Daily Current Affairs 26 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 26 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on ‘Purple Fest,’ Ayush Projects, “Savera” Program, “Dharma Guardian,” World NGO Day 2024.

Top 23 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 26 February 2024

National News

1.PM Modi Inaugurates 5 AIIMS Facilities

• In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s healthcare infrastructure and services, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated Five All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to the nation.
• The AIIMS facilities located in Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh) mark a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards enhancing tertiary healthcare access and quality.
• The inauguration of five AIIMS facilities and the launch of numerous healthcare projects symbolize a monumental step towards realizing India’s vision of accessible and quality healthcare for all.

2.PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge, Sudarshan Setu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, Sudarshan Setu, in Gujarat’s Dwarka.
• This monumental infrastructure project, connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka island, stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to progress and connectivity.
• Sudarshan Setu, formerly known as the Signature Bridge, has been constructed at a cost of ₹979 crore. Spanning an impressive 2.32 km, it is India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, serving as a vital link between the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island.

3.President Murmu To Launch ‘Purple Fest’ For Disabled

• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is set to host a day-long celebration of inclusivity at Amrit Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26th February, 2024.
• The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the Purple Fest event, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
• The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities spearheads the organization of this monumental event, underscoring its significance in promoting disability rights and inclusion.

4.PM Launches Ayush Projects In Jhajjar & Pune

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated two institutes of the Union Ministry of Ayush, marking a significant step forward in the promotion of healthcare across the nation.
• The inauguration ceremony, held virtually, saw the unveiling of the ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy’ (CRIYN) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) titled ‘NISARG GRAM’ in Pune, Maharashtra.
• With their comprehensive infrastructure and educational programs, these institutes are poised to empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.

5.Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024: MoHFW allows One Donor Gamete for undergoing Surrogacy

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced the Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024 on 21-2-2024, altering the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022.
• These amendments, effective immediately, address significant changes regarding the use of donor gametes and consent agreements in surrogacy arrangements.
• Previously, surrogacy required both gametes to be from the intending couple, prohibiting the use of donor gametes. The recent amendment introduces flexibility, allowing one donor gamete under specific circumstances.

6.PM’s 110th Mann Ki Baat Episode Aired On Feb 25, 2024

• In the 110th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates the remarkable contributions of women across India.
• With Women’s Day around the corner, he highlights the inspiring journey of women like Sunita Devi, affectionately known as “Drone Didi,” who are breaking barriers and transforming lives.
• From mastering drone technology to revolutionizing agriculture in villages, women are scripting a new narrative of empowerment and progress.

International News

7.Vietnam’s National Hydrogen Strategy: Targets 500,000T of clean H2 by 2030

• Vietnam has set forth an ambitious national hydrogen strategy, aiming to become a significant player in the global hydrogen market.
• With targets ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 tons of clean hydrogen production annually by 2030, escalating to 10-20 million tons by 2050, the strategy seeks to leverage both green and blue hydrogen production methods.
• It prioritize renewable energy-driven hydrogen production while integrating carbon-capture techniques for traditional energy sources.

8.Dubai Introduces 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Indian Travelers

• Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel between India and the UAE.
• This initiative comes in response to the significant increase in Indian visitors to Dubai, with India being the top source market for tourists in the region.
• The visa is processed within 2-5 working days upon application acceptance, granting holders a 90-day stay in the UAE, extendable once for an additional 90 days, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days within a year.

9.UAE Removed from FATF Gray List

• Less than two years after being demoted to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “gray list,” the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been swiftly removed, signaling significant progress in the country’s efforts to combat illicit financial activities.
• The Paris-based watchdog acknowledged the UAE’s strengthened anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, leading to the country’s exit from increased monitoring. Namibia and Kenya have been placed on the gray list following the latest FATF review.

State Exams

10.Haryana Launches Innovative “Savera” Program for Early Breast Cancer Detection

• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the “Savera” program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at early detection and prevention of breast cancer in women.
• Developed in collaboration with the Medanta Foundation and the Health Department, Savera leverages the unique ability of visually impaired women to conduct breast cancer screenings.
• The program capitalizes on the naturally heightened tactile sensitivity possessed by visually impaired individuals. This enhanced ability allows for earlier detection of potential abnormalities, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

11.Central University of Bihar (CUSB) Achieves Category-1 Status From UGC

• Recently, the Central University of Bihar (CUSB) achieved a significant milestone as the University Grants Commission (UGC) granted it Category-1 status.
• This status streamlines administrative processes, exempts the university from routine inspections, and makes it eligible for research grants.
• Moreover, it enables CUSB to introduce new courses, programs, schools, or centers within its existing academic framework without seeking prior approval.

12.Anurag Singh Thakur To Set Up Film Certification Facilitation Office In Chandigarh

• Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, revealed plans for a new office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh.
• Shri Thakur highlighted that filmmakers in the region will now have access to screening their films and submitting necessary edits or changes without the need to travel to Delhi or Mumbai. This decision is expected to benefit the Punjabi film industry significantly.
• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

Defence News

13.IAF Strengthens Air Defense with Indigenous SAMAR-2 Missile System

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant stride in bolstering the nation’s air defense capabilities with the development of the Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR-2) missile system.
• This innovative system leverages repurposed Russian R-27 air-to-air missiles, transforming them into a potent surface-to-air defense solution.
• SAMAR-2 represents a strategic approach to maximizing the utility of aging missile systems. By integrating these nearing-expiration assets into a robust air defense network, the IAF ensures their continued effectiveness in safeguarding Indian airspace.

14.The Indo-Japan “Dharma Guardian” Military Exercise Begins

• The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
• The exercise, scheduled to run from February 25th to March 9th, 2024, brings together the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for a focused training program aimed at enhancing interoperability and fostering closer military cooperation.
• The exercise focuses on joint tactical maneuvers in a simulated semi-urban environment, adhering to the principles outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Business News

15.RBI Approves HDFC Bank’s 90% Stake Sale in HDFC Credila

• HDFC Bank has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the divestment of a 90% stake in HDFC Credila, its education loan subsidiary.
• This decision follows RBI’s directive to HDFC to reduce its stake in Credila to below 10% within two years post the HDFC Bank merger in April 2023.
• A consortium comprising BPEA EQT and ChrysCapital group, with specific entities such as Kopvoorn B.V., Moss Investments Ltd, Defati Investments Holding B.V., and Infinity Partners, will acquire the stake.

Important Days News

16.World NGO Day 2024

• Every year on February 27th, the world comes together to celebrate World NGO Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honouring the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• These organizations, driven by a passion for positive change, play a crucial role in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
• The theme for World NGO Day 2024 is “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Ranks & Reports News

17.Per capita monthly household consumer spending more than doubled during 2011-12 to 2022-23: HCES Report

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has released findings from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) conducted from August 2022 to July 2023.
• This survey aimed to assess the Household Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) across various demographics, spanning rural and urban sectors, states, union territories, and socio-economic groups.
• Per capita monthly household consumption expenditure more than doubled from 2011-12 to 2022-23. Average rural spending increased to ₹3,773 from ₹1,430, while urban spending rose to ₹6,459 from ₹2,630.

Appointments News

18.Geeta Batra’s Historic Appointment to the World Bank’s GEF

• Geeta Batra, a distinguished Indian economist, has been appointed as the Director of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Batra becomes the first woman from a developing country to assume this prestigious role.
• At 57, Geeta Batra brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Chief Evaluator & Deputy Director for Evaluation at the GEF’s IEO.

Sports News

19.Army Clinches Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Title on Final Day

• The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 concluded in Gulmarg, with the Army emerging victorious after a thrilling final day of competition.
• Alpine skier Bobby Pandey’s gold medal in the parallel slalom event proved decisive, propelling Army to the top of the medal table with 10 gold medals.
• This narrow margin placed them one gold ahead of Karnataka (9 gold) and three ahead of Maharashtra (7 gold), who had led after the first round in Ladakh.

20.Ashwin Surpasses Kumble to Become India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Tests at Home

• Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in cricketing history, surpassing legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble to become the leading wicket-taker in Test matches played on Indian soil.
• The feat unfolded during the third day of the ongoing fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi. Ashwin dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, taking his tally to 351 wickets in Tests played in India. This eclipsed Kumble’s previous record of 350 wickets achieved in 63 matches.

Science & Technology News

21.Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon

• The Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon is a collaborative effort between Telecom Centres of Excellence India under the Department of Telecommunications and the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon aimed to revolutionize Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) operations. This initiative sought to explore groundbreaking solutions and promote innovation within the law enforcement domain.
• Vimarsh 2023 endeavors to devise India-tailored scenarios for Law Enforcement Agencies leveraging the potentials of 5G and beyond.

Obituaries News

22.Renowned Filmmaker Kumar Shahani Passes Away at 83

• The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of acclaimed director Kumar Shahani, who passed away at the age of 83 in Kolkata on Saturday.
• Shahani, born in Larkana, Sindh (present-day Pakistan) in 1940, was a pioneering figure in Indian parallel cinema. He carved a distinct path with his thought-provoking and socially conscious films, earning him recognition as a leading voice in independent cinema.

23.Legendary Ghazal Singer Pankaj Udhas Passes Away

• The music world mourns the passing of legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, who died at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Udhas was Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, in 1951.
• Udhas’ initial career involved Bollywood playback singing and even exploring Indian pop. However, his true passion lay in ghazals, a form of Urdu poetry set to music.
• In 1980, he released his debut ghazal album, “Aahat,” marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span over 40 years.

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

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