General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - April 2020

Apr 2020

Oct 03, 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar awarded Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for bravery

Captain Smit Machchhar, a senior Indian airline pilot, has been selected by the Government of Gujarat for the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award. The recognition honours his exceptional courage during a serious mid-air incident on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports say Machchhar was assaulted by his co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to endanger the aircraft. Despite injuries, the captain reportedly maintained command, kept passengers calm, and opened the cockpit door to enable intervention by crew and passengers. The crew managed to divert the flight and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving more than 170 people on board. The incident drew praise from Indian and international leaders for Machchhar’s presence of mind and bravery.

Incident involved a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Captain Machchhar reportedly faced an assault by his co-pilot.
He opened the cockpit door to allow intervention by crew and passengers.
Flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; over 170 people were saved.
Gujarat government announced Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for bravery.
National and international leaders praised Machchhar’s actions.

Sep 25, 2026

Mizoram Farmer ZT Lalrithangi Named FAO 100 Women Heroes Award Recipient

ZT Lalrithangi, a 35-year-old farmer from Sangau village in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, has been selected for the FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development Award. The recognition is linked to the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 and highlights the contribution of women farmers toward sustainable agriculture and rural development. Lalrithangi’s selection underscores the important role of women in India’s agricultural sector. It brings national attention to women’s leadership in farming and the need for continued support, including access to credit, training, and inclusive policies that enable women to implement climate-smart farming practices at the local level.

Recipient: ZT Lalrithangi (Pi Mari-i) from Sangau, Mizoram
Award: FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development
Context: Linked to International Year of Women Farmers 2026
Significance: Highlights women’s role in sustainable farming in India
Policy implication: Emphasizes need for credit access and inclusive support

DRI, BSF Seize 12 Kg Gold Worth ₹17 Crore at India–Bangladesh Border

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF), seized 12 kilograms of gold worth about ₹17 crore at the India–Bangladesh border. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling and strengthen border controls. Authorities said the joint action involved multiple agencies and will feed into broader border‑security measures and anti-smuggling campaigns. Investigations are expected to trace the supply chain, identify suspects, and determine sources and destinations of the precious metal. The seizure highlights the importance of inter‑agency coordination in monitoring illegal cross‑border movements.

Quantity/value: 12 kg gold, ≈₹17 crore
Agencies: DRI and BSF
Focus: Cross-border smuggling crackdown
Next steps: Investigations into supply chain and suspects
Significance: Strengthened border controls and inter‑agency coordination

Sep 24, 2026

India in Last 48 Hours: Must-Know Highlights

Must-know highlights from the last 48 hours in India include several national developments. On 23 September 2026, Delhi approved the DURGA Green E-Auto scheme, offering 1,300 pink electric autos to women and transgender beneficiaries, with a ₹50,000 first-year incentive and tax exemptions under Delhi EV Policy 2026–30. Earlier, on 22 September 2026, Andhra Pradesh launched the Centralized Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and SafeStay AP app to boost safety. NIT Srinagar unveiled India’s first campus-based astronomical observatory (NSOAA) to support training and outreach. Premier Energies expanded to 10.6 GW with a 7 GW Naidupeta plant for N-type TOPCon cells. India also won gold in women’s cricket at the Asian Games.

DURGA scheme date: 23 September 2026.
DURGA benefits: 1,300 pink e-autos, ₹50,000 incentive, tax exemptions.
AP CDMP and SafeStay AP launch: 22 September 2026.
NSOAA: campus-based observatory at NIT Srinagar.
Premier Energies: total capacity 10.6 GW with 7 GW plant.
Sports milestone: India wins women's cricket gold at Asian Games.

Sep 23, 2026

Third National ANTF Conference held in New Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States and Union Territories in New Delhi during September 2026. The two-day conference was organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and brought together ANTF heads from 36 States and Union Territories, along with officials from various government departments and stakeholders. Delegates discussed strategies against drug trafficking, improved inter-agency coordination, and enhanced information sharing. The meeting highlighted enforcement, prevention, and regional cooperation, aiming to strengthen narcotics control nationwide through coordinated policy actions and practical deployments.

Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd ANTF conference in New Delhi.
Two-day event organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
ANTF heads from 36 States/UTs attended with other officials.
Topics included anti-trafficking strategies and information sharing.
Focus on enhanced inter-agency coordination nationwide.

Sep 20, 2026

Hansraj Singh Verma named India's Ambassador to Cuba

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on 18 September 2026 the appointment of Hansraj Singh Verma as India’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. Verma, a 2008 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has served in missions across Paris, Accra, Buenos Aires and other capitals, with roles in protocol and administration. He will assume Havana posting soon, replacing outgoing ambassador T Armstrong Changsan, who will move to Armenia. In India, Rozgar Mela on 19 September 2026 will distribute over 51,000 appointment letters, reflecting ongoing employment initiatives. ([news.webindia123.com](https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/World/20260918/4500465.html?utm_source=openai)) ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2311973&lang=1®=3&utm_source=openai))

Appointment announced by MEA on 18 September 2026
Verma is 2008 batch IFS, currently CG in Sao Paulo
Previous postings include Paris, Accra, Buenos Aires
Replacing outgoing ambassador to Cuba who moves to Armenia
Rozgar Mela on 19 September 2026 to issue 51,000 letters

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