National
75th Independence Day Theme
⇒ August 15 marks India’s independence from the British Raj. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in New Delhi. This year India celebrated its 75th Independence Day.
Theme:
The theme of the Independence Day 2021 celebrations was ‘Nation First, Always First’.
The theme of Independence Day 2020 was ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India and in 2019, the Independence Day theme was ‘Support our Troops, Salute our Troops’.
Postage Stamp on ‘Mananiya Chaman Lal’
⇒ Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India released Commemorative Postage Stamp on ‘Mananiya Chaman Lal’ at a public function at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Conference Hall, New Delhi on 07 August 2021.
Designed by:
The postage stamp was proposed by Shri Amarjiva Lochan, General Secretary, International Centre for Cultural Studies and designed by Shri Sankha Samanta.
The stamp issued is a tribute of Department of Posts to Unsung Heroes of India and is a part of the initiatives of the Department for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Programme.
About Mananiya Chaman Lal:
Mananiya Chaman Lal was born on 25 March, 1920 in Sialkot (now in Pakistan). This Commemorative Postage Stamp highlights the life & work of Mananiya Chaman Lal, renowned social worker and Sangh Pracharak.
Chairperson of the National Commission for Women
⇒ Central Government nominated Smt Rekha Sharma, as Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, for another term of three years with effect from 07 August 2021, or till the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
International
High-level Open Debate on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation’
⇒ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the High-level Open Debate on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation’ on 9th August 2021. Shri Narendra Modi, became the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate.
Participants:
The meeting was attended by several Heads of State & Government of member states of the United Nations Security Council, and high level briefers from the UN System and key Regional Organizations.
Focus:
The Open Debate was focused on ways to effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity and strengthened coordination in the maritime domain.
The UN Security Council has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime. However, this was the first time that maritime security was discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high level open debate.
PM’s remarks at the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation”:
To structure this brainstorming, the Prime Minister gave the five basic principles:
First principle: we must remove barriers from legitimate maritime trade.
Second principle: The settlement of maritime disputes must be peaceful and on the basis of international law only.
Third principle: We must face natural disasters and maritime threats created by Non-state actors together.
Fourth principle: We have to preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources.
Fifth Principle: We must encourage responsible maritime connectivity.
Important Day
34th Foundation Day of TRIFED
⇒ TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs celebrated its thirty-fourth Foundation Day on 06 August 2021. On the occasion, Team TRIFED (TRIFED) reiterated its commitment towards the transformation of tribal lives.
TRIFED has instituted awards to recognize Van Dhan Self Help Groups (VDSHG), VDVKCs, tribal artisans, forest produce gatherers and people working for them for their achievements and contributions.
During the event, identified tribal VDSHGs, tribal artisans and people working for them were awarded by Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda.
About TRIFED:
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) was established in August 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Government of India as a National level Cooperative body.
Death
Veteran Actor, Anupam Shyam
⇒ Veteran actor Anupam Shyam died on 09 August 2021 in Mumbai. He was 63.
He was best known for his work on the TV show “Mann Kee Awaaz: Pratigya”. In his nearly three-decade long career, Shyam featured in films like “Slumdog Millionaire”, “Satya”, “Dil Se”, & “Lagaan” etc.