Current Affairs Feb 5, 2024
National news
1) “Foundation Stone Laid for Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN) in Dibrugarh, Assam, Marking a ₹100 Crore Investment in Holistic Healthcare.”
- Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Chief Minister Assam laid the foundation stone for CRIYN and a 100-bedded Naturopathy hospital at Dihing Khamtighat in Dibrugarh.
- The institution aims to integrate traditional knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy with modern technology.
- An investment of approximately ₹100 crores reflects a significant step towards promoting holistic healthcare in the region.
- CRIYN aspires to set benchmark standards in education, preventive healthcare, and research in Yoga and Naturopathy.
- Scientific validation of traditional medicine practices will be a cornerstone, fostering evidence-based research and promoting international collaboration.
2) “Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Proposing Ban on Polygamy and Child Marriage.”
Important Points:
- Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approves the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill.
- The bill, based on recommendations from a government-appointed committee, addresses issues like polygamy and child marriage.
- The proposed UCC advocates for a uniform marriageable age and divorce procedures, aiming for standardized civil laws.
- The bill is scheduled to be presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6.
- If passed, Uttarakhand would become the first state post-Independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, emphasizing equal civil laws for citizens regardless of religious affiliations.
3) Adani Group Unveils $1.2 Billion Plan for World’s Largest Copper Manufacturing Plant in Mundra, Gujarat.”
Important Points:
- Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, is constructing the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat.
- The $1.2 billion facility is set to commence its first phase operations by March-end, with a targeted full-scale production capacity of 1 million tonnes by 2029.
- The strategic initiative supports India’s aim to reduce dependence on copper imports.
- The project aligns with global efforts towards sustainable energy sources, contributing to the green energy transition.
- The Mundra plant signifies a significant step in enhancing domestic copper production and meeting the growing demand for the metal in various industries
4) “Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Launches Pilot Projects on Green Hydrogen Usage in Shipping and Steel Sectors under National Green Hydrogen Mission.”
Important Points:
- On February 1, 2024, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) unveils guidelines for the “Scheme of Pilot Projects on Use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector” under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
- The scheme, with a total budget outlay of Rs 115 crore until the financial year 2025-26, aims to promote the use of green hydrogen in the shipping industry.
- On February 2, 2024, MNRE releases guidelines for another initiative, the “Scheme for Pilot Projects on the Use of Green Hydrogen in the Steel Sector” under NGHM.
- This scheme targets the steel sector and is part of the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on sustainable hydrogen applications.
- Both initiatives signify strategic steps towards reducing carbon footprint and promoting green energy in crucial sectors of shipping and steel production.
5) “NRLPS and BRAC International Ink MoU for Inclusive Implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).”
Important Points:
- National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (NRLPS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BRAC International.
- The MoU aims to enhance the inclusion of the poorest of the poor under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, and CEO of NRLPS, and Ms. Shweta S Banerjee, Country lead for India at BRAC International, formalize the agreement.
- The collaboration reflects a concerted effort to uplift marginalized communities through the promotion of rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation.
- The MoU signifies a strategic partnership towards achieving the goals of DAY-NRLM, emphasizing inclusivity and socio-economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
Award news
1) “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Honours Dr Bina Modi as ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year – 2023’ at IACC Conference.”
Important Points:
- Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, presented the “Outstanding Business Woman of the Year – 2023” Award to Dr Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, KK Modi Group.
- The recognition acknowledges Dr Bina Modi’s significant contributions to the industry.
- The award ceremony took place during the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) conference held in New Delhi.
- Dr Bina Modi’s leadership and achievements were lauded, marking her as a standout figure in the business community.
- The honour reflects the acknowledgment of women’s excellence and leadership in the business arena.
2) “Ministry of Home Affairs Introduces ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ by Consolidating Four Medals, Recognizing Excellence in Security Operations.”
Important Points:
- On February 1, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) establishes the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ by merging four existing medals.
- The merged medals include the Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal, Medal for Excellence in Investigation, Asadharan Assuchana Kushalata Padak, and Awards for Meritorious Service in Forensic Science.
- The newly instituted medal will be awarded for successful significant operations directly impacting the security of the State/Union Territory (UT), region, or country.
- Recognized areas for the award include Counter-Terrorism, Border Action, Arms Control, Left Wing Extremism, Prevention of Narcotics Smuggling, and Rescue Operations.
- Personnel from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance (MoF), are eligible for consideration under the category of “Prevention of Narcotics Smuggling.”
ECONOMY NEWS
Fitch Rating, an internatinal credit rating agency, stated that the interim Budget of 2024- 2025 by the Government of India does not change the sovereign credit profile of India. Fitch Ratings estimates that India’s fiscal deficit for financial year 2024-2025 (FY25) to reach 5.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is above the budget target of 5.1%.
BANKING NEWS
“IRDAI Mandates Coverage for AYUSH Treatments in Health Insurance Policies from April 1, 2024.”
Important Points:
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issues guidelines compelling general and health insurance companies to include coverage for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) treatments in health insurance policies, effective from April 1, 2024.
- The circular is in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the IRDA Act, 1999, demonstrating regulatory measures to enhance healthcare coverage options.
- The Ministry of Ayush (MOA) established a ‘Core Group of Experts for the Insurance Sector’ in 2023, contributing to the formulation of these guidelines.
- The move aims to promote holistic healthcare and integrate traditional AYUSH treatments into mainstream health insurance offerings.
- This directive reflects a significant step towards acknowledging and incorporating diverse healthcare approaches within the insurance framework.
SCIENCE AND TECH
“Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Advances Genetic Research with Human and Wildlife DNA Banks, Showcasing India’s Innovation and Commitment to Make in India.”
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) takes a significant leap in scientific progress by initiating the establishment of the Human DNA Bank and nearing completion of the Wildlife DNA Bank.
- These endeavors underscore India’s commitment to innovation and indigenous manufacturing, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
- Cutting-edge technologies, including the Automated DNA Extractor Machine, power these initiatives, showcasing Indian ingenuity in genetic research.
- The Human DNA Bank and Wildlife DNA Bank at BHU represent pivotal milestones, facilitating comprehensive studies in personalized medicine and wildlife conservation.
- The use of advanced technologies exemplifies BHU’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of genetic research for societal and environmental advancements.