NATIONAL:
1. All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission
Why in news: Andaman & Nicobar command executed its first all-women maritime surveillance mission
Key points:
• Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, first-ever all-women maritime surveillance mission underscores the commitment to gender equality also.
• The mission, based at INS Utkrosh, was executed by a proficient crew comprising three women officers:
1. Lieutenant Commander Shubhangi Swaroop
2. Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma
3. Lieutenant Vaishali Mishra
2. Role of Rajya Sabha
Why in news: Rajya Sabha’s role part of Basic Structure of Constitution: Supreme Court (SC)
Key points:
• In Sita Soren vs. UoI Case, noting the role of Rajya Sabha as part of Basic Structure, SC declared that Rajya Sabha (RS) elections are within the remit of Article 194(2).
• Article 194(2) deals with Powers, Privileges, etc., of members of Legislature of a State.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Yaounde Declaration
Why in news: Health ministers of 11 African countries commit to end malaria deaths
Key points:
• In Cameroon’s capital Yaoundé, African health ministers pledged to end malaria deaths, especially given the tools and systems available.
• Global malaria cases rose from 233 million to 249 million between 2019 and 2022.
• Africa witnessed a significant increase from 218 million to 233 million cases during the same period, marking it as the epicenter of the malaria crisis.
• The 11 African countries represented at the conference face the highest burden of malaria infections and deaths.
2. China’s New Territorial Sea Baseline
Why in news: China declared a new territorial baseline in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin
Key points:
• It sparked concerns about potential impacts on existing agreements and regional stability.
• The baseline establishes maritime jurisdiction claims and signifies the outermost boundary of national land territory.
• The Gulf of Tonkin has been a historically significant area for maritime demarcation between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea.
• Despite a 2004 agreement delineating boundaries, maritime disputes persisted due to ambiguity, prompting China’s fresh delineation.
• Vietnam’s economic interests could be affected if China pushes for renegotiation of agreements.
ECONOMY:
1. Delhi Airport
Why in news: Delhi Airport Clinched ACI-ASQ’s Best Airport in Asia-Pacific Title for 6th Straight Year
Key points:
• The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Best Airport award for 2023 was conferred upon Delhi Airport in the category of over 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) by the Airports Council International (ACI).
• Delhi Airport’s repeated recognition as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region underscores its pivotal role as a benchmark for excellence in the global aviation industry.
CULTURE:
1. Gorsam Kora Festival
Why in news: Recently, Gorsam Kora festival was concluded in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh
Key points:
• It is an annual festival held at Gorsam Chorten, a 93 feet tall Stupa, built during 13th Century CE by a local monk- Lama Pradhar.
• Theme(2024): ‘Zero Waste Festival’
• It is organized by local community of Zemithang in collaboration with civil authorities.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Kishor Makwana
Why in news: Kishor Makwana assumed Charge as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Key points:
• Shri Makwana is also a journalist, columnist, and author of more than 33 books on various subjects, including the life and works of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Swami Vivekananda, and Shivaji Maharaj.
• Some of his notable works include ‘Samajik Kranti na Mahanayak Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ (great hero of the social revolution – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar), ‘Swami Vivekananda’, ‘Safalta no Mantra’ (Mantra of Success).
• He has written nine books on Dr. Ambedkar and has translated and edited numerous works.
STATE/UT:
1. Massive Infrastructural Addition in Uttar Pradesh
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 15 significant airport projects in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh
Key points:
• This initiative, almost values at ₹10,000 crore.
• It encompasses a blend of new airports, expanded terminals, foundation stones for future airports, and other ancillary facilities.
• In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already operationalized state-of-the-art new integrated terminal buildings at Chennai, Port Blair, Surat, and Tiruchirappalli Airports.
2. Menka Mallick
Why in news: Menka Mallick from Begusarai received Sahitya Akademi award 2023
Key points:
• She writes poem in Maithili-Hindi-Nepali.
• She has been given this award for translating “Neelkanth” in Hindi from Nepali language.
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