National News

1.PM Modi Unveils Ram Mandir Stamps: A Historic Moment In Indian Culture

• In a momentous cultural event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a collection of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to Ayodhya's Ram Temple.
• This collection, comprising six distinct stamps, features key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative, including the Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj, and Ma Shabri.
• The stamp designs incorporate essential elements related to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, showcasing the temple, the revered Choupai ‘Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari,’ the sun, the Saryu River, and sculptures in and around the temple.
• Each stamp is adorned with gold leaf detailing for the sun rays and the Choupai, adding a majestic touch.

2.NHAI’s ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative To Streamline Toll Collection

• To enhance transparency and accountability in toll collection, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag'
• This initiative aims to discourage the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a specific vehicle.
• NHAI is actively promoting the completion of the 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) process for the latest FASTag.
• FASTags with valid balances but incomplete KYC details will face deactivation or blacklisting by banks after January 31, 2024.

3.Ayodhya’s Lata Mangeshkar Chowk Illuminates Ahead Of Ram Temple Inauguration

• As Ayodhya prepares for the inauguration of the Ram temple, the city undergoes a significant transformation.
• One notable highlight is the illuminated Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, attracting attention both nationally and internationally.
• Named after the legendary Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, the Chowk has become a popular selfie hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
• This 14-tonne bronze sculpture, crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, stands as a symbol of Lata Mangeshkar’s musical legacy.

4.Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia Inaugurates Asia’s Largest Aviation Expo Wings India 2024

• Asia's largest aviation expo, Wings India 2024, was inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.
• The expo's theme, "Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047," aligns with the goal of supporting a USD 20 trillion economy by 2047 through a robust aviation system.
• The event served as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and forge partnerships.

5.Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Puri Jagannath Temple’s Heritage Corridor

• The Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa (SMPP) introduces a 75-meter-wide heritage corridor around the Puri Jagannath Temple.
• Meticulously divided into nine distinct zones, each serving a specific purpose, the corridor aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors and preserve the cultural heritage surrounding the temple.
• The first zone, a 7-meter green buffer adjacent to the Meghanada Pacheri, acts as a protective barrier, preserving the sanctity of the temple premises.

Banking News

6.DLabs At ISB Launches `Build For Billions’ Jointly With RBI Innovation Hub, UBI

• DLabs at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has initiated 'Build for Billions,' a startup accelerator program focused on financial inclusion for the informal economy.
• Launched in partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and Union Bank of India, the program aims to foster financial inclusion within the informal economy.
• It addresses livelihood issues for gig workers, migrant workers, domestic workers, street vendors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and construction laborers who represent the informal economy.

7.EPFO Removes Aadhaar As Valid Date Of Birth Proof

• In a recent circular, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) announced the removal of Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents for proof of date of birth (DoB) for correction and updation purposes.
• This decision, effective from January 16, 2024, aligns with a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which does not recognize Aadhaar as proof of date of birth.
• The UIDAI emphasizes that Aadhaar is primarily an identity verification tool and not a proof of birth, supported by a memorandum from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and a judgment by the Bombay High Court.

Business News

8. Khadi Sanatan Vastra Launch by KVIC in CP, New Delhi:

• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) recently introduced ‘Sanatan Khadi Vastra,’ a novel clothing range at its flagship store in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
• This launch is part of a broader initiative to position Khadi as a symbol of national pride and sustainable fashion.
• The design for ‘Sanatan Vastra’ was crafted at the Khadi Center of Excellence (COEK) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
• Notably, the manufacturing process of Khadi adheres to traditional Indian methods, omitting mechanical or chemical processes, making Sanatan textiles truly unique.

9. Foxconn and HCL Group’s Collaboration for Chip Packaging Unit in India:

• In a strategic move, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, known for its long-time partnership with Apple Inc., is diversifying from China by collaborating with HCL Group to establish a chip packaging and testing facility in India.
• Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development, a subsidiary, will invest $37.2 million for a 40% stake, with the remaining held by HCL.
• This partnership aims to set up an outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) facility in India, contributing to the growth of the country's semiconductor industry.

10. L&T Secures Mega Order for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Electrification Project:

• L&T Construction’s railways strategic business group has secured a substantial contract valued between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 crore for a pivotal segment of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
• This 'mega' order, received from a Japanese agency overseeing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project (MAHSR), involves the construction of 508 route km of high-speed electrification works.
• L&T will be responsible for the design, supply, manufacturing, construction, testing, and commissioning of a 2×25 kV power supply electrification system, including high-speed overhead equipment, traction substations, and MV/LV power distribution equipment works.

11. TCS: Second Most Valuable IT Brand Globally:

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has achieved a significant milestone, securing the second position in the 2024 Global 500 IT Services Ranking by Brand Finance.
• This accomplishment reflects TCS’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, positioning it as a leader in the technology industry.
• TCS’s brand value surged to $19.2 billion in 2024, marking an 11.5% year-over-year growth, the highest absolute value growth among the top 25 leading IT firms globally.

Schemes News

12. PM Unveils Rs. 4,000 Crore Projects in Kochi, Kerala:

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three crucial infrastructure projects in Kochi, Kerala, with a collective worth exceeding Rs 4,000 crore.
• Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, these projects aim to enhance the nation’s maritime capabilities and foster self-sufficiency.
• The inauguration included the unveiling of the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited, a national pride and an engineering marvel, accommodating large vessels such as aircraft carriers.

13. Chhattisgarh Launches Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024:

• Inspired by the successful 'Aarthik Sarkari Ladli Bahna Yojana' in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh has launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024.
• Under this initiative, the government aims to provide economic assistance of one thousand rupees to women every month, totaling an annual financial aid of 12,000 rupees.
• The scheme emphasizes fostering self-reliance and skill development, enabling women to manage expenses and initiate small-scale enterprises.

Awards News

14. REC Limited Wins ICAI Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting FY 2022-23:

• REC Limited, a prominent Maharatna Public Sector Unit and leading NBFC, has been honored with the prestigious 'Plaque' at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
• Recognized in the 'Financial Services Sector (Other than Banking and Insurance)' category for the financial year 2022-23, this achievement underscores REC Ltd's excellence in preparing and presenting financial and non-financial information in annual reports.
• Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s Research Committee, these awards aim to recognize and promote excellence across diverse sectors.

Sports News

15. Rohit Sharma Makes History with T20 Centuries:

• Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in history by becoming the first batsman to score five centuries in T20 Internationals (T20Is).
• This historic achievement occurred during the third T20I match against Afghanistan in Bengaluru on January 17, 2024.
• Rohit Sharma's outstanding innings of an unbeaten 121 runs off 69 balls, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, showcased his exceptional batting skills.
• The partnership between Rohit and Rinku Singh, accumulating 190 runs for the fifth wicket, set a record for the highest T20I partnership for India.

16. Asian Shooting Championship 2024, Jakarta: Indian Shooters Shine:

• In the Asia Olympic Qualifiers, Yogesh Singh secured not only the individual gold medal in the men’s 25m centre fire pistol competition but also led the Indian trio to clinch the team gold.
• Yogesh Singh's exceptional marksmanship earned him the individual gold medal with a score of 573.
• In the shotgun qualifiers held in Kuwait City, Lakshay demonstrated his prowess by securing the bronze medal, showcasing commendable skills in the six-man final with a score of 33.

17. Sue Redfern: Breaking Ground in Cricket Umpiring:

• In a groundbreaking development for women’s cricket, Sue Redfern from England is set to become the first ICC-appointed female neutral umpire to officiate in a bilateral series.
• Redfern’s appointment is part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) initiative to have one neutral umpire for all ICC Women’s Championship series and associated T20I matches.
• This move aims to ensure neutrality in match officiating and contribute to the long-term development of female umpires in the sport.
• Seven female neutral umpires, including Sue Redfern, will officiate across ICC Women’s Championship series.

Science & Technology News

18. ISRO's Advanced Distress Alert Transmitter for Fishermen:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled the second-generation ‘Distress Alert Transmitter’ (DAT-SG), a significant advancement in satellite communication and navigation for fishermen.
• Operational since 2010, the DAT-SG serves as a crucial tool for fishermen at sea, enabling them to send emergency messages and receive real-time acknowledgments.
• The upgraded DAT-SG incorporates advanced satellite communication and navigation features, leveraging the latest technological developments.
• This technology allows fishermen to send distress signals from their boats, establishing a real-time connection with the Indian Mission Control Centre (INMCC).

19. Disease X and WEF 2024: Unraveling Unknown Health Threats:

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024, which commenced on January 15 in Davos, Switzerland, is addressing a peculiar concern known as Disease X.
• Coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017, Disease X represents an illness triggered by an unidentified yet potent microbial threat.
• A panel of the WHO is collaborating with health officials to deliberate on this mysterious health menace.
• Disease X, alongside pathogens like Ebola and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), holds a top priority for research, exemplified by the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

20. IIT Madras and Altair's eMobility Simulation Lab:

• The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has collaborated with Altair, a global technology leader, to launch the eMobility Simulation Lab within the Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras.
• This state-of-the-art lab, supported by Altair’s financial backing, is set to become a hub for advanced research and training in the field of eMobility.
• Equipped with cutting-edge products and tools, including Altair’s modeling and simulation technologies, the lab will support academic endeavors across various eMobility domains such as Batteries, Charging, Power Electronics, Motors and Controllers, and Vehicle Engineering.

21. Betavolt's Groundbreaking Nuclear Battery in China:

• China’s Betavolt, a pioneering startup, has unveiled a groundbreaking nuclear battery claiming to provide uninterrupted electricity for 50 years without charging or maintenance.
• The coin-sized battery, measuring 15 x 15 x 5 millimeters, presently produces 100 microwatts of power at 3 volts, with plans to achieve 1 watt output by 2025.
• The battery integrates 63 isotopes into a coin-sized module, showcasing unprecedented technological advancement.
• Operating on the decay of isotopes, the battery efficiently transforms the generated energy into electrical power.

Miscellaneous News

22. Rare Tibetan Brown Bear Sighting in India:

• In a remarkable development for India’s wildlife conservation, the first-ever confirmed sighting of the rare Tibetan Brown Bear was recorded in the high altitudes of North Sikkim.
• This discovery, made by the joint efforts of the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India, adds significantly to the country’s mammal diversity and highlights the ecological richness of the region.
• The Tibetan Brown Bear, also known as the Tibetan Blue Bear, is an omnivore with a diet generally consisting of marmots and alpine vegetation.
• It is distinct from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of appearance, habitat, and behavior.