Daily Current Affairs 18th January, 2024

Daily Current Affairs 18th January 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

Dear Readers,

This post contains important current affairs of 18th January2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 18th January2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 18th January2024 Current affairs test.

National News

1. PM Modi Unveils Ram Mandir Stamps:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of postage stamps celebrating Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, a significant cultural event.
• The collection comprises six stamps, each representing key figures and elements from Lord Ram’s story, such as the Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj, and Ma Shabri.
• This initiative underscores the government’s effort to honor cultural heritage and religious narratives through philately, enabling people to own a part of this historic narrative.

2. NHAI’s FASTag Initiative:

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ program to improve toll collection efficiency on national highways.
• This initiative addresses the misuse of FASTags, ensuring a unique FASTag for each vehicle to enhance transparency and accountability in toll collections.
• The program marks a significant move towards digitalizing and simplifying the toll payment process throughout India.

3. Illumination of Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya:

• Ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration, Ayodhya’s Lata Mangeshkar Chowk has been vividly illuminated.
• Named after the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, this vibrant and attractive spot has gained attention from national and international visitors.
• The illumination is part of Ayodhya’s larger transformation, making the chowk a popular destination and reflecting the city’s evolving cultural significance.

4. Wings India 2024 Inaugurated by Union Minister:

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest aviation expo, in Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport.
• The expo, themed “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047,” aims to showcase the future of India’s aviation sector.
• This significant event brings together industry leaders and enthusiasts, highlighting latest aviation trends and innovations.

5. Odisha CM Inaugurates Puri Jagannath Temple’s Heritage Corridor:

• Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, inaugurated the Heritage Corridor around Puri Jagannath Temple.
• Part of the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa, this 75-meter wide corridor aims to enhance the temple’s surroundings while preserving its sanctity and heritage.
• It is expected to improve visitor experience and maintain the temple’s cultural and historical essence, highlighting Odisha’s dedication to preserving its religious and cultural heritage.

6. ‘Build for Billions’ Initiative by DLabs and ISB:

• DLabs at the Indian School of Business, in association with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub and Union Bank of India, launched the ‘Build for Billions’ accelerator program.
• The program focuses on fostering financial inclusion in the informal economy, supporting startups that develop innovative solutions for the broader population’s financial needs.
• This initiative reinforces the commitment to inclusive growth and financial empowerment, especially in underbanked areas.

7. EPFO’s Aadhaar Policy Update:

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has removed Aadhaar from its list of acceptable documents for date of birth verification and updates.
• This policy change aims to simplify the process and provide more options for members to verify or update their date of birth.
• It ensures greater convenience and flexibility in managing EPF accounts, reflecting EPFO’s commitment to user-friendly services.

8. KVIC Launches ‘Sanatan Khadi Vastra’:

• The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) introduced ‘Sanatan Khadi Vastra’ at its flagship store in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
• This new clothing range aligns with KVIC’s mission to promote Khadi as a symbol of Indian heritage and sustainable fashion.
• ‘Sanatan Khadi Vastra’ launch is part of the government’s vision to support traditional industries and position Khadi as a fashionable, eco-friendly fabric choice.

9. Foxconn and HCL Group’s Chip Packaging Venture:

• Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, in partnership with India’s HCL Group, is setting up a chip packaging and testing facility in India.
• This collaboration signifies Foxconn’s diversification strategy away from China and its increased investment in India’s tech industry.
• Foxconn’s subsidiary is investing $37.2 million for a 40% stake, highlighting this venture’s role in enhancing India’s global semiconductor and technology sector position.

10. TCS’s Global IT Brand Achievement:

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been acknowledged as the second most valuable IT services brand globally in the 2024 Brand Finance Global 500 IT Services Ranking.
• This recognition emphasizes TCS’s growth and prominence in the international IT services market.
• The achievement underlines TCS’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and excellence in the technology sector.

11. Chhattisgarh’s Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024:

• The Chhattisgarh Government launched Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Aarthik Sarkari Ladli Bahna Yojana’.
• This scheme provides financial assistance of INR 1,000 per month to women, amounting to an annual aid of INR 12,000.
• It represents a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment and social welfare in the state.

12. REC Limited’s ICAI Award:

• REC Limited, a prominent Maharatna PSU and NBFC, received the ‘Plaque’ at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2022-23.
• This award acknowledges REC’s high standards in financial reporting and transparency.
• The recognition reaffirms REC’s status as a leading financial institution in India.

13. Rohit Sharma’s T20I Record:

• Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is the first player to score five centuries in T20 International matches.
• This achievement sets him at the forefront of T20I batting records, showcasing his exceptional talent and contribution to cricket.

14. Sue Redfern: ICC’s First Female Neutral Umpire:

• England’s Sue Redfern is poised to become the International Cricket Council’s first female neutral umpire in a bilateral series.
• This historic appointment marks a milestone in the advancement of women in sports officiating and the inclusivity in cricket.

15. ISRO’s Advanced Distress Alert Transmitter:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation unveiled an advanced second-generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG).
• This technological advancement enhances satellite communication and navigation capabilities, especially beneficial for fishermen.
• The DAT-SG provides a reliable and efficient means of distress signaling in emergencies.

16. First-Ever Sighting of Tibetan Brown Bear in India:

• A rare Tibetan Brown Bear was sighted for the first time in the high altitudes of North Sikkim.
• This discovery by the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India adds to India’s mammal diversity and highlights the region’s ecological richness.
• The sighting emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in these areas.