Current Affairs Feb 24, 2024
National News
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain Shares Insights on FY24 Highway Construction Progress
- Despite challenges such as extended monsoons and a stricter review process, significant strides have been made in capacity augmentation and widening existing highways.
- Construction Targets: An estimated 12,000-13,000 kilometers of highway construction is targeted for FY24.
Last Quarter Focus: Expectation of substantial construction activity in the last quarter, aiming for 4,500-5,000 km between February and March 2024.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Officeholders: Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister), Mansukh L. Mandaviya (Minister of State)
- Jurisdiction: India
- Founded: July 1942
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Collaborates with IIM Shillong for Gati Shakti Research Chair
- First in India: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong to establish the first ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair’ in India.
- Focus Area: The initiative aims to enhance academic research in multimodal logistics, particularly focusing on the North-East region.
What is Gati Shakti?
Prime Minister Gati Shakti (PMGS): National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity
- Objective: To integrate 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways via a digital platform for coordinated infrastructure connectivity projects.
Key Features:
- Seamless and integrated multi-modal connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.
- Last-mile connectivity and reduced travel time.
- Inclusion of various schemes and economic zones to improve competitiveness.
- Incorporated Infrastructure Schemes:
- Bharatmala
- Sagarmala
- Inland waterways
- Dry/land ports
- UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik)
- Economic Zones Covered:
- Textile clusters
- Pharmaceutical clusters
- Defense corridors
- Electronic parks
- Industrial corridors
- Fishing clusters
- Agriculture zones
- Purpose: Enhance economic growth, efficiency, and employment opportunities in India.
International News
Philippines Ratifies Violence and Harassment Convention 2019
- First in Asia: The Philippines becomes the first Asian country to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (No. 190) as announced by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
- Comprehensive Address: The convention addresses workplace violence and harassment comprehensively, marking a crucial step towards ensuring safe and respectful work environments globally.
Philippines country:
- Capital: Manila
- Official Language: Filipino (Tagalog), English
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- President: Rodrigo Duterte
Banking News
Bank of Baroda Forecasts India’s GDP Growth for FY24-25
- GDP Growth Forecast: Bank of Baroda forecasts India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for fiscal years 2024-25 at approximately 6.75-6.8%, with a growth rate of 6.8% estimated for FY24.
- Sectoral Performance Insights: Alongside the GDP forecast, the bank provides insights into sectoral performance and economic indicators.
Bank of Baroda:
- Founder: Sayajirao Gaekwad III
- Founded: 20 July 1908, Vadodara
- Headquarters: Alkapuri, Vadodara
Sports News
Jacintha Kalyan: India’s First Female Pitch Curator
- Jacintha Kalyan has etched her name in the annals of sports history as India’s first female pitch curator.
- Her journey to becoming India’s first female curator is nothing short of inspiring.
Appointment News
A S Rajeev Appointed as Vigilance Commissioner of CVC
A S Rajeev, former Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, has been appointed as the Vigilance Commissioner of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Overview:
- Established in 1964
- Objective: To monitor and advise on vigilance activities
- Jurisdiction: Over central government officials, ministries, departments, PSUs, and banks
- Independence: Autonomous, reports to the President
- Appointment: President appoints Commissioners and vigilance commissioners based on committee recommendations
- Term: Four years or age 65, whichever is earlier
- Powers: Supervise CBI in corruption cases, advise on vigilance policies
- Functions: To enhance vigilance and prevent corruption in public sector organizations.
Agreement News
Nokia and IISc Partner to Pioneer 6G Technology Research in India
- Nokia and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have united to pioneer 6G technology research and its real-world applications, with a particular focus on India. –
- his collaboration is headquartered at Nokia’s newly inaugurated 6G Lab in Bengaluru.
- The collaboration will delve into various facets of 6G technology, from radio technologies to architecture, while integrating machine learning into the 6G air interface.
Important Days
India Observes Central Excise Day on February 24th
- Historical Tribute: Central Excise Day is observed annually on February 24th, commemorating the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944.
- Foundation of CBIC: This significant day marks the foundation of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), a pivotal institution in the administration of indirect taxes in India.
