1.           Oil Discovery in Krishna-Godavari Basin:

·             India found new oil in the Krishna-Godavari Basin.

·             The discovery is significant for the country's energy sector.

·             State-owned ONGC led the discovery near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

·             Production is expected to reach 45,000 barrels per day by mid-2024.

2.           Atpadi Conservation Reserve in Maharashtra:

·             Maharashtra declared a new Atpadi Conservation Reserve in Sangli District.

·             The reserve aims to protect various flora and fauna, including mammals like wolves and jackals.

3.           IIT-Madras Branch in Sri Lanka:

·             IIT-Madras officials will set up a branch in Sri Lanka.

·             The initiative aims to strengthen educational ties between the two countries.

4.           Global Pulses Convention:

·             The convention was organized by NAFED and GPC.

·             It focused on pulses and agriculture, promoting global cooperation.

5.           India-Czech Republic Ties:

       India and the Czech Republic plan to enhance mutual ties and collaborate on innovation.

6.           Darjeeling Zoo Snow Leopards:

·             Darjeeling Zoo is home to the world's largest number of snow leopards in captivity.

·             It has 14 snow leopards, including six cubs.

7.           Shanghai's NDB Loan for Gujarat:

·             NDB committed a $500 million loan for Gujarat's infrastructure development.

·             The funds will support the construction of 1,200 kilometers of roads.

8.           DRDO's Akash-NG Missile Test:

·             DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG missile.

·             The missile demonstrated the capability to intercept high-speed unmanned aerial targets.

9.           Indian Army's Year of Technology Absorption:

·             The Indian Army declared 2024 as the "Year of Technology Absorption."

·             Project SAMBHAV, a secure mobile ecosystem using 5G technology, is a key initiative.

10.       Indian-Japanese Coast Guard Exercise:

       Indian and Japanese Coast Guards conducted a joint exercise for maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations.

11.       India's Outward FDI Decline:

·             India's outward FDI dropped to $2.25 billion in December 2023.

·             Declines observed in equity and debt commitments.

12.       Retail Inflation in India:

·             India's retail inflation reached a four-month high of 5.69% in December 2023.

·             Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, dipped to 3.9%.

13.       RBI Penalizes Banks:

       RBI imposed penalties on Dhanlaxmi, Punjab and Sind, and ESAF banks for various violations.

14.       SBI's Green Rupee Term Deposit:

       SBI launched the Green Rupee Term Deposit to gather funds for environmentally-friendly projects.

15.       NPCI's UPI-PayNow Linkage:

        NPCI introduced UPI-PayNow linkage for direct remittances between India and Singapore.

16.       RBI Deputy Governor's Extension:

       RBI Deputy Governor Michael Patra's term extended for one year.

17.       Tata Consumer Products' Acquisition:

       Tata Consumer Products acquired a 100% stake in Capital Foods for ?5,100 crore.

18.       'Yuva Nidhi' Scheme in Karnataka:

       Karnataka launched the 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme to provide unemployment assistance to graduates and diploma holders.

19.       Hyderabad's Cleanliness Ranking:

       Hyderabad ranked 9th cleanest city, and Siddipet topped in cleanliness in south India.

20.       NICMAR Hyderabad's Green Campus Certification:

       NICMAR Hyderabad achieved Platinum certification under IGBC Green Campus Rating.

21.       Tenzing Norgay Award for Savita Kanswal:

       Savita Kanswal posthumously honored with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for her mountaineering achievements.

22.       Manish Jain as Experian India's Country Managing Director:

       Manish Jain appointed as the Country Managing Director for Experian India.

23.       IIT Madras Campus in Sri Lanka:

       IIT Madras to establish a new campus in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

24.       Security Agreement Between Ukraine and Britain:

       Ukraine and Britain signed a security agreement in Kyiv.

25.       Tim Southee's Milestone in T20 Internationals:

       Tim Southee became the first bowler to take 150 wickets in T20 Internationals.

26.       Mitsubishi Heavy's Launch of H-IIA Rocket:

       Mitsubishi Heavy launched an H-IIA rocket carrying Japan's spy satellite.

27.       Ganga Sagar Mela 2024:

       Ganga Sagar Mela, the second-largest fair in India, is held annually in Sagardwip, West Bengal.