Daily Current Affairs 10 January 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 10 January 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on First Hygienic Food Street ‘Prasadam’, Assault Rifle ‘Ugram’, World Hindi Day 2024.

Top 21 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 10 January 2024

National News

1.Ujjain Unveils India’s First Hygienic Food Street ‘Prasadam’

• Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya recently inaugurated ‘Prasadam,’ the nation’s first healthy and hygienic food street, in a grand ceremony at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• Spanning an impressive 939 square meters, “Prasadam” stands as a symbol of holistic development. Positioned near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, it is designed not just as a food street but as a multifaceted destination contributing to various aspects of community life. The food street comprises 17 shops, each offering a unique culinary experience.
• “Prasadam” goes beyond offering a culinary delight. It provides an array of facilities, including a dedicated kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, ample parking, public conveniences, and spacious seating areas. These facilities are aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors and locals alike.

International News

2.Gabriel Attal Becomes France’s Youngest-Ever Prime Minister At 34

• French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant political move by appointing Gabriel Attal as the new prime minister of France.
• At 34 years old, Attal not only becomes the youngest prime minister in the country’s history but also the first openly gay official to hold this prestigious position.
• Attal’s appointment comes in the midst of a cabinet reshuffle initiated by Macron to breathe new life into his government. With the departure of outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Attal is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the administration.

3.U.S. Designates Countries Including China, North Korea, Pakistan for Religious Freedom Violations

• The United States, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has identified several nations as ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ due to severe violations of religious freedom.
• This decision aligns with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, emphasizing the commitment to advancing freedom of religion globally.
• China, North Korea, Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Myanmar have been labeled as ‘Countries of Particular Concern.’
• Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam are placed on the ‘Special Watch List’ for tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

Defence News

4.Indian Navy’s P-8I Aircraft Reaches Guam For Exercise Sea Dragon 24

• The Indian Navy marked its presence in the Pacific, on January 9th, 2024, with the arrival of a P-8I aircraft at Guam, USA.
• This deployment signals the navy’s participation in the fourth edition of Ex Sea Dragon 24, an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise spearheaded by the US Navy.
• Ex Sea Dragon 24 fosters collaboration and interoperability among the navies of the US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and India. The exercise aims to refine coordination and communication through professional interactions both on the ground and in the air, as per the Indian Navy’s official statement.

5.DRDO launches assault rifle ‘Ugram’ for Indian Army

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, in a significant advancement, introduced ‘Ugram,’ an advanced 7.62 x 51 mm calibre assault rifle.
• ‘Ugram,’ meaning ‘ferocious’ in Sanskrit, aligns with the operational needs of India’s armed forces, paramilitary, and state police units.
• The rifle, notable for its effective range of 500 meters and lightweight design of under four kilograms, was developed at the DRDO’s Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
• With a 20-round magazine capacity, Ugram offers versatility through its single and full-auto firing modes. Its design parallels the modern AK and AR type rifles, yet stands out with a distinctive rivet-free construction, enhancing its robustness and reliability in various combat scenarios.

Banking News

6.IndusInd Bank Introduces ‘Samman RuPay Credit Card’ for Government Employees

• In a strategic collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), IndusInd Bank has launched the UPI-enabled ‘Samman RuPay Credit Card,’ exclusively tailored for government sector employees.
• The Samman RuPay Credit Card combines traditional credit card advantages with advanced UPI features, streamlining financial transactions.
• Benefits include cashback on various expenditures, complimentary movie tickets, no cash advance charges, and surcharge waivers for IRCTC and fuel transactions.
• The card not only offers financial incentives but also aims to simplify and enrich the day-to-day transactional experience for government employees. Users can link RuPay credit cards to UPI IDs, facilitating secure and convenient payment transactions.

Business News

7.LIC Approves Acquisition of 10% Stake in NHB-Promoted Company

• In a recent regulatory filing, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) announced its board’s approval to acquire up to 10% stake in a new company promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
• The investment is targeted towards residential mortgage-backed securities and will be made through equity contribution in one or more tranches.
• While the specific details about the company in question have not been disclosed, LIC’s move signals a strategic venture into the residential mortgage sector. The decision aligns with LIC’s broader financial portfolio and underscores its commitment to diversifying investments in promising sectors.

8.PFC Secures RBI Approval for IFSC Finance Company in GIFT City

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlights Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to establish a finance company within Gujarat’s GIFT City, an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
• The RBI issued a no objection letter on January 9, signaling approval for PFC’s venture into setting up a finance company at GIFT City. This move is anticipated to elevate PFC’s standing in the financial sector.
• Prior to this milestone, PFC had already entered into an initial agreement with the Gujarat government. The agreement focused on PFC providing comprehensive financial support for the state’s projects related to power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Important Days News

9.World Hindi Day 2024

• Every year on January 10th, the world celebrates World Hindi Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the cultural significance and global influence of the Hindi language. In 2024, the theme of the World Hindi Day is “Hindi–Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence”.
• The journey of Hindi to this global stage began in 1949 with a momentous occasion – its first address at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2006, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the first Vishwa Hindi Diwas was officially observed, marking January 10th as World Hindi Day on the global calendar.
• World Hindi Day serves as a platform to celebrate and promote using Hindi in various spheres. Educational institutions hold events like essay writing competitions, poetry recitals, and plays to highlight the beauty and depth of the language.

Summits & Conferences News

10.India to Chair UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee and Host 46th Session in 2024

• In a historic milestone for India, the nation is set to chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.
• The announcement was made by Vishal V Sharma, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, on January 9, underlining the nation’s growing influence and commitment to global cultural and natural heritage conservation.
• The decision to hold the 46th session in India was confirmed during the 19th extraordinary session of the World Heritage Committee in 2023.
• This decision, stemming from a proposal by Indian authorities in consultation with the UNESCO Director-General, reflects the collaborative efforts between India and UNESCO in fostering global cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture to promote world peace.

11.Piyush Goyal Inaugurates Indus Food 2024 in Greater Noida

• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated ‘Indus Food 2024’ at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida.
• Commending India’s diverse food industry, Goyal emphasized its global potential and underscored the need for technological innovation in the culinary landscape.
• Recognizing the rising global demand for Indian foods, Goyal highlighted India’s diverse agro-climatic zones, 158 food and agri Geographical Indications, and 708 unique food items under the One District One Product initiative.
• Acknowledging successful government initiatives like ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,’ Goyal praised efforts to ensure food security, free food grains to 81 Crore people, and zero starvation deaths

12.PM Modi Inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar, alongside esteemed guests including President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
• Covering a sprawling two lakh square meters, the trade show stands as India’s largest-ever Global Trade Show. A staggering 100 countries are actively participating, with 33 countries engaged as partners.
• The event hosts over 1,000 exhibitors in the research sector, representing 20 countries, including notable participants from Australia, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, UK, Germany, and Norway.
• The trade show places a strategic emphasis on emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors, and cybersecurity, reflecting India’s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices.

Agreements News

13.Gensol Engineering Allocates Rs 2,000 Crore For Gujarat EV Plant

• Gensol Engineering, a prominent player in the sustainable energy sector, has embarked on a significant venture by entering into a strategic partnership with the Government of Gujarat.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized as part of the investment promotion activities associated with the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, signifying a landmark agreement between the two entities.
• As a testament to its dedication to sustainable growth, Gensol Engineering has committed a substantial investment of Rs 2,000 crore for the establishment of an Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Gujarat.
• The proposed EV manufacturing plant is anticipated to be a catalyst for economic growth in the region. Gensol Engineering estimates that the project will generate approximately 1,500 jobs, providing a significant boost to employment opportunities in the area.

Awards News

14.Singapore’s Changi Airport Earns The Title Of World’s Best Airport For 2023

• Singapore’s Changi Airport has once again been crowned the World’s Best Airport for the year 2023, according to the prestigious awards presented by the air transport research firm, Skytrax.
• After losing the title in the past two years to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, Changi Airport reclaimed its status as the best in the world, marking the twelfth time it has received this coveted accolade.
• The annual Skytrax awards are a significant benchmark in the aviation industry, recognizing excellence in airport services and facilities. These accolades are based on customer satisfaction surveys from international air travelers, making them a true reflection of the passenger experience.

Appointments News

15.Samir Kumar Sinha Assumes Role As DG (Acquisition) In Defence Ministry

• In a recent bureaucratic reshuffle, the Centre has announced several key appointments, signifying a strategic realignment of responsibilities.
• Among the notable changes, Senior IAS officer Samir Kumar Sinha has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry.
• Samir Kumar Sinha, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been entrusted with the crucial position of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry. His extensive experience and background make him an apt choice for this vital role.

Sports News

16.Alexander Zverev-Led Germany Defeats Swiatek’s Poland In United Cup

• Germany beat top seeds Poland to clinch the United Cup on Sunday after Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund won the deciding mixed doubles tie over Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek.
• In a thrilling final showdown, Germany emerged victorious over top seeds Poland in the United Cup. The deciding moment came in the mixed doubles tie where the German duo, Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund, secured a hard-fought victory against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek.
• With tension in the air, the German duo went on to win the doubles match 6-4, 5-7, 10-4, securing the United Cup title. The closely contested match showcased the skill and determination of both teams, with Germany ultimately prevailing in the crucial mixed doubles encounter.

17.FIH and Viacom18 Ink Four-Year Media Rights Deal

• The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has sealed a significant media rights partnership with Viacom18, spanning the four-year period from 2023 to 2027. This exclusive agreement encompasses all FIH events, with the exception of the FIH Nations Cup.
• Fans can catch the action on Viacom18’s linear channels under the Network Sports18 umbrella. Additionally, matches will be accessible on the OTT platform JioCinema, providing viewers with flexibility and convenience.
• This comprehensive media rights deal ensures that hockey enthusiasts across India have access to an extensive array of FIH events, enhancing the sport’s visibility and popularity. The only exception to this coverage is the FIH Nations Cup, which falls outside the purview of the agreement.

Obituaries News

18.German Actor Christian Oliver Dies In Plane Crash

• German actor Christian Oliver, known for his roles in films like Speed Racer and Valkyrie, met an untimely demise in a plane crash in the Caribbean.
• The 51-year-old actor, whose real name was Christian Klepser, was accompanied by his two daughters, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12. The ill-fated flight was en route to St Lucia after departing from the nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
• With a prolific career spanning over 60 movie and TV credits, he played a minor role in Tom Cruise’s film “Valkyrie.” During his early career, Oliver took on roles in the TV series “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and the film “The Baby-Sitters Club.”

19.Maestro Ustad Rashid Khan Passes Away at 55

• The Indian classical music world mourns the passing of Ustad Rashid Khan, a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana and beyond. At just 55, this musical prodigy succumbed to complications arising from prostate cancer, leaving a legacy that resonates with profound beauty and innovative spirit.
• Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Badayun, Rashid Khan’s musical lineage ran deep. His initial training came from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, laying the foundation for his exquisite vocal skills. Following his debut, Rashid Khan’s ascent was meteoric.
• He graced the prestigious ITC concert in Delhi at 12 and joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta at just 14, immersing himself further in the rich tapestry of Hindustani classical music. This dedication translated into mastery, with his renditions of Vilambit Khayal earning him widespread acclaim.

Miscellaneous News

20.Red Ant Chutney of Odisha Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• In the heart of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, a unique culinary tradition has thrived for centuries. Locally known as ‘Kai Chutney,’ this savoury delight is crafted using red weaver ants, scientifically identified as Oecophylla smaragdina.
• These ants, infamous for their painful sting, are harvested from the lush forests of Mayurbhanj, including the renowned Similipal forests, Asia’s second-largest biosphere.
• On January 2, 2024, the red ant chutney of Mayurbhanj received a significant accolade—the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition highlights the uniqueness and regional identity of the culinary creation, adding to its cultural and economic significance.

21.EU Scientists Confirm 2023 As Hottest Year Ever Recorded

• The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) declared that the year gone by was the hottest on record, surpassing previous temperatures and potentially marking the warmest period in the last 100,000 years.
• The announcement sheds light on the alarming trajectory of global warming, with each passing month breaking climate records and raising concerns about the consequences for the planet.
• The global average temperature in 2023 was 1.48 degrees Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial period of 1850-1900. The rise in temperatures is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for global action.

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

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