Today's Current Affairs 15th February 2024

NATIONAL

Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional

• The Supreme Court ruled the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing it as arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.
• A Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dr D.Y. Chandrachud and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra has held that the non-disclosure of voluntary political contributions is violative of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. 

Ministry Of Social justice & Brahma kumaris Launched NMBA Vehicle for Delhi-NCR

• On February 14th, 2024, a vehicle dedicated to NMBA was launched at the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DAIC) in Delhi. 

SPORTS

Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Hands Over Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary, the host city for the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad.
• The ceremony, held at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi. 

Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna kumari Banned For 12 Years for Doping

• Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) have imposed significant suspensions on two athletes for anti-doping rule violations.
• Hammer thrower Rachna Kumari faces a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping rule violation.
• Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, another athlete with a history of doping violations, has been handed an eight-year suspension by NADA. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain Assumes the Charge of CMD/IRCTC

• The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), Mr Sanjay Kumar Jain, an accomplished Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS).

About IRCTC:

Headquarters: New Delhi;

IRCTC Founder: Ministry of Railways;

IRCTC Founded: 27 September 1999. 

SBICAPS Appoints virendra Bansal as the new MD and CEO

• SBI Capital Markets (SBICAPS) has been appointed Virendra Bansal as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

About SBICAPS:

Headquarters: Mumbai;

SBICAPS Parent organization: State Bank of India;

SBICAPS Founded: August 1986. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hippo Day 2024: February 15th

• World Hippo Day is celebrated on 15 February every year to raise awareness about the plight of hippos.
• The “American Hippo Bill”, raised in 1910, proposed introducing hippo ranching in Louisiana. 

International Childhood Cancer Day 2024

• Every year on February 15th, the world comes together to observe International Childhood Cancer Day.
• Established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, International Childhood Cancer Day aims to shed light on the impacts of childhood cancer on young patients, their families, and society. 

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

India-UAE MoUs Link UPI with UAE’s AANI for Instant Payment

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presided signed multiple MoUs.

About UAE:

President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan 

Capital: Abu Dhabi 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

LIC Increases Stake in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has augmented its shareholding in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited from 4.99% to 5.02% of the paid-up capital through open market purchases.