February 2024 Current Tit-Bits by OneClass - 32698363 - 2024 - 03!21!20 - 21

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CURRENT TIT-BITS Initiative by OneClass.in (MISSIONCAPFHUB)
INDEX OF CURRENT AFFAIRS
SERIAL NO. SECTION/TOPIC PAGE NO
1) AWARDS/MEDALS/HONORS/PRIZE 3
2) REPORTS /INDEX/COMMITTEE/SURVEY/STUDY 7
3) GOVT. SCHEMES/PORTAL /APPS/INITIATIVES 9
4) ECONOMY/BANKING 11
5) DEFENCE NEWS / MILITARY EXERCISE 12
6) ENVIRONMENT 14
7) INTERNATIONAL NEWS 15
8) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 16
9) SPORTS 18
10) IMPORTANTS DATES & EVENTS 20
11) PERSONS IN NEWS 22
12) PLACES IN NEWS – SUMMITS/CONFERENCE 24
13) STATES IN NEWS 25
14) BOOKS 27
15) MISCELLANEOUS 28
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AWARDS/MEDALS/HONORS/PRIZE
 Veteran BJP leader LK Advani, MS Swaminathan (posthumous) P.V. Narasimha Rao and
Chaudhary Charan Singh to be conferred Bharat Ratna:
About LK Advani:
1. He will be the 50th recipient of Bharat Ratna since its inception (1954)
2. November 8, 1927 - Born in Karachi, in present day Pakistan.
3. Advani, through the years, had served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the
longest period since its inception in 1980.
4. Received Padma Vibhushan in 2015, India's second-highest civilian honor.
5. He served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004. He also served as a
Home Minister and Information and Broadcasting Minister as well.
About MS Swaminathan:
1. Known as the father of the ‘Green Revolution’ in India.
2. Birth: August 7, 1925 in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu)
3. Served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and
International Rice Research Institute (1972 - 1979).
4. Also served as the President of IUCN (International Union of the Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources) - 1984-90.
Awards: (1)Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 (2) First World Food Prize in 1987 (3) Padma Shri (4)
Padma Bhushan and (5) Padma Vibhushan 1989
About P.V. Narasimha Rao:
1. Served as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. He was the first Prime Minister from
non-Hindi-speaking South India.
2. Birth: June 28, 1921 at Karimnagar, in present-day Telangana
3. In 1991, Narasimha Rao's government brought about the three big-ticket economic reforms-
Globalisation, Liberalisation and Privatisation.
4. Known as father of Economic reforms. He was the first Prime Minister outside the Nehru-Gandhi
family to complete a full five-year term in office.
About Chaudhary Charan Singh:
1. Birth: 23 December 1902 Noorpur in Meerut district, UP.
2. In 1967 became Uttar Pradesh’s first non-Congress chief minister (from Sanyukta Vidhayak Dal
coalition).
3. He became the chief minister for the second time in 1970.
4. Served as India’s 5th prime minister from July 28, 1979 till January 14, 1980.
5. Singh is popularly known as a champion of farmers. His birth anniversary, December 23, is
celebrated as Kisan Diwas.
 The 66th Annual Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles, California:
Category Winner
Song of the Year Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? from Barbie
Album of the Year Taylor Swift – Midnights (first person to win this category four times)
Record of the Year Miley Cyrus - 'Flowers'
Best Global Music Album Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band
“Shakti”.
Best Contemporary As We Speak by Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer featuring
Instrumental Album Rakesh Chaurasia.
Best Global Music “Pashto,” Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain featuring Rakesh
Performance Chaurasia.

 Oscars announces new award for casting directors: The Academy Award for Achievement in
Casting will be introduced to the Oscars beginning with the 98th edition in 2026.
 Nima Sarikhani bags ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ People's Choice Award: She took picture
called the 'Ice Bed’. Each year, this photography competition is organised by the Natural History
Museum (United Kingdom).
 The UK's Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists: Three Indian-origin researchers are among nine
scientists named recipients of the prestigious Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK. The
awards recognize research that is transforming medicine, technology, and our understanding of the
world across three categories: Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Life
Sciences. The recipients, including Professors Rahul R Nair, Mehul Malik, and Tanmay Bharat.
 2024 K.P.P. Nambiar Award: The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Kerala
section conferred the 2024 K.P.P. Nambiar Award on Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Chairman S. Somanath. The award commemorates the doyen of the electronic industry K.P.P.
Nambiar, who was also the founder chair of IEEE Kerala section. It is given to individuals or groups
in the State for significant contributions to the IEEE vision of advancing technology for humanity. Mr.
Somanath has been pivotal in steering ISRO’s lunar exploration programme, Chandrayaan-3, and
played significant roles in various Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and ISRO missions.
 India Wins Prestigious GovTech Prize 2024 for iRASTE Project: India was awarded the eminent
GovTech Prize instituted by the Government of UAE at the World Government Summit.
1. India won in the “AI-Powered Government Services” category for its innovative iRASTE project
that utilizes artificial intelligence to transform road safety.
2. The prize recognized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ pioneering implementation
of predictive analytics and AI across urban transportation networks.
3. The award was distributed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the crown prince
of Dubai.
 58th Jnanpith Award: The Jnanpith selection committee announced that the 58th Jnanpith Award will
be given to two writers, Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Urdu poet and lyricist
Gulzar, for 2023.
About the Jnanpith Award:
1. The Jnanpith award is India's oldest and highest literary award. It's given annually to an author
for their "outstanding contribution towards literature". The award was established in 1961 and first
awarded in 1965.
2. The Award considers both English and other Indian languages. However, eligibility is restricted
to Indian citizens. It is not given posthumously.
3. It is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith to recognize outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
4. Bharatiya Jnanpith, established in 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and his wife Rama Jain, is a
prestigious literary and research organization headquartered in New Delhi, India.
5. Awardees receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi, and a citation, honouring their
literary achievements.
Gulzar:
1. Gulzar (Sampuran Singh Kalra) was born on 18th August 1934, in the village of Dina, Jhelum
district of undivided India.
2. Gulzar received the Sahitya Akademi Award (2002) for Urdu, the Dadasaheb Phalke
Award (2013), the Padma Bhushan (2004), and the National Film Awards for his works.

3. In poetry, he invented a new genre ‘Triveni’ which is a non-mukaffa poem of three lines.
4. Some of his finest works include the song "Jai Ho" for the film "Slumdog Millionaire", which
received an Oscar award in 2009 and a Grammy Award in 2010.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya:
1. Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, is a polyglot, Hindu spiritual leader, educator, poet and writer. He
was born in 1950 in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh and speaks 22 languages.
2. He has written more than 240 books and texts in various Indian languages and received the
Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
3. Arundhatī, Aṣṭāvakra, Avadha Kai Ajoriya and Dashavtar are some of the literary works
composed by Rambhadracharya.
4. He is the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
5. Rambhadracharya is one of the four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect
(Sampradaya) and has been holding this position since 1982.
 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2024:

Award Winner
Best film Oppenheimer
Director Oppenheimer - Christopher Nolan
Leading actress Emma Stone - Poor Things
Leading actor Cillian Murphy - Oppenheimer
Outstanding British film The Zone of Interest
Documentary 20 Days In Mariupol
1. BAFTAs annually honours the best national and foreign films of 2023, at the Royal Festival Hall
within London's Southbank Centre.
2. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, more commonly known as the BAFTAs.
3. Deepika Padukone presents Best Non-English Film Award.
 Shashi Tharoor conferred France’s highest civilian honour :

1. France’s highest civilian honour - “Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur” (Knight of the Legion of
Honour).
2. In recognition of Dr Tharoor’s tireless efforts to deepen Indo-French ties, commitment to
international peace and cooperation, and as a long-standing friend of France.
 Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces 6 Akademi Ratnas and 92 Akademi Puraskar for 2022-
2023:
1. 6 eminent personalities in the field of performing arts have been elected by Sangeet Natak Akademi
as Akademi Fellows or Akademi Ratna.
2. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship is a significant honor that recognizes the recipients' lifelong
dedication and contribution to the performing arts. The fellowship is limited to 40 living
individuals at any given time.
3. Sangeet Natak Akademi also selected 92 artists from different fields for the Sangeet Natak
Akademi Awards for the years 2022 and 2023.
4. The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952.
5. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of 3 lakh rupees while the Akademi Award
carries a purse money of 1 lakh rupees, besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
6. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards will be conferred by President Droupadi
Murmu in a special investiture ceremony.
7. It has also selected 80 young artists for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva
Puraskar for the past two years.

 Sunil Bharti Mittal becomes first Indian citizen to be conferred an honorary Knighthood by
Britain's King:
1. Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal has become the first Indian citizen
to receive an Honorary Knighthood from United Kingdom's King Charles III.
2. An honorary Knighthood is one of the highest honours granted by the British Sovereign to
civilians, conferred upon foreign nationals in recognition of their exceptional contributions.
 Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee wins Romain Rolland Book Prize 2024 for Bengali translation:
1. Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee has won the 7th edition of the Romain Rolland Book Prize.
2. For his Bengali translation of the French novel Stalin’s Couch.
3. The French original, Le Divan de Staline, was written by Jean-Daniel Baltassat.
4. Instituted in 2017 by the French Institute in India, it recognises translations of French books into
Indian languages, including English.
 ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’ Award: Dr. Bina Modi, the esteemed Chairperson of
Modi Enterprises, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’
Award. This recognition, bestowed upon her by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, at a
distinguished conference organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), underscores
her exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.
 Lakshminarayana International Award: Pyarelal Sharma, one-half of the legendary composer duo
Laxmikant-Pyarelal, has been felicitated with the prestigious Lakshminarayana International
Award. This honour was bestowed upon him as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival,
acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the Indian music industry.
 GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence 2023: Dr Aditi Sen De, a physicist with the Harish Chandra
Research Institute, Prayagraj, has won the 2023 GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence.
1. The award, given annually by the KK Birla Foundation since 1991, recognises outstanding
contributions by Indian scientists who are under the age of 50 and living and working in India.
2. The award is given every year and is available for all branches of science including medical
science, basic and applied.
3. For the year 2022 it was awarded to Professor Narayan Pradhan for his Outstanding Contribution
in the field of Material Sciences.

REPORTS /INDEX/COMMITTEE/SURVEY/STUDY
 India ranks 93 out of 180 countries in Corruption Perceptions Index 2023:
1. Released by Transparency International.
2. The index ranks countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption
according to experts and business people, uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and
100 is very clean.
3. India’s overall score was 39 in 2023, while it was 40 in 2022.
4. Ranks of India’s neighbours - Pakistan (133), Sri Lanka (115), Bangladesh (149), China (76).
5. Top 3 countries - Denmark at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand.
6. Bottom 3 – Somalia (bottom), Venezuela, Syria
7. In the Asian region, Singapore ranked at the top, overall ranked 5th.
 TomTom Traffic Index 2023: Bengaluru and Pune among the ten worst for traffic.
1. The report looked at 387 cities in 55 countries, measuring how traffic affected travel time, fuel costs,
and carbon emissions using data from over 600 million car navigation systems. London had the
slowest traffic in 2023.
2. Bengaluru (6th) and Pune (7th), were among the slowest traffic in 2023 (in terms of the average
travel time per 10 km)
3. Bengaluru has “bettered” its slow traffic situation by 5 on the TomTom Traffic Index. Ranked 2nd
in 2022.
4. In terms of the level of congestion, however, Bengaluru ranks 2nd, while Pune ranks 7th.
 Karnataka tops the country in terms of public electric vehicle charging stations:
1. According to statistics from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union Ministry
of Power: Karnataka tops the country in terms of public electric vehicle with 5,059 charging
stations, followed by Maharashtra (3,079), Delhi (1,886), Kerala (958).
2. In terms of the number of EVs, Uttar Pradesh is top with 7.45 lakh, followed by Maharashtra
(4.15 lakh), and Karnataka (3.31 lakh).
3. In 2017, Karnataka became the pioneer in India by introducing the first electric vehicle (EV)
policy.
 India is the 80th most targeted country worldwide in cybercrime:

1. In the year 2023, India found itself in the spotlight concerning cyber security threats, ranking 80th
globally in a report focusing on local threats.
2. The report highlights concerning fact that nearly 34 per cent of users in India had been targeted by
these local threats.
3. The position is based on the malicious programmes found directly on users’ computers or
removable media connected to them (flash drives, camera memory cards, phones, external hard
drives) or that initially made their way onto the computer in non-open form, including programmes
in complex installers or encrypted files.
4. India’s cyber security market reached USD 6.06 billion in 2023.
 UAE Removed from FATF Grey List:

1. The UAE has been on the grey list since 2022.
2. The grey list is a list of countries that are actively working with the FATF to address strategic
deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation.
3. Barbados, Gibraltar and Uganda were also removed from grey list.
4. While Kenya and Namibia were placed on it.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF):

1. FATF is an inter-governmental policy-making and standard-setting body dedicated to
combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
2. It was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris to develop policies against money
laundering.
3. In 2001 its mandate expanded to include terrorism financing.
4. Headquarters: Paris, France.
5. India became a member of FATF in 2010.
6. FATF Black List: Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) - These countries support
terror funding and money laundering activities.
7. Three countries North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar are currently in FATF’s blacklist.
 India ranked 42nd in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2024:

1. 12th edition of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center’s International
IP Index.
2. India ranks 42nd in the International IP Index for 2024, out of 55 countries, using 50 distinct
criteria.
3. India’s overall score also remained at 38.64 %, unchanged since 2022.
4. The United States emerged at the top of the list followed by the United Kingdom and France.

GOVT. SCHEMES/PORTAL /APPS/INITIATIVES

 Country's first digital National Museum of Epigraphy: Union Culture Minister, G Kishan Reddy
laid the foundation stone for the country's first digital National Museum of Epigraphy at the Salar
Jung Museum in Hyderabad.
1. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is establishing the museum and about one lakh ancient
inscriptions of various languages and periods of time will be placed in it.
2. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced last year, the establishment of the Bharat
Shared Repository of Inscriptions (BharatSHRI) with the digitisation of one lakh ancient
inscriptions.
 Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
(PM-MKSSY) and has granted an extension to the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
for an additional 3 years until 2025-26.
1. PM-MKSSY, a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
(PMMSY) for formalisation of the fisheries sector and supporting fisheries micro and small
enterprises with an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crores over a period of next four years from FY
2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.
2. Intended Beneficiaries:
a) Fishers, Fish (Aquaculture) Farmers, fish workers, vendors, and other stakeholders in the fisheries
value chain.
b) Micro and Small enterprises - proprietary firms, partnership firms, cooperatives, federations,
startups, Fish FPOs (FFPOs) and more engaged in fisheries and aquaculture.
c) FFPOs also include Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). Any other beneficiaries that may be
included by the Department of Fisheries as targeted beneficiaries.
 ‘SWATI’: Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI) Portal launched. The Portal is
a complete interactive database; and the first-of-its-kind in India which is developed, hosted and
maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi. Launched on
International Day of Women and Girls in Science at Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New
Delhi. Aimed at creating a single online portal representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
 ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: Prime Minister of India launched PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli
Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries.
1. In this scheme, the central government will provide 300 units of free electricity per month to its
beneficiaries by investing worth ₹75,000 crores. The free electricity scheme was earlier announced
by the Finance Minister in an interim budget speech.
2. Under the scheme Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop
solar systems in their jurisdictions.
3. The Central Government will guarantee no financial burden on the people by providing
significant subsidies directly to their bank accounts and offering highly concessional bank loans.
4. The scheme provides for a subsidy of 60% of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2 kW capacity
and 40 percent of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity.
5. The households will be able to save electricity bills as well as earn additional income through sale
of surplus power to DISCOMs.
 'Sangam: Digital Twin': Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the 'Sangam:
Digital Twin' initiative.
1. Digital Twin technology offers a solution by creating virtual replicas of physical assets, allowing

for real-time monitoring, simulation and analysis.

2. 'Sangam: Digital Twin' symbolizes a collaborative leap towards reshaping infrastructure
planning and design.
3. DoT invites Expressions of Interest from industry pioneers, startups, MSMEs, academia,
innovators and forward-thinkers to be part of Sangam.
 NITI Aayog Launches Agroforestry Portal and Report: The NITI Aayog has recently launched the
‘Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry’ (GROW) report and portal. The
GROW initiative by NITI Aayog utilizes remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability
across all districts in India. It aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create
an additional carbon sink.
1. Agroforestry integrates trees, crops, and livestock, addressing food, nutrition, energy,
employment, and environmental challenges.
2. This aligns with global commitments like: the Paris Agreement, Bonn Challenge, UN Sustainable
Development Goals, United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD),
Doubling Farmers Income, Green India Mission.
 PM Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) at Mumbai

University:
1. Maharashtra has received a total of Rs 540 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchtar Shiksha
Abhiyan (PM-USHA) aimed at investing in infrastructural and academic development of higher
education institutions (HEIs).
2. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was a centrally sponsored scheme to fund
States/UTs institutions.
3. The first phase of the scheme was launched in 2013 and the second phase was launched in 2018.
4. Now, in the light of the National Education Policy, the RUSA scheme has been launched as Pradhan
Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
 Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme:

1. The realigned scheme will be in effect for an additional three-year period from March 31, 2023,
until 2025-26.
2. The realigned scheme incorporates the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund and offers
enhanced benefits, such as a 3% interest subvention and Credit Guarantee support to Dairy
Cooperatives.
Key Benefits of the Realigned Scheme:
3. Interest Subvention of 3% for up to 8 years.
4. Coverage for Individuals, FPOs, Dairy Cooperatives, Private Companies, MSMEs.
5. Credit guarantee cover up to 25% of the term loan. No ceiling on the loan amount.
6. Loan coverage of up to 90% of the estimated/actual project cost.
7. Integration with capital subsidy schemes of other ministries or state-level schemes.
 PM Modi inaugurates cable-stayed 'Sudarshan Setu' bridge in Gujarat:

1. The bridge, was known as 'Signature Bridge', has been renamed as 'Sudarshan Setu' or Sudarshan
Bridge.
2. The four-lane cable-stayed bridge has a unique design, featuring a footpath adorned with verses
from Srimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna on both sides.
3. The country's longest cable-stayed bridge of 2.32 km.
4. On the Arabian Sea connecting Beyt Dwarka Island to mainland Okha in Gujarat's Devbhumi
Dwarka district.

ECONOMY/BANKING
 Highlights of The Interim Union Budget 2024-25:
1. This is an interim budget and the full budget will be presented in July this year after the new
government is formed post the Lok Sabha Elections.
2. This was the 6th budget presented by the current FM and the last one of PM Modi Modi-led
government's second term.
3. The budget focused on fiscal consolidation, infra, agri, green growth, and railways Fiscal
consolidation is a government policy that aims to reduce deficits and debt accumulation.
4. It can be achieved by increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.
5. No changes were made in the tax rates for direct and indirect taxes, including import duties.
 RBI bars Paytm Payments Bank from offering services effective March 2024:
1. Under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act of 1949 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred
Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) from accepting deposits, credit transactions, and top-ups after March
15, 2024.
2. The RBI's decision was made due to non-compliance and supervisory concerns.
 Norway's Telenor opens world's southernmost mobile phone station in Antarctica: The new 4G
service covering the remote Troll research station and its surroundings will boost security for scientists
and staff and enable the use of internet-of-things devices that collect and upload real-time
information.
 PhonePe sets up app store for Android:

1. PhonePe, a Walmart Inc. owned fintech, has launched a mobile application store for consumers
in India. The Android-based store is called Indus Appstore, pits the product against Google’s Play
Store.
2. Indus Appstore allows Indian consumers to download over 2 lakh mobile apps and games, across
45 categories in 12 Indian languages.

DEFENCE NEWS / MILITARY EXERCISE

 INS Sandhayak(Yard 3025): It is the first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship, was commissioned into
the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an impressive ceremony
held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
1. The primary role of the ship is to carry out full scale hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours,
navigational channels/routes, coastal areas and deep seas, towards enabling safe marine navigation.
2. In its secondary role, the ship will be capable of undertaking a range of naval operations.
3. INS Sandhayak is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment including Deep &
Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo-Sounders, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.
4. The ship is propelled by two Diesel Engines and is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 18
knots.
5. It has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost and is a tribute to the collaborative efforts between
the Indian Navy and Industry, including MSMEs.
6. ‘Sandhayak’ means the one who carries out a special search. The crest depicts the sixteen points
of a mariner’s compass, enclosing a ‘divider’ and an ‘anchor’ riding the sea, symbolising the charting
of oceans, which is the basic role of the survey ship.
 Exercise Vayu Shakti-24: The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 at the Pokhran
Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer.
1. It will be a riveting demonstration of the offensive and defensive capabilities of the IAF, spanning
across day and night.
2. Exercise Vayu Shakti is a triennial exercise, conducted once every three years. It is aimed at
showcasing the capability of the IAF to conduct full spectrum operations (Day and Night).
3. The Indian Air Force is carried out three large scale war games namely: Vayu Shakti, Gagan
Shakti and Tarang Shakti.
 Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’: The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint
Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ took place at Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Saudi Arabian
contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces. The Indian
Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade
of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry).
 INS Nirupak decommissioned at Visakhapatnam after 38 years of service:

1. INS Nirupak - Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and built survey ship.
2. Decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
3. The ship was commissioned into service on August 14, 1985.
4. In recognition of its relentless dedication to the field of hydrography, INS Nirupak was awarded
the Admiral Jal Cursetji Rolling Trophy for best survey ship in the years 1994, 1995, 2005 and
2009.
5. It was actively engaged in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,
including Operation Gambhir (Tsunami Relief) in 2004, offering critical relief as a hospital ship
to Indonesia.
 INS Karanj: INS Karanj, an Indian Navy submarine, arrived in the port of Colombo, ahead of Sri
Lanka’s 76th Independence Day celebrations. INS Karanj is a 67.5 metres long Kalvari class
submarine with a crew of 53 under the commandeering of Commander Arunabh.
 Indian Navy Declares 2024 "Year of Naval Civilians": Indian Navy has declared 2024 as ‘Year of

Naval Civilians’ to improve administration, efficiency and well-being of Naval Civilians by

addressing all facets of Civilian HR Management in a time bound manner. Major focus areas towards
maximising administrative efficiency, digital initiatives, generic and specific training programmes
and welfare activities have been identified for implementation in 2024.
 12th edition of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise- 2024):

1. MILAN 24 is likely to witness the largest-ever participation to date with invites being extended
to over 50 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) at Vishakhapattanam.
2. Theme: “Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future,”
3. The exercise aims to strengthen collaboration among participating navies.
4. MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise, was initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995.
 ‘Shanti Prayas IV’: Multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ commences in Kathmandu
(Nepal). The participation of 1,125 army personnel from 19 countries, including India, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Nepal hosted the inaugural multi-platoon training event
“Shanti Prayas” in 2000. Since then, three successful multi-platoon exercises have taken place. Shanti
Prayas is a multinational peacekeeping exercise sponsored by the Nepali Army and U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command, hosted rotationally between the two countries.
 Trilateral Exercise ‘Dosti-16’: Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships reached the Maldives
recently to take part in the trilateral coast guard exercise Dosti 16. It is a biennial exercise. It was first
conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards. Sri Lanka joined the exercise for
the first time in 2012. Dosti was last conducted in 2021. India had sent ICGS Samarth (with integral
helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.
 The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’: It is between the Indian Army
and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and
Japan. The contingent of both sides comprises of 40 personnel each. The Japanese contingent is being
represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and Indian Army contingent is being
represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ONGC's sea survival training centre in Goa:
1. This will be first such training centre in India.
2. It aims to advance the Indian sea survival training ecosystem to global standards as a one- of-a-
kind Integrated Sea Survival Training Centre.
3. It is expected to train 10,000-15,000 personnel annually.

ENVIRONMENT
 Tamil Nadu gets its 18th wildlife sanctuary in the reserve forests of Erode district:
1. This region is part of the corridor that connects the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) to the
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Tiger Reserve and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, and plays a
crucial role in maintaining a viable tiger population.
2. The landscape is interconnected to the Kollegal forests of Karnataka and the Nilgiris, creating
one of the most diverse habitats in the region.
3. The region is also part of the Nilgiris Elephant Reserve and is home to a healthy population of
large herbivores including elephants and the Indian Gaur.
4. Also, the landscape is the catchment of the Palar River that drains into the Cauvery River and is
a crucial source of water for agricultural activities.
5. Sanctuaries or National Parks can be declared by Central Government or State Government.
 First-ever tri-State synchronised vulture survey in India: In the first-ever Tri-State synchronised
vulture survey 320 individual vultures were counted in the seven-protected areas spread over Kerala,
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Himalayan griffon is only reported from Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary.
 Tadoba-Kawal conservation reserve approved by SBWL of Telangana: The Telangana State Board
for Wildlife, has approved a proposal by the Forest Department to declare the corridor area between
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) and Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) as a
conservation reserve.
 Uttarakhand Assembly becomes the first legislature in independent India to pass Uniform Civil
Code:
1. The Bill imposes common rules for all communities- except Scheduled Tribes- on marriage,
divorce, inheritances, and live-in relationships.
2. Although Goa is governed by a UCC (Portuguese Civil Code), the Assembly did not pass any
law. The code was retained after its liberation in 1961.
3. Article 44 in the Directive Principles of State Policy, found in Part IV of the Constitution, states
that “the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory
of India”.
 ‘First time in India’: African-Mediterranean wader bird spotted in Warangal, Telangana: Native
to North Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions spur-winged lapwing was sighted at
Ammavaripet Lake near Warangal.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
 India to fence 1643-kilometre Indo-Myanmar border:
1. The project aims to fortify national security and curb illicit activities in the region
2. Fencing of the border will effectively end the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
3. Under FMR, every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of
Myanmar, who resides within 16 kilometres of the border can cross the border on production of a
border pass.
 France becomes first European country to issue digital Schengen visas: France will become the first
European country to issue digital Schengen visas to visitors for the upcoming Paris Olympics. France
has announced plans to shift entirely to online procedures for 70,000 French Schengen Visas, in a
move that aligns with the EU's digitalization plans.
 Operation Smile X: The Telangana police in coordination with the other government departments
rescued 3478 children including 405 girls during ‘Operation Smile - X’ conducted between January
1 and 31.
 Iran Allows Visa-Free Travel for Indians: Iran has recently become yet another country to launch
visa-waiver programme allowing Indian citizens visa-free entry for up to 15 days. The decision was
taken earlier, and the new rules provide welcomed access for Indian tourists.
 India Launches UPI Payment Services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius: The move enables
UPIsettlement services for Indian nationals travelling to these countries and for Mauritiannationals
visiting India.
 Greece legalises same sex marriage in landmark change: Greece is one of the first Orthodox
Christian countries to allow such unions. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to
legalize same-sex marriage. Since then, over 30 other countries have enacted laws allowing same-sex
marriage, mostly in Europe and the Americas.
 Relics of Lord Buddha from National Museum in New Delhi to be displayed in Thailand: A 22-
member delegation led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Social Justice and
Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar will accompany the Sacred Relics from India to Thailand
for a 26-day exposition.
 Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance:

1. Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, located in Southern Europe.
2. The country is made up of an archipelago of islands.
 Maryam Nawaz becomes first-ever woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan:

1. Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
2. Became the first-ever woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan - the Punjab province.
 Launch of UPI RuPay card ‘Jaywan’ in Abu Dhabi: The JAYWAN card is based on India's digital
RuPay credit and debit card stack for the UAE market. It included an agreement on interlinking of
the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), which will facilitate seamless cross-
border transactions between the two countries.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 Neuralink implants first brain chip in a human: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had given
the company clearance last year to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans.
1. Neuralink, a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk Neuralink's goal is to enable
people to control devices like phones and computers by thinking about them.
2. The product has been named "telepathy".
 TOI-715b: NASA Discovers Potential Life-Sustaining 'Super-Earth': American space agency

NASA has discovered a “super-Earth” planet, dubbed TOI-715 b, that could potentially support life.
It is located 137 light-years away and was found by NASA’s planet-hunting Transiting Exoplanet
Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The super- Earth is around one and a half times as wide as Earth
and orbits a smaller, cooler red dwarf star. It completes a full orbit in just 19 days.
 Government allows 100% FDI in space sector:

1. The Union Cabinet has eased regulations to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the
country's space sector.
2. For satellite manufacturing and operations, satellite data products, ground segments, and user
segments, up to 74% FDI (automatic route).
3. For launch vehicles, spaceports, and associated systems or subsystems, up to 49% of FDI
(automatic route).
4. Stakeholders, including the Department of Space, IN-SPACe, ISRO, NSIL, and various industrial
entities.
 ISRO’s high-resolution imaging satellite Cartosat-2 bids adieu:

1. ISRO’s high-resolution imaging satellite Cartosat-2 has descended into Earth’s atmosphere.
2. ISRO had lowered its orbit from 635 km to 380 km by early 2020.
3. Cartosat-2 was launched on January 10, 2007.
4. It operated in a sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 635 km.
A Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), also called a heliosynchronous orbit, is a nearly polar orbit around
a planet, in which the satellite passes over any given point of the planet's surface at the same local
mean solar time.
 Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead “Gaganyaan" mission:
1. The uncrewed "Vyommitra" Mission is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
2. Manned mission ‘Gaganyaan’ is scheduled in 2025.
3. Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and
“Mitra” (meaning Friend).
4. This Female Robot Astronaut, is equipped with the capability to monitor Module Parameters,
issue Alerts and execute Life Support operations.
5. It can also perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to queries.
 Gaganyaan astronaut designates announced by PM Modi:

The four Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots:
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain
Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
1. The final crew for the mission will be picked from among the four.
2. The manned mission will fly a three-membered crew into a low earth orbit at an altitude of 400
km for a period of three days.
3. ISRO has also announced plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2040.

 World's 1st wooden satellite ‘LignoSat probe’ to be launched:

1. NASA and Japan's LignoSat probe, a wooden satellite, is scheduled to launch into space in 2024,
to make spaceflight operations sustainable.
2. The satellite is made of magnolia wood, which is crack-resistant and stable, according to studies
on the International Space Station (ISS).
3. When it re-enters space, it produces only biodegradable ash, which minimizes its environmental
impact.
 America’s Odysseus Spacecraft Makes 1st Commercial Moon Landing in History: he US-made
Odysseus lunar lander (IM-1 lander) has soft-landed on the moon becomes the first commercial
spacecraft to land near the lunar South Pole.

SPORTS
 Netherlands defeated India to win FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup: The 2024 Hockey5s World
Cup was the first edition of the FIH Women's Hockey5s World Cup. It was held in Muscat, Oman.
The Netherlands won the final against India to claim the first gold medal.
 Netherlands crowned first ever men’s FIH Hockey5s Men’s world champions: The Netherlands
beat Malaysia in the final match of the 2024 FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup which was held in
Muscat, Oman. India finished at the fifth spot.
 Assam CM launched mascot 'Ashtalakshmi' for 4th Khelo India University Games 2023 in Guwahati.
(Ashtalakshmi – the vibrant butterfly)
 Abhinav Bindra selected as torchbearer for 2024 Paris Olympics:

1. Abhinav Bindra - India's first individual gold medalist at the Olympic Games.
2. He clinched the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event at the Beijing Olympic Games in
2008.
3. The Paris Olympics is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11this year.
 Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian pacer to reach No. 1 in ICC Test rankings, replaces
Ravichandran Ashwin.
1. He also becomes first-ever bowler to reach No.1 in all three formats in his career.
2. Bumrah is only the fourth from India to attain number one position.
3. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Bishan Singh Bedi are the other Indians who have been at the top of
the charts.
 Australia lifts Under-19 Men's World Cup beating India in South Africa: In Cricket, Australia have
won the Under 19 Men's ODI World Cup beating India by 79 runs in the final at Benoni in South
Africa.
 R. Ashwin becomes 2nd Indian to take 500 Test wickets: Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin
became the second Indian bowler after former skipper Anil Kumble to take 500 Test wickets during
the third Test against England in Rajkot. He made his Test debut in 2011.
 Naorem Roshibina Devi, the pride of Manipur, has clinched the prestigious title of International
Wushu Federation Female Athlete of the Year, solidifying her place as a powerhouse in the world of
wushu.
 ‘Sheen-e She’ or ‘Shan’: The mascot for the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 is the majestic snow
leopard, named ‘Sheen-e She’ or ‘Shan’ in the Ladakh region. Native to the high-altitude areas of
J&K and Ladakh, the snow leopard symbolizes the spirit of the Games and brings attention to the
conservation of this endangered species.
 Divyansh Singh Panwar secured his fourth World Cup gold in the 10m air rifle event. This latest
triumph adds to his impressive collection, which includes victories in Munich, Beijing, and Delhi since
2019.
 ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award: PT Usha, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’
award. This accolade was presented to her by the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) and
Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA), recognizing her extraordinary contributions to Indian

athletics.
 Pathum Nissanka etched his name in Sri Lankan cricket history, by becoming the first-ever player
to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the nation. His unbeaten knock of
210 runs against Afghanistan was a masterclass in batting, shattering records and propelling Sri Lanka
to a massive victory.
 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially announced the appointment of Katrina Kaif as their
brand ambassador for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This partnership marks
a significant milestone for the five-time IPL champions, signalling a new chapter in their illustrious
journey.
 Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Smashes Fastest T20I Hundred: Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, the
dynamic Namibian batter, etched his name in cricketing history by scoring the fastest T20 International
(T20I) century in a blistering innings against Nepal. He did this record with just 33 deliveries.
 Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes quickest to 10,000 runs in T20s:

1. Pakistan batter Babar Azam has created by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going
past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli in the list.
2. Babar has reached the 10K-run mark in his 271st innings while Gayle had done so in 285th innings
and Kohli in 299th.
 CEAT picked as official partner for IPL: CEAT has been selected as the official partner of this year's
IPL. The company will spend about ₹240 Crore over five years.
 Jacintha Kalyan India’s First Female Pitch Curator:

1. India's first woman curator Jacintha Kalyan will be overseeing pitch preparations for the
Bengaluru leg of the Women's Premier League, starting at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
2. Jacintha Kalyan walk into the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the first time in
1994.
 4th Khelo India University Games 2023 concludes in Guwahati:

1. 4th Khelo India University Games 2023-Ashtalakshmi at Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati.
2. The Games were played across seven sister states of the North-East
3. Chandigarh University clinched the overall championships - 71 medals, including 32 gold, 18
silver and 21 bronze.
4. Lovely Professional University were second with 20 gold, 14 silver and eight bronze
5. Guru Nanak Dev University finished third with 12 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze and was only
contingent apart from the champions to cross the 50-medal mark.

IMPORTANTS DATES & EVENTS

 48th Indian Coast Guard Day: 1st Feb.
 World Wetlands Day: 2nd Feb Theme: “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”.
 International Day of Human Fraternity: 4th Feb.
 World Cancer Day: 4th Feb Theme: “Together, we challenge those in power”.
 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital: 6th Feb Theme: Her Voice. Her Future.
 Safer Internet Day: 6th Feb Theme: “Together for a Better Internet.”
 World Pulses Day: 10th Feb. Theme- Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People.
 The National Deworming Day: 11th Feb.
 World Unani Day: 11th Feb Theme- Unani Medicine for One Earth, One Health.
 International Day of Women and Girls in Science: 11th Feb Theme: Women and Girls in Science
Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability”.
 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati: 12th Feb.
 National Productivity Day: 12th Feb Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI)- Productivity Engine for
Economic Growth.
 World Radio Day: 13th Feb Theme: "Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating".
 National Women's Day: 13th Feb. Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary. Nickname: 'Nightingale of
India' or 'Bharat Kokila’. First Indian woman President of Indian National Congress in 1925. First
woman Governor in India (Uttar Pradesh in 1947).
 World Pangolin Day: 17th Feb. Third Saturday of February each year.
 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: 19th Feb.
 Soil Health Card Day: 19th Feb.
 Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day: 20th Feb. Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state
of India. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India after the 53rd amendment to the Indian Constitution
in 1986.
 World Day of Social Justice: 20th Feb. Theme: "Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps,
Building Alliances".
 International Mother Language Day: 21st Feb. Theme: “Multilingual education is a pillar of
intergenerational learning”.

 World Scout Day: 22nd Feb. Birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting Theme:
“Scouts for a Better World.”
 World Peace and Understanding Day: 23rd Feb.
 Central Excise Day: 24th Feb.
 Financial Literacy Week 2024: 26th Feb to 1st March, 2024. Theme: "Make a Right Start: Become
Financially Smart”.
 World NGO Day: 27th Feb. Theme: “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
 National Protein Day: 27th Feb. Theme: "Solve With Protein".
 National Science Day: 28th Feb. Theme: Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat.
To mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman, for which he was
awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

PERSONS IN NEWS
 Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania Assumes Charge as Chief Hydrographer. The Admiral is an
expert on International maritime laws pertaining to maritime boundary delimitation and has
immensely contributed in addressing issues pertaining to maritime boundaries and settlement of
Extended continental shelf beyond Exclusive Economic Zone.
 Nitish takes oath as Bihar CM for 9th time. JDU President Nitish Kumar switched to the BJP after
breaking ties with the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ alliance - Congress-RJD-Left coalition government.
 Dr Nitya Anand, man who discovered India's first oral contraceptive pill 'Saheli', dies at 99. Dr Nitya
Anand was behind the discovery of ‘Centchroman’, famously known as ‘Saheli’ India’s first oral
contraceptive pill. Saheli is the first of its kind and only non-hormonal, non-steroidal and once-a-
week oral contraceptive pill available worldwide till date.
 Justice Ritu Bahri takes oath as the first women Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court.
Previously, she served as a senior judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
 Veteran journalist and Sahitya Akademi winner Farooq Nazki dies at 83. In 1995, Nazki was awarded
the Sahitya Academi award in Kashmiri for his poetry book Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas (Fire in
the eyelashes).
 Renowned Litterateur & Padma Shri Awardee Usha Kiran Khan Passes Away: She was a great
writer who wrote several novels in Hindi and Maithili literature. She received Sahitya Akademi Award
in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2015. Her Maithili novel ‘Bhamati: Ek Avismaraniya Premkatha’, for
which she received the Sahitya Akademi Award.
 Dattajirao Gaekwad, nation’s oldest test cricketer, passes away at 95: Gaekwad’s cricketing
journey began in 1948 when he made his Ranji debut for Bombay University. He made his Test debut
when the Indian team toured England in 1952. He played 11 Tests for India between 1952 and 1961,
captaining the national team in 1959 when it toured England.
 Former PM Alexander Stubb wins Finland Presidential election. Mr. Stubb then served as prime
minister from 2014 to 2015.
 Judge Nawaf Salam of Lebanon is elected as the new President of the International Court of Justice
(ICJ). Judge Julia Sebutinde of Uganda was elected as Vice-President.
1. The ICJ is located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
2. The court's jurisdiction includes deciding legal disputes submitted by states and providing advisory
opinions on legal questions.
3. The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office
by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council.
4. To ensure continuity, one-third of the court is elected every three years.
5. Judges are eligible for re-election.
6. Its official languages are English and French.

7. Dalveer Bhandari is an Indian judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
 The Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, passed away in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh after
beginning the process of Samadhi and taking a Maun Vrat. He was born on Sharad Purnima in
Karnataka. Acharya chosen the path of ‘sallekhna’ to liberate. Sallekhna is a Jain religious practice
involving voluntary fasting unto death for spiritual purification. (Chandragupta Maurya: the
founder of Mauryan Dynasty followed Jainism under the guidance of Bhadrabahu: the leader of
Digamber sect of Jain reliogion. And liberated by the process of Sallekhna.)
 Constitutional lawyer, jurist and former Additional Solicitor General of India Fali S. Nariman passed
away. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1999.
1. Got Padma Bhushan in 1991 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
2. His autobiography - Before Memory Fades.
3. Authored book - God Save the Supreme Court.
 Shubman Gill: The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer's office has designated Indian cricketer Shubman
Gill as a "state icon" for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
 Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi passes away: Manohar Joshi was the first Chief Minister
of Maharashtra from the undivided Shiv Sena and held the post during 1995-1999.
 Veteran journalist and Sahitya Akademi winner Farooq Nazki dies at 83. In 1995, Nazki was awarded
the Sahitya Academi award in Kashmiri for his poetry book Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas (Fire in
the eyelashes).
 Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas dies: Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for "Chitti
Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein“. He hailed from Rajkot, Gujarat. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas
was awarded Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.
 Kumar Shahani, Renowned filmmaker, popular for parallel cinema movement in India, passed
away in Kolkata at 83. His works: Maya Darpan (1972), Tarang (1984) and Kasba (1990) orn in
Larkana in the Sindh region of undivided India, Shahani’s family shifted to Mumbai after Partition.
Country New Elected Leader
Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim (King)
Tuvalu Feleti Teo (Prime Minister)
Hungary Tamas Sulyok (President)
Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov (Prime Minister)
El Salvador Nayib Bukele (President)
Yemen Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak (Prime Minister)

PLACES IN NEWS – SUMMITS/CONFERENCE

 "SUFALAM” Startup Conclave 2024": Union Minister of Food Processing Pashupati Kumar Paras
inaugurates "SUFALAM” (Start- Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders And Mentors).
1. "SUFALAM" aimed at catalyzing innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving growth within
the food processing industry.
2. India’s food processing sector is one of the largest in the world, with unprecedented growth in
market size and revenue generation during the last 5 years.
 The 'PM GatiShakti Summit: Towards Logistics Efficiency and Integrated Infrastructure Planning',
organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), in collaboration
with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) took place in New Delhi.
 BIMSTEC Aquatic Championships: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Honourable Union Minister of
Youth Affairs & Sports of India, and Shri Dig Bahadur Limbu, Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports
of Nepal inaugurated the first-ever BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship.
About Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation:
1. The BIMSTEC is a regional organisation comprising seven Member States: five deriving from
South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia,
including Myanmar and Thailand.
2. This sub-regional organisation came into being on 6th June 1997 through the Bangkok
Declaration.
3. The BIMSTEC Secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
4. Cooperation within the BIMSTEC had initially focused on six sectors in 1997 (trade, technology,
energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries) and expanded in 2008 to other areas.
5. Around 22% of the world’s population lives in the seven countries around the Bay of Bengal,
with a combined GDP close to USD 2.7 trillion.
6. All seven countries have sustained average annual rates of growth between 3.4% and 7.5% from
2012 to 2016.
7. A fourth of the world’s traded goods across the bay every year.
 The 2024 World Governments Summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai had designated India,
Türkiye, and Qatar as guests of honor. Themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ the summit aims
to facilitate discussions among over 25 government and state heads worldwide.

STATES IN NEWS
 A first in the country, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launches Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF):
1. The 1,600-strong force would be deployed across a 5,500 km road network of national highways
and state highways in Punjab.
2. It comprises 129 vehicles including 116 high-end Toyota Hilux vehicles equipped with state-of-
the-art gadgets and linked to the nearest trauma centres to help accident victims.
3. SSF teams would be deployed every 30 kilometres to assist accident victims and ensure that the
latter get medical treatment within 15 minutes.
 4th Rusoma Orange Festival 2024 held in Nagaland. The fourth edition of the annual Orange Festival
began at Local ground Rusoma village, Kohima. Theme - “Organic Orange”.
 Tamil Nadu announced ‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’ Scheme:

1. The scheme aims to promote sport culture in rural area of Tamil Nadu.
2. Under the scheme, sports equipment would be distributed in 12,000 village panchayats to mark
former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s birth centenary.
 Talabira Thermal Power Project in Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation
stone of Talabira Thermal Power Project of Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited, under the
Coal Ministry in Sambalpur, Odisha.
 'Digital Detox' Initiative: The Karnataka government recently announced a new ‘Digital Detox’
initiative in collaboration with the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF). The programme aims
to spread awareness about the negative impacts of excessive technology use and encourage more
mindful digital habits.
 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: Tamil Super Star Vijay founded the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
political party in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with the slogan Pirappokkum Ellaa Uyirkkum (All
are equal by birth). Its headqua.rters is in Chennai.
 Haryana Police is first force to use drones for tear gas:

1. The Haryana Police dropped tear gas shells from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on protesting
farmers on the Punjab-Haryana boundary.
2. Used drones made by Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA),
a public limited company in Karnal.
 The Assam government has declared kaji nemu (Citrus limon) as the ‘State Fruit’:
1. Assam has many farmers exclusively growing kaji nemu and its demand is growing abroad,
specifically in West Asia. Although the lemon is produced throughout the year, it has two peak
seasons.
2. The kaji nemu received the Geographical Indication tag in 2019.
3. In February 2016, the Assam government declared the one-horned rhino, the white-winged wood
duck, the hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), and the foxtail orchid as the State Animal,
State Bird, State Tree, and the State Flower, respectively.
 Gupteswar Forest in Odisha declared Biodiversity-Heritage Site: The pristine Gupteswar Forest,
adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraputdistrict has been declared as the fourth
Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state as pera recent government notification. The site is spread
over 350 hectares of demarcated area.

 India's First Helicopter Emergency Medical Service to be launched from Uttarakhand: A

helicopter will be stationed under the service at the AIIMS, Rishikesh from where it will be sent
anywhere within a radius of 150 km to airlift anyone who has met with an accident to the medical
facility.
 Maharashtra Government Extends 10% Reservation to Marathas:

1. The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the report of the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission
saying the Maratha community is a socially and educationally backward class and should get
10% reservation in education and government jobs.
2. The report also said 84% of Marathas are not advanced or well-to-do.
 Arunachal Pradesh becomes first state in North-East India to achieve 100 % saturation of Har
Ghar Jal:
1. Arunachal Pradesh has become the first state in the North-East India and 10th in the country to
achieve 100 percent saturation of Har Ghar Jal under Jal Jeevan Mission.
2. PM Modi had announced the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission - Har Ghar Jal’ on 15th August, 2019.
3. The mission aims at improving the ‘quality of life’ and enhanced ‘ease of living’ in rural areas by
making a provision of assured tap water supply to every rural household in the country by 2024.
4. Jal Jeevan Mission is being implemented in partnership with States.
 The Bapu Tower: In the heart of Patna, Bihar, a new landmark has emerged as a monumental tribute
to Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation. The Bapu Tower, located in
Gardanibagh, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. This tower,
the first of its kind in the country dedicated to Gandhi, has been completed, marking a significant
milestone in the architectural and cultural landscape of Bihar.
 Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever,
has emerged as a significant health concern in Karnataka, India. With two fatalities reported this year
and 49 positive cases, the state’s health department is on high alert. Originating from the Kyasanur
Forest in 1957, KFD is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), belonging to the
Flaviviridae family.
 ‘Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana’: Maharashtra government has announced ‘Chief Minister
Vayoshree Yojana’ is set to benefit around 15 lakh senior citizens suffering from physical or mental
disabilities. Under this scheme, eligible citizens above the age of 65 will receive financial assistance
of three thousand rupees, providing much-needed support and relief to vulnerable members of society.
 PM Modi Releases 16th Installment of PM Kisan Scheme Worth ₹21,000 Crore in Maharashtra:
1. Under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
2. PM Kisan is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India.
3. It has become operational from 1.12.2018.
4. Under the scheme an income support of 6,000/- per year in three equal installments will be
provide to all land holding farmer families.
5. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

BOOKS
Sr. No. Book/Autobiography Author/Writer/Compiled by
1. “Maha Swaapnikudu” ((A Great Visionary). P. Vikram.
2. “Dabbling in Diplomacy” Prof. S.D. Muni
3. “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” Ashwin Prabhu
4. "Swallowing the Sun” Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
5. “Basic Structure and Republic” P S Sreedharan Pillai
6. 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971)'- Volume 1 Dr. Rajen Saikia

MISCELLANEOUS
 'Maratha Military Landscapes' to be India's nomination for UNESCO tag for 2024-25:
1. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', which developed between 17th and 19th centuries,
represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.
2. There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, out of which only 12 forts are selected under the
'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', and 8 of these forts are protected by the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI).
3. 12 components of this nomination are— Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort,
Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra,
and Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu.
 Names of Indira Gandhi and Nargis Dutt dropped from National Film awards:
1. The Committee for Rationalization of Film Awards, set up by the Information and Broadcasting
ministry, recommended the changes.
2. The names of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and actor Nargis Dutt were removed from the
names of top film awards:
a) Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: renamed as Best Debut Film of a
Director
b) Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: renamed as Best Feature
Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values
3. The cash prizes in all categories have also been increased. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award has
increased from ₹ 10 lakh to ₹ 15 lakh.
4. The changes have been reflected in The ‘Regulations of 70th National Film Awards 2022’
The awards are running a year late because of the pandemic with the 69th National Awards for
2021 being given in 2023.
 The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)
Collaborate for World's First Green Hydrogen Plant at Airport Premises, Targets 1000 KW Power
Production.
1. The project is said to be the first Green Hydrogen plant in an airport in the world.
2. As per the agreement, BPCL will oversee the establishment of the integrated Green Hydrogen plant
and fuelling station at the Kochi airport, while CIAL will contribute land, water and green energy
resources.
3. The Cochin International Airport is in the forefront of deploying green energy and is the world's
first airport to be fully powered by solar energy. It has a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW
producing two lakh units of power per day through big solar power plants and a hydel station.
 Supreme Court declared Electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional:

1. The Constitutional Bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud
, has held the electoral bonds scheme is unconstitutional and is violative of Article 19(1)(a).
2. The Electoral Bond Scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018.
3. The scheme introduced money instruments through which companies and individuals in India can
donate to political parties anonymously.
4. SBI is the authorized issuer- issues the bonds in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh,
Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
 PM Modi Inaugurates First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi:
1. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple, also the largest in

the region.
2. BAPS has a network of around 1,550 temples across the world, including the Akshardham temples
in New Delhi and Gandhinagar
3. Built in the traditional Nagar style, it is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
Used pink sandstone from Rajasthan, the interior uses Italian marbles.
4. Traditional stone Hindu temple with seven shikhars- are representative of the seven Emirates of
the UAE.
5. The word ‘harmony’ has been written in 30 different ancient and modern languages.
6. No ferrous material (which is more vulnerable to corrosion) has been used in the temple.
 Japan Loses Spot as Third Largest Economy to Germany: Japan’s economy slipped into a recession
and Japan has dropped from being the third to fourth largest economy globally, overtaken by economic
powerhouse Germany. With China further cementing second position, the US remains the world’s
largest economy.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates AIIMS-Mangalagiri to the nation in Andhra Pradesh:
The flagship programmes implemented by the Government of India in the healthcare sector like:
Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be available here.
 Prime Minister of India flagged off India’s first indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell ferry boat:
1. The vessel has been built at the Cochin Shipyard.
2. The fuel cell powered vessel has zero emission, zero noise and is energy efficient, which in turn
reduces the effect of global warming.
3. Embracing green hydrogen as a maritime fuel takes centre stage in India’s dedication to a sustainable
future, targeting net zero emissions by the year 2070.
4. The hydrogen cell-powered inland waterway vessel launched under the Harit Nauka initiative.
 India's ﬁrst septic tank cleaning robot strengthening Swatch Bharat campaign:
1. India's ﬁrst septic tank cleaning robot, called ‘Homosep Atom’, offering an end-to-end solution to
eliminate manual scavenging
2. Developed by the startup incubated in the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-
Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of IIT Madras.
3. It has reached 16 cities in different parts of India.
 IIMC gets deemed university status, can now offer degrees: The Union Education Ministry has
awarded ‘deemed to be university’ status to the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
in New Delhi. IIMC can now offer degrees, including doctoral degrees to students. At present, it
offers postgraduate diplomas in various streams of mass communication and journalism to students.
 Five more Indian wetlands added to Ramsar list (by Feb 2024-total ramsar sites are 80):
3 added in Karnataka:
1. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (human-made wetland - one of the largest wintering grounds
for Bar-headed goose in Southern India)
2. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (humanmade Village Irrigation Tank built centuries
back)
3. Aghanashini Estuary (formed at the confluence of Aghanashini River with the Arabian sea)
2 added in Tamil Nadu:

1. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (one of the largest inland wetlands of Tamil Nadu)

2. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (forested wetland. Tamil word, "Solai", means a ‘tropical rain
forest’.)
 World’s first Vedic Clock: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is set to unveil a groundbreaking innovation in
timekeeping with the world’s first Vedic Clock. This meticulously crafted timepiece, housed on an 85-
foot tower at the city’s Jantar Mantar.
 India's first "Swachh Bharat Academy" to be established in Thanè, Maharashtra:

1. It is named as "Sant Gadge Baba Swachh Bharat Skill Academy".
2. The Swachh Bharat Academy, collaboration between Maharashtra State Skill University, Bharat
Vikas Group, and India Development Group, is poised to introduce a range of certificate,
diploma, and degree courses to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in sanitation
and related services across various sectors.
 Tata Trusts to open India’s 1st state-of-the-art small animal hospital in Mumbai:
1. The hospital will be one of the largest of its kind in India and will be the latest addition to Tata
Trusts' portfolio
2. Scheduled for inauguration in March 2024, the hospital is poised to revolutionize the landscape of
pet healthcare.
3. Capacity exceeding 200 beds, and round-the-clock services aimed at safeguarding the well-being
of pets.
 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar': Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
recently spearheaded the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ program at Amb-Pathiyar under the Jawalamukhi
assembly constituency. The event served as a platform for the CM to engage with local residents and
gain insight into their concerns, while also unveiling a series of transformative announcements aimed
at propelling the region forward.

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CURRENT TIT-BITS Initiative by OneClass.in (MISSIONCAPFHUB)

INDEX OF CURRENT AFFAIRS

SERIAL NO. SECTION/TOPIC PAGE NO

3) GOVT. SCHEMES/PORTAL /APPS/INITIATIVES 9

5) DEFENCE NEWS / MILITARY EXERCISE 12

8) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 16

10) IMPORTANTS DATES & EVENTS 20

11) PERSONS IN NEWS 22

12) PLACES IN NEWS – SUMMITS/CONFERENCE 24

13) STATES IN NEWS 25

Copyright © by OneClass.in (MissionCAPFHub)

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 2

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 3

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 4

 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2024:

 Shashi Tharoor conferred France’s highest civilian honour :

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 5

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 6

 India is the 80th most targeted country worldwide in cybercrime:

 UAE Removed from FATF Grey List:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 7

Financial Action Task Force (FATF):

 India ranked 42nd in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2024:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 8

GOVT. SCHEMES/PORTAL /APPS/INITIATIVES

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 9

for real-time monitoring, simulation and analysis.

 PM Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) at Mumbai

 Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme:

 PM Modi inaugurates cable-stayed 'Sudarshan Setu' bridge in Gujarat:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 10

 PhonePe sets up app store for Android:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 11

DEFENCE NEWS / MILITARY EXERCISE

 INS Nirupak decommissioned at Visakhapatnam after 38 years of service:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 12

Naval Civilians’ to improve administration, efficiency and well-being of Naval Civilians by

 12th edition of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise- 2024):

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 Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance:

 Maryam Nawaz becomes first-ever woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 15

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 TOI-715b: NASA Discovers Potential Life-Sustaining 'Super-Earth': American space agency

 Government allows 100% FDI in space sector:

 ISRO’s high-resolution imaging satellite Cartosat-2 bids adieu:

 Gaganyaan astronaut designates announced by PM Modi:

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 World's 1st wooden satellite ‘LignoSat probe’ to be launched:

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 Abhinav Bindra selected as torchbearer for 2024 Paris Olympics:

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 Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes quickest to 10,000 runs in T20s:

 Jacintha Kalyan India’s First Female Pitch Curator:

 4th Khelo India University Games 2023 concludes in Guwahati:

Feb 2024|Download App-OneClass.in| www.missioncapfhub.com| www.OneClass.in|Page 19