Daily Current Affairs 15 January 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 15 January 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on PM-JANMAN Scheme, Indian Army Day 2024, Book: “Gandhi A Life in Three Campaigns.”

Top 17 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 15 January 2024

International News

1.Denmark’s King Frederik X Ascends As Queen Margrethe II Steps Down After 52 Years

• Denmark witnessed a historic moment on January 14 as King Frederik X ascended the throne, succeeding his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who formally abdicated after an impressive 52 years as the monarch.
• Queen Margrethe, who had previously expressed her intention to remain on the throne for life, did not provide a specific reason for her decision to step down. However, she mentioned a significant back surgery in February of the previous year, which prompted her to contemplate her future.
• King Frederik X and Queen Mary assume their roles at a time of immense public support and enthusiasm for the Danish monarchy.

2.Taiwan Elects Pro-Sovereignty William Lai in Historic Election, Further Straining China Ties

• Taiwanese voters have chosen William Lai Ching-te, a pro-sovereignty candidate from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as their president, marking a significant departure from China.
• Lai, the current vice president, secured an unprecedented third consecutive term for the DPP by defeating his conservative rival, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), by over 900,000 votes.
• With Lai’s win, the DPP secures an unprecedented third consecutive term, reflecting majority support for the party’s commitment to preserving democracy, even as Beijing dismisses it as non-representative of mainstream Taiwanese opinion.

State News

3.Delhi LG Kicks Off 2-Day Global ‘Patang Utsav’ At Baansera

• Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena inaugurated the much-anticipated ‘Patang Utsav’ at Baansera, the city’s first bamboo-theme park located at Sarai Kale Khan on the scenic banks of the Yamuna River.
• The two-day festival, organized by the Delhi Development Authority, promises a visual feast as over 30 professional kitists from diverse states, including Rajasthan, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Lakshadweep, and Gujarat, showcase their artistic prowess in the sky.
• The event seeks to celebrate the diverse artistry and creativity that the kite-flying tradition encompasses, offering spectators a delightful visual treat.

4.Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve Achieves Milestone as India’s First Dark Sky Park

• Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has made history by securing recognition as India’s inaugural Dark Sky Park, marking its position as the fifth in Asia.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature, recognizing the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource, played a pivotal role in conferring this distinction.
• Prabhu Nath Shukla, the deputy director of the reserve, highlighted the significance of preserving natural darkness for nature conservation, maintaining ecological integrity, and contributing to the well-being of communities in urban centers.

Defence News

5.Union Minister Ajay Bhatt Flags Off Astra Missile for IAF delivery

• Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, marked a historic moment on January 14, by flagging off the indigenously developed Astra air-to-air missiles.
• The ceremony took place at the Kanchangbagh unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad, signifying a crucial step towards the missile’s induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The Astra missile, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BDL for the IAF, the Astra Weapon System boasts unparalleled capabilities in its category, with a remarkable range exceeding 100 kilometers.

Important Days News

6.Indian Army Day 2024

• Indian Army Day is a special day celebrated on January 15 every year. In 2024, it will be celebrated on Monday, January 15.
• This day marks the anniversary of the Indian Army getting its first Indian chief in 1949. This chief was General K.M. Cariappa, who took over from the British.
• The theme for Indian Army Day in 2024 is “In Service of the Nation.” This means that the Indian Army is always ready to serve and protect our country. Their motto is “Service Before Self,” showing that they always think of the country first.

7.Pongal 2024

• The Pongal festival, also known as Bhogi Pongal, is a vibrant and auspicious harvesting festival widely celebrated in India.
• This four-day festival holds immense significance in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and marks the beginning of Uttarayan, symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of the harvest season.
• Pongal falls every year in January, during the Tai month of the Tamil Solar calendar, and this year, it begins on January 15, lasts until January 18.
• The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Lord Surya, and is celebrated in various names across India – Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, and Makar Sankranti in the Northern parts of the country.

8.Makar Sankranti 2024

• In 2024, Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, occurs on January 15. Celebrated based on solar cycles, this festival is distinctive in Hindu traditions, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, coinciding with the month of Magha.
• Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated nationwide, holds special significance in Hinduism. According to Vedic astrology, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, marking the transit of Suryadev into his son Shani’s sign, Makar Sankranti is celebrated. This festival is associated with rituals like Ganga snan (bathing in the Ganges) and charitable acts.

Schemes News

9.Defense Minister Sanctions Insurance Scheme for BRO Workers

• India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has recently approved a groundbreaking scheme aimed at providing insurance cover to casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
• The scheme is expected to offer financial security and welfare to the families of casual paid labourers who play a crucial role in building infrastructure in the country’s farthest frontiers.
• The approved scheme is set to provide a significant INR 10 lakh ($13,500) to the families of casual paid labourers in the unfortunate event of their death.

10.PM Modi Releases First Instalment of PM-JANMAN Scheme for Pucca Homes

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release ₹540 crore, the inaugural tranche of funding, for pucca homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) on January 15.
• This disbursement, part of the recently launched PM-JANMAN package, aims to foster the comprehensive development of PVTG habitations.
• The release of ₹540 crore serves as the initial financial boost for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) families, emphasizing the commitment to providing durable housing under the PMAY-G.
• Simultaneously, officials across 100 districts will distribute benefits under the PM-JANMAN package to Gram Panchayats and village chiefs, ensuring a widespread and efficient implementation.

Books & Authors News

11.A book named “Gandhi A Life in Three Campaigns” Launched by M.J. Akbar

• Renowned author M.J. Akbar, along with co-author K. Natwar Singh, launched a new book titled “Gandhi: A Life in Three Campaigns.”
• The book delves into the life and struggles of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly focusing on three pivotal mass campaigns he led: 1)Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Highlighting Gandhi’s ability to mobilize the masses against British rule.
• 2) Salt Satyagraha (1930): Turning a pinch of salt into a symbol of resistance against colonial exploitation and 3) Quit India Movement (1942): A decisive call for the end of British colonialism in India. These campaigns are portrayed as crucial moments that challenged and eventually led to the dismantling of the British Empire in India.

Sports News

12.Shaun Marsh Announces Retirement from Professional Cricket

• Australia’s Shaun Marsh, a renowned name in international and domestic cricket, has announced his retirement from all forms of the sport.
• Shaun Marsh started his career in Western Australia and gained recognition for his skill and dedication. Marsh’s international career with the Australian cricket team was marked by notable performances in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
• He played 38 Test matches, 73 ODIs, and 15 T20Is for Australia. In ODIs, he particularly excelled with a batting average of 40.78 and an 81.42 strike rate. His Test career also boasts a noteworthy average of 43.32 in 68 innings. Marsh’s contributions in T20s, though less prominent, still included 15 games for Australia with a top score of 47.

13.Rohit Sharma Becomes The First Men’s Player To Play 150 T20Is

• In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma, the captain of Team India, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first men’s player to feature in 150 T20 International matches.
• This milestone was achieved during the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, marking a remarkable feat in Rohit’s illustrious career.
• During the first T20I against Afghanistan, Rohit Sharma not only captained his side to victory but also secured another milestone by becoming the first player to win 100 T20Is. This accomplishment underlines his leadership prowess and the team’s success under his captaincy.

14.Madhya Pradesh Clinches Overall Championship in Inaugural Diu Beach Games 2024

• In a spectacular display of talent, Madhya Pradesh emerged as the undisputed overall champion at the first-ever Beach Games 2024 hosted in Diu. The landlocked state secured an impressive total of 18 medals, including 7 golds, showcasing the depth of its athletic prowess.
• The competition, unfolding from January 4-11 at the pristine Ghoghla Beach, featured 1404 young athletes from 28 states and Union Territories engaging in various disciplines.
• Maharashtra secured 14 medals with 3 golds, while Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman each bagged 12 medals.
• Notably, Assam excelled with 8 medals, including an impressive 5 golds. In a historic moment, Lakshadweep clinched gold in Beach Soccer, diversifying the medal tally and emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Diu Beach Games.

Obituaries News

15.Classical Singer Prabha Atre Passes Away at 91

• The Indian classical music fraternity mourns the loss of Dr. Prabha Atre, a revered classical vocalist and a luminary of the Kirana Gharana, who passed away in Pune at the age of 91.
• Born on September 13, 1932, Prabha Atre was not just a classical vocalist but also an academician, researcher, composer, and author.
• Dr. Atre’s contributions were recognized through several prestigious awards. She was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1991), Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002), and the Padma Vibhushan (2022), India’s second-highest civilian honor.

16.Renowned Urdu Poet Munawwar Rana Passes Away At 71

• Munawwar Rana, a celebrated Urdu poet, passed away at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest in Lucknow. He had been enduring a prolonged illness, including throat cancer, kidney, and heart-related ailments.
• Born on November 26, 1952, in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli, Rana was renowned for his significant contributions to Urdu literature and poetry. He was particularly acclaimed for his ghazals, a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain.
• His poetic style was marked by its accessibility, as he often included Hindi and Awadhi words, avoiding Persian and Arabic, to resonate more with Indian audiences. One of his most famous poems was ‘Maa’, celebrating the virtues of a mother within the traditional ghazal form​​.

Miscellaneous News

17.FCI (Food Corporation of India) Marks Its 60th Anniversary

• FCI marks its 60th anniversary, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal praising India’s food self-sufficiency as a remarkable achievement in human history.
• The FCI, a statutory organization responsible for managing the government’s granaries, has been instrumental in achieving food self-sufficiency.
• Through its procurement process at federally fixed minimum support prices (MSP), it buys millions of tonnes of farm produce from Indian farmers, preventing distress sales. This food is then distributed free of cost to 800 million impoverished citizens under the National Food Security Act.

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

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