CURRENT AFFAIRS 21-09-2024

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

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• 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.

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