Current Affairs 2 January 2024
AWARDS AND HONOURS
MS Swaminathan Award
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University's Vice Chancellor Prof. BR Kamboj has been honoured with the prestigious MS Swaminathan Award on January 2, 2024.
- This award given for his contributions as a scientist and extension specialist in the field of agronomy.
- Thawar Chand Gehlot, the Governor of Karnataka, presented him this award.
- The award ceremony took place at the International Conference on 'One Health One World,' held at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
India and UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ Begun (Defence)
- India and UAE begun a joint military exercise called ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ in Mahajan, Rajasthan on January 2, 2024 and the exercise will conclude on January 15, 2024.
- The aim is to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert terrain under the UN Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
- The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
- The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise took place in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.
Three New-to-Science Frogs Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
- Scientists have reported 3 new frog species belonging to new genera from Arunachal Pradesh’s Namdapha-Kamlang protected area network on January 2, 2024.
- The new frog species discovered are Gracixalus patkaiensis, Alcalus fontinalis and Nidirana noadihing.
- Gracixalus patkaiensis is a translucent green tree frog with jelly-like appearance and insect-like call
- Alcalus fontinalis is a tiny brown frog inhabiting fast-flowing hill streams with unique trickling vocalization
- Nidirana noadihing is a marsh-dwelling “music frog” named after the Noa-Dihing river
PERSON IN NEWS
Geetika Mehta
- Nivea India, a prominent personal care company, appointed Geetika Mehta as the new Managing Director on January 2, 2024.
- Her professional journey has taken her across diverse markets, including South Asia, Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa.
- Nivea, owned by Germany-based Beiersdorf AG, has a diverse portfolio of brands that goes beyond personal care.
- Beiersdorf AG, based in Hamburg, Germany, reported robust sales figures of €8.8 billion in the fiscal year 2022.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Country's First All-Girl Sainik School in Mathura
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first all-girl Sainik School in Vrindavan (Mathura), Uttar Pradesh on January 2, 2024.
- Its name is ‘Sanvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School’ and capacity of nearly 870 students of this school.
- Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the school will provide education and training under the guidance of ex-servicemen.
- The session of this school will start from April 2024 and 100 such schools will be opened in the country