“IMPORTANT DAY”

World Day of War Orphans 2024 Observed on 06th January

On January 6, 2024, the world will observe the World Day of War Orphans, a day dedicated to highlighting the struggles and needs of the most vulnerable victims of war – the children. This day comes amidst ongoing global conflicts, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep and lasting impact war has on the lives of innocent children.

World Day of War Orphans 2024: A Dual-Themed Approach

This year, World Day of War Orphans is marked with two powerful themes: “Orphan Lives Matter” and “Standing Up for War-Affected Children.” These themes are a clarion call for global attention and action to support and protect war-affected children.

National Birds Day 2024

The United States of America declares January 5 as National Bird Day to raise awareness of the significance of birds to our ecosystem. The day is set apart to make all of us understand that birds are not made to be caught or had as showpieces in our homes, rather, they are nature’s lovely creatures that deserve to live with complete freedom. The day was first observed by the Avian Welfare Coalition, which is involved in the cause of promoting awareness about birds that are caught or end up in captivity for either monetary profit or for human entertainment.

National Birds Day 2024: Theme

The theme of the National Birds Day 2024 is ‘Right To Fight’. It signifies the flight of a bird that represents freedom. With this campaign, the Avian Welfare Coalition Alliance intends to diminish the suffering of birds by raising public attention to the damaging bird trade, the real factors of cruel bird breeding mills and the ways of working on the government assistance of birds currently in captivity.

“DEFENCE”

ISRO Tests Fuel Cell On PSLV-C58’s POEM3 Platform Successfully

On January 1, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) in its orbital platform, POEM3. This remarkable feat took place aboard the PSLV-C58 mission, marking a crucial step in the assessment of fuel cell technology for future space missions.

“AWARD”

Bengali Writer Shirshendu Mukyopadhyaya Receives 2023 Kuvempu Award

In a prestigious recognition of his literary contributions, renowned Bengali writer Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay has been awarded the 2023 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar. The national award, named in honour of the late Kannada poet Kuvempu, celebrates writers who have made significant contributions to any Indian language.

 “APPOINTMENT”

Rashmi Shukla becomes Maharashtra’s first woman Director General of Police

In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra government appointed Rashmi Shukla, a distinguished 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the Director General of Police (DGP). This appointment is groundbreaking as Ms. Shukla becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the state. Ms. Shukla’s journey to the top police post has been both impressive and tumultuous. She takes over the reins from Rajnish Seth, her batchmate from the 1988 IPS cadre, who recently retired and moved on to become the chairman of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Raghuram Iyer appointed as CEO of Indian Olympic Association

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed a seasoned professional, Raghuram Iyer, as its new CEO, marking a significant development after a meticulous selection process conducted by the nomination committee. The appointment, long-awaited and in response to reminders from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brings a wealth of experience to the forefront.

Senior IAS officer Vikas Sheel appointed Executive Director, Asian Development Bank

India has appointed seven accomplished civil servants to crucial positions abroad, showcasing the country’s global engagement. Notably, Mr. Vikas Sheel, a seasoned bureaucrat, is now the Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, emphasizing India’s commitment to international development.

Sanjiv Aggarwal Appointed CEO and MD of NIIFL

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) has welcomed Sanjiv Aggarwal as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Aggarwal, formerly a partner at the UK-based private equity firm Actis, brings a wealth of experience in energy investments, particularly in the Asian market, including India.

Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi Appointed As Vice Chief Of Navy

On January 4, 2024, Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM, officially took over as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding in a distinguished naval career. The assumption of this crucial position was marked by a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial.

SEBI Names G Ram Mohan Rao As Executive Director For 3 Years

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently announced the appointment of G Ram Mohan Rao as Executive Director (ED) for a tenure of three years. With over 25 years of experience at SEBI, Rao brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. In his capacity as ED, he will oversee the investigation department and the internal inspection department, reinforcing SEBI’s commitment to maintaining market integrity.

Canara Bank CGM P Santhosh Appointed as MD of NARCL

In a surprising turn of events, P Santhosh, Chief General Manager at Canara Bank, has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) with effect from January 5, succeeding Natarajan Sundar, who resigned from the post. This unexpected change in leadership at the government-promoted asset reconstruction organization has raised eyebrows within the industry.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Logo and Booklet for Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024

At a curtain-raiser program in New Delhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal revealed the logo and booklet for the highly anticipated “Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024.” Emphasizing India’s innovative and holistic approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Goyal encouraged the automotive industry to target a 50% export share, highlighting global economic opportunities.

Ayodhya Airport Renamed As ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport’; Gains International Status

The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval to declare Ayodhya Airport as an international airport, marking a significant development for the city. The airport will be named “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,” reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the region.

IIT Madras Researchers Engineer Plant Cells To Produce Drug For Cancer

Researchers from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Madras and Mandi have achieved a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology. They have successfully metabolically engineered plant cells to boost the production of the anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT).