Today's Current Affairs 21st January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

UNDP and the EU have earmarked over $420,000 for initiatives addressing deforestation, enhancing food security, and combating climate change in Papua New Guinea.

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) have allocated grants totaling over US$420,000 (approximately 1.6 million PGK) to support initiatives aimed at combating deforestation, improving food and nutrition security, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
• The official handover of these grants took place during a workshop held at the Takeanda Museum in Wabag, Enga Province, on 17 January 2024. These grants are set to benefit communities across six districts in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.

Solar power stations have been officially inaugurated at Egyptian World Heritage sites

• In a ceremony at the Manial Palace, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Supreme Council for Antiquities (SCA), in collaboration with the Industrial Modernization Center and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, officially inaugurated solar power stations at five renowned Egyptian world heritage sites and museums.
• This initiative is part of the Egypt PV project, a groundbreaking effort aimed at fostering the market for rooftop small-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems in Egypt. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the European Union, the project operates under the auspices of the UNDP in partnership with Egypt’s COP27 Presidency.

NATIONAL

The Prime Minister has kickstarted eight AMRUT projects valued at Rs. 2,000 crores in the city of Solapur, Maharashtra.

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, marked a historic day in Solapur, Maharashtra, by laying the foundation stone for 8 AMRUT projects and dedicating over 90,000 completed houses under PMAY-Urban.
• The event also witnessed the distribution of PM-SVANIDHI benefits to 10,000 beneficiaries, showcasing the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
• The inauguration of 15,000 houses in the Raynagar Housing Society, Solapur, is particularly noteworthy, benefitting handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, Bidi workers, drivers, and others.

Himachal Pradesh introduces 'My School-My Pride,' an initiative aimed at transforming education in the state

• In a progressive move aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, the state of Himachal Pradesh has unveiled the ambitious ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign under the ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme.
• This initiative is set to revolutionize the quality of education in government schools, providing a holistic approach to student growth and development.
• Under the ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme, stakeholders are not only encouraged to contribute their time and expertise but also make monetary contributions for infrastructure development, sponsor events, provide scholarships, and support the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme.

SPORTS

Asian championship: India wins bronze in mixed skeet

• Young Raiza Dhillon, who secured a Paris Olympics quota for India, teamed up with Gurjoat Khangura to secure a bronze in the skeet mixed team event, marking her third medal at the Asia Olympic Qualification Shotgun competition held on Sunday. In the second bronze medal match, the Indian duo outshot the local favorites Abdullah Alrashidi and Eman Al Shama, finishing with a score of 41-39.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Saudi Arabia's Joy Awards: Nelly Karim, Karim Abdel-Aziz, Eva Longoria, Anthony Hopkins among winners

• The grand ceremony for the 2024 Joy Awards took place on Saturday in Riyadh, featuring the most renowned names from the Arab world and the international scene.
• Organized by Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority in cooperation with MBC Group, the Joy Awards is one of the largest award ceremonies  in the Middle East.
• The awards were handed to nominated female and male celebrities across various genres and categories, covering the film, television, sports, fashion, and social media segments.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

LIC has unveiled the Jeevan Dhara II Deferred Annuity Plan

• Unveiled by LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty, the new Jeevan Dhara II plan offers a non-participating, individual savings, deferred annuity option.
• Jeevan Dhara II offers life cover during the deferment period, enhancing the financial security of policyholders. The plan provides higher annuity rates as policyholders age, ensuring a secure and stable income stream in later years.