“IMPORTANT DAY”

World Braille Day 2024

World Braille Day, annually observed on January 4, is a profound tribute to Louis Braille, the visionary mind behind the transformative braille system. Born in 1809 in France, Louis faced the adversity of losing his sight in childhood. However, his resilience and determination led to the creation of one of history’s most revolutionary systems.

“SPORTS”

Beatrice Chebet Breaks 5 km World Record in Barcelona Event

In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet concluded her remarkable year by smashing the world record for the women’s 5 km marathon at the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona. Clocking an astounding 14:13, Chebet outpaced her competitors and bettered the previous record by six seconds, setting the stage for a memorable achievement. Although subject to World Athletics’ ratification procedure, this victory marks a triumphant end to Chebet’s stellar 2023 campaign.

Oman To Host FIH Hockey5s World Cup Qualifiers

Oman is set to unveil its latest sports marvel—a cutting-edge complex designed to host the FIH Hockey5s World Cup qualifiers. This grand facility is a testament to Oman’s commitment to fostering excellence in the world of sports, particularly in the realm of hockey. Scheduled just ahead of the Summer 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the FIH Hockey5s World Cup qualifiers promise to be a thrilling spectacle, attracting eight international teams vying for a chance to secure three coveted tickets to the upcoming Olympics.

“AWARDS”

Prof B R Kamboj Honoured With M S Swaminathan Award

In a notable achievement, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, the Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, has been bestowed with the prestigious M.S. Swaminathan Award. This recognition comes in appreciation of his significant contributions as a scientist and extension specialist in the field of agronomy.

“DEFENCE”

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh Assumes Command of Western Naval Command

In a formal ceremony held at INS Shikra, the naval air station in Colaba, Mumbai, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took charge as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command. The ceremony marked the transition of leadership from Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who had been serving as the FOC-in-C.

“APPOINTMENT”

Vodafone Idea Director P Balaji Movies to Air India

In a significant development, P Balaji, Director (Regulatory and Corporate Affairs) at Vodafone Idea, has tendered his resignation, marking the end of his nearly decade-long association with the telecom giant. This move has garnered attention due to Balaji’s pivotal role in liaising with government officials, considering Vodafone Idea’s status as the largest shareholder in the loss-making company.

Adani Ports Elevates Karan Adani To MD, Appoints Ashwani Gupta As CEO

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), a prominent player in the ports and logistics sector, recently made significant announcements regarding its leadership structure. The company declared that CEO Karan Adani would be stepping into the role of Managing Director, succeeding Gautam Adani. In parallel, the company welcomed Ashwani Gupta, former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors, as its new CEO.

Randhir Jaiswal Takes Over As MEA Spokesperson From Arindam Bagchi

In a significant transition at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson, has passed on the baton to Randhir Jaiswal. This move comes after Arindam Bagchi’s appointment as India’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva in October 2023. Mr. Bagchi, a seasoned 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer holding the position of Additional Secretary in the MEA, had taken over as the spokesperson in March 2021.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Abu Dhabi’s First Temple to be Inaugurated by PM Modi on 14 Feb

Weeks after the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate another significant temple on February 14 in Abu Dhabi. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, located in the capital’s Abu Mureikha area, marks the first Hindu temple in the UAE and is anticipated to be one of the largest and most exquisite Hindu temples outside of India, as well as the largest in West Asia.

Reliance Industries Achieves India’s First ISCC-Plus Certification

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the Mumbai-based conglomerate with a diverse portfolio in energy and petrochemical businesses, concluded the year 2023 on a remarkable note. The company achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in India to produce ISCC-Plus certified chemically recycled polymers.

France Takes Digital Leap with Online Schengen Visas for Paris Olympics

In a pioneering move, France has become the first European Union member to introduce fully digital Schengen visas for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. Commencing on January 1, 2024, the newly launched “Olympic Consulate” system operates through the France-Visas portal, streamlining the application process for 15,000 international athletes, 9,000 journalists, and foreign delegations.

Czech PM to be Chief Guest at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit (VGGS) is set to take place in Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12, 2024. The theme for this edition is “Gateway to the Future.” This biennial event serves as a crucial platform for global policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and investors to foster collaborations, partnerships, and explore investment opportunities.