New Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill:
- On November 10 last year, the Central Government released the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.
- The draft bill, which has been released for public comment, identifies independent journalists who share their views on social media like YouTube and Instagram and industry experts who have a large following on platforms like LinkedIn as OTT broadcasters or digital news broadcasters.
- The broadcasters themselves set up a committee of important people to certify their comments and programs before they are aired.
- Due to this, the draft bill was criticized as being against the freedom of writing and speech.
- The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said that a new draft bill will be released in response to the already released Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill.
‘QDENGA(Tak-003)’ vaccine to reduce dengue:
- It has been reported in a study that ‘QDENGA’ vaccine is more than 50 percent effective in reducing dengue.
- The vaccine, which was approved by the World Health Organization last May, has been reported to have the potential to provide long-term protection against dengue in patients.
- QDENGA vaccine is also known as ‘TAK-003’ developed by Takeda Medical Company in Japan.
- Hyderabad-based Biological E has signed an agreement with Takeda to manufacture the QDENGA vaccine.
- However, the use of QDENGA vaccine is not yet approved in India.
- Asia accounts for 70 percent of international dengue cases.
Anna University selected as the best university:
- Union Ministry of Education has published the list of best national educational institutions for the year 2024.
- State Universities, Skilled Universities, Open Universities have been announced in 3 new categories this year.
- In the overall category, IIT Chennai has been ranked as the best educational institution in the country for the 6th year in a row.
- IIT Bengaluru and IIT Mumbai are ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively.
- In the field of engineering too, IIT Chennai stands first, IIT Delhi stands second, and IIT Mumbai stands third.
- Anna University, Chennai has been ranked first in the country in the 2024 state university ranking list.
- AIIMS Delhi is ranked first in the field of medicine.
- Chandigarh Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research has bagged second and Vellore CMC third.
‘Namma Ooru Namma Palli’ Scheme:
- Last 2 years ago Chief Minister M.K.Stalin started the ‘Namma Ooru Namma Palli’ scheme by donating his own funds of Rs.5 lakhs.
- The project “Namma Ooru Namma Palli” was launched on 19th December 2022 to encourage various parties to contribute to the improvement of schools.
- In this, large, small and micro enterprises, non-governmental charitable organizations, public and others can make their contributions.
- Giving can be in the form of funds, goods, or voluntary services.
- The “Namma Ooru Namma Palli” project, which was launched to improve government schools, has so far received funds of Rs.380 crore.
Joint Military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’:
- Joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ between India and Sri Lanka has begun.
- The training will be held till August 25 at the Military Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.
- Battalion of Rajputana Rifles soldiers have mainly participated in this on behalf of India.
- A total of 106 Indian soldiers have participated in the training, while on behalf of Sri Lanka, the soldiers of the country’s Gajaba force have participated in the training.
- This exercise is being conducted to improve the joint military capability of both the countries.
August 13: Left Wing Day
- Left Wing Day is observed on August 13 every year.
- It raises awareness of the problems and difficulties faced by left-handed people.
August 13: World Organ Donation Day
- World Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Important Facts:
- Writer Nanjil Nadan has been nominated for the K.R award for this year
- 4 new Municipalities namely Thiruvannamalai, Namakkal, Pudukottai, Karaikudi and 3 new Municipalities namely Sriperumbudur, Mamallapuram and Thiruvaiyaru have been created in Tamil Nadu.
- Anna University, Chennai has been ranked first in the country in the 2024 state university ranking list.
- Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh releases Rs 100 coin with portrait of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi.
- Paris, the capital of France, is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time.