National News

Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu:

• In a momentous event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, infusing the atmosphere with great enthusiasm.
• Alongside the commencement of the highly anticipated sporting event, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for significant projects in the Broadcasting sector, valued at around Rs 250 crores.
• The inaugural ceremony's highlight was the lighting of the Games' torch, symbolizing the official start of the Khelo India Youth Games.
• The torch, passed by two athletes, found its place on the cauldron, marking the initiation of an exhilarating sporting extravaganza.

PM Initiates 8 AMRUT Projects in Solapur, Maharashtra:

• Continuing the momentum, the Prime Minister made history in Solapur, Maharashtra, by initiating 8 projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), worth Rs. 2,000 crores.
• Simultaneously, he dedicated over 90,000 completed houses under PMAY-Urban, showcasing the government's commitment to inclusive development.
• The event included the distribution of PM-SVANIDHI benefits to 10,000 beneficiaries, emphasizing inclusive growth.
• Notably, the inauguration of 15,000 houses in the Raynagar Housing Society, Solapur, holds significance for various sectors, benefiting handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, Bidi workers, drivers, and others.

International News

UNDP and EU Allocations to Papua New Guinea:

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) have allocated grants exceeding $420,000 to Papua New Guinea.
• These grants aim to combat deforestation, enhance food and nutrition security, and address the impacts of climate change.
• The official handover took place at the Takeanda Museum in Wabag, Enga Province, providing crucial guidance to participants on monitoring and reporting outcomes. The initiative is set to benefit communities across six districts in Enga Province.

Solar Power Stations at Egyptian World Heritage Sites:

• The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in collaboration with the UNDP and the Industrial Modernization Center in Egypt, inaugurated solar power stations at five renowned Egyptian world heritage sites.
• This initiative, part of the Egypt PV project, is funded by the Global Environment Facility and the European Union.
• It aims to foster the market for rooftop small-scale photovoltaic systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

State News

‘My School-My Pride’ Campaign in Himachal Pradesh:

• Himachal Pradesh embraces progressive education reform with the launch of the 'My School-My Pride' campaign under the 'Apna Vidyalay'
• Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, this initiative promises to revolutionize the quality of education in government schools, fostering a holistic approach to student growth and development.
• Stakeholders are encouraged not only to contribute their time and expertise but also make monetary contributions for infrastructure development, sponsor events, provide scholarships, and support the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Gole Mela Festival at Jagannath Temple, Udhampur:

• In a splendid display of cultural fervor, the Gole Mela Festival commenced at the Jagannath Temple in Udhampur, creating a vibrant spectacle in the heart of the town.
• This annual celebration, known for its collective expression of faith, attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them in joyous festivities.
• The sacred precincts of the temple transformed into a lively fairground, featuring stalls offering a range of experiences, from traditional handicrafts showcasing local artistry to delectable delicacies that tantalized taste buds, adding a festive charm to the surroundings.

Defence News

Defence Minister Unveils 35 BRO Projects in Border Regions:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled 35 crucial projects, including 29 bridges and six roads, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across seven states and union territories.
• With a total cost of ₹670 crore, these projects stand as a testament to the dedication of the BRO, overcoming challenging weather conditions and inhospitable terrains.
• The inauguration covered projects in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh.
• Singh emphasized that, while soldiers protect the country in uniform, residents of border areas contribute uniquely to the nation's defense.

Economy News

SEBI Chairperson Launches CDSL’s Multi-Lingual Initiatives:

• Celebrating its silver jubilee, Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) introduced multi-lingual initiatives for investor ease.
• In a significant move towards inclusivity and accessibility in the capital market, CDSL revamped the investor Consolidated Account Statement (CAS), allowing investors to receive statements in their preferred language among 23 diverse Indian languages.
• Titled 'Apka CAS – Apki Zubaani,' this initiative aims to offer investors a consolidated view of their securities in a language of their choice.
• The introduction of a multi-lingual chatbot, 'CDSL Buddy Sahayta 24*7,' further simplifies investors' journeys, providing round-the-clock assistance in multiple languages.

Banking News

LIC Introduces Jeevan Dhara II Deferred Annuity Plan:

• LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty unveiled the Jeevan Dhara II Deferred Annuity Plan, offering a non-participating, individual savings, deferred annuity option.
• This plan provides life cover during the deferment period, ensuring enhanced financial security for policyholders.
• With 11 annuity options and a guaranteed annuity from inception, individuals can tailor the plan to align with their financial goals and preferences.
• The flexibility of entry age, starting from 20 years, makes this plan accessible to a broad range of individuals, promoting financial planning and security.

Business News

PM Modi Inaugurates Boeing’s Global Engineering & Technology Centre Campus:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Boeing's Global Engineering and Technology Centre Campus near Bengaluru on January 19.
• The Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) campus, situated at Hightech Defence and Aerospace Park in Devanahalli, represents a substantial investment of Rs 1,600 crore, positioning it as Boeing's largest such venture outside the United States.
• Envisioned as a crucial hub for collaborations with startups, the private sector, and government entities in India, the campus spans 43 acres and is poised to play a pivotal role in developing next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defence industry.

Maharashtra Secures Investments of Rs 3.53 Trillion at Davos:

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled a significant milestone during his participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
• Announcing the signing of 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the state successfully secured investments totaling Rs 3.53 lakh crore (USD 44 billion).
• These investments span diverse sectors such as electronics, IT, data centers, gems and jewelry, agriculture, automobile, and renewable energy.
• The potential investment, including an expression of interest for Rs 1 lakh crore, now stands at Rs 4.5 lakh crore (almost USD 57 billion), promising the creation of approximately two lakh jobs and a substantial contribution to employment across various industries.

Summits & Conferences News

India Launches “Alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality” at World Economic Forum:

• India has taken a momentous step towards global gender equity and equality by launching the "Alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality" at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
• This initiative, supported by influential entities such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Invest India, is rooted in the G20 Leaders' Declaration.
• Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to women-led development, the alliance aims to foster inclusive and equal opportunities for all.
  
  

Awards News

Bengaluru, Delhi Airports Get Best Airport Award at Wings India:

• The Wings India Awards 2024 recognized excellence in the aviation industry, jointly awarding the 'Best Airport of the Year' to both the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
• This prestigious accolade applauds their significant contributions, particularly during challenging times.
• Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport also received the '25 MPPA Traffic Award' for handling over 25 million passengers annually, showcasing its exceptional performance in airport operations.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024:

• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024, set to be presented at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on January 22, celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of 19 children from across the country.
• President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to engage with the recipients on January 23.
• Additionally, these remarkable children will be featured in the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2024, showcasing their talents on a national stage.

Skyways Air Services Wins Best Cargo Services Award at Wings India Awards:

• Skyways Air Services Pvt Ltd earned the 'Best Cargo Services Award' at the Wings India Awards in Hyderabad, recognizing its outstanding efficiency and innovation in cargo handling.
• This accolade underscores the company's significant contribution to the aviation industry.
• The Wings India Awards, a pivotal event in the aviation sector held at the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, unveiled major announcements and developments in civil aviation.

Appointments News

PepsiCo India Appoints Marketing Chief Jagrut Kotecha as New CEO:

• PepsiCo India has announced a strategic leadership realignment, appointing Jagrut Kotecha as its new CEO, succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh, who transitions to the role of CEO for PepsiCo's Middle East Business Unit.
• Currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), Kotecha is slated to take charge of PepsiCo India’s operations in March 2024.
• With a career spanning over three decades at PepsiCo, Kotecha has played a vital role in the company's growth, showcasing his expertise from Sales and Marketing to various managerial positions.

Agreements News

National Farmers Society, IndiaAI, Wadhwani Foundation Signs MoU for AI-Driven Agriculture:

• In a groundbreaking move for India's agriculture sector, the National Farmers' Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI (Digital India Corporation), and Wadhwani Foundation have recently signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• This strategic collaboration is geared towards driving India to the forefront of AI-driven digital agriculture.
• The Wadhwani Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating economic development, will play a pivotal role in providing crucial support for the development and execution of robust AI strategies in the agricultural domain.

Sports News

Tata Group Secures IPL Title Sponsorship for Next 5 Years:

• Tata Sons Private Limited has secured the title sponsorship of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next five years, from 2024 to 2028.
• This move comes after Tata Group successfully exercised its Right to Match card, retaining the prestigious sponsorship. The decision follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Title Sponsor Rights in late December 2023.
• Having initially replaced Vivo as the IPL title sponsor for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Tata Group's continued association ensures an extended and prominent presence in the world’s most lucrative cricket league.

Books & Authors News

“Conversations With Aurangzeb”: A Novel by Charu Nivedita:

• Renowned Tamil literary icon Charu Nivedita presents "Conversations with Aurangzeb," a novel translated into English by Nandini Krishnan.
• This literary masterpiece offers a unique blend of historical narrative and satirical commentary, providing readers with a fresh perspective on both historical and contemporary themes.
• The novel unfolds with a writer's attempt to conduct seances with the spirit of Shah Jahan, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Miscellaneous News

Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha: World’s Largest Lock, 1265 Kg Laddoo Prasad Arrive in Ayodhya:

• As the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya prepares for its Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, it has received extraordinary offerings – the world’s largest lock weighing 400 kg and a colossal 1,265 kg laddoo Prasad.
• Crafted by a 65-year-old locksmith from Aligarh, the lock showcases remarkable artistry. The massive laddoo Prasad, prepared by Sri Ram Catering Services in Hyderabad, involved 25 individuals working tirelessly for three days and symbolizes devotion, with its transportation to Ayodhya ensuring preservation for up to a month in a refrigerated glass box.