President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India will confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 94 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts expressed in the form of music, dance, drama, folk & tribal arts, puppetry and allied theatre art forms. Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy; MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Secretary, Ministry of Culture Shri Govind Mohan and Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Sandhya Purecha will be present during the investiture ceremony among other dignitaries. Besides the Akademi Awards for the years 2022 and 2023, the President of India will also bestow the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to 7 eminent artists (one joint fellowship) in the ceremony. Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) is the highest honour given to eminent artist in the field of performing arts for his/her exceptional contribution to his/her performing art form. The Fellowship of the Akademi is a most prestigious and rare honour, which is restricted to 40 at any given time. The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
India - Malaysia Bilateral Maritime Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Exercise Samudra Laksamana is underway from 28 Feb - 02 Mar 24 at/ off Visakhapatnam. Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir are participating in the 3rd edition of this exercise which has harbour professional interactions followed by the operational phase at sea. At harbour, the crew of both ships will have various professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange on topics of mutual interest, sports fixtures, and other interactions. These interactions are aimed to enhance knowledge base, sharing best practices, and further cooperation on maritime aspects. During the sea phase, units would be jointly honing skills while conducting various operations at sea. The exercise aims to strengthen bonds and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navy.
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) imposes penalty of Rs. 5,49,00,000 on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), in furtherance of the powers conferred upon the Director FIU-IND under Section 13(2)(d) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs. 5,49,00,000 (rupees five crore forty nine lakh) on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd with reference to the violations of its obligations under the PMLA read with the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 (PML Rules) issued thereunder and applicable guidelines and advisories issued by the Director FIU-IND.
FIU-IND initiated a review of the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd on receipt of specific information from law enforcement agencies in respect of few entities and their network of businesses engaged in a number of illegal acts, including organising and facilitating online gambling. Further, the money generated from these illegal operations, i.e. proceeds of crime were routed and channelled through bank accounts maintained by these entities with the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd.
In furtherance of the above and upon scrutiny of the documents on record, FIU IND issued a compliance Show Cause Notice to the bank for its violations of (i) Rules 7(3) and 2(1)(g), PML Rules; (ii) violation of Rule 8(2) read with Rule 3(1)(D) and Rule 2(1)(g); (iii) violation of Rule 9(12), PML Rules; and (iv) violation of Rule 9(14) in terms of AML / CFT / KYC safeguards in respect of Payout services; and AML / CFT / KYC in respect of beneficiary accounts. After considering the written and oral submissions of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, the Director, FIU-IND, based on the voluminous material available on record, found that the charges against Paytm were substantiated. Consequently, vide order dated March 1st, 2024 in the exercise of his powers under Section 13, PMLA, it was found to be appropriate to impose a penalty of Rs. 5,49,00,000.
Former Supreme Court judge A M Khanwilkar appointed new Lokpal chairperson
Former Supreme Court judge A M Khanwilkar was appointed as the chairperson of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal nearly two years after the post fell vacant. The Lokpal has been working without its regular chief after Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022. Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of the Lokpal, was the acting chairperson. President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to appoint Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as the chairperson of the Lokpal, according to a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
L K Advani gets Bharat Ratna
Lal Krishna Advani, the BJP stalwart who catapulted the party into national reckoning with his Rath Yatra for Ayodhya's Ram Temple in the early 1990s, has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has announced about this development through his X post. In 2015, L.K. Advani was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.
Anil Kumar Lohati appointed as new TRAI chairman
The government has appointed former chairman and chief executive officer of the Railway Board chairman, Anil Kumar Lohati, as the new chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairperson. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, IRSE (1984) (Retd.), Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India as Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until he attains the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Chief Guests at Republic Day Parade 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest of Republic Day 2024. Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations is the highest honour bestowed by a country in terms of protocol. The Chief Guest plays a central role in various ceremonial activities that have become an integral part of the event's fabric and lead-up.
Henley Passport Index: World's : Most Powerful Passports in 2024
The Henley Passport Index has released its list for 2024. India has improved its ranking and moved up to the 80th position from the previous year's ranking of 84, allowing citizens to travel visa-free to 62 countries. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and Asia's Japan and Singapore share rank 1st in the list. The United States ranked at number 7. Ranking low on the index are Pakistan (101), Iraq (102), Syria (103) and Afghanistan (104).
Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2024
For the year 2024, 60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh, in the Institutional category, has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2024 for its excellent work in Disaster Management. The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management. The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in the case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in the case of an individual.
Cabinet approves Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to declare Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and naming it as "Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham". Elevating Ayodhya Airport to international status is paramount for realizing Ayodhya's economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists. The airport’s name, "Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham," pays homage to Maharishi Valmiki, the sage attributed to composing the epic Ramayana, adding a cultural touch to the airport's identity. Ayodhya, with its deep cultural roots, is strategically positioned to become a key economic hub and pilgrimage site. The airport's potential to attract international pilgrims and businesses aligns with the city's historical prominence.
World Braille Day will be celebrated on 4th January
As the world prepares to celebrate World Braille Day on 4 January, a global commemoration is underway to acknowledge the significance of Braille as a vital medium of communication for blind and partially sighted individuals. This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the Braille script, born in France in 1809. Recognizing the paramount role of Braille in education, communication, and social inclusion, the United Nations has designated 4 January each year as World Braille Day.
Braille, a universal code rather than a language, serves as a tool to write and read in various languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Spanish, and many others. On this occasion, National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under DEPwD organised a range of engaging programmes.
Raghuram Iyer Chief Executive of Indian Olympic Association
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed Raghuram Iyer as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Raghuram Iyer, who was selected by the IOA Nomination Committee, has experience in sports management. He served as the CEO of Indian Premier League sides Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow SuperGiants and Rising Pune Supergiant Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan and Table Tennis outfit RPSG Mavericks.
Dinesh K. Tripathi Vice Chief of Naval Staff
Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi took over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff on January 4, 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. He succeeded Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh. Vice Admiral Dinesh is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence Academy. He joined the Indian Navy in 1985. He is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and has commanded INS Vinash, INS Kirch, and INS Trishul. Vice Admiral Tripathi has been Dinesh recognized with the Ati Vishisht Seva K.Tripathi Medal (AVSM) and Nau Sena Medal (NM) for his duties.
Randhir Jaiswal MEA Spokesperson
Randhir Jaiswal, who hails from Bihar, assumed charge as the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and succeeded Arindam Bagchi. Jaiswal has been serving as Consul General in New York since July 2020. He is a 1998 batch Indian Foreign Service Officer who served in Cuba, South Africa, Portugal, and at India's permanent mission to the United Nations in Randhir Jaiswal New York.
India - UAE joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ commences In Rajasthan
The UAE Land Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel arrived in India to participate in the 1st edition of the India - UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan from 2nd to 15th January 2024. The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade. The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The Exercise aims to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in a Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations. The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both sides during Peace Keeping Operations. Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ include the Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area, and Heliborne Operations. The Exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides. Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. The Exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
Anish Dayal Singh Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Anish Dayal Singh, a 1988 batch Indian Police Officer of Manipur cadre was appointed as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force up to December 31, 2024, which is the date of his superannuation. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief Anish Dayal Singh was holding the additional charge of the CRPF following the retirement of incumbent S. L. Thaosan on November 30, 2023.
Rahul Rasgotra ITBP Chief
Indian Police Service officer of 1989-batch of the Manipur cadre Rahul Rasgotra took charge from outgoing DG Anish Dayal Singh as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on January 1, 2024. Rasgotra served nearly three decades in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) as its special director. The primary task of ITBP is to guard the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China apart from rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain.
Nina Singh First Woman Head of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Nina Singh, an Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer of the 1989 batch took over as the first woman Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force(CISF) . She served as Director General-in-charge of CISF after her predecessor Sheel Vardhan Singh retired on August 31, 2023. She will remain the Director General until July 31, 2024, the date of her superannuation.
INS Imphal Inducted into the Indian Navy
INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy. INS Imphal is the third of the four 'Project 15 Bravo Visakhapatnam class' guided missile destroyers. The fourth will be named INS Surat. INS Imphal is among "the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world."
Sam Altman named Time's 'CEO of the Year' 2023
Sam Altman has been recognized as Time magazine's 'CEO of the Year' 2023 for his remarkable impact on the tech industry. The announcement was made on December 6. The award underscores Altman's significant contributions as the CEO of OpenAI, a prominent research company specializing in artificial intelligence.
Taylor Swift named Time Magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’.
Taylor Swift has capped 2023 by being named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter was described by Time Magazine as a 'rare person who is both the writer and hero of her own story.'
‘Garba Of Gujarat’ Declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
'Garba of Gujarat' has been inscribed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO, under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from 5th -9th December, 2023 in Kasane, Botswana. Garba of Gujarat is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list. This inscription underscores Garba’s pivotal role as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity. Garba as a dance form is entrenched deeply in ritualistic and devotional roots, involving people from all walks of life and it continues to thrive as a vibrant living tradition bringing communities together. The inscription further highlights the commitment and efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India towards the safeguarding, promotion and preservation of our intangible cultural heritage.
Sadhna Nair becomes Second Woman Air Marshal
Sadhna S. Nair has become the second woman officer from the medical branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal. Before her promotion, Air Marshal Nair was serving as Principal Medical Officer (PMO) at HQ Training Command, IAF the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She is now serving as the Director General of Hospital Services, Armed Forces. Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay, was the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in the medical branch of the IAF. Air Marshal Sadhna S. Nair joined the medical branch of IAF in December 1985. She has been a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at three different Air Force stations. Her husband K.P. Nair is also a retired Air Marshal.
Ashok Vaswani appointed MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the appointment of Ashok Vaswani as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer for three years. Ashok Vaswani will replace Kotak after the latter stepped down from the post in September 2023. Vaswani has a three-and-a-half-decade experience with City Group, and more recently with Barclays. At Barclays Bank, UK, he was associated as the Chief Executive Officer of their Global Consumer, Private, Corporate, and Payments business and a member of the group executive committee.
Arindam Bagchi appointed as the Permanent Representative in United Nations
Arindam Bagchi, presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. He would be succeeding Indra Mani Pandey.
Renowned Tamil writer Sivasankari has been honoured with 'Saraswati Samman' 2022
Eminent Tamil writer Sivasankari was conferred with the coveted 'Saraswati Samman' 2022 for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily in New Delhi. Surya Vamsam, a book of memoirs in two volumes published in 2019, not only presents the evolution of an innocent child into an acclaimed author but also unfolds the transformation society has undergone in these seven decades. Saraswati Samman instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991 is recognized as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country. It carries an award money of Rs.15 lakh, a Citation and a Plaque.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2023
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize 2023 to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.
This year's peace prize also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iran's theocratic regime's policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women. The mottoadopted by the demonstrators - "Woman - Life - Freedom" - suitably expresses the dedication and work of NargesMohammadi.
Narges Mohammadi is a woman, a human rights advocate, and a freedom fighter. Her brave struggle for freedom of expression and the right of independence has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime in Iran has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Narges Mohammadi is still in prison.
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2023
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2023 was awarded to Jon Fosse, "for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable".
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov "for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots".
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 was awarded jointly to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier "for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in the matter".
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