NEWS 07-01-2024. News For 8th-Jan (Monday) *INTERNATIONAL* 1. India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations & facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two countries. 2. India has formally signed up for the *Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)* – an ambitious multinational initiative to build the world’s largest radio telescope spanning over a square kilometer. 3. In a significant diplomatic move, Sri Lanka has communicated to India its decision to prohibit any Chinese research vessel from docking at its ports or operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a duration of one year. 4. Russia has taken over the BRICS chairmanship as of January 1, following the decision made during the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2022, expanding the association to include 10 countries.Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. *NATIONAL* 1. Isro has launched it's first scientific satellite XPoSat to study black hole emissions; PSLV-C58 carrying an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite, 10 other experimental payloads lifts-off. 2. Gujarat govt, in collaboration with Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL), is set to introduce India’s first submarine tourism. 3. PM Modi marked a historic moment as he dedicated the Rs 400 crore Demonstration Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (DFRP) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, to the nation. *SPORTS* 1. Indian men's hockey team midfielder Hardik Singh and women's side captain Savita won the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year (women) awards respectively. DEFENCE 1. Joint military exercise between India & UAE Exercise 'Desert Cyclone' will be conducted in Rajasthan from January 02 to 15, 2024. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability by learning and sharing best practices in Urban Operations. 2.First all-girls Sainik School has been inaugurated at Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Defence Minister termed it as a beacon of light for girls who aspire to join the Armed Forces & protect the motherland. 3. As part of the expanding military cooperation, India is set to assist Tanzania in establishing a mechanised infantry battalion. 4. The financial year 2023 witnessed India's defence production crossing the historic 1 lakh crore threshold, reflecting a commendable surge in manufacturing output. 5. Indian Air Force Pilots Set to Undergo Advanced Astronaut Training at NASA Johnson Space Center < < Back