Read the important current affairs of 12 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra, JK ST Quota Bill, Paytm News, U-19 World Cup Final.
Top Current Affairs – 12 February 2024
National News
The Historic JK ST Quota Bill and Two Other Reservation Bills Passed in Parliament
Three J&K-related reservation bills that address the concerns of reservation for marginalized tribes were passed by the Rajya Sabha. The bill amended the lists of Scheduled Castes and Tribes that are currently in place in Union territory. The bills are:
- Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
- Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
- Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The bill enables Other Backward Classes (OBCs) reservations in Union Territory local governments. Nityanand Rai, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, made the motion.
International News
PM Alexander Stubb Wins Finland Presidential Election
- In Finland’s presidential runoff, former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb prevailed over former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
- This victory puts Stubb in charge of overseeing Finland’s diplomatic and security policies, which is especially important considering that Finland recently joined NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- 51.6% of the vote went to National Coalition Party candidate Stubb, while 48.4% went to independent Haavisto.
State News
Cultural Center to be Established by Sangeet Natak Akademi In Hyderabad
- With the opening of the Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra, the Regional Centre of Sangeet Natak Akademi in Hyderabad, the Ministry of Culture makes a significant step toward cultural enrichment.
- As a prominent cultural venue, the Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra will act as a center for the promotion and preservation of a range of artistic disciplines, such as theater, puppetry, music, and folk and tribal arts.
- It will serve as a guiding light for the rich artistic heritage of South India. The program also honors Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, a pioneer in the freedom movement and music, on his 100th birthday.
Business News
UPI And RuPay Card are Launched In Sri Lanka And Mauritius
- On February 12, the RuPay card services and India’s premier rapid payment system, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), was introduced in Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
- The extension of UPI services to Mauritius and Sri Lanka will enable smooth digital transactions for Indian nationals traveling to these nations and Mauritian nationals visiting India.
- Apart from UPI, RuPay card services will be launched in Mauritius, enabling local banks to provide cards that utilize the RuPay system.
Pai Platforms is New name of Paytm E-Commerce, Acquires Bitsila
- Pai Platforms is the new name for Paytm E-commerce. In addition to this rebranding, Bitsila, a well-known seller platform that functions inside the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has been bought.
- Pai Platforms Private Limited is the official name of Paytm E-commerce Private Limited, which was approved by the Registrar of Companies on February 8.
- The company changed its name to Pai Platforms after first being incorporated as Paytm E-Commerce Private Limited.
Economy News
Economic Transformation Plans For Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, And Vizag unveiled by NITI Aayog
- Under the direction of CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, NITI Aayog is leading an extensive program to promote economic transformation in four important cities: Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, and Vizag.
- By 2047, this program seeks to advance India’s economy into developed status. With an emphasis on their economic development, NITI Aayog has created extensive economic plans for Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, and Vizag.
- India is working on a vision document that aims to make the country a developed economy by 2047, with a GDP of USD 30 trillion. This vision statement, which outlines the route to economic development, will be unveiled by PM Modi.
Schemes News
Government To Include ASHA And Anganwadi Workers/Helpers In Ayushman Bharat Scheme
- The government is getting ready to give accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and anganwadi workers/helpers access to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme’s benefits.
- In line with the larger objectives of the AB-PMJDY program, this effort seeks to offer these vital healthcare professionals free health coverage.
- Over 3 lakh ASHA workers and 23 lakh anganwadi workers/helpers’ Aadhaar data were received by the Health Ministry. Apurva Chandra, the health secretary, wants the cards ready by March 1.
Important Days News
World Radio Day 2024, History, Significance, Date And Theme
- World Radio Day, observed on February 13th each year, brings people together to honor radio’s ongoing importance as a communication tool.
- On this day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) honors radio’s many virtues and its continued significance in the divided world of today due to technology.
- “Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating,” the theme for World Radio Day 2024, honors the radio’s rich history and significant social effect.
Awards News
National Creator’s Awards For Modern Influencers was Introduced by GoI
- In order to recognize the outstanding contributions made by modern influencers and creators to the development of India’s digital landscape, the Indian government established the “National Creators Award.”
- The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) states that the goal of this program is to honor those who, via their digital initiatives, have not only promoted innovation and creativity but have also sparked constructive social change.
- The “National Creators Award” honors exceptional inventiveness and originality in over 20 categories, including social change activism, education, gaming, storytelling, and environmental sustainability.
Sports News
U19 World Cup 2024 Final, Australia Beats India By 79 Runs
- Australia U19 wins by 79 runs in the U19 World Cup 2024 final. Australia’s stunning victory over India has guaranteed them a fourth World Cup victory in U-19 cricket.
- Australia’s victories from 2002, 2010 and 2020 were augmented. They were worthy winners because of their steady performance throughout the competition, which demonstrated their depth and talent.
- Mahli Beardman was selected player of the match, while Kwena Maphaka was named U19 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament.