Today's Current Affairs 16th January 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Reformist Arevalo Sworn in as Guatemala President

• Bernardo Arévalo was officially sworn in as the President of Guatemala on January 15, 2024.

About Guatemala:

Capital: Guatemala City

Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal

Government: Unitary presidential republic

Official language: Spanish

 NATIONAL

Ex-Ayutthaya: India-Thailand First Naval Exercise Connects to Ayodhya

• Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) joined forces for the maiden bilateral exercise named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ in December 2023.
• Ex-Ayutthaya,’ held in December 2023, symbolizes the invincible spirit and cultural ties between Ayodhya (India) and Ayutthaya (Thailand).

 SPORTS

Indian President Launches 5th Meghalaya Games

• On January 15, 2024, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya.

 SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

I-STEM to Launch ‘Samavesha’ At IISc Bengaluru to Enhance Research Collaboration

• The inauguration ceremony of ‘Samavesha’ is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
• One of the pivotal aspects of the project is the establishment of an online portal that will connect researchers and industries with scientific institutes.

 OBITURY

Malayalam Music Director K J Joy Passes Away

• Malayalam music director K J Joy has passed away at the age of 77. 

Classical Singer Prabha Atre Passes Away at 91

• The Indian classical music fraternity Dr. Prabha Atre, a classical vocalist and a luminary of the Kirana Gharana has passed away. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Vice Admiral AN Pramod Appointed Director General Naval Operations

• In a significant development, Vice Admiral AN Pramod assumed the pivotal role of Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on January 15, 2024.
• A distinguished alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at Naval Academy, Goa, Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1990.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

National Startup Day 2024, Date, History and Quotes

• In a significant declaration in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed January 16 as National Startup Day.
• National Startup Day was officially announced on January 15, 2022, with the inaugural observance taking place that same year.
• Theme “Startups Unlocking Infinite Potential.” 

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

India Secures Lithium Blocks in Argentina to address ₹24,000 Crore Import Dependency

• The deal finalized between Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Catamarca Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado (CAMYEN), an Argentine state-owned mining and energy company.
• India is also set to establish an offshore office for KABIL in Catamarca, Argentina.
• Argentina, holding 21% of the world’s lithium reserves concentrated in the Lithium.

Switzerland to Host Ukraine Peace Summit on Zelenskiy’s Request

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has secured Switzerland’s agreement to host a global peace summit aimed at resolving the conflict sparked by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine on Feb.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Deepa Bhandare Makes History as First Female to Receive VSI Award

• Deepa Bhandare, associated with Shri Datta Cooperative Sugar Factory (SSK) in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur, emerged as a trailblazer as she clinched the prestigious Best Environment Officer Award at the ceremony.
• The award, conferred by VSI Chairman Sharad Pawar, marks a historic moment as Bhandare becomes the only woman in the long and illustrious history of Maharashtra’s sugar industry to receive this accolade.