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1. The French Culture Ministry has nominated Paris's zinc roofing profession for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list, celebrating its nearly 200-year tradition and its role in defining the city’s skyline with 21.4 million square meters of zinc-covered roofs. However, zinc roofs are criticized for their poor insulation, leading to overheating and higher indoor temperatures. The UNESCO ICH list recognizes traditions passed through generations, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, traditional crafts, and contemporary practices. India currently has 15 elements inscribed on this prestigious list.
2. Cyclone Asna has formed over the Kutch coast in Gujarat and parts of Pakistan, causing severe weather impacts. Since 1891, only three cyclonic storms have occurred in the Arabian Sea in August, with the previous one in 1976. Currently, a well-marked low-pressure area has also developed in the Bay of Bengal, off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. Cyclone Asna has led to torrential rains in Gujarat, resulting in 26 deaths, the relocation of 18,000 people, and the rescue of 1,200 individuals from floods. Named by Pakistan, "Asna" means "the one to be acknowledged or praised." Cyclone names are selected from lists provided by member countries, ensuring they are pronounceable, culturally relevant, and non-offensive.
3. Recently, the government elevated four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)—Railtel Corporation of India, Solar Energy Corporation of India, SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited), and NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation)—to 'Navratna' status, raising the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India to 25. Introduced in 1997, the Navratna scheme aims to promote CPSEs with notable advantages and enhance their global standing. Navratna status is granted to CPSEs previously classified as 'Miniratna' category I, recognizing their exceptional performance. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in the Ministry of Finance awards this status, which provides enhanced financial and operational autonomy, including the ability to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a single project without government approval, and engage in international joint ventures and subsidiaries.
4. French police recently arrested and later released Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on conditional bail near Paris, reflecting increased scrutiny on tech executives over their platforms' involvement in illicit activities. Telegram is accused of facilitating the distribution of content related to drug trafficking, child pornography, violent propaganda, and organized crime, and of not cooperating with law enforcement to control such content. Social media platforms are typically protected from liability for user-generated content under Safe Harbour rules, such as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in the U.S. and Section 79 of India’s Information Technology Act. However, India’s 2021 IT Rules require major social media companies to appoint a chief compliance officer who can face criminal charges for regulatory non-compliance.
5. World Coconut Day (WCD), observed annually on September 2nd, highlights the significance of coconuts and promotes sustainable farming practices. The 2024 theme, “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value,” aims to increase global awareness and consumption of coconuts. Established in 2009 by the International Coconut Community (ICC)—a UNESCAP intergovernmental organization representing 21 coconut-producing countries, including India—WCD marks the ICC's founding anniversary. The ICC Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Coconuts are valued for their health benefits, including cardiovascular support, diabetes management, and antioxidant properties. They also enhance skin health, digestion, and hydration. In India, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) works to improve coconut cultivation and industry. Top producing states include Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with a total production of 20,535.88 million nuts in 2022-23.