1 Indian President inaugurates 5th Meghalaya Games
On January 15, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura , Meghalaya . In his address, the President highlighted the tremendous potential for development of sports and sportspersons in the North East region, citing the rich tradition of strong sporting culture. The 5th installment of Meghalaya Games holds historical significance on many fronts. Notably, it marks the inaugural occasion of it being held in Tura, different from its previous exclusive venue in Shillong. Additionally, this edition features traditional indigenous sports in its lineup, and is the first instance where the inauguration is performed by the President of India.
2 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar releases the book Fertilizing the Future: India’s March Towards Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency, written by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar released the book Fertilizing the Future: India’s March Towards Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency, written by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers . While sharing the book release program in a post on social media, Dr. Mandaviya expressed his gratitude towards the Vice President. Dr. Mandaviya said that the title of the Hindi version of this book is Fertilizer-The Path to Self-Reliance. The book highlights the journey of making India self-reliant in the fertilizer sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the revolutionary changes that have taken place so far.
3 Khadi and Village Industries Commission launches a new category of Sanatan Khadi textiles
Khadi and Village Industries Commission has launched a new category of Sanatan Khadi textiles . Commission Chairman Manoj Kumar launched Sanatan Vastra made of Khadi textiles from Khadi Bhawan in Connaught Place, Delhi. The design of Sanatan Vastra has been prepared at the Khadi Center of Excellence located at National Institute of Fashion Technology-NIFT . Addressing the media at the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of Khadi Village Industries Commission said that no mechanical or chemical process is involved in the preparation of Khadi clothes. Sanatan clothes prepared as per Indian tradition are unique in themselves. He said that on the special occasion of Ramotsav, Khadi Bhawan of New Delhi will give 20 percent discount on Sanatan clothes and 10 to 60 percent discount on other Khadi clothes and village industry products.
4. The first mother milk bank of its kind in Punjab established in Mohali
In Punjab , the first of its kind mother-milk bank as a pilot project was set up by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Medical Institute has been established in Mohali. Dr. Gordon R., President of Rotary International. McNally inaugurated it along with Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, director of the institute. Rotary has given Rs 30 lakh to this bank to purchase equipment and other necessary items.
5 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the new building of the Office of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) in New Delhi.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the office building of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies in New Delhi . On this occasion, Minister of State for Cooperative Shri B.L. Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperative Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Managing Director of National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) and representatives of Multi-State Cooperative Federation, Multi-State Cooperative Societies and banks from across the country were also present.
6 Assam Government launches Chief Minister Women Entrepreneurship Campaign Scheme
Recently the Government of Assam launched a financial assistance scheme, Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) , aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs . The initiative includes unique requirements that specifically focus on increasing the number of children women can qualify for benefits. The MMUA scheme is designed to promote the development of rural women who are part of Self Help Groups by converting them into “rural micro entrepreneurs” with a target annual income of Rs 1 lakh per member.
7 Bernardo Arévalo becomes the new President of Guatemala
Bernardo Arévalo was officially sworn in as President of Guatemala on January 15, 2024 , overcoming months of political challenges . Arévalo’s electoral victory marked a significant change in Guatemala’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by conservative parties.
8 Naval Chief inaugurates revolutionary clean and green CO2-based air conditioning plant at INS Shivaji
Naval Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar inaugurated the unique CO2 based air conditioning plant at INS Shivaji on 17 Jan 24 . This AC plant is the first of its kind and is set to replace HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbon) and HCFC (Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbon) based air conditioning systems on ships. This move is in line with India’s commitment to the 2016 Kigali Agreement on phasing out HFCs and HCFC-based synthetic refrigerants by 2028 and the transcritical CO2 based air conditioning plant is the first step in this direction. This technology is in line with global efforts to combat climate change and supports the Indian Navy’s initiatives towards sustainable green alternatives. This air conditioning plant is equipped with advanced digital control system and smart technology integration with economical manpower to run the plant. The system has been developed in collaboration with IISc, Bangalore, which is evidence of fostering defence-academic synergy towards inculcating future technology in the armed forces.
9 Electronics and Information Technology Secretary launched ‘Centre of Excellence in Intelligent Internet of Things Sensors’ and ‘India Innovation Center for Graphene’ in Kerala on Wednesday
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary , Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, launched two flagship programs – ‘ Center of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors ‘ and India’s first Graphene Center (IICG) Graphene Center ‘ India Innovation ‘s Kerala Started in Makers Village, Kochi . CoE in IIoT Sensors was organized by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India and Government of Kerala at Makers Village Kochi to catalyze the development of sensors in the scope of Intelligent IoT Systems covering the broad spectrum of applications of Intelligent Sensors in Networks, Devices and Sensor Systems. It is a unique facility established for. India’s first Graphene Center IICG is also being established by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India and Government of Kerala along with Tata Steel Limited with the objective of promoting R&D, product innovation and capacity building in the field of graphene and 2D material systems at Makers Village Kochi. Has been established in.
10 The government has canceled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act – FCRA registration certificate of the Center for Policy Research for violating laws.
The government has canceled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act – FCRA registration certificate of the Center for Policy Research for violating the laws . The Home Ministry said that the Center for Policy Research – CPR has diverted foreign grants to a non-FCRA institution for legal battles and protests against development projects. It said CPR has misused foreign contributions and used foreign funds to influence India’s economic interests in violation of the FCRA, 2010.
11 Indian telecom company Reliance Jio has shown interest in providing services in Sri Lanka.
Indian telecom company Reliance Jio has shown interest in providing services in Sri Lanka . Jio is also included among the three big companies willing to buy government’s stake in Sri Lanka Telecom . Sri Lanka Telecom is the government telecommunications company of the country. Sri Lanka had in November last year decided to sell its stake in the national telecom company and had invited proposals from potential investors. The last date for submission of proposals was January 12. Sri Lanka’s press release names three potential bidders. These are- Jio Platforms , China’s Gortune International Investment Holding and Portugal ‘s Pettigo Comercio International . These proposals will be evaluated as per the specific guidelines of Government Undertakings.
12 Status of Tribal Livelihoods (SAL) Report, 2022
Recently, the Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL) report, 2022, released by the non-profit organization PRADAN , states that the food subsidy provided by the Public Distribution System (PDS) The problem of stress resulting from low income of tribal families has been solved. The objective of this report is to understand the livelihood situation of the Scheduled Tribes of the central region of India. The SAL report is based on the 2022 Household Survey covering a sample of 6,019 households. According to the report, the average annual income of tribal families in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh was much lower than the national average annual income per farmer family during the agricultural year 2018-19. The market price of food and other commodities consumed by a tribal family in Chhattisgarh in a year is approximately ₹ 18,000. Only about 13% of this amount is spent by the families for the purchase of the above items. The remaining 87% amount comes from subsidies given by the government. A tribal family in Madhya Pradesh pays only 22% of the market price for products worth Rs 10,000 annually purchased from PDS. In Madhya Pradesh, 32% of tribal households, 27% of non-tribal households and 61% of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) households are reported to be severely food insecure. In Chhattisgarh, 27% of tribal households, 42% of non-tribal households and 29% of PVTG households are reported to be severely food insecure.
13 Jallikattu started in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu , a vibrant state in South India famous for its cultural richness and traditional festivals, started Jallikattu competition in Avaniapuram village in Madurai district . As soon as the traditional and widely loved game began, the enthusiastic spectators started cheering. Jallikattu, the main attraction of the Pongal harvest festival to be held in the second week of January, is set to increase its excitement over a period of three days with Avaniapuram hosting the first day, Palamedu on the second day and Alanganallur on the third day . Jallikattu, a bull taming sport with roots dating back nearly 2,000 years , shows a deep connection with the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu.
14 Deepa Bhandare becomes the first woman to receive VSI Award
Deepa Bhandare, associated with Shri Dutta Cooperative Sugar Factory (SSK) in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur , emerged as a pioneer, winning the prestigious Best Environment Officer award at the event. The award, presented by VSI President Sharad Pawar, is a historic moment as Bhandare becomes the only woman to receive this honor in the long and illustrious history of Maharashtra ‘s sugar industry.
15 Pat Cummins and Deepti Sharma became ICC Players of the Month
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the names of ‘ Player of the Month ‘ for the month of December . Australian captain Pat Cummins was named ‘ Men’s Player of the Month ‘. Whereas, India’s Deepti Sharma was chosen as the ‘ Women’s Player of the Month ‘. This is Deepti Sharma’s first title of ‘Player of the Month’.
16 Thiruvalluvar Day
Thiruvalluvar Day was celebrated on 16 January as part of Pongal to remember the contribution of Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar to literature . Saint Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, is believed to have lived in Mylapore (now part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu ). It is said that he was a weaver by profession and Jain by religion. He is best known as the author of Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on morality. It is said that he was a weaver by profession and Jain by religion.
