- National:
- The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has approved the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) to form a subsidiary company focusing on green energy and gas ventures. The subsidiary, tentatively named “ONGC Green Limited” subject to the approval of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
- On January 23, 2024, India’s ACME Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation signed a term sheet for the supply of 0.4 MMTPA of green ammonia from India to Japan starting from 2028. This agreement is part of both countries’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. The aim of the pact between ACME Group and IHI Corporation is to contribute to India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and Japan’s net-zero commitment. The agreement is also aimed at establishing India as a hub for green fuels
- On 23rd January 2024, the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd (SII) joined the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network of vaccine producers. The collaboration aims to support rapid and equitable responses to future public health disease outbreaks. CEPI is investing up to $30 million to expand SII’s ability to swiftly supply investigational vaccines in the face of epidemic and pandemic threats.
- On January 24, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the establishment of two coal gasification plants in West Bengal and Odisha. These plants, set up by Coal India Limited, aim to achieve 100 metric tons of coal gasification by 2030. The projects are expected to be operational by 2028-29.
- The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Oman on cooperation in the field of Information Technology. The MoU was signed on 15th December, 2023, between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of the Sultanate of Oman.
- International:
- Cameroon started the world’s first routine malaria vaccine program for children on January 22, 2024. The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, is being offered free of charge to all infants up to the age of six months old. The Central African nation aims to vaccinate about 250,000 children this year and next year.
- Banking:
- SoftBank has indeed sold another 2% stake in Paytm via open market transactions. Prior to the sale, SoftBank’s stake, through SVF India, in Paytm was 7.01%, which has now been reduced to 5.06%. The transactions took place between December 19, 2023, and January 20, 2024. This is part of a series of disposals by SoftBank, as the Japanese investor has been gradually reducing its stake in Paytm.
- HDFC Bank has successfully divested a 2.01% stake in Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS) for a total cash consideration of ₹252.34 crore. The bank sold 9,86,315 shares of CAMS (a 2.01% equity stake) through the secondary market route on BSE & NSE between August 25, 2023, and January 23, 2024. The average sale price per share stood at ₹2,558.43. After the divestment, HDFC Bank’s shareholding in CAMS is currently 3.94%.
- On January 25, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to acquire up to 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank Ltd. This approval is in line with RBI’s norms for shareholding in private banks. The acquisition must be completed within a year. This move has led to a rise in the lender’s ADR by 1.8%.
- Mous:
- Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) and Jammu & Kashmir Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 25, 2024, in Jammu. The aim of this MoU is to provide comprehensive inventory funding options for the working capital requirements of over 4000 Maruti Suzuki sales outlets across the country.
- Military Exercise:
- On 23rd January 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the French Air and Space Force (FASF), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force conducted the Exercise Desert Knight. The French participation included the Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport, while the UAE Air Force fielded the F-16. The IAF contingent comprised of Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J, and Air to Air Refueller aircraft.
- Sports:
- Sreeja Akula, a 25-year-old Indian table tennis player, achieved a significant milestone in her career by securing her first international title at the WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 tournament held in Texas, USA.
- Important Days:
- National Voters' Day is observed every year in India on January 25th to emphasize the significance of voting in a democracy and encourage active participation in the electoral process. This date coincides with the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), established on January 25, 1950. The theme for National Voters' Day 2024 was "Nothing like voting, I vote for sure".
- Mahayana New Year is being celebrated on January 25. Mahayana New Year is the special day to look inwards, introspect and correct our mistakes. The aim is to shed negativity and enter the new year with a clean slate and renewed intentions.
- Awards & Honours:
- Deepti Sharma was awarded the Best International Cricketer in the women’s category for the years 2022-23 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during their 2024 Awards ceremony. This is the second time she has won this award, having also received it for the 2019-20 season.
- Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari were awarded the Gaurav Samman on January 24, 2024, which coincides with Uttar Pradesh Day. A renowned Indian scientist working for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Played a pivotal role in India's prestigious Chandrayaan missions, serving as the Mission Director for Chandrayaan-3.
- Appointments:
- On 25th January 2024, Justice Prasanna Bhalchandra Varale, formerly 32nd Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. He was administered the oath of office by Dr Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India.
- Obituaries:
- Norman Jewison, the prolific filmmaker and producer, passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2024, at the age of 97. Throughout his illustrious career, Jewison crafted a vibrant tapestry of films, seamlessly weaving social commentary with captivating narratives.
Questions:
Q.1 Who were awarded the Gaurav Samman on January 24, 2024?a. Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari
b. Dr. K. Sivan and Naveen Tiwari
c. Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Dr. K. Sivan
d. Naveen Tiwari and Dr. K. Sivan
Q.2 Who was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 25th January 2024?
a. Dr Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
b. Justice Prasanna Bhalchandra Varale
c. Justice Dipak Misra
d. Justice Ranjan Gogoi
