Current affairs 17 February 2023

Indian Army gets "World's 1st" fully operational SWARM Drone System.

• Bengaluru-based start-up, NewSpace Research has delivered SWARM drones to Indian Army.
• These drone systems will make the Army the 1st major armed force in the world to operationalize with these high-density SWARM drones.
• The swarm of 100 drones is capable of hitting targets at least 50 km away into enemy territory.
• It is a part of the Aatmanirbhar effort to indigenize critical and disruptive military technologies.

Kantara’s Rishab Shetty wins "Most Promising Actor Award" at DPIFF 2023.

• Kantara movie actor & director, Rishab Shetty will be honored with the Most Promising Actor Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Award 2023 on February 20 in Mumbai.
• He was awarded for his stellar performance in the Kannada film, Kantara.
• Rishab Shetty is an Indian actor and filmmaker primarily working in Kannada cinema.
• DPIFF was founded in 2012 and established in 2016.
• DPIFF CEO: Abhishek Mishra

Karnataka Bank wins Prathista Puraskar under Digidhan Award 2021-22.

• The Karnataka Bank was honored with the Prathista Puraskar under the Digidhan Awards 2021-22 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity).
• Reason: To achieve the target with the highest percentage in BHIM-UPI transactions in the private sector bank category.
• DigiDhan award is a recognition for the top-performing banks in the digital payments space.
• MD& CEO of Karnataka Bank: Mahabaleshwara MS
• Karnataka Bank HQ: Mangaluru

Cabinet approves "Vibrant Villages Programme".

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Vibrant Villages Programme for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore.
• The scheme will provide funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities.
• In the first phase, 663 Villages will be taken up in the program.
• Aim: To improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.

Cabinet approves MoU for cooperation in Disability Sector.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa for cooperation in the Disability Sector.
• The decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Aim: To encourage cooperation between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in India and South Africa.
• This MoU will strengthen the bilateral ties between India and South Africa.
• South Africa President: Cyril Ramaphosa.