DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: June 26, 2024

Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches 'One Week One Theme' Campaign

Tags: National News

On June 24, 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, GoI, launched the "One Week One Theme" (OWOT) campaign.

An Overview of the News

• The campaign aims to showcase India's achievements in science and technology through weekly themes.

About OWOT Campaign

• Initiative Background: Inspired by the success of "One Week One Lab" (OWOL) in 2023.

• Objective: Raise awareness about scientific progress, promote innovation inclusivity.

MoUs and Collaborations

• Technology Transfers: Signed around 24 MoUs for technology transfers and product launches.

• Stakeholder Empowerment: Aimed at empowering MSMEs, startups, SHGs, scientists through industry collaborations.

Key Themes

• Diverse Themes: Included energy devices, aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, ecology, and more.

• Empowerment Goals: Focus on improving ease of living through science and technology innovations.

Future Directions

• Agenda for 2025: Transition to "One Week One Integrated Theme" (OWIT).

• Economic Impact: Projects like Deep-Sea mission, Aroma mission, and advancements in technology to boost India's economy, aiming for 4th largest globally.

About CSIR

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is an autonomous body founded in 1942.

• It is India's largest publicly funded multi-disciplinary Research & Development (R&D) organization.

• CSIR operates under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Government of India.

  • President - Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  • Director General - N. Kalaiselvi

  • Headquarters - New Delhi.

Pradeep Singh Kharola Appointed as Director General of NTA

Tags: Person in news

Pradeep Singh Kharola, retired IAS officer (1985 Kerala cadre), has been appointed as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ministry of Education.

An Overview of the News

• Currently serving as Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

Challenges Faced by NTA:

• NTA has encountered issues such as exam cancellations and allegations of paper leaks (e.g., NEET-UG, UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET).

• Concerns raised about inconsistent marking practices affecting public trust.

Objectives of the Appointment:

• Tasked with restoring credibility to NTA through enhanced security measures and transparent examinations.

• Focus on reforms in testing procedures and marking schemes.

Immediate Priorities:

• Strengthening exam security to prevent future leaks.

• Implementing rigorous evaluation processes to ensure fairness.

Committee Formation:

• A seven-member committee established to assess NTA operations and recommend improvements.

• Expected collaboration with Kharola to drive necessary reforms.

Monitoring and Expectations:

• Kharola's tenure will be closely monitored for rebuilding public confidence in NTA.

• Emphasis on transparency and fair practices in competitive examinations.

About NTA

• The National Testing Agency (NTA) operates autonomously under India's Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education since November 2017.

• Its primary mandate is to organize entrance examinations for admissions and recruitment purposes.

• NTA conducts a variety of national-level exams covering fields such as engineering, medicine, management, and pharmacy.

• These exams are crucial for securing admission and fellowships in higher educational institutions across India.

  • Headquarters:- New Delhi

  • Chairperson:- Pradeep Kumar Joshi

  • Director General:- Pradeep Singh Kharola, IAS (Additional charge)

New Criminal Laws Set to Take Effect on 1st of Next Month

Tags: National News

Three new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, will come into effect from the 1st of next month.

An Overview of the News

• These laws were passed during the winter session of Parliament last year and aim to empower Indian citizens by creating a more accessible and efficient justice system.

• Key provisions include:

  • Reporting incidents online.

  • Allowing FIR filing at any police station and providing victims with a free copy of the FIR.

  • Allowing individuals the right to inform a chosen person upon arrest.

  • Prioritizing investigations of offences against women and children to be completed within two months.

• Forensic experts must visit crime scenes for serious offences to collect evidence.

• Summons can now be served electronically, reducing paperwork and facilitating efficient communication.

• The government has collaborated with States and Union Territories to ensure readiness through technology, capacity building, and awareness.

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has updated the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application with 23 functional modifications to support the new laws.

Paraguay Joins International Solar Alliance as 100th Full Member

Tags: International News

Paraguay has achieved full membership status in the International Solar Alliance, marking its entry as the 100th country to join.

An Overview of the News

• The External Affairs Ministry confirmed this development, noting that Paraguay submitted its Instrument of Ratification.

• Ambassador Fleming Raul Duarte of Paraguay met with Abhishek Singh, the Head of Depository and Joint Secretary in the Ministry, during a meeting in New Delhi on June 26th.

• On 23 May 2024, Spain joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as the 99th member, reaffirming its commitment to the solar energy initiative.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Formation: Established on 30 November 2015 in Paris, France.

• Purpose: Unite over 120 nations, primarily within the Tropics, to promote solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• Headquarters: Located at the National Institute of Solar Energy in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

• Director General: Led by Dr. Ajay Mathur, the alliance fosters clean energy, sustainability, public transport, and climate initiatives.

About Paraguay

• Paraguay, a landlocked nation, is situated between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.

• It features extensive areas of swampland, subtropical forests, and chaco, which are wild expanses of savanna and scrubland.

  • Capital:- Asunción

  • Official languages:- Paraguayan Guaraní, Spanish

  • President:- Santiago Peña

  • Continent:- South America

World Drug Day - 26 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June.

An Overview of the News

• The purpose of World Drug Day is to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

• Theme for World Drug Day 2024: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”

• Message: Highlights the importance of effective drug policies.

• Key Elements:

  • Grounded in science

  • Based on research

  • Founded on compassion

  • Respectful of human rights

Background of World Drug Day

• The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Vienna in 1987 recommended a day to be celebrated annually to commemorate the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

• On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

• The objective of this festival is to support the efforts to make the society drug free and to raise awareness about the prevention of drug abuse

• June 26 was chosen as World Drug Day to commemorate the abolition of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong by Lin Zexu on June 25, 1839.

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• NCB is an Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency.

• It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• It helps in combating drug trafficking as well as use of illegal substances as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

• It coordinates drug-related matters with state governments and other central departments in India.

• Established:- 1986

Manipur Pledges to Combat Drug Menace on International Drug Day

Tags: State News Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed across Manipur.

An Overview of the News

• Theme:“The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

• Manipur, bordering Myanmar, has struggled with drug abuse for many years.

• A pledge to eradicate the drug menace was made during the observance.

State Government and Police Actions:

• Report by J.J. Thokchom highlights the state government's observance in Imphal.

• Manipur Police marked the day with a bike rally in Imphal City.

• The rally was flagged off by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

• Chief Minister linked the current crisis in Manipur to the BJP-led State Government’s anti-drug campaign.

• 297 persons involved in drug use have been arrested since the campaign's launch in 2018.

• Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to continuing the campaign against drugs.

State Narcotics and Affairs of Border Report:

• 18,664 acres of poppy fields destroyed in the last seven years as part of the anti-drug campaign.

• Poppy seeds contain opium, which is a key source for many narcotics.

Om Birla Re-Elected as Speaker of Lok Sabha

Tags: Person in news

Senior BJP MP Om Birla re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

An Overview of the News

• Election by voice vote; opposition fielded Congress MP K. Suresh but did not press for voting.

• Om Birla previously served as Speaker in the last Lok Sabha.

Address by Om Birla:

• Thanked members of the House for the opportunity and trust.

• Emphasized priorities: enriching parliamentary values and democratic traditions.

• Highlighted participation of over 64 crore voters in the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

• Stressed MPs' responsibility to meet people's expectations effectively.

• Advocated for debate and discussion over stalemate, maintaining dignity in protest methods.

• Affirmed strict actions to maintain the House's dignity and decorum.

About Lok Sabha

• The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives chosen by direct election based on Universal Adult Suffrage.

• The Constitution of India allows for a maximum of 550 members: 530 from States and 20 from Union Territories.

• Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 elected representatives.

• The term of the Lok Sabha is five years from its first meeting unless dissolved earlier.

• During a state of emergency, the term can be extended by Parliament for up to one year at a time, but not beyond six months after the emergency ends.