Current Affairs Feb 19, 2024

Current Affairs Feb 19, 2024

DAILY-CURRENT-AFFAIRS-BY-EDUSPRINT

Current Affairs Feb 19, 2024

NATIONAL NEWS

1) President Assents to Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

President Assents to Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 - edusprint
President Assents to Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 – edusprint
  • The Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, aims to prevent malpractices in government recruitment exams.
  • It defines offenses related to public examinations conducted by various government bodies like UPSC, SSC, RRB, NTA, IBPS, etc.
  • The Act will come into force upon notification by the central government in the official Gazette.
  • The objective is to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examination systems, rewarding the sincere efforts of youth.

The Bill prohibits collusion or conspiracy to facilitate unfair means, including:

  • Unauthorized access or leakage of question papers or answer keys.
  • Assisting a candidate during a public examination.
  • Tampering with computer networks.
  • Conducting fake examinations.
  • Issuing fake admit cards and offer letters.

Penalties under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

  • Offenders may face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 10 years.
  • Fines may range from Rs. 10 lakhs to 1 crore.

2) Cochin International Airport and Bharath Petroleum Corporation MoU for Green Hydrogen Plant

Cochin International Airport and Bharath Petroleum Corporation MoU for Green Hydrogen Plant
Cochin International Airport and Bharath Petroleum Corporation MoU for Green Hydrogen Plant

  • Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) signed an MoU with Bharath Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish the world’s first green hydrogen plant and fueling station at Cochin International Airport in Ernakulam, Kerala.
  • The pilot project will have a capacity of 1000 kilowatts (KW) and will be set up within the airport premises.
  • The initiative aims to promote sustainable aviation by producing green hydrogen for fueling aircraft and reducing carbon emissions.

What is green hydrogen?

  • Production Method: Produced through electrolysis, splitting water molecules using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power.
  • Environmental Impact: Unlike traditional methods, green hydrogen production emits no greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly.
  • Carbon Emissions: Generates no carbon emissions, contributing to efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Sustainability: Sourced from renewable energy, making it a sustainable energy carrier for various applications.
  • Applications: Can be used as a clean fuel in transportation, industry, and power generation sectors.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL):

  • BPCL is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) operating under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
  • Established in 1952 as Burmah Shell Refineries Limited, it was later renamed BPCL in 1977.
  • Chairman & Managing Director (CMD): G Krishnakumar.
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

SCHEME NEWS

Odisha’s Swatantra Yuva Udyami Scheme (SWAYAM)

Odisha's Swatantra Yuva Udyami Scheme (SWAYAM)
Odisha’s Swatantra Yuva Udyami Scheme (SWAYAM)
  • The Odisha cabinet approved the establishment of the Swatantra Yuva Udyami Scheme (SWAYAM) to promote self-employment among unemployed/underemployed youths in the state.
  • Eligible youths aged 18-35 residing in rural and urban areas of Odisha can avail interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to start new businesses or expand existing ones.
  • The scheme aims to empower youths by fostering entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment rates in the state.

Odisha state:

  1. Formation: Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, was formed on April 1, 1936, and became a separate state of India.
  2. Capital: Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and serves as its administrative, economic, and cultural center.
  3. Chief minister: Naveen Patnaik
  4. Bird: Indian roller

Haryana’s ‘Van Mitra’ Scheme: Encouraging Community Participation in Tree Plantation

Encouraging Community Participation in Tree Plantation - edusorint
Encouraging Community Participation in Tree Plantation – edusorint
  • To empower local communities to participate in expanding Haryana’s green cover, enhance survival rates of newly planted trees, and increase tree plantation in non-forest lands outside traditional forest zones.

Eligibility: Families with an annual income below Rs 1.80 lakh can join the scheme. Eligible individuals aged 18 to 60 will be identified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) data maintained by the Citizens Resources Information Department (CRID).

Financial Incentives: Each ‘van mitra’ receives incentives based on the maintenance of plants for up to 4 years, with a maximum of 1,000 saplings. Rs 20 per pit is awarded in the first year, followed by Rs 30 for each sapling planted thereafter, with payments directly made into their accounts as per the Direct Transfer Benefit (DBT) policy.

Haryana state:

  • Capital: Chandigarh
  • Chief minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
  • Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
  • Formation: 1 November 1966

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CSocD62 Session Chaired by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

CSocD62 Session Chaired by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj - edusprint
CSocD62 Session Chaired by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj – edusprint

  • Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, chaired the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development.
  • The session took place from February 5th to 14th, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
  • India’s chairing marked the first time since 1975.
  • Poland is scheduled to chair the 63rd session of the CSocD in 2025.

About CSocD: The CSocD is the advisory body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves as a crucial intergovernmental platform responsible for the social development pillar of global development. CSocD was initially established as Social Commission in 1946. ECOSOC renamed the commission as Commission for Social Development in 1966.

BANKING NEWS

the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched ‘LIC Amritbaal Plan 874’, a new Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Savings, Life Insurance plan.

LIC Amritbaal Plan 874 - edusorint current affairs
LIC Amritbaal Plan 874 – edusorint current affairs

  • The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched ‘LIC Amritbaal Plan 874’ on February 17, 2024.
  • It is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Savings, Life Insurance plan.
  • Aimed at meeting the higher education and other financial needs of the child.

Eligibility and Parameters:

  • Age of Entry: 30 days to 13 years.
  • Maturity Age: 18 years to 25 years.
  • Premium Paying Mode: Yearly, Half Yearly, Quarterly, Monthly, and Single.
  • Policy Term: For single premium payment – minimum 5 years & maximum 25 years. For Limited Premium payment – minimum 10 years & maximum 25 years.
  • Sum Assured: Minimum Rs 2 lakhs (No limit on Maximum Sum Assured).

Features of LIC Amritbaal Plan 874:

  • Risk Cover for Child: Provides risk cover on the life of the child during the policy term.
  • Accumulation of Corpus: Facilitates corpus accumulation through Guaranteed Addition of Rs 80 per 1000 Basic Sum Assured throughout the Policy Term.
  • Tax Benefits: Premiums paid are exempted from income tax under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

About Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India: Interim Chairman – Siddhartha Mohanty Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra Established in – 1956

Science and Tech News

NASA and JAXA Unveil LignoSat: World’s First Wooden Satellite

LignoSat - world's first wooden satellite - edusprint
LignoSat – world’s first wooden satellite – edusprint

  • NASA and JAXA team up with Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.  Lignose probe constructed from magnolia tree wood.  Aims to revolutionize spaceflight with biodegradable spacecraft materials.

NASA

  • NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and aeronautics and aerospace research.
  • It was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
  • Bill Nelson was sworn in as the 14th NASA Administrator on May 3, 2021

JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

ISRO Launches YUVIKA: Young Scientist Programme

Young Scientist Programme by ISRO - Edusprint academy
Young Scientist Programme by ISRO – Edusprint academy
  • Initiative: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) introduces YUVIKA to nurture curiosity in space science among children and youth.
  • Objective: Impart fundamental knowledge of Space Science, Technology, and Applications, with a focus on rural areas.
  • Scope: Aims to engage and inspire young minds, fostering interest and potential future involvement in space research and technology.

Award News

Jnanpith Award 2023: Honouring Literary Excellence

Jnanpith Award 2023 Honouring Literary Excellence - Edusprint
Jnanpith Award 2023 Honouring Literary Excellence – Edusprint
  • Recipients: Renowned Urdu poet and Bollywood figure Gulzar, and eminent Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, were selected for the prestigious award.
  • Significance: Recognition of their contributions underscores the diversity and richness of Indian literary heritage.
  • 58th Edition: Marks a significant milestone in celebrating literary excellence in India.

Jnanpith Award: India’s Premier Literary Honor

  • Description: The Jnanpith Award is considered the highest literary award in India, recognizing outstanding contributions to literature.
  • Recipients: Celebrated figures in the world of letters are honored annually for their exceptional literary works.
  • Recognition: Awarded for literary excellence across diverse languages, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of India.
  • Legacy: Established in 1961, the award has recognized luminaries from various linguistic backgrounds, spanning classical to contemporary literature.

Karnataka Leads India in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Karnataka Leads India in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - edusprint
Karnataka Leads India in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure – edusprint
  • Leadership: Karnataka emerges as the top state in EV infrastructure development, with 5,059 public charging stations.
  • Statistics: Maharashtra and Delhi follow with 3,079 and 1,886 stations respectively.
  • Notable Numbers: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan also contribute significantly to the EV charging network.

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