International Day of Peace 2024 celebrated on September 21.
• The International Day of Peace celebrated on September 21, aims to enhance peace ideals globally.
• The theme for 2024 is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”
• This year marks the 25th anniversary of the UN's Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted in 1999.
• Established in 1981, the day promotes global solidarity for a peaceful and sustainable world.
• In 2001, the UN designated this day as a time for non-violence and cease-fire.
• It encourages a 24-hour period of non-violence and observance of ceasefire.
• It encourages a 24-hour period of non-violence and observance of ceasefire.
• The day serves to foster cooperation and harmony among all nations and peoples.
World Alzheimer's Day 2024 observed on September 21.
• World Alzheimer's Day is observed annually on September 21 to raise awareness about the disease.
• The condition was first identified by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
• The condition was first identified by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
• Genetic factors, head injuries, depression, and hypertension may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.
• The day aims to challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease.
• Increased public awareness is crucial for supporting those affected by this condition.
LEGAL NEWS
Supreme Court Rejects Ex-Google Employee's Religious Discrimination Claim
<• The Supreme Court recently dismissed a writ petition from ex-Google employee Zahid Showkat regarding workplace discrimination.
• The case was titled Zahid Showkat Alias Mir v Joint Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office & Ors.
• The petitioner alleged religious discrimination, but the Court found the claim unsubstantiated.
• The Supreme Court ruled that the termination was based on a private contract issue.
• Legal remedies for such employment disputes should be pursued in a labour court.
• The Court emphasized that government intervention is not applicable in private contract matters.
• Article 32 of the Indian Constitution allows for writs to enforce Fundamental Rights.
• The Supreme Court clarified that the petition did not arise from legitimate religious grounds.
APPOINTMENTS
Anurag Garg takes became the new NCB Director General.
• Anurag Garg has been appointed as the new Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
• Previously, he held the position of Additional Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his new appointment.
• The NCB is a central law enforcement and intelligence agency under India's Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Established in 1986, the agency focuses on combating drug trafficking and the misuse of illegal substances.
• It operates under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
• Anurag Garg’s leadership aims to strengthen the fight against drug-related offences in India.
SPORTS
Jasprit Bumrah became the 10th Indian bowler to reach 400 international wickets.
• Jasprit Bumrah has become the 10th Indian bowler to achieve 400 international wickets.
• He reached this milestone on September 20 during India’s first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai.
• Bumrah's total international wickets now stands at 401 across 196 matches.
• His wicket breakdown includes 149 in 89 ODIs, 89 in 70 T20Is, and 163 in 37 Tests.
• This accomplishment highlights his significant contribution to Indian cricket.
• Anil Kumble leads India’s wicket-takers with 953 wickets, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh.
RANKING AND INDEX
Kerala secured first spot in the 2024 State Food Safety Index (SFSI).
• Kerala topped the 2024 State Food Safety Index (SFSI), followed by Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir.
• The State Food Safety Index is released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Gujarat and Nagaland received special mentions for their performance in the index.
• The report was presented at the inaugural session of the Global Food Safety Regulators Summit.
• FSSAI highlighted that Kerala exceeded 100% of its inspection target in FY24.
• The SFSI evaluates states and union territories based on five key parameters, including compliance and consumer empowerment.
• This index was established in 2018-19 to foster positive changes in the food safety ecosystem in India.
• FSSAI also introduced the Food Import Rejection Alerts (FIRA) portal to inform about food import rejections at Indian borders.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Jordan became the first country to eliminate leprosy
• Jordan has officially eliminated leprosy, becoming the first country to achieve this milestone.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified this significant accomplishment.
• This achievement highlights Jordan's dedication to eradicating leprosy.
• Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease affecting skin, nerves, and respiratory health.
• Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease affecting skin, nerves, and respiratory health.
• Jordan's Ministry of Health collaborated with WHO and international organizations to provide multi-drug therapy (MDT).
• Raising awareness about leprosy has been a crucial part of the elimination efforts.
• WHO's verification process includes strict criteria that must be met for a country to be recognized as leprosy-free.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
India economy to be third-largest by 2030-31: S&P Global
• S&P Global forecasts that India will rank as the third-largest economy by 2030-31, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% annually.
• India has emerged as the fastest-growing large economy, achieving an 8.2% GDP growth in FY 2024.
• To sustain this momentum, India must enhance its infrastructure and develop strategic geopolitical approaches related to its coastline.
• With around 90% of trade being seaborne, India requires robust port facilities to effectively handle increasing export demands.
• The World Bank and S&P Global’s Container Port Performance Index 2023 revealed that only three Indian ports are in the top 50 rankings.
• India’s economic outlook for the medium term is promising, presenting numerous opportunities across various sectors.
• Strengthening port infrastructure is crucial for managing the anticipated rise in trade volumes.
• Continued investment in infrastructure development will be vital for India to maintain its growth trajectory.