Today's Current Affairs 1st January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

China’s Groundbreaking Voyage: Mengxiang Sets Sail for Earth’s Mantle Exploration

• China has introduced its groundbreaking ocean drilling vessel, Mengxiang, signifying a pivotal moment in scientific exploration.
• Weighing an impressive 33,000 tonnes and stretching 179 meters (590 feet), Mengxiang is a colossal ship with exceptional capabilities.

About China:

Capital: Beijing

President: Xi Jinping

NATIONAL

Paramilitary Forces Embrace ‘Sandes App’ for Secure Official Commute

• ‘Sandes App’ stems from the prevalent use of WhatsApp for internal communication within paramilitary forces.
• To enhance functionality and efficiency, the ‘Sandes App’ has been seamlessly integrated with NIC email, DigiLocker, and e-office.

Government to Market FCI Rice as Bharat Brand

• India is contemplating a strategic move—selling rice under the ‘Bharat’ brand, a proposal that is currently under consideration.

About Food Corporation of India (FCI):

Founded: 14 January 1965

Headquarters: New Delhi

Founder: Government of India

Women Make Up About 49% of Ayushman Cards: Health Ministry

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has emerged as a beacon of hope in India’s healthcare landscape, particularly for women.
• Data released by the Health Ministry reveals a significant contribution by women to the scheme’s success, with approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards.

Uttar Pradesh to Implement Green Hydrogen Policy to Promote Clean Energy

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to implement the state’s Green Hydrogen Policy-2023.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Wardwizard Foods Inks MoU with Gujarat govt to Expand Operations

• Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Limited recently witnessed a significant surge in its shares, rising by 9.98 per cent, following the company’s collaboration with the government of Gujarat.

About Gujarat:

Capital: Gandhinagar

Chief Minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel

Governor: Acharya Devvrat

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Core Sector Output Growth Hits Six-Month Low at 7.8% in November

• In November, the production growth of eight crucial infrastructure sectors hit a six-month low at 7.8%, primarily attributed to declines in the crude oil and cement sectors.

Tata Power Secures Rajasthan Transmission Project

• Tata Power has emerged victorious in the bid for the Bikaner-III Neemrana-II Transmission project, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by PFC Consulting, a subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation.

About Rajasthan:

Capital: Jaipur (Executive Branch)

Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma

Governor: Kalraj Mishra

AIIB Takes Lead in Rs 2.5k Crore Funding for Mahindra-OTPP’s Green InvIT

• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is set to spearhead a fundraising round worth Rs 2,500 crore for the Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) supported by the Mahindra Group.

About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank:

Headquarters: Beijing, China

Formation: 16 January 2016

Membership: 109 member states