Today's Current Affairs 10th January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

At the age of 34, Gabriel Attal has become the youngest-ever Prime Minister of France.

• In a noteworthy political maneuver, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Gabriel Attal as the new Prime Minister of France.
• At 34 years old, Attal not only becomes the youngest prime minister in the country’s history but also the first openly gay official to hold this prestigious position.
• Attal’s appointment comes in the midst of a cabinet reshuffle initiated by Macron to breathe new life into his government. With the departure of outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Attal is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the administration.

The United States has designated several countries, including China, North Korea, and Pakistan, for violations of religious freedom. 

• Under the leadership of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States has designated several nations as 'Countries of Particular Concern,' citing severe violations of religious freedom.
• This decision aligns with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, emphasizing the commitment to advancing freedom of religion globally.
• China, North Korea, Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Myanmar have been labeled as ‘Countries of Particular Concern.’
• Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam are placed on the ‘Special Watch List’ for tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

NATIONAL

Ujjain introduces 'Prasadam,' India's first hygienic food street, showcasing a novel culinary experience.

• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 'Prasadam,' India’s inaugural healthy and hygienic food street, in a grand ceremony at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• Spanning an impressive 939 square meters, “Prasadam” stands as a symbol of holistic development. Positioned near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, it is designed not just as a food street but as a multifaceted destination contributing to various aspects of community life. The food street comprises 17 shops, each offering a unique culinary experience.
• “Prasadam” goes beyond offering a culinary delight. It provides an array of facilities, including a dedicated kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, ample parking, public conveniences, and spacious seating areas. These facilities are aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors and locals alike.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has introduced the 'Ugram' assault rifle, designed specifically for the Indian Army

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, in a significant advancement, introduced ‘Ugram,’ an advanced 7.62 x 51 mm calibre assault rifle.
• ‘Ugram,’ meaning ‘ferocious’ in Sanskrit, aligns with the operational needs of India’s armed forces, paramilitary, and state police units.
• The rifle, notable for its effective range of 500 meters and lightweight design of under four kilograms, was developed at the DRDO’s Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
• With a 20-round magazine capacity, Ugram offers versatility through its single and full-auto firing modes. Its design parallels the modern AK and AR type rifles, yet stands out with a distinctive rivet-free construction, enhancing its robustness and reliability in various combat scenarios.

 OBITURY

Ustad Rashid Khan, the maestro of Indian classical music, has passed away at the age of 55. 

• The Indian classical music community mourns the loss of Ustad Rashid Khan, a stalwart of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana. Passing away at the age of 55 due to complications from prostate cancer, he leaves behind a legacy marked by profound beauty and innovative musical spirit.
• Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Badayun, Rashid Khan’s musical lineage ran deep. His initial training came from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, laying the foundation for his exquisite vocal skills. Following his debut, Rashid Khan’s ascent was meteoric.
• He graced the prestigious ITC concert in Delhi at 12 and joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta at just 14, immersing himself further in the rich tapestry of Hindustani classical music. This dedication translated into mastery, with his renditions of Vilambit Khayal earning him widespread acclaim. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Aruna Nayar, from the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), assumes the role of Secretary of the Railway Board

• Aruna Nayar, a senior officer from the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) with a 1987 batch, and an empanelled IRMS officer at level-16, has assumed the position of Secretary of the Railway Board. Her appointment took effect from January 6, 2023. Previously, she held roles as Additional Member (Staff) in the Railway Board since May 2023 and served as the Principal Executive Director (Staff) at the Railway Board from February 2022 to May 2023.
• Nayar has vast experience in various capacities in Railways and worked as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO) in Eastern Railway, Dy. CPO, Metro Railway/Kolkata, PCPO in Southern Railway and in other capacities in Railway Recruitment Board (Chennai), Railway Divisions of Chennai & Palghat and Golden Rock Workshop & Division at Tiruchirapalli. Nayar had also worked as Director (Persnnel) of Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & IT under Central Staffing Scheme from 2005 to 2009.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hindi Day is observed on January 10th each year to promote and celebrate the Hindi language globally 

• World Hindi Day 2024 is observed on the 10th of January 2024.
• The inaugural World Hindi Conference, or Vishva Hindi Sammelan, was held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 1975, which is when World Hindi Day first became a thing.
• This day was dedicated to honouring both the Hindi language and the many authors who have contributed to its literature.
• Every year, Vishva Hindi Divas is observed to honour the Conference's anniversary.
• On January 10, Hindi-speaking people around the world celebrate World Hindi Day.
• Many public and private organizations in India hold celebrations for the day, and people who speak Hindi abroad also commemorate it with equal fervor.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

IndusInd Bank has introduced the 'Samman RuPay Credit Card' specifically designed for government employees

• IndusInd Bank has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to unveil the 'Samman RuPay Credit Card,' a UPI-enabled card crafted exclusively for government sector employees.
• The Samman RuPay Credit Card combines traditional credit card advantages with advanced UPI features, streamlining financial transactions.
• Benefits include cashback on various expenditures, complimentary movie tickets, no cash advance charges, and surcharge waivers for IRCTC and fuel transactions.
• The card not only offers financial incentives but also aims to simplify and enrich the day-to-day transactional experience for government employees. Users can link RuPay credit cards to UPI IDs, facilitating secure and convenient payment transactions.