Today's Current Affairs 19th January 2024

 NATIONAL

Mamata Banerjee Opens 47th Kolkata Book Fair, Featuring the UK as the Theme Country

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair on January 18.

Tallest Ambedkar Statue to Be Unveiled Today In Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

• The Andhra Pradesh government is set to unveil the world’s tallest statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the esteemed architect of the Indian Constitution.
• The colossal structure, named the ‘Statue of Social Justice,’ stands at an impressive height of 206 feet.

Moh-Juj Fights: A Cultural Resurgence in Assam

• Moh-Juj, the traditional buffalo fights, have made a comeback in Assam.
• This revival, held during the Magh Bihu festival in mid-January 2024.
• The tradition of Moh-Juj was suspended in 2015 following the Supreme Court’s ban on similar events like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.

Assam Govt Unveils Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

• Assam government recently launched a financial assistance scheme, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), with the aim of empowering rural women entrepreneurs.
• In the inaugural phase of the MMUA, each eligible applicant will receive a grant of ₹10,000 in the first year.

SPORTS

Carlos Sainz’s Historic Victory in Dakar Rally 2024

• Carlos Sainz, at the age of 61, has made history by winning the Dakar Rally for the fourth time.
• His latest victory in the 2024 rally marks him as the oldest winner of this gruelling race.
• Sainz, also known as ‘El Matador’

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary appointed Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal

• Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Gianni Infantino Honored With Sports Personality Award in Dubai

• 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.
• The UAE boasts a rich legacy of organizing FIFA tournaments, having held eight events in the last 21 years.

Assam Govt to Honor Ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi with ‘Assam Baibhav’ Award

• 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.
• After retiring as Chief Justice, Ranjan Gogoi was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

ICICI Bank Canada Launches ‘Money2India (Canada)’ Mobile Banking App

• ICICI Bank Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, has introduced its latest mobile banking app, ‘Money2India (Canada).

Apple Surpasses Samsung as Top Smartphone Maker for the First Time Since 2010

• Apple Inc.’s iPhone has outpaced Samsung Electronics Co. devices, securing the title of the best-selling smartphone series in 2023.
• This marks the first time since 2010 that Samsung has conceded the top spot in the smartphone market.