“IMPORTANT DAY”

International Customs Day is observed annually on January 26. This tradition dates back to 1953, when the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), now known as the World Customs Organization (WCO), designated this date to honour the work of customs officials. The decision was made during a session inaugurated in Brussels, Belgium, with representatives from 17 European countries. Since its renaming in 1994, the WCO has grown to include 182 member states, each committed to international cooperation in customs matters. Every year, on January 26, we celebrate International Customs Day, a special day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the crucial role played by customs agencies worldwide. This day highlights the importance of their work in facilitating the smooth flow of goods across international borders, ensuring both safety and compliance with various regulations.

Theme of International Customs Day 2024

This year’s theme, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” emphasizes the evolving nature of customs work and the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders. The theme reflects the need for customs agencies to adapt to new challenges and technologies while maintaining strong partnerships with traditional allies.

International Day of Clean Energy, observed on January 26, is a significant day dedicated to promoting the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role clean energy plays in combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

National Geographic Day 2024 is celebrated on January 27 every year. National Geographic Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the rich history and contributions of the National Geographic Society in the fields of geography, natural science, and exploration. Marked annually, this day commemorates the society’s commitment to exploring and understanding our planet. As we approach National Geographic Day 2024, let’s delve into the significance of this day and the remarkable achievements of the National Geographic Society.

The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is an annual observance to remember and honour the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of Nazism during World War II. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the enduring need to fight against hatred, bigotry, and racism in all its forms.

Republic Day in India is celebrated every year on January 26th to commemorate the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935). This day marks India’s emergence as a sovereign, democratic republic. The 75th Republic Day in 2024 holds a special place in the hearts of Indians as it symbolizes the journey of the nation from colonial rule to an independent, vibrant democracy.

Republic Day 2024 Theme

The themes for Republic Day 2024, “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – Mother of Democracy), encapsulate the aspirations and democratic ethos of the nation.

Republic Day 2024 Chief Guest

For the Republic Day 2024 celebrations, the guest of honour is Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. This significant day will be marked with various patriotic events, including an impressive parade and a vivid showcase of India’s cultural richness. The occasion is set to honour India’s unity, diversity, and development remarkably and memorably.

 “SPORTS”

Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna has etched his name in the history books by becoming the oldest player to claim the No. 1 spot in the men’s doubles rankings at the age of 43. This remarkable achievement was secured following his quarter-final victory at the 2024 Australian Open, alongside Australia’s Matthew Ebden.

“DEFENCE”

In a significant move towards strengthening military cooperation and addressing regional security concerns, India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted a major air exercise, named ‘Desert Knight’, over the Arabian Sea. This joint exercise, held on January 23, 2024, comes against the backdrop of rising global concerns over Houthi militants targeting commercial vessels in strategic waterways. The main focus of ‘Desert Knight’ was to enhance synergy and interoperability among the air forces of the participating countries. The exercise aimed to foster a shared understanding of operational tactics and enhance coordination in complex air scenarios.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on the brink of etching her name in history books as she gears up to present her sixth consecutive Budget (Five consecutive annual Budgets and one interim Budget), an unparalleled feat in Indian parliamentary annals. Building upon her legacy of fiscal stewardship, Sitharaman’s tenure resonates with the tenure of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who previously held the finance portfolio during 1959-1964. Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who holds the distinction of presenting 10 Budgets—the highest by any Finance Minister—had consecutively presented six of them, including one interim Budget, in a row.

In a groundbreaking move for the Indian tech landscape, Bhavish Aggarwal, the visionary behind Ola, has successfully raised $50 million for his latest venture, Krutrim. This AI start-up, positioned at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, is set to revolutionize the industry.

CoRover.ai, a leading player in the Conversational AI space, has recently introduced BharatGPT, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM). This groundbreaking development aims to revolutionize AI conversations across 22 Indian languages, addressing the language diversity challenges prevalent in the country. Positioned as an Indigenous Generative AI platform, BharatGPT integrates seamlessly with both voice and text modalities, offering a unique solution to the complexities of linguistic diversity.

In a monumental stride towards sustainability, maritime titan Maersk unveils its latest marvel: the Ane Maersk, a revolutionary container vessel powered by green methanol derived from green hydrogen. The Ane Maersk represents a bold leap into a greener future, boasting the title of the world’s largest container vessel fueled by green methanol, a derivative of green hydrogen. This innovative propulsion system heralds a new era of eco-friendly maritime transportation.

In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first alcohol store, exclusively for diplomats. This significant development represents a notable shift in the Kingdom’s approach to alcohol, which has traditionally been banned under its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Historically, Saudi Arabia has enforced a strict prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol. This policy aligns with the conservative religious principles that govern many aspects of life in the Kingdom.