IMPORTANT DAYS

World Water Week 2024 organized from 25-29 August

• World Water Week 2024 is scheduled from August 25 to 29.

• The event aims to utilize water as a means for global change and encourage effective cooperation.

• The theme for 2024 is ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’.

• This annual event is organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

• The conference is designed to be inclusive and practical for participants worldwide.

• World Water Week also focuses on implementing commitments from the UN 2023 Water Conference.

• The event offers a platform for promoting sustainable water practices and peacebuilding.

• It is part of a broader initiative spanning 2023–2027 to address global water challenges.

NATIONAL NEWS

Government of India announced five new districts of Ladakh

• The central government has introduced five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang.

• These new districts are aimed at enhancing access to government services and opportunities for local residents.

• Prior to this, Ladakh comprised only two districts, Leh and Kargil.

• Ladakh's current districts, including the new ones, are each managed by an autonomous district council.

• Ladakh became a separate Union Territory following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

• Before becoming a Union Territory, Ladakh was a part of Jammu and Kashmir state.

• The creation of these new districts reflects the government's commitment to regional development in Ladakh.

• The move is expected to improve administrative efficiency and local governance in the region.

• Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir marked a significant change in its administrative structure.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira arrived in India

• Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira began his official visit to India from August 25-28.

• During his visit, Vieira will co-chair the 9th India-Brazil Joint Commission meeting with EAM S Jaishankar on August 27.

• The visit aims to explore new areas of cooperation in bilateral, regional, and multilateral fields.

• Brazil will host the G-20 leaders summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19, 2024.

• This visit is expected to further enhance the strategic partnership between India and Brazil, which was established in 2006.

• Brazil, holding the G20 presidency until November 2024, is part of the G20 Troika alongside India and South Africa.

• The Foreign Minister's visit will focus on strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

• The discussions will seek to deepen cooperation across a variety of sectors.

• Brazil's G20 presidency will see close collaboration with India and South Africa.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled new 'suicide drone.'

• North Korea successfully tested its suicide drones, which accurately hit designated targets after following pre-set routes on August 24.

• Kim Jong Un highlighted the need to expand the production of suicide drones along with strategic reconnaissance and multi-role attack drones.

• These suicide drones, similar to the Israeli "Harop" and "Hero 30" drones and the Russian "Lancet-3," are designed to be used as guided missiles.

• The drones can fly over 1,000 km (600 miles) to reach and strike enemy targets on both land and sea.

• North Korea's expanding drone arsenal will be integrated with nuclear weapons for a variety of strike capabilities.

• Suicide drones are equipped with explosives, allowing them to crash into enemy targets deliberately.

• The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Kim's emphasis on the development of these advanced unmanned aerial systems.

• The newly unveiled drones resemble models from Israel and Russia in their design and functionality.

APPOINTMENTS

Jay Shah becomes youngest ever ICC Chairman

• Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, was elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the ICC on August 27, 2024.

• Shah will replace Greg Barclay from New Zealand, whose term concludes on November 30, 2024.

• He is set to begin his term as the ICC Chair on December 1, 2024.

• Jay Shah is the youngest person to ever chair the ICC, at the age of 35.

• He is the fifth Indian to hold the position of ICC Chair.

• Greg Barclay's term as the current ICC Chair will end in late November 2024.

• Jay Shah's unopposed election marks his rise to a significant role in international cricket governance.

• Shah will officially take over the role at the beginning of December 2024.

• The BCCI Secretary's election makes him the youngest Chair in ICC history.

Arun Agarwal appointed as the chairman of TEDC board of directors

• Arun Agarwal, a Dallas-based Indian-American entrepreneur, has been appointed as chairman of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TEDC).

• TEDC focuses on promoting Texas as a leading business destination in the US and internationally.

• Agarwal brings significant expertise in business, philanthropy, and international relations to the TEDC board.

• He is the current chairman of the National Cricket League (NCL) in the USA.

• Agarwal also holds the position of co-chair at the Indian American CEO Council.

• His leadership role at TEDC is expected to further enhance Texas's global business presence.

• Agarwal is involved in several key organizations, including serving on the board of the US-India Friendship Council.

• His appointment highlights his ongoing contributions to strengthening business ties between the US and India.

MISCELLANEOUS

Teghbir Singh became the youngest Asian to conquer Mt Kilimanjaro

• Five-year-old Teghbir Singh from Ropar became the youngest Asian to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters, is Africa's highest peak, located in Tanzania.

• Teghbir began his ascent on August 18 and reached the summit, Uhuru Peak, on August 23.

• He received an official mountain climbing certificate from the conservation commissioner of Tanzania National Parks.

• Teghbir Singh matched the world record set by Serbian boy Ognjen Zivkovic, who also scaled Kilimanjaro at the age of five on August 6, 2023.

• This achievement makes Teghbir one of the youngest climbers to conquer Kilimanjaro globally.

• His accomplishment highlights his extraordinary determination and physical endurance at such a young age.

• Teghbir’s record is celebrated as a significant milestone in mountaineering for young climbers in Asia.