‘Engendering Land Ports in India’ Report Released

• The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) released a report titled 'Engendering Land Ports in India' in New Delhi on January 11, 2024.
• The primary goal of the report is to create a framework for promoting gender-inclusive cross-border trade and tourism through land ports in the country.
• Aditya Mishra, Chairman of LPAI, mentioned that the report aims to foster a gender-positive environment.
• The Land Ports Authority of India plans to implement the recommendations from the report, striving to make land ports more gender-neutral.
• It reflecting a step towards inclusivity and equality in cross-border activities.

South Korea Bans Trade of Dog Meat

• South Korea’s parliament made history by passing a ground-breaking bill that bans the eating and selling of dog meat on January 11, 2024.
• This move marks the end of a centuries-old practice that has been increasingly criticized in the face of growing support for animal welfare.
• Proposed by the ruling party and enjoying rare bipartisan support, the bill passed with an overwhelming majority of 208 votes and two abstentions in the single-chamber parliament.
• The legislation aims to “eradicate the consumption of dogs” and will take effect after a three-year grace period.

South Africa’s Genocide Allegations against Israel at ICJ

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) started a two-day hearing starting January 11, 2024 to decide on provisional measures in a case filed by South Africa against Israel.
• South Africa alleges Israel has violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention regarding acts against Palestinians in Gaza.
• The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between countries based on international law.
• It is not a criminal court and does not try individuals.
• The Genocide Convention is an international treaty that first codified the crime of genocide.

India will be a $ 30 Trillion Economy by 2047

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced on January 11, 2024 that India will become a $ 30 trillion economy by 2047.
• Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, she said the country will become a $ 5 trillion economy by 2028.
• Ms Sitaraman said, India has received $ 919 billion in foreign direct investment in 23 years till 2023.
• Total 65% of the investments came in the last 9 years.

Indian Navy Got Drishti 10 Starliner Drone

• The Indian Navy has acquired its first indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone on January 11, 2024, the Drishti 10 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• This marks a significant development in enhancing the navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
• Manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace in collaboration with Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems, the drone offers versatility and advanced features.
• Operating at 30000 feet, the Drishti 10 Starliner is an all-weather platform that ensures its usability in various conditions.

Rhythm Sangwan

• Rhythm Sangwan on January 11, 2024 secured a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, obtaining a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India.
• This accomplishment marked India’s 16th shooting quota for the upcoming Olympics, surpassing the previous record tally of 15 set for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
• During the intense 25m pistol final, Rhythm Sangwan showcased her skills, scoring 28 out of 45 to claim the bronze.
• The gold and silver medals were secured by Jiin Yang and Yeji Kim from the Republic of Korea, who shot 41/50 and 32/50, respectively.

Sheel Vardhan Singh

• Former Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sheel Vardhan Singh has been appointed as a member of the UPSC on January 11, 2024.
• The Sheel Vardhan decision was conveyed through a personnel ministry order, marking a notable milestone in Singh’s distinguished career.
• The commission can have a maximum of 10 members, each appointed for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65.
• The UPSC is responsible for conducting the civil services examination, a rigorous process that selects individuals for key administrative and leadership roles in the country.

Swachh Survekshan- 2023 Awards

• Indore and Surat on January 11, 2024 received the cleanest cities award of the country in the Cleanliness Survey-2023, in the category of more than one lakh population.
• Indore has received this award for the 7th consecutive time and Navi Mumbai got the third position in the same category.
• President Droupadi Murmu presented the 'Swachh Survekshan -2023 awards' at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
• Maharashtra got the first prize for cleanliness in the state category, Madhya Pradesh got second and Chhattisgarh got the award of third cleanest state.
• Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh clinched the top spots as the Cleanest Ganga Towns.

Malkangiri Airport Inaugurated in Odisha

• Odisha’s CM, Naveen Patnaik, achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Malkangiri airport in the south-western region of the state on January 11, 2024.
• This strategic initiative is designed to enhance connectivity and foster development in the tribal-dominated areas, marking a crucial step forward in the region’s progress.
• Situated over 233 acres in the Katelguda area of Goudaguda panchayat, Malkangiri airport was established at a cost of ₹ 70 crore.
• Patnaik’s visit to Malkangiri not only marked the inauguration of the airport but also included plans for an ambitious integrated irrigation project at Govindpalli.