Today's Current Affairs 6th January 2024

 NATIONAL

Attaining international recognition, the Ayodhya Airport undergoes a name change to 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.'

• The Union Cabinet has greenlit the declaration of Ayodhya Airport as an international airport, with the proposed name "Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham." This decision, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the region, signifies a notable step forward in the airport's recognition and status.
• According to the government’s press release, elevating Ayodhya Airport to international status is crucial for realizing the city’s economic potential. Furthermore, it acknowledges Ayodhya’s significance as a global pilgrimage site, with the international status expected to attract foreign pilgrims and tourists.
• The airport’s development will occur in phases. In its initial phase, the airport will have the capacity to handle 10 lakh (1 million) passengers annually. After the second phase of development, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is expected to cater to a staggering 60 lakh (6 million) commuters annually. 

Commencing a new phase, the Assam Government launches 'Gunotsav 2024.'

• The Assam government is gearing up for the fifth edition of ‘Gunotsav 2024,’ a comprehensive state-wide assessment aimed at evaluating the performance of approximately 40 lakh students across government schools.
• The initiative, slated to run from January 3 to February 8, 2024, is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education and improving learning outcomes in the state.
• ‘Gunotsav’ emphasizes active participation from all stakeholders, including teachers, students, administrators, and local communities. This holistic engagement is expected to foster accountability and contribute to an overall enhancement of the quality of education in Assam.

 SPORTS

Yuki Bhambri and Robin Haase face defeat in the semifinals of the Brisbane International, signaling an end to their campaign in the tournament.

• Yuki Bhambri-Robin Haase lost in their semi-final match, at the Brisbane International.
• Yuki Bhambri and his partner Robin Haase faced a setback in the Brisbane International ATP Tour tournament semifinals on Saturday. The Indo-Dutch pair, seeded eighth, experienced a close match against the second-seeded duo of Lloyd Glasspool (England) and Jean-Julien Rojer (Netherlands), ultimately losing 3-6, 7-6, 9-11. The fiercely contested match lasted for one hour and 40 minutes.
• The Bhambri-Haase duo had beaten the American pair of Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in straight sets -- 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) -- in the quarterfinals.
• Last year, the 31-year-old Bhambri from New Delhi won his maiden ATP title at the Mallorca Championships doubles competition, partnering with South African Lloyd Harris.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Taking the helm, Sanjiv Aggarwal assumes the role of CEO and MD of NIIFL (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited).

• The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) has welcomed Sanjiv Aggarwal as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
• Aggarwal, formerly a partner at the UK-based private equity firm Actis, brings a wealth of experience in energy investments, particularly in the Asian market, including India.
• Sanjiv Aggarwal’s impressive track record includes successful stints at renowned financial institutions such as Citigroup and ANZ Investment Bank. Notably, his tenure at Actis saw remarkable accomplishments, including the sale of the Indian renewable energy platform Sprng Energy to Shell Plc for an enterprise value of $1.55 billion in April 2022.

Assuming a significant role, Senior IAS Officer Vikas Sheel is appointed as the Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank.

• Demonstrating India's active participation on the global stage, seven proficient civil servants have been appointed to key positions overseas. Among them, Mr. Vikas Sheel, an adept bureaucrat, now assumes the role of Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. This appointment underscores India's dedication to contributing to international development initiatives.
• Vikas Sheel, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is now the Executive Director at ADB. He brings valuable experience from his current role as Additional Secretary and Mission Director of Jal Jeevan Mission, contributing to India’s representation at this prestigious institution.
• Smita Sarangi has been appointed as Adviser to the Executive Director at ADB in Manila, Philippines. Her expertise will play a vital role in India’s collaboration with ADB on important development initiatives.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

Observing the World Day of War Orphans in 2024 

• Marking January 6, 2024, the global community will come together to observe the World Day of War Orphans. This day remains dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and requirements of the most vulnerable victims of conflict—the children.
• This day comes amidst ongoing global conflicts, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep and lasting impact war has on the lives of innocent children.
• This year, World Day of War Orphans is marked with two powerful themes: “Orphan Lives Matter” and “Standing Up for War-Affected Children.” These themes are a clarion call for global attention and action to support and protect war-affected children.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Securing recognition, the SVAMITVA Scheme clinches the Best Innovation Award

• SVAMITVA Scheme wins Best Innovation Award for Innovation Sandbox presentation during Public Policy Dialogues–2024 at Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. 

• SVAMITVA Scheme has been saturated with the generation of property cards of all inhabited villages of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Goa.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Propelling forward with a strategic vision, India outlines its proposal for a 'Bharat Park' Trade Zone in the UAE 

• The Indian government is strategically laying the groundwork for 'Bharat Park,' a specialized trade zone within the UAE. This envisioned zone will incorporate showrooms and warehouses, providing a prominent platform to exhibit and store Indian-manufactured goods, catering to a global audience.
• Addressing the future of the textile industry, Goyal underscores the prominence of Man Made Fibre Textiles due to challenges in meeting the increasing demand for cotton.
• He encourages industry players to leverage free trade agreements with Japan, Australia, UAE, and South Korea, expressing concern over underutilization.

The National Statistical Office (NSO) data reveals that India's GDP growth projection for the fiscal year 2023-24 stands at 7.3%

• The inaugural advance estimates from the National Statistical Office (NSO) foresee a sturdy growth of 7.3% for India's GDP in the fiscal year 2023-24. This initial projection reflects a promising outlook for the country's economic trajectory in the upcoming financial year.
• This surpasses the 7.2% growth recorded in the previous financial year. Notably, the construction sector is expected to lead with double-digit growth at 10.7%.
• Real GDP at Constant Prices in FY24 is projected to reach ₹171.79 lakh crore, compared to the provisional estimate of ₹160.06 lakh crore for FY23.