Daily Current Affairs of 02nd January 2024 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 02nd January 2024, witnessed a series of significant events across various domains, ranging from infrastructure development to geopolitical concerns, cultural celebrations, and scientific discoveries. Here's an in-depth look at the noteworthy occurrences of the day.

Top Current Affairs and News Headlines – January 02, 2024

International News

Felix Tshisekedi Elected President of the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo witnesses President Felix Tshisekedi's victory in the highly contested December 20 election, securing approximately 73% of the votes. This victory marks Tshisekedi's second term, following his initial win in 2019. The DRC, despite its rich resources, has a history of political instability and conflicts.

BRICS Group Expands with Addition of Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia

The BRICS group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, doubles its membership with the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia. This expansion aims to combine leading energy producers with major consumers among developing countries.

State News

Surat Hosts 12th Divya Kala Mela 2023

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organizes the 12th Divya Kala Mela in Surat, showcasing products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs. The event, from December 29, 2023, to January 7, 2024, aims to contribute to the economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD)/Divyangjan.

Gujarat Sets Guinness Record in Mass Surya Namaskar

Gujarat achieves a Guinness World Record with the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance, involving over 4,000 participants across 108 locations. The event, held at iconic venues like the Modhera Sun Temple, symbolizes completeness in Vedic culture.

Defence News

India-UAE Joint Exercise 'Desert Cyclone 2024' Begins in Rajasthan

The collaborative military exercise between India and the UAE, 'Desert Cyclone 2024,' aims to enhance interoperability through knowledge exchange, particularly in urban operations. The exercise reflects the strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

DRDO Celebrates 66th Foundation Day

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) commemorates its 66th Foundation Day, emphasizing self-reliance in defence production. The day includes the launch of the Quantity-Distance Software, enhancing safety in armed forces.

Economy News

Strong Growth in GST Collections: December 2023 Records ₹1.65-Lakh Crore

GST collections for December 2023 reach ₹1,64,882 crore, marking a significant 10.28% increase from the previous year. This marks the seventh consecutive month with GST collections exceeding ₹1.6-lakh crore, indicating a positive economic trend.

UPI Ends 2023 With Record Transactions Worth ₹18-Lakh Crore, Up 42% Y-O-Y

UPI transactions in December 2023 soar by 42% YoY, reaching ₹18 lakh crore. Fastag transactions also see notable growth, indicating a robust digital payment ecosystem in India.

FinMin Allows 30th Tranche of Electoral Bonds

The 30th tranche of electoral bonds, aimed at transparent political funding, goes on sale from January 2 to January 11, 2024. The State Bank of India is the authorized bank for issuing and encashing electoral bonds.

Mudra Loans Show Record Growth to ₹3-Lakh Crore in Q3 FY24

Mudra loans witness a record growth, surpassing ₹3-lakh crore in December 2023. The data indicates the significant role of women applicants in driving the growth of Mudra loans.

RBI Significantly Raises Bulk Deposit Limit for Large UCBs to ₹1 Crore and Above

The Reserve Bank of India raises the bulk deposit limit for large urban co-operative banks to ₹1 crore and above, ensuring uniform interest rates for customers below this threshold.

Important Days News

Global Family Day 2024

Global Family Day, celebrated on January 1, emphasizes peace, unity, and shared human values. The theme for 2024 is "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families," promoting awareness of global issues and fostering a sense of global community.

Agreements News

ITC Collaborates with Microsoft and Skymet to Shield Tobacco Farmers from Climate Challenges

ITC partners with Microsoft and Skymet to address climate change challenges faced by tobacco farmers in India, aiming to enhance climate resilience through technology and strategic partnerships.

Appointments News

Vivek Srivastava Named DG of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards

Vivek Srivastava, a seasoned IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is appointed as the Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Rashmi Govil to be Next Director (HR) of IOC

Rashmi Govil, with nearly three decades of HR experience at Indian Oil Corporation, is set to become the Director (Human Resources) at the state-owned firm.

Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head of Sixteenth Finance Commission by Government

Arvind Panagariya, former Niti Aayog vice chairman, is appointed as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, tasked with recommending the tax revenue sharing formula between the Centre and States.

Dong Jun Named as China’s New Defense Minister

China appoints Dong Jun, a former navy commander, as its new defense minister, emphasizing strategic importance in the decision.

Sports News

David Warner Retires from One-Day Cricket Ahead of Test Farewell

Australian cricket stalwart David Warner announces his retirement from ODI cricket on New Year's Day, just before his final Test match against Pakistan.

World Rapid Chess C’ship: Koneru Humpy Wins Silver in Women’s Event

India’s Koneru Humpy secures the women’s individual silver medal at the 2023 World Rapid Chess Championships, showcasing her prowess in the game.

Indian Teenager Anahat Singh Bags Girls’ U-19 2023 Scottish Junior Open Title at Edinburgh

Indian squash rising star Anahat Singh wins the girls’ under-19 category at the 2023 Scottish Junior Open squash held in Edinburgh.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Launches XPoSat: India’s First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite

ISRO successfully launches XPoSat, India’s first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, designed to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources in space. The satellite is part of the PSLV-C58 Mission.