These current affairs today are a part of our daily current affairs series. We cover a wide range of topics from state, national, and international news that are relevant and important for competitive exams. Our team prepares daily current affairs after going through many newspapers, such as The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, PRS, etc.
Scroll down for daily current affairs for 3 February 2024.
Kalaignar Sports Kit Initiative Unveiled in Tamil Nadu
- The Sports Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has officially announced the launch of the Kalaignar sports kit scheme in Tamil Nadu.
- Similar to the free schoolbooks initiative, the state government will generously provide complimentary sports kits to students across all 12,000 village panchayats.
- The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place in Trichy on February 7, symbolizing a commitment to fostering sports development among the youth of Tamil Nadu.
- In a notable achievement, Tamil Nadu secured the second position in the overall medal tally during the Khelo India games, marking its inaugural inclusion among the top three.
Key Details about Tamil Nadu:
Capital: Chennai
Governor: R. N. Ravi
Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
Language: Tamil
INS Sandhayak Commissioned by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
- The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest survey vessel, Sandhayak, in Vizag, enhancing its surveillance capabilities in strategic waterways.
- This marks the formal induction of the first of four survey vessels (large) constructed by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
- The primary function of the ship involves conducting comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, navigational channels, coastal areas, and deep seas, contributing to safe marine navigation.
- Equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic tools, including multibeam echo-sounders and autonomous underwater vehicles, Sandhayak reflects India’s prowess in shipbuilding and aligns with the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
- Measuring 110 meters in length, displacing 3400 tons, and boasting 80% indigenous content, Sandhayak stands as a testament to India’s growing maritime capabilities.
Tamil Nadu Sets Records with Ramsar Sites
- Tamil Nadu has achieved a remarkable milestone by declaring 16 Ramsar wetlands, the highest number in the country.
- Notably, the Longwood Shola, locally known as ‘dodda solai’ or ‘big forest,’ has received Ramsar wetland status, alongside four other sites, including the Karaivetti bird sanctuary in Ariyalur district.
- Covering 116 hectares, Longwood Shola has been a vital water and firewood source for surrounding villages, earning international recognition as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in August 2022.
- As the only shola pocket in an urban area in the Nilgiris, this evergreen forest plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate ecosystem and serves as a haven for approximately 170 rare and endangered bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatching.
Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania Assumes the Role of Chief Hydrographer
- Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania has officially taken charge as the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India.
- Commissioned in the Executive branch of the Indian Navy in 1990, he brings extensive expertise as a Hydrography Specialist.
- Over his illustrious three-decade career, he commanded IN Ships Darshak and Sandhayak, conducting hydrographic surveys nationwide and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Notably, he played a crucial role in data collection for IMBL arbitration and chart production in the Sundarbans delta.
- His distinguished service also includes a stint aboard HMS Bulldog of the Royal Navy and various significant shore appointments, such as Interviewing Officer & Deputy President of Naval Selection Board, Principal Director (Hydrography) at NHQ, Officer-in-Charge, National Hydrographic Office (NHO), and Joint Chief Hydrographer.
Champai Soren: The Future Chief Minister of Jharkhand
- Following the resignation and arrest of Hemant Soren, Jharkhand Transport Minister Champai Soren has been appointed as the next Chief Minister.
- The 67-year-old tribal leader, a key figure in the Jharkhand statehood movement, is the sixth Chief Minister from the Kolhan region.
- Champai Soren, a senior JMM leader, has held vital portfolios such as welfare and transport. During the swearing-in ceremony, senior Congress leader Alamgir Alam and RJD leader Satyanand Bhokta were sworn in as cabinet ministers.
- With a political journey that began in 1991 as an independent MLA, Champai Soren has secured multiple victories in subsequent elections and served as a cabinet minister in the BJP government headed by Arjun Munda. His recent role was as Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Transport in Hemant Soren’s government.
IAF to Conduct Vayu Shakti 2024 Mega Exercise at Pokhran Range, Jaisalmer
- The Indian Air Force is gearing up for the mega exercise Vayu Shakti 2024 at the Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer.
- With a focus on interoperability and maneuvering, the Air Force will showcase its air fighting and operational capabilities, involving more than 100 aircraft and helicopters.
- Indigenous aircraft like Tejas, Prachand, and Dhruv will participate, along with air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems demonstrating firepower. Notable aircraft include Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi 30 MKI, and helicopters such as MI 17 and Apache.
- Vayu Shakti 2024 is poised to be a grand display of the Indian Air Force’s prowess, emphasizing both indigenous manufacturing and operational excellence.
US Greenlights Sale of 31 Predator Drones to India
- The United States has granted approval for the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, marking a significant deal valued at an estimated USD 3.99 billion.
- The announcement of this substantial drone agreement occurred during the historic State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023.
- The State Department’s determination allows for a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India, enhancing the nation’s capabilities in unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation.
- As part of the deal, India is set to receive 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, with the Navy securing 15 SeaGuardian drones and the Army and Indian Air Force each acquiring eight of the land version – SkyGuardian.
AU Small Finance Bank Names HR Khan as Non-Executive Chairman
- Private sector lender AU Small Finance Bank has appointed Harun Rashid Khan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as its non-executive chairman following shareholder approval.
- Taking charge from Raj Verma, Khan, with over four decades of extensive experience, has held key positions in areas such as banking & finance, payment and settlement systems, economics, and financial markets.
- AU Small Finance Bank, headquartered in Jaipur and founded by Sanjay Agarwal in 1996, operates with subsidiaries like Index Money Limited.
Government Reduces FAME Allocation for FY25 by Over 44%
- The government has allocated Rs 2,671.33 crore for the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle in India (FAME) scheme for FY25, representing a reduction of over 44% from the revised estimate for 2023-24.
- Amid uncertainties about the extension of FAME II or the introduction of a new FAME III scheme, the government aims to promote electric and hybrid vehicles by offering upfront incentives and expanding charging infrastructure.
PM Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Bharat Mobility Global Expo
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, an unprecedented mobility show highlighting India’s increasing role as a global hub.
- Taking place from February 1-3 in the national capital, the event will bring together over 800 exhibitors and approximately 50 overseas players across the mobility value chain.
- Focusing on India’s contribution to the automotive industry’s future, the expo will feature an array of components, urban mobility solutions, electric vehicles, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic networking opportunities.
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