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DESIRE TO LEARN
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT A WORD OF

I, SAGAR GUPTA (DIRECTOR) wanted to take a moment to express my

sincere gratitude for the people stood by me in my journey and for the
impact you have made. Your support, guidance, and encouragement
have been instrumental in our growth.

I am indebted to my father LATE. SANTOSH GUPTA, my role model and

whose life is my source of inspiration and My Mother MRS. SADHANA
GUPTA for all the love, care and motivation during my hard times.

Your belief in Desire To Learn has given us the confidence to do

more for you in all possible ways. Your trust has constantly inspired us
to share knowledge in powerful way. We are grateful for the
opportunities you have provided us.

We also want to thank you for your patience and understanding during
the challenging times. Your unwavering support and belief in us have
helped us stay focused and motivated, even when things seemed
difficult.

Also this book would not have been possible without the support and
hard work of our Co-founder SHRASTI JAIN.

We hope this book will prove to be very useful to our readers.

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR CO-FOUNDER
SAGAR GUPTA SHRASTI JAIN
 THE GRANTH

CATALOGUE FEBRUARY-2024
EDITION

❑Important Days Of- 05

FEBRUARY THROW LIGHTS ON
❖Ranks & Index 39
WORLD 08 ❖Apps & Portals 42
GOVERNMENT ❖Appointments 43
SUMMIT
❖Obituaries 44
Decrypt DefenCe ❖Miscellaneous 45
❖ Military Exercise 10
57
❖ Achievements BAFTA
❖ Indian Naval Ships
AWARDS-2024
INTERIM 61
➢ BHARAT BULLITENS 14
BUDGET 2024-
➢ LETS TRAVEL WORLD 24 25
➢ AWARDS 28
Bharat Ratna 2024
Dada Saheb Phalke Awards 2024
ACES Award 2024

DOWNLOAD OUR
APP FROM PLAY
STORE
➢ SPORTS 35 DESIRE TO
LEARN
Success usually comes to those
who are too busy looking for
it.”
A BRIEF TIMELINE
FEBRUARY 01- INDIAN COAST GUARD DAY
This year, the Indian Coast Guard is celebrating its 46th Raising Day. Indian Coast
Guard has played a significant role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing
regulations within the Maritime Zones of India
FEBRUARY 02- WORLD WETLANDS DAY
This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on
Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. It was first
celebrated in 1997.
Theme- Wetlands and Human Wellbeing

FEB 04- WORLD CANCER DAY FEB 06- SAFER INTERNET DAY
celebrated by WHO to aware people of This annual event is a global initiative to
the disease Cancer and how to cure it. he raise awareness about the importance of
primary goal of World Cancer Day is to a secure Internet experience for
significantly reduce illness and death individuals of all ages
caused by cancer
THEME- “Close the Care Gap: Everyone THEME- “Inspiring Change. Making a
Deserves Access To Cancer Care difference, managing influence and
navigating change online,”

FEB 10- WORLD PULSES DAY

an occasion dedicated to recognizing the pivotal role of pulses in promoting
food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s
theme, “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,”

FEB 11- INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE

This day serves as a crucial reminder of the immense contributions women
and girls have made, and continue to make, in the fields of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This year’s theme, “Closing the Gender Gap in Science: Accelerating
Action”,
5/FEBRUARY 2024
A BRIEF TIMELINE
11 FEBRUARY- WORLD UNANI DAY
marking the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a
renowned Unani practitioner and visionary who made
significant contributions to the field of Unani medicine
The theme of Unani Day 2024 is "Unani Medicine
for One Earth, One Health,"

12 FEBRUARY- NATIONAL 12 FEBRUARY- INTERNATIONAL

PRODUCTIVITY DAY EPILEPSY DAY
launching the beginning of the Indian observed on the 2nd Monday of February
Productivity Week, which lasts until each year. It is a pivotal event in the global
February 18. healthcare calendar that aims to unite
This year’s theme, “Artificial individuals affected by epilepsy
Intelligence (AI) – Productivity Engine THEME- “Milestones on My Epilepsy
for Economic Growth,” Journey”,

13 FEBRUARY- SAROJINI NAIDU BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Marks the 145th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a
distinguished figure in India's struggle for independence and a
celebrated poet known as the "Nightingale of India."

19 FEBRUARY- CHATTRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ JYANTI

marks the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti,
the 394th birth anniversary of one of the most revered figures
in Indian history.
20 FEBRUARY- ARUNACHAL 20 FEBRUARY- MIZORAM
PRADESH FOUNDATION DAY FOUNDATION DAY
This significant day commemorates the commemorates the state's establishment
state's official declaration as a distinct as the 23rd state of India in 1987.
entity within India in 1987.

6/FEBRUARY 2024
5 NEW WETLANDS ADDED TO
RAMSAR SITES
• On World Wetlands day (2 February) Government
of India designate 5 wetlands into Ramsar Site.
AMAZING FACTS:
• Total No of Wetlands-
80
• A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated to be of • Highest wetlands- Tamil
Nadu (14), UP (10)
international importance under the Ramsar
• 1ST Wetland of India-
Convention. Chilika Lake in Odisha
• Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected (1981)
under strict guidelines of the convention.

• The wetlands added are

Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve
• It is a human-made
wetland which was
constructed to store
rainwater for irrigation
purposes.
• It is also one of the
largest wintering grounds
for the Bar-headed
goose. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
• It is a human made Village Irrigation Tank built
centuries back.
• It is an ecologically important wetland and rich
in biodiversity.
• It supports more than 1% of the biogeographic
Aghanashini Estuary population of Painted Stork and Black-headed
• The brackish water of the Ibis.
Estuary provides diverse
ecosystem services
including flood and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest
erosion risk mitigation, • It derives its name from the Tamil word, "Solai",
biodiversity conservation which means a ‘tropical .
and livelihood support. • These forested wetlands serve as habitats for the
• The wetland helps in globally endangered Black-chinned Nilgiri Laughing
traditional fish farming in thrush and Nilgiri Blue Robin and vulnerable Nilgiri
the estuarine rice fields Wood-pigeon.
bivalve shell collection
and salt production.
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
• It is one of the largest inland wetlands of Tamil Nadu,
and is a significant source of groundwater recharge for
the area.

*THIS 3D MAP IS ONLY FOR GRAPHICAL REPRESENTAION.

• The summit took place in Dubai, UAE under the theme of 'Shaping Future
Governments’
• Aim: To anticipate future opportunities and challenges while addressing
pressing global issues.
• Guest of Honour: India, Türkiye, and Qatar
• Conferred the Best Minister Award to Qatar’s Minster of Public Health Dr.
Hanan Al Kuwari.
INDIA IN WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT :-
• India wins 9th Gov Tech award at World
Government Summit in Dubai

• iRASTE, a collaborative initiative involving the

government, industry, and academia, is
revolutionizing road safety through the
integration of AI technology.

• PM Modi inaugurates Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu

stone temple “BAPS MANDIR”, describes it as
symbol of shared heritage of humanity
A BRIEF TIMELINE
20 FEBRUARY- WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
It serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address inequality,
injustice, and social exclusion around the world.
THEME- “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,

21 FEBRUARY- INTERNATIONAL MOTHERLANGUAGE DAY

Falls on a Wednesday, marking a special day of recognition and celebration of
linguistic diversity worldwide.
THEME- “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational
learning.”

22 FEBRUARY- WORLD SCOUT DAY

to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Robert Baden- Powell,
who founded the Boy Scouts movement.
Theme - “Scouts for a Better World.”

24 FEBUARY- CENTRL EXCISE DAY 27 FEBRUARY- WORLD NGO DAY

to commemorate the establishment of • To honour and appreciate the
the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944. important work done by non-
The act was enacted to regulate the governmental organisations (NGOs).
manufacture and production of salt and • THEME- “Building a Sustainable
excise duty on various goods produced or Future: The Role of NGOs in
manufactured in India. Achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)”,

28 FEBRUARY- 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.
The theme for National Science Day 2024 is ‘Indigenous
Technologies for Viksit Bharat’,

9/FEBRUARY 2024
EXERCISES
1. EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN
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

Multinational military exercise Visakhapatnam to host 12th edition of

‘Shanti Prayas IV’ commences in MILAN naval exercise. This exercise is poised
Kathmandu The Shanti Prayas to set sail in the strategic port city of
Exercise is co-hosted by the Nepali Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27.
Army and the U.S. Indo-Pacific This year’s theme, “Forging Naval Alliances
Command. for a Secure Maritime Future,”

5. EXERCISE DOSTI- 16
The 16th edition of the India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral
Exercise 'Dosti-16' commenced from 22-25 February, with
Bangladesh observers also participating. India is sending ICGS
Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.

6. EXERCISE VAYU SHAKTI 2024

The Indian Air Force will be conducting Exercise
Vayu Shakti-24 on 17 February 2024 at the
Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer. The
last edition of exercise Vayu Shakti was held on 16
February 2019.
This year’s theme, ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky’,
10/FEBRUARY 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS INS SANDHAYAK
• INS Sandhayak: A New Chapter in India’s Naval
Mapping and Surveillance
• INS Sandhayak’s commissioning is timely, given the
strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region in
global maritime routes.

SARANG HELICOPTER
• Indian Air Force's Sarang Helicopter Display Team to
participate at Singapore Air Show 2024. The name
"Sarang" means "peacock" in Sanskrit.

C-390 MULTI MISSION TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT

• Brazilian aerospace Embraer and Mahindra
unveil a key collaboration to meet the Indian Air
Force's acquisition needs, focusing on the C-390
multi-mission transport aircraft.

• The Indian Army plans a Rs 57,000 crore project to produce

1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) to replace T-72
tanks, integrating AI, drone tech, and active protection.

SU-30 MKI FIGHTER JET FLEET

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) embarks on a comprehensive upgrade
project worth Rs 60,000 crore for the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. The initiative aims
to bolster the aircraft’s capabilities through the integration of advanced
technologies and indigenous systems.
11 /FEBRUARY 2024
 MISSILES TOUCHING SKY
| DEFENCE GLORY |

DID YOU KNOW?

• IIT Madras collaborates with Munitions
India Ltd to create India’s inaugural 155
Smart Ammunition, advancing defence
sector indigenisation.
• The aim is to improve the accuracy and
range of existing artillery gun shells

SAMAR MISSILE ZIRCON MQ-9B DRONES

MISSILE

Russian forces recently India's defense

The SAMAR (Surface- launched a 3M22 Zircon partnership with the
to-Air Missile for missile targeting Kyiv. US strengthens as it
Assured Retaliation) air The 3M22 Zircon is a
acquires 31 MQ-9B
defense missile system
scramjet-powered drones. The Indian
marked a significant
milestone as it was hypersonic cruise Navy will get 15 Sea
fired for the first time missile developed in Guardian drones, while
during the Vayushakti Russia, boasting speeds the Army and Air Force
Exercise in Rajasthan’s up to Mach 9 and a will each receive 8 Sky
Jaisalmer on Saturday, 1000 km range. Guardian drones.
February 17th.

12/FEBRUARY 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS
ABHYAS
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully
conducted four flight trials of the high-speed expendable aerial target 'ABHYAS'
recently.
• It is a high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT).
• It is designed by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).

IAF Strengthens Air Defense with Indigenous SAMAR-2 Missile System

Indian Navy Declares 2024 As ‘Year • SARVATRA: Indian Army’s Mobile Bridge
of Naval Civilians’ System
• SARVATRA, a cutting-edge Multispan
It aims to boost administrative Mobile Bridging System crafted by ACE
efficiency and enhance employee under DRDO, showcases advanced
welfare. equipment in defense.

UNDERWATER HARNOUR DEFENCE & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

• Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System Inaugurated In
Andaman and Nicobar command. The inauguration of a state-of-the-
art Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh.

DURGA-2
• DRDO To Test Indigenous Laser Weapon DURGA-
2. The project, designed in secrecy by the Indian
defence establishment, has garnered attention in
global strategic circles due to its potential to
transform warfare dynamics by neutralizing
ballistic missiles.
13/FEBRUARY 2024
BHARAT BULLETINS
1. GOA
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates ONGC Sea Survival
Centre in Goa.
• 10th Century Kadamba Inscription Written in Kannada,
Sanskrit Found in Goa. The inscription is engraved in both
Kannada and Nagari characters, showcasing the linguistic
diversity of the region during the 10th century.
• The Government of Goa has announced a groundbreaking
partnership with the World Bank to establish a pioneering
Blended Finance facility aimed at bolstering climate resilience
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the permanent campus of
the National Institute of Technology Goa

2. PUNJAB
• Punjab Govt Launches ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ (SSF), First Of Its Kind To Cut Road
Deaths. The inauguration of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) marks a significant
leap forward in safeguarding lives and preventing accidents on Punjab’s extensive
road network.

• Punjab Chief Electoral Officer's office has announced

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the new "state icon" for
Punjab.
• Banwarilal Purohit, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh
Administrator, resigned, citing "personal reasons."

3. BIHAR
• Bihar, a new landmark has emerged as a monumental tribute to Mahatma
Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation.

14/FEBRUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
4. ODISHA
• Recently, the Odisha government declared the Gupteswar forest in Koraput
district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). Gupteswar Forest, Odisha’s
New Biodiversity Heritage Site

• Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri

Dharmendra Pradhan, spearheaded the inauguration of the first Skill India Centre
(SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha.

5. MAHARASHTRA
• Union Ministers Launch Mobile Health Service ‘Kilkari’ and
Mobile Academy in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Kilkari provides
timely audio messages on reproductive maternal, neonatal,
and child health.

The Andhra Pradesh government recently imposed a month-long ban on fishing in

the 5-km radius of Hope Island to prevent the death of Olive Ridley turtles off the
Kakinada coast.

6. ASSAM
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a
colossal 125-foot statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan in
Lahdoigarh, Holongapar, Jorhat.

• The Assam government declared the GI-tagged

‘Kaji Nemu’ (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit.
• IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with Shri S. Krishnan inaugurated the
EduRade, has inaugurated India's revolutionary SWASTHA project and
largest Remote Pilot Training advanced ISO 5/6 Clean Room at IIT
Organisation (RPTO). Guwahati's Centre for Nanotechnology
15/FERBUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
7. MADHYA PRADESH
• World's First Vedic Clock Installed In MP's Ujjain; PM
Modi To Virtually Inaugurate On March 1. The clock is
installed in an 85-foot tower near the Government
Jiwaji Observatory.
FACT ABOUT RAJASTHAN
8. HARYANA
• Haryana Police is first force to use drones for tear Major Iron Ore Deposits
Uncovered in Rajasthan’s
gas. The Haryana Police dropped tear gas shells
Karauli. The iron is usually
from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on protesting
found in the form of
farmers on the Punjab- Haryana boundary.
hematite, magnetite,
limonite, siderite, or
9. JHARKHAND goethite.
• Champai Soren has been announced as the next Chief Minister of
Jharkhand, following the resignation of Hemant Soren.

10. GUJARAT
• Surat Airport in Gujarat has been officially recognized as
an International Airport by the Indian government, under
the supervision of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• 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
• Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era
fortified settlement named Morodharo. It is a fortified
settlement dating back to the Harappan era.

16/FEBRUARY 2024
BHARAT BULLETINS
11. UTTAR PRADESH
• The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval
to declare Ayodhya Airport as an international
airport, marking a significant development for
the city. The airport will be named “Maharishi
Valmiki International Airport,
Ayodhyadham,” reflecting the historical and
cultural significance of the region.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) hosts the 67th AIPDM in Lucknow. DG RPF unveils
mobile app & website for streamlined communication.
• The Uttar Pradesh government is taking significant steps 'EV Upyog' Portal to
promote the manufacture and use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. This move
is aimed at improving accessibility, functionality, and cybersecurity measures
associated with the portal.

• Adani Group Launches South Asia’s Largest Ammunition and Missiles Complex in
U.P.
• The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched
a mission to eradicate filariasis from the state.

12. JAMMU & KASHMIR

The Archaeological Survey of India Parliament Passes Historic JK ST Quota Bill,
(ASI)-protected Martand Sun temple Two Other Reservation Bills To include four
recently. It is a Hindu temple located communities – Gadda Brahmin, Koli,
near the city of Anantnag in the Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group – in
Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and
Kashmir.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated educational projects worth ₹13,375
crore, including three IIMs, IITs, 20 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 13 Navodaya Vidyalayas,
and AIIMS in Jammu.
17/FEBRUARY 2024
BHARAT BULLETINS
13. TELANGANA
• Union Culture Minister laid the foundation stone for the country's digital
National Museum of Epigraphy at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
This museum aims to house approximately one lakh ancient writings
spanning various times and languages
• Mesolithic-era rock paintings have been recently
discovered at Sitamma Loddi, Gattusingaram, in
Peddapalli district, Telangana.
• A newly-discovered 390-year-old Deepastambham
(lamp post) on the edge of River Krishna in Nalgonda
district of Telangana

Hyderabad to host FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers between

India and Kuwait on June 6

• Recently, the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs visited the Sammakka- Saralamma
Maha Jatara, in Medaram, Mulugu district of Telangana. It is also known as
Medaram Jatara
• The Ministry of Culture is initiating a major project to set up a Regional Centre of
Sangeet Natak Akademi in Hyderabad, known as 'Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik
Kendra’.
• Telangana Governor Tamili sai Soundararajan aims to make internet a basic right,
ensuring digital access for all, and to establish Hyderabad and Telangana as the
nation's AI hub..
• Skyroot offers Kalpana scholarship for • The NTR Stadium in
women space Engineers. Skyroot Hyderabad hosts the 36th
Aerospace - leading space technology edition of the National Book
company based in Hyderabad Fair.

18/FEBRUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
14. TAMIL NADU
• Recently, the Tamil Nadu government banned the
sale and production of cotton candy in the state
after it was found that the chemical Rhodamine-B
was being used for making it. It is a water-soluble
chemical compound.
• The government of Tamil Nadu established the
Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund
(TNESCF) to protect the purple frog and other
lesser-known endangered species.
• Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’
Initiative
The Tamil Nadu Assembly made a significant political statement by unanimously
adopting two resolutions that challenge the Union government’s proposals on ‘One
Nation, One Election’ and the post-2026 delimitation process.
• Archaeology students and professors in Tamil Nadu
recently unearthed a rare 1000-year-old stone statue
of Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara of Jainism. He
was the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the
Jain religion.
• Tamil actor Vijay announced the formation of his political party,
‘Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam,’
• Adidas to set up its first Asia GCC outside China in Tamil Nadu

15. KERALA
• Eravikulam National Park in Kerala to be shut from February 1 for calving season
of Nilgiritahr. It is situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western
Ghats of Munnar, Kerala. This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that
blooms once in twelve years.
19/FEBRUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
16. UTTARAKHAND
• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the 'Himalayan Basket'
initiative from his residence. The ‘Himalayan Basket’ initiative is designed to
boost local employment by capitalizing on the district’s abundant agricultural
resources

• Defence Minister unveils the statue of

General Bipin Rawat in Dehradun
• Uttarakhand to table Bill to recover
damage to property in protests
• The Pushkar Singh Dhami government is
set to introduce the Uttarakhand Public
and Private Property Damage Recovery
Bill during the Budget Session of Assembly
that begins on Monday.

17. WEST BENGAL 18. CHATTISGARH

The National Commission for The Solar Energy Corporation of India
Scheduled Castes (NCSC) recently (SECI) has commissioned India's largest
recommended the imposition of solar-battery energy storage system
President's rule in West Bengal. (BESS) in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Supreme Court of India recently agreed to examine whether the
words "socialist" and "secular" can be removed from the Preamble of the
Indian Constitution.
• The World Bank approved the $100 million Sikkim INSPIRES project to upskill
300,500 women and youth for high-growth sectors. It establishes an Employment
and Entrepreneurship Promotion Facility.
20/FEBRUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur
attended a youth dialogue program on the theme 'My Bharat
Mera Yuva Bharat' organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra at Malala
Auditorium in Diu.
The 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector’
launched. This will result in thousands of warehouses and
godowns in every corner of the country

Ministry of Education collaborates Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA)

with FIFA to enhance football access Stadium is set to be rebranded as the
in schools, distributing 11 lakh Niranjan Shah Stadium. This change comes
footballs nationwide, benefiting as a tribute to the former first-class
more than 1.5 lakh schools. cricketer and senior cricket administrator.

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the logo for "Bharat Mobility Global Expo
2024" in New Delhi, emphasizing India's innovative approach. Set in New Delhi.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Nepal Rastra Bank have signed an agreement
to integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and the National
Payments Interface (NPI) of Nepal.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, launched the 2024
Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) -
Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General
Conference in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan
India has successfully stopped the flow of water from the Ravi
River to Pakistan following the completion of the Shahpur
Kandi Barrage, situated in Pathankot district (Punjab), on the
border of Punjab and J&K, downstream from the existing
Ranjit Sagar Dam.

• The Indian government prepares to modernize toll collection on the Mysuru-

Bengaluru Expressway with GNSS-based tolling, aiming to improve traffic flow
and ease toll payment for commuters.

21/FEBRUARY 2024
 BHARAT BULLETINS
MARATHA MILITARY LANDSCAPE
India Nominates ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ for UNESCO World
Heritage List 2024-25
The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ comprise twelve components,
including :-
Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad,
Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee
Fort.

Prime Minister’s visit is the inauguration of the world’s

highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. Towering at
359 metres above the riverbed, this engineering marvel
surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres.

India has rejected the The RBI has The Indian

demand of the four-nation imposed several government has
European Free Trade major business introduced the 'Sagar
Association (EFTA) for ‘data restrictions on Aankalan' guidelines
exclusivity’ provisions in the Paytm Payments aimed at improving
free trade agreement that Bank. Earlier, the the efficiency and
both sides are negotiating. Central Bank had competitiveness of
Member Countries: imposed a ban on Indian ports. These
Iceland, Liechtenstein, adding new guidelines will be
Norway, and Switzerland. customers to the implemented across
bank in March 2022 all seaports.

Sharad Pawar unveils new party symbol at Raigad fort 'man blowing tura
(trum-pet)'
22/FEBRUARY 2024
•
BHARAT BULLETINS
Union Minister of Food Processing inaugurated “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for
Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024,” stressing the importance
of such events in promoting networking, sharing knowledge
PM Narendra Modi has Anurag Thakur To Set Up Film Certification Facilitation
virtually inaugurated the Office In Chandigarh. This initiative aims to enhance
Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, business ease for local filmmakers in the region.
a museum and
India's space sector now permits 100% foreign direct
interpretation center
investment, with liberalized thresholds for satellite-
inspired by the epic
related activities, launch vehicles, and manufacturing.
Mahabharata, from Rewari.

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

announced that students will get the choice to appear
for secondary and higher secondary board
examinations twice annually starting academic year
2025-26

Tech Mahindra, an IT Chief Justice DY Chandrachud The Union Cabinet

services and consulting firm, inaugurated the 'Ayush has eased regulations
completed the purchase of Holistic Wellness Centre' at to allow 100% foreign
Orchid Cybertech Services, the Supreme Court of India, direct investment
acquiring 100% ownership accompanied by fellow (FDI) in the country's
for $3.27M. Judges. space sector.

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said students will get
an option of appearing for Class 10 and 12 board examinations twice a year from
the academic session 2025-26.

• Luxury Train ‘Palace On Wheels’ To Begin Spiritual

JourneyPalace on Wheels, the world's second most
luxurious train, will start a bi-monthly religious tour
covering Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, and
Vrindavan from May 2024.
23/FEBRUARY 2024
•
LETS TRAVEL WORLD
Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko Sets World Record for
Most Time in Space
• Nepal To Export 10,000 MW of Power to India in next 10
years. This marks a significant stride in enhancing connectivity
between the two nations, fostering cooperation in the energy
sector.
Toyota Retains its Position as the World’s Top-Selling Automaker in 2023
• Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance
Sultan Ibrahim of Johor state has been India-Russia Sign Protocol on Nuclear
installed as Malaysia’s 17th king. Reactors Agreement amending the 2008
intergovernmental agreement.

• Sri Lanka aims to finalize Free Trade Organisation with

India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China by 2024 to
spur economic growth.

• U Tirot Sing Syiem was commemorated for his indomitable spirit and sacrifice as
the Meghalaya government unveiled his life-size bust at the Indira Gandhi Cultural
Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• India announces plans to fence the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar

border to enhance security and surveillance. Home Minister Amit Shah confirms
the decision.

• India Plans ‘Bharat Park’ Trade Zone in UAE for Global Showcase featuring
showrooms and warehouses to display and store Indian-made goods for a global
audience.
• Cameroon recently adopted the Nagoya Protocol on
Access and Benefit Sharing. The Nagoya Protocol on
Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and
Equitable Sharing of Benefits

24/FEBRUARY 2024
 •
LETS TRAVEL WORLD
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed Bhutan as the
primary beneficiary of Indian aid, receiving ₹2,398.97 crore,
followed by Maldives with ₹770.90 crore.
• India allocated a substantial portion of its budget to foreign
aid, with a notable emphasis on Bhutan.

WHO Honors Denmark,• BRICS Welcomes New Members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
Lithuania, Poland, Saudi UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia. The expansion, initially set to
Arabia, and Thailand For occur during the 15th BRICS summit in August 2023 in
The First Time For Johannesburg, South Africa,
Eliminating Industrially
India Launches UPI Payments at Eiffel Tower in Paris
Produced Trans Fats
• India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services will be rolled out in Sri Lanka and
Mauritius at a virtual ceremony.
• PM Modi and UAE Vice President Mohamed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone of
Bharat Mart, integrating retail, warehousing, and
logistics at Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai

• India and Greece prioritize a migration agreement and aim to double trade by
2030. Emphasis on defense, security collaboration, and key sectors like shipping.
• Mauritius Government has decided to amend Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreement (DTAA) with India in order to go with OECD’s proposal on Base Erosion
and Profit Shifting.
• India and South Africa will block a proposal led by China, which is being backed by
over 120 countries, to have an investment facilitation agreement at the WTO.

• The Russian President recently unveiled the newly modernised Tupolev Tu-160M
nuclear-capable strategic bomber at Kazan Aviation Plant.

25/FEBRUARY 2024
 LETS TRAVEL WORLD
• India to replace Maldives' military • Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce
personnel with skilled technical staff for its first luxury train, named the Dream
aviation operations, following President of the Desert. It will be the first luxury
Muizzu's request for troop withdrawal train in the Middle East, offering
and electoral mandate. travelers a journey through Saudi
Arabia.
• Greece legalizing same-sex marriage and equal
parental rights.
• India and Colombia signed an MoU to share India's
open-sourced Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs),
focusing on India Stack Solutions.
• Germany overtakes Japan as the world's third-
largest economy due to the yen's depreciation and
Japan's recession.

Trinidad and Tobago World Health Organization (WHO) published the

Declares National guidelines on the clinical management of diphtheria.
Emergency Due to It is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the nose
Offshore Oil Spill. and throat.

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE)

a new office will soon be established in Dubai.
• The master’s course was started at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi Campus in January 2024
• These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian
community here.

• The UAE swiftly exits the FATF's gray list, lauded for its anti-money
laundering efforts. Expected benefits include smoother transactions and
increased trade.

26/FEBRUARY 2024
 LETS TRAVEL WORLD
• Sri Lanka To Host Geeta Mahotsav’s 5th edition From March 1 The 5th edition of
the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) will take place in Sri Lanka from March 1-3,
marking its foreign debut.
• Recently, India has contributed USD 1 million to a fund established by India, Brazil
and South Africa. It was established in 2004 and became operational in 2006. The
IBSA countries - India, Brazil and South Africa –

• Algeria unveils the world's third-largest and Africa's largest

mosque, the Grand Mosque of Algiers, inaugurated by
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Turkey’s First Fifth-Generation Aircraft, Saudi Arabia takes center stage as the
KAAN, Completes Maiden Flight. KAAN Guest of Honor, showcasing its rich literary
embarked on its first flight, soaring heritage. The festival, also known as the
through the skies for 13 minutes and ‘mock hunting festival’, is celebrated at the
reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet, Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in the town
of Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
• India and the UAE exchanged several MoUs, including one to link their instant
payment platforms: UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). The agreement on interlinking
domestic debit and credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE).

MISSION ON POINT
• Astro Sat, India’s first, dedicated multi-wavelength astronomy mission,
accomplished the difficult task of measuring the X-ray polarisation of the Cygnus X-
1 black hole system. It was discovered over four decades ago.

• The European Union recently launched Mission Aspides to protect commercial

vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
27/FEBRUARY 2024
 • Priest Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri, the chief priest (Rawal) of the world-
renowned Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand, was honoured with the Shankar
Smriti Award in Kerala
• Badrinath Dham, often referred to as the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu
AWARDS & HONOURS
Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi South Indian Bank has been
Enterprises, receives 'Outstanding honoured as the Best Technology
Business Woman of the Year' Bank of the Year at the 19th IBA
Award from Rajnath Singh at an Annual Banking Technology
IACC conference. Conference.
Legendary sprinter and current President of
the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT
Usha, was honoured with the prestigious
'Lifetime Achievement' award.
PT Usha, often hailed as the “Queen of
Indian track and field,”

Prof. Adrian Cruise Receives ‘Order Of The

British Empire’ For Space Science
Leadership
• Three young Indian scientists receive
prestigious UK award: including Professors

• Rahul R Nair, Mehul Malik, and Tanmay

Bharat will be honoured at a black-tie gala
dinner and award ceremony in London

Pyarelal Sharma, the renowned musician, has been honoured with the
Laxminarayan International Award at the Global Music Festival.
Neeraj Chopra Bengali Writer
honoured at Shirshendu
Jungfrau’s Ice Mukyopadhyaya
Palace in Receives 2023
Switzerland Kuvempu Award

28/FEBRUARY 2024
 AWARDS & HONOURS
Polar bear asleep on an iceberg has clinched the prestigious
Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. This
enchanting image, titled ‘Ice Bed,’ captured by British amateur
photographer Nima Sarikhani,
• The iconic Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe,
witnessed a momentous event recently.

• The Academy Award for Achievement in Casting will be introduced to the Oscars
beginning with the 98th edition in 2026 (that will honour the films released in
2025).
• Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Awarded
Prestigious Jnanpith Award 2023
• The IEEE Kerala Section honored ISRO Chairman S.
Somanath with the prestigious K.P.P. Nambiar Award,
recognizing his leadership and innovation in space
technology.

• Kerala has received the Union Ministry of Health and

Family Welfare’s award for the best tuberculosis
elimination activities.
• The Serum Institute of India (SII), led by Adar
Poonawalla, has recently secured the prestigious title of
India’s most valuable unlisted company,

• Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the

Indian Army receives the Vishisht Seva Medal for his
significant role in developing the Multipurpose
Octocopter.
• Shashi Tharoor has been bestowed with the prestigious
'Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur' (Knight of the Legion
of Honour), France's highest civilian honour.

29/FEBRUARY 2024
 AWARDS & HONOURS
INDIRA GANDHI AWARD
Indira Gandhi and Nargis Dutt Names Removed from Categories
Previously known as the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film, this category will
now be simply referred to as the “Best Debut Film of a Director.”
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film:-“Best Feature Film Promoting National,
Social, and Environmental Values,”

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti honored Noida for water conservation

at the World Water Award 2023-24, recognizing its achievements
in sewage treatment and water reuse.

• South Indian Bank clinched the prestigious Best Technology Bank

of the Year Award at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology
Conference.
• The President of India awarded 'Jeevan Raksha Padak' to
RPSF constable
Sh. Shashikant Kumar for his bravery in 2023

• Swedish photographer Alex Dawson has clinched the

prestigious title of Underwater Photographer of the Year
2024.
• Dr. Aditi Sen De, an esteemed physicist from the Harish
Chandra Research Institute, recently received the 2023 GD
Birla Award for Scientific Excellence.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Grant permanent commission to women: SC to Coast Guard
• Chief Justice of India D.Y.Chandrachud, heading a three-
judge Bench, addressed Attorney-GeneralR. Venkataramani,
appearing for the Centre.

30/FEBRUARY 2024
BHARAT RATAN 2024
The Bharat Ratna award is the highest civilian award in India which was
instituted in the year 1954.
The Bharat Ratna award is presented by the President of India.

LAL KRISHNA ADVANI

Honoured with Padma Award (Public
Services).
Popularly known as LK Advani one of the co-
founder of Bhartiya Janta Party, actively led
Ramajanma Bhoomi Rath Yatra and also
served as the Deputy Prime Minister in Atal
Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet.
• PV Narsimha Rao (Public Services)
• Chaudhary Charan Singh (Public Services)
• MS Swaminathan (Agriculture Science)
• Karpoori Thakur (Posthumously) (Public
Services)

FACTS ABOUT BHARAT RATAN

CV RAMAN SACHIN TENDULKAR INDIRA GANDHI MOTHER TERESA LAL BAHADUR

1ST
RECEIPENT YOUNGEST RECEIPENT 1st women 1st Non-Indian SHASTRI
st
1 posthumously
recipient
 2024
DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARDS-
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 was held in
Mumbai
JAWAN
• Best Film
• Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan
• Best Director (Critics): Atlee
• Best Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
• Most Versatile Actress: Nayanthara

ANIMAL
• Best Actor in a Negative Role: Bobby Deol
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Anil Kapoor
• Best Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Best International Feature Film: Oppenheimer
Most Promising Actress: Adah Sharma (The Kerala Story)
Best Actor in a Web Series: Shahid Kapoor (Farzi)
Best Actress in a Web Series: Sushmita Sen (Aarya Season 3)
Best Actor in a Comic Role: Ayushmann Khurranna(Dream Girl 2)

Best Actress: Rani Best Film (Critics): 12th Fail Best Actress in a Best Actor (Critics):
Mukerji (Mrs Most Promising Actor: Television Series: Rupali Vicky Kaushal (Sam
Chatterjee vs Norway) Vikrant Massey Ganguly Bahadur)
ACES AWARD 2024
Sport-star Aces Awards is a tribute to Indian sports celebrities to recognize
their outstanding achievements in sports.
• National Team of the Year- India Men’s
Cricket Team
• Sportswoman of the Year (Team
Sports): Vandana Katariya
• Sportsman of the Year (Individual) :-
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty
• Sportswoman of the Year (Individual):-
Rameshbabu Vaishali, Sift Kaur Samra

Sportsman of
the Year :
Coach of the Sportstar of the Sportstar of the Ace of Aces Hardik Singh,
Year Rahul Year (Male) Year (Female) Award Rohan Mohammed
Dravid Neeraj Chopra Sheetal Dev Bopanna Shami
BADMINTON ASIA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships was held at the Setia City
Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
• India won the Badminton Asia Team Championships
crown for the first time
• Gayatri Gopichand and Jolly Treesa sealed a crucial
doubles win in the final
• PV Sindhu and teenager Anmol Kharb starred in
India's historic victory in Malaysia

The men’s Indian badminton team had previously won two medals in 2016
and 2020, but both were bronze.
• Two-time Olympic medallist
PV Sindhu, the world No. 11, MEDAL MEN’S WOMEN’S
kicked off the Indian title GOLD CHINA INDIA
charge in style, beating the
SILVER MALASIYA THAILAND
17th ranked Supanida
Katethong 21-12, 21-12. BRONZE JAPAN INDONESIA,JAPAN
• Abhinav Bindra selected as torchbearer for 2024 Paris Olympics
• He shooting legend and the first Indian athlete to win an
individual Olympic gold medal

• Karnataka clinches Nagesh Trophy beating Andhra Pradesh. The Nagesh Trophy,
named in memory of Late SP Nagesh, Founder President of the Cricket Association
for the Blind in India

• Archery Asia Cup 2024 in Baghdad, Iraq -India bags 14 medals, including 9 Golds

Indian Boxer Mandeep Jangra Secures U.S Intercontinental Title

• At the ISSF World Cup, Rhythm Sangwan and Ujjwal won

gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Meanwhile,
Arjun Babuta and Sonam Uttam Maskar won silver in the
10m air rifle mixed team event.

• Suhas Yathiraj, Pramod Bhagat, and Krishna Nagar secured gold medals in the
men’s singles at the Para Badminton World Championship.

• Anurag Singh Thakur alongside Dig Bahadur Limbu, Minister of Youth & Sports of
Nepal, inaugurated the inaugural BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship in New Delhi.
• Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship-2024 begins in Arunachal
Pradesh. The event is being organized by an organization called “SWYTCH” from 7
to 9 Feb
• Indian Squash player Abhay Singh wins Goodfellow Classic squash in
Toronto
Australia U19 win U19 World Cup 2024 by 79 runs! With the massive win
over India, Australia have secured its fourth World Cup title in U-19
cricket.
Australia added to their triumphs in 2002, 2010, and 2020
35/FEBRUARY 2024
SPORTS
• Grand Master Wei Yi emerged triumphant in the highly
anticipated 2024 Tata Steel Chess Tournament, showcasing his
exceptional skill and tactical prowess.

• Assam CM launched mascot 'Ashtalakshmi' for 4th Khelo India

University Games 2023 in Guwahati.
• India concludes 11th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships
with Three gold ,one silver and two national records.

FIH HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The Netherlands beat Malaysia in the final match of the 2024 FIH Men's Hockey5s
World Cup which was held in Muscat, Oman.
• 100-year-old TAGHAI Iranian Asgari performs dive at the 2024 World Aquatics.
Seventy-three years since diving to a silver and bronze medal at the inaugural
Asian Games in New Delhi.
• The International Football Association SAFF U-19 WOMEN’S C’SHIP
Board (IFAB) is preparing to debut a new SAFF Women’s U-19 Championships:
card, the blue card as part of trials India and Bangladesh Declared Joint
involving sin bins in professional football. Winners
• The penalty box, also known as the sin Sumit Nagal lifts Chennai Open ATP
bin Challenger trophy
• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur
handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary, the
host city for the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad.
Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna Kumari Banned For 12 Years For Doping

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek (from Poland) won the Qatar Open for a third
straight year. Swiatek defeated No. 4 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan

36/FEBRUARY 2024
SPORTS
• Darja Semenistaja (Latvia) beats Storm Hunter
(Australia) to clinch the Mumbai open 2024trophy
• Ivory Coast win Africa Cup of Nations.

• Ashwath Kaushik of Singapore made history by

defeating 37-year-old Polish grandmaster Jacek Stopa at
the Burgdorferi Stadt Haus-Open in Switzerland, securing
his place in history as the youngest chess player to
defeat a grandmaster.
• Host India won the inaugural Bay of Bengal Initiative for BIMSTEC
aquatic meet with 19 gold, 27 silver and 8 bronze medals at the
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially unveiled the logo for the
highly anticipated 7th North East Youth Festival 2024 Scheduled to take place in
Tripura
KHELO INDIA WINTER GAMES (in two phases)
• February 2–6: In Leh, Ladakh, with ice hockey and speed skating
• February 21–25: In Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, with ski
mountaineering, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic ski, and
gandola
• 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games conclude in Gulmarg.
• 4th edition of KIWG – Indian Army clinched the top position with
10 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals
• First runner up Karnataka with 9 gold & 2 silver medals
• 2nd runner up Maharashtra with 7 gold, 8 silver & 7 bronze
medals.
• MASCOT- snow leopard. It has been named 'Sheen-e She' or Shan
in Ladakh region.
37/FEBRUARY 2024
 HIGHLIGHTS FOR
CRICKETLovers
JASPRIT BUMRAH becomes first Indian pacer
to reach No. 1 in ICC Test rankings, replaces
Ravichandran Ashwin. He is only the fourth
from India to attain number one position.
• Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Bishan Singh
Bedi are the other Indians who have been
at the top of the chart
• Ashwin Surpasses Kumble to Become
India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Tests at
Home

Etihad Airways becomes “principal sponsor” of Chennai Super Kings

• Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of cricket history
by becoming the second Indian bowler to take 500 wickets in Test
matches.

• UK-based club cricketer Rizwan Javed has been handed a severe ban
from all cricketing activities for a period of 17 ½ years.

• Iconic Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was selected as the leader
of IPL's all-time greatest team.
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially announced the
appointment of Katrina Kaif as their brand ambassador
• Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Smashes Fastest T20I
Hundred only in 33 Deliveries
38/FEBRUARY 2024
RANKS & INDEX
TOP BRAND GUARDIANSHIP INDEX 2024
Mukesh Ambani Tops Global Brand Guardianship Index
2024. This recognition places Ambani ahead of renowned
global leaders such as Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook,
and Elon Musk.
2023 CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX
India Placed 93rd Among 180 Nations In 2023 Corruption
Index. The report sheds light on corruption dynamics in South
Asia, where countries like Pakistan (133) and Sri Lanka (115)

Countries with robust corruption control mechanisms continue to lead the index,
including New Zealand (3), Singapore (5), Australia (14), and Japan (16).
Somalia, with a score of 11, also ranks among the most corrupt countries in the
world according to the CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index )
TomTom, renowned for location technology, unveils insights on global traffic
congestion. London tops for slowest traffic in 2023; Bengaluru ranks second for
congestion.

CYBERCRIME REPORT
• In 2023, India ranked 80th globally for cybercrime targeting, with 34% of users
affected by local threats, totaling 74 million incidents. Enterprises are
increasingly outsourcing security functions..
• According to the World Bank's 'Logistics Performance Index Report (2023):
Connecting to Compete 2023', India ranks 38 out of 139countries. India's rank has
improved by six places from 44 in 2018 and sixteen places from 54 in2014.
• Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest ranked LPI countries as
per the 2023 LPI.
• India has cemented its position as the third-largest digitalized
nation in the world, trailing only behind the technological
powerhouses of the United States of America (USA) and China.

39/FEBRUARY 2024
RANKS & REPORTS
• Japan slips to world's 4th-largest economy.
• US topped the index followed by China (2nd) and
Germany (3rd)

• India secured 5th position

12TH ANNUAL TRAVELLER REVIEW AWARD

• Himachal Pradesh claims the top spot followed by Goa
and Kerala
• Karnataka emerges as the leader in The latest data from the Society of Indian
electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for
India, boasting 5,059 public charging Oct-Dec 2023 reveals intriguing trends.
stations, surpassing Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh emerges as the frontrunner
and Delhi, as per Bureau of Energy in vehicle sales during this period, with
Efficiency (BEE). Maharashtra closely trailing behind
Indian football, the national team has SIDBI releases 'Prabhaav,' assessing the
fallen 15 places to the 117th position in impact of Fund of Funds for Startups
the latest. FIFA rankings, Argentina (FFS) under Startup India Action Plan.
Remain at The Top of The FIFA Ranking The report highlights a fourfold increase
leads ahead of France in investments

HENLEY GLOBAL PASSPORT INDEX

• In 2024, France secured the top position on the
Henley Passport Index, reflecting the strength of its
passport, which grants visa-free access to 194
countries.
• Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain also secured
first rank along with France
• India drops to 85th in global passport index.

40/FEBRUARY 2024
•
MAJOR REPORTS
NITI Aayog and the Kingdom of the Netherlands jointly released a report at India
Energy Week, addressing challenges and solutions for LNG adoption in Medium
and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCVs). The report identifies obstacles to LNG
adoption in India’s MHCV segment,

REPORT ON THE STATUS OF LEAPORD

Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav,
released a significant report on the status of Snow leopards in India.
718 Snow leopards in India.
• Ladakh: 477 Snow leopards
• Uttarakhand: 124 Snow leopards
• Himachal Pradesh: 51 Snow leopards
• The International Energy Agency’s “Electricity 2024”
report on India’s energy future reveals key trends:
persistent coal reliance, a surge in renewable energy
(44% of total capacity), and nuclear power’s promising
growth. Despite India’s net-zero target by 2070

IMPORTANT PROGRAMS
• Ministry of Education launches PRERANA program. This unique initiative aims to
empower students of classes IX to XII with leadership qualities and provide them
with a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) presents the Young Scientist
Programme (YUVIKA) 2024, aimed at fostering curiosity and knowledge among
school children about space science, technology.
• Under the AaharAnudan Yojna, Prime Minister Modi disbursed monthly
instalments to approximately 2 lakh women beneficiaries from specially
backward tribes
41/FEBRUARY 2024
 APPS & PORTALS
• The Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary
Affairs launched a web portal of Coal Mines Provident
Fund Organization (CMPFO) namely C- CARES.

• Recently, the Union Agriculture minister unveiled the 'Sarathi' platform,

which seeks to provide a full suite of insurance products,Sandbox for
Agricultural and Rural Security, Technology and Insurance (SARTHI) is the
comprehensive digital insurance platform
• IRCTC collaborates with Swiggy to deliver pre-ordered meals via the
corporation's e-catering portal, enhancing passenger dining options.

• The Consumer Affairs GHAR PORTAL

Secretary recently
• GHAR - GO Home and Re-Unite Portal
asserted that
have been developed and launched by the
integration of artificial
National Commission for Protection of
intelligence in the ‘e-
Child Rights (NCPCR).
Jagriti’ portal will help
reduce the number of • It is a portal to digitally monitor and track
pending cases in the restoration and repatriation of
consumer courts children
• Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India launched “Science
for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal.
• It is aimed at creating a single online portal representing Indian Women
and Girls in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics &
Medicine).
• Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched four
portals — Press Sewa, National Register for LCOs, CBC, NaViGate Bharat.
42/FEBRUARY 2024
 APPOINTMENTS
• Former Railway Board Chief Anil Kumar Lahoti has been appointed as the chairman
of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• Jay Shah Secures Historic Third Term as President of the Asian

Cricket Council
• SEBI Names G Ram Mohan Rao As Executive Director For 3
Years DID YOU KNOW?
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder &
non-executive chairman of Paytm Payments Bank steps down
• Council of ICAI elected CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as the
President and CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda as the Vice-President
• Shehbaz Sharif to be Pakistan PM and Asif Ali Zardari
President.
Yemen Appoints Olzhas Bektenov,
Ahmed Awad bin his chief of staff, as
Mubarak as New the new prime
Prime Minister minister Kazakh.
Hungary’s
Nayib Bukele Secures Parliament elected
Re-election As El Tamas Sulyok as
Salvador President President
• Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb secured victory in Finland’s presidential
runoff against ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
• Prabowo Subianto emerges victorious in Indonesia’s Presidential race.
• Nawaf Salam was elected president of the ICJ in The Hague, marks him as the first
Lebanese and second Arab to hold this prestigious position for a three-year term
• The government appointed A S Rajeev, former MD and
CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, as Vigilance Commissioner
in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

43/FEBRUARY 2024
 AACHARYA SHRI VIDHYA
SAGAR JI
Passed away at the age of 77 after
undertaking 'sallekhna', a religious
practice involving voluntary fasting unto
death.
IMTIAZ QURESHIX
Padma Shri Awardee & a well known
chef passed away.

• Renowned constitutional jurist and

senior Supreme Court advocate Fali S
Nariman passed away.

‘Udaan’ actor Renowned Young ‘Dangal’ Shafiqur Rahman

Kavita Filmmaker Kumar Star Suhani Barq, India’s Oldest MP
Chaudhary Shahani Passes Bhatnagar Passes And Samajwadi Party
Passes Away Away at 83 Away at 19 Leader, Dies At 94

• Ameen Sayani, the legendary voice that defined radio for generations of
Indians, passed away at the age of 91.

• Legendary Ghazal Singer Pankaj Udhas Passes Away. He released his

debut ghazal album, “Aahat,”
Farooq Nazki, a revered poet, Historian R. Champakalakshmi,
broadcaster, and recipient of the former president of Indian
Sahitya Akademi Award passed away. History Congress passed away.
44/FEBRUARY 2024
 GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
PRITHVI-VIGYAN SCHEME
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has launched an
ambitious initiative named PRITHVI (PRITHviVIgyan), a
comprehensive scheme by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• The scheme aims to revolutionize our understanding and
interaction with various Earth systems.

ONE STOP CENTRES

• The Union Minister for Women and Child Development
said that One Stop Centres to help women who have
faced violence have been established in over 700 districts
Sikkim Becomes
across the country.
First Northeast State
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattari inaugurated
To Reinstate Old
the 'Van Mitra' scheme and its accompanying portal.
Pension Scheme For
AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME Employees
• The government is preparing to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat
Scheme to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi
workers/helpers. This initiative aims to provide free health coverage to these
essential healthcare workers, aligning with the broader goals of the AB-PMJAY
scheme.

• 'Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana' is set to benefit

around 15 lakh senior citizens suffering from physical
or mental disabilities. Under this scheme, eligible
citizens above the age of 65.
The Odisha state government plans to UP CM Yogi Adityanath's govt has
offer interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 raised grants in 6 categories under
lakh to the state's youth through the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana
newly launched 'Swayam' scheme from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
45/FEBRUARY 2024
 GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
• Odisha's CM Naveen Patnaik increases monthly pension under Madhu
Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) by Rs 500 for 36.75 lakh beneficiaries,
effective February.
• Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang reinstates Old Pension Scheme for
state govt. employees appointed on or after April 1, 2006.
• The Odisha state cabinet has approved extending its farmer welfare scheme
KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) for another
three years from 2024-2025 to 2026-2027
Government Continues Women Safety Scheme till 2025-26
• Arunachal Pradesh's milestone Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
achievement of 100% saturation in inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita
the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme under JJM, Vikas Pariyojana in Sambalpur, Odisha.
declared by CM Pema Khandu, sets it Aimed at PM SVANidhi beneficiaries, the
as the first northeastern and tenth initiative focuses on entrepreneurship
nationwide. training.

• The union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the
proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to continue the ‘Safety of
Women’ umbrella scheme.

• Defence Ministry introduces a scheme to reward Medal Winners who

excelled in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games, fostering
recognition and motivation as they prepare for Paris Olympics 2024

The Supreme Court ruled the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing it as
arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.
A Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dr D.Y. Chandrachud and also
comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra

46/FEBRUARY 2024
MAJOR INITIATIVES
• The Divya Kala Mela, an initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities (DEPwD), is set to grace the vibrant city of Agartala, Tripura.

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

introduces the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative,
calling upon industry leaders, startups, MSMEs,
academia, and innovators to join hands in reshaping
infrastructure planning and design through cutting-
edge technologies and collaborative efforts

Assam prepares for the 5th Madhya Pradesh Haryana Chief Minister
'Gunotsav 2024,' a state- government has Manohar Lal Khattar
wide assessment to announced a inaugurated the "Savera"
evaluate 40 lakh students, groundbreaking program, a groundbreaking
enhancing education initiative – the initiative aimed at early
quality and learning introduction of a detection and prevention of
outcomes in government 'bag-less school' breast cancer in women.
schools policy.

Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda unveiled key initiatives:

Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline offer grievance redressal,
while the SARTHI platform provides diverse insurance
coverage.
These initiatives aim to benefit insured farmers and mitigate
their risks.
• The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has rolled out a new
insurance product named ‘Amritbaal’. ‘Amritbaal’ emerges as a strategic
financial instrument designed to support the educational and other
significant needs of children.
• APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled APAAR initiative during the National
Conference on APAAR held in New Delhi.
47/FEBRUARY 2024
NEW
SPECIES DISCOVERED
• The newly discovered Northern Green Anaconda, scientifically named
Eunectes akayima,

• Scientists discover New Kangaroo Lizard Species in

Western Ghats: A “Diminutive Dragon”.

Dusted Apollo (Parnassiusstenosemus), a rare high-altitude

butterfly, has been sighted and photographed for the first time
in Himachal Pradesh.

• Scientists discovered the existence of a

giant anaconda snake hidden in the heart
of the Amazon rainforest. It is the world's
largest anaconda snake ever discovered.

DID YOU KNOW Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, reveals a

potent ally in pest control – a new nematode species, Steinernema adamsi.
48 /FEBRUARY 2024
 Uttarakhand has marked a significant milestone
www.desiretolearn.in in India's legislative history by becoming the first
state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

FIRST in news
• France Takes Lead as First EU Nation to Offer
Digital Visas.
• Dubai Launches World’s First Air Taxi Service
at World Government Summit 2024
• India's First Helicopter Emergency Medical
Service to be launched from Uttarakhand.
• Sindhu Ganapathy's appointment as the first
transwoman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE)
of Southern Railway.
• Tata Trusts to open India’s 1st state-of-the-
art small animal hospital in Mumbai

• Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma

inaugurated the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy
and a 100-bed hospital in Dibrugarh

• Philippines becomes first Asian Country to Ratify ILO

Convention to End Workplace Violence and Harassment
• PM Modi inaugurated the foundation stone for Sikkim's first
railway station in Rangpo.

• Uttar Pradesh To Set Up First Turtle Conservation Reserve.

49/FEBRUARY 2024
 CONFERENCE & SUMMITS

NATIONAL
DIGITAL INDIA FUTURE SKILL SUMMIT
• Electronics & IT Ministry Hosts First Digital India Future SKILLS Summit In Guwahati
• The Summit places a spotlight on the impact of rapid digitization globally,
underlining new opportunities for young Indians in cutting-edge technologies

INDIA ENERGY WEEK 2024 DID YOU KNOW?

India Energy Week 2024 is set to take place in Goa The 7th session of the Codex
from February 6 to 9, 2024. This premier event, Committee on Spices and
inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was
Shri Narendra Modi, is the country’s largest and sole held from 29th January 2024
comprehensive energy exhibition and conference to 2nd February 2024 at
Kochi.
GATI SHAKTI RESEARCH CHAIR
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways partners with IIM Shillong for India’s
first Gati Shakti Research Chair, focusing on multimodal logistics.

START-UP MAHAKUMBH
The government will organise ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, a 3-
day exhibition of startups across domains at Bharat
Mandapam in New Delhi with Ministry of Commerce and
Industry
21ST BIO ASIA PREMIER
• The 21st edition of BioAsia, Asia’s premier
biotechnology and life sciences convention began on
February 27, 2023 in Hyderabad, India.
• The theme for current year summit is “Transforming
Life Sciences with Data and AI”
50/FEBRUARY 2024
 CONFERENCE & SUMMITS

INTERNATIONAL
7TH INDIAN OCEAN CONFERENCE
• The 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, Australia, addressed various issues,
aiming for a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean. The theme “Towards a Stable
and Sustainable Indian Ocean.“

COP14 MEETING
• The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by
the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand
DID YOU KNOW?
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, chaired
the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development. This is the first time
India has chaired the Commission for Social Development since 1975
• 16th Conference of World Social Forum 2024 commences in Kathmandu 5-day
WSF 2024 under the title "Another World is Possible“
• Mobile World Congress 2024 will be held in Barcelona, Spain Begins On February
26. Main theme: “Future First,”

World Police Summit 2024 in Dubai. The sixth session of the United Nations
The summit will also include an Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) will take
exhibition showcasing pioneering place at the United Nations Environment
technologies that enhance police and Programme (UNEP) headquarters in
security work. Nairobi, Kenya.

60th MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is currently attending the 60th Munich
Security Conference in Germany. This conference serves as a platform for high-
level discussions on global security.
51/FEBRUARY 2024
 SPECIALLY FOR YOU- CONFERENCE IN
NEW DELHI
WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
• The Vice-President inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit in
New Delhi recently.
• theme ‘Leadership for the Sustainable Development and
Climate Justice’.
• The World Sustainable Development Summit is an annual
conference organized by The Energy and Resources
Institute, an independent research institute with
multidimensional capabilities. It was instituted in 2001,

BHARAT TEX 2024

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, one of the largest-
ever global textile events held in India, at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi

INDUS-X SUMMIT 2024

• The much-anticipated INDUS-X Summit is scheduled to be held on Feb 20-21,
2024, in Delhi. This summit marks a milestone in the collaborative efforts between
India and the US in defence innovation.
RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024
• The ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held in
New Delhi. It is held annually since 2016 in New Delhi.
• The theme of the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict,
Contest, Cooperate, Create,” Greek counterpart Kyriakos
Mitsotakis as the chief guest.
• The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference on
geopolitics and geoeconomics, which aims to address
the most challenging issues faced by the world. It was
structured along the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue
52/FEBRUARY 2024
•
SCIENCE & TECH
Neuralink, the neurotechnology company co-founded by
Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its first brain chip into
a human being.
• IIT Madras Researchers Engineer Plant Cells To Produce Drug
For Cancer
• Google Rebrands Its Chatbot, Bard, As Gemini. Google, under
Alphabet, advances in AI, rebranding its chatbot.

• IIT-Jammu professor Karan Nathwani has developed an anti-drone system,

primarily sound-based, which offers affordability and user-friendliness.

• India is set to launch its first spy satellite developed by a domestic

private player, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), in a SpaceX
rocket by April.

Russia is actively CIAL, the world's first Hyderabad-based

working towards a solar-powered Raghu Vamsi
formidable new airport, collaborates Machine Tools Private
development in with BPCL to establish Limited recently
space technology, a Green Hydrogen launched its fully
focusing on creating plant at Cochin indigenous Micro
a nuclear anti- airport, marking a Turbojet Engine
satellite (ASAT) pioneering effort in “INDRA RV25: 240N”.
weapon. sustainable aviation. It is a micro turbojet
engine.
GARBHINI-GA2
• Researchers recently developed Garbhini-GA2, an India-specific
artificial intelligence model to precisely determine the gestational
age of a foetus.
• It is the first India-specific artificial intelligence (AI) model to
precisely determine the age of a foetus in a pregnant woman in
the second and third trimesters.
53/FEBRUARY 2024
 WHAT ISRO SAID?
• India's ISRO prepares for an uncrewed Vyommitra
Mission in Q3 2024, propelling the nation towards
the monumental Gaganyaan mission in 2025.

• Vyommitra, equipped with advanced capabilities,

is designed to monitor module parameters, issue
alerts, and execute life support operations.

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) presents the Young Scientist
Programme (YUVIKA) 2024, aimed at fostering curiosity and knowledge among
school children about space science, technology.

CARTOSAT-2 SATELLITE
DID YOU KNOW?
ISRO’s high-resolution imaging satellite
Cartosat-2 has descended into Earth’s The Indian Space Research
atmosphere on February 14, 2024. Organisation (ISRO) has once again
marked its presence in the space
• ISRO had lowered its orbit from 635 km to
arena with the successful launch of
380 km by early 2020.
its advanced meteorological
• Cartosat-2 was launched on January 10, satellite, INSAT-3DS.
2007.

WHAT NASA SAID?

• NASA climate satellite – ‘PACE’ to Study Oceans and Atmosphere short for
Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem — is the most advanced mission ever
launched to study ocean biology.
• Japan (JAXA) and the US (NASA) are planning to launch the
world's first wooden satellite, the LignoSat probe, into space
this summer. This unusual spacecraft is made up of magnolia
wood which, during the experiments, was found to be
particularly stable and resistant to cracking.
54/FEBRUARY 2024
LETS TALK TECH
• Krutrim, an Artificial Intelligence start-up launched by Ola founder Bhavish
Aggarwal, has rolled out an AI chatbot in public beta, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT
and Google’s Gemini.
• Reliance Industries is set to launch ‘Hanooman’, a ChatGPT-style
AI service One of the defining features of ‘Hanooman’ is its ability
to operate across 11 local languages

• America’s Odysseus Spacecraft Makes 1st Commercial Moon Landing

in History

• Flywire Corporation, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), aims to
modernize and digitize international education payments for Indian students.
• Recently, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru completed the
first test of a solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle.

India's first septic MODI TO INAUGURATE THREE ISRO FACILITIES

tank cleaning
The projects inaugurated by Modi are–
robot, called
‘Homosep Atom’ 1. a Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC
, offering an end- 2. a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility
to-end solution at ISRO's propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
to eliminate
manual 3. the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space
scavenging Centre (SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota

IIT-Madras collaborate
with Munitions India to The S2, nicknamed 'Jigarthanda', is a 24-metre-long
develop India’s first facility located at IIT Kanpur's Hypersonic Experimental
Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL) within the Department
indigenously designed
of Aerospace Engineering. It is India's first Hypervelocity
155 mm smart
Expansion Tunnel Test Facility.
ammunition
55/FEBRUARY 2024
FESTIVALS
DID YOU KNOW?
• Japan’s 1,000-Year-Old Sominsai Festival Comes To An End lamented
globally due to the impact of an aging population
• President Murmu To Launch ‘Purple Fest’ For Disabled After the
success of the ‘International Purple Fest, 2024’ held in Goa from 8th to
13th January, 2024.
• Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s Biggest Theatre
Festival, Kicks Off In Gujarat
• The Delhi Book Fair, organized by the National Book
Trust and India Trade Promotion Organization. This
year's theme is "Multilingual India: A Living Tradition."
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH) is making efforts to secure UNESCO DID YOU KNOW?
recognition for the annual 'Paruveta' festival.

• The President of India will inaugurate the Aadi Mahotsav 2024, an annual national
tribal festival, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi
• Tribal Festival ‘SammakkaSaralamma Jatara’ Kicks Off In Telangana
• The vibrant city of Chandigarh hosted the 11th International Puppet Festival at
Tagore Theatre.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

• CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan revealed a
book named, "Artificial Intelligence
and National Security," at Pune's
Defence Litreature Festival.
• A new book titled “Sculpted Stones:
Mysteries of Mamallapuram”
portrayed by Ashwin Prabhu.
Dabbling in Diplomacy by Ek Samandar Mere Andar
Prof. SD Muni by Dr. Sanjiv Kumar Joshi
56/FEBRUARY 2024
77TH BAFTA AWARDS 2024
honoring the best national and foreign films of
2023, at the Royal Festival Hall within London's
Southbank Centre

OPPENHEIMER
• Best Actor: Cillian Murphy
• Best Film- Oppenheimer
• Best Supporting Actor - Robert Downey Jr.
• Best Direction- Christopher Nolan
• Received the most nominations with
thirteen and the most wins with seven

DEEPIKA PADUKONE announced the Film

Not in the English Language Award for ‘The Zone
of Interest’
• Best picture-Quiet on the Western Front'

• Rising Star Award-Mia McKenna-Bruce

• Best Actress-Emma Stone Poor Things

• Best British Film- The Zone of Interest

Rohini Hattangadi became the first Indian to win a BAFTA Award for her
portrayal of Kasturba Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi (1982)
66GRAMMY AWARDS 2024
TH

The 66th Annual Grammy Awards hosted in

Los Angeles honored the best recordings,
compositions, and artists from Oct 1, 2022,
to Sep 15, 2023,
Shakti, a fusion music group of Indian musicians,
has won the 2024 Grammy Awards in the category
of Best Global Music Album for 'This Moment'. The
five Indian composers are:
• Tabla player Zakir Hussain
• Flute player Rakesh Chaurasia
• Singer Shankar Mahadevan
• Violinist ganesh rajagopalan
• Percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram

✓ Best Alternative Jazz Album -The Omnichord Real Book

✓ Song Of The Year - What Was I Made For?
✓ Youngest artists to win Record of the Year Billie Eilish
✓ Album Of The Year - Midnights

• Miley Cyrus; and Taylor Swift became the artist with the most GRAMMY
wins for Album Of The Year

Best new artist the most Best Pop Dance Tyla Most nominated
Victoria Monét GRAMMYs Recording Best African Artist
Beyoncé Padam Padam Music SZA
 IMPORTANT
COMMITTEES
16TH FINANCE COMMISSION
• 16th Finance Commission Holds First Meeting Under Chairmanship of Arvind
Panagariya. The commission commits to delivering its recommendations by
October 31, 2025, covering a five-year award period starting from April 1, 2026.

COMMITTEE FOR UNIFORM KYC NORMS

• Government Forms Expert Committee, chaired by Finance Secretary T V
Somanathan, for Uniform KYC Norms
• aims to streamline and finalize uniform KYC norms across
various sectors.
the Sports Ministry of India suspended the Paralympic Committee of
India (PCI) led by para-athlete Deepa Malik

COMMITTEE FOR ELECTION COMMISSION

A committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on Wednesday to
select a candidate for the post of Election Commissioner.

WOMEN IN NEWS
• Jacintha Kalyan Makes History as India’s First Female Pitch
Curator
• Maryam Nawaz Becomes First Woman Chief Minister of
Punjab Michelle O’Neill
• Geeta Batra, a distinguished Indian economist, has Becomes Northern
been appointed as the Director of the Independent Ireland’s First
Evaluation Office (IEO) of the World Bank's Global Minister
Environment Facility (GEF)
59/FEBRUARY 2024
 TOP 20 QUESTIONS
1. Five more wetlands have been 7. “Best Global Music Album” award, 14. Recently, Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar
declared as Ramsar sites in India. for their album “This Moment”, at Ji Maharaj has attained Samadhi through
Now, there are total how many the 66th Annual Grammy Awards ‘Sallekhna’. He was a renowned saint of
Ramsar sites in India? 2024? which of the following religions?
A. 75 B. 80 C. 83 D. 78 A. Shakti B. Burna Boy A. Jainism B. Buddhism
C. Davido D. Susana Baca C. Judaism D. Sikhism
2. Recently, the Indian Navy has
declared 2024 as which of the 8. In Interim Budget which countries 15. Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted
following? has received the largest share of the Exercise “VAYU Shakti-24” in which
A. Year of Transformation development assistance from India? state ?
B. Year of Technology Absorption A. Bhutan B. Maldives A. West Bengal B. Rajasthan
C. Year of Naval Civilians C. Sri Lanka D. Nepal C. Odissa D. Madhya Pradesh
D. Year of Maritime Security
9. PM Modi will address the World 16. Which of the following states has
3. Which of the following ministries Government Summit 2024 (WGS) as received the Union government’s award
has received the highest allocation in the “guest of honour”. It will be held for best TB eradication programme?
the Interim Union Budget for 2024- in which of the following cities? A. Tamil Nadu B. Odisha
2025 among the Ministries? A. New York B. London C. Kerala D. Telangana
A. Ministry of Defence C. Dubai D. Paris
B. Ministry of Railways 17. Which of the following has become
C. Ministry of Statistics 10. Recently, which of the following the first Christian Orthodox-majority
D. Ministry of Education countries has won the 2024 ICC country to legalise same-sex marriage?
Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup? A. Russia B. Georgia
4. Recently, who amongst the A. India B. South Africa C.Ukraine D.Greece
following from India has been C. Pakistan D. Australia
selected as a torchbearer for the 18. What is the theme of National Science
2024 Paris Olympic Games? 11. Which of the following countries Day 2024?
A. Mary Kom B.Sakshi Malik has announced to build its first luxury A. Science for Sustainable Development
C. Vijender Singh D. Abhinav Bindra train “Dream of the Desert”? B. Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat
A. Saudi Arabia B. Oman C. Innovations in Medicine
5. Recently, the Unified Payments C. UAE D. Qatar D. Digital Revolution in Science
Interface (UPI) has been formally
launched at which of the following 12. Recently, Unified Payment 19. Which state secured the 2nd runner-
World Heritage sites? Interface (UPI) services have been up position in the medal tally of the 4th
A. Great Wall of China launched in which of the following edition of KIWG?
B. Colosseum, Italy countries? A. Karnataka B. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Eiffel Tower, Paris A. Thailand and Malaysia C. Maharashtra D. Kerala
D. Machu Picchu, Peru B. United Kingdom and Germany
C. Mauritius and Sri Lanka 20. Where did the DHARMA GUARDIAN
6. The World Police Summit 2024 will D. Saudi Arabia and Qatar exercise commence?
be held in which of the following A. Ladakh
cities? 13. The Naked-man “Somin-sai” B. Rajasthan
A. New York B. New Delhi festival was celebrated in which C. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
C. Dubai D. Berlin countries? D. Siachen Glacier
A. South Korea B. Japan
C. China D. Vietnam
1. A, 2.C, 3. A, 4.D, 5.C, 6.C, 7.A, 8. A, 9.C, 10.D, 11.C, 12.C, 13.B, 14. A, 15.B, 16.C, 17.D, 18.B, 19.C, 20. B

60/JANUARY 2024
INTERIM BUDGET 2024-25
• Interim Budget 2024-25 was tabled in the
parliament. It envisions 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
• An Interim Budget is presented by a
government that is going through a transition
period or is in its last year in office ahead of
general elections.
• As per Article 112 of the Indian Constitution,
annual financial statement is laid before both
Houses of Parliament.
• There is no constitutional provision for an
interim budget.
• Purpose :- Financial Statement presented by the
government ahead of general elections.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERIM BUDGET 2024-25

• POOR: Successful movement of

25 crore people out of • YOUTH: Training of 1.4 crore
multidimensional poverty. youth under the Skill India
• Credit assistance was provided to Mission.
78 lakh street vendors under PM- • Fostering entrepreneurial
SVANidhi. aspirations with 43 crore loans
sanctioned under PM Mudra
• WOMEN: Disbursement of 30 Yojana
crore Mudra Yojana loans to
women entrepreneurs. • FARMERS: Direct financial
• 43% of female enrolment in STEM assistance was provided to 11.8
courses. crore farmers under PM-KISAN.
• Assistance to 1 crore women • Crop insurance extended to 4
through 83 lakh SHGs, fostering crore farmers through Fasal
'Lakhpati Didis. Bima Yojana.
INTRIM BUDGET 2024-25
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS:
1.Railways:- 40,000 normal rail 4.Healthcare Sector: Encouraging
bogies will be converted to Cervical Cancer Vaccination for girls (9-
Vande Bharat standards for 14 years). U-WIN platform for
enhanced safety, convenience, immunization efforts of Mission Indra
and passenger comfort. Dhanush to be rolled out. Expanding
the Ayushman Bharat scheme to
2.Aviation: Expansion of include all ASHA workers, Anganwadi
existing airports and workers, and helpers
comprehensive development of
new airports under the UDAN 5.Agricultural Sector: Encouraging the
scheme. use of 'Nano DAP' for various crops
across all agro-climatic zones.5.Fishery
3.Urban Transport: Promotion Sector: Establishing a new department,
of urban transformation via 'Matsya Sampada,' to address the
Metro rail and NaMo Bharat. needs of fishermen.

Allocation for Specific Ministries in Lakh Crore

6.2

2.78

2.55

2.13

2.03

1.77

1.68

1.37

1.27
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/FEBRUARY 2024 64