Current Affairs – March 24, 2024
National News
Election Commission Launches Saksham App for Accessible Voting
- The Election Commission introduces the Saksham App to enhance voting accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and elderly voters.
- Voters aged 85 and above and PWD with a 40 percent benchmark disability can now vote from home.
- Volunteers and wheelchairs will be stationed at every polling station to assist voters with disabilities.
- Transport facilities are being arranged specifically for PWD and elderly voters.
- The Saksham App aims to streamline the process of availing facilities at polling stations for PWD.
Election commission of india:
- Founded: 25 January 1950
- Election commissioner: Sh. Rajiv Kumar,
International News
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Commences Three-Day Visit to Singapore
- Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, embarks on a three-day visit to Singapore.
- He begins the visit by paying homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the courageous soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA).
- Dr Jaishankar acknowledges the INA Marker in Singapore as a symbol of deep patriotism and enduring inspiration.
- The visit underscores India’s strong diplomatic ties with Singapore and aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Singapore country:
- Singapore city is the capital of Singapore
- President Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Simon Harris Set to Become Ireland’s Youngest Prime Minister
- Simon Harris, a prominent figure in Irish politics, emerges as the sole candidate for Ireland’s next prime minister following the departure of Leo Varadkar.
- At 37 years old, Harris is poised to make history as the youngest prime minister in Ireland’s history.
- His potential appointment brings anticipation for fresh perspectives and leadership in Irish politics.
Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland
Award News
Bina Agarwal and James Boyce Receive Inaugural Global Inequality Research Award
- Bina Agarwal and James Boyce honored with the inaugural “Global Inequality Research Award” for their significant contributions to understanding social and environmental inequalities.
- The award recognizes their impactful research in the field of global inequalities.
- Agarwal and Boyce will be invited to receive their awards and present their work at conferences in Paris in the fall and spring of 2024.
- These conferences will be organized alongside Sciences Po’s Social-Ecological Transitions (SET) initiative, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address social and environmental challenges.
ISRO Receives Aviation Week Laureates Award for Chandrayaan-3 Mission
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is awarded the esteemed Aviation Week Laureates Award for its notable accomplishments in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in the US, accepted the award on behalf of ISRO.
- The recognition highlights ISRO’s commitment to excellence in space exploration and its significant contributions to advancing India’s space capabilities.
Appointment News
Govind Dholakia Appointed Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB)
- Govind Dholakia, a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB).
- His appointment follows the resignation of the previous chairman, Vallabhbhai Patel (Lakhani).
- Dholakia’s leadership is expected to steer the Surat Diamond Bourse towards continued growth and development within the diamond industry.
Sports News
Sharath Kamal Named Indian Flagbearer for Paris 2024 Olympics
- Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announces Sharath Kamal as the flagbearer for the Indian team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Sharath Kamal, ranked World No. 88, holds a record 10 national table tennis championship titles.
- He boasts an impressive tally of 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including seven golds, and has secured two medals at the Asian Games.
- With three bronze medals at the World Championships, Kamal brings extensive experience and skill to the Olympic stage.
Science and tech News
Groundbreaking Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplant Performed by US Surgeons
- Surgeons from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston achieved a medical breakthrough by performing the first pig-to-human kidney transplant.
- A 62-year-old man suffering from end-stage renal disease received a new kidney from a genetically modified pig.
- This pioneering transplant marks a significant milestone in the field of organ transplantation, raising hopes for addressing organ shortages.
- Long-term monitoring and study are crucial to understanding the outcomes and potential implications of this innovative procedure.
Important days
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024: “Yes! We can end TB”
- World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on March 24th to raise public awareness about TB and its prevention.
- TB is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
- The disease spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
- TB is preventable and curable with a course of antibacterial medications lasting 6 to 12 months.
- The theme for World TB Day 2024 emphasizes the collective effort needed to end TB globally.