IMPORTANT DAYS

World Breastfeeding Week 2024 observed from 1 to 7 August

• World Breastfeeding Week runs annually from August 1 to 7 in over 120 countries to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies.

• The 2024 theme is "Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all".

• The week was established in 1992 and commemorates the Innocenti Declaration of August 1990.

• In 2018, the World Health Assembly endorsed World Breastfeeding Week as a key strategy for promoting breastfeeding.

• Colostrum, the first milk produced, offers crucial protection and immunity to newborns and reduces risks of certain cancers in mothers.

• Breastfeeding acts as a baby's initial vaccination, shielding them from many common childhood illnesses.

• The week is a global effort to increase awareness and support for breastfeeding practices.

• Breastfeeding contributes to healthier outcomes for both infants and mothers.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The world's first postage stamp based on Lord Rama of Ayodhya was issued by Laos.

• Laos has issued the world’s first postage stamp featuring Lord Rama of Ayodhya.

• This special stamp set, released on July 27, includes an image of Ram Lalla and highlights the civilizational links between Laos and India.

• The stamp was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Laos’ Salimxay Kommasith.

• The set features two stamps: one with Lord Rama and another with the Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos' ancient capital.

• The stamp reflects the deep cultural and religious ties between India and Laos, rooted in Buddhism and the Ramayana.

• The theme of the stamp set is "celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Laos and India."

• The Ramayana, known as the Ramakien in Laos, is revered and performed in Laos, similar to its significance in India.

DEFENCE

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’.

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) introduced ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ at the Annual Operational Sea Training Conference in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

• This new software aims to improve training protocols and ensure uniformity across all ICG platforms.

• The conference, which included senior ICG officers from various regions, was a key forum for discussing best practices and strategies.

• It served as a platform for sharing insights and addressing the evolving maritime security challenges.

• The Indian Coast Guard, celebrating its Raising Day on February 1, 2022, is the fourth-largest coast guard globally.

• The ICG’s motto is “Vayam Rakshamah,” which translates to “We Protect.”

• ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ represents a significant step in enhancing operational consistency within the ICG.

• The conference also facilitated alignment of strategies to effectively respond to maritime security issues.

India will hold "Tarang Shakti 2024" its first multinational air exercise

• “Tarang Shakti 2024" is India’s inaugural multinational air exercise.

• The exercise will occur in two phases: the first at Sular, Tamil Nadu, from August 6 to 14, and the second in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14.

• About 30 countries will participate, with 10 bringing fighter aircraft.

• The event aims to showcase India's military capabilities and enhance interoperability among the participating forces.

• The exercise will serve as a platform for international collaboration and military demonstration.

• The first phase will be held in Tamil Nadu, focusing on initial training and operations.

• The second phase in Rajasthan will continue the exercise, concluding in mid-September.

• This multinational drill is expected to strengthen defense relationships and operational coordination.

AWARDS

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Honored with Honorary Doctorate from IIT-Kharagpur

• Sundar Pichai and Anjali Pichai received prestigious honours from IIT Kharagpur at a ceremony in San Francisco.

• Sundar Pichai was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his contributions to digital transformation and innovation.

• Anjali Pichai was honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kharagpur.

• The honorary degree for Sundar Pichai was conferred by President Draupadi Murmu at IIT-Kharagpur’s 69th convocation in December 2023.

• Sundar Pichai has been with Google since 2004 and became its CEO in August 2015.

• The awards highlight their achievements and contributions to technology and education.

• Anjali Pichai’s recognition underscores her role as a distinguished alumna of IIT Kharagpur.

• The ceremony in San Francisco marked a significant occasion for the Pichais and their alma mater.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Women Entrepreneurship Program has been introduced by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has launched the Women Entrepreneurship Program to tackle the specific challenges faced by women in business.

• This initiative, in partnership with Britannia Industries Limited, will feature their products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub.

• The program aims to support women entrepreneurs through training, knowledge, and networking opportunities.

• It starts with self-learning entrepreneurship courses available on the Skill India Digital Hub in multiple languages.

• Participants completing the courses will receive a co-branded certificate from NSDC, Britannia Industries, and NIESBUD.

• The program aims to empower around 25 lakh women in India.

• The initiative will culminate in a grand finale where a panel will review business ideas from the top 50 contestants.

• Britannia Industries will award ten of the top competitors with cash prizes of ten lakh rupees each.