Weekly Current Affairs (25th September to 1st October 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Waheeda Rehman to Be Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award

Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, has announced that the celebrated actress, Waheeda Rehman, will receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor in the Indian film industry.

A Remarkable Career in Indian Cinema
Waheeda Rehman's illustrious career is synonymous with excellence. She has graced over 90 films and is known for her versatility, delivering unforgettable performances in iconic movies such as "Pyaasa," "CID," "Guide," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," "Khamoshi," and "Trishul." Her contributions to the world of cinema have left an indelible mark, resonating with audiences across generations.

A Joyous and Honorable Announcement
Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed his immense happiness and honor in bestowing this prestigious award upon Waheeda Rehman. He acknowledged her stellar contributions to Indian cinema, recognizing her role in shaping the industry into what it is today.

"I feel an immense sense of happiness and honor in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema," the minister wrote on Twitter.

A Glowing Tribute to an Iconic Career
Waheeda Rehman's cinematic journey spans over five glorious decades, marked by finesse and dedication in her portrayals, earning critical acclaim and awards such as the National Film Award. She holds the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, underscoring her exceptional contributions to Indian culture and cinema.

Beyond the Silver Screen
This award comes at a significant time as India celebrates the achievements of women in various fields, exemplified by Parliament's recent passage of the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Waheeda Rehman's recognition is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema. Her commitment to philanthropy and societal betterment after retiring from films reflects her dedication to the greater good.

A Legacy of Iconic Films
Waheeda Rehman's cinematic journey commenced in 1955 with the Telugu film "Rojulu Marayi." Since then, she has graced numerous films with her exceptional talent, including timeless classics such as "Pyaasa," "Guide," "Khamoshi," "Phagun," "Kabhi Kabhie," "Chandni," "Lamhe," "Rang De Basanti," and "Delhi 6."

As the Indian film fraternity and admirers from around the world celebrate this well-deserved honor, it is a moment to reflect on the enduring impact of Waheeda Rehman's contributions to the cinematic legacy of India. Her name will forever be synonymous with excellence, dedication, and the embodiment of a Bharatiya Nari achieving the highest level of professional excellence through her unwavering commitment and hard work.

Times Higher Education (THE) Unveils 2024 World University Rankings

The 20th edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024 has been released, spotlighting the world's top higher education institutions. Oxford University in the United Kingdom has achieved the coveted first place for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, with Stanford University in the United States securing second place. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) takes the third position. This year's edition is the largest to date, featuring 1,904 universities from 108 countries and regions, evaluated across 18 performance indicators reflecting their core missions.

Top 10 Universities Worldwide

British and American Dominance
The top 10 universities on the list represent a blend of British and American institutions. Leading the list is the University of Oxford, followed by Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Harvard University, University of Cambridge (UK), Princeton University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Imperial College London, University of California, Berkeley, and Yale University complete the top 10. This list remains predominantly dominated by U.S. universities.

Indian Universities Make Significant Progress

Ninety-One Indian Universities Ranked
India, a rising force in higher education, has demonstrated substantial growth in the latest World University Rankings for 2024. A total of 91 Indian universities have secured positions on the list, surpassing last year's count of 75. This increase in representation underscores India's dedication to promoting academic excellence and research across its institutions.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Claims Top Position
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has achieved a historic milestone by securing the top position among Indian universities. This accomplishment marks the first time since 2017 that IISc has held the top spot, emphasizing its commitment to research and academic excellence.

IITs Continue to Boycott

Interestingly, the top Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have continued their longstanding boycott of the rankings for the fourth consecutive year. Their absence from the rankings raises questions about the methodology or criteria used by the rankings, which have not aligned with the IITs' assessment of academic excellence.

India's Growing Global Presence
India's ascent in the 2024 rankings extends beyond the number of universities featured. India has now risen to become the fourth most well-represented nation, advancing from sixth place in the previous year's rankings. This upward trajectory reflects the increasing recognition of Indian universities on the global stage.

Other High-Performing Indian Universities
Among the Indian universities making notable progress in the rankings are Anna University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences. These institutions have secured positions within the 501-600 range, reaffirming their commitment to academic excellence and research contributions.

India Maintains 40th Position in Global Innovation Index 2023

India has retained its 40th position out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings, as published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. India has shown consistent improvement in the Global Innovation Index (GII) over the past several years, rising from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 40 in 2023.

Collaborative Efforts in Innovation
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has actively contributed to India's journey toward becoming an innovation-driven economy. This year, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with CII and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is hosting the India Launch of GII 2023 virtually on September 29, 2023.

The Most Innovative Economies in 2023
Switzerland maintains its position as the most innovative economy for the 13th consecutive year in 2023, followed by Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings reveal the performance of other economies as well:

• Denmark (9th) and the Republic of Korea (10th) remain in the top 10.
• France (11th) has improved by one rank this year, while Japan remains the 13th most innovative economy.
• Israel re-enters the top 15, securing the 14th place.
• China, after a significant ascent over the last decade, ranks 12th this year, making it the sole middle-income economy among the top 30.
• Belgium (23rd) re-enters the top 25, climbing three ranks.
• All eight Nordic and Baltic economies improved their ranking this year, except for Iceland, which remains at the 20th spot.
• Estonia gains two ranks, reaching the top 15 at 16th place.
• Norway (19th) re-enters the top 20.
• Lithuania (34th) and Latvia (37th) make significant improvements, gaining five and four ranks, respectively, with Latvia re-entering the top 40.
• Apart from China, there are only four other middle-income economies among the top 40: Malaysia (36th), Bulgaria (38th), Türkiye (39th), and India (40th).
• The United Arab Emirates maintains its position at 32nd place.
• Saudi Arabia (48th) and Qatar (50th) enter the top 50.
• Middle East economies Bahrain (67th), Oman (69th), Jordan (71st), and Egypt (86th) also show notable improvements in their innovation ranking, with Bahrain and Oman entering the top 70.

These developments indicate systematic and positive progress in innovation rankings in the Middle East.

India's Sanitation Efforts: 75% of Villages Achieve ODF Plus Status

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Jal Shakti minister, has proudly announced a significant achievement in the country's sanitation endeavors. He revealed that approximately 75% of Indian villages, totaling around 4.4 lakh, have successfully achieved the prestigious 'Open Defecation Free Plus' (ODF Plus) status. This milestone represents a crucial advancement toward realizing the objectives of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin by 2024-25.

India's First Lighthouse Festival Shines Bright in Goa

• A momentous occasion unfolded in India as the nation witnessed its inaugural lighthouse festival illuminating the captivating state of Goa. This remarkable event, organized by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is part of an ambitious initiative aimed at revitalizing 75 lighthouses across India, transforming them into vibrant tourist destinations.
• The Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa, which commenced on September 23 and continues until September 25, stands as a significant milestone in the journey to revive these historic structures and commemorate their cultural and historical importance.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Announces Three New Air Routes in Arunachal Pradesh

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has made a significant announcement regarding the launch of three additional air routes in Arunachal Pradesh. These routes are expected to become operational by October of this year, greatly enhancing connectivity in the region.
• The new air routes will establish connections between Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and Rupsi, Jorhat, and Delhi, all of which are crucial for the region's development. This initiative is part of the UDAN-5 scheme, which stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik, translating to "Let the common citizen of the country fly." UDAN is a regional connectivity program aimed at making aviation services more accessible to the general public.
• This announcement follows the recent inauguration of improved infrastructure at the Tezu airport in the Lohit district, further bolstering the region's air connectivity and accessibility.

Manipur Government Extends AFSPA in the State, Excluding Imphal Valley

• The government of Manipur has taken the decision to extend the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for an additional six months across the entire state. However, specific areas within the Imphal Valley have been excluded from this extension. This move comes in light of the security situation in Manipur, with a particular focus on the hill districts, which are predominantly inhabited by tribal communities and have witnessed an increase in ethnic violence and insurgent activities.
• The decision to extend AFSPA contrasts with the army's request for the re-imposition of AFSPA in the valley districts to support counterinsurgency efforts. This decision reflects the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by the state while considering the unique dynamics in different regions of Manipur.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Jersey to Inaugurate on October 8, 2023

A momentous occasion awaits devotees of Hinduism and enthusiasts of art and culture as the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, is all set to be inaugurated on October 8, 2023, under the spiritual guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj. This monumental temple, constructed outside of India, is poised to become the second-largest Hindu temple globally, second only to the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia. With its intricate design, profound spiritual significance, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple stands as a testament to human dedication, tradition, and artistry.

Exploring the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance: History, Purpose, and Controversies

• The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance, often simply referred to as "Five Eyes," is a covert international intelligence coalition consisting of five English-speaking nations. Established in the aftermath of World War II, this alliance has played a pivotal role in shaping global intelligence and security strategies. In this article, we will delve into the history, purpose, and controversies surrounding the Five Eyes alliance.
• The Five Eyes alliance originated as a post-World War II intelligence-sharing agreement between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Formed in 1946, its primary objective was to share signals intelligence (SIGINT) to counter the emerging Soviet threat during the Cold War.

Apple Plans Significant Expansion of Manufacturing Operations in India

Apple, the renowned iPhone maker, is gearing up for a substantial expansion of its manufacturing operations in India. Government sources have reported that the company aims to increase its production in the country by more than fivefold, reaching approximately $40 billion (about 3.32 lakh crore) within the next 4-5 years.

Maruti Suzuki Partners with Indian Navy to Empower Youth in Northeastern India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's leading automobile manufacturer, has initiated a distinctive collaboration with the Indian Navy. Together, they have launched the 'Khamree Mo Sikkim' outreach program with the aim of raising awareness about career opportunities among the youth of Northeastern India. This partnership not only underscores the dedication of all stakeholders to the Northeast region but also exemplifies the potential for positive change through collective endeavors.

RBI Penalizes State-Owned Banks for Regulatory Non-Compliance

In a recent development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken disciplinary action against three prominent state-owned banks, namely State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Bank, and Punjab & Sind Bank, for their failure to comply with various regulatory norms. These penalties serve as a stern reminder of the significance of adhering to banking regulations and directives issued by the RBI.

• The State Bank of India (SBI) has been fined ₹1.30 Crore for its non-compliance with specific directives issued by the RBI.

• Punjab & Sind Bank incurred a penalty of ₹1.00 Crore due to its non-compliance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

• Indian Bank faced a substantial penalty of ₹1.62 Crore for its failure to adhere to various RBI directives, including those related to 'Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions,' 'Reserve Bank of India [Know Your Customer (KYC)] Directions, 2016,' and 'Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016.'

Sanjeev Mantri Appointed as New MD & CEO of ICICI Lombard General Insurance

In a notable leadership transition, the board of ICICI Lombard General Insurance has announced the appointment of Sanjeev Mantri as the company's new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). This decision comes in the wake of the resignation of Bhargav Dasgupta, the outgoing MD & CEO, who stepped down from his position before completing his 15-year tenure due to recent regulatory changes. Sanjeev Mantri will now take on the role of leading ICICI Lombard General Insurance into the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Marks 20th Anniversary of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a prestigious event held at Science City in Ahmedabad. This city has been witness to the remarkable transformation of Vibrant Gujarat over the past two decades. The summit serves as a testament to the state's growth and development under his leadership.

Mathematician Ruixiang Zhang Wins 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

Mathematician Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field of mathematics. The award, which includes a cash prize of $10,000, will be presented at an international conference in Number Theory. This conference will take place in the hometown of the renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam during the third week of December.

India Becomes First Team to Hit 3000 ODI Sixes

In the second ODI match between Team India and Australia in Indore, India achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first team to surpass 3000 sixes in One Day Internationals (ODIs). India posted a formidable total of 399/6 in their innings, featuring an impressive 18 sixes. This achievement solidifies India's position at the top of the list for the most ODI sixes, with the West Indies following closely in second place with 2953 sixes, and Pakistan securing the third spot with 2566 sixes.

India Excels on First Day of 2023 Asian Games

India, known for its strong sporting culture, had a promising start on the first official day of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. India wrapped up the first official day of the Asian Games 2023 with five medals – three silver and two bronze.