Today's Current Affairs 3rd February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India introduces UPI payments at the Eiffel Tower in Paris

• India has ceremonially launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, symbolizing a momentous stride towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of globalizing UPI.
• NPCI International Payments (NIPL) has partnered with French e-commerce and proximity payments company, Lyra, to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments in France.

 NATIONAL

Uttarakhand Police integrates self-balancing e-scooters for smarter patrols.

• Director General Abhinav Kumar, responsible for police operations in Haridwar, introduced an innovative approach to law enforcement by deploying self-balancing electric scooters, graciously donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.
• The introduction of self-balancing electric scooters marks a significant leap forward in police patrol strategies in Haridwar. 

Karnataka secures the Nagesh Trophy by defeating Andhra Pradesh

• Karnataka achieved victory in the Nagesh Trophy, representing a significant milestone in the Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2023-24.
• The thrilling final, held in Nagpur, saw Karnataka defeating Andhra Pradesh by nine wickets, ending a 20-year wait for a national title. 

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

Shri Pawan Kumar takes charge as Chief Adviser (Cost) in the Ministry of Finance

• Following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Shri Pawan Kumar, ICoAS, has officially taken on the role of Chief Adviser (Cost) in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, at Level-17 (Apex level) on 01/02/2024.
• Shri Kumar is a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Cost Accounts Service under Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Prior to assuming the charge Shri Kumar was holding the charge of Additional Chief Adviser (Cost).

 Sports News 

Abhinav Bindra chosen as torchbearer for 2024 Paris Olympics 

• The timeless tradition of the Olympic Torch Relay progresses towards Paris 2024, as the flame prepares to traverse the Mediterranean and embark on a 68-day journey across France.
• Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist and an IOC Athletes’ Commission member, is among the 11,000 torchbearers chosen to carry the iconic symbol.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION 

PM Modi announces LK Advani's Bharat Ratna award 

• The Indian government has declared that LK Advani, a distinguished figure in Indian politics, will receive the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
• The Bharat Ratna is a fitting recognition of LK Advani’s legacy as a statesman who has dedicated his life to the nation. The award celebrates his immense contributions and his role as a catalyst for political and social change in India.

About LK Advani:

Born: 8 November 1927 (age 96 years), Karachi, Pakistan

Party: Bharatiya Janata Party

Spouse: Kamla Advani

Children: Pratibha Advani, Jayant Advani 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI declares: 97.50% of Rs.2,000 notes returned to the system 

• On February 1st, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) disclosed that 97.50% of the Rs.2,000 currency notes circulating as of May 19, 2023, have been effectively reintegrated into the banking system.
• The introduction of Rs.2,000 banknotes in November 2016 aimed to meet urgent currency demands following the withdrawal of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes. Printing of Rs.2,000 notes ceased in 2018-19 when an adequate supply of other denominations became available. Despite this, Rs.2,000 notes remain legal tender, as confirmed by the RBI.

ESAF Small Finance Bank collaborates with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance to provide life insurance 

• In a strategic maneuver aimed at enhancing financial solutions for its customers, ESAF Small Finance Bank has formally established a bancassurance partnership with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance.
• This collaboration aligns the two organizations in their dedication to prioritizing customer needs, fostering a culture of growth, and promoting innovation in the financial sector.