General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - November 2018

Nov 2018

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.

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.

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