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Daily Current Affairs January 18: Check Here

Daily Current Affairs January 18

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs January 18. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

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January 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 18

1. Who were the members of the Indian trio that won the team gold in the men’s 25m centre fire pistol competition at the Asia Olympic Qualifiers?
A) Yogesh Singh, Muad Al Balushi, Anang Yulianto
B) Pankaj Yadav, Akshay Jain, Lakshay
C) Shreyasi, Manisha Keer, Bhavya Tripathi
D) Lakshay, Yogesh Singh, Pankaj Yadav
E) Yogesh Singh, Pankaj Yadav, Akshay Jain
Answer: E) Yogesh Singh, Pankaj Yadav, Akshay Jain

  • Indian shooters’ gold rush continued in the Asia Olympic Qualifiers with Yogesh Singh winning the top prize in individual as well as team event of the men’s 25m centre fire pistol competition.
  • Yogesh claimed the individual gold medal after shooting 573, finishing ahead of silver winner Muad Al Balushi of Oman (570) and Indonesia’s Anang Yulianto (567).
  • The Indian trio Yogesh Singh, Pankaj Yadav, Akshay Jain aggregated 1704 to bag the team gold ahead of shooters from Oman and Indonesia.
  • Lakshay settled for the bronze medal after shooting 33 in the six-man final.
  • The Indian trio of Shreyasi, Manisha Keer and Bhavya Tripathi, however, won the silver medal in the women’s trap team event with a total of 328, finishing behind China and ahead of Kazakhstan.

 

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 18

2. Which Indian companies claimed the titles of the 17th and 24th strongest brands globally in the Brand Finance Global 500 2024 report?
A) TCS and Infosys
B) Tata and Reliance Group
C) Jio and SBI
D) Mahindra Group and L&T
E) HCL Tech and Wipro
Answer: C) Jio and SBI

  • Tata, Infosys, LIC, HDFC, Reliance Group, Airtel, HCL Tech, SBI, Wipro, Mahindra Group, Jio, L&T, Indian Oil, Crédit Agricole, and Bajaj Group were the companies among Indian companies making their place in the Brand Finance Global 500 2024 report.
  • Jio and SBI, claiming the titles of 17th and 24th strongest brands globally.
  • Jio emerges as the strongest brand with a notable 14 per cent increase in brand value to USD6.1 billion, alongside a high brand strength index score of 89.0 and associated AAA brand rating.
  • Tata Group was highlighted as the most valuable brand from South Asia, with an 8.5 per cent increase in brand value, now standing at USD28.6 billion.
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a part of the Tata Group, is mentioned as a leading global IT services brand, as per the report.
  • Infosys marked the list with its brand value of USD14.2 billion, with a 9.2 per cent increase, and a brand strength index score of 83.5, ranked at 98th position.
  • Accenture, TCS, and Infosys have emerged as key players in the IT services sector.
  • Accenture holds the top position as the world’s most valuable IT services brand, with a brand value of USD 40.5 billion.
  • TCS has solidified its position as the second most valuable IT services brand, experiencing substantial value growth of 11 per cent.
  • Meanwhile, Infosys has been the fastest-growing IT services brand over the last five years, with a brand value of USD 14.2 billion, making it the third most valuable IT brand globally, according to a report Brand Finance IT Services 2024.
  • Additionally, HCLTech became the fastest-growing brand in the top 10 this year achieving 16 per cent growth, as per the report.

Brand Finance IT Services 2024 Report:

  • Accenture – 1st – USD 40.5 Billion
  • TCS – 2nd
  • Infosys – 3rd – USD 14.2 Billion

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 18

3. Besides Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), which other financial institutions have entered into prior agreements with IREDA for funding renewable energy projects?
A) Bank of England and European Central Bank
B) Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, and Bank of Maharashtra
C) Federal Reserve and World Bank
D) Reserve Bank of India and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
E) Asian Development Bank and Deutsche Bank
Answer: B) Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, and Bank of Maharashtra

  • Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), for co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of Renewable Energy projects across the nation.
  • Through the MoU and prior agreements with other leading financial institutions, IREDA is well-positioned to fund large-scale renewable energy projects, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s COP26 announcement of achieving a 500 GW Non-Fossil-based electricity generation capacity by 2030.”
  • This collaboration builds upon IREDA’s successful partnerships with other prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited and Bank of Maharashtra

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA):

  • Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is an Indian public sector enterprise which provides financial assistance and other services to projects related to renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation.
  • Formed in 1987, IREDA is a Mini Ratna (Category – I) organisation owned by the Government of India and administratively controlled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • HQ: New Delhi
  • Chairman: Pradeep Kumar Das
Titbits

Indian Overseas Bank:

HQ: Chennai, Tamilnadu
MD and CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivatsava
Tagline: Good people to grow with


Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 18

4. What is the focus of the partnership between Foxconn and HCL Group?
A) Agricultural development
B) Semiconductor assembly and testing
C) Space exploration technologies
D) Educational collaboration
E) Healthcare advancements
Answer: B) Semiconductor assembly and testing

  • Foxconn has formed a partnership with HCL Group for semiconductor assembly and testing.
  • It is the second attempt by the Taiwanese company to enter the chip-making space in India.
  • Foxconn’s share in the joint venture will be $37.2 million for 40% stake through Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development, a subsidiary of Hon Hai Technologies (Foxconn).
  • Foxconn’s first attempt at entering the Indian semiconductor ecosystem was a joint venture with the Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Group ended last year.
  • The Taiwan firm had announced the partnership to manufacture chips and display panels in India with a total potential investment of $19.5 billion in February 2022.
Titbits

Foxconn:

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., trading as Hon Hai Technology Group in China and Taiwan and Foxconn internationally, is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer established in 1974.
HQ: Tucheng, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Chairman and President: Young Liu


Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 18

5. Which organization has been awarded the ‘Plaque’ at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting under the ‘Financial Services Sector (Other than Banking and Insurance)’ category?
A) NABARD
B) LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India)
C) REC Limited
D) SBI (State Bank of India)
E) IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India)
Answer: C) REC Limited

  • REC Limited, a Maharatna Public Sector Unit and a leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, has been awarded ‘Plaque’ under the ‘Financial Services Sector (Other than Banking and Insurance)’ category at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the financial year 2022-23.
  • Director (Finance), REC, Shri Ajoy Choudhury; Executive Director (Finance), REC, Shri Sanjay Kumar; and HoD (Finance), REC, Shri Jatin Kumar Nayak received the award from Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, at a ceremony held in Raipur.

Note:

  • REC was recognized for its exceptional performance in risk management and bestowed with the ‘Golden Peacock Award’ by the Institute of Directors (IOD).
  • REC was conferred the ‘Best Central PSU’ Award in the Financial Services category at the Dun & Bradstreet PSU Awards 2023.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI):

  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is India’s largest professional accounting body under the administrative control of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
  • It was established on 1 July 1949 as a statutory body under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 enacted by the Parliament for promotion, development and regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India through its Research Committee has been organizing the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting since the year 1958, to recognize and encourage excellence in the preparation and presentation of financial as well as non-financial information in annual reports by entities across various sectors.
  • Founded: 1 July 1949
  • HQ: New Delhi
  • President: Ankit Sunil Talati

REC Limited:

  • REC Limited, formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, of which Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) is holding company, which in turn is under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, the Government of India.
  • REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India.
  • It provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state governments, central and state power utilities, independent power producers, rural electric cooperatives and private sector utilities.
  • Its business activities involve financing projects in the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy.
  • REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India.
  • REC has recently diversified into financing infrastructure and logistics sector as well.
  • The Loan Book of REC stands at Rs. 4.74 Lakh Crore, ending the first quarter of the current financial year.
  • Founded: 25 July 1969
  • HQ: New Delhi
  • CMD: Vivek Kumar Dewagan

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 18

6. What is the primary purpose of the second-generation ‘Distress Alert Transmitter’ (DAT-SG) developed by ISRO?
A) Communication with astronauts in space
B) Emergency messaging for fishermen at sea
C) Monitoring weather patterns in the ocean
D) Navigation for deep-sea exploration
E) Broadcasting distress signals to coastal areas
Answer: B) Emergency messaging for fishermen at sea

  • ISRO has developed a second-generation ‘Distress Alert Transmitter’ (DAT), incorporating advanced satellite communication and navigation capabilities that allow fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from fishing boats and get acknowledgement in real-time.
  • The messages are sent through a communication satellite and received at a central control station (INMCC: Indian Mission Control Centre) where the alert signals are decoded for the identity and location of the fishing boat.
  • The extracted information is forwarded to Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) under the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • Using this information the MRCC undertakes Search and Rescue operations to save the fishermen in distress.
  • ISRO has improvised DAT with advanced capabilities and features, evolving to Second Generation DAT (DAT-SG).
  • The DAT-SG has the facility to send back an acknowledgement to the fishermen who activate the distress alert from the sea.
  • This gives him an assurance that rescue (team) is coming to him.
  • Apart from transmitting distress signals from the sea, DAT-SG has the capability to receive messages from the control center.
  • Further, the information about Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) are also transmitted to fishermen using DAT-SG on regular intervals.
  • This helps fishermen get good catch and savings in terms of time and fuel.
  • DAT-SG can be connected to mobile phones using Bluetooth interface and the messages can be read in native language using an app on the mobile.
  • The INMCC has a web-based network management system called ‘SAGARMITRA’ which maintains a database of registered DAT-SGs and helps MRCCs access the information about boat, and the coordinates of the boat in distress in real time.
  • This helps the Indian Coast Guard undertake Search & Rescue operations at the time of distress, without any time delay.
Titbits

ISRO:

Founded: 15 August 1969
HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Chairman: Sreedhara Somnath


National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 18

7. What is the focus of the Memorandum of Intent (MoI) signed between CDSCO and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands?
A) Agricultural cooperation
B) Space exploration
C) Medical products regulation
D) Educational collaboration
E) Cultural exchange
Answer: C) Medical products regulation

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) signed between the Central Drugs standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of Medicines Evaluation Board, Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, Central Committee on research Involving Human Subjects “on cooperation in the field of Medical products Regulation”.
  • The MoI between the regulatory authorities of the two countries will facilitate better understanding of medical products regulation with regard to pharmaceuticals including raw materials for pharmaceutical use, biological products, medical devices and cosmetic products.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation:

  • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is India’s national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
  • It serves a similar function to the European Medicines Agency of the European Union, the PMDA of Japan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom, and the State Administration for Market Regulation of China.
  • The Indian government has announced its plan to bring all medical devices, including implants and contraceptives under a review of the Central Drugs and Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
  • Within the CDSCO, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) regulates pharmaceutical and medical devices and is positioning within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • HQ: New Delhi
  • Executive: Dr Rajeev Singh, DCGI
Titbits

Netherlands:

Capital: Amsterdam
Currency: Euro, US Dollar
Prime Minister: Mark Rutte


8. Which organization in India signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General for Medicine, Foods, and Sanitary Products Organizations of the Dominican Republic?
A) Ministry of External Affairs
B) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
C) Ministry of Finance
D) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
E) Ministry of Education
Answer: B) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Central Drugs standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, The Republic of India and Directorate General for Medicine, Foods and Sanitary Products Organizations of Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistant of Dominican Republic on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.
  • The MoU will promote exchange of information and cooperation in areas pertinent to medical products and relevant administrative and regulatory matters within the jurisdiction of the parties.
Titbits

Dominican Republic:

Capital: Santo Domingo
Currency: Dominican Peso
President: Luis Abinader


9. Which country’s regulatory body, represented by Agencia Nacional de Regulacion, Control Y Vigilancia Sanitaria – ARCSA, is involved in the MoU with CDSCO of India?
A) Republic of Ecuador
B) Republic of Kenya
C) Kingdom of the Netherlands
D) Republic of India
E) Republic of South Africa
Answer: A) Republic of Ecuador

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the Republic of India and Agencia Nacional de Regulaction, Control Y Vigilancia Sanitria – ARCSA, Doctor Leopoldo Izquieta Perez, The Republic of Ecuador on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.

Note:

  • The CDSCO is a Subordinate Office of the Directorate General of Health Services, which is an attached office of the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
  • CDSCO is the National Regulatory Authority for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics in India. Agencia Nacional de Regulaction, Control Y Vigilancia Sanitria – ARCSA, Doctor Leopoldo Izquieta Perez is the Regulatory Agency regulating these products in Republic of Ecuador.
Titbits

Republic of Ecuador:

Capital: Quito
Currency: US Dollar
President: Daniel Noboa


10. Which ministries from India and Kenya were involved in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital cooperation?
A) Ministry of External Affairs, India, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya
B) Ministry of Finance, India, and Ministry of Finance, Kenya
C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India, and Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, Kenya
D) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, and Ministry of Health, Kenya
E) Ministry of Education, India, and Ministry of Education, Kenya
Answer: C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India, and Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, Kenya

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of the Republic of India through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Government of the Republic of Kenya through the Ministry of Information, Communications and digital Economy on cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
  • Both G2G and B2G bilateral Cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be enhanced.
  • MoU envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT.
Titbits

Kenya:

Capital: Nairobi
Currency: Kenyan Shilling
President: William Ruto


11. What was the focus of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Republic of India and the European Commission?
A) Cultural exchange programs
B) Agricultural cooperation
C) Semiconductors Ecosystems, supply chain, and innovation
D) Space exploration technologies
E) Educational collaboration
Answer: C) Semiconductors Ecosystems, supply chain, and innovation

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Republic of India and the European Commission on Working Arrangements on Semiconductors Ecosystems, its supply chain and innovation under the framework of EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) of India:

S No Name of Countries Field of Cooperation
1 India and Netherlands Medical Product Regulation
2 India and Dominican Republic Medical Product Regulation
3 India and Ecuador Medical Product Regulation
4 India and Kenya Population scale for Digital Transformation
5 India and European Commission Semiconductor Ecosystems
Titbits

European Commission:

The European Commission (EC) is part of the executive of the European Union (EU).
It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (directorial system, informally known as “Commissioners”) headed by a President.
Established: 16 January 1958
HQ: Brussels, Belgium
Members: 27 member states
President: Ursula Von Den Leyen


12. What was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, regarding South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)?
A) Setting up a solar power plant
B) Equity investment for a 1×660 MW Thermal Power Plant through a joint venture with MPPGCL
C) Exploration of natural gas reserves
D) Agricultural development projects
E) Collaboration for space exploration technologies
Answer: B) Equity investment for a 1×660 MW Thermal Power Plant through a joint venture with MPPGCL

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved proposal for equity investment by
  • South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) for setting-up 1×660 MW Thermal Power Plant through JV of SECL and MPPGCL.
  • Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for setting-up 2×800 MW Thermal Power Plant through Mahanadi Basin Powe Ltd (MBPL – a subsidiary of MCL).

The CCEA has approved the proposal of equity investments by SECL, MCL and CIL as follows:

  1. Equity Capital of Rs.823 Crore (± 20%) by SECL considering a Debt-Equity Ratio of 70:30 and 49% Equity Investment in JV Company with an estimated Project Capex of Rs.5,600 Crore (accuracy of ±20%) for the proposed 1×660 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant through JV of SECL and MPPGCL at Amarkantak Thermal Power Station in Village Chachai, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh.
  2. Equity Capital of Rs.4,784 Crore (± 20%) by MCL for the proposed 2×800 MW Super-Critical Thermal Power Plant in Sundargarh District, Odisha with an estimated Project Capex of Rs.15,947 Crore (accuracy of ±20%) through MBPL.
  3. Approval to MBPL, an SPV of MCL to set up the 2×800 MW Super-Critical Thermal Power Plant.
  4. Equity Investment by CIL beyond 30% of its net worth in the JV of SECL-MPPGCL (Rs.823 Crore ± 20%) as at (1) above, and in MBPL, a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of MCL (Rs.4,784 Crore ± 20%) as at point (2) above.

Coal India Limited (CIL), the largest coal mining company in the world, will set up following two Pithead Thermal Power Plants, through its subsidiaries:

  • 1×660 MW Supercritical Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant (TPP) at Amarkantak Thermal Power Station in Village Chachai, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, through JV between SECL and Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Co Ltd (MPPGCL);
  • 2×800 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant, in Sundergarh District, Odisha, through ‘Mahanadi Basin Power Ltd’ (MBPL), a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of MCL.
Titbits

South Eastern Coalfield Limited:

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is the largest coal producing company of India.
It is a “Miniratna” Company, and one of eight fully owned subsidiaries of Coal India Limited.
HQ: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Chairman: P S Mishra

Mahanadi Coalfield Limited:

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is one of the major coal producing company of India.
It is one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited.
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited was carved out of South Eastern Coalfields Limited in 1992.
HQ: Sambalpur, Odisha
Chairman and MD: O P Singh

Coal India Limited:

Coal India Limited (CIL) is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
HQ: Kolkata, West Bengal
Chairman and MD: P M Prasad


13. Who inaugurated the Young Scientist Conference at the Indian International Science Festival in Faridabad (Haryana)?
A) Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Cabinet Minister for Health and Family Welfare
B) Piyush Goyal, Union Cabinet Minister for Commerce and Industry
C) Kiren Rijiju, Union Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Earth Science
D) Smriti Irani, Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development
E) Nitin Gadkari, Union Cabinet Minister for Road Transport and Highways
Answer: C) Kiren Rijiju, Union Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Earth Science

  • Kiren Rijiju, Union Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Earth Science, inaugurated the prestigious Young Scientist Conference at the Indian International Science Festival at Faridabad (Haryana).
  • The Young Scientist Conference serves as a vibrant platform, bringing together young postgraduates, research scholars, postdocs, academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators under the age of 45.
  • The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences, ideas, and discussions that contribute to the country’s scientific vision.

14. What is the significance of recognizing Farsi as a classical language in India?
A) To promote trade relations with Iran
B) To attract more international students
C) To preserve linguistic diversity
D) To strengthen diplomatic ties
E) To foster a greater understanding of Farsi’s rich heritage
Answer: E) To foster a greater understanding of Farsi’s rich heritage

  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Indian government has included Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.
  • There are officially under the Eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution, 6 classical languages have been identified so far.
  • According to the National Education Policy-2020 of India, Pali and Prakrit along with Farsi (Persian) should be preserved.
  • Recognising Farsi as a classical language will foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Farsi’s rich heritage within the Indian educational framework.

Note:

  • There are Six classical languages of India.
  • In 2004 Tamil was the first Indian language accorded as a classical language
  • Odia added in 2014 was the last Language declared as a classical language.

Criteria:

  • Criteria for declaring a language as a Classical language is provided by the Ministry of Culture under the Eighth Schedule of the constitution which is as follows:
  • Historical text with high antiquity
  • Old literature as part of the heritage
  • Gap between classical language and literature
S No Classical Languages Year of Declaration
1 Tamil 2004
2 Sanskrit 2005
3 Kannada 2008
4 Telegu 2008
5 Malayalam 2013
6 Odia 2014
7 Farsi (Persian) 2024

15. In the first phase, how many artificial reefs will be laid, and in how many fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district?
A) 10,000 artificial reefs in 30 fishing villages
B) 5,000 artificial reefs in 20 fishing villages
C) 6,300 artificial reefs in 42 fishing villages
D) 8,500 artificial reefs in 35 fishing villages
E) 7,000 artificial reefs in 25 fishing villages
Answer: C) 6,300 artificial reefs in 42 fishing villages

  • Union Minister of Fisheries Sri. Parshotham Rupala launched the project of depositing artificial reefs in the seabed in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, via Videoconferencing.
  • The project, a joint initiative of the Central and State governments, is aimed at increasing the income of fishermen by enhancing the fish population in the region.
  • The project is being implemented under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with a total outlay of 13.02 crore.
  • Out of this, 7.812 crore is being provided by the Central Government and 5.208 crore is the State government’s share.
  • Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation implements the project with technical assistance from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
  • In the first phase, 6,300 artificial reefs will be laid in 42 fishing villages from Pozhiyur to Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district.
  • These reefs create an artificial habitat on the sea floor, creating favourable conditions for fish breeding and their sustainable survival.
Titbits

Kerala:

Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor: Arif Mohhamed Khan


16. Which bank has announced a partnership with StartupTN, the nodal agency of the Tamil Nadu government in fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship?
A) ICICI Bank
B) HDFC Bank
C) DBS Bank India
D) Axis Bank
E) State Bank of India
Answer: C) DBS Bank India

  • DBS Bank India has announced a partnership with StartupTN, the nodal agency of the Tamil Nadu government in fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the State.
  • The partnership will impact and engage more than 1,000 Startups in Tamil Nadu through StartupTN’s eight regional hubs in metros, as well as Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities.
  • As part of this collaboration, new-age companies associated with StartupTN will have an opportunity to connect with DBS Bank India’s network of over 30 accelerators, incubators and ecosystem enablers so that they can gain from being part of a larger entrepreneurial community.

StartupTN:

  • StartupTN is keen to work with banks to identify and meet the needs of startups across the State. The association will help to accelerate the growth of startups in Tamil Nadu.
  • Currently, StartupTN empowers over 7,400 start ups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, across 30 sectors with strong growth expectations as the State of Tamil Nadu is aiming to encourage the creation of more than 10,000 new startups by 2026.
Titbits

DBS Bank India:

Founded: 2009


17. What is the theme for the “Wings India 24” extravaganza in Hyderabad?
A) Connecting Asia to the World
B) Navigating the Skies Together
C) Flying into the Future
D) Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047
E) Wings Across Continents
Answer: D) Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047

  • The largest event in the Civil Aviation sector in Asia, the four-day “Wings India 24” extravaganza kickstarted in Hyderabad.
  • The theme for the show is “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047”.
  • The inaugural session of the Global Aviation Summit held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
  • Indian aviation sector symbolises 3As: Accessibility, Availability and Affordability.
    Seven major announcements were made at Wings India 2024:
  • Release of the joint knowledge paper on civil aviation by FICCI and KPMG
  • Launch of UDAN 5.3
  • Launch of the Airbus-Air India Training Centre, with the purchase of more airplanes and the setting of a flight training center in Gurugram with 10 flight simulators and 10,000 pilots being trained in the coming years
  • Airbus manufacturing contracts with TATA ASL and Mahindra Aerospace Structures Pvt. Ltd. to foster more pilots.
  • GMR and IndiGo also signed a consortium to collaborate with multiple patterns in developing sustainable training in the aerospace industry.
  • Inauguration of the GMR School of Aviation
  • Deal announcement of Akasa Air with a triple order of 200 aircrafts in a period of 17 months


Over All Review

Sports 

  • India’s gold rush continues in Jakarta as Yogesh wins double, Lakshay bags bronze in Kuwait.

Ranking 

  • Indian brands make big strides in Global 500 Rankings: Jio, SBI among top rankers, Tata soars, HDFC rises after merge.

Banking and Finance 

  • IREDA and Indian Overseas Bank join hands in co-lending for Renewable Energy Projects.

Business And Economy

  • Foxconn ties up with HCL for local semicon assembly.

Awards 

  • REC wins ICAI Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2022-23.

Science and Technology

  • ISRO unveils 2nd-gen distress alert transmitter for fishermen.

National Affairs

  • Cabinet approves Memorandum of Intent (MoI) between India and Netherlands on cooperation in the field of Medical products Regulation.
  • Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India Dominican Republic on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.
  • Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Ecuador on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.
  • Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Kenya on cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
  • Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and the European Commission on Working Arrangements on Semiconductors Ecosystems under the framework of EU-India Trade and Technology Council.
  • Cabinet approves equity investment by (i) South Eastern Coalfields Limited for setting-up 1×660 MW Thermal Power Plant through JV of SECL and MPPGCL; and (ii) Mahanadi Coalfields Limited for setting-up 2×800 MW Thermal Power Plant through MBPL.
  • Union Cabinet Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurates the Young Scientist Conference at India International Science Festival 2023.
  • Farsi Would be the 9th Indian Classical Language.
  • Union Minister Launches Project for Artificial Reefs in Vizhinjam to Boost Fish Population.
  • DBS Bank India collaborates with StartupTN to foster entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu.
  • Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurates Asia’s largest Aviation Expo-Wings India 2024.

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