Today's Current Affairs 12th January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

US and UK Launch Airstrikes on Yemen’s Huthi Rebels over Red Sea Attacks

• In response to the Iran-backed Huthi rebels’ escalating assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, the United States and Britain carried out airstrikes using fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles.
• The Huthis, attributing their actions to Israel’s Gaza Strip bombardment, launched drones and missiles towards Israel. 

NATIONAL

Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Malkangiri Airport in Odisha

• On January 9, Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, inaugurated the Malkangiri airport in Odisha.
• Ensuring the smooth operationalization of Malkangiri airport, the authorities at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar extended technical support.

ANUBHAV Awards Scheme 2024

• The ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, initiated by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW).
• Launched in 2015 under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

 SPORTS

Rhythm Sangwan Clinches 16th Olympic Quota for 2024 Paris Games

• The Asian Shooting Championships 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Rhythm Sangwan secured a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, obtaining a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India.
• During the intense 25m pistol final, Rhythm Sangwan showcased her skills, scoring 28 out of 45 to claim the bronze. 

9th Asian Winter Games, set to illuminate the winter sports landscape in 2025

• This grand reveal, hosted in the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, China, marks a significant milestone as the Games draw closer.
• The heart and soul of the Games are personified in its mascots, “Binbin” and “Nini”, two charming Siberian tiger cubs. 

Aman Sherawat Secures 57kg Gold In 2024 Zagreb Open singles

• India’s young wrestling sensation, Aman Sehrawat, set the stage on fire at the Zagreb Open 2024 by winning a gold medal in the 57 kg category of the men’s singles event.
• As Sehrawat is often regarded as India’s next big wrestling sensation.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

National Youth Day 2024: 12th January

• The Government of India, in 1984, declared January 12 as National Youth Day.
• This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• He is best known for his stirring speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
• The theme for National Youth Day 2024 is “Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat.”

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Indore and Surat Share Cleanest City Title

• In a prestigious ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 witnessed President Droupadi Murmu conferring accolades to 13 distinguished awardees across various cleanliness categories.
• Indore, for the remarkable seventh consecutive time, secured the cleanest city title.

 RANKING

Global Economic Resilience amid Dark Outlook: World Bank Report

• World Growth: Estimated at 2.6% (2023), 2.4% (2024), and 2.7% (2025).
• US: 2.5% (2023), 1.6% (2024), 1.7% (2025).
• China: 5.2% (2023), 4.5% (2024), 4.3% (2025).
• India: Anticipated to maintain the fastest growth, ascending from 6.3% (2023-24) to 6.5% (2025-26).

 BOOKS & AUTHOR

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav launched a book titled ‘Modi: Energising a Green Future’

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has recently unveiled an insightful book titled “Modi: Energising A Green Future”.
• Book is published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.