24 April 2015 Current Affairs
India Ranks 117th In World Happiness Report 2015
According to the World Happiness Report 2015, India ranks at 117th spot out of 158 nations that were included in the list of happy countries. Whereas Pakistan is ranked at 81 and Bangladesh is at 109. In 2013’s report India was at 111th position. It means India lost six happy slots to other nations.The report was topped by Switzerland followed by Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada. In the ranking the US is at 15th position, ranked 15, UK at 21st, Singapore features at 24th spot, Saudi Arabia (35), Japan (46) and China (84).The 10 least happy of 158 countries include Afghanistan, war-torn Syria joined and eight sub-Saharan countries in Africa namely Togo, Burundi, Benin, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Chad. The report was published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) an initiative under the United Nations.
Rajya Sabha Passed Private Bill For Transgender Rights
In a historic legislative action, the Rajya Sabha approved a private member’s bill on the rights of transgenders on 24 April. The bill was passed unanimously by voice vote in the upper house of Parliament. Usually a private member’s bill—introduced by a legislator who is not a member of the cabinet—is withdrawn after discussion in the upper House. The bill was introduced by Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on 12 December2014. It came up for discussion in 2015 February and March before being put to vote on 24 April 2015.
Indian-Origin Soldier Awarded President’s Medal In Israel
A 22-year-old Indian-origin soldier with Israeli army has been awarded the President’s Medal of Excellence for his outstanding service. diel Yosef, who immigrated to Israel from Mumbai four years ago, got the award for serving in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). President’s Medal of Excellence is awarded every year based on recommendations from commanders of various IDF units for the significant service and outstanding contribution to the Israeli army and the State of Israel.
National Panchayati Raj Day was Observed On 24 April
National Panchayati Raj (PR) Day was observed across India on 24 April 2015. This day marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. The Amendment institutionalized Panchayati Raj through the Village, Intermediate and District levels Panchayats. This registers a defining moment in the history of decentralization of political power to the grassroots level. On the day, the best performing Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas were honoured with Panchayat Sashaktikaran Award 2015 and Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award 2015.