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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launches Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National DMF Portal in Hyderabad
On July 20, 2024, Union Minister Gangapuram (G) Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Mines(MoM) launched Mineral Exploration Hackathon, and National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Other Participants:
Deputy Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Dignitaries from MoM, State Government Officials, among others.
About Mineral Exploration Hackathon:
The Hackathon focused on Innovative Mineral Hunt Techniques.
- It aims to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for geophysical data, integration of multiple mineral exploration data sets such as baseline data, available exploration data, etc, to identify new Mineral targets, particularly deep seated or concealed ore bodies.
About National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal:
The portal is expected to enhance transparency and accessibility by consolidating information on district mineral foundations across the country.
- The portal centralizes information on 645 DMFs across India, enhancing access to DMF data, tracking developments, and providing project oversight and best practices for effective implementation.
Key Points:
i.The Union Minister released publication on ‘Glimpse of Geology and Mineral Resources, Telangana’ and ‘Minerals in Telengana– Spotlights’.
- These publications focus on the geological setup of Telangana and the mineral potential of the state.
ii.He also handed over Certificates to 8 preferred bidders from the second and third tranches of the e-auction of Critical and Strategic mineral blocks.
iii.A roadshow was held to promote industry engagement and familiarize potential bidders with the Tranche IV e-auction process for critical and strategic mineral blocks to increase industry engagement and to familiarize the bidders with the e-auction process being conducted by Ministry of Mines.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Azerbaijan launches Climate Finance Action Fund
Azerbaijan, the host of COP29(Conference of the Parties) climate summit, launched the ‘Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)’ to support green projects in developing countries and help to maintain the 1.5°C temperature target.
- Aim: To raise USD 1 billion from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies.
- The fund will be based in Baku, Azerbaijan with a secretariat and board including contributors and an independent audit committee.
Note: The COP29 will be held in Baku,Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024.
About CFAF:
i.CFAF is one initiative within a package of 14 announced as part of the COP29 action agenda to enhance ambition and enable action.
- CFAF will mobilize private sector investment, de-risk funding, and provide concessional support for natural disaster response.
ii.Azerbaijan will be a founding contributor. Members will commit to transfer annual contributions as a fixed-sum or based on volume of production.
iii.50% of the fund will go to climate projects in developing countries focusing on clean energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and new technologies.
iv.The rest will assist members in meeting their Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to keep the 1.5C temperature target within reach.
- 20% of revenues will be directed to a Rapid Response Funding Facility for immediate, highly concessional, and grant-based disaster response support.
v.The fund will start operating after its initial fundraising round and when at least 10 countries commit as shareholders.
About Azerbaijan :
Prime Minister(PM) – Ali Asadov
Capital – Baku
Currency – Azerbaijani Manat
Ivory Coast became 53rd country to Join UN Water Convention
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) become the 53rd Party to the 1992 United Nations (UN) Water Convention which is also known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. With this, Ivory Coast became the 10th African country to do so.
- This development came ahead of the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties (MoP) to the Water Convention which will held in Ljubljana, Slovenia from 23rd October, 2024 to 25th October, 2024.
- Now, 4 largest economies of West Africa such as: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast are parties of the water convention.
Note: Apart from Ivory Coast, three more African nations such as: Sierra Leone, Zambia and Zimbabwe are likely to join the UN Water Convention as they are in final stages of accession.
Significance:
i.Transboundary Water (TBW) resources are considered important in Africa, where 63 international transboundary river basins cover an area of 62% and constitutes for 90% of the total surface water.
ii.The Water Convention provides cooperation on surface water as well as on ground water.
- In September 2021, the UN Water Convention backed the agreement to set up a legal and institutional framework for cooperation between Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal on the management of the Senegal-Mauritania Aquifer Basin.
About the UN Water Convention:
i.The UN Water Convention, was adopted in Helsinki, Finland on 17th March 1992 but it came into force on 9th October, 1996.
- Aim: It requires member countries or parties to prevent, control, and mitigate negative impacts on water quality and quantity across borders and to use shared waters in a reasonable and equitable way and to ensure their sustainable management through cooperation.
ii.It was initially established as a regional framework for the pan-European region. Later, the UN Water Convention was globally made open for all UN member states in 2016.
iii.Chad, Sengal (2018), Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Togo (2021) and Cameroon (2022) were the 1st African nations who joined the 1992 UN Water Convention in 2016.
- Later, Gambia, Nigeria, Namibia joined the Convention in 2023 along with Iraq and Panama.
Key Facts about Ivory Coast:
i.It is the 9th largest economy in Africa and 5th fastest growing economy on the African continent.
ii.It shares 8transboundary river basins i.e. Black Volta, Bia, Tanoé, Comoé, Niger, Sassandra, Cavally et Nuon with its 6 neighbouring countries which includes: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
iii.While all 54 countries are facing water insecurity, Ivory Coast is categorised as the 40th “water insecure country in the continent”, according to the Global Water Security 2023 Assessment.
Key Challenges Related to Water Faces by Ivory Coast:
i.The Niger basin, which is 4200 kilometer (km) long is the 3rd longest river of the continent. It traverses 9 countries such as: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast , Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. It is one of most vulnerable regions of Africa to climate change.
- As per the latest study titled “Combined impacts of climate and land-use change on future water resources in Africa”, the Niger basin is most probably to witness the largest decrease in river flows in all Africa due to climate change.
ii.As per the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator 6.5.2 report, 25% of transboundary basin area of Ivory Coast is covered by operational arrangements.
- No transboundary aquifers shared by the country are covered by operational arrangements.
About Ivory Coast:
President- Alassane Ouattara
Capital-Yamoussoukro
Currency- West African CFA franc
India, Bhutan approves 61 Projects worth Rs 4,958cr for Bhutan’s 13th FYP
India and Bhutan approved a total of 61 development projects valued at Rs 4,958 crore (Ngultrum/Nu. 49.58 billion) during the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks held in Thimphu, Bhutan on 20th July 2024.
- The projects will be implemented as part of Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan(FYP), for which India is providing a substantial development support of Rs 10,000 crore.
- The Cooperation Talks was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden.
Key Points:
i.The Bhutanese side presented the Project Tied Assistance (PTA) proposals and the 1st tranche of the PTA projects to be implemented during the 13th FYP period.
ii.The approved 61 projects cover sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, industrial parks, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, and space technology
Background:
During his state visit to Bhutan from 22-23 March 2024, Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi announced India’s development support of Rs 10,000 Crores(Nu. 100 billion) for Bhutan’s 13th FYP period.
Highlights of Vikram Misri’s visit to Bhutan:
i.Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, was on an official visit to Bhutan from July 19-20, 2024. This marks his first visit to Bhutan and his first visit to abroad as Foreign Secretary.
ii.During his visit, he called on the PM of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and met Bhutan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Lyonpo D N Dhungyel, and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
iii.The two Foreign Secretaries virtually inaugurated 19 schools, which were constructed during the 12th FYP period.
iv.The Bhutan Government also informed about the proposed activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP). For this, India agreed to consider frontloading the full amount of Rs 1,500 crore of ESP within 18 months, subject to progress in implementation.
v.The two sides agreed to schedule the next Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi, Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
About Bhutan:
Prime minister (PM)– Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Capital– Thimpu
Currency– Bhutanese Ngultrum
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
AAI Signed MoU with Rajasthan Government for Development of Greenfield Airport at Kota
On 19th July 2024, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among Airports Authority of India (AAI), Urban Development Department and the Civil Aviation Department, the Government of Rajasthan for the development of Greenfield Airport at Kota, Rajasthan.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of AAI, Shikhar Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to CM; and T. Ravikant, Principal Secretary to the Urban Development and Housing Department of Rajasthan in the presence of Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan.
About the MoU:
i.As per the MoU, the Government of Rajasthan will provide free land for the development of the Kota Greenfield Airport and AAI will be responsible for the entire construction, development and operation of the airport.
ii.The Government of Rajasthan plans to make the airport operational within 2 years of the starting of the construction.
Significance:
i.Kota Greenfield Airport will prove to be a major milestone in offering state-of-the-art air facilities to the general public of Rajasthan.
ii.The construction of the airport will not just give boost to the tourism sector in Rajasthan but will also enhance educational and commercial activities in the state.
Key Points:
i.The airport will constructed on 440.086 hectares (ha) of land and will cover the revenue villages of Tulsi, Kaithuda, Balapura, and Deoria in the Bundi district, Rajasthan.
ii.The AAI will prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the land proposed for the construction of Kota Greenfield Airport.
iii.Kota Development Authority (KDA) has been entrusted with responsibility of preparing a roadmap for planned development around the proposed land.
- The land around the airport will be acquired or planned through the Land Pooling Act.
iv.AAI has been granted the permission to survey the airport and have also taken necessary steps to shift the 400 kiloVolt (kV) high-tension line of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) from the proposed airport, and will provide required funds for the purpose.
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister (CM) – Bajan Lal Sharma
Governor- Kalraj Mishra
Wildlife Sanctuary– Tal Chhapar Sanctuary; Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiger Reserve– Sariska Tiger Reserve; Mukundara Tiger Reserve
About Airports Authority of India (AAI):
Chairman- Sanjeev Sharma
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1995
UPL University & ISRO’s SAC signed MoU to Advance Chemical Sciences Research
Vataria (Gujarat)-based UPL University of Sustainable Technology, a leading initiative by UPL Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Aim: This strategic alliance aims to advance research and innovation in chemical sciences, and to align with UPL’s strategy to improve academic excellence and achieve global recognition.
Significance:
i.This collaboration between UPL University and ISRO’s SAC is set to revolutionize research in chemical applications within material science and related fields.
ii.It will provide access to cutting-edge research facilities, specialized expertise and invaluable data resources to the faculty as well as students of UPL University to enhance the quality and scope of their research.
Key Points:
i.Apart from ISRO, UPL University has signed MoUs with national research organisations/institutions such as: New Delhi(Delhi) – based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and Nagpur(Rajasthan)- based CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
- These collaborations will help to enhance the research capabilities in environmental engineering, chemical sciences, promoting sustainable technologies, among others and addressing the needs of local industries.
ii.International Collaboration: It has partnered with international organizations such as: Gexcon in Norway. This shows the commitment of UPL to advancing safety standards in the chemical industry.
- Such collaborations promote certification courses and postgraduate programs.
iii.Regional Partnership: UPL University’s collaboration with the Gujarat Cleaner Production Centre (GCPC) and the Gujarat Environmental Management Institute (GEMI) underscores its commitment towards the sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
- Such collaborations provide research projects, training programs, and knowledge initiatives which further help to promote sustainable practices and address local environmental challenges.
About Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO):
Chairman- Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established– 1969
IREDA to Invest Rs 290 Cr in 900 MW Hydro Projects in Nepal
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), announced an investment of Rs. 290 Crore in a 900 MegaWatt (MW) Hydroelectric Power Project (HPP) in Nepal.
- With this investment IREDA will secure up to a 10% shareholding in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited and Karnali Transmission Company Pvt. Ltd., Nepal.
- The project, in collaboration with SJVN Limited (formerly Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited), aims to develop the 900 MW Upper Karnali HPP in Nepal.
Note: The IREDA Board of Directors has given in-principle approval for the equity investment and the project is pending approval from the Government of India (GoI) and other regulatory authorities.
Points to note:
i.GMR and the Nepal Electricity Authority, Government of Nepal, are the existing shareholders in M/s. GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited, Nepal.
ii.The IREDA is a ‘Navratna’ public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
ACC Grants Approval For Extension of RP Goyal’s Additional Charge as CMD of NHPC
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)has granted approval for the extension of the tenure of Rajendra Prasad Goyal’s additional charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the NHPC Limited by another three months, with effect from June 1 2024.
- This decision permits Goyal to serve as the interim CMD until a full-time CMD is appointed or further orders are issued, whichever occurs first.
i.Goyal has been holding the additional charge of CMD since March 1, 2024 following the retirement of the previous CMD, Abhay Kumar Singh, on August 31, 2022.
ii.He is currently serving as the Director of Finance at NHPC Limited since October 2020.
iii.He began his career at NHPC on November 18, 1988 and before his role as director (finance), he served as Chief General Manager (CGM) (Finance).
Note: NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company and a Schedule ‘A’ Enterprise of Government of India (GoI) which is headquartered in Faridabad, Haryana.
SPORTS
AIFF Awards 2023-24: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Indumathi Kathiresan Clinch Footballer of the year 2023-24
On 19th July 2024, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the winners of AIFF annual awards 2023-24 during the award ceremony held in New Delhi, Delhi.
i.Lallianzuala Chhangte, an Indian Men’s Football Player from Mizoram, was named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the year 2023-24 for the second consecutive time.
ii.Indumathi Kathiresan, Indian Women’s football player from Tamil Nadu (TN) named AIFF Women’s Footballer of the year 2023-24. She became the first Football Player from TN to receive the award.
iii.David Lalhalansanga (22-year old), young striker was awarded the AIFF Promising Men’s Player of the Year for 2023-24 and Neha (18-year old), was awarded the AIFF Promising Women’s Player of the Year for 2023-24.
About All India Football Federation (AIFF):
It is the apex governing body of football in India.
President- Kalyan Chaubey
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Founded- 1937
>> Read Full News
Fencer Shreya Gupta Secured Bronze Medal in Sabre Category in Commonwealth Junior & Cadet Championship 2024
Indian fencer Shreya Gupta, hailing from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) won the bronze medal in the Sabre category at the Commonwealth Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships (CJCFC) 2024 held in Christchurch, New Zealand from 12th to 19hth July 2024.
- She previously won 2 bronze medals in the team events of CJCFC held in 2018 (Newcastle, the United Kingdom – UK) and in 2022 (London, UK).
- She also secured a junior bronze medal in the team event at the 2022 Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Note: Shreya Gupta has been an elite athlete in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and a Khelo India athlete.
OBITUARY
Padma Shri Awardee & Renowned Organic Farmer Kamala Pujari Passed Away
Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, the renowned organic farmer known for cultivating 100 varieties of rice, passed away at the age of 74 in Cuttack, Odisha. She was born in Koraput, Odisha and belongs to the Paroja tribe.
- In 2019, she received the prestigious Padma Shri award for her contribution to the agriculture sector.
About Kamala Pujari:
i.Kamala Pujari learned the basic techniques from MS Swaminathan Research Foundation at Jeypore, Odisha and contributed to the field of organic farming.
ii.In 2018, she was made a member of the Odisha state planning board. She became the first tribal woman to be included as a member of the state planning team.
iii.She also motivated the tribal women to adapt organic farming and avoid chemical fertilizer.
iv.Due to her efforts, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognized the Traditional Agricultural System of Koraput as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
- Koraput is the first agricultural system in India to be officially recognized for its outstanding contribution towards promoting food security, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge and cultural diversity for sustainable and equitable development.
Awards:
i.Tribal Communities of the Jeypore Tract of Orissa won the Equator Initiative Award in 2002 from the Equator Initiative within the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). The award was presented to Kamala Pujari during the Earth Summit held at Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002.
ii.Kamala Pujari received the Best Farmer award from the Odisha government in 2004.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Four Books Celebrating Rashtrapati Bhavan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched four books, ‘Wings to Our Hopes- Volume 1’ (English and Hindi); ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan: Heritage Meets the Present’ and ‘Kahani Rashtrapati Bhavan Ki’ which provide a detailed portrait of the heritage of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the symbol of the Indian Republic. These books have been published by the Publications Division under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting(MIB).
- It was launched along with Dr. L. Murugan, the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, I&B.
About the Books:
i.Wings to Our Hopes – contains President Droupadi Murmu’s speeches delivered in the first year of her presidency from July 2022 to July 2023. The book features 75 speeches divided into eleven sections.
ii.Rashtrapati Bhavan: Heritage Meets the Present – is an in-depth exploration of the Rashtrapati Bhavan tracing its history, legacy, and architectural splendour. It also contains the journey of each President of India, from Dr. Rajendra Prasad to the current President, Droupadi Murmu.
iii.Kahani Rashtrapati Bhavan Ki – contains information related to the President and Rashtrapati Bhavan for children. It is divided into three chapters – ‘Our President’, ‘Main Attractions of Rashtrapati Bhavan’ and ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex’.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Moon Day 2024 – July 20
The United Nations (UN) designated International Moon Day (IMD) is annually observed across the globe on July 20 to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon with the Apollo 11 mission.
- 20th July 2024 marks the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
i.The day aims to raise public awareness about sustainable Moon exploration and utilisation.
ii.The 2024 theme for International Moon Day is ‘Illuminating the Shadows’, which encourages people to explore the hidden wonders of the moon.
iii.To commemorate International Moon Day the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) is issuing six postage stamps and three souvenir sheets featuring various pictures from lunar missions.
About the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
UNOOSA works to promote worldwide cooperation in the exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development. It serves as the secretariat for the UN COPUOS.
Director – Aarti Holla-Maini
Headquarters – Vienna, Austria
Established – 13 December 1958
>> Read Full News
Pi Approximation Day 2024 – July 22
The Pi Approximation Day is annually observed across the globe on 22 July to honour and highlight the importance of the mathematical constant Pi, represented using the Greek letter π.
- Pi Approximation Day highlights the significance of Pi in both Mathematics and Physics calculations and the infinite nature of Pi and its real-life applications.
- The Pi Approximation Day was first celebrated at the Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden .
Why 22 July?
i.When the date 22 July is written in the Day/Month format (22/7), it is viewed as a reference to the fraction 22/7, which is one of the most widely used approximations of Pi.
ii.Pi is an irrational and transcendental number (a decimal with no end and no repeating pattern) most often approximated with the decimal 3.14.
>> Read Full News
National Flag Adoption Day 2024 – July 22 
National Flag Adoption Day is annually observed across India on July 22 to commemorate the adoption of the Tricolour (India’s National Flag) by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947.
- This day honours the tricolour, which represents India’s struggle for freedom and its devotion to justice, liberty, and equality.
- 22nd July 2024 marks the 77th anniversary of National Flag Adoption Day.
History of Indian National Flag:
i.The first Indian flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh (AP). The flag featured a horizontal tricolour of red, yellow, and green, with a white crescent and star in the centre.
ii.In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi proposed a new design featuring a spinning wheel (charkha) to symbolise progress and it also included the tricolour of saffron, white, and green.
- The Ashoka Chakra replaced the spinning wheel, or “Charkha,” .This change was suggested by Badr-ud-Din Tyabji .
iii.The Indian National Congress (INC) formally adopted the tricolour flag as its official flag, representing the unity and diversity of India’s freedom movement in 1931.
iv.On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad adopted the National flag featuring the tricolour of saffron, white, and green with the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue at its centre, which came just before India’s independence on August 15, 1947.
Features of India’s Tricolour Flag:
i.Indian National Flag is known as the ‘Tiranga’ or ‘Tricolor’, which symbolises India’s independence, sovereignty, and unity.
ii.It consists of a tricolour of Saffron at the top, White in the middle, and Green at bottom with the Ashoka Chakra (a 24-spoke wheel) in navy blue at its centre.
- Saffron (Kesari) – Represents courage, sacrifice, and strength.
- White (Shwet)- Signifies peace, truth, and purity.
- Green (Harit) – Signifies prosperity, fertility, and growth
- Ashoka Chakra – Represents the Buddhist concept Wheel of Law (DharmaChakra).
iii.The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
Flag Code of India:
i.The Flag Code of India is a set of norms and regulations that govern the display, usage, and respect of the national flag.
ii.On January 26 2002, the Flag Code of India was modified and allowed the citizens of India to hoist them in their homes, offices on any day and not just on National Day as was the case earlier.
iii.Flag Code of India was divided into three parts:
- Part I – Contains the general description of the National Flag
- Part II -It is dedicated to the display of the National Flag by members of public, private organisations, educational institutions, etc.
- Part III – It is concerned with the display of the National Flag by Central and State governments as well as their organisations and agencies.
Some Facts of National Flag:
i.India’s first Prime Minister (PM) Jawaharlal Nehru described the tricolour as a ‘Flag of freedom not only for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people who may see it’.
ii.In 1906, Pingali Venkayya hoisted the Indian National flag for the first time in India at the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal-WB).
iii.On 13 August 2022, The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched by the Government of India (GoI), on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence which encouraged people to hoist the Indian national flag (Tiranga) in their homes and workplaces.
World Brain Day 2024 – July 22
World Brain Day (WBD) is annually observed across the globe on 22 July, to raise awareness and promote education for brain health and neurological disorders that affect individuals and prevent brain diseases worldwide.
- The annual observance of WBD is led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) in partnership with its 6 WFN Regional Neurological Societies.
- 22nd July 2024 marks the observance of the 11th annual World Brain Day.
Theme:
The theme/tagline of World Brain Day 2024 is “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Our Future”.
- The 2024 WBD observance promotes the critical importance of brain health and preventive measures.
Background:
i.WBD was established by the WFN in 2014. The Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee (PAAC) suggested, celebrating “World Brain Day” on July 22, 2014.
ii.This proposal was announced at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) Council of Delegates meeting in September 2013 in Vienna, Austria.
iii.The Board of Trustees meeting endorsed the proposal in February 2014 as an annual activity.
iv.The first-ever WBD was observed on 22 July 2014.
Why 22 July?
The date 22 July marks the establishment of the WFN in 1957, in Brussels, Belgium, as an association of neurological member societies, and the crafting of the WFN’s first constitution.
2024 Events:
i.On 22nd July 2024, the WFN hosted a webinar featuring representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) Brain Health Unit as Guests of Honour, the World Stroke Organization (WSO), and all 6 WFN Regions.
ii.The participation of the WHO added momentum to the 2024 campaign and highlighted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP), particularly on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Key Facts:
i.Neurological disorders like stroke, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy significantly contribute to Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
ii.Some preventable neurological disorder cases include: Stroke (90%); Dementia (40%); and Epilepsy (25%).
iii.Globally, there are on average only 3.1 neurologists per 100,000 people. The Low-Income Countries (LICs) have no neurologists or numbers as low as 0.1 neurologists per 100,000 people compared to 7.1 per 100,000 in High-Income Countries (HICs).
About the World Federation of Neurology (WFN):
The WFN’s mission is to foster quality neurology and brain health worldwide
President– Professor Wolfgang Grisold
Headquarters– London, the United Kingdom (UK)
STATE NEWS
Uttarakhand Becomes the 1st State to Launch GEP Index for Environment
Uttarakhand became the first state in the world to launch a Gross Environmental Product (GEP) index to assess the overall development of the ecosystem.
- The index was launched by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand, during a event held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
About the GEP Index:
i.The GEP index will assign monetary value to 4 main constituents of the environment: water, air, forests and soil which are directly affected by development activities.
ii.GEP is a components of green Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which considers various environmental factors when evaluating a country’s economic growth.
iii.The index shows comparative data from 2020 to 2022 and witness an increase of 0.9%.
iv.It can be used to measure the status of ecosystem services, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems and natural resources.
GEP Committee:
In 2020, the Government of Uttarakhand constituted a 5-member committee on GEP. The committee was headed by Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary of Forests, Uttarakhand.
GEP definition:
In December 2021, the Government of Uttarakhand notified the definition of GEP which means the difference between the value of environmental services and the cost of environmental damage to the GDP.
Note: Uttarakhand, along with Kerala, topped the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index for 2023-24 as the best-performing states by scoring 79 points.
About Uttarakhand:
Chief Minister (CM)- Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor- General (Retired) Gurmit Singh
Wildlife Sanctuaries- Askot wildlife sanctuary; Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary
Tiger Reserve– Corbett Tiger Reserve; Rajaji Tiger Reserve
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