February Current Affairs cancer, particularly targeting breast and ovarian
Finance Ministry Issues ‘Indian Economy – cancers, which are prevalent among women in India A Review’ Report Instead of Economic Survey Bharat Ratna to Honour PV Narasimha In 2024, India will not have the usual Economic Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS Survey traditionally presented before the Union Swaminathan Budget. Instead, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, is set will present an interim budget, known as a vote-on- to honour the indelible contributions of three account, on February 1. The reason for not presenting distinguished individuals whose efforts have the Economic Survey this year is the election context. significantly shaped the nation’s trajectory. Former 2024 is an election year in India, and presenting the Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Economic Survey could lead to politicization due to the Charan Singh, alongside renowned agricultural potential change in government after the elections. This scientist MS Swaminathan, are the esteemed recipients could disrupt the regular Budget process. However, the of this prestigious accolade, acknowledging their Ministry of Finance has released an alternative report unparalleled dedication to the progress of India. titled “Indian Economy – A Review,” prepared by the office of Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Nageswaran. This report does not replace the official Abu Dhabi’s First Hindu Stone Temple Economic Survey but provides valuable insights into In a historic event on February 14, Prime Minister the Indian economy’s trajectory and prospects over the Narendra Modi inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu past decade and its future outlook. It’s important to stone temple, marking a significant milestone in the note that the official Economic Survey is expected to UAE’s cultural and religious inclusivity. The be presented after the general elections and the inauguration ceremony was imbued with devotional formation of the new government. The Review consists chants and witnessed the presence of spiritual leaders of two chapters and takes stock of the state of the from the Swaminarayan sect, highlighting the temple’s Indian economy and its journey in the last 10 years and importance to the global Hindu community. offers a brief sketch of the outlook for the economy in the coming years. Henley Passport Index 2024, France tops list of world’s most powerful passports LK Advani to be awarded Bharat Ratna, The Henley Passport Index, a renowned metric for Announced by PM Modi measuring the strength and global mobility afforded by The Indian government has announced that LK the passports of various countries, has unveiled its Advani, one of the most prominent figures in Indian rankings for 2024. This year, France leads the pack, politics, will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the with its passport holders enjoying visafree access to nation’s highest civilian award. This prestigious honour 194 countries, a testament to the country’s robust is a testament to Advani’s indelible contribution to diplomatic relations and its citizens’ global mobility. Indian politics and society over several decades. The France, along with Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Bharat Ratna is a fitting recognition of LK Advani’s and Spain, stands at the pinnacle of passport power, legacy as a statesman who has dedicated his life to the each providing their citizens visa-free access to 194 nation. His leadership has not only shaped the BJP but countries. This elite group represents a diverse cross- also left a lasting impact on Indian politics and section of global leaders, underscoring the importance governance. The award celebrates his immense of soft power and the benefits of international contributions and his role as a catalyst for political and cooperation. social change in India. While India saw a slight decrease in its rank, slipping to 85th with visa-free access to 62 countries, its AIIMS Launches iOncology.ai for Early maritime neighbour Maldives ranked 58th, enjoying Cancer Detection access to 96 countries. China improved its standing In a landmark collaboration between AIIMS, New slightly to 64th, as it seeks to rejuvenate its tourism Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced sector by extending visa-free access to many European Computing (CDAC), Pune, the groundbreaking AI countries. platform iOncology.ai has been unveiled. This cutting- edge technology focuses on the early detection of
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32, SHIVA ENCLAVE, KHARAR-KURALI ROAD, 9356355931 SLC ACADEMY FEB CA 2 Gaganyaan Mission and ISRO Projects System. Crafted by Armament and Combat Inauguration by PM Modi Engineering Systems (ACE) under the Defence Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed the identities Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), of the four pilots currently undergoing training for SARVATRA epitomizes innovation in bridging India’s first human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, solutions, ensuring seamless connectivity for the Indian during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center Army. (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. The astronauts, Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group INS Sandhayak: A New Chapter in India’s Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, Naval Mapping and Surveillance and Wing Commander S Shukla, were also awarded On February 3, Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard will ‘astronaut wings’ by the Prime Minister. witness a momentous occasion as Defence Minister Accompanying PM Modi were Kerala Chief Minister Rajnath Singh presides over the commissioning Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Muraleedharan, and ceremony of INS Sandhayak. This event marks a ISRO Chairman S Somanath. significant addition to the Indian Navy’s capabilities, Astronaut Designates reinforcing its presence in the Indian Ocean Region. • Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair Distinguished guests, including Chief of Naval Staff • Group Captain Ajit Krishnan Admiral R. Hari Kumar and senior officials from the • Group Captain Angad Pratap navy and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers • Wing Commander S Shukla (GRSE), will be in attendance to celebrate this About the Gaganyaan Mission milestone. The Gaganyaan mission marks India’s pioneering venture into manned space exploration, slated for India-US Seal $4B MQ-9B Armed Drone launch between 2024- 2025. Its objective is to deploy a Deal crew of three individuals into a 400 km orbit for a India’s strategic collaboration with the United States in three-day mission, culminating in a safe return to Earth defense takes a significant leap forward with the via landing in Indian sea waters. procurement of MQ-9B armed drones. This acquisition underscores the strengthening ties between the two India, Saudi Arabia To Start Military nations and represents a pivotal moment in enhancing Exercise SADA TANSEEQ From Jan 29- India’s military capabilities. Feb 10 The MQ-9B, developed by General Atomics The inaugural joint military exercise, Sada Tanseeq, Aeronautical Systems Inc., epitomizes the cutting-edge between the armies of India and Saudi Arabia, is advancements in armed drone technology. Designed to poised to commence in Rajasthan, showcasing a provide unparalleled intelligence, surveillance, and significant leap in bilateral relations between India and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the MQ-9B heralds a Saudi Arabia. Scheduled from January 29th to new era in modern warfare. February 10th, 2024, Sada Tanseeq signifies a landmark collaboration, epitomizing the growing IAF To Conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise The Saudi Arabian contingent, comprising 45 Vayu Shakti-24, a grand display of its aerial might, on personnel, is being represented by the esteemed Royal 17 February 2024, at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range Saudi Land Forces. Simultaneously, the Indian Army near Jaisalmer. Following the successful execution of contingent, also consisting of 45 personnel, proudly the previous edition on 16 February 2019, this year’s represents a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards exercise promises to be an even more impressive (Mechanised Infantry). demonstration of the IAF’s offensive and defensive capabilities, both during the day and night. SARVATRA: Indian Army’s Mobile Bridge The 2024 edition of Exercise Vayu Shakti will feature System the participation of 121 aircraft, reflecting the diverse In the realm of national defense, rapid deployment and and advanced fleet of the IAF. Notably, the exercise robust infrastructure are paramount. The Indian Army, will include indigenous marvels such as the Tejas, under the Ministry of Defence, stands vigilant against Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), and Dhruv external threats, prioritizing cutting-edge equipment helicopters, showcasing India’s strides in self-reliance like SARVATRA – a Multispan Mobile Bridging in defense technology. Additionally, formidable
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32, SHIVA ENCLAVE, KHARAR-KURALI ROAD, 9356355931 SLC ACADEMY FEB CA 3 aircraft like the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, firepower. The event, attended by the Chief of Defence Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17 Staff, General Anil Chauhan, marked a significant will display their capabilities, underlining the IAF’s demonstration of the IAF’s offensive capabilities modernization and strategic depth. through a series of meticulously planned aerial manoeuvres and precision strikes. India to Fence Indo-Myanmar Border for Adhering to this year’s theme, ‘Lightning Strike from Enhanced Security the Sky’, the exercise involved over 120 aircraft In an endeavor to bolster border security measures, showcasing the IAF’s day and night offensive prowess. India has embarked on a significant project to fence the A variety of fighter aircraft including the Rafale, Su-30 entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, and Hawk Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement, participated, executing precision attacks on simulated underscoring the government’s commitment to enemy targets using an array of Precision Guided fortifying national borders and enhancing surveillance Munitions and conventional ordnance. capabilities. HAL, DRDO to Begin Rs 60,000 Crore Visakhapatnam to host 12th edition of Sukhoi Fighter Jet Fleet Upgrade MILAN naval exercise Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration The 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise is with the Defence Research and Development poised to set sail in the strategic port city of Organisation (DRDO) embarks on a comprehensive Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, marking a upgrade project worth Rs 60,000 crore for the Su- significant gathering of naval forces from over 50 30MKI fighter jet fleet. The initiative aims to bolster countries. This year’s theme, “Forging Naval Alliances the aircraft’s capabilities through the integration of for a Secure Maritime Future,” underscores the advanced technologies and indigenous systems. exercise’s commitment to enhancing global maritime security through cooperation and strategic dialogue. Multinational military exercise ‘Shanti MILAN 2023 seeks to bolster the safety of maritime Prayas IV’ commences in Kathmandu trade, a vital artery of the global economy, through Kathmandu became the focal point of global shared efforts and expertise. peacekeeping efforts as it hosted the commencement of the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’. SAMAR Air Defense Missile Debuts In This significant event, which draws army Vayushakti Exercise At Jaisalmer representatives from 19 countries actively involved in The SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured United Nations Peacekeeping missions, underscores Retaliation) air defense missile system marked a the collaborative spirit and dedication towards significant milestone as it was fired for the first time maintaining global peace and security. during the Vayushakti Exercise in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Saturday, February 17th. DRDO To Test Indigenous Laser Weapon Development by the Indian Air Force DURGA-2 SAMAR represents a remarkable achievement In a notable stride towards advanced military in indigenous defense technology, being technology, the Defence Research and Development developed entirely by units of the Indian Air Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly gearing up to test a Force’s (IAF) Maintenance Command. real prototype of its indigenous laser weapon system, Notably, it was conceptualized utilizing DURGA-2. The project, designed in secrecy by the outdated Russian-origin air-to-air missile Indian defence establishment, has garnered attention in systems, showcasing innovative adaptation and global strategic circles due to its potential to transform utilization of existing resources. warfare dynamics by neutralizing ballistic missiles.
Trilateral Exercise ‘Dosti-16’ Kicks Off In
Indian Air Force (IAF) Conducted ‘Exercise Maldives Vayu Shakti-24’ Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Dosti 16 exercise held in the Maldives from February Shakti-24’ at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, 22-25. This year marked a significant development Rajasthan, presenting a formidable display of its aerial with Bangladesh participating as an observer,
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32, SHIVA ENCLAVE, KHARAR-KURALI ROAD, 9356355931 SLC ACADEMY FEB CA 4 indicating a widening scope for the exercise and Sonam Maskar made a remarkable debut in the underlining the growing importance of maritime shooting World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, clinching the collaboration in tackling evolving challenges. women’s air rifle silver medal. Despite her impressive performance, she was narrowly beaten by Anna The Indo-Japan “Dharma Guardian” Janssen of Germany by a mere 0.9 points. Maskar’s Military Exercise Begins stellar performance highlights her potential as a rising The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma star in the sport. Guardian’ commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. The exercise, Divyansh Singh Panwar Clinches ISSF scheduled to run from February 25th to March 9th, World Cup Gold In 10m Air Rifle Event 2024, brings together the Indian Army and the Japan At just 21 years old, Divyansh Singh Panwar continues Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for a focused to carve his name in the annals of shooting history, training program aimed at enhancing interoperability securing his fourth World Cup gold in the 10m air rifle and fostering closer military cooperation. event. This latest triumph adds to his impressive collection, which includes victories in Munich, Beijing, NATO Launches Steadfast Defender 2024 and Delhi since 2019. Military Exercise The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) MetLife Stadium in New York City Secures launched its largest military exercise in Europe in the Grand Finale for the 2026 FIFA World decades, Steadfast Defender 2024, in late January Cup 2024. This large-scale operation, conducted against the The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, take centre stage, promising football fans a thrilling serves as a potent symbol of NATO’s collective and expanded 48-team tournament. The United States, military might and unwavering commitment to the Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting this global security of its member states. spectacle, with MetLife Stadium in New York selected Two Phases: as the venue for the July 19 final. In this blog post, Phase 1 (January – March): Focuses on maritime we’ll delve into the key details and highlights of the reinforcement across the Atlantic and the Arctic, upcoming tournament. involving live exercises and amphibious assault MetLife Stadium in New York emerged victorious in training. the bid to host the final on July 19, overcoming stiff Phase 2 (Mid-February – May): Emphasizes multi- competition from Dallas. The announcement was made domain operations across Europe, testing rapid troop during a live television broadcast featuring FIFA deployment within NATO borders. President Infantino, alongside celebrities such as Kevin Unprecedented Scale: Over 90,000 troops from Hart, Drake, and Kim Kardashian. 31 NATO members and Sweden are expected to participate, utilizing a fleet of over 50 naval PT Usha Honored with Lifetime units, 80 aircraft, and 1,100 combat vehicles. Achievement Award by SJFI and DSJA Focus Areas: Land, air, sea, cyberspace, and Legendary sprinter and current President of the Indian space operations, reflecting the evolving nature Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, was honoured of modern warfare. with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award. This accolade was presented to her by the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) and Delhi Sports Naorem Roshibina Devi Crowned Female Journalists Association (DSJA), recognizing her Wushu Athlete Of The Year extraordinary contributions to Indian athletics. The Naorem Roshibina Devi, the pride of Manipur, has award ceremony saw the attendance of notable clinched the prestigious title of International Wushu personalities, including Rajeev Shukla, Member of Federation Female Athlete of the Year, solidifying her Parliament – Rajya Sabha and Vice President of the place as a powerhouse in the world of wushu. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana, among the Guests Sonam Maskar Wins Silver In Women’s Air of Honour. Rifle In Cairo, Egypt