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Current Affairs 15 January 2024
1. PM Modi Releases First Instalment of PM-JANMAN Scheme for Pucca Homes
- In a significant move towards uplifting Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release ₹540 crore, the inaugural tranche of funding, for pucca homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) on January 15. This disbursement, part of the recently launched PM-JANMAN package, aims to foster the comprehensive development of PVTG habitations. - The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) was launched on November 15, 2023. It is a significant government initiative targeting the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
2.Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve Achieves Milestone as India’s First Dark Sky Park
- The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been
marked as India's first Dark Sky Park and the fifth such park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasises on the recognition of the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource. The reserve has inaugurated a night observatory with the district planning committee (DPC) fund.
Foot Note:
About Maharashtra:
Capital: Mumbai
Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
Governor: Ramesh Bais
3. Indian Army Day observed on 15th January
- Army Day is celebrated on January 15. On this day, people
honour and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. We salute and express our gratitude to the valiant soldiers, who dedicate their lives to protect our great nation. - The theme for the 2024 Indian Army Parade is "In Service of the Nation” which resonates deeply with the core values and commitment of the Indian Army.This year's celebration of the 76th Army Day is set to take place in Lucknow, UP, as reported by news agency ANI.
4. Taiwan Elects Pro-Sovereignty William Lai in Historic Election, Further Straining China Ties
- Lai, the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party,
won a tight race with 40.1% of the vote, beating out two rivals who favor closer ties with Beijing. A third consecutive presidential term for any party is unprecedented in Taiwan and indicates that, for at least a plurality of voters, antipathy toward mainland China outweighs growing discontent over the economy and other domestic problems. - But as packed crowds of supporters reveled in the Democratic Progressive Party’s win outside its headquarters here in Taipei, Lai struck a sober tone in his victory speech, seemingly mindful of the challenges facing him over the next four years, including the island’s standoff with China, a divided legislature and an increasingly disaffected populace.
Foot Note:
About Taiwan:
Capital: Taipei City
President: Tsai Ing-wen
5. Ganga Sagar Mela, India’s second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela, is celebrated in West Bengal of India
- The Ganga Sagar Mela stands as a testament to the vibrant
cultural and spiritual tapestry of India. Held annually in Sagardwip, West Bengal, this magnificent fair has earned the distinction of being the second most popular mela in the country, surpassed only by the revered Kumbh Mela. - The festival draws a massive influx of devotees who converge to partake in rituals, seek spiritual purification, and celebrate with immense fervor.Held during the winter season, the Ganga Sagar Mela is a sacred gathering where pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga River to cleanse their souls. The Ganga, considered the holiest river in Hindu mythology, culminates its journey in Sagardwip, merging with the Bay of Bengal.
Foot Note:
About West Bengal:
Capital: Kolkata
Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
Governor:C. V. Ananda Bose
6. Defense Minister Sanctions Insurance Scheme for BRO Workers
- For the benefit of casual labourers employed by the Border
Roads Organisation (BRO) for constructing roads and tunnels in harsh terrain and border areas, the Defence Ministry has sanctioned a group insurance scheme. - This is the second set of welfare measures for such workers announced by the ministry in the last five months. The insurance cover, the ministry says, is likely to serve as a social security and welfare measure for the labour force employed in infrastructure project works. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the scheme that will provide an insured sum of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased labourer’s family or next of kin in case of a fatal mishap on the job.
7. Delhi LG Kicks Off 2-Day Global ‘Patang Utsav’ At Baansera
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will organise two days
International Kite Festival 'Patang Utsav' at Baansera--Delhi’s first bamboo park at Sarai Kale Khan on bank of river Yamuna, on January 13-14. Speaking at the inauguration, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena commended the Delhi Development Authority for spearheading the festival and transforming previously degraded landscapes into open green spaces. - While entry to the place will remain ticketed, the authority has planned various arrangements to facilitate visitors. DDA will bring professional artists from Gujarat for flying and displaying huge kites and the general public can also participate in large number.
8. State bank of India has introduced the Green Rupee Term Deposit
- State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest Bank has
launched a special fixed deposit (FD) scheme. SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) has been launched to mobilise funds to support environment-friendly initiatives and projects, thereby fostering the growth of a green finance ecosystem in India, as per the release shared by the bank. - Recently, the State Bank of India (SBI) launched the SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD). The SGRTD is a deposit scheme that aims to raise funds for environmentally-friendly initiatives and projects. The scheme is open to NRIs, non-individuals, and resident individuals. The SGRTD has tenors of 1,111 days, 1,777 days, and 2,222 days. The SGRTD offers flexible tenors.
Foot Note:
About State bank of India:
Headquarters: Mumbai
Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara
Managing directors: Challa Setty
9. Yuva Nidhi scheme was launched by Karnataka Government for providing financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently unveiled the
fifth and final poll guarantee of the Congress party, named the ‘Yuva Nidhi’ scheme. Launched at Freedom Park in Shivamogga, this initiative aims to provide unemployment assistance to graduates and diploma holders who completed their degrees during the academic year 2022-23. - Under the scheme, the government has committed to providing Rs 3,000 per month to degree holders and Rs 1,500 per month to diploma holders who have been unable to secure employment in the last six months and are not pursuing higher studies.
Foot Note:
About Karnataka:
Capital: Bengaluru
Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
Governor:Thawar Chand Gehlot
10. Renowned Urdu Poet Munawwar Rana Passes Away At 71
- Rana breathed his last at Lucknow’s PGI Hospital, where he
was undergoing treatment for Kidney and heart ailments.Born on November 26, 1952, in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli, Rana was one of India’s most celebrated Urdu poet. - Reacting to the news of his death, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party boss Akhilesh Yadav said that he was “extremely heartbroken.”Munawwar Rana’s daughter Sumaiya Rana is the national spokesperson of Samajwadi Party.In 2014, Rana was given the Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Shahdaba’, an Urdu poem written by him.
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