“SPORTS”

Haryana Crowned Champion at Boxing Sub Junior National Championship

Haryana clinched the team titles in both the boy’s and girls categories with an impressive combined haul of 19 medals at the Boxing Sub Junior National Championship. Haryana showcased its dominance by finishing on top in both categories. The tournament witnessed the participation of 612 boxers, including 337 boys and 275 girls. In the girls section, Haryana, the reigning champion, successfully defended its title by finishing on top with 64 points. The state won 10 medals, including 7 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze.

Historic Day-Night Women’s Ashes Test at MCG

In a historic move, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host a day-night Test match between the Australian and English women’s cricket teams. This will be the first time a pink-ball Test is played at the iconic venue. The four-day match is scheduled from January 30 to February 2, 2025. The Test match holds special significance as it will mark the 90th anniversary of the first-ever women’s Test, played in December 1934. Additionally, it will be the first time the Australian women’s team plays a Test at the MCG since 1949.

“DEFENCE”

New Chiefs Appointed to Lead NIA, NDRF, and BPR&D

The Indian government has announced crucial appointments in key security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). These appointments signify a reorganization within India’s security apparatus to enhance efficiency and address emerging challenges.

Sadanand Vasant Date Takes Over as NIA Chief

Sadanand Vasant Date, a distinguished 1990-batch IPS officer from Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of the NIA.

Piyush Anand Leads NDRF

Piyush Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been entrusted with the responsibility of heading the NDRF.

Rajeev Kumar Appointed as BPR&D Chief

Rajeev Kumar, an accomplished IPS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the BPR&D.

“SCIENCE”

ISRO’s START 2024 Program to Inspire Youth in Space Science

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will conduct the Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) 2024 program during April and May. ISRO is inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) from educational institutes, universities, and colleges within India offering UG and PG courses in physical sciences and technology to host START-2024.

“APPOINTMENTS”

New Members Sworn In at Lokpal of India

Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has taken oath as the new judicial member of the Lokpal (ombudsman) on 27 March 2024. The oath was administered by Justice AM Khanwilkar, the Chairman of the Lokpal of India. Central Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava and senior officers from CBI and Enforcement Directorate were present.

About the New Members

• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi served as the Chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission of India before joining the Lokpal. He was previously the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
• Pankaj Kumar is a 1986 batch IAS officer from Gujarat cadre. Before joining the Lokpal, he was the Chief Secretary of Gujarat.
• Ajay Tirkey is a 1987 batch IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre. He was the Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, Government of India, before joining the Lokpal.

Hansha Mishra Appointed as Director in UPSC

Hansha Mishra, an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) from the 2010 batch, has been appointed as Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi. Her appointment comes after she was recommended for central deputation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye Wins Senegal’s Presidential Election

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an anti-establishment figure, has won the Senegalese presidential election with 54.28 per cent of the votes in the first round. At 44 years old, Faye is set to become Africa’s youngest elected president and the first opponent to win in the first round since Senegal’s independence from France in 1960. His victory still needs to be validated by Senegal’s Constitutional Council in the next few days. Faye comfortably defeated the governing coalition’s candidate, former prime minister Amadou Ba, who received 35.79 percent of the votes. Aliou Mamadou Dia came in third with just 2.8 percent of the votes among the 19 candidates.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Saudi Arabia Sends First Contestant to Miss Universe Pageant

Rumi Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model and influencer from Saudi Arabia, announced on Instagram that she will be the first participant from the country in the Miss Universe competition. Alqahtani was born in Riyadh and has previously won the titles of Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia). This will be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first appearance in the Miss Universe pageant.

Thailand’s Historic Move: Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand’s lower house of Parliament has passed a groundbreaking bill to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step towards equality in Southeast Asia. The legislation, an amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code, garnered overwhelming support in the House of Representatives.