Daily Current Affairs 23 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 23 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on America’s Odysseus Spacecraft, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), Women Safety Scheme till 2025-26.

Top 26 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 23 February 2024

National News

1.India Sends Sacred Relics of Buddha to Thailand

• In a significant event that marks a deep connection between India and Thailand, four revered relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples have arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, accompanied by a delegation from India.
• The delegation, led by Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, includes esteemed monks, officials, curators, artists, and scholars.
• The holy relics were received with great reverence and ceremony at Bangkok Military Airport by H.E Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Culture, Royal Thai Government, and other dignitaries.

2.CJI Chandrachud Inaugurates Ayush Wellness Center At Supreme Court Premises

• The Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the ‘Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre’ within the premises of the Supreme Court of India.
• The Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre situated within the Supreme Court premises is a facility designed to provide comprehensive care addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• An important aspect of the inauguration was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Supreme Court and the All-India Institute of Ayurveda.

3.PM Modi to Lay Foundation For 550 Amrit Bharat Stations

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the foundation stone laying ceremony for 550 Amrit Bharat stations on February 26.
• The initiative aims to improve railway station facilities by developing rooftop plazas and city centers, with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore.
• Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay foundation stones for about 1,500 road overbridges and underbridges across different states.

4.India’s Mineral Output Rises by 5.1% in December 2023

• In December 2023, India’s mineral output witnessed a notable increase of 5.1% compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Ministry of Mines.
• The mining and quarrying sector’s index of mineral production for December reached 139.4, marking a significant rise from the previous year.
• The production of coal reached 929 lakh tonnes, lignite 40 lakh tonnes, iron ore 255 lakh tonnes, and limestone 372 lakh tonnes in December. Positive growth was observed in the production of lignite, limestone, coal, bauxite, and natural gas.

International News

5.Sri Lanka To Host Geeta Mahotsav’s 5th edition From March 1

• The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), a celebration deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of India, is set to embark on a new journey as it finds its foreign soil in Sri Lanka.
• Scheduled from March 1 to 3, the fifth edition of the IGM promises to be a grand affair, bringing together devotees and enthusiasts from around the world.
• Having previously been held in Mauritius, London, Canada, and Australia, the Mahotsav’s expansion into Sri Lanka reflects its growing global appeal.

Defence News

6.Trilateral Exercise ‘Dosti-16’ Kicks Off In Maldives

• Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships joined the Dosti 16 exercise held in the Maldives from February 22-25.
• This year marked a significant development with Bangladesh participating as an observer, indicating a widening scope for the exercise and underlining the growing importance of maritime collaboration in tackling evolving challenges.
• By fostering cooperation, the exercise addresses traditional security concerns while collectively preparing for non-traditional threats like piracy, smuggling, and environmental disasters.

7.India Approves Acquisition Of BrahMos Extended Range Supersonic Cruise Missiles For Navy

• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos Extended Range (ER) supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on Indian Navy warships.
• The deal, valued at ₹19,000 crore, signifies a significant step towards bolstering India’s naval capabilities. The BrahMos ER variant boasts an extended range of 400 to 500 km, significantly augmenting the Navy’s operational reach.
• A formal agreement between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is anticipated to be signed early next month to initiate the process of inducting these weapons into the Indian Navy.

Economy News

8.India Ratings Forecasts Moderation in GDP Growth to 6.5% for FY25

• India Ratings and Research projects a moderation in India’s GDP growth to 6.5% for the financial year 2024-25, slightly lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s estimate of 7%.
• Despite the base effect, the agency notes positive indicators for economic recovery including sustained government capital expenditure, healthy corporate performance, and softness in global commodity prices.
• Cites sustained government capital expenditure, healthy corporate performance, and global commodity price trends as factors contributing to economic recovery.

9.Flash Composite PMI Hits 7-Month High in February at 61.5: Reveals Positive Trends Despite Job Market Concerns

• The Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for India, compiled by HSBC, reached a seven-month high of 61.5 in February, indicating strong performance in both manufacturing and services sectors.
• Composite PMI rose to 61.5 in February from 61.2 in January, reflecting improved performance in manufacturing and services. Flash Manufacturing PMI increased to 60.4, up from 59.7 in January.
• Private sector companies refrained from hiring, ending a 20-month streak of job creation. Despite growing new orders, payroll numbers remained unchanged, highlighting workforce sufficiency for current demands

Banking News

10.India Surpasses China as HSBC’s Third-Largest Profit Hub

• In 2023, India surpassed China to become HSBC’s third-largest profit hub, showcasing a remarkable surge in profitability.
• The fiscal year ending December 2023 saw India’s profits soar by 25% to reach an impressive $1.5 billion. HSBC’s annual report for the fiscal year ending December 2023 unveiled key insights into India’s exceptional performance.
• Anticipated credit loss provisions decreased significantly from $90 million in 2022 to $51 million in 2023, contributing to improved profitability.

Important Days News

11.Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2024

• Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2024, marks the 647th anniversary of the birth of Guru Ravidas, observed on February 23rd. Guru Ravidas, also known as Raidas, stands as one of the eminent saints of the North Indian Bhakti movement.
• Born into a marginalized untouchable leather-working caste in Varanasi, his life and works profoundly reflect the challenges and struggles of his social background.
  
• Guru Ravidas, also known as Raidas, was an Indian mystic poet-saint who lived during the 15th to 16th century CE. Revered as a guru across various regions of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Maharashtra,

Schemes News

12.Inauguration of Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Empowering PM SVANidhi Beneficiaries

• Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana in Sambalpur, Odisha.
• The initiative, launched virtually across 9 cities, aims to empower beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme nationwide.
• The objective of this yojana is to provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training to create job providers instead of job seekers. It offer a 22-week training program combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through offline, online, and hybrid modes.

13.Swayam Scheme 2024

• The Swayam Scheme, introduced by the Odisha government, is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among the youth of the state.
• Known as Swatantra Yuva Udyami, the scheme provides an array of financial supports, including interest-free bank loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh, to encourage young individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures​.
• The initiative seeks to empower the youth by providing them with the means to start their business ventures, thus addressing unemployment and promoting economic activity within the state​.

14.Government Continues Women Safety Scheme till 2025-26

• The Indian government has decided to extend its flagship scheme for women safety until 2025-26 with a budget approval of Rs 1,179.72 crore.
• This decision aims to combat the rising incidents of crimes against women across the country, as evidenced by recent statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• The union cabinet approved the proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs to continue the ‘Safety of Women’ umbrella scheme. The total cost approved is Rs 1,179.72 crore, allocated from both the MHA budget and the Nirbhaya Fund.

15.AYUSH and Tribal Affairs Ministries Launch Joint Initiative for Tribal Student Health

• The Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have unveiled a collaborative effort aimed at improving the public health of tribal students.
• This joint initiative focuses on implementing Ayurvedic interventions to address health issues among over 20,000 tribal students.
• The initiative aims to study the health requirements of tribal populations and deliver public healthcare services with a focus on addressing major issues such as malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, and sickle cell diseases among tribal students.

Summits & Conference News

16.PM Modi Inaugurates Ninth Edition Of Raisina Dialogue

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, marking a significant moment for global discourse on geopolitics and geo-economics.
• Joining him in the inaugural session was the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who graced the event as the Chief Guest.
• The theme of the 9th edition, “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,” reflects the multifaceted nature of global challenges and the imperative of collaboration in addressing them.

Agreements News

17.ADB Funds $23 Million for Fintech Advancement in Gujarat

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 23 million loan aimed at bolstering fintech education, research, and innovation within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in India.
• GIFT, a state-owned enterprise, serves as a hub for nurturing fintech ecosystems and financial services in India, being the nation’s premier international financial services centre.
• Its objective is to establish a comprehensive, sustainable, and climate-resilient International Fintech Institute within GIFT.

18.IRCTC Teams Up With Swiggy For Pre-Ordered Meal Delivery

• The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with Swiggy to facilitate the delivery of pre-ordered meals booked by passengers through IRCTC’s e-catering portal.
• This collaboration aims to enhance convenience and choice for railway travelers. Initially, Swiggy’s services will be available at four major railway stations – Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
• IRCTC plans to extend this service to more stations after completing the initial phase, broadening its reach and catering to a larger demographic of passengers.

19.CleanMax And Bangalore International Airport Forge Long-Term Partnership For Renewable Power

• Renewable power solutions provider CleanMax and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have signed a 25-year long-term power purchase agreement aimed at fostering sustainable energy practices.
• The renewable energy initiative will draw power from a 45.9 MW Solar-wind Captive Power Project established under a special purpose vehicle named Clean Max BIAL Renewable Energy Private Limited.
• Situated in Jagaluru, Karnataka, the project encompasses a 36 MW solar power plant and a 9.9 MW wind power plant.

Appointments News

20.Appointment of Salil Parekh to the USISPF Board of Directors

• In a significant move, Salil Parekh, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Infosys, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF).
• Salil Parekh, with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in the IT services industry, is recognized for his leadership in executing business turnarounds and managing successful acquisitions.
• Since taking the helm at Infosys on January 2, 2018, Parekh has set the strategic direction for the company, steering one of India’s leading IT giants through periods of significant change and global challenges​​.

Sports News

21.Logo for 7th North East Youth Festival 2024 Unveiled

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially unveiled the logo for the highly anticipated 7th North East Youth Festival 2024.
• The emblem beautifully encapsulates the vibrant essence of the eight northeastern states, marking a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
• Moreover, the festival has chosen the Phayre’s leaf monkey as its mascot, further symbolizing the unique biodiversity and heritage of the North East.

22.Bhopal Athletes Conquer the World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon

• In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Bhagwan Singh and Mahesh Khurana from Bhopal have completed the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon 2024, held in Leh-Ladakh. Bhagwan Singh is also the first mountaineer from Madhya Pradesh to scale Mount Everest.
• Known for its extreme conditions, this marathon is celebrated as the ‘World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon.’ The event unfolded on February 20, amidst heavy snowfall, at an altitude of 18,680 feet with temperatures plunging to -15°C, posing an ultimate challenge to the participants.

Science & Technology News

23.America’s Odysseus Spacecraft Makes 1st Commercial Moon Landing in History

• In a historic moment for space exploration, the Odysseus spacecraft, spearheaded by Intuitive Machines (IM), has achieved what was once solely the domain of national space agencies: a successful soft landing on the lunar surface.
• This landmark event marks the first commercial venture to accomplish such a feat, signalling a significant leap forward in private sector involvement in space exploration.
• The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Not since the Apollo era in 1972 has an American spacecraft delicately touched down on the moon’s surface.

Obituaries News

24.Germany’s Andreas Brehme, 1990 World Cup Winning Goal Scorer, Passes Away

• The world of football is mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated figures, Andreas Brehme, who passed away at the age of 63.
• Fondly remembered as Germany’s World Cup hero of 1990, Brehme’s sudden and unexpected death has left a profound sense of sadness among fans and former teammates alike.
• Brehme etched his name into football history during the 1990 World Cup final, where his late penalty secured a 1-0 victory for West Germany over Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona.

25.Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi Passes Away at 86

• Former Lok Sabha Speaker and ex-Maharashtra Chief Minister, Manohar Joshi, passed away at the age of 86, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned several decades in Indian politics.
• A prominent figure in the Shiv Sena, Joshi was the first from the party to hold the top post in Maharashtra, serving as Chief Minister from 1995 to 1999.
• His tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004, during the Vajpayee government, was a testament to his leadership and political acumen.

Miscellaneous News

26.A Celebration of Language Diversity: Amar Ekushey in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh observes Amar Ekushey on February 21st, a day to remember the people who died fighting for Bangla to be an official language in 1952. This event led to significant changes in the country.
• Early on February 21st, the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
• This act starts a day of tribute to those who lost their lives for the language movement. The Amar Ekushey song is played, adding to the solemn atmosphere.

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

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