Current Affairs search results for tag: national-news

1. WAVES a new OTT Platform launched at IFFI

Tags: National News

WAVES a new OTT Platform launched at IFFI

Why in news?

• Chief Minister of Goa Dr.Pramod Sawant launched ‘WAVES’ the OTT platform of the national public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati at the opening ceremony of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

Important points:

• Doordarshan, India’s iconic public broadcaster, has ventured into the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform space to cater to the growing demand for digital streaming services. 
• The platform aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends by offering a rich mix of classic content and contemporary programming.
•  By leveraging its decades-long legacy and national trust, Doordarshan's OTT platform bridges the gap between traditional television and modern streaming, reaching tech-savvy youth and older generations alike.

Features:

• ‘WAVES’ makes its entry as a large aggregator OTT with Inclusive India stories embracing Indian culture with an international outlook, in 12+ Languages - Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese. It will be spread across 10+ Genres of Infotainment.
•  It will provide Video on demand, free-to-play gaming, Radio streaming, Live TV streaming, 65 live Channels, several App in App integrations for videoand gaming content, and online shopping through Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) supported e-commerce platform. 
• WAVES includes LIVE events like the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti LIVE from Ayodhya and the monthly Mann ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
•  WAVES will also launch aCyber Security awareness campaign with Daily Video messages in partnership with CDAC, MeitY.

What is OTT?

• OTT stands for "over-the-top" and refers to a method of delivering streaming media content over the internet. 
• OTT content can be accessed on-demand without the need for a cable or satellite provider.  

2. “Bhu-Neer” Portal

Tags: National News

“Bhu-Neer” Portal 

Why in the news?

• The Hon'ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil digitally launched the newly developed “Bhu-Neer” portal  during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024.

What is “Bhu-Neer” Portal ?

•  The “Bhu-Neer” is an advanced portal developed by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), for improved groundwater regulation across the country.

Features:

•  This portal will serve as a one-stop platform for managing and regulating groundwater resources, aimed at ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in groundwater usage.
• Its centralized database will allow users to access critical information on groundwater compliance, policies, and sustainable practices.
•  The portal is developed with several user-friendly features to offer streamlined process flow to the project proponents seeking groundwater withdrawal permits.
• “Bhu-Neer” features includes PAN based single ID system and NOC with QR code.
• The “Bhu-Neer” portal, is another step towards promoting the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of Ease of Doing Business by making ground water regulation a seamless and faceless exercise.

3. Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024)

Tags: National News

Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024)

Why in news?

The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), a landmark initiative to fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated today at a high-profile ceremony organized by theNational Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).

Key Features of Bharat NCX 2024:

• The event runs from November 18 to November 29, 2024, culminating in a comprehensive debrief to consolidate lessons learned and establish best practices in cybersecurity.
• The exercise includes immersive training on cyber defense and incident response, live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on IT and OT systems, and collaborative platforms for government and industry stakeholders. 
• A Strategic Decision-Making Exercise will bring together senior management from across sectors to simulate decision-making in a national-level cyber crisis, enhancing their ability to respond to high-pressure situations with strategic acumen. 
• On the sidelines, theBharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibitionwill showcase innovative solutions from Indian startups, emphasizing their role in enhancing the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure.

Significance:

• The 12-day exercise is a critical step in preparing India’s cybersecurity professionals and leadership to tackle evolving threats with advanced cyber defense, incident response capabilities, and strategic decision-making.
• Bharat NCX 2024 equips our nation’s cyber defenders and leaders with the skills to mitigate complex threats. From technical exercises to strategic decision-making, this initiative ensures our preparedness to manage crises at all levels.”
•  “This exercise not only strengthens technical skills but also prepares leadership to navigate national-level cyber crises through informed decision-making.”
• The exercise also highlights leadership engagement and capacity building, fostering a unified approach to emerging cyber challenges.

4. ‘Y-Break at Workplace’ Program receives Prestigious Recognition

Tags: National News

 ‘Y-Break at Workplace’ Program receives Prestigious Recognition

Why in news?

The Ministry of Ayush’s innovative initiative, Yoga Break at Workplace (Y-Break), has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding performance on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat Platform,during the Valedictory Ceremony of the National Learning Week –Karmayogi Saptah, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

 What is Yoga Break at Workplace (Y-Break)?

• The Y-Break protocol is a carefully curated five-minute yoga regimen designed to help employees destress, refresh, and refocus during their workday. 
• The protocol includes simple yet effective yogic practices such as Tadasana, Urdhva Hastottanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.
• It is tailored to boost immunity, reduce stress, and improve overall mental and physical health, even within the constraints of a busy schedule.

Significance:

• Recognizing the traditionally limited focus on employee health at workplaces, the Ministry of Ayush introduced this protocol to bridge the gap. 
• The program caters to diverse sectors, from factory workers to academic professionals, proving its universal applicability.helping them stay energized and productive throughout the day."
• Practicing the Y-Break protocol twice daily for just five minutescan foster a balanced integration of mind and body, ultimately enhancing productivity and workplace well-being.
• This recognition reflects the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to promoting holistic health and wellness across the workforce. 

5. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),1958

Tags: National News

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),1958

Why in news?

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday (November 14, 2024) reimposed the  Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),declaring six police station limits in five districts of Manipur as “disturbed areas”,in the wake of the ongoing ethnic violence in the State. 
• The Act was withdrawn from these areas in 2022; instead of Manipur government, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues notification this time.

What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)?

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 is an act of the Parliament of India that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas".

History of the act:

• The Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942 was promulgated by the British colonial government on 15 August 1942 to suppress the Quit India Movement .

Power given to the armed forces under the act:

• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958 gives the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces several powers, including:
• Arrest without a warrant.
• Search premises without a warrant.
• Shoot to kill.
• Legal immunity.
• Stop and search vehicles.

The AFSPA is invoked when the territorial integrity of India is at risk due to militancy or insurgency. 

6. Scientists discovered the world’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.

Tags: International News

Solomon Islands

Why in news?

• Scientists discovered theworld’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.

Important points:

• It’s more than 100 feet long, at least 300 years old and visible from space. 
• It’s three times larger than the previous record-breaker in American Samoa, according to Pristine Seas, and longer than a blue whale, the planet’s biggest animal.
• The mega coral was spotted during a scientific expedition launched by the National Geographic Pristine Seas program in October to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands.

Coral reefs:

• Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of marine life and offer many benefits to humans and the environment.
• Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" because of their incredible biodiversity. 
• They provide food and shelter for many animals, including fish, mollusks, sea urchins, and sponges. 

About Solomon Islands:

• The Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, has many WWII-era sites. 
• Guadalcanal, a province and one of the archipelago’s largest islands, honors fallen Allied soldiers at its U.S. War Memorial.
• Guadalcanal is also home to the nation’s capital, Honiara,whose bustling Central Market showcases the islands’ produce and traditional handicrafts.
• 
  

7. Trump appointed former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US intelligence chief.

Tags: International News

Tulsi Gabbard 

Why in news?

• FM Nirmala Sitharaman congratulates Tulsi Gabbard on appointment as U.S. Director of National Intelligence
• Recently Trump appointed former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US intelligence chief.
• She will replace Avril Haines who has been the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) since January 21, 2021.

Function of the DNI:.

•  The DNI is the head of the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and is responsible for overseeing the National Intelligence Program (NIP). 
• The DNI is a member of the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council, and reports directly to the President. 
• 
  

Who is Tulsi Gabbard?

• Gabbard was elected to Hawaii's House of Representatives at 21 but had to leave after a single term following her National Guard unit's deployment to Iraq. Later, she was elected to Congress where she represented Hawaii. 
• She became the first Hindu member of the House and was sworn into office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.
•  She was also thefirst American Samoan elected to Congress.
• 
  

8. Pete Hegseth, USA new defence secretary

Tags: International News

Pete Hegseth, USA new  defence secretary

Why in news?

• U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday (November 12, 2024) that he is nominating Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary.
• Mr. Hegseth deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News.

Other appointments:

John Ratcliffe :

• Trump picks John Ratcliffe to be  new CIA director.
• John Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence at the end of Donald Trump’s first term.

Mike Waltz:

• Trump appointed Mike Waltz, China hawk, to be national security adviser.

Susie Wiles:

• US President-elect Donald Trump has announced his campaign manager, Susan Summerall Wiles, will serve as his White House chief of staff .

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy:

• Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
• 
  

9. Thailand Tourism has a new Brand Ambassador - Sonu Sood

Tags: International News

Thailand Tourism has a new Brand Ambassador - Sonu Sood 

Why in news?

• Sonu Sood, renowned Bollywood actor and philanthropist, has been appointed as the brand ambassador and advisor for Thailand tourism.

Significance:

• In this role, Sood will offer guidance and strategic advice on marketing and public relations initiatives aimed at boosting Thailand's tourism presence in India.
•  Sood's new role is set to further strengthen Thailand's image as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists.
• Bangkok is the state capital and largest city  of Thailand.
• TheMaitree Exerciseis a military exercise between Thailand and India which takes place every year. .
• 
  

10. HANDING OVER TWO INTERCEPTORS TO MOZAMBIQUE

Tags: International News

HANDING OVER TWO INTERCEPTORS TO MOZAMBIQUE 

Why in news?

• As part of its capacity-building engagements with friendly foreign nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Government of India gifted two water-jet propelled Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to the Government of Mozambique at NACALA port, on 08 Nov 24.

Important Points:

• The FICs were transshipped from India by INS Gharial.
• The Port of Nacala is a deep-water port in Mozambique that serves as a gateway for the Nacala Corridor, a region that includes Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique: 

Features:

• These water-jet-propelled boats have a top speed of45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles at 12 knots.
•  They can carry a crew of five personnel and are equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins. 

Significance of FICs:

• The two FICs will significantly aid the Government of Mozambique in its effort to combat maritime terrorism and ongoing insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province. 

Role of India in maritime security of Mozambique:

• Earlier, to bolster the efforts of the Government of Mozambique for maritime security, the Government of India had gifted two large Interceptor vessels in 2019, followed by two FICs of the same class in Jan 2022.
• The Indian Navy has been seen by several nations in the IOR as the preferred partner for maritime security.
• 
  

• Previous
• 1 (current)
• 2
• 3
• 4
• …
• 269
• 270
• Next