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Current Affairs Daily Digest – February 17 & 18 2024
1. Greece Becomes First Orthodox-Majority Nation to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
In a landmark decision, Greece’s Hellenic Parliament legalized same-sex civil marriages. Granted equal marital rights to LGBTQ couples, Greece became the first legally Christian Orthodox-majority nation to do so.
After being published in the official gazette, the bill will become law, having been passed by 176 parliamentarians out of 300 in the parliament.
Important Details
Under the new legislation, same-sex couples can marry legally in Greece, just like heterosexual couples. It also allows LGBTQ couples to adopt children legally, which is a huge step forward for a mostly Orthodox nation.
2. Japan successfully launches next-gen H3 rocket
The maiden orbital launch of the next-generation H3 launch vehicle was announced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on February 18th, 2023.
The new flagship rocket successfully launched its test payload into its designated orbit following two unsuccessful launches in 2022.
Concerning H3 Rocket
As a replacement for the dependable H-IIA rocket used since 2001, the H3 rocket has been in development for more than ten years by JAXA and the Japanese firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Adaptable and economically viable satellite launches are its intended use.
The H3 isn’t reusable like the Falcon 9, but experts praise its groundbreaking technology’s trial run.
3. Young ‘Dangal’ Star Suhani Bhatnagar Passes Away at 19
The deceased Suhani Bhatnagar was co-starred with Aamir Khan in the film Dangal. The young actress Suhani Bhatnagar, who played Babita Phogat in the highly praised film “Dangal.”
Fans and co-stars were devastated when Suhani’s tragically short life was ended at the young age of 19.
“Dangal” Star Suhani Bhatnagar: A Radiant Light
An outstanding skill was on display by Suhani Bhatnagar, whose name became almost interchangeable with that of young Babita Phogat, in the film “Dangal,” which tells the moving tale of the sisters Phogat.
“Dangal” brought attention to the achievements and challenges faced by female wrestlers in India and was produced and directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao were also involved in the film’s production.
An impactful story was woven by Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Zaira Wasim, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanya Malhotra as Mahavir Singh Phogat. Still, Suhani and the rest of the younger actors brought a real sense of humanity to the film.
4. India Achieves Global Digitalization Milestone as Third Largest Digital Economy
India is now the world’s third-most digitalized nation, behind only China and the USA, two of the world’s most powerful technology economies.
The “State of India’s Digital Economy Report, 2024,” published by the esteemed Delhi-based think tank Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), includes this noteworthy discovery.
The research provides an in-depth analysis of India’s online environment, praising it in comparison to other industrialized nations while also pointing out places where digital engagement at the user level might be enhanced.
Examination in Depth: The ‘CHIPS’ Model
To assess national digital capabilities across five essential dimensions—connect, harness, innovate, defend, and sustain—ICRIER’s study makes use of the novel ‘CHIPS’ paradigm.
To gain a detailed understanding of India’s digital economy in comparison to global standards, this methodology provides a comprehensive assessment of the digital ecosystem.
5. Himachal Pradesh Leads As India’s Most Welcoming Region In 2024
In a recent release, the well-known online travel business Booking.com showcased the Most Welcoming Regions and Cities in India as part of its 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards 2024.
Customers’ feedback on the platform was the deciding factor in the rankings, which provided light on the state of the country’s hotel industry.
| Sno. | Most Welcoming Regions in India (2024) | Most Welcoming Regions in India (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Himachal Pradesh | Puducherry |
| 2 | Goa | Kerala |
| 3 | Kerala | Rajasthan |
| 4 | Rajasthan | Goa |
| 5 | Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh |
Leading the Way is Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has made an impressive leap from fifth place in 2023 to claim the title of “Most Welcoming Region in India.”
The state’s dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors is evident in this recognition. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand round up the top five.
6. Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024 is observed on Feb 17
The inaugural celebration of the United Nations’ Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17, 2023, signifies a major milestone in recognizing and strengthening the tourism industry’s resilience.
The goal of this program is to strengthen the tourism industry so that it may continue to contribute to sustainable development and economic stability, particularly in developing nations, even in the face of unexpected problems.
The Importance of Travel for Long-Term Sustainability
A large number of developing countries, especially the least developed ones, rely heavily on tourism for both economic and employment reasons. Economic stability and the avoidance of socio-demographic problems depend on the sector’s resilience in the face of shocks.
Travel restrictions and border closures caused significant economic losses worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the tourism industry’s vulnerability.
7. Serum Institute Of India Tops As The Most Valuable Unlisted Firm In India
The respected Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list has recognized the Serum Institute of India (SII), headed by Adar Poonawalla, as the most valuable unlisted firm in India, with a valuation of Rs 1.92 lakh crore.
The significance of SII’s work in influencing healthcare innovation and the country’s economic future is underscored by this accomplishment.
The Pioneering COVID-19 Vaccines and SII’s Role in the Economic Landscape: Serum Institute of India (SII), which is headed by Adar Poonawalla, gained notoriety for being one of the pioneers in India to introduce COVID-19 vaccinations.
Burgundy Private Hurun India 500’s Top Spot: Situated atop the Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list, SII is valued at Rs 1.92 lakh crore.
Importance in the Medical Field: Among healthcare industry heavyweights such as Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Divi’s Laboratories, and Cipla, SII stands tall.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Elite 500 Test Wickets Club
Ravichandran Ashwin became the second Indian spinner to reach 500 wickets in Test matches, cementing his place in cricket lore.
This momentous occasion was marked in Ashwin’s already legendary career on the second day of the third Test match between England and India in Rajkot.
The Monumental Accomplishment of Ashwin
The off-spinner reached the 500-wicket mark and broke an alarming opening stand when he sent England’s Zak Crawley out in the fourteenth over. Ashwin has joined an exclusive club after being the ninth bowler in the world to accomplish this incredible feat.
Out of all Indian bowlers, only the great Anil Kumble has taken more wickets in Tests (619).
Ashwin has consistently displayed remarkable talent and consistency throughout his career, culminating in 500 wickets in his 98th Test match.
Surprisingly, he has reached this milestone in 87 matches, second only to Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan in terms of how quickly he has done it.
Top Test Bowlers from India
By reviewing the careers of India’s most successful Test bowlers, we can see how these individuals have been instrumental to the team’s triumphs:
| Rank | Bowler | Wickets | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anil Kumble | 619 | 236 |
| 2 | R. Ashwin | 500 | 184 |
| 3 | Kapil Dev | 434 | 227 |
| 4 | Harbhajan Singh | 417 | 190 |
| 5 | Zaheer Khan | 311 | 165 |
| 6 | Ishant Sharma | 311 | 188 |
