Current Affairs - February 26, 2024 Current Affairs

The inauguration of Rangpo Station by the Prime Minister marks a significant milestone as Sikkim did not have a railway line earlier. This initiative enhances connectivity options in Sikkim, which previously relied solely on road and air travel. Rangpo Station holds strategic importance from both touristic and defensive viewpoints for Sikkim and India.

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian travellers to enhance travel between India and the UAE. This initiative aims to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism and business collaborations between the two countries.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, achieved this historic milestone during the ongoing fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi. With 351 wickets in Tests played in India, Ashwin surpassed Anil Kumble's previous record of 350 wickets, showcasing his dominance in home conditions.

The 'Purple Fest' event, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, is dedicated to Persons with Disabilities. It aims to celebrate inclusivity and empowerment, highlighting the nation's commitment to addressing the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.

The "Savera" program, launched in Haryana, focuses on early detection and prevention of breast cancer in women. It utilizes the unique tactile sensitivity of visually impaired women to conduct breast cancer screenings, aiming to detect abnormalities at an early stage for better treatment outcomes.

Geeta Batra, a distinguished Indian economist, has been appointed as the Director of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF). This significant appointment makes her the first woman from a developing country to hold this prestigious role, reflecting her expertise and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Bihar government partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to enhance the startup ecosystem in the state. This collaboration aims to establish Bihar as a significant startup hub. As part of the initiative, the Bihar Startup Scale-up Financing Fund with a Rs 50-crore corpus is introduced to provide crucial funding support to emerging startups.

The "Dharma Guardian" military exercise involves Japan alongside India, and it takes place at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. This joint exercise aims to enhance interoperability and foster closer military cooperation between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), showcasing the strengthening of defence ties between the two nations.

The final phase of screening for the Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon occurred at the IIT Madras 5G Testbed on the 21st and 22nd of February 2024. This venue provided a conducive environment for evaluating the Use Case Proof of Concepts (PoC) presented by startups and institutes, facilitating thorough assessment and innovation promotion.

The three new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, passed by Parliament in 2023, will be effective from July 1, 2024. These laws are set to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The Sudarshan Setu, inaugurated in Gujarat, serves as a monumental infrastructure project connecting the Okha mainland and the Beyt Dwarka island. This bridge, with its cable-stayed design and solar panel installations, signifies a significant advancement in Gujarat's infrastructure, fostering enhanced connectivity and development in the region.

World NGO Day is celebrated annually on February 27th to acknowledge the significant contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) worldwide in addressing societal issues and promoting positive change. The theme for World NGO Day 2024, "Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)", highlights the pivotal role NGOs play in advancing sustainable development goals globally.

SECI has unveiled India's largest solar battery project in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon. With a capacity of 152.325 MWh, this project utilizes advanced bifacial modules and spans 451 acres of land. It's funded by the World Bank and Clean Technology Fund, showcasing a sustainable model for renewable energy projects.

The 'Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy' (CRIYN) was inaugurated in Jhajjar, Haryana, as part of the Ayush projects launched by the Prime Minister. Additionally, the 'National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) titled 'NISARG GRAM' was inaugurated in Pune, Maharashtra, reflecting the nationwide scope of Ayush initiatives.

The Balakot Airstrike, conducted by the Indian Air Force, took place on February 26, 2019. Codenamed "Operation Bandar," it targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as retaliation for the Pulwama terrorist attack that occurred on February 14, 2019.