DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: July 16, 2023

Israel Parliament Approves Bill Limiting Supreme Court's Power

Tags: International News

Israel's parliament approved a bill in its first reading that aims to limit the Supreme Court's oversight powers.

An Overview of the News

• The bill received a majority of 64 to 56 in favor of the proposed limit, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right ruling coalition overwhelming the opposition.

• The bill is part of a controversial judicial reform initiated by Netanyahu's government, raising concerns about the erosion of checks and balances within the government system.

• The bill still needs two more votes to become law. With Netanyahu's ruling coalition holding a 64-seat majority in parliament, the bill is likely to pass. If this happens, there is a possibility of intensifying the protests.

• The Bill aims to limit the power of the Supreme Court to invalidate decisions taken by the government, ministries and elected officials as unreasonable.

About Israel

• Capital - Jerusalem

• Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu

• Official language - Hebrew

Wimbledon 2023: Marketa Vondrousova defeats Ons Jabeur for first Slam title

Tags: Sports News

Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded player in the Open Era to win the women's singles championship at Wimbledon 2023.

An Overview of the News

• In the final, Marketa Vondrousova defeated Ons Jabeur, who had been runner-up in the previous year's tournament.

• Marketa Vondrousova is a Czech tennis player who achieved her career-highest career ranking of world No. 14 according to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

About Wimbledon Championships

• It is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.

• It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877, played on grass courts.

• Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, along with the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open.

• The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July, culminating in a singles final.

Rare bird 'Jerdon's Babbler' spotted in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

Tags: Environment place in news

A rare and globally endangered bird species called 'Jerdon's Babbler' was recently spotted in the grasslands of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in Uttar Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• According to surveyors, more than 95% of 'Jerdon's Babbler' in India are from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

• The Jordanian babbler lives in pairs in small flocks in tall grasslands.

• This globally threatened bird has been listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1994.

Distribution and Conservation Efforts

• Earlier, the Jordan Babbler was found along the Sutlej River in Haryana and Punjab. However, due to habitat loss, this species is now mainly found in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Noida-based Habitats Trust works towards protecting the grasslands in the area to support the bio-diverse bird population.

• Their efforts are aimed at restoring ecological functionality and promoting the well-being of both species and humans.

• About 30% of the global population of the Jordanian babbler is found in India.

About 'Jerdon's Babbler':

• It is a passerine bird native to the wetlands and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent.

• Its scientific name is Chrysomma altirostre.

• It is a member of the genus Chrysomma of the family Paradoxornithidae.

• It is found in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan.

• It lives throughout the year near river channels, where it inhabits dense reeds and tall grasslands.

Assam government launched "Gajah Kotha" campaign

Tags: Government Schemes

Assam launched "Gajah Kotha" campaign to address the growing problem of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).

An Overview of the News

• The "Gajah Kotha" campaign involves over 1,200 participants and aims to promote coexistence between humans and elephants.

• The focus of the campaign is on HEC affected villages in Eastern Assam.

• The main objective is to educate the residents about elephant behaviour, ecology and the cultural importance of elephants in the region.

• The campaign emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in reducing HEC.

• Aranyak, a renowned wildlife NGO based in Guwahati is leading the campaign.

• The British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department are collaborating on this initiative.

• The Darwin Initiative is providing support for the expedition.

• The launch of the "Gajah Kotha" campaign reflects Assam's commitment to promote harmonious co-existence between humans and elephants.

About Assam:

• Location: It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is bounded by Bhutan to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the northeast, Manipur to the southeast, Mizoram to the south and West Bengal to the west.

• Wildlife: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park

• Language: Assamese is the official language of the state, but several other languages are also spoken, including Bengali, Bodo, and Hindi.

Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950

Capital - Dispur

Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma

Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria

Rajya Sabha - 7 seats

Lok Sabha - 14 seats

Nelson Mandela International Day - 18 July

Tags: Important Days

Nelson Mandela Day is observed on 18 July each year to honour Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist of South Africa and the country's first democratically elected president.

An Overview of the News

• The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is "Climate, Food and Solidarity".

• This year the focus is on taking action against climate change and creating a food-friendly environment in solidarity with communities around the world affected by climate crises.

• The call to action for 2023 is"It's in Your Hands," encouraging individuals and organizations to actively participate in addressing climate change and supporting vulnerable communities.

History of Nelson Mandela International Day

• In 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela Day to recognize his significant contributions and celebrate his achievements.

• Mandela played an important role in ending the apartheid system in South Africa and promoting multiracial democracy.

• The first celebration of Nelson Mandela Day took place on 18 July 2010, Mandela's 92nd birthday.