Today's Current Affairs 11th February 2024

International

Former PM Alexander Stubb Wins Finland Presidential Election

• Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb secured victory in Finland’s presidential runoff against ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
• This win places Stubb in charge of navigating Finland’s foreign and security policies, particularly significant given Finland’s recent NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

National

Parliament Passes Historic JK ST Quota Bill, Two Other Reservation Bills

• The Rajya Sabha cleared three Bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to address issues of reservation for marginalized communities and modify existing lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Union territory.
• Important Bills-

1. Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
2. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024
3. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 

Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System Inaugurated in Andaman and Nicobar command

• In a significant move to bolster India’s maritime security and operational capabilities, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R. Hari Kumar recently concluded a pivotal visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). 

Government to Include ASHA and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers in Ayushman Bharat Scheme

• The government is preparing to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers/helpers.
• This initiative aims to provide free health coverage to these essential healthcare workers, aligning with the broader goals of the AB-PMJAY scheme.
• The AB-PMJAY scheme offers health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to impoverished and vulnerable families.
• Currently, 55 crore individuals from 12 crore families are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

SWATI Portal Launched To Empower Women in STEMM

• On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 Feb, 2024, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, witnessed the launch of the “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal. Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
• The portal is developed, hosted, and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi.

 Appointment & Resignation

Southern Railway Appoints First Transwoman TTE, Breaks Barriers in Dindigul

• Sindhu Ganapathy’s appointment as the first transwoman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) of Southern Railway marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and acceptance in the Indian workforce.

 Awards & Recognition

Govt Introduces National Creator’s Awards for Modern Influencers

• The government of India has recently unveiled the prestigious ‘National Creators Award’.
• According to the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), this initiative seeks to recognize those individuals who have not only fostered innovation and creativity

 Banking & Economy

Paytm E-commerce Rebrands as Pai Platforms, Acquires Bitsila

• Paytm E-commerce has undergone a significant transformation, renaming itself as Pai Platforms. Alongside this rebranding, it has acquired Bitsila, a prominent seller platform operating within the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Paytm E-commerce Private Limited officially becomes Pai Platforms Private Limited, following approval from the Registrar of Companies on February 8.
• Pai Platforms’ acquisition of Bitsila, established in 2020, solidifies its position within the ONDC ecosystem. 

EPFO Raises Interest Rate on PF Deposits to 8.25%, A Three Year High

• During a meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision-making body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
• It was decided to increase the interest rate on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits to 8.25% for the fiscal year 2023-24.
• This marks a three-year high for the interest rate on EPF deposits.