National and international Current Affairs of 31st January 2024
1.
Sultan Ibrahim of Johor
Installed as Malaysia’s 17th King: Historic Moment Sultan
Ibrahim of Johor has been officially installed as Malaysia's 17th king, marking
a significant milestone in the country's constitutional monarchy. The ceremony,
attended by dignitaries and royal families, highlights the unique rotation of
the throne among the rulers of the nine Malay states.
2.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and
Niger Withdraw from ECOWAS Amidst Sanction Dispute: Burkina
Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing
"illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible" sanctions after recent
coups. The trio formed an "Alliance of Sahel States" to strengthen
their position, accusing ECOWAS of straying from its founding principles.
3.
India Nominates “Maratha
Military Landscapes” for UNESCO World Heritage List: India
has nominated the "Maratha Military Landscapes," a network of forts
showcasing Maratha rule's strategic military prowess, for inclusion in the
UNESCO World Heritage list for 2024-25.
4.
Punjab Launches Sadak
Surakhya Force for Road Safety: A
Game-Changer: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduces the Sadak Surakhya
Force (SSF), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing road safety across
the state. This initiative, covering 5,500 km of highways, emphasizes a rapid
15-minute response time to reduce accidents and fatalities.
5.
Indian Army Introduces
SARVATRA Bridging System: A
Technological Marvel The Indian Army introduces SARVATRA, a Multispan Mobile
Bridging System, showcasing cutting-edge technology for seamless connectivity.
Developed in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), SARVATRA
enhances logistical efficiency and national defense capabilities.
6.
IMF Boosts India’s GDP
Growth Forecast: Positive
Outlook The International Monetary Fund revises India's GDP growth forecast to
6.7% for the current fiscal year, citing robust public investment and favorable
labor market outcomes. The positive adjustment extends to the medium-term,
indicating sustained economic momentum.
7.
NGEL Signs MoU with
Maharashtra for Green Hydrogen Projects: NTPC Green Energy Ltd
(NGEL) signs a significant MoU with the Government of Maharashtra for the
development of Green Hydrogen Projects, aligning with the state's Green
Investment Plan.
8.
Sonam Maskar Wins Air
Rifle Silver in Cairo World Cup: Sonam
Maskar achieves success by winning the air rifle silver at the Cairo World Cup,
showcasing India's prowess in international sporting events.
9.
East Bengal FC Clinches
2024 Kalinga Super Cup: Cleiton
Silva Leads Triumph: Under the captainship of Cleiton Silva, East Bengal FC
secures victory in the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup with a 3-2 triumph.
10.
Filmfare Awards 2024 Highlights: “12th Fail” and “Animal” Reign Supreme Rajkumar
Hirani's “12th Fail” dominates the 69th Filmfare Awards, winning seven
accolades, including Best Film and Best Director. Sandeep Reddy Vanga's
“Animal” claims five awards, including Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) and
Best Music Album.
11.
Republic Day Parade Awards 2024: Honoring Excellence the best marching contingents
and tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2024 were honored by Raksha Rajya
Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt. The Sikh Regiment Contingent and Delhi Police Women
Marching Contingent received top honors.
12. Significant
Economic Developments in India:
a. A Snapshot the Finance Ministry releases
"Indian Economy – A Review" report.
b. Import duty on mobile phone components
reduced to 10% to boost manufacturing.
c. No Economic Survey in 2024 due to election
context; an alternative report presented.
13.
International Zebra Day
2024: Advocating Zebra
Conservation International Zebra Day, observed annually on January 31, raises
awareness about the conservation of zebras, particularly the critically endangered
Grevy’s zebra.
14.
Finance Ministry’s “The Indian Economy: A Decade In Review” Report Chief Economic Adviser
V Anantha Nageswaran's comprehensive report evaluates India’s economic journey
over the past decade, highlighting challenges and emphasizing the importance of
addressing them for sustained growth.
15.
India's Standing in 2023 Corruption Index: 93rd Among 180 Nations Transparency
International’s Corruption Perceptions Index places India 93rd out of 180
countries, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve public sector
integrity.
16.
Key Appointments in Sixteenth Finance Commission: The government appoints key members, including
Shri. Ajay Narayan Jha, Smt. Annie George Mathew, Dr. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha,
and Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, to the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
17.
President Nominates Shri
Satnam Singh Sandhu As Rajya Sabha Member: Shri
Satnam Singh Sandhu is nominated by the President of India as a Rajya Sabha
member, recognizing his contributions to education, philanthropy, and community
development.
18.
NTPC Green Energy Inks Rs 80,000 Cr MoU With
Maharashtra Govt: NTPC Green Energy Ltd signs a groundbreaking
MoU worth Rs 80,000 crore with the Maharashtra government, aiming to pioneer
green hydrogen projects and sustainable energy solutions within the state.