1. India Wins ISSA Good Practice Award 2024.
Tags: Awards
India Wins ISSA Good Practice Award 2024.
Why in the news?
- India has recently received theISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024, which was presented at the Regional Social Security Forum inRiyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Important points:
- The 'Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024' was presented by Mohammed Azman, President of ISSA (International Social Security Association), at the Regional Social Security Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- TheEmployees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) received five certificates of merit for communication channels,E-proceedings: A case on use of information and communication technology in justice delivery, district outreach programme (Nidhi Aapke Nikat), multilingual call centres, and Prayaas -- an initiative of handing over pension payment orders (PPO) to retiring members of the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 on the day of retirement itself.
- The awards were received by Ashok Kumar Singh, DG, ESIC, on behalf of EPFO.
- These awards recognise the efforts undertaken by EPFO to reform and adopt good practices in line with changing economic and social milieu, the statement said.
About International Social Security Association:
- The ISSA Good Practice Award is a celebration of hard work and success in improving the ways of working of social security organizations, in order to achieve excellence in delivering social security.
- The Award recognizes good practices in the administration of social security carried out by ISSA member organizations, and provides a unique opportunity for institutions to present their significant administrative initiatives and innovative solutions to a global audience.
- Since its launch in 2008, the competitions have attracted good practices from all over the world that showcase an impressive range of operational and administrative achievements by member organizations in all regions.
2. Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace prize.
Tags: Awards
Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace prize.
Why in the news?
- The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chilean president and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet, a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said December 6, 2024.
About The Indira Gandhi Prize:
- The Indira Gandhi Prize, or the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, also known as Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, is the prestigious award accorded annually byIndira Gandhi Memorial Trust to individuals or organisations in recognition of creative efforts toward promoting international peace,development and a new international economic order; ensuring that scientific discoveriesare used for the larger good of humanity, and enlarging the scope of freedom.
- The prize carries acash award of 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation.
- A written work, in order to be eligible for consideration, should have been published.
- The panel constituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trustconsists of prominent national and international personalities including previous recipients.
- The recipients are chosen from a pool of national and international nominees
Significance:
- The award is in recognition of her work to improve gender equality, human rights and democracy.
3. SECI Wins 3rd PSU Transformation Award for “Innovative Product Development” Why in the news?
Tags: Awards
SECI Wins 3rd PSU Transformation Award for “Innovative Product Development”
Why in the news?
- Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy bagged the 3rd PSU Transformation Award under the “Innovative Product Development” category for 'Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE) Supply to DISCOMs on a Demand Following Basis',on 05th December 2024 atNew Delhi.
About the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI):
- The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a public sector enterprise (CPSE) that develops and expands renewable energy capacity in India.
- SECI wasestablished in 2011 to help implement the National Solar Mission (NSM) and promote the use of renewable energy
- SECI has introduced the innovative power supply model of Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE) working with several DISCOMs and States to understand their energy demands and design models that cater to their renewable power requirement.
4. ESIC bags 4 certificates of merit at Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific)
Tags: Awards
ESIC bags 4 certificates of merit at Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific)
Why in the news?
- ESIC bags 4 certificates of merit in different categories at Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific) event of International Social Security Association (ISSA)at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 03.12.2024.
Key points:
- The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has been awarded one certificate of merit with special mention from the jury forits mobile application (Ask An Appointment - AAA+) and three certificates of merit for Occupational Accident and Disease, Sustainable Investment and System Resilience at the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific).
- The awards were received by Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General, ESIC on behalf of the corporation.
- This recognition further strengthens ESIC's international standing and reinforces its dedication to sharing best practices and enhancing the effectiveness of social security systems globally.
AAA+ (Ask An Appointment Mobile App):
- The ESIC ‘Ask an Appointment’ AAA+ mobile app, available on both Android and iOS, serves insured persons, beneficiaries, staff, and ESI pensioners, and is accessible in 8 languages, including English, Hindi, and six regional languages.
- Designed to streamline healthcare services, the app allows users to book online appointments, check in without waiting in queues, and access their e-Health records.
- Over the past two years, new features have been added, such as Aadhaar seeding for beneficiaries, home sample collection requests, and eligibility checks for various ESI benefits.
About ISSA:
- The International Social Security Association wasfounded in 1927,under the auspices of theInternational Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva.
- It is the principal international organisation for social security organisations, governments and departments of social security.
- It promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services and support to enable its members to develop dynamic social security systems.
About RSSF Asia-Pacific:
- RSSF Asia-Pacific, anannual international gathering organized by the ISSA, is a key platform for discussing and exchanging knowledge on social security issues in the region.
- It aims to enhance cooperation and expertise exchange between social security organizations in the Asia-Pacific region.
5. Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024
Tags: Awards
Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024
Why in the news?
- Maria Victoria Juan of Philippines Wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024
Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024:
- In 2024, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was held in the Silicon Valley of India and the city where Aster DM Healthcare's India operation is headquartered - Bengaluru.
- In addition to receiving recognition on the grandest international platform for nursing excellence, the victorious nurse will be awarded a prize of $250,000.
- Nurse Maria Victoria Juan has been honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, a prestigious recognition that celebrates exceptional contributions to the nursing profession worldwide.
- Maria, whose career has been a testament to dedication and resilience, was chosen for this award for her outstanding efforts in transforming the healthcare landscape, particularly in the Philippine Army Health Services and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award :
- To recognise the phenomenal contribution of nurses to humanity and bring key stakeholders together, Aster DM Healthcare conducted the first-ever Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award ceremony on 12th May 2022, International Nurses Day at the Atlantis, Dubai.
- Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya emerged victorious from amongst 24,000 nurses and was felicitated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
6. Indian Film Personality of the Year presented to Actor Vikrant Massey at IFFI 2024
Tags: Awards
Indian Film Personality of the Year presented to Actor Vikrant Massey at IFFI 2024
Why in the news?
- Actor Vikrant Massey was conferred the prestigious Indian Film Personality of the Year award at gala concluding ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Important points:
- The honor was presented by Shri Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in recognition of Massey’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema.
- Vikrant Massey’s impressive filmography includes notable projects such as Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), A Death in the Gunj (2016), Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), Half Girlfriend (2017), Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2019), Ginny Weds Sunny (2020), and the science fiction gem Cargo (2020). Each performance showcased his versatility and dedication to his craft, earning critical and audience acclaim.
- The actor’s ability to connect with audiences through authentic portrayals and relatable characters has made him a true representative of the common man’s voice in cinema.
About IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year :
- The IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year is a National honour instituted by the International Film Festival of India .
- The recipient is honoured for their "outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Bharatiya cinema".
- The award was first instituted in the year 2013 from the 44th IFFI.
7. Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin’s ‘CROSSING’ wins the prestigious ICFT - UNESCO Gandhi Medal
Tags: Awards
Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin’s ‘CROSSING’ wins the prestigious ICFT - UNESCO Gandhi Medal
Why in news?
- Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin’s CROSSING wins the prestigious ICFT - UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.
Important points:
- The award recognizes a film that reflects the values of peace, non-violence, and the promotion of human rights, and CROSSING was chosen for its powerful exploration of these themes.
- The winner receivesthe UNESCO Gandhi Medal and a certificate.
- The Jury commended Crossing for its stunning cinematic qualities and its thought-provoking exploration of gender equality and social understanding. “A stunning piece of cinema about love and understanding,” the Jury mentioned in the citation.
- Instituted in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television, and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) and UNESCO, this award honours films that reflect ideals of tolerance, intercultural dialogue, and culture of peace.
- Crossing tells the story of an elderly woman who embarks on a journey with a young man from Georgia to Istanbul to find her niece, who disappeared many years ago.
- In fulfilling a promise, the woman, played by the exceptionally talented Mzia Arabuli, uncovers unexpected links to gender issues and equality.
- The film beautifully weaves a narrative about love, understanding, and the connections that transcend generations, offering a poignant commentary on social and cultural themes.
About ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal:
- Launched during the 46th IFFI, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal honours films that not only hold high artistic and cinematic standards but also encourage ethical reflection on society's most pressing issues.
- The award was created to foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared values through the transformative power of cinema.
- The ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal is more than just an award;it is a celebration of the power of film to inspire, educate, and unite.
8. Ministry of Mines Wins Gold for Excellence in Display
Tags: Awards
Ministry of Mines Wins Gold for Excellence in Display
Why in news?
- The Ministry of Mines Pavilion has been awarded the First Position (Gold) for excellence in display in India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2024 out of 49 Ministries, drawing over 80,000 visitors.
Key points:
- The pavilion highlighted the Ministry’s contributions toward achieving Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- Over 80,000 Visitors Explored Innovation, Technology, and Heritage at the Mining Pavilion.
- The pavilion offered adynamic blend of innovation, heritage, and sustainability, captivating visitors of all ages.
- The Ministry of Mines Pavilion at IITF 2024 has set a benchmark for showcasing the mining sector's role in contributing to a self-reliant, sustainable, and progressive India.
9. Indian Chemical Council Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award.
Tags: Awards
Indian Chemical Council Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award.
Why in news?
- The 2024 OPCW The Hague Award was conferred upon the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at a ceremony during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague on November 25, 2024 in the presence of delegates from the 193 States Parties and experts from the global chemical industry from around the world.
Important points:
- Mr. D. Sothi Selvam, Director General, ICC received the award on behalf of the Council.
- This is the first timethat the Award recognises the efforts of a chemical industry body.
- This Award acknowledges the role played by ICC in promoting chemical safety, compliance with Additionally, ICC’s ‘Nicer Globe’ initiative has had a substantial impact on chemical transportation safety in India, offering real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
About The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC):
- The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)came into force in 1997, and presently has 193 States Parties.
- OPCW, with its Secretariat in The Hague,is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, with a mission to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
- India is an original signatory to the Convention.NACWC is the national authority responsible for implementing the Convention in India.
- In 2013, OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
About ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’:
- To preserve the legacy of this achievement, the OPCW established the ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’ in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague in 2014.
- The Award recognizes individuals and organizations that play a significant role in advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention..
- Through initiatives like the Chemical Weapons Convention Helpdesks, ICC has increased industry compliance and facilitated efficient e-filing for chemical declarations.
- Additionally, ICC’s ‘Nicer Globe’ initiative has had a substantial impact on chemical transportation safety in India, offering real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
- ICC has conducted other activities to promote chemical safety and security through its ‘Responsible Care’ (RC) programme and the introduction of the Security Code of RC.
10. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award
Tags: Awards
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award
Why in news?
- PM Modi honoured with Global Peace Award as Indian American minorities launch AIAM in Washington.
Important Points:
- The award was jointly presented by Washington Adventist University and AIAM, recognizing his efforts toward inclusive development and minority welfare.
What is the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM)?
- The Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), a newly formed non-governmental organization, was launched on Friday atthe Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland.
- The initiative aims tounite and promote the welfare of minority communities within the Indian American diaspora.
- Jasdip Singh, a renowned Sikh philanthropist, was appointed as the Founder and Chairman of AIAM, supported by a seven-member Board of Directors representing diverse Indian minority communities, including Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews.
Who was Martin Luther King Jr. ?
- Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.