Global Family Day 2024

• Every year on January 1, Global Family Day commemorates a worldwide dedication to peace, unity, and the common values that bind humanity together.
• The theme for 2024 is "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families," which emphasizes on the diverse tapestry of cultures and experiences that unite the global family.

Gujarat sets Guinness Record for Mass Surya Namaskar

• Gujarat etched its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously.
• More than 4,000 participants from 108 locations and 51 diverse categories engaged in the practice, showcasing the state's dedication to well-being and cultural legacy.
• The event was held at the Modhera Sun Temple in the state.

Arvind Panagariya Appointed as 16^th Finance Commission Chairman

• The government on appointed former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya as the Chairman of the 16^th Finance Commission.
• Joint Secretary in the finance ministry Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey will be the secretary to the commission.
• However, the government didn’t appoint the members of the Commission, which may further delay its functioning.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Tiruchirappalli Airport's New Terminal Building

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building at Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
• The airport's design has been inspired by the cultural vibrancy of Tiruchirappalli.
• It would depict art forms from Kolam art to colours of Srirangam Temple and other theme artworks.

DRDO Celebrates Its 66^th Foundation Day

• On 1^st January 2024, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) observed its 66^th Foundation Day.
• It symbolizing a remarkable voyage of innovation and self-sufficiency in the nation's defence sector.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• DRDO is the Research and Development wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.
• It has vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.

ITC joins hands with Microsoft and Skymet

• Climate change is adversely impacting agriculture is causing extensive damage to the tobacco crop in India, causing an estimated loss of ₹800-900 crore in export revenues.
• ITC (India Tobacco Company Limited) has joined forces with Microsoft and Skymet to address the escalating challenges faced by tobacco farmers in India due to climate change.