NATIONAL NEWS

The 16th ASOSAI Assembly inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

 The 16th ASOSAI Assembly, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, is taking place in New Delhi from September 24-27.

 Organized by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the Assembly focuses on the evolving role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in enhancing transparency and accountability.

 A key feature of this Assembly is Girish Chandra Murmu’s assumption of the ASOSAI presidency for the term 2024-2027.

 The event has attracted over 200 delegates from 42 countries and international organizations, highlighting its collaborative spirit.

 ASOSAI, established in 1979 with 11 members, has expanded to include 48 Supreme Audit Institutions, emphasizing its regional significance within INTOSAI.

 Discussions at the Assembly will address contemporary challenges and innovations in audit practices.

 The gathering reflects a commitment to fostering cooperation among member institutions to improve governance.

 This year's Assembly underscores the importance of SAIs in promoting fiscal responsibility and public trust in government operations.

International Film Festival (IFFI) 2024 will be held in Goa.

 The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024.

 Founded in 1952, IFFI is one of Asia's prominent film festivals.

 The festival is jointly organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India and the Government of Goa.

 IFFI is the only South Asian film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF).

 In a preparation review meeting on September 24, 2024, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, discussed IFFI 2024.

 Since 2004, the festival has been held at a permanent venue in Goa.

 IFFI is recognized among 44 international festivals in the Competitive Feature Films Category.

APPOINTMENTS

Anura Kumara Dissanayake elected as the new president of Sri Lanka

 Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist leader, has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, receiving 42.31% of the votes.

 The recent presidential election saw a voter turnout of 76%, with 17 million eligible voters.

 Sajith Premadasa finished in second place, garnering 32.76% of the votes.

 Ranil Wickremesinghe secured third place with 17.27% of the votes.

 Dissanayake's swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat.

 The election was perceived as a referendum on Wickremesinghe's handling of Sri Lanka's economic challenges.

 Despite some signs of recovery, Sri Lanka's economy remains in a precarious situation following its default in 2022.

AWARDS

‘Laapataa Ladies’ selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2025.

 The Film Federation of India has selected Laapataa Ladies as the official entry for the Oscars 2025.

 A 13-member committee, led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously chose the film.

 Laapataa Ladies is produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Kiran Rao.

 The film is competing in the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Oscar ceremony.

 The storyline revolves around two newlywed brides who get mistakenly exchanged during a train journey.

 A total of 29 films were considered, including 12 Hindi films, 6 Tamil films, and 4 Malayalam films.

 The selection highlights the film’s unique narrative and cultural significance.

 This marks an important recognition for Laapataa Ladies on an international platform.