“IMPORTANT DAY”

Global Family Day, celebrated annually on January 1, marks a universal commitment to peace, unity, and the shared values of humanity. As we step into 2024, this day takes on the theme “Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families,” underscoring the rich mosaic of cultures and experiences that knit together the global family.

Global Family Day 2024 Theme

The theme for 2024, “Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families,” is a call to celebrate our differences while acknowledging the fundamental bonds that connect us. It’s an invitation to recognize the diverse tapestry of human experience and how it contributes to the strength of familial bonds worldwide.

“FESTIVAL”

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organised a distinctive event aimed at showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans from across the nation. The event, titled ‘Divya Kala Mela,’ took place in Surat, Gujarat, spanning from December 29, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The primary objective of the ‘Divya Kala Mela’ is to contribute to the economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD)/Divyangjan. This initiative provides a unique platform for marketing and exhibiting the diverse products and skills of Divyang entrepreneurs. The event in Surat marks the 12th in the series that began in 2022, with previous editions held in various cities across India.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, has inaugurated the National Street Food Festival 2023 in New Delhi. This street food festival was organized by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This festival is the first ‘Zero Waste Street Food Festival’ in India. The Minister appreciated NASVI for providing training to 1,50,000 street vendors in food safety and hygiene. He also noted the establishment of two Regional Street Food Vendors Training Institutes (SVTI) which will be launched by NASVI in 2024 in Delhi and Patna.

“SPORTS”

India’s Koneru Humpy showcased her prowess in chess by clinching the women’s individual silver medal at the 2023 World Rapid Chess Championships held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Despite a valiant effort, the 36-year-old Grandmaster succumbed to Russian player Anastasia Bodnaruk in a tie-break sudden death on time. This article delves into Humpy’s journey, her achievements, and the accompanying heartbreak faced by Vidit Gujrathi in the open section.

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Anahat Singh, a rising star in Indian squash, secured victory in the girls’ under-19 category at the 2023 Scottish Junior Open squash held in Edinburgh. Her remarkable triumph added another feather to her cap, concluding a stellar year that included a double win at the National championships and success in the Asian Games.

“SCIENCE”

NASA, the renowned space agency, has redirected its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from its recent mission to asteroid Bennu to study another celestial body: Apophis. This asteroid, named after the Egyptian god of Chaos, is anticipated to pass within a remarkably close distance of 32,000 kilometers from Earth’s surface on April 13, 2029. This event presents a unique opportunity for scientists to gather valuable data about this 370-meter-diameter asteroid.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). The PSLV, in its 60th mission, lifted off at 9.10 a.m. on 1 Jan, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and 22 minutes later launched the XPoSat into an eastward low inclination orbit. The PSLV-C58 has placed the primary satellite at the XPoSat in the desired orbit of 650 km with six-degree inclination. XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from the ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. It carries two payloads, namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).

“DEFENCE”

China has recently named Dong Jun as its new defense minister, marking a significant shift in the country’s military leadership. This move comes two months after the official removal of his predecessor, Li Shangfu, who was last seen in public in August. The announcement was made during a Standing Committee meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, highlighting the strategic importance of this decision.

The Inaugural edition of Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone, between India & UAE, will be conducted from 02 Jan to 15 Jan 2024 in Rajasthan. The joint manoeuvres during ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ aim to boost interoperability through the exchange of knowledge and best practices in urban operations. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability by learning & sharing best practices in Urban Operations.

“APPOINTMENT”

Rashmi Govil, a seasoned HR executive with nearly three decades of experience at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), is poised to step into the role of Director (Human Resources) at the state-owned firm. Her nomination for the position was recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), highlighting her exceptional qualifications and contributions to the organization. Govil, currently serving as Executive Director (HRD & ER) at IOC, will succeed Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra.

In a significant development, the government has appointed Arvind Panagariya, former Niti Aayog vice chairman and Columbia University professor, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. The Commission is entrusted with the crucial task of recommending the tax revenue sharing formula between the Centre and the States for the upcoming five-year period starting from April 2026.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Gujarat, known for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to health and wellness, achieved a remarkable feat on New Year’s morning by making an indelible mark in the Guinness Book of World Records. The state hosted the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance, involving over 4,000 participants from 108 locations across 51 categories.