1. Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 to Late Chaman Arora
Late Chaman Arora, eminent writer of Dogri literature, was posthumously awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for his book "Ik Hor Ashwatthama". The selection was made on the recommendation of a three-member jury (Dr. Sushma Rani, Dr. Veena Gupta, Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri). The award consists of Rs 1 lakh and a casket (copper plaque). The honour will be presented to his family in New Delhi on 8 March 2025. The award recognises his contribution to literature in the Dogri language.
2. Bart de Wever, the new PM of Belgium
Bart de Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Belgium. He will replace Alexander De Croo, who was the caretaker PM after the June 2024 elections. This government, formed by a coalition of five parties, is led by a Flemish nationalist for the first time. Belgium, whose capital is Brussels and currency is Euro, is considered an important step towards political stability in Europe.
3. India: World's second largest mobile manufacturer
Starting from just 2 units in 2014, India has today reached the second position in the world with an annual production of 330 million. 99.2% of mobiles are now made domestically. Exports to reach Rs 1.29 lakh crore and total value Rs 4.22 lakh crore in 2024. 'Make in India' and semiconductor mission have boosted the production of components like chargers, batteries. This sector has created 12 lakh jobs.
4. India's first white tiger breeding center in Rewa
The white tiger breeding center will be set up in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, which will promote wildlife tourism in the Govindgarh area. The Central Zoo Authority approved the project, which is part of the Maharaja Martand Singh Judev White Tiger Safari. The project will enhance the conservation of white tigers and local employment. Rewa is historically considered the last natural habitat of white tigers.
5. Preparation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Gujarat
The Gujarat government has constituted a 5-member committee headed by Ranjana Desai (retired SC judge) to draft the Uniform Civil Code. The committee will submit its report in 45 days. The UCC will standardize marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships. Gujarat can become the second state in this direction after Uttarakhand.
6. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) implemented
From January 23, IBCA has become a treaty-based organization. India, Nicaragua, Liberia, Eswatini and Somalia have ratified. 27 countries have agreed to join it. Prime Minister Modi launched it in April 2023. The aim of IBCA is to conserve 7 big cats (tiger, lion, leopard etc.). Its headquarters will be established in India.
7. Chandrika Tandon wins Grammy Award
Indian-American artist Chandrika Tandon won the Best New Age Album category at the Grammys 2024 for the album 'Triveni'. The collaborative album was created with Wouter Kellermans (flute) and Eru Matsumoto (cello). Tandon is also the first Indian-American woman to become a partner at McKinsey.
8. India U19 Women's World Cup champions
India beat South Africa by 9 wickets in the final of the U19 Women's World Cup. Trisha Gongadi (44* runs and 7 wickets) was named Player of the Tournament. India restricted South Africa to 82 runs to win by 83 runs. This is India's second title in this tournament.
9. Sachin Tendulkar wins BCCI Lifetime Award
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was presented with the BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named after Colonel C.K. Naidu. Other awardees include Jasprit Bumrah (men), Smriti Mandhana (women), and Sarfaraz Khan (debut). The ceremony was held in Mumbai on February 1.
10. Railways' new super app 'SwaRail'
The Ministry of Railways launched a super app called SwaRail, which will integrate ticket booking, status check, and other services on one platform. Developed by CRIS, the app is in beta testing and is available on Google Play/Apple Store. It will provide users all railway services through a single login.
