Exercise Desert Knight

• On 23^rd January 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out Exercise Desert Knight in collaboration with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.
• The French involvement featured Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi-Role Tanker Transport, while the UAE Air Force deployed the F-16.
• These aircraft operated from the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE. The IAF contingent included Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J, and Air to Air Refueler aircraft.
• Conducted over the Arabian Sea within Indian FIR, the exercise aimed to boost synergy and interoperability among the three Air Forces.
• The interactions facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Such exercises reflect the increasing diplomatic and military engagements in the region and showcase the IAF's capabilities.

National Girl Child Day 2024

• Every year 24^th January 2024 is commemorated as National Girl Child Day to shed light on the challenges confronting girls in Indian society.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched this day in 2008.
• The day is dedicated to promoting awareness of the disparities faced by girls and advocating for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and nutrition.
• National Girl Child Day serves as a platform for the government to underscore the principles of equality and dignity for every girl child.

DRDO to Showcase Nari Shakti and Indigenous Tech at Republic Day Parade 2024

• During the 75^th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26^th January 2024, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase numerous critical systems and technologies.
• As a proponent of ‘Aatmanirbharta’, the substantial contribution of female scientists within DRDO in key areas of Defence Research is noteworthy.
• The DRDO tableau revolves around the theme ‘Women power in protecting the nation by providing the defense shield in all 5 dimensions—Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Space’.
• Women’s involvement in Defence R&D will be prominently highlighted in the tableau. Outstanding Scientist Smt Sunita Devi Jena will be the Contingent Commander.

President of India Inaugurates Kaushal Bhavan

• On January 24, 2024, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, officially inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan.
• It is a new building of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in New Delhi.
• Kaushal Bhawan, whose foundation stone was laid in March 2019, will serve as office space for the Ministry and its affiliated organizations—the Directorate General of Training, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, and the National Skill Development Corporation.
• This modern office building is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, aiming to provide a secure, convenient, and efficient work environment.
• It is designed to foster a new work culture and contribute to the success of the Skill India Mission.

Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day 2024

• 24^th January is observed as Uttar Pradesh Diwas or UP Diwas, marking the Foundation Day of the state every year.
• On this day in 1950, the state was officially renamed Uttar Pradesh.
• The designation of January 24 as Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day was announced by the state government in May 2017, following a proposal by Governor Ram Naik.
• In 2024 Uttar Pradesh commemorates its 75^th Foundation Day, and as India's most populous state, it holds particular significance from a political perspective.