Current affairs 01 February 2024

Punjab Govt set up "Sadak Surakhya Force" to reduce road fatalities.

• Punjab introduced Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) to reduce road fatalities.
• Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann flagged off 144 hi-tech vehicles from Jalandhar.
• AIG traffic Gaganjit Singh to lead the force with over 1,200 police jawans.
• Vehicles are equipped with specialized tools for detecting drunken driving and overspeeding.
• Anyone in the State can complain to SSF by dialing number 112.

Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot "Sheen-e She" and logo unveiled.

• Mascot: Sheen-e She symbolizes the majestic Snow Leopard, integral to Ladakh's tradition and biodiversity.
• Logo: The Games' logo captures the picturesque landscape and diverse sports, featuring the Indian tricolour & Dharmachakra.
• Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will inaugurate the Games on February 2 in Leh, marking the start of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.

Corruption index: India ranked 93 among 180 nations.

• In 2023, India's overall score was 39 while in 2022, it was 40. India's rank in 2022 was 85, while in 2023 it dropped down to 93.
• In the Asian region, Singapore ranked at the top, scoring 83 and occupying the fifth slot.
• The report has been released by Transparency International.
• Denmark ranked at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway.

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In a first in India, ICAR to develop lab-grown fish meat in Kerala.

• ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is developing lab-grown fish meat to meet increasing seafood demand.
• Focus on high-value marine fishes like kingfish, pomfret, and seer fish to reduce strain on wild resources.
• Collaboration with Neat Meatt Biotech to replicate original flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities in the lab-grown product.

IMF upgraded India's GDP growth estimate to 6.7% for FY 2023-24.

• India remains the fastest-growing economy among major economies, with a GDP expansion of 7.2% in FY23.
• IMF raised India's GDP growth estimate for the current financial year to 6.7%, up from 6.3%.
• The medium-term GDP growth forecast for India increased to 6.5% for 2025 and 2026.
• Strong public investment and positive labor market outcomes are cited as contributing factors.