Today's Current Affairs 9th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

NITI Aayog and the Netherlands release report on LNG for commercial vehicles.

• NITI Aayog and the Kingdom of the Netherlands jointly unveil a report on integrating LNG into Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCVs) during India Energy Week.
• Report addresses challenges like infrastructure limitations and regulatory frameworks for LNG adoption in MHCVs in India. 

NATIONAL

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi CM, launches free bus travel for transgender community

• Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's Chief Minister, introduces free bus travel for the transgender community.
• Focus on tackling societal neglect and advocating for equal rights among marginalized communities.
• Swift Cabinet approval and implementation timeline, aiming to benefit transgender individuals within weeks.
• Initiative builds on the success of the existing women's scheme, benefitting around 14 lakh women daily. 

Tata Trusts to open India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai

• Tata Trusts, in partnership with philanthropist Ratan Tata, unveils India's premier Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, boasting over 200 beds and committed to providing 24/7 care for pets' welfare. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ravi Kumar Jha appointed MD & CEO of LIC Mutual Fund

• LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management appoints Ravi Kumar Jha as Managing Director and Chief Executive, leveraging his 30 years of experience at LIC to enrich the leadership team.

 OBITUARY

Poet Farooq Nazki, Sahitya Akademi winner, passes at 83

• His passing signifies the conclusion of an era in Kashmiri literature, leaving a lasting legacy of cultural preservation and poetic brilliance.
• Born in Kashmir, Nazki's deep love for his culture and language influenced his remarkable career in poetry and broadcasting.

 SPORTS

Wei Yi wins 2024 Tata Steel Chess Tournament

• Grand Master Wei Yi secures victory in the 2024 Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
• Triumphs in a four-player tiebreak with Anish Giri, Gukesh Dommaraju, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
• This win elevates Wei Yi into the world's top 10 chess players.
• Wei Yi achieved the grandmaster title at 13, becoming the 9th youngest grandmaster ever.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI to add offline capability for e-Rupee transactions

• The RBI introduces offline functionality for e-rupee transactions to aid payments in regions with poor internet connectivity.
• Offline functionality is to be added to CBDC-R (Retail) for transactions in areas with poor internet connectivity. Testing of multiple offline solutions, including proximity and non-proximity based, will also be conducted in various geographic locations.

RBI maintains repo rate at 6.5% in monetary policy

• RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive period.
• Decision aligns with the RBI's focus on balancing inflation control and economic growth.
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasizes the importance of a disinflationary stance in monetary policy.

About RBI:

Founded: 1 April 1935

Governor: Shaktikanta Das

Currency: Indian rupee (₹); INR (ISO 4217)

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.