15th February 2024 Daily Current Affairs

National & International Appointments

Prabowo Subianto (72-year-old) is set to secure the Indonesian presidency, with unofficial counts indicating a decisive victory in the first round.
Former special force commander and defense minister, declared a “victory for all Indonesians” as quick ballot counts showed him with nearly 60% of the votes.
Prabowo’s hardline military background seemingly gave him an insurmountable lead over rivals Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.

Banking & Finance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the deadline for Paytm Payments Bank services to March 15, from the previous February 29.
The apex bank of India said that the decision was taken keeping in view the larger public interest including the merchants.
It clarified that the customers can make deposits, credit transactions, prepaid services, wallets, FASTags, and National Common Mobility Cards till March 15, 2024.

Schemes

Under the ‘Swayam’ scheme, eligible rural and urban youth aged between 18-35 years will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh.
This initiative, announced by Odisha Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.
The scheme will be operational for two years and Rs 672 crore will be spent from the state’s coffers.

Defense

The Indian Space Research organisation launched GSLV F14 at 5.35 pm today from the second launch pad at the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota.
The INSAT 3DS has been injected into the destined path at around 20 minutes after the lift-off.
The 51-metre-tall rocket carrying the weather satellite INSAT 3DS took off with a majestic roar from the Space Centre witnessed by thousands of onlookers at the visitors gallery and scientists at the control centre.

Sports

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (37-years) claimed his 500th Test wicket in the first innings of the third Test match against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
He achieved this monumental feat in his 98th Test Match.
Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley in the final session of the second day to join Anil Kumble as the second Indian, and fifth overall, to take 500 wickets in Test history.

Defense

NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its colossal flying laboratory, the DC-8.
In a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution, NASA aims to make strides in identifying pollution sources and behaviors, potentially leading to more precise public warning systems.
Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths annually, making accurate identification and forecasting all the more significant.