Current Affairs 31/01/2024

‘Sheen-e She’ (Shan): The Mascot of 2024 Khelo India Winter Games

The recently revealed emblem and symbol for the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games showcase a commitment to the area's rich biodiversity. The official mascot, named 'Sheen-e She' or Shan, is a snow leopard, symbolizing the region's unique wildlife. 

The logo incorporates elements of the Indian tricolor and features symbols representing Ladakh. In accordance with the initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage Olympic sports and nurture grassroots sporting talent in India, the Khelo India Winter Games are set to take place in two segments. The initial leg, scheduled from February 2-6, will be hosted in Ladakh, showcasing Ice Hockey and Speed Skating events. Subsequently, the second leg in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 21-25, will include Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic Ski, and Gondola competitions.

Snow Leopard Population Assessment Report Released

The inaugural Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program has disclosed a count of 718 snow leopards in the country, marking the first-ever comprehensive assessment of their population. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) serves as the national coordinator for this significant endeavor.

Conducted in collaboration with all states within the snow leopard range and with the assistance of two conservation partners, namely the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysuru and WWF-India, the program represents a collective effort to gauge and understand the population dynamics of this elusive species.

According to data analysis, the estimated population in various states is as follows: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21) and Jammu and Kashmir (9).

The Ministry of Finance brought a report titled ‘The Indian economy — A review’

The document titled "The Indian Economy: A Review," spanning 74 pages, has been authored by Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran and his team. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of India's economic trajectory over the past decade. It is distinct from the official Economic Survey produced by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and serves the purpose of evaluating the current state of the Indian economy while offering insights into its future prospects.

According to the report, the Indian economy is anticipated to achieve a growth rate exceeding 7 percent in the upcoming years. Furthermore, it is poised to emerge as the world's third-largest economy within the next three years, boasting a GDP of $5 trillion. This growth is envisioned to be propelled by both domestic demand and strategic supply-side initiatives, including substantial investments in infrastructure and measures to fortify the manufacturing sector. The report optimistically suggests that India has the potential to evolve into a $7-trillion economy by the year 2030.

"Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat" event held in New Delhi

The Ministry of Women & Child Development and the Ministry of Labour & Employment collaboratively hosted a joint event named “सक्षम नारी सशक्त भारत - Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat” in New Delhi. During this event, the launch of the "National Minimum Standards and Protocol for Crèches (Operation and Management)" was announced. Additionally, an 'Advisory for employers to promote gender equality and women workforce participation' was released, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment that supports the active involvement of women in the workforce.

NGEL (Nikola Labs Pvt. Ltd.), in collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, is set to co-develop a Green Hydrogen Project

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to collaborate on the development of Green Hydrogen Projects. This comprehensive MoU encompasses various projects, including Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Green Methanol, Pump Hydro Projects, and Renewable Energy (RE) projects. The agreement is in harmony with Maharashtra's Green Investment Plan, projecting an investment of around Rs 80,000 crore over the next five years, underlining a significant commitment to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives in the state.

Tshering Tobgay became PM of Bhutan after fourth free vote

Tshering Tobgay has commenced his second term as the Prime Minister of Bhutan following the recent elections. The formal inauguration of Tobgay's appointment took place as King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented him with a ceremonial scarf. Tobgay, who previously served as prime minister, is faced with the task of revitalizing Bhutan's economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, one of his challenges is to create local employment opportunities, aiming to curb the trend of youth migration abroad.

Today’s History – 31^st January

In 1943, a significant turning point occurred in World War II when German Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrendered to the Soviet Red Army at Stalingrad. In 1958, the United States entered the Space Race by successfully launching its first artificial satellite, Explorer 

 In 1966, the Soviet Union achieved a milestone in space exploration with the launch of Luna 9, the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on the Moon. 

In 1988, Doug Williams became the first African-American quarterback to play in a Super Bowl, leading the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII. 

In 1999, Seth McFarlane's long-running animated sitcom "Family Guy" made its debut on FOX. 

In 2016, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic retained the Australian Open championship for the 6th time by defeating England's Andy Murray.

 In 2019, a report published in the Quarternary Science Reviews revealed that the colonization of the Americas in the 1500s had profound environmental effects, leading to a cooling of the planet and contributing to a "little ice age."

 In 2020, the United Kingdom officially departed from the European Union, marking the completion of the "Brexit" process three years after the referendum.