Current Affairs

1. ASSAM GOVT UNVEILS MUKHYAMANTRI MAHILA   UDYAMITA ABHIYAN –

• The Assam government recently launched a financial assistance scheme, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), with the aim of empowering rural women entrepreneurs.
• The program is designed to provide financial assistance to women who aspire to embark on their entrepreneurial journey independently, beyond their association with Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative introduces unique conditions, focusing specifically on the number of eligible children for the beneficiaries.
• The MMUA scheme is designed to promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups. It aims to transform them into “Rural Micro Entrepreneurs” with an annual income target of ₹1 lakh per member.
• To qualify for the grant, women from the general and other backward caste (OBC) categories must have no more than three children. However, specific exemptions are made for women from the Moran, Muttock, and tea-tribe communities, who can apply with four or fewer children. For women belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories, the eligibility criteria dictate that they should have no more than four children.

 

2. SENIOR IPS OFFICER DALJIT SINGH CHAUDHARY APPOINTED DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SASHASTRA SEEMA BAL –

• Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This appointment is a significant development in the administrative reshuffling within India’s internal security apparatus.
• The Sashastra Seema Bal, one of India’s central armed police forces, is primarily responsible for guarding the country’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. The appointment of Daljit Singh Chaudhary, an experienced officer, is expected to bring in renewed vigour and strategic expertise in managing the crucial border areas, especially in the context of emerging security challenges in the region.
• Daljit Singh Chaudhary, an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), has had a distinguished career with various critical responsibilities in the past. His experience and skills are deemed crucial for the role of Director General of SSB, where he will be leading the force in maintaining the security and integrity of India’s borders.
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Established in 1963, the SSB was originally set up to counter the activities of Chinese troops along the Indo-Nepal border following the Sino-Indian War.
• The primary role of the SSB is to ensure the security of the Indo-Nepal and Indo- Bhutan borders. This involves preventing cross-border crimes, smuggling, and other illegal activities. The force is also engaged in counter-insurgency operations and is responsible for ensuring peace and security in the border areas.

 

3. APPLE SURPASSES SAMSUNG AS TOP SMARTPHONE MAKER FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2010 –

• In a significant industry shift, Apple Inc.’s iPhone has outpaced Samsung Electronics Co. devices, securing the title of the best-selling smartphone series in 2023. This marks the first time since 2010 that Samsung has conceded the top spot in the smartphone market.
• According to research firm IDC, the iPhone claimed a substantial 20% share of the global market, with nearly 235 million shipments in the previous year.
• Samsung, facing a double-digit slump in shipments to 226.6 million, secured the second position, surpassing Chinese competitors like Xiaomi Corp.
• Apple’s dominance over Samsung for an entire year is unprecedented, indicating the Cupertino-based company’s resilience amid an industrywide slowdown.
• While Apple traditionally excels during the holiday quarter, its sustained success throughout the year underscores its ability to weather market challenges better than rivals.
• Apple’s success can be attributed to aggressive offers that attracted consumers towards premium devices.