DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 24, 2024

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula - 23 May 2024

Tags: Important Days

Every year on May 23rd, the world observes the United Nations International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. 

An Overview of the News

• This day aims to raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury impacting both mothers and children.

• 2024 Theme: The theme for the 2024 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is "Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide."

UNGA Resolution:

• On 20 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/67/147.

• This resolution designated 23 May as the International Day to End Fistula.

• First Observation: The first International Day to End Fistula was marked on 23 May 2013.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):

• UNFPA is the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, established in 1969 as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities.

• In 1987, it was renamed the United Nations Population Fund, retaining the UNFPA abbreviation.

• Executive Director:- Dr. Natalia Kanem

• Headquarters:- New York, United States of America (USA)

Ligdus Garvale: New Spider Species Identified in Karnataka

Tags: Environment

A team of naturalists discovered a new species of jumping spider, Ligdus Garvale, in Garvale village, Kodagu district, Karnataka. The discovery has been published in thejournal Zootaxa.

An Overview of the News

• This is the second recorded instance of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, with the first being Ligdus Chelifer reported from Myanmar by Thorell in 1895.

• Ligdus Garvale is a high canopy jumper, often going unnoticed, and constructs a double-layered web for retreat that resembles Pseudoscorpions.

• Over 600 spider species have been identified in Karnataka, with an increase in jumping spider sightings.

About Jumping Spiders

• Jumping Spiders are the largest family of spiders, with over 6,380 species in the family Salticidae.

• Features include:

  • Brightly coloured

  • Diurnal (active during the day)

  • Four pairs of eyes

  • Size ranges from 2 to 22 mm.

About Karnataka

• Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)

• Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah

• Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Bird:- Indian roller

IAF Chief Inaugurates First-Ever EMRS in Karnataka

Tags: Defence State News

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of Indian Air Force (IAF), has inaugurated the inaugural Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at Command Hospital Air Force (CHAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

An Overview of the News

• The EMRS functions as a 24/7 telephonic medical helpline dedicated to serving IAF personnel and their families nationwide.

• It aims to ensure timely response by a specialized team of medical and paramedical professionals to any emergency situation encountered by callers anywhere in India.

Objectives:

• The primary goal of this system is to provide prompt and efficient healthcare assistance during critical moments.

• It reflects the IAF's commitment to leveraging technology for delivering high-quality healthcare services, particularly in emergency scenarios.

About Indian Air Force

• Founded:- 8 October 1932

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):- General Anil Chauhan

• Headquarters:- New Delhi

• Fighter:- Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, MiG-21 HAL Tejas Mk2, HAL AMCA

• Helicopter:- CH-47 Chinook, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26, HAL IMRH

About Karnataka

• Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)

• Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah

• Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Bird:- Indian roller

Nepal marks the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day Celebrations

Tags: Important Days International News

The 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day was celebrated in Nepal on April 23 and devotees gathered at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrate the occasion.

An Overview of the News

• Monks from India, Nepal, and China led ceremonies, chanting hymns and making offerings in the sacred garden of the Maya Devi Temple.

• The atmosphere was filled with reverence as devotees participated in rituals to commemorate Buddha Jayanti.

• A peace procession was organized in the morning, drawing participants from various social groups including monks, civilians, and school children from different institutions.

• The procession aimed to promote peace and harmony, echoing the teachings of Buddha.

International Representation:

• Ambassadors from countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, along with representatives from international organizations like BIMSTEC, attended a program held at the Lumbini Conference Hall.

Government's Commitment:

• Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' affirmed the government's dedication to fostering Buddha's teachings and promoting Lumbini as a global hub for peace and spiritual tourism.

• Nepal's government is actively engaged in initiatives to develop Lumbini as a prominent religious destination, aiming to attract millions of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists worldwide.

About Nepal

• Capital:- Kathmandu

• Currency:-  Nepalese Rupee

• Official language:- Nepali

• President:- Ram Chandra Poudel

• Prime Minister:- Pushpa Kamal Dahal

IOC launches 'Let's Move India' Campaign

Tags: Sports

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) launches 'Let's Move India' campaign.

An Overview of the News

• Aimed at inspiring people to celebrate athletes at the Paris Olympics.

Digital Challenge:

• Participants encouraged to join through a digital challenge on social media.

• People across India invited to participate.

Regional School Initiatives:

• Young people can engage in regional school initiatives coinciding with Olympic Day on June 23.

• Initiatives designed to inspire and celebrate athletes.

Recreating Athlete Celebrations:

• Participants encouraged to recreate favorite athlete celebrations or create their own.

• The goal is to inspire and celebrate Olympians representing India in Paris 2024.

Collaboration with Abhinav Bindra:

• IOC collaborates with Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist and IOC Athletes’ Commission member.

• Together, they extend invitations to schools nationwide as part of the Olympic Values Education Programme.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Non-governmental sports organization

• Based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

• Governs National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

• Oversees the worldwide Olympic Movement.

  • Formation - 23 June 1894

  • Founders - Pierre de Coubertin, Demetrios Vikelas

  • Headquarters - Olympic House, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • President - Thomas Bach

146th NDA Passing Out Parade Honors Cadets in Pune Ceremony

Tags: Defence

Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 146th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) took place at Khadakwasala, Pune.

An Overview of the News

• General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, presided as the Reviewing Officer for the POP ceremony.

• The event symbolizes the conclusion of the intensive three-year training program at the NDA.

• The Convocation Ceremony of the 146th course was held at the Habibullah Hall.

• Pro. Dr Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, served as the Chief Guest.

• A total of 205 cadets were awarded Bachelor's degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University during the ceremony.

• Additionally, 17 cadets from allied foreign nations received degrees.

• 132 cadets from the B Tech stream, representing the Navy and Air Force, were acknowledged with 'three years course completion' certificates.

• These Naval and Air Force cadets will receive their degrees upon completion of one year of training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies.

About NDA

• The National Defence Academy serves as the training hub for the Indian Armed Forces.

• Cadets from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force undergo joint training at the NDA.

• Following their NDA training, cadets proceed to their respective service academies for further pre-commission training.

Established - 7 December 1949

Commandant - Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM