IMPORTANT DAYS

Sadbhavna Diwas 2024 observed on August 20

• August 20 is observed as Sadbhavana Diwas, marking Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary.

• Rajiv Gandhi, known for his forward-thinking leadership, was India’s youngest Prime Minister.

• Sadbhavana Diwas was first celebrated on August 20, 1992.

• The day serves as a reminder of Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a united and peaceful India.

• Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984.

• Various activities promoting peace and harmony are conducted on Sadbhavana Diwas.

• The day celebrates Rajiv Gandhi's efforts towards fostering national unity and prosperity.

World Mosquito Day 2024 observed on 20 August

• World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 to honor Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery.

• Sir Ronald Ross found that Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite to humans./p>

• The 2024 theme for World Mosquito Day is "Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world."

• The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine organizes World Mosquito Day each year.

• According to the World Mosquito Programme, 2024 is projected to be the worst year on record for dengue cases.

• Over 11 million dengue cases have been reported in 80 countries this year.

• India saw 2.89 lakh dengue cases and 485 deaths in 2023, compared to 2.33 lakh cases and 303 deaths in 2022.

• Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have reported the highest number of dengue cases.

• The World Mosquito Day aims to highlight and combat mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.

APPOINTMENTS

Ashok Kumar Singh assume as Director General of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

• Ashok Kumar Singh, a 1999 batch IAS officer from Kerala, has been appointed as the Director General of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

• The ESIC is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 1952.

• Singh has previously served as Executive Director of the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

• He has also held positions as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and as Director in the Ministry of Finance.

• The ESIC was created by the ESI Act of 1948 to manage the Employees' State Insurance scheme.

• As Director General, Singh will oversee the governance and management of ESIC operations.

• Singh’s experience includes extensive roles in district and state-level administration.

• The ESI scheme aims to provide social security and health insurance to employees.

NATIONAL NEWS

Mauritius Vice President Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon arrived in New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave.

• Vice President of Mauritius, Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon, arrived in New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave.

• Liberia's Vice President, Jeremiah Kappan Kong, is also in Delhi to attend the same conclave.

• The 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from August 20-22.

• This visit strengthens the longstanding and robust relations between India and Mauritius.

• The conclave aims to promote Africa's development and showcase the significance of India-Africa partnerships.

• The event will focus on integrating regional and global value chains through India-Africa collaboration.

• The participation of African leaders underscores the growing importance of the India-Africa relationship.

• The conclave is an important platform for advancing mutual economic interests between India and Africa.

2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and Japan held in New Delhi on 20th August 2024.

• India and Japan's 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi on August 20, 2024.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar represented India in the talks.

• Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Yoko Kamikawa attended from Japan's side.

• A separate bilateral meeting took place between the Defence Ministers of India and Japan.

• The Ministers discussed and reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation.

• They also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of common concern.

• India and Japan maintain a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership,' according to the Defence Ministry.

• The second edition of the India-Japan 2+2 dialogue was held in Japan in September 2022.

• The meeting underscored the strong and strategic ties between the two nations.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's first to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

• Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is the first in India to achieve net zero carbon emission status.

• The airport is operated by DIAL, a subsidiary of the GMR Group.

• In 2024, the airport reached level 5, the highest level of net zero emission accreditation.

• This milestone was achieved under the Airport Council International's (ACI) accreditation program.

• The ACI is a global trade association representing airports worldwide.

• The accreditation program provides a comprehensive framework for carbon management at airports.

• IGIA's accomplishment marks significant progress in sustainability efforts within the aviation industry.

• There are five levels in the accreditation system, with level 5 being the highest.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Union Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the ‘First Policy Makers’ Forum’ in New Delhi.

• Union Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the ‘First Policy Makers’ Forum in New Delhi.

• The forum, organized by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) with the Ministry of Health, hosted international policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries.

• This initiative aims to enhance discussions on the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and implement Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

• The event also introduced innovative digital platforms for pharmacopoeia and drug safety monitoring.

• The IP Online Portal is a significant move towards digitalizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

• The ADRMS software, India’s first indigenous medical product safety database, was highlighted at the forum.

• The forum will promote the recognition of IP on an international level.

• The new digital platforms will contribute to improving drug safety and monitoring practices.

• JP Nadda also serves as the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled the SOP for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).

• The GTTP is part of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ initiative, aimed at transitioning to eco-friendly harbour tugs.

• The program will phase out conventional fuel-based tugs at Indian major ports, replacing them with green tugs.

• During this phase, four major ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will each acquire or charter at least two green tugs.

• An estimated INR 1000 Crores will be invested in the construction of these green tugs.

• The initial tugs will be battery-electric but will also include options for other emerging green technologies.

• The GTTP aims to significantly enhance the domestic tug industry, with tugs being built in Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

• This transition is expected to be a major advancement in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable maritime practices.

SPORTS

Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav will carry the Indian flag at the Paris 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony

• Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav will be flag bearers for India at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

• The Paris 2024 Paralympics will run from August 28 to September 8, utilizing the same venues as the Olympics.

• India is sending its largest-ever Paralympic team to Paris, consisting of 84 athletes across 12 sports.

• The contingent for Paris 2024 is significantly larger than the 54 participants who represented India in Tokyo.

• Sumit Antil is the reigning javelin throw champion and will be one of the flag bearers.

• Bhagyashree Jadhav, a leading shot put athlete, has also been selected to carry the Indian flag.

• For the first time, India will compete in para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo at the Paralympics in Paris.

• The Paralympic Games in Paris will take place at the same venues where the Olympics concluded on August 11.

• India's participation in the Paris Paralympics marks a historic moment with its expanded and diverse sports roster.