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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 01 2024

1. Women Entrepreneurship Program Launched

In an important step to help women start and grow their own businesses, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) launched the Women Entrepreneurship Program. This program aims to tackle the unique problems women face in business.

Partnership with Britannia Industries Limited

In partnership with Britannia Industries Limited, the program will provide financial support and promote their products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub. This shows a strong dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs. At the program’s launch, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude for Britannia’s partnership, emphasizing its focus on women entrepreneurship.

Progress through NIESBUD

He also mentioned that significant progress has been made in entrepreneurship through the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and special programs with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, and other ministries.

2. ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, First Multinational Air Exercise

India will host its first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, in two phases starting on the 6th of next month in Sular, Tamil Nadu. About 30 countries will participate, with ten countries bringing their fighter jets. The exercise will show India’s defense strength and help the participating militaries work better together.

Invitations Extended to 51 Countries

Invitations were sent to 51 countries. Ten countries will bring their equipment, and 18 will send observers, with one more country likely to join, according to Air Marshal Singh.

Indian Aircraft Participating

The Indian Air Force will include its LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale in the exercise. Air Marshal A P Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), said this exercise will also highlight India’s defense capabilities and progress toward self-reliance in defense.

3. World Lung Cancer Day 2024 – Aug 01

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers, killing over a million people each year. As World Lung Cancer Day 2024 approaches, it’s important to recognize the impact of this day on global health.

Date and Theme

When is World Lung Cancer Day?

World Lung Cancer Day is observed every year on August 1st. In 2024, it will be on a Thursday. This day offers a chance for healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates to come together to combat lung cancer.

Theme for 2024

The theme for World Lung Cancer Day 2024 is “Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care.” This theme highlights the need for equal access to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status or location.

4. World Wide Web Day 2024 – Aug 01

World Wide Web Day is celebrated every year on August 1st to mark the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW) and its huge impact on connecting people worldwide. This day honors Tim Berners-Lee, an English scientist who invented the WWW in 1989 while working at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research). As we look forward to World Wide Web Day in 2024, it’s important to remember the history, significance, and growth of the web that has changed our lives so much.

The Birth of the World Wide Web

Tim Berners-Lee’s Vision

In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee had an idea to combine computers, data networks, and hypertext to create a global information system that was easy to use and very powerful. This idea became the foundation of the World Wide Web.

From Proposal to Reality

The journey to create the WWW happened in several important steps:

• March 1989: Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first proposal for the World Wide Web.
• March 1990: He wrote a more detailed proposal.
• November 1990: Berners-Lee worked with Belgian engineer Robert Cailliau to finalize the proposal.
• Late 1990: The first web server and browser were developed at CERN.August 6, 1991: The world’s first website, info.cern.ch, was launched. This site explained the WWW project and how to use it.

World Wide Web Day reminds us of how this incredible invention has transformed communication, information sharing, and our daily lives.

5. National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal

On July 30, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal and announced Rs 100 crore in stipends for apprentices. This money will be given directly to apprentices through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This new initiative is part of the government’s effort to improve the skills and job prospects of young people in fields like IT, manufacturing, and automobiles.

NATS 2.0 Portal Overview

The NATS 2.0 Portal is designed to make the apprenticeship process easier. It allows people looking for apprenticeships to register and apply for opportunities, and it helps industries manage job openings and contracts more effectively.

Benefits of the NATS 2.0 Portal

The portal is expected to attract more users and help young graduates and diploma holders gain practical job skills. It also ensures that apprentices receive a monthly stipend to support them financially during their training.

Panel Discussions on Apprenticeships

There were two panel discussions about the future of apprenticeships, covering topics such as:

• Degree programs that include apprenticeships
• Credits for apprenticeship training
• Collaboration between industries and higher education
• Using technology to improve the DBT system and e-Governance

6. Preeti Sudan, the New Chairperson of UPSC

On August 1, 2024, Preeti Sudan will begin her role as Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India, succeeding Manoj Soni, who resigned for personal reasons. Preeti Sudan will hold this position until April 2025, when she turns 65.

Appointment and Tenure

Preeti Sudan is appointed as Chairperson of the UPSC under Article 316 A of the Indian Constitution. She is currently a UPSC member and brings extensive experience in public service to this leadership role.

Career and Background

Preeti Sudan is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1983 batch of Andhra Pradesh. She retired as Union Health Secretary in July 2020 and has held several key positions, including Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution. She has also worked in Women & Child Development and Defence. Sudan holds advanced degrees, including an M.Phil in Economics and an MSc in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics.

Contributions and Initiatives

Sudan has been instrumental in launching major national programs such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Ayushman Bharat. She also helped establish the National Medical Commission, the Allied Health Professionals Commission, and played a role in banning e-cigarettes.

7. India Elected Vice-Chair Of IPEF Supply Chain Council

India has been elected as the vice-chair of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). This council aims to strengthen and make supply chains more reliable for its 14 member countries.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

Launched on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, the IPEF includes 14 member countries: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. The framework is built around four main areas: Trade, Supply Chain Resilience, Clean Economy, Fair Economy.

Structure of the Supply Chain Initiative

The IPEF has set up three councils to address different supply chain issues:

• Supply Chain Council (SCC): Focuses on improving supply chain security and economic health.
  Crisis Response Network (CRN): Helps countries respond together to emergencies that disrupt supply chains.
  Labour Rights Advisory Board (LRAB): Deals with issues related to workers’ rights.

India’s Role

India’s election as vice-chair of the SCC is a significant development. The council’s goal is to reduce dependence on China and improve communication about potential supply problems.

8. International Conference of Agricultural Economists

On October 25, 2023, Prof. Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, announced that the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists will be held from August 2-7, 2024, at the Pusa Institute in New Delhi. This will be the first time in 66 years that India hosts this significant conference, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global agricultural discussions. The first conference was held in 1958, a time when India was struggling with poverty and hunger. The 2024 event demonstrates India’s progress in sustainable development and food security.

Key Details of the Conference

• Theme: “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”
• Inauguration: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Participants: About 1,000 attendees, including 740 international representatives from 75 countries
• Gender Representation: 45% female participation

Objectives and Focus Areas

The conference aims to tackle complex agricultural issues and offer young researchers networking opportunities. It will feature lectures, discussions, and exhibitions led by leading agricultural economists, connecting economic theories with sustainable farming practices. The event will focus on enhancing food systems to achieve global sustainability goals and promote international collaboration in agriculture, further establishing India as a leader in the field.