IMPORTANT DAYS

Odisha Foundation Day 2024 celebrated on April 1

• Odisha Foundation Day, celebrated annually on April 1, marks the formation of the state of Odisha. Also known as Utkal Diwas.

• It commemorates the day when Odisha was created as a separate province on April 1, 1936 from the united Bihar and Orissa province.

• This day is significant for the people of Odisha as it symbolizes their cultural identity, historical heritage, and the progress made by the state since its inception.

• Various cultural events, ceremonies, and programs are organized across Odisha to celebrate its rich history and achievements on this day.

• 113th Amendment Bill 2011 changed the name of Orissa to Odisha.

APPOINTMENTS

Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani Sworn in as Additional Judge of J&K and Ladakh High Court

• Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani was sworn in as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Chief Justice Justice N. Kotiswar Singh in Srinagar.

• Oath administered by Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh in Srinagar.

• He has been entrusted with the charge of the office for a period of two years.

• Justice Wani has served in the judicial service since 1997.

NATIONAL NEWS

The world's first-ever Om-shaped temple has been inaugurated in Pali, Rajasthan

• The world's first-ever Om-shaped temple has been inaugurated in Pali, Rajasthan, marking a historic architectural achievement in the region.

• This temple, named 'Om Akar' Temple, is a huge structure spread over 250 acres in Jadan, Rajasthan. Which resembles the sacred symbol 'Om', which is an important spiritual symbol in Hinduism.

• Designed in the distinctive Nagara style of North Indian architecture, the 'Om Aakar' temple not only celebrates the cultural and architectural heritage of the region, but also represents a pioneering effort in global temple architecture.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

China Successfully Launches Satellite for Atmospheric and Space Environment Monitoring

• China extends its covert meteorological satellite network with the triumphant deployment of Yunhai-3 (02) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province.

• The freshly launched satellite is set to prioritize environmental surveillance duties, encompassing atmospheric and marine environment detection, alongside space environment monitoring.

• Its key objectives also span disaster prevention and reduction initiatives, underscoring China's commitment to enhancing resilience and preparedness through advanced satellite technology.

AWARDS

Hardik Singh and Salima Tete named Player of the Year men and women at the Hockey India Awards 2024.

• Hardik Singh and Salima Tete were named Player of the Year 2023 among men and women respectively at the sixth annual Hockey India Awards.

• Hardik, who was also the FIH Player of the Year, was awarded the Balbir Singh Senior Trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

• With a total prize money of Rs 7 crore 56 lakh, the awards honored teams and individuals for their achievements over the past year.

• The 2016 Junior World Cup-winning men's team was also honored at the event, eight years after their victory.

• The federation also announced the revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) in January 2025.

• Last held in 2017, the HIL will be a five-week competition with eight men’s and six women’s teams with auctions for the same likely to be held after the Paris Olympics.

• The Indian teams that won the Junior Asia Cup and the men's and women's Asian Champions Trophy were also rewarded along with the men's Asian Games winning team.

MISCELLANEOUS

WHO launched a global laboratory to monitor emerging coronaviruses.

• ‘CoViNet’, a global laboratory for monitoring emerging coronavirus, has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Besides SARS-CoV-2, the new WHO Coronavirus Network, called CoViNet, will assess other coronaviruses.

• CoViNet has 36 laboratories from 21 countries in all six WHO regions, including three Indian laboratories.

• WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network was set during the pandemic in January 2020. It will now have animal health and environmental surveillance and timely risk assessment to feed WHO policies and protective measures.

• CoViNet will support in creation of more laboratories to monitor MERS-CoV and coronaviruses of public health importance.

• On March 26-27, 2024, representatives of the laboratories from different countries have finalised an action plan for 2024-2025.

• The festival symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan and highlights the cultural richness of the region.

• The local community organized the festival with the cooperation of civil authorities and the Indian Army