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By admin: June 19, 2024

UNHCR Appoints Theo James as Global Goodwill Ambassador

Tags: Person in news

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, has named British actor, producer, and model Theo James as its new Global Goodwill Ambassador.

An Overview of the News

• Theo James' birth name is Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis.

• Goodwill Ambassadors are prominent public figures associated with UNHCR.

• They enhance the organization's global visibility through their influence, dedication, and hard work.

Theo James' Support for UNHCR:

• Theo James has been a High Profile Supporter of UNHCR since 2016, actively engaging through field visits, fundraising events, and advocacy campaigns.

• In 2016, he embarked on his first UNHCR field mission to Greece to gain firsthand knowledge of UNHCR's work and the refugee crisis.

• In 2019, he contributed his voice to a video for UNHCR's High-Level Segment on Statelessness, promoting the global efforts of the "#IBelong Campaign" to End Statelessness.

• Notable Works of Theo James as an Actor:

  • Underworld: Awakening (2012)

  • Divergent (2014)

  • The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015)

  • Allegiant (2016)

  • How It Ends (2018)

  • The White Lotus (2022)

  • The Gentlemen (2024)

About UNHCR:

• UNHCR, formally known as the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees.

• A global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution.

• UN High Commissioner for Refugees: Filippo Grandi

• Headquarters: Genève, Switzerland

• Established: 1950

HAL Receives Rs 45,000 Crore RFP from MoD for 156 Indigenous Light Combat Helicopters

Tags: Defence National News

On 17th June 2024, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) Prachand, estimated to cost Rs 45,000 crore.

An Overview of the News

• The MoD issued this RFP under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

• Of the 156 LCHs, 90 are allocated for the Indian Army (IA) and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):

• The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, designed and manufactured by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran.

• Key aviation technologies such as the glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised.

• It is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), suitable for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.

• The LCH is a 5-8 tonne class dedicated combat helicopter, powered by twin Shakti engines.

• It features a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radar detection.

Important Points:

• In April 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• The estimated worth of the tender is over Rs 65,000 crore.

About HAL:

• HAL is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): C.B. Ananthakrishnan (Additional Charge)

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka

• Established: 1940

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - 19 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed annually on June 19th to spotlight the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally.

An Overview of the News

• It aims to increase understanding and awareness of SCD's effects on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Characteristics of Sickle Cell Disease

• Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, often taking on a crescent or sickle shape.

• These irregularly shaped cells can obstruct blood vessels, leading to various health complications such as organ damage, anemia, and heightened susceptibility to infections.

Theme for World Sickle Cell Disease Day 2024

• The theme for 2024 is "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."

• This theme underscores the collective effort to foster awareness, diminish stigma, and promote advancements in care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease worldwide.

Objectives and Impact

• The primary goal is to unite voices globally, advocating for improved understanding and support for those living with sickle cell disease.

• Efforts focus on driving meaningful changes in healthcare practices and policies to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by this condition.

History of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:

• It originated from a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 2008.

• The resolution recognized sickle cell disease as a global health concern.

• The disease mainly affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian origin.

PM Modi Inaugurates New Nalanda University Campus

Tags: State News National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.

An Overview of the News

• The event was held at Sushma Swaraj Auditorium at Nalanda University.

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, along with other delegates, were present at the new campus of Nalanda University. The event was also attended by ambassadors from 17 countries.

Prime Minister Modi's Address

• PM Modi emphasized the role of knowledge in making India developed by 2047.

• Stressed that strengthening education and knowledge systems can help India achieve superpower status.

• Mentioned the International Solar Alliance as an example of such initiatives.

• The government aims to re-establish India as a major knowledge centre with a new identity in the education sector.

Remarks by Other Leaders

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar:

  • Spoke on the revival of Nalanda as a global bridge of learning.

  • Highlighted education, training, and capacity building as effective ways to promote international understanding.

• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar:

  • Praised the glorious history of ancient Nalanda University.

  • Acknowledged the ruins of ancient Nalanda University as a World Heritage site.

Historical Significance of Nalanda

• Nalanda University, founded in Rajagriha (now Rajgir) in Bihar in the 5th century BC by Kumararagupta of the Gupta Dynasty, was among the earliest educational institutions globally.

• It thrived under Gupta kings like Kumaragupta, Emperor Harsha of Kannauj, and later under the Pala empire.

• Nalanda functioned not only as a university but also as a Buddhist monastery.

• According to Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, the university housed 10,000 monks and 2,000 teachers.

• Aryabhata, the renowned mathematician and astronomer, led Nalanda University.

• Prominent figures such as Harshavardhana, Nagarjuna, and Vasubandhu were among its notable students.

• Nalanda boasted an illustrious 800-year tradition as a center of learning.

UNESCO recognizes two world heritage sites in Bihar: the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya and the remnants of the ancient Nalanda University.

National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness

Tags: National News

National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease was held at AIIMS, New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram emphasized that sickle cell disease (SCD) is not limited to tribal communities and can affect anyone.

• Oram stressed the importance of widespread awareness and the need to approach treatment from a human development perspective.

• Grassroots Efforts: Called for initiatives at Gram Panchayats and Anganwadis.

• Inter-Disciplinary Cooperation: Stressed the importance of cooperation among ministries and departments.

• Patient Interaction: Oram interacted with SCD patients.

• Conclave Details: One-day event at AIIMS with top hematology experts discussing SCD treatment and research.

Overview of Sickle Cell Anemia

• Sickle cell anemia is a type of inherited disorder under the umbrella of sickle cell disease.

• It affects the shape of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

• Some red blood cells become sickle-shaped (like crescent moons) and are rigid and sticky.

• These malformed cells can slow down or block blood flow.

Normal Red Blood Cells:

• Typically round and flexible, allowing easy movement through blood vessels.

Symptoms and Signs

• Anemia:

  • Sickle cells break apart easily, typically dying in 10 to 20 days, compared to the usual 120 days for normal red blood cells.

  • This leads to a shortage of red blood cells, known as anemia, resulting in fatigue due to insufficient oxygen.

• Pain:

  • Known as pain crises, these episodes occur when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to the chest, abdomen, and joints.

  • Chronic pain can occur due to bone and joint damage, ulcers, and other factors.

• Swelling of Hands and Feet:

  • Blocked blood circulation by sickle cells causes swelling in these areas.

• Frequent Infections:

  • Damage to the spleen by sickle cells increases infection risk.

  • Babies and children with sickle cell anemia often receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious infections, such as pneumonia.

• Delayed Growth or Puberty:

  • The shortage of healthy red blood cells affects oxygen and nutrient supply, slowing growth in babies and children and delaying puberty in teenagers.

• Vision Problems:

  • Blockage of tiny blood vessels supplying the eyes can damage the retina, leading to vision issues.

Neeraj Chopra Clinches Gold at World Athletics Continental Tour in Finland

Tags: Sports

Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra won the Gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour.

An Overview of the News

• The event took place at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland.

• Chopra topped an eight-man field with a best effort of 85.97 meters.

• Chopra began the competition with a throw of 83.62 meters.

• Local favourite Oliver Helander briefly took the lead with an 83.96-meter throw in the second round.

• Chopra reclaimed the top spot with his best throw of 85.97 meters on his third attempt.

About Neeraj Chopra

• Neeraj secures second place at Doha Diamond League 2024

• He won the 2023 Doha Diamond League.

• He clinched a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

• He also claimed a gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.

• Neeraj Chopra was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in March 2022.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

• Major medals won by Neeraj Chopra :

  • 2022 Kuortane Games (Gold Medal)

  • 2022 Paavo Nurmi Games (Silver)

  • 2021 Tokyo Olympics (Gold Medal)

  • 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Medal)

  • 2017 Asian Athletics Championships (Gold Medal)

  • 2016 South Asian Games (Gold Medal) 

World Athletics Continental Tour:

• The 2024 World Athletics Continental Tour, also known as the 2024 Continental Tour, is the 5th season of this annual series.

• These outdoor track and field meetings are organised by World Athletics.

• The Continental Tour was first held in 2020, replacing the IAAF World Challenge Series.

• It is the second tier of international one-day meetings after the 2024 Diamond League.

Paavo Nurmi Games:

• The Paavo Nurmi Games is an annual track and field event held at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland.

• The event was first held in 1957.

• Since 2017, the Paavo Nurmi Games have been part of the IAAF World Challenge Series.