1. Vumlunmang Vualnam assumes the role of Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
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Vumlunmang Vualnam officially begins his tenure on September 1, 2023, in the role of Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India.
An Overview of the News
Vualnam takes over the position after the superannuation of Rajeev Bansal, who retired on August 31, 2023.
Vualnam is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1992 batch. He is part of Manipur cadre.
Throughout his career, Wualnam has held various important roles in the Central Government. These include serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
He has also held important roles in the Government of Manipur. These posts include Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Department and Director of Transport.
Vualnam has also contributed internationally as an advisor to the Executive Director at the World Bank.
About the Ministry of Civil Aviation
It acts as the central authority responsible for the development and regulation of civil aviation in the country.
One of its primary roles is to formulate national policies and programs aimed at guiding the development and management of civil aviation.
Beyond policy formulation, it also oversees various aspects of aviation, including airport facilities, air traffic services, and transportation of passengers and cargo by air.
Additionally, the ministry is tasked with administering and enforcing the provisions set forth in the Aircraft Act of 1934 and the Aircraft Rules of 1937.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also responsible for the administrative oversight of the Commission of Railway Safety.
2. Jaya Verma Sinha becomes first woman to lead Indian Railways as Chairman and CEO
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The appointment of Jaya Verma Sinha as the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, making her the first woman to hold the coveted position in the Indian Railways.
An Overview of the News
Jaya Verma Sinha assumed the post of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Railway Board, Ministry of Railways on 1st September, 2023 at Rail Bhavan.
Background of Jaya Verma Sinha:
Sinha's journey in the Indian Railways began in 1988 when she joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS).
In a career spanning 35 years, he has held various important positions, demonstrating his expertise and dedication.
Prior to becoming the Chairperson and CEO, Sinha served as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board.
Pioneering Achievements:
Jaya Verma Sinha became the first woman to be appointed as Principal Chief Operating Manager of South Eastern Railway.
During his tenure as Railway Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the iconic Maitree Express from Kolkata to Dhaka was inaugurated.
3. Former CJI Raman appointed as a member of the Singapore International Mediator Panel
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Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana was appointed as a member of the prestigious International Mediator Panel of the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC).
An Overview of the News
Justice Ramana participated in the 'Singapore Convention Week', an annual conference organized by Singapore's Ministry of Law, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and over 20 partner organizations.
The letter of appointment was presented to him by SIMC President George Lim in Singapore on 29 August.
About the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIMC)
It is an independent non-profit organization in Singapore.
It specializes in providing arbitration services for cross-border commercial disputes.
International Arbitrators: It maintains a panel of international arbitrators who facilitate the resolution of disputes.
Location: SIMC is located at Maxwell Chambers in Singapore.
Formation of a working group: In April 2013, a working group was formed, co-chaired by Edwin Glasgow CBE QC and George Lim SC.
SIMC Established: November 2014
About UNCITRAL
It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
It was established in 1966 by the UNGA.
Its official mandate is to promote the harmonization and unification of international trade law.
It achieves this through conventions, model laws, and other legal instruments.
UNCITRAL addresses various aspects of commerce, including dispute resolution and trade rules.
Its annual sessions are held in New York City and Vienna.
4. Geetika Srivastava becomes the first woman Charge d'Affaires (CDA) in Pakistan
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Geetika Srivastava, a 2005 batch IFS officer, was named as the first woman Charge d'Affaires (CDA) at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.
An Overview of the News
Geetika Srivastava is currently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and looks after the Indo-Pacific Division. She will replace Dr. M Suresh Kumar.
He worked in the Indian Embassy in China from 2007 to 2009.
Srivastava also held the position of Director in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and served as the Regional Passport Officer in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Important Points
Saad Ahmad Waraich has been appointed as the new Charge d'Affaires at the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi, Delhi.
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan were downgraded in August 2019, following India's decision to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions in Islamabad and Delhi are managed by their respective charge d'affaires.
5. The President of India released a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani
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The President of India Draupadi Murmu unveiled a postage stamp honoring the legacy of Dadi Prakashmani.
An Overview of the News
- The event took place on August 25, 2023, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
- The release of the postage stamp was part of the 'My Stamp' initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
- The initiative was a tribute to Dadi Prakashmani on her 16th death anniversary.
Grandma Prakashmani's contribution and legacy:
- Dadi Prakashmani contributed significantly to spreading Indian values and culture globally through spirituality.
- Under her leadership, the Brahma Kumaris grew into the world's largest women-led spiritual organization.
- Dadi Prakashmani displayed strong leadership qualities by supporting the Brahma Kumaris community with faith and courage during challenging times.
"My Stamp":
It is a personalized postage stamp service of India Post.
This involves printing a small customer's photo, logo, artwork or images of various subjects onto a template sheet of postage stamps.
The purpose of this service is to add a personal touch to postage stamps.
It was launched during the 'INDIPEX-2011' World Philatelic Exhibition.
It is available at Philatelic Bureaux, counters, important post offices, and tourist places.
Allows customization with images of heritage sites, tourist places, wildlife, birds, and more.
6. Umesh Revankar named FIDC Chairman
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Umesh Revankar, the current Executive Vice-Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), the leading Indian NBFC financing body.
An Overview of the News
FIDC is the representative body of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) engaged in asset and debt financing in India.
The appointment was made by a unanimous decision of the Managing Committee during its meeting held in Mumbai.
Umesh Revankar's two-year term as FIDC Chairman begins on August 23, 2023.
In addition to his position at Shriram Finance, Revankar also holds directorship roles in several other companies within the Shriram Group including Shriram Automall India Limited, Shriram General Insurance Company Limited, and Shriram Life Insurance Company Limited.
About Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC)
Role: Self-regulatory organization (SRO) and representative body for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) in India.
Establishment: 2004
Accreditation: Registered with the Reserve Bank of India.
Focus: Advocating NBFCs involved in asset and debt financing.
Interaction: Regular interaction with RBI and the Government of India, including pre-budget meetings and policy discussions.
Headquarters: Mumbai
Director General: Mahesh Thakkar
Presence: Regional Chapters and Affiliated Associations across India.
7. English Poet Jayanta Mahapatra Passes Away at 95
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Renowned Indian English Poet, Jayant Mohapatra passed away at the age of 95.
An Overview of the News
Born in Cuttack, Odisha, India, on October 22, 1928, Mohapatra's literary journey spanned over 50 years, during which he made a lasting impact with his writings.
He received his education from Ravenshaw College in Cuttack and later from Delhi University.
Initially, Mohapatra's career revolved around teaching physics, and in his late 30s, he developed a keen interest in English poetry.
In 1971, he published his first collection titled'Swayamvar and Other Poems', a turning point that marked the beginning of his poetic journey.
His notable work, 'Close the Sky Ten by Ten' played an important role in propelling him forward in the line of eminent writers in the literary world.
Jayant Mohapatra: Pioneering Achievements and Honors in Literature
In 1981, Jayant Mohapatra became the first English language writer to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for his book "Relationships".
He received the Jacob Glatstein Memorial Award from Poetry Magazine, Chicago.
In 2009, she won the Alan Tate Poetry Prize from The Sewanee Review.
He was awarded the SAARC Literary Award in New Delhi in 2009.
Jayant Mohapatra was presented with the Tata Literature Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri and an honorary doctorate from Ravenshaw University.
He obtained his D.Litt degree in 2006 from Utkal University, Odisha.
8. Iga Swiatek joins Infosys as a global brand ambassador for innovation and empowerment
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Infosys, a global leader in consulting and digital services, has signed women's tennis world number one Iga Swiatek as its global brand ambassador.
An Overview of the News
The partnership focuses on two main areas: fostering digital innovationand empowering women globally.
Recently, tennis legend Rafael Nadal was also roped in by Infosys as its global brand ambassador.
These strategic partnerships highlight Infosys' commitment to tennis excellence and technological advancement.
The partnership with Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal demonstrates Infosys' dedication to leveraging sports icons to advance its message of digital innovation and empowerment.
About Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek, a remarkable figure in women's tennis, is only 22 years old.
Her track record as a four-time Grand Slam champion is impressive.
Swiatek held the World No. 1 title for a record 70 consecutive weeks from April 2022.
Infosys Limited:
It is an Indian multinational corporation that provides services in information technology, business consulting, and outsourcing.
On August 24, 2021, Infosys achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the fourth Indian company to achieve a market capitalization of over US$ 100 billion.
It holds a prominent position among the top Big Tech companies in India.
Founded - 2 July 1981, Pune, India
Founder - N. R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N. S. Raghavan, and Ashok Arora
Headquarters - Bangalore, Karnataka, India
9. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa re-elected for final term
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Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected as the President of Zimbabwe for a second and final five-year term.
An Overview of the News
The announcement of Mnangagwa's victory was immediately denied by the opposition party's spokesman, who criticized the quick announcement and lack of proper result verification.
The results of Mnangagwa's re-election ensure the continued dominance of the ZANU-PF party in governing the country.
The party has maintained control of Zimbabwe's leadership throughout the 43-year period since the country's renaming in 1980, which followed liberation from white minority rule.
About Zimbabwe
It is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
The Zambezi River flows through Zimbabwe and is home to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls plunges 108 meters down the Batoka Gorge.
Downstream of the Zambezi River are the Matusadona and Mana Pools National Parks.
Capital - Harare
Currency - United States Dollar
Official languages - Shona, English, Tshwa language, Xhosa
10. Marathi actress Seema Deo passed away at the age of 81
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Veteran Marathi actress Seema Dev passed away on 24 August 2023 at the age of 81 in Mumbai.
An Overview of the News
Seema Deo had an illustrious career spanning over six decades, during which she acted in around 90 Hindi and Marathi movies.
Her acting journey ranged from the era of black-and-white films to the vibrant color era of the Indian film industry.
One of her most notable roles was in the musical hit "Anand," where she shared the screen with her husband Ramesh Deo, and legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan.
She also made her mark in Marathi cinema with notable films such as "Jagachya Pathivar" and "Vardakshina,"among others.
Her contribution to the film industry remained significant, and she continued acting even in her later years. Her final film appearance was in the 2021 release "Jivan Sandhya."
