Today's Current Affairs 1st February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

BRICS Embraces Fresh Faces: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia Granted Membership

• On January 1, a momentous occasion unfolded as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia formally became members of the BRICS group, thereby enlarging its membership to ten nations.
• The expansion, initially set to occur during the 15th BRICS summit in August 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to enhance the group’s influence on the global stage. Argentina, initially invited, opted out in December.

 NATIONAL

Central Government Grants Approval to IIT Indore's Satellite Campus in Ujjain

• Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav's announcement of approval for IIT Indore's satellite campus in Ujjain signals a significant milestone for education and skill development.
• The approval of IIT Indore’s Ujjain satellite campus underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. 

Tamil Nadu Sets New Milestone as India's Leader in Ramsar Sites

• Tamil Nadu has raised the bar in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection by adding two additional Ramsar sites to its repertoire, solidifying its position with the highest number of such designated areas in the country.
• The recent addition of the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in The Nilgiris and the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur has propelled the state to the forefront of ecological conservation efforts in India. 

OBITUARY

Former Union Minister Harmohan Dhawan Succumbs to Illness

• Former Union minister Harmohan Dhawan died following a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Mohali. He was 83 years old.
• Dhawan is survived by his wife and two sons and a daughter.

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

President Droupadi Murmu Names Four Members to 16th Finance Commission

• President Droupadi Murmu has appointed three full-time members and a part-time member to the 16th Finance Commission. The three full-time Members are Ajay Narayan Jha, former Member of the 15th Finance Commission and former Secretary, Department of Expenditure; Annie George Mathew; former Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure; and Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director, Artha Global. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India, will be a part-time member.

 Important Days

Indian Coast Guard Day 2024 

• Annually on February 1st, India commemorates Indian Coast Guard Day, honoring the valor, dedication, and service of personnel safeguarding the nation's maritime interests.
• The day honours the relentless efforts of the Coast Guard officers and personnel in maintaining maritime security and responding to emergencies at sea.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Three Indian Scientists Set to Receive Prestigious UK Prize in London

• The esteemed Blavatnik Awards will acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Rahul R Nair, Mehul Malik, Tanmay Bharat, and other early-career scientists during a black-tie gala scheduled in London on February 27.
• These awards, totaling 480,000 pounds in grants, underscore the importance of recognition and research funding in propelling scientific breakthroughs.
• Rahul R Nair, has been honored as the Laureate in Physical Sciences & Engineering for his pioneering work in developing innovative membranes using two-dimensional (2D) materials.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

GST Revenue Surges by 10% in January, Reaching Record ₹1.72 Lakh Crore 

• In a remarkable financial achievement, the Centre disclosed a notable 10.4% upsurge in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for January, culminating in an impressive ₹1,72,129 crore.
• This milestone represents the second-highest GST collection ever recorded, with the ₹1.7 lakh crore benchmark surpassed for the third time in the fiscal year 2023-24.

RBI Enforces Significant Restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank: Operations Curtailed After February 29 

• In a significant development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented substantial business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank, effective starting February 29.
• The RBI directive prohibits Paytm Payments Bank from accepting fresh deposits, credit transactions, or top-ups in customer accounts, including prepaid instruments such as wallets and FASTags, after February 29.