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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
C-DOT Signs Agreement with IIT, Roorkee & Mandi for Development of ‘Cell-Free’ 6G APs
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a premier Telecom Research and Development (R&D) center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)-Roorkee, Uttarakhand and IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, for developing ‘Cell-Free’ 6G (6th Generation of wireless technology) Access Points (APs).
- The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT.
Key People: The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), C-DOT; Principal Investigator Dr. Abhay Kumar Sah, IIT Roorkee; Co-investigator Dr. Adarsh Patel IIT Mandi; and Dr Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Director, C-DOT.
What is ‘Cell-Free’ 6G?
i.Traditional networks use cellular topologies, where each cell is serviced by a single base station like 4G/5G to service mobile customers.
ii.‘Cell-Free’ Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) eliminates cells and boundaries, deploying several APs across a region to serve many users simultaneously.
iii.This approach eliminates dead zones, enhances signal strength, and boosts data speeds, offering all-over connectivity, even in densely populated areas.
iv.The 6G project goals are to develop APs for enabling 6G radio access networks and contribute to the 6G standardization, drive commercialization, generate Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), and develop a skilled workforce.
About TTDF:
i.TTDF scheme was launched by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), a body under the DoT in October 2022.
ii.The scheme aims to enable affordable broadband and mobile services, bridging the digital divide across India.
iii.It provides funding support to domestic companies, Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions in technology design, development, and commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions.
About the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT):
C-DOT was established in 1984 as an autonomous Telecom R&D center of DoT and is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
It is a registered Public-Funded Research Institution (PFRI) with the Department of Scientific Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
CEO– Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
World’s Most Powerful Passports 2024: India’s Rank Drop to 82, Singapore tops the List
According to the Henley Passport Index 2024 July Global Ranking ,India’s rank has dropped from 80th position (in January 2024) to 82nd position by providing visa free or visas on arrival access to 58 countries.
- India has been placed at 82nd position along with Senegal and Tajikistan.
i.Singapore has again topped the global rankings of the most powerful passports in the world as it provides visa-free entry to 195 countries.
ii.As per the latest rankings, total 5 countries share the 2nd spot: France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Japan and have visa-free access to 192 countries.
iii.For the 1st time, 7 countries shares the 3rd position on the index: Austria, Finland, Luxembourg , the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden. These countries have visa-free access to 191 countries.
About Henley & Partners:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Dr. Juerg Steffen
Headquarters- London, the UK
Establishment- 1997
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WMO Collaborated with FAO to Enhance Early Warnings for the Agriculture Sector
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has collaborated with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in various countries on the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, to enhance early warnings for the agriculture sector.
- WMO has collaborated with FAO on various national and drought activities across Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.
Note: In May 2024, WMO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FAO for 10 years (from 2024 to 2033), to provide a framework for strategic collaboration between parties in the areas of mutual interest related to weather, ocean, climate, water, among others.
Abour EW4ALL Initiative:
i.The EW4ALL initiative aims to ensure universal protection from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.
- It is a part of the UN Secretary-General’s Acceleration Agenda and was launched in 2022.
ii.EW4All is spearheaded by the WMO and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
4 Action plan pillars
Pillar1: Disaster Risk Knowledge – led by UNDRR.
Pillar2: Detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting – led by WMO.
Pillar3: Warning dissemination and communication – led by ITU.
Pillar4: Preparedness and response capabilities – led by IFRC
Functions of WMO and FAO in EW4ALL:
i.The WMO is entrusted with the responsibility to implement Pillar2, with the support of UN Development Program (UNDP), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)and UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
ii.FAO is a partner on the integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) , which is co-led by WMO and the Global Water Partnership.
- FAO also plays an important role in actions plans on risk knowledge (pillar 1) and preparedness to respond (pillar), and their implementation in countries.
Key Points:
i.WMO and FAO collaborates to enhance Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) capacities and coverage in other countries and contexts, with a focus on those initially being targeted under the EW4All initiative.
ii.WMO and FAO will continue to collaborate broadly on early warning and anticipatory action including through the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Cell of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee led by FAO and for which WMO leads the forecasting component.
About Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO):
It is one of the specialized agencies of United Nations (UN), to make international efforts to combat hunger and to achieve food security for all.
Director-General (DG)- Qu Dongyu
Headquarters- Rome, Italy
Established- 1945
About World Meteorlogical Organisation (WMO):
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
- It was established in 1950 and became UN’s specialized agency in 1951.
Secretary General: Celeste Saulo
Members: 193 members (187 member states and 6 territories)
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
UNAIDS’ 2024 Global AIDS Update: Globally 39.9 Million People Living with HIV in 2023
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (UNAIDS)’s 2024 Global AIDS Update titled “The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads”, an estimated 39.9 million (with a range of 36.1–44.6 million) people across the globe are living with HIV at the end of 2023.
Points to note:
i.Approximately 30.7 million [27.0 million–31.9 million] people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy in 2023. About 9.3 million [7.4 million–10.8 million] people living with HIV without treatment in 2023.
- The global treatment coverage in 2023 stood at 77% (61%-89%).
ii.In 2023, new HIV infections reached 1.3 million, surpassing the target of 370,000 by 2025. Women and girls accounted for 44% of all new infections in 2023.
iii.An estimated 1.3 million [1.0 million–1.7 million] people acquired HIV in 2023, this is over three times more than the target of 370 000 or fewer new infections in 2025.
iv.The increased access to antiretroviral therapy has halved the annual number of AIDS-related deaths, from 1.3 million [1.0 million–1.7 million] in 2010 to 630 000 [500 000–820 000] in 2023.
Note: This report is a 2024 Global AIDS update, highlighting critical data and case studies, underscoring the pivotal role of global leaders’ decisions this year in shaping the future of the AIDS pandemic.
Projected Outcomes:
i.The report estimates that if countries meet the 2025 global targets, some 29 million people will be living with HIV globally in 2050.
ii.If the HIV programmes remain on their current course, about 46 million people will be living with HIV in 2050.
Challenges and Inequalities:
i.Despite a 39% global reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, infections are rising in the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America.
ii.Gender inequality increases risks for adolescent girls and young women, particularly in parts of Africa.
iii.Stigma and discrimination hinder prevention and treatment, with key populations (sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs) representing 55% of new infections globally.
Funding Gaps:
i.The UNAIDS estimates that 20% of HIV resources should target high-risk populations, yet only 2.6% of spending was allocated in 2023.
ii.Total global HIV resources in 2023 dropped to USD 19.8 billion, 5% less than in 2022, and USD 9.5 billion short of the 2025 goal of USD 29.3 billion.
iii.Domestic funding from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) fell by 6% in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline.
Regions in Crisis:
i.Increased resource mobilisation is crucial for Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa.
ii.These areas, experiencing rising HIV epidemics, face significant funding reductions, with almost half of the total resources needed by 2025, and 93% of the current funding gap, being outside sub-Saharan Africa.
About the UNAIDS:
The UNAIDS, which started operations in 1996, is leading the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Executive Director– Winnie Byanyima
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Zimbabwe Joins UN Water Conventions to Strengthen Transboundary Water Cooperation
Zimbabwe, a Southern African country, has joined the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (United Nations (UN) Water Convention), showcasing its political will for cross-border water cooperation.
Zimbabwe became the 54th Party to the UN Water Convention and the 11th African nation to join the treaty.
- The Convention provides a global legal and intergovernmental framework for sustainable transboundary water management, supported by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), one of the 5 regional commissions of the UN.
Additional info:
i.Along with Zimbabwe, Namibia (which in 2023 became the first Party in Southern African region) Zambia, Botswana, and Tanzania are in the accession process.
ii.Zimbabwe’s accession will be celebrated at the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Water Convention in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 23-25, 2024, further promoting global water cooperation.
Note: The UN Water Convention was adopted in Helsinki, Finland in 1992 and came into force in 1996.
BANKING & FINANCE
ADB Approves USD 200 Million Loan to Expand Metro Rail Network & Urban Mobility in Nagpur
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 200 million loan for the Nagpur Metro Urban Mobility Project, to expand metro rail corridors and enhance transport connectivity in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- The project is aimed at improving transport connectivity within and to Nagpur’s new and growing urban areas.
- It will provide efficient, safe, and eco-friendly public transport to ease commuting and boost productivity.
About the Nagpur Metro Urban Mobility Project:
i.The project will finance the extension of 4 metro rail corridors- from Automotive Square to Kanhan; Prajapati Nagar to Transport Nagar; Khapri to Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) ESR; and Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna.
ii.Under this Project, 43.8 kilometers (km) of elevated metro rail corridors with 32 stations will be constructed. This will encourage modal shifts to low-carbon public transport.
iii.The metro stations will be equipped with modern safety and security technology, and designed to meet the needs of women, students, and People with Disabilities (PwDs).
Note: The combined network will cover 83.8 km, expecting to serve 590,000 daily passengers by 2031 and 730,000 by 2041.
Key Benefits:
i.The project will make Nagpur more livable by improving urban mobility and residents’ access to basic services.
ii.ADB will assist the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) in connecting metro stations to city transport services and promoting nonmotorized transportation.
iii.The project will help the Maha Metro develop a 5-year institutional action plan, including a gender equality and social inclusion-responsive workplace strategy.
iv.It will help in increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, providing skills training, internships, and apprenticeships for women and disadvantaged groups.
About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):
ADB was established in 1966 and aims for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific with 68 members, 49 from the region.
President-Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters– Manila, Philippines
Cashfree Payments Receives Payment Aggregator-Cross Border Licence from RBI
Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Cashfree Payments India Private Limited, one of the 1st Payment Aggregators (PA) in India, has received the Payment Aggregator Cross Border (PA-CB) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate in the cross-border payments space. Cashfree Payments is one of the 1st non-banks to secure the PA-CB licence.
- The PA-CB licence enables entities to process cross-border payment transactions for the import and export of permissible goods and services online.
- There are 3 types of PA-CB licences, export only PA-CB (PA-CB-E), import only PA-CB (PA-CB-I), and export and import PA-CB (PA-CB-E&I). Cashfree Payments has received approval to operate as a PA-CB-E&I.
- The PA-CB license allows Cashfree Payments to support global businesses and regulated entities collecting payments in India; and offers cross-border payment solutions to Indian exporters and freelancers.
Note: Previously, payment companies have been operating in this space with the Online Payment Gateway Service Provider or OPGSP licence.
RBI Cancels Licence of Uravakonda Co-Operative Town Bank, AP
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) (licence) of Uravakonda Cooperative Town Bank Limited based in Andhra Pradesh (AP), due to inadequate capital and earning prospects. It has failed to comply with the requirements of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
i.The RBI has directed the bank to cease all its banking operations, including accepting new deposits or repaying existing ones with effect from the close of business on July 20, 2024.
ii.The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, AP has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank
iii.On liquidation, depositors are entitled to claim compensation through the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh per depositor, subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
TASL, Airbus Signs Contract to establish H125 Helicopter Assembly Unit in India
On July 23, 2024, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Marignane, (France) based Airbus Helicopters signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow(FIA) 2024 in Farnborough, England to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India for single-engine H125 choppers.
- The announcement for this agreement was made on January 26, 2024 by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
Key Points:
i.This FAL marks the first private sector helicopter assembly facility in India, producing H125 choppers for India and neighboring countries.
ii.Deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to start in 2026.
iii.The FAL will handle the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system, and the engine.
iv.The facility will also conduct testing and qualification of the helicopters.
About H125:
i.H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, and the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest.
ii.Part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, it has accumulated over 40 million flight hours worldwide.
iii.It can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport.
About Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL):
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, and is the strategic Aerospace and Defence arm of the TATA Group.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD)– Sukaran Singh
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
Establishment– 2007
Indian Navy Signed MoU with IOCL For Green Hydrogen e-Mobility
The Indian Navy (IN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) also known as,IndianOil to promote and expand hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility.
- The Indian Navy will serve as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in partnership with the IOCL.
Signatories:
The MoU was signed between both entities in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS); S M Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, and senior officials of IndianOil & IN and it was exchanged between Vice Admiral, Deepak Kapoor, Controller of Logistics, IN and Dr Kannan Chandrasekaran, Executive Director (ED), IndianOil at the Nau Sena Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
Key Points:
i.As part of MoU, a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus has been handed over to the Indian Navy by IOCL.
ii.Currently, IOCL operates 15 fuel cell buses across Gujarat and Delhi- National Capital Region (NCR), with a total mileage of 300,000 kilometres (km) where each bus is expected to run a minimum of 20,000 km.
iii.This initiative is part of a broader assessment to examine the performance of fuel cell electric buses in the challenging conditions of the Delhi-NCR region, including an analysis of impact of local fuel and air quality on fuel-cell systems and vehicles.
iv.It will also evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational dependability of fuel cell buses designed for public fleet use.
Note: The bus will bear the motto ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force’.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) – Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – January 26 1950
About Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):
IOCL is a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprises (PSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). It was incorporated in 1964 by merging Indian Refineries Limited with Indian Oil Company under Indian Companies Act, 1956.
Chairman – Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Shah Rukh Khan becomes 1st Bollywood actor to be honoured with Customised Gold Coin by Grevin Museum Paris
The Grevin Museum in Paris, France has honoured Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan with customized gold coins bearing his name and image/likeness, making him the first Indian actor with this achievement. He is only the second Indian to be honored with a coin at the museum after Mahatma Gandhi.
- The coins symbolize his achievements and impact on the film industry.
- Past recipients of this honour include Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson, and Nelson Mandela.
Key Points:
i.The Grevin Museum unveiled his wax statue in 2008. His wax figures are at 14 locations across the world.
ii.Additionally, Shah Rukh Khan will be honored with the Career Achievement Award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland from August 7 to 17, 2024, for his outstanding career in Indian cinema.
iii.The Jawan star was also honoured with UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni award in 2011 for his support of children’s education and the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award in 2018 for advocating for women’s and children’s rights in India.
iv.He also awarded “Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters” by the French government for his contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in the field of cinema.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GSL launched Yard 1258 – ‘Triput’, 1st Indigenous Advanced Frigate, for Indian Navy
On 23rd July 2024, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched GSL Yard 1258 named ‘Triput’, the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate, for the Indian Navy.
- The ship was launched by Rita Sreedharan, first lady of Goa, in presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, the Governor of Goa at GSL, Goa.
Background:
i.MoD and GSL signed the contract for buidling two Triput class Advanced Frigates on 25th January 2019.
ii.The plate-cutting ceremony and keel laying of the ship held on September 20, 2020, and January 29, 2021 respectively.
About Triput:
i.Triput, a 124-metre-long and 15.5m wide ship, is the first of two P1135.6 Class Frigates being built at GSL.
ii.It is propelled by four gas turbines and can achieve speeds of 28 knots with a displacement of around 3200 tons with advanced state-of-the-art weapons and sensors.
iii.The Frigate is built with indigenous low-carbon micro-alloy grade steel and is equipped with indigenous power generating and distribution systems, an Air Conditioning (AC) system, a steering system, and stabilisers created and produced by the private industry.
iv.The ship’s air defence capacity, designed to counter enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles, will be based on a vertical launch long-range Surface to Air missile system.
Additonal info:
i.The Triput class ships are based on the Teg and Talwar class ships bought from Russia, but with indigenous enhancements adapted to the Indian Navy’s specific needs for entire naval combat.
ii.The initiative aims to provide significant job opportunities and help local industry and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in manufacturing activities , including Goa Shipyard Limited.
About Goa:
Chief Minister (CM) – Pramod Sawant
Governor – P. S. Sreedharan Pillai
Capital – Panaji (Panjim)
Airports – Dabolim Airport
Festivals – Three Kings Feast Festival, Goa Cashew & Coconut Festival
DRDO successfully flight-tests Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System
On 24th July 2024, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System.
- The test demonstrated India’s capability to defend against the Ballistic Missiles of 5000 kilometer(Km) class.
Note: The maiden flight-test of Phase-II BMD interceptor Air Defence (AD)-1 missile was conducted in November 2022 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Details of the Flight Test:
i.The Target Missile was launched from Launch Complex (LC) -IV Dhamra at 1620 hrs mimicking adversary Ballistic Missile
ii.The Missile was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea and activated the AD Interceptor system and the
iii.Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipurat.
Result of the Flight test:
i.The flight test fulfilled all the trial objectives validating complete network centric warfare weapon system consisting of Long Range Sensors, low latency communication system and Mission Control Centre (MCC) and Advance Interceptor missiles.
ii.The missiles performace was monitored from the flight data captured by Range tracking instruments like Electro-Optical Systems, Radar and Telemetry Stations deployed by ITR, Chandipur at various locations including on-board ship.
About Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile:
i.This is an indigenously developed Two Stage solid propelled ground launched missile system. This will be used to neutralise ballistic missile threats in the altitude bracket of endo to low exo-atmospheric regions.
ii.The missile system incorporates several state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by the DRDO laboratories.
Significance of BMD:
iSince the nuclear doctrine of India includes “No First Use Policy”, the BMD is critical to protect India from the enemies long-range ballistic missiles.
ii.The existing BMD consists of 2 interceptor missiles, the Prithvi Defence Vehicle for exo-atmospheric ranges and the Advanced Area Defence missile for endo-atmosphere or lower altitudes.
About the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman – Samir V Kamat
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Formed – 1958
SPORTS
IOA Named BPCL as Principal Sponsor For Four Years
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company as its official Principal Sponsor for four years from the Paris Olympics 2024 to the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
i.As part of this partnership, BPCL will be launching a series of campaigns to support the Indian contingent travelling to Paris.
ii.These initiatives aim to inspire the nation, galvanise support for the athletes, and honour their relentless success in the international competition.
iii.The collaboration between BPCL and the IOA will also include the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Summer Youth Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Winter Youth Olympics.
iv.Former Indian field hockey player MM Somaya, Badminton player PV Sindhu and Badminton player Saina Nehwal are some of the top athletes among BPCL employees.
Note: BPCL is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India. It was headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 – July 25
The United Nations (UN)’s World Drowning Prevention Day is annually observed across the globe on 25 July to highlight the tragic impact of drowning on families and communities and promote life-saving prevention measures.
- 25th July 2024 marks the observance of the 4th World Drowning Prevention Day.
- The theme of World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 is “Anyone can drown, no one should”. Under this theme, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the slogan “Seconds can save a life”.
Background:
i.On 28th April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution (A/RES/75/273) on global drowning prevention, proclaiming 25th July of every year as World Drowning Prevention Day.
ii.The first-ever World Drowning Prevention Day was observed on 25th July 2021.
About the World Health Organisation (WHO):
The WHO was established on 7 April 1948, as a specialized agency of the UN to improve international public health.
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
>> Read Full News
World In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Day 2024 – July 25
World In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Day, (also known as World Embryologist Day) is annually observed across the globe on 25 July to raise awareness about IVF technology, one of the greatest innovations in reproductive science, and its transformative impact on families worldwide.
- This Day aims to honour the contributions and progress of embryologists in infertility and reproductive medicine.
i.25 July commemorates the birth date of Louise Brown, the first-ever test-tube baby. He was born on 25 July 1978 in Manchester, England, the United Kingdom (UK).
ii.Robert Edwards (Father of IVF), a British scientist, and the Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2010) for the development of IVF, and Patrick Steptoe, a British gynecologist are the successful pioneers of IVF in the world.
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
AR Dy CM Chowna Mein Presented Rs 993cr Deficit Budget for FY25
i.Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein presented Rs 993.08-crore deficit budget for FY2024-25 (FY25). The total budget estimate is Rs 35,840.79 crore, marking a 20.85% increase over FY24.
ii.The budget focuses on developing a ‘Healthy Human Resource, Robust Infrastructure, and Vibrant Economy’ with a target of 2.08% Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth.
iii.The budget is guided by the vision of a ‘Developed India, Developed Arunachal’.
iv.The share of central taxes has been pegged at Rs 21,431.59 crore, an increase of 19.42% over the FY24 estimate.
v.The AR Government declared FY25 as the ‘Year of Youth and Youth Aspiration’.
About Arunachal Pradesh (AR):
Governor– Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Chief Minister (CM)- Pema Khandu
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Yordi-Rabe Supse
>> Read Full News
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