Daily Current Affairs 15 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 15 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on 16th Finance Commission. Milkyway tablet, International Childhood Cancer Day 2024.

Top 23 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 15 February 2024

National News

1.Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional

• In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing it as arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.
• This verdict came following a batch of pleas challenging the legality of the scheme, which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties.
• A Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dr D.Y. Chandrachud and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra has held that the non-disclosure of voluntary political contributions is violative of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

2.16th Finance Commission Holds First Meeting Under Chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya

• The 16th Finance Commission (FC) convened its inaugural session with Arvind Panagariya at the helm to deliberate upon its Terms of Reference (ToR).
• The commission aims to engage in comprehensive analytical endeavors and leverage expertise from prominent research institutions and think tanks specializing in fiscal federal relations.
• The 16th FC acknowledges the necessity for extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including state governments, local bodies, various ministries of the Government of India, and subject matter experts.

3.The Epic Foundation Recently unveiled the Milkyway tablet

• The Epic Foundation has recently unveiled the Milkyway tablet, heralding a new era of ‘designed in India’ technology tailored for the educational needs of school children.
• The Milkyway tablet is the first product designed from the ground up in India to be fully repairable and upgradable, setting a benchmark for sustainability and innovation.
• The launch of the Milkyway tablet marks a pivotal moment in addressing the environmental impact of electronic waste and the cost barriers in educational technology.

International News

4.India in Talks for Full Membership with IEA

• India is engaged in discussions with ministers from member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) regarding its application to attain full membership in the Paris-based organization, comprising 31 nations.
• These talks acknowledge India’s strategic significance in addressing global energy and climate challenges, as highlighted during the IEA’s 2024 ministerial meeting held in Paris.
• The IEA, comprising 31 member countries and eight associates, has four countries, including India, seeking full membership.

5.Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train ‘Dream of the Desert’ Set to Launch First In The Middle East

• Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce its first luxury train, named the Dream of the Desert. It will be the first luxury train in the Middle East, offering travelers a journey through Saudi Arabia.
• The 800-mile journey will begin in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and wind its way northwest toward the border with Jordan.
• With its promise of luxury and cultural immersion, this new venture is positioned to become a classic in its own right. Reservations for the train’s first ride will open by late 2024, before its planned launch in 2025.

Defence News

6.Ministry of Defence Achieves ₹1 Lakh Crore Total Order Value Milestone on Government e-Marketplace

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has achieved a significant milestone on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, recording procurement worth ₹1 lakh crore since the portal’s inception in 2016.
• The MoD has executed over 5.47 lakh orders through GeM, ranging from general store items to critical defense acquisitions.
• Transactions worth approximately ₹45,800 crore have been awarded in the current fiscal year alone, demonstrating robust procurement activity.

Economy News

7.India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Moderates to 3-Month Low at 0.27% in Jan

• India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded a notable moderation, reaching a three-month low of 0.27% in January.
• This decline was attributed to reduced prices in both food articles and manufacturing products, as per data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Inflation in food prices witnessed a notable slowdown, reaching a three-month low of 6.85% in January compared to 9.38% in December.
• Notably, this marks the third consecutive month of positive territory for wholesale inflation after experiencing deflation for a significant part of the previous fiscal year.

8.India’s Services Trade Surplus Hits Record High to $44.9 billion in the October-December quarter

• India’s services trade surplus reached an unprecedented $44.9 billion in the October-December quarter of FY24, marking a 16% year-on-year increase.
• This surge in surplus, amidst challenging global conditions, is anticipated to alleviate the current account deficit (CAD) for the period.
• Services exports expanded by 5.2% to $87.7 billion during Q3, while services imports saw a 4.3% contraction, totaling $42.8 billion for the same period.

Banking News

9.RBI Directs Visa and Mastercard to Halt Commercial Card Payments: Compliance Concerns

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed Visa and Mastercard to cease card-based commercial payments by businesses, citing concerns over Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance.
• This directive extends to transactions made by both small and large enterprises, with a focus on ensuring adherence to regulatory norms.
• Visa has acknowledged receiving communication from the RBI on February 8, indicating a broader industry request for information regarding the role of Business Payment Solution Providers (BPSPs) in commercial payments. Mastercard’s response to the directive is pending.

10.LIC Increases Stake in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has augmented its shareholding in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited from 4.99% to 5.02% of the paid-up capital through open market purchases.
• This acquisition, completed on February 9, 2024, marks LIC’s increased ownership in the non-banking financial company.
• SBI Cards and Payment Services is a significant non-banking financial company regulated by the RBI, specializing in providing credit cards to consumers across India.

Important Days News

11.World Hippo Day 2024

• World Hippo Day is celebrated on 15 February every year to raise awareness about the plight of hippos, which are one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet.
• Today, the hippo population is estimated to be between 115,000 and 130,000, with the decline being attributed to poaching, loss of access to fresh water, mechanised farming, and urbanisation.
• World Hippo Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the threats faced by the hippo and promote conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

12.International Childhood Cancer Day 2024

• Every year on February 15th, the world comes together to observe International Childhood Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges and struggles faced by children and adolescents battling cancer.
• This day serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of young patients and the collective effort required to support their journey towards recovery.
• Established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, International Childhood Cancer Day aims to shed light on the impacts of childhood cancer on young patients, their families, and society.

Schemes News

13.Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana 2024

• The Rajasthan government announced a special scheme for laborers and street vendors, named the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana.
• Under this scheme, eligible workers aged 60 or above will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000. This pension aims to assist street vendors in meeting their daily needs without relying on others.
• The primary objective of launching the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana is to ensure the welfare of laborers and street vendors in Rajasthan.

14.Union Minister Rupala Launches Updated AHIDF Scheme

• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, unveiled the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme and introduced a Radio Jingle for AHIDF in New Delhi.
• The Cabinet, in its meeting approved the realignment of AHIDF with a substantial outlay of ₹29,610 crore, significantly higher than the previous ₹15,000 crore. The realigned scheme will be in effect for an additional three-year period from March 31, 2023, until 2025-26.
• The realigned AHIDF scheme stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to bolstering the livestock sector and promoting rural livelihoods.

Summits & Conference News

15.India-UAE MoUs Link UPI With UAE’s AANI For Instant Payment

• Multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and the United Arab Emirates during a significant diplomatic event, signifying a deepening of ties and cooperation between the two nations.
• An MoU on interlinking the instant payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) – was among the key agreements exchanged. This move aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, enhancing financial connectivity between India and the UAE.

16.Electronics & IT Ministry Hosts First Digital India Future SKILLS Summit In Guwahati

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT), is hosting the Future Skills Summit in Guwahati.
• The event, inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, aims to convene young Indians, thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, educators, and technology enthusiasts to strategize on catalyzing future-ready talent for India and the world.
• Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India into a global talent hub, the summit’s key objective is to craft a roadmap that harnesses emerging technologies and fosters partnerships with industry and academic institutes nationwide.

Agreements News

17.Ministry Of Social Justice & Brahma Kumaris Launched NMBA Vehicle For Delhi-NCR

• Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry, with Brahma Kumaris, introduces NMBA Vehicle in Delhi-NCR, flagged off on 14th Feb to raise drug abuse awareness.
• This vehicle served as a platform for conducting NMBA awareness activities across Delhi-NCR, amplifying the reach and impact of the initiative.
• The Ministry had launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) with the objective of creating awareness about the adverse effects of substance abuse, particularly among the youth.

Appointments News

18.Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain Assumes The Charge Of CMD/IRCTC

• Mr Sanjay Kumar Jain, an accomplished Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) Officer of the 1990 batch, has assumed the pivotal role of Chairman & MD of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC).
• With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Mr Jain brings to the table a wealth of experience and a proven track record of exemplary leadership in various key positions within the Ministry of Railways and public sector undertakings (PSUs).

19.SBICAPS Appoints Virendra Bansal as the new MD and CEO

• In a significant move for SBI Capital Markets (SBICAPS), the investment banking arm of State Bank of India (SBI), Virendra Bansal has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
• Bansal steps into the role, succeeding Rajay Kumar Sinha, who has moved on to serve as the Whole Time Member (Finance and Investment) at the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for a three-year tenure starting January 2024.
• Bansal’s responsibilities spanned across key financial hubs, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Washington DC, showcasing his ability to manage and lead in diverse and dynamic environments.

20.Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Transfer Of 3 High Court Judges

• The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has recommended the transfer of three high court judges upon their respective requests.
• The collegium has acceded to Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya’s request and recommended her transfer to the High Court for the State of Telangana.
• The collegium has accepted Justice Anu Sivaraman’s request and recommended her transfer to the Karnataka High Court.
• The collegium has resolved to recommend Justice Sujoy Paul’s transfer to the High Court for the State of Telangana, considering the better administration of justice.

Awards News

21.Havildar Varinder Singh Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for Developing Multipurpose Octocopter

• Havildar Varinder Singh, a member of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army, has been honored with the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal for his remarkable contribution to military technology.
• President Droupadi Murmu bestowed this accolade upon him in recognition of his outstanding efforts in developing a groundbreaking piece of equipment.
• Crafted by Singh, the Multipurpose Octocopter stands as a testament to innovation in drone technology. Unlike conventional drones limited to surveillance purposes, Singh’s creation offers unparalleled versatility. Capable of executing a myriad of tasks, it serves as more than just a reconnaissance tool.

Sports News

22.Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Hands Over Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary, the host city for the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad.
• The ceremony, held at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi, was not just a formal handover but also a celebration of chess as an intellectual sport deeply rooted in India’s heritage.
• The first Chess Olympiad Torch Relay was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium on 19th June 2022, marking a historic moment in the annals of chess.

23.Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna Kumari Banned For 12 Years For Doping

• Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) have imposed significant suspensions on two athletes for anti-doping rule violations.
• Hammer thrower Rachna Kumari faces a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping rule violation, marking a severe penalty that reflects the seriousness with which doping offenses are treated.
• Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, another athlete with a history of doping violations, has been handed an eight-year suspension by NADA for her second offence.

15 FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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