CURRENT AFFAIRS 08 August, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 08 August, 2024

1. INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTS ‘PARVAT PRAHAAR’ EXERCISE IN LADAKH –

• The Indian Army has conducted a strategic military exercise, ‘Parvat Prahaar’, in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare and operations. This exercise is crucial for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the Army in the region, which is close to the India-China border.
• The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ (Mountain Strike) exercise emphasizes mountainous and rugged terrains, such as those found in regions like Eastern Ladakh. The exercise, which continues for over a fortnight, involves simulating real-world combat scenarios to train soldiers in the unique challenges posed by such terrains.
• Various arms of the Army, including infantry, armoured, artillery, and support units, are participating in this drill. Different kinds of tanks, artillery guns including K-9 Vajra, air-defense systems, UAVs, and other aviation assets of the Army are showcasing their operability and war preparedness.

2. WAQF BOARD AMENDMENT BILL 2024 –

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led goverment is all set to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on August 8. The new bill that proposes to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
• With over 40 amendments, the bill has proposed to revoke several clauses in the existing Waqf Act – the law governing Waqf boards. It has proposed far-reaching changes in the present Act, including ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.
• The Bill proposes the inclusion of two Muslim women and two non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board, and inserts a new section to prevent the wrongful declaration of a property as ‘Waqf’. The Waqf comprises property or land donated by followers of Islam, and is presently managed by the members of the community. Waqf Boards currently control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India, with an estimated value of ₹1.2 lakh crore.
• Collectively, this makes the Waqf Boards the third largest landowner in India, after the armed forces and the Indian Railways. The Waqf Act was last amended in 2013.

3. QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT DAY –

• Quit India Movement Day, also known as August Kranti Day, is a significant date in India’s history that commemorates the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942. This pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule called for the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement mobilized millions of Indians in a non-violent civil disobedience campaign against British colonialism.
• Quit India Movement Day is observed annually on August 8th. In 2024, it falls on a Thursday. This date marks the 82nd anniversary of the movement’s launch.
• The roots of the Quit India Movement can be traced back to the growing discontent with British rule in India. A crucial catalyst was the failure of the Cripps Mission in March 1942, which aimed to secure Indian cooperation during World War II. The frustration stemming from this failure set the stage for a more aggressive push for independence.
• On August 8, 1942, during the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay (now Mumbai), the Quit India Resolution was adopted. This resolution demanded an immediate end to British rule in India. It was during this session that Mahatma Gandhi gave his famous “Do or Die” speech, which became the rallying cry for the movement.

4. VINESH PHOGAT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM WRESTLING –

• Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most promising wrestlers, has announced her retirement from the sport following a devastating turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024. The announcement came after a series of unfortunate incidents that unfolded during the final stages of the Olympic wrestling competition.
• On the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout, Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight, leading to her immediate disqualification from the competition. This shocking development came as a surprise to many, given Phogat’s previous success in managing her weight throughout the tournament.
• Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, provided insight into the situation. He revealed that Phogat had actually exceeded the weight limit by a staggering 2.7 kg after her semi-final bout.

5. WHY VINESH PHOGAT DISQUALIFIED IN PARIS OLYMPIC 2024 –

• Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet weight requirement for her 50 kg gold medal. As per the report, Phogat was reportedly over the permissible weight limit by just 100 grams, which may lead to her disqualification. According to competition rules, she will not be eligible for a silver medal, leaving only gold and bronze winners in the 50 kg category.
• According to competition rules, Phogat will not be eligible even for a silver medal and the 50 kg will have just gold and bronze medal winners.
• As per rule, wrestlers have to stay within their weight category on both days of the competition.