Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC -22nd February 2024

 

National News 

1.India receives price bids for 26 Rafale jets, 3 submarines

• India has received price bids from France for the purchase of 26 Rafale-M carrier-based fighters as well as three additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines.
• While the Rafale-M is being processed through an Inter-governmental agreement, the submarine deal is a follow-on to the earlier contract with Naval Group, under which Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai manufactured six submarines in India. The Defence Ministry has already set up a committee to arrive at the benchmark price for the submarine deal, sources said. 
• In response to India's request, France submitted a Letter of Acceptance earlier this week, outlining the pricing and other details of its offer for 26 Rafale-M jets which are meant to operate from the Navy's two aircraft carriers, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, MDL has submitted its commercial offer for three more Scorpenes to the Indian Navy on December 11, it has been learnt. 
• For the Scorpene deal, the Defence Ministry has formed a coating committee for internal benchmarking of the deal value and the commercial offer from MDL would be opened after the internal benchmarking is complete, sources stated. 
• While the formal procurement process has now commenced for the Rafale deal following receipt of the bid, it is not yet clear if a costing committee would be set up. The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including "comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries," the Defence Ministry had stated earlier. 
• As reported by The Hindu earlier, both the contracts are expected to be f concluded by end-2024 and delivery of the submarines is likely to begin in 2031. The major difference between the existing Scor- penes and the new ones is their integrated combat system (ICS), sources explained. 
• The earlier submarines häd systems from France, while the new ones will have indigenous ICS, with significant localized solutions provided by Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with French suppliers, a source said. said 

2.Coming soon, a cafeteria for oil spill-hit birds at creek in T.N. 

• While casting a net to trap birds is not something wildlife enthusiasts will ever recommend, in Ennore Creek, it has been recommended purely as an act of conservation. 
• Experts from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) are planning to establish feeding stations for birds at the creek, where contamination due to an oil spill from industries in Manali has brought down the bird population drastically. To do so, they would first have to catch the birds. 
• The State Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, the nodal agency for the oil spill clean-up, has roped in WTI to work with local volunteers and the Wildlife Warden, Chennai, to assess how the affected birds could be rescued and rehabilitated. While most of the birds, both healthy and oil-drenched, have flown away to other parts of the city like intervention, and two or three of them are very weak. The challenge will be in capturing them." 
• Some birds will require intervention, and two or three of them are very weak. The challenge will be in capturing them Chief Veterinary Officer, WTI 
• Pallikaranai and Cooum, the authorities have found that 10 pelicans and painted storks have been badly affected. 
• After a recce of Ennore, N.V.K. Ashraf, Chief Veterinary Officer and Vice-President at WTI, told The Hindu: "The very fact that some have flown away means that they can take care of themselves. But some birds will require 
• As birds are difficult to trap, the team is planning to strategically set up 'cafeterias' with nets to feed the birds with fresh fish and capture those that are sick, said Shravan Krishnan of BMAD. In places where motorized boats cannot reach, paddle boats from 'Bay of Life' - a surf school from Kovalam will be used. 
• The feeding stations will be set up for a week. According to Mr. Ashraf, the larger impact is on the fish. "Some fish will die; others will survive. The ecosystem will come back. This is just a momentary toxicity.” 

3.Parliament passes Bill to replace the PRB Act 

• Parliament on Thursday passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill to make the process of allotment of title and registration of periodicals simple through an online system without the requirement of physical interface. It replaces the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. 

4.Missing for 42 years, Namdapha flying squirrel resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh 

• A nocturnal flying squirrel has resurfaced in Arunachal Pradesh after going missing for 42 years. 
• The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) was last described in 1981 based on a single individual found in the 1,985 sq. km. Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district. 
• The failure of zoologists to locate the arboreal mammal during several expeditions thereafter generated two theories that it could have been mistaken for the very similar red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) sharing the same ecosystem or worse, becoming history. 
• Ten of these expeditions were by teams from Aaranyak, an Assam-based biodiversity conservation group, for a total of 79 days in 2021. A team from the group finally sighted the Namdapha flying squirrel in April 2022 
• The team members said they are designing a study to collect DNA samples of the squirrel in the field for comparing the genetic material with the DNA of the individual collected in 1981, stored at the Zoological Survey of India in Kolkata. 

5.WHO prequalifies a malaria vaccine by Serum Institute 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, to its list of prequalified vaccines. In October 2023, the WHO had recommended its use for the prevention of malaria in children. 
• The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine prequalified by the WHO. 
• "The pre qualification means larger access to vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in children, with it being a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance," the WHO said in a statement. 
• It added that both vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, for preventing malaria in children. 
• Malaria, a mosquito borne disease, places a particularly high burden on children in the African region, where nearly half a million children die from the disease each year. In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases in the world, and 6,08,000 malaria deaths across 85 countries. 
• Rogério Gaspar, director of WHO's Department of Regulation and Prequalification, said: "Achieving WHO vaccine prequalification ensures that vaccines used in global immunization programmes are safe and effective within their conditions of use in the targeted health systems.” 

6.Ministry Of Mines Unveils Portal For Innovative Geoscience Exploration 

• The Ministry of Mines launched the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal. This initiative, spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), is poised to revolutionize access to critical geoscience data. 
• The NGDR Portal stands as a comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate the access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information across the entire nation. The initiative aims to democratize crucial geoscience data, providing stakeholders in various industries and academia with unprecedented access to invaluable resources. 
• The portal serves as a one-stop solution for accessing a wide array of geospatial information, streamlining the process for users across different sectors. Users can leverage the portal for in-depth analysis of geospatial information, fostering informed decision-making in diverse fields. 

7.Government of India cautions the public against 'smishing' 

• The Government of India has issued a warning regarding a new cyber crime called “smishing”. The term is a combination of “SMS” (Short Message Service) and “phishing”. A malicious practice aimed at deceiving people through text messages. 
• With increasing dependence on mobile phones, smishing has emerged as a significant threat. Smishing scams often adopt the guise of legitimacy by posing as communications from trusted sources. 
• Fraudulent messages may impersonate banks, government agencies, or well-known brands, creating a false sense of urgency that compels recipients to take immediate action. 
• The ultimate goal is to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal information. These deceptive messages may request personal details such as credit card numbers, Social Security information or login credentials. 
• Individuals can take immediate action by dialing 1930 to report financial fraud online. Additionally, any case of cyber crime can be reported on cybercrime.gov.in. 
• Earlier, the Central Government has issued advisories to social media intermediaries to identify misinformation and deepfakes. Prompt action should be taken within the time limit prescribed under IT Rules 2021. Remove any such content within 36 hours of it being reported. 

8.Govt to boost nuclear power capacity from7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2032 

• The Government has initiated steps to increase the nuclear power capacity from 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031-32. 
• The annual electricity generation from nuclear power plants has increased from 35334 Million Units (including infirm) in 2013-14 to 46982 Million Units (including infirm) in 2022-23. 
• The installed nuclear power capacity in 2013-14 has also increased from 4780 MW to 7480 MW at present. 
• At present 23 nuclear power reactors are installed. The total electricity generated from nuclear power plants during the last ten years (2013-14 to 2022-23) was about 411 BUs averting release of about 353 Million Tons of CO2 equivalent to the environment. 
• Nuclear Power is a clean and environment friendly base load source of electricity generation, which is available 24X7. It has huge potential and can provide the country long-term energy security in a sustainable manner. Expansion of nuclear power capacity will help in the country’s energy transition to meet the goal of a net zero economy by 2070. 

9.Dalai Lama inaugurates first International Sangha Forum in Bodh Gaya 

• Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama has inaugurated the three-day International Sangha Forum 2023 in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. 
• Organized jointly by the Office of the Dalai Lama and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the forum will be held at the International Convention Centre in Bodha Gaya, Bihar. 
• The event will see discussions among monks, nuns, and Bhikkhu scholars, that delve into the profound teachings of Buddhism. 
• The event will also witness the coming together of practitioners of the Pali traditions of the Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, as well as those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world. 
• The ISF aims to foster dialogue on the intricate aspects of Vinaya rules and explore the evolving role of Buddhism in the 21st century. 

International News 

1.USA launches ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ to counter Houthi rebels in the Red Sea 

• United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has launched 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' to counter Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and announced the formation of a new multinational naval coalition.
• A Yemeni group aligned with Iran is targeting commercial ships in protest against the Israel-Gaza war, disrupting one of the world's busiest shipping routes. 
• This multinational naval alliance of ten countries includes the navies of Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, Spain and Britain. Arab countries Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not included in this. 
• America said that Houthi has violated international law by harassing ships in the Red Sea. The new security initiative will address security challenges in the Southern Red Sea. 
• Up to 50 merchant ships typically pass to and from the Suez Canal daily, often transiting between Asia and Europe. 
• It will facilitate the movement of ships of all countries to meet the challenges in the Bob Al-Mandeb waters near Yemen and the Gulf of Aden in the Southern Red Sea and promote regional security and prosperity. 
• Iran has supported the Houthi rebel group, which has been repeatedly attacking merchant ships. This led to the dramatic hijacking of the British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship Galaxy Leader. 
• Shipping companies have previously announced they would block or divert traffic, including British oil company BP, Hong Kong's OOCL, Germany's HapagLloyd and Italian-Swiss-owned Mediterranean Shipping Co. 

2.United Nations declared the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids 

• The United Nations has declared the year 2024 as the International Year of the Camelids to highlight the importance of Camelids in the lives of people around the world. 
• The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to create awareness about the untapped potential of Camelids and strive to increase investment in the Camelids sector through research, capacity development and use of innovative practices and technologies. 
• According to the official website of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), camels influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries. 
• Camelids as a group include alpacas, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, vicuñas which help ensure food security, nutrition and economic development, especially for indigenous peoples and local communities. 
• Camelids Camels are found in the highlands of the Andes Mountain range, arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Found in Old World North Africa and Central Asia are the dromedary camel (one-humped camel) and the Bactrian camel (two-humped camel). 
• Glans, an organ found in the neck of male camels (believed to be associated with male camels displaying dominance and attracting female camels) 
• Camelids are important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These organisms contribute to the food security, nutrition and economic development of local communities 

Defence News 

1.Defence Ministry signs deal for 6 next-gen OPVs for Coast Guard 

• The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹1,614.89 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai for the procurement of six next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). 
• Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing ageing OPVs and the other two would augment the ICG fleet. 
• These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance by the ICG. 
• These multirole state-of-the-art vessels will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, and will be delivered in a total period of 66 months (5.5 years). 

Recent MoU in Defence Sector 

• India & France sign MoU for construction of three Scorpene submarine
• Defense ministry signs with HAL to upgrade Dornier Aircraft for ICG 
• GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines 
• The Defence Ministry has signed a contract of 500 crore rupees with ICOMM Tele Limited to strengthen the Indian Army’s communication system.
• Mazagon Dock signs deal with Germany to build diesel submarines 

Schemes and Committee News 

1.MSME Ministry Unveils 3 RAMP Sub-Schemes, Makes ZED Scheme Free For Women 

• Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Narayan Rane unveiled three pioneering sub-schemes under the existing RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Productivity) programme. 
• These initiatives aim to encourage the adoption of sustainable technology, promote circular economy projects, and tackle the persistent challenge of delayed payments. 
• The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme) is designed to propel enterprises towards adopting green technology. 
• A groundbreaking initiative, the MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme), marks the government’s first-ever support for circular economy projects. 
• In a move to modernize dispute resolution processes, the MSME Ministry introduced the MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments. 

Appointment News 

1.Sanjay Singh Becomes New Chief Of Wrestling Federation Of India (WFI) 

• Sanjay Singh, a prominent figure within the former WFI chief Brij Bhushan’s faction and currently the UP Wrestling Association vice president, clinched victory with an overwhelming 40 votes against Anita Sheoran’s meager seven. 
• While Anita Sheoran‘s panel faced defeat in the presidential race, they managed to secure the crucial post of secretary general. Satyapal Singh Deshwal, representing Uttarakhand emerged as the new treasurer by defeating Jammu and Kashmir’s Dushyant Sharma with a commanding 34-12 vote margin. 
• Prem Chand Lochab, a former RSPB secretary, emerged victorious with a 27-19 vote count against Darshan Lal. Additionally, Devender Singh Kadian, aligned with the protesting wrestlers, claimed the senior vice president’s post by defeating I D Nanavati with a 32-15 margin. 

2.ICICI Bank Secures RBI Nod For Sandeep Batra’s Re-Appointment As Executive Director 

• In a significant development, ICICI Bank has received the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval for the re-appointment of Sandeep Batra as the Executive Director (ED). The approval, conveyed through an official letter, is effective from December 23, 2023, to December 22, 2025. 
• The current tenure of Batra, which received RBI approval for three years, concludes on December 22, 2023. In response, the Board of Directors, acknowledging Batra’s contributions, unanimously sanctioned his reappointment for an additional two years, extending from December 23, 2023, to December 22, 2025. 
•  Sandeep Batra has been serving as ED on ICICI Bank’s Board, overseeing the Corporate Centre since July 2018. His responsibilities span across crucial domains, including credit, corporate communications, data science, finance, human resources, legal, operations, customer service, technology, and secretarial groups. 

3.Lok Sabha passes Bill on CEC, EC appointment 

• The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 amid the scarce presence of Opposition members in the House.
• The Bill had been b passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 12. 
• Speaking during a debate before the passage of the Bill, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 did not have a clause related to the appointment of CEC and other ECs. 
• Search, selection panel Mr. Meghwal said the names of the commissioners were so far decided by the government, but from now on a search and selection committee will overlook the process. He also asserted that this was in line with the Supreme Court's directions, adding that the committee mentioned in its judgment was a "stop-gap" arrangement. 

Banking News 

1.World Bank sets up task force to act on MDB reform plan 

• The World Bank has set up a task force to study the recommendations made by the Independent Experts Group, formed under India’s G20 Presidency, for strengthening multilateral development banks (MDBs). 
• The World Bank, which other MDBs looked up to, must take the lead in carrying forward the reform roadmap for MDBs so as to make these global institutions bigger, better, and bolder. 
• Both Ajay Banga and Nirmala Sitharaman discussed outcomes of the G20India Presidency, evolution of the World Bank and its engagement with India in various sectors, besides issues of mutual interest. 
• World Bank has identified eight unique global challenges to focus on in the next few years as they affect many countries and require attention and Sitharaman expressed India’s support for it. 
• Sitharaman stressed that the Country Climate and Development Report exercise of the World should take into account the country’s priorities and circumstances. 

About World Bank 

• Founded – 1944
• Headquarters – Washington Dc 
• resident – Ajay Banga 
• MD & CFO – Anshula Kant 
• Chief Economist – Indermit Gill 
• Member Countries -189 
• World Bank Group – 5 (IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA and ICSID) 

2.ArSRLM Signs MoU With SBI For SHG Banking Services 

• In a significant move towards empowering self-help groups (SHGs) in Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) has forged a strategic alliance with the State Bank of India (SBI). 
• The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities aims to provide comprehensive banking services to the SHGs operating in the state. 
• The primary objective of this MoU is to streamline and expedite the SHG bank linkage on various fronts, including savings, credit, insurance, and remittances. 
• The initiative is set to benefit around 12,000 self-help groups that have been promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) in Arunachal Pradesh. 

Important Day News 

1.JAG Corps Day Marks 40 Years Of Judicial Excellence 

• The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Department, the distinguished judicial and legal arm of the Indian Army, commemorates a momentous occasion – its 40th Corps Day on December 21, 2023. 
• This celebration resonates with the historic introduction of the Bill for the Army Act in Parliament in 1949, a defining moment that laid the groundwork for the legal dispensation within the military. 
• At the heart of military jurisprudence, the JAG Department plays a pivotal role in handling military-related disciplinary cases and litigation. Serving as the legal advisor to the Chief of Army Staff, the Judge Advocate General provides counsel on matters of military, martial, and international law. Simultaneously, the department collaborates with the Adjutant General, contributing to the maintenance of discipline through the application of military law. 

2.National Mathematics Day 2023 

• Every year on December 22, the nation reveres the brilliance of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the greatest mathematicians in history, as National Mathematics Day (NMD).
• The genesis of National Mathematics Day dates back to 2012 when the Manmohan Singh government officially designated December 22 for its observance. This day coincides with the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu. 
• National Mathematics Day aims to propagate the significance of mathematics in various aspects of life and illuminate Ramanujan’s remarkable contributions. On this occasion, the focus extends beyond textbooks, encouraging children to embrace critical thinking and logical reasoning, mirroring Ramanujan’s unconventional path of learning. 

Award News 

1.Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO's 2023 Prix Versailles 

• Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been recognised as one of the world's most beautiful airports and awarded the special prize for interiors at the UNESCO's 2023 Prix Versailles. 
• The World Judges Panel for the Prix Versailles 2023, chaired by renowned fashion designer Elie Saab, announced the latest architectural projects to win a World Title, according to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA. 
• The Prix Versailles focuses on intelligent sustainability as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of social interaction. T2, known as the Terminal in a Garden, was inaugurated on November 11, 2022. 

2.IREDA’s Pradip Kumar Das Wins ‘CMD Of The Year’ For The Second Straight Year 

• Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), has been honored with the esteemed “CMD of the Year” award under the Mini-Ratna category at the 13th PSE Excellence Awards. 
• This recognition is under the Mini-Ratna category, marking the second consecutive year for Shri Pradip Kumar Das. The awards also recognize IREDA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and social responsibility. 
• In addition to Shri Pradip Kumar Das’s individual recognition, IREDA also emerged as a runner-up in four key categories: “Operational Performance Excellence,” “Corporate Governance,” “Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability,” and “Inclusivity- Contribution of Women and Differently-Abled In.” 

3.President Droupadi Murmu Awards Crompton For Energy Conservation 2023 

• Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL), a leading player in India’s consumer electrical industry, has been honored with the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award 2023. 
• The recognition was bestowed by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and the Ministry of Power, represented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day. 
• This latest award adds to Crompton’s impressive track record of consistent excellence. The company has previously secured this esteemed honor across diverse categories such as fans and lights in previous editions of the National Energy Conservation Awards. 

4.Chirag Shetty and Satwik Sai Raj Rankireddy to get Khel Ratna Award 

• The Government of India has announced the National Sports Awards 2023. 
• Badminton players Chirag C Shetty and Satwik Sai Raj Rankireddy will be honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. 
• Twenty-six sportspersons will receive the Arjuna Awards. They are Archers Ojas Pravin Deotale and Aditi Gopichand Swami, Para Archer Sheetal Devi, Athletes Sreeshankar M and Parul Chaudhary, Boxer Mohameed Hussamuddin, Chess player R Vaishali, Cricketer Mohammed Shami, Blind Cricketer Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy, Equestrian players Anush Agarwalla and Divyakriti Singh, Golfer Diksha Dagar, Hockey players Krishan Bahadur Pathak and P Sushila Chanu, Kabaddi players Pawan Kumar and Ritu Negi, Kho-Kho player Nasreen, Lawn Bowls player Pinki, Shooters Aishwary Pratap Singh and Esha Singh, Squash player Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu, Table Tennis player Ayhika Mukherjee, Wrestler Sunil Kumar and Antim, Wushu player N Roshibina Devi and Para Canoeing player Prachi Yadav. 
• Wrestling coach Lalit Kumar, Chess coach R. B. Ramesh, Para Athletics coach Mahaveer Prasad Saini, Hockey coach Shivendra Singh and Mallakhamb coach Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar will be honoured with the Dronacharya Award in the regular category. 
• Golf coach Jaskirat Singh Grewal, Kabaddi coach Bhaskaran E and Table Tennis coach Jayanta Kumar Pushilal will be honoured with the Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category. 
• Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games, will be given to Manjusha Kanwar for Badminton, Vineet Kumar Sharma for Hockey and Kavitha Selvaraj for Kabaddi. 
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2023 will be presented to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar as the overall winning university, Lovely Professional University, Punjab is the 1st runner up University and Kurukshetra University, Haryana is the 2nd runner up University. 
• The awardees will receive their awards from President Droupadi Murmu in a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the 9th January 2024. 

Ranks and Reports News 

1.Bhupender Yadav Unveils NITI Aayog’s Report On Global Green Growth 

• Shri Bhupender Yadav, the Hon’ble Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Ministry of Labour & Employment, launched a G20 report titled ‘A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy’ today in New Delhi.
• NITI Aayog, in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Global Development Network (GDN), published the report based on the proceedings of the G20 international conference held in New Delhi on 28-29 July 2023. 
• The report summarizes discussions from a policy conference organized by NITI Aayog, IDRC, and GDN in July 2023, focusing on green and sustainable growth. As a G20 side event, it engaged 40 leading thinkers in shaping a new growth model, covering topics like energy, climate, technology, policy, jobs, trade, global finance, and multilateralism. 

2.India Skills Report finds Kerala the most preferred State to work 

• Kerala has emerged the most preferred State to work in the India Skills Report 2024 
• Kochi and Thiruvanan thapuram have come second and fourth respectively among cities where both men and women prefer to work regardless of their age, according to the report published by talent assessment agency Wheebox in association with various agencies including All India Council for Technical Education, Confederation of Indian Industry and Association of Indian Universities. 
• The report, which surveyed 3.88 lakh youths through a National Employability Test conducted across the country, indicated the employability in India has improved with 51.25% of the assessed youths found to be employable with the required skills. 
•  The report underscored Kerala's excellence in nur- turing computer skills with Thiruvananthapuram claiming the first position among cities, while Kerala came third overall among States. Kerala was also ranked third in terms of highest concentration of employable talent in the B.E./BTech and polytechnic domains, as well as for highest availability of English skills. The report stated that Kerala showcased a well-rounded talent pool that has enabled its performance across different skills. Regions with diverse skill sets are better equipped to meet the multifaceted demands of an evolving job market by ensuring resilience and adaptability, it added. 

Sports News 

1.India’s Hardik Singh Clinched Men’s FIH Player Of The Year 2023 

• Indian hockey team midfielder, Hardik Singh, clinched the prestigious title of Men’s FIH Player of the Year at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023. This recognition adds another feather to the cap of the talented player, who played a pivotal role in India’s bronze medal victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 
• Dutch player Xan de Waard emerged victorious as the Women’s FIH Player of the Year, showcasing outstanding prowess in the field of hockey. 
• Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, secured the title of the Best Goalkeeper of the Year. This marks her third consecutive win in this category, reflecting her consistent excellence between the goalposts. 

Obituary News 

1.Padma Bhushan awardee Mohini Giri passes away 

• Former chair of the National Commission for Women and Padma Bhushan awardee V Mohini Giri passed away. 
• She started the War Widows Association in 1972, after the Indo-Pak war of 1971. An institution builder, her life was dedicated to women’s rights, human rights and particularly the rights of widows. 
• Giri was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her work in 2007. 
• A graduate in Political Science from University of Lucknow, Dr. Giri was the founder trustee of Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, trustee of various organisations such as Navdanya, Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation and FAEA. She also served as the chairperson of both Central Social Welfare Board and National Commission for Women. 
•  documentary —Still We Rise: The Passion and Compassion of Mohini Giri’— directed by filmmaker Meera Dewan, commemorating 50 years of Guild for Service and the contribution of Dr. Giri, was screened in February