Current Affairs Feb 10, 2024
National news
Contrasting Economic Policies: UPA vs NDA
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s White Paper on the Indian Economy underscores the sharp disparity between the economic strategies of the UPA and the current NDA government.
- It emphasizes the transformation from economic vulnerability to achieving a position among the top five global economies under the NDA administration.
- Critiques UPA’s governance for economic mismanagement, fiscal irresponsibility, and corruption during the period of 2004-2014.
- Highlights policy paralysis under the UPA, resulting in delays in project execution and missed opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Labels the UPA era as a “lost decade” due to its failure to prioritize infrastructure development and asset creation.
Miss World 2024: Return to India
- The 71st edition of Miss World will take place in India from February 18 to March 9.
- This marks the pageant’s return to India after nearly three decades.
- The event will kick off with “The Opening Ceremony” and “India Welcomes the World Gala” in New Delhi on February 20, organized by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
Arvind Kejriwal Announces Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free bus travel for the transgender community in the national capital, citing their often neglected status in society and advocating for their equal rights.
- The proposal will undergo Cabinet approval soon, with the scheme expected to be implemented within a few weeks, according to Kejriwal.
- This initiative aims to provide greater accessibility and support for the transgender community, ensuring their participation in public transportation without financial barriers.
International news
Strengthening Nuclear Cooperation: India-Russia Agreement
- India and Russia have bolstered their longstanding nuclear collaboration through the signing of a protocol amending the 2008 intergovernmental agreement.
- The agreement primarily focuses on expanding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project with additional reactors and the establishment of Russia-designed nuclear power plants at new sites in India.
- The Russian delegation conducted inspections of ongoing construction at Kudankulam, particularly for reactors 3 to 6, reflecting discussions on sustained cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.
- This agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their partnership in the field of nuclear energy, contributing to India’s energy security and technological advancement.
Award
Noida Authority Receives Water Warrior Award for Sustainable Initiatives
- The Noida Authority has been honored with the Water Warrior Award for its commendable efforts in implementing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and water conservation measures.
- This recognition underscores Noida Authority’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in managing water resources.
- The award highlights the authority’s initiatives towards enhancing water quality, ensuring proper sewage treatment, and promoting sustainable water management practices in the region.Top of Form
Appointment news
Ravi Kumar Jha Appointed Managing Director and CEO of LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management
- LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management has named Ravi Kumar Jha as its Managing Director and Chief Executive, leveraging his extensive 30-year experience at LIC.
- Jha held diverse roles within LIC, notably serving in corporate strategy until December 2023, showcasing his strategic acumen and leadership capabilities.
- Aged 57, Jha brings a solid educational background, holding a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Ranchi University, enhancing his qualifications for the new role.
Ajay Kumar Choudhary Named NPCI’s Non-Executive Chairman
- Ajay Kumar Choudhary appointed as the new non-executive chairman and independent director of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- The appointment reflects NPCI’s focus on strengthening its leadership team.
- Choudhary’s extensive experience and expertise are expected to contribute significantly to NPCI’s strategic direction and growth.
Sports news
IFAB Introduces Blue Card for Sin Bins in Professional Football
Key Points:
- The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to introduce the blue card as part of trials involving sin bins in professional football, alongside the traditional yellow and red cards.
- The blue card will be utilized as a disciplinary tool specifically for dissent and cynical fouls, leading to temporary exclusions of players to the sin bin.
- IFAB, as the governing body responsible for football’s laws, aims to enhance disciplinary measures with the inclusion of blue cards, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards unsportsmanlike behaviour.
- This initiative reflects IFAB’s commitment to promoting fair play and respect within the sport, while also addressing concerns related to dissent and cynical play during matches.
Economy news
EPFO Sets Three-Year High Interest Rate of 8.25% for Fiscal Year 2023-24
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has fixed a three-year high-interest rate of 8.25 percent on Employees’ Provident Fund deposits for the fiscal year 2023-24.
- The decision was made at the 235th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPFO, chaired by Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi.
- Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that the move aims to strengthen social security for India’s workforce, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment.
- The interest rate announcement comes as a significant measure to support the financial well-being of employees and ensure the growth of their provident fund savings.
Banking news
SBI Market Capitalization Hits ₹6 Lakh Crore, Second PSU to Achieve Milestone
- State Bank of India (SBI) saw a 3.80% surge, reaching an all-time high of ₹675 per share during today’s intraday session.
- This surge pushed SBI’s market capitalization beyond ₹6 lakh crore, making it the second PSU company after Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to achieve this milestone.
Important date
World Pulse Day is observed on February 10th each year to raise awareness about the importance of pulses in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
- Pulses, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are nutritious and environmentally friendly crops that contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture.