1. World Youth Skills Day: 15 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
Observed annually on 15 July to emphasize the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
An Overview of the News
Theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024:"Youth Skills for Peace and Development."
Established by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/145 on 18 December 2014.
Firstobserved on 15 July 2015.
UNESCO-UNEVOC:
UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training is part of UNESCO's network of education institutes.
It focuses on promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) worldwide.
Headquarters - Bonn, Germany
Head - Friedrich Huebler
2. India Declares 'Constitution Murder Day' to Remember 1975 Emergency
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Government of India, declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day)' to commemorate events during the Emergency of 1975.
An Overview of the News
Starting from 2025, this day will be observed annually to honor those who opposed the abuse of power during that period.
Events of June 25, 1975
On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
This action was in response to political instability, economic challenges, and a court ruling against the PM's 1971 election.
Impact of the Emergency
The Emergency led to the suspension of constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and press.
Thousands of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists were arrested without due process, fostering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The period witnessed gross abuses of power, including forced sterilization programs and slum clearance drives in Delhi.
End of the Emergency
The Emergency officially ended in March 1977 after 21 months, coinciding with general elections.
The elections resulted in a significant defeat for Indira Gandhi's Congress party, marking a pivotal moment in Indian democracy.
3. ICAR’s Foundation and Technology Day Celebration Commences in New Delhi
Tags: Important Days
The two-day-long Foundation and Technology Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) began in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 16 inaugurated the two-day function organised to mark the 96th Foundation Day of ICAR.
ICAR, originally established as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, has led agricultural research since its inception on July 16, 1929.
The inauguration was attended by Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary and Ramnath Thakur.
Engaging the Youth in Agriculture
On the first day, school students were invited to participate and gain knowledge about agriculture and its allied technologies.
The students visited an exhibition that showcased various Agri-innovations and technologies.
This initiative aimed to inspire and educate the younger generation about the advancements and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Key Initiatives and Technological Advancements
Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (Agriculture Research and Education) and DG ICAR, highlighted the Council’s key initiatives such as ‘100 Days 100 Varieties’, ‘100 Days 100 Technologies’, and ‘One Scientist One Product’.
He emphasized recent developments in technologies related to water management, soil health, organic farming, seed technology, and agricultural tools.
These advancements reflect ICAR's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
4. World Population Day - 11 July 2024
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The annual celebration known as World Population Day is observed on 11 July every year.
An Overview of the News
It serves as a platform to raise awareness about global population-related concerns.
The theme "Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone" emphasizes inclusivity and fair representation in population-related issues.
Focus on investing in data collection to better understand and address global population challenges.
Population Growth Dynamics
The global population has grown exponentially, reaching 7 billion in 2011 and projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030.
Factors driving growth include increased life expectancy, fertility rates, urbanization, and migration.
World Population Trends
Despite current global population surpassing 8 billion, stabilization is anticipated before significantgrowth beyond 10.9 billion by 2100.
The UNFPA highlights population issues annually through World Population Day, observed on July 11th since 1990.
Impact and Future Outlook
Population trends have profound implications for economic development, employment, poverty, and social welfare globally.
Awareness raised on family planning, gender equality, maternal health, and human rights on World Population Day.
History of World Population Day
It was established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme.
Its primary goal is to highlight the critical nature and importance of population issues.
In December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to continue World Population Day.
It aims to promote the understanding of population matters and their interrelationships with the environment and development.
The first World Population Day was observed on 11 July 1990, in which more than 90 countries participated.
5. World Kiswahili Language Day - 7 July 2024
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World Kiswahili Language Day is observed annually on July 7 to promote Kiswahili, a widely used African language.
An Overview of the News
July 7, 2024, marked the 3rd observance of World Kiswahili Language Day.
The theme for the 2024 event was "Kiswahili: Education and Culture of Peace."
Background:
In November 2021, UNESCO's 41st General Conference in Paris adopted resolution 41 C/61, proclaiming July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.
The first World Kiswahili Language Day was observed on July 7, 2022.
Kiswahili is the first African language to be recognized by the UN.
Kiswahili Language:
Kiswahili, or Swahili, is a widely spoken lingua franca in East, Central, and Southern Africa, and the Middle East.
It ranks among the top 10 most spoken languages globally, with over 230 million speakers. It's an official language of the AU, SADC, and EAC.
Kiswahili is a Bantu language of the Niger-Congo family, known for its complex Bantu structure.
It's the only African language in the UN's Directorate of Global Communications, where the Kiswahili language unit of UN Radio was established in the 1950s.
About the UNESCO
Director-General : Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters: Paris, France
Establishment: 1945
Membership: Consists of 194 Members and 12 Associate Members
6. International Day of Cooperatives - 1st Saturday of July
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of Cooperatives is observed annually on the first Saturday of July.
An Overview of the News
In 2024, it falls on 6 July. This marks the 102nd InternationalCooperative Day and the 30th UN International Day of Cooperatives.
The theme for the International Day of Cooperatives 2024 is "Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All."
Significance and History:
The International Cooperative Day has been celebrated since 1923, initially observed on 7 July.
In December 1992, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/47/90, proclaiming the first Saturday of July each year as the International Day of Cooperatives.
This resolution commemorated the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), one of the oldest and largest NGOs representing cooperative movements globally.
Objectives:
The day aims to increase awareness of cooperatives and their contributions to international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.
It emphasizes the role of cooperatives in social and economic development, promoting sustainable practices and community empowerment.
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):
The ICA, founded in 1895, plays a pivotal role in advancing cooperative principles worldwide.
It represents millions of cooperative enterprises and members across various sectors, advocating for cooperative values and principles.
7. National Doctors' Day - 1 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
National Doctors' Day is annually observed on 1 July across India to honor doctors and healthcare professionals.
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It commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal.
The day is led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to recognize doctors' contributions to society.
The theme for National Doctors' Day 2024 is "Healing Hands, Caring Hearts."
The observance began in India on 1 July 1991, following the IMA's recommendation.
About IMA
Establishment: 1928
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
National President: Dr. R V Asokan
Secretary-General: Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak
JULY 2024 Days and Themes
Days | Themes |
1 July - GST (Goods and Services Tax) Day | "Sashakt Vyapar Samagra Vikas, "translating to "Empowered Trade Overall Growth." |
1 July - National Chartered Accountants | "Innovating for a sustainable future" |
8. World Sports Journalists Day - 2 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated across the world on 2 July every year.
An Overview of the News
The day honours the achievements of sports media professionals and inspires them to put in more efforts to spread knowledge about sports among the general public.
Many news companies organize special events to honor sports journalists on this special day.
It aims to recognize the efforts of individuals involved in sports journalism.
History of World Sports Journalists Day
It was established in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on 2 July to mark the establishment of AIPS as an organization on the occasion of the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Since its inception, the day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of countless sports media professionals.
It serves as a platform to honour his outstanding work in the field of sports journalism.
World Sports Journalists Day assumes great significance as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contribution made by sports media professionals.
These individuals play a vital role in reporting and analyzing sporting events, sharing the stories of athletes, and engaging audiences around the world.
9. National Chartered Accountants - 1 July
Tags: Important Days
National Chartered Accountants (CA) Day is observed annually on July 1st.
An Overview of the News
The day commemorates the establishment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
This year, the celebrations mark the 76th anniversary since the ICAI was founded by an Act of Parliament.
Theme 2024:
- National CA Day 2024 focuses on the theme 'Innovating for a sustainable future', recognizing CAs' pivotal role in advancing sustainable business practices.
Significance:
- The day celebrates CAs for their contributions to India's economic growth and financial stability.
- It underscores the evolving landscape of the financial sector and the opportunities and challenges it presents for CAs.
- National CA Day promotes ethical standards and responsible practices within the CA profession.
What is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)?
The ICAI is a statutory body established by the Chartered Accountants Act of 1949.
It regulates the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.
Administratively overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Historical Background:
Before independence, accounting in India was governed under the Companies Act by the British Government.
A diploma program in accounting for auditors was introduced by the British Government.
In 1930, the Government of India established the Register of Accountants.
Lack of effective norms led to the perception of an unregulated accounting profession.
An expert committee in 1948 recommended the formation of an autonomous body to regulate accounting.
The Chartered Accountants Act was enacted in 1949 based on these recommendations.
10. GST (Goods and Services Tax) Day - 1 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
To commemorate the anniversary of the implementation of the historic tax reform of the Goods and Services Tax, 1 July is observed as GST (Goods and Services Tax) Day.
An Overview of the News
The first GST Day was celebrated on 1st July 2018 to mark the first anniversary of the new indirect tax regime i.e. Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The 7th GST Day was celebrated on 1st July 2024, which marks the completion of seven years of the implementation of GST.
The theme for 2024's GST Day is "Sashakt Vyapar Samagra Vikas,"translating to "Empowered Trade Overall Growth."
GST was implemented on the intervening night of 30 June and 1 July 2017 in a function held in the Central Hall of Parliament.
On 29 March 2017, the Goods and Services Tax Act was passed in the Parliament and the Act came into force on 1 July 2017.
GST was enacted as the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
What is GST?
GST is an indirect tax which has been implemented with the aim of making India a unified common market.
It is a single tax levied on the supply of goods and services from the producer to the consumer.
Under GST, on the one hand indirect taxes like Central Excise Duty, Additional Excise Duty, Service Tax, Countervailing Duty are included at the Central level.
On the other hand, state-levied value addition tax, entertainment tax, octroi and entry tax, luxury tax, etc. are also included.
It was introduced with the slogan 'One Nation One Tax'.
Tax Structure under GST
Central GST (CGST) to cover excise duty, service tax etc.
State GST (SGST) to cover VAT, luxury tax etc.
Integrated GST (IGST) to cover inter-state trade.
IGST itself is not a tax but a tax system to coordinate state and union taxes.
It has a 4-tier tax structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% for all goods and services under the slab.
