IMPORTANT DAYS
National Javelin Day 2024 celebrated on 7 August
• National Javelin Throw Day is celebrated annually on August 7 in India.
• The Athletics Federation of India established August 7 as National Javelin Day to honor Neeraj Chopra’s historic Tokyo Olympics victory.
• On August 7, 2021, Neeraj Chopra won gold in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo Games with a throw of 87.58 meters.
• Chopra’s win was India's first gold medal in track and field at the Olympics.
• His victory also made him the second individual Indian to win an Olympic gold, following Abhinav Bindra’s gold at the 2008 Beijing Games.
• The celebration marks Chopra’s groundbreaking achievement and its significance for Indian athletics.
• Neeraj Chopra's performance set a new milestone in Indian sports history.
• The day commemorates not only Chopra’s success but also highlights India's growing presence in Olympic track and field events.
National Handloom Day 2024 observed on 7 August
• National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7 in India.
• The day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted local industries, including handloom weaving.
• This year marks the 10th edition of National Handloom Day.
• The celebration highlights the socio-economic contributions of the handloom industry and raises awareness about its significance.
• The Ministry of Textiles oversees the nationwide observance of National Handloom Day.
• On August 7, 1905, the Swadeshi Movement began, encouraging support for indigenous industries.
• In 2015, the Indian government designated August 7 as National Handloom Day, with the first observance held in Chennai.
NATIONAL NEWS
Government Declares New Peacock Sanctuaries in Karnataka and Kerala
• The Central Government has designated Adichunchanagiri in Karnataka and Choolannur in Kerala as peacock sanctuaries.
• The Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has established breeding and conservation centers for peacocks.
• Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary, located in Karnataka’s Mandya district, was originally established in 1981.
• This sanctuary provides a safe habitat for peacocks and is situated near the Chunchanagiri Temple.
• The sanctuary also hosts various migratory bird species, such as the Purple Heron, White-necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis, and Snakebird.
• Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary is situated in Chulanur village, Palakkad district, Kerala.
• In 1963, the peacock was declared the national bird of India.
• These new designations aim to enhance conservation efforts and protect peacock populations in India.
NIPCCD Reconstitutes Executive Council and General Body to Streamline Operations
• The Government has reconstituted the Executive Council and General Body of NIPCCD for the first time in over 50 years.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development announced the restructuring on August 5.
• Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi chaired the meeting that approved the changes.
• NIPCCD, established in 1966 under the Societies Registration Act, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The General Body has been reduced from 94 to 22 members.
• The Executive Council's size has been cut from 21 to 13 members.
• The General Body sets overall policies, while the Executive Council handles administrative affairs.
• The restructuring aims to create a more streamlined and effective organizational structure.
DEFENCE
Strategic Vision for “Viksit Bharat” unveiled by Indian Navy Chief.
• Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi unveiled a new strategic vision for the Navy on August 7.
• The document, named "CNS Course to Steer-2024 (CTS-2024)", outlines the Navy's role in advancing a developed India, or "Viksit Bharat".
• CTS-2024 details objectives to ensure the Navy is combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-oriented.
• This strategic plan aims to align the Navy’s capabilities with India’s national development objectives.
• Admiral Tripathi introduced this vision shortly after taking over as the 26th Navy Chief on April 30, succeeding Admiral R. Hari Kumar.
• The strategic vision was released amid the Navy's active participation in international collaborations.
• The roadmap is designed to guide the Navy in contributing effectively to India's growth.
• The release of CTS-2024 marks a significant step in shaping the Navy's future role and readiness.