Daily Current Affairs 31st January 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 31st January2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 31st 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 31st January2024 Current affairs test.
International News
1. Sultan Ibrahim of Johor Installed as Malaysia’s 17th King
- Malaysia celebrated the formal installation of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor as the nation’s 17th king, marking a significant moment in its constitutional monarchy. The ceremony, part of Malaysia’s rotational monarchy system, was attended by dignitaries and royals from across the country.
- Sultan Ibrahim, serving as the Sultan of Johor since 2010, is noted for his commitment to his people’s welfare and his contributions to the state’s development.
2. Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS
- The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), critiquing the bloc as a sovereignty threat.
- These nations criticized ECOWAS for its sanctions and formed the “Alliance of Sahel States” in response to the bloc’s perceived deviations, particularly in addressing jihadist threats.
State News
3. Punjab Launches Sadak Surakhya Force for Road Safety
- Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab has initiated the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) to enhance road safety. The SSF aims to rapidly respond to accidents on Punjab’s 5,500 km of highways.
- This initiative is geared towards reducing fatalities and providing swift medical aid, targeting a response time of 15 minutes to accident sites.
Defence News
4. Indian Army Introduces SARVATRA Bridging System
- The Indian Army has incorporated SARVATRA, a Multispan Mobile Bridging System, into its arsenal. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, it is aimed at improving the Army’s mobility and logistics.
- SARVATRA, created in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is seen as a crucial asset for the Army, especially for operations over water bodies.
Economy News
5. IMF Revises India’s GDP Growth Forecast
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.7% for the current fiscal year, up from 6.3%. This increase is attributed to strong public investments and positive labor market trends.
- The IMF also improved India’s medium-term GDP growth projection to 6.5%, signaling sustained economic growth in the upcoming years.
6. India Opts for “Indian Economy – A Review” Report Over Economic Survey
- Breaking from tradition, the Indian government will not present the Economic Survey in 2024 but will instead release “Indian Economy – A Review,” authored by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.
- The decision, influenced by 2024 being an election year, aims to avoid politicization of the budget process.
7. India Reduces Import Duty on Mobile Phone Components
- The Indian government has lowered the import duty on mobile phone components from 15% to 10%, aiming to boost the domestic mobile phone manufacturing industry.
- This move aligns with India’s strategy to enhance its role in global supply chains and increase exports.
Important Days News
8. Observance of International Zebra Day
- International Zebra Day, observed on January 31st, aims to raise awareness about zebra conservation and the declining wild populations, especially focusing on the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra.
- The day serves to educate the public and promote strategies for preventing further population decline of these species.
Ranks & Reports News
9. “The Indian Economy: A Decade In Review” Report Analysis
- Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran’s report offers an in-depth analysis of India’s economic progress over the past decade, highlighting challenges like global supply chain issues and the impact of AI on services trade.
- The report underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure sustained economic growth.
10. India’s Position in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index
- India secured the 93rd position out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption PerceptionsIndex, while Denmark maintained its top position for the sixth consecutive year.
- The index assesses perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (high corruption) to 100 (very clean governance).
Appointments News
11. Key Appointments in the Sixteenth Finance Commission
- The Indian government has appointed four key members to the Sixteenth Finance Commission, including three full-time members, under the leadership of Shri Arvind Panagariya.
- The appointees are expected to contribute significantly to the commission’s role in fiscal policy and planning.
12. Nomination of Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu to Rajya Sabha
- Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, recognized for his contributions to education and philanthropy, has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
- Sandhu, founder of Chandigarh Group of Colleges and Chandigarh University, is also involved in various social causes.
Agreements News
13. NTPC Green Energy Ltd’s MoU with Maharashtra Government
- NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) signed a MoU with the Maharashtra government, valued at Rs 80,000 crore, to pioneer green hydrogen projects.
- The agreement includes developing green hydrogen and its derivatives, and establishing renewable energy projects, underscoring Maharashtra’s commitment to sustainable energy.
Sports News
14. Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Mascot
- The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 will feature the snow leopard as its mascot, symbolizing the spirit of the Games and the need for conservation of this endangered species.
- The logo, incorporating the Indian tricolor, represents the Himalayan landscape and the diversity of the Games.
15. India’s Performance at the ISSF World Cup
- India showcased outstanding performances at the ISSF World Cup, with gold and silver medals in various events, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in shooting sports.
- Rhythm Sangwan and Ujjwal Malik’s gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event and Divyansh Singh Panwar’s gold in the 10m air rifle event were notable achievements.
16. Divyansh Singh Panwar’s Victory at ISSF World Cup
- Divyansh Singh Panwar, at only 21 years old, won his fourth World Cup gold in the 10m air rifle event, adding to his impressive list of international achievements.
- His victory demonstrates his exceptional shooting skills and marks him as a rising star in the sport.
Science & Technology News
17. Discovery of New Lizard Species in Western Ghats
- A new species of kangaroo lizard, Agasthyagama edge, was discovered in the Western Ghats, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.
- The small-sized species, part of the Agamidae family, highlights the importance of biodiversity research in these areas.
18. Neuralink’s First Human Brain Chip Implant
- Neuralink achieved a milestone by implanting its first brain chip in a human, a significant advancement in brain-computer interface technology.
- This development opens up possibilities for treating neurological conditions and enhancing human capabilities.
Obituaries News
19. Passing of Renowned Historian R. Champakalakshmi
- The academic world mourns the loss of R. Champakalakshmi, a distinguished historian and former president of the Indian History Congress.
- Champakalakshmi’s expertise in various historical subjects, including South Indian history, was highly regarded in academic circles.
Miscellaneous News
20. Youngest Person to Reach Everest Base Camp
- Carter Dallas, a two-year-old from Scotland, set a new record as the youngest person to reach the Mount Everest base camp, demonstrating extraordinary endurance.
- This achievement, surpassing the previous record held by a four-year-old, has been celebrated as a remarkable feat of adventure.
21. WHO Recognition for Eliminating Trans Fats
- The World Health Organization recognized Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand for their successful efforts in eliminating trans fatty acids from their food supplies.
- These countries received certificates from WHO for their effective policies and enforcement mechanisms against both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fats, contributing to improved public health standards.
