Group of Seven (G7) Summit, 2024

• Member Nations:
  • The G7 is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
  • The European Union also participates in the Group and is represented at the summits by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
• Objective:
  • This intergovernmental organization, formed in 1973, is made up of the world's largest developed economies.
  • Government leaders of these countries meet periodically to address international economic and monetary issues, with each member taking over the presidency on a rotating basis.
  • The bloc meets annually to discuss issues of common interest like global economic governance, international security and energy policy.
• Historical Background:
  • The G7 expanded into the G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of Russia.
  • However, Russia’s participation was suspended in 2014 following the illegal annexation of Crimea.
• Why in the News?
  • In 2024, the 50^th G7 Summit is being held in Apulia, Italy.
  • The main focus areas of discussion during this summit are:
    • Defence of the rules-based international system
    • Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East
    • The relationship with developing Nations and emerging economies.
    • Engagement with Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Challenges of migration, including the climate-energy nexus and food security.
    • Artificial Intelligence - to generate great opportunities and address risks affecting geopolitical balances.

Lal, Mursan and Hilsa – Names Given to the Three Craters on Mars

• Understanding Craters:
  • Craters are a bowl-shaped depression, or hollowed-out area, produced by the impact of a meteorite, volcanic activity, or an explosion.
• Three craters on Planet Mars were given names:
  • Lal Crater: Named after Indian geophysicist and former Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) director Devendra Lal.
  • Mursan: Named after a town in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Hilsa: Named after a town in Bihar.
• Lal is the largest of the three new craters.
• These names were approved by the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN).
• Note:
  • The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919.
  • Mission: To promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012

• The Act came into effect on 14^th November 2012.
• It was enacted in consequence to India’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
• The aim of this special law is to address offences of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, which were either not specifically defined or inadequately penalised.
• The Act defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides punishment as per the gravity of offence.
• The features of the Act are:
  • Confidentiality of the victim's identity
  • Gender-neutral provisions
  • Mandatory reporting of abuse cases
  • Child-friendly investigation and trial procedures

National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) Launched Mobile App NCRB Sankalan Of Criminal Laws

• It aims to serve as a comprehensive guide providing complete information about the new criminal laws.
• It is a compilation of new criminal laws namely Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
• Note:
  • NCRB was founded on 11^th March 1986.
  • Its headquarters are in Delhi
  • Motto: Empowering Indian Police with Information Technology.

Shruti Vora Becomes First Indian to Win 3-Star Grand Prix Equestrian Event

• Held in Lipica, Slovenia; Shruti Vohra – the first Indian to win 3-Star Grand Prix Equestrian Event achieved so by defeating Tatiana Antonenco of Moldova.
• Understanding Equestrian Events:
  • Equestrian sports are certain riding events held at horse shows and most specifically competitive horse and rider events held at the summer Olympic Games.
  • The three events that comprise equestrian sports are dressage, show jumping, and hunter trails.

World Blood Donor Day 2024

• Observed annually on 14^th June, this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood and supporting communities.
• The theme for the day 2024 is 20 years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!