Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, emphasizing the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ through e-Vidhan and Digital Sansad.
He commended the government’s removal of 2,000 outdated laws over the past decade.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurating the conference, expressed concerns about indiscipline in legislatures.
3. What is ‘Armado’, recently mentioned in the news? – Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV)
The new Mahindra Armado, India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), debuted at the Republic Day Parade.
Designed and built by Mahindra Defence Systems, it’s intended for the Indian armed forces in counter-terrorism, Special Forces, reconnaissance, and border patrolling.
With a seating capacity of six (expandable to eight), it boasts a 1,000 kg load capacity, B7-level ballistic protection, and a 3.2-liter diesel engine generating 216 hp.
Economic Affairs
Economic Initiatives, Schemes & Projects
4. Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme, which was seen in the news, is related to – Export promotion scheme
Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters are urging the government to allocate $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme.
The scheme focuses on specific products and countries, supporting activities like marketing projects abroad, capacity building, statutory compliances, and more.
Environment
5. What is the primary habitat of Emperor Penguins, recently seen in the news? – Pack ice and surrounding marine areas in Antarctica
Odisha CM inaugurated 4th National Chilika Birds Festival.
The three-day program, running until January 29, features the participation of 52 selected birders from various parts of India.
Chilka Lake is a brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon with estuarine character spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam in the state of Odisha in eastern India.
State Current Affair
7. Where was the biomass-based Compressed Biogas plant inaugurated by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in January, 2024? – Budaun
UP CM and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated HPCL’s biomass-based CBG plant in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh.
The inauguration took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including the State Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, local MPs, MLAs, and senior officials from the government and HPCL.
Short News
Appointments
8. Who has become the first woman to hold the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army?
– Preeti Rajak