Daily Current Affairs 15th February 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 15th February2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 15th February2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 15th February2024 Current affairs test.
National News
1. Finance Commission Initiates Activities with New Chairman Arvind Panagariya
- Under the guidance of Chairman Arvind Panagariya, the inaugural session of the 16th Finance Commission was convened, focusing on its mandated objectives.
- The commission has outlined plans to collaborate extensively with esteemed institutions and think tanks specializing in the study of fiscal federalism.
- It emphasizes the necessity of engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including governments at the state and local levels, various ministries within the Indian government, and field experts, to carry out its duties effectively.
2. Milkyway Tablet Launched by the Epic Foundation
- The introduction of the Milkyway tablet by the Epic Foundation represents a landmark achievement in the realm of educational technology designed in India.
- Characterized by its innovative design, the tablet is notable for its capability to be fully repaired and upgraded, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable and innovative technology.
- The launch of this device is a significant step towards minimizing electronic waste and making educational technology more accessible.
International News
3. India’s Efforts for Full Membership in the International Energy Agency
- In pursuit of full membership, India is engaging in discussions with representatives from the International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries.
- These discussions are part of the agenda for the IEA’s 2024 ministerial meeting in Paris and highlight India’s critical role in global energy and climate change discussions.
- Presently, India is among four countries seeking to attain full membership status in the IEA.
4. Saudi Arabia Announces the Launch of ‘Dream of the Desert’ Luxury Train
- Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce its first luxury train service, ‘Dream of the Desert,’ marking a premiere in the Middle East for such a service.
- This luxury journey, stretching 800 miles from Riyadh towards the northwest border with Jordan, is anticipated to offer an unmatched combination of luxury travel and cultural immersion.
- Bookings for this unique travel experience will commence in late 2024, with the service starting in 2025.
Defence News
5. Defence Ministry Achieves ₹1 Lakh Crore Milestone on GeM Portal
- The Ministry of Defence has successfully reached a milestone by procuring goods and services worth ₹1 lakh crore through the Government eMarketplace (GeM) since its inception in 2016.
- With over 5.47 lakh orders placed for a diverse array of items ranging from standard supplies to essential defense equipment, the current fiscal year has seen transactions amounting to approximately ₹45,800 crore.
Economy News
6. Dip in India’s Wholesale Price Index to a Three-Month Low
- The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India has experienced a decline, reaching a three-month low of 0.27% in January.
- This reduction is attributed to decreased prices in food and manufacturing products, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Additionally, there has been a notable slowdown in food price inflation, continuing the trend of positive inflation metrics following a period of deflation in the previous fiscal year.
7. Historic Peak in India’s Services Trade Surplus
- India’s services trade surplus reached an all-time high of $44.9 billion in the October-December quarter of FY24, marking a 16% increase from the preceding year.
- This surge is expected to mitigate the current account deficit, supported by a 5.2% rise in services exports and a 4.3% decrease in services imports during the same period.
Banking News
8. RBI Halts Card-Based Commercial Payments by Visa and Mastercard
- The Reserve Bank of India has issued directives to Visa and Mastercard, instructing them to halt card-based commercial payments by businesses due to non-compliance with KYC regulations.
- This suspension affects both small and large enterprises, with Visa acknowledging the RBI’s directive. A response from Mastercard is anticipated.
9. LIC Augments Stake in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited
- The Life Insurance Corporation of India has increased its investment in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited, raising its stake from 4.99% to 5.02% through market acquisitions.
- This transaction, completedon February 9, 2024, highlights LIC’s escalating interest in the credit card provider.
 Important Days News
10. International Childhood Cancer Day 2024 Commemorated
- February 15th is observed as International Childhood Cancer Day, a day dedicated to accentuating the impact of childhood cancer on young patients, their families, and society at large.
- Launched in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, the day underscores the importance of supporting the recovery journeys of young cancer patients.
Agreements News
11. NMBA Vehicle Initiative Launched in Delhi-NCR
- In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Brahma Kumaris launched the NMBA Vehicle in Delhi-NCR on February 14th.
- This initiative, part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, aims to spread awareness about the risks of drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
Appointments News
12. Transfers of High Court Judges Approved by Supreme Court Collegium
- The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has approved the transfer of three high court judges for administrative reasons.
- Justices Moushumi Bhattacharya, Anu Sivaraman, and Sujoy Paul have been recommended for transfers to the High Courts of Telangana and Karnataka.
Awards News
13. Vishisht Seva Medal Awarded to Havildar Varinder Singh
- President Droupadi Murmu awarded Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment the Vishisht Seva Medal for his contributions to military technology.
- Singh’s development of a Multipurpose Octocopter, a drone capable of various functions beyond surveillance, demonstrates significant innovation in the field of drone technology.
