Current Affairs - January 14, 2024 Current Affairs

Gangireddu Melam, a traditional folk performance, is associated with the Sankranti harvest festival in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The performance features bulls adorned with colourful flowers and garments, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The 'Paying Guest' scheme, launched under 'Navya Ayodhya,' aims to boost tourism in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative encourages locals to offer homestays, showcasing Awadhi culinary heritage, creating jobs, and boosting income. The scheme anticipates a surge in visitors, fostering community involvement and economic growth.

Scientists from Germany conducted a study on the impact of wind turbines on forest bats' activity. The research focused on three foraging groups of bats and highlighted a significant decline in the activity of narrow-space foraging bats, particularly reliant on forest habitat, as wind speeds increased near operational wind turbines.

India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, prioritizing the well-being of pilgrims. The agreement underscores India's commitment to inclusivity, exploring ways for women's participation without a male guardian. Smriti Irani and Saudi Minister of Haj Dr Tawfiq bin presided over the signing, acknowledging the importance of enhanced medical facilities for pilgrims' well-being.

S. Jaishankar is set to visit Uganda for the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit from January 15-20, 2024. The summit, involving 120 developing countries, aims to discuss global cooperation, solidarity, and common goals in politics, economics, and culture. India aims to strengthen ties with African nations, focusing on sustainable development, digital partnerships, and health infrastructure collaboration.

VIPER, short for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, is NASA's groundbreaking mission designed to analyze lunar ice, map resources, and navigate the challenging terrain of the Moon's South Pole.

Indra Mani Pandey has taken over as the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell, and will hold the position for a three-year term. In his inaugural address in Dhaka, Pandey expressed his commitment to realizing the collective vision of BIMSTEC.

Maharashtra declared the Atpadi Conservation Reserve in Sangli district to protect the habitat of wolves, deer, foxes, and civets. This initiative aims to link the Maini Conservation Area with the Maldhok Bird Sanctuary, preserving biodiversity.

Rhythm Sangwan earned India's 16th quota place for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the sport of Shooting by winning a bronze medal in the 25m sports pistol category at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jakarta. This achievement ensures India's largest-ever shooting contingent at the Olympics.

LIC's board approved acquiring a 10% stake in a company promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB) for residential mortgage-backed securities through equity contribution in one or more tranches.

The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft arrived in Guam, United States of America, for Exercise Sea Dragon 24, signalling its participation in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise led by the US Navy.

The Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) scheme is implemented by the Ministry of MSME, focusing on improving the quality of products in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to meet global standards.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated 'Indus Food 2024' at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, highlighting the vibrant food industry of India and its global potential.

India and Mauritius signed an agreement for a Rs 20 crore small satellite project, set to be launched by ISRO in early 2024. This collaboration ensures continued support for ISRO's ground tracking station in Mauritius and signals potential for future bilateral space projects.

Union Minister Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation for 12 National Highway projects in Kerala, totalling 105 km and valued at over ₹1464 Crore. The projects aim to enhance road connectivity in the region and were inaugurated in the presence of Union MoS V. Muraleedharan, Kerala PWD Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, MP Rajmohan Unnithan, and other officials in Kasargod.

The Paradip fishing harbour project, inaugurated by Parshottam Rupala, is located in the state of Odisha. The initiative, with a Central Government approval of Rs 108.91 Crore, focuses on the modernization and upgrade of the Paradip Fishing Harbour, aiming to improve conditions for fishermen and create new employment opportunities.

World Typing Day is celebrated on January 8th, originating in Malaysia in 2011. The day commemorates the 2011 Malaysian Speed Typing Contest, emphasizing the importance of typing skills and written communication.

Wings India 2024, the major civil aviation event, will take place at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport in Telangana from January 18 to 21. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Indian Industry (FICCI), featuring cutting-edge aviation technology and machinery.

Gen MM Naravane's book, "Four Stars to Destiny," offers insights into decision-making during the 2020 China Border Crisis. The book includes details on communication with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the PLA mobilization at Rechin La pass in Eastern Ladakh, and Gen Naravane recalls the operational response decided during the LAC standoff with China.

Zerodha Fund House introduced the Growth Liquid ETF, emphasizing low credit risk and interest rate risk in short-term debt products. The fund mirrors the Nifty 1D Rate Index, tracking returns from overnight market lending.