Current Affairs Feb 25, 2024
National News
Bharat Tex 2024: Showcasing India’s Textile Prowess and Sustainability Leadership

- Bharat Tex 2024 is a Global Textile Expo held in New Delhi from 26-29 February 2024.
- The event aims to showcase India’s textile prowess and sustainability initiatives.
- Organized by eleven Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India.
- The expo highlights India’s rich heritage and potential in the global textile market.
- It serves as an opportunity to showcase India’s strength across the entire textile value chain.
Turtle Conservation Reserve Planned in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda District

- The Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda, in coordination with the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India, is establishing a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River, a tributary of Ghaghra.
- Gonda is known for its rich turtle diversity.
- A detailed proposal has been sent to the state government for approval.
- The project is based on six years of monitoring and studying turtle species, flora, fauna, and biodiversity.
- The reserve aims to conserve and protect turtle species and their habitats, thereby promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.
- It also aims to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of conserving these species and their habitats.
IIT Guwahati & EduRade Launch India’s Largest Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO)

- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and EduRade, a brand owned by RC HobbyTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., have collaborated to launch India’s largest Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO).
- The RPTO is incubated at IIT Guwahati Research Park.
- The primary objective is to promote the advancement of drone technology in India.
- This initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia in the field of drone technology.
Award News
Suresh Wadkar Receives the Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar Award

- Veteran playback singer Suresh Wadkar was honored with the prestigious Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar Award.
- The award ceremony took place in Mumbai, where Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented Wadkar with special mementos.
- The award recognizes Wadkar’s significant contributions to the Indian music industry and his exceptional vocal talent.
Award details:
- Name: Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar Award
- Significance: Honors contributions in music, especially in playback singing
- Namesake: Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar
- Criteria: Recognizes artists with exceptional vocal talent, artistic merit, and lasting impact
- Symbolism: Represents recognition for outstanding achievements and contributions in music.
Agreements News
Goa Set to Become First Indian State to Access World Bank Climate Fund

- Goa will be the first state in India to access the World Bank climate fund.
- The World Bank delegation is in Goa to discuss the utilization of funds for climate action and sustainable development projects.
- The discussions focus on projects related to climate resilience, disaster management, and sustainable water management in Goa.
- The climate fund aims to support states in implementing projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Who is the World Bank?
- Purpose: Provides loans and grants to low and middle-income countries for development projects.
- Institutions: Comprises the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States.
- Governance: Run by a board of governors with a representative from each of the 189 member countries.
- Funding: Raises funds through bonds and contributions from member countries.
- Focus Areas: Develop projects in areas such as agriculture, education, environment, finance, health, and social protection.
Bank News
Paymart partners with 5 Indian Banks to Offer Virtual ATM Services

- Paymart, a fintech startup, has partnered with five prominent Indian banks, including IDBI Bank, Indian Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, and Karur Vyasa Bank.
- Virtual ATM: The innovative service provides cardless and hardware-less cash withdrawals, effectively turning local shops into essential hubs for banking services.
- The service was piloted successfully with IDBI Bank for over six months before being rolled out nationwide.
- This initiative aims to empower local shopkeepers and enhance banking accessibility, especially in remote or underserved areas.