NATIONAL NEWS

Kachchhi Kharek Gem from Kutch Receives GI Tag

Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous date variety from the arid region of Kutch in Gujarat, has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

This accolade recognizes Kachchhi Kharek as the second fruit from Gujarat, after the Gir Kesar mango, to be distinguished with such an honour.

The GI tag is a form of intellectual property that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographic location.

It is characterized by qualities, reputation, or attributes unique to that area.

This tag not only protects and promotes products associated with a particular region but also prevents unauthorized use of the name​.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya will be opened to the general public from January 23.

Thousands of devotees and pilgrims are expected to visit the grand temple daily for 'darshan' of Lord Ram Lalla.

The 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the temple took place on January 22 in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other VVIP guests.

The Ram temple holds immense importance for millions of devotees and followers of Hinduism who believe that it's situated at the birthplace of Lord Ram.

The idol also contains carvings of all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Hindu Gods like Lord Hanuman and other major Hindu religious symbols.

According to the website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the 'darshan' of Lord Ram Lalla can be done.

The free passes for the "aarti" can be obtained offline and online.  

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

G77-Third South Summit Held at Kampala in Uganda

The third South Summit was held at Kampala in Uganda from 20 to 23 January 2024 With the theme “Leaving No One Behind”.

The Third South Summit is a platform to bring energy to the cooperation among its 134 member States of the Group of 77 (G-77) in a more competitive world.

From the Indian side Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan attended the inaugural session of the Third South Summit.

The summit aims to boost South-South cooperation, in the areas of trade and sustainable development, investment, climate change, poverty eradication, and digital economy.

On June 1964, the Group of 77 (G-77) was established by 77 developing countries.

 

SPORTS

2024 Asian Marathon Championships

India’s Man Singh claimed the gold medal at the Asian Marathon Championships 2024 with a personal best timing of two hours 14 minutes and 19 seconds in Hong Kong.

The 34-year-old Indian marathon runner comfortably beat runner-up Huang Yongzheng of China with a time difference of 65 seconds in the men’s event.

Kyrgyzstan’s Tiapkin Ilya came third in 2:18:18.

Man Singh was part of the Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2023 and finished eighth with a timing of 2:16:59 in the marathon event.

In the women’s event, India’s Ashvini Jadhav finished eighth in 2:56:42 and Jyoti Gawate finished 11th in 3:06:20.

Khelo India Youth games- Rhythmic Gymnastics 

In the rhythmic gymnastics individual event of the Khelo India Youth games, Sanyukta Kale from Maharashtra won the gold, Muskan Rana from Jammu and Kashmir won the silver and Life Adlakha won the bronze medals.

Raja Babu Yadav, Gymnastics coach from Uttar Pradesh told Akashwani that Indian gymnastics players are ready to compete in international games.

In the women artistic individual gymnastics, Nishika Agarwal from Telangana won the gold, Soumili Karar from West Bengal won the silver and Sara Rawool won the bronze medals.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur Awarded Bharat Ratna

The Government of India has announced that former Bihar Chief Minister, Karpoori Thakur, will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award.

This recognition is a significant acknowledgement of Thakur’s contributions to Indian politics and social reform.

Thakur was a strong advocate for the underprivileged, championing the cause of the socially and economically marginalized sections of society.

His tenure as Chief Minister was notable for implementing progressive policies, including land reforms and initiatives aimed at the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

He is remembered for his dedication to social equality and justice.

His efforts in addressing the concerns of the less privileged have left an indelible mark on Bihar’s socio-political fabric.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank

Praveen Achuthan Kutty receives approval as the Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The appointment is confirmed, and Kutty's tenure is set to begin on April 29, 2024, for a period of three years.

Kutty has over 32 years of experience in Retail and SME banking, with 16 years in leadership at DCB Bank.

His responsibilities at DCB Bank include overseeing Retail, SME, and Agri Banking.

Kutty's prior experience at Citibank, including a leadership role in New York, adds to his seasoned background.

The appointment will take place after the end of Murali Natarajan's term as MD and CEO on April 28, 2024.

DCB Bank will adhere to regulatory norms by promptly submitting the necessary application to the RBI.

Murali Natrajan, who served as MD and CEO since May 2009, had previous roles at Standard Chartered and Citibank.

 

DEFENCE

India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR

India-Kyrgyzstan's 11th joint special forces exercise 'Khanjar' has commenced at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Exercise ‘Khanjar’ will be conducted from 22 January to 3 February 2024.

Exercise ‘Khanjar’ is an annual event conducted alternately in both countries.

The exercise emphasizes on developing special forces skills, advanced insertion and extraction techniques.

This exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen defence ties while addressing the common problems of international terrorism and extremism.

This exercise will provide an opportunity to achieve common security objectives.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Iran Successfully Launches Sorayya Satellite Into Orbit

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) successfully launched its Sorayya satellite into a 750-kilometer orbit.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Iran's aerospace capabilities and further demonstrates its growing ambitions in space technology.

The three-stage solid-fuel Qaem 100 satellite carrier, developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force, carried the Sorayya satellite into space.

The satellite's successful placement in orbit has set a new record for Iran, as it represents the first time the country has launched a satellite into this altitude.

Sorayya is a research satellite with a mass of approximately 50 kilograms.

It is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments that will be used to collect data on various aspects of space, including weather patterns, Earth's resources, and the environment.

The sub-orbital launch of the Qaem 100 satellite carrier was successfully conducted in October 2022.

This successful orbital launch marks a significant step forward in Iran's space program and further strengthens its position as a regional space power.

The Qaem 100, with its three stages of solid fuel, is capable of placing satellites weighing up to 80 kilograms in an orbit of 750 kilometers from Earth's surface.

 

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Autobiography Titled "Time Spent Distance Travelled”

Former Supreme Court judge Shivaraj V. Patil is set to release his autobiography titled "Time Spent Distance Travelled."

The 400-page book will be available in English and Kannada (Kaleda Kaala, Nadeda Doora) and is scheduled for release on January 21.

Patil, aged 84, initially had no plans to write an autobiography but was encouraged by well-wishers to share his life experiences.

The autobiography aims to impart knowledge gained over his 84 years, with a focus on inspiring youngsters and reflecting on his life journey.

The book covers aspects of his life, including childhood, education, legal career as an advocate, judicial tenure, and post-retirement activities, and social service.

Amit Shah Launched The Book "Assam's Braveheart Lachit Barphukan"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the book "Assam's Braveheart Lachit Barphukan" by Arup Kumar Dutta in Guwahati.

Shah stated that almost all disputes and conflicts in Assam have concluded with the signing of several accords.

Shah emphasized the strength of multilingualism, considering it an asset for the country.

Lachit Barphukan, an iconic figure in Assam, was lauded by Shah as a national hero, and he stressed the importance of promoting Barphukan's greatness and valor.

The book, published by the State government, is available in English and translated into 24 Scheduled Indian languages.

Shah commended Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for efforts to promote and honor Lachit Barphukan.