In Current Affairs for 29 January 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 29 January 2024
Diamond Jubilee celebration of Supreme Court
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi.
- He will launch citizen-centric multiple technology initiatives, which include Digital Supreme Court Reports, Digital Courts 2.0 and a new website of the Supreme Court. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
- The Digital Supreme Court Reports (SCR) will make Supreme Court judgments available to the citizens of the country free of cost and in electronic format.
- The key features of digital SCR are that all 519 volumes of the Supreme Court reports since 1950, covering over 36 thousand cases will be available in a digital format and with open access.
- Digital Courts 2.0 application is a recent initiative under the e-Courts project to make court records available to the Judges of the district courts in electronic form.
World’s Largest Ship Fueled by Methanol
- In a monumental stride towards sustainability, maritime titan Maersk unveils its latest marvel: the Ane Maersk, a revolutionary container vessel powered by green methanol derived from green hydrogen.
- The Ane Maersk represents a bold leap into a greener future, boasting the title of the world’s largest container vessel fueled by green methanol, a derivative of green hydrogen.
- This innovative propulsion system heralds a new era of eco-friendly maritime transportation.
- With an unprecedented capacity to carry 16,000 20ft shipping containers (TEU), the Ane Maersk eclipses its predecessor, the Laura Maersk, by nearly eightfold.
- This remarkable feat not only underscores Maersk’s commitment to sustainability but also signifies a paradigm shift in the scale and efficiency of container shipping.
- Scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on from Ulsan, South Korea, the Ane Maersk will traverse global waters, calling at ports in China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
- This voyage symbolizes Maersk’s unwavering dedication to global connectivity and sustainable maritime practices.
- These vessels, ranging in size and capacity, will cater to diverse shipping needs while advancing Maersk’s vision of a greener maritime industry. Central to Maersk’s sustainability strategy is the utilization of green methanol, sourced from green hydrogen and biogas.
- By offering sustainable shipping solutions, Maersk empowers businesses worldwide to reduce emissions and embrace environmentally conscious logistics practices.
- Named after Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, chairman of AP Moller Holding, the Ane Maersk pays homage to a legacy of innovation and leadership. As a beacon of sustainability, this vessel embodies Maersk’s dedication to shaping a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
Central Geological Programming Board
- The 63rd gathering of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, presiding.
- Notable participants included Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, and Shri Janardan Prasad, Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
- The proposed Annual Programme for the ensuing Field Season year 2024-25 was presented for discussion. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) outlined approximately 1055 scientific programs, including: 392 Mineral Development projects: 133 projects with mineral bias or Mineral Discovery Projects, 188 projects focusing on strategic & critical and fertilizer minerals, 111 projects under Natural Hazard Studies/Public Good Geoscience
- Collaboration with universities, agencies, and sponsorship from various authorities including IITs, NGRI, DRDO, NRSC-ISRO, and others was emphasized. Exploration projects through NMET funding were urged for implementation by State Governments.
- The portal utilizes cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) for enhanced mineral exploration. An exhibition themed “Mining and Beyond” was inaugurated, showcasing achievements and best practices of entities like GSI, PSUs, major mining companies, private exploration agencies, startups, and the Madhya Pradesh Government.
- Notable participants included PSUs like MOIL, HCL, NALCO, MECL, and mining companies like Hindalco, BALCO, and Tata Steel.
- The CGPB Committee was revamped into 12 theme-based groups, aiming to facilitate wider participation and interaction with GSI.
- This reconstitution aims to enhance coordination between Central and State-level stakeholders and encourage the functioning of State Geological Programming Boards (SGPB).
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851, has evolved into a repository of geo-science information and a geo-scientific organization of international repute. Its functions include creating and updating national geoscientific information, mineral resource assessment, ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, and multidisciplinary geoscientific studies.
Krutrim India’s First AI Unicorn
- Indian tech landscape, Bhavish Aggarwal, the visionary behind Ola, has successfully raised $50 million for his latest venture, Krutrim.
- This AI start-up, positioned at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, is set to revolutionize the industry.
- Krutrim, co-founded by Bhavish Aggarwal, has swiftly emerged as a prominent player in the realm of Artificial Intelligence. Aggarwal, renowned for his innovative contributions through Ola and Ola Electric, now brings his tech prowess to the AI domain with Krutrim.
- The recent funding round, led by Matrix Partners India and other key investors, has propelled Krutrim to unicorn status. With a valuation of $1 billion, Krutrim is set to make significant strides in reshaping the landscape of artificial intelligence. The substantial funding infusion will serve as a catalyst for Krutrim’s mission to accelerate AI innovation.
- With a commitment to building India’s first comprehensive AI computing stack, Krutrim aims to lead the charge in pioneering transformative changes globally.
- Krutrim Base Model Built on 2 trillion tokens and unique datasets, the Krutrim base model lays the foundation for a robust AI platform. This model, deeply integrated with Ola’s ethos of innovation, is poised to set new benchmarks in AI solutions. 2.
- Krutrim Pro Model Scheduled for launch in the next quarter, the Krutrim Pro model signifies a leap forward in AI capabilities. Tailored for advanced problem-solving and task execution, it exemplifies Krutrim’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Alabama Conducts 1st Nitrogen Gas Execution In US
- In a groundbreaking turn of events, Kenneth Smith, a convicted murderer, has become the first person in the United States to be executed by nitrogen gas.
- The execution, which took place in Alabama, introduces a new method intended to be the most painless and humane alternative to the previously predominant lethal injection.
- Smith underwent the unique process of breathing pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, highlighting Alabama’s departure from the conventional lethal injection method.
- Alabama officials have championed the new execution protocol as “the most painless and humane method of execution known to man.”
- This move has positioned Alabama as a trailblazer in adopting nitrogen gas for capital punishment, joining the ranks of only a few states to approve this controversial method.
- The execution process lasted approximately 22 minutes, during which Smith exhibited signs of distress before succumbing to nitrogen gas.
Sree Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple Bhadrachalam
- Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Jesinghbhai Chauhan released a special postal cover on the ‘Centuries old Sree Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple of Bhadrachalam’ in Hyderabad.
- Speaking on the occasion on Sunday, the Minister said postal department is the most trustworthy network in the country which provides the service at the doorsteps of the people especially to all the four Amrith Pillars, including the poor, farmers and women.
- He said postal department is providing the services with dedication and devotion as it is transforming to enable itself to become the source for the socio- economic change in the society.
- He said contrary to the popular believe that the postal department will vanish with the emergence of new networks like Amazon, the Minister said 58 new post offices have been opened in the state during the past few years.
- And the networks like Amazon are entering into MoUs for reaching out to the nook and corners of the Country.
- 486 new post offices have been opened in the 8 left wing affected districts in the Telangana as part of postal departments efforts to post offices into Service Delivery Institutions.
ICJ Ruling On Israel Regarding Gaza
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued a landmark ruling on Israel’s actions in Gaza, following a case filed by South Africa alleging genocide against Palestinians.
- The court confirmed its jurisdiction and ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, while stopping short of mandating an immediate ceasefire. The ruling was welcomed by South Africa and Hamas but criticized by Israeli leaders.
- The court found that “at least some of the acts and omissions committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the genocide convention.”
- The ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocide incitement against Palestinians, citing inflammatory statements by Israeli officials.
- The court also instructed Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts outlined in the Genocide Convention, including killing and causing serious bodily or mental harm.
- The ruling directed Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza to address adverse living conditions.
- The court ordered protection measures for Palestinians and steps to prevent actions intending to harm Gazans. However, it stopped short of demanding an immediate ceasefire.
- While welcoming the ruling, South Africa expressed disappointment that the court did not order an instant ceasefire.
- The ICJ has now asked Israel to report back in a month on steps taken to prevent genocide in compliance with the court order. Further legal proceedings could follow based on Israel’s response.
ASI’s Gyanvapi Mosque Survey Report
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi to the district court in December 2022. The report concludes that remains of an old Hindu temple existed at the site before the construction of the current mosque structure during Aurangzeb’s reign in the 17th century.
- ASI used ground penetrating radar, differential global positioning systems and scientific dating methods for the survey. These advanced technologies provided evidence about underground structures without excavation, exact locations of artefacts and age of very old objects at the site.
- This finding aligns with Persian chronicles and accounts of historians over the years that a Hindu temple adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple was demolished on Aurangzeb’s orders in the 17th century.
- The Persian text Maasir-i-Alamgiri written soon after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 records his orders in 1669 to governors across India to destroy Hindu temples. This included the razing of the Vishwanath temple in Kashi. Historian Jadunath Sarkar’s translation of this text formed key evidence for the ASI report.
- Accounts state that the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed in the 1670s or 1680s, incorporating parts of the destroyed Vishwanath temple’s wall. This reuse of materials may have been an assertion of Mughal power after Hindu rebels were assisted by local elements.
- While the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the ruins of the old Vishwanath temple, the current Kashi Vishwanath temple near it was built in the 18th century. The history of temple desecration but persistent rebuilding reflects the enduring public belief in the religious significance of the site.
- The ASI report highlights several architectural and sculptural remains to claim that a Hindu temple existed earlier below the current mosque structure. This includes decorated temple walls, pillars with Hindu mythological carvings, Sanskrit and Dravidian inscriptions by Hindu pilgrims from the 15th to 17th century, and buried sculptures of Hindu deities.
- According to the report, the pre-existing Hindu temple was destroyed in the 17th century during Aurangzeb’s rule. Parts of the destroyed temple structure were then modified and reused to construct the Gyanvapi mosque at the same site. For example, Hindu carvings were mutilated from temple materials before being incorporated into the mosque building.
Current Affairs 29 January Question
- What Technology Initiatives Will Be Launched During Diamond Jubilee Celebration Of The Supreme Court
A. Digital Courts 1.0
B. Digital Courts 2.0
C. Digital Courts 3.0
D. Digital Courts 4.0
ANSWER: B - Which Company Unveiled World’s Largest Container Vessel Fueled By Green Methanol
A. Maersk Group
B. China State Shipbuilding Corporation
C. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
D. Chowgule Shipyard
ANSWER: A - 63rd Gathering Of Central Geological Programming Board Held In
A. Hyderabad
B. New Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Bhopal
ANSWER: D - Who Is The Visionary Behind The AI Start Up Krutrim
A. Jeff Bezos
B. Elon Musk
C. Bhavish Aggarwal
D. Sundar Pichai
ANSWER: C - Who Became First Person In United States To Be Executed By Nitrogen Gas
A. John Smith
B. Kenneth Smith
C. Michael Johnson
D. David Brown
ANSWER: B - D.K. Basu’s Judgement Is Related To Which One Of The Following
A. Protect The Rights And Dignity Of Individuals In Police Custody
B. Protection Of Interests Of Minorities
C. Child Labour
D. Safeguards Against Sexual Exploitation
ANSWER: A - Where Was The 42 Day Mahamandal Festival Inaugurated
A. Haryana
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
ANSWER: C - Why Is Lake Retba Commonly Referred To As The “Pink Lake”
A. Presence Of Flamingos
B. Abundance Of Halophilic Green Algae
C. High Iron Content In The Water
D. Reflection Of The Surrounding Landscape
ANSWER: B - Grantha Script Used To Write Sanskrit, Was Mainly From Which Indian State
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Karnataka
ANSWER: A - When Is The ‘National Voters’ Day’ Observed Every Year
A. 24 January
B. 25 January
C. 26 January
D. 15 January
ANSWER: B - IUCN Status Of ‘Wandering Albatrosses’
A. Endangered
B. Near threatened
C. Vulnerable
D. Critically endangered
ANSWER: C - Disease X In News, Is Related To Which One Of The Following
A. Hypothetical pathogen for future pandemic
B. Fungal disease
C. Plant disease
D. Genetic disease
ANSWER: A - Name Of First Deep Sea Port Of Bangladesh That Was Recently Making News
A. Chittagong Port
B. Sonadia Port
C. Matarbari Port
D. Cox’s Bazaar Port
ANSWER: C - Which One Of The Following Describes ‘Sky Dew’
A. A Cruise Missile System
B. A High Altitude Observation Balloon
C. A Fighter Aircraft
D. A Fuel Efficient Drone
ANSWER: B - Which Company Announced An Initiative “AI Odyssey” To Skill 100,000
Developers In India On AI Technology
A. IBM
B. Microsoft
C. Google
D. Amazon
ANSWER: B - What Causes “Inner Core Wobble” Of Earth, As Discovered Recently By Chinese Scientists
A. Oceanic Influences
B. Atmospheric Changes
C. Misalignment Between Core And Mantle
D. Hydrological Factors
ANSWER: C - Name Of Secure Army Mobile Ecosystem Launched By Indian Army
A. Sambhav
B. Project Shield
C. Secure Army Mobile Platform
D. Mobile Security Initiative
ANSWER: A - Mobile App Launched By IMD, Provides Integrated GIS Based Services For All Weather Related Information
A. Monsoon
B. Mausam
C. Accurate weather
D. RadarScope
ANSWER: B - Gambusia Affinis And Gambusia Holbrooki In News, Belongs To Which Of Following Species
A. Mosquitofish
B. Snake
C. Frog
D. Spider
ANSWER: A - Which Exchange Retained Its Position As World’s Largest Exchange In 2023, Particularly In The Global Derivative Exchange
A. Bombay Stock Exchange
B. National Stock Exchange
C. New York Stock Exchange
D. London Stock Exchange
ANSWER: B
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