General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - October 2018

Oct 2018

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.

Oct 17, 2024

Karnataka Eyes Top Spot as Asia's Animation and Gaming Powerhouse

During a special address at the second edition of the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC) held in New Delhi, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, expressed the state's ambition to lead the gaming and animation industry. Kharge stated, "Karnataka has all that is needed to ensure that we become the gaming and animation capital of not only this country but also of Asia."
Theme of IGC 2024 'India—the Next Superpower in Gaming' emphasises India's growth trajectory to becoming a global leader in gaming.

Centre Extends Tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan

The Union Cabinet approved the extension of tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, who is also the Census Commissioner, until August 2026. It also appointed IPS officer Praveen Vashista as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As Census Commissioner of India, the role of Narayan, a 1995-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, is crucial considering the next census exercises. The Census enumeration, which was scheduled to take place in 2021, has been postponed 10 times in the last four years.

Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution against Waqf Amendment Bill

The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the BJP-led central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The state's lawmakers expressed concerns over the bill, asserting that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and the management of Waqf properties.
V. Abdurahiman, the minister for welfare of minorities, sports, Waqf and Haj pilgrimage, moved the government resolution under rule 118 and said that the Waqf was a subject on the concurrent list.
He argued that the amendments proposed by the Centre as part of the new bill would take away the rights of state governments and Waqf Boards in each state and challenge democratic federalism norms in the country.

Oct 16, 2024

Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as CM of Jammu and Kashmir

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the National Conference-Congress alliance won the maiden assembly elections held after the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah and his ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The NC won 42 seats while the Congress won 6 seats. The majority got further strengthened with the backing of five Independent MLAs and one MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Bharatiya Janata Party won 29 seats, up from 25 it won in 2014 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Poll body ECI Announces Dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Election in the states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The announcement came days after the elections were successfully organised in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian poll body.
While Maharashtra will go to polls in a single phase, Jharkhand will have a two-phase poll process, with the results set to be announced on November 23.
The western Indian state of Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20 with the last date of securing nominations being October 29. The last date of withdrawal of candidature will be November 4.
Meanwhile, the voters in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand will cast their votes in two phases on November 13 and November 20. The last of securing nomination for the first phase is October 25 while for the latter it is October 29. The candidates can withdraw their names for both phases on October 30 and November 1, respectively.

Telangana Appoints One-man Commission to Study SC Sub-Classification

The state government appointed a one-man commission, headed by retired judge of Telangana High Court Justice Shameem Akhtar, to conduct a detailed study on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes for providing reservations.
The Scheduled Castes Development Department (SCDD) had issued orders to this effect.
The commission will complete its inquiry and submit its report to the government within 60 days from the date of assumption of charge.
It may be recalled that the Cabinet sub-committee, headed by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, recently suggested that the government appoint a one-man Commission of Inquiry under Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 (Central Act-60 of 1952) to look into all aspects of SC sub-categorisation.

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