Today's Current Affairs 22nd February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India-Greece Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthening Ties across Multiple Fronts

• During a two-day visit to India, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis engaged in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bolster cooperation between the two nations.
• Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, exploring opportunities in defense, pharmaceuticals, space, and shipping sectors.

 NATIONAL

Union Cabinet Expanded National Livelihood mission (NLM)

• The Union Cabinet has approved modifications to the National Livelihood Mission (NLM), enhancing its scope with new subsidy provisions.
• Individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCOs, and Section 8 companies can now receive a 50% capital subsidy, up to ₹50 lakhs. 

Tribal Festival ‘Sammakka Saralamma Jatara’ Kicks off in Telangana

• The Medaram Jatara, known as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara’, began this year on February 21 in Medaram, Mulugu district, showcasing Telangana’s rich tribal heritage.
• Medaram Jatara is such that it was declared a state festival in 1998. 

SPORTS

Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes quickest to 10,000 runs in T20s

• Former Pakistan captain and batting maestro Babar Azam showcased his unparalleled prowess once again as he etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the quickest batter to surpass the milestone of 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.
• Babar Azam achieved the monumental feat in his 271st innings, surpassing cricketing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and David Warner in an elite list. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Ashish Vijayakar Appointed as MD & CEO of SBM Bank India

• SBM Bank India, a subsidiary of the State Bank of Mauritius, has announced the appointment of Ashish Vijayakar as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank.

About SBM Bank India:

Founded: 1st December 2018;

Headquarters: Mumbai, India. 

New Chairmen Appointed for BOI, IOB, and UCO Bank

• In another noteworthy appointment, Srinivasan Sridhar has been selected as the part-time non-official Director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB). 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024: Date, History, Significance and Rituals

• Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024, celebrated on Thursday, February 22nd, marks the auspicious occasion of Lord Vishwakarma’s birth.

 RANKING

Cybercrime Report: India Ranks 80th Worldwide

• In 2023, India ranked as the 80th most targeted country for cybercrime globally. Local threats affected approximately 34% of users, resulting in the blocking of 74,385,324 incidents by Kaspersky products.

 BOOKS AND AUTHORS

A New book titled “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” Authored by Ashwin Prabhu

• A new book titled “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” has emerged as a beacon guiding readers through the rich tapestry of history and artistry that defines the ancient town of Mamallapuram.
• Authored by Ashwin Prabhu and published by Tulika Books.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

PayPal Registers with Finance Ministry’s Financial Intelligence Unit- India (FIU- IND) under anti-money laundering law

• Since 2018, PayPal and FIU-IND engaged in a legal battle over PMLA compliance. PayPal's recent registration mandates reporting large transactions, stringent customer verifications.
• This penalty was initially overturned in July 2023, but the court ruled that PayPal must adhere to reporting obligations under the PMLA as a payments system operator.