IMPORTANT DAYS
World Environment Day 2024 observed on 5 June
• World Environment Day is observed annually on 5 June.
• In 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host World Environment Day, focusing on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
• It was established by the United Nations in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, with the first celebration occurring in 1973.
• This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
• According to the Convention, 40% of the Earth's land is degraded, directly affecting half of the global population.
• Additionally, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with 50% being single-use plastics.
• Microplastics, defined as particles up to 5mm in diameter, contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
AWARDS
Hindi Sahitya Bharati Award
• Krishna Prakash, head of Mumbai Police’s elite counter-terrorism unit, Force One, has been honored with the prestigious Annual Hindi Sahitya Bharati Award.
• The award was presented during the Sab Me Ram Shashwat Shri Ram multicultural festival in Mumbai.
• The Hindi Sahitya Bharati initiative aims to bring together intellectuals on a common platform to promote cultural and literary endeavors.
• Krishna Prakash is also a two-time Guinness World Record holder for initiating the maximum number of letters through postcards to Lord Ram.
Poet Siddhalinga Pattanashetti Selected for Gudleppa Hallikeri Award
• Poet and playwright Siddhalinga Pattanashetti has been chosen to receive the prestigious Gudleppa Hallikeri Award for 2024, presented by the Gudleppa Hallikeri Memorial FFoundation
• Prof. Pattanashetti will be the 19th recipient of this award, which includes a purse of ₹25,000 and a memento.
• The Gudleppa Hallikeri Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to literature, society, or social service.
• The award ceremony will take place on June 6, with the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti, presiding over the event.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Halla Tomasdottir Becomes New President of Iceland
• Halla Tomasdottir, a distinguished businesswoman and investor, has won Iceland’s presidential election, securing 34.3% of the vote and defeating former Prime Minister Katrin JJakobsdottir
• She will succeed President Gudni Th. Johannesson, who opted not to seek re-election after serving two four-year terms.
• Iceland, a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic, has a population of 384,000.
• Vigdis Finnbogadottir was Iceland's first elected female president.
• Halla Tomasdottir is also recognized as the co-founder of Audur Capital.
MISCELLANEOUS
Helen Mary Roberts: First Female Brigadier from Minority Community in Pakistan Army
• Dr. Helen Mary Roberts has made history by becoming the first woman from the Christian and minority community to achieve the rank of Brigadier in the Pakistan Army.
• Serving in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Brigadier Dr. Helen was among the officers promoted to Brigadier and full Colonel by the selection board.
• With 26 years of experience, Brigadier Dr. Helen is a senior pathologist within the Pakistan Army.
• According to the 2021 data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country’s population is 96.47% Muslim, 2.14% Hindu, 1.27% Christian, 0.09% Ahmadiyya Muslim, and 0.02% others.
