Current Affairs Jan 23, 2024
National News
“Government Launches ‘Anuvadini’ AI App to Promote Multilingual Education”
Key Points:
- Central government introduces ‘Anuvadini’ app, an AI-based platform, to promote multilingualism in education.
- Initiative focuses on providing digital study materials for all school and higher education courses in Indian languages from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
- Aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing the significance of studying in one’s mother tongue.
- UGC, AICTE, and Department of School Education instructed to ensure availability of study materials in regional languages.
International news
World Health Organization Certifies Cabo Verde as Malaria-Free, Third in WHO African Region”
Key Points:
- WHO officially certifies Cabo Verde as malaria-free, making it the third nation in the WHO African region to achieve this status.
- Cabo Verde joins Mauritius and Algeria in the African region as countries declared malaria-free.
- The certification adds Cabo Verde to the global list of 43 countries and 1 territory recognized as ‘malaria-free’ by WHO.
- Other notable instances include the Maldives (2015) and Sri Lanka (2016) in the South East Asian region, while India awaits certification.
Economy news
“Switzerland and India Conclude Historic Free-Trade Agreement After 16-Year Negotiation”
Key Points:
- Switzerland and India announce the successful conclusion of a free-trade agreement (FTA) after 16 years of negotiations.
- Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin and Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal finalize the agreement, marking a historic breakthrough.
- The agreement signifies a landmark achievement in diplomatic and economic relations, holding promise for stronger ties and increased economic collaboration between the two nations.
- The announcement follows crucial discussions between the ministers after the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Top of Form
Scheme news Top of Form
Top of Form
“PM Modi Unveils Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana for Rooftop Solar Empowerment”
Key Points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’ after Ayodhya’s Ram temple consecration.
- The initiative aims at achieving energy self-reliance in India, benefitting common citizens.
- Empowering households with rooftop solar systems to generate their electricity.
- Government plans to install solar panels on one crore houses, easing financial burden for the poor and middle class.
- The initiative focuses on fostering sustainability and energy self-sufficiency in the country.
Banking news
“YES BANK Achieves Milestone as First Indian Bank on RXIL’s International Trade Financing Platform”
Key Points:
- YES BANK becomes the inaugural Indian bank to execute an export finance transaction on RXIL Global IFSC Limited’s International Trade Financing Services Platform (ITFS).
- The collaboration signifies a significant step in digitization and cross-border business for YES BANK.
- The ITFS platform, registered under IFSCA, provides a digital avenue for credit arrangements in trade financing services like Factoring and Forfaiting at competitive rates with swift processing.
- This historic transaction marks the first of its kind on the ITFS platform in collaboration with any bank in India.
“SEBI Chair Launches Multi-Lingual Initiatives to Boost Investor Ease with CDSL Innovations”
Key Points:
- SEBI Chairperson, Madhabi Puri Buch, launches Multi-Lingual CAS and CDSL Buddy Sahayta 24×7 Chatbot for Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL).
- Multi-Lingual CAS allows investors to generate their Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) in 23 Indian languages, named ‘Apka CAS – Apki Zubaani.’
- CDSL Buddy Sahayta 24×7 Chatbot offers round-the-clock assistance in four languages, aiming to simplify investor journeys towards self-sufficiency.
- The initiatives are launched during the 25th-anniversary event of CDSL in Mumbai, Maharashtra, promoting ease of doing business among investors.
Important days
“India Celebrates 127th Parakram Diwas on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Birth Anniversary”
Key Points:
- Parakram Diwas, observed on January 23rd, 2024, commemorates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
- The day is dedicated to honoring Netaji’s indomitable spirit and his invaluable contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
- The nation observes the 127th edition of Parakram Diwas in 2024 to pay tribute to the iconic leader.
Top of Form
awards news
“BCCI NAMAN Awards 2024: Shubman Gill Named Cricketer of the Year, Ravi Shastri Receives Lifetime Achievement”
- BCCI to host NAMAN Awards ceremony in Hyderabad to honor exemplary performances in Indian cricket.
- The event, held for the first time since 2019, recognizes achievements of Indian cricketers in the preceding year.
- Shubman Gill set to receive Cricketer of the Year award for his outstanding 2023 performance, amassing 2,154 runs in 48 matches.
- Former Indian cricketer and head coach, Ravi Shastri, to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrious career in Tests and ODIs, scoring over 3,000 runs and taking 280 wickets.
Sports news
“Khelo India Youth Games 2024 Kick Off in Tamil Nadu, Showcasing Nation’s Young Sporting Talent”
Key Points:
- Khelo India Youth Games 2024 begins in Tamil Nadu, highlighting India’s young sporting talent.
- Hosted in vibrant cities – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore – the event emphasizes India’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
- Beyond athletic competition, the games celebrate India’s diverse and rich sporting culture.
- Tamil Nadu leads the medal table with six gold medals, followed by Maharashtra with four gold medals.
- The event is marked by intense competition and high spirits among the participating athletes.
Books and author
“Amit Shah Releases ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan’ Book, Highlights Role in Northeast’s Freedom Struggle”
Key Points:
- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, releases ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan’ book in Guwahati.
- Shah lauds Lachit Barphukan’s remarkable story, emphasizing his fight against bigotry and power-hungry forces in the Northeast.
- Likens Lachit Borphukan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting his significant role in India’s freedom struggle.
- Stresses the importance of the Battle of Saraighat, credits Lachit for safeguarding Assam and preventing its incorporation into Bangladesh.
- Acknowledges Lachit’s role in halting invasions from Khilji to Aurangzeb and contributing to the region’s integration with India.
Defense news
“11th Edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise ‘Khanjar’ Commences in Himachal Pradesh”
Key Points:
- The 11th edition of the annual India-Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise, ‘Khanjar,’ begins in Himachal Pradesh.
- Conducted alternately in the two countries, this year’s exercise takes place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh.
- The two-week-long exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and exchange expertise on counterterrorism operations.