Current Affairs Feb 18, 2024
National News
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines.

- ” Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines focus on national benchmarking of Indian ports performance.
- They aim to map and benchmark the logistics performance and efficiency of Indian ports.
- The guidelines also aim to harmonize standards, definitions, and performance with global benchmarks.
- Additionally, they seek to improve the competitiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of the port sector.
“Prime Minister Modi to Lay Foundation Stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Uttar Pradesh”
- Modi to visit Sambhal district to lay the foundation stone and unveil the model of Shri Kalki Dham Temple.
- The temple is being constructed by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, chaired by Acharya Pramod Krishnam.
- The event will be attended by saints, religious leaders, and dignitaries.
- Prime Minister Modi to address the gathering during the event.
“Election Commission to Publish Electoral Bond Details as per Supreme Court Order”
- Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, stated the Commission will publish details of electoral bond donors and receivers by March 13th, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
- The Commission will also act by the Apex Court’s directions on voting methods for upcoming elections.
- The Supreme Court recently ordered the State Bank of India to halt electoral bonds and provide a list of donors to political parties by March 6th.
- Judgment demands the Election Commission to release all electoral bond details by March 13th.
What is an electoral bond?
- reforming political funding in India. They are available in denominations ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1 crore without an upper limit. Purchasable from State Bank of India (SBI) branches, these bonds are intended for political donations to registered political parties.
- Donor Anonymity: Electoral bonds do not reveal the donor’s identity, ensuring anonymity. This provision was introduced to encourage political funding without fear of retribution or reprisal.
- Recipient Criteria: Electoral bonds can be donated only to political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and have secured at least one percent of the votes in recent Lok Sabha or Assembly elections.
PM Modi to Unveil 125-Foot Bir Lachit Borphukan Statue in Jorhat, Assam”

- Prime Minister Modi is likely to unveil the 125-foot statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat.
- The statue will be unveiled at Lahdoigarh, Hollongapar.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extends an invitation to PM Modi to dedicate the statue and pay tribute to Bir Lachit Borphukan.
- The unveiling of the statue is scheduled for the first week of March this year.
Award News
“Nand Kishore Yadav Elected Unopposed as Bihar Vidhan Sabha Speaker”
- Unanimous election following the removal of Awadh Bihari Choudhary via no-confidence motion.
- Nand Kishore Yadav, a seven-time MLA, from Patna Sahib, has a long-standing political career.
- Congratulations from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
- Hope for impartiality in addressing both ruling and opposition concerns.
Agreement News
Engineers India Limited (EIL) has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) to enhance innovation and research.
- The collaboration aims to address challenges in fields like renewable energy, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.
- Both organizations have signed an MoU to initiate collaborative projects focusing on cutting-edge research initiatives.
- Key research domains identified include innovative methods for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals.
Defense News
IAF Demonstrates Offensive and Defensive Capabilities in Joint Exercise”
- Vayu-Shakti 2024 took place at the Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer.
- It showcased the Indian Air Force’s offensive and defensive capabilities, including day and night operations.
- Joint operations with the Indian Army highlighted coordinated efforts between the armed forces.
- The exercise underscores India’s military preparedness and emphasis on joint operations.
Sports News
PV Sindhu and India’s Badminton Team Clinch First-Ever Badminton Asia Team Championships”

- PV Sindhu, Gayatri Gopichand-Treesa Jolly, and Anmol Kharb secured India’s first Badminton Asia Team Championships victory.
- The nail-biting finals saw a 2-2 score after India initially took a 2-0 lead against Thailand.
- The decisive final game was won by India, securing their historic win.