12th March, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
Kishor Makwana Assumes Charge as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Kishor Makwana has recently taken charge as the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi. Additionally, Shri Luv Kush Kumar has assumed the role of Member of the NCSC.
In assuming his new position, Shri Makwana emphasized the Commission's commitment to ensuring justice for the Scheduled Castes and its proactive stance against any form of injustice directed towards the community. He underscored the NCSC's pivotal role in participating in the planning process for the socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes and its efforts to prevent atrocities against them. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of maintaining social harmony and fostering unity within society as key priorities for the Commission.
Shri Makwana's leadership and vision suggest a dedication to upholding the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes while striving for their empowerment and well-being. Under his stewardship, the NCSC is likely to play a significant role in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Andaman & Nicobar Command’s Historic All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission

Coinciding with International Women’s Day and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, the Andaman & Nicobar Command achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first-ever all-women maritime surveillance mission. This landmark event underscores the commitment to gender equality and recognizes the indispensable role of women in national defense.
The mission, based at INS Utkrosh, was executed by a proficient crew comprising three women officers:
Lieutenant Commander Shubhangi Swaroop
Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma
Lieutenant Vaishali Mishra
INAS 318, commissioned on March 8, 1984, has a rich history of surveillance operations. Initially equipped with Islander aircraft, it transitioned to Dornier aircraft in 1999, equipped with advanced Maritime Patrol Radars for enhanced surveillance capabilities.

Here's a summary of the key points:

Mission: First all-women maritime surveillance mission by the Andaman & Nicobar Command.
Date: March 8, 2024, coinciding with International Women's Day and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318.
Location: Based at INS Utkrosh.
Crew: Three women officers - Lt. Cdr. Shubhangi Swaroop, Lt. Cdr. Divya Sharma, and Lt. Vaishali Mishra.
Significance: Underscores the navy's efforts towards gender equality and acknowledges women's contributions to national defense.

Also Read: Economy: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (February 19 to 25, 2024): With whom the Government of Goa has collaborated to establish a Blended Finance facility?

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INTERNATIONAL
China’s New Territorial Sea Baseline in Gulf of Tonkin Raises Concerns

China's recent announcement of a new territorial sea baseline in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin, which it shares with Vietnam, has raised concerns about potential impacts on existing agreements and regional stability.
The Gulf of Tonkin, also known as Beibu Gulf, holds historical significance for maritime demarcation between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea. China's disclosure of seven base points forming the baseline for its sovereignty claims in this area has sparked concerns among neighboring countries and the international community.
Despite a 2004 agreement aimed at delineating boundaries in the Gulf of Tonkin, maritime disputes have persisted due to ambiguity. China's decision to establish a new territorial sea baseline indicates its desire to assert its sovereignty and potentially expand its maritime claims in the region.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states are entitled to territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelves. However, disputes often arise when overlapping claims occur, leading to tensions and challenges to regional stability.
The announcement of China's new territorial sea baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin underscores the complex nature of maritime disputes in the South China Sea region. It highlights the importance of adhering to international laws and agreements to resolve disputes peacefully and maintain stability in the region. Efforts to clarify maritime boundaries and promote dialogue among concerned parties remain crucial for addressing tensions and ensuring the peaceful coexistence of nations in the South China Sea.

Asif Ali Zardari Sworn in as Pakistan’s 14th President

Asif Ali Zardari has been sworn in as Pakistan's 14th President, following his significant victory in the presidential election. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidential Palace. Zardari's assumption of office comes after Dr. Arif Alvi completed his five-year term in September of the previous year, with Zardari succeeding him.
Zardari secured an overwhelming victory in the joint session of parliament, garnering a total of 255 votes. The distribution of votes from different provinces was as follows: 43 from Punjab, 8 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 47 from Balochistan, and 58 from Sindh.
This marks Zardari's second term as President, a historic milestone as he becomes the first civilian to hold the position twice in Pakistan's history. His reelection reflects the confidence placed in him by the parliament and the people of Pakistan, highlighting his political stature and influence within the country. As he assumes office, Zardari is expected to navigate the challenges facing Pakistan and work towards the nation's progress and prosperity.

AP
Geological Survey Of India Unveils Stratigraphic Column In Andhra Pradesh
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) unveiled a representative Stratigraphic Column of the Cuddapah Supergroup in Andhra Pradesh. This signifies:

Geological History: The column represents the geological evolution of the Cuddapah Basin, a crucial Proterozoic basin in India.
Educational Hub: This reinforces GSI's commitment to establishing the Vajrakarur Camp as a center for learning and research.
Geological Insights: Valuable information regarding the region's geological past is offered alongside exhibits of kimberlites and lamproites.
GSI's Mission: This unveiling marks a significant step in GSI's pursuit of understanding geological mysteries and contributing to global geoscience.
Celebrating Heritage: It highlights India's rich geological history and GSI's ongoing efforts to advance geological knowledge.

Additional Information:

The ceremony took place on March 10th, 2024.
Prominent dignitaries including Shri Ch Venkateswara Rao and Shri S. N. Mahapatro were present.

AWARDS
Riken Yamamoto Wins 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize

Riken Yamamoto, a distinguished Japanese architect hailing from Yokohama, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize. This award is widely recognized as the most esteemed honor in the field of architecture.
Established in 1979 by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife, Cindy, the Pritzker Architecture Prize is an annual accolade bestowed upon a living architect whose built works showcase exceptional talent, visionary creativity, and unwavering dedication. Winners of this award are celebrated for their significant contributions to humanity and the built environment, leaving a lasting impact on architectural discourse and practice.
Riken Yamamoto's selection for the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize acknowledges his outstanding architectural achievements and innovative design approach. Through his remarkable body of work, Yamamoto has demonstrated a deep understanding of space, form, and function, while also addressing pressing societal and environmental concerns.
As the recipient of this prestigious award, Riken Yamamoto joins the ranks of esteemed architects who have left an indelible mark on the world through their transformative designs and visionary contributions to the architectural landscape. His recognition underscores the enduring importance of architecture in shaping the way we live, interact, and experience the world around us.

Key Points:

Riken Yamamoto, a Japanese architect from Yokohama, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Established in 1979, the Pritzker Prize is considered the highest recognition in the architecture world.
The award acknowledges architects whose work showcases exceptional talent, vision, and dedication.
Yamamoto's contributions have significantly impacted humanity and the built environment.

Published date : 13 Mar 2024 05:51PM