NEWS 22-02-2024. News For 23rd-Feb (Friday) *NATIONAL* 1.India's first spy satellite, made by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), is set to be launched in a SpaceX rocket by April & will be used by the armed forces to get discreet information. 2. PM launched PM Surya Ghar Scheme which aims to providing 300 units of electricity every month to light up 1 crore households. 3. India has decided to extend its presence in Arabian sea by establishing naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands, along with air bases, in order to secure the vital sea lands of communication. 4.India has announced the replacement of appx 80 military personnel operating aviation platforms in the Maldives with competent Indian technical personnel. *INTERNATIONAL* 1.PM Narendra Modi inaugurated First Hindu Stone Temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 2. India’s MEA has cut 54% UN funding for 2024-25, from INR 382.54 crore to INR 175 crore. It was an assertive move from India to get permanent seat at UN. 3. India became third largest digitalized country in the world, behind the US and China. *SPORTS* 1. Indian women's badminton team clinched historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 which was held in Shah Alam, Malaysia. 2. Ashwin has become the second Indian bowler, after Anil Kumble, to take 500 Test wickets. DEFENCE 1. Indian Army is replacing its aging T-72 tank fleet with Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). 1,770 units, will be produced indigenously in India with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drone integration, active protection systems, and enhanced situational awareness. 2. 12th edition of Ex Milan has commenced in port city of Visakhapatnam from 19th feb to 27th feb. In this exercise nearly 50 ships , 2 aircraft carriers, 1 maritime patrol aircraft, Mig 29k and P8I is participating from Indian Navy. 3. Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 of Indian AF was concluded on 17th feb at Pokhran range near Jaisalmer. The exercise showcased over 120 aircraft, including frontline fighter jets and attack helicopters. *ECONOMY* 1. India’s foreign exchange reserves has reached a one-month high of $622.47 billion as on Feb 2, 2024. < < Back