Daily Current Affairs 28 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 28 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ Campaign, Steadfast Defender 2024 Military Exercise, National Science Day 2024.

Top 25 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 28 February 2024

National News

1.Reliance Launches “Vantara,” a National Initiative for Animal Welfare

• Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation have launched a bold initiative, Vantara (Star of the Forest), dedicated to the rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of animals in need.
• This ambitious program is spearheaded by Anant Ambani. Vantara’s core lies in a sprawling 3,000-acre sanctuary within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat.
• This space has been meticulously transformed into a jungle-like environment, providing rescued animals with a natural and enriching habitat to heal and thrive.

2.PM Modi Announces India’s Own Space Station by 2035

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, declared India’s plan to establish its own space station by 2035.
• PM Modi also outlined India’s aspirations for lunar exploration, stating that the country’s own astronaut will touch down on the moon’s surface utilizing indigenous spacecraft technology.
• This initiative aims to facilitate advanced exploration of the universe. This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey.

3.Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Bharat Tex 2024 in New Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, the largest textile event in India, emphasizing its focus on sustainability, circularity, and economic growth.
• The event witnessed participation from over 3000 exhibitors and traders from 100 countries, showcasing India’s rich textile heritage and modern innovations.
• Prime Minister Modi highlighted Bharat Tex 2024 as a bridge between India’s traditional textile heritage and modern technological advancements.

4.Government Launches ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ Campaign in Higher Educational Institutions

• The government has announced the initiation of the ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ campaign in higher educational institutions nationwide starting from February 27, 2024.
• This campaign aims to foster active participation among the youth in the electoral process, emphasizing the significance of voting for the betterment of the nation.
• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urges the youth to raise their voices through the ballot box. He underscores PM Modi’s appeal to first-time voters and the youth to exercise their voting rights extensively.

International News

5.New Zealand to Repeal Anti-Tobacco Law

• New Zealand, under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition government, is repealing the law banning tobacco sales to future generations, originally enacted during Jacinda Arden’s tenure
• Sales to individuals born after Jan. 1, 2009, would have been prohibited, alongside other stringent regulations. The legislation aimed to drastically reduce nicotine content and slash the number of tobacco retailers by over 90%.
• The new coalition government, elected in October, has announced the urgent repeal of the groundbreaking law. Repeal will occur without public consultation, aligning with previous plans of the administration.

6.Lord Buddha Sacred Relics Enshrined In Thailand

• In a ceremony, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and His Two Disciples were enshrined for public reverence. A procession, emanating from the national museum, showcased the cultural heritage of Thailand.
• The Governor of Bihar, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, presented the Holy Relics of Buddha to Thai Prime Minister (Chairman), Mr. Srettha Thavisin.
• This parade, spanning 26 days, celebrated the spiritual significance of the Relics and highlighted the friendship between India and Thailand, symbolized by the display of their national flags and cultural exhibitions.

State News

7.Uttarakhand To Become Third State Enacting Law Holding Rioters Liable For Damages

• The Uttarakhand government will introduce a bill to hold rioters responsible for damage to both government and private property.
• In the upcoming budget session, they intend to present the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill, aiming to make rioters financially liable for losses resulting from protests or strikes.
• Uttarakhand is poised to become the third state, after Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to enact such a law. The move aligns with the govt’s agenda to maintain law and order and protect public and private assets from unlawful destruction.

8.Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha Inaugurates 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav

• Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha inaugurated the 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav organized by Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission at Children’s Park, Agartala.
• The event aimed at fostering urban livelihood opportunities and empowering women in the region. Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha underscored key initiatives undertaken by the state government to support women’s empowerment.

9.Tripura CM Inaugurates Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project In Udaipur

• The Tripura Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, marked a pivotal moment in the state’s development with the inauguration of the Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project in Udaipur.
• The inauguration ceremony witnessed the unveiling of the renovated Jagannath Dighi, symbolizing a new chapter in Udaipur’s development.
• The project aims to rejuvenate the water body and its surroundings, fulfilling the aspirations of the local community and bolstering the area’s appeal to tourists.

10.Telangana Government’s Decision to Scrap Hyderabad Pharma City

• In a significant move, the Telangana government has opted to discontinue the much-touted Hyderabad Pharma City project, citing legal complexities, farmer protests, and environmental concerns.
• The decision stems from legal entanglements surrounding the project. Ongoing farmer protests have contributed to the government’s decision.
• As an alternative strategy, the government plans to establish Pharma Villages to decentralize the growth of the pharmaceutical industry across the state.

11.PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ISRO’s Second Spaceport In Tamil Nadu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
• The project is estimated to cost Rs 950 crore. It aims to cater to the growing demand for satellite launches, particularly for small satellites.
• The new spaceport, sprawling over 2,233 acres, offers strategic advantages. Its location promises fuel savings and more efficient satellite launches compared to the existing facility in Sriharikota.

12.World’s First Vedic Clock Unveiled in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

• Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is set to unveil a groundbreaking innovation in timekeeping with the world’s first Vedic Clock.
• This meticulously crafted timepiece, housed on an 85-foot tower at the city’s Jantar Mantar, will be officially inaugurated on March 1st, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a virtual ceremony.
• Located near the Government Jiwaji Observatory, the Vedic clock transcends the conventional role of displaying time. It is designed to offer comprehensive information relevant to the Vedic Hindu Panchang.

Defence News

13.Adani Group Invests $362 Million in Local Defence Factories

• Gautam Adani’s conglomerate inaugurated two defense facilities in northern India, representing an investment of 30 billion rupees ($362 million).
• These facilities, established by Adani Defence & Aerospace, signify India’s drive towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• Located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the facility covers 500 acres and is dedicated to manufacturing small, medium, and large caliber ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary units, and police

14.NATO Launches Steadfast Defender 2024 Military Exercise

• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched its largest military exercise in Europe in decades, Steadfast Defender 2024, in late January 2024.
• This large-scale operation, conducted against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, serves as a potent symbol of NATO’s collective military might and unwavering commitment to the security of its member states.
• The exercise strategically encompasses various European countries, with a particular focus on nations bordering the Baltic Sea, a critical region due to its proximity to Russia’s exclave Kaliningrad and its economic importance for oil exports.

Economy News

15.Government Forms Expert Committee, chaired by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan, for Uniform KYC Norms

• After discussions within the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) regarding the need for uniform Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, the government has taken action by establishing an expert committee.
• Headed by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan, this committee aims to streamline and finalize uniform KYC norms across various sectors.
• The expert committee, chaired by Somanathan, has been constituted to address the issue of uniform KYC norms. Membership includes representatives from different government departments and FSDC members.

Banking News

16.RBI Issues Master Direction to Ease Reporting Norms for REs

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a master direction aimed at simplifying reporting norms for regulated entities (REs).
• This initiative consolidates 20 existing instructions, streamlining processes for finance companies and others. The directive focuses on reducing compliance burden while enhancing clarity and efficiency in reporting.
• Boards and senior management of REs are tasked with ensuring robust risk management frameworks, including data quality assessment and management.

Important Days News

17.Reserve Bank of India Observes Financial Literacy Week 2024

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is promoting financial literacy among young adults through their annual Financial Literacy Week (FLW) campaign, held from February 26 to March 1, 2024.
• This year’s theme, “Make a Right Start – Become Financially Smart,” with emphasis on “Saving and Power of Compounding”, “Banking Essentials for Students” and “Digital and Cyber Hygiene” which aligns with overall strategic objectives of the National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025.

18.National Science Day 2024

• National Science Day is celebrated annually on 28th February in India to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
• This day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role science plays in shaping our lives and society. Each year, National Science Day is celebrated with a specific theme, highlighting significant aspects of scientific progress and innovation.
• The theme for National Science Day 2024 is ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’, emphasizing the importance of promoting scientific, technological, and innovation skills.

Schemes News

19.KPDCL Extends Amnesty Scheme For Domestic Consumers In Jammu & Kashmir

• KPDCL (Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited) has extended its amnesty scheme for domestic consumers in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The scheme allows consumers to clear outstanding electricity dues in easy installments without late payment surcharges.  KPDCL emphasizes that this is likely the final extension of the amnesty scheme.
• KPDCL has instructed its staff to finalize the list of eligible domestic consumers who can avail benefits under the extended amnesty scheme. This ensures transparency and facilitates smooth implementation of the scheme.

Ranks & Reports News

20.India’s Position at 42 in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2024

• The US Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled the 12th edition of its International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the IP landscape across the globe.
• This year’s index ranked 55 economies, assessing their IP frameworks’ effectiveness in fostering innovation and creative industries.  India secured the 42nd position out of the 55 countries evaluated, with an overall score of 38.64 percent.
• The United States retained its position at the pinnacle, followed closely by the United Kingdom and France, highlighting the critical role of robust IP systems in economic development.

Appointments News

21.World Gold Council appoints De Beers’ Sachin Jain as chief executive officer

• The World Gold Council (WGC), representing global gold miners, has named Sachin Jain as its new CEO for India, effective from March.
• Jain joins WGC India from De Beers, where he served in various senior capacities over the past 13 years. Notably, as Managing Director of De Beers India, he spearheaded the De Beers Forevermark business in India and West Asia.
• Prior to his stint at De Beers, Jain held significant roles at renowned companies such as Lladro, Swatch Group, and Benetton. His diverse experience spans over two decades, reflecting his versatile skill set and strategic acumen.

22.Justice A M Khanwilkar Appointed Lokpal Chairperson

• In a significant development, former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of the Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman of India His appointment comes after a distinguished career in the judiciary, retiring from the apex court in July 2022.
• The notification issued by Rashtrapati Bhawan also announced the appointments of other key members of the Lokpal. Joining Justice Khanwilkar are Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi as judicial members.

Awards News

23.C-DOT Wins 3 Awards For Telecom Innovations At 14th Aegis Graham Bell

• Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Government of India, has clinched the top position in three categories at the esteemed 14th Annual Aegis Graham Bell Awards.
• The categories are: 1) Innovation in AI: ASTR Project, 2) Innovation in Social Good: CEIR Solution and 3) Innovation in Telecom: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Product.
• The event, held on February 21, 2024, at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, witnessed C-DOT’s groundbreaking innovations being recognized and celebrated.

Sports News

24.Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Smashes Fastest T20I Hundred

• Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, the dynamic Namibian batter, etched his name in cricketing history by scoring the fastest T20 International (T20I) century in a blistering innings against Nepal.
• Loftie-Eaton’s extraordinary feat occurred during the first T20I of the Tri-Nation series on Tuesday, February 27, leaving fans and pundits in awe of his remarkable display of power-hitting.

25.Neil Wagner Announces Retirement from International Cricket

• Veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner has called time on his international cricketing career, bringing an end to a distinguished 12-year Test match journey with the Black Caps.
• The 37-year-old Wagner represented New Zealand in 64 Tests, claiming a total of 260 wickets, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time wicket-takers list.
• Wagner was also the integral part of the New Zealand team that clinched the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

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

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