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Current Affairs Daily Digest – February 09 2024
1. US Approves $4 Billion Military Drone Sale to India
A massive $4 billion arms deal with India has been greenlit by the US administration. A total of thirty-one MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and associated high-tech gear would be up for grabs in the transaction.
Specifics Regarding Drone Features
In its MQ-9B, The SkyGuardian is an armed drone that can fly missions involving reconnaissance, striking, targeting, and monitoring. Important abilities consist of:
- A versatile weapon capable of destroying a wide range of maritime and land targets
- Accurate targeting using lasers
- Intelligence collection with surveillance sensors
- Able to transport missiles and laser-guided explosives
- To equip the drones for deadly attacks, the agreement also includes tiny diameter bombs and more than 300 laser-guided Hellfire missiles. The bundle is completed with state-of-the-art communication and targeting systems.
Sensitive technology
Dangerous computer programs, networks, and hardware are all aboard the drones.
The technology might be utilized by enemies to create drone countermeasures or similar systems if they were to acquire it.
The United States has concluded that India can guarantee the security of its critical infrastructure. National security issues necessitate the highest level of classification for certain details.
2. Pyarelal Sharma Honored with Lakshminarayana International Award
The esteemed Lakshminarayana International Award has been bestowed upon Pyarelal Sharma, who is half of the renowned compositional team Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
In recognition of his significant impact on the Indian music business, he was presented with this honor during the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival.
Paying Tribute to an Iconic Career and Collaboration
The legendary musical duet Laxmikant-Pyarelal consisted of Pyarelal Sharma and Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar. They have created some of the most iconic and timeless music for Indian movies through their legendary relationship.
Their multi-genre, multi-style, multi-situational compositions, from “Dosti” to “Ram Lakhan,” have touched the lives of millions.
A Global Honor from Lakshminarayana
Winners of the Lakshminarayana International Award are honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of music. The award is named after the renowned violin maestro Lakshminarayana.
This accolade is a tribute to Pyarelal Sharma’s creative brilliance and the enduring popularity of his music. Renowned musicians L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam delivered the award, elevating the occasion even more.
3. Google Rebrands Its Chatbot, Bard, As Gemini
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has rebranded its chatbot and introduced a new subscription plan, both of which demonstrate the company’s impressive progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This marks a turning point in the continuing AI arms race, as it pits Google against its rival OpenAI.
Meet Gemini, Google’s New and Improved Chatbot
Gemini is the new name of Google’s chatbot, which was formerly known as Bard. At the same time as this rebranding push is underway, a new membership plan is being introduced, which grants users access to the Gemini family’s most sophisticated AI model, the Ultra 1.0.
What Ultra 1.0 Can Do for You
The upgraded capabilities of Google’s Ultra 1.0 model are most noticeable in its superior performance on complicated activities such as coding and reasoning. The dedication of Google to developing state-of-the-art AI technology and offering innovative tools is further demonstrated by this breakthrough.
4. Ravi Kumar Jha Named MD & CEO of LIC Mutual Fund
As on January 1, 2019, Ravi Kumar Jha is the new MD and CEO of LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management. Jha is an invaluable asset to the new position, having worked for LIC for over 30 years.
Until December 2023, he was most recently an executive of corporate strategy, but he has served in a variety of roles before that. Jha, who is now 57 years old, attended Ranchi University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business.
- Important Information Schedule Ravi Kumar Jha has been named managing director and chief executive officer of LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management…
- Long and Reputable Career: Jha has worked admirably for LIC for over 30 years in a variety of capacities.
- Prior Position: Jha was an executive in charge of corporate strategy at LIC until December 2023.
- Jha attended Ranchi University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business.
5. Tata Trusts To Inaugurate India’s First Small Animal Hospital In Mumbai
The opening of the best small animal hospital in India has been announced by Tata Trusts, in a forward-thinking partnership with philanthropist Ratan Tata, in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.
This innovative project exemplifies Mr. Tata’s long-term dedication to the well-being of pets and veterinary medicine. This cutting-edge facility is the pinnacle of veterinary medicine, spanning an enormous 98,000 square feet across five stories.
Raising the Bar for Veterinary Care
The hospital is set to change the game when it opens in March 2024, completely changing the way pets are cared for.
With more than 200 beds, the hospital guarantees 24-hour services to ensure the safety of pets.
Situated on land provided to Tata Trusts’ Advanced Veterinary Care Facility (ACVF) by the Burhan Mumbai Municipal Corporation, this hospital serves as a hub for advanced veterinary care in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.
The hospital guarantees efficient and rapid treatment during crises with its state-of-the-art facilities, which include Emergency & Critical Care services and specialist Inpatient and ICU Units.
6. India-Russia Sign Protocol on Nuclear Reactors Agreement
By adopting a protocol revising the 2008 intergovernmental agreement, Russia and India have bolstered their long-standing nuclear cooperation.
The main objectives of the agreement are the expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project with new reactors and the establishment of new nuclear power facilities in India that are developed by Russia.
Final Verification
- Present: Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and Secretary of the Government of India’s Department for Atomic Energy; Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Corporation.
- Site of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Operational Review and Discussion
- Stop by Time required: 2 days
- What the Russian group did: They checked over the power units being built for reactors 3–6 as part of the third and second stages of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
Nuclear energy cooperation between Russia and India over the long term was the main topic of discussion.
7. Former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh PV Narasimha Rao and Dr. MS Swaminathan are to be conferred with Bharat Ratna
The government has announced India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Father of Green Revolution, Dr. M S Swaminathan today. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media post.
About PV Narasimha Rao Garu
Expressing delight over the announcement, Prime Minister Modi said PV Narasimha Rao Garu as a distinguished scholar and statesman, served India extensively in various capacities.
He said that his visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced and laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth.
Mr Modi further added that his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language, and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy.
About Chaudhary Charan Singh
Remembering the contribution of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Mr Modi said, the Bharat Ratna is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country.
Prime Minister said he had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Mr Modi also lauded his stand against the Emergency and said Chaudhary Charan Singh’s dedication to the farmer and his commitment to democracy is inspiring to the entire nation.
About Dr. MS Swaminathan
Prime Minister expressed immense joy over the announcement of Bharat Ratna to Dr. MS Swaminathan for his monumental contributions to agriculture and farmers’ welfare.
PM Modi said he played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.
Recognizing his invaluable work as an innovator, Mr. Modi said, Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity.
8. India, Türkiye, and Qatar Named Guests of Honor at the 2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai
India, Türkiye, and Qatar have been declared the guests of honor at the 2024 World Governments Summit which is set to take place in Dubai from February 12-14.
The summit, themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ will see the participation of over 25 government and state heads from around the world.
The delegations from Türkiye, India, and Qatar will be led by their respective leaders: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The guest countries will showcase their successful government experiences and best developmental practices during the summit, which will bring together thought leaders, experts, and representatives of over 85 international and regional organizations with 120 governmental delegations, and 4,000 attendees.
The event is expected to draw over 4,000 attendees, including representatives from 85 international and regional organizations.
