1 Government takes historic decision to increase authorized capital of Food Corporation of India from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore to boost agriculture sector
With the aim of promoting agriculture sector and ensuring farmer welfare across the country, the government has taken a historic decision to increase the authorized capital of Food Corporation of India from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore to promote agriculture sector . This strategic move reflects the government’s strong commitment to support farmers and strengthen India’s agricultural economy. Food Corporation of India (FCI), as the pillar of food security of the country, is responsible for procurement of food grains at Minimum Support Price (MSP), maintenance of strategic food grain stocks, distribution to State Governments and Union Territories and maintaining stable prices of food grains in the market. Plays a notable role in various important functions including.
2 Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be the chief guest at the 9th Raisina Dialogue.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be on a two-day visit to India on February 21. He will also be accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation. Shri Mitsotakis will be the chief guest at the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi . He will be welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Mr. Misotakis. This is the first time since 2008 that the Head of Government of Greece is visiting India. The External Affairs Ministry said that relations between the two countries have gained momentum after Mr Modi’s visit to Greece in August last year. There has been security, defence, shipping and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
3 Himachal Pradesh leading as India’s most welcoming region in 2024
Online travel agency, Booking.com unveiled its 12th annual Traveler Review Awards 2024 , highlighting India’s most welcoming regions and cities. The ranking was determined based on customer reviews received on the platform, which provides valuable insight into the country’s hospitality landscape. Himachal Pradesh has secured the top position. This recognition reflects the State’s commitment to providing a warm and hospitable environment for travellers. Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are at second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively in the ranking . To improve traveler experiences in 2024, Booking.com also unveiled the list of ten ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ of India. In this, Mararikulam (Kerala) is at first place and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) is at second place.
4 US House passed Quad Bill
The US House of Representatives has passed the Quad Bill . This bill was passed by 379 votes against 39. In this, President Joe Biden’s administration has been instructed to establish a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group for closer cooperation between the US, Australia, India and Japan . The ‘Stronger US-Australia-India-Japan Cooperation’ or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Bill calls for strengthening joint cooperation between the US, Australia, India and Japan.
5 Total order value of Rs 1 lakh crore on GeM portal
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has achieved a major milestone with respect to government procurements by crossing the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in terms of total order value transacted through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal . GeM is a national public procurement portal for the Government of India . The portal was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to create an open and transparent platform for government buyers. GeM facilitates procurement ranging from general procurement items to critical defense acquisitions including missile systems. GeM uses demand aggregation module to maximize cost-effectiveness and efficiency in government transactions while demonstrating commitment to transformational change.
6 ICGS Varaha’s contribution to maritime diplomacy in East Africa
Recently, in a significant move , Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varaha was deployed at the Port of Maputo, Mozambique as part of the ongoing strategic overseas deployment to East Africa . This is a major achievement under the ongoing diplomatic maritime engagement. It aims to showcase India’s shipbuilding capabilities and promote “Self-reliant India”. This deployment of ships strengthens the relationship between the ICG and Mozambique’s maritime agencies. This overseas deployment is in line with the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to foster bilateral relations and enhance international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs). Additionally, it is in line with India’s vision of the ocean as embodied in the concepts of “security and development for all in the oceans” and the “Global South”.
7 Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority- APEDA facilitated export of bananas from India to Russia by sea route
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority- APEDA has facilitated the export of bananas from India to Russia via sea route. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off a consignment of one thousand five hundred forty boxes of bananas from Maharashtra in collaboration with Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, CISH . APEDA has encouraged more exporters to adopt new methods to ship new products to new destinations. Russia has recently shown keen interest in purchasing tropical fruits from India, including bananas. Bananas are Russia’s major agricultural import and are currently imported mainly from the Latin American country Ecuador.
8 The 12th edition of MILAN naval exercise will be organized in Visakhapatnam.
The 12th edition of MILAN naval exercise will commence from February 19 to 27 in the strategic port city of Visakhapatnam , marking an important gathering of naval forces from over 50 countries. This year’s theme, “ Building Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future ” underlines the exercise’s commitment to enhancing global maritime security through cooperation and strategic dialogue.
9 Purulia Chhau presented in Kozhikode, Kerala
Recently Purulia Chhau , a folk dance, was presented in Kozhikode , Kerala . Chhau is a semi-classical dance form of Eastern India with a fusion of tribal and folk origins . Its performances range from acrobatics to martial-arts and also include dances that are structured around religious themes. The name Purulia Chhau comes from Purulia district of Bengal which is the stronghold of Chhau. It represents one of three different styles of Chhau dance , the other two being Seraikela Chhau from Jharkhand and Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha . The costumes vary between different styles, with Purulia and Serakela using masks to identify the characters. It was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
10 Greece legalized gay marriage
Greece has made history by legalizing gay marriage and giving same-sex couples equal parenting rights , marking a significant shift in the country’s social and legal landscape. Despite facing opposition from the Orthodox Church, lawmakers passed the bill, making Greece the first Orthodox Christian nation to adopt such progressive legislation.
11 Indian badminton players – Priya Kunzenbaum and Shruti Mishra pair won the Asia Team Championship
The pair of Indian badminton players – Priya Kunzengbam and Shruti Mishra have won the Asia Team Championship . This is the first time that an Indian team has won this championship. In the final held in Malaysia , the pair of PV Sindhu, Anmol Kharb and Trisha and Gayatri won the gold by defeating Thailand 3-2 due to their brilliant performance .
12 ICC bans UK cricketer Rizwan Javed for 17 ½ years for match fixing
UK-based club cricketer Rizwan Javed has been severely banned from all cricket activities for a period of 17 ½ years. The decision comes in the wake of their involvement in multiple violations of the Emirates Cricket Board ‘s (ECB) anti-corruption code for participants. Rizwan Javed was one of eight individuals charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on behalf of the ECB for being involved in corruption attempts during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League.
