• In a significant move towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has finalized two pivotal contracts, collectively valued at Rs 802 crore. The agreements include the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II from domestic firms.

• India and Nepal solidified their commitment to a long-term energy partnership with the signing of an agreement for the export of $10,000 \mathrm{MW}$ of power to India over the next 10 years. The bilateral agreement, signed by India’s Energy Secretary Pankaj Agrawal and Nepal’s Energy Secretary Gopal Sigdel, is a testament to the shared vision of sustainable energy cooperation.

• Indian Railways, a key player in the transportation sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by renewing its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The collaboration aims to reduce energy and water consumption, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This marks the third consecutive term of partnership between Indian Railways and CII.

• Researchers from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Madras and Mandi have achieved a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology. They have successfully metabolically engineered plant cells to boost the production of the anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT).

• In a significant move towards sustainable development, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The focus of this collaboration is to support Indian Railways in achieving ’net zero carbon emission’ by the ambitious target year of 2030.

• The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Republic of Guyana. This MoU aims to foster collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector, covering various aspects of the value chain.

• The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), a leading engineering institute in India, is set to expand its horizons by establishing a new campus in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This move is a significant development in educational collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.

• In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed an unprecedented security agreement between their nations in Kyiv. The accord, as described by Zelenskiy, holds immense importance for Ukraine’s security and signifies a robust alliance with the United Kingdom. The signed security accord is poised to remain in effect until Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, marking a strategic commitment between the two nations. Zelenskiy emphasized the historical significance of the agreement, underlining its potential impact on Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

• In a strategic partnership, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has joined forces with Altair, a global technology leader specializing in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and Artificial Intelligence (Al). Together, they are set to inaugurate the cutting-edge eMobility Simulation Lab within the Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras.

• In a historic breakthrough, Switzerland and India have finally sealed a free-trade agreement (FTA) following a marathon 16-year negotiation period. The announcement came from Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, who, after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, swiftly headed to India for crucial discussions with his counterpart, Piyush Goyal.

• In a significant development for global health preparedness, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has joined the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network of vaccine producers in the Global South. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the response to future public health disease outbreaks through rapid, agile, and equitable means.

• With the growing activities of international pirates off the Gulf of Aden driving up the costs of freight and shipping, the Indian government has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of international shipping lanes. In a recent development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, for the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Oman in the field of Information Technology (IT). The MoU, inked on December 15, 2023, between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, aims to foster comprehensive collaboration through mutual support, technology sharing, information exchange, and investments in IT.

• India’s ACME Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation have inked a groundbreaking deal for the supply of 0.4 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green ammonia from Odisha, India, to Japan. The agreement, signed by Manoj Upadhyay, ACME Group’s Founder and Chairman, and Hiroshi Ide, President and CEO of IHI Corporation, establishes a long-term partnership covering production, logistics, and supply of green ammonia for diverse industrial uses in Japan, ultimately aimed at reducing emissions.

• Amidst the grandeur of India’s Republic Day celebrations, a significant milestone was quietly achieved as French Defence Minister Sebastien Locornu and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval sealed the Defence Space Agreement on January 26. The low-key signing belied the transformative potential of this pact, marking a pivotal moment in Indo-French relations.

• Government has appointed Arvind Panagariya, former Niti Aayog vice chairman and Columbia University professor, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. The Commission is entrusted with the crucial task of recommending the tax revenue sharing formula between the Centre and the States for the upcoming five-year period starting from April 2026.

• Rashmi Govil, a seasoned HR executive with nearly three decades of experience at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), is poised to step into the role of Director (Human Resources) at the state-owned firm. Her nomination for the position was recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), highlighting her exceptional qualifications and contributions to the organization.

• Power Grid Corporation, a leading state-owned enterprise, announced a significant change in its leadership on January 1. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), succeeding Sreekant Kandikuppa who retired upon reaching the age of superannuation.

• Nivea India, a leading personal care products company, has appointed Geetika Mehta as its new managing director. This significant announcement marked a strategic move for the renowned brand.

• Kia India has appointed Gwanggu Lee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This transition marks an important shift in the leadership of the company, with Gwanggu Lee taking the reins from the former MD and CEO, Tae Jin Park.

• In a significant transition at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson, has passed on the baton to Randhir Jaiswal. This move comes after Arindam Bagchi’s appointment as India’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva in October 2023.

• In a formal ceremony held at INS Shikra, the naval air station in Colaba, Mumbai, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took charge as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOCin-C) of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command. The ceremony marked the transition of leadership from Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who had been serving as the FOC-in-C.

• In a significant development, P Balaji, Director (Regulatory and Corporate Affairs) at Vodafone Idea, has tendered his resignation, marking the end of his nearly decade-long association with the telecom giant. This move has garnered attention due to Balaji’s pivotal role in liaising with government officials, considering Vodafone Idea’s status as the largest shareholder in the loss-making company.

• President of India has appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Justice Khanna, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has taken over from Justice S. K. Kaul, who retired on December 25. This appointment adheres to the convention of appointing the second seniormost judge of the Supreme Court to the crucial position of NALSA Executive Chairman.

• In a recent development, Puneet Chhatwal, the Managing Director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). This move comes as he succeeds Nakul Anand, the retired Executive Director at ITC Hotels.

• In a historic move, Nadia Calvino has been named the new president of the European Investment Bank, taking office on January 1. She succeeds Werner Hoyer to become the eighth president of the EU bank. Notably, Calvino is the first woman and the first Spaniard to lead this prestigious institution, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s history.

• The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), the foremost authority representing India’s rubber industry, has recently announced a significant leadership change. Shashi Singh has been elected as the new President, succeeding Ramesh Kejriwal. This transition marks a new era for AIRIA, with Singh set to advance the association’s mission and goals.

• P Santhosh, Chief General Manager at Canara Bank, has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) with effect from January 5, succeeding Natarajan Sundar, who resigned from the post.

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently announced the appointment of G Ram Mohan Rao as Executive Director (ED) for a tenure of three years. With over 25 years of experience at SEBI, Rao brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. In his capacity as ED, he will oversee the investigation department and the internal inspection department, reinforcing SEBI’s commitment to maintaining market integrity.

• In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) has welcomed Sanjiv Aggarwal as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Aggarwal, formerly a partner at the UK-based private equity firm Actis, brings a wealth of experience in energy investments, particularly in the Asian market, including India.

• India has appointed seven accomplished civil servants to crucial positions abroad, showcasing the country’s global engagement. Notably, Mr. Vikas Sheel, a seasoned bureaucrat, is now the Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, emphasizing India’s commitment to international development.

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed a seasoned professional, Raghuram lyer, as its new CEO, marking a significant development after a meticulous selection process conducted by the nomination committee. The appointment, long-awaited and in response to reminders from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brings a wealth of experience to the forefront.

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), India’s premier ports and logistics company, has announced significant changes in its leadership structure, marking a new era in its corporate journey. APSEZ has promoted its CEO Karan Adani to the role of Managing Director. This move signifies a shift in responsibilities, with Karan Adani stepping into a role previously held by Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. Gautam Adani will now serve as the ‘Executive Chairman’ of APSEZ, reflecting a focus on strategic oversight and global growth.

• In a significant development, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned diplomat from India, officially assumed the role of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). This appointment marks a crucial chapter in the organization’s leadership, with Ambassador Pandey succeeding Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan.

• In a strategic move, Walmart-owned fintech firm PhonePe has appointed Ritesh Pai as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its international payments business. This development aligns with India’s ambition to globalize the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), attracting interest from countries like Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, and the United Kingdom.

• In a recent bureaucratic reshuffle, the Centre has announced several key appointments, signifying a strategic realignment of responsibilities. Among the notable changes, Senior IAS officer Samir Kumar Sinha has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry.

• The Indian government has named IAS officer Senthil Pandian C as the ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. This appointment follows the conclusion of Brajendra Navnit’s term as India’s ambassador to the WTO on March 31, 2024.

• In a significant development, Sheel Vardhan Singh, the former Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has been appointed as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The decision was conveyed through a personnel ministry order, marking a notable milestone in Singh’s distinguished career.

• Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, an esteemed alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, has recently taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Southern Naval Command (SNC). This seasoned naval officer brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

• India’s headline retail inflation surged to a four-month high of $5.69 \%$ in December, disclosed by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on January 12. Despite exceeding November’s $5.55 \%$, it fell short of economists’ $5.9 \%$ prediction. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showcased a month-on-month decrease of $0.3 \%$.

• Experian, a global leader in information services, has appointed Manish Jain as the Country Managing Director for its operations in India. This appointment marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its leadership team and expand its market presence in India.

• In a significant development, Vice Admiral AN Pramod assumed the pivotal role of Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on January 15, 2024. A distinguished alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at Naval Academy, Goa, Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1990.

• Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty officially assumed the prestigious position of Commandant at the Indian Naval Academy on January 15, 2024. A seasoned officer with a remarkable career, Vice Admiral McCarty brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this significant role.

• The RuPay Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has taken a significant stride in its marketing and promotion efforts by appointing the acclaimed Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador for its third season. This development marks a notable merger of sports and entertainment, promising to enhance the visibility and appeal of the league.

• Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This appointment is a significant development in the administrative reshuffling within India’s internal security apparatus.

• PepsiCo India, in a strategic realignment, has appointed Jagrut Kotecha as its new CEO, succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the appointment of Praveen Achuthan Kutty as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DCB Bank. The official confirmation came on January 16, signaling a tenure of three years starting from April 29, 2024, as outlined in the regulatory filing.

• Justice Prasanna B Varale, currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, will now become the third sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court. His appointment adds to the diversity of the apex court, joining the ranks of Justice BR Gavai and Justice CT Ravikumar.

• Sharat Chauhan, a seasoned 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been designated as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry.

Awards Current Affairs

• In a notable achievement, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, the Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, has been bestowed with the prestigious M.S. Swaminathan Award. This recognition comes in appreciation of his significant contributions as a scientist and extension specialist in the field of agronomy.
• Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has made significant waves in water conservation, bagging the CII National Award for Excellence in Water Management and setting an ambitious goal to become $500 \%$ water positive by 2025 .
• The New Year Honours list for 2024 has acknowledged the outstanding contributions of individuals across various fields in the UK. Among the distinguished honorees is Professor Adrian Michael Cruise, a leading figure in space science research, particularly known for his role in the Gravitational Wave Research Group at the University of Birmingham. The recognition highlights his services to space and places him alongside other influential figures in the realm of UK astronomy.
• In a prestigious recognition of his literary contributions, renowned Bengali writer Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay has been awarded the 2 0 2 3 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar. The national award, named in honour of the late Kannada poet Kuvempu, celebrates writers who have made significant contributions to any Indian language.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recently unveiled the recipients of the prestigious ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar ‘for the year 2023. These awards are a testament to the commendable contributions made by corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National levels towards the promotion and development of sports in India.
• The National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR), located in Hyderabad, has recently been awarded the prestigious Platinum certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) under its Green Campus Rating program. This accomplishment highlights NICMAR Hyderabad’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices in its campus operations and infrastructure.
• In a heart-touching ceremony, President Draupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award upon Savita Kanswal. The award, presented to her father Radheshyam Kanswal, is a testament to Savita’s exceptional achievements in the field of mountaineering.
• Deepa Bhandare, associated with Shri Datta Cooperative Sugar Factory (SSK) in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur, emerged as a trailblazer as she clinched the prestigious Best Environment Officer Award at the ceremony. The award, conferred by VSI Chairman Sharad Pawar, marks a historic moment as Bhandare becomes the only woman in the long and illustrious history of Maharashtra’s sugar industry to receive this accolade.
• In a groundbreaking moment, Second Lt. Madison Marsh, an officer in the U.S. Air Force, was crowned Miss America, marking the first time an active-duty service member has clinched this prestigious title, as confirmed by the Air Force.
• REC Limited, a prominent Maharatna Public Sector Unit and a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of Power, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Plaque’ at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The recognition is in the ‘Financial Services Sector (Other than Banking and Insurance)’ category for the financial year 2022-23.
• In a glittering ceremony at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was bestowed with the prestigious International Sports Personality of the Year award. The event, inspired by the love of sport exhibited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been recognizing outstanding achievements in the realm of sports since its inception in 2009.
• Former Chief Justice of India and current Rajya Sabha MP, Ranjan Gogoi, is set to be honored with the prestigious ‘Assam Baibhav’ award, the highest civilian award in Assam. This announcement was made by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who highlighted Gogoi’s significant contributions to the field of justice and jurisprudence. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 10.
• At the prestigious Wings India Awards 2024, both the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were jointly awarded the ‘Best Airport of the Year’. This accolade celebrates world-class operators and individuals who have significantly contributed to the aviation industry, especially during challenging times.
• Skyways Air Services Pvt Ltd has been recognized for its outstanding cargo services at the prestigious Wings India Awards held in Hyderabad. This recognition is a testament to Skyways Air Services’ commitment to excellence in the aviation cargo sector.
• Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri expressed his gratitude on January 21, 2024 for being awarded the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at a glittering ceremony organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The ceremony also saw other cricketing stalwarts, such as Farokh Engineer, being honored for their contributions to the sport.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced five ICC Teams of the Year across formats for men and women as part of the ICC Awards 2023. Six Indians were featured in the ICC Men’s ODI team of the year with Rohit Sharma named as the captain of the 11-member team.

Ranks and Reports Current Affairs

• In a recent on-time performance review conducted by aviation analytics firm Cirium, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports have emerged as global leaders in punctuality, securing the second and third ranks, respectively. With over 84 per cent on-time departures, these airports have showcased their commitment to efficiency and reliability in air travel.
• Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has made history by becoming the first woman to amass a staggering $\$100$ billion fortune. This remarkable achievement not only cements her status as a global financial powerhouse but also signifies a significant milestone for the expanding fashion and cosmetics industries in France. Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth surged to an astounding $ 100.1 billion as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns of a slight increase in global unemployment this year, with the rate projected to reach $5.2 \%$, up from $5.1 \%$ in 2023 . This modest rise, outlined in the ILO’s “World Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2024” report, is primarily driven by job losses in advanced economies.
• Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, achieved a significant milestone by securing the ninth position in cleanliness among cities with a population exceeding one lakh in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023. Additionally, Siddipet, a city in Telangana, proudly clinched the national award for being the cleanest city in south India within the 50,000-1 lakh population category.
• In a significant stride towards poverty alleviation, a recent NITI Aayog report reveals that 24.82 crore people in India have successfully moved out of multidimensional poverty from 2013-14 to 2022-23. The decline is remarkable, dropping from $29.17 \%$ to $11.28 \%$ during this period. The multidimensional poverty index assesses deprivations across health, education, and standard of living using 12 sustainable development goals-aligned indicators. At the state level, Uttar Pradesh takes the lead with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore.
• In the recently unveiled Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, India emerges as a global frontrunner in trust, topping the charts in confidence in businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, the nation secures the 4th spot for media trust and the 5th position for trust in the government. The comprehensive survey, encompassing over 32,000 respondents across 28 countries, highlights a pattern where developing nations outpace their developed counterparts in overall trust perception.
• The startup ecosystem in India witnessed a significant boost as Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the best-performing states in the Startup Ranking for 2022. The rankings, released by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, highlight the commendable initiatives undertaken by these states to foster the growth of startups and encourage budding entrepreneurs. Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana were also recognized as top performers in this dynamic landscape.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the ethical use and governance of Large Multi-Modal Models (LMM) in healthcare. These advanced generative Al technologies, such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bert, have rapidly transformed healthcare delivery and medical research by processing diverse data inputs like text, videos, and images. Despite their potential benefits, WHO emphasizes the critical need to carefully evaluate the risks associated with LMM adoption.
• Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, has made significant strides in cleanliness, emerging as the 5th cleanest city in India among those with a population exceeding 1 lakh. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s persistent efforts have not only elevated its ranking from 6th in 2022 but also earned it a coveted 5-star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating, making it the cleanest State capital in the nation.
• The ‘INDIA AGEING REPORT 2023,’ jointly conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences and the United Nations Population Fund, provides a comprehensive overview of the aging demographic in Jammu Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir emerges as a region with remarkable resilience against elderly poverty, boasting a mere 4.2 percent of its aged population falling below the poverty line. Among the elderly, constituting 9.4 percent of the region’s population, Jammu Kashmir stands out with the highest life expectancy after the age of 60 . Males exhibit a life expectancy of 20.3 per cent, and females, 23.0 per cent, making it the leader in this demographic indicator between 2015-19.
• The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, released by the Ministry of Education, unveils a significant spike in higher education enrollment. The total enrollment soared from 4.14 crore in the previous session to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, marking a notable uptick of 19 lakh students. The report highlights a commendable rise in female enrollment in the science stream, surpassing male counterparts.
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, released a significant report on the status of Snow leopards in India. This groundbreaking study, part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, marks the first-ever scientific exercise to assess the population of this elusive species in the country.
• India’s placement in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 remained largely unchanged, securing the 93rd position out of 180 countries. The CPI, curated by Transparency International, evaluates nations based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, utilizing a scale from 0 to 100 , where 0 signifies high corruption and 100 represents very clean governance.