Monthly Current Affairs March 2024 English

GK Now Current Affairs
One Liner Monthly Current Affairs 1 to 29 February 2024
Art and Culture Current Affairs ............................................................................................................... 5

Six eminent personalities named Akademi Fellows or Akademi Ratna by Sangeet Natak Akademi .. 5
Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas passes away .......................................................................................... 6
Jnanpith Award for Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya ............................................................ 7
PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi ......................................... 8
New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 from 10th to 18th February 2024 .................................................. 9
Aadi Mahotsav 2024 : From 10th to 18th February 2024 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,
New Delhi ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain Bag Best Global Music Album Grammy for ‘This Moment’11
37th Surajkund Crafts Mela : from February 2nd to February 18th 2024 ........................................ 12
Economy Current Affairs ....................................................................................................................... 13
Government Raises Sugarcane Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) by Eight Percent; Prime Minister
Commends Decision as Historic ........................................................................................................ 13
Government allows 100% FDI in space sector .................................................................................. 14
RBI extended the deadline for Paytm Payments Bank services to March 15, 2024 ......................... 14
RBI retains repo rate at 6.5 percent for sixth consecutive time........................................................ 15
Interim budget for FY 2024-25 : Main Points .................................................................................... 15
RBI imposes restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank .......................................................................... 16
Government Schemes Current Affairs .................................................................................................. 17
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana ...................................................................................................... 17
Government launched ‘Bharat Rice’ at subsidised rates for consumers .......................................... 18
Important Days Current Affairs ............................................................................................................. 18
World Wetlands Day : February 2nd ................................................................................................. 18
International Current Affairs ................................................................................................................. 19
Sunil Bharti Mittal becomes the first Indian citizen to be conferred an honorary Knighthood by
Britain’s King...................................................................................................................................... 19
9th edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi from February 21 to 23, 2024 ................................... 19
Greek Prime Minister Set to Embark on Four-Day State Visit to New Delhi ..................................... 21
Pakistan General Elections: Independents Win 93 Seats, PML-N Secures 75, PPP Gets 54 in
National Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 22
Qatar has released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country
on espionage charges........................................................................................................................ 23
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Prime Minister of Guyana Mark Phillips, is on a six-day official visit to India ................................... 23
National Current Affairs ........................................................................................................................ 24
New Lokpal of India : Justice AM Khanwilkar.................................................................................... 24
Country’s longest signature stayed bridge, ‘Sudarshan Setu’ inaugurated by PM Modi in Gujarat . 24
Age of admission to Grade 1 is 6 plus years from 2024-25 session onwards ................................... 25
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, one of largest global textile events in India ...... 25
PM Modi Unveils Two New Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station 26
Government has approved the continuation of Women’s safety scheme till 2025-26 .................... 27
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 12th edition of MILAN 2024...................................... 27
Prime Minister Modi Set to Unveil Five New AIIMS and Cutting-Edge Healthcare Infrastructure
Valued at Over 11,391 Crore ............................................................................................................. 28
Supreme Court has invalidated the electoral bonds scheme for political funding ........................... 29
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande conducted discussions with US Army Chief Gen Randy George in
Washington ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR): One Nation One Student ID............. 31
EPFO hikes interest rate on employees’ provident fund deposits to 8.25 percent for 2023-24....... 32
Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao and MS Swaminathan to be conferred Bharat Ratna 32
Government scraps Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar to ensure internal
security of country ............................................................................................................................ 34
Government plans to introduce satellite-based GPS toll collection systems on national highways. 34
Government announced plans to fence the entire 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border ... 35
LK Advani to be conferred country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna ....................................... 36
Polity Current Affairs ............................................................................................................................. 37
Three new Criminal Laws to become effective from July 1............................................................... 37
Prime Minister Modi Reaffirmed as World’s Most Popular Leader .................................................. 37
RLD Joins NDA, Ends Ties with Opposition Alliance; Jayant Chaudhary ........................................... 38
Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, 2024 ................................................................................................. 38
Lok Sabha passes Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 .............................. 39
Champai Soren-led JMM-Congress alliance government wins trust vote in Jharkhand ................... 39
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the interim budget on February 1, 2024 ............ 40
Hemant Soren resigns as CM of Jharkhand; Champai Soren to be the new Chief Minister ............. 41
Science and Technology Current Affairs ................................................................................................ 41
India’s Gaganyaan Mission and its Astronauts .................................................................................. 41
National Science Day: February 28th ................................................................................................ 42
Celebrating Innovation and Discovery .............................................................................................. 42
India’s first septic tank cleaning robot, named “Homosep Atom” .................................................... 43
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Odysseus: first U.S.-built spacecraft to land on the Moon................................................................ 43

ISRO successfully launches next generation weather satellite INSAT-3DS from Sriharikota ............. 44
Cochin International Airport and BPCL Collaborate for World’s First Green Hydrogen Plant at
Airport Premises ............................................................................................................................... 44
Vyommitra: Woman Robot Astronaut Prepares for Liftoff ............................................................... 45
Sports Current Affairs ............................................................................................................................ 46
Kickoff: Khelo India University Games Begin Fourth Edition in Guwahati ........................................ 46
Record Victory: India Crushes England by 434 Runs in Third Test of Five-Match Series in Rajkot.... 47
Indian women’s badminton team secures first-ever Badminton Asia Team Championships title .... 48
Ravichandran Ashwin joins elite 500 test Cricket wicket club, becomes 2nd Indian to do so .......... 48
Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian Cricket team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup ................... 49
Australia won the Under 19 Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2024 beating India by 79 runs in the final
.......................................................................................................................................................... 50
Sumit Nagal won the Tennis Chennai Open ATP Challenger trophy ................................................. 50
India win SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship beating Bangladesh in final ...................................... 51
Khelo India Youth Games 2024 : Maharashtra bagged overall championship ................................. 51
Miscellaneous Current Affairs ............................................................................................................... 52
Dubai to have world’s first air taxi, agreements signed at World Government Summit 2024 ......... 52
Discovery of Ancient Stone Wall in Baltic Sea, Potentially Over 10,000 Years Old ........................... 53
Current Affairs MCQ Questions: 1 to 29 February 2024 ....................................................................... 55
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Art and Culture On February 21-22, 2024, the General
Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Current Affairs selected six eminent personalities

as Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna):
1. Vinayak Khedekar
(Hindustani classical
vocalist): A renowned
exponent of the Agra gharana
of Hindustani classical music,
known for his soulful
renditions and mastery of
intricate taals.
2. R. Visweswaran (Kathakali
exponent): A prolific Kathakali
artist and scholar, he has
significantly contributed to the
Six eminent personalities preservation and propagation
named Akademi Fellows or of this classical dance form
from Kerala.
Akademi Ratna by Sangeet 3. Sunayana Hazarilal (Odissi
dancer): A leading Odissi
Natak Akademi dancer and choreographer,
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s known for her grace,
national academy for music, dance, and innovative interpretations,
drama, confers two prestigious awards to and dedication to promoting
recognize and celebrate excellence in the the dance form globally.
performing arts: 4. Raja & Radha Reddy
(Kuchipudi dancers): This
husband-and-wife duo are
• Akademi Ratna (Akademi legendary Kuchipudi dancers
Fellow): This is the highest and teachers who have
honor bestowed by the revolutionized the art form
Akademi, limited to a through their innovative
maximum of 40 living choreography and dedication
individuals. to its propagation.
• Akademi Puraskar (Akademi 5. Dulal Roy (Folk singer and
Award): This award recognizes researcher): A renowned Baul
outstanding contributions singer and researcher from
from artists across various West Bengal, known for his
performing arts disciplines. evocative renditions and
commitment to preserving
and promoting Baul music, a
mystical Bengali folk tradition.
6. D.P. Sinha (Scholar and
administrator): A
distinguished scholar and
administrator who has made
significant contributions to the
field of Indian theatre and
performing arts through
research, writing, and

leadership roles.
These six individuals have enriched the
Indian cultural landscape through their
exceptional talent, dedication, and
contributions to their respective art forms.
They serve as an inspiration to aspiring
artists and a testament to the vibrancy and
diversity of India’s performing arts
tradition.
Veteran singer Pankaj

Udhas passes away
Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas passed away
in Mumbai on February 26, 2024, at the age
of 73, following a prolonged illness.
• Pankaj Udhas was renowned

for his ghazals, including hits
like “Chitthi Aayi Hai” from
Naam, “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” from
Mohra, “Chandi Jaisa Rang”,
“Ek Taraf Uska Ghar”, and
“Ahista”.
• Pankaj Udhas is survived by his
wife Farida Udhas, daughters
Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and
brothers Nirmal and Manhar
Udhas, both of whom are also
singers.
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compositions for critically

acclaimed movies such as
“Maachis” (1996), “Omkara”
(2006), “Dil Se…” (1998), and
“Guru” (2007).
• He has also directed timeless
award-winning classics like
“Koshish” (1972), “Parichay”
(1972), “Mausam” (1975),
“Ijaazat” (1977), and the
television serial “Mirza Ghalib”
(1988).
• Gulzar’s poetry includes the
Jnanpith Award for innovative genre
called “Triveni,” a non-
Gulzar and Jagadguru mukaffa poem of three lines.
Rambhadracharya Jagadguru Rambhadracharya:
The prestigious 58th Jnanpith Award has Background: Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
been conferred upon lyricist and is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader,
poet Gulzar and Sanskrit educator, and prolific writer. He is the
scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in
Here are the key details: Chitrakoot.
Literary Contributions:
Gulzar:
Background: Gulzar, whose real name is
Sampooran Singh Kalra, is celebrated for He has authored over 240 books and texts,
his contributions to Hindi cinema and is including four epics, in various Indian
recognized as one of the finest Urdu poets languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi,
of our time. and Maithili.
Previous Honors: Spiritual Leadership:
• Sahitya Akademi Award for Rambhadracharya holds the position of one

Urdu (2002) of the present four Jagadguru
• Dadasaheb Phalke Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda
Award (2013) sect since 1982.
• Padma Bhushan (2004)
• Multiple National Film
Awards About Jnanpith Award
Notable Works: The Jnanpith Award, established in 1944, is
given annually for outstanding
contributions to Indian literature. This year,
• Gulzar’s poetic and lyrical
it is being awarded for the second time
genius shines through songs
for Sanskrit language and the fifth time
like “Jai Ho” from the film
for Urdu language. The award includes a
“Slumdog Millionaire” (which
prize money of Rs 21 lakh, a statue
won an Oscar in 2009 and a
Grammy in 2010), as well as
of Vagdevi, and a citation
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cultural exchange between

India and the UAE.
• The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi
is the first traditional Hindu
stone temple in the Middle
East.
• The consecration event
coincides with the 159th birth
anniversary of Shastriji
Maharaj, the founder of the
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha,
established in 1907.
• The organization had
PM Modi inaugurates envisioned the temple since
BAPS Mandir, the first 1997.
Hindu temple in Abu
Dhabi
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu
Temple in Abu Dhabi celebrated the
consecration of its idols on 14 Feb 2024, led
by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
• The ceremony took place on

the auspicious morning of
Vasant Panchami, featuring
the ritual for the main idol of
Parabrahma Shri
Swaminarayan Bhagwan and
other deity figures in different
sections of the temple.
• A grand launch ceremony and
public dedication assembly are
planned for the evening in the
presence of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, with the
celebration expected to draw
millions of Indians.
• The temple’s construction was
facilitated by the generosity of
the UAE rulers, with Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Zayed Nahyan
contributing land for its
construction during the “Year
of Tolerance.”
• The temple symbolizes
interfaith understanding and
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New Delhi World Book Aadi Mahotsav 2024 :

Fair 2024 from 10th to From 10th to 18th
18th February 2024 February 2024 at Major
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 Dhyan Chand National
began on 10 February 2024 at Pragati Stadium, New Delhi
Maidan in New Delhi. Education Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the nine- The Aadi Mahotsav 2024, an annual
day event. The theme of the Book Fair is National Tribal Festival, is all set to unfold
Multi-Lingual India, A Living Tradition. its vibrant and culturally rich celebration.
This year, Saudi Arabia will be the guest of Here’s what you need to know:
honour.
1. Dates and Venue:
The New Delhi World Book Fair • Dates: From 10th
(NDWBF), a significant event in the to 18th February
publishing world, is celebrating 51 years of 2024.
literary excellence. NDWBF 2024 is • Venue: Major
scheduled from 10th to 18th February Dhyan Chand
2024 at the newly constructed Halls 1- National Stadium,
5 within the centrally located Pragati New Delhi.
Maidan in New Delhi. 2. Organizers and Purpose:
• The event is
organized
by TRIFED (Tribal
Cooperative
Marketing
Development
Federation of
India) under the
aegis of
the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs.
• Objective: To
showcase the rich
diversity of India’s
tribal heritage.
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3. What to Expect: 4. Distinguished Guests:

• 300+ Stalls: The • President Smt.
festival will Droupadi
feature Murmu will
an expanded inaugurate the
showcase with festival.
over 300 stalls. • Union Minister
• Tribal Art and for Tribal Affairs
Handicrafts: and
Visitors can Agriculture, Shri
explore and Arjun Munda, will
purchase also be present.
exquisite tribal art
and handicrafts.
• Natural Produce:
Witness the
display of natural
produce from
tribal
communities.
• Delectable
Cuisine: A
separate food
court will offer
tribal cuisines,
known for their
health benefits.
• Cultural
Programs: Enjoy
evening
performances by
tribal artists from
across the
country.
• Workshops:
Engage in
workshops such
as crafts, painting
displays, and
industry-oriented
B2B sessions.
• Entrepreneurship
: Industry leaders
will participate,
contributing to
the scaling up of
tribal products
through
entrepreneurial
ventures.
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5. The 66th Annual Grammy

Awards 2024 took place in Los
Angeles on February 5, 2024.
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are prestigious
honors bestowed by the Recording
Academy, recognizing excellence in the
music industry. Often called the “music
Oscars,” they cover a wide range of genres
and categories, from pop and rock to
classical and world music.
Shankar Mahadevan and History: Started in 1959, initially called the

Gramophone Awards, and evolved into the
Zakir Hussain Bag Best Grammys over time.
Global Music Album
Grammy for ‘This
Moment’
1. Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir
Hussain’s fusion band Shakti
won the Grammy award for
Best Global Music Album for
their latest release, “This
Moment.”
2. The album “This Moment,”
which was released in June last
year, features eight songs by
John McLaughlin, Zakir Khan,
Shankar Mahadevan, V
Selvaganesh, and Ganesh
Rajagopalan.
3. Zakir Hussain also received a
Grammy in the Best Global
Music Performance category
for his contribution to Pashto,
alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar
Meyer, featuring Rakesh
Chaurasia.
4. Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran
Indian classical flute artist,
won dual Grammys for his
collaborative album “As We
Speak” in the Best
Contemporary Instrumental
and Best Global Music
Performance categories.
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performances. Puppet Skits: Delight in the

artistry of puppetry, a time-honored form of
storytelling.
About Surajkund Mela:

Situated between Lakkarpur and Baharpur
villages near Faridabad, this picturesque fair
aims to promote the talent and culture of local
artisans. Each year, the Mela revolves around a
theme based on an Indian state, influencing its
architecture, spirit, and decor.
37th Surajkund Crafts

Mela : from February 2nd
to February 18th 2024
The 37th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2024 is a
vibrant celebration of art, culture, and
heritage was inaugurated by the President
of India, Draupadi Murmu on 2 February
2024.
Dates: The festivities span a fortnight from

February 2nd (Friday) to February 18th
(Sunday).
Venue: The enchanting fair takes place in

Surajkund, Faridabad, a historic reservoir
built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar
dynasty in the 10th century. The name
“Surajkund” translates to “Lake of the Sun”
in Hindi.
International Showcase: Artists from over

20 countries across South Asia, Africa, and
Europe actively participate, making it a
grand success. They use this unique
platform to showcase their diverse cultures
and talents.
Attractions: Visitors of all ages can enjoy

a plethora of attractions, including:
Traditional Folk Dances: Witness
captivating folk dances that bring regional
flavors to life. Musical Shows: Immerse
yourself in melodious tunes and rhythmic
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•
Economy Current Inaugurated projects include
Bharat Net Phase-II – Gujarat
Affairs
Fibre Grid Network Limited,
benefiting over 8,000-gram
panchayats with high-speed
internet.
• Rail line doubling, gauge
conversion, and new broad-
gauge lines in Mahesana and
Banaskantha districts are
among the railway projects
launched.
• Multiple road projects in
Kheda, Gandhinagar,
Ahmedabad, and Mahesana
are initiated.
• Foundation stones are laid for
various projects, including
road projects in Gandhinagar,
Government Raises Ahmedabad, Banaskantha,
Sugarcane Fair and and Mahesana, as well as the
Runway of Air Force Station,
Remunerative Price (FRP) Deesa, and Gujarat
by Eight Percent; Prime Biotechnology Research
Centre (GBRC)’s new building
Minister Commends at GIFT city.
Decision as Historic
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi
emphasizes the importance of
development efforts for future
generations during an address
in Mehsana.
• Projects worth over Rs 13,000
crore are inaugurated and
initiated, focusing on
infrastructure development.
• Mr. Modi highlights the
significance of road and
railway projects as pathways
to a developed India.
• The “Modi Guarantee”
initiative aims to uplift the
lives of marginalized
communities through
development efforts.
• The government emphasizes
heritage conservation
alongside development
activities.
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Government allows 100% RBI extended the deadline

FDI in space sector for Paytm Payments Bank
The Centre has approved an amendment in services to March 15, 2024
the Foreign Direct Investment, FDI policy,
RBI extended the deadline for Paytm
allowing 100% foreign investment in the
Payments Bank services to March 15, 2024,
space sector.
from the initial date of February 29.
The liberalized entry routes under the 1. The decision was made
amended policy are aimed to attract considering larger public
potential investors to invest in Indian interest, including the
companies in space. interests of merchants, as
stated in a press release by the
apex bank.
FDI up to 100% under the Automatic route 2. Customers are allowed to
will be allowed for the manufacturing of make deposits, credit
components and systems or sub-systems for transactions, prepaid services,
satellites, ground segments, and user wallets, FASTags, and National
segments. Common Mobility Cards until
March 15, 2024.
3. After March 15, 2024, no
further deposits, credit
transactions, or top-ups will be
allowed in any customer
accounts, according to the RBI.
4. Earlier, the RBI had prohibited
the Paytm subsidiary from
accepting additional deposits
or accounts starting from
February 29.
5. The RBI imposed business
restrictions on Paytm
Payments Bank Ltd, operated
by One97 Communications,
exercising its powers under
Section 35A of the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949.
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RBI retains repo rate at Interim budget for FY

6.5 percent for sixth 2024-25 : Main Points
consecutive time Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman
presented the interim budget for FY 2024-
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
has maintained the repo rate
25 on February 1, 2024 in Parliament. Since
at 6.5 percent for the sixth it’s an interim budget, it focuses on
consecutive time. essential expenditures until the regular
• The decision was made by a budget is presented after general elections.
5:1 majority vote of the six- Here are some key points:
member monetary policy
committee (MPC) due to retail Fiscal Consolidation:
inflation persisting above the 4
percent target.
• The repo rate is the interest • Fiscal deficit target: 5.1% of
rate at which banks borrow GDP, aimed at reaching 4.5%
funds from the RBI to address by FY 25-26.
short-term liquidity gaps. • Revenue receipts: Estimated
• Other key interest rates at ₹30.03 lakh crore, reflecting
include the Standing Deposit economic growth.
Facility rate at 6.25 percent, • Total expenditure: Projected
Marginal Standing Facility to be ₹47.66 lakh crore, a 6.1%
(MSF) rate at 6.75 percent, and increase.
the Bank Rate at 6.75 percent. Capital Expenditure:
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
projected retail inflation based • Increased by 11.1% to ₹11.11
on the Consumer Price Index lakh crore, prioritizing
(CPI) at 5.4 percent for the infrastructure development.
current fiscal year and 4.5 • Represents 3.4% of GDP and
percent for the next financial 23.31% of total expenditure.
year. • Continuation of the 50-year
interest-free loan scheme for
states with a total outlay of
₹1.3 lakh crore.
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Social Welfare:
• Expansion of Ayushman
Bharat health insurance
scheme to cover ASHA
workers.
• Launch of housing schemes for
middle class, slum dwellers,
and rural population.
• Increase in coverage of
“Lakhpati Didi” skill RBI imposes restrictions
development program to 3
crore women. on Paytm Payments Bank
• Cervical cancer vaccination for • RBI imposes restrictions on
girls aged 9-14 years. Paytm Payments Bank from
Other Key Initiatives: March 2024.
• Action taken due to concerns
• 1 crore households to receive about regulatory norm
free solar power. breaches and persistent non-
• Focus on promoting electric compliance.
vehicles and e-buses. • Paytm Payments Bank
• No changes in income tax slabs prohibited from accepting
or rates. deposits, credit transactions,
or top-ups after February 29,
2024.
• Interest, cashback, and
refunds allowed, but
unrestricted withdrawal and
utilization of balances
permitted.
• No provision of banking
services, BBPOU, and UPI
facilities after February 29,
2024, except for fund
transfers, utilization, or
withdrawal.
• Nodal accounts of parent
companies to be terminated
by February 29, 2024.
• Settlement of pipeline
transactions and nodal
accounts related to
transactions initiated before
February 29, 2024, must be
completed by March 15, 2024.
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Government Schemes National Online Portal for

added convenience.
Current Affairs 7. Incentives for Urban Local
Bodies and Panchayats: Urban
Local Bodies and Panchayats
will be incentivized to promote
rooftop solar systems in their
jurisdictions.
8. Benefits for Citizens: The
scheme is expected to lead to
increased income, reduced
power bills, and employment
generation.
9. Promotion of Solar Power and
Sustainable Progress: The
Prime Minister emphasized
the importance of boosting
solar power for sustainable
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli progress.
Yojana 10. PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli
Yojana: apply at
1. Launch of PM Surya Ghar:
pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Muft Bijli Yojana: Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
announced the launch of the
scheme on February 13, 2024.
2. Investment of over 75
thousand crore rupees: The
project will have an
investment exceeding 75
thousand crore rupees.
3. Objective: The scheme aims to
provide free electricity by
lighting up one crore
households, offering up to 300
units of free electricity every
month.
4. Direct Subsidies to People’s
Bank Accounts: Substantive
subsidies will be directly
deposited into the bank
accounts of beneficiaries.
5. Concessional Bank Loans:
Heavily concessional bank
loans will be provided to
ensure no cost burden on the
people.
6. National Online Portal
Integration: All stakeholders
will be integrated into a
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Important Days
Current Affairs
Government launched
‘Bharat Rice’ at subsidised
rates for consumers
Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched World Wetlands Day :
‘Bharat Rice’ brand in New Delhi to
provide subsidized rice directly to
February 2nd
consumers. World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually
on February 2nd. It’s a day to raise
• The rice will be available in 5
awareness about the vital role of wetlands
kg and 10 kg packs at a in our environment and to promote their
subsidized rate of 29 rupees conservation and sustainable use.
per kg.
• The government is committed The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is
to providing ration at “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.”
affordable prices, with 81
crore people benefiting from
free food grains under India marked World Wetlands Day 2024 by
PMGKAY, extended for the adding five new wetlands to its list of
next five years. Ramsar sites, bringing the total count to 80.
• Vehicles carrying rice were These newly designated sites are:
flagged during the event,
signifying distribution to
• Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and
consumers through various
Longwood Shola Reserve
agencies.
Forest (Tamil Nadu)
• FCI will provide 5 Lakh Metric
• Ankasamudra Bird
Tonnes of rice to cooperatives
Conservation Reserve,
(NAFED and NCCF) and
Aghanashini Estuary, and
Kendriya Bhandar in the first
Magadi Kere Conservation
phase.
Reserve (Karnataka)
• These agencies will pack rice in
5 kg and 10 kg packets under
the “Bharat Rice” brand, sold
through outlets and e-
commerce platforms.
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International
Current Affairs
9th edition of Raisina

Dialogue in New Delhi
from February 21 to 23,
Sunil Bharti Mittal 2024
becomes the first Indian The 9th edition of the Raisina
citizen to be conferred an Dialogue commenced in New Delhi, India,
honorary Knighthood by from February 21 to 23, 2024. This
prestigious conference serves as India’s
Britain’s King flagship platform for discussions
Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and on geopolitics and geo-economics,
chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has addressing critical issues faced by the
been conferred an honorary international community.
Knighthood by Britain’s King Charles
III for his services to UK and India Here are the key highlights of the 9th
business relations. This prestigious Raisina Dialogue:
recognition makes him the first Indian
citizen to receive the Knight Commander
of the Most Excellent Order of the 1. Inauguration by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi:
British Empire (KBE) under King Charles
• Prime Minister
III.
Narendra
Modi inaugurated
In a list of honorary British awards, Mittal the event,
has been awarded the KBE, which is one of emphasizing its
the highest honors conferred by a British significance in
monarch. The KBE is granted in an global discourse.
honorary capacity to foreign nationals who • The Chief
have made pre-eminent contributions in Guest for the
various fields of activity. While UK inaugural session
nationals receiving the Knighthood are was Prime
titled Sir or Dame, non-UK nationals like Minister Kyriakos
Mittal add KBE (or DBE for women) after Mitsotakis of the
their names. Hellenic Republic
(Greece).
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2. Diverse Participation: • The Post 2030

• The conference Agenda:
witnessed People &
participation from Progress
representatives • Defending
of over 100 Democracy:
countries. Society &
• Distinguished Sovereignty.
attendees 4. Global Reach:
included Minister • Over 2,500
s, former Heads participants from
of State and approximately 11
Government, Mili 5
tary countries attende
Commanders, Ind d the Dialogue in
ustry person.
Leaders, Technolo
gy
Experts, Academi
cs, Journalists,
and Think Tank
Scholars.
• The engagement
also extended
to youth
participants.
3. Theme: “Chaturanga: Conflict,
Contest, Cooperate, Create”:
• The 2024 edition
revolved around
this theme,
exploring six
thematic pillars:
• Tech
Frontiers:
Regulations &
Realities
• Peace with
the Planet:
Invest &
Innovate
• War & Peace:
Armouries &
Asymmetries
• Decolonising
Multilateralis
m:
Institutions &
Inclusion
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shipping, and maritime

sectors.
• Cooperation in various
multilateral forums.
• Expected strengthening and
deepening of the strategic
partnership between India and
Greece.
• Foreign Minister of Greece
Giorgos Gerapetritis arrived in
New Delhi ahead of the Prime
Minister’s visit.
Greek Prime Minister Set

to Embark on Four-Day
State Visit to New Delhi
• Prime Minister of Greece
Kyriakos Mitsotakis to arrives
in New Delhi for a four-day
State visit to India.
• Accompanied by senior
officials and a high-powered
business delegation.
• Mr. Mitsotakis to be Chief
Guest and Keynote Speaker at
the 9th Raisina Dialogue in
New Delhi.
• Scheduled visit to Mumbai
before returning to Athens.
• Ceremonial welcome at
Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt,
followed by bilateral
discussions with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
• Mr. Modi to host a lunch
banquet in honor of the Greek
Prime Minister.
• First bilateral Head of State or
Government level visit from
Greece to India in 15 years.
• India-Greece relations
elevated to ‘Strategic
Partnership’ during Mr. Modi’s
visit to Greece in August last
year.
• Shared cultural values,
commitment to economic
growth, and collaboration in
security and defense,
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rigging in various
constituencies.
5. Both jailed former Prime
Minister Imran Khan’s PTI and
ex-premier Nawaz Sharif’s
PML-N have claimed victory,
but no single party has
obtained a majority in the
National Assembly, making a
coalition government likely.
Pakistan General Elections:

Independents Win 93 Seats,
PML-N Secures 75, PPP Gets
54 in National Assembly
Pakistan’s Election Commission released
the full results of the general elections on
February 12, 2024, detailing the
preliminary positions of political parties in
national and provincial assemblies.
1. Independents won 93 seats in

the National Assembly out of
266 directly elected members,
surpassing Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) with
75 seats and Pakistan People’s
Party with 54 seats.
2. Independent candidates,
largely affiliated with Former
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI),
secured the most
parliamentary seats,
diminishing the chances of the
army-backed PML-N from
obtaining a ruling majority.
3. The PTI does not have enough
seats to form a government
independently, and a coalition
government seems inevitable.
4. General elections took place
on Thursday, with an unusual
delay in announcing results,
leading to allegations of vote
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Qatar has released eight Prime Minister of Guyana

former Indian Navy Mark Phillips, is on a six-
personnel who were detained day official visit to India
in the Gulf country
Mark Phillips, the Prime Minister of
on espionage charges Guyana, is on a six-day official visit to
In a significant diplomatic India from February 6 to 11, 2024. This
achievement, Qatar has released eight visit is seen as a significant step in
former Indian Navy personnel who were strengthening bilateral relations between
detained in the Gulf country on espionage the two countries.
charges. These veterans had been held in
custody since August 2022. Here are the Meeting with President Droupadi
key points regarding this development: Murmu: On February 7, Phillips met with
President Murmu at the Rashtrapati
Detention and Sentencing: Bhavan. They discussed a wide range of
issues, including bilateral cooperation in
areas such as defence, energy, and
• The individuals involved, agriculture.
including Captain Navtej Singh
Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht,
Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Meeting with External Affairs Minister S
Captain Birendra Kumar Jaishankar: Phillips also held a meeting
Verma, Commander with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
Sugunakar Pakala, on February 6. They discussed India’s
Commander Sanjeev Gupta, assistance to Guyana in various sectors,
Commander Amit Nagpal, and including capacity building and
Sailor Ragesh, were taken into infrastructure development.
custody in August 2022.
• In October 2023, a Qatari
court sentenced them Business meetings: Phillips is also
to death. scheduled to meet with Indian business
• However, in a subsequent leaders to explore investment opportunities
decision, the Court of Appeal in Guyana.
in Qatar revised their
sentences, opting to commute
their penalties
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National Current
Affairs
Country’s longest signature

stayed bridge, ‘Sudarshan
Setu’ inaugurated by PM
Modi in Gujarat
New Lokpal of India :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated
Justice AM Khanwilkar the country’s longest signature stayed
1. Justice AM Khanwilkar bridge, ‘Sudarshan Setu’, spanning about
appointed as the new Lokpal 2.32 km, connecting Okha mainland and
of India by President Droupadi Beyt Dwatka island at Dwarka in Gujarat
Murmu. on 25 February 2024.
2. Six members appointed 1. The bridge is hailed as an
alongside Justice Khanwilkar. engineering marvel and
3. Judicial Members of the features footpaths adorned
Lokpal include Justice with verses from the Srimad
Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Bhagavad Gita and images of
Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Lord Krishna.
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi. 2. Sudarshan Setu incorporates
4. Additional members of the solar panels on its footpaths,
Lokpal are Sushil Chandra, generating one megawatt of
Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey. electricity, and is expected to
ease transportation and
reduce travel time between
Dwarka and Bet-Dwarka
significantly.
3. Previously, pilgrims had to rely
on boat transport to reach Bet
Dwarka, but the bridge will
now provide easier access.
4. The inauguration of Sudarshan
Setu was accompanied by the
launch and foundation laying
for projects worth over 4150
crore rupees, including a
pipeline project at Vadinar and
three Rail Electrification
projects.
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Age of admission to Grade PM Narendra Modi

1 is 6 plus years from 2024- inaugurated Bharat Tex
25 session onwards 2024, one of largest global
The Education Ministry has sent letters to textile events in India
all states and Union Territories (UTs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
requesting them to ensure that the age of
Bharat Tex 2024 on February 26, 2024, at
admission to Grade 1 is 6 years starting
Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
from the 2024-25 session.
1. Bharat Tex 2024 is one of the

1. This directive aligns with the
largest-ever global textile
provisions outlined in both the
events organized in India, with
National Education Policy 2020
participation from over 100
and the Right of Children to
countries.
Free and Compulsory
2. The event will feature over 65
Education Act, 2009.
knowledge sessions with more
2. The Department of School
than 100 global panelists
Education and Literacy issued
discussing various issues in the
the letter on the 15th of the
textile sector.
month, emphasizing the need
3. It is expected to host major
for states and UTs to adjust the
policymakers, global CEOs,
age requirement for Grade 1
over 3,500 exhibitors, and over
admission accordingly for the
3,000 buyers.
upcoming 2024-25 session.
4. More than 40,000 business
visitors are attending, along
with students, weavers,
artisans, and textile workers.
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• He highlighted India’s
competitiveness in the global
textile sector and
acknowledged Gujarat’s
significant contribution to this
achievement.
PM Modi Unveils Two New

Pressurised Heavy Water
Reactors at Kakrapar
Atomic Power Station
inaugurated two new
Pressurised Heavy Water
Reactors (KAPS-3 and KAPS-4)
at Kakrapar Atomic Power
Station.
• The inauguration took place in
Navsari, South Gujarat, with
an investment of 22,500 crore
rupees.
• PM Modi also initiated the
construction of PM MITRA
Park in Navsari.
• The event saw the launch of
various projects related to
infrastructure, including roads,
railways, drinking water, and
healthcare.
• PM MITRA Park is the
country’s first such park
dedicated to the textile sector,
aimed at boosting the textile
industry and increasing India’s
share in textile exports.
• The Prime Minister
emphasized the government’s
efforts towards making India
self-reliant, with PM MITRA
Park being a step in this
direction.
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Government has approved the Defence Minister Rajnath

continuation of Women’s Singh inaugurated 12th
safety scheme till 2025-26 edition of MILAN 2024
The Union Government has approved the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
continuation of the Umbrella Scheme on inaugurated the 12th edition of MILAN
‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of 2024, the flagship naval exercise hosted by
approximately ₹1,180 crore during the the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 21
period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Feb 2024.
decision was taken during a Union Cabinet 1. He also inaugurated the
meeting chaired by Prime Minister MILAN Village at the Eastern
Narendra Modi on February 21, 2024. Naval Command base to mark
the occasion.
2. MILAN 2024 is the largest
Key components of the scheme include: multinational naval exercise of
the Indian Navy, with more
• 112 Emergency Response than 2,000 personnel from
Support System (ERSS) 2.0 participating Navies.
• Upgradation of Central 3. The exercise reflects the spirit
Forensic Sciences laboratories, of international cooperation.
including the establishment of 4. The defence minister
the National Forensic Data participated in the
Centre inauguration ceremony at the
• Strengthening of DNA Analysis Samudrika Naval Auditorium
and Cyber Forensic capacities at the Eastern Naval
in State Forensic Science Command.
Laboratories (FSLs) 5. Both the aircraft carriers INS
• Cyber Crime Prevention Vikramaditya and the
against Women and Children indigenously built INS Vikrant
• Capacity building and training will take part in the exercise.
of investigators and 6. MILAN provides a platform for
participating navies to share ideas
prosecutors to handle sexual
and ensure the safety of maritime
assault cases against women
commerce for the growth and
and children prosperity of all.
• Establishment of Women Help 7. MILAN is not just a military
Desks and Anti-human exercise but also a platform for
Trafficking Units the future of international naval
cooperation.
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Mission Projects, will be

dedicated to the nation.
• Advanced food safety
infrastructure projects in
multiple states will also be
inaugurated to ensure the
safety and quality of food
consumed by millions.
• The total cost of these health
projects exceeds 11,391 crore
rupees.
• These initiatives aim to
enhance healthcare
Prime Minister Modi Set to accessibility, affordability, and
Unveil Five New AIIMS quality for all citizens and
expand medical education in
and Cutting-Edge the country.
Healthcare Infrastructure • The establishment of new
medical and nursing colleges
Valued at Over 11,391 will contribute to nurturing
Crore future generations of
healthcare professionals.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi • In addition, seven AIIMS
will unveil five new AIIMS facilities will be inaugurated
facilities across India on the within a span of ten days,
25th of this month. including the laying of the
• The new AIIMS locations foundation stone for AIIMS
include Rajkot (Gujarat), Rewari and the inauguration of
Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), AIIMS Jammu by Prime
Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli Minister Modi.
(Uttar Pradesh), and Kalyani
(West Bengal).
• Union Health Minister Dr.
Mansukh Mandaviya
announced these
inaugurations during a media
briefing in New Delhi.
• Additionally, the Prime
Minister will inaugurate
various medical colleges and
nursing colleges nationwide.
• Several advanced health
facilities, such as Critical Care
Blocks and Integrated Public
Health Labs, under the PM-
ABHIM initiative will also be
opened.
• Advanced research labs and
facilities of the Indian Council
of Medical Research, as well as
various National Health
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5. Eligibility for receiving

electoral bonds was limited to
political parties registered
under Section 29A of the
Representation of the People
Act, 1951, securing at least 1%
of the votes in the last Lok
Sabha or state legislative
assembly elections.
Supreme Court has

invalidated the electoral
bonds scheme for political
funding
The Supreme Court has invalidated the
electoral bonds scheme for political
funding. The court, consisting of a 5-judge
bench, declared on February 15, 2024, that
the scheme violates citizens’ right to
information.
1. State Bank of India has been

instructed to immediately
cease issuing electoral bonds
and provide donation details
through this method to the
Election Commission of India.
2. The court found that the
scheme’s objectives of
combating black money and
maintaining donor
confidentiality are insufficient
justifications.
3. The Supreme Court
emphasized that electoral
bonds are not the exclusive
solution to address the issue of
black money.
4. The electoral bonds scheme
was introduced by the
government on January 2,
2018, aiming to replace cash
donations and enhance
transparency in political
funding.
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ongoing and prospective

initiatives.
6. The overall purpose of the
discussions and visits was to
strengthen bilateral ties and
cooperation between the
Indian and US military forces.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande

conducted discussions with US
Army Chief Gen Randy
George in Washington
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande conducted
discussions with US Army Chief Gen
Randy George and other senior military
officials in Washington on Feb 15, 2024.
1. The discussions focused on

bilateral aspects of
importance and aimed at
enhancing mutual
commitment to global peace
and security.
2. Gen Pande’s four-day official
visit to the US started on
February 13.
3. As part of the visit, he
reviewed the US Army Honour
Guard at Fort Myers and laid a
wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier at Arlington
National Cemetery.
4. Gen Pande visited the Army
Geospatial Centre at Fort
Belvoir and interacted with the
Vice President of the National
Defense University at Fort
McNair.
5. A visit to the Indian Embassy in
Washington DC included
interactions with Charge
d’Affaires Sripriya
Ranganathan to discuss
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and other relevant

information
online.
• Streamlining
Admissions:
APAAR
also streamlines
the admission
process by
providing a
centralized
student
identification
Automated Permanent system.
2. Lifelong Identifier:
Academic Account • APAAR is not just
Registry (APAAR): One for a specific
educational
Nation One Student ID phase; it serves as
a lifelong digital
Automated Permanent Academic
identifier for
Account Registry (APAAR), also known
students
as the “One Nation One Student ID.” throughout their
academic journey.
APAAR is a unique identification system 3. Academic Bank of Credits
for students in India, designed to streamline (ABC):
academic and administrative processes. • The Indian
Here are some key points about APAAR: government
established
the Academic
1. Purpose and Features: Bank of Credits
• Digital ID Card: (ABC) to handle
APAAR serves as the issuance of
a digital ID APAAR ID cards.
card for students • ABC is an integral
across both part of the
government and National
private schools Education Policy
and colleges. (NEP 2020).
• Academic Locker: • All college and
It acts as a digital university-going
locker where students are
students can store required to
and manage their register on ABC.
academic • Having an ABC
achievements. ID is necessary for
• Collecting Credits: admission to any
Students can college or
collect university
their academic
credits, degrees,
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EPFO hikes interest rate Chaudhary Charan Singh,

on employees’ provident PV Narasimha Rao and
fund deposits to 8.25 MS Swaminathan to be
percent for 2023-24 conferred Bharat Ratna
1. The Employees’ Provident Former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan
Fund Organisation (EPFO) has Singh, former Prime Minister P V
set an interest rate of 8.25 Narasimha Rao, and agricultural scientist
percent on Employees’ Dr. MS Swaminathan will be conferred
Provident Fund deposits for with the country’s highest civilian award
the fiscal year 2023-24. Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra
2. The decision was made during Modi announced on 9 February 2024.
the 235th meeting of the
Central Board of Trustees,
EPFO, held in New Delhi on 1. Chaudhary Charan Singh:
February 10, 2024. • Role: Former
3. Labour and Employment Prime Minister of
Minister Bhupender Yadav, India, freedom
who chaired the meeting, fighter, and
announced the decision in a farmers’ leader.
social media post. • Contributions:
4. This interest rate is the highest • Served as
in the past three years, the third
reflecting a positive change in Deputy Prime
returns for EPF contributors. Minister and
5. The move is described as a the fifth
step towards fulfilling Prime Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s Minister of
commitment to enhancing India.
social security for India’s • Held positions
workforce. such as Chief
Minister of
Uttar
Pradesh and
Union
Minister for
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Home Affairs 3. Dr. MS Swaminathan:

and Finance. • Role: Eminent
• Legacy: agricultural
• His scientist and the
incomparable father of
contribution India’s Green
to the country Revolution.
is • Contributions:
acknowledge • Collaborated
d through this with Norman
award. Borlaug and
2. Pamulaparthi Venkata spearheaded
Narasimha Rao (PV a mass
Narasimha Rao): movement
• Role: Ninth Prime with farmers
Minister of India and other
(1991–1996). scientists.
• Achievements: • Backed by
• Economic public
Reforms: policies, he
Credited with saved India
opening up and Pakistan
the Indian from certain
economy famine-like
during his conditions in
term. the 1960s.
• Historic First: • Instrumental
The first in achieving
person from self-reliance
South India to in agriculture
become and
Prime modernizing
Minister of farming
India. practices.
• Father of
Economic
Reforms:
Described by
former Prime
Minister
Manmohan
Singh as the
true father of
economic
reforms in
India.
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Government scraps Free Government plans to

Movement Regime between introduce satellite-based GPS
India and Myanmar to ensure toll collection systems on
internal security of country national highways
• Home Minister Amit Shah 1. The government plans to
announced the decision to introduce satellite-based GPS
scrap the Free Movement toll collection systems on
Regime (FMR) between India national highways.
and Myanmar on 8 Feb 2024. 2. Road, Transport and Highways
• The decision aims to enhance Minister Nitin Gadkari
internal security and preserve announced the
the demographic structure of implementation of the system
North Eastern states bordering before the upcoming Lok
Myanmar. Sabha election.
• The Ministry of External Affairs 3. The new toll collection system
is in the process of scrapping will deduct toll charges
the FMR, and the Home directly from bank accounts,
Ministry has recommended its using vehicle number plate
immediate suspension. identification.
• Amit Shah emphasized that 4. The aim is to eliminate existing
the move aligns with Prime toll plazas, improving travel
Minister Narendra Modi’s convenience on national
commitment to securing the highways.
nation’s borders. 5. Over eight crore thirteen lakh
fast tags have been issued,
with a daily collection
averaging between 170 to 180
crore rupees.
6. The satellite-based system is
expected to enhance
efficiency and streamline toll
collection processes.
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• To facilitate better
surveillance,
a patrol
track along the
border will also be
paved.
• A 10-kilometer
stretch in Moreh,
Manipur, has
already been
fenced.
Government announced plans • Two pilot projects
for fencing
to fence the entire 1,643- through a hybrid
kilometer-long Indo- surveillance
Myanmar border system are
underway,
The Indian government has recently covering 1
announced plans to fence the entire 1,643- kilometer each
kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. This in Arunachal
decision effectively ends the free Pradesh and Man
movement regime (FMR) that allowed ipur.
people on both sides to venture 16 • Additionally, fence
kilometers into each other’s territory works covering
without any documents. approximately 20
kilometers in
Here are the key points regarding this Manipur have
significant development: been approved
1. Reasons for Fencing: and will
• The move aims
commence soon.
to enhance 3. Impact and Implications:
surveillance along • Ending the FMR is
the border. expected to put a
• It seeks to curb
lid
insurgencies, smu on insurgencies in
ggling, and the north-east, as
the drug trade in well
the region. as smuggling and
2. Details of the Decision: the drug trade.
• Union Home • Going forward,
Minister Amit anyone wanting to
Shah emphasized enter India from
the government’s Myanmar will
commitment to need valid travel
building impenetr documents,
able borders. similar to
• The entire 1,643-
practices adopted
kilometer-long for air and sea
Indo-Myanmar travel.
border will be
fenced.
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• Started the Ram Rath Yatra in

1990 from Somnath to
Ayodhya.
• Began the Swarna Jayanti Rath
Yatra in 1997 to celebrate
India’s Golden Jubilee.
• Served as Union Cabinet
Minister for Home Affairs from
Oct 1999 to May 2004.
• Held the position of Deputy
Prime Minister from Jun 2002
to May 2004.
LK Advani to be conferred
country’s highest civilian
award Bharat Ratna
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced
that senior BJP leader LK Advani will be
conferred with the Bharat Ratna.
Key Life Events of L K Advani:

• Born on November 8, 1927, in
Karachi.
• Joined RSS in 1942 during the
Quit India movement.
• Shifted to Delhi in early 1957
to assist Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Married Kamla Advani on Feb
25, 1965, and had two
children.
• Entered Rajya Sabha in April
1970.
• Elected President of Bharatiya
Jana Sangh in Dec 1972.
• Arrested during Emergency in
June 1975.
• Held the position of Union
minister for Information and
Broadcasting from March 1977
to July 1979.
• Became Party President of the
BJP in May 1986.
• Re-elected party President in
March 1988.
• Held the position of Home
Minister in 1988 in the BJP
Government.
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Polity Current
Affairs
Prime Minister Modi

Reaffirmed as World’s
Most Popular Leader
Three new Criminal Laws tops global leader approval
to become effective from ratings with 78%.
• Survey conducted by US-based
July 1 agency Morning Consult
The Centre announced that the provisions unveils Modi’s popularity.
of three significant laws – Bharatiya • Mexican President Andrés
Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Manuel López Obrador
Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya secures second place with 65%
Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 – will become approval rating.
effective on July 1, 2024. • Argentina President Javier
Milei ranks third with a 63%
approval rating.
• The Home Ministry conveyed • US President Joe Biden is
this information through a positioned 11th among world
gazette notification. leaders.
• These laws were passed by • Canadian Prime Minister
Parliament in December 2023. Justin Trudeau ranks 17th.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha • UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya is placed 20th.
Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya • Survey data collected from
Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 are January 30 to February 5.
slated to replace the Indian
Penal Code of 1860, the Code
of Criminal Procedure of 1898,
and the Indian Evidence Act of
1872.
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RLD Joins NDA, Ends Ties Lok Sabha passes Finance

with Opposition Alliance; Bill, 2024
Jayant Chaudhary 1. Lok Sabha passed the Finance
Bill, 2024, on 7 Feb 2024, by
1. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has
voice vote.
decided to join the ruling NDA
2. Finance Minister Nirmala
alliance, ending its association
Sitharaman introduced the
with the opposition alliance.
Bill, aims to maintain the
2. The decision was announced
current income tax rates for
by RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary
the financial year 2024-2025.
on February 12, 2024, in New
Delhi.
3. Chaudhary stated that the
decision was made
considering the current
situation and with the
intention of doing something
good for the people.
4. The RLD Chief consulted with
all the MLAs and workers of his
party before making the
decision.
5. Jayant Chaudhary highlighted
the party’s happiness over the
announcement of Bharat
Ratna to former Prime
Minister Chaudhary Charan
Singh, emphasizing that it
reflects respect for farmers,
youth, and the poor across the
country, not just for his family.
6. The RLD was previously part of
the opposition I.N.D.I.A
alliance.
7. Jayant Chaudhary is the
grandson of the former Prime
Minister Chaudhary Charan
Singh.
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Lok Sabha passes Public

Examinations (Prevention
of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024
On 6th February 2024, the Lok Sabha took
a decisive step towards ensuring fair and
just public examinations by passing
the Public Examinations (Prevention of
Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. This bill aims to
curb the rampant issue of cheating and
malpractices in various public
examinations, including entrance tests like Champai Soren-led JMM-
NEET and JEE, recruitment exams
conducted by UPSC and SSC, and other Congress alliance
board exams. government wins trust vote
in Jharkhand
Key Provisions of the Bill:
The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance
government, led by Champai Soren,
• Strict Penalties: The bill secured a victory in the trust vote on
prescribes a minimum February 5, 2024, in the Jharkhand State
imprisonment of three years
Assembly.
and a fine of up to ₹1 crore for
indulging in unfair means like
leaking question papers, using 1. The Floor Test resulted in a
electronic devices for majority of 47 votes in favor of
cheating, impersonating the motion out of the total 81
candidates, and organizing or members in the Assembly.
abetting such activities. 2. Opposition to the motion
• Wider Coverage: It included 29 legislators, while
encompasses not just students one JMM and one BJP
and candidates but also exam legislator, Ramdas Soren &
officials, coaching centers, Indrajit Mahatha, were absent
and individuals or due to prolonged illness.
organizations involved in 3. Independent MLA Saryu Roy
facilitating cheating. abstained from voting, and
• Strengthened Amit Kumar Mandal remained
Enforcement: The bill absent.
empowers authorities 4. The Gandey constituency seat
to conduct searches, seize has been vacant since
electronic devices, and December 2023.
intercept communication to 5. Former Chief Minister and
prevent and investigate JMM Executive President
malpractices. Hemant Soren were granted
permission by the PMLA court
to participate in the vote.
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spread over ten

days.
• Discussion and
debate on the
budget and other
key issues
expected.
Finance Minister Nirmala

Sitharaman to present
the interim budget on
February 1, 2024
Budget Session of Parliament begins on 31
January 2024 with President’s address to
joint sitting of both the Houses.
• Significance:
• First Budget
session in the new
Parliament
building.
• Last session
before the
upcoming Lok
Sabha elections
(expected April-
May 2024).
• Marked by
President
Droupadi
Murmu’s first
address to a joint
sitting.
• Upcoming events:
• Union Finance
Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman to
present
the interim
budget on
February 1, 2024.
• The session will
have a total of
eight sittings
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Science and
Technology Current
Affairs
Hemant Soren resigns as

CM of Jharkhand;
Champai Soren to be the
new Chief Minister
• Hemant Soren resigned as India’s Gaganyaan
Jharkhand Chief Mission and its Astronauts
Minister: After being
questioned by the ED for a India is poised to take a giant leap in its
land scam, Hemant Soren spacefaring journey with the ambitious
stepped down as Chief Gaganyaan mission, its first human
Minister. spaceflight program. Named after the
• Champai Soren to be new Sanskrit word for “celestial vehicle,”
CM: Senior JMM leader and Gaganyaan aims to send a crew of four
Transport Minister Champai astronauts into low Earth orbit for a three-
Soren will replace Hemant day mission.
Soren.
• Ruling alliance met
The Astronauts:
Governor: JMM and Congress
MLAs met the Governor to
submit their claim for forming On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister
the government with Champai Narendra Modi unveiled the identities of
Soren as CM. the four Indian Air Force pilots chosen
• Hemant Soren arrested by for the prestigious mission:
ED: Following his
resignation, Hemant Soren
was arrested by the • Gp Capt Prashanth
Enforcement Directorate in Balakrishnan Nair
connection with the land scam • Gp Capt Angad Prathap
case. • Gp Capt Ajit Krishnan
• Wg Cdr Shubanshu Shukla
These individuals have undergone rigorous
training at the Indian Space Research
Organisation’s (ISRO) astronaut training
facility in Bengaluru, preparing them for
the physical and mental demands of space
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travel. While only three astronauts will

form the crew for the first mission, all
four individuals will continue their training,
fostering a pool of qualified astronauts for
future endeavors.
Mission Details:
While the initial crewed mission is targeted

for 2025, India plans to launch its first
uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan
spacecraft before the end of 2024. This
crucial step will provide valuable data on
National Science Day:
the spacecraft’s performance and pave the February 28th
way for the historic crewed mission.
Celebrating Innovation
and Discovery
Every year on February 28th, India
observes National Science
Day.expand_more This day commemorates
the remarkable discovery of the “Raman
Effect” by Indian physicist Sir C.
V.expand_more Raman on the same date in
1928. This groundbreaking discovery
earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in
1930, marking a significant milestone in
Indian science.
2024 Theme: “Indigenous Technologies for

Viksit Bharat”
This year’s National Science Day theme
focuses on promoting the development and
application of indigenous technologies for a
developed and self-reliant India (“Viksit
Bharat”).
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India’s first septic tank Odysseus: first U.S.-built

cleaning robot, named spacecraft to land on the Moon
“Homosep Atom” Odysseus, built by Intuitive Machines,
achieved a historic milestone by becoming
India’s first septic tank cleaning robot, the first U.S.-built spacecraft to land on the
named Homosep Atom, aims to eradicate Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, marking the
manual scavenging and bolster the first moon landing by a private company.
Swachhata Abhiyan across the nation.
1. The spacecraft landed on
February 23, 2024, near a
• Developed by a startup
crater called Malapert A,
incubated in the Department
about 186 miles from the
of Science and Technology
Moon’s south pole.
(DST)-Technology Business
2. The descent was tense due to
Incubator (TBI) of IIT Madras,
a last-minute navigation
this technology revolutionizes
sensor malfunction, but
traditional manual cleaning
engineers managed to ensure
methods into robotic ones.
a successful landing.
• The Ministry of Science and
3. Communication confirmation
Technology highlighted in a
was awaited anxiously after
statement that the Homosep
touchdown, and a faint signal
Atom robot has been deployed
eventually confirmed
in 16 cities across India.
Odysseus’ survival, picked up
• Its capabilities include
by a communications antenna
extensive blade cleaning, solid
in the United Kingdom.
waste desilting, suction, and
4. NASA Administrator Bill
storage, all integrated into one
Nelson commended Intuitive
device.
Machines, SpaceX (the launch
provider for Odysseus), and
NASA’s commercial moon
program, highlighting the
significance of collaboration
with private companies.
5. Two hours after landing,
Odysseus began sending data,
with the team eagerly
anticipating the first images from
the lunar surface.
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ISRO successfully launches Cochin International

next generation weather Airport and BPCL
satellite INSAT-3DS from Collaborate for World’s
Sriharikota First Green Hydrogen
Indian Space Research Organisation Plant at Airport Premises
(ISRO) launched GSLV F14 on 17 Feb Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL)
2024 from the second launch pad at the in Kerala has signed an MOU with Bharat
Sathish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to
establish a green hydrogen plant on its
• The weather satellite, INSAT premises, producing 1000 KW of power.
3DS, was injected into the
destined path approximately • This project is recognized as
20 minutes after the lift-off. the world’s first Green
• All three stages, including the Hydrogen plant in an airport.
cryogenic stage, performed • BPCL will be responsible for
normally as expected. setting up the integrated
• The 51-meter-tall rocket Green Hydrogen plant and
carried INSAT 3DS and took off fueling station at Kochi airport,
with a majestic roar witnessed while CIAL will contribute land,
by thousands of onlookers at water, and green energy
the visitors gallery and resources.
scientists at the control centre. • The project aims to be
• Mr. Somanath, Chairman ISRO, completed early next year,
confirmed the success of the with the initial output used for
mission, stating that INSAT 3DS powering vehicles within the
is a next-generation satellite airport.
with deployed solar panels. • The MOU signing took place in
• Mission Director, Tomy Joseph, Thiruvananthapuram, in the
highlighted the successful lift- presence of State Chief
off of GSLV and mentioned a Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who
50-kilogram payload increase is also the Chairman of CIAL.
for INSAT 3DS. • Cochin International Airport is
• INSAT 3DS is tracked by control known for its commitment to
centres at Brunei and Port green energy and is the
Blair.
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world’s first airport to be fully

powered by solar energy.
• The airport currently has a
cumulative installed capacity
of 50 MW, generating two lakh
units of power per day through
big solar power plants and a
hydel station.
Vyommitra: Woman
Robot Astronaut Prepares
for Liftoff
Woman Robot Astronaut “Vyommitra”
will fly into Space ahead of ISRO’s
“Gaganyaan” mission, in the third quarter
of this year.
Vyommitra, named for “space friend,” isn’t

just a robot; she’s India’s stepping stone to
human spaceflight. This female robot
astronaut will fly solo in 2024, testing tech
for the “Gaganyaan” mission, India’s first
human spaceflight in 2025.
Vyommitra’s Mission:
• Monitor & Alert: She’ll keep

tabs on the spacecraft’s
environment, alerting
scientists of any issues.
• Basic Tasks: Operating panels
and responding to simple
questions showcase human-
robot collaboration potential.
• Paving the Way: By testing life
support, communication, and
the spacecraft
itself, Vyommitra ensures a
smooth journey for future
astronauts.
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Significance:
Sports Current
• Testing Ground: Gathers
crucial data before humans
Affairs
fly, ensuring their safety and
mission success.
• Tech Validation: Validates
technologies vital for human
spaceflight, paving the path
for advancements.
• Inspiration for All: This
mission ignites passion for
science, technology, and
space exploration in young
minds.
Kickoff: Khelo India

University Games Begin
Fourth Edition in
Guwahati
• The fourth edition of Khelo
India University Games,
named Ashtalakshmi,
commences in Guwahati.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta
Biswa Sarma and Union Sports
Minister Anurag Singh Thakur
attend the inauguration at
Sarusajai Stadium.
• 213 universities from across
India participate in the event.
extends best wishes to
participants through a video
message, emphasizing the
importance of sports for
youth.
• PM Modi urges players to
compete with full spirit and
calls for society’s
encouragement towards
sports excellence.
• Special allocation of 3500
crore rupees in the budget for
sports development is noted.
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• Union Sports Minister Thakur

praises Khelo India games as a
platform for young talents and
acknowledges North East’s
contribution to Indian sports.
• Plans for India to host the
Youth Olympics in 2029 and
Summer Olympics in 2036 are
mentioned.
• Assam Chief Minister
expresses the state’s desire to
host upcoming editions of
Khelo India and highlights Record Victory: India
government initiatives to
promote sports.
Crushes England by 434 Runs
• The opening ceremony in Third Test of Five-Match
showcases Assam and North Series in Rajkot
East’s rich cultural heritage,
featuring performances by • India secured a resounding
singer Papon. victory over England in the
• Guwahati hosts 16 sporting Rajkot test, bundling out their
events with over 4500 innings for a mere 122 runs.
participants, continuing until • The match concluded on the
the 29th of the month. fourth day, with India clinching
the win by a record margin of
434 runs.
• The relentless Indian bowling
attack consistently took
wickets, wrapping up
England’s innings in just 39.4
overs.
• This victory marks India’s
largest-ever winning margin in
a test match.
• Notable performances
included a five-wicket haul by
Ravindra Jadeja, a stellar 91-
run innings by Shubman Gill,
and a crucial 68-run
partnership by Sarfaraz.
• Despite a valiant effort,
England’s highest scorer in the
second innings was Mark
Wood with 33 runs.
• Ravindra Jadeja was honored
as the Player of the Match for
his outstanding contribution.
• Earlier in the day, India
declared their innings at 430
for 4, establishing an imposing
overall lead of 556 runs.
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Indian women’s Ravichandran Ashwin

badminton team secures joins elite 500 test Cricket
first-ever Badminton Asia wicket club, becomes 2nd
Team Championships title Indian to do so
Indian women’s badminton team secures Ravichandran Ashwin achieved his 500th
first-ever Badminton Asia Team Test wicket on February 16, 2024, in the
Championships title on 18 Feb 2024 at Setia third Test match against England at
City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Malaysia.
1. Ashwin, the 37-year-old off-
• In the final match, India spinner, reached this
defeats Thailand 3-2. milestone in his 98th Test
• PV Sindhu’s dominant Match.
performance in the first singles 2. Zak Crawley was dismissed by
gives India a 1-0 lead. Ashwin in the final session of
• Treesa Jolly and Gayatri the second day, making
Gopichand’s gritty win in the Ashwin the second Indian after
second doubles puts India Anil Kumble to take 500
ahead. wickets in Test history.
• Ashmita Chaliha falls short in 3. By the end of the second day,
the second singles match England was 207 for two in
against world no. 18. their first innings, with opener
• Shruti Mishra and Priya Ben Duckett scoring 133, and
Konjengbam lose in the third Joe Root not out at nine.
match, tying the score at 2-2. 4. India had posted a total of 445
• Anmol Kharb’s exceptional runs in their first innings,
performance in the deciding supported by centuries from
third singles match secures the captain Rohit Sharma and
historic gold medal win for Ravindra Jadeja.
India.
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by a match against arch-rivals

Pakistan on June 9.
6. The tournament will utilize
three venues in the USA and
six in the Caribbean for its
ninth edition.
Rohit Sharma will lead the

Indian Cricket team in the
upcoming 2024 T20 World
Cup
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed on 15
Feb 2024 that Rohit Sharma will lead the
Indian team in the upcoming 2024 T20
World Cup.
1. The assurance was given that

India, under Rohit Sharma’s
captaincy, will lift the T20
World Cup in Barbados, West
Indies.
2. The announcement was made
during an event at the
Saurashtra Cricket Association
Stadium in Rajkot, where the
stadium was renamed after
cricket administrator Niranjan
Shah.
3. Dignitaries present at the
event included Sunil Gavaskar,
Anil Kumble, IPL chairman
Arun Dhumal, chief selector
Ajit Agarkar, and head coach
Rahul Dravid.
4. The 2024 T20 World Cup will
take place in the Caribbean
and the USA from June 1 to
June 29, featuring 20 teams.
5. India’s campaign will
commence against Ireland in
New York on June 5, followed
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Australia won the Under Sumit Nagal won the

19 Men’s ODI Cricket Tennis Chennai Open ATP
World Cup 2024 beating Challenger trophy
India by 79 runs in the final 1. Sumit Nagal won the Tennis
Chennai Open ATP Challenger
Australia have won the Under 19 Men’s finale on February 11, 2024,
ODI Cricket World Cup beating India by 79 marking his 5th Challenger
runs in the final at Benoni in South Africa Title.
on 11 February 2024. 2. Nagal secured victory by
defeating Luca Nardi of Italy in
• Australia had scored 253 for 7 the final with a scoreline of 6-
wickets in the stipulated 50 1 and 6-4.
overs. 3. Following this win, Sumit
• Chasing a target of 254 runs, Nagal is set to enter the Top
team India was all out for 174 100 in the upcoming ATP
runs in 43.5 overs tonight. Rankings.
4. As the second-seeded player,
Nagal will become the first
Indian man to breach the top-
100 barrier since Prajnesh
Gunneswaran in 2019.
5. The Tennis Chennai Open is
the initial event in a series of
ATP Challenger 100
tournaments to be hosted in
India.
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India win SAFF U-19 Khelo India Youth Games

Women’s Championship 2024 : Maharashtra bagged
overall championship
beating Bangladesh in final
Khelo India Youth Games 2024:
• India emerged as the winner
of the South Asian Football
Federation’s (SAFF) U-19 • Dates: January 19 – January
Women’s Championship in 31, 2024
Dhaka on 8 February 2024. • Venue: Tamil Nadu
• The final match against (Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and
defending champion Coimbatore)
Bangladesh concluded with a • Most medal winner
1-1 draw at full time. state: Maharashtra (57 gold
• The winner was determined medals)
through a toss after a lengthy • Important points:
penalty shootout, where all • Sixth edition of
eleven players from each team the flagship event
successfully converted their under the Indian
penalties. government’s
• Sibani Devi scored in the Khelo India
eighth minute, giving India an initiative.
initial lead, but Bangladesh’s • Over 5,600
Sagorika equalized in the athletes from all
closing minutes of the game. over India
• During the group stage, India participated.
secured victories against • Featured 46
Bhutan and Nepal but faced a sports disciplines.
loss against Bangladesh, • Maharashtra
finishing as the second-place retained their
team in the group. KIYG title, while
• Bangladesh entered the final host state Tamil
as the top finisher, having won Nadu achieved
all their league matches in the their best-ever
tournament. finish.
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•
Miscellaneous Vertical take-off
and landing
Current Affairs
capabilities make
the S4 ideal for
urban settings,
minimizing space
requirements and
reducing noise
pollution
compared to
helicopters.
3. Benefits of the Air Taxi
Project:
• Promises reduced
noise levels, zero
operating
emissions, and
Dubai to have world’s first enhanced
passenger
air taxi, agreements signed convenience.
at World Government • Aims for
efficiency, safety,
Summit 2024 and sustainability
Dubai has signed agreements at the World in urban
transportation.
Government Summit 2024 to launch the
4. Integration into Urban
world’s first air taxi service. Agreements
Landscape:
pave the way for the deployment of a city-
• Aerial vehicles aim
wide electric aerial taxi service and
to seamlessly
vertiport network in Dubai.
integrate into
Dubai’s urban
1. Joby Aviation S4 Aircraft: landscape,
• The initiative providing swift
centers around and eco-friendly
the Joby Aviation transportation
S4, an innovative solutions.
aircraft designed 5. Electric-Powered and
for four Rechargeable:
passengers and a • The electric-
pilot. powered aircraft
• The S4 features six can be swiftly
propellers and is recharged
powered by four between flights,
battery packs. contributing to
• It has a maximum sustainability
range of 161 km goals.
and a top speed of 6. Operational Commencement:
321 km per hour. • The air-taxi
2. Urban-Friendly Features: network is set to
commence
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operations in
2026, marking a
significant
milestone in
Dubai’s efforts to
redefine urban
mobility.
Discovery of Ancient Stone

Wall in Baltic Sea,
Potentially Over 10,000
Years Old
1. Discovery of Ancient Stone
Wall:
• Researchers have
found a stone wall
off the German
coast in the Baltic
Sea.
• The wall is
approximately 1
kilometer long.
• It is situated
around 10
kilometers from
the coast of
Mecklenburg-
Western
Pomerania in
Germany.
• Discovered at a
depth of 21
meters in the
Baltic Sea.
2. Potential Age of the
Structure:
• The wall may be
more than 10,000
years old.
• If confirmed, it
could be the
oldest man-made
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structure in the
Baltic Sea region.
3. Characteristics of the Wall:
• Comprises almost
1,700 stones,
mostly tennis and
football-sized.
• Stones are
generally under a
meter in height.
4. Geographical Change Over
Time:
• The area was
flooded around
8,500 years ago,
transforming it
from dry land to
underwater.
• Before
submersion, the
location was likely
dry land.
5. Purpose of the Wall:
• Researchers
theorize that the
wall was
constructed for
hunting purposes.
• Specifically, it may
have been built to
trap Reindeer.
6. Comparisons with Other
Discoveries:
• Similar
constructions for
Reindeer hunting
have been found
in Lake Michigan
in the United
States.
7. Significance of Discovery:
• The potential age
and purpose of
the stone wall
make it a
significant
archaeological
find in the Baltic
Sea region.
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Current Affairs MCQ Questions: 1 to 29 February 2024

Q: Who is the first Indian to receive an honorary Knighthood under King
Charles III?
A) Ratan Tata
B) Sachin Tendulkar
C) Sunil Bharti Mittal
D) Naredndra Modi
Detail News Ans : C) Sunil Bharti Mittal
Q. What is the highest honor bestowed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi?
• a) Sangeet Natak Ratha

• b) Akademi Purana
• c) Akademi Ratna (Akademi Fellow)
• d) Natya Natak Samman
Detail News Ans : c) Akademi Ratna (Akademi Fellow)
Q. What is the name of India’s first human spaceflight program?
• a) Chandrayaan
• b) Aditya-1
• c) Gaganyaan
• d) LVM3
Detail News Ans : c) Gaganyaan
Q. What is the literal meaning of the word “Gaganyaan” in Sanskrit?
• a) Lunar Chariot
• b) Celestial Vehicle
• c) Solar Probe
• d) Orbital Station
Detail News Ans : b) Celestial Vehicle
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Q. How many astronauts will be part of the first crewed Gaganyaan mission?
• a) 1
• b) 2
• c) 3
• d) 4
Detail News Ans : c) 3
Q: National Science Day in India is celebrated on which date?
• a) January 26th
• b) February 28th
• c) March 12th
• d) May 11th
Detail News Ans : b) February 28th
Q: Which scientist is credited with the discovery of the “Raman Effect”?
• a) S. N. Bose
• b) Homi J. Bhabha
• c) C. V. Raman
• d) Vikram Sarabhai
Detail News Ans : c) C. V. Raman
Q: What year did Sir C. V. Raman win the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on
the Raman Effect?
• a) 1928
• b) 1930
• c) 1935
• d) 1940
Detail News Ans : a) 1928
Q: Who has been appointed as the new Lokpal of India?
• a) Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy

• b) Justice AM Khanwilkar
• c) President Droupadi Murmu
• d) Sushil Chandra
Detail News Ans : b) Justice AM Khanwilkar
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Q: What was Pankaj Udhas famous for?

a) Pop music
b) Bollywood item songs
c) Ghazals
d) Classical music
Ans : c) Ghazals
Detail News
Q: When will the provisions of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023,

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 come
into force?
a) July 1, 2023
b) July 1, 2024
c) January 1, 2023
d) December 31, 2023
Ans : b) July 1, 2024

Detail News
Q: What is the name of India’s first septic tank cleaning robot?

a) Swachhata Atom
b) Homosep Atom
c) RoboCleaner 1.0
d) Sanitech Pro
Ans : b) Homosep Atom

Detail News
Q: Bharat Tex 2024 event, inaugurated by PM Modi in Feb 2024 in New Delhi is
related to which sector:
a) Technology
b) Agriculture
c) Textiles
d) Tourism
Ans : c) Textiles
Detail News
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Q: According to the Education Ministry, from which academic session onwards

should the age of admission to Grade 1 be 6 years?
a) 2026-27
b) 2023-24
c) 2024-25
d) 2025-26
Ans : c) 2024-25
Detail News
Q: What legislation mandates the age of admission to Grade 1 to be 6 years?

a) National Education Policy Act
b) Right to Education Amendment Act
c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
d) Educational Reforms Act, 2010
Ans : c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

Detail News
Q: What is the name of the country’s longest signature stayed bridge, recently
inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat?
a) Bharati Setu
b) Sudarshan Setu
c) Dwarka Bridge
d) Vishwa Setu
Ans : b) Sudarshan Setu

Detail News
Q: What is the name of the first private spacecraft to land on the Moon?
a) Apollo 11
b) Odyssey
c) Odysseus
d) Artemis
Ans : c) Odysseus
Detail News
58
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Q: Which private company built the Odysseus spacecraft?

a) SpaceX
b) Intuitive Machines
c) Blue Origin
d) Boeing
Ans : b) Intuitive Machines

Detail News
Question: Who emerged as the most popular global leader with a 78% approval
rating by Morning Consult 2024?
a) President of Mexico
b) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
c) President of Argentina
d) US President Joe Biden
Correct answer: b) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Detail News
Question: What is the total investment in the two new Pressurised Heavy Water
Reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station?
a) 20,000 crore rupees
b) 22,500 crore rupees
c) 25,000 crore rupees
d) 30,000 crore rupees
Correct answer: b) 22,500 crore rupees

Detail News
Question: How many gram panchayats are expected to benefit from the Bharat
Net Phase-II – Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited project?
a) Over 5,000
b) Over 6,000
c) Over 7,000
d) Over 8,000
Correct answer: d) Over 8,000

Detail News
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Q: What recent change has been approved by the Centre regarding Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) in space sector?
a) Increased restrictions on FDI in space sector
b) 100% foreign investment allowed in the space sector
c) Limiting FDI to 50% in space sector
d) Complete ban on foreign investment space sector
Answer: b) 100% foreign investment allowed in the space sector

Detail News
Q: What is the 24-hour emergency helpline service number for the safety of
women?
A) 112
B) 100
C) 108
D) 181
Answers: A) 112
Detail News
Q: What is the Raisina Dialogue?

A) A music festival in New Delhi
B) An annual conference on geopolitics and geo-economics
C) A literary award ceremony
D) A sports event promoting cultural exchange
Ans : B) An annual conference on geopolitics and geo-economics

Detail News
Q: What is the theme of the 2024 edition of the Raisina Dialogue?

A) “Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities”
B) “Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate”
C) “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create”
D) “Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion”
Ans : C) “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create”

Detail News
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Q: Which is the largest multinational naval exercise of the Indian Navy?

a) Operation Trident
b) Exercise Varuna
c) MILAN
d) Operation TROPEX
Correct answer: c) MILAN

Detail News
Q: Who is the current Prime minister of Greece?

a) Kyriakos Mitsotakis
b) Giorgos Gerapetritis
c) Nikos Dendias
d) Katerina Sakellaropoulou
Correct answer: a) Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Detail News
Q: Where did the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi commence?

a) Kolkata
b) Mumbai
c) Guwahati
d) New Delhi
Answer: c) Guwahati
Detail News
Q.: Which initiative aims to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed by
millions of Indians?
a) PM-CARES
b) PM-KISAN
c) PM-ABHIM
d) PM-JAY
Correct Answer: c) PM-ABHIM

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Q.: Who was awarded the Player of the Match in the Rajkot test?
a) Shubman Gill
b) Sarfaraz
c) Ravindra Jadeja
d) Mark Wood
Correct Answer: c) Ravindra Jadeja

Detail News
Q: Who won the women’s Badminton Asia Team Championships title 2024 ?
A) India
B) Thailand
C) China
D) Indonesia
Answer: A) India
Detail News
Q: What is the purpose of satelliteINSAT-3DS?

A) Communication
B) Earth observation
C) Meteorological observations
D) Space exploration
Answer: C) Meteorological observations

Detail News
Q: Which rocket was used to launch INSAT 3DS?

A) PSLV
B) GSLV Mk III
C) GSLV Mk II
D) GSLV-F14
Answer: D) GSLV-F14
Detail News
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Q: Who has been honored with the 58th Jnanpith Award?

A) Gulzar
B) Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Ans : C) Both A and B

Detail News
Q: Which song from the film “Slumdog Millionaire” contributed to Gulzar’s

international acclaim?
A) “Jai Ho”
B) “Tere Bina”
C) “Dil Se Re”
D) “Chaiyya Chaiyya”
Ans : A) “Jai Ho”

Detail News
Q: Who is the company operating Paytm Payments Bank?

a) Paytm
b) One97 Communications
c) Reserve Bank of India
d) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
Ans : b) One97 Communications

Detail News
Q: Who is the only other Indian cricketer to have taken 500 wickets in Test
history before Ravichandran Ashwin?
a) Virat Kohli
b) Anil Kumble
c) Sachin Tendulkar
d) Rohit Sharma
Ans : b) Anil Kumble

Detail News
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Q: Who is the current Chief of the Indian Army?

a. Gen Bipin Rawat
b. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag
c. Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane
d. Gen Manoj Pande
Ans : d. Gen Manoj Pande

Detail News
Q: What did the Supreme Court do regarding the electoral bonds scheme for
political funding?
a. Upheld its constitutionality
b. Invalidated the scheme
c. Proposed amendments to the scheme
d. Requested more information from the government
Ans : b. Invalidated the scheme

Detail News
Q: On what grounds did the Supreme Court declare the electoral bonds scheme
as violating citizens’ rights?
a. Violation of privacy
b. Violation of the right to information
c. Unfair distribution of funds
d. Lack of transparency in political funding
Ans : b. Violation of the right to information

Detail News
Q: Who has been confirmed as the captain of the Indian cricket team for the
2024 T20 World Cup?
a. Virat Kohli
b. Rohit Sharma
c. Ajinkya Rahane
d. KL Rahul
Ans : b. Rohit Sharma

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Q: Where is the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled to be held?

a. India and Sri Lanka
b. Australia and New Zealand
c. Caribbean and the USA
d. South Africa and Zimbabwe
Ans : c. Caribbean and the USA

Detail News
Q: What is the significance of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

a) It is the largest Hindu temple in the Middle East.
b) It is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
c) It is a modern architectural marvel.
d) It is dedicated to promoting unity in the Indian community.
Ans : b) It is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
Detail News
Q: What makes the proposed project at Kochi airport unique globally?

a) Largest hydrogen plant in an airport
b) First Green Hydrogen plant in an airport
c) Most powerful hydrogen plant in an airport
d) First solar-powered airport
Ans : b) First Green Hydrogen plant in an airport

Detail News
What does APAAR stand for?

A) Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
B) Academic Bank of Credits
C) One Nation, One Student ID Card
D) Digital India Initiative
Answer: Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry

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What is the purpose of APAAR?

A) To track students’ academic progress and achievements
B) To issue digital ID cards for government schools
C) To facilitate streamlined admissions
D) To promote cultural exchange
Answer: To track students’ academic progress and achievements

Detail News
Q: What is the objective of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

A. Provide free water supply
B. Promote rooftop gardening
C. Light up one crore households with free electricity
D. Enhance public transportation
Ans : C. Light up one crore households with free electricity

Detail News
Q: Where was the recently discovered ancient stone wall located?

A. Pacific Ocean
B. Baltic Sea
C. Mediterranean Sea
D. North Sea
Ans : B. Baltic Sea

Detail News
Q: What city is launching the world’s first air taxi service?

A) Singapore
B) Dubai
C) Tokyo
D) New York
Ans : B) Dubai
Detail News
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Q: What was the reason for the detention of the Indian Navy personnel in
Qatar?
A) Drug trafficking
B) Espionage
C) Terrorism
D) Illegal immigration
Ans : B) Espionage
Detail News
Q: After the announcement of Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister

Chaudhary Charan Singh, which political party decided to join the ruling NDA
alliance?
a. Biju Janta Dal (BJD)
b. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)
c. Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD)
d. Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)
Ans : b. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)

Detail News
Q: Independent candidates who won the majority of seats in the general

elections are largely affiliated with:
a. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
b. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
c. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
d. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Ans : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – Party of Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s
Detail News
Q: Where is the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 being held?
A) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
B) India Expo Centre, Greater Noida
C) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
D) Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi
Ans : A) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Detail News
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Q: What is the full form of EPFO?

a) Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
b) Economic Protection and Financial Oversight
c) Employment Promotion and Financial Operations
d) Essential Provident Fund Obligation
Ans : a) Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation

Detail News
Q: Who emerged victorious in the Tennis Chennai Open ATP Challenger finale
held on February 11, 2024?
a) Prajnesh Gunneswaran
b) Roger Federer
c) Luca Nardi
d) Sumit Nagal
Ans : d) Sumit Nagal

Detail News
Q: Which country won the 2024 Under-19 Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup?
A) India
B) Australia
C) South Africa
D) England
Ans : B) Australia
Detail News
Q: What is the primary objective of the Aadi Mahotsav 2024?

a) To promote urban art and culture
b) To showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal heritage
c) To celebrate international cuisines
d) To focus on modern technological advancements
Ans : b) To showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal heritage

Detail News
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Q: Which Indian Prime Minister, also having served as Deputy Prime Minister,
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Union Minister for Home Affairs and
Finance?
a) P V Narasimha Rao
b) Dr. MS Swaminathan
c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
d) Narendra Modi
Ans : c) Chaudhary Charan Singh

Detail News
Q: Which Prime Minister is credited with opening up the Indian economy

during his term ?
a) Chaudhary Charan Singh
b) P V Narasimha Rao
c) Dr. MS Swaminathan
d) Narendra Modi
Ans : b) P V Narasimha Rao

Detail News
Q: Who is referred to as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution” ?

a) Chaudhary Charan Singh
b) P V Narasimha Rao
c) Dr. MS Swaminathan
d) Norman Borlaug
Ans : c) Dr. MS Swaminathan

Detail News
Q: What is the primary purpose of the repo rate?

A) To regulate the money supply in the market and combat price inflation.
B) To determine the operating bank rates.
C) To enhance the availability of funds for banks.
D) To stimulate consumer demand.
Answer: A) To regulate the money supply in the market and combat price inflation
Detail News
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Q: What does FMR stand for in context of India and Myanmar?

a. Foreign Ministry Resolution
b. Free Movement Regime
c. Federal Movement Restriction
d. Frontier Management Regulation
Ans : b. Free Movement Regime

Detail News
Q: Who won the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in 2024?

a. Bangladesh
b. Nepal
c. Bhutan
d. India
Ans : d. India
Detail News
Q: Who introduced the Finance Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha?

a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
b) Home Minister Amit Saha
c) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
d) Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary
Ans : c) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Detail News
Q: What technology is the government planning to implement for toll

collection on national highways?
a) RFID technology
b) Satellite-based GPS
c) Facial recognition
d) QR code scanning
Ans : b) Satellite-based GPS

Detail News
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Q: How will toll charges be deducted under the new system for toll collection
on national highways?
a) Cash payments at toll booths
b) Mobile wallet transactions
c) Direct deduction from bank accounts
d) Toll tickets issued manually
Ans : c) Direct deduction from bank accounts

Detail News
Q: Who is the current Prime Minister of Guyana visiting India in February 2024?
(a) Justin Trudeau
(b) Droupadi Murmu
(c) Mark Phillips
(d) Boris Johnson
Ans : (c) Mark Phillips

Detail News
Q: What is the name of the brand launched by government to provide

subsidized rice directly to consumers in February 2024?
a) Bharat Grains
b) Bharat Rice
c) Bharat Essentials
d) Bharat Food
Ans : b) Bharat Rice

Detail News
Q: The main objective of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means)

Bill is to:
a) Increase the difficulty level of exams
b) Reduce the number of public examinations
c) Ensure fair and just public examinations
d) Introduce online exams for all subjects
Ans : c) Ensure fair and just public examinations

Detail News
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Q: What is the length of the Indo-Myanmar border that the Indian government
plans to fence?
A) 1,643 kilometers
B) 2,000 kilometers
C) 1,000 kilometers
D) 3,500 kilometers
Answer: A) 1,643 kilometers

Detail News
Q: What was the purpose of the free movement regime (FMR) along the Indo-
Myanmar border?
A) To promote tourism
B) To facilitate trade
C) To allow people to venture 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without
documents
D) To strengthen border security
Answer: C) To allow people to venture 16 kilometers into each other’s territory

without documents
Detail News
Q: Why is the Indian government fencing the Indo-Myanmar border?

A) To prevent wildlife trafficking
B) To curb insurgencies and smuggling
C) To promote cultural exchange
D) To facilitate cross-border trade
Answer: B) To curb insurgencies and smuggling

Detail News
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Q: Who leads the alliance government that won the trust vote in the Jharkhand
State Assembly?
A. Hemant Soren
B. Champai Soren
C. Ramdas Soren
D. Indrajit Mahatha
B. Champai Soren
Detail News
Q: Which prominent Indian musicians, who are part of the fusion band Shakti,
won the Grammy Award in the Best Global Music Album category for their
latest album “This Moment”?
A) A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar
B) Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain
C) Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy
D) Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal
B) Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain

Detail News
Q: Which musical instrument does Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran Indian classical

musician, play?
A) Sitar
B) Tabla
C) Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute)
D) Harmonium
C) Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute)

Detail News
Q: With which award will LK Advani be conferred in February 2024?

a. Padma Bhushan
b. Bharat Ratna
c. Padma Vibhushan
d. Param Vir Chakra
Answer: b. Bharat Ratna

Detail News
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Q: What is the name of the woman robot astronaut that will fly into space
ahead of ISRO’s “Gaganyaan” mission?
a. Vyomnaut
b. Gaganyaatri
c. Vyommitra
d. Astronautila
Ans : c. Vyommitra
Detail News
Q: What specific functions will Vyommitra perform to ensure a smooth journey

for future astronauts?
a. Operating panels and responding to simple questions
b. Testing life support and communication systems
c. Piloting the spacecraft
d. Conducting scientific experiments
Ans : b. Testing life support and communication systems

Detail News
Q: Where is the Surajkund Crafts Mela held?

a) Surajkund, Gurgaon
b) Surajkund, Noida
c) Surajkund, Faridabad
d) Surajkund, Ghaziabad
Ans : c) Surajkund, Faridabad

Detail News
Q: Who built the historic reservoir in Surajkund in the 10th century?

a) Akbar
b) King Suraj Pal
c) Tomar dynasty
d) Draupadi Murmu
Ans : c) Tomar dynasty

Detail News
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Q: Which payment bank faced restrictions from RBI for “Breach of regulatory
norms and non-compliance”?
a. Airtel Payments Bank
b. Fino Payments Bank
c. Paytm Payments Bank
d. Jio Payments Bank
Answer: c. Paytm Payments Bank

Detail News
Q: What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2024?

A) Wetlands and Climate Change
B) Wetlands and Sustainable Use
C) Wetlands and Human Wellbeing
D) Wetlands and Economic Development
Ans : C) Wetlands and Human Wellbeing

Detail News
Q: How many Ramsar sites does India have after adding 5 new ones in 2024?
A) 75
B) 80
C) 85
D) 90
Ans : B) 80
Detail News
Q: What is the fiscal deficit target set in the interim budget for FY 2024-25?
a. 3.5% of GDP
b. 4.5% of GDP
c. 5.1% of GDP
d. 6.0% of GDP
Ans : c. 5.1% of GDP

Detail News
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Q: What is the status of income tax slabs or rates in the interim budget 2024-
2025?
a. Increased rates
b. Decreased rates
c. No changes
d. Abolished
Ans : c. No changes
Detail News
Q. What was the reason behind Hemant Soren’s resignation as Chief Minister of
Jharkhand?
a) He lost a vote of confidence in the assembly.
b) He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a corruption case.
c) He resigned due to health reasons.
d) He was asked to step down by his party.
Ans : b) He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a corruption case.

Detail News
Q. Who will be the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand?

a) Hemant Soren
b) Champai Soren
c) CP Radhakrishnan
d) None of the above
Ans : b) Champai Soren

Detail News
Q.: What is the term used for the budget presented during the Budget Session
before the general elections?
a) Full budget
b) Interim budget
c) Supplementary budget
d) Vote-on-account budget
Ans : b) Interim budget

Detail News
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Q: Which state hosted the 2024 Khelo India Youth Games?

a) Maharashtra
b) Haryana
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Karnataka
Ans : c) Tamil Nadu

Detail News
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Monthly Current Affairs March 2024 English

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Monthly Current Affairs March 2024 English

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GK Now Current Affairs

One Liner Monthly Current Affairs 1 to 29 February 2024

Art and Culture Current Affairs ............................................................................................................... 5

Odysseus: first U.S.-built spacecraft to land on the Moon................................................................ 43

Current Affairs selected six eminent personalities

research, writing, and

Veteran singer Pankaj

• Pankaj Udhas was renowned

compositions for critically

Previous Honors: Spiritual Leadership:

• Sahitya Akademi Award for Rambhadracharya holds the position of one

cultural exchange between

• The ceremony took place on

New Delhi World Book Aadi Mahotsav 2024 :

3. What to Expect: 4. Distinguished Guests:

5. The 66th Annual Grammy

Shankar Mahadevan and History: Started in 1959, initially called the

performances. Puppet Skits: Delight in the

About Surajkund Mela:

37th Surajkund Crafts

Dates: The festivities span a fortnight from

Venue: The enchanting fair takes place in

International Showcase: Artists from over

Attractions: Visitors of all ages can enjoy

Government allows 100% RBI extended the deadline

RBI retains repo rate at Interim budget for FY

Government Schemes National Online Portal for

9th edition of Raisina

2. Diverse Participation: • The Post 2030

shipping, and maritime

Greek Prime Minister Set

Pakistan General Elections:

1. Independents won 93 seats in

Qatar has released eight Prime Minister of Guyana

Country’s longest signature

Age of admission to Grade PM Narendra Modi

1. Bharat Tex 2024 is one of the

PM Modi Unveils Two New

Government has approved the Defence Minister Rajnath

Mission Projects, will be

5. Eligibility for receiving

Supreme Court has

1. State Bank of India has been

ongoing and prospective

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande

1. The discussions focused on

and other relevant

EPFO hikes interest rate Chaudhary Charan Singh,

Home Affairs 3. Dr. MS Swaminathan:

Government scraps Free Government plans to

• Started the Ram Rath Yatra in

Key Life Events of L K Advani:

Prime Minister Modi

RLD Joins NDA, Ends Ties Lok Sabha passes Finance

Lok Sabha passes Public

spread over ten

Finance Minister Nirmala

Hemant Soren resigns as

travel. While only three astronauts will

While the initial crewed mission is targeted

2024 Theme: “Indigenous Technologies for

India’s first septic tank Odysseus: first U.S.-built

ISRO successfully launches Cochin International