1 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for the year 2024-25 in Parliament.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for the financial year 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha . Presenting the interim budget for the second term of the Modi government, the Finance Minister said that the government is working with a holistic, all-touch and all-inclusive approach for development. He said that the Indian economy has witnessed positive changes in the last 10 years and the countrymen are looking towards the future with hopeful eyes. There has been no change in direct and indirect tax rates including import duties in the budget. The Finance Minister said that withdrawal of some small and disputed direct tax demands will benefit about one crore taxpayers. New schemes will be launched to strengthen technologies and accelerate self-reliance for the defense sector. Smt Sitharaman announced three major economic rail corridor programmes.
2 Announcement of vaccination for girls aged nine to fourteen years to prevent cervical cancer.
The Finance Minister said that the government plans to open more medical colleges using the infrastructure facilities of existing hospitals. A committee will be formed to review the issues related to this. Smt. Sitharaman said that the government will promote vaccination among girls in the age group of nine to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer . Various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one program for comprehensive coordination. In the second phase of Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition, Anganwadi centers will be further upgraded. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Asha sisters and Anganwadi workers and assistants will be brought under the ambit of health care.
3. Cabinet approves increase in sugar subsidy for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families under Public Distribution System
Union Cabinet through Public Distribution System has extended the scheme of subsidy on sugar for Antyodaya Anna Yojana by another two years till March 2026 . Under this scheme, the Central Government provides a subsidy of Rs 18.5 per kg every month on sugar to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana families of the participating states. Beneficiaries from the scheme will get a benefit of Rs one thousand eight hundred and fifty crore in the period 2020-21 to 2025-26. One crore 89 lakh Antyodaya Yojana and Anna Yojana families are expected to benefit from this scheme.
4 Cabinet approves continuation of the scheme of exemption in state and central taxes and levies for exports of apparel/garments
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the export of apparel/garments and made-ups. has approved the continuation of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (ROSCTL) Scheme forContinuation of the scheme for the proposed period of two (2) years will provide stable policy arrangements which are essential for long term business planning, especially in the textile sector where advance orders can be placed for long term deliveries. The continuation policy of RoSCTL will ensure predictability and stability in the regime, help in removing the burden of taxes and levies and provide a level playing field on the principle that “goods are exported and not domestically taxed”.
5 THDCIL dedicates India’s largest Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project in Rishikesh
On the 75th Republic Day , THDC India Limited (THDCIL) , a leading power sector PSU, inaugurated India’s largest Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at its office premises in Rishikesh . proudly unveiledThis initiative is in line with the “ National Green Hydrogen Mission ”, demonstrating THDCIL’s commitment towards sustainable energy practices.
6 Odisha government announces Rs 100 crore scheme to purchase minor forest produce
The state government has launched a new scheme LABHA for the development of tribals of Odisha . has announcedIts full name is Laghu Ban Jatya Drabya Purchase Scheme . The benefit scheme is 100% state funded MSP for the MFP scheme. The minimum support price in the benefit scheme will be determined by the state government every year. Under the scheme, a primary collector (tribal) will be able to sell the minor forest produce collected by TDCCOL at the procurement centers at the minimum support price. LABHA scheme will integrate the efforts of Mission Shakti with women SHGs. 99% of the primary collectors are tribals and most of them are women.
7 Azali Assoumani re-elected President of Comoros
Azali Assoumani once again South African Union been elected President of Comoros, a country of It is noteworthy that Ajali Assoumani is also the current Chairman of the African Union. Comoros is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern tip of Africa, between northern Madagascar and north-eastern Mozambique. It is the third smallest country in terms of area and sixth smallest in terms of population in the African continent.
8 Indian Navy announces 2024 as ‘Navy Civilian Year’
Indian Navy aims to improve the administration, efficiency and welfare of naval personnel in order to address all aspects of civilian human resource management in a time bound manner. has declared 2024 as the ‘Navy Civilian Year’These key focus areas have been identified in terms of maximizing administrative efficiency, digital initiatives, general and specific training programs and welfare activities for implementation in 2024. Naval civilian personnel constitute approximately one-third of the total workforce of the Indian Navy and contribute significantly to the operational effectiveness of all areas of the Navy. Civilian personnel influence the overall performance of naval structures such as command headquarters, dockyards, material organizations, naval armament depots, Naval Armament Inspectorates, training establishments and many other types of support units.
9 WHO awards 5 countries for their efforts to remove trans fats
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first certification acknowledging progress in eliminating industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fatty acids (TFAs) . Five countries- – Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Thailand – have been commended for their pioneering efforts in demonstrating effective policies and strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in their TFA elimination strategies. Despite challenges, WHO’s global initiative to eliminate TFA has shown significant progress. While the ambitious target set in 2018 to completely eliminate TFA from the global food supply by the end of 2023 was not met, significant progress has been made globally. The results of the first five years of the WHO initiative highlight substantial progress towards this goal. Trans fatty acids (TFAs) pose significant health risks, including heart attacks and increased mortality related to cardiovascular disease.
10 Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi launched the web portal C-Cares of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization.
Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi on January 31 launched C-CARES developed and designed by the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) , a R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. , on 2024 launched a web portal of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO) . This is a significant leap in the digitization journey of CMPFO, which aims to address the long-standing issues of digitizing its records and work processes. CMPFO is an autonomous organization established in the year 1948 to administer provident fund and pension schemes for the purpose of providing social security to coal sector workers under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal. The organization is currently serving approximately 3.3 lakh provident fund subscribers and 6.1 lakh pensioners of the coal sector.
11 South Eastern Coalfields Limited to set up Amrit Pharmacy in its hospitals
To ensure better and affordable health care facilities to its employees, Chhattisgarh- based Coal India ‘s subsidiary, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) will become the first coal company to open Amrit Pharmacy in its hospitals . SECL has partnered with HLL Lifecare Limited, a PSU under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for setting up Amrit Pharmacy Stores in its hospitals. signed an MoU withIn the initial phase, Amrit Pharmacies will be set up in the hospitals at SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur and the central hospitals located in the operational areas of Gevra, Sohagpur and Chirimiri.
12 Himanta Biswa Sarma released the first volume of ‘Political History of Assam (1947-1971)’
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released the first edition of ‘ Political History of Assam (1947-1971) ‘ – Volume 1, an important step in documenting the political journey of the state. The book, to be completed in three volumes by 2025, covers political events in Assam from 1947 to 2020. Written by Dr. Rajen Saikia , eminent historian and former President of the Modern India Section of the Indian History Congress , this work aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the political landscape of the region during a crucial period in its history.
13 Preeti Rajak became the first woman Subedar of the Indian Army
Havildar Preeti Rajak, a distinguished trap shooter in the Indian Army , has been promoted to the honorable rank of Subedar , a historic achievement for her. She has become the first woman to achieve this prestigious rank in the Indian Army , which is not only her personal achievement but also a significant advancement for women in the armed forces.
14 ‘BOB Financial Solutions Limited’ rebranded as ‘BOBCard Limited’ with the tagline “Credit Reimagined”
Bank of Baroda ‘s wholly owned subsidiary for cards, ‘ BoB Financial Solutions Limited ‘, has been rebranded as ‘ BoBCard Limited’ with the tagline “ Credit Reimagined ”. The change includes a distinctive logo named ‘Baroda Sun’, consisting of double ‘B’ letters covering the rays of the rising sun. This initiative marks a revitalized commitment to reshape India’s credit landscape by offering innovative and customer-centric credit solutions.
15 Odisha hosts the 4th National Chilika Bird Festival
The National Chilika Bird Festival , a major event in the calendar of Odisha , began with grandeur on 26 January . Held against the breathtaking backdrop of Chilka Lake, the festival brings together bird lovers and enthusiasts from across India to celebrate the kingdom of India’s birds. In the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the three-day festival began. A captivating ‘Photo Exhibition’ showcased the vibrant bird life of Chilika, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
16 Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra wins Intercontinental title in America
Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra won the US-based National Boxing Association (NBA) ‘ Intercontinental Super Featherweight ‘ title by defeating Gerardo Esquivel in Toppan City, Washington . The 30-year-old Jangra, who is undefeated so far in his professional career, trains under the guidance of former Olympic silver medalist Roy Jones Jr. He had to drop down from his previous weight category of 75 kg to compete against the American boxer on Friday.
17 Naorem Roshibina Devi crowned Female Wushu Athlete of the Year
Manipur ‘s pride Naorem Roshibina Devi has won the prestigious title of International Wushu Federation’s Female Athlete of the Year . Roshbina’s victories at the Asian Games in 2018 and 2022 have been significant moments in her career, showing her dominance in the sport. His silver and bronze medals in the Sanda category have earned him wide recognition and praise.