National News
1.Vice-President Launches ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Campaign For
India’s 75th Republic Year
In a landmark event at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Vice-
President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the nationwide
campaign ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ to mark India’s
75th year as a Republic.
The initiative seeks to reinforce commitment to constitutional
principles, fostering pride and responsibility among citizens. Under
the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign, efforts
focus on legally empowering marginalized communities, ensuring
their access to justice.
The event also unveiled the achievement booklet of the Access to
Justice Scheme, ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic
Access to Justice’ (DISHA).
2.President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Kaushal Bhawan: Paving The Path For Skill
Empowerment
In a historic moment, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated
Kaushal Bhawan, symbolizing India’s unwavering commitment to
empowering its youth through skill development.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the Bhawan is set to catalyze the
realization of aspirations and nurture the nation’s young talent,
steering India toward a more skilled future.
Kaushal Bhawan, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure,
provides an ideal environment for ideation, collaboration, and
execution of groundbreaking skill development initiatives.
The building’s design incorporates environmental responsibility by
preserving two towering trees, exemplifying a model for sustainable
development.
International News
3.Saudi Arabia To Open First Alcohol Store For Diplomats
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first
alcohol store, exclusively for diplomats. This significant development
represents a notable shift in the Kingdom’s approach to alcohol,
which has traditionally been banned under its strict interpretation of
Islamic law.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has enforced a strict prohibition on the sale
and consumption of alcohol. This policy aligns with the conservative
religious principles that govern many aspects of life in the Kingdom.
This initiative is seen as a step towards accommodating the lifestyles
of foreign diplomats living in the Kingdom, making it a more
hospitable environment for international relations.
4.Cabinet Approval For India-Oman IT Cooperation MoU
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
given the green light for the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Oman in the field
of Information Technology (IT).
The MoU, inked on December 15, 2023, between the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology of India and Oman’s Ministry
of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, aims to
foster comprehensive collaboration through mutual support,
technology sharing, information exchange, and investments in IT.
The MoU is set to be effective from the date of signing and will
remain in force for three years. The envisaged collaboration is
anticipated to enhance cooperation, leading to increased
employment opportunities in the IT field.
State News
5.Visakhapatnam Hosts 14th All India Police Commando Contest
The 14th edition of the Annual All India Police Commando
Competition (AIPCC) began on January 22, 2024 at the
Greyhounds Training Centre in Kapuluppada, Visakhapatnam.
Elite commando forces from 16 states are participating in this week-
long competition. Commissioner A. Ravi Shankar inaugurated the
event, emphasizing its significance in fostering inter-state
cooperation.
The competition has attracted elite commando forces from across
the country. Notable participants include the Special Operations
Group (SOG) from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, C-60 from
Maharashtra, and paramilitary forces such as BSF, CRPF, Assam
Rifles, ITBP, RPF, SSB, and CISF.
6.Andhra Pradesh Initiates Caste Census, Second Only To Bihar
The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh has
initiated a comprehensive caste census. Andhra Pradesh now stands
as the second state in the country, following Bihar, to undertake
such a comprehensive caste enumeration.
Launched with the aid of a specially designed phone app, this
ambitious census aims to enumerate all castes in the state and is
expected to be completed within the next 20 days to one month.
The cornerstone of this census initiative is a dedicated phone app
developed by the government, enabling a more efficient and
streamlined data collection process. The app offers more than 700
caste options for the public to choose from, with a notable
inclusion being the ‘No caste’ option.
7.World’s First ‘Black Tiger Safari’: Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik Announces
In a groundbreaking move, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
has unveiled plans for the establishment of the world’s first ‘black
tiger safari’ near the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj.
This visionary project aims to provide tourists and visitors with a rare
glimpse of the melanistic tigers, commonly known as black tigers,
recently spotted at the Similipal National Park.
The proposed safari site, near Baripada and spanning 200 hectares,
will be strategically located adjacent to National Highway 18. Out of
this area, 100 hectares will be dedicated to the display zone, while
the remaining space will be utilized for essential infrastructure,
including veterinary care facilities, a rescue center, staff amenities,
and visitor services.
Defence News
8.India, France, UAE Conduct Joint Air Exercise Over Arabian Sea
India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted a
major air exercise, named ‘Desert Knight’, over the Arabian
Sea. This joint exercise, held on January 23, 2024, comes against
the backdrop of rising global concerns over Houthi militants targeting
commercial vessels in strategic waterways.
The main focus of ‘Desert Knight’ was to enhance synergy and
interoperability among the air forces of the participating countries.
The exercise aimed to foster a shared understanding of operational
tactics and enhance coordination in complex air scenarios.
The exercise featured an impressive array of frontline aerial assets
and combat jets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated with Su-30
MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighter jets, along with AWACS, C-130-J
transport planes, and air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
9.Indian Navy To Establish Second VLF Communication Station In Telangana
The Indian Navy has strategically chosen Telangana as the location
for its second Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication
transmission station in the country.
VLF communication is crucial for the Navy to maintain effective
communication with ships and submarines, emphasizing the
strategic role of the new transmission station.
The selected site for the VLF center is the Damagudem forest area
near Puduru in the Vikarabad mandal. This location was chosen after
the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam identified Telangana
as a suitable area for the establishment of a second radar station.
Economy News
10.Direct Tax-To-GDP Ratio Hits 23-Year High In FY23: CBDT Report
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) released data, revealing
that the direct tax-to-GDP ratio for the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23)
reached a remarkable 23-year high, standing at 6.11%.
Direct tax collections witnessed a robust year-on-year growth of
17.8%, totaling Rs 16.6 trillion in FY23. Notably, corporate tax
collections reached Rs 8.26 trillion, marking a 16% increase, while
income tax collections stood at Rs 8.33 trillion, reflecting a significant
19.6% YoY growth.
The total number of income tax returns filed in FY23 rose to 77.82
million, compared to 73.05 million in FY22, indicating an upward
trend in tax compliance.
Important Days News
11.National Voters’ Day 2024
The National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year in India
on January 25 to encourage the country’s voters to participate in the
electoral process.
This year, it is the 14th edition which is being celebrated. In the
vibrant democracy of India, where every vote is a testament to the
aspirations and choices of its people, National Voters’ Day holds a
special place.
Initiated in 2011, National Voters’ Day was established by
the Election Commission of India (ECI) to address a growing
concern. The date, January 25, was chosen to coincide with the
founding anniversary of the ECI in 1950, symbolizing a renewed
commitment to democratic participation.
12.National Tourism Day 2024
National Tourism Day, celebrated annually in India, is a significant
event that highlights the importance of tourism for the country’s
economy and cultural heritage.
National Tourism Day is observed on January 25th each
year. This day is earmarked to foster awareness among the
international community about the importance of tourism and its
social, cultural, political, and economic values.
The theme for this year is ‘Sustainable Journeys, Timeless
Memories.’ It emphasises the concept of responsible and mindful
travel. As a part of this day, seminars, cultural events, and other
programmes are organised by the central government.
Ranks & Reports News
13.Bhopal Ranks 5th In Swachh Survekshan 2023 Cleanliness
Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, has made significant
strides in cleanliness, emerging as the 5th cleanest city in
India among those with a population exceeding 1 lakh.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s persistent efforts have not only
elevated its ranking from 6th in 2022 but also earned it a coveted 5-
star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating, making it the cleanest State
capital in the nation.
Bhopal’s ascent can be attributed to a combination of best practices,
innovation, and distinctiveness. The focus on scientific waste
disposal, waste-to-wealth projects, recycling initiatives, and the
mantra of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs) are pivotal in Bhopal’s
success.
Appointments News
14.Justice Prasanna B Varale Appointed Supreme Court Judge
Justice Prasanna B Varale, currently serving as the Chief Justice of
the Karnataka High Court, will now become the third sitting judge
from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court.
One of the notable aspects of Justice Varale’s appointment is that he
is the senior-most High Court Judge belonging to a Scheduled
Caste.
Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the only Chief
Justice belonging to a Scheduled Caste among the Chief
Justices of High Courts across the country.
Agreements News
15.MoD Signs Rs 1,070 Cr Deal With Mazagon Dock For 14 FPVs
In a recent development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a
contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, for
the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian
Coast Guard (ICG).
Over the last two decades, the Indian Navy has assumed the role of
a “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean, aiming to maintain
a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and counterbalance China’s
expanding naval presence.
The recent contract with MDL, valued at Rs 1,070 crore, focuses on
indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured FPVs under
the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ acquisition category.
The vessels are expected to be delivered within 63
months, equipped with advanced features, multipurpose drones,
wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, lifebuoy, and artificial
intelligence capabilities.
Awards News
16.Ravi Shastri, Farokh Engineer Receive Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement
Awards
Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri expressed his
gratitude on January 21, 2024 for being awarded the prestigious Col
CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at a glittering ceremony
organized by the BCCI.
The ceremony also saw other cricketing stalwarts, such as Farokh
Engineer, being honored for their contributions to the sport.
Jasprit Bumrah, one of the key players in India’s recent cricket
success, was awarded the Polly Umrigar Award for Best
International Cricketer – Men.
Shubman Gill received the Polly Umrigar Best Men’s International
Cricketer of the Year award for his outstanding performance in the
2022-23 season. The awards ceremony also
recognized Mohammed Shami for his excellence in international
cricket.
Sports News
17.Sreeja Akula Secures First Global Table Tennis Title At WTT Feeder Corpus Christi
2024
Indian table tennis player Sreeja Akula achieved a significant
milestone in her career by securing her maiden international title at
the WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 in Texas, USA.
Sreeja Akula faced a formidable opponent in the final, going up
against world No. 46 Lily Zhang of the USA, a three-time
Olympian.
In a convincing display of prowess, Sreeja defeated Lily Zhang 3-0
(11-6, 18-16, 11-5) to claim the top spot on the podium. The final
lasted just over 30 minutes, showcasing Sreeja’s command over the
game.
18.ICC Awards 2023
The ICC Awards 2023, organized by the International Cricket
Council, represents the pinnacle of recognition for international
cricket players.
Bas de Leede was named as the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer
of the Year 2023 for his remarkable all-round run in the year. He was
the standout player for the Netherlands at the ICC Men’s Cricket
World Cup 2023 Qualifier and the World Cup in India.
Queentor Abel made Kenya proud by winning the ICC Women’s
Associate Cricketer of the Year for 2023. She picked 30 T20I wickets
at an unreal average of 7.36, and scored 476 T20I runs at 34.
Science & Technology News
19.CoRover.Ai Introduces BharatGPT, India’s First Large Language Model
CoRover.ai, a leading player in the Conversational AI space, has
recently introduced BharatGPT, India’s first Large Language
Model (LLM).
This groundbreaking development aims to revolutionize AI
conversations across 22 Indian languages, addressing the
language diversity challenges prevalent in the country.
Positioned as an Indigenous Generative AI platform, BharatGPT
integrates seamlessly with both voice and text modalities, offering a
unique solution to the complexities of linguistic diversity.
One of the notable achievements of BharatGPT is its extensive
language integration. The model proudly supports voice modality
in over 12 Indian languages and text modality in a whopping 22
languages.
Obituaries News
20.Norman Jewison, Director Of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’, Passes Away Aged 97
Norman Jewison, the acclaimed Canadian director best known for
his work on the classic film ‘In the Heat of the Night’, has passed
away at the age of 97.
Jewison’s filmography includes a diverse range of genres, from
comedies like ‘The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming’
to thought-provoking dramas such as ‘A Soldier’s Story’.
However, it was ‘In the Heat of the Night’, a film that dealt with racism
and prejudice in the American South, that cemented his status as a
director of great substance and vision. The film won five Academy
Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a significant work in the
history of American cinema.
