Current Affairs 2024

Shri Arun Goel appointed as Election Commissioner [19 Nov 2022]

The President is pleased to appoint Shri Arun Goel, IAS (Retd.) (PB: 1985) as the Election Commissioner in the Election Commission with effect from the date he assumes office.

India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022 [19 Nov 2022]

India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61st rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2022 (NRI 2022) report released recently. In its latest version of 2022, the NRI Report maps the network-based readiness landscape of 131 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact covering a total of 58 variables. The report has been prepared by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.India has not only improved its ranking but also improved its score from 49.74 in 2021 to 51.19 in 2022. It is noteworthy that India leads in several indicators. The report states that India secured 1st rank in “AI talent concentration”, 2nd rank in “Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country” and “International Internet bandwidth”, and 3rd rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services” and “Domestic market size”, 4th rank in “ICT Services exports”, 5th rank in “FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions” and “AI scientific publications”. NRI-2022 report states that India has a greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level. India is ranked 3rd out of 36 in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Ukraine (50) and Indonesia (59). India has a score higher than the income group average in all pillars and sub-pillars.

ISRO makes history by successfully launching India’s maiden private Vikram-suborbital (VKS) rocket [18 Nov 2022]

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history today by launching successfully India’s maiden private Vikram-suborbital (VKS) rocket. ISRO says, "Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished", while Skyroot Aerospace said, "Vikram-S makes history as the first private rocket of India to grace the skies". Skyroot was the first StartUp to sign an MoU with ISRO for launching its rockets. It was the nation's first private launch, it is also the maiden mission of Skyroot Aerospace, named "Prarambh".

21st World Congress of Accountants organised in Mumbai [18 Nov 2022]

The WCOA 2022 has been organised by the International Federation of Accountants. IFAC, founded in 1977, is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Noting ‘trust’ as one of the themes of the World Congress of Accountants 2022, the Finance Minister said trust is essential for creating sustainable livelihoods for people and sustainable manufacturing and services sectors. “I am sure, the World Congress will come out with ideas as to how the world can be better governed with enhanced transparency with sustainability”

The WCOA 2022 is the platform for the exchange of ideas through interactive discussions for accounting, finance, and business professionals. Over six thousand professionals related to accountancy are attending the Congress including more than 1,800 foreign delegates from 100 nations.

Ms Bharati Das took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) [18 Nov 2022]

Ms Bharati Das took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA). Ms Das is the 27th Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Ms Bharati Das, a 1988-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, is appointed by the Government of India as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, with effect from October 18, 2021. Prior to that, Ms Das has served as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA) Central Board of Direct Taxes, Pr. CCA Ministry of External Affairs, Pr. CCA Ministry of Home Affairs and CCA, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Director, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways. The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is ‘the Principal Advisor’ on Accounting matters to the Union Government. CGA is responsible for establishing and managing a technically sound Management Accounting System and preparation & submission of the accounts of the Union Government. CGA is also responsible for exchequer control and internal audits for the central Government.

NTPC team wins GOLD award in 47th ICQCC-2022 [17 Nov 2022]

NTPC’s QC Team from Unchahar ABHYUDAYA has won the "GOLD" award in the 47th International Convention on Quality Control Circle (ICQCC-2022). The convention is being held from 15th-18th November in Jakarta. The theme for ICQCC-2022 was "Built Back Better through Quality Efforts".NTPC QC Team presented on "Frequent Choking of Collecting tanks of AHP-IV".The QC team members - Shri Reyaz Ahamad (Facilitator), Shri Mahesh Chandra, Shri Virendra Kumar Yadav, and Shri Laxmi Kant worked relentlessly towards providing unique, pragmatic, and quality solutions to the problem at hand. In March 2022, NTPC had been declared the “Dream Employer of the Year” at the 30th Session of the World HRD Congress. NTPC’s efforts to create a future-ready workforce were recognized when NTPC was selected as a 2022 ATD BEST award winner by The Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA. The awards and recognitions are a testimony that people's practices at NTPC are at par with the best companies in the world.

MALABAR 22 CULMINATES [16 Nov 2022]

The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR 22 culminated in the seas off Japan on 15 November 2022. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF. The Indian Navy was represented by Eastern Fleet ships Shivalik and Kamorta led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and US and gained further prominence with the joining of the navies of Australia and Japan.

Shri Gaurav Dwivedi appointed CEO, Prasar Bharati [14 Nov 2022]

The President of India has today appointed, after due recommendation by the Selection Committee, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, as Executive Member (Chief Executive Officer) in Prasar Bharati for a period of five years from his assumption of charge. Shri Dwivedi is an Officer of the Indian Administrative Service, Batch of 1995, of the Chattisgarh cadre.

INDO-FRENCH AIR EXERCISE GARUDA-VII CULMINATES AT AIR FORCE STATION, JODHPUR [12 Nov 2022]

The seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), 'Exercise Garuda-VII' concluded at Air Force Station, Jodhpur. The FASF participated in the exercise with Rafale fighter aircraft and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, while the IAF contingent comprised Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA 'Tejas', and Jaguar fighter aircraft. This fighter element was complemented by the IAF's Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS, and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the newly inducted LCH 'Prachanda'. Exercise Garuda-VII provided the two Air Forces with the opportunity for professional interaction and sharing of operational knowledge and experience. With meticulous planning and execution of various phases of the exercise, personnel of the IAF and the FASF were exposed to realistic air combat simulations and the associated Combat Support Operations. This enabled the participating contingents to engage in wide-ranging interactions, providing valuable insight into each other's best practices. The exercise also provided a platform for cultural exchange between the Air Force personnel of both countries.

PM inaugurates Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru [11 Nov 2022]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru. Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is built at a cost of around Rs. 5000 crores. The terminal will double the passenger handling capacity of the airport to 5-6 crore passengers per annum, from the current capacity of about 2.5 crores.Terminal 2 is designed as a tribute to the Garden city of Bengaluru and the passenger experience is meant to be a “walk in the garden”. Passengers will travel through 10,000+ square meters of green walls, hanging gardens, and outdoor gardens. The Airport has already established a benchmark in sustainability with 100% usage of renewable energy across the campus. Terminal 2 has been created with sustainability principles woven into the design. Based on the sustainability initiatives, Terminal 2 will be the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified platinum rating by US GBC (green building council) prior to commencing operations. The theme of ‘Naurasa’ unites all the commissioned artworks for Terminal 2. The artworks reflect the heritage and culture of Karnataka as well as the broader Indian ethos.

PM unveils 108-feet-long bronze statue of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru [11 Nov 2022]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a 108-foot-long bronze statue of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru. The statue is built to commemorate the contribution of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of the city, towards the growth of Bengaluru. Conceptualised and sculpted by Ram V Sutar of the Statue of Unity fame, 98 tonnes of bronze and 120 tonnes of steel have gone into making this statue. The role of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in the making of Bengaluru is unparalleled. He is remembered as a visionary who always put the welfare of people above everything else.

Justice DY Chandrachud takes oath as 50th Chief Justice of India [09 Nov 2022]

Justice D Y Chandrachud took charge as the 50th Chief Justice of India. The senior-most judge of the apex court, Justice Chandrachud is set to serve as CJI for a period of two years, succeeding Uday Umesh Lalit. Justice Chandrachud was elevated to the top court on May 13, 2016. He has been part of several Constitution benches and landmark verdicts of the top court including on matters relating to the Ayodhya land dispute, the right to privacy and adultery.

Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi appointed as the Chairman of 22nd Law Commission [09 Nov 2022]

Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Retired Chief Justice, Karnataka High Court has assumed charge as Chairperson, 22nd Law Commission of India along with Justice K.T. Sankaran, Retired Judge, Kerala High Court as Member and Shri M. Karunanithi, Advocate, Madurai, Tamil Nadu as Part Time Member.

Shri Giridhar Aramane assumes the office of Defence Secretary [01 Nov 2022]

Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumed the office of Defence Secretary. Before taking charge, Shri Aramane laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He saluted the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. In his 32 years of experience in IAS, Shri Aramane has held various important portfolios in the Central Government as well as Andhra Pradesh government. Prior to his current assignment, Shri Aramane was Secretary, of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Earlier, he was an Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. Apart from Cabinet Secretariat, Shri Aramane looked after Exploration Division in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and was Executive Director in charge of inspections in the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority. In the Andhra Pradesh Government, Shri Aramane served as Principal Secretary in Urban Development Department; Managing Director of AP State Finance Corporation, and Secretary (Finance Department). He also held the post of the Collector & DM of the Chittoor and Khammam districts. Shri Aramane did B Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, and M Tech from IIT, Madras. He is MA (Economics) from Kakatiya University, Warangal.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva becomes Brazil president [01 Nov 2022]

Left leader Luiz Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former factory worker and Brazil’s first working-class president, scripts an astonishing political comeback as he beats far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazil elections. Da Silva received 50.9 percent of the vote and incumbent Jair Bolsonaro 49.1 percent, according to the country’s election authority. Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was born in October 1945 in Caetes in the Northeast of Brazil. In the 1970s, Lula joined the labour movement. In 1980, he founded the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) or Worker’s Party, a left-wing party with progressive ideas. In 2002, Lula became Brazil’s first working-class president. In 2010, he stepped down after two terms with approval ratings close to 90 percent. During his term, he presided over an economic boom that lifted millions of Brazilians from poverty. Lula is the first person to be democratically elected as president of Brazil three times.

PM lays foundation stone of C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara, Gujarat [30 Oct 2022]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. He also visited an exhibition showcasing technological and manufacturing strides in the aerospace industry under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Spain Retains FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup Crown [30 Oct 2022]

Defending champions Spain won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over first-time finalist Colombia whose campaign ended in heartbreak after an own goal in the summit clash at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Indian Wins Sultan of Johor Cup 2022 [29 Oct 2022]

The Indian junior men's hockey team (Under 21) defeated Australia 5-4 on a penalty shootout in a nail¬biting final at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia to win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2022 title. India won their third Sultan of Johor Cup title.

India's Largest Rocket Makes Maiden Commercial Flight with heaviest payload [23 Oct 2022]

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-3 (also designated LVM3) carrying 36 OneWeb satellites, from Satis Dhawan Space Centre. The launch marks the first dedicated commercial launch for New Space India Limited (NSIL) using the LVM3 rocket. This was the first LVM3 dedicated commercial launch on demand through NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This was also the first multi-satellite launch of LVM3 to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and the first Indian rocket with a 6-tone payload.

Giorgia Meloni elected as first Woman Prime Minister of Itali [22 Oct 2022]

Giorgia Meloni becomes Italy's first woman Prime Minister at the head of its most right-wing government since World War II after leading a conservative alliance to triumph at the election. Meloni take over from Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, who pushed Rome to the center of EU policy-making during his 18-month stint in office, forging close ties with Paris and Berlin. The Italian far-right leader Meloni's party came top in general elections. Leading the next government, she will work for the betterment of all Italians.

Shri Jaxay Shah nominated as the new Chairman of Quality Council of India [21 Oct 2022]

Shri Jaxay Shah, former Chairman of CREDAI and founder Chairman of Savvy Group has been appointed as the Chairman of Quality Council of India (QCI) for a period of three years effective from 21st October 2022. The incumbent chairman succeeds the former McKinsey India Chief Shri Adil Zainulbhai who served as the Chairman of QCI through three terms for a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022. Shri Jaxay Shah has been appointed based on his vast industry experience which shall contribute to further propelling the wheels of Quality, a legacy established by the former Chairpersons of QCI. Shri Shah founded one of India’s largest infrastructure conglomerates, the Savvy Group in 1996 and held the position of national chairman of CREDAI, the apex body of private Real Estate developers in India. In addition, he also holds the position of the Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Western Region Development Council and serves as the Advisor at the PharmEasy Accelerator Program, which offers 1 lakh+ medicine and health products.

CCI imposes a monetary penalty of Rs. 1337.76 crore on Google [20 Oct 2022]

The Competition Commission of India (Commission) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 1,337.76 crores on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem, apart from issuing cease and desist orders. The CCI also directed Google to modify its conduct within a defined timeline. Smart mobile devices need an operating system (OS) to run applications (apps) and programs. Android is one such mobile operating system that was acquired by Google in 2005. The CCI in the instant matter has examined various practices of Google w.r.t. licensing of this Android mobile operating system and various proprietary mobile applications of Google (e.g. Play Store, Google Search, Google Chrome, YouTube, etc.). During the course of the inquiry, Google argued about the competitive constraints being faced from Apple. In relation to understanding the extent of competition between Google’s Android ecosystem and Apple’s iOS ecosystem, the CCI noted the differences in the two business models which affect the underlying incentives of business decisions. Apple’s business is primarily based on a vertically integrated smart device ecosystem that focuses on the sale of high-end smart devices with state-of-the-art software components. Whereas Google’s business was found to be driven by the ultimate intent of increasing users on its platforms so that they interact with its revenue-earning service i.e., an online search which directly affects the sale of online advertising services by Google.

Yunqing Tang Chosen for SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 [20 Oct 2022]

Yunqing Tang, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A, was declared winner of the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 in October 2022 for her great contribution to the field of mathematics. Ms. Yunqing, born in China, completed her B.Sc. at Peking University in 2011, following which she went to Harvard University for higher studies. She completed her Ph.D. in 2016 at Harvard under the supervision of Mark Kisin. After stints at Princeton University as a postdoctoral fellow, Instructor, and Assistant Professor, she joined UC Berkeley in July 2022 as Assistant Professor.

The award, instituted by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) in 2005 with a cash prize of $10,000, is presented annually to individuals aged 32 and below, who made outstanding contributions in the field of mathematics.

PM Shri Narendra Modi unveils indigenous trainer aircraft HTT-40, designed & developed by HAL, during DefExpo 2022 [19 Oct 2022]

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled HTT-40, an indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), at the India Pavilion during 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The HTT-40 would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close formation flights whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying. It is a testament to the cutting-edge technology designed to meet the primary training requirements of the Indian defense services. Built around a meticulously-tested turbo-prop engine, the aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics, an air-conditioned cabin, and ejection seats. It boasts of unique features like running change-over of pilots, hot-refueling, and short-turnaround time. All the tests required for certification were completed in a record six years from the first flight. The HTT-40 has completed all systems tests, all PSQR performances, hot weather, sea level, and cross-wind trials, and user-assisted technical trials. It demonstrated rainwater resistance. Provisional clearance for the airworthiness of the aircraft is received from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).

Shri R. K Singh inaugurates the 5th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance [18 Oct 2022]

The Fifth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance was inaugurated today by Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, India in his capacity as the President, of the International Solar Alliance. The Republic of India holds the office of the President of the ISA Assembly, with the Government of France as Co-President. Ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 110 Member and Signatory countries and 18 prospective countries joined the inaugural ceremony of the 5th ISA Assembly.

Path to Pride: biggest-ever DefExpo, exclusively for Indian companies, opens in Gandhinagar, Gujarat [18 Oct 2022]

Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, hosts India’s biggest-ever defense exhibition till date - DefExpo 2022 – between October 18-22, 2022. This 12th edition of the event has been organized on the theme ‘Path to Pride’. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was present at the inaugural ceremony on October 19.

90th INTERPOL General Assembly [18 Oct 2022]

90th INTERPOL General Assembly held in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this assembly in presence of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Interpol President Shri Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, Interpol Secretary General Shri Jurgen Stock, Director of CBI Shri S.K. Jaiswal, Distinguished Delegates, and Participants.

Shehan Karunatilaka Wins Booker Prize 2022 for 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' [17 Oct 2022]

Sri Lankan novelist Shehan Karunatilaka won the Booker Prize for fiction 2022 for his book The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida as Britain's Queen Camilla presented the coveted honour to Shehan in London. Karunatilaka is the second Sri Lankan-born author to win the Booker Prize since it was founded in 1969, following Michael Ondaatje, whose novel "The English Patient" won in 1992. The Booker-winning novel tells the story of a dead war photo¬grapher on a mission in the afterlife.

Indian Women Win Women's Asia Cup 2022 [15 Oct 2022]

Indian Women's cricket team emerged champion of the Women's Asia Cup 2022, the most prestigious trophy of women's cricket in Asia, as India registered a thumping eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet.

Global Hunger Report 2022 [15 Oct 2022]

A consistent effort is yet again visible to taint India’s image as a Nation that does not fulfill the food security and nutritional requirements of its population. Misinformation seems to be the hallmark of the annually released Global Hunger Index. The Global Hunger Report 2022 released by Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe, Non-Government Organisations from Ireland and Germany respectively, has ranked India at 107 among 121 countries. The index is an erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues. Three out of the four indicators used for the calculation of the index are related to the health of Children and cannot be representative of the entire population. The fourth and most important indicator estimate of the Proportion of the Undernourished (PoU) population is based on an opinion poll conducted on a very small sample size of 3000.

Career Opportunities in Fashion Designing

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Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

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What is Bitcoin?

In 2009, an unknown programmer by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto put forward a whitepaper that proposed a creation of new form of digital currency - cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency functions the same way as regular currencies do in that its used as a means of exchange, unit of account and a store of va →

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Headquarter: New Delhi Function and Objective of the Organization: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food-related issues in various Ministries →