Economy
India’s January Manufacturing Activity Hits Near Eight-Year High
India’s manufacturing activity expanded at its quickest pace in nearly eight years in January with robust growth in new orders and output according to The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index. If sustained, the improvement in business conditions could point to a gradual economic recovery in the coming months.
Quick Facts: Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, is compiled by IHS Markit.
2. Sports
Indian boxers win six gold medals at Golden Girl Championship in Sweden
In Boxing, India’s junior youth dominated the ring at the Golden Girl Championship in Boras, Sweden, claiming 14 medals, including six golds, the overall championship trophy and the ‘Best Boxer’ award. While the junior women’s team clinched five golds, three silvers and one bronze medal, the youth team secured a single gold and four bronze medals. Haryana’s Prachi Dhankar (50 kilograms), playing in the junior category, won the ‘Best Boxer’ award.
3. Polity & Governance
SC directs states to issue notification for establishing ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ within four weeks
The apex court also asked the high courts to expedite the process of consultation with state governments on this issue. A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana also took into account the fact that several states have issued notifications for establishing Gram Nyayalayas but all of them were not functioning except in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The bench noted that states like Gujarat, Haryana, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have not yet filed their affidavits on this issue despite the apex court’s last year direction.
Quick Facts: Parliament passed the Gram Nyayalaya Act in 2008 provided for setting up of Gram Nyayalayas at the grassroots level for providing access to justice to citizens at the doorstep.
4. World Affairs
A new natural gas field containing 80 trillion cubic feet of gas discovered in UAE
The United Arab Emirates today announced the discovery of a new natural gas field containing 80 trillion standard cubic feet of gas in the cross-border area of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The discovery of the Jebel Ali gas field will contribute to achieving gas self-sufficiency for the nation and support the next phase of its major development projects in line with the nation’s strategic development plan for the coming 50 years.
Key Takeaways: Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
5. Polity & Governance
Madhya Pradesh wins the first position for implementation of PMMVY
Madhya Pradesh has won the first prize for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in the state. Indore has been ranked at first place among the districts for better performance of the scheme.
Quick Facts: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a maternity benefit program run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development of GOI. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth.
Key Takeaways: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath. Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Lal Ji Tandon.
6. Persons In News
Ajay Bisaria appointed India’s next High Commissioner to Canada
India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has now been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Canada. Bisaria is an IFS officer of the 1987 Batch.
Key Takeaways: Canada’s PM: Justin Trudeau
