- National:
- Nitish Kumar, the president of Janata Dal (United), took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on January 28, 2024. This happened after he resigned from the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ and formed a new government with the BJP.
- The Health Ministry of India has approved a new treatment regimen for leprosy. The aim is to stop the transmission of leprosy at the sub-national level by 2027, three years ahead of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The new regimen introduces a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases in place of a two-drug regimen for six months.
- International:
- India has indeed emerged as the 5th largest source of tourists for the United States. This is largely attributed to India’s growing middle class and young travelers. In 2023, the US received 1.7 million Indian visitors. Indian tourists spend more than other international travelers and accounted for a significant share of the $173.9 billion spent by international tourists in the US. A 30% growth in Indian tourism to the US is projected for 2024.
- Banking:
- On January 25, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadlines for listed entities to verify market rumours. The new deadlines are: For the top 100 companies: June 1, 2024, For the top 250 companies: December 31, 2024.
- Defence:
- On January 24, 2024, the Indian Navy and BrahMos Aerospace successfully tested an advanced version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with an extended range. The missile is expected to undergo further trials before its formal induction into the army.
- On January 28, 2024, the military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They accused the regional bloc of becoming a threat to member states. This decision was described as a “sovereign decision” by the three governments. The Nigerian government has expressed concern over this development.
- Sports:
- Jannik Sinner claimed his first Grand Slam title in a thrilling men's singles final, etching his name in tennis history in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Aryna Sabalenka dominated the women's singles court, securing her second Grand Slam title with impressive power and consistency.
- The Netherlands won the first edition of the Women’s FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024. The tournament was held from 24 to 27 January 2024, in Muscat, Oman. The Netherlands claimed the first gold medal by winning the final against India.
- The Brisbane Heat won the Big Bash League 2023-24 title on January 24, 2024 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. They defeated the Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the final. Key performances included Josh Brown’s 53 runs and Spencer Johnson’s 4-26 bowling figures.
- Important Days:
- January 28th marks the birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and nationalist leader. Born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, India), he was an Indian revolutionary, politician, and author. He was popularly known as Punjab Kesari and was one of the three members of the Lal Bal Pal trio.
- The birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, is celebrated on January 28. He was born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg, which is now part of Karnataka, India. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa had a distinguished military career spanning nearly three decades.
- The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is a solemn occasion recognized globally. It is observed every year on January 27th. The theme for the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust in 2024 was "Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust".
- Appointments:
- Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja was appointed as the brand ambassador of VARNI, a mobile accessories brand, on January 29, 2024. Jadeja is known for his all-round talent and style, which aligns well with VARNI’s brand values. VARNI is known for its affordable and stylish mobile accessories, which are quite popular among the youth.
- Awards & Honours:
- Ajit Mishra, an Indian-born lawyer, was conferred with the prestigious “Freedom of the City of London Award” at Guildhall. This award is given by the City of London Corporation and dates back to the 13th century.
- Books:
- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launched a book titled, ‘A Promised Nation Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India’, written on the life and works of PM Modi in Braille script in New Delhi on 25th January 2024. The book aims to help people with visual impairment to know about the life journey of PM Modi and the transformation he has ushered in.
- Obituaries:
- Luigi ‘Gigi’ Riva, Italy’s all-time top goalscorer, passed away at the age of 79. Known as the “Roar of Thunder'', Riva was famous for leading Cagliari to their only league title in 1970. He was also renowned for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability and is widely considered to be one of the greatest strikers of all time.
Questions:
Q.1 Who was recently appointed as the brand ambassador of VARNI?a. Virat Kohli
b. Rohit Sharma
c. Ravindra Jadeja
d. Hardik Pandya
Q.2 Who was conferred with the prestigious “Freedom of the City of London Award” at Guildhall?
a. Ajit Mishra
b. Ravi Shastri
c. Pankaj Tripathi
d. Anand Kumar
