IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hepatitis Day 2024 observed on 28 July

• World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28.

• The 2024 theme for World Hepatitis Day is "It's time to act."

• The day aims to raise awareness and prompt global action against viral hepatitis.

• The World Hepatitis Alliance, established in 2007, organized the first World Hepatitis Day in 2008.

• It commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus in 1967.

• Originally observed on May 19, World Hepatitis Day was moved to July 28 in 2010.

• WHO's goal is to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.

• Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can be caused by five main virus strains: A, B, C, D, and E, with B and C being the most lethal.

International Tiger Day 2024 celebrated on 29 July

• International Tiger Day is celebrated on 29 July.

• The day aims to promote global protection of tiger habitats.

• It also seeks to raise awareness and support for tiger conservation efforts.

• The World Wildlife Fund reports that tiger populations in India are stable or increasing.

• India established tiger reserves in 1973 under Project Tiger.

• Project Tiger is managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

• India is home to 80% of the world's tiger population.

• International Tiger Day underscores the importance of protecting tigers and their natural habitats globally.

LAW AND AMENDMENTS

Supreme Court allowed states to levy mineral cess.

• The Supreme Court has allowed states to levy mineral cess.

• A nine-judge Constitution bench confirmed that states have the constitutional authority to tax mines and mineral-bearing lands.

• The Court clarified that the royalty paid by mining operators to the Central government is not considered a tax.

• This ruling is expected to increase revenue for mineral-bearing states, primarily in eastern India.

• The judgment provides clarity on the division of taxing powers between states and the Center over minerals.

• The Supreme Court declared that state legislatures have the legislative power to tax mineral rights.

• The decision came after hearing 80 appeals from private mining companies challenging the states' right to levy cess on mining.

• This verdict settles the issue of state versus Central authority on mineral taxation.

APPOINTMENTS

President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Governors in Nine States & the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry

• On 28 July 2024, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Governors to nine states and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

• The President also accepted the resignation of Banwarilal Purohit as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.

• Article 153 of the Constitution mandates a Governor for each state in India.

• Governors are appointed by the President of India based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister.

• The state Governor serves as the head of the state's executive branch.

• The President has the authority to transfer Governors from one state to another.

• Newly Appointed Governors as mentioned below:-

✓ Ramen Deka- Governor of Chhattisgarh.

✓ C H Vijayashankar- Governor of Meghalaya.

✓ Jishnu Dev Varma- Governor of Telangana.

✓ Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde- Governor of Rajasthan.

✓ Om Prakash Mathur- Governor of Sikkim.

✓ Santosh Kumar Gangwar- Governor of Jharkhand.

✓ C.P. Radhakrishnan- Governor of Maharashtra (He was earlier Governor of Jharkhand with Additional Charge of Telangana ).

✓ Gulab Chand Kataria- Governor of Punjab. He has also been appointed as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh (He was earlier Governor of Assam).

✓ Lakshman Prasad Acharya- Governor of Assam and has also been given additional charge of the Governor of Manipur ( He was earlier the Governor of Sikkim).

✓ K. Kailashnathan- Lt. Governor of Puducherry.

SPORTS

Manu Bhaker Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Olympic Medal in Shooting

• Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics on July 28.

• She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal.

• The 22-year-old from Haryana secured India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics.

• Bhaker overcame previous disappointments in Tokyo to achieve this milestone.

• The historic win occurred at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in Paris.

• This victory marks a significant moment for Indian sports and Bhaker’s career.

• Manu Bhaker's achievement brings pride to India, highlighting her perseverance and skill.

• The win adds to India's growing presence in Olympic shooting events.

Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024

• Sri Lanka won their first Women's Cricket Asia Cup by defeating India on 28 July 2024.

• The final was held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

• The Sri Lankan team beat the defending champion Indian team by 8 wickets with 8 balls remaining.

• Sri Lanka became the third team to win the Women's Cricket Asia Cup, after India and Bangladesh.

• The 9th edition of the Women’s Cricket Asia Cup was entirely played at Rangiri Dambulla.

• India has previously won the Women's Cricket Asia Cup seven times.

• Bangladesh has won the Women's Cricket Asia Cup once.

• The victory marked a significant upset as Sri Lanka defeated the favorite Indian team.

MISCELLANEOUS

628 tigers have died in India during the past five years.

• In the past five years, India has seen the deaths of 628 tigers due to various causes.

• Government data shows 349 people were killed in tiger attacks, with Maharashtra alone accounting for 200 deaths.

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reported tiger deaths as follows: 96 in 2019, 106 in 2020, 127 in 2021, 121 in 2022, and 178 in 2023.

• The number of tiger deaths in 2023 is the highest since 2012.

• Uttar Pradesh recorded 59 human deaths due to tiger attacks, while Madhya Pradesh reported 27 such deaths.

• India has a tiger population of 3,682, which is approximately 75% of the global wild tiger population.

• Project Tiger, launched on April 1, 1973, aims to promote tiger conservation in India.

• India has 55 tiger reserves covering over 78,735 square kilometers.