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".
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman "for their discoveries concerning base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19".
India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement
India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) in New Delhi in 2027. India’s leading research and academic institutes, the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) along with IIT Delhi successfully presented India’s bid before the Steering Committee members of the Conference during the ongoing 16th ICCC in Bangkok, Thailand. Besides India, other bidders were from Switzerland and the UAE. The decision was announced on 20 September 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand during the 16th ICCC. The Indian bid was presented by Dr. L P Singh, Director General, NCCBM, Dr. S K Chaturvedi, Joint Director, NCCBM, and Dr. Shashank Bishnoi, Professor (Civil Engg.), IIT Delhi. The International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete. The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918, providing a strong and fruitful link between the academic world and the cement industry. The 9th Congress was organized in New Delhi in 1992 by NCCBM and the present 16th ICCC is being held in Bangkok, Thailand from 18-22 September 2023.
Bharat becomes the 13th country in world that can issue Internationally Accepted OIML Certificates
OIML is an Intergovernmental organization which was established in 1955. Bharat became its member in 1956. It has 63 Member States and 64 Corresponding Members. Bharat has now become an authority for issuing internationally accepted OIML certificates for selling weights & measures anywhere in the world. To sell a weight or measure in the International market an OIML Pattern Approval certificate is mandatory, which the Department of Consumer Affairs can issue now.
Bharat follows OIML recommendations and procedures for testing and calibration of weights and measures. The reports prepared by the Legal Metrology’s Regional Reference Standards Laboratories are now acceptable to the OIML issuing authorities. Now, Bharat is an authority for issuing OIML pattern approval certificates and can act as a support system for indigenous manufacturers. Domestic manufacturers can now export their weighing and measuring instruments worldwide without incurring additional testing fees, resulting in significant cost savings.
Bharat can also support foreign manufacturers by issuing OIML pattern approval certificates from our certified RRSLs. By issuing the OIML approval certificates of weighing & measuring instruments to the foreign manufacturers Bharat will also generate forex in terms of fees etc.
Bharat may now influence the OIML's policies and provide input to the OIML Strategy. This system allows OIML Certificates issued by OIML Issuing Authorities in OIML Member States to be accepted by other participants as the basis for issuing national or regional type approvals for measuring instruments. The other OIML Members can thus issue national-type approval certificates without the need for expensive test facilities by relying on these certificates.
SAP Labs India MD Sindhu Gangadharan appointed as Nasscom Vice-Chairperson
IT industry body Nasscom has appointed Sindhu Gangadharan, SAP Labs India’s Managing Director, as its vice-chairperson. Gangadharan’s appointment comes after Cognizant India MD Rajesh Nambiar, who was the vice-chair, was appointed as the Chairperson earlier this month following Anant Maheshwari’s exit.
Smt Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates ‘First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights’ in New Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated first 'Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights' (GSFR) today, in a ceremony held at ICAR Convention Centre, National Agricultural Science Centre, New Delhi. President Murmu conferred the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Communities’ Award (6) and ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Reward’ (16) and ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Recognition’ (4) awards to the invited Indian farmers. These awards are instituted by the PPVFR Authority as per the provisions of the PPVFR Act, 2001. She also inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Plant Authority Bhawan’, the office of the PPVFR Authority, and an online plant variety ‘Registration Portal’.
21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea
Phase II of the 21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea. The exercise witnessed participation of guided missile frigates, tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters from the two sides. The exercise was conducted over three days and witnessed joint operations, underway replenishment and various tactical manoeuvres. Units of both navies endeavoured to enhance and hone their war fighting skills, improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to promote, peace, security and stability in the region. The first phase of 'Varuna-2023' was conducted off India's Western Seaboard from 16 to 20 Jan 23.
Indian & French Navy bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1993. The exercise was later christened as 'Varuna' in 2001 and has since become a hallmark of robust India-France strategic bilateral relationship. Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, this exercise provides an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices and procedures. The exercise also facilitates operational level interaction between the two Navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea, underscoring the shared commitment to ensuring security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.
20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta
At the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions with ASEAN partners on further strengthening of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and charting its future course. Prime Minister reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between India's Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He also emphasized the need to complete the review of ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) in a time bound manner.
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