Current Affairs GK 14th to 16th Februrary 2024

1. A TWO-DAY INDUS-X SUMMIT IN NEW DELHI: DRIVING DEFENCE INNOVATION BETWEEN INDIA AND THE USA –

• The highly anticipated INDUS-X Summit is set to take place on February 20-21, 2024, in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and the United States in defense innovation.
• Organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, and Department of Defence (DoD), United States, in conjunction with the U.S.-India Business Council and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to drive strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between the two nations.
• Aimed at driving strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the USA.

2. CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ JAYANTI 2024 –

• February 19th, marks the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, the 394th birth anniversary of one of the most revered figures in Indian history.
• While the date varies according to the Hindu Tithi, as per the Gregorian calendar, this day is dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji Maharaj.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, originally named Shivaji Bhosale, hailed from the Bhonsle Maratha clan and was born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, following the Marathi Shalivahana calendar.
• Regarded as one of the most illustrious Maratha rulers, he initiated the Maratha Empire by carving out territories from the Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. At just 16, he captured Torna fort, followed by Raigad and Kondana forts a year later, marking significant milestones in his quest for Hindavi Swarajya, or self-rule in the native language.
• The celebration of Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti has a rich history. Social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule initiated the celebration in 1870 after discovering Shivaji Maharaj’s tomb in Raigad Fort.
• The tradition continued with the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who not only celebrated the day but also highlighted the contributions of the Maratha King among the public during the freedom movement.

3. HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 2024, FRANCE TOPS LIST OF WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS –

• The Henley Passport Index, a renowned metric for measuring the strength and global mobility afforded by the passports of various countries, has unveiled its rankings for 2024.
• This year, France leads the pack, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 194 countries, a testament to the country’s robust diplomatic relations and its citizens’ global mobility.
• France, along with Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, stands at the pinnacle of passport power, each providing their citizens visa-free access to 194 countries.
• The Henley Passport Index 2024 reveals interesting shifts and trends in global mobility. While India saw a slight decrease in its rank, slipping to 85th with visa-free access to 62 countries, its maritime neighbour Maldives ranked 58th, enjoying access to 96 countries.
• China improved its standing slightly to 64th, as it seeks to rejuvenate its tourism sector by extending visa-free access to many European countries.

4. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER DR. S JAISHANKAR ATTENDS 60TH MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE IN GERMANY –

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is currently participating in the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany. During the conference, he is engaging in various discussions and meetings with global leaders to address bilateral cooperation and key global and regional concerns.
• On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Jaishankar engaged in fruitful discussions with various global leaders. He met with US Secretary of State Blinken and British counterpart David Cameron, focusing on topics ranging from West Asia and Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. Discussions also included a review of the progress in India-US bilateral relations.
• Dr. Jaishankar held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, emphasizing the current state of bilateral ties and exchanging views on global affairs. Additionally, discussions with European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and UK Foreign Minister David Cameron revolved around global challenges and bilateral cooperation.

5. CENTRE’S PROPOSAL FOR FARMERS AMIDST PROTEST: 5-YEAR MSP PLAN FOR PULSES, MAIZE, AND COTTON –

• A panel of Union ministers has proposed a five-year plan to purchase pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) from farmers. The proposal emerged after discussions with farmer leaders amidst ongoing protests at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Government’s Proposal

• Long-term MSP Agreement: Government agencies will buy pulses, maize, and cotton crops at MSP for five years through agreements with farmers.
• Involvement of Cooperative Societies: Entities like NCCF and NAFED will enter contracts with farmers growing specific crops to ensure MSP procurement.
• Unlimited Purchase Quantity: No restrictions on the quantity purchased, enhancing farmer security and market stability.
• Development of a Procurement Portal: A dedicated portal will be established to facilitate transparent transactions.
• Procurement Figures: Between 2014 and 2024, the government procured crops worth Rs 18 lakh crore at MSP, highlighting significant support for farmers.
• Policy Continuation: Assurances of continued discussions beyond immediate resolutions, acknowledging the complexity of demands.

6. SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA TOPS AS THE MOST VALUABLE UNLISTED FIRM IN INDIA –

• The Serum Institute of India (SII), led by Adar Poonawalla, has recently secured the prestigious title of India’s most valuable unlisted company, boasting a valuation of Rs 1.92 lakh crore, as per the esteemed Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list. This achievement highlights SII’s crucial role not only in driving innovation in healthcare but also in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.
• Pioneering COVID-19 Vaccines: Adar Poonawalla-helmed Serum Institute of India (SII) made headlines as one of the first companies to launch COVID-19 vaccines in India.
• Top Spot on Burgundy Private Hurun India 500: Valued at Rs 1.92 lakh crore, SII secured the top position on the Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list.
• Significance in Healthcare Industry: SII stands tall among giants like Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Divi’s Laboratories, and Cipla, reflecting its prominence in the healthcare sector.