IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrated on June 4

• Celebrated every year on June 4, the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression highlights the plight of children who suffer from violence and conflict.

• This day was established by the United Nations on August 19, 1982, to raise awareness about the pain and suffering faced by child victims of aggression.

• The day aims to spread awareness about the challenges and traumas endured by children who are victims of aggression and conflict.

• UN Report Findings: According to the UN Secretary-General's Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, over 8,630 children were killed or maimed in 2022 alone.

• In 2022, 7,622 children were recruited or used in armed conflicts.

• The report documented 3,985 children being abducted.

• Sexual Violence: There were 1,166 cases of children being victims of sexual violence.

• The report also noted 3,931 incidents of denial of humanitarian access to children.

• This observance underscores the global commitment to protecting children from the horrors of war and aggression, ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded.

LAW AND AMENDMENTS

Supreme Court Reconstitutes Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee

• The Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee, with Justice Hima Kohli appointed as Chairperson and Justice BV Nagarathna as a Member.

• This reconstitution, initiated by the Chief Justice of India, adheres to the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment regulations of 2013, ensuring proper representation and compliance.

• Key details of the committee are as follows:

 Leadership: Justice Hima Kohli (Chairperson) and Justice BV Nagarathna (Member).

 Committee Members: The committee comprises members from various legal bodies and professionals nominated by the Chief Justice, including Shruti Pandey, Jaideep Gupta, Dr. Leni Chaudhuri, and Dr. Menaka Guruswamy.

 Objective: The reconstituted committee reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing issues of gender sensitisation and harassment within the judiciary.

• This move underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to fostering a safe and equitable environment, ensuring that gender sensitisation and harassment issues are effectively managed and resolved.

NATIONAL NEWS

NDA got absolute majority, BJP emerges as the largest party with 240 seats.

• In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA secured an absolute majority with a total of 292 seats, including 240 won by the BJP alone, making it the largest party.

• The I.N.D.I.A block secured 233 seats, while other parties won 18 seats.

• Prominent winners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Varanasi), Union Minister Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Om Birla (Kota), Arjun Ram Meghwal (Bikaner), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Jodhpur), and Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Guna).

• In Uttar Pradesh, out of 80 constituencies, the Samajwadi Party won 37 seats, the BJP 33, Congress six, and Rashtriya Lok Dal two.

• Notably, Pushpendra Saroj of the Samajwadi Party won the Kaushambi seat, becoming India's youngest MP.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Netherlands emerged as India's 3rd largest export destination in 2023-24.

• 2023-24, the Netherlands became India's third-largest export destination, following the US and UAE.

• Key exports to the Netherlands included petroleum products ($14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

• India's trade surplus with the Netherlands rose significantly, reaching $17.4 billion from $13 billion in the previous fiscal year.

• This growth allowed the Netherlands to surpass traditional export markets for India such as the UK, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Germany.

• India's exports to the Netherlands saw an increase of approximately 3.5%, growing from $21.61 billion in 2022-23 to $22.36 billion in 2023-24.

• Previously, in 2021-22, the Netherlands ranked as the fifth-largest destination for Indian exports.

• Diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands were established in 1947.

MISCELLANEOUS

The National Archives of India launched its first overseas project, "The Oman Collection," in Oman

• The National Archives of India has introduced "The Oman Collection," its inaugural international project, aimed at digitizing and preserving documents of the Indian diaspora in Oman.

• This initiative has digitized over 7,000 historical documents, dating back to 1838 and in various languages, showcasing the rich heritage and contributions of the Indian community in Oman.

• This project underscores the collaborative efforts between India and Oman in preserving historical records, enhancing bilateral relations, and making these invaluable resources accessible to future generations.