Current Affairs - January 9, 2024 Current Affairs

Microsoft has launched the 'AI Odyssey' initiative in India, with the objective of training 100,000 developers in the latest AI technologies, emphasizing India's leadership in tech talent and preparing developers for AI projects aligned with business goals.

The "Yogyasree" social welfare scheme launched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal is specifically aimed at providing free training modules for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, targeting entrance and competitive examinations.

Ritesh Pai has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PhonePe's international payments business in a strategic move by the Walmart-owned fintech firm. This decision aligns with India's goal to globalize the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The first meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council was held in Kolkata, organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Mohammed Shami, India's ace pacer, is thrilled about receiving the Arjuna Award, considering it a dream come true. He stands out as the sole cricketer among the 26 players chosen for the honour by the Sports Ministry of India in 2023.

ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) reached a milestone on January 7 by starting oil production from the KG-DWN 98/2 Block, located in the Krishna Godavari basin off the Bay of Bengal on the Kakinada coast.

Aruna Nayar, a 1987 IRPS officer, has recently taken over as the Secretary of the Railway Board, making history as the first IRPS officer empanelled in the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) at level-16. She brings extensive experience in various capacities across the Railways and IT Ministry.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned Indian diplomat, has taken on the role of Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell from Bhutan.

Denmark introduced the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) at GIM 2024 as part of the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) with India, aiming to enhance cooperation in the sustainable energy solutions sector.

National Bird Day, with American origins, is observed annually on January 5th to emphasize the importance of birds in the ecosystem and promote awareness for the conservation of avian species facing threats like habitat destruction and climate change.

The Peregrine-1 lunar lander mission, symbolizing America's return to lunar exploration after 51 years, is conducted under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism analyzed high-frequency plasma waves in Mars' upper atmosphere through NASA's MAVEN spacecraft data. Understanding these waves is crucial for insights into electron behaviour around Mars, contributing to knowledge about the planet's atmospheric conditions.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024, celebrated on January 9, pays tribute to the contributions of the overseas Indian community (NRI) and marks Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing leadership in India's freedom struggle.

India launched the 'Heal in India, Heal by India' initiative on January 9, 2024, aiming to extend medical facilities worldwide and align with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marked its 77th Foundation Day on 6th January 2024. BIS, established under the BIS Act 2016, serves as the National Standard Body of India, headquartered in New Delhi, overseeing activities related to standardization, marking (including ISI mark), and quality certification of goods.