“IMPORTANT DAY”

World Hindi Day 2024

Every year on January 10th, the world celebrates World Hindi Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the cultural significance and global influence of the Hindi language. It’s a time to appreciate the richness of this language and its role in connecting diverse communities across the globe.

World Hindi Day 2024, Theme

In 2024, the theme of the World Hindi Day is “Hindi–Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence”.

 “APPOINTMENT”

PhonePe Appoints Ritesh Pai As CEO For International Payments Division

In a strategic move, Walmart-owned fintech firm PhonePe has appointed Ritesh Pai as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its international payments business. This development aligns with India’s ambition to globalize the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), attracting interest from countries like Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, and the United Kingdom.

Samir Kumar Sinha Assumes Role As DG (Acquisition) In Defence Ministry

In a recent bureaucratic reshuffle, the Centre has announced several key appointments, signifying a strategic realignment of responsibilities. Among the notable changes, Senior IAS officer Samir Kumar Sinha has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry. Samir Kumar Sinha, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been entrusted with the crucial position of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry. His extensive experience and background make him an apt choice for this vital role.

Gabriel Attal Becomes France’s Youngest-Ever Prime Minister At 34

French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant political move by appointing Gabriel Attal as the new prime minister of France. At 34 years old, Attal not only becomes the youngest prime minister in the country’s history but also the first openly gay official to hold this prestigious position.

“AWARDS”

Singapore’s Changi Airport Earns The Title Of World’s Best Airport For 2023

Singapore’s Changi Airport has once again been crowned the World’s Best Airport for the year 2023, according to the prestigious awards presented by the air transport research firm, Skytrax. After losing the title in the past two years to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, Changi Airport reclaimed its status as the best in the world, marking the twelfth time it has received this coveted accolade.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

First Cyclone Of 2024, Alvaro, Strikes Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro made landfall in southwest Madagascar on January 1st, 2024, marking the first significant cyclone impact on the island nation in the ongoing 2023-2024 cyclone season for the southwest Indian Ocean region. This season, spanning late October to May, has brought unprecedented challenges to the region, with Alvaro being the latest cyclone to wreak havoc. According to the latest data, Cyclone Alvaro has left a trail of destruction, affecting over 17,200 people in Madagascar. Unfortunately, the toll includes at least 5 reported deaths and 8,400 individuals displaced in this southern African country known for its rich biodiversity, including vanilla and lemur populations.

Red Ant Chutney of Odisha Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

In the heart of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, a unique culinary tradition has thrived for centuries. Locally known as ‘Kai Chutney,’ this savoury delight is crafted using red weaver ants, scientifically identified as Oecophylla smaragdina. These ants, infamous for their painful sting, are harvested from the lush forests of Mayurbhanj, including the renowned Similipal forests, Asia’s second-largest biosphere.

India to Chair UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee and Host 46th Session in 2024

In a historic milestone for India, the nation is set to chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. This significant announcement was made by Vishal V Sharma, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, on January 9, underlining the nation’s growing influence and commitment to global cultural and natural heritage conservation.

Ujjain Unveils India’s First Hygienic Food Street ‘Prasadam’

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya recently inaugurated ‘Prasadam,’ the nation’s first healthy and hygienic food street, in a grand ceremony at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The momentous event took place in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare Narendra Shivaji Patel, and Lok Sabha Member Anil Firojiya. Addressing the gathering, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He stated, ‘This street will provide pure and clean food to the devotees.’ Dr Mandaviya emphasized that the ‘PRASADAM’ initiative aims to connect common citizens across the nation with pure and safe local and traditional food.

PM Modi Inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar

In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar, alongside esteemed guests including President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President José Ramos-Horta of Timor Leste, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. The grand affair, held at Mahatma Mandir, is a precursor to the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

Uttar Pradesh to set up pharma park

The Uttar Pradesh government will set up a pharma park in Lalitpur, Bundelkhand, covering 1,472-acre across five villages, according to the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). The plan will unfold in two phases, with an initial focus on immediate development efforts covering 300 acre of land. The villages identified for the survey include Saidpur (426 acre), Gadolikala (249 acre), Largan (239 acre), Karounda (116 acre), and Rampur (441 acre).

Gangasagar Mela begins in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated the Gangasagar Mela. The Mela will continue till 17th of January. The ‘Shahi Snan’ will be held on 15th and 16th January. Chief Minister has also inaugurated nine projects at Sagar. The state government has sent a letter to UNESCO to declare Gangasagar Mela a heritage site. This year pilgrimage tax has been waived off for the pilgrims, instead 5 lakhs rupees insurance will be given to all.