Current Affairs & GK Weekly One Liners 17th to 23rd of June 2024

G7 Summit 2024 Highlights

Location and Participants: The 50th G7 Summit was held from June 13 to 15, 2024, in Apulia, southern Italy. The G7, composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, discussed critical global challenges. Italy, as the host nation, also invited other leaders, including:

• African leaders: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Tunisian President Kais Saied.
• Other key guests: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Theme: The theme of the summit was centered around a “rules-based international system” that emphasizes cooperation on global governance, international law, and multilateralism.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Supporting Ukraine:
   • The G7 committed to providing Ukraine with $50 billion in new financing to aid its fight against Russia. This funding would come by utilizing interest earned from immobilized Russian assets held in various countries.

1. President Biden signed a U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement, deepening security and defense cooperation between the two nations.
2. Global Peace, Security, and Prosperity:
   • Leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and respecting the UN Charter. They also aimed to uphold an open, rules-based international order in response to geopolitical tensions.
3. Economic Resilience:
   • Discussions centered around boosting the resilience of the global economy, with leaders vowing to protect workers, industries, and investments.
4. Partnerships with Developing Countries:
   • G7 countries highlighted their efforts to invest in developing nations, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
5. Climate Change:
   • The summit accelerated initiatives to address climate change, with a commitment to promoting clean energy transitions, reducing pollution, and protecting biodiversity.
6. Food and Health Security:
   • Tackling the global food security crisis was a priority, with G7 countries working on creating more robust and responsive health systems.
7. Gender Equality and Childcare:
   • The G7 also focused on promoting women’s economic participation by addressing the unequal distribution of care work through investments in childcare.
8. Artificial Intelligence:
   • Leaders discussed enhancing international cooperation on AI governance and safety to ensure that its benefits are widely shared while minimizing risks.
9. Migration:
   • The G7 aimed to create a more coordinated global response to migration issues, taking inspiration from the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

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India’s Environmental Performance in 2024

Ranking and Overview: India ranked 176th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). This slight improvement from previous years reflects ongoing challenges in key environmental metrics like air quality, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Top Country in the Environmental Performance Index 2024– Estonia – Score: 75.3

Environmental Challenges:

1. Air Quality:
   • India’s air quality remains a serious concern, with the country often exceeding global pollution standards. It lags behind even many of its South Asian neighbors in this regard.
2. Biodiversity and Habitat:
   • India faces challenges in protecting biodiversity, with low scores in species protection, ecosystem vitality, and habitat preservation.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   • Despite progress in renewable energy, India is still one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, which impacts global climate change efforts.

Progress Amid Challenges:

1. Climate Change Mitigation:
   • India has made significant strides in climate change mitigation, particularly in its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. The country has also seen substantial growth in its renewable energy capacity.
2. Sector-Specific Improvements:
   • Advancements in waste management, forest conservation, and agricultural practices have been acknowledged, though they are not enough to raise India’s overall ranking significantly.

Policy and International Comparisons:

1. Coal Dependence:
   • India’s heavy reliance on coal remains a significant barrier to improving its environmental performance, contributing heavily to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Global Context:
   • While India is progressing, its relative performance compared to other countries that are advancing more quickly in environmental stewardship keeps its ranking low.

Future Needs:

• India will require approximately $160 billion annually in financial investments to meet its climate and environmental sustainability goals.

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Nalanda University Campus Inauguration

On June 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, near the ruins of the ancient university that once stood as a symbol of India’s academic heritage.

Historical Significance:

• Nalanda was one of the world’s oldest universities, flourishing for 800 years before it was destroyed in the 12th century. The new campus aims to revive its legacy as a global center of learning and cultural exchange.

Establishment and Functioning:

• Nalanda University was re-established under the Nalanda University Act, 2010, based on decisions made at the East Asia Summits of 2007 and 2009.
• The university began functioning in 2014 with just 14 students. Construction of the new campus began in 2017.
• Representatives from 17 countries attended the inauguration, including ambassadors and ministers.

International Participation:

• Nalanda University has received support from 17 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and others, who have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
• The university offers 137 scholarships to international students and provides postgraduate, doctoral, and certificate courses.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision:

• Modi emphasized the importance of Nalanda as a symbol of India’s intellectual heritage and expressed hopes that it would once again become a global leader in education. He envisioned the university as a center for promoting sustainability and knowledge.

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Global Energy Transition Index 2024

India’s Ranking: India was ranked 63rd out of 120 countries on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Energy Transition Index 2024, an improvement from its previous ranking of 67th.

Global Leaders:

• Sweden topped the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and France.
• China ranked 20th, while India continued to progress steadily in the transition to sustainable energy.

India’s Progress:

• The WEF commended India’s initiatives to promote non-fossil-based energy sources, particularly its strong focus on solar energy.
• India’s improvements in energy equity, security, and sustainability were highlighted, positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition.
• India is now the fourth largest renewable energy market globally, with renewable sources making up 42% of its power generation capacity.

Challenges:

• Despite India’s progress, the WEF urged further efforts to reduce coal dependence and carbon emissions. The potential of green technology and innovative policies could play a vital role in shaping India’s future energy systems.

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World Economic Forum (WEF):

• Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, the WEF is a global platform for business, political, and academic leaders to collaborate on solving international challenges.
• The WEF publishes several influential reports, including the Global Gender Gap Report, Global Competitiveness Report, and Energy Transition Index.

Headquarters

• Location: Cologny, Switzerland

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

2. India’s Deep Sea Mission

• Mission: Deep Sea Mission to explore marine resources, making India the sixth country globally to embark on such a venture.
• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences, led by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• Budget: Rs. 4,000 crore over five years.
• Components: Includes the development of a 6,000-meter-deep submersible, deep-sea biodiversity exploration, and mining of polymetallic nodules and rare earth minerals critical for high-tech industries.

3. Rs. 2.88 Lakh Crore Economic Package

• Total Outlay: Rs. 2.88 lakh crore.
• MSP Hike: 14 Kharif crops received a Minimum Support Price (MSP) hike to benefit farmers and enhance agricultural production. Key crops include paddy, maize, soybean, and cotton.
• Varanasi Airport Expansion: Rs.2,870 crore investment for upgrading Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, including a new terminal, runway extension, and parallel taxi track.
• New Port at Vadhavan: The proposed Vadhavan port in Maharashtra is part of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, enhancing India’s trade infrastructure and coastal development.

5. Offshore Wind Energy Initiative

• Scheme: Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for offshore wind energy.
• Outlay: Rs. 7,453 crore approved for the development of offshore wind energy projects in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Capacity Goal: Part of India’s broader goal to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate change commitments.
• Potential: The projects will tap into the vast offshore wind potential along India’s coastline, providing a sustainable energy source.

7. Indian Ports Among Global Top 100

• Report: Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, by World Bank and S&P Global.
• Indian Ports Ranked: Nine ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), feature in the global top 100.
• Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Programme: Success attributed to the Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative focused on port modernization, coastal development, and efficiency improvement.

8. Miyawaki Plantations Along Highways

• Initiative: Miyawaki plantations along national highways to enhance green cover.
• Land Area: 53 acres identified in the Delhi-NCR region.
• Method: The Miyawaki technique, which allows the creation of dense, fast-growing mini-forests using native tree species.
• Organiser: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Impact: Expected to improve air quality, reduce pollution, and contribute to environmental sustainability along major transport corridors.

9. New Port at Vadhavan

• Project: Construction of the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, near Dahanu in the Palghar district.
• Programme: Part of the PM GatiShakti programme.
• Significance: The port will enhance India’s capacity to handle large container ships, increasing trade volumes and supporting local economic development.
• Cost: The port is expected to be a major investment, although the exact project cost is yet to be finalized.

11. Pro-tem Speaker Appointment

• Appointee: Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term Lok Sabha member.
• Role: As pro-tem Speaker, he will oversee the first sessions of the new Lok Sabha and conduct the election of the permanent Speaker.
• Ministry: Appointment announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

12. Asset Monetization Under National Monetization Pipeline (NMP)

• Monetization Target: The government monetized assets worth ₹1.56 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, short of the target of ₹1.8 lakh crore.
• Scheme: The National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) aims to unlock the value of brownfield infrastructure assets, with a goal of ₹6 lakh crore over FY 2022-2025.
• Sectors: Includes the monetization of assets across highways, railways, airports, power transmission, and natural gas pipelines.

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States in the News

2. Punjab: Anti-Drug Drive in Fazilka

• Event: One-week anti-drug drive by Punjab Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Village Defence Committees (VDCs).
• Location: Fazilka district, covering 42 villages along the India-Pakistan border.
• Objective: To gather actionable intelligence on the demand and supply of drugs, combating drug trafficking and addiction in border areas.

3. Arunachal Pradesh: Tesam Pongte Elected Speaker

• Event: Tesam Pongte was elected as the Speaker of the 8th Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.
• Date: June 15, 2024.
• Announcement: Made by Pro-tem Speaker Ninong Ering.
• Election: Pongte was elected unopposed, indicating unanimous support within the Assembly.

5. Odisha: Surama Padhy Elected as Speaker

• Event: Senior BJP leader Surama Padhy was elected as the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly.
• Significance: She is the second woman Speaker in Odisha’s history.
• Constituency: Padhy represents the Ranpur constituency in Nayagarh district.
• Election: Elected unanimously, highlighting broad political support.

6. Karnataka: National Yoga Olympiad 2024

• Event: National Yoga Olympiad 2024.
• Inaugurated by: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
• Location: Mysuru, Karnataka.
• Participants: More than 400 students and 100 teachers from across India.
• Objective: To promote yoga as an integral part of Indian culture and showcase its global importance.

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International Affairs

2. South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa Reelected as President

• Event: Cyril Ramaphosa was reelected for a second term as President of South Africa on June 14, 2024.
• Result: Ramaphosa secured 283 votes, defeating Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received only 44 votes.
• Significance: His reelection was secured after his party forged a last-minute coalition deal with a former political rival.

3. Israel: New Naval Landing Craft Acquisition

• Event: The Israeli Navy received its second US-built landing craft, INS Komemiyut, on June 16, 2024.
• Previous Delivery: The first landing craft, INS Nahshon, was delivered in October 2023.
• Purpose: These vessels are expected to bolster Israel’s naval capabilities and logistical support.

5. Global Nuclear Arms: Surge in Expenditures

• Report: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlighted major increases in global spending on nuclear weapons in 2023.
• Leading Countries: The United States led in expenditures, followed by China and Russia.
• Implication: The trend reflects a resurgence in nuclear deterrence strategies reminiscent of the Cold War era.

6. India and Argentina: Lithium Exploration

• Event: Coal India Ltd (COAL.NS) has partnered with a U.S. company to explore lithium blocks in Argentina.
• Significance: The project aims to secure lithium supplies, a crucial resource for battery production, aligning with India’s push towards electric vehicles and renewable energy.

7. Thailand: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

• Event: Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Date: The bill was passed by the Senate on June 18, 2024.
• Significance: This is a major milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

8. UK Becomes India’s 4th Largest Export Market

• Event: The United Kingdom overtook China to become India’s fourth-largest export market in May 2024.
• Export Growth: Exports to the UK grew by 33% to reach $1.37 billion, while exports to China saw a modest growth of 3%, reaching $1.33 billion.
• Previous Rank: The UK was India’s sixth-largest export market in May 2023.

10. Tajikistan: Ban on “Alien Garments”

• Event: Tajikistan’s parliament passed a law prohibiting the wearing of “alien garments,” which includes the hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing.
• Date: The upper house, Majlisi Milli, approved the law on June 19, 2024, after the lower chamber, Majlisi Namoyandagon, passed it on May 8, 2024.
• Significance: This law has sparked debate in the predominantly Muslim country, reflecting tensions between cultural identity and government policies.

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Agreements/MoUs Signed

2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and State Bank of India (SBI) MoU

• Event: The MEA and SBI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate SBIePay, the bank’s payment gateway, with the eMigrate portal.
• Purpose: This collaboration aims to streamline digital payment services for Indian migrant workers, recruiting agents, and other users of the eMigrate portal.
• Significance: The partnership is set to enhance the ease and efficiency of payments, benefitting a large number of migrant workers and agents involved in the process.

3. CCRYN and S-VYASA University: “Yoga for Space” Conference

• Event: The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), in collaboration with S-VYASA University, organized a conference themed “Yoga for Space” in Bengaluru.
• Occasion: This event was part of the celebrations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024, with the focus being “Yoga for Self & Society.”
• Focus: The conference brought together experts to discuss the role of yoga in space environments and extreme conditions, aiming to enhance the physical and mental well-being of astronauts and professionals in challenging environments.

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Books and Authors

Actress Alia Bhatt celebrated Father’s Day in a special way by unveiling the first look of her debut children’s book, “Ed Finds a Home.” This book is part of the “Ed-a-mamma” universe, a brand she founded focusing on eco-friendly clothing and products for children. The story introduces Ed, a character that will take children on heartwarming adventures. Alia, already a celebrated actress and entrepreneur, has ventured into children’s literature to inspire and entertain young readers. “Ed Finds a Home” marks the beginning of a new series aimed at engaging children with meaningful storytelling.

Fitch Ratings has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7.2%, up from the earlier estimate of 7%. This upward adjustment is largely due to an anticipated recovery in consumer spending and sustained investment, although the pace of growth is expected to be slower compared to recent quarters. In the previous fiscal year, FY24, India’s economy had grown by 8.2%, demonstrating robust performance. The revised forecast reflects continued optimism about India’s economic prospects, driven by domestic demand and investment, despite global uncertainties.

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Appointments/Resignations

2. Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal – Non-Executive Independent Director of Paytm

• Term: Five-year term.
• Previous Role: Former Whole-Time Director at SEBI.
• Resignation: Neeraj Arora resigned from the same position due to personal commitments and pre-occupations, making way for Rajeev Agarwal’s appointment.

3. Ashwani Kumar – Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)

• Appointment by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Effective Immediately: Ashwani Kumar, an IAS officer, was appointed as the new Commissioner to handle administrative affairs at the MCD.

4. Girish Tanti – Chairman of Global Wind Energy Council India

• Position: Vice-Chairman of Suzlon Group.
• New Role: Girish Tanti has been appointed as the Chairman of the Global Wind Energy Council India, overseeing the promotion of wind energy initiatives in India.

6. Manoj Jain – Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Role: Manoj Jain has taken over the leadership of Bharat Electronics Limited, one of India’s prominent defense electronics companies.

7. Atul Kumar Chaudhary – Secretary, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• Appointment Date: June 20, 2024.
• Previous Vacancy: The position was vacant after the superannuation of V Raghunandan on May 31. Atul Kumar Chaudhary has been appointed to fill this important regulatory position.

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Defence News

1. Induction of Indigenous Nagastra-1 Kamikaze Drones

• Development: India has bolstered its defense capabilities with the induction of the Nagastra-1 kamikaze drones.
• Developer: These drones were developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur.
• Significance: The deployment is seen as a response to rising drone-related threats along India’s Northern borders, underscoring the critical need for advanced, indigenous drone technology in combat scenarios.

3. State-of-the-Art Skin Bank at Army Hospital

• Facility Opening: The Indian Army has inaugurated a modern skin bank at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on June 18, 2024.
• Purpose: This cutting-edge facility will offer treatment for severe burn injuries, supporting armed forces personnel and their families.

5. Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations Released

• Release: Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, released the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting on June 18, 2024, in New Delhi.
• Purpose: The doctrine will serve as a guiding document for Commanders, providing strategies and principles to conduct effective cyberspace operations in the evolving military landscape.

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Awards and Recognitions

2. Reserve Bank of India: Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024

• Awarded by: Central Banking, a London-based publication.
• Recognition: The RBI received the Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024 for its excellence in building a strong risk management culture, reinforcing its critical role in stabilizing India’s financial system.

3. Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2024

• Awarded by: Sahitya Akademi
• Recognition: 23 writers were awarded the Yuva Puraskar across different languages. Notable recipients include:
  • K Vaishali (English)
  • Gaurav Pandey (Hindi)

4. P. Madhavankutty Varier: Honorary DSc Degree

• Awarded by: Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS)
• Recognition: P. Madhavankutty Varier, the managing trustee and chief physician of the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree for his contributions to Ayurveda.

5. Vinod Ganatra: Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award

• Awarded by: Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, South Africa
• Recognition: Renowned Indian children’s filmmaker Vinod Ganatra was awarded the Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to children’s cinema, becoming the first Indian to receive this honor.

7. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank: National Award by PFRDA

• Awarded by: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
• Recognition: Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), sponsored by Canara Bank, received a national award for its impressive performance in enrolling beneficiaries under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

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Summits and Conferences

1. India’s Participation in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine

• Event: Summit on Peace in Ukraine
• Dates: June 15-16, 2024
• Location: Burgenstock, Switzerland
• Indian Representative: Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs
• Details: India attended the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions but did not endorse any official communique or document. India reiterated its independent stance on resolving the Ukraine conflict, promoting peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

2. Mid-Year Climate Discussions in Bonn, Germany

• Event: Mid-Year Climate Discussions
• Location: Bonn, Germany
• Outcome: The discussions ended with limited progress, raising concerns about the challenges ahead for the upcoming COP29 Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, later in 2024.

4. 112th International Labour Organization (ILC) Conference

• Event: 112th ILC Conference
• Dates: June 3-14, 2024
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Participants: Over 4,900 delegates, representing governments, employers, and workers’ organizations.
• Upcoming Event: The 113th ILC is scheduled to be held in June 2025.

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Ranks and Reports

1. Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey

• Release Date: June 17, 2024
• India’s Rankings:
  • Mumbai: Ranked 136th globally and 21st in Asia as the most expensive city for expatriates in India.
  • New Delhi: Ranked 30th in Asia.
• Overview: The report highlights shifting cost dynamics across Indian cities. Despite global economic challenges, India’s cities still offer affordability advantages, making the country attractive for expatriates and global talent recruitment.

2. India’s Domestic Aviation Market

• Achievement: By April 2024, India has become the world’s third-largest market for domestic airlines, ascending from its previous fifth position a decade ago.
• Factors Contributing to Growth: The growth is attributed to strategic initiatives and leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which have significantly boosted the domestic aviation sector’s expansion and global standing.

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Sports News

1. BWF Australian Open 2024

• Date: June 16, 2024
• Event: Final of the BWF Australian Open
• Result: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia triumphed over Naraoka Kodai of Japan to secure his second title of the season. This victory further strengthens Lee’s reputation in international badminton.

2. Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023

• Report Released By: Global consulting firm Kroll
• Highlight: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli reclaimed the title of India’s most valued celebrity brand with a brand value of $227.9 million. This marks a 30% increase from his previous brand value of $176.9 million in 2022.

3. Asia Oceanic Beach Ultimate Championships (AOBUC) 2024

• Event: Ultimate Frisbee Championship
• Indian Team’s Achievement: India finished as runners-up after a close match against the Philippines, with a final score of 9-12. This is a historic achievement for the Indian Ultimate Frisbee team, marking their first appearance in the finals of an international tournament.

4. Neeraj Chopra at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024

• Event: Men’s Javelin Throw
• Result: Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal at the prestigious Paavo Nurmi Games held in Turku, Finland. This victory adds to Neeraj’s accolades, further establishing him as a dominant figure in the world of javelin.

5. T20 World Cup 2024

• Match: Australia vs Bangladesh, Super 8s Group 1 encounter
• Date: June 21, 2024
• Result: Australia comfortably defeated Bangladesh. Pat Cummins led the bowling attack with a hat-trick, while David Warner’s unbeaten fifty guided Australia to a smooth chase despite the match being disrupted by rain twice.

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Schemes and Committees News

On June 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded certificates to over 30,000 self-help groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower rural women by enhancing their skills and participation in the agricultural sector. The Krishi Sakhis will act as agriculture guides and facilitators in their communities, helping to improve farming techniques, promote sustainable practices, and increase productivity. This move acknowledges the crucial role women play in agriculture and aims to uplift rural livelihoods through capacity building.

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Science and Technology News

• Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based space tech startup, has successfully completed its maiden mission with the Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 satellites. After achieving 15,000 orbits around Earth, the satellites were successfully deorbited. Launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV C54 in November 2022, this marks a key milestone for the company’s growth in India’s space sector.

• Meanwhile, Nvidia, at the forefront of the AI boom, has surpassed Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company. On June 18, Nvidia’s market capitalization reached $3.335 trillion, with a 3.5% increase in share prices to $135.58, reinforcing its leadership in the AI and chipmaking industries.

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Important Days News

• June 17 marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, aimed at raising awareness about land degradation and its impact. This year’s theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,” highlights the importance of collective land stewardship.

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) celebrated Global Wind Day on June 15, 2024, in Delhi, focusing on India’s wind energy progress and strategies for expanding renewable energy.

• June 18 is observed as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, promoting awareness about the harmful effects of hate speech and encouraging strategies to combat it.

• Sustainable Gastronomy Day is celebrated on June 18, emphasizing the importance of promoting sustainable practices in food and cuisine.

• June 19 is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, focusing on raising awareness about sexual violence in conflicts and working towards its prevention.

• World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of refugees globally and calling for solidarity and support.

• World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated on June 19, raising awareness about sickle cell disease and promoting efforts to advance global care for the disease. The 2024 theme is “Hope through progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.”

• International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society,” focusing on the transformative power of yoga for individual and community well-being.

• World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) is celebrated annually on June 21, promoting music as a universal language with performances in public spaces worldwide.

• International Widows’ Day is observed on June 23, highlighting the struggles of millions of widows globally and the need for attention to their rights and dignity.

• United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23, recognizing the contributions of public servants globally.

• World Hydrography Day, observed on June 21, raises awareness of hydrography’s role in marine activities, with the 2024 theme: “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities.”

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Obituaries News

• Veteran sports journalist Harpal Singh Bedi passed away on June 15, 2024, in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. Bedi, who had a distinguished career spanning over four decades, was known for covering key moments in Indian sports and serving as the national Olympic contingent’s press attaché in 2012.

• Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, the former Governor of Odisha, passed away at the age of 95 on June 15, 2024. His leadership and contributions to the state were widely recognized and respected.

• Renowned Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, celebrated for his roles in films such as The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, passed away at the age of 88 after a long illness.

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Infrastructure and Technology News

• The Indian Railways successfully completed a trial run of an electric engine from Sangaldan to Reasi, marking a significant milestone as it crossed the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge, the Chenab Bridge. This achievement is a crucial step in modernizing rail connectivity in the region.

• On June 17, 2024, Delhi International Airport Ltd introduced a self-service mechanism to streamline the check-in process. This new system allows passengers to drop off luggage, collect tags, and print boarding passes, reducing the time spent on check-in and enhancing convenience for travelers.

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Static Gk

General Knowledge Updates:

• Capital of Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar (Executive Branch)
• Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandu
• South Africa Capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
• South Africa Currency: Rand
• Swiss National Bank Establishment: June 16, 1907
• Swiss National Bank Headquarters: Bern and Zurich, Switzerland
• Swiss National Bank Current President: Thomas Jordan (as of 2023)
• International Hydrographic Organization Founded: 21 June 1921
• International Hydrographic Organization Secretary-General: Mathias Jonas
• International Hydrographic Organization HQ: Monaco
• Tajikistan Capital: Dushanbe
• Tajikistan President: Emomali Rahmon (in office since 1994)
• Tajikistan Prime Minister: Kokhir Rasulzoda
• Bharat Electronics Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Bharat Electronics Limited Founded: 1954, Bengaluru
• Sri Lanka Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
• Sri Lanka Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
• Sri Lanka Official Languages: Sinhala, Tamil
• Sri Lanka President: Ranil Wickremesinghe
• Sri Lanka Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
• China Capital: Beijing
• China Premier: Li Qiang
• China President: Xi Jinping
• China Official Language: Mandarin
• Chairman, NHAI: Santosh Kumar Yadav, IAS
• NHAI Headquarters: New Delhi
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Constituted: By an Act of Parliament in 1988
• Sweden Capital: Stockholm
• Sweden Currency: Krona
• Sweden Prime Minister: Ulf Kristersson

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Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, APSC, Bank, SSC, Government Jobs, and Sarkari Exams

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Stay updated with the most important Daily Current Affairs and General Knowledge (GK) for Sarkari Exams like UPSC, APSC, Bank PO, SSC CGL, and more.

April 2024 Current Affairs in Hindi

अप्रैल 2024 की सबसे जरूरी करंट अफेयर्स और सामान्य ज्ञान। ये अपडेट्स सरकारी नौकरी और प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी के लिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं।

Important GK for Sarkari Naukri

Revise these key General Knowledge (GK) points for your Sarkari Naukri preparation. Our Weekly GK is specially designed to help with UPSC, Bank exams, and other Government Jobs.

For UPSC preparation, revising Daily Current Affairs and Monthly GK is essential. Bank exam aspirants should focus on both daily GK updates and monthly compilations to cover all aspects of the syllabus. SSC CGL candidates can also benefit from our current affairs 2024 for key national and international events.

FAQs Section

Q1: What are the most important current affairs topics for UPSC 2024?
Q2: How can I improve my GK for Bank exams?
Q3: Where can I find Hindi current affairs for Sarkari exams?

Make sure to follow our daily and weekly updates to stay on top of GK and current affairs. This will help you succeed in UPSC, APSC, Bank exams, and other Sarkari Naukri opportunities.