Current Affairs 09/01/2024

Beatrice Chebet Breaks 5 km World Record in Barcelona Event

The race unfolded on the last day of 2023, with a strong start featuring Ethiopia’s Ejegayehu Taye, Medina Eisa, Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, and Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek. Chebet and her competitors maintained an impressive pace, with the opening kilometer clocking in at 2:49. As the race progressed, Eisa dropped behind, and Cheptoyek fell back after 4 km. The final showdown came down to Beatrice Chebet and Ejegayehu Taye, the former record holder. In a thrilling sprint, Chebet surged ahead in the last 500m, securing her victory with a clear lead.

Inaugural Meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC)

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Shipping Ministry is hosting the first meeting of recently constituted Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) on January 8th, 2023 in Kolkata. The day-long meeting on board vessel MV Ganga Queen will see participation from central and states ministers, officials and domain experts to discuss advancing India’s river transportation sector. The Ministry aims to raise inland waterways’ cargo modal share from 2% currently to 5% under Maritime India Vision 2030. The 2047 goals envision cargo volumes to rise from 120 million tonnes per annum presently to over 500 million tonnes.

India and Saudi Arabia strengthen ties with bilateral haj agreement.

India and Saudi Arabia signed Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, prioritizing the well-being of pilgrims. Agreement underscores India's commitment to inclusivity, exploring ways for women's participation without a male guardian. Smriti Irani and Saudi Minister of Haj Dr. Tawfiq bin preside over the signing, acknowledging the importance of enhanced medical facilities for pilgrims' well-being.

Today's History: 9th January

• In 1768, British equestrian Philip Astley staged the world’s first modern circus in London.
• In 1998, Soviet chess legend Anatoly Karpov defeated India’s Viswanathan Anand to retain his chess title.
• In 2001, Apple introduced its iconic digital media player application, iTunes.
• In 1760, the Marathas were defeated by the Afghans led by Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Battle of Barari Ghat.
• In 1349, 700 Jews were burned alive for allegedly spreading the bubonic plague in Basel, Switzerland.
• In 2005, Mahmoud Abbas was elected president of the Palestine Liberation Organization, succeeding Yasser Arafat.
• In 1984, American hard rock band Van Halen released its most successful album, "1984."
• In 2001, American pop singer Michael Jackson received the Artist of the Century award at the 29th American Music Awards.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (India): Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to Mumbai from South Africa and celebrates the achievements of the Indian community overseas.