Current Affairs

IIT Madras, NASA study multidrug-resistant pathogens on ISS

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Researchers are studying multi-drug resistant pathogens on the International Space Station (ISS), which could have key applications for astronauts' health as well on earth.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive study to understand the genomic, functional, and metabolic enhancements observed in multidrug-resistant pathogens with a particular focus on Enterobacter bugandensis, a prevalent nosocomial pathogen found on surfaces within the ISS.



Prem Singh Tamang sworn in as Sikkim Chief Minister for second consecutive term

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) supremo Prem Singh Tamang on June 10 took oath as the Chief Minister of the Himalayan state for the second consecutive term.

The 56-year-old politician was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at a function held in Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.

Eleven other Ministers also took oath along with him.



GAIL to set up India's largest ethane cracker project at investment of Rs 60,000 cr in MP

GAIL, the country's top gas supplier, has announced that it intends to set up 1500 KTA ethane cracker project at Ashta, district Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, having product slate of various ethylene derivatives. GAIL said that the project will entail projected investment of Rs 60,000 crore

In an exchange filing, the company said that it has submitted its request to the Madhya Pradesh government for the for providing suitable enablers for the project.

Around 800 hectares of land shall be provided by the MP Industrial Development Corporation Limited, for which state government has already initiated the process. Investment approval from GAIL's Board shall be sought after favourable outcome on enablers."



MCL wins awards for energy excellence, CSR

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) was conferred with Kalinga Excellence Awards for Energy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability on Saturday.

Institute of Quality & Environment Management Services (IQEMS) and State Pollution Control Board, Odisha presented Kalinga Energy Excellence and Kalinga CSR & Sustainability Excellence awards to MCL in the Five Star Category for the Performance Year 2023 at the 9th National Conclave on Environment, Energy & Climate Change-2024, held in Bhubaneswar.

Shri A S Bapat, Director (Technical/Projects & Planning), received the awards from Her Highness Ms Lebohung Valentine Mochaba, High Commissioner, Kingdom of Lesotho and His Excellency Mr Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner for People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Kolkata.



Ashis Kumar Dash (ITradeS) appointed as Director in NITI Aayog

Ashis Kumar Dash (ITradeS) has been selected for the appointment as Director in NITI Aayog on Friday. According to an order issued from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on June 7, Dash has been selected for the appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) for a period of four years with effect from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.



Surya Sagar Becomes First Indian To Win Golden Ticket To World League of Fighters

Surya Sagar, the Indian Muay Thai fighter, clinched victory as he became the first Indian contestant to secure the golden ticket for the World League of Fighters. The qualifying event took place in the UAE at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on June 1. (More Sports News)

The event featured five main combat matches for the evening including participants of the cruiserweight, featherweight, middleweight, welterweight and the female featherweight category.

Sagar's win was remarkable among the Indian fighters present, being the first to secure a golden ticket, showcasing strength and determination.



Indian Teachers Shine at the 2024 International Digital Teachers' Olympiad

10-June-2024. Ms. Shilpi Agarwal, a teacher at City Montessori School in Lucknow, emerged as the top performer, securing Rank 1 in the recently concluded International Digital Teachers' Olympiad, organized by upEducators, India’s fastest growing Ed Tech company in upskilling of Educators.

The first edition of this international event saw the participation of 3,300 educators from 2,663 schools across 20 countries, demonstrating their advanced digital teaching skills.

The Olympiad was conducted in two levels. In the first level, all participants engaged in a 40-minute assessment quiz on an online platform, where they were evaluated on their understanding of digital pedagogy, adaptive learning techniques, integration of digital tools, digital content creation, trends in education technology, data privacy and online safety, and innovative teaching practices. The top 200 educators from this level were selected for the next round, the Digital Innovation Awards.



In first decision, Cabinet nod to 3 crore rural, urban houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

Chairing the maiden Cabinet meeting of his third term on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved government assistance for the construction of three crore rural and urban houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Of the three crore houses, two crore will be constructed under PMAY-Gramin, while 1 crore under PMAY-Urban. After the Cabinet meeting an official source said, “It has been decided in the Cabinet meeting today to provide assistance to three crore additional rural and urban households for the construction of houses, to meet the housing requirements arising out of the increase in the number of eligible families.”



On First Day In Office As Prime Minister For The Third Time, PM Modi Signs File On Kisan Welfare

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his historic third consecutive term on Monday by authorizing the release of the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, which aims to benefit 9.3 crore farmers with a disbursement of around Rs 20,000 crores.

Arriving at his office in South Block on the first morning after taking oath, PM Modi signed the file pertaining to the flagship scheme’s installment for farmers, underscoring his government’s commitment to their welfare.

After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”



Sebi bags 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award by The Asian Banker

Sebi has been given 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in Asia Pacific by The Asian Banker for its role in enhancing the regulatory framework for securities markets in India.

The award was received by Sebi's Whole Time Member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney in a ceremony held in Hong Kong.

"This authority (Sebi) has been actively working towards instantaneous settlement. In 2021, T+1 settlement was introduced in a phased manner, which was fully implemented from January 2023. This move has provided investors with faster access to their funds following trade execution and settlement, enhancing market efficiency and liquidity," The Asian Banker said in a statement.

Through rigorous enforcement and innovative regulatory practices, Sebi has significantly improved the conduct of business in the country's financial markets, ensuring fair treatment of consumers and robust market integrity, it added.