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Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2024

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A)
Varanasi and Kanpur
B)
Kanpur and Prayagraj
C)
Prayagraj and Ghazipur
D)
Varanasi and Prayagraj

Correct Answer :   Varanasi and Prayagraj


The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Swachh Survekshan awards 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

13 awardees received felicitations under categories of Clean Cities, Cleanest Cantonment, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Ganga Towns and Best Performing State were given away.

This year (2024) the cleanest city award showcased joint winners. Port city Surat bagged the top honours, alongside Indore, who had conquered the top spot alone for 6 consecutive years. In the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala secured the top three spots. Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Cleanest Cantonment Board.

Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards amongst the Cleanest Ganga Towns. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State.  Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher. 110 awards were bestowed during the ceremony.

President of India launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard. Speaking at the event, the President said, “When everyone contributes to and participates in Swachh Survekshan, it’s an important step forward. Praising the States and ULBs for their performance in Swachh Survekshan, she said, “The theme for the year 2023 “Waste to Wealth” is an important topic to ponder upon. I would like to say that wealth should be created out of waste as that will help the overall cleanliness. Cleanliness has to be made divine process.


The G20 Leaders’ Delhi Declaration has committed to “enhance environmentally sound waste management and substantially reduce waste generation by 2030 and highlight the importance of zero waste initiatives.” The Hon’ble President appreciated that all States, ULBs, citizens are moving ahead on the path of prosperity through cleanliness and are creating self-reliance through the Mission. Highlighting SafaiMitra Suraksha, the President said,” I am immensely happy to know that effective steps are being taken to ensure SafaiMitra safety, dignity and well-being.

“ Emphasizing the importance of circular economy, she added, “It is highly commendable that in the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission, circular waste management is being followed and the circular economy process of recycling and reusing more and more items is proving helpful for sustainable development.” Hon’ble President urged all to be swachhata doots and spread awareness. I am happy to know that all of you have set the theme of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Cleanliness Survey 2024.”..

Source : PIB

Published On : January 12, 2024
A)
USA
B)
China
C)
Russia
D)
India

Correct Answer :   China


China on Tuesday (9th Jan 2024) sent a groundbreaking astronomical satellite named Einstein Probe (EP) into space on a mission to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe.

The satellite, shaped like a " Lotus in full bloom", employs innovative X-ray detection technology inspired by the functioning of a lobster eye.

Launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, this mission marks a significant step in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos.

Lotus-Shaped Wonder: Design and Features of Einstein Probe :


The Einstein Probe, weighing approximately 1.45 tonnes and resembling a full-size SUV, boasts a distinctive lotus shape. Its design includes 12 petals and two stamens, with each petal housing wide-field X-ray telescopes (WXT) and each stamen containing follow-up X-ray telescopes (FXT). This unique structure forms a space observatory geared towards capturing elusive celestial events.


Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Fireworks: Mission Objectives :


The primary mission objectives of the Einstein Probe focus on shedding light on enigmatic phenomena in the universe. Scientists aim to capture the first light emanating from supernova explosions, locate and identify X-ray signals accompanying gravitational wave events, and discover dormant black holes and other faint transient celestial objects at the outer reaches of the cosmos.


Einstein’s Legacy: A Nod to General Relativity :


The satellite’s nomenclature pays homage to Albert Einstein, the iconic physicist behind the theory of general relativity. Yuan Weimin, the principal investigator of the EP mission and a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), emphasizes the connection between the mission’s objectives and Einstein’s groundbreaking predictions.


The Universe’s Explosive Side: Studying Transient Celestial Bodies :


While the starry sky appears serene to the human eye, the universe harbors intense celestial activities. Explosions triggered by the demise of supermassive stars, black holes consuming stars, and collisions involving neutron stars and black holes are part of this cosmic drama. The EP mission aims to deepen our understanding of these phenomena, answering fundamental questions about the composition of the universe and the governing laws of extreme celestial environments.


X-ray Vision: Capturing the Unseen with WXT and FXT :


The wide-field X-ray telescopes (WXT) on the satellite act as colossal nets, allowing scientists to monitor one-twelfth of the entire sky at once. These instruments are crucial for capturing sudden and unpredictable explosive celestial bodies beyond our galaxy, often emitting X-rays. Additionally, follow-up X-ray telescopes (FXT) boast high sensitivity, facilitating rapid observation and independent discovery of transient sources..


Innovative Technology: CMOS Sensors for X-ray Observation :


The EP mission incorporates innovative X-ray astronomical detectors, including CMOS sensors developed by the international team involved in the project. These sensors enhance the satellite’s ability to observe X-ray signals in space, providing valuable data for scientific analysis.


Global Collaboration: The European Space Agency and Max Planck Institute


The mission is a collaborative effort, with participation from The European Space Agency and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany. Together, these international entities aim to conduct a high-cadence survey and monitoring of high-energy transient sources, search for cloaked black holes, and study their formation and evolution.


The Quest for New Discoveries: Anticipating Unseen Phenomena :


As the EP mission unfolds, scientists express anticipation about discovering new celestial phenomena and bodies never seen before. Yuan Weimin expresses eagerness in exploring the uncharted realms of the universe, emphasizing the potential for groundbreaking revelations in the realm of astronomy.


Source : Times of India

Published On : January 12, 2024
A)
January 8 to 14
B)
January 9 to 15
C)
January 10 to 16
D)
January 11 to 17

Correct Answer :   January 11 to 17


Introduction to National Road Safety Week :

National Road Safety Week, a crucial initiative in India, is observed annually from January 11 to 17. The 2024 observance marks the 35th year of this vital campaign.

Aimed at raising awareness about road safety, this week-long event plays a significant role in educating citizens about responsible driving, pedestrian safety, and the need for improved road infrastructure.


Understanding the Gravity of Road Accidents in India :

The “Road Accidents in India-2022” report, released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), presents alarming statistics. In 2022, India witnessed 4,61,312 road accidents, resulting in 1,68,491 fatalities and injuring 4,43,366 individuals. These figures represent an 11.9% increase in accidents, a 9.4% rise in fatalities, and a 15.3% hike in injuries compared to the previous year. Such data underlines the urgent need for intensified road safety measures.


The Role of MoRTH and NSC in Road Safety Awareness :

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced National Road Safety Week in 1989, with the first-ever observance in the same year. Additionally, the National Safety Council of India (NSC), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE), plays a significant role in organizing this event. Their combined efforts aim to sensitize citizens and road users about the challenges of road safety.


National Road Safety Month: An Extended Effort :

Recognizing the severity of road safety challenges, MoRTH has also introduced an annual observance known as National Road Safety Month (RSM). In 2024, this month-long campaign will run from January 15 to February 14, providing an extended period for awareness and education activities.


Global Perspective: The UN’s Global Road Safety Week :

The United Nations Global Road Safety Week (UNGRSW) complements national efforts by providing a global platform to address road safety. This biennial campaign, observed worldwide in May, focuses on reducing road deaths and raising global awareness.

Published On : January 12, 2024
A)
Naveen Patnaik
B)
Narendra Modi
C)
Amit Shah
D)
Droupadi Murmu

Correct Answer :   Naveen Patnaik


Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday (9th Jan 2024) inaugurated the Malkangiri airport in the southwestern part of Odisha.

This strategic initiative is designed to enhance connectivity and foster development in the tribal-dominated areas, marking a crucial step forward in the region’s progress.


A Glimpse of Malkangiri Airport :

Situated over 233 acres in the Katelguda area of Goudaguda panchayat, Malkangiri airport was established at a cost of INR 70 crore. The airport features a 1620-meter long and 30-meter wide runway, making it initially capable of accommodating nine-seater aircraft, as confirmed by an official statement. With this addition, the operational airports in the state of Odisha have now reached a total of seven.


Chief Minister’s Delight :

Chief Minister Patnaik expressed his joy during the inauguration, describing the establishment of Malkangiri airport as a “dream come true” for the residents of Swabiman Anchal. This area was once known for being a hotbed of Maoist activities. Patnaik emphasized the transformative potential of air connectivity to Malkangiri, stating that it would usher in a new era of development, open up business and tourism opportunities, and significantly improve the lives of the people in the region.


Comprehensive Regional Development :

Patnaik’s visit to Malkangiri not only marked the inauguration of the airport but also included plans for an ambitious integrated irrigation project at Govindpalli. Valued at INR 4,000 crore, this project is expected to irrigate 92,815 acres of agricultural land and provide drinking water to 1.5 lakh people. According to official statements, the project’s construction is slated to commence by July 2024, contributing to the holistic development of the region.


Biju Patnaik International Airport Support :

Ensuring the smooth operationalization of Malkangiri airport, the authorities at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar extended technical support. This collaborative effort between airports highlights the commitment of the state government to comprehensive development and effective utilization of resources..


Source : Economic Times

Published On : January 12, 2024
A)
Surat and Patna
B)
Bhopal and Surat
C)
Indore and Surat
D)
Indore and Bhopal

Correct Answer :   Indore and Surat


President Droupadi Murmu presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 at an event organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs( MoHUA) at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center in New Delhi on January 11, 2024.


Cleanest cities (category of population more than one lakh) :

* Indore and Surat have been selected as the cleanest cities in the country in the annual cleanliness survey.

* Navi Mumbai stood at third position.

* Indore of Madhya Pradesh has remained the cleanest city in the country for seven consecutive times.

* This is the first time two cities have got the first position in the Swachh Bharat Survey.


Cleanest cities (category of population less than one lakh) :

* Saswad in Maharashtra has been chosen as the cleanest city in the category of population less than one lakh.

* After this, Patan of Chhattisgarh and Lonavala of Maharashtra got second and third place among clean cities, respectively.


Cleanest states :

* Maharashtra has been awarded the first prize for cleanliness in the states category.

* Madhya Pradesh was given the second clean state award and Chhattisgarh was given the third clean state award.


Cleanest Ganga City :

* Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi and Prayagraj secured the top two positions among clean Ganga cities.


Cleanest capital :

* Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) has been selected as the cleanest capital.


Swachh Survekshan 2023 :

* The eighth edition of Swachh Survekshan was launched in the year 2023.

* The theme of Swachhta Survekshan 2023 was “Waste to Wealth”.

* Swachh Survekshan was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2016 as a competitive framework to incentivize cities to improve urban sanitation conditions by encouraging large-scale citizen participation.

* Over the past few years, Swachh Survekshan has emerged as the largest urban sanitation survey in the world.

* The survey, which started in 2016, initially included only 73 major cities, and in 2023, the number increased to 4,477.

Published On : January 11, 2024
A)
Khaleda Zia
B)
Sheikh Hasina
C)
Dr. Abdur Razzaq
D)
Fakhruddin Ahmed

Correct Answer :   Sheikh Hasina


In  Bangladeshm Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was sworn in today (9th Jan 2024) evening as the Prime Minister of the country for the fourth consecutive term - the fifth overall.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and members of the new cabinet at Bangabhaban, Dhaka. Ms. Sheikh Hasina will serve as the 12th Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is 76-year-old.

Earlier in the afternoon, president Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed 25 Ministers and 11 State Ministers as members of the new cabinet. In a surprise move, Sheikh Hasina has dropped 30 incumbent cabinet members including some heavyweights like Finance Minister Mustafa Kamal, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak, Foreign Minister AK abdul Momen, and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi.

Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived the August 15, 1975 mayhem that saw the assassination of Sheikh Mujib along with most members of his family. They were then on vacation in Germany. From Germany, the two sisters, the only survivors of Sheikh Mujib’s family, went to India for about six years of exiled life.


Still in exile in India, Hasina was elected the president of Awami League at the age of 34. She returned home from India on May 17, 1981 and immediately launched a campaign against the rule of military ruler Ziaur Rahman for restoration of democracy.

The Awami League, led by Hasina, won the June 1996 parliamentary elections coming to power for the first time since the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975.

In 2001 Hasina became the first leader to step down peacefully after serving a full five-year term in office and handed over power to a caretaker administration as per the constitution. Her party was defeated in the 2001 election conducted by a caretaker government.

She again led her party to an absolute win in the 2008 election overseen by a military-backed interim government. She took office for the second time in 2009. She also won the next three elections in 2014, 2018 and the latest on the 7th of  January 2024...

Source : AIR

Published On : January 11, 2024
A)
Kochi
B)
Visakhapatnam
C)
Chennai
D)
Mumbai

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam


Indian Navy’s multi-national exercise, MILAN 24 is all set to be held in  Visakhapatnam from 19-27 Feb 2024.

Earlier 11th edition of this exercise was held in Feb-Mar 22 in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command with the theme ‘Camaraderie-Cohesion-Collaboration’.

MILAN is a biennial multi-national naval exercise which started in 1995 with participation of four foreign countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand) in consonance with India’s ‘Look East policy’.

The MILAN Exercise flourished under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar command till its 10th edition. Visakhapatnam is chosen as the preferred venue for future MILAN exercises.

MILAN 24 exercise would comprise two phases - ‘Harbour phase’ and ‘Sea phase’. The harbour phase, aims to promote cultural sharing amongst the participating Nations and the Sea phase includes ships with Maritime Patrol aircraft and submarines of Friendly Foreign Countries.

The MILAN is demonstration of India’s commitment towards promoting maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region and becomes platform for nations to build partnerships, exchange ideas and enhance maritime security to build up maritime power..

Source : AIR

Published On : January 11, 2024
A)
January 28
B)
January 29
C)
January 30
D)
January 31

Correct Answer :   January 31


The Parliament Budget session is scheduled to take place from 31st January to 9 February 2024, according to media reports. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Interim Budget for FY25 on February 1, 2024.

* President Droupadi Murmu will address both houses on the opening day, which officially marks the beginning of the budget session in the parliament.

* In the interim budget, there might be a proposal to double PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for female farmers which might cost the government an extra ₹12,000 crore. It is anticipated to be revealed in the budget on February 1, the report said.

* This budget, in contrast to previous years, will be an interim budget instead of a complete one because the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for two or three months from now.

* The ruling government presents the interim budget to parliament in an election year or when there isn't enough time for a full budget. The entire yearly budget will be drafted by the new government that takes office following the elections.


* This year (2024), instead of a lengthy Economic Survey like previous years, a brief report on the status of India's economy is anticipated to be presented for 2024–25 before the interim budget on February 1.

* The finance ministry has sought expenditure proposals for the second and final batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants from various ministries and departments ahead of the Budget session likely to commence in the last week of January.

* This would be the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha before the general elections and the government would seek expenditure approvals of Parliament for four months till July 2024 through a vote on account.

* The second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2023-24 is proposed to be placed before Parliament in the ensuing Budget session, the finance ministry said in an office memorandum.

* The cases that would be eligible to be incorporated under such demands include those where advances from the Contingency Fund have been granted..

Source : Live Mint

Published On : January 11, 2024
A)
Viacom18
B)
Doordarshan
C)
Amazon Prime
D)
Disney Hotstar

Correct Answer :   Viacom18


The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday (9th Jan 2024) announced that it has signed a major media rights agreement with Viacom18. This agreement runs for a four-year cycle (2023-2027) and includes all FIH events, except the FIH Nations Cup.

Indian hockey fans will be able to watch on Viacom18 channels the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, the first ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup, the FIH Hockey Pro League, the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and many more events.

Matches will be available on OTT platform JioCinema and Viacom18’s linear channels Network Sports18.


“Hockey has been one of the most loved, followed and storied sports in India. The recent success of the Indian Men’s and Women’s National Team bodes well for the continuous growth of Hockey, and we are excited to bring unbridled access to millions of sports fans in India,” said Viacom18 Sports Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Acquisitions Hursh Shrivastava. “The addition of world-class Hockey coverage reiterates our commitment to provide fans all-inclusive offerings of globally-acclaimed sports events.”

Commenting on the agreement, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “As we’re enhancing our commercial and broadcast approach, this agreement with Viacom18 is a major step forward. It’s a great support to be partnering with such a strong broadcaster in a country where hockey is so fundamentally and historically anchored, and where we continuously want to develop the game. On behalf of FIH, I would like to thank Viacom18 for joining our efforts to promote hockey in India even further.”..


Source : First Post

Published On : January 11, 2024
A)
Manish Jain
B)
Atul Saxena
C)
Samir Kumar Sinha
D)
Manoj Kumar Sharma

Correct Answer :   Samir Kumar Sinha


Senior IAS officer Samir Kumar Sinha has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry, as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre.

Sinha, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is currently working in his Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, a Union Personnel Ministry order said.

Bharat Harbanslal Khera, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Chandra Bhushan Kumar will be Additional Secretary as well as Mission Director for the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation's Jal Jeevan Mission.


Puja Singh Mandol, currently Joint Director General in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the order said.

Sanjeev Kumar Jindal, at present a Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry, will now be Additional Secretary.

Asit Gopal, Commissioner of Eklavya Model Residential School of tge National Educational Society for Tribal Students under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been named as Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Textiles.

Senior bureaucrat Tripti Gurha will be Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development..


Source : Business Standard

Published On : January 11, 2024
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