Today's Current Affairs 7th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL 

Iran has introduced visa-free travel for Indian nationals.

• To promote cultural exchanges and enhance tourism, the Islamic Republic of Iran has implemented a visa-free policy for Indian citizens starting February 4, 2024.
• If reports are to go by, the visa exemption, part of a broader initiative, has been extended to 33 countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and Mexico. It was approved by Iranian authorities in December. Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iranian Culture Minister, stated that the objective is to boost tourism.

 NATIONAL

In 2024, the government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill.

• The 2024 Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill establishes a robust legal framework to uphold the integrity and fairness of public exams nationwide.
• The bill is introduced to address and prevent the use of unfair means in public examinations. It encompasses a wide range of definitions and stipulations that clarify the roles, responsibilities, and penalties associated with the conduct of public examinations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates ONGC Sea Survival Centre In Goa

• Prime Minister Modi inaugurated ONGC's integrated Sea Survival Training Centre during a one-day visit to Goa.
• This state-of-the-art facility is expected to train thousands of personnel annually, enhancing their sea survival skills and ensuring their preparedness to face real-life disasters.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Mio Oka has been appointed as the new Country Director for India by ADB

• ADB has appointed Mio Oka as the new Country Director for India, succeeding Takeo Konishi.
• Oka brings nearly three decades of professional experience, including over 18 years with ADB, to her new role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in ADB’s continued partnership with India in supporting its development goals and economic growth.

About ADB:

Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines.

Founded: 19 December 1966.

President: Masatsugu Asakawa (from 17 January 2020).

Purpose: Social and Economic Development.

 MOUS AND AGREEMENT 

Karnataka introduces 'Digital Detox' to promote mindful social media use

• The Karnataka government and the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) have collaborated to introduce a 'Digital Detox' initiative.
• The initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of spending excessive time in the digital world.
• Digital Detox initiative encourages people to cut back on using digital devices like smartphones, computers, tablets, and social media platforms through structured programs or campaigns.
• It also aims to establish an environment of responsible gaming. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

REC Limited won the Best Green Bond - Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024

• It won the award for issuance of $750 million USD Green Bonds in April 2023.
• This was the first USD Green Bond issuance from India after India assumed G20 Presidency.
• It was also the largest-ever Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South or South-East Asian issuer.
• The award underscores REC Limited's commitment to sophisticated capital market instruments.
• The Asset Triple A Awards recognize those organizations that have excelled in their respective industry. The awards are adjudicated by The Asset’s board of editors.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

SBI's Q3 net profit drops by 35% due to pension provision

• SBI's standalone net profit in Q3FY24 fell by 5% YoY to ₹9,164 crore, marking its first decline in 12 quarters, attributed to one-time provisions for pension liabilities and dearness relief neutralization.

About SBI:

Established: 1 July 1955

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara

CFO: Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti