1. Janet Yang Re-Elected President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Tags: Person in news
Janet Yang has been re-elected as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
An Overview of the News
This marks her third term as President and sixth year as a Governor-at-Large.
Janet Yang's Career Highlights
Member of the Academy’s Producers Branch since 2002.
Producing credits include "South Central," "The Joy Luck Club," "The People vs. Larry Flynt," "Zero Effect," "Savior," "The Weight of Water," "High Crimes," and "Over the Moon."
Won an Emmy® for "Indictment: The McMartin Trial."
New Officer Appointments
Lesley Barber: Vice President (Chair, Membership Committee)
DeVon Franklin: Vice President (Chair, Equity and Inclusion Committee)
Donna Gigliotti: Vice President/Treasurer (Chair, Finance Committee)
Lynette Howell Taylor: Vice President (Chair, Awards Committee)
Howard A. Rodman: Vice President/Secretary (Chair, Governance Committee)
Officer Terms and Roles
Officers serve one-year terms with a maximum of four consecutive years in the same role.
Board members can serve up to two three-year terms, with eligibility renewing after a two-year hiatus.
About the Academy
The Academy has over 10,500 global members, recognizing achievements in film through awards like the Oscars®.
It maintains the largest film-related collection, housed at the Academy Museum, Margaret Herrick Library, and the Academy Film Archive.
The Academy is involved in conservation, preservation, and film-related exhibitions, and supports young artists and underrepresented communities in the film industry.
2. 83rd AFHQ Civilian Services Day
Tags: Important Days
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the 83rd Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day in New Delhi on August 01, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Encouraged AFHQ Civilian Services personnel to enhance skills for efficient policy making and reform execution in the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Role of Civil Services:
Described as the steel frame of governance.
Recognized for dedication and hard work in pursuing Aatmanirbharta and contributing to soldiers' welfare.
Identified as a crucial link between the Armed Forces and civilian government.
Collaboration and Reforms:
Stressed teamwork between the Armed Forces and Civil Services from Command Headquarters to the Ministry.
Highlighted significant reforms in MoD over the past five years with global recognition due to teamwork.
Inclusion of AFHQ Civil Services officers in key MoD roles to improve decision-making quality.
Significance of AFHQ Day:
Celebrated on 1st August annually to recognize AFHQ Civilian Services personnel.
Aims to foster spirit-de-corps among civilian employees working with Service personnel in Integrated Service Headquarters, HQ Intergated Defence Staff, and 24 Inter-Services Organisations of MoD.
History:
AFHQ cadres foundation laid on August 01, 1942.
Initially organized decentralized civilian posts/cadre operations under various Service Headquarters and Ministry of Defence and Finance (Defence) Secretariat, controlled by Chief Administrative Officer.
3. NCGG Successfully Concludes 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan Civil Servants in New Delhi
Tags: International News
NCGG successfully concluded the 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan civil servants on August 3, 2024, in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
40 senior civil servants from Sri Lanka attended the program.
Participants included Assistant Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Directors, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Directors, and Deputy Directors.
Key ministries represented: Commission of Local Government, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ministry of Provincial Council and Local Government, and Ministry of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.
Group Presentations and Topics
Geogoviya Programme: Focus on using geographical information systems to enhance agricultural productivity.
Agriculture Modernization Project: Aim to transform Sri Lanka's agriculture through innovative practices.
Aswasuma Programme: Welfare benefit initiative providing comprehensive social security support in Sri Lanka.
PPP Success in India: Demonstrated how India's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model can aid in improving Sri Lanka's infrastructure.
Program Overview and Institutional Visits
Dr. A.P. Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, provided an overview of the program, emphasizing the sharing of India's successful governance models through interactive sessions.
Participants visited various institutions and sites: Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Forest Research Institute, District Administration in Panchkula, Cyber Crime Centre in Chandigarh, National Institute of Solar Energy, International Solar Alliance, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and the Taj Mahal.
Program supervised by Dr. A.P. Singh and Dr. M.K. Bhandari, with assistance from Shri Sanjay Dutt Pant and team.
Prisca Poly Mathew, Consultant and Chief Administrative Officer, NCGG, was present during the occasion.
NCGG has successfully trained 135 senior and mid-level civil servant officers from Sri Lanka through its capacity-building programs.
V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
4. Prime Minister Modi Endorses Dr. R Balasubramaniam's New Book "Power Within"
Tags: Books and Authors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met Dr. R Balasubramaniam and signed a copy of his latest book, "Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi."
An Overview of the News
The book is significant as it captures Modi's leadership journey in detail.
"Power Within" provides a comprehensive analysis of Modi's leadership.
The analysis combines Western leadership theories, which focus on traits, and Indic leadership perspectives, which emphasize the exercise of leadership.
This combination offers a nuanced understanding of Modi's governance style.
The book represents a significant intersection of politics and literature.
Prime Minister Modi's personal endorsement adds a unique touch to the book.
The endorsement underlines the importance of the work in documenting and analyzing Modi's leadership legacy.
2024: New book releases:
'Venkaiah Naidu: Life in Service' - S. Nagesh Kumar
'Celebrating Bharat' - I.V. Subba Rao
'Mahaneta' - Sanjay Kishore
'The Idea of Democracy' - Sam Pitroda (2024)
'2024: India in Free Fall' - Sanjay Jha
'The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir' - Ramachandra Guha
'Thread by Thread: The S.Kumar's Story' - Sathya Saran
'Just a Mercenary? Notes from My Life and Career' - D. Subbarao
June 22, 2024: Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais launched "Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region" at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
New Book by Anuradha Mascarenhas: "At The Wheel of Research: An Exclusive Biography of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan".
5. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Unveils ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ for Boys
Tags: State News
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’for boys on Ashadhi Ekadashi at the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur.
An Overview of the News
The scheme aims to provide financial aid and skill development to the youth of Maharashtra.
Monthly Grant:
Graduate boys: Rs 10,000 per month
Boys pursuing diploma: Rs 8,000 per month
Boys who have passed the 12th standard: Rs 6,000 per month
Financial Support: Designed to support education and reduce financial burdens on young men.
Apprenticeship Program:
One-year factory-based apprenticeship
Practical work experience
Job-ready exposure
Stipends provided during the apprenticeship period
Skill Development and Employment: Aims to enhance skills and employability of young men, contributing to a skilled workforce in Maharashtra and across the country.
Historic Initiative: CM Shinde described it as a unique and extensive scheme for boys, focusing on employment and skill development.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:- |
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6. India Hosts 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai
Tags: Summits State News
The 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 4th to 5th July 2024.
An Overview of the News
The conference was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI).
Partnered with the Governments of Australia and Indonesia.
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Centre (AIC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) collaborated as Knowledge Partners.
Key Highlights:
The conference showcased India’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN-led EAS mechanisms.
Supported the EAS Plan of Action 2024-2028.
Thematic Sessions:
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Regional Maritime Domain Awareness.
Combating illicit maritime activity, anti-piracy, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Maritime Connectivity.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR).
EAS Overview:
EAS is the only leader-led forum for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region.
Leaders from 18 countries meet to discuss political, security, and economic challenges.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:- |
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7. Maharashtra Wins Best Agriculture State Award 2024
Tags: Awards State News
Maharashtra has been awarded the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024 by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee.
An Overview of the News
The announcement was made by the committee chaired by Justice P. Sathasivam, former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will accept the award at a ceremony in New Delhi on July 10, 2024.
The award recognizes Maharashtra's innovative agricultural and rural initiatives.
Initiatives and Policies of Maharashtra :
Maharashtra was acknowledged for its sustainable development policies focusing on environmental protection and food security.
The state launched India’s largest bamboo mission, covering 21 lakh hectares.
Plans were announced in the recent budget for a 1.20 lakh-acre green belt in Nandurbar district in collaboration with the Central and state governments.
Maharashtra aims to enhance irrigation capabilities across approximately 17 lakh hectares through 123 projects.
Agriculture Leadership Award
Established in 2008 by Agricultural Today magazine.
Recognizes leadership in agriculture by government, individuals, and organizations.
Past winners include Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:- |
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8. Sujata Saunik Appointed Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary
Tags: Person in news State News
Sujata Saunik, a 1987 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Chief Secretary (CS) of Maharashtra, effective from June 30, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The appointment of Sujata Saunik comes after the retirement of Nitin Kareer, who had served as the CS of Maharashtra since January 2024.
Saunik will serve a one-year term, retiring in June 2025.
She becomes the 45th CS of Maharashtra since the state's establishment in 1960.
Before this role, she held positions including Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department and ACS in the General Administration Department.
She also served as ACS of the Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Department (SDEED), and as Principal Secretary of Public Health and Financial Reform.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, launched a book titled 'Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region' at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
On June 28, 2024, Maharashtra Government Launches Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
9. Maharashtra CM Extends Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Age Limit to 65 Years
Tags: State News
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has extended the age limit for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana to 65 years.
An Overview of the News
The requirement for women from families owning government land has been removed.
Implementation Details:
Eligible beneficiaries to receive ₹1500 monthly aid starting from July.
Chief Minister warns against bribery for scheme registration, ensures transparency.
Officials caught demanding bribes will face suspension.
Government's Two-Year Achievements:
Mahayuti government completes successful two years.
Emphasizes treating entire Maharashtra as family.
Focus on hassle-free distribution of scheme benefits to eligible citizens.
Budgetary Allocations and Welfare Measures:
State budget allocates substantial funds for welfare schemes.
Over ₹1 lakh crore earmarked for distribution among beneficiaries.
Commitment to benefit all sections of society with citizen-friendly decisions.
Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
Eligible women aged 21 to 65 years will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under this scheme.
The scheme aims to provide financial relief and empower women by supporting their health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
The program is set to kick off in July, strategically timed four months before the state elections scheduled for October.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting women and fostering self-reliance.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister -Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, launched a book titled 'Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region' at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
10. Union Minister Launches Global India AI Summit in New Delhi
Tags: Summits
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Global India AI Summit in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Vision of AI Utilization: India aims to democratize technology through its approach to artificial intelligence (AI).
India AI Mission
India AI Mission: The government will launch the India AI Mission, a ₹10,000 crore initiative.
Investment Focus: It will focus on creating AI computing infrastructure with 10,000 or more GPUs through public-private partnerships.
AI Innovation Center
Establishment: An AI Innovation Center will be established.
Focus: It will concentrate on acquiring high-quality datasets to enhance research and startup efforts.
Legislative Efforts
Regulatory Framework: The government is developing legislation to regulate AI.
Objectives: The legislation aims to manage risks and implement safeguards against potential harms associated with AI technologies.
Summit Highlights
Participants: The summit featured speeches by Japanese Minister Hiroshi Yoshida, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, IT Secretary S. Krishnan, President of Nasscom Debjani Ghosh, and Vice President of Open AI Srinivas Narayanan.
Focus Areas: Sessions covered various critical aspects of AI application, governance, talent development, and scaling AI innovations.
