Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 28 Jun 2023
- 4 min read
Helen Keller Day
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope.” - Helen Keller. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in India observed Helen Keller's Day on June 27, 2023, commemorating the remarkable life and achievements of Helen Keller, who overcame her deafness and blindness to become an inspiration to millions.
Despite her disabilities, Keller's determination and perseverance led her to become a renowned writer, founder of the "American Foundation for the Blind," and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Her autobiography, "The Story of My Life," published in 1903, remains one of her most famous works. Other notable publications include "Optimism," "The World I Live In," and "My Religion."
Read more: Person with Disabilities in India
National Exit Test (NExT)
The National Medical Commission recently announced the National Exit Test (NExT), which will serve as the two-step medical licentiate exam and replace the Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate (NEET-PG). Students admitted to the MBBS course in 2019 will be the first batch to take the National Exit Test (NExT).
The National Medical Commission is a statutory body in India that was established in 2019 by the government to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Read more: National Medical Commission, National Exit Test.
President Honors Armed Forces with Prestigious Service Awards
Recently, President of India bestowed Distinguished Service Awards upon 84 serving and retired personnel of the armed forces and the Indian Coast Guard in New Delhi. The awards included 52 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSMs), 3 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals (UYSMs), and 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSMs).
AVSMs are awarded for exceptionally distinguished service in the armed forces. A Bar is added to AVSMs for multiple instances of outstanding service. UYSMs recognize exceptional operational service during a war or specific military operations. PVSMs recognize distinguished service of the highest order in the armed forces, honoring individuals who have displayed exceptional commitment and dedication to their duties.
Read more: Gallantry Awards
Aadhaar Authentication for Birth and Death Registrations
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed the Registrar General and Census Commissioner to utilize Aadhaar authentication for birth and death registrations, following authorization from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Registrar, appointed under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, will now have the option to voluntarily verify the Aadhaar numbers provided in the reporting forms for births and deaths. This authentication process aims to establish the identity of individuals such as children, parents, informants, and spouses.
The Registrar General and Census Commissioner is a government office responsible for overseeing the registration of vital events such as births, deaths, and marriages. They play a crucial role in maintaining accurate demographic data and conducting national censuses.
Read more: Safeguarding Aadhaar Data
