Current Affairs Feb 6, 2024
National news
1) Emerge-2024: Nurturing Innovation Amidst the Coastal Charms of Tannirbhavi Beach”
- Idyllic Venue: Tannirbhavi Beach, neighboring the Blue Flag beach, sets the stage for “Emerge-2024” from Feb 16 to 18. This beach is located in Mangalore
- Tapasya Beach Festival (TBF): The event falls under the TBF banner, emphasizing the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit.
- Innovation Hub: Vishwas US, spearheading the initiative, aims to unite the startup ecosystem by fostering and nurturing emerging startups.
- Coastal Networking: Beyond innovation, the event promises vibrant networking amidst the picturesque coastal backdrop.
- IFIA Involvement: Vishwas US, Regional Director of IFIA Bharat, brings the expertise of the International Federation of Inventors Association to amplify the impact of the initiative.
2Archaeological Marvel Unveiled: Mesolithic Era Rock Paintings Discovered in Peddapalli, Telangana”
- Discovery at Sitamma Loddi, Gattusingaram: Photojournalist D Ravinder Reddy and rock art expert Dr Muralidhar Reddy uncover Mesolithic era rock paintings.
- Hidden Gem in Peddapalli District: The paintings adorn a 1,000-feet long, 50-feet high sandstone rock shelter deep in the forest.
- Mesolithic and Early Historic Significance: Dating back 10,000-12,000 years, the red, white, and yellow-hued paintings span Mesolithic to early historic periods (1st BCE to 6th CE).
- Archaeological Milestone: Considered crucial from an archaeological perspective, these findings enrich Telangana’s cultural heritage.
- Unique Visuals: The dominantly red-colored paintings showcase a significant cultural narrative, offering a glimpse into ancient life during different historical periods.
3) PM Modi Unveils NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project, Boosting Energy Security in Odisha”
- Foundation Stone Laid: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first phase of the NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project in Odisha.
- Dignitaries Present: Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw attend the ceremony.
- Promise Fulfillment: PM Modi assures the government’s commitment to delivering on promises, emphasizing the inauguration and not just laying the foundation.
- Energy Security and Employment: Estimated at ₹27,000 crore, the 2,400 MW Ultra Super Critical Pit Head thermal power project aims to provide round-the-clock electricity and generate employment opportunities.
- Comprehensive Visit: Modi inaugurates and lays foundation stones for projects totaling over ₹68,000 crore, spanning sectors like power, roads, and railways, during his visit to Odisha.
4) Karnataka Government and AIGDF Join Forces for Digital Detox Initiative Targeting Gaming and Social Media”
- Collaborative Effort: The Government of Karnataka partners with the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) for a digital detox initiative, focusing on gaming and social media.
- Announcement at GAFX2024: Minister Priyank Kharge reveals the initiative during the valedictory function of GAFX2024.
- Commitment to Responsible Tech Use: The Digital Detox initiative aligns with the government’s vision of creating a digitally empowered Karnataka through the responsible use of technology.
- Addressing Gaming and Social Media Impact: The initiative aims to raise awareness and promote responsible usage practices, particularly in the domains of gaming and social media.
- Holistic Approach: Reflecting a broader commitment to fostering a healthy digital environment, the initiative represents a significant step towards balancing technology use in the state.
5) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit Resigns, Citing Personal Reasons”
- Resignation Announcement: Banwarilal Purohit resigns as Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator, citing personal reasons and other commitments.
- Letter to President: Purohit submits his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.
- Personal Commitments: The resignation is attributed to Purohit’s personal reasons and additional commitments.
- Vacancy in Key Positions: The departure marks a vacancy in the crucial positions of Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator.
- Official Statement: Purohit officially communicates his decision, leaving the roles he held in the state and union territory.
6) “Foundation Stone Laid for India’s First Digital National Museum of Epigraphy in Hyderabad”
- Inauguration by Union Culture Minister: G Kishan Reddy initiates the establishment of the digital National Museum of Epigraphy at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.
- Archaeological Survey of India’s Initiative: The museum, established by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), aims to house one lakh ancient inscriptions in various languages and from different historical periods.
- Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions (BharatSHRI): The project aligns with the announcement made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman last year, emphasizing the digitization of one lakh ancient inscriptions as part of BharatSHRI.
- Digital Preservation: The museum signifies a shift towards digital preservation, allowing widespread access to valuable historical inscriptions.
- Cultural Heritage: This initiative contributes to the preservation and dissemination of India’s rich cultural heritage through technological advancements in museology.
7. FSSAI Approves Amendments Streamlining Food Safety Regulations, Removes BIS and AGMARK Certification Requirement”
- Regulatory Streamlining: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) approves amendments in its 43rd meeting to streamline food safety and standards regulations.
- Chairmanship of Union Health Secretary: Chaired by Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra in New Delhi, the meeting aims to enhance efficiency in food safety measures.
- Certification Changes: Approved amendments eliminate the requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or AGMARK certification for various food products.
- Wider Impact: The move is expected to simplify compliance processes for food businesses and promote ease of doing business in the food industry.
- Enhanced Regulatory Framework: FSSAI’s decision reflects efforts to modernize and improve the regulatory framework, ensuring food safety standards are in line with evolving industry needs.
Sports news
Abhinav Bindra, India’s First Individual Olympic Gold Medallist, Chosen as Torchbearer for 2024 Paris Games
Key Points:
- Abhinav Bindra, winner of gold in men’s 10m air rifle at 2008 Beijing Olympics, selected as a torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
- Bindra will participate in the Olympic torch relay taking place from April 16 to July 26, leading up to the games from July 26 to August 11.
- The announcement highlights Bindra’s significant role and recognition in Indian sports history, marking India’s first individual gold medallist at the Olympics.
Economy
1) Bhutan Tops Recipients: Indian Government Allocates ₹6,541.79 Crore in Grants and Loans in Interim Budget 2024″
- Budget Highlights: Bhutan emerges as the leading recipient of Indian government grants and loans in the interim budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Financial Allocation: The Indian government disburses ₹6,541.79 crore to foreign governments, surpassing the budget estimates for 2023-24 set at ₹5,848.58 crore.
- Grant-Lending Breakdown: Of the total amount, ₹4,927.43 crore is allocated as a grant, and ₹1,614.36 crore as a loan, as per the revised estimates for 2023-24.
- Strategic Relations: The financial support underscores the close ties and strategic partnership between India and Bhutan.
- Budget Implications: The budget documents reveal Bhutan’s significant position as a key beneficiary of Indian aid, signaling ongoing diplomatic and economic cooperation.
2) Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir’s Interim Budget 2024-25: Total Estimates at ₹1.18 Lakh Crore, Emphasizes Fiscal Priorities”
- Interim Budget Presentation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils the interim budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with total estimates of ₹1.18 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.
- Budget Breakdown: The budget includes expected revenue receipts of ₹97,861 crore and capital receipts of ₹20,867 crore, excluding the provision for ways and means advances.
- Fiscal Priorities: The presentation in Lok Sabha focuses on outlining key fiscal priorities and allocations for the Union Territory in the upcoming financial year.
- Supplementary Demands for Grants: Sitharaman also presents Supplementary Demands for Grants for the fiscal year 2023-24, underscoring the financial requirements for ongoing initiatives and projects.
- Financial Planning: The interim budget reflects the government’s financial planning to address the developmental needs and requirements of Jammu and Kashmir in the specified period.
Science and tech
GHAR Portal Launched for Digital Monitoring of Child Restoration Under Juvenile Justice Act”
- Digital Oversight: Ministry of Women and Child Development introduces GHAR portal for digital monitoring and tracking of children’s restoration under Juvenile Justice Act.
- Track Child Portal: Developed to track missing and found children nationwide, including states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, North Eastern States, and Jharkhand.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Implementation involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways, State Governments, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, and National Legal Services Authority.
- Standard Operating Procedures: “TrackChild” Portal is guided by standard operating procedures, ensuring a systematic approach to child tracking and restoration.
- Interoperability with CCTNS: Integrated with Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network Systems for seamless matching of F.I.Rs with TrackChild’s database, enhancing the effectiveness of tracing missing children by State/UT police.
- “Khoya-Paya” Component: Allows citizens to report missing or sighted children, promoting community involvement in child tracking efforts.
oleg Kononenko Sets World Record for Most Time Spent in Space
- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko achieves a historic milestone by spending the most time in space, surpassing Gennady Padalka’s previous record of 878 days.
- Kononenko broke the record at 0830 GMT, marking a significant achievement in the history of space exploration.
- His dedication and contributions to space missions have positioned him as a prominent figure in human spaceflight.
- The 59-year-old cosmonaut surpassed Padalka’s record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in space.
Polity news
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 Introduced in Lok Sabha to Ensure Transparency and Credibility”
- Legislative Introduction: Minister of State for Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh introduces the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha.
- Objective: The Bill aims to curb unfair means in public examinations, promoting transparency, fairness, and credibility in the examination system.
- Reassuring Youth: Focused on reassuring the youth, the legislation seeks to ensure that sincere efforts will be justly rewarded, providing a secure future for the aspirants.
- Legal Deterrence: The Bill is designed to legally deter individuals, organized groups, or institutions involved in unfair practices that undermine public examination systems for monetary gains.
- Youth Empowerment: By preventing unfair means, the legislation aligns with the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 Introduced in Rajya Sabha for Strengthening Environmental Regulations”
- Legislative Update: Minister of State for Environment, Ashwani Choubey introduces the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha.
- Amendment Objective: The bill aims to amend the existing Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, with a focus on enhancing measures for preventing and controlling water pollution.
- Environmental Strengthening: The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen environmental regulations, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and pollution-free water resources.
- Modernizing Legislation: The introduction aligns with the government’s efforts to modernize environmental laws, addressing contemporary challenges and ensuring robust pollution control mechanisms.
- Parliamentary Process: The bill will undergo the parliamentary process for further discussion, examination, and potential incorporation of suggestions or amendments before potential enactment.
Ranks and reports
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, has secured the second rank in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024 with a score of 80.3, and is ranked the top Indian.
Bank news
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided Rs 9,013.72 crore to the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) after the bank invoked Government of India (GoI) guarantees on decade-old loans extended to some African countries. • These loans were classified as “doubtful debts” in Financial Year(FY) 2023-24
Appointment news
Ranveer Singh Invests in boAt: Key Points
- Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has invested in the lifestyle brand boAt, becoming a stakeholder and the official face of the brand’s audio products.
- Singh’s partnership with boAt signifies a strategic move for the brand, adding him to their list of brand ambassadors alongside other notable celebrities and sports personalities.
- This investment highlights the growing trend of celebrities and influencers actively participating in the business world, leveraging their star power and influence in various industriesTop of Form.