SARTHI Portal Unveiled

• Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda unveiled the "SARATHI" platform on February 8, 2024.
• The full form for SARTHI is ‘Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural Security, Technology and Insurance’ is the Sarthi Portal's full name.
• It provides a comprehensive selection of insurance plans, among them PMFBY, which is especially made for farmers.
•  The SARATHI portal would provide farmers with a streamlined, digital insurance experience. Viewing, buying, and obtaining insurance products would also be included in the portal.
• In addition to user-friendly interfaces for stakeholders, the platform will have digital payment alternatives, simplified premium collecting, easy claim initiation, tracking, and settlement.

Bills to Modify the list of Scheduled Castes and Tribes Passed

• The Lok Sabha passed two bills on February 8, 2024, to modify the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
• The Andhra Pradesh tribes of Bondo Porja, Khond Porja, and Parangiperja as well as four clans of Odisha are among them.
• These bills were enacted in the Rajya Sabha on February 6, 2024.
• A bill in Andhra Pradesh aims to amend the Scheduled Tribes list, and another one in Odisha aims to amend the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes list.
• Having gained their independence for 75 years, all of these are now placed on the list of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Olympics  2024 Medals Introduced

• The Olympic medal embedded with a fragment of the Eiffel Tower design was introduced on February 8, 2024.
•  An angular piece of polished iron taken from the well-known monument will be embedded in each gold, silver, and bronze medal for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.
• These components were taken out and kept safe following the 20th-century renovations to the Eiffel Tower.
•  Chaumet, the world-renowned jewelry artist renowned for his incredible creations, accepted the task.

Repo Rate Remains Steady at 6.5%

• In a significant announcement, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the repo rate at 6.5% on February 8, 2024.
•  This decision, which came right after the Interim Budget that was unveiled on February 1, 2024, represents the rate's sixth straight stay at the same level.
•  In order to strike a balance between reining in inflation and promoting economic expansion, the RBI's position remains centered on the removal of its accommodating monetary policy.
• Governor Shaktikanta Das underscored the significance of a disinflationary approach in monetary policy to guarantee that inflation gradually converges towards the objective.

Khelo India University Games 2023 Mascot Revealed

• Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the logo, anthem, mascot, jersey, and torch of the Khelo India University Games 2023 in Guwhati, Assam on February 8, 2024.
• The first ceremony is scheduled for February 19th, and 16 of the 20 sports events will take place in Guwahati. United by Spirit, Empowered by Passion is the Games' theme.
• The abundant biodiversity and breathtaking scenery of Northeast India are symbolized by Ashtalakshmi, a bright butterfly that is the epitome of grace and symbolism.
• The mascot, an exquisite butterfly with wings embellished with state-specific cultural themes and colors, presents an eye-catching illustration of the varied beauty of Northeast India.

Olzhas Bektenov

• Olzhas Bektenov, the chief of staff of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was named prime minister on February 8, 2024.
• Bektenov took over as head of the presidential administration in April 2023 after serving as director of the state anti-corruption agency.
•  The parliament, which is dominated by the ruling Amanat party, swiftly approved the measure, demonstrating the president's strong hold on power.
•  Olzhas Bektenov took over as prime minister after Alikhan Smailov. In Kazakhstan, because the presidential authority is consolidated, political reorganizations are frequent.

Ajay Kumar Choudhary

• Ajay Kumar Choudhary has been named the new non-executive chairman and independent director of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), with effect from February 8, 2024.
•  Mr. Choudhary is a renowned central banker who has worked for the Reserve Bank of India for more than thirty years. He offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position.
• Mr. Choudhary was an Executive Director at the RBI before coming to NPCI, where he was in charge of important departments like fintech, supervision, and banking regulation.
• His spearheading of multiple projects, like the development of the Unified Payments Interface and the Payment System Vision 2025, has been crucial in shaping India's financial sector.

‘NITISH’ Device Launched for Farmer in Bihar

• The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority has introduced a gadget named after the CM to warn farmers and the general public about natural calamities as of February 8, 2024.
• Partners in the "Novel Initiative Technological Intervention for Safety of Human Lives" initiative include the disaster management authorities and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna.
•  Voice message notifications for heatwaves, cold waves, floods, and lightning are provided via the pendant-shaped NITISH device.
• Users' readiness and response capacities will be improved as they will receive voice messages 30 minutes before to lightning or flooding events.

'Kilkari' mobile health initiative launched

• ‘Kilkari' was launched by Ministers of State for Health in Gujarat and Maharashtra, on February 8, 2024, highlighting the government's commitment towards healthcare.
• It will provide weekly audio messages that highlight crucial elements of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare and guarantee access to essential health information.
• The launch of 'Kilkari' highlights India's commitment to using technology to improve public health and demonstrates the nation's proactive use of digital solutions to benefit society.
• 'Kilkari' has spread throughout the nation and is currently operating in eighteen states and union territories.
• Through initiatives like Kilkari, India aims to empower citizens with knowledge and support, ultimately contributing to better maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.

West Bengal budget 2024-2025 Presented

• The West Bengal government presented an adequate budget of ₹ 3.66 lakh crore for the financial year 2024-25 on February 8, 2024.
• Notable concerns include the state's dues of around ₹ 1.18 lakh crore from the central government.
• The monthly financial assistance under the 'Laxmi Bhandar' scheme has been increased to ₹1200 exclusively for SC and ST communities.
• Launch of "Samudra Sathi" scheme aimed at supporting the fishermen community.
• The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹ 5000 to registered fishermen, which contributes economic well-being.

Rajasthan Budget 2024-25 Presented

• The Rajasthani government announced on February 8, 2024, the hiring of 70000 additional personnel in the budget of  ₹4.86 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024–25.
•  The government has announced the establishment of anti-Romeo squares, a 50% bus fare concession for seniors 60 to 80 years of age.
•  The budget also mentioned the removal of Land Tax and ₹ 1500 crore investment in road construction.
• The minimum social security pension would rise from ₹ 1000 to ₹1150 per month, with an additional ₹1800 crore set aside.
• It was also stated that girls in classes 9 through 12 and boys in classes 1 through 8 would each receive financial aid of ₹1000 for uniforms, books, and school bags.

‘Chiranjeevi Yojana’ Changed to ‘Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana’ in Rajasthan

• The Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana replaced the Chiranjeevi Yojana as the budget was presented on February 8, 2024. This approach would also provide cancer day care.
•  It is noteworthy since previous Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched this scheme in 2021.
• Starting the following year, 25 advanced life support ambulances would be prepared to save lives in traffic accidents.
•  All families in the state will have access to healthcare support as long as they fulfill the precise eligibility requirements listed in the official plan rules.