State News

1. West Bengal's GI Triumph: Empowering Cultural and Agricultural Heritage

• West Bengal has achieved a commendable milestone in preserving its cultural and agricultural legacy by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for various unique products under the National GI Drive Mission.
• Notably, the coveted GI tag has been conferred upon Sunderbans honey, locally known as 'Mouban,' collected by the 'Mouli' community.
• Additionally, the 'Prince of Rice,' Black Nunia rice from Jalpaiguri district, has also earned its GI tag, contributing to the agricultural diversity of the state.
• Further enriching the cultural tapestry are the distinctive sarees – Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal – for which the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL) sought the GI tag.
• These sarees, originating from Mirzapur in Murshidabad district, are a testament to the rich textile heritage of the region.

2. GIM2024: Tamil Nadu's $1 Trillion Economy Vision

• During the Global Investors Meet in Chennai on January 7, the Tamil Nadu government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
• The strategic plan involves attracting investments in the range of $3.8-4.3 trillion, fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and promoting local expansion.
• The emphasis lies on holistic growth, ensuring prosperity across all regions, with a keen focus on climate consciousness and sustainability.
• The priorities outlined include human capital growth, fostering innovation through industry-academia partnerships, creating an industry-friendly climate, advocating transparent governance, and developing sustainable infrastructure.
• This visionary approach sets Tamil Nadu on a path towards economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

International News

3. EAM S. Jaishankar Strengthens India-Nepal Ties

• India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar concluded a successful two-day visit to Nepal, reinforcing diplomatic ties through various initiatives and agreements.
• The highlight of the visit was the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting, resulting in a landmark accord for India to import 10,000 MW of hydroelectricity from Nepal over the next decade.
• Additionally, India pledged a financial package of Nepali Rs 1,000 crore (USD 75 million) for rebuilding infrastructure in areas affected by the 2015 earthquake.
• This diplomatic triumph signifies a strengthened relationship between India and Nepal, fostering cooperation in crucial areas like energy and infrastructure development.

4. Kyrgyzstan's Noble Move: Snow Leopard as National Symbol

• Kyrgyzstan, nestled in Central Asia, has declared the snow leopard as its national symbol, showcasing a profound commitment to conservation and ecological balance.
• President Zhaparov has directed the Cabinet of Ministers to actively recognize and protect the snow leopard, emphasizing its role as a symbol of natural wealth and cultural prosperity.
• This declaration highlights the importance of the snow leopard as a vital indicator of the stability and health of the mountain ecosystems covering a substantial portion of the global territory.

5. Bangladesh Election 2024: Sheikh Hasina Secures Fifth Term

• In a significant political development, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term in Bangladesh's parliamentary election, marking a historic milestone.
• The Awami League, under Hasina's leadership, secured 216 seats out of 299, reaffirming her position as the world's longest-serving female head of government.
• This victory underscores the continued support for Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, shaping the country's political landscape.

Banking News

6. RBI's Financial Stability Report (FSR) – December 2023: Key Insights

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released the 28th issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR), offering a comprehensive evaluation of the Indian financial system's resilience and potential risks.
• Noteworthy highlights include the strength exhibited by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), with a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 16.8% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.7% in September 2023.
• Additionally, the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio for SCBs hit a multi-year low at 3.2%, with Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) at 0.8% in September 2023.
• This report indicates a robust and resilient financial sector, contributing to overall economic stability.

Business News

7. Vietnam's $2 Billion Investment in Tamil Nadu EV Facility

• VinFast Auto Ltd, a prominent Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, announced a groundbreaking investment plan to establish an integrated electric vehicle facility in Tamil Nadu, India.
• With an ambitious goal of entering the world's third-largest automobile market, VinFast Auto committed a staggering $2 billion for this venture.
• The initial phase, backed by a $500 million investment, is set to kick off construction this year.
• The facility aims to produce up to 150,000 electric vehicles annually, contributing significantly to the growth of the electric vehicle sector in Tamil Nadu.

Important Days News

8. African National Congress Foundation Day 2024: A Historic Commitment to Rights and Freedom

• Celebrating its Foundation Day on January 8, the African National Congress (ANC) stands as a pivotal force in South Africa's history since its establishment in 1912.
• This day serves as a testament to the ANC's enduring commitment to uniting African people and defending their rights and freedoms.
• Initially founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in Bloemfontein, the ANC symbolizes a landmark event in Africa's struggle against exploitation.
• The 1913 Land Act, a catalyst for SANNC's activism, aimed to counter oppressive laws and taxes designed to dispossess Africans of their land.

9. Earth’s Rotation Day 2024: Commemorating Our Planet’s Dynamics

• January 8 marks Earth's Rotation Day, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the pivotal discovery of Earth's rotation on its axis.
• This day serves as an educational opportunity, especially for children, to learn about and be inspired by our planet's dynamics.
• Earth's Rotation Day honors Léon Foucault's groundbreaking experiment, prioritizing his work over other experiments conducted to demonstrate Earth's rotation.
• Foucault's experiment not only proved Earth's rotation but also made the concept more accessible and understandable to the public.

10. Chennai Tops As Best City For Indian Women: A Recognition of Inclusivity

• Chennai emerged as the top Indian city for women in 2023, according to Avtar Group’s Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) 2023.
• The study focused on inclusivity and conduciveness to working women, and Tamil Nadu cities secured the top spots in both population categories.
• Delhi, notorious for crimes against women, made its debut in the top 10, signaling positive shifts in inclusivity.
• This recognition emphasizes the importance of fostering environments that empower and support women in their professional endeavors.

Appointments News

11. Ashwani Gupta Appointed As CEO Of Adani Ports And Special Economic Zone: A Leadership Shift for Growth

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) announced significant leadership changes, ushering in a new era in its corporate journey.
• Karan Adani, the former CEO, has been promoted to Managing Director, signifying a shift in responsibilities.
• Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, takes on the role of 'Executive Chairman,' focusing on strategic oversight and global growth.
• Notably, Ashwani Gupta, former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive experience across various sectors.

Awards News

12. Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports Declares ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023: Recognizing Contributions to Sports Development

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports unveiled the 'Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar' for 2023, acknowledging the commendable contributions of corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National levels.
• Jain Deemed to be University received recognition for identifying and nurturing young talent, showcasing a commitment to the growth of budding athletes.
• Odisha Mining Corporate Limited was acknowledged for its outstanding contribution to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), highlighting the role of corporate entities in supporting and promoting sports at the grassroots level.

Books & Authors News

13. Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane’s Book “Four Stars Of Destiny”: An Insight into Leadership

• General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the former Chief of Army Staff, delves into his diverse experiences in the autobiography "Four Stars of Destiny: An Autobiography."
• Published by Penguin Veer, the book explores Gen MM Naravane's character development from childhood to his illustrious years in the armed services.
• As the 28th Chief of Army Staff, his strategic decisions and commitment to the nation's defense come to life in this insightful narrative.

Science & Technology News

14. Swedish Scientists Create ‘E-Soil’ That Accelerates Plant Growth: Revolutionizing Agriculture

• Swedish scientists from Linkoping University introduced an electrically conductive "E-Soil" designed to foster exceptional growth in crops, particularly barley seedlings.
• This innovative soilless cultivation method, known as hydroponics, utilizes a sophisticated root system activated through a novel cultivation substrate.
• Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, their groundbreaking research showcases a potential 50% surge in barley seedling growth within a 15-day period.
• This advancement opens new possibilities for cultivating food in urban landscapes under controlled conditions.

Sports News

15. ICC Rule Changes In Cricket: Enhancing Fair Play

• In a significant alteration to cricket playing conditions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) restricted the Decision Review System (DRS) for stumping incidents, effective from December 12, 2023.
• Teams can now only challenge caught-behind decisions with a separate DRS option, preventing misuse.
• The amended rule mandates umpires to rely solely on side-on camera images for stumping reviews, ensuring a focused review for stumped incidents without allowing free reviews for other modes of dismissal. This change aims to enhance fair play in cricket and maintain the integrity of decision-making.