Today's Current Affairs 31st January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Qatar bolsters energy ties with Bangladesh through a 15-year gas supply deal

• Qatar Energy and Excelerate Energy finalize a significant 15-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to provide LNG to Bangladesh.
• The SPA outlines Excelerate's procurement of up to one million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG from QatarEnergy, with deliveries commencing from January 2026 to floating storage and regasification units in Bangladesh.

 NATIONAL

Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils inaugural volume of 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971)'

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released the first volume of 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971),' marking a significant step in documenting the state's political journey.

Recipients of the Republic Day Parade Awards 2024 announced

• Among the Three Services: The Sikh Regiment Contingent was declared the best marching contingent, showcasing their discipline and precision.
• Among CAPF/Other Auxiliary Forces: The Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent received the award, highlighting the increasing role of women in security forces.

 SPORTS 

Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra clinches U.S Intercontinental Title

• Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra secured victory at the NBA's intercontinental super featherweight championship in the US, defeating American Gerardo Esquivel in Toppenish City, Washington.
• Notably, Jangra transitioned from the 75kg weight class to compete in the intercontinental super featherweight division, showcasing exceptional skills and strategic brilliance.

 Sonam Maskar secures silver in women’s air rifle event in Cairo, Egypt 

• Sonam Maskar impressively debuted at the Cairo Shooting World Cup, securing the women's air rifle silver medal, narrowly losing to Germany's Anna Janssen by just 0.9 points.
• Nancy Mandhotra, joining Maskar in the final, displayed excellent form during the qualification round but missed out on a medal by a slim margin of 0.2 points, highlighting the intense competition.

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

Sharat Chauhan assumes role as Puducherry's new Chief Secretary

• Sharat Chauhan, a seasoned 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, is appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry by an official order from the Union Home Ministry.
• The Union Home Ministry issued the announcement on January 29, emphasizing Chauhan's extensive administrative background, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, indicating his suitability for the role in Puducherry.

 Important Days

International Zebra Day commemorated in 2024 

• International Zebra Day, observed annually on January 31, is a significant event dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of zebras

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Tableau showcasing 'India: Mother of Democracy' claims top position at Republic Day Parade 2024

• The Republic Day Parade 2024 featured a winning tableau on the theme 'India: Mother of Democracy,' securing the first spot and captivating the audience.
• Presented by the Ministry of Culture, the tableau highlighted India's rich democratic heritage, emphasizing its longstanding tradition of democratic values and practices.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Finance Ministry releases 'Indian Economy – A Review' report in lieu of Economic Survey 

• In 2024, India will not have the usual Economic Survey traditionally presented before the Union Budget. Instead, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an interim budget, known as a vote-on-account, on February 1, 2024.
• The reason for not presenting the Economic Survey this year is the election context. 2024 is an election year in India, and presenting the Economic Survey could lead to politicization due to the potential change in government after the elections. This could disrupt the regular Budget process.