This is the current affairs of 21 & 22 July 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name the then Chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), who resigned in July 2024?
a. Gyan Kumar
b. Mukesh Waghle
c. Vinod Mehta
d. Manoj Soni
Answer: d. Manoj Soni
– Manoj Soni has resigned from his position citing personal reasons.
– However, it is not yet clear whether the resignation will be accepted.
– Manoj Soni’s resignation comes five years before the end of his term and one year after taking charge.
– His term was set to end in 2029.
– However, he had become a member of the UPSC in 2017 and had also served as the acting chairman for a few years before that.
Pooja Khedkar Controversy
– Manoj Soni has stated that his resignation is not related to the controversies involving trainee IAS Pooja Khedkar.
– During Manoj Soni’s tenure, IAS trainees Pooja Khedkar and Abhishek Singh were embroiled in controversies.
– Both were accused of securing selection by wrongly taking advantage of the OBC and disabled categories.
– Pooja Khedkar had secured selection under the disabled category by citing ‘low vision’.
– Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh has said regarding the chairman’s resignation that he was removed amid controversies related to the UPSC. He stated that since 2014, the integrity of the constitutional body has been severely affected.
UPSC
– UPSC is a constitutional body.
– The commission conducts various examinations on behalf of the central government.
– Every year, it conducts civil services examinations (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and examinations for recruitment to Group A and Group B central services.
– Apart from the chairman, the commission’s governing body consists of 10 members.
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2. In which neighbouring country violence broke out against reservation, leading to nationwide curfew and internet shutdown?
a. Bhutan
b. Nepal
c. Bangladesh
d. China
Answer: c. Bangladesh
– Violence continues in Bangladesh against the Supreme Court’s order to reinstate reservations in government jobs.
– The government has imposed a curfew across the country.
– The army has been deployed to control the violence.
– Along with this, orders have been given to shoot the protesters on sight.
– More than 115 people have been killed in the violence.
– Hundreds of protesters stormed the campus of the government TV channel and set more than 60 vehicles on fire.
– Due to the violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Awami League government) canceled her visit to Spain and Brazil on July 21, 2024.
– On July 18, the government said it was ready to hold talks with the protesters.
– However, the protesters refused to hold talks.
They said that negotiations and shootings cannot happen simultaneously.
978 Indian Students Returned
– Dhaka University has been closed until further notice.
– So far, 978 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh.
– Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that Indian students were evacuated from Bangladesh through the Dawki Integrated Check Post.
– Among them, about 80 are from Meghalaya, and the rest are from other states.
– Some students and tourists from Nepal and Bhutan have also been evacuated.
– The total number of Indian citizens in Bangladesh is estimated to be around 15,000, including approximately 8,500 students.
This is the Whole Matter
– According to a report by The Daily Star, reservation has been in place in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971.
– This included reservations for the children of freedom fighters, backward districts, and women.
– Initially, only the sons and daughters of freedom fighters received reservations, but from 2009, grandchildren were also included.
– In 2012, a 1% quota was added for disabled students, bringing the total quota to 56%.
– In 2018, the government abolished the quota system, but on June 5, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the government to reinstate the reservations.
– The court said that reservations should be reinstated in the same manner as they were before 2018.
The Sheikh Hasina government appealed against this decision, but the Supreme Court upheld its previous ruling.
– This angered the students, leading to protests across the country.
– Meanwhile, on the government TV channel, Sheikh Hasina referred to the protesters as “razakars,” which further fueled the anger. The term “razakars” was used for supporters of the Pakistani army in 1971.
– During the parliamentary elections, the opposition party BPN (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) boycotted the elections. Supporters of this party are backing the protesters.
Key Facts about Bangladesh
– Capital: Dhaka
– President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
– Currency: Bangladeshi Taka
– Language: Bengali
– Population: 171.2 million (2022)
– Neighboring Countries: India and Myanmar
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3. When is International Nelson Mandela Day observed?
a. 19 July
b. 20 July
c. 18 July
d. 21 July
Answer: b. 20 July
– On July 20, 1924, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in Paris.
– Since then, July 20 is celebrated as International Chess Day.
– The United Nations also acknowledged this.
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4. Which top UN court declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal?
a. International Criminal Court (ICC)
b. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
c. European Court of Justice
d. Permanent Court of International Justice
Answer: b. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
– The ICJ delivered this verdict on July 19, 2024.
The court stated that Israel has had an illegal occupation of Palestinian territories for several decades, and it should be ended as soon as possible.
– Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip after defeating Arab countries in 1967. However, Israel later withdrew from most areas of the Gaza Strip.
– The ICJ’s comments were made regarding these territories.
– The ICJ said that Israel has misused its power and deprived Palestinians of their rights.
– It is violating international laws.
– Israel should compensate Palestinians for the damages caused by its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Note: The ICJ and ICC are different. The ICC (International Criminal Court) Chief Prosecutor recently initiated proceedings in court for the arrest warrants of Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.
What Israel Said
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed this decision by the ICJ.
– He said that the Jewish people have not occupied Palestinian land.
– The land where they are living is their own land.
Jerusalem is not occupied land but the capital of Israel.
– This is not just from today; it has always been the land of Israelis.
– Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said on social media that this is the land of their ancestors. They prayed for 2,000 years to return to this place, and now they have finally received it.
– The ICJ is an anti-Semitic court. Its decision will not affect us in the slightest.
– He described Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 as a mistake and said that Israel will not repeat the same mistake by leaving the West Bank.
– Israel relinquished its claim over Gaza in 2005.
11 Judges Ruled Against Israel
– Out of the 15 judges in the ICJ, 11 judges ruled against Israel.
– This decision by the ICJ is an advisory opinion, which Israel cannot be forced to comply with.
– However, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour expressed happiness over this decision.
ICJ
– Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
– Establishment: June 26, 1945
According to the founding charter, the UN has six principal organs:
– General Assembly
– Security Council
– Economic and Social Council
– Trusteeship Council
– International Court of Justice
– Secretariat
Note: These are the main organs. Other organizations such as WHO, IMF, UNESCO, and ILO are specialized agencies of the UN.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations – Ruchira Kamboj
Is ICJ’s Decision Binding?
– Although the court does not have mechanisms to enforce its orders, it has historically faced situations where countries have violated ICJ rulings.
– If a country does not comply with an ICJ decision, the ICJ may seek to apply pressure through the Security Council (UNSC).
– However, countries with veto power, like China, often do not adhere to ICJ decisions.
Role of ICJ:
– The ICJ settles legal disputes between nations and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies according to international law.
– Official Languages: English and French.
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5. Thomas Muller announced his retirement from international football, he played for which country?
a. Argentina
b. Spain
c. Germany
d. France
Answer: c. Germany
– Germany’s Thomas Müller announced his retirement on July 15, 2024.
– He was a member of the German team that won the World Cup in 2014.
– The 34-year-old player appeared in 131 matches for Germany, scoring 45 goals.
– He made his international football debut against Argentina in 2010.
– He participated in four World Cups and European Championships.
– Thomas Müller said on his YouTube channel, “I have always felt proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed tears together.”
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6. The Olympic Games are being hosted by Paris for which time?
a. Third
b. First
c. Second
d. Fourth
Answer: a. Third
– Paris has become the second city to host the Olympic Games three times.
– Previously, the Olympics were held in Paris in 1900 and 1924.
– Before Paris, London had hosted the Olympic Games three times.
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7. France is hosting the Olympic Games for which time?
a. Third time
b. Fourth time
c. Fifth time
d. Sixth time
Answer: d. Sixth time
When will the Paris 2024 Olympics begin?
– The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be held on July 26. However, some preliminary events, such as archery for India, are scheduled for Thursday, July 25.
Where will the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony be held?
– The games will begin with the opening ceremony on the Seine River on July 26.
Olympic Games in France
– 1900: Paris Summer Olympics
– 1924: Chamonix Winter Olympics
– 1924: Paris Summer Olympics
– 1968: Grenoble Winter Olympics
– 1992: Albertville Winter Olympics
– 2024: Paris Summer Olympics
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8. What is the motto of Paris Olympics 2024?
a. Freeze
b. Open to play
c. Games wide open
d. Games mind open
Answer: c. Games wide open (Games are bigger, different and with more openness) {Games are completely open}
– The Summer Games are being held in Paris 100 years later, with the motto: “Games Wide Open.” This means the games will be more expansive, unique, and open.
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9. What is the mascot of Paris Olympics 2024?
a. Freeze
b. Stand
c. Run
d. Sky
Answer: a. Freeze
– The Paris Olympics mascot, ‘Phryge,’ is a traditional hat (Phrygian cap) that was once worn by French revolutionaries.
– This hat has been a symbol of French liberty.
Indian Contingent of 257 Members
– The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced an Indian contingent of 257 members.
– In Paris, 117 Indian athletes will compete, with 140 support staff.
– India sent a 119-member team to the Tokyo Olympics.
– At those Olympics, India won its highest-ever number of 7 medals.
– Three New Mixed Events Added
These events were first introduced in Tokyo.
– Four weightlifting events have been removed.
– In canoeing, two sprint events have been added in place of two slalom events.
– Two new categories have been added in sailing.
This time, three new mixed events have been included: a 35 km walking mixed relay in athletics, a skeet mixed team event in shooting, and a mixed dinghy in sailing.
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10. Important questions related to Paris Olympics
When will the Paris 2024 Olympics begin?
– The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics will take place on July 26. However, some preliminary events, such as archery, are scheduled for July 25 for India.
Where will the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony be held?
– The games will begin with the opening ceremony on the Seine River on July 26.
When will the Paris 2024 Olympics end?
– The closing ceremony will be held on August 11.
How many athletes are expected to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Approximately 10,500 athletes are expected to participate.
How many Indian athletes will compete in the Paris Olympics?
– 117 athletes (along with 140 support staff, bringing the total number for the Indian contingent to 257).
– In the previous Tokyo Olympics 2021 (held in 2022), India sent a team of 119 members and won its highest-ever number of 7 medals.
Who are the flag bearers for India at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu and table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal will be the flag bearers for India at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Who is India’s Chef de Mission?
– Olympic medalist rifle shooter Gagan Narang is the Chef de Mission for India’s Paris 2024 Olympic team.
– He has replaced boxing legend Mary Kom.
How many countries will be represented in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Athletes from 206 countries will participate in Paris 2024, and there will also be a team representing refugees.
How many medal events will there be in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– There will be 329 medal events in Paris 2024. Of these, 152 will be for women and 20 will be mixed-gender events.
What are the Paris 2024 Olympic medals made of?
– Each Olympic medal contains a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower.
– These pieces of the Eiffel Tower were cut from girders and other parts that were replaced during the tower’s renovation.
– Since the French sometimes refer to their country as ‘L’Hexagone’ due to its geographic shape, the iron pieces from the Eiffel Tower inside the medals will be hexagonal in shape.
– The medals have been designed by the Parisian jewelry house Chopard.
– Surrounding the iron pieces of the Eiffel Tower are discs made of gold, silver, or bronze.
– The organizers of the games have stated that the metal has not been newly manufactured but rather recycled.
Who is the oldest athlete competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Mario Deslauriers, representing Canada in equestrian events, is the oldest athlete at Paris 2024.
– Deslauriers previously competed in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics but made a return at the Tokyo Olympics after a 33-year hiatus.
– Remarkably, Deslauriers was 19 years old when he made his Olympic debut in 1984.
– At Paris 2024, he will be 59 years old.
How many sports will be featured in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature competitions in 32 different sports.
Who will broadcast the Paris 2024 Olympics in India?
– JioCinema will be the official streaming service for the Paris Olympics.
– On television, Sports18-1, Sports18-1 HD, and Sports18-2 will air India-centric feeds, while Sports18-3 will provide global action.
Where will the next Olympics be held after Paris 2024?
– The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, and the 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles.
Which sports have been removed from the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Three sports that were included in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics have been removed from the Paris Olympics: baseball, softball, and karate.
Which new sports have been added to the Paris 2024 Olympics?
– Four new sports will be featured in the Paris Olympics. Breaking (breakdancing) will make its debut, while skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing will be included for the second time.
When will the Paris 2024 Paralympics start and end?
– The Paris Paralympics will begin on August 28 and run until September 8. Approximately 4,400 athletes are expected to participate in 22 sports.
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