Current Affairs 2024

Lt. Gen. Tarun Kumar Aich takes over as Director General, National Cadet Corps [01 Jan 2021]

Lt. Gen. Tarun Kumar Aich has taken over as Director General, National Cadet Corps on 01 Jan 2021. He took the charge as 33rd DG of NCC – the premier youth organization of the country. Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the MADRAS Regiment in Jun 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He is a Postgraduate and holds an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Madras University.

Shri Suneet Sharma takes over the charge of new Chairman & CEO of Railway Board [01 Jan 2021]

Shri Suneet Sharma, has taken over the charge of new Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board (Ministry of Railways) and ex-officio Principal Secretary to Government of India. The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Suneet Sharma as Chairman & CEO of Railway Board.

Cabinet Approves Export of Akash Missile System and Creates a Committee for faster Approval of Exports [30 Dec 2020]

Under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms and missiles. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation. Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army. After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Def Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries. So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive. The export version of Akash will be different from System currently deployed with Indian Armed Forces.

Cabinet approves Opening of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic [30 Dec 2020]

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the opening of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic in 2021. Opening of Indian Missions in these countries will help expand India’s diplomatic footprint, deepen political relations, enable growth of bilateral trade, investment and economic engagements, facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts, bolster political outreach in multilateral fora and help garner support for India’s foreign policy objectives. Indian mission in these countries will also better assist the Indian community and protect their interests.

PM Modi flags off India’s first-ever driverless metro train in Delhi [28 Dec 2020]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first-ever driverless train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line. He also launched the National Common Mobility Card, an inter-operable transport facility that allows users to pay for travel, toll duties, retail shopping, and withdraw money using one card.

AFSCB Adjudged as the “Best Company Promoting Sports (Public Sector) 2020” at FICCI India Sports Awards 2020 [24 Dec 2020]

Air Force Sports Control Board (AFSCB) has been annotated as the winner in the category of “Best Company Promoting Sports (Public Sector) 2020”. AFSB has been conferred with this prestigious award on 08 Dec 20 by the eminent jury of FICCI India Sports Awards 2020 that was chaired by Justice Mudgal. The award function took place virtually through video conferencing on 08 Dec 2020 and Air Commodore Ashutosh Chaturvedi, Chairman, AFSCB received the prestigious award from the President FICCI. FICCI has acknowledged that IAF has indeed been a true inspiration for other organisations in actively promoting sports, hoping to further motivate sports personnel to achieve newer heights & getting more laurels to the nation.

Successful Maiden Launch of MRSAM [23 Dec 2020]

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone today with the maiden launch of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), Army Version from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Coast of Odisha. The missile completely destroyed a high speed unmanned aerial target which was mimicking an aircraft with a direct hit. Army version of MRSAM is a surface to Air Missile developed jointly by DRDO, India and IAI, Israel for use of the Indian Army. MRSAM Army weapon system comprises of Command post, Multi-Function Radar and Mobile Launcher system. The complete Fire Unit has been used during the launch in the deliverable configuration. The team from the users i.e. Indian Army also witnessed the launch. Number of range instruments such as Radar, Telemetry and Electro-Optical Tracking System were deployed and captured the complete mission data, validating the weapon system performance including the destruction of the target.

NTPC wins prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 [23 Dec 2020]

Country’s largest power producer, NTPC ltd has been conferred “Excellence” in the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Domain. NTPC has been honoured in the Corporate Excellence Category, Commendation for Significant Achievement. The recognition was received by Shri D. K. Patel, Director (HR) in the August presence of Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs at the 15th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 held through the virtual platform.This is the highest award conferred by CII-ITC in CSR domain. NTPC is the only PSU to receive the award in the Corporate Excellence category.

Ratan Tata honoured with 'Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace' award [22 Dec 2020]

Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata was conferred the title of "Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace" by the Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (FIICC) for epitomising "unity, peace and sustainability".

Prime Minister Modi presents ASSOCHAM Centenary Award to Ratan Tata [22 Dec 2020]

Prime Minister Modi presented the ASSOCHAM Enterprise of the Century Award to Ratan Tata, ahead of his keynote address at the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India- ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020 on December 19, 2020, via video conferencing. Ratan Tata received the prestigious award on behalf of the Tata Group. PM Modi praised Tata Group for playing a significant role in the development of India.

Narendra Modi is 1st Indian PM who get Legion of Merit award [22 Dec 2020]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister who awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander by the Government of the United States of America. Due to Coronavirus related restrictions, the award was handed over in a simple ceremony by the National Security Advisor of the United States to the Ambassador of India to the US. The citation for the award recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to elevate the Indo-US Strategic Partnership to address global challenges. It recognizes that India and the US are key partners in the Indo-Pacific, a theme clearly reflected in the choice of awardees.

Lewis Hamilton win BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year [21 Dec 2020]

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton capped another successful year by claiming the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year prize. The 35-year-old driver, who last month equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven F1 titles, overcame Jordan Henderson and Hollie Doyle to win the British broadcaster’s prestigious prize in a public vote.

The winners of 21st Century Icon Awards [21 Dec 2020]

The 21st Century Icon Awards have given the pandemic a massive beating. The Awards continue to celebrate the success of the next generation despite these unprecedented times. The winners of these truly global awards were unveiled in London on December 17. The 21st Century Icon Awards are global, unique, distinctive and celebrate the success of the next generation by recognising dynamic entrepreneurs and successful individuals, helping them to keep growing and competing on the world stage.

The fantastic winners of the 21st Century Icon Awards 2020 are:

Adolfo Cambiaso, Professional Polo Player, Argentina - Competitive Sports Award - Adolfo is a professional polo player, ranked number one in the world with a 10-goal handicap rating, the highest possible in polo. He became the youngest player in history of the sport to reach the ten goals handicap at the age of 17. Adolfo has won every important international polo tournament in the world amassing 174 title wins.

Shankar Mahadevan, Legendary Singer and Composer, India - Magnificent Performing Arts Award - Shankar Mahadevan is regarded as one of India’s top playback singers. As a singer and music composer, he has recorded over 7000 songs. He has also recorded songs for many non-film albums, tel-series, devotionals and classical collaborations. Shankar has won 27 prestigious awards for his music.

Mohit Burman, Vice Chairman, Dabur India Limited - Dedicated Stalwart Award - Mohit is the Vice Chairman of Dabur India with Revenues of over USD 1.2 Billion and Market Capitalisation of USD 11 Billion. Promoted by the Burman family in 1884, Dabur has the largest herbal and natural product portfolio in the world available in over 100 countries.

Raghavendra Rathore, Renowned Indian Fashion Designer - Exquisite Art & Fashion Award - The Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur is India’s premier menswear bespoke brand. For over two decades the brand has been a leader in customisation of lifestyle services for celebrities, power dressers and individuals with a sense of achievement. With stores in all major metros in India and in the UK, the brand evokes its creativity from the ancient town of Jodhpur.

Chris Gayle, Jamaica (International Cricketer) - Competitive Sports Award - Jamaican cricketer who played international cricket for the West Indies. Chris Gayle captained the West Indies Test side from 2007 to 2010. Considered as one of the greatest batsmen ever in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, Chris has set numerous records across all three formats of the game.

Ajeet Singh, Founder Guria India - Generous Philanthropist Award - Guria India is a nonprofit organisation that is dedicated to fighting child prostitution, second generation prostitution, trafficking of women and children for forced labour or sex primarily in Northern India. Guria was founded in 1993 and to date has rescued more than 2,500 children/women from brothels and other forms of slavery, pursued 3120 criminal cases against traffickers/brothel keepers including 15 Public Interest Litigation.

Dhiraj Mukherjee, Co-Founder Shazam - Innovator Technology Award - Dhiraj co-founded Shazam which pioneered mobile music recognition built on its proprietary breakthrough technology. Shazam has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is used by nearly 500 million people a year.

Raissa and Joyce de Haas, (Twins) Co-Founders, Double Dutch Ltd, UK - ELITE Rising Star Award - Raissa and Joyce, Co-Founded Double Dutch in 2015. Double Dutch is a premium tonic and mixer brand that is currently selling just under a million bottles per month across 32 countries. They made it on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2019.

Tashi and Nungshi Malik (Twins), India - Inspirational Icon Award - 9 Guinness World Records. These include first female twins and siblings to scale Mt Everest, scale Seven Summits, complete Explorers Grand Slam, complete three-pole challenge.

Shalini Passi, Founder, Shalini Passi Art Foundation & MASH (My Art Shalini), India - Squared Watermelon Award - Founded in 2018, the Shalini Passi Art Foundation seeks to advocate a new aesthetic language within the Indian avant-garde - collapsing the hierarchical distinctions between architecture, art, craft, design, and fashion by eliciting a rich discourse around creativity in modernity. The Foundation is supporting, educating, and encouraging experimental new practices. Through her digital platform MASH, Shalini seeks to bridge the gap between art, craft, architecture, design and fashion to further a multidisciplinary approach to these fields.

Umaru W Ndagi, Rahma Integrated Concepts Ltd, Nigeria - Relentlessly Resolute Award - Umaru has worked relentlessly for over 12 years seeking solutions for chronic diseases in Nigeria and Africa. Rahma uses local ingredients to make nutraceuticals for chronic and usually debilitating ailments such as sickle cell, diabetes, arthritis etc. Umaru is running clinical trials on products. The trials for sickle cells been successful and will help alleviate the suffering of millions.

Raman Kant, Founder, NEER Foundation, India - Generous Philanthropist Award - Raman Kant founded NEER Foundation in 2004 as a not-for-profit working towards environment protection, managing water conservation and rural development. The Foundation has produced the first detailed census of natural water resources structures in India. They have cleaned up several ponds and rivers to reduce contamination and constructed many natural water resource structures.

Dr. Sunil Daga Dr Indranil Chakravorty, Dr. Subodh Dave, Professor Geeta Menon, Dr. Neeraj Bala, Dr. Subarna Chakravorty - The BAPIO Institute for Health Research (BIHR) part of British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin - Specialist Professional Award - They teamed together to research and produce one of the most important studies during COVID 19. They drew attention of the government establishing Black Asian and Minority Ethnicity (BAME) as independent risk factors for acquiring COVID-19 infections in health care workers. This study featured on Channel 4 prime time news and was submitted as evidence for parliamentary committee review for unequal impact of coronavirus on BAME.

Amit Panghal clinches gold, injured Satish Kumar bags silver [19 Dec 2020]

World silver-medallist Amit Panghal (52kg) notched up a gold medal without having to fight his final bout, while veteran Satish Kumar (+91kg) settled for silver after an injury prevented him from competing in his summit clash at the Cologne World Cup in Germany. Panghal was given a walkover by Germany’s Argishti Terteryan.

Real Kashmir lift IFA Shield Cup to win their maiden silverware [19 Dec 2020]

Real Kashmir FC clinched their maiden major trophy by lifting the IFA Shield after beating George Telegraph 2-1 in the summit clash in Kolkata, though the 127-year-old tournament was held without some of the country’s top sides.

India record their lowest Test score of 36, Australia need 90 to win [19 Dec 2020]

The Indian cricket team suffered the ignominy of being restricted to its lowest ever total in Test cricket, collapsing to 36/9 in the terminated second innings against Australia on the third morning of the first Day/Night Test at Adelaide Oval.India’s earlier lowest score was 42 at the Lord’s in 1974 against England, known in Indian cricket parlance as "Summer of 42".

Anshu, who wrestles in the 57 kg class, won a silver at the World Cup in Belgrade [18 Dec 2020]

Anshu Malik, who wrestles in the 57 kg class, won a silver at the World Cup in Belgrade, Serbia.

ADB, India sign $300 million loan to upgrade power distribution network in Uttar Pradesh [18 Dec 2020]

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India today signed a $300 million loan to upgrade rural power distribution networks to provide reliable electricity supply to consumers in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The signatories to the tranche 1 loan for Uttar Pradesh Power Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project were Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission who signed for ADB.

Indian entrepreneur named among ‘Young Champions of the Earth’ winners by UN environment agency [17 Dec 2020]

A 29-year-old Indian entrepreneur is among the seven winners of the prestigious “Young Champions of the Earth” 2020 prize given by the UN environment agency to global change-makers using innovative ideas and ambitious action to help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Vidyut Mohan, an engineer, is the co-founder of “Takachar”, a social enterprise enabling farmers to prevent open burning of their waste farm residues and earn extra income by converting them into value-added chemicals like activated carbon on-site, UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

CEO, Prasar Bharati elected Vice President of ABU [16 Dec 2020]

Prasar Bharati has achieved another global milestone in broadcasting today with the CEO, Shashi Shekhar Vempati being elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), one of the largest broadcasting associations in the world. The election happened today during the General Assembly of the Union which was held virtually due to COVID-19. Shri Vempati has been elected to the office of the Vice President, ABU for three years with immediate effect.

Dominic Thiem breaks ‘Big Three’ hold on Grand Slams in virus-hit 2020 [15 Dec 2020]

Tennis welcomed a first men’s Grand Slam champion from outside the ‘Big Three’ since 2016 in Dominic Thiem during a 2020 campaign with compelling storylines despite the COVID-19 pandemic wiping out almost half the season, including Wimbledon.

Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians 2020 awarded to Dr. Carolina Araujo from Brazil [11 Dec 2020]

The Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians 2020 was awarded to Dr. Carolina Araujo, Mathematician from the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a virtual ceremony on 9th December 2020. The prize awarded annually to a researcher from a developing country funded by the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India in collaboration with ICTP (International Centre for Theoretical Physics), and the International Mathematical Union was given for her outstanding work in algebraic geometry. Her work area focuses on birational geometry, which aims to classify and describe the structure of algebraic varieties. Dr. Araujo, who is Vice President of the Committee for Women in Mathematics at the International Mathematical Union, is the first non-Indian to receive this prize and will be a role model for all women.

PM lays foundation stone of New Parliament Building [10 Dec 2020]

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the New Parliament Building. The new building is an intrinsic part of the vision of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' and will be a landmark opportunity to build a peoples’ Parliament for the first time after independence, one which will match the needs and aspirations of ‘New India’ in the 75th anniversary of independence in 2022.

World Health Organisation applauds India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign [10 Dec 2020]

The clarion call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to all Indians of Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz has received praise from the World Health Organisation. In a tweet, WHO said, "WHO applauds India's initiative on promoting physical activity through its campaign Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz." 

Bajrang Punia, Elavenil Valarivan bag top honours at FICCI India Sports Awards [09 Dec 2020]

Wrestler Bajrang Punia and shooter Elavenil Valarivan - bagged the top honours at the FICCI India Sports Awards 2020 held virtually this year. The two athletes, who have had an impressive 2019-20 season, won the Sportsperson of the Year awards in their respective categories.

Cabinet approves setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office [09 Dec 2020]

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval forthe proposal of DoT for setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices (PDOs) spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in the country. There shall be no license fee for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks. The proposal will promote the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in the country and, in turn, will help in proliferation of Broadband Internet, enhancement of income and employment and empowerment of people.

Cabinet approves Provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Connectivity between Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project) [09 Dec 2020]

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for Provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Connectivity between Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project). The Project envisages provision of a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Kochi and 11 Islands of Lakshadweep viz. Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan & Kadmat.

The estimated cost of implementation is about Rs. 1072 crore including operational expenses for 5 years. The Project would be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund. It is evident that the growth of telecom infrastructure is closely linked with the economic and social development. Telecommunication connectivity plays vital role in employment generation. The present approval for Provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Connectivity will vastly improve telecommunication facility in the Lakshadweep Islands by providing large bandwidth.

Cabinet approves Atmanirbhar Bharat RojgarYojana (ABRY) [09 Dec 2020]

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for Atmanirbhar Bharat RojgarYojana (ABRY) to boost employment in formal sector and incentivize creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid recovery phase under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0. Cabinet has approved an expenditure of Rs. 1,584 crore for the current financial yearand Rs.22,810 crore for the entire Scheme period i.e. 2020-2023. The salient features of the Scheme are as under:

  • Government of India will provide subsidy for two years in respect of new employees engaged on or after 1st October, 2020 and upto 30th June, 2021
  • Government of India will pay both 12% employees' contribution and 12% employers' contribution i.e. 24% of wages towards EPF in respect of new employees in establishments employing upto 1000 employees for two years,
  • Government of India will pay only employees' share of EPF contribution i.e. 12% of wages in respect of new employees in establishments employing more than 1000 employee for two years.
  • An employee drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who was not working in any establishment registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) before 1st October, 2020 and did not have a Universal Account Number or EPF Member account number prior to 1stOctober 2020 will be eligible for the benefit,
  • Any EPF member possessing Universal Account Number (UAN) drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who made exit from employment during Covid pandemic from 01.03.2020 to 30.09.2020 and did not join employment in any EPF covered establishment up to 30.09.2020 will also be eligible to avail benefit,
  • EPFO will credit the contribution in Aadhaar seeded account of members in electronic manner,
  • EPFO shall develop a software for the scheme and also develop a procedure which is transparent and accountable at their end.
  • EPFO shall work out modality to ensure that there is no overlapping of benefits provided under ABRY with any other scheme implemented by EPFO.

Indian Army celebrated the 260th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps [08 Dec 2020]

Indian Army celebrated the 260th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps, 08 December 2020. The day was marked by Lt Gen MKS Yadav, Director General Supplies & Transport and Senior Colonel Commandant laying wreath at National War Memorial, Delhi along with similar events at various ASC establishments across the country.

Justice Rajesh Bindal to perform duties of office of Chief Justice of JK High Court [08 Dec 2020]

The President of India, in exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, appointed Shri Justice Rajesh Bindal, senior-most Judge of Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 09th December, 2020 consequent upon the retirement of Kumari Justice Gita Mittal, Chief Justice, Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.

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What is Bitcoin?

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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 →