Today's Current Affairs 4th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India and Oman have signed an agreement to collaborate in the defense sector

• India and Oman have entered into an agreement aimed at establishing a framework for collaboration in various aspects of defense engagement, including the procurement of military equipment.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was firmed up at a meeting of India-Oman joint military cooperation committee (JMCC) in Muscat.

India has recently entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various countries

• India and Oman signed MoU on defence sector.
• India and Oman signed MoU on IT Cooperation.
• India and Cuba signed an MoU on digital public infrastructure collaboration.
• India and France to jointly fund science research projects.
• India and Mauritius collaborate on Rs.20 crore small satellite project.

 NATIONAL

Uttar Pradesh is launching its Annual Mass Drug Administration Campaign to eradicate filariasis

• The Uttar Pradesh government is set to commence its annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating filariasis diseases from February 5 to 15. This initiative will target 17 districts as part of the state's mission to eradicate filariasis.

About Uttar Pradesh:

Capital:– Lucknow

Chief Minister:– Yogi Adityanath

Governor:– Anandiben Patel 

40,000 rail coaches are slated for conversion to Vande Bharat standards

• The Indian government has unveiled an ambitious program to modernize Indian Railways by upgrading 40,000 standard rail coaches to Vande Bharat standards.
• This initiative, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in while presenting the interim budget for fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), aims to elevate the safety, convenience, and comfort of rail travel while also providing a boost to private sector railway manufacturers through new refurbishment contracts.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

February 4th marks the observance of the International Day of Human Fraternity

• Every year on February 4th, the International Day of Human Fraternity is observed.
• The day serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of unity and the strength found in diversity.
• On December 21, 2020, International Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations General Assembly.

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

Champai Soren has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, succeeding Hemant Soren, who resigned

• Champai Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was sworn in as the twelfth Chief Minister of Jharkhand. This ceremony occurred on Friday, coinciding with his predecessor Hemant Soren's remand to five days in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate.
• Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Satyanand Bhokta and Congress MLA Alamgir Alam also took oath as Cabinet Ministers in a swearing-in ceremony that came two days after Mr. Hemant Soren’s resignation and arrest in an alleged land scam case.

About Jharkhand:

Chief Minister: Champai Soren

Governer: C.P. Radhakrishnan

National Park: Betla National Park

Wildlife Sanctuary: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION 

Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, named 'Outstanding Business Woman of 2023'. 

• Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, was honoured with the 'Outstanding Business Woman of the Year - 2023' Award. The award, presented to her at a prestigious conference by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) on 'Strengthening Indo-US Relationship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat', recognizes her remarkable contributions to the industry that place her among the distinguished few women chairpersons of Fortune500 and ET500 India companies. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

IRDAI issues AYUSH treatment inclusion guidelines for insurers. 

• The insurance regulator has instructed general insurers to treat Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) on par with other medical treatments in their health insurance policies, citing their "increased popularity."
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) asked general insurance companies to have board-approved policy guidelines for AYUSH coverage and give policyholders an option to choose a treatment of their choice. The guidelines will be effective from April 1, 2024.