Chairperson of the National Commission for Women

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Recently, Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the 9th Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW). 

The National Commission for Women

• It was set up as a statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
• The First Commission was constituted on January 31, 1992, with Ms Jayanti Patnaik as the Chairperson.
• The commission functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Vision of NCW: 

• The Indian Woman, secure in her home and outside, fully empowered to access all her rights and entitlements, with opportunity to contribute equally in all walks of life.

The Commission shall consist of:

• A Chairperson, committed to the cause of women, to be nominated by the Central Government.
• Five members to be nominated by the Central Government Provided that at least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively.
• A member-secretary to be nominated by the Central Government.

About Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar

During her tenure as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021) she spearheaded initiatives like: 

• “Sakshama” (support for acid attack survivors)
• “Prajwala” (linking self-help groups to central government schemes)
• “Suhita” (24x7 helpline service for women).

‘International Astronautical Federation (IAF)’ World Space Award

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Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award.

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The prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award was awarded for the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. 

• Chandrayaan-3 was the first mission to touch down near the lunar South Pole.

About the Award

• The Award is presented for an outstanding contribution or contributions in space science, space technology, space medicine, space law, or space management of exceptional impact on the world’s progress in astronautics.

• Most eminent person (Category A) 
• Team (Category B)

In 2023, it was given to

• Elon Musk: for individual category
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) James Webb Space Telescope Team:  for team category.

About IAF: 

• The IAF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. 
• It is also the world’s leading space advocacy body, founded in 1951 under French law.
• It has 513 Members from 77 countries, including all leading space agencies, companies, societies, associations, museums, and institutes worldwide. 

Karmayogi Saptah

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Recently, the PM of India launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ - National Learning Week.

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• Karmayogi Saptah’ was launched on 19th October at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
• It aims to create a “One Government” message, align everyone with national goals and promote lifelong learning.
• It will provide strength and help in improving working systems which will help in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Mission Karmayogi was launched in September 2020 envisioning a future-ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a global perspective.

India Chem 2024

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Recently, the central government organised the 13th Edition of “India Chem 2024.

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• Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, jointly with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is organizing “India Chem 2024” from 18 - 20 September 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Center (NESCO), Mumbai, India.
• It is one of the largest composite events of the Chemicals and Petrochemical Industry in the Asia-Pacific region and comprises of an International Conference and Exhibition.

Significance of the Industry:

• The chemical and petrochemical sector in the economy contributes over 9% to manufacturing gross value added and 7% to total exports.
• India’s chemical and petrochemical industry is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2028 and is on track to reach $1 trillion by 2040.
• As the 6th largest chemicals producer globally and third in Asia, India exports chemicals to over 175 countries, accounting for 15% of its total exports. 

Sakura Programme 2024

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Indian students to participate in the Sakura Programme 2024.

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• The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (DoSEL), is sending 20 school students (10 boys and 10 girls) and 2 supervisors to Japan to participate in the Sakura Programme 2024 along with 5 other countries from 20-26 October 2024.  
• This Program aims to develop the intellectual horizon and scientific exploration among young learners.
• The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” also known as the “Sakura Science Programme” since 2014.
• India was added to the Sakura Program in 201. India participated in the program for the first time in April 2016.