Current affairs 14 February 2024

Dubai to launch World's First Air Taxi Service.

• Dubai has signed agreements to launch the world's first air taxi service in 2026.
• The air taxis will be electric-powered, have a range of 161 km, and a top speed of 321 km/h.
• The air taxi network will aim to reduce noise levels, operating emissions, and enhance passenger convenience.
• Dubai has inked this agreements at the World Government Summit 2024 to launch this initiative.

Gupteswar forest designated 4th biodiversity heritage site in Odisha.

• Gupteswar forest, Odisha's Fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site, boasts an impressive diversity of 608 faunal species, including threatened species.
• It is located in Dhondrakhol reserve forest of the Jeypore forest division in Odisha’s Koraput district.
• The presence of limestone caves provides habitat for near-threatened bat species contributing to forest's ecological significance.

NITI Aayog launched GROW Initiative for Agroforestry in Wastelands.

• NITI Aayog's GROW initiative aims to transform India's wastelands through agroforestry, using remote sensing and GIS technologies to identify suitable areas.
• The GROW report and portal provide state & district-wise data on agroforestry potential, including Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) for prioritization.
• Agroforestry has the potential to reduce wood imports, mitigate climate change.

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PM Modi to inaugurate UAE's first Hindu Temple "BAPS Mandir".

• BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith founded in 18th century by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and formally established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.
• BAPS is based on the Vedas and focuses on practical spirituality to address societal challenges.
• It seeks to promote spiritual growth, community service & global harmony through its activities.

Deepika Padukone to present honour at BAFTA Awards.

• Deepika Padukone to present an award at the upcoming BAFTA Film Awards.
• Padukone joined a star-studded list of presenters, including Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, and Emma Corrin.
• The BAFTA Film Awards will be hosted by David Tennant and held at London's Royal Festival Hall.
• The BAFTA is a leading arts charity that supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally.