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By admin: July 22, 2024

National Flag Day - 22 July 2024

Tags: Important Days

India celebrates National Flag Day on 22 July every year. It marks the 78th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Tricolor.

An Overview of the News

• The Tricolor was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947, 23 days before independence.

• The flag symbolizes unity, courage, and aspirations.

• The day is an opportunity to reaffirm the values of the flag and commit to a stronger, more prosperous India.

• It’s a time to reflect on the significance of the Tricolor and its role as a national symbol.

Facts About National Flag Day

• Adopted On: July 22, 1947

• Also Known As: Tricolor or Tiranga

• Inspired By: Swaraj flag designed by Pingali Venkayya

• Dimensions: Length to Width Ratio of 3:2

• Colors: Saffron, White, and Green

• Governed By: The Flag Code of 2002

• Constitutional Provision: Article 51-A - Fundamental Duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem

Evolution of the National Flag

• Pre-1906: Various flags for different freedom movements

• 1906: First unofficial flag with three horizontal stripes (green, yellow, red) hoisted in Kolkata

• 1907: Madame Cama's Berlin Committee Flag with saffron, yellow, and green stripes

• 1917: Flag with red and green horizontal stripes and Union Jack adopted by Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak

• 1921: Mahatma Gandhi proposed a flag with a spinning wheel (charkha) on a red, white, and green background

• 1931: Tri-color flag with charkha adopted by Congress Committee in Karachi

• 1947: Current Tricolor with Ashoka Chakra adopted by the Constituent Assembly

About Indian Tricolor

• Saffron (Kesari): Represents courage and strength; symbolizes bravery and selflessness

• White (Shwet): Signifies peace and truth; includes the Ashoka Chakra symbolizing progress

• Green (Harit): Represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness; reflects agricultural and natural heritage

• Ashoka Chakra: Navy blue wheel in the center of the white band; symbolizes constant movement and progress

BIS and IISc Bengaluru Establish BIS Standardization Chair Professor

Tags: National

On July 19, 2024, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to establish the 'BIS Standardization Chair Professor' position at IISc.

An Overview of the News

• It objectives to integrate academic expertise in standards building and to incorporate Indian standards in the academic curriculum, with the aim of providing safer and more reliable products and services in India.

• The BIS Standardization Chair Professor will promote collaboration between BIS and IISc, enhancing involvement in standardization and conformity assessment.

• The initiative involves engaging academia in national and international standardization efforts through technical committees, supporting research and development, co-hosting events, exploring Centres of Excellence (CoE), and sharing knowledge and advanced laboratory facilities.

• This MoU is part of BIS's broader strategy to partner with leading institutions across India, with similar agreements already in place with IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras, among others.

About BIS

• Role: National Standards Body of India

• Affiliation: Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India

• Established by: Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (effective from October 12, 2017)

• Founded on: December 23, 1986

• Founder: Parliament of India

• Headquarters: Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi

 About Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

• A premier public research university in Bangalore, India.

• Founder: Jamshetji Tata, an early Indian industrialist, with active support for its establishment.

• Inspiration: Tata discussed his idea for a research institution with Swami Vivekananda in 1893, but Vivekananda declined to be involved.

• Land and Funding: The Mysore government donated 371 acres and 50,000 rupees annually for its establishment.

• Established: 1909

• Initial Departments: General and Applied Chemistry, and Electro Technology.

• First Director: Morris Travers

Haryana Launches IT Saksham Yuva Scheme 2024 to Create 5,000 Jobs and Empower Youth

Tags: State News

The Haryana government has introduced the IT Saksham Yuva Scheme 2024 to enhance youth empowerment and employment.

An Overview of the News

• The scheme's initial phase aims to create 5,000 job opportunities for young individuals.

• This initiative is part of the broader Mission 60,000, announced by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, which aims to employ at least 60,000 youths from underprivileged backgrounds.

• Graduates and post-graduates with IT backgrounds will undergo a short-term course called the Haryana IT Programme, lasting a minimum of three months.

• After completing the course, participants will be placed in various state departments, boards, corporations, or private entities.

• Participants will receive Rs 20,000 per month for the first six months, increasing to Rs 25,000 per month from the seventh month onwards.

• If a participant is not deployed, the government will provide an unemployment allowance of Rs 10,000 per month.

Training Agencies

• Training will be provided by agencies such as Haryana State Electronics Development (HARTRON), Haryana Knowledge (HKCL), and Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), with SVSU issuing completion certificates as per Haryana Skill Development Mission (HSDM) norms.

Objective and Impact

• The scheme is designed to prepare young people for careers in the digital workforce, equipping them with essential skills and ensuring suitable employment opportunities.

• The IT Saksham Yuva Scheme aims to address youth unemployment and bridge the gap between education and employment for IT graduates and post-graduates.

About Haryana

• Capital: Chandigarh

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini

• Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya

• Formerly: Part of Punjab

• State Bird: Black francolin

• Demonym: Haryanvi

• Districts: 22 (organized into 6 divisions)

First In Haryana

• First Governor: Dharambir

• First Chief Minister: Bhagwat Dayal Sharma

• The first newspaper to be published in Haryana: Haryana Jhajjar

• Haryana is the first state to form educated Panchayats

• In 1970, Haryana became the first state to provide electricity to all villages

• Haryana was the first state to introduce VAT

• Haryana implemented the first crop insurance scheme in the state

• Haryana ranks first in the country in mushroom production

• Prominent Women Satyagrahi of Haryana: Chandbai

• Haryana was the first state to start an old age pension scheme

• Haryana launched the Apni Beti Apna Dhan Yojana

• Haryana is second only to Punjab in milk production

Nagaland Madrigal Singers Win Two Gold at World Choir Games 2024 in New Zealand

Tags: Sports

The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, representing India, won two Gold Medals at the World Choir Games 2024 held in Auckland, New Zealand.

An Overview of the News

• The event, the largest choral competition globally, took place from July 10 and saw participation from over 11,000 singers across 42 countries.

• Under the leadership of Hito Kiho, the Nagaland Madrigal Singers competed in two categories: Contemporary Music Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choir.

• The group secured gold medals in both categories.

• The Nagaland Madrigal Singers were founded by Hito Kiho in September 2023.

About World Choir Games

• The World Choir Games (formerly Choir Olympics) is the largest global choral festival and competition.

• Organized by the Interkultur Foundation, it welcomes choirs of all backgrounds and genres.

• Motto: "Singing together brings nations together."

  • Inaugurated - 7 July 2000

  • First held: 2000 in Linz, Austria

  • 12th held: 2023 in Gangneung, South Korea

  • 13th held: 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand

About Nagaland

• Statehood: Nagaland became a state on December 1, 1963, with Kohima as the capital.

• Before was: Part of Assam

• Boundaries: Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh (northeast), Manipur (south), Assam (west and northwest), and Myanmar (east).

• State Animal: Mithun (Gyal).

• State Bird: Blyth's Tragopan.

• Major Tribes: Konyak (largest), Ao, Tangkhul, Sema, and Angami.

• Other Tribes: Lotha, Sangtam, Phom, Chang, Khim Hungama, Yimchungar, Zeliang, Chakhesang (Chokri), and Rengma.

  • Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio

  • Governor: La Ganesan

About New Zealand

• Capital - Wellington

• Continent - Oceania

• Currency - New Zealand Dollar

• Emperor - Charles III

• Governor General - Cindy Kiro

• Prime Minister - Christopher Luxon

Yuki Bhambri and Albano Olivetti Claim Men’s Doubles Crown at ATP Swiss Open

Tags: Sports

Yuki Bhambri of India and Albano Olivetti from France won the men’s doubles title at the ATP Swiss Open.

An Overview of the News

• They achieved this victory by defeating the French duo of Ugo Humbert and Fabrice Martin in the final.

• The final match was held on July 21 in Gstaad, Switzerland.

• This win represents Bhambri’s third ATP doubles title in his career, as he is 32 years old.

• Bhambri and Olivetti secured the title with a final match score of 3-6, 6-3, 10-6.

• This victory is their second ATP Tour title of the year.

• Earlier in the year, Bhambri and Olivetti also won the Bavarian International Tennis Championships held in Munich in April.

About Swiss Open

• The Swiss Open Gstaad is a tennis tournament held in Gstaad, Switzerland.

• It is currently sponsored by EFG International and is officially known as the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad.

• The tournament is played on outdoor clay courts.

• From 1971 to 1989, it was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit.

• It is now part of the ATP Tour schedule, classified as an ATP Tour 250 series event.

• Founded - 1915

• Current champions (2024)

  • Men’s Singles - Italy Matteo Berrettini

  • Men’s Doubles - India Yuki Bhambri, France Albano Olivetti

Nuno Borges Triumphs Over Nadal to Secure Maiden ATP Title at Swedish Open

Tags: Sports

Nuno Borges played the match of his life to beat Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in the final of the Swedish Open.

An Overview of the News

• Borges claimed his first ATP title with this victory in his maiden ATP Tour final.

• His win lifts him to a career-high ranking of No. 42 in the world.

• Rafael Nadal, climbing 100 places to world No. 161, was playing in his first final since the 2022 French Open.

About ATP

• The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) governs men's professional tennis circuits: ATP Tour, ATP Challenger Tour, and ATP Champions Tour.

• Founded in 1972 by Donald Dell, Jack Kramer, and Cliff Drysdale; Drysdale was the first president.

• The ATP Tour was established in 1990, renamed ATP in 2001, ATP World Tour in 2009, and reverted to ATP Tour in 2019.

• Evolved from Grand Prix tennis tournaments and World Championship Tennis (WCT).

• Global headquarters in London, with regional offices in Florida (Americas), Monaco (Europe), and Sydney (International).

  • Chairman -Andrea Gaudenzi

  • CEO - Massimo Calvelli

Oscar Piastri wins his first F1 title at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Tags: Sports

Australian racer Oscar Piastri won his first Formula 1 title at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

An Overview of the News

• Piastri was joined on the podium by teammate Lando Norris, resulting in a strong McLaren one-two finish.

• McLaren's pit stop strategy saw Norris brought in earlier to counter Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, leaving Norris ahead of Piastri.

• Norris finally followed team orders on lap 68 of the 70-lap race, allowing Piastri to overtake and win.

• Piastri finished two seconds ahead of Norris, with Hamilton taking the final podium spot for Mercedes, the 200th podium of his career.

2024 FIA Formula One World Championship

• It is a motor racing championship for Formula One cars.

• It is the 75th running of the Formula One World Championship.

• The championship is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as the highest class of competition for open-wheel racing cars.

• The championship features a record twenty-four Grands Prix held around the world.

• The season began in March and will end in December.

• Drivers and teams compete for the titles of World Drivers' Champion and World Constructors' Champion.

NOTE:-

• Verstappen takes victory in F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024

• Max Verstappen Secures Third Consecutive Victory at 2024 Spanish Grand Prix