General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2014

Dec 2014

Oct 22, 2024

Naik is India's Acting Canada High Commissioner

Chinmoy Naik was appointed acting High Commissioner in Ottawa, the Indian High Commission in Canada said. Naik assumed charge after the previous High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other officials were withdrawn by India earlier amid the ongoing diplomatic row with Canada.
Naik has been the Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Ottawa, from February 2023 onwards.
A 2004-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, Naik has served in the Indian Embassy in Beijing and Paris. He has also handled matters pertaining to Eurasia, disarmament, new technologies and cultural diplomacy, while being posted in New Delhi.

Madhya Pradesh Introduces 'Pink Alarms' for Enhanced Women's Safety at Datia Hospital

In a pioneering move aimed at enhancing the safety of women in healthcare settings, Madhya Pradesh installed 'pink alarms'at the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia. This initiative addresses growing concerns about the safety of female staff in public hospitals, a pressing issue that gained heightened attention following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The installation of 'pink alarms' is part of a broader movement to address the urgent issue of women's safety in public hospitals across India.
Recent incidents involving violence against women healthcare workers have underscored the need for improved safety measures in medical institutions.
The 'pink alarms' are the brainchild of District Collector Sandeep Makin.
This installation marks the first of its kind in a government hospital within Madhya Pradesh.

Haryana Becomes First State to Implement Dalit Sub-Quotas

In a landmark move, Haryana become the first state to implement sub-quotas for the Dalit community by sub-classifying the Scheduled Castes (SCs). The decision follows the Supreme Court's August 2023 ruling, granting states the power to divide SCs and STs for preferential reservations. Haryana's move, backed by a state commission's recommendations, is aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of the "Deprived Scheduled Castes" (DSC), who are more marginalised in employment sectors compared to "Other Scheduled Castes" (OSC). The state has divided the SC community into two groups: DSC, which includes 36 castes like Balmikis and Dhanaks, and OSC, which includes castes such as Chamars and Jatavs.
This initiative, previously postponed during Haryana's election period, is now active, ensuring that each subgroup gets 50% of the 20% SC quota for government jobs. It signifies a crucial step toward equitable distribution of benefits within the SC community, in line with the Supreme Court's directive that reservations be linked to caste-based underrepresentation.

Oct 21, 2024

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is New NCW Chief

The Centre appointed Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, the national secretary of the BJP, as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Rahatkar, the ninth chairperson of the NCW, succeeded Rekha Sharma whose tenure as NCW chairperson ended in August after two consecutive terms.
Rahatkar was appointed for a three-year term or till the age of 65 years, whichever is the earliest. She is a former national president of the BJP Mahila Morcha.
It was established on January 31, 1992 under the provisions of the Indian Constitution.

Chhattisgarh's Northern Tribal Belt Gets First Airport

A domestic airport was inaugurated in the Surguja region, bringing air connectivity for the first time to Chhattisgarh's northern tribal belt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur city of Surguja district.
Sprawled across 365 acres of land, the airport was built at a cost of Rs. 80 crore. A 72-seater aircraft can land on its airstrip and the airport has the capacity to handle 5 lakh passengers annually.

NHRC Concludes National Conference, Advocates for Older Persons' Rights

On its 31st Foundation Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised a day-long national conference on the 'Rights of Older Persons' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. During the keynote address, Acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani emphasised the invaluable role of elders as the architects of the nation's history, keepers of cultural heritage, and foundational pillars of families.
Vijaya Bharathi Sayani described elders as "the architects of our nation's history" and emphasised their importance in families and society.
She called for respect, compassion, and dignity for older persons during their twilight years.

India Delivers Haemo-dialysis Machines to PNG, Supplies Aid to Lebanon

India fulfilled a significant commitment made during the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III) Summit by sending its first consignment of 12 Haemo-dialysis machines to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Also in response to rising tensions and ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, India dispatched the first tranche of a 33-ton consignment of medical supplies as part of a humanitarian effort to support Lebanon.
India has consistently provided aid to its global partners, offering vaccines, essential medicines, food, and other critical resources.

Oct 20, 2024

Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association Launched in Hyderabad

To strengthen bilateral ties, the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was inaugurated in Hyderabad. The initiative seeks to enhance cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, culture and tourism, science and technology, and education between India and Turkiye. This launch is particularly poignant as both regions commemorate notable historical milestones—300 years since the Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty in Hyderabad and a century since the abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate and Caliphate.
Consul General of Turkiye in Hyderabad, Orhan Yalman Okan, and ITFA Chairman Faiz Khan highlighted the rich historical connections between India and Turkiye, dating back over a millennium. The relationship has been marked by significant cultural exchanges, such as the marriage of Turkish Princess Durrushehvar Sultan to Nawab Azam Jah of Hyderabad, fostering deep affection for Turkish culture in India.

India and Mauritania Sign Four MoUs

India and Mauritania took a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral relations by signing four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Indian President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the North African country. This visit, a historic moment in Indo-African diplomacy, marked the first time an Indian President set foot in Mauritania, as part of President Murmu's three-nation tour, which also included Algeria and Malawi.
The four MoUs were signed between India and Mauritania, aiming to enhance collaboration in multiple areas. These MoUs focused on:
Training of Diplomats – Establishing a framework for capacity-building and exchange of knowledge between the foreign services of both countries.
Cultural Exchange – Fostering mutual understanding and appreciation through cultural programs, exhibitions, and artist exchanges.
Visa Exemption – Offering visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smooth diplomatic engagements.
Foreign Office Consultations – Enhancing regular consultations between the foreign offices of both nations to ensure continuous dialogue on bilateral and international issues.

Oct 19, 2024

The 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), hosted the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) in New Delhi, India, from October 14 to 18, 2024.
The overarching theme of this significant event was 'Smart Regulation: Delivering Quality Assured Medical Products for All.' The conference spanned a comprehensive five-day program, commencing with the first two days designated as the PRE-ICDRA, followed by the subsequent three days designated as the main ICDRA sessions.
Since it was founded in 1980, the International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) has brought together regulatory authorities from WHO Member States to strengthen collaboration and develop international consensus on regulatory priorities.

Oct 18, 2024

Kaksar Bridge Renamed in Honour of Kargil War Hero Capt. Amit Bhardwaj

In a poignant ceremony, Kaksar Bridge, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, was renamed Capt. Amit Bhardwaj Setu to honour the sacrifice of Capt. Amit Bhardwaj during the Kargil War. The event, attended by prominent military and civil officials, including CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Major General K. Mahesh, SM, celebrated Bhardwaj's bravery and dedication to the nation.
Sunita Dhonkaria, Capt. Bhardwaj's sister, inaugurated a memorial at the bridge, further honoring her brother's legacy. Capt. Amit Bhardwaj, serving with the 4 JAT Battalion, made the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue operation in Kaksar, showcasing unparalleled courage against infiltrators in 1999.

Nayab Saini Takes Oath as Haryana Chief Minister

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana's Chief Minister for the second time, marking BJP's third consecutive term in power in the state. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA leaders. Saini's council of 13 ministers also took the oath. Saini, a Dalit leader from Kurukshetra, led the BJP to victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, securing 48 seats in the 90-member house. Saini's rise to the top post continues from his earlier roles in the BJP, including as Haryana BJP chief.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26