Today's Current Affairs 2nd February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

The WHO recognizes nations for their strides in eliminating industrially produced trans fats for the inaugural time

• Five countries have been granted the first-ever certificates by World Health Organization, validating their advancements in eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids.
• Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand have each demonstrated they have a best practice policy for industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) elimination in effect, supported by adequate monitoring and enforcement systems.

 NATIONAL

The MY Bharat portal achieves a milestone with over 1.45 crore youth registrations within three months

• Within an impressive span of just three months, the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) portal has amassed over 1.45 crore youth registrations, underscoring its significant popularity.
• Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 31, 2023, the platform has swiftly become a crucial driver of youth development and engagement. 

Finance Minister Sitharaman announces free cervical cancer vaccine for girls aged 9-14

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her interim budget speech for 2024-25, expressed the government's commitment to actively "promote" vaccination as a strategy to combat cervical cancer.
• Sitharaman stated, “Our government will encourage vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years as a preventive measure against cervical cancer” during her budget speech.

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

Anil Kumar Lahoti assumes the role of Chairman of TRAI

• Following the vacancy left by PD Vaghela, former Railway Board Chief Anil Kumar Lahoti has been appointed as the chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
• The appointment, approved by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), marks a significant transition in India’s telecommunications sector. 

AU Small Finance Bank names HR Khan as its Non-Executive Chairman

• Harun Rashid Khan, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of AU Small Finance Bank, as announced by the bank.
• The appointment, effective January 30, 2024, received approval from the Board of Directors, RBI, and shareholders. Harun Rashid Khan’s tenure begins on January 30, 2024.

 Important Days

World Wetlands Day 2024 

• February 2, 2024, marks the global celebration of World Wetlands Day, symbolizing the collective recognition of the indispensable role wetlands play in preserving the environment and enhancing human wellbeing.
• The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024, “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” highlights the intricate connection between wetland ecosystems and the health, safety, and prosperity of human communities.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

The winners of the 2024 Filmfare Awards have been unveiled

• Bollywood's award season commenced with the 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards, held over the weekend in Gujarat. Celebrated couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor clinched top acting honors at the prestigious event.
• Alia Bhatt took home the Best Actress award for her role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani while her husband Ranbir Kapoor won Best Actor award for his stellar performance in Animal. Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal led the pack with a total of 6 trophies while Vidhu Vino Chopra's 12th Fail won some of the biggest awards for the night including Best Film and Best Director. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

As of September 2023, the RBI-DPI surged to 418.77, reflecting a significant increase 

• In September 2023, the Reserve Bank of India's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) soared to 418.77, demonstrating a strong growth trend compared to 395.57 in March 2023 and 377.46 in September 2022.
• This remarkable uptick aligns with a 10.94% annual rise in digital payments by the end of March 2023, underscoring the increasing adoption of online transactions.