“DEFENCE”

 Italy clinches Admiral’s Cup 2023 at Indian Naval Academy

The 12th edition of the eagerly awaited Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta concluded at Ettikulam Beach, INA, Ezhimala. The event concluded with a glittering closing ceremony, celebrating the triumphs and sportsmanship displayed by sailors from around the world. The Admiral’s Cup witnessed thrilling and competitive sailing races in Laser Radials boats from December 5 to December 8, 2023. A total of 43 participants, including eight female sailors, showcased their sailing skills in challenging wind and weather conditions, pushing the limits of their boats over the four days of intense competition.

“SPORTS”

Mohammed Shami nominated for Arjuna Award, Satwiksairaj-Chirag for Khel Ratna

India’s premier badminton men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty is in line to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the country’s highest sports prize. The pair has had a remarkable year, reaching as many as six finals, winning five. They won at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and Korea Open. They were runners-up at China Masters. India pace ace Mohammed Shami, who finished as the top wickettaker in the ODI World Cup with 24 scalps, is in the list for the Arjuna Award, it is learnt. Satwik-Chirag, the first Indian doubles pair to rise to the top of the international game, also rose to No.1 in the BWF world rankings this year, also a first for an Indian doubles pair.

“APPOINTMENT”

Parama Sen Appointed Part-Time Member of PFRDA Board, Filling All Three Vacancies

In a recent development, Parama Sen, Additional Secretary in the Department of Expenditure at the Finance Ministry, has been appointed as a part-time member of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). This appointment completes the trio of part-time members on the PFRDA board.

·       Parama Sen, a 1994 batch Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IAAS) officer, assumes the role, succeeding Anne George Mathew, who vacated the position earlier this year.

·       The PFRDA board consists of a chairman, three whole-time members, and three part-time members. The Member (Law) post, vacant since May last year, remains unfilled.

·       Earlier appointments include Rahul Singh from the Department of Personnel and Training and Pankaj Sharma from the Department of Financial Services, both appointed in the previous year.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Statue Of Tamil Icon ‘Thiruvalluvar’ Unveiled In France

On Sunday, December 10, a significant cultural milestone unfolded in the French town of Cergy with the inauguration of a statue dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a revered cultural icon among Tamilians. This event holds special significance, emphasizing the enduring cultural ties between India and France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed admiration for the newly inaugurated statue, describing it as a “beautiful testament to our shared cultural bonds.” The statue serves as a tangible representation of the rich cultural heritage that unites the two nations.

Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Mann Initiate Scheme For Doorstep Services

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal recently launched the “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar” scheme in Ludhiana, marking a historic day for the state. This initiative, inspired by the successful Delhi Model, aims to revolutionize governance by providing doorstep delivery of essential services.

Cyclone Jasper hits Australia

Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the first named storm of the 2023–24 Australian region cyclone season, made landfall in northeast Australia, impacting northern Queensland with destructive winds and the looming threat of flash flooding. This active tropical cyclone emerged as the third disturbance of the 2023–24 South Pacific cyclone season.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind launches book “Naye Bharat ka Samveda”

Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has launched a book “Naye Bharat ka Samveda” in New Delhi. The book is a compilation of speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian Constitution. In his keynote address, Kovind said that, if every citizen of the nation has adequate knowledge about the Constitution, then everything will be easy. He further added that the citizens will be able to understand that makers of the constitution were concerned about the last person of the society.