“Helen Keller Day: A Celebration of Optimism and Achievement”
Helen Keller’s powerful moving words, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope,” inspire people worldwide to this day. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in India venerated Helen Keller’s Day on June 27, 2023. This special day symbolizes the tribute to Helen Keller, who despite being deaf and blind, moved mountains to become an influential figure globally.
The Legacy of Helen Keller
Notwithstanding her disabilities, Helen Keller’s indomitable spirit saw her rise to become a renowned writer and the founder of the “American Foundation for the Blind.” Her relentless advocacy for people with disabilities left a lasting impact. Among her celebrated works, her autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” published in 1903, stands out. Her other emblematic publications include “Optimism,” “The World I Live In,” and “My Religion.”
Introduction of National Exit Test (NExT) in India
In a significant development, the National Medical Commission announced the introduction of the National Exit Test (NExT). This two-step medical licentiate exam will replace the previous Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate (NEET-PG). The very first batch to appear for the National Exit Test (NExT) will be the students admitted to the MBBS course in 2019. The National Medical Commission, established as a statutory body in 2019, replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI).
President Honours Armed Forces with Prestigious Awards
The Indian president recently honoured 84 serving and retired personnel of the armed forces, including the Indian Coast Guard, with Distinguished Service Awards in New Delhi. The awards consisted of 52 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSMs), 3 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals (UYSMs) and 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSMs). These awards recognize distinguished service in the armed forces, exceptional operational service, and dedicated commitment to respective duties.
Aadhaar Authentication for Birth and Death Registrations
The Ministry of Home Affairs has authorized the Registrar General and Census Commissioner to use Aadhaar authentication for birth and death registrations. This move comes in alignment with the approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It will facilitate the voluntary verification process of Aadhaar numbers submitted in reporting forms for births and deaths. The aim is to confirm the identities of concerned individuals, including children, parents, informants, and spouses. As a critical government office, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner holds the responsibility of registering vital events such as births, deaths, and marriages and maintains demographic data accuracy while conducting national censuses.
