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Detailed Current Affairs for Feb. 07,

2024

Topics Covered:
• National News
• RBI and Finance
• Appointments and Resignation
• Science and Technology
• Awards and Recognition
• Ecology and Environment
• Persons in News
• Organizations and MoU
• Sports News
• Important Days
• State News

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Detailed Current Affairs for Feb. 07, 2024

National News
1. Key Highlights of French President Emmanuel Macron's Visit to India

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a State Visit to India as the

esteemed Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations, graciously invited by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This two-day sojourn, spanning from January 25th to 26th,
2024, marks President Macron's second official visit to India. Touching down in Jaipur,
Rajasthan, on January 25th, 2024, President Macron's arrival marks the sixth instance
of a French leader gracing India's Republic Day as the Guest of Honor. Notably,
President Macron previously visited India on a State Visit in March 2018 and made an
official visit in September 2023 for the Delhi G20 Summit.

Key Highlights:
1. During President Macron's visit, India and France forged agreements across diverse
sectors including defense, space exploration, science and technology, and healthcare.
2. The adoption of the Roadmap for Defence Industrial Partnership symbolizes a
collaborative effort between India and France in the co-design and co-development of
military hardware, alongside enhanced space cooperation.
3. Both nations pledged to bolster their collaboration in the Southwest Indian Ocean
region.

Accompanied by a ministerial entourage comprising Stephane Sejourne (Europe and

Foreign Affairs), Sebastien Lecornu (Armed Forces), and Rachida Dati (Culture), President
Macron embarked on a captivating tour of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Exploring historical marvels
such as Sheesh Mahal, Deewan-e-Aam in Amber Fort, and the renowned Jantar
Mantar observatory, showcasing the world's largest stone sundial.

A highlight of the visit was the grand roadshow jointly hosted by Prime Minister Modi and
President Macron, spanning from Jantar Mantar to the iconic Hawa Mahal. Prime Minister
Modi presented a replica of the new Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to President
Macron, symbolizing the cultural ties between the two nations.

During their bilateral meeting held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi and President
Macron engaged in fruitful discussions covering defense, space, education, healthcare,
mobility, and economic cooperation. Additionally, deliberations ensued on pressing global
issues including the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Red Sea crisis.

The adoption of the Roadmap for Defence Industrial Partnership on January 25th, 2024,
underscores the commitment of both leaders to collaborate in co-designing, co-
developing, and co-producing military hardware and advancing space cooperation. This
strategic roadmap extends cooperation to realms such as robotics, autonomous vehicles,
cyber defense, air and space technologies, and maritime technology, including underwater
domain awareness.

2. Establishment of the First Private Final Assembly Line (FAL) for Helicopters
through an MoU between Airbus and TASL during French President Emmanuel
Macron's Visit to India

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TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, and
Airbus Helicopters, the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus, have entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a final assembly line (FAL) for
H125 helicopters in India, with a significant emphasis on indigenous production and
localization. This milestone marks the establishment of India's first FAL for helicopters and
represents the private sector's inaugural venture into helicopter manufacturing in the
country.

Key Points:
1. Airbus Helicopters will manufacture H125 helicopters in India for both domestic and
international markets, thereby bolstering the Make in India initiative and fostering self-
reliance in the manufacturing sector.
2. The FAL is slated to commence operations in 2026.

Benefits:
1. The H125 helicopter will find applications across various sectors including disaster
management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and tourism.
2. It will play a crucial role in the central government's regional connectivity scheme, Ude
Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN), aimed at providing connectivity to remote areas.
3. This collaboration will enhance the aerospace industry in India.

Additionally, during President Macron's visit, several Memorandums of

Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
1. A Letter of Intent on Defence Space Partnership between the Ministry of Defence,
Government of India, and the Ministry for the Armed Forces, French Republic.
2. An MoU between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Frances Arianespace S.A.S. in the
space sector to address the growing demand for commercial satellite launch services.
3. A framework cooperation agreement between the Department of Science and
Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Institut national de
recherche pour LAgriculture, LAlimentation Et LEnvironnement (INRAE), France.
4. A Framework Arrangement on cooperation concerning funding of research projects
between DST and Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), French Republic.
5. A Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine between the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the Ministry of Labour,
Health and Solidarity of the French Republic.
6. A Letter of Intent on Public Administration and Administrative Reforms between India's
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and Frances Ministry of Public
Sector Transformation and the Civil Service.
7. Renewal of the agreement on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban
Development between the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (India) and the Ministry of
Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion (France).

3. Significant Announcements during French President Emmanuel Macron's Visit

to India

Key Highlights:

i. Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, declared that 2026 will be commemorated
as the India-France Year of Innovation.
ii. India and France have unveiled plans to establish a solar academy in Senegal under
the STAR-C program of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
iii. The proposed Safran-India Shakti jet engine deal entails France-based Safran company,

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the world's second-largest aircraft equipment manufacturer, transferring 100% of

technology throughout the design, development, certification, and production phases of
the project.
iv. The introduction of the Young Professional Scheme under the Migration and Mobility
Partnership Agreement facilitates the exchange of individuals aged 18-35 years,
while also extending the validity of Schengen visas for Indian students pursuing master's
degrees in France to 5 years.
v. The operationalization of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) at the Eiffel Tower,
Paris, France.
vi. The establishment of India's Consulate in Marseille and the French Bureau de France in
Hyderabad.
vii. Ashif Saraf, Vice President and Country Director of Thales India, announced the
establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center for avionics and in-
flight entertainment systems in New Delhi, Delhi, to deliver world-class services to airlines.

Additionally, India and France have pledged to enhance cooperation in the Southwest
Indian Ocean region, building on joint surveillance missions conducted from the French
territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022.
Key Points:
i. The joint statement emphasized the defense and security partnership as fundamental
pillars of the India-France relationship in the Indo-Pacific, encompassing various bilateral,
multinational, regional, and institutional initiatives in the Indian Ocean region.
ii. India and France have committed to establishing trilateral cooperation with
Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
iii. Both countries have acknowledged the significance of the India-Middle East Europe
Corridor (IMEC) in enhancing trade and energy flow between India, the Middle East, and
Europe.
iv. France has expressed support for India's bid for permanent membership in the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC).

About France: President- Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister- Gabriel Attal, Capital: Paris,
Currency: Euro.

4. Ministry of Education Releases All India Survey on Higher Education 2021-22

The Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education released the All India Survey
on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, marking the 12th edition, and the second survey
conducted via web Data Capture Format (DCF).

AISHE 2021-22:
i. The survey recorded a total of 1168 Universities/University level Institutions, 45,473
Colleges, and 12,002 Stand Alone Institutions, with responses from 1,162 Universities,
42,825 colleges, and 10,576 Stand Alone Institutions.
ii. Conducted with reference to the academic session 2021-22, the survey collected total
student enrollment data across 8 levels, including Under-Graduate(UG), Post
Graduate(PG), Ph.D., M.Phil., Diploma, PG Diploma, Certificate, and Integrated programs.

Gross Enrollment Ratio:

i. The GER in Higher Education for the age group 18-23 years increased to 28.4
in 2021-22, with notable figures for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)
students.

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ii. Total student enrollment in higher education saw a significant rise to around
4.33 crore in 2021-22, with a notable increase in female enrollment.

Points to note:
i. States/UTs with the highest GER include Chandigarh, Puducherry, Delhi, Tamil
Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Telangana.
ii. Tamil Nadu leads among large states, retaining the top position for five
consecutive academic years and showing high GER among SC and ST students.
iii. Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand recorded the lowest GER among Indian states,
while Lakshadweep reported a very low GER due to the absence of higher education
institutions.

Enrollment of SC and ST students:

i. Enrollment of SC students witnessed a substantial increase, with a notable surge in
female enrollment since 2014-15.
ii. Enrollment of ST students also showed significant growth, with a notable increase in
female enrollment since 2014-15.

Gender Parity Index (GPI):

i. The GPI for 2021-22 stands at 1.01, indicating continued parity with female GER
exceeding male GER since 2017-18.

Faculty/Teachers in Higher Education:

i. The total number of faculty/teachers in 2021-22 is 15.98 lakh, with an increase in female
representation.
ii. The number of female teachers has risen steadily, contributing to an improved gender
balance.

Out-Turn:
i. Around 1.07 crore students have passed out from various levels, with a notable presence
of female pass-outs.
ii. The total number of pass-outs has increased, reflecting growth in educational
attainment.

Institutional Figures:

i. The count of universities in 2021-22 rose to 1,168 from 1,113 in 2020-21, marking an
increase of 55. Since 2014-15, a total of 341 universities have been established.

ii. Notably, there are 17 universities dedicated solely to women.

iii. The tally of colleges surged by 1,677 to reach 45,473 from 43,796 in 2020-21. Among
these, 14,197 colleges offer PG programs, while 1,063 colleges provide PhD programs.

5. Key Findings: All India Survey on Higher Education 2021-22

Key Points:

i. According to the survey findings, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as the state
with the highest count of colleges in India, with the number rising from 8,114 to
8,375 in 2021-22.

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ii. The top 10 states with the highest number of colleges in India are Uttar Pradesh (UP),
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Gujarat, Telangana, and West Bengal.

iii. Among districts, Bengaluru Urban in Karnataka leads with 1,106 colleges,
followed by Jaipur in Rajasthan with 703, and Hyderabad in Telangana with 491.

iv. College Density, measured as the number of colleges per lakh population, is highest in
Karnataka (66), followed by Telangana (52), Andhra Pradesh (49), Himachal Pradesh (47),
and Puducherry (53).

About the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE):

AISHE, initiated by the Ministry of Education (MoE) since 2010-2011, is an annual national
survey aimed at comprehensively covering all higher education institutions in India.

i. The survey categorizes institutions into three main groups: University/University-

level institutions, Colleges/Institutions, and Stand-alone institutions not
affiliated with universities.

ii. It gathers data on various parameters such as student enrollment, teacher

demographics, infrastructure, and financial aspects.

iii. Key indicators of educational development, including institution density, Gross

Enrollment Ratio (GER), pupil-teacher ratio, and Gender Parity Index (GPI), are
derived from the AISHE dataset.

About the Ministry of Education (MoE):

Union Minister: Dharmendra Pradhan (Rajya Sabha, Madhya Pradesh)
Ministers of State (MoS): Subhas Sarkar (Bankura, West Bengal), Annapurna Devi Yadav
(Kodarma, Jharkhand), Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (Inner Manipur, Manipur)

RBI and Finance

1. Changes made by RBI to eligibility norms for Urban Co-operative Banks
(UCBs) inclusion in the Second Schedule of RBI Act, 1934

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated the criteria for the eligibility of Urban Co-
operative Banks (UCBs) to be included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) Act, 1934. These guidelines are issued under clause (a) of sub-section (6) of
section 42 of the RBI Act, 1934. This decision comes in the wake of the revised
regulatory framework for UCBs released in July 2022, which aims to enhance their
financial stability, governance, and strengthen the regulatory framework for UCBs. This
update will supersede the circular on UCBs issued in 2013 regarding their inclusion in the
2nd Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934.

Key Revisions in the Norms:

1. UCBs must maintain a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) that is at

least 3% higher than the minimum requirement for their tier, aiming to bolster
their capital strength and resilience to risks.
2. UCBs seeking inclusion should not have any significant regulatory or supervisory
issues flagged by the RBI.
3. Licensed Tier 3 and Tier 4 UCBs are required to meet the RBI's criteria for being

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Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM). This entails maintaining the minimum
deposits necessary for Tier 3 classification for two consecutive years.

Reasons for the Revision:

Previously, the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the Second Schedule were outlined in a
circular from 2013. However, with the introduction of the Revised Regulatory Framework
for UCBs in 2022, there was an update in the criteria for categorizing UCBs as FSWM.
Challenges arose, particularly regarding the financial thresholds for Tier 3 and 4 UCBs, as
well as insufficient consideration of governance and risk management. Consequently, the
RBI decided to revise the norms for UCBs.

2. RBI advises regulated entities to utilize technology for improving internal

compliance monitoring effectiveness

Recently, the RBI conducted an assessment of internal compliance monitoring in

Supervised Entities (SEs). While SEs utilize varying degrees of automation, the process still
requires substantial manual intervention and is considered a work in progress. In light of
this, the RBI has advised Regulated Entities (REs) to leverage technology to
improve the effectiveness of internal compliance monitoring.

Key Points:

1. The RBI recommends the implementation of comprehensive, workflow-based

solutions to enhance effectiveness. These solutions should facilitate communication
and collaboration, incorporate processes for compliance management, and provide a
unified dashboard for Senior Management.

2. REs are required to review and update their internal compliance tracking processes by
June 30, 2024.

Imp.: Regulated Entities (REs) encompass Scheduled Commercial Banks/SCBs (excluding

Regional Rural Banks/RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Payments Banks, Primary UCBs
(Tier III and IV), Upper- and Middle-Layer Non-Banking Financial Companies/NBFCs
(including Housing Finance Companies/HFCs), Credit Information Companies (CICs), and All
India Financial Institutions (AIFIs).

3. RBI's Guidelines on Gold Import by TRQ Holders under India-UAE CEPA

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released guidelines concerning the importation of gold
by Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) holders under the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as notified by the International
Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). According to these guidelines, Authorized
Dealer (AD) Category-I banks are permitted to facilitate advance payments for
eleven days for gold imports by valid TRQ holders under the India-UAE CEPA
through the India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Ltd (IIBX), subject to the TRQ
allocation.

Key Points:

1. The RBI's directive is issued under the provisions of Section 10(4) and Section
11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 (42 of 1999), and
does not prejudice any permissions or approvals required under other laws.

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2. In November 2023, the government granted permission to jewelers holding valid

licenses to import gold under specific ITC(HS) codes at concessional customs duty from the
UAE, under the free trade agreement, through IIBX.

3. The India-UAE free trade agreement, effective since May 2022, offers a 1% duty
concession to domestic importers on a specified quantity of gold under the TRQ
provisions. Companies obtain TRQ certificates from the Directorate General of Foreign
Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), for imports.

About India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX): It is India's premier International

Bullion Exchange located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), GIFT
(Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The exchange,
established in July 2022, is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA), with Ashok Kumar Gautam serving as the Managing Director & CEO.

4. Restriction Imposed by RBI on Paytm Payments Bank Services

In the exercise of its authority under section 35A of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949,
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL or
the bank) to halt the onboarding of new customers immediately. This directive
comes in response to persistent non-compliance issues and ongoing significant
supervisory concerns identified within the bank. Consequently, additional supervisory
measures have been implemented.

Directives issued to PPBL by RBI:

1. No new deposits or credit transactions will be permitted, except for interest,

cashbacks, or refunds, effective from February 29, 2024.
2. Withdrawals from customer accounts, including savings, current, prepaid instruments,
FASTags, National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), etc., are allowed without any
restrictions.
3. All banking services, apart from withdrawals and fund transfers initiated by customers,
will be discontinued after February 29, 2024.
4. The Nodal Accounts of One97 Communications Ltd and Paytm Payments
Services Ltd must be closed by February 29, 2024.
5. Settlement of ongoing pipeline transactions and nodal accounts initiated on or before
February 29, 2024, should be completed by March 15, 2024, with no further transactions
permitted.

These new restrictions imply that banking operations will cease unless the entity redirects
its payment services through another bank.

Recent Developments:

1. The RBI has issued guidelines on Responsible Lending Conduct, directing

Regulated Entities (REs) to release all original movable or immovable property
documents and remove charges registered with any registry within 30 days of full
repayment or settlement of personal loans by borrowers.
2. RBI has also revised its guidelines on categorizing bank investments to align with global
standards by issuing the RBI (Classification, Valuation, and Operation of Investment
Portfolio of Commercial Banks) Directions, 2023, effective from April 1, 2024.

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

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Governor: Shaktikanta Das

Deputy Governors: Swaminathan Janakiraman, Michael Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar
Rao, T. Rabi Sankar
Establishment: April 1, 1935
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Appointments and Resignation

1. Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Ruler of Johor, Takes Oath
as the 17th King of Malaysia

His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, also
known as Sultan Ibrahim, assumed the role of the 17th King of Malaysia, titled
Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) XVII, on January 31, 2024. He will hold this esteemed
position for a term of 5 years, extending until 2029. His accession follows the tenure of Al-
Sultan Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, the 16th King and Ruler of Pahang state, who
served from 2019.

The swearing-in ceremony was graced by the presence of Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime
Minister of Malaysia, alongside members of the Cabinet. Concurrently, Sultan Nazrin
Muizzuddin Shah of Perak was appointed as the deputy king, marking his third term in this
role since 2016.

In October 2023, Sultan Ibrahim was elected during the 263rd (Special) meeting of the
Conference of Rulers held at the National Palace (Istana Negara) in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. His father, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail, was previously the YDPA, serving as the
8th King of Malaysia from 1984 to 1989.

Sultan Ibrahim's background includes military training as a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)
officer at the RMN base in Lumut, Malaysia, where he completed a comprehensive 3-
month training program encompassing army, navy, and air force operations. He has also
held various governmental positions, contributing to the administration of the state,
including roles in the State Secretariat, Treasury, Land Office, and Town and Country
Planning Department.

Ascending to the throne of Johor in 2010 following his father's demise, Sultan Ibrahim
has achieved notable milestones, including obtaining a Class 26 Train Driver's
License and being officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR)
as the first Malay Ruler to operate a train.

Under Malaysia's rotational monarchy system, the king and deputy king positions are
rotated among the rulers of nine out of its 13 states. This constitutional arrangement was
established following Malaysia's independence from British rule in 1957.

Regarding Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim serves as the Prime Minister, Kuala Lumpur is the
capital, and the currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit.

2. Appointment of Justice P S Dinesh Kumar as Chief Justice of Karnataka High

Court

Justice PS Dinesh Kumar has been appointed as the Chief Justice (CJ) of the
Karnataka High Court (HC) and is scheduled to retire from service on February 24,
2024. He had been serving as the acting CJ of the Karnataka HC following the elevation

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of Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale to the Supreme Court (SC) of India on

January 24, 2024. This appointment was made by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu,
exercising the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India.

Science and Technology

1. Launch of Bharat 5G Portal by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman of Digital
Communications Commission

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, serving as the Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission and
Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) within the Ministry of
Communications (MoC), inaugurated the Bharat 5G Portal, an integrated platform, during
the Bharat Telecom 2024 An Exclusive International Business Expo. This significant
event, organized by the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC)
in collaboration with DoT, took place in Delhi from January 29-30, 2024.

India boasts the second-largest telecom network globally.

The Bharat 5G Portal, designed as an integrated hub, provides a comprehensive platform

for startups, industry stakeholders, and academia to engage in the realms of quantum, 6G,
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Pilot/Proof of Concepts (POCs), and 5G domains. Within
this portal, academic research and development, industry standards, Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs), startups/MSMEs, and subject matter experts are all encompassed.

One notable feature is the inclusion of the Future Tech-Experts registration portal,
established in collaboration with PANIIT USA, aimed at supporting and advising the Indian
Telecom ecosystem to advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The primary objective of the portal is to bolster India's 5G capabilities by fostering

innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the telecom sector.

As part of the portal's initiatives, DoT issued a call for 6G Research and Development
(R&D) proposals, aiming to accelerate research in the development of the 6G ecosystem.

Additionally, Dr. Neeraj Mittal unveiled the Future Tech-Experts registration portal in
partnership with PanIIT Alumni India United States of America (Pan IIT USA), further
enhancing support for the Indian Telecom ecosystem. This initiative will be prominently
featured on the Bharat 5G Portal.

It's worth noting that Pan IIT serves as an umbrella organization representing the alumni
network of all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across the system, with PANIIT USA
serving as the official association of all IIT alumni residing in the USA.

In related news, India's first Telecom Centre of Excellence (CoE) is set to be

established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee campus in
Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), with funding of approximately Rs. 30 crore provided
by the UP Government.

The Ministry of Communications is led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with Minister of
State Devusinh Chauhan representing the constituency of Kheda, Gujarat.

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Awards and Recognition

1. Ministry of Defence Awards Best Marching Contingents & Tableaux at
Republic Day Parade 2024

Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State (MoS) at the Ministry of Defence, presented awards to the
outstanding marching contingents and tableaux featured in the Republic Day (R-Day)
Parade 2024. These awards were determined by two separate evaluations: one conducted
by a panel of judges and the other through an online public vote facilitated by the MyGov
platform.

A total of 25 tableaux, representing 16 States and Union Territories (UTs) along with 9
Ministries/Departments, participated in the 75th R-Day Parade 2024 at Kartavya Path.

Panel Assessment:
Three panels of judges were appointed to evaluate the performance of:
1. Marching Contingents from the three Services;
2. Marching Contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other auxiliary
forces;
3. Tableaux representing various States/UTs and Ministries/Departments.

Online Public Vote:

1. A dedicated web page was created on the MyGov platform for citizens to register and
watch the R-Day Parade and Beating the Retreat Ceremony 2024 online.
2. The MyGov platform conducted an online poll allowing citizens to vote for their favorite
Tableaux and Marching contingents, determining the best among popular choice
categories.
3. The online poll for the popular choice was held between January 25-27, 2024, on the
MyGov web page.

Highlights:
1. The Delhi Police Women's Marching Contingent secured awards in both
categories: chosen by a panel of judges and through an online public vote.
Notably, this was the first time the Delhi police deployed an all-women marching
contingent during the R-Day parade. Led by 2019-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer
Shweta K Sugathan, the 144-member contingent made history.
2. The Tamil Nadu tableau received the third-place honor from the panel of judges,
showcasing the significance of the Kudavolai system, a democratic process for electing
local representatives during the Chola era.
3. The Rajputana Rifles Regimental Marching Contingent was awarded the People's Choice
award for the Best Marching Contingent among the three services.
4. The Ministry of Culture Tableau titled "Bharat: Mother of Democracy" clinched
the Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments) award by the panel of judges.

Beating Retreat Ceremony:

1. The Beating Retreat ceremony, which signifies the conclusion of the four-day-long
Republic Day celebrations, features 31 captivating Indian tunes.
2. Held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on the evening of January 29 each year, the ceremony
is graced by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
3. Bands from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and CAPFs perform tunes
highlighting the sacrifices and patriotism of soldiers.
4. Lieutenant Colonel Vimal Joshi served as the principal conductor of the ceremony. The

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origins of Beating Retreat trace back to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian
Army developed this unique display by massed bands.

2. Results of Awards for the Republic Day Parade 2024

Result of Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux Awards for the Republic Day
Parade (Judged by Panel):
- Best Marching Contingent among the three services: Sikh Regiment Contingent
- Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces: Delhi Police
Women Marching Contingent
- Best three Tableaux (States/UTs):
1. First Place: Odisha (Theme: Woman Empowerment in Viksit Bharat)
2. Second Place: Gujarat (Theme: Dhordo - A Global Icon Of Gujarat's Border Tourism)
3. Third Place: Tamil Nadu (Theme: Kudavolai System in ancient Tamil Nadu - Mother of
Democracy)
- Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments): Ministry of Culture (Theme: Bharat - Mother
of Democracy)
- Special Prize: Central Public Works Department (Theme: Central Vista - Viksit Bharat Ka
Pratibimb)
- Special Memento: Vande Bharatam Dance Group

Result of Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux Awards for the Republic Day
Parade (Determined by Online Poll on MyGov):
- Best Marching Contingent among the three services: Rajputana Rifles Regimental
Marching Contingent
- Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces: CRPF Woman
Marching Contingent
- Best three Tableaux (States/UTs):
1. First Place: Gujarat (Theme: Dhordo - A Global Icon Of Gujarat's Border Tourism)
2. Second Place: Uttar Pradesh (Theme: Viksit Bharat Samradh Virasat)
3. Third Place: Andhra Pradesh (Theme: Transforming School Education in Andhra Pradesh
- Making Students Globally Competitive)
- Best Tableau (Central Ministries/Departments): Ministry of Home Affairs (Theme:
Vibrant Villages)

About the Ministry of Defence:

- Union Minister: Rajnath Singh (Representing Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
- Minister of State: Ajay Bhatt (Representing Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand)

Ecology and Environment

1. Addition of 5 Indian Wetlands, 3 from Karnataka and 2 from Tamil Nadu, to
Ramsar List; Total Ramsar Sites Enhanced to 80

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) announced the designation of five wetlands from India, with
three located in Karnataka and two in Tamil Nadu (TN), as RAMSAR Sites of
International Importance. This addition brings the total number of RAMSAR sites in
India to 80, up from 75.

The five new RAMSAR sites are as follows:

- Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve

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- Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve

- Aghanashini Estuary in Karnataka
- Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
- Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu

On January 31, 2024, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Convention on

Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), presented certificates for these five sites ahead of World
Wetlands Day 2024, observed on February 2, 2024.

Details of the five new RAMSAR Sites:

- Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve: This 98.76-hectare human-made village
irrigation tank adjacent to Ankasamudra village boasts rich biodiversity, housing over 210
plant species, 8 mammal species, 25 reptile species, 240 bird species, and more.
- Aghanashini Estuary: Covering 4,801 hectares, this estuary forms where the
Aghanashini River meets the Arabian Sea. It sustains the livelihoods of thousands of
families and supports over 66 waterbird species.
- Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve: Spanning nearly 50 hectares, this man-made
wetland stores rainwater for irrigation and serves as a critical habitat for various bird
species, including migratory birds and vulnerable species.
- Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary: Encompassing 453.72 hectares, this sanctuary is a
significant source of groundwater recharge and hosts a diverse range of bird species,
making it one of Tamil Nadu's largest inland wetlands.
- Longwood Shola Reserve Forest: Named after the Tamil word for tropical rainforest,
this reserve forest is vital for endemic bird species and forms part of the Western Ghats'
rich biodiversity.

These RAMSAR designations underscore the importance of conserving India's wetlands and
their role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

2. Summary: Addition of 5 Indian Wetlands to Ramsar List

Some Additional Facts:

With the addition of these five wetlands, the total area covered under Ramsar sites
now stands at 1.33 million hectares (ha), marking an increase of 5,523.87 ha from
the existing area of 1.327 million ha. Tamil Nadu (TN) now boasts 16 Ramsar sites,
making it the state with the highest number of such sites, followed by Uttar
Pradesh (UP) with 10 sites.

It's noteworthy that Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Chilika Lake in
Odisha were the first two sites to be placed on the Ramsar List by the
Government of India in 1981.

The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance, was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971, and came into force in
1975. India ratified this Convention on February 1, 1982.

A Ramsar site is a wetland site recognized for its international significance in

conserving biological diversity, particularly for providing habitats for waterfowl, under
the Ramsar Convention.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is headed by Union
Minister Bhupender Yadav (Rajya Sabha- Rajasthan), with Minister of State Ashwini Kumar
Choubey (Constituency- Buxar, Bihar).

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3. Discovery of a New Species of Tiny Lizards in Kerala: Agasthyagama edge

A team of scientists from different institutions in India and abroad have made an exciting
discovery - a new species of tiny lizards called Agasthyagama edge, also known
as the northern kangaroo lizard. This discovery took place in the southern Western
Ghats at Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala. The findings of this discovery have been
published in the scientific journal Vertebrate Zoology, which is published by the
Senckenberg Museum in Germany.

About Agasthyagama edge: i. Agasthyagama edge belongs to the Agamidae family and
the Agasthyagama genus.

ii. This newly discovered species is the second one in the Agasthyagama genus, with the
first species being A. beddomii, also known as the Indian kangaroo lizard, which was
discovered in the Sivagiri hills of Tamil Nadu.

iii. The name "Agasthyagama Edge" has been given to this species in honor of
the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) program of the
Zoological Society of London, which has provided support to various researchers
involved in this discovery, including Dr. Das and co-author K.P. Rajkumar of the Aranyakam
Nature Foundation.

Persons in News
1. Death of Navarre Scott Momaday, an American Poet and Pulitzer Prize Winner

Navarre Scott Momaday, a celebrated storyteller, poet, educator, and folklorist

who was honored with a Pulitzer Prize, passed away in New Mexico, United States of
America (USA). Born on February 27, 1934, in Oklahoma, USA, Momaday's legacy spans
across various realms of literature and cultural preservation.

About Navarre Scott Momaday:

i. Hailing from the Kiowa tribe in the USA, Navarre Scott Momaday held a significant
place within his community.
ii. He made history as the first Native American author to be bestowed with a Pulitzer
Prize. His novel "House Made of Dawn," released in 1968 by HarperCollins, earned the
prestigious Pulitzer Prize in fiction for the year 1969.
iii. Momaday dedicated himself to the preservation of Native American culture, particularly
through the oral tradition.
iv. He established the Buffalo Trust, a non-profit foundation committed to safeguarding,
conserving, and revitalizing Native American culture and heritage.

Key Works:
i. Momaday contributed to both the English and French editions of "The Alphabet of Hope:
Writers for Literacy," a publication by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2007.
ii. In 1969, he curated "The Way to Rainy Mountain," a compilation of Kiowa tales.
iii. His life and work were the focus of the documentary film "N. Scott Momaday: Words
from a Bear."

Recognition:
i. In acknowledgment of his contributions to peace and cultural understanding, UNESCO
named him an Artist for Peace in 2004.

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ii. Scott Momaday was bestowed with the National Medal of Arts in 2007 for his profound
impact on literature and his dedication to Native American art and oral tradition.
iii. Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including the
inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas in
1992 and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in 2019.

Organizations and MoU

1. Collaboration Between NHAI and GSI to Strengthen National Highways
Network

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently entered into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with the aim of
improving the quality of the National Highways (NH) network. According to the
terms of the MoU, the GSI will offer specialized geotechnical consultancy services,
specifically in the areas of geological mapping and analysis of Detailed Project Reports
(DPRs) from a geotechnical perspective. The signing of the MoU took place in the presence
of Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, and Saibal Ghosh, Deputy Director General of
GSI.

Sports News
1. Recap of TATA Steel Chess 2024: Wei Yi Becomes First Chinese Player to Win
Masters Title & Leon Luke Mendonca Emerges as Challengers Champion

Grandmaster (GM) Wei Yi from China clinched his inaugural master title by
prevailing over GM Gukesh D of India in the finals of the 86th installment of the
Tata Steel Chess Tournament (2024), held from January 12 to 28, 2024, in Wijk aan
Zee, The Netherlands. On a parallel note, GM Leon Luke Mendonca of India secured victory
in the Challengers category by outplaying International Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh, also
from India, in the final round.

Key Highlights:
i. According to the tournament guidelines, the top four players from the group stages,
spanning a total of 13 rounds, vied for the championship. The prize pool was divided
among these top four finishers. Gukesh D and Wei Yi emerged victorious in the
semifinals by defeating GM Anish Giri from The Netherlands and GM Nodirbek
Abdusattorov from Uzbekistan, respectively.
ii. Wei Yi's triumph marked the first time a Chinese player secured the master title in this
prestigious tournament since its inception in 1938.

About the Tournament:

i. The Tata Steel Chess Tournament encompasses two main events: the masters and the
Challengers. The winner of the Challengers section earns a spot to compete in the masters
event the following year.
ii. Revered as the "Wimbledon of Chess," the Tata Steel Chess Tournament serves as
the inaugural super-tournament of 2024. Notably, the previous edition (85th) was won by
GM Anish Giri from The Netherlands in 2023.

Praggnanandhaa Ascends as India's Top Chess Player Surpassing Viswanathan

Anand:

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i. GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa ascended as India's top-ranked chess player after

triumphing over reigning world champion GM Ding Liren from China in the fourth round of
the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024 (Masters).
ii. He surpassed Viswanathan Anand in the FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings,
boasting 2748.3 points as of January 16, 2024, edging ahead of Anand's rating of 2748
points.
iii. As of February 1, 2024, Praggnanandhaa stands at the 13th position globally.

Important Days
1. 1st February 2024: Celebrating Indian Coast Guard Day - 48th Raising Day of
the ICG

The commemoration of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day occurs annually on

February 1st to mark the establishment of the ICG, India's maritime armed force
operating under the Ministry of Defence. The 48th Raising Day of ICG is observed on
February 1, 2024.

History of ICG:
i. The interim Indian Coast Guard was formed on February 1, 1977, through the
Coast Guard Act of 1978 passed by the Parliament of India. Initially equipped with merely 7
ships, its primary task was surveillance in Indian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ).
ii. A crucial responsibility of the ICG is aiding Customs and other authorities in Anti-
Smuggling endeavors.
iii. The Union Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a Coast Guard in 1977, allocating 2
frigates and 5 patrol boats from the Indian Navy. Notably, the first ICG Ship (ICGS) Kuthar
(Pennant No. 31) was transferred from the Indian Navy in 1978.

Background:
i. On August 18, 1978, the Indian Parliament officially designated February 1 as ICG Day.
ii. The formal inauguration of the Indian Coast Guard took place on August 19, 1978, by
then Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Significance:
i. ICG Day celebrates the contributions of the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding maritime
safety and security, both along India's coast and offshore territories, while highlighting its
notable achievements.
ii. Serving as a maritime law enforcement and Search and Rescue (SAR) agency, the ICG
coordinates SAR operations in the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). Since its
inception in 1977, the ICG has conducted 3,899 SAR operations, 8,012 sorties, 453
medical evacuations at sea, and saved 11,561 lives.

Coast Guard Regions:

i. India's maritime zones are divided into five Coast Guard Regions - North-West,
West, East, North-East, and Andaman & Nicobar - for efficient command and
control.
ii. Each region has a corresponding Regional Headquarters located at Gandhinagar
(Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal), and Port
Blair (Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands), with officers of the rank of Inspector
General overseeing their operations.

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Roles and Responsibilities of ICG:

i. Ensuring the safety and security of artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations, and
other structures in maritime zones.
ii. Providing protection and assistance to distressed fishermen at sea.
iii. Assisting Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling efforts.
iv. Enforcing the Maritime Zones of India Act.

About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

Director General: Rakesh Pal, PTM, TM
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
Established: February 1, 1977
Motto: Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)

2. Observing World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 from 1-7 February

The World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), established by the United Nations (UN), is
observed globally during the first week of February (1-7 February) annually, with WIHW
2024 observed from 1-7 February 2024. Its primary objective is to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence among people regardless of their faith.

Objective:
i. WIHW is a global initiative aiming to cultivate harmony and tolerance among individuals
of diverse religions, faiths, and beliefs worldwide, including those without faith.
ii. Its goal is to achieve this by highlighting their shared principles of Love of God and Love
of the Neighbor, or Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor.
iii. This ethos teaches all individuals the significance of kindness, charity, and healing,
embracing those of different faiths or no faith at all.

Background:
i. WIHW was initially proposed at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23,
2010, by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan.
ii. On October 20, 2010, UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/65/5, designating the first week
of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week.
iii. The inaugural WIHW was observed from 1-7 February 2011.

Key Points:
i. WIHW draws inspiration from the groundbreaking work of an open letter titled
"A Common Word Between Us and You" (ACW), authored by Prince Ghazi bin
Muhammad of Jordan.
ii. Signed by 138 Muslim scholars and leaders, ACW was directed to approximately 28
Christian leaders and their churches in 2007, inviting them to establish a common basis
for relations with Muslims.
iii. ACW identified the shared ground between Islam and Christianity based on the two
great commandments of Love of God and Love of the Neighbor.
iv. WIHW expands upon these two commandments by incorporating Love of the Good and
Love of the Neighbor.

About the United Nations (UN):

Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres
Headquarters: New York, USA
Established: 1945

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State News
1. NGEL Signs MoU with Maharashtra Government for Green Energy Projects

NGEL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited, has forged a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to embark on projects
involving the development of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, such as Green
Ammonia & Green Methanol. These initiatives, aimed at achieving a capacity of up to 1
million tons per annum, will necessitate an investment of approximately Rs 80,000 crores.

Furthermore, the MoU encompasses the undertaking of Pumped Storage Projects

totaling 2 GigaWatt (GW) capacity, along with the development of renewable energy
projects, ranging up to 5 GW in Maharashtra. Mohit Bhargava, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of NGEL, signed the MoU in the presence of Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister (CM) of
Maharashtra, as a pivotal component of the Government of Maharashtra's Green
Investment Plan for the forthcoming five years.

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