Current affairs 17 August 2024

India Sends 1,400 kg Anti-Cancer Drugs to Syria.

• India has dispatched a consignment of approximately 1400 kgs of anti-cancer drugs to Syria for humanitarian assistance.
• The Indian Embassy in Syria remains active, facilitating bilateral relations through various programs, including the ITEC initiative.
• In May this year, Syria's First Lady Asma Assad was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Germany Joins UNC in South Korea as 18th Member State.

• On August 2, 2024, Germany became the 18th member of the United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea.
• This marks the first expansion since Italy's reinstatement in 2013, enhancing international oversight of the North Korean border.
• The UNC, established in 1950, responds to North Korean aggression and supports South Korea's defense.

Government to Launch "Kisano Ki Baat" Radio Programme.

• The government will launch Kisano Ki Baat on radio next month to make agricultural science accessible to farmers.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced that he and agricultural scientists and officials will share valuable information with farmers.
• The initiative aims to enhance farmers' knowledge and support agricultural practices through direct communication.

India's Largest Contingent for Paris Paralympics 2024.

• India sends its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to Paris Paralympics; 47 are first-timers, and 50 have benefited from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
• The Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
• In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, India won 19 medals with 54 participants.
• Union Sports Minister - Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

Monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

• PHEIC Criteria: As per IHR, an outbreak qualifies as a PHEIC if it is unusual; it has potential for international spread; and may require an immediate international action.
• International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005): IHR is a binding international legal agreement involving 196 countries across globe.
• WHO Declarations: Since 2009, WHO has declared 7 international public health emergencies.