Current Affairs Feb 11, 2024
National news
“Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Boosting Fisheries Sector and Micro-enterprises”
Important Points:
- Investment and Duration: The scheme, operational from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27, receives an estimated outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore, split equally between public and private sectors.
- Beneficiaries: Targeting fishers, fish farmers, vendors, micro-enterprises, cooperatives, self-help groups, and others involved in fisheries value chains, fostering formalization and support within the sector.
“Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates ONGC Sea Survival Centre and Unveils India Energy Week 2024 in Goa”
Important Points:
- Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the ONGC Sea Survival Centre at Betul village in South Goa, enhancing safety measures for offshore activities.
- Launch Event: Modi unveils India Energy Week 2024, marking significant developments and initiatives in the energy sector.
- Foundation Stone Laying: The Prime Minister lays the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 1,330 crores as part of the Viksit Goa 2047 program, aimed at infrastructure development.
- Schedule: Modi inaugurated the Sea Survival Centre at 10:30 am, followed by the launch of India Energy Week 2024 at 10:45 am, and attended a demonstration of sea survival training and safety drills.
- Significance: These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing safety standards, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering infrastructure growth in Goa and beyond.
Banking news
“ADB’s $200 Million Loan for Brahmaputra River Flood and Erosion Risk Management in Assam”
Important Points:
- Strengthening Risk Management:
- Implementing a holistic approach for flood and riverbank erosion risk management.
- Prioritizing long-term planning and bolstering support for climate and disaster resilience.
- Benefiting Communities:
- Empowering women through disaster-resilient economic activities.
- Project estimated to benefit around 1 million people and increase crop production on 50,000 hectares.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Stabilizing 60 km of riverbanks and installing 32 km of pro-siltation measures.
- Constructing 4 km of climate-resilient flood embankments in priority districts.
International news
Iran Launches Visa-Waiver Programme for Indian Citizens: Facilitating Tourism”
Who Qualifies for Visa-Free:
- Indian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Iran for up to 15 days under the new visa-waiver programme, enhancing accessibility for Indian tourists.
Award news
“Pyarelal Sharma Receives Laxminarayan International Award at Global Music Festival”
- Renowned Recognition: Pyarelal Sharma, esteemed musician, honored with the prestigious Laxminarayan International Award.
- Award Presentation: L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam presented the award to Pyarelal Sharma during the Laxminarayan Global Music Festival.
- Significance: The award acknowledges Sharma’s exceptional contributions to the field of music and celebrates his outstanding talent and achievements.
Sports news
“Neeraj Chopra Honored with Plaque at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland’s ‘Top of Europe'”
Important Points:
- Recognition of Achievement: India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra honored with a plaque at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland.
- Unveiling Ceremony: Chopra unveiled the commemorative plaque at the famous Ice Palace, acknowledging his remarkable accomplishments.
- Donation Gesture: Chopra donated one of his javelins to the tourist attraction, which has been displayed alongside the plaque.
- Significance: The gesture highlights Chopra’s international recognition and celebrates his achievements as a sports icon representing India on a global stage.
India and Bangladesh Declared Joint Champions of SAFF U19 Women’s Championship After Dramatic Penalty Shoot-out”
Important Points:
- Joint Champions: India and Bangladesh declared joint champions of the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Intense Contest: India led with an early goal by Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, but Sagorika’s injury-time equalizer for Bangladesh took the match into penalties.
- Dramatic Penalty Shoot-out: The shoot-out remained tied at 11-11 as every player converted their penalties, leading to an extraordinary display of skill and nerve.
- Coin Toss Controversy: India initially won the coin toss to determine the winners, but the decision was later revoked, leading to a prolonged delay.
- Trophy Shared: After more than two hours of waiting, the decision was made to share the trophy, marking India’s fourth age-group title in women’s SAFF competition history and the first on Bangladeshi soil.
Science and tech
“NASA’s Newest Climate Satellite, PACE, Launched to Study Oceans and Atmosphere”
- Mission Overview: SpaceX successfully launched NASA’s PACE satellite, aimed at studying the world’s oceans and atmosphere with unprecedented detail.
- Launch Details: The satellite was launched on SpaceX’s Falcon rocket, achieving a rare polar orbit over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Study Duration: PACE is slated to spend at least three years in orbit, studying the oceans from 420 miles above the Earth’s surface, along with analyzing the atmosphere.
- Instrumentation: PACE will utilize two science instruments to scan the globe daily, with a third instrument taking monthly measurements.
- Scientific Significance: Project scientist Jeremy Werdell emphasized the importance of PACE, stating it will provide an unparalleled view of Earth, aiding in climate research and understanding environmental changes.
Important date
every year on February 11th, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS). This day serves as a crucial reminder of the immense contributions women and girls have made, and continue to make, in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Yet, the celebration also highlights the persistent gender gap that remains a reality in these fields. Theme of this year “ is women and girls in science leadership a new era for sustanibility”
