Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates confirmed they are joining the BRICS bloc after being invited last year (2023), South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said.
The five countries were extended invitations along with Argentina at a summit in August 2023 in Johannesburg to join the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa.
Three Indian Markets in Three Cities, Three Online Markets Figure in Notorious Markets List of US
Three Indian markets across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and three online markets figured in the annual notorious market list that highlights markets that 'reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy'. The 2023 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (the Notorious Markets List) was released by the US Trade Representatives, identifying 39 online and 33 physical markets.
The three Indian markets were Heera Panna in Mumbai, Tank Road in Karol Bagh in New Delhi, and Sadar Patrappa Road Market in Bengaluru.
The online markets in the list were IndiaMart, Vegamovies, and WHMCS Smarters.
Cabinet Approves Bilateral Investment Treaty with UAE
The Union Cabinet approved an investment treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that is likely to significantly boost bilateral economic engagement in a range of areas, including manufacturing and foreign direct investment (FDI).
The approval for the signing and ratification of the ambitious investment treaty came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to the UAE.
Interim Budget 2024: Five Key Points
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the interim Budget 2024 in the Parliament.
Here's a list of the key differences between the interim Budget presented this year (2024) and the Union Budget presented last year (2023).
Tax Regime
In 2023 Union Budget, FM Sitharaman introduced revised tax slabs. As per the announcement, an individual need not pay any tax for income up to ₹7 lakh (around $8,000) per annum in the new tax regime. However, during her presentation this year (2024), the Finance Minister did not propose any changes in tax rates in direct and indirect taxes including import duties.
Sitharaman also announced that tax collections have more than doubled over the last ten years and the average processing of tax returns was less than ten days in 2024.
Infrastructure
The government allocated ₹1.10 lakh crore (over $1 trillion) for infrastructure development. This year (2024), the government dispensed 11.11 per cent more than in 2023 for infrastructural development.
Agriculture & Rural Economy
In 2023, the government proposed to set up a new agency to provide credit and other support services to farmers, including a new insurance scheme, to improve the livelihood of farmers. This year (2024), FM Sitharaman mentioned that the government will promote private and public investment in post-harvest activities, including aggregation, modern storage, efficient supply chains, primary and secondary processing, marketing and branding to ensure growth.
Women Empowerment
In the Union Budget 2023-24, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiatives. This year (2024), in the interim Budget she mentioned that 83 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) with over nine crore women have been positively changing the rural socio-economic landscape by empowering and making them self-reliant.
These SHGs have already helped nearly one crore women to become 'Lakhpati Didi' (women with a net worth of more than one lakh). As a result of this success, the government has decided to raise the target for 'Lakhpati Didi' from 2 crore to 3 crore.
Green Growth
Green growth was among the top seven priorities or 'Saptarishis' during the Amrit Kaal. The Union Budget 2023-24 focused on adopting green fuel, energy, and building practices to reduce carbon intensity and create new green job opportunities. In the interim Budget 2024, FM Sitharaman announced several measures to meet the 'net zero' target by 2070.
India Finishes at 5th Spot in Inaugural FIH Hockey5s Men's World Cup
India finished at the fifth spot in the inaugural FIH Hockey5s Men's World Cup Oman 2024 in Muscat after defeating Egypt in their final game by 6-4.
India dominated from the outset, with Mohammed Raheel and Pawan Rajbhar scored early to establish a 2-0 lead. The momentum continued as Maninder Singh, Mandeep Mor and Uttam Singh added goals in quick succession, and extended India's advantage.
The 2024 Hockey5s World Cup was the first edition of the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's national hockey5s teams organized by the FIH. It was held in 2024, in Muscat, Oman.
The Netherlands won the tournament after a win over Malaysia.
Champai Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha took oath as the Chief Minister of the state after Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, invited the loyalist of JMM leader Hemant Soren to Raj Bhavan to form the government. Champai Soren has mandated to demonstrate his majority in a floor test, which will be held within the next 10 days.
The invitation came hours after Champai Soren urged the governor to accept his claim to form the government at the earliest amid political uncertainties in the state since the resignation of Hemant Soren.
The ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance of Jharkhand has 47 MLAs in the 81-member house, where the majority mark is 41.
India's First Beachside Start-up Fest in Mangalore
India's first beachside start-up fest, the Mangalore Beachside Start-up Fest is set to unfold from February 16 to 18, marking a significant milestone in the region's entrepreneurial landscape. With a focus on nurturing and promoting nascent ventures, this event promises to be a catalyst for the burgeoning start-up ecosystem in Mangalore.
Taking cues from the acclaimed South Summit held in Spain, the organizers of the fest aim to replicate its success in Mangalore. By adopting proven strategies and best practices, they seek to infuse the local start-up scene with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Under the banner of Tapasya Beach Festival (TBF), the Mangalore Beachside Start-up Fest is poised to become a hub of creativity and innovation. Beyond merely showcasing startups, it endeavors to foster meaningful connections, spark innovation, and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit among participants.
Bhutan Gets Lion's Share in MEA Development Aid
Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Mauritius got the lion's share of the Ministry of External Affairs' development assistance for 2024-25. The MEA's total development assistance to various countries and regions such as Latin America and Eurasia was pegged at Rs. 4,883 crore.
The ministry was allocated a total of Rs. 22,154 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal in the Interim budget as against last year's outlay of Rs. 18,050 crore.
In line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the largest share of aid portfolio for 2024-25 went to Bhutan with an allocation of Rs. 2,068 crore as against Rs. 2,400 crore in 2023-24.
Nepal was provided Rs. 700 crore against Rs. 650 crore in 2023-24. The assistance to the Maldives was kept at Rs. 600 crore as against Rs. 770 crore in 2023-24, despite recent strain in the bilateral ties. The allocation for Chabahar Port was maintained at Rs. 100 crore, underlining India's focus on connectivity projects with Iran.
In continuation with India's special relationship with the people of Afghanistan, a budgetary aid of Rs. 200 crore was set aside. In 2023-24, it was Rs. 220 crore. An amount of Rs. 120 crore will be provided to Bangladesh against Rs. 130 crore in 2023-24. As per budget documents, Sri Lanka will get development aid worth Rs. 75 crore (up from Rs. 60 crore in 2023-24), Mauritius to receive Rs. 370 crore (up from Rs. 330 crore), while for Myanmar it is at Rs. 250 crore (down from Rs. 370 cr in 2023-24).
In a landmark move ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed the allocation of a staggering Rs. 6.21 lakh crore for India's Ministry of Defence during the Interim Budget presentation in Parliament. This marked a 4.3% increase from the previous year, constituting a substantial portion of the Union Budget at 13.04%.
A pivotal aspect of this year's defence budget is the introduction of a groundbreaking scheme by Finance Minister Sitharaman. This initiative aims to fortify DeepTech technologies for defence purposes, aligning with the pursuit of 'atmanirbharta' (self-sufficiency) within India's defence forces.
Breaking down the substantial allocation, Rs. 1.72 lakh crore is designated for military capital expenditure, Rs. 1.4 lakh crore for defence pensions, and Rs. 2.8 lakh crore for defence services. Capital expenditure spans salaries, pensions, modernisation, production establishments, maintenance, and research and development.
Indian Navy Inducts Survey Vessel INS Sandhayak
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel INS Sandhayak and the ship is expected to boost the force's surveillance apparatus in the strategic waterways. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar and Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command were among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion.
Built by the GRSE in Kolkata, the 110-meter-long INS Sandhayak displaces about 3,800 tonnes and boasts an impressive 80 percent indigenous content.
The new INS Sandhayak is not the first vessel to bear this name; it follows in the wake of its predecessor, which was decommissioned on June 4, 2021. However, this reincarnation brings with it enhanced features and capabilities, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Navy.
Actress-model Poonam Pandey died due to cervical cancer at the age of 32.
Pandey gained prominence in 2011 following a statement that stirred controversy during the ICC Cricket World Cup. Subsequently, she ventured into the entertainment industry, making appearances in numerous films and reality shows. Her credits include Bollywood movies such as Nasha and Aa Gaya Hero, as well as participation in Kangana Ranaut's reality show, Lock Upp.
World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, every year.
It is an international day dedicated to promoting the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands. Wetlands are defined as any area of land that is primarily covered by water, either permanently or seasonally.
In 1971, the Ramsar Convention was adopted, and in 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317, which established February 2 as World Wetlands Day. The day has been established in order to draw attention to the importance of wetlands for human health and the planet.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing'.
RA Awareness Day
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day, observed annually on February 2, aims to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective management, and ongoing research for a cure.
The history of World Rheumatic Arthritis Awareness Day dates back to 2011, when a group of patients founded the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation.
The foundation's mission is to raise public awareness about the disease and its available treatments. It was in 2013 when the Rheumatoid Awareness Day was first established.
The official theme for RA Awareness Day 2024 is 'Living Well with RA: Early Diagnosis, Effective Management, and a Brighter Future'.
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill for Tourism Sector Growth
The Assam cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, championed the Assam Tourism Development and Registration Bill 2024. This bill, set for introduction in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session, aims to regulate and boost tourism. Sarma emphasised its role in fostering economic growth, a testament to Assam's commitment to development under his leadership.
The cabinet also green lighted the Missing Autonomous Council Amendment Bill 2024. This bill expands council representation, underscoring Sarma's inclusive governance approach. Such reforms reflect Assam's dedication to equitable development. Under this amendment, the number of elected members will be increased from 36 to 40, while the count of nominated members will rise from 4 to 5.
IIT Indore's Ujjain Satellite Campus Secures Central Government Approval
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced the green light for IIT Indore's Ujjain satellite campus, marking a pivotal moment for education and skill development. With approval from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this project promises substantial benefits for the region.
The approval of IIT Indore's Ujjain satellite campus underscores the government's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. CM Yadav highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to empower students, teachers, and industrial workers.
Andhra Pradesh Ties up with IB Board to Design New Curriculum
The Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is set to become a part of the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) to design the new curriculum. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
An IB office was established within the premises of the SCERT office in Vijayawada. This marked the second IB office in South Asia.
The plan is to go ahead with a phased approach:
The collaboration will be rolled out in stages, beginning with capacity building and training for teachers in 2024-25.
Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, IB will be incorporated for Grade 1, with subsequent grades adopting the curriculum progressively.
By 2034-35, all students up to Grade 10 will benefit from the IB approach, culminating in joint IB and state board certifications in April 2035.
In 2036-37, IB will be extended to Grade 12, with dual certifications awarded in April 2037, ensuring a seamless transition.
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan launched the 'Ministry of Education – AICTE Investor Network'. The MoE – AICTE Investor Network is an initiative jointly established by AICTE and the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell (MIC) to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector.
The network aims to provide crucial financial support, mentoring and strategic guidance to early-stage student or faculty-led start-ups. Through this the Ministry of Education seeks to encourage private investment in student- and faculty-led start-ups. The platform aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Surajkund Mela is one of the largest and most vibrant cultural fairs held in India, attracting visitors from all over the world. Held annually in Faridabad, Haryana, the fair is a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity of traditions, arts, crafts, and cuisines from different states of the country. This year (2024) Surajkund Mela 2024, is going to be held from February 2 to February 18. The mela was inaugurated by the Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
The mela, which lasts for about two weeks, is held in the backdrop of the ancient Surajkund Lake, which adds to the beauty and charm of the fair. Visitors are treated to a display of traditional folk dances, music, and other performances by artists from various states. The fair also features a wide array of handicrafts, textiles, and other products made by skilled artisans, providing a glimpse into the country's rich history of craftsmanship.