Current Affairs Jan 31, 2024
National news
1) “Ministry of Culture Triumphs: Republic Day Parade 2024’s Top Prize Unveils a Tapestry of Bharat’s Rich Cultural Legacy”
- The Ministry of Culture’s tableau wins first prize at the Republic Day Parade 2024.
- Anamorphic technique and a fusion of tradition and innovation captivate audiences.
- Celebrates Bharat’s cultural heritage, lauded as the mother of democracy.
- Ministry expresses pride, emphasizing commitment to preserving India’s diverse cultural tapestry.
- Victory hailed not only as a recognition of creativity but a testament to Bharat’s cultural richness.
Other awards:
- Among the Three Services: The Sikh Regiment Contingent was declared the best marching contingent, showcasing their discipline and precision.
- Among CAPF/Other Auxiliary Forces: The Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent received the award, highlighting the increasing role of women in security forces
2) GAIL (India) Secures 10-Year LNG Purchase Agreement with Adnoc Gas for 0.5 MTPA
Important Points:
- GAIL (India) Limited has finalized a long-term LNG purchase agreement with Adnoc Gas for approximately 0.5 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
- The agreement stipulates deliveries starting in 2026 and continuing for a duration of 10 years, covering multiple locations across India.
- This deal stems from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked between GAIL and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) in October 2022, focusing on collaborative exploration opportunities.
- The agreement reinforces the strategic partnership between GAIL and Adnoc, contributing to the energy security and diversification efforts in India.
- The LNG supply will play a crucial role in meeting India’s growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources.
3) India’s First Snow Leopard Population Assessment Reveals 718 Individuals, Ladakh Leads with 477
- Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav unveiled the “Status of Snow Leopards in India” report during the National Board for Wildlife meeting in Delhi.
- The report, by the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, is the first-ever population estimation exercise for the vulnerable species in India.
- The assessment conducted from 2019 to 2023 revealed a total of 718 snow leopards in the country.
- Ladakh emerges with the highest estimated population of 477 snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
- The study involved photographing 241 unique snow leopards, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts and understanding the distribution of these elusive big cats in India.
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Economy news
“India Skips Economic Survey for 2024: Interim Budget Instead Amid Election Sensitivity”
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present an interim budget (vote-on-account) on February 1, 2024.
- Omission of Economic Survey in 2024 due to election context to avoid potential politicization.
- Election year concerns about a possible change in government may disrupt the regular budgeting process.
- Ministry of Finance releases alternative report titled “Indian Economy – A Review” by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.
Record news
India Maintains 93rd Position in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index”
- India’s ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 remains unchanged at 93rd out of 180 countries.
- Denmark secures top position for the sixth consecutive year with a score of 90.
- Denmark’s success attributed to a well-functioning justice system.
- Transparency International’s CPI provides insights into global public sector integrity.
Awards news
The 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards 2024 took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event featured hosting by Karan Johar,
Winner list:
Category
Winner
Best Film
12th Fail
Best Director
Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male)
Ranbir Kapoor (Animal)
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female)
Alia Bhatt (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Best Film (Critics’)
Joram (Devashish Makhija)
Best Actor (Critics’)
Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Best Actress (Critics’)
Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs. Norway), Shefali Shah (Three of Us)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Vicky Kaushal (Dunki)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
Shabana Azmi (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Best Lyrics
Amitabh Bhattacharya (“Tere Vaaste” – Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)
Best Music Album
Animal (Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, et al.)
Best Playback Singer (Male)
Bhupinder Babbal (Arjan Vailly – Animal)
Best Playback Singer (Female)
Shilpa Rao (Besharam Rang – Pathaan)
Best Story
Amit Rai (OMG 2), Devashish Makhija (Joram)
Best Screenplay
Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
Best Dialogue
Ishita Moitra (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Best Background Score
Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
Best Cinematography
Avinash Arun Dhaware (Three of Us)
Best Production Design
Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray (Sam Bahadur)
Best Costume Design
Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (Sam Bahadur)
Best Sound Design
Kunal Sharma (Mpse) (Sam Bahadur) Sync Cinema (Animal)
Best Editing
Jaskunwar Singh Kohli- Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
Best Action
Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig Macrae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues (Jawan)
Best VFX
Red Chillies VFX (Jawan)
Best Choreography
Ganesh Acharya (“What Jhumka?” – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Best Debut Director
Tarun Dudeja (Dhak Dhak)
Best Debut Male
Aditya Rawal (Faraaz)
Best Debut Female
Alizeh Agnihotri (Farrey)
Lifetime Achievement Award
David Dhawan
2) President Droupadi Murmu Presents Best Electoral Practices Awards 2023 at National Voters Day Event
Important Points:
- President Droupadi Murmu awarded Best Electoral Practices Awards 2023 at the 14th National Voters Day event organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi on January 25, 2024.
- The awards recognized outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2023, presented to State and District level officers.
- A total of 16 awards were given, including 13 Best Electoral Practices Awards and 3 ECI Media Awards.
- The event also marked the launch of a voter awareness campaign with the tagline, “Chunav ka Parv, Desh ka Garv” (Festival of Elections, Pride of the Nation), ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
- The campaign aims to promote civic participation and pride in the electoral process across the nation.
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Important dates
India Energy Week 2024 in Goa Anticipates Global Participation with 17 Energy Ministers and 35,000 Attendees
Important Points:
- India Energy Week 2024 is scheduled to take place in Goa from February 6 to 9, attracting significant international participation.
- Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri announced the event’s projection of hosting 17 energy ministers from various nations.
- The energy summit is expected to draw over 35,000 guests and showcase the participation of more than 900 exhibitors.
- Six dedicated country pavilions will be featured at the event, representing Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- The conference aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and partnerships in the energy sector, contributing to global discussions on sustainable energy practices.
Sports news
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Reappointed as Asian Cricket Council President for Third Consecutive Term
Important Points:
- BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has been appointed as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a third consecutive term.
- The extension was proposed by Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva for the second time.
- Jay Shah’s nomination received unanimous support from all members of the ACC during its annual general meeting held in Bali.
- The reappointment signifies continued leadership and collaboration in promoting and organizing cricket activities across Asian nations.
Agreements news
Larsen & Toubro Secures Project for Solar Power Plant in Dubai
Important Points:
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has won a project to establish a solar power plant in Dubai.
- The order was secured by L&T’s renewable engineering, procurement, and construction arm within its power transmission and distribution business.
- The project involves the setup of a solar photovoltaic plant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- The announcement underscores L&T’s continued involvement in renewable energy projects and its expanding presence in the global solar sector.
- Further details about the project, such as its capacity and timeline, may be available in the official filing to BSE or related sources.
Books and news
‘Ek Samandar, Mere Andar,’ a collection of 75 poems penned by BrahMos Aerospace Deputy CEO Sanjeev Joshi, was launched in a prestigious event graced by top Indian defence and literary figures. This book reflects the confluence of creative expression and defence expertise.
Science and tech
Neuralink Achieves Milestone with First Human Brain Chip Implantation
Important Points:
- Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, successfully implanted the first brain chip in a human patient.
- The brain-chip startup focuses on developing brain-computer interface technology to address paralysis and neurological conditions.
- The milestone reflects Neuralink’s dedication to advancing neurotechnology for medical applications.
- Elon Musk confirmed the successful implantation, emphasizing the patient’s positive recovery.
- Neuralink’s achievement signifies progress in realizing ambitious goals for brain-computer interfaces, holding potential for healthcare and human-machine interaction advancements.