General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - July 2023

Jul 2023

Jul 15, 2023

India Gets its 36th and Tamil Nadu its First Flying Training School

India's aviation education landscape witnessed a significant boost with the approval of the first Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Tamil Nadu by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). EKVI Air Training Organization Pvt Ltd was granted permission to operate from Salem Airport.
This is the 36th Flying Training Organization in the country that DGCA has approved.
The approval of EKVI Air Training Organization Pvt Ltd brings new hope and opportunities for aspiring pilots in Tamil Nadu. With access to professional training programs, students can now embark on a journey towards fulfilling their dreams of becoming skilled aviators. The FTO's comprehensive training curriculum will encompass theoretical classes, flight simulator sessions, and practical flight experience, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares students for the dynamic aviation industry.
In the past, the Indian aviation industry was dominated by government-owned airlines, which were nationalized under the Air Corporations Act, 1953.
However, in the mid-1990s, the government adopted an open-sky policy, allowing private operators to enter the aviation business. This led to the rise of private airlines, including low-cost carriers, which have made air travel more affordable in India.

Vizhinjam Railway Tunnel, Third Longest Tunnel in Country, to Adopt Austrian Tunnelling Method

The third longest railway tunnel in the country connecting the under-construction Vizhinjam International Seaport being developed by the Adani Port with the railway mainline at Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram will use the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for undertaking the tunnelling works. The work will take 36 months for the completion of tunnelling work alone plus three months of initial installation work and another 3 months for track lining and commissioning, taking a total of 42 months for the entire work.

Jul 14, 2023

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates DGNSS ''Sagar Sampark'

In an initiative aimed at boosting the digitalisation in the maritime sector, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) called Sagar Sampark. It is an enhancement system that "corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and provides more accurate positioning information.
The launch of Sagar Sampark at six locations will assist the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) to provide radio aids to ships for marine navigation.
The ministry said that the made-in-India navigation system will provide accurate information to the ships for safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas. This will lead to the safe and efficient movement of vessels.

Kui Language Inclusion in 8th Schedule Gets Approval of Odisha Government

The Odisha state cabinet approved a proposal to recommend the inclusion of the Kui language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India. Inclusion of Kui in the eighth schedule will help in the preservation, promotion and propagation of the language and culture.
Besides, publication, creation of content and recognition will get momentum. It will create an eco-system to facilitate research and studies anchored around the preservation, promotion and propagation of the Kui language. The cabinet maintained that more than seven lakh Kui-speaking indigenous people will benefit from the decision. Besides, it will also have no financial implications.
Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Khonds (also spelt Kondha and Kandha) community.
It is primarily spoken in the state of Odisha. It is traditionally written using the Odia script.
It is closely related to other languages in the Dravidian family such as Gondi and Kuvi.
It was also referred to as the Kuinga language during the historical period.

Jul 13, 2023

BJP Names Greater Cooch Behar Proponent as its Rajya Sabha Candidate from Bengal

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) named Ananta Rai, who heads a faction of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples' Association (GCPA), as its Rajya Sabha candidate from West Bengal.
The BJP made the announcement amid broad speculations that it could send Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty or former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly to the Upper House.
Anant Maharaj will be the BJP's first West Bengal candidate in Rajya Sabha.

Jul 12, 2023

Visitors Conference 2023 Concludes with Focus on National Education Policy

The two-day Visitor's Conference hosted by Rashtrapati Bhavan concluded with a focus on education for sustainable development. More than 150 heads of higher educational institutions (HEIs) such as IITs, NITs, IISERs, NIPERs, and Central Universities, along with Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were present at the conference, to deliberate on the strengthening and smooth implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Five different groups also deliberated on such broad themes as international cooperation in education as part of G20 efforts, diversity and inclusivity in nation's premier HEIs, and plans of action for Amrit Kaal.
In her concluding remarks, President Droupadi Murmu, the host of the Visitor's Conference, and the Visitor of 162 central institutions of higher learning, stressed on the NEP's importance as a roadmap to transform India's HEIs into global Education Centres.

Third G-20 Culture Working Group Meeting under India's Presidency Concludes at Hampi in Karnataka

The third G-20 Culture Working Group meeting under India's presidency concluded at Hampi in Karnataka. The delegates from G20 member countries, guest countries and international organisations were part of the deliberations.
The meeting bridged different opinions and evolved consensus on four themes proposed under India Presidency. Under the first theme of restitution of cultural property, the Secretary informed that under the UNESCO convention agreement, the countries must return the artefacts to the countries of their origin.
The second theme was harnessing the living heritage that aimed at protecting traditional practices like Ayurveda. The third theme was to promote creative economy and industries and the fourth was promoting digital technology in preserving art forms with cultural value.

SC Sets Aside Extension to ED Chief, Asks Govt. to Choose Successor

In a setback to the Centre, the Supreme Court set aside the extension given to Sanjay Kumar Mishra as the Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED), terming it illegal and an attempt to annul its previous directions on the issue.
The top court, however, allowed Mishra to continue on the post till July 31, 2023 in view of FATF review and to ensure the transition to be smooth in the larger public interest.

Jul 11, 2023

India, Malaysia Amend MoU for Defence Cooperation

India and Malaysia widened the scope of defence cooperation by approving an amendment in the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed between the two nations in 1993.
This amendment will act as an enabler to expand bilateral defence cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, the Ministry of Defence said while describing the bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Enhanced Strategic Partnership — announced during the visit of PM Modi to Malaysia in 2015.

Jaishankar Files His Rajya Sabha Nomination Papers

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. Accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP's Gujarat unit president C.R. Paatil, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi, BJP leadership, and the people of Gujarat for another opportunity to represent the state in the Upper House. He highlighted the government's strong stance against terrorism and assured the country's safety under Modi's leadership. Jaishankar praised Gujarat as a model state globally and emphasized its developmental projects. He mentioned progress in relations with neighbouring countries and the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for July 24.

Third World Hindu Conference to be Organized in Bangkok From November 24 to 26

The World Hindu Foundation announced that the third World Hindu Congress (WHC) will be held in Bangkok from in November 24 to 26, 2023. The three-day event, known as Vishwa Hindu Sammelan, will take place at the Convention Center in Bangkok. With the theme "Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah" meaning "Dharma, the Abode of Victory," the conference will focus on exploring opportunities and addressing challenges faced by the global Hindu community.
The World Hindu Congress is organized by the World Hindu Foundation, with Swami Vigyananand serving as its trustee. Swami Vigyanananda is also the Managing Trustee of the Vishwa Hindu Foundation and the Joint General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The foundation aims to bring together Hindus from around the world and provide a platform for discussing various issues.
The World Hindu Conference in Bangkok represents a significant opportunity for Hindus worldwide to come together, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for their community. With participants from over 60 countries, the conference will provide a diverse and inclusive platform for networking, idea exchange, and strategic collaboration. By focusing on areas of strategic importance to Hindus, the WHC aims to generate actionable insights and foster collaboration among Hindu leaders, activists, and thinkers. As the conference progresses, it is expected to shape the future course of action for the global Hindu community and strengthen their collective identity.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

August GK, July GK, June 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