National News

Tableau on Theme ‘India: Mother Of Democracy’ Secures Top Honor at Republic Day Parade 2024

• The Republic Day Parade of 2024 witnessed an awe-inspiring tableau that encapsulated the spirit of India as the ‘Mother of Democracy.’
• This captivating representation not only mesmerized the audience but also secured the prestigious first spot in the parade, symbolizing India’s profound democratic heritage.
• The winning tableau, centered on the theme ‘India: Mother of Democracy,’ beautifully showcased the nation's enduring commitment to democratic values and practices.
• It artfully highlighted India’s historical journey as a cradle of democratic principles, portraying the diverse and inclusive nature of its political system.

THDC India Limited Unveils India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Pilot Project on 75th Republic Day

• On the momentous occasion of the 75th Republic Day, THDC India Limited (THDCIL), a prominent player in the Power Sector PSU, proudly inaugurated India’s Largest Electrolyser End Fuel Cell-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at its office complex in Rishikesh.
• Aligned with the “National Green Hydrogen Mission,” this initiative underscores THDCIL’s unwavering commitment to sustainable energy practices.
• The pilot project, powered by a 1MW Rooftop Solar Plant, is set to produce an impressive 50KG of Green Hydrogen daily. This hydrogen will be efficiently stored in two tanks and utilized during night hours to illuminate the THDCIL office complex through a 70 Kw PEM Fuel Cell.
• Marking a significant milestone as India’s Largest Electrolyser End Fuel Cell based Pilot Project, THDCIL’s accomplishment showcases pivotal technologies in Green Hydrogen Production, H2 storage, and features a PEM Hydrogen fuel cell-based microgrid system.

International News

Controversial Fourth Term for Comoros President Azali Assoumani Amid Opposition Dispute

• In a contested electoral process, Comoros President Azali Assoumani has declared victory for a fourth term, securing 63% of the vote, as announced by the electoral body Ceni.
• The opposition has raised concerns about ballot stuffing and premature closure of polls in favor of Assoumani. International observers, however, maintain the overall fairness of the election despite reported irregularities.
• Azali Assoumani, a former military officer who initially seized power in 1999, clinched his fourth term after a contentious 2018 referendum abolished term limits.
• Accusations of imprisoning and exiling opponents have marred his rule, with critics expressing apprehensions about democratic principles.

Bhutan’s Tshering Tobgay Commences Second Term as Prime Minister After Fourth Free Election

• Bhutan’s liberal leader, Tshering Tobgay, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has embarked on his second term as prime minister following recent elections in the nation.
• Bhutan, with a population of less than 800,000, has embraced democracy for 15 years and is renowned for its unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, measuring factors like recreation and emotional well-being.
• Tobgay, aged 58, now serving his second non-consecutive term, previously held the position of prime minister from 2013 to 2018 and led the opposition in the first free vote in 2008.
• As a former bureaucrat and advocate for Bhutan’s Buddhist culture, he faces the challenge of revitalizing the $3 billion economy post-COVID-19 and addressing youth migration abroad.

State News

Odisha Hosts Fourth National Chilika Birds Festival

• The Fourth National Chilika Birds Festival, a prominent event in Odisha’s calendar, commenced with grandeur on January 26.
• Inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, this festival unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Chilika Lake, bringing together birders and enthusiasts from across India to celebrate the avian diversity of the state.
• Participants embarked on birding excursions to Mangalajodi and Nalabana, sanctuaries nestled within Chilika’s pristine environs.
• Mangalajodi, often dubbed the “Birds Paradise of Asia,” provided a captivating glimpse into the diverse avian species that call this region home.

Odisha's Innovative 'LABHA' Scheme for Tribal Empowerment

• In a noteworthy stride towards uplifting approximately one crore tribals in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's state government has given the green light to the 'LABHA'
• Standing for Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya, LABHA is a 100% state-funded Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for Minor Forest Produce (MFP).
• Annually, the state government will determine the Minimum Support Price for these minor forest produces.
• Tribal primary collectors will then sell these products at MSP through procurement centers managed by TDCCOL (Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited).

India's Nomination of 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25

• India has officially nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle.
• Encompassing twelve components such as Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, and others, these structures dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries are spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• They showcase the strategic military prowess of Maratha rule, contributing significantly to India's rich historical and cultural tapestry.

Defence News

Indian Army Adopts Comprehensive New Fitness Policy

• In response to concerns regarding declining physical standards and the prevalence of lifestyle diseases within the Indian Army, a comprehensive fitness policy has been implemented.
• This new policy addresses physical health concerns, particularly focusing on overweight individuals. It mandates swift action if no improvement is observed within 30 days.
• Additionally, the policy introduces the Army Physical Fitness Assessment card (APAC), a standardized tool to monitor and maintain physical fitness levels.
• The primary objective is to enhance the overall physical health of the Indian Army, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards during various courses, foreign postings, and in combating lifestyle diseases.

Economy News

Insights into Union Budget 2024

• As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her sixth budget on February 1, 2024, marking the 15th interim budget, noteworthy points emerge.
• With Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, this interim budget aims to meet expenditures until the new government takes charge.
• Anticipating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.57 percent in the infrastructure sector from 2024 to 2029, the budget focuses on continued development.
• In the fiscal year 2023-24, the government allocated INR 1.75 trillion for fertilizer subsidies, with a significant portion expended within the initial five months.

Banking News

BOB Financial Solutions Limited Rebranded as 'BOBCARD Limited'

• In a strategic move, Bank of Baroda's wholly-owned subsidiary for cards, 'BOB Financial Solutions Limited,' has undergone a rebranding, emerging as 'BOBCARD Limited.'
• Accompanied by the tagline "Credit Reimagined," the transformation introduces a distinctive logo named 'Baroda Sun.'
• This rebranding signifies a renewed commitment to reshape India's credit landscape by offering innovative and customer-centric credit solutions.
• The move positions 'BOBCARD Limited' as a dynamic player in the evolving credit sector, emphasizing adaptability and forward-thinking approaches.

Business News

Toyota Maintains Global Lead in Automobile Sales for 2023

• In a triumph for innovation and customer satisfaction, Toyota, the esteemed Japanese automaker, has retained its position as the world's top-selling automaker in 2023.
• This accomplishment highlights Toyota's unwavering dominance in the global automotive market, propelled by its commitment to quality and cutting-edge technology.
• A pivotal factor in Toyota's success is its groundbreaking work in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, exemplified by the Prius and its expanding lineup of hybrid models, showcasing the company's dedication to sustainable transportation solutions.

GAIL Secures 10-Year LNG Deal With UAE, A Boon for India's Gas Demand

• India's leading gas company, GAIL, has taken a significant leap forward in fortifying its liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio through a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) ADNOC Gas.
• Under this decade-long deal, GAIL is poised to acquire 0.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from 2026 onwards, playing a crucial role in meeting India's escalating demand for natural gas.
• This collaboration underscores GAIL's commitment to diversifying its LNG portfolio and ensuring a stable supply of natural gas, addressing the nation's energy needs.

Important Days News

Martyrs Day 2024: A Dual Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and India's Bravehearts

• India observes Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, on January 30th each year, a day with dual significance commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and honoring all who sacrificed for India's freedom.
• Across the nation, prayer meetings and homage ceremonies pay respects at memorials of Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
• Government officials, political leaders, and citizens actively participate, marking a solemn occasion of remembrance and gratitude.

World Leprosy Day 2024: Combatting Stigma and Raising Awareness

• World Leprosy Day, observed annually on the last Sunday of January, is a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease.
• Established in 1954, this day, chosen as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, focuses on the theme “Beat Leprosy” in 2024.
• The emphasis is on dispelling stigma, promoting awareness about the disease's curability, and advocating for available treatment options.
• It is a global campaign to educate and eradicate misconceptions surrounding leprosy.

Ranks & Reports News

Bhupender Yadav Releases India’s First Snow Leopard Status Report

• Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, unveiled a groundbreaking report on the status of Snow leopards in India.
• This report, a part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, signifies the first-ever scientific endeavor to assess the population of this elusive species in the country.
• The SPAI program, a collaborative effort led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), reveals the presence of 718 Snow leopards in India.
• This comprehensive study received support from snow leopard range states, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, and WWF-India, marking a significant stride in wildlife conservation and research.

Agreements News

Qatar's 15-Year Gas Supply Deal With Bangladesh Enhances Energy Partnership

• QatarEnergy and Excelerate Energy have successfully concluded a significant 15-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) aimed at supplying LNG to Bangladesh.
• Excelerate is set to secure up to one million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG from QatarEnergy, with deliveries starting from January 2026.
• These LNG supplies will be directed to floating storage and regasification units in Bangladesh, reinforcing Qatar's commitment to meeting the energy needs of Bangladesh through a strategic, long-term partnership.

Appointments News

Sharat Chauhan Takes the Helm as Puducherry's Chief Secretary

• In a recent development, Sharat Chauhan, a seasoned 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry.
• His extensive administrative background, coupled with prior service in Arunachal Pradesh, positions him well to bring fresh perspectives and efficient governance to Puducherry.
• Chauhan's insights gained from managing diverse administrative challenges in Arunachal Pradesh make him a valuable asset for effective leadership in the union territory.

Books & Authors News

Himanta Biswa Sarma Unveils 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971)’ Volume 1

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has released the first volume of 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971),' a monumental work by Rajen Saikia.
• This comprehensive documentation of Assam's political journey emphasizes the importance of factual evidence in rewriting history.
• Envisioned to be completed in three volumes by 2025, the book covers political events in Assam from 1947 to 2020, providing an in-depth understanding of the region’s political landscape during a crucial period in its history.

Sanjeev Joshi's Poetry Collection 'Ek Samandar, Mere Andar' Unveiled

• BrahMos Aerospace Deputy CEO Sanjeev Joshi has showcased his creative side with the launch of 'Ek Samandar, Mere Andar,' a collection of 75 poems.
• The book, unveiled at a prestigious event attended by top Indian defense and literary figures, offers a unique perspective on life and experiences.
• This launch highlights the multifaceted talents within the defense sector and emphasizes the creative expressions of individuals deeply engaged in critical roles.

Sports News

Sonam Maskar Secures Silver in Women’s Air Rifle at Cairo World Cup

• Sonam Maskar made a stellar debut at the shooting World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, clinching the women’s air rifle silver medal.
• Her impressive performance was narrowly surpassed by Anna Janssen of Germany by a mere 0.9 points.
• The intense competition was also evident in Nancy Mandhotra's qualification round, where she missed securing a medal by a slim margin of 0.2 points.
• The event showcased the high level of competition and skill in the world of shooting.

Indian Boxer Mandeep Jangra Triumphs in U.S Intercontinental Title Bout

• Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra achieved a significant victory at the US-based National Boxing Association’s (NBA) intercontinental super featherweight championship.
• His win against American Gerardo Esquivel in Toppenish City, Washington marked a successful transition from his previous 75kg weight class to compete for the intercontinental super featherweight title.
• Jangra's notable achievements in both amateur and professional circuits underscore his talent and determination in the boxing arena.

Naorem Roshibina Devi Crowned Female Wushu Athlete Of The Year

• Naorem Roshibina Devi from Manipur has been honored with the title of International Wushu Federation Female Athlete of the Year.
• Her victories at the Asian Games in 2018 and 2022, along with other achievements, have established her as a powerhouse in the world of wushu.
• Roshibina’s journey, from winning a bronze medal at the World Junior Wushu Championships in 2016 to receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award, reflects her dedication and success in the sport.