1 February Month Current Affairs Gist

National News:
 The final Budget Session of Parliament preceding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections
commenced with President Droupadi Murmu delivering an address to a joint sitting of
both houses.

 Recently, the President of India appointed four members to the 16th Finance Commission.

 On Tuesday, the Supreme Court raised concerns regarding the failure of the Union
Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to publish orders related to the suspension of Internet
services in the UT.

 The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has suggested substantial

modifications to the academic structure for secondary and higher secondary education.

 With the ‘mantra’ of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas’ and the whole of
nation approach of “Sabka Prayas”, the Union Minister for Finance presented the Interim
Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament.

 Union Minister of Coal launched a web portal of CMPFO namely C- CARES developed and
designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

 The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is in line with the overarching goal of poverty alleviation and
economic empowerment. Women participating in the scheme will undergo skill training
to enable them to earn more than Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
will receive drones for agricultural activities.

 On February 2, 2024, World Wetlands Day was commemorated at Sirpur Lake, recognized
as a Ramsar site in Indore. The theme for WWD-2024 is 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.'
 The 22nd Law Commission recommends retaining criminal defamation in India’s legal
framework, emphasizing the protection of the right to reputation, derived from Article 21
of the Constitution.
 The Finance Minister has announced in the Union Budget that 1 crore households under
the rooftop solar project will receive 300 units of free electricity per month.
 Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Scheme for Rebate of State
and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for the export of Apparel/Garments.
 The Union government announced retail sale of rice at Rs 29 per kg under ‘Bharat Rice’
through three cooperatives.

 The Gender Budget experiences its most substantial rise ever, reaching approximately
38.6%, as indicated in the Union Interim Budget for 2024-25.

 The GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal has been introduced by the National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to digitally monitor and track the
restoration and repatriation of children.

 The current government will end its second term with overall public debt in excess of
80% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

2 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The Uttarakhand Assembly is likely to pass the State’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill
during its four-day-long session in February.

 The Union government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means)
Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, to check malpractices and organised cheating in government
recruitment exams.

 The Central government has introduced the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Amendment Bill, 2024 in Rajya Sabha.

 Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2020-21 and 2021- 22 released by the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

 To achieve the target of 100% literacy by 2030, the Government of India is implementing
a centrally sponsored innovative scheme called Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram or New
India Literacy Program for the period of FYs 2022-2027.

 The 'National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme' provides scholarships to

academically outstanding students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,
aiming to prevent their dropout at the eighth grade and motivate them to pursue further
education at the secondary level.

 Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024 and the
Constitution (SCs and STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024, presented by the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs.

 The EdCIL Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme was recently inaugurated by the Union
Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

 The Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare have recently inaugurated the
Kilkari program through a virtual platform. This Mobile Health (m-health) initiative
delivers localized health content to beneficiaries in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

 In a recent development, the Ministry of Tourism has incorporated the UNESCO World
Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar into its
Swadesh Darshan Scheme II.

 Recently, the Speaker of the Bihar State Legislative Assembly declined to resign, citing
constitutional provisions, until a floor test is conducted in the Assembly.

 The 22nd Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 285 titled “The Law of
Criminal Defamation” to the Government of India.

 The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana, a sub
scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, for the micro and small
enterprises operating in the fisheries sector.

 The Lok Sabha passed the Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Bill, 2024.

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a “white paper” on the Indian economy in
Parliament.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

3 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The Supreme Court affirmed that individual States' decisions to grant preferential
reservation benefits to the most marginalized groups, or what it terms as "the
untouchables among the untouchables".

 The Bharat Ratna will be conferred on former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and
Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as Green Revolution pioneer M.S. Swaminathan.

 The Indian Supreme Court has recently agreed to review whether the terms "socialist"
and "secular" can be eliminated from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

 The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has come up with a list of high-traffic
density corridors for private developers to build and operate under the build-operate-
transfer (BOT) model.

 The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), commonly known as the second
element of Ayushman Bharat, was inaugurated on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi,
Jharkhand, by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
 The Delhi High Court has recently issued a notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the
Ministry of Law, asking them to respond to a petition filed against the BCI notification
permitting foreign lawyers and firms to practice in India.
 The Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, an
initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), launched on June 1,
2020, offers microcredit to urban street vendors (collateral free up to Rs.50000).
 The Madras High Court declined to intervene in the Sathumurai festival honoring Sri
Thatha Desigan at the Devarajaswamy Temple. The festival commemorates the annual
Thirunakshatram day of saints, including Alwars and Acharyas.
 The 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, a 19th-century Indian
philosopher and social leader, who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875, a reform movement
within Vedic dharma.

 The 286th Law Commission Report proposed the establishment of an Epidemic Plan and
Standard Operating Procedure to tackle future epidemics. It highlighted the lack of clear
delineation between the powers of the Centre, state, and local authorities during an
epidemic, resulting in disjointed responses.

 As inflation continues to moderate, bond yields will also soften and borrowing costs will
come down, the Reserve Bank of India Governor said recently.

 India is looking at reworking its Merchant Shipping laws as it replaces the existing
eponymous Act of 1958.

 Retail inflation, also known as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, tracks the change in
retail prices of goods and services which households purchase for their daily consumption.

 The GROW report and portal were recently inaugurated by a NITI Aayog member. The
portal, named "Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-
Suitability Mapping," provides open access to state and district-level data.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

4 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a
rooftop solar scheme offering free electricity.

 The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the rate at which the government commits to
purchasing farmers' produce during the respective season. Initially implemented in the
1965-66 season for wheat, it was subsequently extended to include coarse cereals.

 The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has modernized CONFONET

software into “e-Jagriti” portal to provide speedy, inexpensive and easy redressal to
consumer complaints.

 The Supreme Court recently decided to examine a plea on whether a divorced Muslim
woman can seek maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Crpc).

 RBI has asked card networks such as Visa and Mastercard to stop commercial card
transactions under Business Payment Solution Providers (BPSP) business, on concerns
regarding legitimacy and inadequacy of merchant KYC and end use of funds.

 The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme was initiated
on June 24, 2020, as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Initiative by the Prime
Minister.

 Archaeologists recently discovered an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, an artifact that

dates back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu

 Recently, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme as 'unconstitutional'
and held that it violates the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the
Constitution.
 Thousands convene in Leh to advocate for Ladakh's full statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth
Schedule. As per Article 244, the Sixth Schedule enables the establishment of self-governing
administrative bodies called Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is a centrally Sponsored scheme, was launched as a flagship
scheme of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) in 2007 to
incentivize States to draw up comprehensive agriculture development plans.

 The State Bank of India (SBI) has asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the
cash reserve ratio (CRR) applicable to green deposits collected from customers.
Commercial banks are required to maintain a specified minimum level of reserves with the
RBI under the CRR framework.
 Established in January 1941, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) functions as a
quasi-judicial body with expertise in adjudicating appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts.
 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), an arm of the Union Consumer
Affairs Ministry, has released draft guidelines for the “Prevention of misleading
advertisement in the coaching sector”.

 According to statistics from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Union
Ministry of Power, Karnataka leads the nation in the number of public electric vehicle
charging stations, boasting 5,0549 stations.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

5 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), is a statutory body established by the

Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act,
1998.

 A one-day awareness programme on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food

Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme was recently held in Srinagar. Scheme was
Launched on June 29, 2020, PMFMPE is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of
Food Processing Industries.

 The Supreme Court has instructed States and Union Territories to adhere to the definition
of 'forest' outlined in its 1996 ruling when identifying and conserving forested areas.

 The governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently remarked that persistent food
price fluctuations and renewed tensions on the geopolitical stage present a challenge to
the ongoing disinflationary efforts.

 On February 20, 2024, the Health Department of Karnataka state directed all government
and private health facilities to compulsorily notify snakebite envenoming cases and
resultant fatalities by invoking provisions of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act enacted
in 2020.

 During a stakeholders' meeting, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
introduced the 'Sagar Aankalan' guidelines, which aim to implement Memorandums of
Understanding (MoUs) from the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).

 Archaeologists have recently unearthed Morodharo, a fortified settlement from the

Harappan era. Situated in the Kutch District of Gujarat, it dates back to that ancient period.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to digitally inaugurate the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar
Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). This initiative has allocated funds to numerous higher
educational institutions across the nation.

 Renowned poet and lyricist Gulzar, along with Sanskrit scholar Swami Rambhadracharya,
has been honoured with the prestigious Jnanpith Award.

 The Rubber Board is a statutory body established under the Rubber Act of 1947,
operating under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Its headquarters located in Kottayam, Kerala.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday took a series of key
decisions, which included the approval for amendments to the existing 100% Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector.

 During the 28th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), the
Finance Minister urged financial sector regulators to implement additional measures to
curb the proliferation of unauthorized lending facilitated by online applications.

 Activists and experts claimed that the Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the
enforcement of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 2023, alleging that it
weakened environmental safeguards for forests.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

6 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 In honor of the 200th anniversary of Rani Chennamma's rebellion, various social groups
throughout India are coordinating a nationwide campaign titled "Naanoo Rani
Chennamma" (I, too, am Rani Chennamma).

 The Central government has revised the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules of 2022 to permit
the utilization of donor gametes, including ova (egg cells) and sperm.

 Two Badami Chalukya temples, at least 1,300-1,500 years old and a 1,200-year-old label
inscription were recently discovered in Mudimanikyam village along the banks of Krishna.

 Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched four portals — Press
Sewa, National Register for LCOs, CBC, NaViGate Bharat.

 A ritual and a celebration that has no parallel anywhere in the world is the grand
Mahamastakabhisheka that takes place in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. It happens once in
12 years and is a grand spectacle that people wait for with bated breath.

 A great Saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer of the 15th century, Guru Ravidas is
well-known for his contributions to the Bhakti Movement.

 The Government of India has approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of

Consumers) Rules, 2020.

 Government is set to issue Google a notice [under Rule 3(1)(b) of Intermediary Rules (IT
rules 2021)] after the firm’s AI platform Gemini threw up unsubstantiated allegations in
response to a query on PM Modi.

 In India, an injunction is a legal recourse used by parties to restrain the other party from
engaging in specific actions or behaviors. It can be sought in various scenarios including
intellectual property violations, contract breaches, or defamation cases.

 The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MOSPI) has conducted Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
(HCES) during August 2022 to July 2023.

 The Ministry of Power has recently issued amendments to the Electricity (Rights of
Consumers) Rules, 2020, aimed at expediting the deployment of rooftop solar projects and
enhancing consumer empowerment.

 The Delhi High Court has recently ruled that the right to adopt cannot be raised to the
status of a fundamental right within Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

 The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), under the aegis of the Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy, has successfully commissioned India's largest Battery Energy
Storage System (BESS), which stores energy using solar energy.

 The SEBI has warned that certain trading platforms are falsely claiming registered
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) involves an investor
buying foreign financial assets. It involves an array of financial assets like fixed deposits,
stocks, and mutual funds.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

7 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 A Government Security (G-Sec) is a tradeable instrument issued by the Central

Government or the State Governments.

 The government has revised the Information Technology (IT) regulations to empower the
Home Secretary or other central bureaucrats to instruct the destruction of digital
interception records or decryption of information. Previously, such authority rested
solely with security agencies, including law enforcement bodies.

 National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28 to commemorate the

discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ and raise awareness about the importance of science and
its role in improving the lives of people.

 Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was recently appointed as
the chairperson of Lokpal. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act came into force on 16th
January, 2014 and has been amended once in 2016 since its notification.

 The Supreme Court recently held that the information disclosing the commission of the
cognizable offence needs to be recorded as a First Information Report ("FIR") in the form
of a book and not in the General Diary maintained by the Police under the Police Act, 1861.

 Government of India permits sale of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco on Tobacco
Boards auction platform and waives off penalty on sale of excess production of registered
growers and unauthorized production of unregistered growers in Karnataka.

 As per various media reports, the 22nd Law Commission is set to recommend the
addition of a new chapter on simultaneous polls in the Constitution.

 Recently, the Supreme Court came down heavily on Baba Ramdev’ Patanjali Ayurved for
publishing misleading advertisements, Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

 The Kerala High Court recently observed that the fundamental right under Article 25 of
the Constitution to enter a temple for worship does not give the right to any member of
the Hindu community to perform the role of Archakas (priests).

 The Reserve Bank recently adjusted the guidelines for the Regulatory Sandbox (RS)
scheme, which involves the controlled regulatory environment for live testing of new
products or services.

 The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has raised serious objections to
the West Bengal government’s recommendation to include 83 castes in the central list of
Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

International News:
 The ongoing tensions in the Korean peninsula have raised serious concerns about the
deterioration of the international security environment and a deepening of major power
rivalry.

 Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to work together more closely with their
coastguards to avoid problems in the South China Sea.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

8 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Recently, the U.S. officially informed about the potential sale of 31 MQ-9B high altitude
long endurance armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to India.

 On Thursday, the Indian government conveyed significant apprehension about Israel's

accusations, asserting that UNRWA personnel were implicated in Hamas attacks on Israel.

 A Thai-backed hydropower dam is under construction in Laos, aims to export electricity to

neighboring Thailand. But it is also raising alarm over the future of this scenic UNESCO
heritage site.
 The Union Cabinet of India has given approval for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with
the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) with the objective of strengthening bilateral economic
engagement.
 An operation has been launched by the U.S. government against a widespread Chinese
hacking network known as Volt Typhoon, which has compromised numerous internet-
connected devices.
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, congratulated France for the formal launch of
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

 World Cancer Day is an international day marked on 4 February to raise awareness of

cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

 Since late 2019, the World Trade Organization's prized entity, the appellate body (AB), has
been rendered ineffective due to the unilateral obstruction by the United States in
appointing new members.

 Quad brings together four countries - India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a
commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive
Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient.

 The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) experts have
announced that the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is on the verge of ecological collapse,
emphasizing the need for decisive measures and immediate financial support to avert
further biodiversity loss.

 During the G20 meeting in New Delhi, the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor
(IMEC) was unveiled through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between
the European Union and seven nations: India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France,
Germany, and Italy.

 India and Myanmar share an unfenced border, and people on either side have familial and
ethnic ties, which prompted the arrangement in the 1970s.

 The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a health information platform based in India, has
become a part of the World Health Organization's Vaccine Safety Net (VSN), a worldwide
network of websites offering reliable vaccine safety information.

 According to the most recent report titled "Indian Oil Market Outlook to 2030," unveiled
during the second edition of India Energy Week 2024 in Goa by the International Energy

AJ’s Competitive Forum

9 February Month Current Affairs Gist

Agency (IEA), India is poised to emerge as the primary driver of worldwide oil demand
expansion from the present until 2030.

 The first-ever edition of BIMSTEC aquatic championship is taking place at New Delhi.

 The Vice-President inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi
recently.

 India’s flagship connectivity projects (Kaladan Project) that was aimed at enhancing road
and maritime connection with Southeast Asia has faced a definite setback after an
important town in Myanmar was captured recently by a rebel group.

 India remains firm in its position to oppose any discussions on non-trade matters during
the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, scheduled to take place in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in February 2024.

 The maiden joint military exercise, Sada Tanseeq, between the Indian Army and the Royal
Saudi Land Force concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Jaipur .

 External Affairs Minister will address the inaugural session of the 7th Indian Ocean
Conference in Perth, Australia recently.

 India's economic terrain is experiencing a significant juncture as the Finance Minister

unveiled a strategic initiative to engage in negotiations for Bilateral Investment Treaties
(BITs) during the interim Union budget presentation.

 India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services will be rolled out in Sri Lanka and
Mauritius at a virtual ceremony.
 The 2024 World Peace Summit, scheduled for February 10th and 11th, will take place in
Thiruvananthapuram as part of the United Nations Religious Harmony Week.

 France, UAE, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal are the countries that
accept UPI payments, according to the government.

 Initially established in 1991 to facilitate coordinated European efforts, the Weimar

Triangle comprises Paris, Berlin, and Warsaw.

 Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty establishes the principle of collective defense,

meaning an attack on one member is regarded as an attack on all members.

 The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is the intergovernmental organisation of

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It was set up in 1960 for the promotion of
free trade and economic integration between its members.

 HSN, which stands for Harmonised System of Nomenclature code, was established by the
World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1988 to systematically classify goods at both
national and international levels.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu stone temple (BAPS
Temple), describing it as a symbol of the shared heritage of humanity and thanking the
UAE for scripting a new golden chapter of human history.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

10 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 MILAN, a Multilateral Naval Exercise hosted by India, made a modest beginning in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995. The navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and
Thailand participated in this edition.

 Beneath the Baltic Sea in Germany, archaeologists have unearthed a Stone Age wall,
considered to be Europe's oldest megastructure constructed by humans.

 As part of ongoing negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for a
free trade agreement, India has declined the request for 'data exclusivity'. The European
Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and
Switzerland and was established in 1960.

 Kosovo recently secured visa-free access to the Schengen zone in Europe, world’s largest
zone of free movement, becoming the last western Balkan non-European Union (EU)
nation to waive visa requirements.

 Recognizing India's strategic significance in addressing global energy and climate

challenges, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is initiating talks with India regarding
its request for full membership.

 Digital Services Act defined by the EU Commission, the DSA is “a set of common rules on
intermediaries’ obligations and accountability across the single market”, and ensures
higher protection to all EU users, irrespective of their country.
 India has initiated an anti-dumping probe into imports of certain solar glass from China
and Vietnam, following a complaint by domestic players. Anti-dumping duty is a tariff
imposed on imports manufactured in foreign countries that are priced below the fair
market value of similar goods in the domestic market.
 India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation to
share India's open-sourced DPIs.

 World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns
about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) cohesion.

 Russia has asserted its control over the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka following Ukraine's
withdrawal.

 The Sominsai festival is considered one of Japan's most peculiar festivals.

 On Monday, the European Union initiated a naval mission aimed at safeguarding shipping
in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

 The 2024 Global Resources Outlook Report, published by the International Resource Panel
of the United Nations, will be presented during the 6th UN Environment Assembly
scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya.

 India recently made a contribution of 1 million USD to the IBSA Fund, which stands for the
India, Brazil, and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund.
Established in 2004, the fund became operational in 2006.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

11 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 UNESCO declared 21st February as International Mother Language Day in 1999 and the
World has been celebrating the same since 2000.

 The ninth installment of the Raisina Dialogue is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from
February 21st to the 23rd. This annual conference focuses on geopolitics and
geoeconomics, aiming to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. It has been held
every year in New Delhi since 2016.

 Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance

 The World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday launched the Global Initiative on Digital
Health (GIDH) virtually, a platform for sharing knowledge and digital products among
countries.

 The defence ministry said the 'INDUS-X' summit in Delhi marks a "significant milestone"
in the collaborative efforts between India and USA.

 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has
developed the world's inaugural Pigeonpea speed breeding protocol, aiming to abbreviate
the breeding cycle of Pigeonpea by 3-5 years.

 The International Criminal Police Organization, more commonly known as Interpol,

comprising 194 member countries, plays a crucial role as an information-sharing network
to enable national police forces to combat transnational crimes.

 Dubai introduces 5-year multiple-entry visa for Indians. A long-term residence visa that
enables foreign talent to live, work, or study in the UAE

 Located on the frontlines in the east of Ukraine, Avdiivka had been a major centre of
resistance, blocking further Russian advance.

 The Russian President has just revealed the upgraded Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber,
equipped with modern features, at the Kazan Aviation Plant.

 The eight Nordic-Baltic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia,
Latvia and Lithuania) are participating in the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi together as
representatives of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation.

 On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Two years later, an end to the biggest war
in Europe since World War II is nowhere in sight.

 The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is an intergovernmental military

alliance in Eurasia, founded in 2002. Current member states include Russia, Armenia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

 The Red Sea owes its strategic importance for global trade to the Bab el-Mandab Strait
which lies between Yemen and Djibouti. It is one of the world’s busiest cargo and oil
transit points with almost 12% of international merchandise trade passing through it.

 The sacred MakhaBucha (Magh Puja) ceremony, one of the five most revered events for
Buddhists in Thailand.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

12 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The four-day 13th ministerial conference (WTO MC13) started on February 26 in Abu
Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 Hungary's parliament approved Sweden's NATO accession, removing the last hurdle for
the alliance's expansion prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NATO, established on
April 4, 1949, by 12 nations from Europe and North America.

 The G33, also known as the Friends of Special Products in agriculture, represents a
coalition of developing and least developed nations

 The Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme, founded in 1964, is a pioneering initiative
facilitating global communication among radio amateurs and island stations. Managed by
IOTA Ltd in partnership with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).

 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its largest military exercise in
Europe, the Steadfast Defender 2024, recently.

 Recently, at the 37th African Union Summit member countries took the initiative of
forming Africa Club.

 International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a senior body governing international

professional astronomical activities worldwide. It was established in 1919 as the first of a
series of international unions for the advancement of specific branches of science.
Headquarters: Paris, France.

 The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is a pact within the framework of the
World Trade Organization (WTO). It was signed upon the conclusion of the Uruguay
Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations and became effective on January 1, 1995.

 During the Homeland Security Dialogue held in New Delhi on Wednesday, India and the US
explored avenues to enhance bilateral collaboration on matters including terrorism, drug
trafficking, illegal immigration, and money laundering, among other concerns.

Environment/Geography:
 India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) to 80
from existing 75 by designating five more wetlands as Ramsar sites.

 The recently designated Ramsar sites include Bird Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra
Aghanashini Estuary, and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve in Karnataka, along with
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu.

 The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a sizable mackerel shark found in the
coastal waters of all the Earth's oceans.

 Manatees are large aquatic mammals, and sometimes they're referred to as “sea cows.”
 The Tamil Nadu government has designated the 80,114.80 hectares of reserve forests in
Bargur Hills, Erode district, as the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

13 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The black-crowned night heron, referred to as 'Chongkhu' locally in Manipur, is a medium-

sized heron species belonging to a family found in different regions across the globe.

 The ergosphere is the region outside the event horizon where a rotating black hole drags
spacetime around it.

 Recently, Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus), a rare high-altitude butterfly, has been
sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

 Dhanauri, situated in Uttar Pradesh, is a natural wetland acknowledged as a significant

birding area by Bird Life International.

 The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972, thereby according them the highest degree of protection.

 Recently, Cameroon has adopted the Nagoya Protocol, A supplementary agreement to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that came in 1993.

 The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura has recently introduced a fresh group of
animals to its habitat.

 During the inaugural Tri-State synchronized vulture survey, a total of 320 individual
vultures were tallied across seven protected areas spanning Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil
Nadu. The Himalayan griffon was exclusively observed within the Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary.

 Atmospheric River Brings Heavy Rain to California. Atmospheric rivers are long,
concentrated regions in the atmosphere that transport moist air from the tropics to higher
latitudes.

 According to the Asian Waterbird Census of 2024, more than 155 water birds have been
identified in the wetland regions of Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, which
stands as the largest artificial lake in Meghalaya.

 The Mahmudia wetland is a part of the Danube Delta ecosystem in Romania, Europe.

 New research indicates that glaciers surrounding the world's tallest mountains are
experiencing a slight cooling during the warm season, attributed to the increased strength
of katabatic winds.

 The Kalingarayan Anicut, located in Erode, Tamil Nadu, is a barrage built on the Bhavani
River during the 13th century. It stands as one of the world's oldest water diversion
projects.

 The Pantanal wetland, situated predominantly in Brazil but also spanning parts of Bolivia
and Paraguay, stands as the largest freshwater wetland globally and among the most
productive habitats on the planet.

 Recently, an earthquake hit Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, located on the
Big Island of Hawaii.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

14 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 NASA recently announced that climate change is hastening the decline of the Aral Sea.

 Brumation is a period of dormancy in reptiles. It is similar to hibernation in mammals.

During brumation, reptiles shut down their bodies to conserve energy.

 The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of

Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals held recently in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2024.

 Recently, the Odisha government declared the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its
fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

 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 Kakinada coast.

 The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is designed to expedite investment in

preserving and sustaining wild species and ecosystems by serving as a financing
mechanism.

 Sea of Japan, marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean. It is bounded by Japan and
Sakhalin Island to the east and by Russia and Korea on the Asian mainland to the west.
 Chengalpet forests and the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Chennai are under threat from
Cuscuta dodder, an invasive weed originating from North America.

 Scientists made a surprising discovery in the foothills of the Western Ghats in India — a
Bonnet mushroom growing out of the side of the Golden-backed Frog.

 Broomgrass is a perennial, high value, non-perishable, nontimber forest product (NTFP)

that grows abundantly in degraded, steep or marginal land.
 Chabahar, situated in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman, comprises two distinct ports
known as Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti. Positioned approximately 170
kilometers west of the Pakistani port of Gwadar, it serves as a significant maritime hub.
 Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University recently found a new crustacean in Odisha’s
Chilika lagoon. It is a new species of marine amphipod-a shrimp-like crustacea of genus
Parhyale.
 Since 1988, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has produced six
assessment reports that provide guidelines for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and
removal.

 Recently, the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) adopted the Single Species Action Plan
for conservation of the Hawksbill Turtle.
 New lapwing observed at Warangal lake, a first in India. It is native to North Africa, the
Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is found around wetlands, but also away from
water in cultivated area

 Over the course of three consecutive years of La Niña (2020-23), characterized as a rare
"triple-dip" occurrence, air quality saw improvement in northern India, while pollution
levels surged in peninsular India during the 2022-23 winter season.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

15 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Rip currents, characterized by a powerful flow of water moving from a beach back to the
open ocean, sea, or lake, stand out as one of the most recognized coastal hazards found on
beaches worldwide.

 The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal marked a significant ecological milestone with the
sighting of a 'resident tiger' after a span of 40 years, signifying a pivotal advancement in
wildlife conservation endeavors.

 The Hoolock gibbon, an Endangered species, resides in primary evergreen, scrub, and
semi-deciduous hill forests, as well as mountainous broadleaf forests in Myanmar and
China. However, it cannot thrive in pine-dominated habitats.

 Vaitarna River is among the westward-flowing rivers. Its source lies in the Trimbakeshwar
Hills of the Nasik district in Maharashtra.

 Under its new "TN Endangered Species Conservation Fund," the Tamil Nadu Government
has outlined its intentions to preserve lesser-known species like the Nilgiri Marten.
Endemic to the Western Ghats and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

 Researchers have found that what was once considered a single species, the green
anaconda, actually comprises two genetically separate species: the "southern green
anaconda" (Eunectes murinus) and the recently identified "northern green anaconda"
(Eunectes akayima).

 Badwater Basin, (It is the lowest point in North America) being endorheic, receives inflow
of water but lacks outflow, leading to rapid evaporation and the formation of temporary
lakes.

 The Sub-national Climate Fund is an international blended finance program aimed at

fostering the creation of mid-scale climate-resilient infrastructure and nature-based
solutions worldwide.

 As many as 40 spotted deer have been translocated from Chamarajendra Zoological

Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) to the Panasoli range of Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR-Dandeli,
Karnataka) recently.

 The Cerrado is a tropical savanna ecoregion in South America. It's the world's most
biodiverse savanna, home to 5% of the planet's animals and plants.

 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated Sudarshan Setu which
connects Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat, built at a cost of around Rs.
980 crores.

 Roen olmi is a type of mushroom belonging to the Termitomyces species, typically found
growing on termite hills, and locally referred to as 'roen olmi' in Goa.

 Jacaranda is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. Native to

tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, with some species found in
the Caribbean and Africa

AJ’s Competitive Forum

16 February Month Current Affairs Gist

Science and Technology:

 For the first time, a highly deadly strain of bird flu, H5N1, has been identified in Antarctic
penguins. The presence of the virus was confirmed in two gentoo penguins discovered
deceased on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands.

 Alzheimer's Disease is a neurological condition characterized by a gradual deterioration in

memory, cognitive abilities, learning, and organizational skills. In rare medical
occurrences, Alzheimer's can be transmitted from one individual to another.

 A Green Propulsion System, created through the Technology Development Fund (TDF)
initiative by DRDO. This groundbreaking technology has led to the development of an
environmentally friendly and non-toxic propulsion system designed for low orbit space.

 India’s space telescope AstroSat has measured X-ray polarisation from the Cygnus X-1,
opening new possibilities in the study of the black hole’s environment.

 MagSafe charger is a wireless charger/power bank that connects to the back of your
wireless-compatible mobile phone to charge your phone in the easiest of ways.

 The robotic astronaut named "Vyommitra," designed as a female, is set to embark on a

space mission before India's ambitious "Gaganyaan" project.

 During the measurement of the cosmic-ray proton spectrum spanning from 50 TeV to
slightly over 1 PeV, the GRAPES-3 experiment identified a novel characteristic at around
166 tera-electron-volt (TeV) energy.

 The United States has witnessed a swift spread of a lethal fungal infection known as
Candida auris in recent times.

 Four flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) - ABHYAS were
successfully carried out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

 Astronomers, utilizing information gathered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey

Satellite (TESS), have recently identified and analyzed a planet situated within the
habitable zone, designated as TOI-715b.

 Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) achieved the successful
establishment and testing of India's inaugural Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test
Facility.

 NexCAR19, also known as Actalycabtagene autoleucel, stands as a groundbreaking CAR-T

cell therapy. This innovative approach significant advancement in cancer treatment.

 The PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) will be an umbrella scheme spearheaded by the Ministry of
Earth Sciences (MoES) to help continue many of the ongoing research projects and efforts
in the areas of atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere and biosphere till 2026.

 A recent study highlighted the potential of employing MXene coatings, which can direct
microwaves in outer space and reduce the weight of satellite payloads.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

17 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Recently, Google announced its rebranding of the AI chatbot Bard to Gemini, along with
the introduction of an Advanced tier and the launch of the Gemini app.

 Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a
member of the virus family Flaviviridae. KFDV was identified in 1957 when it was isolated
from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) State.

 In Bengaluru, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has achieved the first
successful test of a solar-powered "pseudo satellite," representing a cutting-edge
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

 Recently, scientists identified a new species of fungus named Trichoglossum

syamviswanathii, found in Kerala.

 According to a recent analysis, it has been suggested that Saturn's moon Mimas might
harbor a substantial ocean beneath its surface.

 Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.

Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.
 An elderly man from Alaska recently became the first person to die after contracting
Alaskapox. It is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the same genus
(Orthopoxvirus) as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox.

 The Event Horizon Telescope is an international collaboration capturing images of black

holes using a virtual Earth-sized telescope.

 A novel technique for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on glass substrates
at 750 °C has promising implications for energy research, biomedicine, and
optoelectronics.

 The stem cells found in menstrual blood hold significant, yet unexplored potential. They
possess the ability to regenerate monthly, serving as a crucial site for embryo
implantation during pregnancy and are subsequently shed during menstruation. This
cycle repeats approximately 400 times before a woman reaches menopause.

 International Epilepsy Day is an annual awareness campaign coordinated by the

International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy
(ILAE). Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition, impacts approximately 50 million
individuals globally.

 Scientists have created a revolutionary sensor utilizing aerogels, known as "frozen

smoke," capable of real-time detection of formaldehyde at concentrations as low as eight
parts per billion.

 New discoveries based on data gathered by NASA's Cassini spacecraft indicate the
existence of a large ocean beneath the icy shell of Saturn's moon Mimas.

 Micellar water, a product found in supermarkets, chemists and bathroom cabinets around
the world, is a very effective cleanser and many people swear by it as part of their
skincare routine.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

18 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 INSAT-3DS Satellite is a follow-on mission of Third Generation Meteorological Satellite

from Geostationary Orbit. GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is fully funded by the Ministry of
Earth Sciences (MoES).

 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conduct its special 'Young
Scientist Programme' or 'YUVIKA' for school children.
 Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the
uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.

 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT-3DS satellite.
This satellite represents a follow-on mission from the Third Generation Meteorological
Satellite, operating from Geostationary Orbit.
 The Cartosat-2 Series Satellite serves as the main payload aboard the PSLV-C40 mission.
This remote sensing satellite shares a configuration akin to its predecessors within the
series and aims to enhance data services for its users.
 OpenAI, the creator of the ChatGPT, has unveiled a new generative artificial intelligence
(GenAI) model that can convert a text prompt into video.
 SOFIA was a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft that studied infrared light,
essentially heat, emitted by objects in the universe. SOFIA was operated jointly by NASA
and the German space agency.

 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organising a special programme for School
Children called "Young Scientist Programme" "YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA).

 The plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a zoonotic bacteria, i.e. bacteria that can spread
between animals and people. Y-pestis is usually found in small animals and their fleas.

 According to recent reports, India's inaugural dedicated surveillance satellite was entirely
constructed by a domestic company, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

 Recently, a Chinook helicopter from the Indian Air Force executed a precautionary
landing in Punjab's Barnala due to a "technical snag." The Chinook, also known as the CH-
47F, serves as the primary heavy troop and supply transport aircraft for the U.S. Army.

 Mimas discovered on September 17, 1789, by English astronomer William Herschel

utilizing his 40-foot reflector telescope, Mimas stands as the smallest and innermost
among Saturn's prominent moons.

 Scientists have, for the very first time, identified water molecules on the surfaces of two
asteroids, Iris and Massalia, providing fresh perspectives on the distribution of water
within our solar system.

 Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private aerospace manufacturer, has launched the Kalpana
fellowship for women interested in space tech.

 Fermilab’s Proton Improvement Plan (PIP) is a project aimed at enhancing the capabilities
of Fermilab’s particle accelerators, particularly the proton beamlines.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

19 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Astronomers have detected the most luminous entity in the universe: a quasar fueled by
the fastest-growing black hole ever observed.

 A new visualisation from the European Space Agency (ESA) shows activity ramping up on
the sun's surface as it approaches solar maximum this year.

 Visceral leishmaniasis is commonly known as kala-azar (KA), a word coined in the late
nineteenth century in India. Is a parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies.

 The Centre has accorded approval for procurement of more than 200 BrahMos supersonic
cruise missiles. The BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture of India and Russia and
produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft,
or land platforms.

 Guinea worm disease, also called dracunculiasis, is the work of the Guinea worm
(Dracunculus medinensis), whose infamy dates back to biblical times, when it was called
the “fiery serpent” and whose presence researchers have confirmed in Egyptian
mummies.

 Scientists have recently discovered the fastest-growing black hole known to date in the
quasar named Jo529-4351.

 The PAPA payload is developed by the Space Physics Laboratory and Avionics Entity of the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)/ISRO. PAPA is an energy and mass analyzer
designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions in the low energy
range.

 In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists recently unveiled a pioneering

technology, named PSiFI, capable of recognizing human emotions in real-time.

 In partnership with the BharatGPT ecosystem spearheaded by IIT Bombay, Seetha

Mahalaxmi Healthcare (SML) has launched 'Hanooman,' a collection of Indic large
language models trained across 22 languages spoken in India.

 It will be a Joint Public Health Initiative by the Ministries of Ayush and Women and Child
Development for Anaemia Control among adolescent girls using Ayurveda interventions
in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh.

 Edwards syndrome, also referred to as trisomy 18, results from an autosomal

chromosomal disorder characterized by an additional copy of chromosome 18.

 Garbhini-GA2 model has been designed by researchers at the Indian Institute of

Technology-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute,
Faridabad. It is part of an interdisciplinary group for advanced research on birth
outcomes — DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) programme.

 Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound cell organelles made of RNA and proteins.

 Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching

crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely

AJ’s Competitive Forum

20 February Month Current Affairs Gist

to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters. The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) is the launch
vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission.

 Google DeepMind has just introduced Genie, a new model that can generate interactive
video games from just a text or image prompt.

 The INDRA RV25: 240N represents a micro turbojet engine designed primarily for
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

 Recently, the ambitious Genome India initiative achieved a significant milestone as

researchers completed sequencing 10,000 healthy genomes from different regions of the
country, representing 99 distinct populations.

 Rod-shaped fragments of RNA called “obelisks” were discovered in gut and mouth
bacteria for the first time.

 BioTRIG - It is a community level pyrolysis system (It is the heating of an organic material,
such as biomass, in the absence of oxygen) that runs on villagers’ waster.

 Scientists have announced the identification of chromosomal abnormalities in ancient

skeletal remains, uncovering six instances of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards
syndrome, dating back roughly 5,500 years.

 Haemophilia A is a genetic disorder impacting the body's clotting mechanism, resulting in

insufficient blood-clotting proteins, thus hindering the blood's ability to clot effectively. It
is a rare condition characterized by abnormal clotting behavior.

Miscellaneous:
 Restrictions were imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Paytm Payments Bank
Ltd (PPBL) based on a system audit report and the subsequent compliance validation
report from external auditors.

 The Enforcement Directorate on January 31 arrested Hemant Soren in a land scam case
soon after he resigned as Jharkhand Chief Minister.

 The Karnataka government has announced the initiation of a 'Digital Detox' program,
encouraging individuals to voluntarily abstain from using digital devices such as
smartphones, computers, and social media platforms for a designated period.

 Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Yojana has assisted
2.4 lakh SHGs and sixty thousand individuals with credit linkages.

 The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the AICTE, introduced the 'Ministry of
Education - AICTE Investor Network.' This initiative, established by AICTE and the
Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), aims to promote innovation and
entrepreneurship within the education sector.

 The District Court of Varanasi has given permission to perform puja in the basement
named 'Vyasji Ka Tahkhana' located in the Gyanvapi Masjid Complex.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

21 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 is scheduled to take place on February 17, 2024, at the Pokhran
Air to Ground Range, in close proximity to Jaisalmer, conducted by the Indian Air Force.
 Despite its rich cultural heritage, Manipur faces the imminent extinction of some
invaluable art forms, such as Subika Paintings, due to neglect.
 At the inauguration of the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad on Friday,
President Droupadi Murmu commended the cultural exchange between India and
Tanzania.

 Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Government of India has released
guidelines for pilot projects that involve the utilization of green hydrogen in the shipping
and steel sectors.

 The Indian Navy formally commissioned its initial Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship, INS
Sandhayak (Yard 3025).

 Article 145(3), which deals with the rules of the court, provides for the setting up of a
Constitution Bench.

 Popularly known as Grammy Award, it is originally named Gramophone Award,

presented by the Recording Academy to honour artistes in the music industry for their
exceptional work in a year.

 Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar programme is a pan-India initiative of the Ministry of Culture
under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping and was launched on 27th July 2023.

 The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing a Central
Sector Scheme- “Operation Greens” (OG) under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
since 2018-19

 Despite previously upholding the conviction twice, the Supreme Court of India has now
ordered the release of a man who was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping a minor girl
whom he later married in 2014. The court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the
Constitution due to the unique circumstances of the case.

 NITI Aayog and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands released report titled
‘LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle’, at India Energy
Week

 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to deliver a speech commemorating the 150th
anniversary of Srila Prabhupada ji at Bharat Mandapam. Srila Prabhupada, the founder of
Gaudiya Mission, played a crucial role in safeguarding and propagating the core principles
of the Vaishnava faith.

 A parliamentary committee has emphasised the need to launch the next phase of the
Centre’s flagship Smart Cities Mission with a thrust on Tier-2 cities located within 100 km
of State capitals.

 Recently, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development reported that, low

budgetary allocation cripples MGNREGA Scheme.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

22 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The Quality Council of India (QCI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
launched the DigiReady Certification (DRC) portal recently.

 Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government securities issued in grams of gold, serving
as alternatives to owning physical gold. They were introduced in November 2015.

 Russian forces recently launched a 3M22 Zircon missile in an effort to target a location in
Kyiv.

 Researchers recently demonstrated a new lab-based method to detect traces of Forever

Chemicals from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or
less.

 In a recent ruling, the Karnataka High Court expressed concern over the rise of 'malicious
parent syndrome', noting that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)
Act was being exploited to resolve disputes between separated parents.

 Nazool land is owned by the government but most often not directly administered as state
property. The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period,
generally between 15 and 99 years.
 Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Prof Ajay Kumar Sood today
launched “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal, aimed at
creating a single online portal representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
 The National Creators Award is an initiative by the Indian government to recognize the
contributions of digital creators and influencers.
 The Central government recently announced its decision to include Accredited Social
Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers into the free cover for health treatment
under Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

 The ranking scheme — Swachhata Green Leaf Rating — was launched in November 2023
by the Union Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water
and Sanitation.

 A proposed 236-kilometer broad-gauge railway line is set to connect Nilambur in Kerala

with Nanjangudi in Karnataka along the Golden IT Corridor, traversing through the
Bandipur National Park.

 India aims install 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy from solar, wind, biomass and
hydro resources by 2022 with a target of 40GW from solar alone. Now, the revised
deadline is March 2026.

 The National Assessment Center, Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of

Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) was established in March 2023 as an
independent body under the Ministry of Education to fulfil the objectives suggested by the
National Education Policy, 2020.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

23 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 With a view to ensure the growth of the community radio sector, the Information and
Broadcasting Minister released revised policy guidelines for setting up CRSs in India on
the occasion of World Radio Day (February 13th).

 The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth
to a child for anintending couple with the intention to hand it over to them after the birth.
It is permitted only for altruistic purposes or for couples who suffer proven infertility or
disease.
 The Assam government has recently announced the official recognition of the GI-tagged 'Kaji
Nemu' (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit.

 A reality technology company recently revealed the digital replica of Mohammed Quli Qutb
Shah's tomb in Hyderabad.

 Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the 'Sangam: Digital
Twin' initiative. It is a Proof of Concept (PoC) distributed in two stages to be conducted in
one of the major cities of India.

 A rare and ancient stone statue of Mahavir has been unearthed by a group of archaeology
students and professors in Tamil Nadu.

 The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project developed by
NTPC Green Energy Ltd. The project is situated in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.

 The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) issued a

report titled "National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Way Forward
Annual Report 2023," highlighting endeavors to enhance electronic service provision.

 PM SVANidhi Scheme, launched on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs, is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the central government. It is designed
as a micro-credit initiative targeting urban street vendors, offering collateral-free working
capital loans of up to ₹50,000.

 The Indian Air Force will be conducted Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 on 17th February 2024 at
the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer.

 Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic
Ocean coastline. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to
the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest.

 The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is lying northeast of the South American nation of
Venezuela and south of Grenada. It also shares maritime boundaries with Barbados and
Guyana.

 Every February 28, National Science Day commemorates scientists' contributions to

national development. It also marks the anniversary of Indian physicist Sir CV Raman's
groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928. The theme for National Science
Day 2024 is "Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat."

AJ’s Competitive Forum

24 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 Char areas, the riverine islands, known locally as "Char" or "Chapori," exhibit a unique
migration pattern.

 In a recent report, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information

Technology voiced concerns regarding the excessive control wielded by foreign-owned
fintech apps in India.

 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 appears green in powder form, it turns vivid fluorescent pink when it comes in contact
with water.

 Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, also known as Kapilvastu Relics, presently kept in
the National Museum will be taken to Thailand after about 30 years. The relics were
excavated from Piprahwa in the Siddharthnagar District of Uttar Pradesh, an erstwhile
part of the ancient city of Kapilavastu.

 Eminent jurist and Senior Advocate Fali S Nariman passed away at the age of 95.

 Israeli Transport Minister proposed a new trade route to Israel via Mundra port in the
Kutch district of Gujarat, bypassing the Red Sea.

 Established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority Act of 1985, APEDA is tasked with the promotion and advancement of exports
for scheduled products such as fruits, vegetables, poultry, dairy, and confectionery items.

 Article 270 of the Constitution provides for the scheme of distribution of net tax proceeds
collected by the Union government between the Centre and the States.

 The Maritime Technical Exposition MTEX-24 stands as a special attraction in the MILAN
2024 taking place in Visakhapatnam. MTEX-24 showcases the latest advancements in
naval technology.

 Exercise Dosti is a biennial trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, Sri Lanka, and
the Maldives.

 Kiru hydroelectric power project is a run-of-the-river scheme being developed over

the Chenab River in the Kishtwar Tehsil of Doha district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K),
India.

 Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a festival of honouring the goddesses

celebrated in the state of Telangana, India.

 Nihangs, originally known as Akalis or Akali Nihangs, are a distinct warrior order within
the Sikh community, known for their martial traditions, unique attire, and adherence to a
specific code of conduct.

 Union Cabinet has recently approved the amendments which allowed 100% FDI in space
sector.

AJ’s Competitive Forum

25 February Month Current Affairs Gist

 The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army
and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced today at Mahajan Field Firing
Ranges in Rajasthan.

 GI (geographical indication) tag for Tangail saree has been awarded to West Bengal.

 The Attukal Pongala held in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram is the largest

congregation of women for a festival in the world.

 The Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, situated on the Ravi River in the Pathankot district of
Punjab, is positioned downstream from the pre-existing Ranjit Sagar Dam.

 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is organizing a long ‘Purple Fest’ at Amrit
Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan recently.

 Theyyam is one of the most spectacular of the ritual arts forms of Northern Kerala.

 System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR) certificate is a

benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises.

 A Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) is an entity that supplies UPI compliant

application(s) to end-user customers, enabling them to conduct UPI-based payment
transactions.

 Recently, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs announced the first Pey Jal Survekshan
Awards.

 Article 371A (Special Constitutional Provisions) of the Constitution of India has been the
major hurdle in the Nagaland government’s efforts to regulate small-scale illegal coal
mining activities in the State.

 A burial site from the Neolithic period, containing the remains of a child alongside a
pottery vessel, was recently discovered by researchers at Chettimedu Pathur near
Chennai.

 The PM inaugurated the Banihal-Sangaldan railway line in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to
connect Baramulla in North Kashmir to Udhampur in Jammu. The railway section
includes tunnels, bridges, and escape tunnels for passenger safety.

AJ’s Competitive Forum