Daily Current Affairs 11 January 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 11 January 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on “Ramlala Darshan” Scheme, India’s WTO Ambassador, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2024.

Top 17 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 11 January 2024

National News

1.New Republic Day Pact Allows States One Tableau Every Three Years

• Official sources reveal that the Defence Ministry has proposed a rollover plan to give every State and Union Territory (UT) an opportunity to showcase their tableaux within a three-year cycle.
• Approximately 15 tableaux are selected for the Republic Day parade each year, making it challenging to accommodate every State annually. The proposed plan aims at ensuring equitable distribution and fair representation for all.
• To expedite the participation process, States and UTs were approached in advance for their willingness to participate in the Republic Day Parade for the next three years (2024, 2025, and 2026). Most States/UTs have expressed their willingness for all three years, demonstrating a positive response to the proposed plan.

International News

2.Rajnath Singh Visits UK For Defense And Security Talks

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a crucial three-day visit to London, emphasizing the multifaceted dimensions of the India-UK Defence Partnership.
• The visit aims to foster high-level discussions covering a broad spectrum of defence, security, and industrial cooperation issues between the two nations.
• The discussions are anticipated to encompass a wide range of topics, including defence strategies, security challenges, and collaborative industrial ventures.
• This engagement aims to foster partnerships, encourage investments, and explore avenues for joint ventures between Indian and British companies.

3.South Korea Bans Trade Of Dog Meat In New Law

• South Korea’s parliament made history by passing a groundbreaking bill that bans the eating and selling of dog meat. This move marks the end of a centuries-old practice that has been increasingly criticized in the face of growing support for animal welfare.
• Proposed by the ruling party and enjoying rare bipartisan support, the bill passed with an overwhelming majority of 208 votes and two abstentions in the single-chamber parliament.
• The legislation aims to “eradicate the consumption of dogs” and will take effect after a three-year grace period. The breeding and slaughtering of dogs for human consumption will be punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won ($22,800). Notably, the bill does not stipulate penalties for individuals consuming dog meat.

State News

4.Chhattisgarh Launches “Ramlala Darshan” Scheme: Free Pilgrimage to Ayodhya Dham

• Chhattisgarh Government will launch the Ramlala Darshan Scheme, a pilgrimage to the newly built Ram Temple at Ayodhya. The decision was made during a state cabinet meeting held in Raipur.
• To fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee, the state will send around 20,000 residents to Ayodhya for darshan of Shri Ramlala every year.
• It is Open to Chhattisgarh residents aged 18-75 who pass a health exam. Disabled people can go with one family member. Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, funded by Tourism Department, will manage. District committees under District Collectors will select beneficiaries.

5.Maharashtra Creates New Safe Haven for Endangered Canids and Diverse Wildlife

• The Maharashtra government has established a crucial new wildlife habitat in Sangli district, aptly named the Atpadi Conservation Reserve.
• Spanning a compact 9.48 sq. km, this reserve prioritizes the protection of the endangered ‘canid’ family, including wild dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes.
• Strategically located, Atpadi bridges the gap between the Maini Conservation Area and the Madhok Bird Sanctuary, fostering a safe wildlife corridor.
• This diverse sanctuary boasts three distinct forest types – semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous. Its rich flora and fauna encompass 35 tree species, 15 shrubs, 14 vines, 116 herbs, and even a parasitic plant, creating a vibrant ecological tapestry.

Defence News

6.Indian Navy gets first India-made long endurance Drishti 10 Starliner drone

• The Indian Navy has recently acquired its first indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, the Drishti 10 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• Adani Defence and Aerospace, in collaboration with Elbit Systems, has delivered the Drishti 10 Starliner drone, showcasing indigenous capabilities in the defence sector.
• The Drishti 10 Starliner drone is 70% indigenous, demonstrating a significant leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. With an endurance of 36 hours and the ability to carry a payload of 450 kg, the drone is well-equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
• The drone, featuring three hard points for carrying loads, can be weaponized if necessary. Operating at 30,000 feet, the Drishti 10 Starliner is an all-weather platform that ensures its usability in various conditions.

Important Days News

7.National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2024

• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, observed annually on January 11, serves as a poignant reminder of the need to address this global crisis and bring an end to the suffering endured by victims.
• This year, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day falls on a Thursday, January 11. The annual observance serves as a rallying point for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together, share information, and take collective action against human trafficking.
• Human trafficking encompasses forced labor, criminal activities, sexual exploitation, organ removal, and smuggling. Despite our progress, slavery persists in the shadows. In 2007, the United States Senate declared January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. President Barack Obama further dedicated the entire month of January 2010 to raise awareness about this deeply rooted issue.

8.DPIIT organises Startup India Innovation Week 2024 from 10th-18th January 2024

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to orchestrate the Startup India Innovation Week 2024, spanning from January 10th to January 18th.
• This week-long initiative seeks to unite startups, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to celebrate and advance the Indian Startup Ecosystem, culminating in the National Startup Day on January 16th, 2024.
• Awards will be distributed acknowledging outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers with potential for significant impact on employment generation, wealth creation, and societal progress.

Schemes News

9.Street Vendors Get a Boost: PAiSA Dashboard & PM SVANidhi Portal Launched

• Union Minister Hardeep S. Puri emphasized the importance of strong grievance redressal committees under the Street Vendors Act 2014, aiming to swiftly resolve disputes among vendors. He further unveiled two key initiatives to empower street vendors:
• PAiSA Dashboard: This online platform provides real-time updates on the progress of the PM SVANidhi Mission scheme. Vendors can track loan applications, disbursements, and repayments at their fingertips, fostering transparency and accountability.
• PM SVANidhi Mission Monitoring Portal: This dedicated portal offers comprehensive data and insights on the scheme’s nationwide implementation. Stakeholders, including government officials, lenders, and street vendor associations, can access valuable information to monitor progress, identify challenges, and ensure effective execution.

Ranks & Reports News

10.Global Job Market Faces Headwinds as Unemployment Expected to Rise in 2024

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns of a slight increase in global unemployment this year, with the rate projected to reach 5.2%, up from 5.1% in 2023.
• This modest rise, outlined in the ILO’s “World Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2024” report, is primarily driven by job losses in advanced economies.
• While a post-pandemic growth spurt initially boosted employment, labor productivity growth has stagnated at pre-pandemic levels. This uneven recovery exposes vulnerabilities and threatens social justice.

11.Six Nations Top Global Passport Ranking, With Access To 194 Destinations

• France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain share the top spot in the quarterly ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. Enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 194 destinations, this marks a historic high since the inception of the Henley Passport Index 19 years ago.
• Japan and Singapore, holding the top position for the past five years, now see a triumphant rise for Europe. Finland and Sweden, tied with South Korea, secure the second spot with easy access to 193 destinations.
• Following closely, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands claim the third position, providing access to 192 destinations.
• The fourth position is collectively held by Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, with access to 193 destinations. Greece, Malta, and Switzerland secure the fifth spot.

Summits & Conference News

12.PM Modi to Ignite Youth Potential at 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra, on January 12th, 2024. This annual event honors the inspiring ideals of Swami Vivekananda and empowers young minds across the nation.
• This year’s theme, “MYBharat-ViksitBharat@2047 – By the Youth, For the Youth,” resonates deeply with youth aspirations for India’s future. The Department of Youth Affairs, in collaboration with various government departments, will spread the festivities across all districts, fostering a spirit of national unity and progress.
• To mark the occasion, major cities and 750 district headquarters will host road safety awareness events, prioritizing responsible citizenship. Additionally, vibrant cultural programs showcasing India’s diverse heritage will be presented by various states, enriching the celebrations.

Agreements News

13.Maldives And China Sign 20 Agreements For Diverse Cooperation

• Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu recently held significant talks, culminating in the signing of 20 key agreements that span various areas of cooperation.
• The leaders announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, demonstrating the mutual commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• Twenty key agreements were signed, encompassing various sectors such as tourism cooperation, disaster risk reduction, blue economy, and investments in the digital economy. The agreements also included a commitment from China to provide grant assistance to the Maldives, with specific details undisclosed.

14.Scientists from Mauritius and Bangladesh Join India’s 43rd Antarctic Expedition

• This December, India’s 43rd Antarctic expedition, led by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, welcomed scientists from Mauritius and Bangladesh onboard, marking a significant step in international polar research collaboration.
• This initiative stems from the maiden Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Oceanographers and Hydrographers conference held in 2022, which laid the groundwork for scientific partnerships among member nations.
• The scientists joining the Antarctic expedition will spend 3-4 months actively engaged in collaborative research across various polar science disciplines. Their focus will lie on gaining insights into polar logistics and addressing the unique challenges posed by the harsh environment of the Antarctic.

Appointments News

15.Senthil Pandian C Appointed As India’s WTO Ambassador

• The Indian government has named IAS officer Senthil Pandian C as the ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva.
• This appointment follows the conclusion of Brajendra Navnit’s term as India’s ambassador to the WTO on March 31, 2024.
• Senthil Pandian C is currently serving as the commissioner of excise in Uttar Pradesh. His extensive experience in administrative roles within the Indian bureaucracy positions him well to represent the country’s interests on the global trade stage

16.Tshering Tobgay Re-Elected As Bhutan’s Prime Minister

• Bhutanese voters have overwhelmingly chosen Tshering Tobgay as their Prime Minister for a second term. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mr. Tobgay, secured a landslide victory, winning nearly two-thirds of the seats in the recent election, as announced by the election commission on January 10.
• Tshering Tobgay, a former Prime Minister who previously held office from 2013 to 2018, has promised to strengthen ties with India, Bhutan’s key trading partner.
• A 58-year-old former civil servant, Tshering Tobgay is a passionate conservation advocate holding degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and public administration from Harvard. He played a pivotal role as the leader of the Opposition when Bhutan’s first parliament was established in 2008.

Sports News

17.Divyakriti Singh Becomes 1st Indian Woman Arjuna Awardee for Equestrian Sports

• In a historic moment for Indian sports, the accomplished equestrian athlete, Divyakriti Singh, has been conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award, making her the first woman from Rajasthan to achieve this honour.
• Her dedication and prowess were on full display when she played a pivotal role in securing the Gold Medal for the Indian Dressage team at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last September.
• The Arjuna Award for Divyakriti Singh holds special significance for her home state of Rajasthan, ending a five-year hiatus for the region in receiving this prestigious honour. As the sole representative from Rajasthan to be honoured this year, she not only brings glory to herself but also puts Rajasthan back on the map of sporting achievements.

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

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