“IMPORTANT DAY”

International Mother Language Day 2024

Annually commemorated on February 21, International Mother Language Day in 2024 falls on a Wednesday, marking a special day of recognition and celebration of linguistic diversity worldwide. The genesis of International Mother Language Day traces back not to India, but to Bangladesh, highlighting a pivotal movement in the history of linguistic rights. Language stands as the fundamental element in the art of communication, bridging gaps and fostering understanding among diverse cultures and traditions. The world, with its rich tapestry of languages, showcases the beauty inherent in diversity. India, with its myriad dialects, exemplifies linguistic variety, symbolizing the essence of cultural and linguistic diversity on a global scale.

International Mother Language Day 2024 Theme

This year, the theme for International Mother Language Day is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning.” The theme underscores the critical role of multilingual education in fostering quality learning and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.

“AWARD”

Shashi Tharoor Honoured with France’s Highest Civilian Award

Diplomat, author, and politician, Shashi Tharoor has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’ (Knight of the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian honour. This accolade celebrates Tharoor’s lifelong dedication to fostering global understanding and his significant service to India and the world at large. The award ceremony took place at the French Embassy in New Delhi, where French Senate President Gerard Larcher presented the honour to the Congress MP.

Alex Dawson Captures the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 Award

Swedish photographer Alex Dawson has clinched the prestigious title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. His winning entry, ‘Whale Bones’, is a mesmerizing image that transports viewers beneath the icy expanse of the Greenland ice sheet, where a diver is seen exploring the skeletal remains of a minke whale. This striking composition not only showcases Dawson’s exceptional photographic skills but also highlights the haunting beauty of the underwater world.

“SCEINCE”

NASA, Japan to launch world’s 1st wooden satellite soon

Japan and the US are planning to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, the LingnoSat, into space in 2024. This unusual spacecraft is made up of Magnolia wood which, during the experiments, was found to be particularly stable and resistant to cracking. The wooden satellite was created by Japanese scientists and now the US has become a part of their mission as they finalized the satellite to be launched on a US rocket. The researchers at Kyoto University in collaboration with the logging company Sumitomo Forestry built the timber satellite. They came up with the idea of using an alternative to metal, which are biodegradable material.

“SPORTS”

8-Year-Old From Singapore Beats Polish Grandmaster, Sets Record

An eight-year-old chess prodigy from Singapore has made headlines by achieving a remarkable feat in the world of chess. In a gripping three-hour game at Switzerland’s Burgdorfer Stadthaus-Open, Ashwath Kaushik emerged victorious against the seasoned Polish grandmaster Jacek Stopa, securing his place in history as the youngest chess player to defeat a grandmaster.

“FESTIVAL”

11th International Puppet Festival begins in Chandigarh

The 11th International Puppet Festival was inaugurated at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh. The festival’s inauguration was presided over by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Banwarilal Purohit, along with Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator. The festival started with a mesmerizing performance by the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre from Russia, presenting the renowned puppet show “Petrushka.”

“DEFENCE”

Multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ commences in Kathmandu

Kathmandu became the focal point of global peacekeeping efforts as it hosted the commencement of the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’. This significant event, which draws army representatives from 19 countries actively involved in United Nations Peacekeeping missions, underscores the collaborative spirit and dedication towards maintaining global peace and security.

India Hosts Milan Naval Exercise with Participation of Nearly 50 Countries

India is hosting the 12th edition of the ‘Milan’ naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation among like-minded nations. The exercise comes amidst growing global concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea. Navies from almost 50 countries including the US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are participating. Nearly 20 Indian Navy ships and around 50 aircraft, including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, MiG 29K, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, are taking part.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Chandigarh Unveils North India’s First ‘Pizza ATM’

CITCO (Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation) introduces a pizza maker near Sukhna Lake, producing hot pizzas in three minutes, a first in North India. The pizza vending machine is the only one operational in India, marking a significant breakthrough. Dr. Rohit Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO at iMatrix Group of Companies (iMatrix World Wide), leads the project inspired by France. The machine is crafted at their Mohali factory, outperforming similar ventures, dispensing 100 pizzas daily.

Reliance Industries is set to launch ‘Hanooman’, a ChatGPT-style AI service

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, in collaboration with some of the country’s premier engineering institutions, is poised to unveil its pioneering ChatGPT-style service named ‘Hanooman’ next month. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the advancement of AI capabilities within India, promising to bring a new era of digital innovation and accessibility.

Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance

Malta, a small yet significant player in the global arena, recently took a remarkable step towards sustainable energy by joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This move underscores the country’s commitment to reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and embracing environmentally friendly alternatives.