Daily Current Affairs 11th & 12th February, 2024
Daily Current Affairs 11 & 12 February 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Vividhata Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Amrit Mahotsav of Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey’ at the Amrit Udyan of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This cultural festival aims to showcase the cultural heritage of Northeast India by showcasing its diversity and heritage.
- The ‘Vividhata Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is being organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan to celebrate and showcase the rich diversity of India. This Mahotsav has been structured in the seven distinct editions dedicated to – North-East, South, North, East, West, Central region and Union Territories.
- The first edition of this celebration focuses on the North-East. This Mahotsav showcases beauty, rich heritage and vibrant cultures of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim.
NADA hosts ‘Road To Paris 2024: Championing Clean Sports And Uniting For Anti-Doping’ Conference
With the Paris Olympic Games approaching, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) hosted the “Road to Paris 2024: Championing Clean Sports and Uniting for Anti-Doping” Conference. 
- The event aimed to educate Indian athletes about the dangers of prohibited substances while emphasizing ethical competition.
- Anurag Singh Thakur virtually inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Nutritional Supplements Testing (CoE-NSTS) at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- NADA unveiled “The Paris Pinnacle: NADA’s Guide to Ethical Sporting,” a comprehensive resource providing guidelines for athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics 2024.The guide aims to empower athletes to compete ethically and uphold fair play principles.
Principal Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood launches Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI) Portal in New Delhi
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Prof Ajay Kumar Sood launched “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal, aimed at creating a single online portal representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine). 
- Launching the Portal on the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science(11th February) at Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, Prof Sood said, the database of SWATI Portal will serve in policy making to address the challenges of Gender-gap.
- The Portal is a complete interactive database; and the first-of-its-kind in India which is developed, hosted and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi under the leadership of Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director, NIPGR, New Delhi.
TN Minister launches ‘Smart Cards’ for startups
StartupTN has launched Smart Card and other new initiatives to meet the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs in the early stage of building their startup.
- StartupTN is backed by the Tamil Nadu government and aims to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem in the state to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship-driven employment and economic growth.
- The Smart Card initiative offers a comprehensive selection of products and services at subsidised rates to entrepreneurs. Some of the services offered pertain to legal and compliance, marketing and business consulting, finance and insurance, and software and information technology, among others.
Uttar Pradesh govt targets 1 million tonne capacity and 120,000 jobs
Uttar Pradesh is looking to construct one million tonne per annum (mtpa) green hydrogen production capacity. The project may create 120,000 jobs, according to state energy minister A K Sharma.
- The state had received investment proposals worth Rs 2.73 trillion for green hydrogen plants from 20 companies at the UP Global Investors Summit in February 2023. The policy being created by the state will offer investment incentives, including on capital outlay, land availability, power transmission, etc.
- Green hydrogen is produced by breaking down water in an electrolyser using renewable energy, thus leaving no carbon emission. Later, hydrogen can be combined with nitrogen to make ‘green’ ammonia. Green ammonia is used to store energy and make fertilisers. UP will also be able to leverage its vast network of rivers as water plays a vital role in producing green hydrogen.
Sikkim first Northeastern state to restore old pension scheme
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced the restoration of the Old Pension System (OPS) for state government employees appointed on or after April 1, 2006. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
- As reported, Sikkim now stands as the first state in the Northeast to implement this significant decision.
- The revival of the Old Pension System, as outlined in the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules, 1990, is poised to benefit employees appointed on or before March 31, 1990.
Telangana Govt to set up a dedicated AI city, introduce internet as basic right
Telangana Government will set up a dedicated AI city in 50 acres to 100 acres. The Government will position Hyderabad and Telangana as the AI capital of the country by inviting the top global and national technology companies to set up their AI Centres, said the State Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in her traditional address to the joint sitting of the legislature. 
- The Government has also announced that one of the most significant forthcoming initiatives would be to introduce internet as basic right. She said that the the focus would not just be to create digital infrastructure, but also to make it accessible and affordable to all sections of society.
- Telangana Government will position Hyderabad and Telangana as the AI capital of the country by inviting the top global and national technology companies to set up their AI Centres.
BANKING & FINANCE
UPI payment services launched in Sri Lanka, Mauritius
India has successfully introduced its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Additionally, RuPay card services were launched in Mauritius as part of this initiative.
- UPI services, created by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), allow for instant real-time bank transactions through mobile phones. RuPay is an Indian-based card payment network that is widely accepted at various points of sale, ATMs, and online platforms worldwide.
- The launch of UPI further strengthens India’s ties with Sri Lanka and Mauritius, making transactions easier for Indians visiting Sri Lanka and Mauritius, as well as Mauritian nationals travelling to India.
ADB and Government of India Sign $200 Million Loan for Brahmaputra River Project
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance flood and riverbank erosion risk management along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. 
- This project aims to build on previous successful initiatives and address the persistent challenges of flooding and erosion in the region.
- The project is estimated to be aligned with the ADB-financed Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme implemented during 2010-2020.
- Through the project, ADB continues to pursue its cost-effective, adaptive, and systematic river stabilization approach to managing the Brahmaputra River.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India’s forex reserves rise to one-month high of $622.47bln
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose for a second straight week to a one-month high of $622.47 billion as of Feb. 2, data from the central bank showed. The reserves rose by $5.74 billion in the reporting week, the biggest rise in nearly two months.
- Changes in foreign currency assets are caused by the RBI’s intervention as well as the appreciation or depreciation of foreign assets held in the reserves.
- Foreign exchange reserves also include India’s reserve tranche position in the International Monetary Fund.
Google rebrands Bard chatbot as Gemini, rolls out paid subscription
Google renamed its Bard chatbot after the new artificial intelligence that is powering it, called Gemini, and said consumers can pay for better reasoning capabilities as it vies with Microsoft to win subscriptions.
- U.S. customers can subscribe for $19.99 a month to access Gemini Advanced, which includes a more powerful Ultra 1.0 AI model, the Alphabet subsidiary said.
- Subscribers will receive two terabytes of cloud storage that typically cost $9.99 monthly, and they will soon gain access to Gemini in Gmail and Google’s productivity suite.
- This bundle, known as the Google One AI Premium plan, represents one of the company’s biggest answers yet to Microsoft and its partner OpenAI. It also shows growing competition over consumers, who now have several paid AI subscription options.
Embraer and Mahindra announce collaboration on the C-390 Millennium Medium Transport Aircraft in India
Defense & Security and Mahindra announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of jointly fulfilling the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project. The MoU was signed at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi.
- Embraer and Mahindra will engage with the Indian Air Force to identify the next steps of the MTA programme, as well as contact the local aerospace industry in India to start developing the industrialisation plan for the project.
- The C-390 Millennium is the most advanced military airlifter in the market, and we believe that this partnership will not only bolster the operational prowess of the Indian Air Force, but also provide an efficient industrialisation solution that aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Make in India.
Etihad Airways takes flight as official sponsor of Chennai Super Kings
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is delighted to announce its exciting new venture as the official sponsor for the Chennai Super Kings. The partnership was revealed during a special ceremony held in CSK’s home city of Chennai.
- As part of this partnership, Etihad aims to elevate the fan experience by engaging in exciting activities, promotions, and unique initiatives throughout the upcoming season. Fans can expect a thrilling journey with Etihad as they support the Chennai Super Kings in their quest for victory.
SPORTS
SAFF Women’s U-19 C’ships: India declared joint winners with Bangladesh
India was declared the winner of the SAFF U19 Women’s football final over Bangladesh with a coin toss after the game was tied 11-11 on penalties. The match officials later announced both sides as the joint winners of the tournament. 
- India took the lead early on in the 8th minute of the match and was ahead at half-time. Bangladesh pulled one back in stoppage time right before the full-time whistle and the game went on to penalties.
- India had led for the majority of the contest in Dhaka, riding on Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam’s early goal before Sagorika equalised for the hosts in injury time to take it into penalties.
Australia lifts Under-19 Men’s World Cup beating India
India Under-19 captain Uday Saharan said they will keep learning and getting better following a heart-breaking loss against Australia in the final of the 2023 U19 World Cup at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa. 
- Australia beat India by 79 runs to lift the U19 World Cup trophy for the fourth time in their history. The Aussies also won the title in 1988, 2002 and 2010.
- South Africa fast bowler Kwena Maphaka was named as the player of the tournament after he picked up 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
Sumit Nagal lifts Chennai Open ATP Challenger trophy beating Luca Nardi of Italy in men’s singles final
Sumit Nagal won his fifth ATP Challenger level title, outplaying Italy’s Luca Nardi in the final of the Chennai Open, an achievement which has propelled him into the top-100 of the ATP Rankings for the first time in his career.
- Nagal’s 6-1, 6-4 win has taken to World No 98 with the rankings updated recently.
- He is the first Indian to feature in singles top-100 since Prajnesh Gunneswaran made the cut in 2019.
Indian pair of Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni wins Men’s Doubles title at Chennai Open
In the Chennai Open ATP Challenger, Indian duo of Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni won the men’s doubles title. The opponent duo of Niki Poonacha and Rithvik Bollipalli were defeated by the Indian pair at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai.
- While in the men’s singles category, India’s top-ranked tennis player Sumit Nagal has reached into the final. The second seeded Nagal defeated Czech player Dalibor Svrcina in the semi-finals by 6-3 and 6-4. Now, he will face Luka Nardi of Italy in the title clash.
Tawangchu Tides Kayaking Champ-2024 Meghalaya’s Elizabeth Vincent adjudged 1st in sprint category
The three-day Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship-2024, a global water sport extravaganza, which had begun at Dongshengmang in Bongleng village near Indo-Bhutan border. 
- Elizabeth Vincent from Ri Bhoi’s Whitewater village of Umtham in Meghalaya won 1st place in sprint category while Slalom won 2nd position and Best Indian Women Paddler prize.
- Bamelaai Shylla won 1st position in women’s sprint amateur category, Manbhalang Kharkrang grabbed 1st in boys’ section and Indra Sharma 3rd in boys’ sprint amateur category. All juniors who participated from Meghalaya won gear and Rs 5,000 cash each.
- Total 51 kayakers from different countries, like Britain, Russia and Australia and different states of the country are participating in the event, was organized by SWITCH and inaugurated by Tawang DC Kanki Darang.
APPOINTMENTS
NPCI appoints Ajay Kumar Choudhary as non-executive chairman of board
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced the appointment of Ajay Kumar Choudhary as non-executive chairman of the Board and independent director for a period of three years starting February 8, 2024.
- Choudhary succeeds Biswamohan Mahapatra who was appointed non-executive chairman in 2018.
- Venkatraman Srinivasan, Rishikesha Krishnan, D Manjunath, and Padmini Khare Kaicker are independent directors at NPCI, an umbrella organisation handling retail payments and settlement systems in India.
IRS Officer Narendra Kumar Yadav appointed as Brand Ambassador for Fit India Movement
IRS officer Narendra Kumar Yadav, Additional Director GST, has been appointed as the new brand ambassador of The Fit India movement, a flagship initiative by the Government of India. 
- The Fit India movement is a nationwide initiative launched by the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to encourage Indians to develop physical activity and sports into their daily lives.
- The movement envisions a healthier and fitter India, promoting the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and holistic wellness for all citizens.
AWARDS
Switzerland Tourism honours Neeraj Chopra with a plaque at Jungfrau’s Ice Palace
India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been honoured with a plaque at the famous Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, known as the ‘Top of Europe’, in Switzerland.
- Acknowledging Chopra’s remarkable accomplishments, Jungfraujoch welcomed the sports icon to unveil the commemorative plaque, Switzerland Tourism said .
- Chopra donated one of his javelins to the tourist attraction and it has been placed alongside the plaque.
- He joins stars such as Roger Federer, and golfer Rory McIlroy, who also have such commemorative plaques at the Ice Palace.
- The Wall of Fame at Jungfraujoch serves as a testament to the spirit of accomplishment and dedication, Switzerland Tourism said.
Veteran music composer Pyarelal Sharma awarded Lakshminarayana International Award
Pyarelal Sharma, one half of the iconic composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, has been felicitated with the Lakshminarayana International Award.
- The award was presented to the ‘My Name Is Lakhan’ composer by musicians L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival.
- Recently, Pyarelal was announced as a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, on the eve of Republic Day.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NASA launches PACE Satellite to study Earth’s Ocean and Atmosphere
Nasa’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (Pace) mission soared into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. 
- The Pace mission is a step forward in the study of Earth’s oceans, air quality, and climate change. Within minutes of its ascent, Nasa confirmed that it had received a signal from the satellite, indicating that PACE was performing as expected.
- PACE is equipped with advanced instruments designed to observe the minutiae of our planet’s ecosystems. Its hyperspectral ocean colour instrument will measure various water bodies across a broad spectrum of light, allowing scientists to monitor phytoplankton distribution and identify their communities globally.
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