Top Current Affairs for February 24, 2022

Top Current Affairs for February 24, 2022.

Nagaland to host SAAF and National Cross-Country Athletics Championships

Nagaland is gearing up to host the South Asian Athletic Federation's (SAAF) cross country championships and the 56th National Cross-Country Athletics Championships in Kohima starting on the 26th of next month. Meanwhile, the official mascot of the South Asian Cross-Country Championships and the 56th National Cross Country is a joyful running 'Hornbill'.
The Mascot's name is Akimji – a connotation of the word AMBITION derived from the Sumi dialect of the Naga tribe, which embodies the new generation of Naga youth's ambition.
This event will likely be Nagaland's largest sporting event in the state's 50-plus years of independence, and he expressed optimism that it will help propel Nagaland's image and sporting dream to national and international platforms. The official team Nagaland kit was also unveiled at this event.

Russia invaded Ukraine early on February 24th, with massive explosions reported in several Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv. According to the Adviser to Ukraine's President Office, more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and several dozen have been injured. Ukraine also claims that 50 Russian occupiers have been killed.

India is making every effort to ensure the safe return of approximately 18,000 Indians, including Ukrainian students. Because Ukraine's airspace is closed as a result of the bombing of Kyiv International Airport, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is considering alternative arrangements for the evacuation of Indian nationals. In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the MEA has established a 24-hour control room in Delhi to assist students and other Indian nationals in Ukraine.

The 'Nikarshan Sadan' Dredging Museum was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonawal.

Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and AYUSH, inaugurated the Nikarshan Sadan – The Dredging Museum on the DCI campus in Vishakhapatnam. This museum features models of various types of dredgers, vintage photographs, and historical landmarks from Vizag, India's Eastern Port City.
Union Minister Sonowal also addressed the employees, emphasising the vital role of DCI in the maritime sector. Additionally, he stated that dredging is critical to the port's survival and competitiveness.
Dr. G Y V Victor (MD&CEO) and Chairman K Rama Mohana Rao, along with other department heads, delivered a presentation on DCI's performance and future plans.
DCI is commemorating 45 years of providing dredging services to the nation's ports, which coincides with the "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav."
Minister Sonowal also inaugurated a skill development facility in Visakhapatnam, the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS). CEMS's Visakhapatnam facility is equipped with 18 state-of-the-art labs that cover every aspect of manufacturing.

On February 22nd, US President Donald Trump announced new sanctions against Russia, calling Russia's move in eastern Ukraine the "beginning of a Russian invasion." US Vice President Joe Biden announced that the US will impose full blockade sanctions on two major Russian financial institutions: VEB and their military bank.

NATO is a military alliance founded in 1949 by 12 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It was established to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union following World War II. The NATO alliance has 30 member countries, and an armed attack on one member state is considered an armed attack on all under its collective security system.

On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation. Later, Ukraine declared that Russia was launching a full-fledged invasion. Russia has informed Ukraine that it has destroyed its airbases and air defenses.

Central Excise Day 2022

Central Excise Day, observed on February 24, commemorates the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act on 24th February 1944. This annual event is held to recognize the Central Excise Department's critical role in the country's industrial development.
The purpose of commemorating the day is to educate the general public about the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). On this day, the central board hosts a variety of events, including seminars, workshops, educational and cultural programs, awareness campaigns, competitions, and award ceremonies.
SIGNIFICANCE: Central Excise Day recognises the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBICcontribution )'s to India, as well as the officers who work there. Additionally, the day encourages CBIC employees to perform their duties with the utmost sincerity, as they are responsible for detecting scams involving manufactured goods.
CBIC's duties and responsibilities have only increased since 1944. Among the responsibilities of the CBIC is the formulation of policies governing the imposition and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, Central Goods and Services Tax, and IGST, as well as the prevention of smuggling.
The purpose of commemorating the occasion is also to educate the country's citizens about the importance of CBIC and to encourage them to carry out their duties with utmost responsibility.