Current Affairs 05/02/2024

The bill based on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) report has been approved by the Uttarakhand cabinet

"The Uttarakhand Cabinet granted approval to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) report during a session conducted at the residence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The UCC drafting committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, presented the draft to CM Dhami. It is anticipated that the UCC bill will be presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6. If enacted, Uttarakhand would be the inaugural Indian state to embrace the UCC post-independence. 

 KEY FEATURES OF UCC: 

 1. Equal Property Rights for Sons and Daughters: The Uniform Civil Code bill, formulated by the Uttarakhand government, guarantees equal property rights for both sons and daughters, irrespective of their classification. 

 2. Elimination of Distinction Between Legitimate and Illegitimate Children: The bill strives to eliminate the differentiation between legitimate and illegitimate children regarding property rights, recognizing all children as the biological offspring of the couple. 

 3. Inclusivity of Adopted and Biologically Born Children: The Uniform Civil Code bill treats children adopted, born through surrogacy, or conceived through assisted reproductive technology equally with other biological children. 

 4. Equal Property Rights After Death: Upon an individual's demise, the bill bestows equal property rights to the spouse and children. Furthermore, the rights extend equally to the deceased person's parents, marking a departure from previous laws that granted property rights only to the mother.

Abhinav Bindra has been chosen as the designated torchbearer for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics

The age-old tradition of the Olympic Torch Relay persists on its path to Paris 2024, as the flame prepares to traverse the Mediterranean and commence a 68-day expedition throughout France. Abhinav Bindra, India's inaugural individual Olympic gold medalist and a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, stands among the 11,000 torchbearers selected to bear the iconic symbol.

Abhinav Bindra, a revered figure in the realm of shooting and the initial Indian athlete to secure an individual Olympic gold medal, has been designated as one of the torchbearers. His selection underscores the inclusive influence of the Olympics and the acknowledgment of sporting prowess on an international platform.

The NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) has introduced the GHAR (Grievance Handling and Restoration) portal, aimed at facilitating the restoration and repatriation of children

In a collaborative initiative to strengthen child protection initiatives, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has spearheaded the creation of two essential portals: the Track Child Portal and the GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal. These platforms play a vital role in monitoring missing and recovered children, improving restoration and repatriation procedures, and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable minors within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice system.

Integration with CCTNS: The Track Child Portal is seamlessly connected with the CCTNS, allowing for real-time matching of FIRs with the database to accelerate the process of locating missing children.

Standard Operating Procedures: Stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place to guarantee consistency and effectiveness in utilizing the Track Child Portal uniformly across all states and Union Territories.

Citizen Engagement: The "Khoya-Paya" feature actively encourages citizens to report sightings or provide information about missing children, promoting community engagement and participation in child protection initiatives.

"Ek Samandar, Mere Andar," authored by Sanjeev Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos Aerospace

"Ek Samandar, Mere Andar," a compilation of 75 poems authored by Sanjeev Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, was unveiled at a distinguished event attended by prominent figures from the Indian defense and literary realms. The book signifies the intersection of creative expression and defense expertise. The book launch, hosted at the India International Centre, was graced by the esteemed presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt. Their attendance highlighted the book's importance within the realms of both Indian defense and literature.

Sri Lanka marks its 76th Independence Day with celebrations and events across the nation

On February 4, 2024, Sri Lanka joyously observed its 76th Independence Day, commemorating the nation's liberation from British rule on the same date in 1948. This day carries profound significance for the citizens of Sri Lanka, symbolizing the successful culmination of years of perseverance and the pursuit of self-determination. The people of Sri Lanka actively participated in numerous movements and legislative initiatives, contributing to the eventual attainment of freedom from colonial dominance. Independence Day in Sri Lanka is inaugurated with an official flag hoisting ceremony led by the President in Colombo. The day's festivities commence with the unfurling of the national flag, succeeded by a televised address from the President. A focal point of the celebrations is a grand military parade showcasing the prowess of the armed forces. This parade features an impressive flyover by aircraft from the Sri Lanka Air Force, as well as a demonstration of tanks and other military vehicles. Additionally, cultural events featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine are organized throughout the country, adding a vibrant and diverse dimension to the commemorations.