Daily Current Affairs 22 January 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 22 January 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on WHO AI Guidelines, 19th NAM Summit, DCB Bank New MD & CEO, SpaceX Launches Ax-3 Mission.

Top 17 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 22 January 2024

National News

1.Ayodhya Ram Temple’s Solar-Powered “Surya Tilak” for Ram Lalla

• The Ayodhya Ram Temple, a site of immense religious significance in India, is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature – a solar-powered “Surya Tilak” for the deity Ram Lalla.
• The “Surya Tilak” is an ingenious system designed to adorn the forehead of Lord Ram’s idol with sunlight in the form of a ‘Tilak’ (a traditional Hindu mark worn on the forehead). This unique feature is planned exclusively for the annual Ram Navami celebration, marking Lord Ram’s birth.
• Developed by a team from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), led by Odia scientist Saroj Kumar Panigrahi, the project involves no electricity, battery, iron, or steel. It is a manually operated system made of brass, ensuring the traditional ethos of the temple is maintained.

2.The Pran Pratisha in Ayodhya Ram Mandir

• Pran Pratishtha is a fundamental and deeply spiritual ritual in Hinduism, especially significant in the context of the much-awaited inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
• This ancient ceremony involves the consecration of a deity’s idol, in this case, Lord Ram, infusing it with divine energy and life. The Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir is not just a ritual; it’s a historic moment that resonates with millions of devotees worldwide.
• Pran Pratishtha is an elaborate ritual that involves several steps, each imbued with spiritual significance. The process begins with a purification ceremony of the idol, which is then adorned with sacred clothes and ornaments. Following this, the idol is installed at the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

3.Ram Mandir Inauguration, The Significance of the 84-Second ‘Mool Muhurat’

• The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a significant and much-anticipated development in India’s cultural and religious landscape, is set for inauguration.
• A focal point of this grand event is the 84-second ‘Mool Muhurat’, an auspicious moment during which the idol of Ram Lalla will be consecrated.
• This 84-second period is part of the larger ‘Abhijit Muhurat’, a 48-minute window considered extremely sacred in Hindu astrology. The ‘Abhijit Muhurat’ on the day of the inauguration begins at 12:16 PM and ends at 12:59 PM​​.
• The ‘Mool Muhurat’ is seen as a moment of profound spiritual and cultural importance in India. The choice of this specific time is believed to bring blessings and positivity, not just to the temple but to the entire nation.

4.Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Five New Galleries at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad

• In a momentous event, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated five new galleries at the renowned Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.
• 1) Indian Sculpture Gallery:Featuring nearly 40 artifacts, some dating back to the 2nd Century B.C., including a fragment from Bharhut with a lotus medallion and the Kakatiya period’s ‘Anantsayana Vishnu.’
• 2) Bidriware Gallery: Showcasing 300 unique objects, including exquisite ‘huqqa’ bases and ewers. 3) Lamp and Chandelier Gallery: Displaying 180 antique objects from around the globe.
• 4) European Bronze Gallery: Housing over 100 bronze statues. 5) European Marble Gallery: Featuring 50 outstanding marble sculptures.
• These galleries not only enrich the museum’s repertoire but also offer visitors a captivating journey through the diverse realms of Indian and global artistry.

5.Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone for Groundbreaking ‘Ayush Diksha’ Centre in Bhubaneswar

• In a momentous occasion, the Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stone for ‘Ayush Diksha,’ a pioneering center dedicated to the development of future Ayush professionals. The ceremony took place at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute campus in Bhubaneswar.
• The ‘Ayush Diksha’ center is set to become a hub for the advancement of human resources in Ayush, with a primary focus on Ayurveda professionals. The institution aims to foster collaboration with prominent national institutes to enhance capacity, strengthen human resources, facilitate research and development, and achieve self-sustainability for revenue generation.

State News

6.Ladakh’s Culture Glows At Mamani Food Festival In J&K

• The vibrant Mamani Ethnic Food Festival of Purig, held annually at Heritage Village Styangkung Barsoo, stands as a triumphant celebration of culinary diversity, cultural heritage, and community unity.
• Organized by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Nyarpa Committee Styangkung, this annual festival has become a cornerstone in preserving and reviving the rich traditions of the Ladakh region.
• The Yokma Group clinched the first prize, followed by the Aziz Group in the second position, and the Yokma Akhone group in the third position.

7.Foundation Day: Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya – Jan 21, 2024

• January 21st, 2024, marks a momentous occasion for the northeastern region of India – the 52nd anniversary of statehood for Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
• Statehood Day is celebrated with great fervor across all three states. Cultural programs, parades, musical performances, and traditional dances showcase the rich heritage of each region.
• On January 21, 1972, the states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971. The princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949. Let us delve into the details of the State Reorganisation of the Northeast.

Defence News

8.Indian Army Launches Operation Sarvashakti To Eliminate Terrorists

• In response to escalating terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, a strategic initiative aimed at curbing the influence of Pakistani proxy terrorist groups.
• Focused on the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory, this operation seeks to eliminate terrorists operating in the sensitive Rajouri Poonch sector.
• Operation Sarvashakti aims to conduct combined counter-terrorist operations on both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps will execute simultaneous operations to neutralize terrorist threats. Coordinated efforts involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies are crucial components of this operation.

Economy News

9.Government Budgeting in India – The Process and Constitutional Requirements

• A budget is a comprehensive report presented by the government, consolidating revenues and outlays. It serves as the annual financial statement of a government, detailing its revenue and expenditure.
• The term ‘Budget’ is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution; instead, the corresponding term used is ‘Annual Financial Statement’ (Article 112).
• The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, enacted in 2003, aims at better budget management. It mandates certain documents to be presented in Parliament annually, alongside the Budget, regarding the country’s fiscal policy.

Banking News

10.RBI Approves Praveen Achuthan Kutty as DCB Bank MD & CEO

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the appointment of Praveen Achuthan Kutty as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DCB Bank.
• Praveen Achuthan Kutty brings a wealth of experience, boasting over 32 years in Retail and SME banking. Having been an integral part of DCB Bank’s leadership for the past 16 years, Kutty currently oversees Retail, SME, and Agri Banking.
• The upcoming appointment follows the conclusion of Murali Natrajan’s term as MD & CEO on April 28, 2024. Natrajan, who assumed the role in May 2009, had previously worked with esteemed institutions such as Standard Chartered and Citibank.

Business News

11.Sony Terminates $10 Billion Merger Deal with Zee Entertainment

• On January 22, Sony issued a notice terminating the merger agreement with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd and Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd. The $10-billion deal, signed on December 22, 2021, faced challenges in meeting closing conditions within the specified timeframe.
• The definitive agreements outlined a provision that mandated discussions for extending the merger’s end date if it did not close within 24 months after the signature date. However, as closing conditions were not met by the specified end date, termination of the agreement became an option.

Ranks & Reports News

12.WHO Releases Guidelines for Multi-Modal Generative AI in Healthcare

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the ethical use and governance of Large Multi-Modal Models (LMM) in healthcare.
• These advanced generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bert, have rapidly transformed healthcare delivery and medical research by processing diverse data inputs like text, videos, and images.
• The WHO document identifies five key applications of LMMs in healthcare, including diagnosis and clinical care, patient-guided use, administrative tasks, medical education, and scientific research. However, risks such as the generation of false or biased statements and issues related to data quality and bias are noted.

13.Four DISCOMs Secured A+ Rating In The Latest CSRD Report For Exceptional Consumer Service

• In a significant development, four electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have achieved the prestigious A+ rating in the latest Consumer Service Rating of Discoms (CSRD) report.
• Out of the 62 DISCOMs evaluated, Delhi emerged as the frontrunner, with three companies securing the top A+ rating. The notable achievers include BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL).
• Adding to the accolades, Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) from Uttar Pradesh has also earned an A+ rating, showcasing a dedication to outstanding customer service and operational excellence. This achievement underlines the efforts of DISCOMs in the region to enhance their service quality.

Summits & Conferences News

14.19th NAM Summit In Kampala, Uganda

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently provided a glimpse into the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, which commenced in Uganda.
• The two-day summit, under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’ brings together over 120 developing countries, signifying a crucial moment in history.
• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), founded in 1961 during the Cold War based on the Panchsheel principle, traces its roots back to the concept that emerged in 1955 at the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

Sports News

15.Wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya Claims Bronze At France’s Grand Prix

• Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, secured a bronze medal at the prestigious Grand Prix De France Henri Deglane wrestling tournament held in Nice, France.
• Dahiya’s absence from the international scene during the entire 2023 season was attributed to injuries he sustained during practice. The setback, which included Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injuries to his right knee in February, forced him out of the Asian Championships in April 2023.
• Dahiya’s return to the mat at the Grand Prix De France Henri Deglane was met with anticipation and excitement. Competing in the 61kg freestyle category, he showcased his resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

16.Khelo India Youth Games 2024, Full Medal Tally

• The Khelo India Youth Games 2024 has kicked off in Tamil Nadu, showcasing the nation’s young sporting talent in a celebration of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
• With over 5,600 athletes nationwide, this sixth edition of KIYG promises to be a spectacular event, running from January 19 to 31. Hosted in four vibrant cities – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore – the games are a testament to India’s commitment to nurturing sports at the grassroots level.
• This year’s KIYG witnesses the participation of athletes from all 36 States and Union Territories of India, reflecting the diverse and widespread engagement in sports across the nation. Tamil Nadu, as the host, boasts the largest contingent with 559 athletes, setting the stage for an exciting competition.

Science & Technology News

17.SpaceX Launches Ax-3 Mission to ISS with First Turkish Astronaut Onboard

• In a historic event, SpaceX successfully launched the Ax-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 18.
• The Crew Dragon capsule, named “Freedom,” was propelled into space atop a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the third mission organized by Houston-based Axiom Space.
• The Ax-3 mission, led by former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría, boasts a diverse crew. Alongside mission pilot Walter Villadei and European Space Agency astronaut Marcus Wandt, it includes Alper Gezeravcı, Turkey’s inaugural astronaut. Axiom highlights this mission as “the first all-European commercial astronaut mission” to the ISS.

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

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