Current Affairs - National

The first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held in Goa from November 20-24. This event, announced by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, aims to strengthen the ecosystem for intellectual property rights in the media and entertainment sector. It will coincide with the International Film Festival of India, also held in Goa, from November 20-28. The summit is part of India's efforts to position itself as a global leader in the media and entertainment industry, encouraging high-quality content creation and meaningful collaborations.

India observes 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) annually on June 25. This day commemorates the sacrifices made during the 1975 Emergency period, emphasizing the struggle to uphold democracy and individual freedom. The decision to observe this day aims to honour those who endured persecution and to ensure that such oppressive actions do not recur in India's democratic history. The Emergency, spanning from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, remains a significant chapter in India's political and constitutional history, shaping subsequent governance and citizen rights awareness.

The SDG India Index 2023-24 reports India's composite score as 71, reflecting substantial progress across various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as poverty eradication, economic growth, and climate action. This score marks an improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018, highlighting India's advancements towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set by the United Nations.

Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, is leading the Indian delegation to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The forum focuses on the role of parliaments in advancing global development and security through multilateral cooperation. Birla's leadership underscores India's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and its active participation in international forums aimed at fostering equitable global development and enhancing global security measures.

The original Haj Committee Rules, which have now been amended by the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024, were established in 2002. This amendment reflects the administrative shift from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. According to the new rules, officers from the ministries of external affairs, home affairs, finance, and civil aviation will be nominated as ex-officio members of the Haj Committee. This inclusion ensures a comprehensive approach to managing the committee's activities.