Daily Current Affairs 22 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 22 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on IIT Hyderabad Campus, Cybercrime Report 2023, National Livelihood Mission(NLM).

Top 25 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 22 February 2024

National News

1.India Opens Space Sector to 100% Foreign Investment

• India has taken a significant step by opening its space sector to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) through an amendment in the FDI policy.
• Under the amended FDI policy, various sub-sectors and activities within the space sector now have liberalized FDI thresholds
• The liberalized entry routes are expected to enhance the ease of doing business in India, leading to increased FDI inflows and contributing to overall economic growth, investment, income, and employment opportunities.

2.Govt Launches Rs 100 Cr Projects For People With Disabilities

• On February 21, 2024, Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, virtually launched several projects valued at over Rs 100 crore.
• The inauguration ceremony featured the introduction of crucial facilities across various regions. One key facility was Vocational Training Centre at SVNIRTAR, Cuttack
• Spanning an area of 4563 square meters, this facility will offer comprehensive vocational training to disabled individuals, including courses in LED repair, beauty therapy, mobile hardware repair, and soft skills.

3.Prime Minister Inaugurates IIT Hyderabad Campus

• The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) witnessed the dedication of its transformative Campus Development Project to the nation by the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi via Video Conference.
• The dedication ceremony included buildings such as the International Guest House, Convention Centre, Technology Incubation Park, Knowledge Centre, Sports and Cultural Complex, Students’ Hostels, and various academic and administrative buildings, collectively valued at Rs 1089 Cr.

International News

4.Turkey’s First Fifth-Generation Aircraft, KAAN, Completes Maiden Flight

• Turkey celebrates a milestone achievement as its first fifth-generation aircraft, KAAN, successfully completes its inaugural flight, marking a significant advancement in the country’s military capabilities.
• On February 21, KAAN embarked on its first flight, soaring through the skies for 13 minutes and reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet, highlighting Turkish engineering and aviation expertise.
• Produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries with collaboration from BAE Systems, KAAN embodies synergy between Turkish and international defense industries, leveraging technologies to deliver an air superiority fighter.

5.India-Greece Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthening Ties Across Multiple Fronts

• During a 2 day visit to India, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis engaged in extensive discussions with PM  Modi to bolster cooperation between the two nations. The visit marks the first by a Greek head of state to India in 15 years.
• The talks primarily focused on expanding strategic collaboration in various sectors, including trade, defense, and counter-terrorism efforts, with an emphasis on doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

State News

6.1st Ever Skill India Centre Inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha

• Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, spearheaded the inauguration of the first Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha.
• The centre boasts best-in-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and modern facilities to facilitate effective learning
• The aim is to empower over 1200 students through this centre and equip them with the necessary skills for the 21st-century job market.

7.Madhya Pradesh Introduces ‘Bag-less School’ Initiative

• In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing the educational landscape, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced a groundbreaking initiative – the introduction of a ‘bag-less school’ policy.
• This policy is set to be implemented once a week from the upcoming academic session of 2024-25. It marks a significant departure from traditional educational norms.
• Central to this initiative is the establishment of clear weight limits for students’ school bags, as outlined in a notice issued by the state government.
• The weight limits vary according to students’ respective classes, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 kg for classes 1 and 2, to 2.5 to 4.5 kg for classes 9 and 10.

8.Uttar Pradesh To Set Up First Turtle Conservation Reserve

• The Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district, in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India, is initiating a conservation effort.
• This endeavor aims to establish a turtle conservation reserve along the Sarju river, a tributary of the Ghaghra river. Gonda district is known for its turtle diversity, making it an ideal location for such a conservation effort.
• The proposed reserve will encompass a 2-kilometer stretch of the Sarju river, teeming with a diverse array of plant species, avifauna, fishes, and water snakes.

9.Tribal Festival ‘Sammakka Saralamma Jatara’ Kicks Off In Telangana

• The Medaram Jatara, known as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara’, began this year on February 21 in Medaram, Mulugu district, showcasing Telangana’s rich tribal heritage.
• This four-day event, considered the world’s largest tribal gathering, attracts pilgrims to the remote village of Medaram once every two years.
• The Medaram Jatara holds historical significance as it commemorates the struggle of a mother and daughter duo, Sammakka and Saralamma, against unjust rulers.

10.Education Minister Inaugurates 211 PM SHRI Schools In Chhattisgarh

• Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, marked the inauguration of 211 PM SHRI schools in Raipur.
• In addition to inaugurating PM SHRI schools, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced a Digital Library for Kendriya Vidyalaya and Virtual Reality labs for Navodaya Vidyalaya within the state.
• These initiatives signify a progressive step towards integrating technology into the educational framework, enriching the learning experiences of students and preparing them for the digital age.

Defence News

11.DRDO To Test Indigenous Laser Weapon DURGA-2

• In a notable stride towards advanced military technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly gearing up to test a real prototype of its indigenous laser weapon system, DURGA-2.
• Directed energy weapons, commonly known as laser weapons, operate by focusing energy through laser, microwave, or particle beams. If successfully developed and deployed, such weapons have the capability to safeguard vital defense infrastructure from missile or air attacks.

Economy News

12.Morgan Stanley Projects India’s GDP growth for FY25 to 6.5%

• In its latest analysis, Morgan Stanley Research projects India’s GDP growth for FY25 to moderate to 6.5%, down from the 6.9% projected for FY24.
• Despite this moderation, the report maintains a constructive outlook on the Indian economy, citing improvements in domestic demand and macro stability.
• GDP growth for Q3 FY24 is expected at 6.5%, a slight slowdown from the first half of the financial year. The analysis is supported by robust services exports and declining global commodity prices, especially oil, the current account deficit is expected to remain benign.

Banking News

13.RBI Grants Payment Aggregator License to Mswipe Technologies

• Mswipe Technologies, a prominent player in India’s digital payments sector, has been awarded a Payment Aggregator (PA) license by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Mswipe aims to leverage this license to bolster its range of offerings, providing comprehensive payment technology solutions across various channels.
• The payment aggregator license underscores Mswipe’s commitment to enriching its suite of services. Mswipe aims to deliver secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment solutions to its banking partners, enterprises, and merchants spanning diverse sectors.

14.PayPal Registers with Finance Ministry’s Financial Intelligence Unit- India (FIU- IND) under anti-money laundering law

• The FIU imposed a penalty on PayPal in December 2020, alleging non-cooperation and failure to comply with anti-money laundering obligations.
• This penalty was initially overturned in July 2023, but the court ruled that PayPal must adhere to reporting obligations under the PMLA as a payments system operator.
• PayPal must now report large or suspicious transactions to FIU-IND and implement stringent customer verification procedures.
• Detailed records of users and transactions must be maintained for a specified duration. Other fintech firms may face similar registration requirements, increasing compliance burdens across the sector.

Business News

15.PhonePe Launches Indus Appstore to Challenge Google and Apple

• PhonePe has launched the Indus Appstore, a made-in-India Android app marketplace, aiming to rival Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
• The platform hosts over 2 Lakh apps across 45 categories. Indus Appstore boasts a wide array of apps from Indian brands such as Zomato, Myntra, Domino’s, Flipkart, Dream11, Swiggy, and more.
• The marketplace is accessible in English and 12 Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity and catering to a broader user base. Until March 2025, developers are exempt from app listing fees, fostering an environment conducive to app development and innovation.

Important Days News

16.Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024

• Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024, celebrated on Thursday, February 22nd, marks the auspicious occasion of Lord Vishwakarma’s birth.
• This festival, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, holds immense significance for engineers, artisans, craftsmen, and all those involved in various trades and professions.
• In 2024, Vishwakarma Jayanti is observed from February 21 to February 22, according to the Hindu Panchang. Celebrated on Thursday, February 22, 2024, this day marks reverence to Lord Vishwakarma, seeking blessings for success and prosperity in all endeavors.

Schemes News

17.Union Cabinet Expanded National Livelihood Mission(NLM)

• The Union Cabinet has approved modifications to the National Livelihood Mission (NLM), enhancing its scope with new subsidy provisions.
• Individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCOs, and Section 8 companies can now receive a 50% capital subsidy, up to ₹50 lakhs, for establishing horse, donkey, mule, and camel enterprises.
• State governments will assist in breed conservation efforts for horses, donkeys, and camels. ₹10 crore will be allocated by the Central Government for establishing semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for these animals.

Ranks & Reports News

18.Cybercrime Report: India Ranks 80th Worldwide

• In 2023, India ranked as the 80th most targeted country for cybercrime globally. Local threats affected approximately 34% of users, resulting in the blocking of 74,385,324 incidents by Kaspersky products.
• Nearly 34% of Indian users experienced local threats, leading to the blocking of over 74 million incidents. Nature of Threats Includes malicious programs directly on users’ devices and removable media, as well as those initially hidden within complex installers or encrypted files.

Appointments News

19.New Chairmen Appointed for BOI, IOB, and UCO Bank

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has made significant appointments for the chairmanship of several prominent banks in India.
• Former LIC Chairman M R Kumar has been appointed as the part-time non-official Director and non-executive Chairman of the Bank of India (BOI).
• In another noteworthy appointment, Srinivasan Sridhar has been selected as the part-time non-official Director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
• Additionally, Aravamudan Krishna Kumar has been appointed as the part-time non-official Director and non-executive Chairman on the Board of UCO Bank

20.Ashish Vijayakar Appointed as MD & CEO of SBM Bank India

• SBM Bank India, a subsidiary of the State Bank of Mauritius, has announced the appointment of Ashish Vijayakar as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank.
• The appointment is effective from February 17, 2024, and has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as per their letter dated February 6, 2024.
• Ashish Vijayakar brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, particularly in the areas of business transformation, risk management, innovation, and adapting to changing business environments.

Agreements News

21.Arunachal Pradesh And NTCA Partners To Form STPF

• The Arunachal Pradesh government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to establish the state’s first Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF).
• Arunachal Pradesh, known for its biodiversity, is home to three tiger reserves: Namdapha, Kamlang, and Pakke. However, despite these reserves, the state lacked a dedicated force for tiger protection. With the signing of the MoU, a specialized force comprising 336 personnel will now be deployed across these reserves.

22.Advancing Tejas Aircraft Capabilities: ADA and IAF Join Forces

• The Aeronautical Development Agency has taken a significant stride towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force.
  
• This strategic partnership aims to integrate futuristic weapons and sensors onto the LCA Tejas platform, ensuring its readiness and effectiveness in modern warfare scenarios.
• The collaboration between ADA and IAF represents a proactive step towards addressing this need, ensuring that the LCA Tejas remains at the forefront of India’s defence arsenal.

Sports News

23.Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes quickest to 10,000 runs in T20s

• Former Pakistan captain and batting maestro Babar Azam etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the quickest batter to surpass the milestone of 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.
• His remarkable achievement came during an exhilarating clash between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
• Babar Azam’s achievement adds another feather to his illustrious cap, making him the 13th batter to amass 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.

Books & Authors News

24.A New book titled “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” Authored by Ashwin Prabhu

• A new book titled “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” has emerged as a beacon guiding readers through the rich tapestry of history and artistry that defines the ancient town of Mamallapuram.
• Authored by Ashwin Prabhu and published by Tulika Books, this captivating exploration invites readers to delve into the enigmatic world of ancient sculptural art.
• “Sculpted Stones” serves as a portal to Mamallapuram’s illustrious past, offering readers a window into the architectural marvels and cultural heritage that have stood the test of time.

Science & Technology News

25.Empowering Indian Startups in AI, Microsoft and iCreate Launch iMPEL-AI Program

• Microsoft and iCreate collaborated to launch the iMPEL-AI (iCreate-Microsoft program for Emerging Leaders in Artificial Intelligence) program.
• The iMPEL-AI program is designed to screen 1100 AI innovators across India, identifying them as AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs).
• These MVPs will focus on priority themes such as Healthcare, Financial Inclusion, Sustainability, Education, Agriculture, and Smart Cities.

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

Check More GK Updates Here