Daily Current Affairs 7 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 7 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on ONGC Sea Survival Centre, ‘North-East Sammelan,’ New Country Director for India, Divya Kala Mela.

Top 25 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 7 February 2024

National News

1.Union Culture Minister Lays Foundation Stone for India’s Digital National Museum of Epigraphy

• 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.

2.India to Fence Indo-Myanmar Border for Enhanced Security

• In an endeavor to bolster border security measures, India has embarked on a significant project to fence the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border.
• With the surge of anti-Junta rebels and tribal militants crossing over since the 2021 Myanmar military coup, the fencing initiative aims to curb unauthorized border crossings and enhance security measures.
• Apart from fencing, the plan includes paving a patrol track along the border to facilitate better surveillance capabilities, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of border activities.

3.The Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

• The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, represents a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding the integrity and fairness of public examinations across India. The bill is introduced to address and prevent the use of unfair means in public examinations.
• It encompasses a wide range of definitions and stipulations that clarify the roles, responsibilities, and penalties associated with the conduct of public examinations.
• The bill’s enactment underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, equitable, and merit-based assessment system.

4.Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates ONGC Sea Survival Centre in Goa

• During a day-long visit to Goa, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the integrated Sea Survival Training Centre developed by ONGC in Goa.
• This state-of-the-art facility is expected to train thousands of personnel annually, enhancing their sea survival skills and ensuring their preparedness to face real-life disasters.
• Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated India Energy Week 2024, a pivotal event aimed at catalyzing India’s energy transition goals. The event underscores India’s commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.

5.DoNER Hosts ‘North-East Sammelan’

• A North-East Sammelan convened at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi drawing attention to the region’s progress and collaborative efforts.
• The event boasted the presence of distinguished ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, and students, accentuating the significance of the occasion.
• Additionally, the ministers inaugurated significant projects virtually, including the North Eastern Cultural and Social Institute in Dwarka and the Barak Hostel at JNU, New Delhi.
• The institute, with a substantial budget allocation, promises to be a hub of cultural exchange and social engagement, while the hostel addresses the accommodation needs of Northeast students, enhancing their academic experience.

6.PM Narendra Modi Unveils Projects Worth ₹1330 crore In Goa

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment in Goa’s educational landscape as he inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology Goa.
• The campus, built at a cost of over ₹1330 crore, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• These facilities include tutorial complexes, departmental buildings, seminar halls, administrative structures, hostels, healthcare centers, staff quarters, amenity centers, sports grounds, and other utilities, elevating the academic environment in Goa.

7.White Paper on Economy: NDA Govt to Table on Alleged UPA Govt’s Economic Mis-management

• India’s Budget session has been extended by a day to allow for the tabling of a “white paper” on alleged economic mismanagement under the previous Congress-led UPA government.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the white paper in both houses of Parliament on Feb 10, highlighting the economic challenges faced before 2014 and the subsequent turnaround under the current government.
• The white paper serves as a tool for the government to communicate its analysis of past economic policies and present its vision for the future. It aims to educate the public on economic issues and gather feedback on proposed strategies.

International News

8.Sri Lanka Pursues Free Trade Agreements with India to Boost Economic Growth

• Sri Lanka, facing economic challenges and seeking to spur growth, plans to establish free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries including India by the end of 2024.
• Sri Lanka aims to finalize an FTA with India by the end of 2024, alongside similar agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China.
• These agreements are intended to open new markets for Sri Lankan businesses, contributing directly to economic growth.

9.Iran Abolishes Visa Requirements for Indian Tourists from Feb 4, 2024

• Iran eliminates visa requirements for Indian tourists from February 4, 2024, aiming to boost tourism and global engagement. Indian ordinary passport holders can visit every six months for up to 15 days.
• Iran has expanded its visa waiver program to include 33 countries, alongside India, to encourage overseas travelers, showcasing its commitment to global interaction.
• The countries approved for Iran’s new visa waiver program include India, Russia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and others.

10.Nayib Bukele Secures Reelection As El Salvador President

• El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele triumphantly secures his reelection, despite lingering concerns over authoritarian tendencies.
• Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, born on July 24, 1981, is a Salvadoran politician and entrepreneur. He assumed office as the 43rd president of El Salvador on June 1, 2019.
• As Bukele embarks on his second term, addressing poverty and fostering economic growth remain paramount. His initiatives, including the adoption of Bitcoin, aim to stimulate economic activity and alleviate poverty, despite skepticism from international observers.

State News

11.Uttar Pradesh Government Enhances ‘EV Upyog’ Portal to Promote Electric Vehicles

• The Uttar Pradesh government is taking significant steps to promote the manufacture and use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state.
• One of the key initiatives in this endeavour is the enhancement of the ‘EV Upyog’ portal, which serves as a platform to facilitate EV-related activities.
• To enhance the EV Upyog portal, the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDSCL) has commenced the process of hiring a software development agency for a period of one year.
• The objective is to introduce several attractive features and improvements to the portal, making it more user-friendly and efficient. Cloud server technology is being leveraged for hosting the portal, ensuring scalability, reliability, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

12.Maharashtra Government Decided To Introduce ‘Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana’

• In a significant move aimed at improving the lives of senior citizens and boosting confidence in cooperative societies, the Maharashtra government has announced a series of initiatives covering various sectors.
• From welfare schemes to development projects, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens and fostering growth across the state.
• The introduction of the ‘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 will receive financial assistance of three thousand rupees, providing much-needed support and relief to vulnerable members of society.

Economy News

13.Fitch Predicts India’s Fiscal Deficit at 5.4%, Exceeds Government Target

• Fitch, a global ratings agency, forecasts India’s fiscal deficit to reach 5.4% of GDP in FY25, surpassing the government’s target of 5.1% announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
• The agency views the government’s adjustment of the FY24 deficit target to 5.8% from 5.9% as modest. Achieving the FY25 target is seen as critical for reaching the goal of a 4.5% deficit in FY26.
• Fitch predicts a fiscal deficit of 5.4% for FY25, beyond the government’s 5.1% target. Fitch sees India favorably positioned for sustained growth relative to peers, with emphasis on capex supporting this view.

14.OECD Raises India’s Growth Forecast for FY25 to 6.2%

• In its latest interim economic outlook, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) upwards to 6.2%, a marginal increase from the previous estimate of 6.1%.
• For the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), the OECD maintains its growth forecast for India at 6.5%. The outlook highlights that despite tighter financial conditions, emerging-market economies, including India, continue to grow steadily.
• The Indian economy is expected to expand around 7% in FY25, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth post-pandemic. There is optimism that India may achieve another year of 7% real growth in FY25, reflecting the resilience and potential of the economy.

Banking News

15.HDFC Bank Receives RBI Approval for Stake Acquisition in Six Banks

• HDFC Bank and its affiliated companies have obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire stakes in six prominent banks.
• This approval, received on January 5, 2024, grants HDFC Bank and its group entities the authority to acquire an aggregate stake of up to 9.5% in ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, YES Bank, Bandhan Bank, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SFB).
• The approval, valid until February 4, 2025, follows applications submitted by the bank as a promoter or sponsor of the group on December 18, 2023. The purpose of the approval is to allow acquisitions within the normal course of business for these respective group entities.

16.Banking System Liquidity Deficit Shrinks to ₹1.40 Lakh Crore: RBI Data Analysis

• The liquidity deficit in the banking system has significantly reduced to approximately ₹1.40 lakh crore as of February 4, down from a recent high of ₹3.46 lakh crore on January 24.
• Consequently, overnight money market rates have eased, with the weighted average rate dropping to 6.33 per cent from last month’s range of 6.50 per cent to 6.75 per cent.
• Increased disbursement of contract payments and salaries in early February contributed to the reduction in liquidity deficit. Anticipated outflows from the banking system due to GST payments in mid-February could result in a liquidity deficit resurgence, projected to range between ₹2 lakh crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore.

Important Days News

17.Theme for National Science Day 2024 Unveiled by Dr. Jitendra Singh

• National Science Day (NSD) is a celebration of scientific achievements and discoveries that have shaped the world we live in.
• On this occasion, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the theme for NSD 2024 – “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat” – emphasizing India’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in science and technology.
• The theme for NSD 2024, “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” underscores the importance of homegrown solutions to address societal challenges and foster overall well-being.

Appointments News

18.Justice Vijay Bishnoi Sworn In As Chief Justice Of Gauhati High Court

• Justice Vijay Bishnoi has recently been sworn in as the Chief Justice of the esteemed Gauhati High Court, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious legal career.
• The Central Government, through a notification dated February 2, 2024, formally appointed Justice Vijay Bishnoi to the esteemed position of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.
• His distinguished career as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court, coupled with his extensive experience in legal practice, makes him a fitting choice for this role.

19.ADB Appoints Mio Oka as New Country Director for India

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the appointment of Mio Oka as its new Country Director for India, succeeding Takeo Konishi.
• Ms. Oka brings nearly three decades of professional experience, including over 18 years with ADB, to her new role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in ADB’s continued partnership with India in supporting its development goals and economic growth.
• Ms. Oka, a Japanese national, has a wealth of experience in development finance and project management. She has served in various capacities at ADB since 2005, including as an advisor to the President and as a director in the agriculture and natural resources sector.

Agreements News

20.Maharashtra Proposes 40 Ropeway Projects, Inks MoU With NHAI For Execution

• The collaboration between the Maharashtra government and the National Highways Logistic Management Limited (NHLML) marks a significant step towards advancing connectivity and tourism development through ropeways under the National Ropeway Programme ‘Parvatmala’.
• The Maharashtra government and NHLML formalized their partnership by signing a MoU, emphasizing the joint commitment towards infrastructure development and the implementation of ropeway projects.
• The Maharashtra government has proposed 40 ropeway projects for consideration, targeting prominent tourist destinations and enhancing connectivity across regions such as Mumbai, Satara, Raigad, Nashik, Nanded, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Pune.

Sports News

21.Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Opens BIMSTEC Aquatic Championships In New Delhi

• In a significant moment for regional sports diplomacy, the first-ever BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship was officially declared open in New Delhi on February 6th, 2024.
• The BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship 2024 stands as a testament to the growing cooperation and camaraderie among the member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
• With over 400 athletes and officials from seven BIMSTEC Member States set to participate, the championship promises to be a vibrant display of sporting excellence and cultural exchange.

22.Telangana Football Association To Host FIFA World Cup Qualifiers In Hyderabad

• The Telangana Football Association (TFA) has achieved a significant milestone by securing approval to host the FIFA World Cup qualifiers round between India and Kuwait.
• The match is scheduled to take place on June 6th of this year in Hyderabad, announced Dr. K.T. Mahi, Chairman of TFA.
• Hosting the FIFA World Cup qualifiers marks a historic moment for Telangana, as it prepares to welcome top-tier international football to its soil for the first time. Dr. Mahi emphasized the significance of this occasion, expressing gratitude to all parties involved in making it possible.

Science & Technology News

23.Monkey Fever

• Kyasanur Forest Disease also known as Monkey Fever, has emerged as a significant health concern in Karnataka, India. With two fatalities reported this year and 49 positive cases, the state’s health department is on high alert.
• Originating from the Kyasanur Forest in 1957, KFD is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), belonging to the Flaviviridae family.
• The state has witnessed 49 confirmed cases this year, leading to heightened efforts by health officials to contain the spread. The majority of cases have been reported in the Uttara Kannada district, signalling a concentrated outbreak zone.

Miscellaneous News

24.IRCTC Initiates Ramayana Circuit Train To Bolster Tourism

• Following the inauguration of the Ram temple, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has introduced a meticulously crafted tour program, immersing travelers in the spiritual tapestry woven by the Ramayana.
• This pilgrimage journey marks a significant milestone in connecting devotees with revered sites associated with Lord Rama’s saga. The pilgrimage itinerary spans across a myriad of iconic destinations, encapsulating the essence of Lord Rama’s legendary expedition.
• To ensure a seamless and comfortable journey, IRCTC has meticulously curated amenities catering to the diverse needs of travelers. Options include triple and double occupancy in second AC and cabins, as well as a double occupancy coupe option in the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train.

25.Divya Kala Mela 2024 inaugurated in Agartala, Tripura

• 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.
• This event, inaugurated on 6th February 2024, aims to celebrate the talents and skills of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across the country.
• The Divya Kala Mela offers a diverse range of products, including home décor, clothing, stationery, organic products, and more.

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

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