Today's Current Affairs 5th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Michelle O’Neill has assumed the role of Northern Ireland’s First Minister

• In a groundbreaking development, Michelle O’Neill, an Irish nationalist affiliated with Sinn Fein, has been named Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
• O’Neill’s appointment reflects Sinn Fein’s (Political party) aspiration for a United Ireland, a vision they believe is now within grasp. Her elevation to the position of First Minister signifies the party’s growing influence and political clout in Northern Ireland.

 NATIONAL

The Northeast celebrates the inauguration of its first Naturopathy Hospital in Assam

• Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside Assam's Chief Minister, inaugurated the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN) and a 100-bed Naturopathy hospital at Dihing Khamtighat in Dibrugarh.
• The institution, a pioneering force in Ayush, aims to blend traditional knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy with modern technology. The investment of approximately Rs.100 crores signifies a significant step towards promoting holistic healthcare in the region.

Uttarakhand's Cabinet has greenlit the Uniform Civil Code Bill, slated for presentation in the Assembly on February 6.

• The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's leadership, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, representing a historic decision.
• The bill, crafted based on recommendations from a government-appointed committee, will be presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6. The committee suggests banning polygamy and child marriage, advocating for uniform marriageable age and divorce procedures

 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS 

Apurva Chandra has assumed the role of Health Secretary

• Apurva Chandra, formerly in charge of the Information and Broadcasting department, now assumes the role of Health Secretary. With a tenure in government service since 1988, he brings extensive experience to his new position.
• Sanjay Jaju is going to take Apurva Chandra’s old job as the Information and Broadcasting Secretary. He used to work in Telangana and started his government job in 1992. 

OBITUARIES NEWS

Namibia mourns the passing of President Hage Geingob at 82, who was undergoing cancer treatment

• Namibia mourns the passing of President Hage Geingob at 82, who succumbed to cancer after undergoing treatment, leaving the nation in transition.
• Born in 1941, Geingob played a pivotal role in Namibia’s political landscape. He chaired the drafting of Namibia’s constitution and served as the first prime minister after the country gained independence in 1990.

  AWARDS & RECOGNITION

 Grammy Awards 2024 

• The 66th Annual Grammy Awards commemorated notable recordings, compositions, and artists from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, signifying a significant milestone in the music industry.
• Hosting for the fourth consecutive time, Trevor Noah brought his charismatic presence and sharp wit to the stage, making the night unforgettable for both the winners and the worldwide viewers.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY 

IOB Puts MSME Bad Loans on the Block, Eyes 60% Debt Recovery 

• Banks are selling bad loans in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) deciding to sell loans in the segment comprising 41 accounts worth Rs.208 crore. The bank is looking to recover 60% of the debt. It has invited potential buyers to submit offers, with 20% in cash and 80% in security receipts (SR).
• The last date for submitting expressions of interest is February 9 and e-bidding will take place on February 21.