DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Aug. 2, 2024

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0 Portal

Tags: National News

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, launched the NATS 2.0 Portal in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• ₹100 crore in stipends were disbursed to apprentices via the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode.

Apprenticeship Sectors:

• Training is offered in IT/ITes, manufacturing, automobile, and other sectors.

NATS 2.0 Portal Features:

• Designed to enhance the Government’s focus on youth skilling and employability.

• Aims to facilitate apprenticeship registration, application, and management for both candidates and establishments.

Industry Recognition:

• Top three establishments recognized: Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd.

Stipend Distribution:

• Stipends are paid directly to apprentices’ bank accounts via DBT to ensure efficiency and transparency.

NATS 2.0 Portal Development:

• Developed by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and BoATs/BoPT support.

• Manages the apprenticeship lifecycle, including registration, vacancy advertisements, student applications, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal.

Alignment with NEP 2020:

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to integrate vocational and general education.

• Draft guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) issued by UGC and AICTE.

Muslim Women's Rights Day - 1 August 2024

Tags: Important Days

Muslim Women's Rights Day is celebrated on August 1 to mark the enactment of the law against triple talaq.

An Overview of the News

• The Indian government introduced this law on August 1, 2019. This law criminalizes the practice of instant triple talaq.

• The first Muslim Women's Rights Day was observed in 2020.

Muslim Women Act, 2019:

• The law is formally known as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

• The term "talaq" in this Act refers to talaq-e-biddat or any similar form of instantaneous and irrevocable divorce pronounced by a Muslim husband, which is now a criminal offense.

• Under this Act, an accused Muslim husband can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years and may also face a fine.

Abolition of Triple Talaq in Various Countries:

• Early Abolishment: Egypt was the first Muslim country to abolish Triple Talaq in 1929, followed by Sudan (1929), Syria (1953), Iraq (1959), Pakistan (1956), Malaysia (1969), and Bangladesh (1972).

• Further Abolishments: Triple Talaq has also been abolished in Cyprus, Jordan, Algeria, Iran, Brunei, Morocco, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA):

• Union Minister: Kiren Rijiju (Lok Sabha Constituency: Arunachal Pradesh West)

• Minister of State (MoS): George Kurian

Karnataka Approves Renaming Ramanagara District to Bengaluru South

Tags: State News

The State government has approved renaming Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South. This move aims to capitalize on the "Brand Bengaluru" image.

An Overview of the News

• The Revenue Department will soon issue a notification to formalize the name change.

Proposal and Process

• Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar proposed the renaming, benefiting his constituency, Kanakapura.

• The Cabinet's approval is deemed sufficient for the renaming process, bypassing the need for a separate committee study.

Historical Context

• Ramanagara town has had multiple names historically, including Shamserabad and Closepet, before being renamed Ramanagara.

About Karnataka

• Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)

• Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah

• Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Bird:- Indian roller

Additional Information:-

• Karnataka's Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has secured a Rs 1,100 crore international order from Norwegian Firm Wilson ASA. 

• India's largest and third leopard safari has been launched at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 25 kilometers south of Bengaluru.

• Karnataka Launches 'Digital Nagarik & AR-VR Skills'

Preeti Sudan Appointed New UPSC Chairperson

Tags: Person in news

Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) effective August 1.

An Overview of the News

• Preeti is a 1983 batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Her tenure as chairperson will last until April 29, 2025.

• She is the second woman to lead the UPSC, following RM Bathew, who served as chairperson from 1992 to 1996.

Previous Chairperson's Resignation

• Manoj Soni resigned from his position as chairperson of the UPSC, effective July 31.

• Soni's resignation followed his initial appointment as a UPSC member in 2017 and subsequent chairmanship starting May 16, 2023.

• His resignation, submitted on July 4, was for "personal reasons" and was not directly related to the controversy involving IAS officer Puja Khedkar.

UPSC's Role

• The UPSC is a constitutional body responsible for conducting various examinations for the central government.

• It includes the civil services examinations and recommends candidates for the All India Services (IAS, IFS, IPS) and Central Services (Group A and B).

About UPSC

• Established: Originally as the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 1926, renamed Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in 1937, and became the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 1950.

• Constitutional Status: UPSC is a constitutional body under Articles 315-323, Part XIV, Chapter II of the Indian Constitution.

• Functions: Conducts exams for central government services, including IAS, IFS, IPS, and others.

• Structure: Headed by a Chairperson and can have up to 10 members.

  • Current Chairperson: Preeti Sudan

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi

KIIT Secures UN ECOSOC Status

Tags: Awards

KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT DU) has been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).

An Overview of the News

• This recognition acknowledges KIIT's significant contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Out of 476 global applications, only 19 organizations, including KIIT DU, were selected for this honor.

• The status was conferred during the UN ECOSOC management segment meeting on 23 July 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Partnership with UN Volunteers (UNV)

• KIIT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Volunteers (UNV).

• This collaboration offers KIIT students the chance to become ‘National University UN Volunteers.’

• Students will engage with various UN agencies for development initiatives, gaining valuable international experience with a stipend.

• This initiative is the first of its kind by any private university in South Asia.

Collaboration with American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)

• KIIT and its sister concern, the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), have announced a historic collaboration with ACYPL.

• ACYPL promotes international understanding and diplomacy through exchange programs.

• The partnership is supported by the U.S. Department of State and involves over 8,900 leaders globally.

• Notable ACYPL alumni include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and others.

About  KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT DU):

• Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS

• KIIT being the only professional/technical university in India to achieve UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status.

• KISS, also awarded this status in 2015, continues to hold it.

• KIIT is the only university in South Asia with UNV status for student internships.

• The ACYPL collaboration will facilitate political diplomats and leaders visiting KIIT & KISS, further enriching the university’s global engagement.

ACC Appoints Prabodh Seth and Ramesh Narain Parbat as New CBDT Members

Tags: Person in news

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has sanctioned the appointments of Prabodh Seth and Ramesh Narain Parbat.

An Overview of the News

• Both Prabodh Seth and Ramesh Narain Parbat are Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Income Tax (IT) officers from the 1989 batch and will now serve as members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

Prabodh Seth:

• Appointed as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (PCCIT), International Taxation in CBDT, Delhi. Replaces Sanjai Kumar Verma.

• Has held various positions in the Income Tax Department, including Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi.

Ramesh Narain Parbat:

• Appointed as the Director General of Income Tax (DGIT), Investigation in CBDT, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Replaces Ravi Agrawal.

• Ravi Agrawal has been promoted to Chairman of CBDT following the end of Nitin Gupta’s extended tenure on June 30, 2024.

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT):

• Apex policy-making body of the Income Tax Department (ITD).

• Functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (MoF).

• Comprises the Chairman and six members who handle income tax and revenue, audit, and judicial matters.

• Members are selected from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), the top management of the ITD.

  • Established: 1963

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi

  • Chairman: Ravi Agrawal

World Lung Cancer Day - 1 August 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Lung Cancer Day is observed worldwide on August 1st each year.

An Overview of the News

• The day is dedicated to raising awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, and the vital importance of early detection and treatment.

• It aims to raise awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, early detection, and treatment.

• It supports people affected by lung cancer, advocates for increased research funding, and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

Symbol and Theme:

• Symbol: Pearl or white-colored ribbons.

• 2024 Theme: "Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness."

Background and Organizers:

• First organized in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the American College of Chest Physicians.

• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC):

  • Established: 1974

  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA.

  • President: Dr. Paul Van Schil (Belgium).

  • CEO: Dr. Karen Kelly (USA).