NEWS 18-01-2024. News For 19th-Jan (Friday) Summary of December *International news* 1.India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, with the highest tally in the elections. 2. The World’s first portable hospital, ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube’ was unveiled in Gurugram. It can handle bullet injuries, burns, head, spinal and chest injuries, minor surgeries, fractures and major bleeding. It can treat as many as 200 patients. 3. India and Kenya aim to boost defence, maritime, and connectivity ties. India has extended a $250 million line of credit to improve Kenya's agriculture sector. 4. As per World Bank’s report, India is the largest recipient of remittances, with an estimated 125 billion dollars in 2023. 5. As per IMF India has emerged as a star performer & is projected to contribute more than 16 % of the global growth. 6. India and Russia have boosted Clean Energy Cooperation with New Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Deals. 7. India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, has paid for crude oil from the UAE in rupees. This landmark transaction signals a potential shift in the international trade, with India aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar and establish the rupee as a viable settlement currency. 8. India is set to acquire five lithium-rich blocks in Argentina. This will pave the way for a secure supply of the critical mineral for its electric vehicle and green energy ambitions. *National* 1. The Govt is set to inaugurate the 402 km-long *Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor*, which will accelerate logistics chain. 2. President of France *Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.* 3. India has Iaunched its first-ever winter expedition in Artic region. India’s *Himadri will be only the fourth research station in the Arctic to be manned round the year.* 4. CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off UP's inaugural intra-district helicopter service in Bateshwar, aiming to boost tourism. 5. Death sentences for eight Indian Navy veterans have been reduced by Qatar. *Sports* 1. Novak Djokovic capped off the 2023 ATP season by securing the year-end No. 1 spot for a record-extending eighth time. 2. Indian Women’s Hockey team Goalkeeper, Savita Punia has won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time. 3. In IBA Junior World Boxing Championship 2023, India bagged 3 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze medals in Armenia. 4. Virat Kohli became the first batter to cross 2000 runs in seven different calendar years. *Defence* 1. Ministry of Defence has inked a Rs 1,615 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, for six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. 2. The IAF is planning to raise the first squadron of the indigenous LCA Mark1A fighter aircraft squadron at the Nal air base in Bikaner, Rajasthan. 3. In a major boost to India's 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense, the Indian Navy received the final installment of seven Ferry Crafts constructed by Kolkata-based Shalimar Works Ltd." < < Back