Current Affairs February 14, 2019
In this post, GKToday presents Current Affairs of February 14, 2019 in Short Notes form for preparation of IBPS, Banking, CLAT, SSC, Railway, UPSC, IAS/PCS, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, RPSC, TNPSC, MPSC, KPSC and all other competitive examinations of India.
1. On 13th February 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed over 3000 young Real Estate developers at the CREDAI YouthCon -19 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The 2-day conference was organized by Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI). The annual conference will bring together the next generation of real estate builders and developers to enlighten their young minds and share their thinking and approach. Established in 1999, CREDAI is the apex body representing real-estate developers from over 200 cities in the country.
2. The World Radio Day (WRD) is observed every year on the 13th of February to celebrate radio as a forum for information and entertainment, as a bridge of communication for remote communities and its role in empowering people. It is also a day to remember the unique power of radio which touches lives and brings people together from every corner of the globe. The day was proclaimed on 3rd November 2011 by UNESCO's 36th General Conference. The 2019 theme “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace Broadcasts” provides a platform for dialogue and democratic debate over issues, such as migration or violence against women, can help to raise awareness among listeners and inspire understanding for new perspectives in paving the way for positive action.
3. Vijaya Bapineedu (83), the prominent Telugu film director-producer, has passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana on February 12, 2019. Hails from West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, he was known for Telugu films like Gang Leader, Khiladi No. 786 and Magadheerudu. He is also credited for Chiranjeevi’s successful career in films today.
4. The Jharkhand government has recently banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) in the state to curb its anti-national activities and for keeping links with terror outfits like ISIS. According to the government notification, the PFI is banned with immediate effect under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1908. The decision to ban PFI has been taken after a review that its activities have increased and is dangerous to the state and the nation and it has the power to disrupt peace, communal harmony and secular structure. As per notification, the PFI has been involved in spreading social division, anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans, and links with ISIS and JMB. The PFI is an extremist and militant Islamic fundamentalist organisation in India, formed as a successor to National Development Front (NDF) in 2006.
5. Indian Army has recently demonstrated its artillery firepower by using ultra light Howitzers and indigenous Swathi weapon-locating radar at the annual 'Exercise Topchi 2019' at the vast firing ranges at Deolali Camp near Nasik, Maharashtra. The aviation and surveillance capabilities were also showcased in the Exercise. In addition to the gun fire, the display of rockets, missiles, surveillance and target acquisition radars, remotely piloted aircraft and hi-tech equipments was awe-inspiring.
6. On 9th February, the first-ever LAWASIA Human Rights Conference 2019 was held in New Delhi with theme “State Power, Business and Human Rights: Contemporary Challenges”. The 2-day conference was hosted by LAWASIA, in association with the Bar Association of India (BAI). The conference focussed on topics ranging from “Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights” to “Climate Change, Water Conflicts and Human Rights”. It provided a unique opportunity for lawyers and associated professional members to exchange insights and expertise on topics of significance. LAWASIA is a regional association of lawyers, judges, jurists and legal organisations, which advocates for the interests and concerns of the Asia Pacific legal profession.
7. The Union Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has recently signed a letter of intent with the Norwegian government to launch the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative. In partnership, both the countries will share experiences and competence, and collaborate on efforts to develop clean and healthy oceans, sustainable use of ocean resources and growth in the blue economy. The first Joint initiative of both the governments will combat marine pollution, which is one of the fastest growing environmental concerns. The initiative will seek to support local governments in implementing sustainable waste management practices, develop systems for collecting and analyzing information about sources and scope of marine pollution and improve private sector investment. The Indian and Norwegian governments will also work towards beach clean-up efforts, awareness raising campaigns and pilot project using plastic waste as fuel substitution for coal in cement production and developing frameworks for deposit schemes.
8. The National Productivity Council (NPC) has started the celebration of its 61st Foundation Day on 12th February with the theme “Circular Economy for Productivity & Sustainability”. NPC observed foundation day as National Productivity Day (NPD) and the National Productivity Week (NPW) from February 12-18, 2019. The 2019 theme represents a unique opportunity for circular business model for Make, Use & Return. It presents an opportunity for long term economic prospects and regeneration of materials. The circular economy follows the principle of preservation and enhancement of natural capital by controlling finite stocks and balancing renewable resource flows. It has the potential to increase productivity and create jobs, whilst reducing carbon emissions and preserving valuable raw materials.
9. The K-SWIFT (Kerala Single-window Interface for Fast, Transparent Clearances) has been launched by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at ASCEND Kerala 2019. The aim of the online clearance mechanism is to make the state a top investment destination and empower entrepreneurs to launch their enterprises in a speedy and hassle-free manner. K-SWIFT has been developed to simplify and expedite issuance of clearances from departments/agencies for launching enterprises in the state. Here, the proposals of entrepreneurs will get clearance within 30 days of application.
10. Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO of Eicher Motors Ltd, was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 at the 20th edition of the EOY Awards in India. He is recognised for engineering the operational and financial turnaround of the company and reviving the Royal Enfield brand. Lal will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEOY) in Monte Carlo from 6 – 8 June 2019. The Entrepreneur Of The Year awards aims to honour entrepreneurs who with their creative ideas and exceptional enterprises have emerged as "Builders of a better India. In addition, Chairman of Wipro group Azim Premji was honoured with the lifetime achievement award for leading Wipro’s transformation from a vegetable oil business into a multi-business technology organization & for putting the Indian information technology industry on the global map.
