Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 20 Jan 2023

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

The Union Minister of Home Affairs recently greeted the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on its 18^th Raising Day (January 19). NDRF is the world’s largest rapid reaction force dedicated to disaster response.

NDRF was formed in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with the purpose of a specialised response to natural and man-made disasters. The Kosi Floods in 2008 were NDRF’s first such mission.

Read More - Disaster Management Act, 2005

SC Refuses to Entertain Plea on Google-CCI Issue

The Supreme Court of India has refused to entertain a plea by Google against NCLAT’s order refusing the interim stay on ₹1,337 crore penalty on Google. The SC has granted Google 7 days to deposit 10% of the penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Indian companies have welcomed the SC’s stance against Google.

Earlier, CCI imposed a penalty on Google for “abusing its dominant position” in markets related to the Android mobile device ecosystem. Google filed an appeal with the NCLAT against the CCI order which was declined by NCLAT.

Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 2^nd phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 (18-28 Jan), organised in Basti (UP). The first phase was organised from 10-16 Dec 2022.

The Khel Mahakumbh is a novel initiative that provides an opportunity and a platform to showcase sporting talent, and motivates people to take sport as a career option.

Various types of competitions (indoor and outdoor) are organised by Khel Mahakumbh such as - wrestling, kabaddi, kho kho, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, etc.

Through these games, performing athletes are being selected for further training under the Sports Authority of India.

Pankaj Kumar Singh appointed as Deputy NSA

Recently, the retired Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor (D-NSA) in the National Security Council Secretariat for a period of 2 years.

As a D-NSA, he will assist the NSA - Ajit Doval, in creating and implementing India's national security strategies - assessing threats posed by terrorism, data security, cyber threats, readiness of concerned agencies and cooperation between different organisations dealing with security issues.