August 2024 Current Affairs PDF

Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS (AUGUST, 2024) Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 1 August 2024 Current Affair...

Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS (AUGUST, 2024) Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 1 August 2024 Current Affair India's 1st Offshore Mineral Auctions India is set to launch its 1st Offshore Mineral Auctions, marking Geological Survey of India a significant step in Resource Management. Founded in 1851. This initiative, part of proposed National Critical Minerals 2nd Oldest Survey in India Mission (NCCM), aims to enhance Supply Chain for Critical after Survey of India (1767). Minerals. Works under Ministry of Mines Union Minister of Mines announced Identification of 10 Blocks, HQ: Kolkata marking a pivotal moment in Nation’s Quest for Self-Reliance in Mineral Resources, in line with Vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Key Details of Offshore Mineral Auctions Exploration reports of 10 Blocks located in India’s Exclusive Indian Bureau of Mines Economic Zone (EEZ) are available for Auction for Grant of Established in 1948. Composite License. Works under Ministry of o Of these, 7 Blocks of Poly-Metallic Nodules and Crusts are Mines (G Kishan Reddy). located in Andaman Sea, 3 Blocks of Lime-Mud are located off HQ: Nagpur Gujarat Coast. Auctions will be conducted under Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act (OAMDR), 2002. Composite Licenses will be issued for Mineral Resource Determination, Exploration and Commercial Production. Union Budget 2024-2025 Rs 1,300 Crore for Geological Survey of India (GSI) to improve Geo-Science Data and Strategic Planning. Rs 135 Crore for Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) to Offshore Areas Mineral (Development enhance Regulatory Efficiency and Environmental & Regulation) Act, 2002 Protection. Ministry of Mines administers OAMDR Rs 400 Crore for National Mineral Exploration Trust Act 2002 which provides for Development (NMET) to accelerate Mineral Exploration and and Regulation of Mineral Resources in support Startups in the sector. Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Elimination of Customs Duties on 25 Critical Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Minerals and Reductions for 2 Others. Maritime Zones of India. India has a liberalized FDI up to 100% in Mining under Automatic Route. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 628 Tigers died in India between 2019- 2023: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) NTCA data reveals that over half (53.2%) of Tiger Deaths occurred within Tiger Reserves (TRs), while nearly 1/3rd (35.22%) happened Outside Boundary of TRs during 2012-2022. Number of Tiger Deaths in 2023 is Highest (178) since 2012. During 2012-2022, Madhya Pradesh (Bandhavgarh TR) reported Highest Number of Tiger Death. Indian Tiger (Panthera Tigris) or Royal Bengal Tiger Flagship Species of India and has been declared as National Animal of India. Average Number: 3682 (All India Tiger Estimation, 2022). Conservation Status Madhya Pradesh has Maximum Number of Tigers followed by Wildlife Protection Act Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. (WPA), 1972: Schedule I Found in throughout India (75% of World’s Wild Tiger IUCN Red List: Endangered Population), Nepal, Bhutan & Bangladesh. CITES: Appendix I Conservation Measures India Global Tiger Day o Project Tiger (1973): Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Often called International Tiger In-Situ Conservation of Tigers in TRs. Day o National Tiger Conservation Authority (2005): Statutory Held annually on 29 July. Body constituted under WPA 1972, as amended in 2006 Created in 2010 at Saint to administer Project Tiger, monitors Tiger Population. Petersburg Tiger Summit in o M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Russia. Protection and Ecological Status): Digital Monitoring o In that summit 13 Tiger System for More Effective Patrolling and Data Collection Population Countries pledged Global goal of Doubling the Global o Global Tiger Initiative (2008): World Bank’s initiative to Tiger Population by 2022, this support Tiger Range Countries in Conservation Efforts. motive is named ‘TX2’ which o Global Tiger Forum: International Inter-Governmental stands for ‘Tigers times Two’. Body set up for Conservation of Tigers in Wild in Range Theme 2024: Ensuring Safe and Countries. Sustainable Habitats Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Tea Plantation Industry in India Tea Plantation Industry is financially stressed, affecting the investors and the plantation workers who are dependent on this industry for generations. Indian Tea Industry 2nd Largest Tea Producer and Largest Black Tea Producer. Darjeeling Tea Northern Part of India is Biggest Producer at about 83% of India's Also known as Annual Tea Production. "Champagne of Teas". o Assam grows about 55% of Teas Produced in India, followed by 1st GI Tag Product. West Bengal. Southern Part of India produces about 17% of Total Production with Major Producing States being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. 4th Largest Tea Exporter in the World. Tea Board of India Established in 1954 International Tea Day Type: Statutory Body (Tea Act, 1953) Observed on 21st May Works under Ministry of Commerce. since 2019. Aim: To promote Cultivation, Processing and Domestic Trade as well as Export of Tea from India. HQ: Kolkata (West Bengal) o 3 Overseas Offices: London, Dubai and Moscow Olympics 33rd Edition of Olympics started in Paris. Paris 2024 Games will see 32 different Sports being played. Breakdancing (Breaking), Surfing, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing are added in this olympics. Olympics 1st ever Olympics were held in Athens, Greece in 1896. Since then, Olympic Games are held Every 4 years. 5 Olympic Rings symbolise "5 Parts of the world’ in which Olympic Movement prevails. Olympic Motto is ‘Citius-Altius-Fortius’. o Three Latin Words translate to "Faster-Higher-Stronger" in English. Tell Umm Amer Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine is inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. Tell Umm Amer Founded by Saint Hilarion. One of Earliest Monastic Sites in Middle East, dating back to 4th Century. 1st Monastic Community in Holy Land. Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre India has taken over Chair of ADPC from People Republic of China for 2024-25. Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre Established in 1986 as a Regional Disaster Preparedness Center (DMC) in Bangkok, Thailand. Founding Members: India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Purpose: For cooperation in and implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and building Climate Resilience in Asia and Pacific Region. National Coal Gasification Mission India has set a target to gasify 100 Million Tonnes of Coal by 2030 under National Coal Gasification Mission, an Initiative of Union Ministry of Coal. Aim: To utilise Coal through Coal Gasification, with Goal of achieving 100 MT Coal Gasification by 2030. Coal Gasification is a Thermo-Chemical Process that converts Coal primarily into Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 2 August 2024 Current Affair GROWTH-India Telescope GROWTH-India Telescope made a remarkable observation, capturing a 116-meter, building-sized asteroid as it made its closest approach to Earth. GROWTH – India Telescope GROWTH-India Project is part of an International Network of Observatories, known as Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH). India's 1st Fully Robotic Optical Research Telescope. Primary Mission: To observe Explosive Transients and Variable Sources including Near-Earth Asteroids. Joins Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), Gamma-Tay Array Telescope (HAGAR) and Imaging Cherenkov Telescope (MACE) at this site. Constructed through a partnership between Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). With support from Department of Science and Technology (DST) & Indo-US Science and Technology Forum. Location: Hanle (Ladakh) o Situated at 4500 meters above mean sea level. o One of Highest Observatory Sites in the world and One of Best Telescope Locations in India. Manu Bhaker Wins Olympic Bronze Manu Bhaker won a Bronze Medal in Women’s 10m Air Pistol Event at Paris 2024 Olympics. This is 1st Medal for India at Paris 2024 Olympics and 1st Olympic Other Achievements of Medal in shooting for India since London 2012 Games. Manu At National Shooting Key Points Championships 2017, she won 9 Gold Medals Manu Bhaker (Jhajjar, Haryana) is 1st Indian Female Shooter to win and set a record in 10m an Olympic Medal. Air Pistol Final. She also became 1st Female Indian Shooter to reach an Olympic In 2018, Gold Medal at Final in an Individual Event in the last 20 years. Commonwealth Games Manu Bhaker is 5th Indian shooter to win an Olympic Medal. and won Gold Medal in Following Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2004 Athens), Abhinav Women's 10m Air Pistol Bindra (2008 Beijing), Vijay Kumar (2012 London) and Gagan Narang at ISSF World Cup in (2012 London). Guadalajara, Mexico. Perseverance Rover Nasa's Perseverance Rover made an intriguing discovery that could shed light on Ancient History of Mars and Possibility of Past Microbial Life. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Rover's SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument detected Organic Compounds in Cheyava Falls. Cheyava Falls was found on Northern Edge of Neretva Vallis, an Ancient River Valley that once channeled Water into Jezero Crater, where Perseverance is working. Perseverance Rover Nicknamed: Percy Semi-Autonomous Rover, Size of a Small Car, designed to explore Surface of Mars. Part of NASA’s ongoing Mars 2020 Mission. Launched in 2020 from Cape Canaveral (Florida). Successfully landed on Surface of Mar's Jezero Crater in 2021. Main Job: Seek Signs of Ancient Life and Collect Samples of Rock and Regolith (Broken Rock and Soil) for possible return to Earth. Proposal by PARAKH on Student Assessment Performance Assessment Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) suggested to Include Class 9-11 performance for Class 12 results. Structured Assessment For PARAKH Analyzing Learning (SAFAL) Also known as National Assessment Centre. Competency-based Assessment Set up in NCERT as an Independent Constituent Unit in 2023. for Grades 3, 5 and 8 that Purpose: To fulfil Basic Objectives of setting Norms, Standards, assesses Core Concepts, Guidelines and Implement Activities related to Student Application of Knowledge and Assessment along with other tasks as mandated by National Higher Order Thinking Skills. Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NIPUN Bharat Mission Union Government launched NIPUN (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) Bharat Mission. NIPUN Bharat Mission Launched by Ministry of Education. Objective: Every Child in India acquires Foundational Literacy such as Reading, Writing and Numeracy Skills. Goal: To achieve Universal Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) among Children in the age group of 3 to 9 years. Implementing Body: National Steering Committee National Mission for Manuscripts and National Culture Fund Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Ministry of Culture and Tourism shed light on the achievements made in the National Mission for Manuscripts and National Culture Fund. National Mission for Manuscripts Established in 2003. By Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Objectives: Documentation, Conservation, Digitization and Online Dissemination of Manuscript Heritage of India. National Culture Fund: Set up in 1996 under Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. o Serves as a Financing Mechanism for enabling Donor/Sponsor Institutions to support Protection, Restoration, Conservation and Development of India’s Rich Tangible & Intangible Culture and Heritage. Mako Missile US Navy, Navy SEAL Commandos and US Air Force are set to instal Mako Missile in all their Military Aircraft. Mako Missile Named after Fastest Shark in the Seas, Mako. Type: Air-launched Hypersonic Missile Developed By: Lockheed Martin World’s 1st Hypersonic Weapon that could be fired from Internal weapons Bay of 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jets: F-35 and F-22 Raptor. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme A total of 1862 Disease Outbreaks were reported to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme last year, with Highest Number being reported from Kerala, the Lok Sabha was informed recently. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme Decentralized, State-based Surveillance Programme in India. Launched with World Bank assistance in 2004 by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Jagat Prakash Nadda). Mettur Dam A warning has been issued to p eople residing in low-lying areas of the Mettur Dam, following increased inflow into the dam. Mettur Dam Built in 1934 on Cauvery River. Type: Masonry Gravity Dam Location: Mettur (Salem, Tamil Nadu) Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Leander Paes in Tennis Hall of Fame Indian Tennis legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj were inducted into Sport’s Hall of Fame. Leander Paes was inducted into Player Category of International Tennis Hall of Fame. Vijay Amritraj, a Former Indian Player, is recognised in Contributor Category. International Tennis Hall of Fame is Prestigious Institution and Museum dedicated to Sport of Tennis. Location: Newport (Rhode Island, United States). World Hepatitis Day World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28th July, raises awareness of viral Hepatitis (Inflammation of Liver that causes Severe Liver Disease and Cancer). Date of 28th July was chosen because it is Birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) & developed a Diagnostic Test and Vaccine for the virus. Hepatitis has 5 Main Strains - A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are Most Common. Theme 2024: It’s Time for Action Oropouche Virus Brazil reported the World’s 1st Death due to Oropouche Virus. 1st detected in Trinidad and Tobago back in 1955. Caused by Oropouche Virus (OROV), a segmented Single-stranded RNA Virus. Found to circulate in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Transmission: Culicoides paraensis Midge or Culex Quinquefasciatus Mosquitos. Cultural Property Agreement Government of India and Government of United States of America signed 1st ever 'Cultural Property Agreement' on Sidelines of 46th World Heritage Committee, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. It is aligned with 1970 UNESCO Convention on Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. As per the agreement, United States of America shall offer to Return to India Any Object or Material on Designate List forfeited to Government of United States of America. PMGDISHA Union Government informed Parliament that under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), over 6 Crore Trained and over 4.7 Crore Candidates have been certified. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Launched in 2017 for Digital Literacy in Rural India. Australia Banned Uranium Mining at Jabiluka site Australia Banned Uranium Mining at Jabiluka Site, which is home to one of World’s Largest Deposits of High-grade Uranium. Jabiluka Site is surrounded by Kakadu National Park. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 3 August 2024 Current Affair Schemes in Budget 2024 for Rural and Tribal Development In Union Budget 2024-25, Government has announced several measures for Rural Development (PMGSY) and tribal welfare like PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM). Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Launched on 25th December 2000. Aim: To provide All-Weather Road Connectivity to Unconnected Habitations. Eligibility: Unconnected Habitations with a Population of 500+ in Plain Areas and 250+ in North- Eastern, Himalayan, Desert and Tribal Areas (as per 2001 Census). Funding Pattern: 90:10 in North-Eastern and Himalayan States and 60:40 in Other States. Rural Roads are constructed according to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Guidelines, which have been Apex Body of Highway Engineers since 1934. PMGSY - Phase I: Launched in 2000 as a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme. PMGSY - Phase II: Launched in 2013. PMGSY - Phase III: Approved in 2019. PMGSY - Phase IV: Announced in Union Budget 2024-25 with amount of Rs 19000 Crore has been allocated for this for FY 2024-25 (FY-25). Union Budget 2024 & Tribal Development Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA) o Emphasise "Saturation Coverage" in Tribal-Majority Villages and Aspirational Districts. o Anticipated to Benefit around 5 Crore Tribal Individuals by improving their access to Essential Services and Socio-Economic Opportunities. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) o Aimed at providing Quality Education to ST Students have been allocated Rs 6399 Crore, an increase of Rs 456 Crore from FY 2023-24. Post – Matric Scholarship for ST Students o Allocation has increased from Rs 1970.77 Crore to Rs 2432.68 Crore. Prime Minister's Janjati Vikas Mission (PMJVM): Budget of Rs 1612 Crore this year. PM DAKSH: Allocation has been raised from Rs 92.47 Crore to Rs 130 Crore. National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes: Allocation has been increased to Rs 95 Crore from Rs 50 Crore, enhancing Financial Support for Higher Education in Foreign Universities. NAMASTE Scheme: Received an increased allocation of Rs 116.94 Crore in FY24, up from Rs 97.41 Crore in FY23. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): Allocation of Rs 25 Crores in Union Budget 2024. Other Schemes and their Allocations: Union Budget 2024 – 25 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o Unit Cost Increase: Under PMAY-G from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2 lakh in Plain Areas, and from Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 2.20 lakh in Integrated Action Plan (IAP) Districts, Hilly Regions and Difficult Areas from 2024-25 onward. o Target and Allocation: 3 Crore Additional Houses under PMAY in Rural and Urban Areas. ▪ Of these, 2 crore homes will be constructed in villages under PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) with an allocation of Rs 54,500 Crore. o Objective: To provide Affordable Housing to Underprivileged, with a Total Target of 2.95 Crore Rural Houses since its launch in 2016. ▪ As of July 2024, nearly 2.94 Crore Houses have been sanctioned. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) (Rural): Allocation: Rs 69926.65 Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) Crore. In Budget 2021 – 22, Jal Jeevan o Launched in 2019. Mission (Urban) was announced o Objective: To provide a Safe and Adequate Drinking under Ministry of Housing of Water Supply to All Rural Households, enhancing Urban Affairs. Public Health and Sanitation. To provide Universal Coverage of o Envisages a Supply of 55 Litres of Water per Person water Supply to All Households in per Day to Every Rural Household through Functional Urban Areas through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. Taps in All Statutory Towns in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal – 6. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o Achievement: Provided Tap Water Connections to 15 Crore Rural Households nationwide. 8 States and 3 Union Territories have achieved 100% Coverage. Eklavya Model Residential Schools Model Residential Schools for STs across India, started in 1997 – 98 under Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Jual Oram). Aim: To build Schools on par with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, with a focus on preserving Local Art, Culture, Sports and skill Development. Prime Minister's Janjati Vikas Mission Aim: To strengthen Tribal Entrepreneurship, facilitate Livelihood Opportunities and promote Efficient, Equitable, Self-Managed and Optimal Use of Natural Resources, Agri/Non – Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)/ Non – Farm Enterprises. Implementing Agency: TRIFED PM DAKSH 2021 PM-DAKSH stands for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi. Central Sector Scheme by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at providing Skills Training to Individuals from SC and ST NAMASTE 2022 NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem. Central Sector Initiative replacing Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) from 2007. Implemented across over 4,800 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) until 2025-26. To ensure Safety and Dignity of Sanitation Workers in Urban Areas by eradicating Manual Scavenging through mechanised Sewer Cleaning in India as well as providing Sustainable Livelihood to these workers. PM – JANMAN 2023 PM-JANMAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan. Aim: To improve the lives of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and a Union Territory. To provide Essential Amenities such as Secure Housing, Clean Drinking Water, Sanitation, Improved Access to Education, Health and Nutrition, as well as enhanced Road and Telecom Connectivity and Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities to PVTGs Households and Habitats. Right to be Forgotten Supreme Court agreed to hear a case by Online Legal Chronicler (Indian Kanoon), whose outcome will likely shape the contours of “Right to be Forgotten”. A 3-Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) will hear a challenge against a Madras High Court Ruling that on February 27 directed Legal Search Portal Indian Kanoon to take down a Judgment in a 2014 Rape and Cheating Case. Acquitted Man had moved Madras HC in 2021, saying that he had been denied Citizenship of Australia because his name appears in the judgement that is publicly available on Legal Portal. Online Portal challenged a Madras HC Order, which after reversing a Trial Court Judgment convicting a Person of Sexual Assault Charges, had directed Portal to remove Conviction Judgment. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Court of Justice of Right to be Forgotten European Union It is the right to have publicly available Personal Information Established in 1952. removed from Internet, Search Engines, Databases, Websites or Highest Court in matters Any Other Public Platforms. concerning Application One can seek this right when their Personal Information is No and Interpretation of EU Longer Necessary or Relevant and Presence of his/her Digital Law. Footprint violates their Right to Privacy. CJEU is divided into 2 RTBF gained importance after 2014 Decision of Court of Justice of Courts: Court of Justice European Union (“CJEU”) in Google Spain Case (Google Spain SL, and General Court Google Inc vs Agencia Española de Protección de Datos, Mario HQ: Luxembourg Costeja González). o The case was about a Spanish man who wanted to remove a 1998 advertisement about his home being repossessed. This right has been recognised as a Statutory Right in EU (as “Right to Erasure”) under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) , which came into effect in 2018. o Article 17 of GDPR outlines Right to Erasure and provides certain conditions when the right can be restricted. Right to be Forgotten: Position in India In India, there is No Statutory Framework that prescribes Right to be Forgotten. o However, Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 and Court Rulings have expressly recognised this right. Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019: Bill gave an Individual the Right to Restrict or Prevent the Continued Disclosure of their Personal Data when such data – o Has served the Purpose for which it was Collected. o Was made with Individual's Consent, which has since been withdrawn. o Was made Contrary to PDP Bill or Any Law in force. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Court Rulings Jorawer Singh Mundy vs Union of India Case (2021) o In KS Puttaswamy or Right to Privacy In this case, an American Citizen approached Delhi Judgement (2017) recognised that High Court seeking Removal of All Publicly Right to control his/her Own Life Available Records of a case registered against him would also encompass his/her right under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to control their existence on Act, 1985. Internet. He claimed that even though Trial Court had cleared o As per Supreme Court Judgement, him back in 2011, a quick Google search disclosed Right to privacy includes Right to Be the Court's Ruling in his case, which prevented him Forgotten (RTBF) and Right to be from finding employment in the USA. Left Alone. Despite having a strong academic background, he o Since Right to Privacy verdict, High said that this hurt his career opportunities. Thus, the Courts have taken a broader view of court directed respondents like ‘Indian Kanoon’ to the issue. For example remove the same. ▪ In 2019, Delhi HC sa id “Right to be Forgotten” and “Right to be Left Alone” are Inherent Aspects of Right to Privacy. ▪ In 2021, Delhi HC extended Right to be Forgotten to even a Criminal Case by ruling to take down Search Results relating to an American Law Student (Acquitted in a Customs Case). ▪ In 2020, Orissa HC held that Right to be Forgotten is a Thorny Issue in terms of Practicality and Technological Nuances and needs a Widespread Debate. Quad Ministerial Meeting 2024 Quad Ministerial Meeting 2024 was held in Tokyo. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) After the meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa released a joint statement. Ministers reaffirmed that India will host Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024 and USA will host Next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2025. Indian Ocean Rim Association Quad 1st established as Indian Ocean Grouping of 4 Democracies – India, Australia, US and Japan– Rim Initiative in Mauritius in is known as Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad. 1995 by South Africa and India. Aim: To ensure a Free and Open International Order based o Vision for IORA originated on Rule of Law in Indo- Pacific. during a visit by lPresident Following Indian Ocean tsunami, India, Japan, Australia and Nelson Mandela of South USA created an Informal Alliance to collaborate on Disaster Africa to India in 1995. Relief Efforts. Formally launched in 1997 as Quad as a Formal Group was 1st mooted by Japanese Prime Charter of Indian Ocean Rim Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. Association for Regional Co- operation. During 2017 ASEAN Summits, All 4 Former Members Re- o With 7 Additional Countries Joined Negotiations to revive Quadrilateral Alliance. as Members: Indonesia, Sri o Quad was upgraded to Ministerial Level in Sep 2019. Lanka, Malaysia, Yemen, In March 2021, 1st ever Summit of QUAD Leaders took place Tanzania, Madagascar and virtually. Mozambique. o In Sep 2021, 1st In-Person Meeting of Quad Leaders was Members: 23 Countries hosted by USA. Achievements of Quad Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) o Announced at Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in 2022. AUKUS o Focuses on integrating Pacific Islands, South – East Asia Trilateral Security Partnership and Indian Ocean region (IOR) in Indo - acific. formed in 2021 between o Aim: To track Dark Shipping Vessels that turn off their Australia, UK and US, focused Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid Detection. on Indo – Pacific. Open – RAN (Radio Access Network) deployed in Palau. It includes sharing US Nuclear ▪ O – RAN has an Open, Multi – Vendor Architecture for Submarine Technology with deploying Mobile Networks, as opposed to Single-Vendor Australia and aims to Proprietary Architecture. Counterbalance China's ▪ O – RAN uses Software to make Hardware Manufactured Actions in South China Sea. by different companies work together. Also promotes cooperation in Space – based Climate Warning System to be launched in Emerging Technologies like Mauritius. AI, Quantum Technologies and Undersea Capabilities. Off-Grid Solar Projects in Indo – Pacific. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Passes 'Love Jihad' Law Uttar Pradesh Government has tabled Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Key Amendments Key Provisions Increasing Maximum Prohibits Religious Conversion of a Person by Use of Punishment from 20 years to “Misrepresentation, Force, Undue Influence, Coercion, Life Imprisonment. Allurement or by Any Fraudulent Means”. Widening the ambit to allow o Conversion by Solemnization of Marriage or Relationship Any Person to file a would also qualify as illegal conversion. Complaint. Any Aggrieved Person or their Relatives can lodge an FIR for Cases would Not be heard by illegal conversion. Any Court below Sessions Punishment: 1 – 5 years Imprisonment and a Fine of at least Rs Court. 15000. Made Crime Non – Bailable. o If Victim is a Woman, a Minor or a Person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, the punishment increases to 2-10 years with a Fine of at least Rs 25000. o In cases of Mass Conversion, Punishment becomes 3-10 years and a Fine of at least Rs 50000. Process for Conversion: This requires Person Related Facts converting to submit 2 Declarations to District Odisha (1967): 1st State to enact a law Magistrate. Restricting Religious Conversions, o 1st Declaration must contain a statement that Prohibiting Forceful Conversions and Individual wishes to convert their Religion without Fraudulent Means. Any Force, Coercion, Undue Influence or Madhya Pradesh (1968): Introduced Allurement. Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantraya ▪ Magistrate will then ensure that a Police Adhiniyam, requiring notification to Enquiry is conducted to determine “Real District Magistrate for Any Conversion intention” of Religious Conversion. Activities under penalty of law. o 2nd Declaration will include Personal, Religious Details and Details of Conversion Ceremony. ▪ After 2nd Declaration is submitted, District Magistrate will post a copy of it to Notice Board, for the Public to record objections to the conversion, if any. Supreme Court Interpreted Religious Conversions Rev. Stainislaus vs State of Madhya Pradesh 1977: Upheld Anti- Conversion Laws, ruling that Article 25(1) does Not grant Right to Convert Others, but rather Right to Transmit or Spread One's Religion through Exposition of its Principles. Sarla Mudgal vs Union of India 1995 and Lilly Thomas vs Union of India, 2000: Held that Conversions to Islam solely for practicing Polygamy were Invalid. M Chandra vs M Thangamuthu 2010: Established the need for evidence of both conversion and acceptance into the new community. Graham Staines Case 2011: Stated there is no justification for converting someone through force, provocation or incitement. Right to Privacy Case 2017: Emphasised the constitutional right to freedom of religion, including the ability to choose and express faith, asserting that state interference must be proportionate. Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) 2023-24 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24 with the theme - India’s Digital Revolution. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Highlights of RCF India is leading Global Digital Revolution, emerging as a Frontrunner. o India ranks 1st in Biometric-based Identification Report on Currency and Finance (Aadhaar) and Real-Time Payments Volume, 2nd in Annual Publication of RBI. Telecom Subscribers and 3rd in terms of Startup Covers various aspects of Indian Ecosystem. Economy and Financial System. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised Retail Focuses on Transformative Payment experience for End Users. Impact of Digitalization across o In Rural India, 46% of Population consists of Wireless various sectors in India, Phone Subscribers and 54% are Active Internet Users. particularly in Financial Sector. o More than Half of FinTech Consumers are from Semi- Urban and Rural India. o More than a third of Digital Payment Users are from Rural Areas. RBI is at Forefront with pilot runs of e-Rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency). o Digital Lending Ecosystem is becoming vibrant with initiatives such as Open Credit Enablement Network, Open Network for Digital Commerce and Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit. Mobile Penetration o Internet Penetration in India was at 55% in 2023. o India’s Cost per Gigabyte (GB) of Data Consumed is Lowest globally at an Average of Rs 13.32 per GB. o India also has one of Highest Mobile Data Consumption in the world, with an Average Per-User Per-Month Consumption of 24.1 GB in 2023. o There are about 750 million Smartphone Users, which is expected to reach about 1 Billion by 2026. o India is expected to be 2nd Largest Smartphone Manufacturer in Next 5 Years. Digital Economy: Accounts for 10% of India's GDP. By 2026, expected to double, contributing to 20% of GDP. Remittances in India: Highest Remittance Recipient in the world. o Global Remittances are estimated to have increased to US$ 857.3 billion in 2023. o This is led by India (US$ 115.3 Billion - 13.5%), Mexico (US$ 66.2 billion), China (US$ 49.5 billion) and Philippines (US$ 39.1 billion). o In 2021, More than Half of India’s Inward Remittances were from Gulf Countries, while North America accounted for 22% share. o Ratio of Remittances to GDP for India has gradually increased from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2023. ▪ It is now above that of Gross FDI Inflows to GDP Ratio (1.9% in 2023), providing strength to India’s External Sector. o This will propel remittances to around $160 billion in 2029 from $115 billion in 2023. 4th Anniversary of NEP 2020 Union Ministry of Education celebrated 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with a Week-long Campaign called "Shiksha Saptah". This campaign is designed to promote and celebrate the achievements and objectives of NEP 2020. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) National Education Policy 2020 Replaced National Policy on Education 1986 which was modified in 1992. Aim: To address India's evolving development needs by overhauling Education System to meet 21st century Goals and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), while preserving India's Cultural Heritage. Salient Features o Universal Access: Focuses on providing access to Education from Pre-School through Secondary Levels. o Early Childhood Education: Transitions from 10+2 to a 5+3+3+4 system, including Children aged 3- 6 in School Curriculum with an emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). o Multilingualism: Promotes using Mother Tongues or Regional Languages as Medium of Instruction up to Grade 5, with options for Sanskrit and Other Languages. o Inclusive Education: Emphasises support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), Children with Disabilities and establishment of "Bal Bhavans." o Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Enhancement: Aim to raise Gross Enrolment Ratio from 26.3% to 50% by 2035, adding 3.5 crore New Seats. o Research Focus: Establishes National Research Foundation to enhance Research Culture and Capacity. o Language Preservation: Supports Indian Languages through Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI) and strengthens Language Departments. o Internationalisation: Encourages International Collaborations and Entry of Top-ranked Foreign Universities. ▪ For example, in 2023 UGC released regulations to facilitate Foreign Universities to set up Campuses in India. o Funding: Targets increasing Public Investment in education to 6% of GDP. o PARAKH Assessment Center: Introduces PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) for competency-based and holistic assessments. o Gender Inclusion Fund: Establishes a fund to promote Gender Equality in Education and support initiatives for Disadvantaged Groups. o Special Education Zones: Creates Special Education Zones to cater to needs of Disadvantaged Regions and Groups, reinforcing Commitment to Equitable Access to Quality Education. CITES Eases Export Restrictions on Agarwood from India India has successfully prevented inclusion of Aquilaria Malaccensis (Agarwood) in Review of Significant Trade (RST) of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) CITES also notified a New Export Quota of Highly Valuable and Aromatic Resinous Wood and Oil of Agarwood from India from April 2024. It was listed in Appendix II of CITES for the 1st time in 1995 based on India’s Proposal at CoP9 in 1994. UNEP CITES Established in 1972. International Agreement aimed at ensuring that International Trade Aim: To coordinate and in Wild Animals and Plants does Not Threaten their Survival. promote Environmental Aim: To regulate and monitor Trade of Endangered Species of Plants Efforts globally. and Animals to prevent their Exploitation and ensure their Long- HQ: Nairobi (Kenya) Term Survival in Wild. Signed in 1973 by 184 Parties and entered into Botanical Survey of India force in 1975. Established in 1890. Legally Binding on the Parties, it does not take the Works under Ministry of Environment, place of National Laws. Forest and Climate Change. Secretariat is administered by UNEP (United Responsible for Surveying, Documenting Nations Environment Programme). and Researching India's Plant Resources Location: Geneva (Switzerland) to promote Conservation and Sustainable Utilization. National Policy for Rare Diseases Only 4 out of 12 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Rare Diseases have utilised funds provided to them by Government under National Policy for Rare Disease (NPRD) in the last three years. National Policy for Rare Disease Launched in 2021. o By Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. For Management of Patients having Rare Diseases and Free Treatment Facilities for Persons suffering with such diseases. Centres of Excellences (CoEs) have been identified for Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Rare Diseases. o COEs will be provided a One-Time Grant subject to a Maximum of Rs 5 Crore each for Infrastructure Development for Screening, Tests and Treatment, if such Infrastructure is Not Available. Provision for Financial Support of up to Rs 50 lakhs to Patients suffering from Any Category of Rare Diseases and for Treatment in Any of CoE, outside Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi (RAN). o RAN provides a One-Time Financial Assistance to Poor Patients living below State/UT wise Threshold Poverty Line suffering from Rare Diseases (RD) for treatment at Government Hospitals/Institutes having Super Specialty Facilities (Max Financial Assistance is Rs 20 lakhs). Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, inaugurated Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum at Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi. It is India’s 1st Sunken Museum that displays over 500 never-before-seen artefacts. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Humayun’s Tomb Tomb of Humayun, 2nd Mughal Emperor of India, was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death. Architect: Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Also called Dormitory of the Mughals. Centred at Shrine of 14th Century Sufi Saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. 1st Garden-Tomb on Indian Subcontinent. Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer European Space Agency (ESA) is in the final phase of launching the much-awaited JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer) mission to explore Jupiter and three of its biggest moons. Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer European Space Agency (ESA) Mission to explore Jupiter and 3 of its Icy Moons: Europa, Callisto and Ganymede. Objective: To explore Possibilities of Life in Space and Origins of Jupiter. Approximately 4 years after its arrival at Jupiter System, JUICE will move into orbit around Gas Giant's Largest Moon (Ganymede) to conduct Most Extensive Exploration of this body, which is Larger than Solar System's Smallest Planet, Mercury. It will become 1st Probe to orbit a Planetary Moon other than Earth's. Central Water Commission Central Water Commission has been awarded GEEF (Global Energy and Environment Foundation) Global WaterTech Award under category "Water Department of the Year". Central Water Commission Established in 1945 on advice of Dr BR Ambedkar. Premier Technical Organization functioning as an attached office of Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aim: To promote Integrated and Sustainable Development and Management of India's Water Resources. HQ: New Delhi Ideas4LiFE Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Climate Change launched Ideas4LiFE Portal. Introduced in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow. Aim: To encourage and motivate Students, Faculty Launched in 2022. and Research Scholars to contribute their Global Movement for transitioning from innovative ideas to Global Initiative of Mission a Model of Destructive and Mindless Consumption to Deliberate and Mindful LiFE. Utilization of Resources. Focuses on bringing Behavioral Changes related to Focuses on bringing about Behaviour Environment-friendly Lifestyles. Changes in Individuals for combatting Climate Change. Advanced Land Navigation System Defense Acquisition Council accorded Acceptance of Necessity for procurement of Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS), ALNS Mk-II for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of Indian Army. It is a Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) based Navigation System. It is an equipment mounted in Armoured Vehicles for Land Navigation in Featureless Terrain. It will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited. World’s 1st Thorium Molten Salt Nuclear Power Station World’s 1st Thorium Molten Salt Nuclear Power Station to be launched in Gobi Desert by China in 2025. Its reactor does Not need Water for Cooling because it utilizes liquid salt or Carbon Dioxide to transfer Heat and make Electricity. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign Ministry of Defence will undertake a massive 15 lakh trees plantation drive across India on the occasion of 78th Independence Day ceremony on 15th August 2024. Prime Minister launched "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign on World Environment Day 2024, urging all to plant a tree as a tribute to mothers. Venezuela (Capital: Caracas) President Nicolás Maduro has won Venezuela's presidential election third time. Bohai Gulf UNESCO recently inscribed China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) to its World Heritage List. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 5 August 2024 Current Affair Sub Categorisation within Caste In a Landmark Judgement, a 7 – Judge Bench of Supreme Court reframed how Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Quota may operate — for the very first time since reservations were introduced in Constitution in 1950. In a 6:1 Ruling, Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Article 341 Chandrachud permitted States to create Sub-Classifications Allows President, through a within SC and ST Categories for purpose of according Wider public notification, to List as Protections to Most Backward Communities within these SC Castes, Races or Tribes” categories. that suffered from Historical Injustice of Untouchability. This overturns Apex Court’s 2004 decision in EV Chinnaiah vs Empowers President to issue State of Andhra Pradesh, in which it had held that SC/ST List is such a notification and a “Homogenous Group” that cannot be divided further. Parliament to make Additions Ruling had 6 Separate Opinions — 5 in Favour of Sub – or Deletions to the List. Classification and a Lone Dissent by Justice Bela Trivedi. Key Highlights of Verdicts Supreme Court ruled that States are Constitutionally Sub Categorisation within Caste allowed to Sub – Classify SCs and STs based on Varying Refers to Further Classifying Levels of Backwardness. Broader Caste Groups into Sub States must base their Sub–Classification on Empirical – Groups. Evidence to ensure Fairness and Effectiveness. Objective: To address Diversity Supreme Court clarified that 100% Reservation for Any Sub within Larger Caste Groups and – Class is Not Permissible. provide Targeted Benefits to State decisions on Sub – Classification are subject to Judicial Specific Sub – Groups that may Review to prevent Political Misuse. be perceived as Socially and Supreme Court has ruled that Creamy Layer Principle, Economically Disadvantaged. previously applied Only to Other Backward Classes (Indra Sawhney Case), should now also be applied to SCs and STs. Supreme Court stated that Reservation has to be Limited Only to 1st Generation. Legal Battles for Scheduled Caste Sub Categorisation 1975: Punjab Government divides its 25% SCs Reservation into 2 Categories. o Reserved for Balmiki and Mazhbi Sikh Communities Jarnail Singh v Lachhmi Narain (Most Economically and Educationally Backward Gupta Case 2018 Communities). Supreme Court upheld "Concept ▪ Thus, they were to be given 1st Preference for Any of Creamy Layer within SCs" too. Reservations in Education and Public Employment. While this concept applies to o Rest of SCs Communities, which didn’t get this Other Backward Castes (OBC), it Preferential Treatment. was applied to Promotions of SCs 1996: Formation of Justice Ramachandra Commission by for the 1st time in 2018. Andhra Government. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o It proposes Sub – Categorisation of SCs in the State based on evidence that some communities were More Backward and had Less Representation than others. 2000: Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act o It contained an Expansive List of Justice G Rohini Commission Scheduled Caste Communities identified Constituted on 2nd October 2017, submitted its in the State and the Quota of Reservation report to President of India on 31 July 2023 Benefits provided to each of them. under “Article 340” with Approval of President 2004: EV Chinnaiah v State of Andhra of India. Pradesh 4 – Member Commission is headed by Justice o 5 – Judge Constitution Bench struck down (Retd) G Rohini, Chief Justice (Retd), Delhi the Act for being Violative of Right to High Court. Equality. o Dr JK Bajaj: Director, Centre for Policy o The Court held that Sub – Classification Studies, Chennai would violate Right to Equality by treating o Gauri Basu: Director, Anthropological communities within this category Survey of India, Kolkata differently and the SC List must be treated o Vivek Joshi:Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India as a Single, Homogenous Group. Objective: To examine Question of Sub – 2006: Based on 2004 Ruling, Punjab & Categorizing over 2,600 Caste Groups Listed Haryana High Court in Dr Kishan Pal v State in Central OBC List. of Punjab struck down aforementioned 1975 Notification. o However, Punjab Government again passed Punjab Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act 2006, reintroducing 1st Preference in Reservations for Balmiki and Mazhabi Sikh Communities. ▪ Act was challenged by Davinder Singh, a Member of a Related Facts Non – Balmiki, Non – Mazhabi Sikh SC Community. Apart from Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs in Punjab & Madiga in ▪ The HC, in 2010, struck down the Act, leading to an Andhra Pradesh; Paswans in Bihar, appeal at Supreme Court. Jatavs in UP and Arundhatiyars in 2014: Davinder Singh v State of Punjab Case Tamil Nadu will also be impacted o SC referred Appeal to a 5 Judge Constitution Bench to by Sub – Classification Strategy. determine if EV Chinnaiah Case required Reconsideration o In 2020, Justice Arun Mishra – headed Constitution Bench in Davinder Singh vs State of Punjab held that SC’s 2004 Decision required Reconsideration. o But since this Bench, like in EV Chinnaiah, comprised 5 Judges, a 7 – Judge Bench heard the issue in Feb 2024. Panel for Sub – Categorisation of Scheduled Castes Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Union Government has formed a Issue of Sub – Categorisation of SCs in Telangana “5 Member Committee of Since 1994, “Madiga Community” has been pushing for Secretaries”, chaired by “Cabinet Sub – Categorization of SCs. Secretary”. o Of nearly 17% SC Population in Telangana, Madigas o It comprises Secretaries of account for nearly 50%. Home Ministry, Law Ministry, o They have claimed that their Share of Representation Tribal Affairs Ministry, Social was being taken up by another SC Community, Malas. Justice Ministry. Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti is demanding Internal Purpose: To assess and find a fair Reclassification of SC Reservations. way to Distribute Benefits, In 1996, Andhra Government formed a Commission Programs and Initiatives to Most under “Justice Ramachandra Raju”, which recommended Disadvantaged Communities “Sub – Categorisation of SCs in Andhra Pradesh”. among 1,200 Scheduled Castes in India. o It has a Strict Mandate to “Not deviate into the questions of Reservation” or “what the Break – up of SC Quota should be for Employment and Education “as this would be considered Sub – Judice. Historical Background of Reservation: Pre – Independence 1882: Concept of Reservation based on Caste was 1st proposed by “William Hunter” and “Jyotirao Phule” in 1882. 1909: British Raj introduced elements of Reservation in “Government of India Act 1909” by giving “Separate Electorates” to certain communities. 1932: “MacDonald/Communal Award” provided for Separate Electorates for Depressed Classes including Dalits. o However, “Poona Pact” abandoned Separate Electorates for Depressed Classes in favour of increased Reserved Seats for Depressed Classes. 1935: “Government of India Act of 1935” extended Communal Representation by giving Separate Electorates to Depressed Classes, Women and Labour. Historical Background of Reservation: Pre – Independence 1951: 1st Constitutional Amendment in Constitution to legalize Caste – based Reservation in India. o In Champakam Dorairajan vs State of Madras (1951) Case, Court ruled in this instance that Caste – based Reservations are in Violation of Article 15 of the Constitution. o As a result, 1st Constitutional Amendment was enacted. o Article 15(4) was added by Parliament and inserted Reservation Provisions. 1953: Kalelkar Commission (1st Backward Class Commission) was 1st to identify Backward Classes other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at National Level. 1963: In M R Balaji vs State of Mysore, Court ruled that Public Administration Efficiency is Critical & ordered Government to keep Reservation at 50%. In 1979, Morarji Desai Government appointed “2nd Backward Classes Commission” under Chairmanship of BP Mandal, in terms of “Article 340” to investigate Conditions of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes and suggest measures for their advancement. o It submitted its report in 1980 and identified as many as 3743 Castes as Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. o They constitute nearly 52% Component of Population, excluding Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o It recommended for “Reservation of 27% Government Jobs” for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) so that the Total Reservation for all (SCs, STs and OBCs) amounts to 50%. 1990: Mandal Commission (1979) recommendation of 27% Reservation for OBCs was implemented. (VP Singh Government). 1991: Narasimha Rao Government introduced two changes: o Preference to Poorer Sections among OBCs in 27% Quota, i.e., Adoption of Economic Criteria in granting Reservation. o Reservation of Another 10% of Jobs for Poorer (Economically Backward) Sections of Higher Castes who are Not covered by Any Existing Schemes of Reservation. 1992: Indra Sawhney Case Judgement (Mandal Case) o Though the Court has rejected Additional Reservation of 10% for Poorer Sections of Higher Castes, it upheld Constitutional Validity of 27% Reservation for OBCs with certain conditions, viz, ▪ Reservation shall Not exceed 50%. ▪ Reservation in Promotions shall Not be allowed. ▪ “Concept of a Creamy Layer” was introduced, and it was directed that such a Creamy Layer be excluded while identifying Backward Classes. ▪ “Carry Forward Rule” in case of Unfilled (Backlog) Vacancies is Valid. ✓ But the Criteria of the 50% rule should Not be violated in Any Case. ▪ A Permanent Statutory Body should be established to examine complaints of Over – Inclusion and Under – Inclusion in the List of OBCs. 1995: In order to nullify the ruling with regard to Reservation in Promotions, 77th Amendment Act was enacted in 1995. o It added a New Provision in Article 16 that empowers the State to provide for Reservation in Promotions of Any Services under the State in favour of the SCs and STs that are Not Adequately Represented in the State Services. 2000: Ruling with regard to “Backlog Vacancies” was nullified by “81st Amendment Act of 2000”. o It added another New Provision in Article 16 that empowers the State to consider the Unfilled Reserved Vacancies of a year as a Separate Class of Vacancies to be filled up in Any Succeeding Year or Years. o Such Class of Vacancies are Not to be combined with the Vacancies of the year in which they are being filled up to determine the Ceiling of 50% Reservation on Total Number of Vacancies of that year. o In brief, it ends 50% Ceiling on Reservation in Backlog Vacancies. 2001: “85th Amendment” provides for "Consequential Seniority” in the case of Promotion by Virtue of Rule of Reservation for Government Servants belonging to the SCs and STs with Retrospective Effect from June 1995. 2006: Nagaraj Case Judgement o Supreme Court ruled that “State was Not bound to provide Reservation in Promotions to SCs/STs”. o But if Any State wished to make such a provision, it needs to: ▪ Collect Quantifiable Data on the Backwardness of the Class. ▪ Prove its Inadequate Representation in Public Employment. ▪ Show No Compromise on Efficiency of Administration. 2007: In IR Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu Case (2007), Supreme Court held that All those enactments that were placed under 9th Schedule before Emergence of Doctrine of Basic Structure on 24th April 1973 shall continue to enjoy immunity from Judicial Review. o But all those enactments which were placed under 9th Schedule on or after 24th April, 1973 are subjected to Judicial Review. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o Thus, Tamil Nadu Reservation Policy has been challenged before the Supreme Court and Court is yet to give his decision. 2018: Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta Case Judgement o Supreme Court held that Reservation in Promotions does Not require the State to Collect Quantifiable Data on Backwardness of SCs and the STs. o The Court also held that Creamy Layer Exclusion extends to SC/STs and, hence the State cannot grant Reservations in promoting SC/ST Individuals who belong to Creamy Layer of their Community. 2019: Government of India has provided 10% Reservation to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) through 103rd Constitutional Amendment. o This is 1st time Reservation has been extended on Basis of Economic Criteria. o EWS Reservation was granted based on the recommendations of a commission headed by Major General (retd) SR Sinho. o Commission for Economically Backward Classes was constituted in 2005 and submitted its report in July 2010. 2022: Janhit Abhiyan v Union of India o Supreme Court upheld 103rd Constitutional Amendment providing Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). o Thus, Apex Court validated Reservations based on Economic Backwardness. 2023: 106th Constitutional Amendment Act 2023 introduced in Parliament for 1/3rd of Reservation of Seats for Women in Parliament and State Legislatures. o It may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in the State or Union Territory. o Reservation shall cease to exist after 15 years from date of implementation. Special Reservation Policy of Tamil Nadu Government Tamil Nadu is Only State in India that provides for Reservation of 69% of Seats in Public Employment and Educational Institutions being reserved in favour of Backward Classes of Citizens. In 1994 (76th Amendment Act), 69% Reservation Policy of Tamil Nadu Government passed in form of enactment by State Legislature was placed under 9th Schedule of the Constitution. o Article 31B: Any Enactment that is placed under 9th Schedule of the Constitution cannot be challenged before a court of law. K Krishnamurthy v Union of India (2010) SC interpreted Article 243 – D (6) & Article 243 – T (6), which permit Reservation by Enactment of Law for Backward Classes in Panchayat and Municipal Bodies respectively. SC held that although "Reservation to Local Bodies is Permissible", it is subject to "Empirical Finding of Backwardness" in relation to local bodies as fulfilled through the "Triple Tests" which refers to the following three conditions o "Set up a Dedicated Commission" to conduct Empirical Inquiry into Nature of Backwardness in Local Bodies. o "Specify Proportion of Reservation" required to be provisioned local body-wise. o Such Reservation shall “not exceed an aggregate of 50% of the Total Seats” Reserved” for SCs/STs/OBCs taken together. Note: Supreme Court reiterated the same in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs State of Maharashtra 2021. Justice K S Jhaveri Commission Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) The decision followed Recommendations of "Justice K S Jhaveri Commission" that was formed in response to a SC’s directive in 202 2 to make suggestions for “OBC Reservation in Local Bodies” in Gujarat. o Expanded “27% OBC Reservation” will apply to all levels Kalpesh Satyendra Jhaveri of Local Bodies. Former Chief Justice of Orissa o ncreased OBC Reservation will not be applicable in areas High Court. covered by PESA Act 1996 where the ST Population Former Judge of Rajasthan High exceeds 50%. Court and Gujarat High Court. o In such regions, OBC Candidates will receive a 10% Reservation. Existing Quota for SCs (14%) and STs (7%) remains unchanged. Hamas Chief Assassinated in Tehran Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iranian Capital Tehran early on July 31. The 62-year-old Leader, who had been managing Hamas’s Political Operations from Exile in Qatar, reportedly died in what Hamas described as an Israeli “Strike” on his residence. Haniyeh was in Tehran for Inauguration of Iran’s New President, Masoud Pezeshkian. Israeli Military has Not commented on the incident so far. Ismail Haniyeh Haniyeh was seen as Overall Leader of Hamas. In 2006, when Palestinian Authority held Parliamentary Elections in West Bank and Gaza, Haniyeh was Parliamentary leader of Hamas. o He led Islamist Group to a surprising victory and became "Prime Minister of the State of Palestine". o But, Palestine Authority’s Financial Backers in West refused to accept a Hamas – led Government, nor did Israel. o Fatah, Party of Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, was also upset by Hamas’s Victory. As tensions between Fatah and Hamas emerged, President Abbas dissolved Hamas Government led by Haniyeh in 2007. o Haniyeh did not accept Abbas’s Decree and continued to rule from Gaza, his stronghold, while Fatah ran Palestine Authority in West Bank. Haniyeh stepped down as Hamas Leader in Gaza in 2017, paving the way for Sinwar’s Rise. o In same year, Haniyeh was appointed Chairman of Hamas’s Political Bureau, taking over from Khaled Meshal. By 2018, he relocated to Qatar and established an office in Doha. o From Qatari Capital, he led Political Operations of Hamas – until his death in Tehran. Hamas Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Official Name: Harakat al – Muqawama al – Islamiya Palestinian Sunni Islamist Political and Military Organisation. o Essentially Internal Metamorphosis of Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood. Founded By: Palestinian Imam and Activist Ahmed Yassin in 1987. o After Outbreak of 1st Intifada against Israeli Occupation, against Israel’s Occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip. Currently, it governs More than 2 Million Palestinians in Gaza Strip. o Organisation, however, is also known for its Armed Resistance against Israel. o Hamas as a Whole, or in some cases its Military Wing, is designated a Terrorist Group by Israel, United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Other Countries. Reasons for its Creation Main Reason for Hamas’ Creation was a Deep Sense of Failure that had been set within Palestinian National Movement by the late 1980s. This primarily happened after Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) — involved in Armed Struggle against Israel from mid-1960s to ‘Liberate Palestine’ — made 2 Massive Concessions: PLO recognized Israel and its Right to Exist — thereby, India’s Stand on Hamas relinquishing its Goal of Liberating Palestine. India neither recognizes Hamas nor Two, it also dropped Armed Struggle as a Strategy, for describes it as a Terrorist Group. sake of a Negotiated Settlement. India has spoken of the need for a 2 Hamas gained prominence after it opposed Oslo Peace – State Solution to the wider Israel Accords signed in early 1990s between Israel and PLO. – Palestine Conflict. Iran – Israel Conflict Israel retaliated on April 19, six days after the Iranian attack. Israel destroys Iran's nuclear repository city of Isfahan. On April 14, 2024, Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 Drones Related Facts and Missiles (Operation True Promise). This was a Counter – Rafah Border Crossing: Attack to the Israeli Airstrike on Iran's Embassy in Syria on April Only way between Egypt 1. In which, 13 People including 2 Top Army Commanders of Iran and Palestine's Gaza Strip. were killed. Houthis hijacked Israeli With this, a face-to-face war broke ou t between Iran and Israel. Galaxy Leader Cargo Ship Under the leadership of Iran, Many Shia Countries or Shia Militia passing through Red Sea. Groups have also openly opened a front against Israel. How did the face-to-face war between Iran and Israel start? Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) On October 7, 2023, Hamas entered Israel and killed 1200 people and took 234 hostages. A few hours later the Israeli Army attacked Gaza. After attack in Gaza, Iran intensified Proxy Attacks. In response, Israel intensified attacks on Iranian Targets in Syria. Lebanon's fundamentalist Shia Muslim organization Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has been firing rockets at Israel since the war began. Houthi Rebels in Yemen are targeting Commercial Ships bound for Israel. In Dec 2023, Israel was also accused of Death of Seyed Razi Mousavi, a Senior Adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a Missile Attack in Syria. In Feb 2024, a Natural Gas Pipeline was attacked which Iran's Oil Minister Javad Ovji had described as an Israeli Conspiracy. War was triggered by Israel's Attacks on Iranian Targets in Syria in April. Friendship Era On May 14, 1948, Israel became the New Jewish State by separating from Palestine. At that time, Iran was 2nd Islamic Countries to recognize Israel, after Turkiye. In 1948, Arab Countries started war with Israel (1st Arab – Israeli War). Iran did Not become part of this war. Both remained Allies of Each Other during Reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (Pahlavi Dynasty) in Iran. Era of Deterioration Demand for an Islamic Nation in Iran intensified and relations between the two Deteriorated. In 1960s, Iran's Religious Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was loudly demanding to make Iran a Muslim Country. o Therefore, Shah of Iran ordered Khomeini to leave Iran in 1964. Khomeini started Islamic Revolution while living in Iraq. o He considered Israel as "Little Devil" & America as "Big Devil". o With time, Khomeini started getting the Support of Iranian People. In 1979, Shah Pahlavi was ousted from power. He had to flee the Country. With this, Islamic State was established in Iran and Sharia Law was implemented. With Change of Power in Iran, relations with Israel began to Deteriorate. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Khomeini Government broke all relations with Jewish Country Israel. Air Route between Two Countries was Completely Closed. Era of Proxy War Iran created a Network of Armed Groups called "Axis of Resistance" to fight Israel, America and Other Sunni – dominated Countries in Middle East. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has an important role in preparing it. This includes Hamas in Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi in Yemen and Various Shia Armed Groups in Iraq and Syria. Entire Middle East is divided into 2 Segments: 1st Shia Stuxnet Cyberattack, 2010 Dominated and 2nd Sunni Dominated. USA and Israel have developed Populations of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are 90% or Stuxnet, a Malicious Computer more Sunni. Virus that disrupted Iran’s Whereas in Yemen, Israel, Lebanon and Gaza, 20 to 40% of Natanz Nuclear Facility. Population is Sunni. Shia Muslims are Majority in Iran, Iraq, It was “1st Publicly known Yemen, Lebanon. Cyberattack on Industrial Shia Majority Countries / Shia Militi as led by Iran have Machinery”. openly opened a front against Israel. Through these, Proxy War has been going on between the two for the last 4 decades. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Schedule of 34th Olympics Having previously hosted in 1900 and 1924, Paris becomes 2nd City ever to host Summer Olympics 3 Times (after London, which hosted 1908, 1948 and 2012 Games). 6th Olympic Games hosted by France (3 Summer Olympics and 3 Winter Olympics). 2024 Games are expected to cost €9 Billion. Key Highlights Opening Ceremony started on July 26 from Seine River in Paris. o For 1st time, Opening Ceremony of these games has Olympic Mascot been held Outside a Stadium. Official Mascot: Friz o To show Purity of River, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo o This name is derived from the jumped into Seine River. historic "Phrygian Hat". Some Games of Olympics have started 2 days earlier on o In French history, it is associated July 24. with Freedom Fighters. o This time these games include Football, Rugby, Motto of Mascot: Alone We Run Handball and Archery. Fast, But Together We Go Farther. o Although, these are considered Qualification Stages Only, Main Games were started from July 27. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 1st Event of Paris Olympics was a Football Match between Argentina and Morocco on July 24. o Morocco defeated world champion Argentina 2 – 1. 1st Medal Event will be on July 27 in Mixed Air Rifle Team Event of Shooting. 329 Gold Medals of 32 Sports are at stake in Paris Related Facts Olympics. Russia and Belarus have Not been o For which 10500 Athletes from 206 Associations and given permission to participate in Countries will participate. this Olympics. o India has fielded a team of 117 Players in 16 Sports. Athletes from Both Countries will o Tradition of awarding Gold Medals for 1st time began play Olympics as Neutral Athletes. with 1904 Los Angeles Olympics. Badminton Star PV Sindhu and Table Tennis Player Sharath Kamal will be India's Flag Bearers in Opening Ceremony. o In 1920, Sprinter Purma Banerjee held Indian Flag for 1st time in Olympics. o In Last Olympics, Boxer Mary Kom and Men's Hockey Team Sports Not Included Captain Manpreet Singh were carrying the tricolor. Baseball and Karate are Not Gold Medal Match of Women's Basketball Event will be held on included in Paris Olympics. August 11. With this Olympic Games will end. Both were included in Tokyo o Closing ceremony is on August 11. Olympics. New Sports Included Breakdance Event will debut in Paris Olympics, it is Only New Sport included in 2024's Games. o However, it will not be included in 2028 Olympics. New Sports in 2028 Los Angeles Skateboarding, Surfing and Sport Climbing will be featured. 2 New Sports: Flag Football o Skateboarding and Sport Climbing events will be held in and Squash Paris, while Surfing events will be held in Tahiti, French 4 Returning Activities: Lacrosse Polynesia. (1904, 1908); Cricket (1900); Kayak Cross Event has been added to Canoe Slalom, which Baseball and Softball (2021). was included in Olympics for the 1st Time. Men's Event in Artistic Swimming has been included for the 1st time in Olympic History. Parade of Nations 1st Parade of Nations took place in 1908 London Olympics. More than 6500 Athletes from 206 Countries participated in 6 KM long Parade of Nations on 94 Boats in 34th Olympics. Team from Greece came 1st, because Modern Olympic Torch in Olympic Ceremony Games started in this country. Just 100 days before Start of Refugee Team came 2nd. Olympic Games, a Torch is taken Indian Team came at Number 84. around different cities around the Team from host France came Last. world, so that people can know that Just before them, there is Host of Next Olympics and Olympic Games are about to start. before that, there is the Host of Olympics after that. This time Relay of Olympic Torch o That means 2028 Host America will come at 205 and started in Greece on 16 April. 2032 host Australia will come at 204. Apart from 5 Fixed Positions, Position of Countries is decided according to Local Alphabet. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o This is why Afghanistan is at number 3. Interesting Facts related to Olympic Games 1904 St. Louis: Beginning of Olympic Oath and Flag. 1960 Rome: For 1st time, Ceremony was Broadcast on TV. 1980 Moscow: For 1st time, a Laser Show was held. 2000 Sydney: Unity Flag came in the Ceremony, in which Athletes of North and South Korea came together for 1st time. 2012 London: For 1st time, Theme of Digital Technology and Social Media was kept in the ceremony. 2020 Tokyo: Ceremony was postponed for 1st time. Due to Corona Virus, Tokyo Olympics were held in 2021 instead of 2020. Top-10 Countries America will once again top the Medal Tally by winning Most Gold Medals. China is likely to be 2nd and France is likely to be 3rd. Netherlands can be at number 4 by winning 18 Gold Medals. After them, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Italy are expected to win 12 to 13 gold medals. Germany and South Korea can be the Other Countries included in Top – 10. Olympics: History Official beginning of Ancient Olympics is considered to be 776 BC, i.e. about 2800 years ago. o They were organized in Olympia Century located in Forests of North-East Pelepanis. o In this One – Day Event, a Walking Race was organized. Later this event started being organized at an interval of 4 Years. Which was called "Olympiad". In 393 AD, Theodosius I banned Greek Temples, God Statues and also banned Olympics to propagate Christianity. o In history books, Record of Last Olympic Games is found in 261 AD. Modern Olympics International Olympic Committee Founder of Modern Olympics was Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Established in 1894. o International Olympic Committee was formed and Founder: Pierre de Coubertin Coubertin was made Secretary General. and Demetrios Vikelas In 1894, International Olympic Committee had set year 1900 as President: Thomas Bach Start of Olympics, which were to be held in Paris. Director General: Christophe 5 April 1896, 1st international Olympic Event begins at Athens, De Kepper after King George I of Greece officially announces Start of HQ: Lausanne, Switzerland Olympics. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) o 285 Athletes from 13 Countries took part in 1st Olympic Movement Olympic Event. Refers to Collective Efforts of Women began participating in Olympic Games for 1st Individuals, Organizations and time at 1900 Paris Olympics. Institutions that are inspired by o Margaret Abbott (Golf) became 1st Female Olympic Olympic Games and its values. Champion. Composed of 3 Main Constituents: World Wars I and II led to Cancellation of 1916, 1940 and International Olympic Committee 1944 Olympics. (IOC), International Sports o Large-scale Boycotts during Cold War Limited Federations (IFs) and National Participation in 1980 and 1984 Olympics. Olympic Committees (NOCs). 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021 as a Result of COVID-19 Restrictions. India at Olympics India first participated at Olympic Games in 1900. o With a Lone Athlete Norman Pritchard winning 2 Medals – both Silver – in Athletics and became 1st Asian Nation to win an Olympic Medal. India first sent a team to Summer Olympic Games in 1920. o India has also competed at Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck (Austria) in 1964. Indian Athletes have won 38 Medals, All at Summer Games. o Indian Men's Field Hockey Team was dominant in Olympics, winning 11 Medals in 12 Olympics between 1928 and 1980. o The run included 8 Gold Medals of which 6 were won consecutively from 1928 to 1956. ▪ In 1932 Summer Olympics, India defeated United States 24–1, Largest Margin of Victory in Olympics History. ▪ In 1936 Summer Olympics Final, they defeated Germany 8–1, Largest Margin of Victory ever in an Olympic Final. India at Olympics: Post – Independence Indian Field Hockey Team won a Gold Medal at 1948 Summer Olympics by defeating Great Britain in Final. o It was 1st Gold Medal for India as an Independent Nation. At 1952 Summer Olympics, Wrestler KD Jadhav won 1st Individual Medal for Independent India. At 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Tennis Player Leander Paes won a Bronze Medal in Men's Singles Event and also became 1st Individual Medallist since 1952. India at Olympics: 21st Century At 2000 Sydney Olympics, Karnam Malleswari won a Bronze Medal in Women's 69 kg Weightlifting Category. o It was 1st-ever Olympic Medal won by an Indian Woman. At 2004 Athens Olympics, Star Shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won Silver Medal in Men's Double Trap Shooting. At 2008 Beijing Olympics, Abhinav Bindra came on top in Men's 10 metre Air Rifle Event and became 1st Indian to win an Individual Gold Medal. o Vijender Singh got India's 1st Medal in Boxing with his Bronze Medal in Middleweight Category. o 3 Medal Haul for India was the best till that year. Subsequently, the record was bettered to make it 3rd Best Performance in history. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) In 2012 Summer Olympics, Wrestler Sushil Kumar became 1st Indian with Multiple Individual Olympic Medals (Bronze at 2008 Summer Olympics and Silver at 2012 Summer Olympics) since Independence. o Saina Nehwal won a Bronze Medal in Badminton in Women's Singles, winning India's 1st Olympic Medal in Badminton. o Pugilist Mary Kom became 1st Indian Woman to win a medal in Boxing with her Bronze Medal in Women's Flyweight Division. o Star Shooter Gagan Narang won Bronze in Men's 10 m Air Rifle Shooting. o Vijay Kumar added another medal by winning a Silver in Men's 25 m Rapid Fire Pistol Competition. At 2016 Summer Olympics, a record number of 118 athletes competed. o Sakshi Malik became 1st Indian Female Wrestler to win an Olympic Medal with her Bronze Medal in Women's Freestyle 58 kg Category. o Shuttler PV Sindhu won a Silver Medal in Women's Singles Badminton, becoming 1st Indian Woman to win an Olympic Silver Medal and also Youngest Indian Olympic Medalist. At 2020 Summer Olympics, India was represented by a New Record Number of 124 Athletes. o Saikhom Mirabai Chanu secured a Silver in Weightlifting Women's Category of 49 kg on the opening day, the 1st time India won a Medal on Opening Day of Any Olympics. o PV Sindhu defeated China's He Bingjiao in Women's Singles Badminton Bronze-Medal match in straight games, thus becoming 1st Indian Woman to win 2 Individual Olympic Medals. o Neeraj Chopra won Gold in Javelin Throw, becoming 1st Indian to win a Gold Medal in Track and Field and 2nd Indian to win an Individual Olympic Gold. o In Men's Field Hockey, India won a Bronze Medal. This medal came after a gap of 41 years, having last won a gold medal in Moscow 1980. o In Wrestling Competitions, Ravi Kumar Dahiya won a Silver Medal and Bajrang Punia won a Bronze Medal. o Olympic Debutant Lovlina Borgohain took Bronze in Women's Boxing. She became Only 2nd Woman to win an Olympic Medal in Boxing. o Haul of 7 Medals is Best Performance by India at Olympics so far. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) 6 August 2024 Current Affair Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 Ministry of Civil Aviation (Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu) tabled Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 that replaces Aircraft Act 1943, to put aside Colonial Legacy of Aviation. Aircraft Act 1934 is an act to make better provision for Control of Manufacture, Possession, Use, Operation, Sale, Import and Export of Aircraft. Objectives of Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 Centralization of Certification DGCA o Proposed Legislation will bring Radio Telephone Operator Type: Statutory Body Restricted (RTR) Certificate and Licence Testing Process (Exam) (Aircraft Amendment from Department of Telecom (DoT) to Directorate General of Civil Act 2020) Aviation (DGCA). Aim: To regulate Civil ▪ This would ease Process for Pilots as they can secure all their Aviation in India. certificates from One Authority. HQ: New Delhi Central Government Empowerment o Rule-Making Authority: To make Rules to implement Convention relating to International Civil Aviation and address Civil Aviation Security. ▪ E.g., Chicago Convention (1944) and International Telecommunication Convention (1932). o Emergency Orders: To issue Orders in International Telecommunication Emergencies in Interest of Public Safety or Convention Tranquillity. Type: International Treaty o Compensation: Provide for Payment of Concluded in 1992 in Geneva. Compensation for Loss or Damage in such manner o Succeeding and Replacing 1865 as provided under the Act. International Telegraph Convention. o Appeals: Provide for Appeals against matters Signatories: 193 Members relating to Compensation, Licenses, Certificates or Founding Document of International Approvals and Adjudication of Penalties. Telecommunication Union (ITU) – a o Penalties: Provide for Imprisonment, Fines or Specialised Agency of UN responsible Penalties for Contravention of Provisions of Act or for matters related to ICT. Rules made thereunder. Major Additions Redefinition of Aircraft: Changed definition of what qualifies as an Aircraft, with Balloons and Gliders removed. Rule-Making Power: Empowers Central Government to make rules – o Regulating Design, Manufacture, Maintenance, Possession, Use, Operation, Sale, Export or Import of Any Aircraft or Class of Aircraft and o More Powers to DGCA, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) over Safety of Aviation Environment in India. Month August 2024  Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha (examcharcha.in) Licensing and Certification: Empowers Central Government or Any Officer to Suspend, Cancel or Restrict Any License or Certification granted under the Act. o However, an Opportunity for Hearing must be given to Affected Party Prior to passing such an order. Appeals Process: Concept of 2nd Appeal against such an order has also been added. o So earlier there was One Appeal and then a Final Appeal to Secretar