1 PM inaugurates Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi- Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) in Kavaratti , Lakshadweep , among various developmental projects worth over Rs 1,150 crore covering multiple sectors including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education. ) project inaugurated. The KLI-SOFC project will increase internet speed, opening up new possibilities and opportunities. For the first time after independence, Lakshadweep will be connected through submarine optic fiber cable. The dedicated submarine OFC will ensure a paradigm shift in communication infrastructure in Lakshadweep islands, enabling faster and more reliable internet services, telemedicine, e-governance, educational initiatives, digital banking, digital currency usage, digital literacy etc. The project is funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) , Department of Telecommunications. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was the project executing agency and the work was awarded to M/s NEC Corporation India Private Limited through Global Open Tendering process. Major activities related to the project include seaway survey, laying of submarine cables, civil construction of CLS stations, installation of terminal terminals (SLTE), testing and commissioning.
2 India joins Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO)
India has formally signed up for the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) – an ambitious multinational initiative to build the world’s largest radio telescope . SKAO is not a single instrument but a vast collection of thousands of telescopic antennas at sites in South Africa and Australia . These will connect together to form a single giant telescope array. It will enable astronomers to investigate astronomical phenomena at extreme distances, advancing cosmic understanding. Indian scientists have participated in the development of SKAO for decades through the National Center for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune and other institutions. An important contribution is the advanced ‘Telescope Manager’ software designed by NCRA. This neural network will control and optimize the observations. The software leverages India’s expertise in running the Skill Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT), the world’s largest telescope of its kind, also located near Pune.
3 Jammu and Kashmir becomes the first Union Territory to implement PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Jammu and Kashmir has taken an important step towards empowering its vibrant community of artisans and craftsmen by becoming the first Union Territory (UT) to implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) . This initiative, launched by the Central Government in September 2023, aims to elevate and recognize the vital role of these skilled individuals in preserving and enriching the cultural heritage of India . The official launch of PMVY in Jammu and Kashmir took place on January 2, 2024, marking an important occasion for the Union Territory. The inauguration ceremony held virtually saw the participation of Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor , Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Secretary, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The ceremony also marked the beginning of the training program for the first batch of 30 apprentices (Vishwakarma) specializing in ‘Darji Craft’.
4 Madhya Pradesh: Government encourages production of coarse grains, decision taken to implement Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Protsahan Yojana
Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to implement Rani Durgavati ShriAnn Protsahan Yojana to promote the production of coarse grains . This decision was taken in the first meeting of the state cabinet in Jabalpur. Under this scheme, incentives will be given to farmers growing coarse grains.
5 Kyrgyzstan declares snow leopard as its national symbol
Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) as its national symbol , indicating its commitment to conservation and ecological balance. The snow leopard is historically significant in Kyrgyz culture, appearing in the story of the Kyrgyz folk hero Manas , revered as a symbol of greatness, courage, and resiliency. It is also called ‘ Ghost of the Mountain ‘. Snow leopards are important for the ecological balance, inhabiting 1/3 of the global area. The decline in their population has increased the threat to various species. Adapted to high altitude areas, their unique structure ensures efficiency in shallow areas. Snow leopards face poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high altitude Himalayas. It has developed a Snow Leopard Project to conserve the species and habitats.
6 NEHHDC sets up Ashtalakshmi Haat for North East arts and crafts
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) is setting up a dedicated market and residence in Guwahati to enhance the income of regional artisans . Named after Ashtalakshmi, the eight Hindu goddesses of wealth , the ₹7.6 crore Ashtalakshmi Haat aims to showcase handicraft diversity from the eight states of northeastern India . The complex will also have 24 permanent handicraft stalls for master artisans as well as an accommodation center for visiting artists. From intricate Manipuri pottery to vast Mizo landscapes on canvas, Ashtalakshmi Haat promises to reveal the prized living heritage of the region to locals and tourists alike. It provides artisans with a direct city outlet that connects them to contemporary consumers seeking authentic goods. The residency component allows artisans from remote hills and villages to stay during sales exhibitions.
2024 to be named ‘Year of Human Resource Development and Discipline’ to create future roadmap of IREDA in 7 new strategic and geographical areas
2024 has been designated as the ‘ Year of Human Resource Development and Discipline ‘ for the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited ( IREDA ), reflecting the organization’s strategic expansion into new areas. IREDA is a Mini Ratna (Category-I) Enterprise of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It is a public limited government company established in 1987 as a non-banking financial institution engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects related to new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency. Is.
8 Indian Railways will install 20 thousand GPS-navigation fog-pass equipment for smooth train operations.
Indian Railways has made provision of about 20 thousand fog pass devices to ensure smooth train operations due to fog . Fog Pass is a GPS based navigation device , which helps the loco pilot to see in dense fog conditions. The Railway Ministry said it provides on-board real-time information to loco pilots about the location of marked landmarks such as signals, level crossing gates and permanent speed restrictions. The ministry has said that due to fog during the winter season, a large number of trains are affected in the northern parts of the country. The fog pass device is suitable for train speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour. Loco pilot can easily carry this device with him, as it is portable, compact in size and light in weight.
So far 22 countries and 12 international organizations have joined the Global Biofuel Alliance launched by the Prime Minister at the 9th G-20 Summit.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that so far 22 countries and 12 international organizations have joined the Global Biofuel Alliance launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G-20 Summit in New Delhi . Mr Puri addressed the media about the achievements of his ministry. He said that with the success of biofuels, India is gradually moving towards adopting biofuels as a traded commodity. The Global Biofuels Alliance is an India-led initiative to develop a coalition of governments, international organizations and industry for biofuel adoption. The initiative aims to position biofuels as key to the transition to energy use and contribute to jobs and economic growth. He informed that India is now the world’s third largest energy consumer, third largest oil consumer, third largest liquefied petroleum gas consumer, fourth largest liquefied natural gas importer, fourth largest oil refiner and fourth largest automobile market.
Smart-2.0 program launched to include 10 academic professionals in the mainstream of Ayurveda research
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences in collaboration with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine launched SMART-2.0 program to include academic professionals in the mainstream of Ayurvedic research . The objective of the program is to promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda through mutual collaboration with Ayurveda educational institutions and hospitals across the country. Professor Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, said that the objective of the study is to promote the safety, tolerability and use of Ayurveda in the research areas of Bal Kasa, malnutrition, inadequate breastfeeding, abnormal uterine bleeding, osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Is. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences is an apex organization for formulation, coordination, development and promotion of scientifically based research in Ayurveda. It works under the Ministry of AYUSH.
11 For the first time, an all-girl band from the North East joins to participate in the Republic Day Camp 2024 of the National Cadet Corps
A National Cadet Corps band consisting of 45 girls from the North East will participate in the Republic Day Parade 2024 for the first time . Girls in the age group of 13 to 15 years will represent the rich cultural heritage of the North East . NCC Director General Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh said that a total of two thousand two hundred and seventy-four cadets from across the country are participating in the month-long camp, out of which maximum nine hundred and seven are girls. The cadets also include 122 cadets from Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh and 177 cadets from the North East. Shri Singh said that under the Youth Exchange Programme, cadets and officers from 25 friendly countries will also participate in it.
It will be mandatory for 12 hospitals to take consent of patients or their relatives before keeping them in ICU: Health Ministry
The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines to hospitals for keeping people in Intensive Care Unit – ICU . According to them, hospitals will not be able to send seriously ill patients to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) if they or their family members refuse . The guidelines regarding admission and transfer to the ICU further clarify that a patient should be sent to the ICU only if there is organ failure and need for organ support or if the condition is likely to deteriorate. These guidelines have been prepared by 24 eminent physicians, including experts from Dubai and Canada.
13 Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh assumes charge as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command
Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh , AVSM, NM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command (WNC) on 03 January 2023, succeeding Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM. . During this, a formal parade was organized at INS Shikra. Sanjay J Singh paid tribute to all personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation by laying a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh – Victory at Sea Memorial at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh has served as the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi before assuming charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
14 Family Pension Guidelines for Government Employees/Pensioners
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has drawn up comprehensive provisions for disbursement of family pension to the spouse and children of a deceased government servant in cases involving a surviving pensioner, as per the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 . As per the provisions of sub-rule (8) and sub-rule (9) of Rule 50 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, family pension is initially paid to the spouse, while the other eligible members of the family are entitled to the disqualification of the spouse. Or are eligible for pension after death. As per recent amendments, in scenarios where a woman government employee or pensioner is involved in divorce proceedings or has filed cases against her husband under specific laws, her eligible children will be eligible for family pension in place of her spouse. /Provisions to enable enrollment of children have been outlined.
15 Ola Electric becomes the first Indian EV company to receive PLI approval
India ‘s electric vehicle (EV) landscape is witnessing unprecedented growth as IPO- bound electric scooter company Ola Electric has secured eligibility for the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme . This achievement establishes Ola Electric as a key player towards sustainable transportation. In a recent report by ET Auto, it has been revealed that Ola Electric successfully met the stringent eligibility criteria outlined in the PLI scheme, which includes a minimum of 50% domestic value addition in its electric vehicles (E2W). The achievement makes Ola Electric the first Indian e-scooter company to receive the approval, paving the way for potential financial gains of Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per unit.
