Current Affairs january-26th-2024


National News

Vice-President Launches ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Campaign For India’s 75th Republic Year

Usthadian Academy / Vice-President Launches ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Campaign For India’s 75th Republic Year

  • In a momentous event held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar initiated the nationwide campaign ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ to commemorate India’s 75th year as a Republic.
  • This campaign aims to strengthen the commitment to constitutional principles, instilling pride and responsibility among citizens.
  • The focus of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ initiative is to empower marginalized communities legally, ensuring their access to justice.
  • The event also marked the unveiling of the achievement booklet of the Access to Justice Scheme, titled ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice’ (DISHA).

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Kaushal Bhawan: Paving The Path For Skill Empowerment

Usthadian Academy / President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Kaushal Bhawan: Paving The Path For Skill Empowerment

  • In a historic move, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan, symbolizing India’s steadfast commitment to empowering its youth through skill development.
  • Administered under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Kaushal Bhawan aims to catalyze the realization of aspirations and nurture the nation’s young talent, steering India towards a more skilled future.
  • With state-of-the-art infrastructure, Kaushal Bhawan provides an ideal environment for ideation, collaboration, and execution of groundbreaking skill development initiatives.
  • The building’s design showcases environmental responsibility by preserving two towering trees, setting an example for sustainable development.

International News

Saudi Arabia To Open First Alcohol Store For Diplomats

Usthadian Academy / Saudi Arabia To Open First Alcohol Store For Diplomats

  • Saudi Arabia is poised to open its first alcohol store, exclusively for diplomats, signifying a significant shift in the Kingdom’s approach to alcohol.
  • Traditionally, Saudi Arabia strictly prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol, in line with its interpretation of Islamic law.
  • This move is seen as a step towards accommodating the lifestyles of foreign diplomats in the Kingdom, fostering a more hospitable environment for international relations.

Cabinet Approval For India-Oman IT Cooperation MoU

Usthadian Academy / Cabinet Approval For India-Oman IT Cooperation MoU

  • The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, granted approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Oman in the field of Information Technology (IT).
  • Inking the MoU on December 15, 2023, between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, the collaboration aims for mutual support, technology sharing, information exchange, and investments in IT.
  • The MoU, effective from the signing date and lasting three years, is expected to enhance cooperation, leading to increased employment opportunities in the IT sector.

State News

Visakhapatnam Hosts 14th All India Police Commando Contest

Usthadian Academy / Visakhapatnam Hosts 14th All India Police Commando Contest

  • Visakhapatnam played host to the 14th edition of the Annual All India Police Commando Competition (AIPCC) starting on January 22, 2024, at the Greyhounds Training Centre in Kapuluppada.
  • Elite commando forces from 16 states participated in this week-long competition, inaugurated by Commissioner A. Ravi Shankar, highlighting its significance in fostering inter-state cooperation.
  • Notable participants included 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.

Andhra Pradesh Initiates Caste Census, Second Only To Bihar

Usthadian Academy / Andhra Pradesh Initiates Caste Census, Second Only To Bihar

  • In a pioneering move, the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh has launched a comprehensive caste census, making it the second state in the country, following Bihar, to undertake such an extensive caste enumeration.
  • The state government utilizes a specially designed phone app to efficiently collect data, aiming to complete the census within the next 20 days to one month.
  • This dedicated app presents over 700 caste options for public selection, including a notable 'No caste' option, highlighting the government's commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive data representation.

World’s First ‘Black Tiger Safari’: Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik Announces

Usthadian Academy / World’s First ‘Black Tiger Safari’: Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik Announces

  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced plans for the world's first 'black tiger safari' near the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj, setting a groundbreaking precedent.
  • The visionary project intends to showcase melanistic tigers, popularly known as black tigers, recently discovered at the Similipal National Park.
  • The proposed safari, spanning 200 hectares near Baripada, strategically located adjacent to National Highway 18, includes a 100-hectare display zone and essential infrastructure for veterinary care, rescue operations, staff amenities, and visitor services.

Defence News

India, France, UAE Conduct Joint Air Exercise Over Arabian Sea

Usthadian Academy / India, France, UAE Conduct Joint Air Exercise Over Arabian Sea

  • India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collaborated in a significant joint air exercise named 'Desert Knight' over the Arabian Sea, responding to global concerns over Houthi militants targeting commercial vessels.
  • Held on January 23, 2024, the exercise aimed to enhance synergy and interoperability among the participating countries' air forces.
  • Featuring advanced aerial assets, combat jets, and participation from the Indian Air Force with Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighter jets, 'Desert Knight' sought to foster a shared understanding of operational tactics and coordination in complex air scenarios.

Indian Navy To Establish Second VLF Communication Station In Telangana

Usthadian Academy / Indian Navy To Establish Second VLF Communication Station In Telangana

  • The Indian Navy strategically selected Telangana for its second Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication transmission station.
  • The Damagudem forest area near Puduru in the Vikarabad mandal was chosen for the VLF center, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining effective communication with ships and submarines.
  • This decision follows the identification of Telangana by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam as a suitable area for establishing a second radar station, showcasing the Navy's strategic planning.

Economy News

Direct Tax-To-GDP Ratio Hits 23-Year High In FY23: CBDT Report

Usthadian Academy / Direct Tax-To-GDP Ratio Hits 23-Year High In FY23: CBDT Report

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported a significant milestone as the direct tax-to-GDP ratio for the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23) reached a 23-year high, standing at 6.11%.
  • Direct tax collections experienced robust year-on-year growth of 17.8%, totaling Rs 16.6 trillion in FY23. Corporate tax collections witnessed a 16% increase, reaching Rs 8.26 trillion, while income tax collections reflected a substantial 19.6% year-on-year growth, standing at Rs 8.33 trillion.
  • The increased number of income tax returns filed in FY23, totaling 77.82 million, compared to 73.05 million in FY22, indicates a positive trend in tax compliance.

Important Days News

National Voters’ Day 2024

Usthadian Academy / National Voters’ Day 2024

  • Celebrated annually on January 25, National Voters’ Day in India marks the 14th edition in 2024. Initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 2011, this day holds special significance in the vibrant democracy of India.
  • Aligned with the founding anniversary of the ECI in 1950, National Voters’ Day aims to encourage citizens' participation in the electoral process, symbolizing a renewed commitment to democratic engagement.

National Tourism Day 2024 

Usthadian Academy / National Tourism Day 2024

  • National Tourism Day, observed on January 25th each year, is a vital event showcasing the importance of tourism for India’s economy and cultural heritage.
  • The theme for 2024 is ‘Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories,’ emphasizing responsible travel.
  • The day fosters awareness about tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic values through seminars, cultural events, and programs organized by the central government.

Ranks & Reports News

Bhopal Ranks 5th In Swachh Survekshan 2023 Cleanliness

Usthadian Academy / Bhopal Ranks 5th In Swachh Survekshan 2023 Cleanliness

  • Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, has achieved the impressive rank of the 5th cleanest city in India, surpassing those with a population exceeding 1 lakh, according to the Swachh Survekshan 2023 Cleanliness report.
  • The Bhopal Municipal Corporation's dedicated efforts not only elevated its position from 6th in 2022 but also secured a coveted 5-star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating, establishing it as the cleanest state capital in the nation.
  • Bhopal’s success is attributed to best practices in waste disposal, waste-to-wealth projects, recycling initiatives, and the mantra of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs).

Appointments News

Justice Prasanna B Varale Appointed Supreme Court Judge

Usthadian Academy / Justice Prasanna B Varale Appointed Supreme Court Judge

  • Justice Prasanna B Varale, currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been appointed as a Supreme Court Judge.
  • Notably, Justice Varale becomes the third sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court and holds the distinction of being the senior-most High Court Judge from a Scheduled Caste.
  • Additionally, he is the sole Chief Justice from a Scheduled Caste among Chief Justices of High Courts across the country.

Agreements News

MoD Signs Rs 1,070 Cr Deal With Mazagon Dock For 14 FPVs

Usthadian Academy / MoD Signs Rs 1,070 Cr Deal With Mazagon Dock For 14 FPVs

  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently signed a Rs 1,070 crore deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, for the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • This agreement, aligned with the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' acquisition category, emphasizes indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured FPVs.
  • The vessels, equipped with advanced features, multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, lifebuoy, and artificial intelligence capabilities, are expected to be delivered within 63 months.
  • The contract reinforces India's commitment to being a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean, ensuring a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

Awards News

Ravi Shastri, Farokh Engineer Receive Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Awards

Usthadian Academy / Ravi Shastri, Farokh Engineer Receive Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Awards

  • Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri expressed gratitude for receiving the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony organized by the BCCI on January 21, 2024.
  • This prestigious award was also bestowed upon cricketing stalwart Farokh Engineer.
  • Recognizing excellence in recent cricket achievements, Jasprit Bumrah received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer – Men, while Shubman Gill was honored with 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 acknowledged Mohammed Shami for his excellence in international cricket.

Sports News

Sreeja Akula Secures First Global Table Tennis Title At WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024

Usthadian Academy / Sreeja Akula Secures First Global Table Tennis Title At WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024

  • Indian table tennis player Sreeja Akula secured her first global title at the WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 in Texas, USA.
  • Facing world No. 46 Lily Zhang in the final, a three-time Olympian from the USA, Sreeja dominated with a 3-0 victory (11-6, 18-16, 11-5), claiming the top spot on the podium in just over 30 minutes.
  • This achievement marks a significant milestone in Sreeja Akula's career and showcases her command over the game.

ICC Awards 2023

Usthadian Academy / ICC Awards 2023

  • The ICC Awards 2023, organized by the International Cricket Council, celebrated outstanding international cricket players.
  • Bas de Leede was named ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year 2023 for his remarkable all-round performance, while Queentor Abel received the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year for 2023.
  • Abel's exceptional achievements include picking 30 T20I wickets at an average of 7.36 and scoring 476 T20I runs at 34.

Science & Technology News

CoRover.Ai Introduces BharatGPT, India’s First Large Language Model

Usthadian Academy / CoRover.Ai Introduces BharatGPT, India’s First Large Language Model

  • ai, a prominent player in the Conversational AI space, has introduced BharatGPT, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM).
  • This revolutionary development aims to transform AI conversations across 22 Indian languages, addressing the linguistic diversity challenges prevalent in the country.
  • Positioned as an Indigenous Generative AI platform, BharatGPT seamlessly integrates with both voice and text modalities, supporting voice modality in over 12 Indian languages and text modality in 22 languages.

Obituaries News

Norman Jewison, Director Of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’, Passes Away Aged 97

Usthadian Academy / Norman Jewison, Director Of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’, Passes Away Aged 97

  • Norman Jewison, the acclaimed Canadian director known for his work on the classic film 'In the Heat of the Night,' passed away at the age of 97.
  • Jewison's diverse filmography includes genres from comedies like 'The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming' to impactful dramas such as 'A Soldier’s Story.'
  • 'In the Heat of the Night,' a film addressing racism and prejudice in the American South, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, solidifying Jewison's status as a director of great substance and vision in the history of American cinema.