Current Affairs Updates - 08/09/2013
International Affairs
- In a golden moment in Pakistan's chequered 66-year political history, President Asif Ali Zardari stepped down and left the presidency after successfully completing his five-year term, paving the way for India-born Mamnoon Hussain to take over.
- South Korea and the United States have mapped out a joint operational plan which outlines concrete measures to deter and respond to North Korea's nuclear threats.
- Iran's foreign minister slammed potential US-led airstrikes against Syria as "illegal" on a visit to Baghdad, while his Iraqi counterpart warned they would hinder efforts towards a political solution.
- World observed the International Literacy Day (initiated by UNESCO on November 17, 1965).
National Affairs
- India's northeastern state of Tripura achieved the first position in literacy with 94.65 per cent, beating Kerala (93.91 per cent).
- Aiming at reaching out to all sections of people, the government launched web portal of Bharat Nirman campaign. The advertising blitzkrieg, launched by Information & Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari, has been launched to highlight the government's major achievements in the run-up to the 2014 general elections.
- The Centre has directed the northeastern states to strengthen health services under National Rural Health Mission and scale up the performance of programmes under the scheme.
- NASA has joined the world of Instagram - and has already attracted an incredible 56,374 followers within hours of posting its first pictures on the social media site.
Awards
- Chhattisgarh has been selected for this year's prestigious National Literacy Award for the first time since its formation in November 2000. The award was presented on the International Literacy Day celebrated on September eight.
Deaths
- Former Bihar minister Rudra Pratap Shadangi passed away after prolonged illness in Chakradharpur of West Singhbhum in Jharkhand.
Sports
- Leander Paes won his eighth men’s doubles Grand Slam title, and 14th overall, as he combined with Radek Stepanek to clinch US Open trophy with a dominating victory over Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares in the title clash, in New York .
- World number one Serena Williams won her fifth US Open title in a thrilling final against Victoria Azarenka at Flushing Meadows.
