US vetoes UN Ceasefire Call for Israel-Gaza Fighting

At the United Nations Security Council on February 21st 2024, the United States exercised its veto power to override a resolution put forward by Arab nations led by Algeria that sought an urgent ceasefire and end to major Israeli military ..

Category: International / World Current Affairs

Shashi Tharoor conferred France’s Highest Civilian Medal

On February 21, 2024, French authorities awarded Indian Member of Parliament and author Shashi Tharoor the distinction of ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’ (Knight of the Legion of Honour) – the highest French civilian honour. It recognizes his long-standing contribution ..

Twice-a-Year Class 10 & 12 Board Exams from 2025

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on February 20th, 2024 that students will get the choice to appear for secondary and higher secondary board examinations twice annually starting academic year 2025-26. The reformist measure aims to reduce exam stress aligned ..

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs

Two New Species of ‘Green Anacondas’

Recent genomic analysis by an international team of scientists has revealed that the iconic green anacondas inhabiting swampy Amazonian landscapes, considered the world’s heaviest snakes, are actually two different species with distinct genetic lineages contrary to traditional zoological classification. About ..

Category: Environment Current Affairs

Golden Jubilee Edition of Khajuraho Festival

On February 20th 2024, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the gala golden jubilee edition of the iconic Khajuraho Dance Festival marking 50 years of India’s famed week-long cultural carnival which commenced in 1975. The one-week long dance ..

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs

Karnataka Mandates Reporting of Snakebite Deaths

On February 20, 2024, the Health Department of Karnataka state directed all government and private health facilities to compulsorily notify snakebite envenoming cases and resultant fatalities by invoking provisions of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act enacted in 2020. The Policy ..

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs

What is ‘Dand Patta’ Maharashtra’s State Weapon?

On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary on Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘dand patta’ or gauntlet sword as the official state weapon. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Shivneri Fort, the birthplace ..

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs

Who is the New Vice Chief of Indian Army?

On 19th February 2024, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff after Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar. Lt Gen Dwivedi was accorded the Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns. He ..

Category: Defence Current Affairs

Who are ‘2023 Jnanpith Award’ recipients?

On February 18th 2024, the Jnanpith Selection Board named famous Indian poet, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar along with eminent Sanskrit scholar and educator Jagadguru Rambhadracharya as joint recipients of the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2023. About Jnanpith Award ..

Category: Awards, Honours & Persons in News

What is ‘New Maratha Reservation Bill’?

The Maharashtra government-led by CM Eknath Shinde approved the draft of the bill for 10% Maratha reservation in education and government jobs. Maharashtra government earlier held a special Vidhan Sabha session for one day to table a bill that provides ..

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs