Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 04 August 2021

SSC CGL Current Affairs

::NATIONAL::

The LokSabha gave its go-ahead to the Essential Defence Services Bill-2021, which aims to prevent workers of the government-owned ordnance factories from going on strike against the corporatization of the units.
There are about 70,000 people working in 41 ordnance factories around the country.
The Bill, which was tabled in the LokSabha on Thursday, was passed amid protests by opposition members over various issues that led to the proceedings being adjourned for a third time till 4 pm, PTI said. The opposition was raising protests over a range of issues, including the hacking of phones of a cross section of politicians, journalists, civil society members and others as well the farm laws.
The proposed legislation empowers the government to declare services mentioned in it as essential defence services—“the cessation of work of which would prejudicially affect the production of defence equipment or goods; or the operation or maintenance of any industrial establishment or unit engaged in production of goods or equipment required for any purpose connected with defence; or repair or maintenance of products connected with defence."

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration held every year from August 1 to 7 in over 120 countries. World Health Organisation states breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. The history of this week-long commemoration dates back to the 1990s when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) created the Innocenti Declaration to promote and support breastfeeding. Later in 1991, to execute UNICEF and WHO's goals, an association was formed called the World Association of Breastfeeding Action. In 1992, a whole week was dedicated to promote this campaign.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the benefits of breastfeeding in babies are many. They even took to Twitter on August 1 to list down these benefits. They are - "it helps boost the immune system of the infant, lowers the infant mortality rate, lowers the risk of developing infections such as respiratory tract infections, diabetes, allergic diseases, and childhood leukaemia. It also helps enhance the cognitive function of the baby. Additionally, breastmilk is extremely nutritious and healthy for the baby and can help the baby develop a healthy weight."

The ArvindKejriwal government on Tuesday approved a 66% hike in the salary and allowances of Delhi MLAs as proposed by the Centre, but expressed discontent that they were still among the lowest-paid legislators in the country.
The hike that comes after a decade was given the nod at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal and raises the existing monthly salary and allowances from ₹54,000 to ₹90,000, said a Delhi government statement.
The Kejriwal government had requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that the salary and allowances of Delhi MLAs should be at par with those from other states, it said.
However, the MHA "restricted the proposal" of the Delhi government and capped the salary to only ₹30,000, it added.
"The BJP and Congress ruled states are currently paying 1.5 to 2 times higher salaries and allowances. The restriction imposed by the Centre has forced Delhi's MLAs to be amongst the lowest earning MLAs in the country," it said.
The Kejriwal government had proposed a salary of ₹54,000 for the MLAs at par with other states, however, the MHA did not allow this to happen and restricted it to ₹30,000, the Delhi government said.
"Now the salary plus allowances of the MLAs of Delhi has been restricted by the MHA to ₹90,000," it said.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur today launched the theme song for Tokyo Paralympics in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thakur said, Indian para-athletes have performed consistently in the International para-sports competitions and brought laurels for the country.
He hoped that Indian para-athletes will shine in the Tokyo Paralympics. The Sports Minister said, biggest ever Indian contingent of 54 para-athletes will participate in the Tokyo Paralympics in nine disciplines and they will give their optimum best. He asked the participating athletes not to take any pressure, be mentally strong and play freely. Mr Thakur said, India will be watching them, will follow their incredible journey and 130 crore Indians will cheer for them.