27th-28th February, 2024

1. India has hosted 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue from February 21 to February 23 in New Delhi.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy‘ (CRIYN) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the ‘NISARG GRAM‘ National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) in Pune, Maharashtra, virtually.
3. Largest global textile event in India, Bharat Tex 2024, with a unified Farm to Fashion focus, concluded on 29th February, 2024, in New Delhi.
4. 3 new criminal laws that were passed by Parliament in 2023 will come into effect from July 1, 2024, according to a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,400 crore in Chhattisgarh.
6. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has collaborated with IIM-Shillong to set up 1st ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair’ of India.
7. India and Bangladesh have collaborated on a trans-boundary program to conserve tigers in the Sundarbans region, emphasizing co-existence and biodiversity conservation.
8. 5th Plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was held under the Presidency of T. Raja Kumar of Singapore at the FATF headquarters in Paris.
9. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has become the 1st government firm to collaborate with SACE, an Italian export credit agency, to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
10. Walt Disney and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) are finalizing details of a non-binding term sheet to merge their India-based media operations.
11. Finance Ministry has recognized SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa Air) as a ‘designated Indian carrier’, strengthening the airline’s ambitions for international flights.
12. Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties amounting to almost Rs 3 crore on State Bank of India, Canara Bank, and City Union Bank for violation of regulatory norms.
13. 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force has commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
14. Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo has been held in Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra.
15. Vellayan Subbiah, chairman of Cholamandalam Finance and executive vice-chairman of Tube Investments of India, has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
16. World NGO Day
17. National Protein Day
18. Indian shuttlers have finished BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 meet with 18 medals – 3 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze.
19. Bihar government and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed an MoU in a bid to boost the startup ecosystem in the eastern state.
20. Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development have signed a MoU for the nutritional improvement in adolescent girls through Ayurveda Interventions.
21. Election Commission of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and Department of Posts.
22. Lawmakers in Tuvalu have named former Attorney General Feleti Teo as the Pacific Island nation’s new prime minister.
23. President Droupadi Murmu has appointed A S Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
24. India-born media executive Dr Samir Shah has been confirmed as the new BBC chairman after his selection cleared the stages of scrutiny to be approved by King Charles III.
25. Renowned filmmaker Kumar Shahani has passed away in Kolkata.

National News

1. India hosts 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue.
   • What ? India has hosted 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue from February 21 to February 23 in New Delhi.
   • Key points:
     • Organized by- Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
     • Chief Guest- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic (Greece)
     • Theme- Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create
     • Event has witnessed the participation of a diverse array of stakeholders including Ministers, former Heads of State and Government, Military Commanders, Industry Leaders, etc.
     • Decision-makers and thought leaders from across the globe engaged in conversations around six thematic pillars:
     • Tech Frontiers: Regulations and Realities
     • Peace with the Planet: Invest and Innovate
     • War and Peace: Armouries and Asymmetries
     • Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions and Inclusion
     • The Post 2030 Agenda: People and Progress
     • Defending Democracy: Society and Sovereignty

2. Prime Minister Inaugurates two ‘Ayush Projects’ in Jhajjar and Pune.
   • What ? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy‘ (CRIYN) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the ‘NISARG GRAM‘ National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) in Pune, Maharashtra, virtually.
   • More about Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy:
     • It is an apex-level research and education facility focusing on Yoga and Naturopathy.
     • It includes a 200-bed hospital, academic block, hostel, residential block, among other facilities, with a total cost of INR 63.88 crore.
   • More about NISARG GRAM:
     • It is a 250-bedded hospital with a multi-disciplinary research and extension service center, along with a Naturopathy Medical College.
     • It includes residential facilities, an auditorium, yoga hall, and cottages, among others, with a total cost of INR 213.55 crore. Source: PIB
3. BHARAT TEX 2024 – India’s Largest Textiles Mega Event.
   • What ? Largest global textile event in India, Bharat Tex 2024, with a unified Farm to Fashion focus, concluded on 29th February, 2024, in New Delhi.
   • More about Bharat Tex 2024:
     • The event was organized by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and was supported by the Ministry of Textiles.
     • It was built on the twin pillars of trade and investment, with an overarching focus on sustainability.
     • The event was hosted simultaneously at two state-of-the-art venues: Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi.
     • The event spotlighted Kasturi Cotton as a new standard in cotton, which also showcased solutions like waterless dyeing, regenerative farming, and the use of organic and recycled materials to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact.
     • A documentary titled ‘Women Power in Silk‘ premiered at the event.
   • Other important initiatives launched at the event:
     • IndiaTEX Project:
     • It is a four-year initiative by UNEP aimed at accelerating the transition of the Indian textile sector towards circularity.
     • Textiles Grand Innovation Challenge:
     • Ministry of Textiles has announced the launch of the Textiles Grand Innovation Challenge in collaboration with Startup India and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
     • This challenge aims to identify innovative circular solutions for the Textiles and Apparel industry in India. Source: PIB
4. Three criminal laws to be effective from July 1.
   • What ? 3 new criminal laws that were passed by Parliament in 2023 will come into effect from July 1, 2024, according to a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Note: Details of 3 new criminal laws have already been covered.Source: The Hindu
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Chhattisgarh’ program via video conferencing.
   • What ? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,400 crore in Chhattisgarh.
   • Details of the Event:
     • Prime Minister dedicated Stage-I of NTPC’s Lara Super Thermal Power Project to the nation and laid the foundation stone for Stage-II.
     • Various welfare schemes like PM Awas, Har Ghar Nal se Jal, and Mehtari Vandan Yojana for women have gained momentum, indicating a focus on improving living standards. Source: NM
6. India’s 1st Gati Shakti Research Chair to be established at IIM-Shillong.
   • What ? Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has collaborated with IIM-Shillong to set up 1st ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair’ of India.
   • Objective:
     • To develop a multimodal logistics strategy aimed at connecting the North Eastern Region with national and international regions to strengthen the local economy.

Source: BS

International News

1. India and Bangladesh collaborate for trans-boundary tiger conservation in Sunderbans.
   • What ? India and Bangladesh have collaborated on a trans-boundary program to conserve tigers in the Sundarbans region, emphasizing co-existence and biodiversity conservation.
   • Objective:
     • To understand co-existence with tigers and biodiversity conservation in the Sundarbans region of both countries. It focuses on livelihood interventions to prevent human-tiger conflicts.
   • Support Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program:
     • It is supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Germany’s KfW Development Bank.
       Source: HBL
2. 5th Plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
   • What ? 5th Plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was held under the Presidency of T. Raja Kumar of Singapore at the FATF headquarters in Paris.
   • Key points:
     • Delegates from FATF’s Global Network of over 200 jurisdictions and observers from international organizations attended the 3-day discussions on money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing issues.
     • A new risk-based guidance for implementing Recommendation 25 on beneficial ownership and transparency of legal arrangements was released.
     • It aims to enhance transparency globally and prevent criminals and terrorists from hiding activities and funds behind complex corporate structures and legal arrangements.

Source: fatf

Banking and Economy

1. PFC partners with SACE to enhance cooperation between India and Italy.
   • What ? Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has become the 1st government firm to collaborate with SACE, an Italian export credit agency, to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
   • Key points:
     • Partnership is for an innovative ECA-backed financing facility under PFC’s ‘Push Strategy’ initiative.
     • PFC will benefit from an 80% guarantee from SACE, with HSBC serving as the coordinating bank, lead arranger, and facility agent for financing of up to 200 million euros.
     • ‘Push Strategy’ will provide project owners across India an opportunity to access Italian technology and collaborate with Italian companies through business-matching activities. Source: BS
2. Disney, Reliance Industries close in on deal to merge India media operations.
   • What ? Walt Disney and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) are finalizing details of a non-binding term sheet to merge their India-based media operations.
   • Reliance aims for a controlling stake of at least 51% in the merged company, with Disney holding 49%. Source: BS
3. Finance ministry recognises Akasa Air as ‘designated Indian carrier’.
   • What ? Finance Ministry has recognized SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa Air) as a ‘designated Indian carrier’, strengthening the airline’s ambitions for international flights.
   • Key points:
     • Recognition has been given in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 5 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956.
     • Akasa Air will operate its 1st international flight between Mumbai and Doha. Source: BT
4. RBI imposes nearly Rs 3 cr fine on SBI, Canara Bank, and City Union Bank.
   • What ? Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties amounting to almost Rs 3 crore on State Bank of India, Canara Bank, and City Union Bank for violation of regulatory norms.
   • Details of Penalty:
     • Penalty of Rs 2 crore has been imposed on the State Bank of India for contravention of certain norms related to the Depositor Education Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014.
     • Penalty of Rs 66 lakh has been imposed on City Union Bank Limited for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the RBI on Prudential Norms on Income Recognition, etc.
     • Penalty of Rs 32.30 lakh on Canara Bank for non-compliance with certain directions.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’.
   • What ? 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force has commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
   • More about Dharma Guardian:
     • Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
     • Objective: To promote Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. Source: PIB
2. Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo held in Pune.
   • What ? Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo has been held in Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra.
   • More about MSME Defence Expo:
     • Theme: Inspire : Learn : Engage
     • 3-day event showcased defence equipment and technologies, highlighting India’s progress towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. Source: HBL

Awards

1. Vellayan Subbiah is the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
   • What ? Vellayan Subbiah, chairman of Cholamandalam Finance and executive vice-chairman of Tube Investments of India, has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
   • Awards in other categories:
     • Venu Srinivasan, the chairman emeritus of TVS Motor Co., was conferred with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
     • Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, was conferred with a Special Jury Award for his leadership of the Tata group and his contributions to nation-building.
       Source: livemint

Important Days

1. February 27- World NGO Day; Theme- Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’
2. February 27- National Protein Day; Theme- Solve With Protein

Sports

1. BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024.
   • What ?  Indian shuttlers have finished BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 meet with 18 medals – 3 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze.
   • Key points:
     • 14th edition of the bi-annual event organized by BWF PARA – Badminton Association
       of
       Thailand.
     • Indian Gold medal winners:
     • Suhas Yathiraj
     • Krishna Nagar
     • Pramod Bhagat
     • BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 Medal Tally

Source: KN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Bihar govt, SIDBI join hands to collaborate on enhancing startup ecosystem.
   • What ? Bihar government and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed an MoU in a bid to boost the startup ecosystem in the eastern state.
   • Objective:
     • The initiative aims to make Bihar a welcoming place for startups and turn it into a thriving hub for startup activity.

2. Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development have signed an MoU.
   • What ? Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development have signed a MoU for the nutritional improvement in adolescent girls through Ayurveda Interventions.
   • More about MoU:
     • It is a Joint Public Health Initiative for “Anaemia Control among adolescent girls using Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh”.
     • Initiative aims to improve the anaemic status of adolescent girls (14-18 years) in 5 aspirational districts of 5 states, namely:
     • Assam (Dhubri), Chhattisgarh (Bastar), Jharkhand (Paschimi Singhbhum), Maharashtra (Gadchiroli), and Rajasthan (Dhaulpur)
     • What is Mission Utkarsh?
       • Launched by the Prime Minister, this mission aims to reach the national average of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the aspirational districts. Source: PIB
3. Election Commission of India (ECI) has signed a MoU with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Posts (DoP).
   • What ? Election Commission of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and Department of Posts.
   • Objective:
     • To increase voter outreach and awareness efforts before the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Feleti Teo Set to be Appointed as 14th PM of Tuvalu.
   • What ? Lawmakers in Tuvalu have named former Attorney General Feleti Teo as the Pacific Island nation’s new prime minister.
   • About Tuvalu:
     • Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific, is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth. Source: AL
2. A S Rajeev appointed as Vigilance Commissioner.
   • What ? President Droupadi Murmu has appointed A S Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
   • More about Central Vigilance Commission:
     • It is the topmost vigilance institution in India, which operates autonomously, without influence from any executive authority.
     • It oversees all vigilance activities within the Central Government.
     • It advises various Central Government bodies on planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance efforts.
     • It was established in February 1964 by the Government on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, chaired by Shri K. Santhanam.
     • In 2003, the Parliament passed the CVC Act, granting statutory recognition to the Commission. Source: HBL
3. Indian-Origin Samir Shah appointed as BBC Chairman.
   • What ? India-born media executive Dr Samir Shah has been confirmed as the new BBC chairman after his selection cleared the stages of scrutiny to be approved by King Charles III.
   • He has been appointed for a 4 year term role from March 4, 2024 until March 2028. Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Filmmaker Kumar Shahani Passes Away.
   • What ? Renowned filmmaker Kumar Shahani has passed away in Kolkata.
     Source: TW

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