Daily Current Affairs 09 January 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 09 January 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on ‘AI Odyssey’ Initiative, Peregrine-1 Lunar Lander, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024.

Top 16 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 09 January 2024

National News

1.First Meeting Of Inland Waterways Development Council Held In Kolkata

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India, operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, created history by hosting the inaugural meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata.
• This event, spearheaded by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, brought together representatives from waterway states, central government officials, and experts aboard the MV Ganga Queen.
• The primary focus was on unveiling key initiatives, such as the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047.” Additionally, the meeting saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), symbolizing collaborative efforts towards advancing inland waterways and associated sectors.

2.ONGC Begins First Oil Production In Krishna-Godavari Deep-Water Block

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), one of India’s leading energy exploration and production companies, achieved a significant milestone on January 7 by commencing the first oil production from the deep-water KG-DWN 98/2 Block.
• Located in the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin off the Bay of Bengal on the Kakinada coast, this development marks a crucial step forward in India’s energy landscape.
• The anticipated peak production from the 98/2 field is remarkable, with expectations set at around 45,000 barrels of oil per day and over 10 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per Day (MMSCMD) of gas.
• As the project advances, ONGC is actively working towards the final phase of the 98/2 block, with efforts underway to commence the production of the remaining oil and natural gas by mid-2024.

State News

3.Mamata Banerjee launches ‘Yogyasree’ for SC/ST students in West Bengal

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has recently introduced a comprehensive social welfare scheme named “Yogyasree.”
• The initiative aims to provide free training modules for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in West Bengal, specifically targeting entrance and competitive examinations.
• The Yogyasree scheme encompasses the establishment of fifty training centres across the state. These centres will offer cost-free training for SC and ST students, focusing on competitive examinations. Additionally, 46 centres will provide similar opportunities for those aspiring to secure government jobs and pursue careers in civil services.

4.Kerala Woman Sets Guinness Record, Sings In 100+ Languages

• Kerala teenager Suchetha Satish achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record during her performance at the ‘Concert for Climate’ in Dubai on November 24, 2023. Singing in an astounding 140 languages, she captivated the audience and earned widespread acclaim for her musical prowess.
• Suchetha Satish, a 16-year-old prodigy, mesmerized the audience at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai during the Concert for Climate. The event was part of the COP 28 summit, attended by representatives from over 140 nations, emphasizing the global significance of her achievement.
• Ms. Satish’s repertoire showcased her versatility, as she sang in 29 Indian languages and 91 international languages. The performance included a rendition of the Sanskrit song “Janki Jane” from the Malayalam movie Dhwani, along with a Hindi composition by her mother, Sumitha Ayilliath, and renowned Bollywood composer Monty Sharma.

Business News

5.Government to Invest 60,000 Cr in River Cruise Tourism and Green Vessels

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a significant government investment of Rs 60,000 crore by 2047 in the development of river cruise tourism and eco-friendly vessels. This initiative aims to boost tourism, enhance water transport, and create employment opportunities.
• Sonowal outlined the plan, stating that Rs 45,000 crore would be allocated to river cruise development, increasing passenger capacity from 2 lakh to 15 lakh by 2047. Additionally, the government plans to invest Rs 15,000 crore over the next decade in green transport, intending to develop 1,000 environmentally friendly vessels and ferries.

6.Microsoft’s ‘AI Odyssey’ to Upskill 100,000 Indian Developers: Boosting AI Talent in India

• Microsoft India has unveiled the ‘AI Odyssey’ initiative, aiming to train 100,000 Indian developers in the latest AI technologies.
• The program seeks to equip developers with skills essential for executing AI projects aligning with business goals. It is open to all AI enthusiasts in India, regardless of experience.
• The program is divided into two level. Level One focuses on using Azure AI services with practical skills. Level Two involves an online assessment and interactive lab tasks for Microsoft applied skills credentials. Completion offers a chance to win a VIP Pass for the Microsoft AI Tour in Bangalore on Feb 8, 2024.

Important Days News

7.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, celebrated on January 9, serves as a tribute to the contributions and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
• The day also marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, symbolizing the leadership that fueled India’s freedom struggle.
• The inaugural celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas took place in 2003. Originally an annual event, the format underwent revision in 2015, transforming it into a biennial celebration. This restructuring included the introduction of theme-based conferences during the intervening years, bringing together overseas diaspora experts, policy-makers, and stakeholders.

Ranks & Reports News

8.Top 3 States Driving India’s MSME Landscape: Insights from CBRE-CREDAI Report

• A recent report by CBRE-CREDAI sheds light on the landscape of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, revealing noteworthy trends and state-wise contributions.
• As of December 2023, the country boasts over 3 crore registered MSMEs, with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh jointly constituting nearly 40% of this vibrant sector.
• Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu emerge as pivotal contributors, collectively representing a significant portion of the registered MSMEs in India.
• Uttar Pradesh secures a notable position among the top three states, holding a 9% share in the national MSME landscape. Policy initiatives, including interest subsidies and stamp duty exemptions, have catalyzed this growth.
• Cities like Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut, and Ghaziabad have witnessed the robust emergence of MSME clusters, actively participating in the Udyam scheme.

Agreements News

9.Denmark Launches Green Fuels Alliance India to Drive Sustainable Energy Collaboration at GIM 2024

• At the Global Investors Meet (GIM) 2024, Denmark unveiled the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI), a pivotal initiative under the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) signed between India and Denmark in 2020.
• The GFAI aims to accelerate collaboration in the sustainable energy solutions sector, aligning with the joint global objective of carbon neutrality.
• The primary goal of the GFAI is to establish an ecosystem promoting collaboration among businesses, government entities, research institutions, and financial stakeholders. This initiative bolsters India’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, showcasing a commitment to sustainable energy growth.

Appointments News

10.PhonePe Appoints Ritesh Pai As CEO For International Payments Division

• Walmart-owned fintech firm PhonePe has appointed Ritesh Pai as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its international payments business.
• Ritesh Pai brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with a proven track record in the digital payments sector. His expertise lies in launching innovative solutions and structuring strategic business partnerships on a global scale.
• In his previous role as the president of products and solutions at TerraPay, Ritesh Pai played a pivotal role in launching and implementing payment products and solutions globally.
• His tenure as the senior group president and chief digital officer at Yes Bank showcased his leadership in digital strategy and transformation, marked by successful partnerships with leading fintech players.

11.Indra Mani Pandey Takes On BIMSTEC Secretary General Role

• Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned diplomat from India, officially assumed the role of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
• This appointment marks a crucial chapter in the organization’s leadership, with Ambassador Pandey succeeding Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan. Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey becomes the fourth Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell.
• As a career diplomat, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey has been a part of the Indian Foreign Service since 1990. Before assuming the role of Secretary General at BIMSTEC, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva.

Sports News

12.Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Announced the National Sports Awards 2023

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2023, honouring individuals and institutions that have excelled in their respective fields.
• Several athletes across various sports were selected for the National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023, including World Cup star Mohammed Shami, Asian Games heroes Ojas Pravin Deotale, shooter Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar and Parul Chaudhary.
• The Sports Ministry in December had declared nominees for the annual sports awards, confirming the prestigious Khel Ratna honour for badminton players Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and the Arjuna award for 26 sports persons.

Obituaries News

13.Franz Beckenbauer, World Cup-winning German and Bayern Munich great, dies aged 78

• Franz Beckenbauer, one of only three men two have won the FIFA World Cup as a player and as a manager, has died at the age of 78.
• Born in Giesling, Munich, in September 1945, Franz Beckenbauer journey with football began in Bayern’s youth squad, making his debut as a left-winger in 1964. Despite Bayern’s earlier struggles, Beckenbauer’s versatility and leadership saw them rise, winning their first Bundesliga title in 1968-69.
• Beckenbauer’s international career started at 20, marking the beginning of a golden era for West Germany. He led the team to victory in the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup, earning him the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976. His impact extended beyond position norms, showcasing exceptional ball control and vision.

Science & Technology News

14.U.S. Launches Peregrine-1 Lander to Moon in Historic Lunar Mission

• In a monumental achievement, the Peregrine-1 lunar lander, operated by private firm Astrobotic, successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, marking the first American lunar mission in 51 years.
• Scheduled to land on February 23, the mission, conducted under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aims to study the Moon’s surface environment in preparation for upcoming human missions.
• The Peregrine lander carries five NASA payloads and 15 other components designed to measure radiation, surface and subsurface water ice, magnetic fields, and the exosphere. Notably, it includes the first Latin American scientific instruments destined for the lunar surface.
• Additionally, five miniature moon rovers, non-scientific payloads like a Bitcoin-loaded coin, and a “lunar dream capsule” filled with messages from children worldwide are part of the mission.

Miscellaneous News

15.First Cyclone Of 2024, Alvaro, Strikes Madagascar

• Tropical Cyclone Alvaro made landfall in southwest Madagascar on January 1st, 2024, marking the first significant cyclone impact on the island nation in the ongoing 2023-2024 cyclone season for the southwest Indian Ocean region.
• Cyclone Alvaro has particularly affected provinces like Atsimo-Andrefana in southwestern Madagascar, which already face immense flooding challenges during heavy rains. The cyclone has exacerbated these issues, hampering evacuation efforts and draining excess water towards the sea.
• Last February, Cyclone Freddy made landfall on the southeast coast, resulting in 17 fatalities and displacing 19,000 individuals. The cumulative impact of these successive cyclones has tested the country’s resilience and disaster management capabilities.

16.Ancient Tools Found In Telangana’s Mulugu District

• The Mulugu district of Telangana has become the stage for an unexpected archaeological revelation following the devastating floods in July 2023.
• Amidst the aftermath of the natural disaster, a team of amateur historians stumbled upon a collection of paleolithic quartzite tools that have not only captivated the local community but also pushed back the understanding of human habitations in Telangana and central India.
• The exposed tools, identified as hand axes, were found between Gurrevula and Bhupatipuram villages in Mulugu district. The significant find was a stone axe measuring 15.5cm in length, 11cm in width, and 5.5cm in thickness. Eleswaram Janardanachari, a dedicated researcher, was the one who made this remarkable discovery.

09 JANUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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