to hike the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to Rs 340 per quintal for Sugar Season 2024-25 (October-September) from the existing Rs 315 per quintal.
   • Key points-
     • The revised FRP will be applicable from October 1, 2024.
     • Decision to this effect has been taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
   • What is FRP?
     • FRP is the minimum price that mills have to pay to sugarcane growers.
       Source: Indian Express

Science and Tech

1. NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia.
   • What ? NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its flying laboratory, the DC-8 in a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution.
   • Objective-
     • To make improvement in finding pollution sources and behaviors, which could help create better public warning systems.
       Source: wion

Awards

1. 33rd Ghanshyam Das Birla Award for Scientific Research 2023.
   • What ? Professor Aditi Sen De has been awarded the 33rd Ghanshyam Das (GD) Birla Award for Scientific Research 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the field of Physics.
   • Key points-
     • Professor Aditi Sen De is the 1st female scientist to receive Ghanshyam Das (GD) Birla Award award.
     • Her research is based on the manipulation of quantum states and their nonclassical applications.
     • She was also the 1st female to receive the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology in 2018.

Source: Print

Important Days

1. February 21– International Mother Language Day; Theme– Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning
   Source: unesco
2. February 22- World Thinking Day; Theme- Our world, our thriving future
   Source: livemint

Sports

1. Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024.
   • What ? India has finished the athletics meet with four medals (3 gold and 1 silver) at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024 in Tehran, Iran.
   • Key points-
     • India has finished 5th in the medal tally with 4 medals.
     • China has topped the medal tally with 16 medals, Japan with 9 medals, and Kazakhstan with 12 medals has come on 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

   • Medal winners of India-

   
   

2. Official partner of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
   • What ? Fantasy gaming app My11Circle has won the race to be an official partner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after bidding ₹125 crore per year for a period of 5 years in fantasy category.
   • Official partner from other categories-
     • Angel One has secured a five-year partnership in the financial services category by outbidding Groww.
     • Rupay has won uncontested as the official partner for the financial services-cards category with a bid of ₹70 crore per year for 3 years.
     • Ceat will continue as the ‘strategic time out‘ partner for the next 5 years with its winning bid of ₹48 crore per year.
       Source: livemint

Miscellaneous

1. Eminent jurist and Senior Supreme Court Lawyer Fali Nariman passes.
   • What ? Eminent jurist and Senior Supreme Court Lawyer Fali S Nariman has passed away.
   • Awards-
     • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
       Source: livemint
2. Neeraj Chopra: The Man Who Made History
   • What ? Renowned sports journalist Norris Pritam has written a new book “Neeraj Chopra: The Man Who Made History”.
   • More about the book-
     • Book describes the journey of the javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s life from early background to Olympics.
     • Published by- Bloomsbury Publishing India Pvt. Ltd
       Source: HBL

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