Today's Current Affairs 25th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

The Indo-Japan “Dharma Guardian” Military Exercise Begins

• 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
• The exercise, scheduled to run from February 25th to March 9th, 2024, brings together the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). 

Vietnam’s National Hydrogen Strategy: Targets 500,000T of clean H2 by 2030

• Vietnam has set forth an ambitious national hydrogen strategy, aiming to become a significant player in the global hydrogen market. With targets ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 tons of clean hydrogen production annually by 2030, escalating to 10-20 million tons by 2050.
• Produce 100,000-500,000 tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2030. 

UAE Removed from FATF Gray List

• Less than two years after being demoted to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “gray list,” the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been swiftly removed.
• Namibia and Kenya have been placed on the gray list following the latest FATF review.
• UAE’s addition to the increased monitoring list in March 2022 marked a swift transformation. 

Dubai Introduces 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Indian Travelers

• Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel between India and the UAE. 

NATIONAL

Central University of Bihar (CUSB) Achieves Category-1 Status from UGC

• The Central University of Bihar (CUSB) achieved a significant milestone as the University Grants Commission (UGC) granted it Category-1 status.
• CUSB’s journey to Category-1 status began with its NAAC A++ rating in 2023. 

Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024: MoHFW allows One Donor Gamete for undergoing Surrogacy

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced the Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024 on 21-2-2024, altering the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022. 

SPORTS

Anurag Singh Thakur to Set Up Film Certification Facilitation Office in Chandigarh

• Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, revealed plans for a new office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh.
• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Geeta Batra’s Historic Appointment to the World Bank’s GEF

• Geeta Batra, a distinguished Indian economist, has been appointed as the Director of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Batra becomes the first woman from a developing country to assume this prestigious role. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI Approves HDFC Bank’s 90% Stake Sale in HDFC Credila

• HDFC Bank has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the divestment of a 90% stake in HDFC Credila, its education loan subsidiary.
• HDFC Bank confirmed RBI’s approval via an exchange filing, dated February 23, 2024.