National
1. A 3-day nationwide strike launched on 1st January by truckers, bus and tanker operators against tough new fines for hit-and-run accidents has disrupted mobility and fuel availability in parts of India.
2. The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) is setting up a dedicated marketplace and residency in Guwahati to boost incomes for regional artisans. Named after Ashtalaxmi, the eight Hindu goddesses of wealth, the Rs. 7.6 crore Ashtlaxmi Haat aims to showcase handicraft diversity from Northeast India's eight states.
3. The Indian government has formed the 16th Finance Commission to review fiscal distribution between the Union and States for 5 years from 2026. Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, will helm the panel.
4. The Kerala High Court has ruled that a customer found in a brothel can be charged under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The significant judgment widens the ambit of the law combating human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a submarine fiber optic connectivity project for the Lakshadweep islands along with over Rs. 1,150 crore worth of development initiatives spanning sectors like technology, healthcare, education and energy.
6. The Similipal kai chutney, made with red weaver ants by the tribal people of Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, received a geographical indication (GI) tag on 2nd January 2024. The savory ant chutney is renowned in the region for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
7. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a 3-year agreement with the Indian Space Research Organization's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to create a unified 'Green Cover Index' gauging afforestation level along India's vast highway network using satellite imagery analytics.
8. A key Indian opposition bloc recently sought 100% verification of paper trail slips from electronic voting machines, reigniting debate on balancing transparency and pragmatism. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system aims to bring more transparency to polling.
9. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has initiated the 'SMART 2.0' program on 3rd January. It aims to promote evidence-based clinical research on priority Ayurveda interventions by fostering collaboration between research bodies and academic institutions.
10. India ranks second only to China in Asia's cancer burden with over 1.2 million new cases and 9,30,000 deaths recorded in 2019, according to a Lancet study highlighting the continent's escalating affliction.
11. Justice B. R. Gavai has been nominated the new Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). He replaces Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the top court's senior-most judge after the Chief Justice of India. The SCLSC, constituted under the 1987 Legal Services Authorities Act, provides free legal services to disadvantaged sections for cases under Supreme Court's jurisdiction.
12. On 5th January 2024, the Secretary of India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Shri S. Krishnan, launched a new integrated web portal by ERNET India. The launch event took place at ERNET India's head office.
13. India held simultaneous national and state assembly elections from 1952 until 1967. However, due to early dissolution of Lok Sabha and state assemblies over the years, the elections drifted and are now held at different times. Holding separate elections leads to significant expenditure. Hence, proposals have been made to again conduct simultaneous polls.
14. India has submitted nominations for three cities - Indore, Bhopal and Udaipur - to receive the tag of 'International Wetland City' under the Ramsar Convention. This recognition highlights efforts by cities to conserve urban and peri-urban wetlands.
15. On 5th January 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued new guidelines making it mandatory for registered unrecognized political parties (RUPPs) to provide additional financial documents and election expenditure statements for getting a common election symbol. The move aims to improve transparency in the allotment process ahead of the 2024 general election.
16. Seeking public comments, India's IB Ministry issued draft rules for implementing the Press and Periodicals Registration Act 2023 passed recently. The rules outline the powers and processes for the Press Registrar.
17. An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-9 made an emergency landing on 5th January after a fuselage panel blew out mid-flight causing cabin depressurization and leaving a gaping hole in the aircraft body. While no Indian carrier operates the MAX-9 specifically involved, India's aviation regulator DGCA asked local operators to inspect MAX-8s being from the same 737 family.
18. After recent incidents overseas allegedly linked to poor quality India-made drugs, India's health ministry has notified enhanced Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines to govern quality control and production protocols for domestic pharmaceutical companies.
19. The Tamil Nadu government will unveil a dedicated policy for semiconductors and advanced electronics at its 7th - 8th January Global Investors Meet, aiming to transition into higher value addition. Semiconductors are a class of crystalline metallc solids having electrical conductivity between that of a pure conductor and insulator.
20. A new study finds that shark and ray meat, historically eaten only by Indian coastal and tribal communities, has grown popular at restaurants catering to tourists and middle-class consumers. This rising demand could drive overfishing of already threatened shark populations.
21. The cabinet of Chhattisgarh has decided to start the Shri Ramlala Darshan (Ayodhya Dham) Scheme in the state. This decision fulfills another guarantee given by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the people of Chhattisgarh. Under this scheme, people will get the chance to visit Ayodhya and have darshan of Shri Ramlala. The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board will implement the Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme.
22. Microsoft has unveiled an ambitious new initiative called AI Odyssey that aims to provide advanced skills training in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to 1,00,000 software developers across India.
23. Prior evidence has shown poverty can increase mental illness, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and mortality risks. Separately, chronic inflammation from factors like poor diet, obesity, inactivity, toxins or autoimmune disorders also heightens disease and death risks.
24. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, marking the opening of India's longest sea bridge to date. The 21.8-kilometer link built at a cost of over Rs. 17,840 crores aims to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from 120 minutes to just 20 minutes.
25. On 12th January, Surat and Indore were jointly adjudged India's cleanest cities as per the Centre's annual Swachh Survekshan city cleanliness rankings for 2023. Navi Mumbai secured third place. The awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.
26. To mark its 150th anniversary, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently launched a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS). Several other initiatives were also introduced to better monitor and predict extreme weather using the latest science and technology.
27. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started a 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative. This aims to enhance Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) efficiency and improve traffic movement at toll plazas. NHAI took this decision after increased cases of multiple tags per vehicle and KYC violations. Some vehicle owners also don't properly affix tags, causing toll plaza delays.
28. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched a new app called eSakshi this week to track the fund flow under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for 2023. The app aims to capture the entire MPLADS fund allocation cycle and provide greater convenience and accessibility in monitoring the scheme.
29. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has introduced guidelines to prevent misleading environmental claims, known as greenwashing, frequently seen across sectors. Effective 15th February 2024, these mandate that green claims in ads are reliable, verifiable and transparent.
30. The Madiga community, which constitutes over 50% of the Scheduled Caste (SC) population in Telangana, has long demanded sub-categorization of SCs. Their argument is that despite being the largest SC group numerically, they have been deprived of reservations and other government benefits meant for SCs. These benefits have disproportionately gone to the smaller but relatively advanced Mala community in Telangana.
31. The Indian Government has amended the mineral auction rules through a notification of the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2024. The changes aim to improve transparency, promote competition and boost state revenue from mineral auctions.
32. As per a new NITI Aayog report, 24.82 crore Indians have risen out of multidimensional poverty in the last 9 years. It states that multidimensional poverty in India reduced from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures acute poverty using health, living standards and other factors, unlike monetary measures. The current analysis uses globally recognized Alkire Foster method.
33. The Ministry of Education released the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for 2021-22, covering all higher education institutions in India. AISHE has been conducted annually since 2011. The total enrolment in higher education has grown to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, increasing by over 91 lakh students since 2014-15.
34. India's $10 billion Semicon India program, including the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme for chip design startups, has seen lackluster outcomes versus targets. With the DLI's mid-term review upcoming, policymakers have an opportunity to assess shortfalls and refocus efforts.
35. The Central government has approved a new three-drug treatment regimen for leprosy patients, aiming to stop transmission of the disease in India by 2027. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme is taking steps to introduce this new regimen consisting of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.
36. The 2023 State of Teachers, Teaching and Teacher Education Report surveyed 8 states through questionnaires for over 6,000 teachers, principals, teacher colleges and analyzed government data on teachers. Despite certification requirements, only 46% of primary teachers possessed the diploma mandated to teach. Even among the certified, most scored lowly from 40-50% in exams.
37. The Union Cabinet has approved a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme worth Rs. 8,500 crore to promote coal gasification projects in India. This move aims to encourage adoption of cleaner coal technologies for power generation and production of chemicals.
38. Recently, Odisha announced the world's first exclusive melanistic tiger safari adjoining the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The aim is to boost tourism and allow better research and public viewing access to these rare tigers that are hard to sight in forests.
39. The Finance Ministry invited public comments on the draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023. The Bill aims to modernize stamp duty provisions and replace the 1899 Stamp Act. The Indian Stamp Act 1899 is an old fiscal law governing taxes levied via stamps on transaction instruments. It predates the Constitution.
40. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Integrated Industrial Township in Greater Noida (IITGN), a smart township spread over 750 acres. The Rs. 1,700 crore project aims to compete with the world's best manufacturing hubs by providing all necessary industrial infrastructure and facilities.
41. New Aadhaar cards and digital copies now prominently state they are "proof of identity, not of citizenship or date of birth." The explicit disclaimers signal to government agencies not to use Aadhaar for confirming citizenship or age. Though foreign residents can obtain Aadhaar after 6 months in India, departments currently accept it for services reserved for citizens and adults.
42. The Uttarakhand government is likely to table the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the upcoming assembly session from 5th - 8th February. This key bill was part of the BJP's election promises in 2022. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and arbitrariness in civil laws based on religion.
43. Recently, the Ministry of Education responded on its official Twitter handle to clarify that there has been no change in the reservation policy for central educational institutions. "After enactment of this Act, no reserved post is to be de-reserved. Ministry of Education has given directives to all the CEIs to fill up the vacancies strictly as per the 2019 ACT," the ministry tweeted.
44. Jadung village in Uttarkashi district was abandoned after the 1962 Indo-China war that impacted relations between the countries and left border disputes unresolved. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has controlled the cold desert area similar to Ladakh since the residents deserted it.
45. The central government has identified 30 cities of religious, historical, and tourism significance across India for survey and rehabilitation of adults and children engaged in begging. The goal is to make these spaces free of beggary by 2026. More cities may be added over the next two years.
46. The Supreme Court expressed concern over growing disputes between central agencies like Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and state governments during probes, impacting federalism. It sought an impartial mechanism. The court was hearing the ED plea to transfer a bribery probe against its officer by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to CBI. ED claimed non-cooperation by state police in sharing FIRs and evidence.
47. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi to the district court in December 2022. The report concludes that remains of an old Hindu temple existed at the site before the construction of the current mosque structure during Aurangzeb's reign in the 17th century.
48. India has identified 6 key sectors - electronics, engineering goods, textiles, marine & agriculture, toys and pharmaceuticals - that could help the country achieve almost 70% of its $1 trillion goods export target by fiscal year 2030. As per a study by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, these sectors have the potential to reach $670 billion in exports by FY2030, compared to India's total goods exports of $451 billion in FY2023.
49. Most doctors practicing traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani or Siddha follow their own style for naming diseases and treatments. This makes it difficult for patients to consult other doctors for follow-up care. The Ministry of Ayush, with assistance from the WHO, is working on codifying the terminology related to diseases and treatments in these traditional systems to address this issue.
50. The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, released India's first nationwide snow leopard population assessment report titled "Status Report of Snow Leopards in India". The assessment estimates 718 snow leopards in India based on systematic surveys covering over 70% of their potential habitat from 2019-2023.
51. According to the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) projections in Electricity 2024 Report, India's electricity demand will outpace China's and have the world's fastest growth rate by 2026. India's annual average electricity demand growth is pegged at 6.5% over 2024-2026. The robust expansion will make India's additional electricity demand over the next three years almost equivalent to the UK's total demand.
International
1. The Indian government has decided to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowing visa-free 16-kilometer entry into each other's territory for people living along the India - Myanmar border. Advanced fencing will be erected to fully seal the porous frontier.
2. The recent case of a Chinese student found unharmed in the US after his parents paid an $80,000 ransom to alleged 'kidnappers' has spotlighted the growing menace of cyber extortion plots globally involving convincing victims to isolate themselves.
3. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro made landfall in southwest Madagascar on 1st January 2024, becoming the first cyclone to impact the island nation in the ongoing 2023-2024 cyclone season for the southwest Indian Ocean region spanning late October to May.
4. India has signed an agreement with Mauritius to jointly develop a small satellite, which will be launched by ISRO in early 2024. The cooperation will be between ISRO and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).
5. On 10th January, the Election Commission declared the People's Democratic Party (PDP) the winner with 30 out of 47 seats. The Bhutan Tendrel Party became the opposition party with 17 seats. This was the fourth National Assembly election since democratization.
6. The Danish government has announced the launch of the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI), a strategic initiative aimed at advancing collaboration between Denmark and India in the sustainable energy solutions sector. This new partnership seeks to promote growth in green fuels like clean hydrogen while helping both countries progress their shared goal of reaching carbon neutrality.
7. A diplomatic furor erupted this week after three Maldivian junior ministers mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit promoting local Lakshadweep islands, prompting many Indians to cancel trips and jeopardizing vital bilateral ties.
8. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a 60-day nationwide state of emergency recently after the country's most wanted crime lord escaped custody amid a spree of riots across prisons. The drastic measures come as authorities scramble to recapture the fugitive leader.
9. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) started a two-day hearing starting 11th January 2024 to decide on provisional measures in a case filed by South Africa against Israel. South Africa alleges Israel has violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention regarding acts against Palestinians in Gaza.
10. China's population declined for a second straight year in 2023, falling by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion as plunging birth rates and COVID-19 fatalities accelerate a downturn with profound economic consequences.
11. At the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos organized around the theme of "Rebuilding Trust", India participated embodying the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - ready to shape a shared future underpinned by global cooperation.
12. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be visiting Uganda from 15th - 20th January 2024, to attend the 19th edition of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit. Strengthening ties with African countries and other nations of the Global South will be a key focus during the visit.
13. In a recent humanitarian gesture, India has sent 40,000 litres of Malathion pesticide to Afghanistan via Iran's Chabahar port. This environment-friendly insecticide will help Afghanistan combat locust swarms that threaten agricultural production. The assistance ensures regional food security.
14. In a major policy shift, Canada will cap the number of study permits for new international students to 3,60,000 for the 2024-25 academic year beginning 1st September. This 35% reduction from 2023 student visa levels intends to ensure sustainable intake volumes going forward. Permits will be rationed among provinces to allocate to educational institutions under their jurisdiction based on regional absorption capacities.
15. Cameroon is set to kick off a landmark malaria vaccine program on 22nd January covering 2.5 lakh children over two years. Africa accounts for 95% of global malaria mortality, so curbing infections here is pivotal. Officials described the campaign as a major milestone in fighting the life-threatening disease after decades of efforts.
16. As per WHO, Europe reported over 30,000 measles cases in 2023 - a shocking 30 times rise compared to 2022 numbers. This underscores a troubling reversal in a preventable infectious disease that can turn fatal for vulnerable groups. 40 countries logged cases, demonstrating the outbreak's widespread nature.
17. NATO has signed a €1.1 billion contract to procure hundreds of thousands of 155 mm artillery rounds, part of which will go to Ukraine as it faces critical ammunition shortages. Ukrainian officials have warned shell supplies are a pressing challenge for its troops after nearly two years of war with Russia.
18. A 95-member French Foreign Legion contingent, including 6 Indians, and a 33-member band squad will participate in India's 2023 Republic Day parade. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest as India further spotlights growing bilateral defence ties through this rare honour for the elite corps.
19. The World Health Organization published comprehensive recommendations on the ethical governance of emerging large multi-modal AI models (LMM) increasingly used in healthcare like symptom analysis chatbots. Their rapid uncontrolled adoption makes determining proper oversight urgent.
20. The EU launched a "European Ports Alliance" on to harmonize methods to combat drug smuggling and infiltration by criminal groups at ports. The initiative was inaugurated at Belgium's Antwerp port, the main gateway for cocaine into Europe. It brought together EU interior ministers and representatives from 16 EU ports and sea transport organizations.
21. On 26th January 2024, Alabama used nitrogen hypoxia to execute a death row inmate for the first time, marking the debut of a controversial and risky method in the United States. Nitrogen hypoxia involves forcing the inmate to breathe pure nitrogen gas until oxygen deprivation leads to asphyxiation and death. Along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, Alabama approved this method as an alternative to injection and electrocution.
22. India and France have formulated a defence industrial roadmap to boost collaboration in defence production and design of military platforms. This comes amid progress on other strategic agreements during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
23. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued a landmark ruling on Israel's actions in Gaza, following a case filed by South Africa alleging genocide against Palestinians. The court confirmed its jurisdiction and ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, while stopping short of mandating an immediate ceasefire. The ruling was welcomed by South Africa and Hamas but criticized by Israeli leaders.
24. The military regimes ruling Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The surprise exit is being called a "sovereign decision" taken without delay.
25. The inaugural India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ' commenced on 29th January in Rajasthan. The aim is to develop interoperability, camaraderie and friendship between the troops. The exercise will continue until 10th February.
26. Kenya has officially announced the discovery of coltan deposits within its borders for the first time. Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, is a valuable mineral composed of niobium and tantalum that is integral to producing electronics like smartphones and electric car batteries.
Defence
1. On 1st January, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh assumed duties as the Chief of Material of the Indian Navy. He took over from Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, who retired following 39 years of praiseworthy service spearheading the Navy's maintenance efforts.
2. The Indian and UAE armies have commenced their first-ever joint military training exercise called 'Desert Cyclone' in Rajasthan on 2nd January. The drills aim to enhance counter-insurgency capabilities in desert terrain.
3. As per media reports, Pakistan is in talks with China to acquire the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft, which bears similarities to American-made F-35 and F-22 jets. If acquired, these new fighters could replace older F-16s in Pakistan's fleet. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) already operates Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly manufactured in Pakistan.
4. Excerpts from former Indian Army Chief Gen. M. M. Naravane's upcoming book 'Four Stars to Destiny' published recently provide hitherto unknown aspects of high-level decision making during the 2020 China border crisis and other key national security developments then.
5. Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under India's Ministry of Defence is participating at the 10th edition of prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Summit being held from 10th - 12th January 2024 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
6. In a display of niche operational capabilities, the Indian Air Force for the first-time successfully executed the technically challenging nighttime landing of a heavy C-130J aircraft at Kargil airport in the strategically located Ladakh region.
7. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed and launched a new 7.62 mm caliber assault rifle named 'Ugram' intended as a standard-issue weapon for the Indian Armed Forces replacing some aging INSAS rifles.
8. Considering the tense confrontation with China, the Indian Army aims to procure specially designed insulated 'pup tents' to shelter the numerous soldiers posted along the freezing Line of Actual Control frontier where the mercury can dip to minus 50 degree Celsius. These portable personal shelters intend to equip troops to operate optimally despite the extreme cold climate seen at high-altitude deployments.
9. The Indian Army is bringing a new policy to let some officers stay longer in their specialty field. Normally, Lieutenant Colonels who are promoted to Colonel must change roles to command assignments. But the new rules let these officers keep working in their expertise area if they want.
10. The Indian Army has launched Operation Sarvashakti in Jammu and Kashmir. It involves security forces on both sides of the Pir Panjal range. The goal is to flush out terrorists who have ambushed Indian troops in Rajouri and Poonch.
11. The US leads the military strength rankings, followed by Russia and China in 2nd and 3rd spots. India placed 4th for the second straight year. Pakistan ranked 9th and Italy rounded out the top 10 at 10th. Other countries in the top 10 include South Korea, the UK, Japan and Turkey.
12. The 11th edition of the India - Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise, 'Khanjar', commenced on 22nd January in Himachal Pradesh. The two-week long exercise aims to boost defence cooperation and exchange expertise on counterterrorism operations.
13. The Defence Ministry has signed a Rs. 1,070 crore contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai for constructing 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard. These indigenously designed and developed multi-role vessels will be delivered over 63 months. Equipped with advanced features like multipurpose drones, remotely operated water rescue systems, AI capabilities and more, the modern FPVs will provide flexibility and edge to the Coast Guard in addressing multidimensional maritime challenges.
14. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct three major exercises in 2024, emphasizing jointness across India's defense forces as they work towards establishing theater commands. The key focus areas are integration and coordination in modern warfare.
Business, Economy & Banking
1. The Reserve Bank of India has released draft norms allowing banks with strong financial metrics to increase dividend payouts to shareholders up to 50% of profits, from the earlier 40% ceiling. The new dividend guidelines balance shareholder returns with long-term resilience.
2. Furthering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a multilingual portal enabling direct procurement of tur dal from registered farmers by government agencies at competitive rates. The platform aims to boost domestic production, secure buffer stocks and reduce import dependence.
3. A two-year Punjab Agricultural University trial discovered paddy and wheat harvests declined substantially from nano urea usage versus normal nitrogen fertilizers, contradicting tall corporate claims.
4. The Supreme Court has recorded the central government and market regulator SEBI promising appropriate oversight on short selling of securities following controversial allegations against Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
5. India's premier road construction agency, Border Roads Organization (BRO) has utilized an indigenous road construction technology called "REJUPAVE" developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), part of the Ministry of Science and Technology. REJUPAVE allows the construction of high altitude bituminous roads under low and sub-zero temperatures.
6. The Indian government's First Advance Estimates (FAE) for 2023-24 released on 6th January project the economy will expand 7.3% - faster than the 7.2% growth achieved in 2022-23 on the back of robust domestic demand.
7. On 11th January, the Supreme Court asked why the government's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) did not consider expert reports on genetically modified (GM) crops. The GEAC approves the release of GM organisms.
8. The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City in Gandhinagar announced a new collaboration with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC). The goal is to jointly develop a Global Hydrogen Price Index.
9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently fed Punganur cows from Andhra Pradesh at his Delhi residence on the Pongal/Makar Sankranti festival. These indigenous cattle have unique characteristics. The Punganur is a dwarf breed native to parts of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region. They are considered the world's shortest humped cattle. Their small size allows easy household rearing.
10. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the upcoming Trade Connect ePlatform to boost MSME and startup participation in exports. It was announced at the second meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade. The portal aims to promote exports by small and medium traders and will be operational in 3-4 months.
11. According to RBI's State of the Economy report, India is poised to sustain 2023's economic momentum in 2024. But reigning in inflation and boosting rural and consumption growth is vital for truly inclusive expansion per its latest report.
12. India's equity market capitalization has surpassed Hong Kong's for the first time, making it the fourth largest globally. Favorable domestic growth dynamics combined with global capital inflows have powered India's market rally.
13. The state of Kerala filed a lawsuit under Article 131 of the Indian Constitution in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's recent actions limiting states' borrowing capacities. Kerala sought an injunction to prevent curtailment of its ability to borrow over Rs. 26,000 crore to clear fiscal obligations. It alleges the steps violate federalism and severely damage the state's economy.
14. Ahead of the Interim Budget, the Finance Ministry laid out four key challenges facing India's economy in the "The Indian Economy: A Review" Report. This comes as India aims to become a $7 trillion economy by 2030 over the next 6-7 years.
Science & Technology
1. Scientists have reported three new frog species belonging to new genera from Arunachal Pradesh's Namdapha-Kamlang protected area network along the Myanmar border. The finds highlight the significance of exploring unique habitats.
2. The XSPECT instrument aboard India's pioneering XPoSat space observatory has successfully acquired its first images of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. The achievement comes within days of the mission's 1st January launch. XPoSat is India's maiden satellite dedicated to studying polarized and spectroscopic emissions in cosmic X-ray sources.
3. On 3rd January, New Space India Limited (NSIL) announced it has contracted American firm SpaceX to launch an Indian communication satellite aboard the Falcon 9 rocket. NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This will be the first time an Indian government satellite launches on SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 launcher. The mission is scheduled in the second quarter of 2024.
4. Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an instrument named GolDN for mechanically recycling waste plastic polymers through melt-mixing. This indigenous single screw extruder can manufacture composites from thermoplastic waste that can be molded into materials like paver blocks, tiles and bricks.
5. Scientists have discovered fossils belonging to a previously unknown group of ancient aquatic predators near Greenland. Named "Timorebestia" or "terror beasts", these large worm-like creatures may have been apex predators more than 518 million years ago.
6. NASA has successfully tested a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) that can potentially halve travel time to Mars. The engine detonates fuel in explosive bursts instead of continuous combustion to achieve more powerful and efficient thrust.
7. NASA has announced 13 winning ideas in Phase 1 of its NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program funds early-stage studies to encourage pioneering space technology ideas that could transform future NASA missions.
8. Antibiotic resistance arises when disease-causing bacteria mutate and evolve over time to evade the effects of commonly used antibiotic drugs. This global public health crisis has accelerated with misuse of antibiotics, enabling bacterial strains like Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) to emerge that don't respond to multiple drugs currently available.
9. A new era of commercial lunar exploration dawned recently as NASA booked passage on a private company's robotic moon lander alongside some unusual companions - the cremated remains of Star Trek icons and renowned scientists.
10. The realm of futuristic high-speed transport took a leap forward this week as Canada announced development plans for a magnetically-levitating train capable of exceeding airliner speeds to connect Edmonton and Calgary. Billed as a hybrid between an aircraft and train, the electric FluxJet concept from Canadian startup TransPod aims to shuttle passengers at over 1,000 km/h while hovering along a specially designed track.
11. Researchers at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed an innovative new system called Work4Food that could guarantee fair minimum incomes for food delivery personnel in India's booming app-based food ordering industry.
12. Scientists have identified a pathogenic fungus naturally preying on eucalyptus snout beetles that shows promise as an affordable, eco-friendly biopesticide to protect eucalyptus plantations from the voracious pests.
13. A striking new butterfly species called the Conjoined Silverline, distinguished by its shiny wing patterns, has been identified in Karnataka's Kodagu district - the first such find in India's Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot since the 1970s.
14. India has formally signed up for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) - an ambitious multinational initiative to build the world's largest radio telescope spanning over a square kilometer. Indian scientists have participated in SKAO's development for decades via the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune and other institutes.
15. Over a decade back, preliminary data pointed to around 2 million annual global deaths from fungal diseases. However, recent findings reveal a nearly twofold rise, with updated estimates showing fungal infections cause about 3.8 million deaths yearly.
16. In an extraordinary survival story, the Lord Howe Island stick insect has defied extinction after its rediscovery in 2001 on a rocky volcanic outcrop called Ball's Pyramid. With only 20-30 left in the wild, zoos like San Diego now showcase these resilient Australian bugs.
17. Scientists have uncovered the most ancient skin fossil, dated to about 286 million years old. But the creature it belonged to remains a mystery for now. The textured fragment exceeds previously known skin fossils by over 21 million years.
18. Researchers have uncovered the most ancient known instances of individuals with sex chromosome syndromes, dating back roughly 5,000 years. The findings indicate people with extra or missing chromosomes have existed through human history.
19. A photographer has captured images of an extremely rare all-white Gentoo penguin in Chile's Antarctic territory. The leucistic female penguin was filmed at the Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Base amongst a large colony of typically black-and-white Gentoo penguins.
20. Americans will witness an exciting yet annoying event this year - a double cicada emergence happening after 221 years. Two cicada broods, XIII and XIX, will simultaneously explode from underground. This concurrent appearance last occurred in 1803 during the Louisiana Purchase era.
21. As per plans, every year on Ram Navami marking Lord Ram's birth, the Ram Lalla deity in Ayodhya's new Ram Mandir will receive a "Surya Tilak" - sunlight focused onto Ram Lalla's forehead for 6 minutes at noon through an arrangement of lenses and mirrors designed by Indian scientists.
22. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has flagged off its advanced meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota for an upcoming launch. The 2275 kg satellite has finished assembly, integration and testing at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. It is now set for a scheduled mid-February liftoff on board GSLV F14.
23. Researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have discovered two new species of Congrid eels from the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The species add to India's marine biodiversity knowledge in relatively less studied fish groups like eels.
Government Schemes
1. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program for the automobile sector has been extended by one year through March 2028. Simultaneously, amended rules provide added clarity and concessions to approved applicants. The extension allows companies more time to leverage the PLI fund of Rs. 25,938 crore for boosting domestic manufacturing and exports.
2. India's Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the 10th edition of Sagar Parikrama - a coastal yatra spreading awareness about government welfare schemes among fishermen. The 15-day journey spans fishing harbors and villages across Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.
3. North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) has provided funding of Rs. 766 crore to around 5,338 enterprises across sectors in northeast India between January - November 2023. NEDFi facilitates industrial and services projects in the Northeast by offering financial assistance and advisory services.
4. The Uttar Pradesh government is transforming Ayodhya under its 'Navya Ayodhya' project. Within this, the state tourism department's Paying Guest scheme aims to upgrade accommodation and cuisine experiences for visitors. The scheme focuses on enabling local residents to offer paying guest facilities and homestays for tourists, devotees and travelers.
5. The Indian government under Prime Minister Modi has approved the Prithvi Vigyan scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences representing planned investments of Rs. 4,797 crores from 2021 to 2026. This all-encompassing initiative promises to transform the country's approach towards earth science research and real-world applications.
6. The cabinet of Chhattisgarh has decided to start the Shri Ramlala Darshan (Ayodhya Dham) Scheme in the state. This decision fulfills another guarantee given by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the people of Chhattisgarh.
7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana', a new government scheme to promote rooftop solar power systems. This scheme aims to boost India's renewable energy goals and reduce electricity bills for households.
8. The government of Tamil Nadu has introduced guidelines for the "Ungalai Thedi, Ungal Ooril" (Come Look For You, In Your Village) outreach program, an initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin aimed at strengthening public services and scheme implementation across the state.
Awards & Honours
1. The Palace of Aigai, an ancient Greek site dating back to the 4th century BC that served as the spiritual centre of Macedonian rulers, is reopening on 8th January 2023 after a 16-year, €20 million renovation project.
2. Glynis Johns, the multi-talented Welsh actress renowned for her six-decade career gracing Hollywood films, Broadway musicals and British cinema, passed away peacefully at age 100 in Los Angeles on 12th January 2023.
3. Mario Zagallo, the first ever footballer to win the FIFA World Cup trophy as both player and coach, passed away aged 92 in Brazil - the country whose fortunes in the beautiful game he transformed through genius and grit spanning over five decades.
4. French President Emmanuel Macron sparked a cabinet shakeup this week by naming popular Minister of Education Gabriel Attal as the country's newest Prime Minister after incumbent PM Elisabeth Borne resigned amid growing political challenges.
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the iconic Kalaram Mandir in Maharashtra's temple town of Nashik. The site is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology as part of the Ramayana's Panchavati area where Lord Ram resided in exile.
6. On India's lively National Startup Day, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) revealed the winners of the prestigious National Startup Awards 2023. From 84 outstanding finalists spanning industries like agritech to insurtech, 20 groundbreaking startups took home top honors across 15 diverse categories.
7. The Assam government has announced that it will confer the Assam Baibhav award, the state's highest civilian honor, to Member of Parliament and former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi. He has been credited for playing a part in the establishment of the Ram temple in Ayodhya through the apex court judgment delivered under his leadership as CJI.
8. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently unveiled the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa (SMPP), a large development project around Puri's 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple. The project aims to transform Puri into a world-class heritage destination for pilgrims.
9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024. This echoes a similar grand inauguration ceremony 73 years ago in 1950 when President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the Somnath temple. However, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed the government and President directly participating in the Somnath ceremony. Nehru expressed reservations about the secular government associating with a religious event.
10. The central government has announced Bharat Ratna for late Bihar leader Karpoori Thakur in his birth centenary year. Known as 'Jannayak' or people's leader, Thakur was CM twice and pioneered social justice policies despite hailing from a marginalized caste himself. Major parties in Bihar have long backed conferring India's highest civilian honor on the state icon.
11. The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has identified 14 high risk zones in Joshimath after a detailed survey. These zones with severe land subsidence include houses in the Marwari, Sunil, Upper Bazar, Lower Bazar, Singhdhar and Manohar Bagh areas. Residing in these high risk houses poses major safety risks. Around 1,000 residential and commercial structures fall in these high risk zones.
12. The Padma Awards are India's highest civilian honors conferred in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri - recognizing exceptional contributions across diverse fields. They are announced annually ahead of Republic Day.
13. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced Gallantry and Service medals for 1,132 personnel across police, fire, civil defense and correctional services ahead of India's 75th Republic Day celebrations. The awards recognize brave and distinguished service to the nation.
14. Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the record ninth time on 10th August 2022. He returns to power just 18 months after leaving the BJP-led NDA, in his fifth such switch since 2015. Six ministers and two Deputy CMs from BJP also took oath.
Sports
1. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, achieved a historic milestone in his career by defeating World Champion Ding Liren from China. This significant victory occurred during the fourth round of the 2024 Tata Steel Chess Tournament held in Wijk aan Zee.
2. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Awards took place on 23rd January 2024 in Hyderabad. The glittering ceremony honoured exceptional Indian cricketers across domestic and international formats. The event had a star-studded guest list and presence of esteemed Board veterans.
3. The mascot and logo for the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games were unveiled recently. Keeping with the region's biodiversity, a snow leopard named 'Sheen-e She' or Shan has been declared the official mascot. The logo integrates the Indian tricolor and symbols of Ladakh.
References:
jagranjosh.com
gktoday.in
business-standard.com
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