National News

Republic Day Parade Awards 2024

• The Republic Day Parade, an annual spectacle in India held on January 26, represents the nation's cultural diversity and military prowess.
• On January 30, 2024, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt honored outstanding performances in the 2024 parade.
• The Sikh Regiment Contingent stood out among the Three Services, displaying exemplary discipline and precision.
• Additionally, the Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent, showcasing the increasing role of women in security forces, received recognition among CAPF/Other Auxiliary Forces.

International News

Sultan Ibrahim Installed as Malaysia’s 17th King

• Sultan Ibrahim of Johor state has been installed as Malaysia's 17th king, a momentous occasion in the nation's constitutional monarchy system.
• The installation ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries, highlighted Sultan Ibrahim's commitment to the welfare of his people and his previous role as the Sultan of Johor since 2010.
• His reputation for developing Johor state precedes his ascension to the throne.

Withdrawal of Military Regimes from ECOWAS

• The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing the bloc as a threat to member states.
• Termed a "sovereign decision," this withdrawal is backed by the formation of an "Alliance of Sahel States" to strengthen their stance.
• The joint statement criticized ECOWAS for failing to address jihadist threats and accused the bloc of deviating from its founding principles.

State News

Punjab Govt Launches 'Sadak Surakhya Force'

• Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, Punjab has introduced the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' (SSF) to reduce road deaths.
• The SSF is a groundbreaking initiative covering Punjab's extensive road network, emphasizing timely assistance with a commitment to reaching accident sites within 15 minutes.
• CM Bhagwant Mann's vision aims to significantly decrease fatalities and ensure prompt medical attention.

Defence News

SARVATRA: Indian Army’s Mobile Bridge System

• The Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence, prioritizes cutting-edge equipment such as SARVATRA, a Multispan Mobile Bridging System.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), SARVATRA enhances connectivity and logistical efficiency.
• This innovative bridging solution showcases the synergy between government agencies and the private sector in bolstering national defense.

Economy News

IMF Boosts India’s GDP Growth Forecast

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India's GDP growth forecast to 6.7% for the current fiscal year, a positive shift of 40 basis points from its earlier projection of 6.3%.
• This adjustment is credited to robust public investment and favorable labor market outcomes, highlighted in the World Economic Outlook report.
• The upward revision extends to medium-term GDP growth, reaching 6.5% and indicating sustained economic momentum in 2025 and 2026.

Finance Ministry's 'Indian Economy – A Review' Report

• In lieu of the traditional Economic Survey before the Union Budget in 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an interim budget on February 1.
• This decision is attributed to the election context in India, where presenting the Economic Survey could lead to politicization amid potential government changes.
• However, the Ministry of Finance has released an alternative report, "Indian Economy – A Review," prepared by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.

Government Cuts Import Duty On Phone Components

• To fortify India's mobile phone manufacturing sector, the government has reduced import duties on mobile phone components from 15% to 10%.
• This strategic move aligns with India's broader objectives of strengthening its position in global supply chains and boosting exports.
• The country has emerged as a prominent hub for mobile phone manufacturing, attracting major global players to establish production facilities.

Important Days News

International Zebra Day 2024

• January 31 marks International Zebra Day, dedicated to raising awareness about zebra conservation.
• Particularly focusing on the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra, the day aims to draw attention to the declining zebra population.
• Conservation organizations, including the Conservation Biology Institute and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, initiated this day to educate the public on the challenges zebras face and promote strategies to prevent further population decline.

Ranks & Reports News

Finance Ministry’s “The Indian Economy: A Decade In Review” Report

• Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran and his team present a comprehensive analysis of India’s economic journey over the past ten years in the report titled “The Indian Economy: A Review.”
• Distinguishing itself from the official Economic Survey, the document delves into challenges such as global supply chain concerns, the impact of AI on services trade, and the energy transition challenge.
• Recognizing the global struggle for recovery post-COVID, the report underscores the importance of addressing these challenges for sustained economic growth.

11. Corruption Index 2023: India’s Global Ranking

• India's position on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 remains consistent, securing the 93rd spot among 180 nations.
• The CPI assesses public sector integrity globally, using a scale of 0 to 100, with India positioned based on perceived levels of corruption.
• Denmark maintains its top rank for the sixth consecutive year, scoring 90 for its well-functioning justice systems.

Appointments News

12. Key Appointments in the Sixteenth Finance Commission

• The government has appointed crucial members to the Sixteenth Finance Commission (SFC), led by former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, Shri Arvind Panagariya. Notable full-time members include Shri.
• Ajay Narayan Jha, Smt. Annie George Mathew, and Dr. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha. Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh joins as a part-time member.
• The SFC, formed on December 31, 2023, plays a pivotal role in shaping financial policies.

13. Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Nominated to Rajya Sabha

In a significant move, the President nominated Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu as a member of the Rajya Sabha, recognizing his contributions to education, philanthropy, and community development. Rising from humble beginnings, Sandhu founded Chandigarh Group of Colleges and Chandigarh University, focusing on education and social causes through his NGOs.

Agreements News

14. NTPC Green Energy's Rs 80,000 Cr MoU with Maharashtra for Green Hydrogen

• NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) and the Maharashtra government inked a groundbreaking Rs 80,000 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer green hydrogen projects.
• Aligned with the Green Investment Plan, the collaboration includes plans for green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, pump hydro projects, and renewable energy initiatives, showcasing Maharashtra's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Sports News

15. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Mascot Unveiled

• The Khelo India Winter Games 2024, a prominent event in the Indian sports calendar, introduces its mascot, the majestic snow leopard named ‘Sheen-e She’ or ‘Shan.’
• Symbolizing the Games' spirit and emphasizing the conservation of the endangered snow leopard, the mascot is set against the backdrop of the Himalayan landscape.
• The Games' logo, adorned with the Indian tricolor, represents unity and strength, with the Dharmachakra symbolizing the turning wheel of Dharma.

16. ISSF Shooting World Cup: India’s Golden Moments in Cairo

• India's stellar performances at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo witnessed gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event secured by Rhythm Sangwan and Ujjwal Malik.
• Arjun Babuta and Sonam Uttam Maskar exhibited resilience to clinch silver in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.
• Anuradha Devi's silver medal win in the women’s 10m air pistol event highlights India’s growing dominance in shooting sports, inspiring her teammates towards excellence.

17. Divyansh Singh Panwar’s Remarkable Victory in ISSF World Cup

• At the age of 21, Divyansh Singh Panwar has secured his fourth World Cup gold in the 10m air rifle event, adding another chapter to his illustrious shooting career.
• Originating from Rajasthan, Panwar, a former world number one and Olympian, demonstrated exceptional skills by leading the qualification round with an impressive score of 632.4.
• In a nail-biting final, he maintained his composure to narrowly defeat Italy's Danilo Sollazzo by 1.9 points, clinching the coveted gold medal.
• This triumph follows Panwar's previous victories in Munich, Beijing, and Delhi since 2019, solidifying his status as a shooting prodigy.

Science & Technology News

18. Discovery of the Diminutive Dragon: Agasthyagama Edge

• In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled a new species of tiny lizards in the biodiverse Western Ghats, aptly named Agasthyagama edge or the northern kangaroo lizard.
• This diminutive dragon, belonging to the Agamidae family, showcases a maximum snout-vent length of 4.3 cm.
• The collaborative efforts of scientists from various institutions in India and abroad led to this find in the southern Western Ghats at Kulamavu in Idukki, marking the second species in the Agasthyagama genus.

19. Neuralink’s Milestone: First Human Receives Brain Chip

• Elon Musk's neurotechnology company, Neuralink, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully implanting its first brain chip into a human.
• This marks a significant stride in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), opening doors to revolutionary medical treatments and human enhancement.
• The Neuralink brain chip aims to address neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries by recording and stimulating brain activity, paving the way for innovative treatment options.

Obituaries News

20. Tribute to Historian R. Champakalakshmi

• The academic community mourns the loss of Champakalakshmi, a revered historian, former president of the Indian History Congress, and professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
• Her distinguished career spanned archaeology, iconography, ideology, statecraft, and trade, contributing significantly to the understanding of early and medieval South India.
• Known for bridging traditional and modern historiography, Champakalakshmi leaves a lasting legacy in the realms of historical studies.

Miscellaneous News

21. Two-Year-Old Carter Dallas Sets Everest Base Camp Record

• Scotland's Carter Dallas, at just two years old, has etched his name in mountaineering history by becoming the youngest person to reach the Mount Everest base camp.
• Accompanied by parents Ross and Jade, the Dallas family conquered the challenging terrain of Nepal, with Carter achieving this remarkable feat at 17,598 feet above sea level.
• Surpassing the previous record held by a four-year-old, Carter's extraordinary journey captures the world's attention, showcasing the spirit of adventure.

22. WHO Honors Countries for Eliminating Trans Fats

• The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand for their commendable efforts in eliminating trans fatty acids (TFA), both industrially produced and naturally occurring.
• These countries receive the first-ever certificates from WHO for effective policies and robust monitoring mechanisms in their TFA elimination strategies.
• Despite not fully meeting the ambitious 2018 target to eradicate TFA globally by the end of 2023, significant progress has been made worldwide.