Daily Current Affairs February 15

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs February 15. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

TO PURCHASE OUR BANKING AWARENESS (2021 Edition) – CLICK HERE

February 15| Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs February 15

1. When is International Childhood Cancer Day observed each year?
A) February 14
B) February 15
C) February 16
D) February 17
E) February 18
Answer: B) February 15

• International Childhood Cancer Day is observed every year on February 15 to raise awareness around the unique challenges of childhood cancers.
• International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its unique challenges, showing support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families worldwide.
• International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day was established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, that aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and how it impacts kids, adolescents, their parents and family as a whole worldwide.

Note:

• Every year, an estimated 4,00,000 children and adolescents between the age 0-19 years develop cancer.

World Hippo Day is observed on February 15, 2024:

• World Hippo Day is celebrated on 15 February every year to raise awareness about the plight of hippos, which are one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet.
• The hippo population is estimated to be between 115,000 and 130,000, with the decline being attributed to poaching, loss of access to fresh water, mechanised farming, and urbanisation.

About Hippos:

• Hippos are semiaquatic mammals, native to sub-Saharan Africa, and weigh up to 2,000 kg, making them the third-largest land mammal after elephants and rhinos.
• They are mostly found in rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, and have adapted to a semiaquatic lifestyle.
• Their diet consists mostly of leaves, roots, and stems, supported by a robust digestive system that is adapted to conserve nutrients.

---

Sports – Daily Current Affairs February 15

2. Which substances were found in Rachna Kumari’s doping tests, leading to her ban?
A) Stanozolol, Metandienone, DHCMT
B) Clenbuterol, Ephedrine, Testosterone
C) Marijuana, Cocaine, LSD
D) Opioids, Amphetamines, Barbiturates
E) Insulin, Thyroid hormones, Diuretics
Answer: A) Stanozolol, Metandienone, DHCMT

• Top Indian hammer thrower Rachna Kumari was banned for 12 years for failing multiple dope tests by the international federation’s Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), essentially ending her career.
• The AIU has banned Kumari (K.M.) Rachna (India) for 12 years from 24 November, 2023 for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Stanozolol, Metandienone, DHCMT, Clenbuterol).
• This was her second anti-doping violation.
• She served a four year ban from March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2019.

Rachna Kumari:

• Kumari was part of the 68-member Indian athletics team that competed in the Hangzhou Asian Games (September 23 to October 8).
• She had finished ninth in the women’s hammer throw event with an effort of 58.13m on September 29.
• Kumari had won gold in the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar in June with a throw of 65.03m.
• She had also won a bronze medal in the recent Goa National Games with a throw of 59.85m.
• She has not won any international medal.

---

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs February 15

3. For how many years will the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission cover?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 4 years
D) 5 years
E) 6 years
Answer: D) 5 years

• The 16th Finance Commission (XVI-FC) held its first meeting under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya in Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi.
• The XVI-FC will make its recommendations available by 31st October, 2025, covering an award period of 5 years commencing 1st April, 2026.

---

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs February 15

4. How much did LIC’s shareholding increase by in SBI Cards and Payments Services?
A) From 4.95% to 5.01%
B) From 4.99% to 5.02%
C) From 5.02% to 5.05%
D) From 4.98% to 5.03%
E) From 5.01% to 5.07%
Answer: B) From 4.99% to 5.02%

• Life Insurance Corporation of India’s (LIC) shareholding in SBI Cards and Payments Services crossed 5% with the insurer.
• The shareholding has increased from 4.99% to 5.02% (47,410,710 to 47,711,794 equity shares) following the open market purchase.
• SBI Cards and Payment Services is a non-deposit accepting systemically important NBFC, registered with the RBI, and engaged in issuing credit cards to consumers in India.

SBI Card:

• SBI Cards & Payment Services Limited, previously known as SBI Cards & Payment Services Private Limited, is a credit card company and payment provider in India.
• SBI Card launched in May 1998 by State Bank of India and GE Capital.
• In December 2017, State Bank of India and CA Rover Holdings, a unit of The Carlyle Group acquired stake in the company.
• SBI Card is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana/Delhi NCR.
• The company is the only publicly listed pure-play credit card issuer in India.
• MD and CEO: Abhijit Chakravorthy

---

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs February 15

5. Who recently took over as the Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC)?
A) Sanjay Kumar Jain
B) Ramesh Singh Patel
C) Anurag Sharma
D) Priya Saxena
E) Amit Gupta
Answer: A) Sanjay Kumar Jain

• Sanjay Kumar Jain, an Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) Officer of 1990 batch, took over the charge of Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC).
• As Group General Manager (North Zone), IRCTC, he was instrumental in giving the luxury train Maharajas’ Express a new dimension through unique marketing initiatives.
• He was also instrumental in launching India’s first ‘Executive Lounge’ on the lines of Airport Lounges at New Delhi Railway Station.
• The Financial and Operational Model developed for “Jan Ahar – New Delhi” during his tenure was later replicated throughout IRCTC.
• During his leadership, the tourism business of IRCTC, North Zone grew by 35 times over a period of 5 years.
• His contributions have been recognized by the Ministry of Railways and he has been honoured twice by the highest award in Indian Railways.

---

Awards – Daily Current Affairs February 15

6. What award has President Droupadi Murmu conferred upon Havildar Varinder Singh?
A) Param Vir Chakra
B) Ashoka Chakra
C) Vishisht Seva Medal
D) Shaurya Chakra
E) Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Answer: C) Vishisht Seva Medal

• Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment’s ‘multipurpose octocopter’ is a versatile drone capable of not only conducting surveillance operations but also performing tasks such as grenade dropping, aerial target engagement with weapons like the AK-47, and logistics operations.
• President Droupadi Murmu has awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal to Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army for his development of a ‘multipurpose octocopter.

About Vishisht Seva Medal:

• The Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) is a decoration of the Indian Armed Forces.
• It is given to personnel of all levels in the Indian Armed Forces as an acknowledgement for “distinguished service of a high order.”
• The medal is crafted from bronze and is adorned with a golden ribbon featuring three dark blue stripes.
• The VSM was instituted on January 26, 1960, as VSM Class-III to recognise the distinguished service of a high order.
• It was renamed on January 27, 1967, as VSM, and it holds the provision to be conferred posthumously.

---

7. How many awards did City Union Bank (CUB) win in the ’19th Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations 2023′?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Seven
D) Eight
E) Nine
Answer: C) Seven

• Old private sector lender City Union Bank (CUB) has won seven awards in various categories in the recently concluded ‘19th Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations 2023’ by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) in Mumbai.

---

8. What was the title of the award received by South Indian Bank?
A) Best Digital Banking Award
B) Best Financial Inclusion Initiative Award
C) Best Technology Bank of the Year Award
D) Best Customer Service Award
E) Best Innovation in Banking Award
Answer: C) Best Technology Bank of the Year Award

• South Indian Bank has been honoured with the title of Best Technology Bank of the Year Award at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo, & Citations.
• The bank’s outstanding performance was recognised with a total of six prestigious awards. In three categories, the bank emerged as the winner, secured the runner-up position in one, and received special mentions in two others.
• The awards were presented to PR Seshadri, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, by T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in Mumbai.
• South Indian Bank excelled across various categories, which include: winner in Best Technology Bank of the Year; winner in Best Tech Talent and Organisation; winner in Best IT Risk and Management; and so on.

Note:

• The IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations has been an annual event since its inception in 2005.
• Instituted by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), it recognises organisations that have brought in transformational changes in their businesses by adopting modern digital solutions.

---

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 15

9. What is the purpose of the MoU on interlinking of UPI and UAE’s AANI?
A) To facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between India and UAE
B) To enhance digital infrastructure projects in both countries
C) To promote cultural exchange between India and UAE
D) To establish a joint military alliance
E) To develop a new cryptocurrency
Answer: A) To facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between India and UAE

• Multiple memoranda of understanding, including an MoU on interlinking of the instant payment platforms – UPI and UAE’s AANI, were exchanged between India and the United Arab Emirates in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.
• The MoUs covered multiple areas, ranging from investment treaty, digital infrastructure projects and the interlinking of debit cards, credit cards and the online payment platforms.
• India has signed both a bilateral investment treaty and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE.
• An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement was also signed between India and UAE on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor which would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity.
• Another agreement on inter-linking domestic debit and credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) has been signed.

---

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 15

10. How much total order value has been transacted through the GeM portal by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) since its inception?
A) Rs 25,000 crore
B) Rs 50,000 crore
C) Rs 75,000 crore
D) Rs 1 lakh crore
E) Rs 2 lakh crore
Answer: D) Rs 1 lakh crore

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has crossed the milestone of Rs 1 lakh crore in total order value transacted through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal since its inception.
• Transactions worth approximately Rs 45,800 Crore have been awarded by MoD via GeM in the current financial year alone, reflecting the platform’s effectiveness in expediting procurement processes and driving efficiency.

---

11. How did the Supreme Court describe the electoral bonds scheme and related legal amendments?
A) Necessary for political transparency
B) Unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary
C) Essential for corporate governance
D) Reflective of democratic values
E) In line with international standards
Answer: B) Unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary

• In a landmark unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court struck down as “unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary” the electoral bonds scheme, which provides blanket anonymity to political donors, as well as critical legal amendments allowing rich corporations to make unlimited political donations.
• A five-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud held that the Union government’s scheme, and preceding amendments made to the Representation of the People Act, the Companies Act, and the Income Tax Act, violated the voters’ right to information about political funding under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Electoral Bonds:

• Electoral Bond is a mode of funding to political parties in India.
• The scheme of Electoral Bond was introduced in The Finance Bill, 2017 during Union Budget 2017-18. The scheme is struck down as unconstitutional by Supreme Court on 15 February 2024.
• The election funding system, which was in place for seven years, was stopped with immediate effect by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, who directed State Bank of India to stop issuing these bonds.

---

12. Where is the first-ever futureSKILLS summit being hosted?
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Guwahati
D) Bangalore
E) Kolkata
Answer: C) Guwahati

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT), is hosting the first-ever futureSKILLS summit in Guwahati.
• Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, will be inaugurating this summit.
• One of the key objective is also to forge partnerships with industry and academic institutes nationwide, ensuring that curricula align closely with industry demands and standards.
• In line with this objective, the summit will witness over 20 strategic collaborations between NIELIT and Intel, HCL, Microsoft, Kindryl, IIM Raipur, IIITM Gwalior, Wipro, and others.

The summit will feature four panel discussions on the following themes:

• Semicon India #futureSKILLS
• IndiaAI #futureSKILLS
• Cyber Security & Emerging Technologies for the #futureSKILLS
• Digital #futureSKILLS – India’s Talent for Global Workforce

---

13. With which organization has NLC India (NLCIL) inked the power usage agreement for the project?
A) Rajasthan Power Corporation Limited (RPCL)
B) Rajasthan Electricity Board (REB)
C) Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL)
D) Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RVNL)
E) Rajasthan Energy Development Agency (REDA)
Answer: D) Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RVNL)

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of NLC India’s (NLCIL) 300 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Barsingsar of Bikaner district in Rajasthan.
• The lignite miner’s plant is part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) CPSE Scheme. The objective is to ensure affordable power supply to government entities.
• The Navratna company stands as the first CPSE to reach a 1 gigawatt (GW) solar capacity milestone in the country.
• It has secured a 300 MW solar project capacity in the CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III floated by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.
• The electricity generated will be transmitted through the pre-existing power transmission lines of Barsingsar Thermal Power Station (TPS), aiming to produce around 750 million units (MU) of green power annually, offsetting carbon dioxide emissions by around 18,000 tonnes over its lifetime.
• The power usage agreement for the project has been inked with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RVNL) at a competitive tariff of Rs 2.52 per unit for the next 25 years.

---

14. What is the total outlay of the realigned AHIDF Scheme for the next 3 years?
A) Rs 10000 crore
B) Rs 20000 crore
C) Rs 25000 crore
D) Rs 29610 crore
E) Rs 35000 crore
Answer: D) Rs 29610 crore

• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala launched the realigned AHIDF Scheme and released the Radio Jingle on AHIDF at New Delhi.
• The scheme has been realigned and will be implemented for another 3 years with an outlay of Rs 29610 crore.
• The industry, FPO, Dairy Cooperatives should take benefit of the scheme.
• In the realigned scheme, Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed. Now the Dairy Cooperatives will avail benefit of interest subvention of 3% under AHIDF instead of 2.5% which was received in DIDF.
• The Dairy Cooperative will also get Credit Guarantee support under the Credit Guarantee Fund of AHIDF.
• The Scheme will help the Dairy Cooperatives to upgrade their processing infrastructure with an updated processing technology.
• This will benefit large number of milk producers in the country.

Under the realigned scheme, the following will be the benefit:

• Interest Subvention of 3% payable up to 8 years
• Individuals, FPO, Dairy Cooperatives, Private Companies, Section 8 companies, MSME
• Credit guarantee cover unto 25% of the term loan.
• No ceiling on the loan amount
• Loan up to 90% of the estimated/actual project cost
• Dovetailing with capital subsidy schemes of other ministries or state level schemes
• Ease of application process through online portal www.ahidf.udaymimitra.in

AIHF Scheme:

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme was launched on 24th June 2020 by Prime Minister under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Initiative.
• Under Dairy processing, 38.66 Lakh MTPA capacity has been created with the total investment leveraged in dairy processing sector is Rs. 4803 cr.
• Under Meat processing 11.06 akh MTPA capacity created with total investment of Rs. 1052 cr.
• Under Animal feed plant 70.78 Lakh MTPA capacity has been created so far with a total investment of Rs. 2043 crore Infrastructure assisted is breed improvement farms for aggregate of 7860 cows/buffaloes/pigs.
• Modern poultry farms having capacity of 24.42 crore poultry birds/chicks per annum and 68.46 cr. Eggs per annum capacity.
• Total investment leveraged in the breed improvement sector is Rs. 879 crore.
• Under veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility Rs. 73 Crore investment has been leveraged so far.
• As the outcome of the scheme, around 15 Lakh of employment have been generated so far.

---

---

Over All Review

DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE

You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs February 14