5th February, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

INTERNATIONAL
Michelle O’Neill Becomes Northern Ireland’s First Minister

Michelle O’Neill, an Irish nationalist representing Sinn Fein, has been appointed as Northern Ireland’s First Minister. This marks a significant departure from the traditional dominance of pro-British unionists in the region’s political landscape.
O’Neill’s appointment reflects Sinn Fein’s (Political party) aspiration for a United Ireland, a vision they believe is now within grasp. Her elevation to the position of First Minister signifies the party’s growing influence and political clout in Northern Ireland.
The appointment of O’Neill coincides with the end of a two-year boycott by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of the power-sharing government. A deal struck with the British government to ease post-Brexit trade frictions paved the way for the DUP’s return to governance, with Emma Little-Pengelly assuming the role of deputy First Minister.

ECONOMY
Government Appoints Four key Members of the Sixteenth Finance Commission

The government has taken a significant step in shaping the Sixteenth Finance Commission (SFC) by appointing 4-key members, three of whom are designated as full-time members. The Commission, headed by Shri Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, was constituted on December 31, 2023.
1.Shri. Ajay Narayan Jha, former member, 15th Finance Commission and former Secretary, Expenditure- Full time Member
2.Smt. Annie George Mathew, former Special Secretary, Expenditure-Full time Member
3.Dr. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director, Artha Global-Full time Member
4.Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India-Part time Member
In adherence to Article 280(1) of the Constitution, the Government of India, with the President’s approval, has established the Sixteenth Finance Commission. Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and Professor at Columbia University, assumes the role of Chairman. Shri Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey has been appointed as the Commission’s Secretary, and detailed terms of reference have been outlined in the official notification.

Also Read: Awards: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (January 8 to 14, 2024): Which cities shared the cleanest city title at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023?

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead of ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission

Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead of ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission, which will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.
Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and “Mitra” (meaning Friend). This Female Robot Astronaut is equipped with the capability to monitor Module Parameters, issue Alerts and execute Life Support operations. It can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to the queries.
"Vyommitra" Astronaut is designed in such a manner so as to simulate human functions in the Space environment and interact with the Life Support System.
The Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human space capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into an orbit of 400 Kilometres and then bringing back these human astronauts safely to earth by landing them in India's sea waters.

AWARDS
Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain's fusion band Shakti bags Grammy award

Prominent Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain's fusion band Shakti bagged the prestigious Grammy award.
They clinched the award in Best Global Music Album category for their latest album This Moment. The album This Moment was released in June last year. The album consisted of eight songs by John McLaughlin, Zakir Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh and Ganesh Rajagopalan.
Meanwhile, Zakir Hussain also bagged the Grammy in Best Global Music Performance category for his contribution to Pashto alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia. Moreover, Veteran Indian classical flute artist Rakesh Chaurasia managed to win dual Grammy for his collaborative album As We Speak in the Best Contemporary Instrumental and Best Global Music Performance categories. The 66th Annual Grammy Awards 2024 are being held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

Published date : 09 Feb 2024 04:16PM