Current Affairs - Miscellaneous

Amazon, with a market value of $299.3 billion, is recognized as the most valuable brand in the world as of January 2024, showcasing its influence and diverse ventures in commerce, technology, and entertainment.

WHO has awarded the 'malaria-free' certification to 43 countries and 1 territory, recognizing their sustained efforts in interrupting nationwide malaria transmission for at least 3 consecutive years and maintaining a robust surveillance and response system. Recently, Cabo Verde has joined this list, becoming the third country in the WHO African region to be declared malaria-free. In the Southeast Asian Region, Maldives (2015) and Sri Lanka (2016) have achieved the status of being certified malaria-free by WHO.

In 2023, Apple Inc.'s iPhone outpaced Samsung, securing the title of the best-selling smartphone series globally, marking the first time since 2010 that Samsung conceded the top spot in the smartphone market. Apple's sustained success was attributed to aggressive offers and a focus on premium devices.

NHAI's 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative is strategically designed to prevent the prevalent practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a specific vehicle. The aim is to ensure individual accountability and efficient toll collection at Toll Plazas.

The maiden National Highway Steel Slag Road was inaugurated on NH-66 Mumbai-Goa. Developed by CSIR-CRRI, this innovation utilizes steel industry waste to contribute to the construction of eco-friendly and robust national highways, aligning with NHAI's efforts to enhance infrastructure sustainability.