CURRENT AFFAIRS
21 August, 2024
- INDIA-JAPAN 2+2 SUMMIT –
- The partnership between India and Japan is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to ensuring a free, open, and fair Indo-Pacific region. This was clearly seen during the recent “2+2” dialogue, where India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with their Japanese counterparts.
- The meeting took place at a time when there were rising tensions in the region due to China’s growing military activities.
- Over the past ten years, India and Japan have greatly strengthened their relationship, turning it into what is now called a “special strategic and global partnership.” This stronger bond has been driven by shared interests and the need to work together to maintain peace and security in the region.
- JAY SHAH TO REPLACE GREG BARCLAY AS ICC CHAIRMAN –
- BCCI secretary Jay Shah is set to become the ICC chairman, replacing Greg Barclay in November 2024.
- Shah has secured backing from key cricket boards, including England and Australia, ensuring his victory.
- Jay Shah will be the third Indian to hold the position, following N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar.
- The chairman’s election comprises 16 votes and a majority of 9 votes is required (51%).
- SUPREME COURT CONSTITUTES NATIONAL TASK FORCE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS SAFETY –
- The Supreme Court on Tuesday formed a 10-member National Task Force to make a blueprint for the safety and facility of healthcare workers at their workplace.
Members
- The newly established NTF comprises a distinguished panel of medical experts from various specialisations, including:
- Surgeon Vice-Admiral Aarti Sarin
- Dr D Nageshwar Reddy
- Dr M Shreenivas
- Dr Pratima Murty
- Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri
- Dr Saumitra Rawat
- Anita Saxena
- Pallavi Sapre, Dean
- Dr Padma Srivastava
In addition to the core members, the NTF will also include ex officio members such as:
- the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India,
- the Home Secretary,
- the Secretary of the Union Health Ministry,
- the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and
- the President of the National Board of Examiners.
- NEERAJ CHOPRA FINISHES SECOND IN LAUSANNE DIAMOND LEAGUE –
- Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, showcased his resilience and skill at the Lausanne Diamond League meet. Despite facing challenges, Chopra secured a commendable second-place finish, marking another significant achievement in his illustrious career.
- The 26-year-old Chopra found himself in a precarious position during the early rounds of the competition. After four rounds, he was languishing in fourth place, raising concerns about his form and fitness.
- Chopra’s fortunes changed dramatically in the final two rounds:
- Fifth Round: He threw 85.58m, elevating himself to a position where he could attempt a final throw.
- Sixth Round: In a spectacular finish, Chopra unleashed a season’s best throw of 89.49m, surpassing his recent performance at the Paris Olympics.
- NATIONAL SPACE DAY 2024 –
- India is set to commemorate its first National Space Day in 2024, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s journey of space exploration. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this day represents a momentous occasion to celebrate India’s growing prominence in the global space community.
- National Space Day is not merely a reflection on past triumphs but a forward-looking event aimed at inspiring future generations and underscoring the pivotal role of space science and technology in shaping our world.
- National Space Day 2024 is scheduled to be celebrated on August 23, 2024. This date holds profound significance as it marks the one-year anniversary of India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- On August 23, 2023, India etched its name in the annals of space exploration history by becoming the fourth nation to successfully land on the moon. This remarkable achievement not only showcased ISRO’s burgeoning capabilities but also ignited a sense of national pride and garnered international acclaim for India’s space program.