SAARANSH

Monthly Current Affairs

February
2024
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INDEX
➢ DEFENCE…………………………………03 • Law Commission of India
• Defence Exercises • Smart Gram Panchayat
• Tupolev Tu-160M • Nazool Land
• ABHYAS ➢ GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT……..13
• Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) • Conservation sites
• INS Sandhayak • New Ramsar sites
• One Liners • North Atlantic right whales
➢ SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY………….. 04 • Bull Shark
• Hanooman • Olive Ridley Turtles
• Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity, • Forest Owlet
Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) • International Single Species Action Plan
• NaViGate Bharat Portal • Aldabra giant tortoise
• Large Language Models (LLMs) • Black-necked Crane
• GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal • Aldabra rail
• GSLV rocket nicknamed naughty boy • Kaji Nemu
• India Stack • Vaitarna River
• Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) • Anoxic Marine Basins
• SARTHI Portal • Gulf Stream
• Forever Chemicals • 7th Indian Ocean Conference
• Open Network Digital Commerce • Atmospheric River
• Coal Gasification • One Lines
• Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative ➢ SCHEMES………………………………….17
• SWATI Portal • Flood Management and Border Areas Programme
• Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport • Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana
• APAAR • Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food
• NTDFAC Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme
• Astronauts of Gaganyaan • PLI scheme for White Goods
➢ ECONOMY………………………………….08 • PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
• Shahpur Kandi Dam Project • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
• Know Your Customer (KYC) • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
• Sudarshan Setu' Bridge • Regulatory Sandbox scheme
• GROW Portal • SWAYAM Plus platform
• BharatNet Project • Kilkari programme
• Disinflation ➢ AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS………20
• Anti-Dumping Duty • Aegis Graham Bell Awards
• APEDA • Appointments
• Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs • Awards
• India becomes net exporter of Toys ➢ SPORTS…………………………………….22
• One Liners • One Liners
➢ POLITY………………………………………10 ➢ INTERNATIONAL……………………..…23
• Section 354 of IPC • Collective Security Treaty Organisation
• Recently Passed Bills • NB8 Cooperation
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) • WTO MC13 -Agenda for India
Amendment Bill, 2024 • Loss and Damage Board
• Bills to Include PVTGs to ST List in Odisha and AP • G-33
• Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti • Raisina Dialogue
• E-Jagriti Portal • Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
• Mission Aspides
• INDUS-X
• Papua New Guinea
• European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
• World Governments Summit 2024
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species
• Vaccine Safety Net
• Nagoya Protocol
• CLEA (CASGC) 2024
• India’s Act East Policy
• One Liners
➢ MISCELLANEOUS………………………28
• MakhaBucha
• Paruveta Festival
• Kapilvastu Relics
• Shompen Tribe
• Morodharo
• Sangeet Natak Akademi
• Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
• Dhokra Shilpkala
• Aadi Mahotsav
• Subika Painting
• FGM
• One Liners
• Days & Themes

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
DEFENCE
Defence Exercises ❖ ABHYAS offers a realistic threat
scenario for the practice of weapon
❖ Exercise Dosti- India, Sri Lanka, and
systems.
the Maldives Coast Guard
❖ Exercise Dharma Guardian- India and
Japan (joint military exercise)
❖ Exercise Vayu Shakti-The Indian Air
Force war games
❖ Shanti Prayas IV- Multilateral Army
Peace keeping Exercise conducted in
Kathmandu.
Tupolev Tu-160M
The Russian President recently unveiled the
newly modernised Tupolev Tu-160M nuclear- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
capable strategic bomber at Kazan Aviation
The Cabinet Committee on Security recently
Plant.
cleared the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos
extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for
deployment on its warships.
INS Sandhayak
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey
vessel, Sandhayak, at Naval Dockyard in Vizag
in the presence of defence minister.

ABHYAS
❖ The Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) successfully One Liners
conducted four flight trials of the high-
speed expendable aerial target 'ABHYAS' ❖ Govt declares Muslim Conference J&K
recently. (Sumji faction) and Muslim Conference
❖ It is a high-speed expendable aerial J&K (Bhat faction) as Unlawful
target (HEAT). Associations
❖ It is designed by the DRDO’s
Aeronautical Development
Establishment (ADE).
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Hanooman
❖ It is a series of large language
models (LLMs) that can respond in 11
Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and
Marathi, with plans to expand to more
than 20 languages.
❖ Capabilities: It is a multimodal AI tool,
which can generate text, speech, videos
and more in multiple Indian languages.
❖ The size of these AI models ranges from
1.5 billion to a whopping 40 billion
parameters.
❖ Applications: It has been designed to
work in four fields, including health
care, governance, financial services,
and education.
Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity,
Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS)
❖ In a first, an international team of
physicists from the Anti-hydrogen
Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry,
Spectroscopy (AEgIS) collaboration has
achieved a breakthrough by
demonstrating the laser cooling of
Positronium.
❖ It is an experiment approved by
CERN (European Organization for
Nuclear Research) with the goal of
studying antihydrogen physics.
❖ The primary goal of AEgIS is the direct
measurement of the Earth's gravitational
acceleration, g, on antihydrogen.
❖ Once performed this could be the first
direct test of the gravitational interaction
between matter and antimatter.
❖ AEgIS is a collaboration of physicists
from a number of countries in Europe
and from India.
NaViGate Bharat Portal
Recently, the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting launched four portals — Press
Sewa, National Register for LCOs, CBC,
NaViGate Bharat.
Large Language Models (LLMs)
❖ The ability of Generative AI models to
“converse” with humans is due to
something known as the Large Language
Model, or LLM.
❖ A large language model (LLM) is a type
of artificial intelligence (AI) program that
can recognize and generate
text, among other tasks.
GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal
GHAR - GO Home and Re-Unite Portal have been
developed and launched by the National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR).
GSLV rocket nicknamed naughty boy
❖ GSLV had flown 15 times before the
recent launch, and four of these had been
unsuccessful, a very high failure rate
for any rocket.
❖ PSLV, the rocket that ISRO has used the
maximum number of times, has failed
only twice in its 60 launches.
❖ The LVM3 rocket has flown seven times
and never failed.
❖ GSLV’s most recent failure was in August
2021, when it was attempting to carry an
earth observation satellite EOS-03 into
space.
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
India Stack
Forever Chemicals
❖ Recently, India and Colombia signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on
Cooperation in the field of Sharing
Successful Digital Solutions Implemented
at Population Scale which intends to
promote digital transformation via India
Stack.
❖ It is a set of Application Programming
Interface (APIs) that allows governments,
businesses, startups and developers to
utilise a unique digital Infrastructure.
❖ India Stack consists of three layers of
open APIs: identity, payments, and data.
❖ Although the name of this project bears
the word India, the vision of India Stack is
not limited to one country.
❖ It can be applied to any nation, be it a
developed one or an emerging one.
❖ The four distinct technology layers
provided are
❖ Presence less layer, Paperless layer,
Open Network Digital Commerce
Cashless layer, Consent layer.
Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
is set to conduct its special 'Young Scientist
Programme' or 'YUVIKA' for school children.
SARTHI Portal
❖ Recently, the Union Agriculture minister
unveiled the 'Sarathi' platform, which
seeks to provide a full suite of
insurance products, including PMFBY,
geared specifically for farmers and rural
populations in India.
❖ Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural
Security, Technology and Insurance
(SARTHI) is the comprehensive digital
insurance platform launched in
collaboration with United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) India.
❖ PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl
substances), also known as the Forever
Chemicals, are a large chemical family of
over 4,700 highly persistent man-made
chemicals.
❖ These were first developed in the
1940s and are now found in a variety of
consumer products, including nonstick
pans, water-resistant textiles, and fire
suppression foams, due to their ability
to repel both grease and water.
❖ The secret to PFAS’s indestructibility lies
in its chemical bonds. PFAS contains
many carbon-fluorine bonds, which are
the strongest bonds in organic chemistry.
❖ Exposure to PFAS is linked
to cancers, weakened immune
systems among children, weight gain,
and a wide range of other health problem
❖ In a first, the Centre has on boarded 11
fair price shops on the state-run e-
commerce portal Open Network Digital
Commerce (ONDC).
❖ It is an open-source network set up
to enable buyers and sellers to
transact with each other irrespective of
the e-commerce platform on which either
of them are registered.
❖ It will enable local commerce across
segments, such as mobility, grocery, food
order and delivery, hotel booking and
travel, among others, to be
discovered and engaged by any network-
enabled application.
❖ It is an initiative of the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of for Women-A Technology & Innovation
Commerce and Industry. (SWATI)” Portal
❖ It is aimed at creating a single online
portal representing Indian Women and
Coal Gasification Girls in STEMM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, is set ❖ The database of the SWATI Portal will
to host an Industry Interaction in Hyderabad serve in policy-making to address the
aimed at fostering the development and challenges of Gender-gap.
proliferation of coal/lignite gasification projects ❖ The Portal is a complete interactive
across the nation. 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.
Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
The Prime Minister recently laid the foundation
stone for a new spaceport at
Kulasekarapattinam in southern Tamil Nadu.
APAAR: One Nation One Student ID card
❖ Recently, the National Conference on
Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card
was held in New Delhi.
❖ Recently, the Department of
❖ Vital interconnection between APAAR IDs,
Telecommunications (DoT) has
the Academic Bank of Credit, and
unveiled the 'Sangam: Digital Twin'
Digilocker, facilitating streamlined
initiative.
operations, was also highlighted in the
❖ It is a Proof of Concept (PoC) distributed
event.
in two stages to be conducted in one of the
❖ APAAR, an acronym for Automated
major cities of India.
Permanent Academic Account
❖ Digital Twin technology offers a solution
Registry, is a specialised identification
by creating virtual replicas of physical
system designed for all students in India,
assets, allowing for real-time monitoring,
beginning from an early age.
simulation and analysis for experimental
❖ It is introduced in accordance with the
iterations and feedback loops to adapt to
National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020
the changes to achieve the best
and the National Credit and
outcomes.
Qualifications Framework (NCrF).
SWATI Portal ❖ Registration for an APAAR ID is
voluntary, not mandatory.
❖ Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Government of India launched “Science Objective:

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ It aims to streamline and enhance the
academic experience for students
throughout India by assigning a unique
and permanent 12-digit ID to each
student, consolidating their academic
records into a single accessible platform.
❖ It is emphasised as not only a vital tool for
tracking the educational progress of 260
million students in India but also as an
aspirational and globally recognized
document for students.
National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis
Centre
❖ Recently, the National Investigation
Agency (NIA) has developed the National
Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis Centre
(NTDFAC), which makes the government
collect and compile information on
terrorists and their associates from
various sources.
❖ The NIA has for the first time collected
details of all terrorists including those
from Indian Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-
Taiba as well as Khalistani militant
groups.
Astronauts of Gaganyaan

Rank Name
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan
Nair
Wing Shubhanshu Shukla
Commander
Group Captain Angad Pratap
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
ECONOMY
Shahpur Kandi Dam Project ❖ It boasts a unique design, featuring a
footpath adorned with verses from the
❖ It is located on the Ravi
Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord
River in Pathankot
Krishna on both sides.
district, Punjab, downstream from the
❖ It also has solar panels installed on the
existing Ranjit Sagar Dam.
upper portions of the footpath, generating
❖ The water released by Ranjit Sagar Dam
one megawatt of electricity.
is utilized for generating power from
this project. GROW Portal
❖ In a significant development, the
❖ Recently, the GROW report and portal
completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage,
was launched by a Member of NITI
situated at the Punjab-Jammu and
Aayog.
Kashmir border, has effectively halted the
❖ The "Greening and Restoration of
flow of water from the River Ravi to
Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-
Pakistan.
Suitability Mapping" portal allows
Know Your Customer (KYC) universal access to state and district-level
data.
❖ The government of India has formed an
❖ It is hosted on the Bhuvan website.
expert committee headed by Finance
Secretary T V Somanathan to make its BharatNet Project
recommendations to bring out uniform
State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
(BSNL) has floated around Rs 65,000-crore
❖ It is a comprehensive
tender for the implementation of the phase-III
process that financial and non-financial
BharatNet project.
institutions follow to verify the
authenticity and identity of their Disinflation
customers.
❖ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recently said recurring food price shocks
and renewed flash points on the geo-
India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services
political front pose a challenge to the
will be rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius at
ongoing disinflation process.
a virtual ceremony.
❖ Disinflation is a decrease
Sudarshan Setu' Bridge in inflation rates.
❖ In simple terms, a decline in the rate of
❖ It is India’s longest cable-stayed
increase in the general price level of
bridge, at 2.32 km, on the Arabian
goods and services in the gross domestic
Sea, connecting Beyt Dwarka Island to
product (GDP) of a country over time is
mainland Okha in Gujarat's Devbhumi
called disinflation
Dwarka district.
❖ A healthy amount of disinflation is
necessary since it represents
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
economic contraction and prevents the
economy from overheating.
❖ Disinflation is considered the opposite
of reflation, which occurs when a
government stimulates an economy by
increasing the money supply
❖ Causes of Disinflation:
• If a central bank wants to enforce
a tighter monetary policy and
the government starts selling off some of
its assets, the supply of money in the
economy could be limited, causing a
disinflationary effect.
• Similarly, disinflation can also be
caused by a contraction
the business cycle of recession. For
instance, companies may choose not to
raise prices to gain a more
significant market share, leading
disinflation.
Anti-Dumping Duty
❖ India has initiated an anti-dumping probe
into imports of certain solar glass from
China and Vietnam, following a complaint
by domestic players.
❖ Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on
imports manufactured in foreign
countries that are priced below the fair
market value of similar goods in the
domestic market.
APEDA
❖ The Union minister of state for commerce
and industry addressed a gathering of
farmers and Agri-produce buyers in the
‘Agri-Export: Capacity Building Cum
Buyer-Seller Meet’ organised by APEDA in
Mirzapur.
❖ The Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA) was established by
the Government of India under the
Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
❖ This Authority replaced the Processed
Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
❖ In order to reach out to the exporters in
different parts of the Country, APEDA has
set up 15 Regional Offices in different
cities like- Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata
etc.
Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary
Herbs
The 7th session of the Codex Committee on
in Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was held
from 29th January 2024 to 2nd February 2024
at Kochi.
to India Becomes Net Exporter of Toys
❖ Recently, The Indian toy industry
exhibited remarkable growth, exports
surged by 239% and imports dropped by
52% between 2014-15 and 2022-23
making India a net exporter.
❖ The toy industries are dealing with higher
costs in China and struggling to find
cheaper places to move their production.
One Liners
❖ 16th Finance Commission Holds First
Meeting Under Chairmanship of Arvind
Panagariya
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POLITY
Section 354 of IPC
❖ Section 354 of the IPC states that anyone
who assaults or uses criminal force
against a woman with the intention of
outraging her modesty, or knowing that
such an act is likely to outrage her
modesty, can be punished with
imprisonment ranging from one to five
years and may also be fined.
❖ It has been enacted with a view to protect
a woman against indecent assault as
well as to safeguard public
morality and decent behaviour.
• Section 354A: Sexual harassment and
punishment for sexual harassment
• Section 354B: Assault or use of criminal
force to woman with intent to disrobe
• Section 354C: Voyeurism
• Section 354D: Stalking
Recently Passed Bills
1. Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws
(Amendment) Bill, 2024
❖ Purpose: To provide reservation to Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies
within the Union territory.
❖ Initiator: Moved by Union Minister of
State for Home Nityanand Rai.
❖ Current Status: There is currently no
provision for reservation of seats for OBCs
in panchayats and municipalities in
Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir)
Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill,
2024
❖ Purpose: To include four communities –
Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and
Pahari Ethnic Group – in the list of
10
Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and
Kashmir.
❖ Significance: Marks an important step
towards recognizing and safeguarding the
rights of these communities.
3. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir)
Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill,
2024
❖ Purpose: To incorporate Valmiki
community as a synonym of Chura,
Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar
communities in the list of Scheduled
Castes in Jammu and Kashmir.
❖ Initiator: Moved by Minister of Social
Justice and Empowerment Virendra
Kumar.
❖ Amendment: Seeks to amend the
Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir)
Scheduled Castes Order of 1956 to
ensure inclusion and recognition of the
Valmiki community.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Amendment Bill, 2024
❖ The two houses of the Parliament recently
approved the Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill,
2024.
❖ The Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974, has long been a
cornerstone of India’s environmental
legislation to ensure sustainable
management of water resources.
Major Amended Provisions:
❖ Decriminalisation of Minor Offences: It
focuses on decriminalising minor offences
related to water pollution, alleviating fears
of imprisonment for technical or
procedural lapses.
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ The rationale is to ensure penalties align communities of the SC list to ST list,
with the severity of offences, promoting based on the recommendations of the
compliance without overly burdening state governments, after consultation
stakeholders. with the Registrar General of India and
❖ Exemption for Certain Industrial the National Commissions for Scheduled
Plants: The amended bill empowers the Castes & Scheduled Tribes.
central government to exempt specific
categories of industrial plants from
certain statutory restrictions, such as
those outlined in Section 25 regarding
the establishment of new outlets and
discharges.
❖ This provision intends to streamline
regulatory processes and reduce
duplication of surveillance efforts, and
alleviate unnecessary burdens on
regulatory agencies, promoting efficiency.
❖ Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: It
introduces measures to enhance
regulatory oversight and standardisation
across states.
❖ It grants the central government
authority to prescribe guidelines for the
nomination of chairpersons of State
Pollution Control Boards and issue
directives regarding the grant, refusal, or
cancellation of industry-related consents.
❖ It provides certain mandatory
qualifications, experience, and
procedures to ensure fair appointment of
chairpersons. Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti

Bills to Include PVTGs to ST List in Odisha ❖ Recently, the Chairman of Bharatiya

and AP
❖ Recently, Parliament passed two bills that
aim to modify the lists of Scheduled
Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The bills
were passed by voice vote in the Lok
Sabha.
❖ The bills seek to include certain tribes
to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs) and certain
Bhasha Samiti advocated for the
promotion of Indian languages in
education and stated that textbooks
will soon be available in Indian languages
on digital platforms.
❖ It is a High-Powered Committee for the
Promotion of Indian Languages.
❖ It has been constituted by the Ministry
of Education, Government of India in
2021.

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❖ Mandate: The mandate of this committee ❖ The project aims to extend the PM-WANI
would be to explore and recommend (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network
pathways for the holistic and Interface) Service to Gram Panchayats in
multidisciplinary growth of Indian Begusarai, marking a paradigm shift in
languages as envisaged in the National rural connectivity.
Education Policy 2020.
Nazool Land
E-Jagriti Portal
❖ Recently, violence erupted in the
❖ The Consumer Affairs Secretary recently Haldwani city of Nainital District,
asserted that integration of artificial Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district after
intelligence in the ‘e-Jagriti’ portal will the city administration conducted a
help reduce the number of pending cases Demolition Drive to remove
in consumer courts. Encroachment at the site of a mosque and
❖ It is an initiative of the Department of madrasa, allegedly on Nazool Land.
Consumer Affairs, Ministry of ❖ As per the Haldwani district
Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public administration, the property where the
Distribution. two structures are situated is registered
❖ It is a portal for consumer as the Municipal Council’s Nazool land.
commissions. ❖ Nazool land is owned by the
❖ This portal has been designed to further government but most often not
improve the customer experience. directly administered as state
❖ It provides a simple, fast, and cost- property.
effective consumer dispute redressal ❖ The state generally allots such land to any
software solution at all levels. entity on lease for a fixed period, generally
between 15 and 99 years.
Law Commission of India
The 22nd Law Commission of India led by
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has recommended
that the offence of criminal defamation should
be retained in the new criminal laws.
Smart Gram Panchayat
❖ Recently, the Union Minister of Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj
inaugurated the ‘Smart Gram Panchayat:
Revolution towards Digitization of Gram
Panchayat’ Project at Paprour Gram
Panchayat of Begusarai District, Bihar
signalling a significant leap towards
digital empowerment in rural India.

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GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT
Conservation sites
1 Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
❖ An exchange of fire took place between
Maoists and security forces in the
7 Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR)
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha)
recently.
2 Papikonda National Park
❖ Recently, a lone male tiger safely entered
its natural habitat of Papikonda National
Park (PNP- Andhra Pradesh) from the
Eluru district side.
start wildlife safaris in the Bangdapur
and Hingni forest ranges.
❖ It is located in the Wardha District
of Maharashtra.
❖ The ongoing Kula Mama Volleyball
Tournament-2024 in Melghat Tiger
Reserve's (MTR) Semadoh sends a strong
message to save tigers and the pristine
forest with the involvement of local youths
❖ It is located in the Amaravati district
of Maharashtra.

3 Biodiversity Heritage Site New Ramsar sites

❖ Recently, the Odisha government ❖ Ankasamudra Bird Conservation

declared the Gupteswar forest in Koraput Reserve – Karnataka.
district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage ❖ Aghanashini Estuary – Karnataka.
Site (BHS). ❖ Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve –
Karnataka.
4 Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary ❖ Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu.
❖ The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has not ❖ Longwood Shola Reserve Forest – Tamil
been spotted at the Rollapadu Wildlife Nadu.
Sanctuary in Nandyal district of Andhra North Atlantic right whales
Pradesh and its surrounding areas for
the last couple of years, which is an IUCN: Critically endangered
indication that the bird is at risk of local
CITES: Appendix I
extinction.
5 Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL)
❖ The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary of
Tripura recently welcomed a new batch of
animals, which include two Royal Bengal
tigers, two leopards, four golden pigeons,
a silver pigeon, two peafowls, and four hill
mynas.
6 Bor Tiger Reserve
❖ The Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) recently
sought Rs 1 crore for various works to

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Bull Shark International Single Species Action Plan
IUCN: Vulnerable ❖ Recently, the 14th Conference of the
Parties to the Convention on the
Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild
Animals (CMS COP14) adopted the
Single Species Action Plan for the
conservation of the Hawksbill Turtle.
❖ It is the key instrument developed under
the Agreement on the Conservation of
African-Eurasian Migratory
Waterbirds (AEWA).
❖ Purpose: It is for the purpose of
implementing coordinated measures to
restore migratory waterbird species to a
favourable conservation status.

Olive Ridley Turtles

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
CITES: Appendix I

Aldabra giant tortoise

IUCN: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix II
Forest Owlet
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
Black-necked Crane
IUCN: Near Threatened
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule
I
CITES: Appendix I
Aldabra rail
❖ The flightless Aldabra rail went extinct
over 130,000 years ago, but the species
then reappeared via iterative evolution.
❖ Iterative evolution can be defined as
"the repeated evolution of a specific
trait or body plan from the same
ancestral lineage at different points in
time."
Kaji Nemu
Recently, the Assam government declared the
GI-tagged ‘Kaji Nemu’ (Citrus Limon) as the
State Fruit.
15
Vaitarna River
❖ It is one of the west flowing rivers in the
region North of Mumbai and South of
the Tapi River.
❖ It originates in the Trimbakeshwar
Hills of Nasik district of Maharashtra.
❖ It receives most of the rainfall from the
South West monsoon during June to
October. Almost 98% of the annual
rainfall of the basin is received during this
period.
❖ Tributaries: The main tributaries
are Pinjal, Ganjai, Surya, Daharji and
Tansa.
❖ The catchment area of Vaitarna basin
completely lies in Thane and Nasik
districts of Maharashtra.
❖ It drains an area of 2019 sq. km before it
falls into the Gulf of Khambhat.
Anoxic Marine Basins
❖ According to scientists, anoxic marine
basins may be among the most viable
places to conduct large-scale carbon
sequestration in the deep ocean.
❖ An anoxic basin is a body of water
without oxygen.
❖ Permanent anoxic basins form when
there is a strong layering of the water
column created in a cup-like
formation on the ocean floor.
❖ The layering is caused by density
differences due to salt concentration or
temperature.
❖ Once stratification occurs, circulation
with the rest of the ocean is minimised,
and microorganisms consume the
oxygen in the water.
Gulf Stream
❖ A recent scientific study estimates a
timescale for the collapse of the Gulf
Stream between 2025 and 2095, with a
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
central estimate of 2050, if global carbon ❖ The atmospheric river is a long, narrow
emissions are not reduced. band of moisture-filled air that transports
❖ It is a swift and warm ocean significant amounts of water vapor from
current that flows along the eastern the tropics to higher latitudes.
coast of North America and crosses the ❖ The Atmospheric River is often associated
Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. with mT (Maritime Tropical) air mass.
❖ This extension towards Europe
is known as the North Atlantic drift.

7th Indian Ocean Conference One Liners

❖ The 7th edition of the Indian Ocean ❖ Reliance Launches “Vantara,” a

Conference is being held in Perth, National Initiative for Animal Welfare
Australia on 9-10 February, 2024. ❖ Odisha is set to unveil the world’s first
❖ It is being held in association with the melanistic tiger safari near the Similipal
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tiger Reserve (STR).
Government of Australia, along with S.
Rajaratnam School of International
Studies, Singapore and Perth-US Asia
Centre in Australia.
❖ The theme of this edition of the
conference is "Towards a Stable and
Sustainable Indian Ocean”.
Atmospheric River
❖ California, US is currently grappling with
an extraordinary weather phenomenon
known as an Atmospheric River also
called Pineapple Express Storm, which
has the potential to unleash up to 8
trillion gallons of rain over the state.

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SCHEMES
Flood Management and Border Areas steadfast commitment to nurturing job
Programme providers across the nation.
❖ Aim: It aims to equip individuals
❖ Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the
with comprehensive entrepreneurship
proposal of Department of Water
training, creating job providers rather
Resources, RD & GR for the continuation
than job seekers.
of “Flood Management and Border Areas
❖ This initiative focuses on reskilling and
Programme (FMBAP)” with a total outlay
upskilling employees to enhance their
of Rs. 4,100 crores for a period of 5 years
competitiveness and adaptability in an
from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
era of disruptive technology.
❖ It is a centrally sponsored Scheme.
❖ The training will be conducted
❖ The Scheme has two components:
through offline, online and hybrid modes,
• Flood Management Programme (FMP) with certificates awarded upon
component: In this central assistance completion, enhancing the course's
will be provided to State Governments for credibility and value.
taking up critical works related to flood ❖ The Government of India has partnered
control, anti-erosion, drainage with Flipkart to skill street vendors
development and anti-sea erosion, etc. and small shopkeepers.
❖ Funding: The pattern of funding to be ❖ Under the pilot program, street vendors in
followed is 90% (Centre): 10% 10 big cities of the country will be
(State) for Special Category States (8 given a stipend along with training to
North-Eastern States and Hilly States of expand their businesses
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UT
of Jammu & Kashmir) and 60% (Centre): Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food
40% (State) for General/ Non-Special Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme
Category States.
❖ Launched on June 29, 2020, PMFMPE is
• River Management and Border Areas
a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by
(RMBA) component: Under this flood
the Ministry of Food Processing
control and anti-erosion works on common
Industries.
border rivers with neighbouring countries
❖ It is designed to address the challenges
including hydrological observations and
faced by micro-enterprises and to tap the
flood forecasting, and investigation & pre-
potential of groups and cooperatives to
construction activities of joint water
support the upgradation
resources projects (with neighbouring
and formalisation of these enterprises.
countries) on common border rivers will be
❖ Objectives: To build the capability of
taken up with 100% central assistance.
microenterprises to enable:
Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana • Increased access to credit by existing
micro food processing entrepreneurs,
❖ It is tailored specifically for beneficiaries FPOs, self-help groups, and co-operatives.
of the PM SVANidhi scheme, this unique
• Integration with an organised supply
National Entrepreneurship Development
chain by strengthening branding &
Project underscores the government's
marketing.
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
• Support for the transition of existing 2, exported to global markets, to eligible
00,000 enterprises into a formal companies for a period of 5 years.
framework.
PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
• Increased access to common services like
common processing facilities, laboratories, ❖ PRTHVI is an umbrella scheme of the
storage, packaging, marketing, and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for
incubation services. the period from 2021 to 2026.
• Strengthening of institutions, ❖ The scheme encompasses five ongoing
research, and training in the food sub-schemes namely:
processing sector; and • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling
• Increased access for enterprises, to Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS),
professional and technical support. • Ocean Services, Modelling Application,
❖ The Eligible Borrowers for PMFMPE Resources and Technology (O-SMART),
can be: • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research
• Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) (PACER),
• Self-Help Groups • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE) and
• Co-operatives • Research, Education, Training and
• Existing Micro Food Processing Outreach (REACHOUT)
Entrepreneurs
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
• New Units, whether for individuals or
groups, would only be supported for One ❖ In this scheme, the central
District One Product (ODOP). government will provide 300 units of
free electricity per month to its
PLI scheme for White Goods
beneficiaries by investing worth ₹75,000
❖ It is designed to create a complete crores.
component ecosystem for the Air ❖ The free electricity scheme was earlier
Conditioners and LED Lights industry announced by the Finance Minister in an
in India and make India an integral part interim budget speech.
of the global supply chains. ❖ Target: It aims to light up 1 crore
❖ The scheme was notified by households.
the Department for Promotion of ❖ Under the scheme, Urban Local Bodies
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in and Panchayats shall
2021. be incentivised to promote rooftop solar
❖ Objectives: It proposes a financial systems in their jurisdictions.
incentive to boost domestic ❖ Expected benefits:
manufacturing and attract large • Savings of up to fifteen to eighteen
investments in the White Goods thousand rupees annually for households
manufacturing value chain. from free solar electricity and selling the
❖ Incentives: The scheme will extend surplus to the distribution companies;
an incentive of 4-6% on • Charging of electric vehicles.
incremental turnover over the base year • Entrepreneurship opportunities for a large
(2019-20) of goods sold in India and number of vendors for supply and
installation;
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
• Employment opportunities for the youth SWAYAM Plus platform
with technical skills in manufacturing,
❖ Recently, the Union Minister of Education
installation and maintenance.
and Skill Development and
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah- Entrepreneurship launched the
Yojana (PM-MKSSY) ‘SWAYAM Plus’ platform
❖ It offers courses developed collaboratively
❖ Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the with the industry.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi ❖ This platform aims to enhance the
Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub scheme employability of both college students
under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya and lifelong learners.
Sampada Yojana. ❖ It will offer programmes in sectors
❖ It will be implemented as a Central like Manufacturing, Energy, Computer
Sector Sub-scheme under the Central Science and Engineering/IT/ITES,
Sector Component of the PMMSY. Management Studies, Healthcare,
❖ Funding: Implemented at an estimated Hospitality and Tourism besides Indian
outlay of Rs.6,000 crore consisting of Knowledge Systems.
50% i.e. Rs.3,000 crore public
finance including the World Bank and the Kilkari programme
AFD external financing, and rest 50% i.e.
❖ Recently the Union Ministers of State for
Rs.3,000 crore being the anticipated
Health and Family Welfare virtually
investment from the beneficiaries/private
launched the Kilkari programme, a
sector leverage.
Mobile Health (m-health) initiative for
❖ Time period: It will be implemented for 4
beneficiaries in local content in Gujarat
years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-
and Maharashtra.
27 across all the States and UTs.
Regulatory Sandbox scheme
❖ Recently, the Reserve Bank tweaked
guidelines for Regulatory Sandbox (RS)
scheme.
❖ It refers to the live testing of new
products or services in a controlled
regulatory environment.
❖ It acts as a "safe space" for business as
the regulators may or may not permit
certain relaxations for the limited purpose
of testing.
❖ It is potentially an important tool
which enables more dynamic, evidence-
based regulatory environments which
learn from and evolve with, emerging
technologies.

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AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS
Aegis Graham Bell Awards
Recently, the Centre for Development of
Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D
centre of the Government of India, strikes a hat-
trick by securing top position in three awards
at 14th Annual Aegis Graham Bell Awards.
Appointments
❖ IPS Officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary
Named NSG’s New Director General
❖ World Gold Council appoints De Beers’
Sachin Jain as chief executive officer
❖ Justice A M Khanwilkar Appointed
Lokpal Chairperson
❖ Geeta Batra’s Historic Appointment to
the World Bank’s GEF
❖ Government Appoints A S Rajeev, former
MD and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, as
Vigilance Commissioner
❖ Shubman Gill designated as Punjab ‘state
icon’ for Lok Sabha polls
❖ Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam Elected
As ICJ’s New President
❖ Nikhil Joshi Appointed As Managing
Director of Boeing Defence India
❖ IRS Officer Narendra Kumar Yadav Leads
the “Fit India” Movement as Brand
Ambassador
❖ Ajay Kumar Choudhary Appointed Non-
Executive Chairman of NPCI
❖ ADB Appoints Mio Oka as New Country
Director for India
❖ Jay Shah Secures Historic Third Term as
President of the Asian Cricket Council
❖ Anil Kumar Lahoti Appointed Chairman
Of TRAI
Awards
❖ Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary
Knighthood
20
❖ Acharya Lokesh Muni to be Honored as
‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’
❖ Bengali Translation Wins Prestigious
Romain Rolland Book Prize 2024
❖ C-DOT Wins 3 Awards For Telecom
Innovations At 14th Aegis Graham Bell
❖ Dr. Aditi Sen De Receives 2023 GD Birla
Award
❖ Alex Dawson Captures the Underwater
Photographer of the Year 2024 Award
❖ Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
Awarded Prestigious Jnanpith Award
2023
❖ National Film Awards: Indira Gandhi
and Nargis Dutt Names Removed from
Categories
❖ India Wins the 9th GovTech Prize for AI-
Powered Road Safety Initiative
❖ Noida Recognized As “Water Warrior”
City
❖ K.P.P. Nambiar Award for ISRO
Chairman S. Somanath
❖ Govt Introduces National Creator’s
Awards For Modern Influencers
❖ Pyarelal Sharma Honored with
Lakshminarayana International Award
❖ Bharat Ratna to Honour PV Narasimha
Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS
Swaminathan
❖ Dr. Bina Modi Named ‘Outstanding
Business Woman Of The Year 2023’
❖ Apurva Chandra Take Charge as Health
Secretary
❖ LK Advani to be awarded Bharat Ratna,
Announced by PM Modi
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
Grammy Awards 2024

Category Winner

Song of the Billie Eilish – What Was I Made

Year For? from Barbie

Best Pop Vocal

Taylor Swift – Midnights
Album

Best R&B Song SZA – Snooze

Best Country Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom

Album Country

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SPORTS
One Liners
❖ Juventus Midfielder Paul Pogba
(Footballer- Manchester United)
Banned for 4 Years for Doping
❖ Ashwin Surpasses Kumble to Become
India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Tests at
Home
❖ Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
Smashes Fastest T20I Hundred
❖ Army Clinches Khelo India Winter Games
2024 Title on Final Day
❖ Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes quickest
to 10,000 runs in T20s
❖ Anurag Singh Thakur Launched Khelo
India University Games In Guwahati
❖ Indian Football Hits a Seven-Year Low,
Slides to 117th in FIFA Rankings
❖ Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna
Kumari Banned For 12 Years For
Doping
❖ World marathon record holder Kelvin
Kiptum dies in road accident
❖ Etihad Airways Takes Flight as Official
Sponsor of CSK
❖ SAFF Women’s U-19 Championships:
India and Bangladesh Declared Joint
Winners
❖ Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Opens
BIMSTEC Aquatic Championships In New
Delhi
❖ Abhinav Bindra selected as torchbearer
for the 2024 Paris Olympics

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INTERNATIONAL
Collective Security Treaty Organisation • Review the functioning of the multilateral
trading system
❖ Recently, the Prime Minister of Armenia
• Take action on the future work of the WTO
said that his country has frozen its
• Chart the future course of the WTO
participation in the Russian-led Collective
Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Loss and Damage Board
because the bloc has failed the country.
❖ It is an intergovernmental military ❖ At the 27th Conference of Parties to
alliance in Eurasia, which was the United Nations Framework
established in 2002. Convention on Climate Change (COP27)
❖ Members of the organization at present held in Egypt. Parties reached an
are: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, agreement on providing loss and damage
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. funding to nations most vulnerable and
❖ Headquarter: Moscow, Russia impacted by the effects of climate change.
❖ At COP28, the fund was formally
NB8 Cooperation established and a decision text stated
that the fund would be governed and
❖ The eight nations – Denmark, Estonia,
supervised by a board, a decision-making
Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania,
body.
Norway, and Sweden – united under
❖ The board is tasked with setting up a
the umbrella of the Nordic-Baltic
strategic direction for the Fund as well as
cooperation (NB8).
its governance and operational
❖ These nations through the NB8
modalities, policies, frameworks and work
cooperation share deep historical,
programme, including relevant funding
social, economic, and cultural ties.
decisions.
❖ Their advanced economies, driven by
❖ The Board will comprise 26 members,
innovation, are fully integrated into the
12 members from developed
European Common Market.
countries and 14 from developing
❖ This makes them not only G-20 but also
nations.
G-10 contenders and the countries stand
united in their commitment to G-33
democracy, human rights,
multilateralism, and international law. ❖ The G33 (or the Friends of Special
Products in Agriculture) is a coalition of
WTO MC13 -Agenda for India developing and least-
developed countries.
❖ The four-day 13th ministerial conference
❖ Despite the name, there are currently 47
(MC13) started on February 26 in Abu
member nations. Some of the main
Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
countries
❖ The Indian delegation is led by Commerce
include India, China, Indonesia, Pakist
and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
an, Nigeria, Philippines, Turkey, Tanza
❖ The conference will bring together trade
nia, Kenya, and South Korea.
ministers from around the world to:

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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ It was established prior to the 2003 maintenance, and adaptation of digital
Cancun ministerial health technologies to continuously
conference that was coordinated changing needs.
during the Doha Round of World Trade ❖ The initiative will be a network of
Organization (WTO) negotiations, networks with four main components:
specifically in regard to agriculture. • country needs tracker
• country resource portal (a map of
Raisina Dialogue
resources available in a country)
❖ The ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue • transformation toolbox that will share
will be held from February 21 to 23rd in quality-assured digital tools
New Delhi. • Knowledge exchange.
❖ The theme of the 2024 edition is ❖ GIDH will support countries in three
“Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, ways: by listening to their needs, by
Cooperate, Create,” aligning resources to avoid fragmentation
and overlap, and by providing quality-
Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
assured products.
❖ Achieving one of the three priority areas ❖ Membership: Membership is open to all
agreed upon during India’s G20 institutions engaged in digital health.
presidency in 2023, the World Health
Mission Aspides
Organization (WHO) recently launched
the Global Initiative on Digital Health ❖ The European Union recently launched
(GIDH) virtually. Mission Aspides to protect commercial
❖ It is a WHO-managed network aiming to vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by
amplify and align resources toward Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
country-led digital health transformation ❖ It will send European warships and
through strengthened collaboration and airborne early warning
knowledge exchange. systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and
❖ It is a platform for sharing knowledge surrounding waters.
and digital products among countries.
❖ The initiative aims to achieve INDUS-X
the following objectives through ❖ The defence ministry said the 'INDUS-X'
collaborative efforts: summit in Delhi marks a "significant
• Assess and prioritise the country’s milestone" in the collaborative efforts
needs for sustainable digital health between the two countries.
transformation. ❖ It was launched in June 2023 during
• Increase the alignment of country-level the state visit of the Prime Minister of
digital health resources and unfunded India to the US.
priorities. ❖ Objective: To expand strategic
• Support the accelerated achievement of technology partnerships
the strategic objectives of the Global and defence industrial
Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. cooperation between governments,
• Build capacity and converge efforts to businesses, and academic institutions in
encourage local development, India and the US.
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Papua New Guinea Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals
❖ Dozens of men have been killed in a
(COP14) hosted by the Government of
fresh outbreak of tribal violence in the
Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17
remote highlands of Papua New Guinea
February 2024.
recently.
❖ Location: It is an island country that Vaccine Safety Net
lies in the south-western Pacific.
❖ The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a
❖ It includes the eastern half of New Guinea
health information platform in India, is
(the world’s second-largest island) and
included as a member of the World Health
many small offshore islands.
Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN).
❖ Neighbours: Indonesia to the
❖ It is a global network of websites,
west, Australia to the south,
established by the World Health
and the Solomon Islands to the
Organization that provides reliable
southeast.
information on vaccine safety.
❖ Capital: Port Moresby
❖ It is a network of a diverse group
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) of digital information
resources (websites and social
❖ India has rejected the demand of the four-
media), VSN members, located in
nation European Free Trade Association
countries around the world and providing
(EFTA) for ‘data exclusivity’ provisions in
scientifically based information on
the free trade agreement that both sides
vaccine safety in various languages.
are negotiating.
❖ It is an intergovernmental Nagoya Protocol
organisation established in 1960 by
❖ Cameroon recently adopted the Nagoya
the Stockholm Convention.
Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
❖ Objective: Promotes free
❖ The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic
trade and economic integration between
Resources and the Fair and Equitable
its members within Europe and globally.
Sharing of Benefits Arising from their
❖ Member Countries: Iceland,
Utilisation (the Protocol) is a legally
Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
binding global
World Governments Summit 2024 agreement that implements the access
and benefit-sharing obligations
❖ Prime Minister Modi participated in the
of the Convention on Biological
World Governments Summit in Dubai as
Diversity (CBD).
Guest of Honour.
❖ He also delivered the special keynote CLEA (CASGC) 2024
address on the theme of the Summit
❖ PM Modi inaugurated the Commonwealth
- "Shaping the Future Governments”.
Legal Education Association (CLEA) -
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors
Species General Conference (CASGC) 2024 at
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
❖ The Fourteenth Meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ The theme of the conference is “Cross- approach and thereby improving the
Border Challenges in Justice Delivery”. economic development of the North
❖ This conference deliberated on important Eastern Region (NER) which is a gateway
issues pertaining to law and justice like: to the South East Asia Region.
• judicial transition and the ethical
dimensions of legal practice;
• executive accountability; and
• Revisiting modern-day legal education,
among others.
India’s Act East Policy
❖ Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping
and Waterways has flagged off the first
batch of trial Cargo Vessels from Maia
Inland Custom Port in West Bengal to
Sultanganj Port in Bangladesh,
marking a significant step under
India’s Act East Policy, with a focus on
enhancing Inland Water Transport.
❖ It has been organised by the Inland
Waterways Authority of India (IWAI),
marking a new beginning for improved
connectivity and cooperation between
India and Bangladesh.
❖ The ‘Act East Policy’ announced in One Liners
November, 2014 is the upgrade of the
❖ Peru declares dengue health
“Look East Policy”.
emergency
❖ It is a diplomatic initiative to promote
❖ South Korea’s Fertility Rate (.072) Hits
economic, strategic and cultural
New Low in 2023
relations with the vast Asia Pacific
❖ New Zealand to Repeal Anti-Tobacco Law
region at different levels.
❖ UAE Removed from FATF Gray List
❖ It involves intensive and continuous
❖ Shehbaz Sharif to be Pakistan PM and
engagement with Southeast Asian
Asif Ali Zardari President
countries in the field of connectivity,
❖ Turkey’s First Fifth-Generation Aircraft,
trade, culture, defence and people to-
KAAN, Completes Maiden Flight
people-contact at bilateral, regional and
❖ PM Modi Launches 100,000sqm Bharat
multilateral levels.
Mart In Dubai For Exports
Aim: ❖ U Tirot Sing’s Bust Unveiled In Dhaka,
Bangladesh
❖ To promote economic cooperation, ❖ Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: A
cultural ties and developing a strategic Landmark Decision
relationship with countries in Indo-pacific ❖ Prabowo Subianto Wins Indonesian
region with a proactive and pragmatic Presidency: A Decisive Victory
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train ‘Dream
of the Desert’ Set to Launch First In The
Middle East
❖ Trinidad and Tobago Declares National
Emergency After Offshore Oil Spill
❖ Former PM Alexander Stubb Wins
Finland Presidential Election
❖ Nayib Bukele Secures Reelection As El
Salvador President
❖ Iran Abolishes Visa Requirements for
Indian Tourists from Feb 4, 2024
❖ Yemen Appoints Ahmed Awad bin
Mubarak as New Prime Minister
❖ India Launches UPI Payments at Eiffel
Tower in Paris

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MISCELLANEOUS
MakhaBucha ❖ The inscription on the casket’s lid
refers to the relics of Buddha and his
❖ The sacred MakhaBucha (Magh Puja)
community, the Sakya.
ceremony, one of the five most revered
events for Buddhists in Thailand, was Shompen Tribe
gracefully conducted by the esteemed
❖ India's president recently made a whistle-
Somdet and other senior monks of
stop tour of an island earmarked for
Thailand.
multi-billion-dollar development that
❖ MakhaBucha Day (Magha Puja) is a
experts warn could wipe out the
religious celebration marking Lord
indigenous Shompen tribe, which calls it
Buddha’s teachings to his disciples.
home.
❖ It is celebrated according to
❖ The Shompen are one of the most
the traditional lunar calendar, on the day
isolated tribes on Earth.
of full moon of the third lunar month.
❖ They reside in the dense
Paruveta Festival tropical rainforest of the Great Nicobar
Island of Andaman and Nicobar group
❖ The festival, also known as the ‘mock
of Islands.
hunting festival’, is celebrated at the Sri
❖ They are one of the least
Narasimha Swamy temple in the town
studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
of Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
Groups (PVTGs) in India.
❖ It is celebrated by all sections of people,
❖ Though according to the Census
irrespective of their caste.
(2011), the estimated population of
❖ It is a festival of
Shompen is 229, the exact population of
communal harmony, as devotees from
Shompen is unknown till today.
other religious
communities like Muslims also offer Morodharo
prayers to the Lord.
❖ Archaeologists recently discovered a
Kapilvastu Relics Harappan-era fortified settlement
named Morodharo.
❖ Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha,
❖ It is a fortified settlement dating back to
also known as Kapilvastu Relics,
the Harappan era.
presently kept in the National Museum
❖ Location: Kutch District, Gujarat
will be taken to Thailand after about 30
years.
❖ The relics were excavated from Piprahwa
in the Siddharthnagar District of Uttar
Pradesh, an erstwhile part of the ancient
city of Kapilavastu.
❖ A British colonial engineer and an estate
manager William Claxton
Peppé discovered an inscribed casket in
1898 at the stupa site in Piprahwa.
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
Sangeet Natak Akademi
Former Vice-president of India and Union
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development
of the Northeast Region will be inaugurating the
Sangeet Natak Akademi’s ‘Dakshin Bharat
Sanskritik Kendra’ in Hyderabad.
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS Mandir, the first
Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
Dhokra Shilpkala
Chhattisgarh's Ocher Studio is helping to
preserve India's 4,000-year-old craft- Dhokra
Shilpkala
Aadi Mahotsav
❖ The President of India will inaugurate the
Aadi Mahotsav 2024, an annual national
tribal festival, at Major Dhyan Chand
National Stadium in New Delhi on
February 10.
❖ It is organised by Tribal Cooperative
Marketing Development Federation of
India Limited (TRIFED) under the aegis
29
of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and will
showcase the rich diversity of India's
tribal heritage.
Subika Painting
Manipur boasts a rich cultural heritage but
some of its invaluable art forms like Subika
Paintings are on the brink of extinction due to
neglect.
One Liners
❖ Government Launches ‘Mera Pehla
Vote Desh Ke Liye’ Campaign in Higher
Educational Institutions
❖ India Sends Sacred Relics of Buddha to
Thailand
❖ India’s First Helicopter Emergency
Medical Service (HEMS) To Start From
Uttarakhand
❖ 1st Ever Skill India Centre Inaugurated
in Sambalpur, Odisha
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
❖ Recently, the UN agencies stated that in
2024, nearly 4.4 million girls are at risk of
female genital mutilation around the
world.
❖ Female genital mutilation (FGM)
comprises all procedures that involve
altering or injuring the female genitalia
for non-medical reasons and is
recognised internationally as a violation
of the human rights, the health and the
integrity of girls and women.
❖ Prevalence: It is concentrated primarily
in Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern
Africa, as well as select Middle Eastern
and Asian nations. However, with
increased migration, FGM has become a
global concern, affecting girls and women
in Europe, Australia, and North America
as well
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 “Saaransh”: Monthly Current Affairs
❖ Impacts: Girls who undergo female difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-
genital mutilation face short-term term consequences for their sexual and
complications such as severe pain, shock, reproductive health and mental health.
excessive bleeding, infections, and
Days & Themes

Date Day Theme

4Feb World Cancer Day • 2024- Together, we challenge those in
power.
• 2022-2024-Close the Care Gap:
Everyone Deserves Access To Cancer
Care
6 Feb Safer Internet Day Inspiring Change. Making a difference,
managing influence and navigating change
online
7 Feb National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End
Day HIV/AIDS in Black Communities

10 Feb World Pulses Day Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People

11 Feb International Day of Women and Closing the Gender Gap in Science:
Girls in Science Accelerating Action

12 Feb National Productivity Day Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Productivity Engine

for Economic Growth
12 Feb International Day for the Prevention Living Together: Fostering Community
of Violent Extremism as and when Resilience to Prevent Violent Extremism as
Conducive to Terrorism and when Conducive to Terrorism

13 Feb World Radio Day 2024 Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and
Educating
Second International Epilepsy Day Milestones on My Epilepsy Journey
Monday of
Feb(12)
20 Feb World Day of Social Justice Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances

21 Feb International Mother Language Day Multilingual education – a pillar of learning

and intergenerational learning
27 Feb World NGO Day Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of
NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
28 Feb National Science Day Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat

30

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