1 Voting in the United Nations Security Council on a new draft resolution regarding immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution for the first time demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. 14 countries supported the proposal. The United States , Israel’s biggest supporter, abstained from the vote . US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield blamed Hamas for the delay in passing the ceasefire resolution and said the US abstained from the vote due to disagreements. Since the attack on Israel on October 7 last year, the United Nations Security Council has been divided into two parts in the Israel-Hamas war. Out of the eight proposals presented, only two have been passed so far. Both these proposals were related to providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
2 LIC emerges as the strongest insurance brand globally-2024
Public sector insurance company Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the strongest insurance brand globally-2024 . LIC has regained its position as the 5th most valuable Indian listed company by overtaking SBI in market valuation. LIC Chairman Siddharth Mohanty said in a statement that LIC is the world’s number one strongest insurance brand, from local to global dominance. The brand value of LIC remains stable at US$9.8 billion. LIC’s share price reached an all-time high of Rs 1,175, making it India’s most valuable public sector undertaking (PSU). According to Brand Finance Insurance, Taiwanese Cathay Life Insurance is the second strongest brand in this list after LIC. Taiwanese Cathay Life Insurance has been shown as in this list after LIC. Cathay Life Insurance’s brand value has increased by nine per cent to $4.9 billion. At third place is Australian NRMA Insurance, whose brand value has increased by 82 percent to $ 1.3 billion.
3 ‘Station Shiv Shakti’: Landing site of Chandrayaan-3
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved the name ‘ Station Shiv Shakti ‘ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander on the Moon . This decision is taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taken after ‘s announcement on August 26, 2023, in which he had announced that the landing site will be named ‘Shiv Shakti’. The Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which documents IAU-approved planetary names, defines ‘Station Shiva Shakti’ as a compound word from Indian mythology, representing the maleness (Shiva) and femaleness (Shakti) of nature. Represents duality. Emphasizing the importance of these names in connecting India from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, Prime Minister Modi said that Shiva symbolizes resolve for the welfare of humanity, while Shakti provides the power to fulfill those resolutions.
4 Election Commission’s Saksham app will bring revolutionary changes in the accessibility of voting.
In a determined effort to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process , the Election Commission has introduced the Saksham App . The initiative aims to cater to the needs of voters above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities (PWDs) with 40 per cent benchmark disability, allowing them to cast their vote in the comfort of their homes.
5. Election process is being closely monitored through ‘C-Vigil’ app
The Election Commission is keeping a close watch on the election process through the C-Vigil app . This app is for recording, reporting and resolution of violations of the Model Code of Conduct . Through this app, online complaint can be made by taking photos, videos etc. of violation of Model Code of Conduct.
6 Meme Coins: A Digital Currency
Meme coins are a unique category of cryptocurrency that has gained immense popularity in the digital currency space . These coins originated from the development of meme culture on the Internet and are often characterized by their light-hearted and humorous nature. Meme coins, also known as “ memetic tokens ” or “ community coins ”, are digital currencies created as a satire or humorous homage to Internet culture. These often have quirky names, logos, and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or Internet phenomena.
7 Asteroid named after Bengaluru professor Jayant Murthy
The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the global organization responsible for naming celestial bodies , has honored an Indian scientist with a rare honour. Professor Jayant Murthy , a distinguished astrophysicist, has been recognized for his notable contributions to this field, with an asteroid named (215884 Jayant Murthy) after him .
8 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz wins the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
At the Australian Grand Prix , Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was victorious, making a remarkable comeback just two weeks after appendicitis surgery. The race was full of drama, including the first retirement in two years of defending world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Sainz, who took the only non-Red Bull victory last season, faces stiff competition from his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. The race took a dramatic turn on the final lap when Mercedes driver George Russell crashed, triggering a virtual safety car. This cleared the way for Sainz to a decisive victory.
9 Chipko Movement: A 50-Year Legacy of Environmental Protection
The 50th anniversary of the Chipko movement , which began in Uttarakhand , a state in the Himalayas, in early 1973 is being celebrated. The Chipko movement originated in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas in early 1973. The name “Chipko” means “hugging” in Hindi, which refers to the practice of hugging trees to save them from being cut. In 1973, environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt led the first Chipko protest near Mandal village. When their appeals were ignored, Bhatt and a group of villagers hugged the trees to stop the felling.
