Table of Contents
Read the most important current affairs of 27 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Sikkim’s First Railway Station, First Woman CM of Punjab, World’s Third-Largest Mosque.
Top 16 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 27 February 2024
National News
1.Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Major Railway and Road Infrastructure Projects
- Prime Minister Modi led the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for several vital infrastructure encompassing railway modernization, road overpasses, and underpasses, aiming to enhance connectivity, safety, and efficiency.
- The objective of this initiative is to enhance station facilities by implementing modern infrastructure, thereby improving the overall passenger experience.
- The scope of the project involves the redevelopment of 553 railway stations spread across 27 states and union territories. The investment for this ambitious endeavor is estimated to exceed Rs 19,000 crore.
2.India Unveils Largest Solar-Battery Project, Pioneering Renewable Energy Innovation
- The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has commissioned India’s largest solar-battery energy storage system (BESS) in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
- This large-scale integration of solar and battery storage represents a pioneering leap in renewable energy generation and utilization in India.
- The project addresses peak energy demand by storing solar energy during the day and releasing it during evening hours, ensuring grid stability and reliability.
International News
3.Algeria Inaugurates World’s Third-Largest Mosque
- Algeria celebrated the grand opening of what has been acclaimed as “Africa’s largest mosque” and the third-largest mosque in the world.
- Known as Djamaa El-Djazair, this monumental structure is more than just a mosque; it’s an architectural marvel and a modernist wonder.
- Featuring the tallest minaret ( A tall, thin tower) globally, standing at 265 meters, this structure has the capacity to host 120,000 worshippers.
State News
4.PM Modi Inaugurates Sikkim’s First Railway Station In Rangpo
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially laid the foundation stone for Sikkim’s inaugural railway station in Rangpo, marking a significant moment in the state’s history.
- The station’s design is deeply rooted in local culture, heritage, and architecture. The inauguration of the Rangpo railway station is part of a larger initiative to enhance rail infrastructure nationwide.
- With over 2,000 projects valued at approximately Rs 41,000 crore, this ambitious endeavor aims to revolutionize transportation networks, fostering connectivity and economic development.
Defence News
5.Adani Group Launches South Asia’s Largest Ammunition and Missiles Complex in U.P.
- The Adani Group has inaugurated the Ammunition & Missiles Complex in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande, inaugurated the complex.
- This complex, owned by Adani Defence, marks the first phase of the state’s defense corridor and is dedicated to the brave warriors of the Balakot strike.
- The complex is expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs, with a significant multiplier effect benefiting MSMEs and the local ecosystem.
6.Defence Minister Approves Financial Incentive Scheme for Armed Forces Personnel Excelling in Asian Games
- Shri Rajnath Singh has demonstrated unwavering support for Armed Forces personnel who excelled in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou, China, during September-October 2023.
- The Ministry of Defence has announced a Financial Incentive Scheme to reward the Medal Winners, aiming to foster Recognition and Motivation among these athletes as they prepare for the Paris Olympics Games 2024.
- Under this initiative, Gold medal winners in both the Asian Games and Asian Para Games will receive a Cash Reward of Rs 25 lakh each, Silver medalists will be awarded Rs 15 lakh each, and Bronze medalists will receive Rs 10 lakh each.
Economy News
7.NSSO Survey Shows Poverty Down to 5%: NITI Aayog CEO
- NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam highlights key findings from the latest NSSO consumer expenditure survey, revealing a significant reduction in poverty levels to below 5% in India.
- He emphasizes the growing prosperity evident in both rural and urban areas, as indicated by the substantial increase in per capita monthly household expenditure.
- Per capita monthly household expenditure more than doubled in 2022-23 compared to 2011-12. The gap between urban and rural consumption has decreased from 84% in 2011-12 to 71% in 2022-23.
Banking News
8.Vijay Shekhar Sharma Steps Down from Paytm Payments Bank Board
- In a significant development, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the Founder and CEO of Paytm, has resigned from his role as part-time non-executive chairman and board member of Paytm Payments Bank.
- This move comes amidst a restructuring of the bank’s board in response to regulatory concerns and a directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to wind down operations by March 15.
- Vijay Shekhar Sharma holds a 51% stake in Paytm Payments Bank, while One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, owns the remaining stake.
Summit & conferences News
9.US-India Cybersecurity Initiative Launched
- In a collaborative effort between the US Consulate and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), the first-ever US-India Cyber Security Initiative has been launched.
- The initiative aims to Unite top cybersecurity experts globally, Foster people-to-people ties in cyberspace and Create jobs and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Awards News
10.Dr. Aditi Sen De Receives 2023 GD Birla Award
- In a world propelled by technological advancements, quantum computing emerges as a frontier of innovation. At its forefront stands Dr. Aditi Sen De, a distinguished physicist from the Harish Chandra Research Institute in Prayagraj.
- Recently honored with the 2023 GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence, Dr. De’s groundbreaking contributions to quantum technologies mark a significant milestone in scientific research.
- As the first woman recipient of the GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence, Dr. De’s achievements transcend individual recognition.
Appointments News
11.Maryam Nawaz Becomes First Woman Chief Minister of Punjab
- Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has become the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab province.
- Maryam Nawaz secured victory in the chief ministerial elections despite facing a walkout by lawmakers from Imran Khan’s party-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
- She defeated Rana Aftab of the PTI-backed SIC in the election, marking a significant political triumph in the politically crucial Punjab province.
Science & Technology News
12.Scientists Achieve First Successful Laser-Cooled Positronium For Quantum Research
- For the first time, an international collaboration of researchers has successfully demonstrated the laser cooling of Positronium, a short-lived hydrogen-like atom that provides an ideal testing ground for bound-state quantum electrodynamics.
- Positronium is a fundamental atom that comprises an electron (e-) and a positron (e+). Electrons and positrons are leptons, and they interact through electromagnetic and weak forces.
- The results could pave the way for taking up advanced studies leading to improved understanding of the physical nature, comprising matter and antimatter facilitated through the interactions between light and charged matter.
13.NVIDIA And Indian Govt Join Forces For Sovereign AI
- Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar announces a partnership between NVIDIA and the Indian Government to develop Sovereign AI, enhancing Digital Public Infrastructure.
- Sovereign AI, as envisioned by Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, goes beyond mere algorithmic capabilities; it signifies a significant shift in power dynamics, granting nations the ability to regain autonomy in generative AI.
- Sovereign AI marks a departure from dependence on individual providers, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and self-sustainability.
14.Gaganyaan Mission and ISRO Projects Inauguration by PM Modi
- PM Modi disclosed the identities of the four pilots currently undergoing training for India’s first human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.
- The astronauts, Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla, were also awarded ‘astronaut wings’ by the Prime Minister.
- The Gaganyaan mission marks India’s pioneering venture into manned space exploration, slated for launch between 2024-2025.
Obituaries News
15.Karnataka Congress MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik Passes Away
- Raja Venkatappa Naik, a revered figure in Surapur’s political landscape in Karnataka and a dedicated Congress MLA, bid farewell on February 25, leaving behind a rich political legacy.
- Naik’s tenure as a four-time MLA and recent appointment as Chairman of Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation underscored his enduring commitment to the people of Surapur.
16.Shafiqur Rahman Barq, India’s Oldest MP And Samajwadi Party Leader, Dies At 94
- Shafiqur Rahman Barq, a senior leader of the Samajwadi Party and MP representing Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, breathed his last at a private hospital in Moradabad at the age of 94.
- Shafiqur Rahman Barq was a significant presence in Indian politics, closely aligned with the Samajwadi Party. His political journey included multiple terms as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing constituencies like Moradabad and Sambhal.
27 FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR
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