- National:
- The Gupteswar Forest in Odisha was declared a Bio-Diversity Heritage Site on February 12, 2024. This forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The declaration will enhance its cultural significance and ensure the conservation of its biodiversity.
- Andhra Pradesh’s FY25 budget is Rs 2,86,389.27 crore. It includes a vote on account of Rs 88,215 crore for 2024-25. The revenue and capital expenditures are estimated at Rs 2,30,110.41 crore and Rs 30,530.18 crore respectively. The fiscal deficit is around Rs 55,817.50 crore, about 3.51% of the GSDP. The state’s per capita income has increased from Rs 1,54,031 in 2018-19 to Rs 2,19,518 in 2022-23.
- On February 9, 2024, IIT Guwahati launched a Centre of Excellence named “SWASTHA”. It aims to advance the healthcare industry through nanoelectronic theranostic devices. Alongside, ISO five and six clean room facilities were also inaugurated at the institute’s Centre of Nanotechnology department.
- The Assam Cabinet approved the ‘Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024’ on February 10, 2024. This bill aims to ban ‘magical healing’ practices in the name of treatment for certain congenital diseases. Strong punitive actions are proposed against the 'healers’.
- Banking:
- On February 10, 2024, Yes Bank partnered with fintech startup LeRemitt to enable cross-border transactions for MSMEs. This partnership aims to make global trade more accessible for small businesses.
- Shivalik Group, an Ahmedabad-based real estate developer, received SEBI approval for its first Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) on February 9, 2024. The fund aims to raise up to Rs 300 crore through private placement.
- Apps & Portals:
- The DigiReady Certification (DRC) Portal was launched by the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on February 8, 2024. This online self-assessment tool helps MSMEs and small retailers evaluate their readiness for digital commerce.
- Reports:
- The “State of the World’s Migratory Species” report, released by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, reveals that 22% of migratory species are at risk of extinction, with 44% showing population declines. The main threats are overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activity, with nearly all (97%) of CMS-listed fish threatened with extinction. The report calls for urgent global conservation action.
- Sports:
- The Drass Warriors won the 15th CEC Ice Hockey Cup Championship on February 10, 2024 at Khree Sultan Choo Ice Hockey Rink in Kargil. They defeated United Chiktan by seven goals. Wasim Bilal was named Man of the Series and Man of the Match.
- Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal won the Chennai Open 2024 singles final on February 11, 2024, in Chennai, India. This victory propelled him into the top-100 of the ATP Rankings for the first time, reaching the World No. 98 spot.
- Important Days:
- The first-ever United Nations (UN) International Day of the Arabian Leopard was observed globally on February 10, 2024. This day aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and highlight the conservation efforts and challenges faced by the species.
- Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13, 1879, was a political activist, poet, and the first Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress and a state governor. She played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Her birth anniversary is celebrated as National Women’s Day in India. The theme for National Women’s Day 2024 is "Inspire Inclusion".
- International Epilepsy Day is an annual event celebrated on the second Monday of February to raise awareness about epilepsy. In 2024, it falls on Monday, February 12th. It’s organized by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The theme for 2024 is ‘Milestones on My Epilepsy Journey’, emphasizing the individual experiences of people living with epilepsy.
- Awards & Honours:
- The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru received the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Health Promotion on February 10, 2024. The award recognizes NIMHANS’s significant contributions to mental health and well-being.
- The Noida Authority was recognized as a “Water Warrior” by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, under the Union Water Ministry. They received awards in two categories — best sewage treatment plant (STP) and water reuse project of the year. The awards were given for their efforts in water conservation and management.
- Appointments:
- Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb has indeed been elected as the 13th President of Finland. He won the presidential election runoff against Pekka Haavisto, securing 51.6% of the votes.
- Books:
- Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, unveiled two publications, ‘India Year Book 2024’ and ‘Career Calling’, at the New Delhi World Book Fair on February 10, 2024. The ‘India Year Book 2024’ is a reference annual that provides insights into India’s progress, while ‘Career Calling’ is a collection of articles offering career guidance to students and youth.
- Obituaries:
- Renowned Hindi and Maithili writer Dr. Usha Kiran Khan passed away at the age of 79. She was known for her significant contributions to Hindi and Maithili languages and was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2015.
- Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, died in a road accident. The accident occurred in western Kenya while he was driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret. Kelvin Kiptum was only 24 years old.
Questions:
Q.1 What is one of the main features of the Gupteswar Forest?a. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
b. It is the smallest forest in Odisha.
c. It is a man-made forest.
d. It is known for its desert-like conditions.
Q.2 Who won the Chennai Open 2024 singles final?
a. Roger Federer
b. Rafael Nadal
c. Novak Djokovic
d. Sumit Nagal
