General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2018

May 2018

Apr 10, 2024

GUJCOST Designated as Nodal Centre for ISRO's START Programme

GUJCOST has been appointed as the Nodal Centre for ISRO's START programme, aimed at nurturing aspiring scientists and engineers in the field of space science and technology. The programme, conceptualized by ISRO, provides an introductory online platform covering various areas of space science research.
Under the START programme, GUJCOST will conduct live classes, acting as the central hub for knowledge dissemination. Four Regional Science Centres in Rajkot, Patan, Bhavnagar, and Bhuj will also contribute to facilitating the programme, expanding its reach across the region.
The inaugural online programme, titled "Exploration of Solar System," invites registrations until April 19. Scheduled to commence on April 24 and run until May 10, 2024, the programme aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of the complexities of the solar system.

Pune Celebrates Yoga Mahotsav Ahead of International Yoga Day

The 'Yoga Mahotsav' was held in Pune, Maharashtra, to mark the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga. Organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the National Institute of Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush, the event witnessed the overwhelming participation of thousands of people. The participants engaged in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), showcasing the growing popularity of Yoga.
The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given significant importance during the event, with a live demonstration performed by the experts from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
More than 5,000 Yoga practitioners participated in the CYP demonstration, which was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.

Apr 09, 2024

Pay Extra for AC: Telangana Cabbies Announce New Campaign This Summer

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), on April 8, announced a 'No AC Campaign' due to declining per kilometre fares under offer by major cab aggregators like Uber, Ola and Rapido.
"We, drivers working with #Uber, #Ola and #Rapido apps are unable to turn on the AC in our cabs due to declining per-kilometre fares. The cost of running our cabs with AC is rupees 16-18 per kilometre," the organisation said in a post on X.
The gig workers body said that after accounting for commissions charged by Uber, Ola and Rapido, the drivers are able to earn only rupees 10-12 per km.
"All our customers on this matter. If they require the AC to be switched on during rides, we request them to kindly offer us a tip to help us adequately meet the costs. We, drivers working with Uber, Ola and Rapido apps are unable to turn on the AC in our cabs due to declining per-kilometre fares. With temperatures in Hyderabad soaring up to 43 degrees Celsius, turning on the AC means that the costs for fuel and maintenance rise." it added.

Innovative Election Initiative: Punjab Launches 'Booth Raabta' Website

In an innovative move aimed at enhancing voter engagement and accessibility to election-related information, Punjab's Malerkotla district introduced the 'Booth Raabta' website. Spearheaded by District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Pallavi, this platform, accessible via boothraabta.com, serves as a comprehensive resource hub for voters and polling personnel alike. The initiative has garnered praise from key officials, including Deputy Election Commissioner of India, Hirdesh Kumar, and Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C.
The 'Booth Raabta' website facilitates easy access to crucial election-related information, empowering voters with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Notably, it offers young voters the ability to download certificates and provides a platform for voters to rate polling stations, enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Centre Appoints Manoj Panda as New Finance Commission Member

Manoj Panda, renowned economist and former director of the Institute of Economic Growth, has been appointed as a full-time member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission by the Centre. This appointment completes the panel, enabling it to begin its crucial tasks.
Panda, an esteemed economist and former director of the Institute of Economic Growth, joins as a full-time member.
Prior to Panda's appointment, the finance panel operated with only three full-time members and Chairperson Arvind Panagariya. With Panda onboard, the commission is now at full strength, comprising four full-time members and a chairperson.
The vacancy in the commission arose when Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director of Artha Global, cited unforeseen personal circumstances for his inability to assume the role. Panda's appointment rectifies this vacancy, ensuring the commission's operational effectiveness.

Indian Coast Guard Inaugurates Aquatic Centre at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu

Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal inaugurated the Indian Coast Guard Aquatic Centre at ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, as part of his four-day visit to the maritime force's bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. The visit aimed to review operational preparedness and infrastructure development in the region, with a focus on ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas.
During his visit, DG Rakesh Pal engaged with officers and personnel to discuss his vision for maritime safety and security.
The Indian Coast Guard operates alongside the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as one of the four forces under the Defence Ministry, each governed by its own legislation.

UP Ex-top Cop Joins BJP

Former Uttar Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Vijay Kumar, who retired from the post nearly two months ago, joined the BJP along with his wife, stating that he will follow the party's instructions on contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Kumar, a 1988-batch IPS officer, and his wife Anupama Kumar were inducted into the party fold by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and others at the BJP office in Lucknow.
He is the second former state DGP to join the BJP in the past decade after Brij Lal, who became a party member in 2015 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha five years later.

Apr 08, 2024

Odisha BJP Vice President Lekhasri Samantasinghar Resigns from Party

In a jolt to the opposition BJP, the party's Odisha unit vice president Lekhasri Samantasinghar resigned from the saffron party and joined the Biju Janata Dal ahead of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.
Lekhasri is the second BJP Odisha vice president after Bhrugu Baxipatra to resign from the BJP weeks before the polls and join the BJD.

After Tax Searches, FDI Questions, BBC Hives Off Newsroom in India as Separate Company

Less than a year after being questioned by Income Tax authorities for alleged violations, the BBC hived off its newsroom in India, handing over its publishing license to a private limited company established by its Indian employees, a first for the public service broadcaster's global operations anywhere in the world.
Under this new arrangement, a private limited company called the 'Collective Newsroom' was set up by four former BBC employees. Its India offices will produce all of the India content in seven languages for the BBC's digital services in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.
The BBC is learnt to have applied to the Indian government for a 26% stake in this private limited company.
Rupa Jha is the Chief Executive Officer of the Collective Newsroom.
Jha, who was the senior news editor at BBC India, is one of the four founding shareholders of Collective Newsroom.
The BBC's India bureau, comprising around 200 people, is its largest operation worldwide outside the United Kingdom. It began broadcasting in India in May 1940.

Apr 07, 2024

Ikshvaku-era Coins Unearthed at Telangana's Buddhist Heritage Site

Telangana's Department of Heritage, in April 2024, unearthed a coin hoard at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site located 110 km away from the state capital of Hyderabad.
The lead coins were found in an earthen pot during the ongoing excavations in Telangana's Suryapet district by a team led by director N Sagar and co-excavator B Mallu. The coins numbering 3,730 bore an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse.
Studies concluded that the coins belong to the Ikshvaku period, said principal secretary Sailaja Ramaiyer and department's director Bharathi Hollikeri after visiting the site.

Apr 06, 2024

Meenesh Shah Elected as Chairman of NCDFI

The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI), the national-level apex dairy cooperative, elected its new Board of Directors. In the elections held, Meenesh Shah was unanimously chosen as the new Chairman of the organisation.
The election process was conducted by Praveen Chaudhary, IAS, the District Collector of Anand, who served as the Returning Officer. Prior to the Board elections, the NCDFI General Body had elected eight directors to the Board in an unopposed process.
NCDFI is the national-level apex dairy cooperative, registered on December 7, 1970 based at Anand, Gujarat. It operates under the provisions of the Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023. The organisation has 20 Regular Members, 14 Associate Members, and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as its Institutional Member.

Delhi High Court Appoints Retired Justice Najmi Waziri as Head of Committee to Protect Delhi's Fo...

The Delhi High Court appointed its former judge, Justice Najmi Waziri as the head of the internal departmental committee tasked with protection of forests in the national capital.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that even though the forest officials are making efforts to protect forests and 'deemed forests' from further incursions and denudation of the forest trees, the land owning departments are not serious on the issue.
The Court noted that the land-owning agencies are not assisting the internal department committee, constituted on the Court's order, in collating the necessary documents, maps and other records.
Justice Waziri is known as the 'Green Judge' because of orders passed by him to increase the green cover in the city.

Union Health Ministry Launches myCGHS iOS App

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the myCGHS app for iOS, delivering enhanced healthcare accessibility and digital experiences to Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries. The app prioritizes user safety with robust security measures.
The myCGHS app is an essential leap for CGHS in the realm of healthcare services. It empowers CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare features right at their fingertips. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of leveraging technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
The myCGHS iOS app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and NIC Health Team. It is a convenient mobile application offering features aimed at enhancing information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.

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