Monthly Current Affairs February 2024

Ruby Thakur
February 29, 2024
933

Ruby Thakur
February 29, 2024
933

In Monthly Current Affairs for February 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Monthly Current Affairs February

16^th Finance Commission

The government appointed four members of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, with the approval of the President of India.
Former Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha, former Special Secretary, Expenditure Annie George Mathew, Executive Director, Artha Global Dr. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha have been appointed as full time members. Group Chief Economic Advisor of State Bank of India, Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh has been appointed as part time member.

The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted on 31st December with Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog as its Chairman.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been requested to make its recommendations available by October 31, 2025, covering an award period of 5 years commencing 1st of April, 2026.

UNESCO World Heritage List

The Ministry of Culture announced that India is nominating the ‘Maratha Military Landscape’ for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle, with a total of 12 components included in this nomination. Suvarnadurg Fort is a part of the historic ‘Maratha Military Landscape’.
In its official statement, the Culture Ministry said that the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ represents extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, showcasing the vibrant history of India.

It said that the twelve components of this nomination are — Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijay durg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu.
Officials from the ministry said that these twelve components are distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions and they shocase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule in ancient India. The statement said that the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’, which developed between 17th and 19th centuries, “represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.
There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, out of which only 12 forts are selected under the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’, and eight of these forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The forts under ASI are Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort; whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, government of Maharashtra.

UK Prize In London

The prestigious Blavatnik Awards will recognize the exceptional contributions of Rahul R Nair, Mehul Malik, Tanmay Bharat, and other early career scientists at a black-tie gala in London.
These awards, totaling 480,000 pounds in grants, underscore the importance of recognition and research funding in propelling scientific breakthroughs. Sir Leonard Blavatnik, Founder of Access Industries and Head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, emphasizes the transformative impact of early recognition and grants on scientific careers.
Through the Blavatnik Awards, promising researchers like Nair, Malik, and Bharat are supported in their endeavors to advance fields such as quantum communications and structural microbiology.
Rahul R Nair, a materials physicist at The University of Manchester, has been honored as the Laureate in Physical Sciences & Engineering for his pioneering work in developing innovative membranes using two-dimensional (2D) materials. These membranes are poised to revolutionize energy-efficient separation and filtration technologies.

Professor Mehul Malik, a Quantum physicist at Heriot-Watt University, is pioneering quantum communications with his research.
Malik’s work harnesses high-dimensional entanglement to create robust quantum networks, promising secure transmission of data over long distances. His innovations exemplify the potential of early career scientists to drive technological advancements.
Dr. Tanmay Bharat, a structural microbiologist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, utilizes cryo-electron tomography to uncover atomic-level details of cell surface molecules. His groundbreaking research sheds light on cell-to-cell interactions and biofilm communities, offering both biomedical insights and fundamental understanding of life’s evolution.

Elon Musk’s Neuralink Implants Brain Chip

In a groundbreaking development, Neuralink, the neurotechnology company co-founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its first brain chip into a human being.
This marks a significant step forward in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and opens up a myriad of possibilities for the future of medical treatment and human enhancement.
Founded in 2016, Neuralink has been at the forefront of developing advanced neural interface technology. The company aims to create devices that can be implanted in the human brain, with the potential to help treat neurological disorders and eventually enable symbiosis between humans and artificial intelligence.
The recently implanted brain chip, known as the “Link,” is a small, coin-sized device that is placed under the skull and interfaces directly with the brain. The Link is designed to monitor brain activity and potentially stimulate brain regions for therapeutic purposes.
The primary goal of Neuralink’s brain chip is to address various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. By recording and stimulating brain activity, the Link could offer new treatment options for patients suffering from these conditions.

Moreover, the technology holds promise for broader applications, such as restoring sensory and motor function and even enhancing cognitive abilities. The long-term vision is to facilitate direct communication between the human brain and computers, offering unprecedented interaction capabilities.

Surat Airport Attains International Airport Status

Surat Airport, located in Gujarat, has officially been granted recognition as an International Airport by the Indian government, marking a significant milestone overseen by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This strategic decision highlights Surat’s growing economic potential and aims to bolster its global connectivity, particularly considering the city’s stature as a vibrant center for the diamond and textile industries.
Elevating Surat Airport to international status is expected to stimulate economic development, attract foreign investments, and fortify diplomatic relations with other countries.

The designation as an International Airport is poised to generate a notable increase in both passenger traffic and cargo operations, fostering regional development and advancing globalization endeavors.
With enhanced import-export mechanisms, Surat Airport is positioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating international trade.
In line with its upgraded status, Surat Airport has undergone substantial infrastructure improvements, including the inauguration of a modern domestic terminal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This terminal, designed with sustainability at its core, incorporates eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient roofing systems, rainwater harvesting, and utilization of solar power. These eco-initiatives not only mitigate environmental impact but also bolster the airport’s resilience and operational efficiency.

UP’s Mission To Eradicate Filariasis

Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a mission to eradicate filariasis from the state. As part of this, the government will conduct the Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign from February 5th to 15th, 2024.

Filariasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. It can lead to conditions like swelling of limbs and genitals. The government aims to eliminate this disease from the country by 2027.
The 15-day campaign will cover 17 districts in UP. These are Amethi, Azamgarh, Ballia, Banda, Barabanki, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Jaunpur, Jalaun, Lucknow, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, Unnao, and Varanasi. Presently, 51 districts in UP are affected by filariasis. The MDA will expand to cover the rest of the districts from August 10, 2024
Health workers will go door-to-door to administer preventive medication to all residents except children under 2 years, pregnant women and seriously ill people.
The government has asked people to take the medication even without symptoms. Symptoms can take 5-15 years to show up after infection, Once infected, the disease is irreversible and only management is possible, Preventive efforts can safeguard the next generation.

Talabira Thermal Power Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of Talabira Thermal Power Project of Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited, under the Coal Ministry in Odisha.

According to the Ministry, the project worth over 27,000 crore rupees will focus on producing electricity at a cost of 3.65 rupees per unit. The state-of-the-art project aims to provide reliable, affordable and continuous power, making a significant contribution to the nation’s energy security and playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.
The Ministry said that the thermal power plant will ensure higher efficiency, reduced carbon footprint and an impressive 10 percent eco-friendly biomass co-firing initiative.

GHAR Portal

Ministry of Women and Child Development has pioneered the development of two pivotal portals: the Track Child Portal and the GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite Portal.
These platforms play a crucial role in tracking missing and found children, enhancing restoration and repatriation processes, and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable minors under the purview of the Juvenile Justice system.
The Track Child Portal, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, serves as a centralized hub for tracking missing and found children nationwide.

Developed in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network Systems), and various State Governments/UT Administrations, this platform empowers authorities and citizens alike to monitor the whereabouts of missing children effectively.
Seamlessly integrated with the CCTNS, the Track Child Portal enables real-time matching of FIRs with the database to expedite the tracing of missing children.
Through the “Khoya-Paya” feature, citizens are encouraged to report sightings or information about missing children, fostering community involvement in child protection efforts.
Complementing the Track Child Portal, the GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite Portal is a digital platform designed to facilitate the restoration and repatriation of children in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Bharat Ratna

On the announcement of conferring Bharat Ratna to Mr LK. Advani said ever since he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of fourteen, he sought reward in dedicated and selfless service of India.
Mr Advani remembered two persons with whom he had the honour of working closely – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing the honour on him. He expressed gratitude to the party workers, swayamsevaks and others with whom he worked throughout his journey in public life.

On September 25, 1990, L K Advani commenced his Rath Yatra from Somnath, Gujarat. He planned to traverse across the country on a rath (a chariot, or in Advani’s case, a modified Toyota made to look like a chariot), building momentum for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and ultimately arriving at Ayodhya to stake claim to the Babri Masjid site.
Thronged by thousands of ‘activists’, Advani’s procession was marked by songs and slogans, all with a singular aim to galvanise pan-Hindu support for the temple. As historian Ramachandra Guha noted, “the imagery of the yatra was religious, allusive, militant, masculine, and anti-Muslim.”
Advani gave way to Vajpayee in the aftermath of the Babri demolition, to allow the party to be helmed by a more “moderate” face. He would never be able to meet his prime ministerial aspirations. Nonetheless, his role in the rise of the BJP to its current, seemingly infallible position, remains undeniable.

Unified Payments Interface At Eiffel Tower

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is great to see UPI being formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at India’s Republic Day Celebration in Paris, France.
Mr Modi said it marks a significant step towards taking UPI global. He said this is a wonderful example of encouraging digital payments and fostering stronger ties.

Making the announcement, the Indian Embassy in France termed it as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking UPI, global.
The UPI is India’s mobile-based payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPIL) in 2016. It allows people to make round-the-clock payments through a virtual payment address created by the customer.
UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application of any participating bank, merging several banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood.
During his visit to France in July last year, Prime Minister Modi announced the agreement between India and France to use the UPI payment mechanism. He had said that it will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Prime Minister Modi had said that Indian tourists in France will now be able to make payments in rupees.

Grammy Awards 2024

Prominent Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti bagged the prestigious Grammy award.
They clinched the award in Best Global Music Album category for their latest album This Moment.
The album This Moment was released in June last year. The album consisted of eight songs by John McLaughlin, Zakir Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh and Ganesh Rajagopalan.

Meanwhile, Zakir Hussain also bagged the Grammy in Best Global Music Performance category for his contribution to Pashto alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia.
Moreover, Veteran Indian classical flute artist Rakesh Chaurasia managed to win dual Grammy for his collaborative album As We Speak in the Best Contemporary Instrumental and Best Global Music Performance categories.
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards 2024 are being held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Uniform Civil Code Bill

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, marking a significant milestone.
This bill, formulated based on recommendations from a government-appointed committee, is set to be introduced in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6.

If ratified, Uttarakhand will become the first state post-Independence to embrace the Uniform Civil Code, with the objective of standardizing civil laws for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs.
Ban on Polygamy and Child Marriage: The committee advocates for a comprehensive ban on polygamy and child marriage to ensure uniformity in personal laws.
Common Marriageable Age: The proposal includes advocating for a consistent marriageable age for girls across all religious backgrounds to establish equality and eliminate discrepancies.
Uniform Grounds and Procedures for Divorce: The committee suggests implementing similar grounds and procedures for divorce to promote standardized legal processes.
Special Assembly Session, In order to deliberate on the UCC bill, a special four-day session of the Uttarakhand Assembly has been scheduled from February 5 to 8. This session aims to facilitate thorough discussions before the legislation is passed.

India’s Woman Robot Astronaut “Vyommitra”

In a pioneering leap for India’s space endeavors, Vyommitra, the woman robot astronaut developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is set to embark on an uncrewed mission in the third quarter of this year.
The mission, named after the Sanskrit words “ Vyoma ” (Space) and “Mitra” (Friend), signifies a significant stride towards the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the country’s maiden manned space flight, slated for 2025.

Vyommitra, equipped with advanced capabilities, is designed to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations.
This female robot astronaut simulates human functions in the space environment, interacting seamlessly with the Life Support System.
Its tasks include operating six panels and responding to queries, showcasing its versatility for space exploration.

Oleg Kononenko

Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko achieved a historic milestone by setting a world record for the most time spent in space, surpassing his compatriot Gennady Padalka’s previous record of 878 days in orbit, as reported by Russia’s space corporation, Roscosmos.

At 0830 GMT, Oleg Kononenko officially broke the record, marking a significant achievement in the history of space exploration.
His dedication and contributions to space missions have positioned him as a prominent figure in the realm of human spaceflight.
Oleg Kononenko is anticipated to reach a remarkable milestone of 1,000 days in space on June 5. By late September, he is expected to further extend his record, clocking an unprecedented 1,110 days in space.
These milestones underscore Kononenko’s enduring commitment to advancing space exploration.
The 59-year-old cosmonaut surpassed the previous record held by Gennady Padalka, who accumulated a total of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in space. Kononenko’s achievement highlights the ongoing legacy of Russian contributions to space exploration.

Operation Smile-X

In January, 2024 a total of 3,479 child labourers were rescued from across the Telangana State through Operation Smile-X, a month-long operation organised by the Telangana police.
The State police carries out this operation in January every year to trace and rescue missing and trafficked children.
In January 2024, Operation Smile-X rescued a total of 3,479 child labourers across Telangana.
The operation is organized annually in January by the Telangana police to trace and rescue missing and trafficked children.
The Cyberabad police alone rescued 718 children – 301 boys and 28 girls from within the state; 360 boys and 29 girls belonged to other states.
Most children were rescued from child labour (640), but one missing child was also rescued by the Cyberabad police.

Seven missing children were rescued at the state level. The police worked in coordination with the departments of Women Development and Child Welfare, Labour and Health; Child Welfare Committees; District Child Protection Units; and NGOs to identify ‘black spots’, where children were found in vulnerable conditions, according to a press release.

Justice Ritu Bahri

Justice Bahri has been sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court by Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) at Raj Bhavan.
The post had been vacant since the retirement of Justice Vipin Sanghi in October 2023.
Justice Bahri was serving as a Judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court before being appointed as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand.

She is the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in the state.
Justice Bahri enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana in 1986 and started practicing law in the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
She was appointed Assistant Advocate General of Haryana in March 1992. Subsequently, she was appointed Deputy Advocate General of Haryana in August 1999 and Senior Advocate General of Haryana in December 2009.
As the State counsel for Haryana, she handled several cases related to service matters, land acquisition, taxation, revenue, labour and motor accident claims. She was elevated as a Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court on August 16, 2010.

World Government Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the prestigious World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai on February 14.
This marks his second invitation to the WGS, with the first being in 2018. The WGS, an annual global gathering held in Dubai since 2013, convenes world leaders, policymakers, and experts to tackle pressing global issues.
Scheduled from February 12 to 14, the WGS is a cornerstone event in Dubai, attracting participants from across the globe.

This follows UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent attendance at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January, underscoring the growing diplomatic ties between India and the UAE.
President Mohammed bin Zayed’s acknowledgment of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as a platform for economic growth highlights the strengthening ties between the UAE and India.

The upcoming WGS featuring Prime Minister Modi signifies the high regard both leaders hold for each other.
In addition to addressing the WGS, PM Modi will speak at the Ahlan Modi event in Abu Dhabi on February 13, celebrating the sizable Indian diaspora in the UAE.
The UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indians, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities.
On February 14, PM Modi will inaugurate the UAE’s first traditional stone temple, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing inclusivity and tolerance. This gesture underscores the deepening cultural ties between India and the UAE.

The visit also marks significant progress in economic cooperation, with discussions on the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The UAE’s role as a key energy partner further strengthens bilateral ties.
PM Modi’s visit will be his seventh to the UAE since 2014, reflecting the importance both countries place on maintaining robust diplomatic relations.

Digital National Museum Of Epigraphy

In a significant development for India’s cultural heritage, Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy recently laid the foundation stone for the country’s digital National Museum of Epigraphy at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
Spearheaded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this museum aims to house approximately one lakh ancient writings spanning various times and languages, preserving them for future generations.

This initiative builds upon the announcement made last year by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the establishment of the Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions (BharatSHRI).
The goal of this project is to digitize one lakh ancient inscriptions, ensuring their accessibility to a wider audience and facilitating scholarly research.
During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Minister Reddy emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage). He underscored the administration’s dedication to leveraging technology to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural legacy, ensuring universal access to art and heritage.
Minister Reddy hailed the digital museum as a transformative initiative with the potential to unlock a treasure trove of knowledge for scholars and researchers. By digitizing ancient writings and inscriptions, the museum will provide invaluable resources for studying India’s diverse cultural heritage and historical narratives.

Bharat Ratna

The government has announced India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Father of Green Revolution, Dr. M S Swaminathan.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media post. Expressing delight over the announcement, Prime Minister Modi said PV Narasimha Rao Garu as a distinguished scholar and statesman, served India extensively in various capacities.

He said that his visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced and laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth.
Mr Modi further added that his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language, and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy.
Remembering the contribution of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Mr Modi said, the Bharat Ratna is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country.
Prime Minister said, he had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Mr Modi also lauded his stand against the Emergency and said Chaudhary Charan Singh’s dedication to the farmer and his commitment to democracy is inspiring to the entire nation.
Prime Minister expressed immense joy over the announcement of Bharat Ratna to Dr. MS Swaminathan for his monumental contributions to agriculture and farmers’ welfare.
PM Modi said he played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.
Recognising his invaluable work as an innovator, Mr. Modi said, Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity.

ASEAN Secretary-General’s First Official Visit

Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will be on a five day official visit to India.
This will be the first official visit of Dr. Kao to India since assuming charge in January 2023.
External Affairs Ministry said that the Secretary-General of ASEAN is scheduled to have meetings with the External Affairs Minister and other dignitaries in Delhi.

He is also slated to deliver the Sapru House Lecture organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on the theme ‘The ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the Evolving Regional Architecture’.
Dr. Hourn will also visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gaya.
As per the Ministry, the visiting dignitary is scheduled to deliver an address on ‘The Future of ASEAN: ASEAN’s Relevance and Resilience in the Evolving Strategic Environment’ at the Nalanda University in Rajgir.
Nalanda University leads the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU). The Ministry said that the engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy, which has entered into its 10th year in 2024 as well as its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific.
In 2022, the ASEAN-India relations were elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry said that India firmly supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. India also supports the priorities set by Lao PDR in its ASEAN Chairmanship for the year 2024 under the theme ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’.

200^th Birth Anniversary Of Maharshi Dayananda

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a programme on the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati organized at the birthplace of Swami Dayananda, Tankara in Morbi, Gujarat, via a video message.
In his address, PM Modi conveyed his delight at the Arya Samaj organizing the event to honour Swami Ji’s contributions and to bring his teachings to the masses. Reflecting on his participation in last year’s inauguration of the festival, he remarked, “When the contributions of such a great soul are so exceptional, it is natural for the festivities associated with them to be extensive.

“Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born on 12th February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat in a Brahmin family. His parents, Lalji Tiwari and Yashodhabai were orthodox Brahmin.
He was earlier named Mool Shankar Tiwari as he was born during Mool Nakshatra. He wandered as an ascetic for fifteen years (1845-60) in search of truth. Dayananda’s views were published in his famous work, Satyarth Prakash (The True Exposition).
He was an Indian philosopher, social leader and founder of the Arya Samaj. Arya Samaj is a reform movement of Vedic dharma and he was the first to give the call for Swaraj as “India for Indian” in 1876.
He was a self-taught man and a great leader of India leaving a significant impact on Indian society.
During his life, he made a prominent name for himself and was known among a wide array of Prices and the public.
The first Arya Samaj unit was formally set up by him at Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1875 and later the headquarters of the Samaj were established at Lahore.
His vision of India included a classless and casteless society, a united India (religiously, socially and nationally), and an India free from foreign rule, with Aryan religion being the common religion of all.
He took inspiration from the Vedas and considered them to be ‘India’s Rock of Ages’, the infallible and the true original seed of Hinduism. He gave the slogan “Back to the Vedas”.
He subscribed to the Vedic notion of chaturvarna system in which a person was not born in any caste but was identified as a brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya or shudra according to the occupation the person followed.
He introduced a complete overhaul of the education system and is often considered as one of the visionaries of modern India. The DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools came into existence in 1886 to realize the vision of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. The first DAV School was established at Lahore with Mahatma Hansarj as the headmaster.

Neeraj Chopra

India’s Olympic gold medalist and world champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, was honoured with a commemorative plaque at the renowned Ice Palace.
This prestigious recognition adds another feather to his cap and strengthens the bond between Switzerland and India.
Carved into the heart of a glacier, the Ice Palace in Jungfraujoch serves as a unique and awe-inspiring monument. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, this setting provided the perfect backdrop to honour Chopra’s exceptional achievements.

Unveiling the plaque, Chopra expressed his gratitude and stated, “To have a plaque installed here in this stunning Ice Palace was beyond my wildest dreams, yet here I am.”
The plaque recognizes Chopra’s remarkable journey – from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Olympic champion and global sporting icon.
His dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only brought him personal glory but also inspired millions worldwide.
This honor goes beyond recognizing his athletic prowess; it acknowledges his role as a symbol of hope and potential.

PM Surya Ghar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that in order to further sustainable development and people’s well-being, the Government is launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Mr Modi said, this project, with an investment of over 75 thousand crore rupees aims to light up one crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
He said, from substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank loans, the Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people.
The Prime Minister said, all stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal which will further convenience.

He said, to popularise this scheme at the grassroots, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.
Mr Modi said, at the same time, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills, and employment generation for people. He called upon everyone to boost solar power and sustainable progress.

Bharat Mart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone of Bharat Mart, situated within the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai.
‘Bharat Mart’, a hybrid marketplace for Indian businesses, will provide them access to global markets by leveraging the strategic location and strength in logistics of Jebel Ali port.
This initiative, to be constructed by DP World, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between India and the UAE.

During the virtual event, both leaders emphasized the potential of ‘Bharat Mart’ to boost the bilateral trade between India and the UAE.
Leveraging the strategic location and robust logistical infrastructure of Jebel Ali Port, Bharat Mart aims to provide a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises from India to expand their reach to international markets in the Gulf, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
Discussions encompassed various areas of bilateral cooperation, spanning trade, investment, technology, space, education, and cultural exchanges. Both leaders expressed satisfaction underscoring the pivotal role played by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

58th Jnanpith Award

Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya will receive the 58th Jnanpith Award.
Gulzar is known for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is the founder and chief of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, and is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts.
The recipients for the award were decided by a selection committee chaired by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai. Established in 1944, the prestigious Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.

Munich Security Conference

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany.
As part of the conference, Dr Jaishankar will address a panel discussion on ‘Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities, today.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and US Secretary of State Blinken will also take part in the panel discussion along with the External Affairs Minister.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Dr Jaishankar yesterday discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation as well as those of key global and regional concern with prominent leaders including US Secretary of State Blinken and his British counterpart David Cameron.
In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar said that during his meeting with Mr. Blinken, their talk centred on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. He said they reviewed the continuing progress in India-US bilateral ties.
The talks between the External Affairs Minister and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly focused on the present state of bilateral ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation.
The External Affairs Minister and European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell exchanged perspectives on the current global situation.
Dr Jaishankar and UK Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed India-UK bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Earlier, the External Affairs Minister held a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, and discussed global challenges and the pathway ahead. The two leaders reviewed preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.
The 60th Munich Security Conference got underway. The three-day meeting offers a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges.

World’s First Wooden Satellite

NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the world’s first wooden satellite, dubbed the LignoSat probe, is poised for imminent launch.
Developed by Kyoto University scientists in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry, this innovative initiative aims to revolutionize spaceflight operations by prioritizing sustainability.
The LignoSat probe represents a pioneering effort to mitigate the environmental impact of space missions.

Vantara – Animal Rescue & Care Facility

Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation announced the launch of Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme, an umbrella initiative to focus on rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both in India and abroad.
Spread over 3,000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally.

“What started as a passion for me at a very young age has become a mission now with Vantara and our brilliant and committed team. We are focused at protecting critically endangered species native to India. We also want to restore vital habitats and address urgent threats to species and establish Vantara as a leading-edge conservation programme,” Anant said.
He said the rescue center houses over 200 elephants, while the zoo has more than 100 species of animals and a dedicated team of 3,000 people to manage it.
Ambani has displayed a deep passion for animal welfare since his early years. He is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at rescuing, providing healthcare, rehabilitating, and conserving animals.

Monthly Current Affairs February Question

As Per Latest Census How Many Snow Leopards Are In India
A. 1000
B. 927
C. 818
D. 718
ANSWER: D
Divyansh Singh Panwar Seen In News Is Related To
A. Hockey
B. Shooting
C. Cricket
D. Javelin Throw
ANSWER: B
Mascot For Khelo India Winter Games 2024
A. Snow Leopard
B. Polar Bear
C. Musk Ox
D. Walrus
ANSWER: A
As Per Transparency International’s 2023 Index Least Corrupted Country
A. Denmark
B. Finland
C. Hungary
D. Turkey
ANSWER: A
Which Of Following Is Not A Component Of Government Budget
A. Revenue Budget
B. Capital Budget
C. Surplus Budget
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C
What Do You Understand By The Term “Fiscal Federalism”
A. Transfer Of Authority & Obligations Among National, Sub-national, And Local
Governments.
B. Denotes Monetary Interactions Among Governmental Entities
C. Represents Disposable Income Households Retain After Deducting Income
Taxes.
D. As Per Capita Income Surpasses A Certain Threshold, Population Tends To Rise
ANSWER: B
In Which Section Indian Constitution Is Provision For Union Budget Mentioned
A. Article 110
B. Article 268
C. Article 112
D. Article 356
ANSWER: C
Surajkund International Crafts Mela Is Inaugurated In
A. New Delhi
B. Faridabad
C. Gurugram
D. Pune
ANSWER: B
Filariasis Is Caused By
A. Mosquito Bite
B. Dog Bite
C. Pig
D. Cat Bite
ANSWER: A
Commonwealth Legal Education Association For Commonwealth Attorneys
And Solicitors General Conference Is Inaugurated In
A. Jaipur
B. Kolkata
C. Bhubaneshwar
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: D
Talabira Thermal Power Project Located In
A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Odisha
D. Tamil Nadu
ANSWER: C
Who Is Selected As Torchbearer From India For Paris Olympics 2024
A. Abhinav Bindra
B. Neeraj Chopra
C. Karnam Malleswari
D. PV Sindhu
ANSWER: A
GHAR Portal Is Launched By
A. Ministry Of Home Affairs
B. Ministry Of Housing & Urban Affairs
C. Ministry Of Women And Child Development
D. Ministry Of Railways
ANSWER: C
Unified Payments Interface Formally Launched In Which European Country
A. Germany
B. Italy
C. Spain
D. France
ANSWER: D
Where Is Pixxel’s State-of-the-art Spacecraft Manufacturing Facility,
Megapixxel, Located
A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Bengaluru
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER: C
Who Won Grammy Award 2024
A. Sonu Nigam
B. Vishal Mishra
C. Shankar Mahadevan
D. Salim Merchant
ANSWER: C
Who Set World Record For Most Time Spent In Space
A. Oleg Kononenko
B. Gennady Padalka
C. Ashwin Vasavada
D. Sunita Williams
ANSWER: A
Operation Smile X Is Launched By
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Telangana
ANSWER: D
Who Is Appointed As Chief Justice Of Uttrakhand
A. Preeti Tanwar
B. Ritu Bahri
C. Vipin Sanghi
D. Ritu Sanghi
ANSWER: D
Theme Of 20th National Good Governance Webinar Series For 2023-2024
A. Advancing Agricultural Practices For Sustainable Growth
B. Enhancing Educational Opportunities Through Digital Initiatives
C. Promoting Excellence In Sports And Wellness Through Khelo India Scheme
D. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure For Public Welfare
ANSWER: C
Operation Black Gold’, Is Related To Which One Of The Following
A. Crude oil smuggling
B. Gold smuggling
C. Black money smuggling
D. Drugs smuggling
ANSWER: B
What is eROSITA, Recently Mentioned In The News
A. Drone
B. X-ray telescope
C. Artificial Intelligence tool
D. Submarine
ANSWER: B
Theme For National Science Day 2024
A. Global Science for Global Wellbeing
B. Indigenous Technologies For Viksit Bharat
C. ‘Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future
D. Impact on Education Skills and Work
ANSWER: B
Bharat Rang Mahotsav Celebrates Its _ Anniversary In 2024
A. 24th
B. 25th
C. 26th
D. 27th
ANSWER: B
ULLAS Mela Will Focus On
A. Literacy Rate
B. Child Care
C. Old Age Care
D. Birth Rate
ANSWER: A
India’s Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility Is Developed By
A. IIT Kanpur
B. IIT Delhi
C. IIT Bhubaneshwar
D. IIT Roorkee
ANSWER: A
Institution Launched ‘Face Authentication System’ At The Global Fintech
Festival
A. NPCI
B. NITI Aayog
C. NASSCOM
D. UIDAI
ANSWER: D
Hage Geingob, Who Passed Away Recently, Was A President Of Which Country
A. Angola
B. Botswana
C. Zambia
D. Namibia
ANSWER: D
‘Lupus’, In The News, Is Related To Which One Of The Following
A. Autoimmune Disease
B. A Geological Formation
C. Satellite Launched By ISRO
D. Invasive Plant
ANSWER: A
Primary Objective Of SAMARTH Scheme, Seen In The News
A. Providing Scholarship To Rural Students For Higher Education
B. Providing Assistance To Farmers
C. Providing Assistance To The MSME’s
D. Providing Comprehensive Medical Care To Children
ANSWER: C