Daily GK Update- 25th June, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr Radhakrishnan to head government committee on restructuring NTA: The Union Ministry of Education has set up seven members committee headed by the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), K Radhakrishnan to review and suggest reform in the examination process. The government has taken this step after the controversy over a paper leak at the undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam 2024 and the postponement of NET-UGC exams. The committee consists of seven eminent people. It will be headed by former ISRO chairman Koppillil Radhakrishnan. The other members of the committee are Professor BJ Rao, Professor Ramamurthy K, Dr Randeep Guleria, Pankaj Bansal, Professor Aditya Mittal and Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Education.

 

2. India’s first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification in Jharkhand: The Ministry of Coal via Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has initiated India’s first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. This first ever groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can be utilized to produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial applications.

 

3. UP to establish world’s first Asian King Vulture Conservation & Breeding Centre in Maharajganj: Uttar Pradesh government will establish the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures or red-headed vultures in Maharajganj. The facility will improve the population of critically endangered species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list since 2007. The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre. The centre aims to ensure the good health of growing vultures and provide them with a pair. Once a female lays an egg, the pair will be left free in their natural environment.

 

4. HDFC ERGO General Insurance elevates Anuj Tyagi as MD and CEO: Anuj Tyagi has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC ERGO General Insurance  Tyagi will succeed Ritesh Kumar effective July 1. Tyagi has been with the company since 2008, holding various functions during his tenure. He was elevated as joint managing director in April 2023.

 

5. Mrinal Kr Das appointed as Director in Department of Consumer Affairs: Mrinal Kumar Das (IRS) has been appointed as the Director in the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Das has been selected for the appointment to the said post under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier. Das is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 2007 batch. He was recommended for the Central deputation by the Department of Revenue.

6. Maharashtra Governor releases book titled ‘Gateways to the Sea’: The Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais released a book titled ‘Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region’ at Raj Bhavan Mumbai. The book has been published by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GoI. It comprises of 18 articles by renowned authors, compiled by the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS) The publication of this book is an important milestone in creating awareness about the ancient ports stated above and it also covers the development of modern ports and docks of Mumbai including Mazagon Dock, Mumbai Port, Bombay Dock, Sassoon Dock and Ferry Wharf also known as Bhaucha Dhakka.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ESAF SFB chief Paul Thomas elected Chairperson of Sa-Dhan: MD & CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, Paul Thomas has been elected as Chairperson of the board of Sa-Dhan, which is an association of microfinance and impact finance institutions. Sayeed has been re-elected for the second term on the board of Sa-Dhan at the Association’s Annual General Body meeting. Jaiswal, Salimath, A Ramesh Kumar, Chairman & MD of Laraksha Impact Finance, Nagendra Mali, MD of Navachetna Microfinance, and Ganesh Chandra Modak, MD of Grameen Shakti were elected as new members to the Board.

 

2. 24 June – International Day of Women in Diplomacy: International Day of Women in Diplomacy is celebrated on June 24 every year to highlight the contribution of women to diplomacy – those who are breaking barriers and doing commendable jobs in this field. Theme 2024 – Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy This year, the event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the United Nations Headquarters in New York brings together high-level government officials, diplomats, senior representatives of the UN system and other stakeholders. The event aims to facilitate interactive discussions and exchanges on the contributions, challenges and opportunities for women in diplomacy to catalyse change and transformation in multilateral affairs, the UN website stated.

 

3. 25 June – International Day of the Seafarer: International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated every year on 25 June. This special day was created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to recognize the important role seafarers play in our daily lives and the global economy. The Day of the Seafarer was established during an important meeting in Manila in 2010. At this meeting, countries agreed on new standards for training seafarers (called the STCW Convention). The resolution that created this day encourages everyone involved in shipping – from governments to companies – to promote the Day of the Seafarer and find meaningful ways to celebrate it.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army opened Khalubar War Memorial to tourists in Ladakh: In Ladakh, as a tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, the Indian Army has opened the Khalubar War Memorial to tourists.

This opening ceremony was part of the ‘Forever in Operations’ Division’s Pre-Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations as this year, the country will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July. Located in the renowned Aryan Valley this memorial commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers who fought to reclaim the valley during the war. Khalubar, a serene valley near the border, became a focal point during the Kargil War when enemy forces captured it. The area was recaptured by the valiant efforts of Indian soldiers, including Captain Manoj Pandey, whose heroic actions are now immortalized at the memorial.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sreeja Akula creates history by winning WTT Contender singles title: Sreeja Akula of Hyderabad became the first Indian table tennis player to win a WTT (World Table Tennis) Contender Women’s single title. Sreeja Akula won both the women’s singles and doubles titles at the WTT Contender Lagos 2024 event. The USD 80,000 prize money WTT Contender Lagos 2024 was held at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall in Lagos, Nigeria. Sreeja Akula, defeated the 16-year-old Yijie Ding of China 4-1 (10-12,11-9,11-6,11-8,11-6) in the final of the WTT Contender Lagos 2024 to win her first WTT Contender title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Universal Sompo settles ₹8 crore claims under Ayushman Bharat in 4 months: Universal Sompo General Insurance Company has provided cashless claims approval of ₹8.03 crore for over 8,170 hospital admissions under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the Union Territory Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The scheme has become operational since February 1 and the cashless approvals have been made over the past 142 days. This reflects the scheme’s efficiency and the substantial financial relief to families. The administration of PMJAY is supported by PMJAY-ABHA digital platform, enhancing the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of the scheme’s implementation. Universal Sompo General Insurance Co is a joint venture of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investment Corporation and a leading general insurer from Japan, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

 

2. ACE partners with Bank of Baroda for construction equipment financing: Action Construction Equipment Ltd. (ACE), a prominent player in India’s construction equipment manufacturing sector, has entered into a MoU with Bank of Baroda to facilitate financing solutions for construction equipment businesses. Under this partnership, ACE customers across the country will have access to tailored financing options provided by Bank of Baroda. This agreement aims to support construction equipment businesses, local entrepreneurs, and startups by offering seamless access to financing.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ‘Golden Thread’ bags the prestigious Golden Conch award at 18th MIFF 2024: The Indian film ‘The Golden Thread’, directed by Nistha Jain bagged the coveted Golden Conch award for the Best Documentary at MIFF 2024. The film is both an homage to and an observation of the how last vestiges of the Industrial Revolution were impacted by the forces of economic change. The film, adjudged as the best documentary of the South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival for non-fiction, not only illustrates the relationship of man to machine but also questions how capitalism values man as equal only to his labor. Earlier noted wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu was conferred with the 18th V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award at the inauguration of the 18th MIFF 2024. The 18th biennial MIFF 2024 was organised by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and executed by the National Film Development Corporation at Mumbai.

 

2. THDC wins PSU Leadership award for digital transformation excellence: THDC India Limited (THDC) has been conferred with the prestigious PSU Leadership & Excellence Award 2024 in the category of ‘Leadership in Digital Transformation. The Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy, Space, Government of India Dr Jitendra Singh conferred the award in a glittering ceremony organized in New Delhi.

MD of THDC – RK Vishnoi

 

Daily GK Update- 24th June, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amit Shah inaugurates ‘Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme’ at Delhi Airport: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)’ at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport. The FTI-TTP aims to simplify and secure international travel by developing world-class immigration facilities through an expedited pathway for international travellers screened via automated e-Gates. This facility would be available free of charge for all passengers. The FTI-TTP ensures faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance using e-Gates, minimizing human intervention in the process. The implementation will occur in two phases: the first phase will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, while the second phase will extend to foreign travellers.

 

2. BIS introduces new standards to enhance Safety and Quality of Electric Vehicles in India: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, aimed at enhancing the safety of electric vehicles in the L, M, and N categories. These standards focus on the critical component of electric vehicles—the powertrain—ensuring it meets stringent safety requirements. Additionally, they emphasize the safety and performance of batteries, ensuring they are both powerful and secure. With these new standards, BIS has raised the bar, now having a total of 30 Indian Standards dedicated to electric vehicles and their accessories, including charging systems.

 

3. MP govt approves the establishment of One PM College of Excellence in all districts: In Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister College of Excellence will be inaugurated ceremonially in all 55 districts of the state on July 1. Under the National Education Policy, the Madhya Pradesh government has approved the establishment of one Prime Minister College of Excellence in all the districts of the state. Additional posts have been approved in the selected colleges to establish the Prime Minister College of Excellence in 55 districts of the state.

 

4. Ministry of Women and Child Development launches 100-Days Special Awareness Campaign on Women Empowerment: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) organized the “National Workshop on SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women – Launch of the 100-Days Special Awareness Campaign” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The workshop marks the commencement of a nationwide 100-days awareness campaign focused on women-centric issues, scheduled from 21st June to 4th October 2024. The one-day workshop featured sessions on legal provisions, communication strategies, and  counselling techniques for grassroots functionaries of SANKALP: HEWs which are operational in 693 districts across India.

 

5. Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed Pro-tem speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed seven-time Lok Sabha member of parliament Bhartruhari Mahtab of Bharatiya Janata Party as the pro-tem speaker of the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha. Along with him, Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay were appointed to assist the pro-tem Speaker in the oath-taking of the newly elected members. The first session of the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha starts on 24 June 20224. Normally, the senior-most newly elected member of the Lok Sabha is appointed as pro-tem speaker. This is a convention, not a rule.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 4,300 millionaires may leave India this year: Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024: The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 has revealed that India is set to experience a significant net loss of 4,300 millionaires this year. While this represents a decrease from the 5,100 who left in 2023, India remains one of the top countries for high-net-worth individual (HNWI) departures globally. This trend reflects a broader pattern of wealth migration influenced by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval. The United Arab Emirates continues to be a favored destination for Indian millionaires. The UAE is expected to attract a record net inflow of 6,700 wealthy migrants in 2024, bolstered by its zero-income tax policy, golden visa programs, luxurious lifestyle, and strategic location.

 

2. 23 June – United Nations Public Service Day: United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on 23 June. This special day highlights the importance of public service and recognizes the hard work of public servants globally. The UN General Assembly officially designated June 23 as Public Service Day on December 20, 2002. To further promote the day, the UN established the Public Service Awards program in 2003.

 

3. 23 June – International Olympic Day: International Olympic Day is observed every year on 23 June. It is a commemoration of the modern Olympic Games and an opportunity to promote the values of sports across the globe. Theme 2024 – Let’s Move and Celebrate This day holds significant importance not just for athletes and sports enthusiasts, but for everyone who appreciates the spirit of competition, unity, and athleticism. The history of International Olympic Day dates back to 23 June 1894, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. The day was established by IOC in 1948 to encourage individuals from all walks of life to embrace the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

 

4. 23 June – International Widow’s Day: International Widow’s Day is observed every year on 23 June. Objective – To raise awareness about the plight of widows worldwide and advocating for their rights and well-being. This day was first recognized and established by the United Nations in 2011, acknowledging the hardships faced by widows globally and the need to address their unique social, economic, and legal issues.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. AFMS Officers won 32 medals at World Medical & Health Games: Four Armed Forces Medical Service (AFMS) Officers have brought laurels to India by clinching a record 32 Medals in the 43rd World Medical and Health Games held in Saint-Tropez, France. These Officers, namely Lt Col Sanjeev Malik, Maj Anish George, Capt Stephen Sebastian, and Capt Dania James, made history by winning 19 Gold Medals, 09 Silver Medals and 04 Bronze Medals in the World’s largest sports event for health professionals. The World Medical and Health Games, often regarded as the Olympic Games for Health Professionals, has evolved into the most prestigious global sporting event within the medical community. With a legacy dating back to 1978, the Games annually attract over 2500 participants from more than 50 different nations.

 

2. Dhiraj Bommadevara won Bronze at Arhery WC, Antalya: In the Archery World Cup Stage 3, Dhiraj Bommadevara won the bronze in the men’s individual recurve event as well as in the mixed team event with Bhajan Kaur, in Antalya, Turkey. Trailing 0-2 after conceding the opening set, the Indian team produced a flawless round to bring it level and seal a stunning 5-3 (35-38, 40-39, 38-37, 38-38) win over their Mexican opponents Alejandra Valencia and Matias Grande.

The Indian women’s compound team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami and Parneet Kaur bagged a gold medal, while Priyansh bagged a silver.

 

3. Max Verstappen won Spanish GP title: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen prevailed in a tense, strategic battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris to win the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen’s seventh victory in 10 races this year hinged on a decisive opening phase of the race from the Dutchman. Verstappen was in the lead by lap three while Norris stayed stuck behind Mercedes’ George Russell for 15 laps. Lewis Hamilton took his first podium finish of the year for Mercedes in third, ahead of Russell, as Britons finished second, third and fourth. Charles Leclerc was fifth, leading home Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz.

 

4. Bajrang Punia suspended by NADA once again: Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, who was suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) earlier, has now again been banned provisionally. Bajrang’s suspension was revoked by a disciplinary panel because he was not issued a notice of charge. But now, NADA has issued the same and handed the Olympic bronze medallist a suspension. As per NADA, Bajrang had refused to give his urine sample during the trails at Sonipat on March 10, after which he was suspended for a dope rule violation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GoI approves new transmission schemes worth ₹13,595 crore to evacuate 4.5 GW RE power each from Rajasthan and Karnataka: The Government of India has approved new Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes to evacuate 9 GW of RE power from Rajasthan and Karnataka. These schemes will be implemented through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode. These schemes are part of 500 GW RE capacity by 2030 out of which 200 GW is already connected. The power evacuation scheme of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will evacuate 4.5 GW of RE power from Rajasthan. It comprises 1 GW from Fatehgarh complex, 2.5 GW from Barmer Complex and 1 GW from Nagaur (Merta) Complex. This power will be transferred to Mainpuri Region, Fatehpur and Orai of Uttar Pradesh. The completion period of the scheme is two years.

 

2. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank gets national award for APY implementation: Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), sponsored by Canara Bank, has received the national award for significant enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The chairman of KVG Bank Shreekant M. Bhandiwad received the award from Secretary, DFS, Government of India Vivek Joshi and Chairman of PFRDA Deepak Mohanty. KVGB had enrolled 4,27,736 cumulative accounts under APY. During 2023-24, the bank enrolled 86,350 accounts against a target of 67,932, achieving the target well ahead of schedule.

While PFRDA had set a target of an average of 100 accounts per branch, KVGB surpassed it with an average of 137 accounts, the highest among all banks in South India.

 

Daily GK Update- 23rd June, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Governor inaugurates National Yoga Olympiad 2024 in Mysuru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has inaugurated the National Yoga Olympiad in Mysuru. The National Youth Festival in January last year that a massive yoga event was organised in the state to set a new Guinness World Record. He informed that the state is working towards making Karnataka the leading yoga-literate state of India through Har Ghar Yoga. Yoga prescribed by our ancient scriptures has now gained global recognition, establishing Bharat as the Guru of Yoga.

 

2. Government increases MSP for Kharif crops for marketing season 2024-25: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif crops for the marketing season 2024-25. Government has increased the MSP of Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for oilseeds and pulses viz. nigerseed (Rs.983/- per quintal) followed by sesamum (Rs.632/- per quintal) and tur/arhar (Rs.550/- per quintal).

 

3. Sudhakararao Papa appointed as Director (Enterprise) at BSNL: Sudhakararao Papa has been appointed as the Director (Enterprise) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Presently, he is serving as Chief General Manager (Chennai Telecom District Circle) in the same organization.

Papa has been selected for the post of Director (Enterprises) of BSNL Limited from a list of 11 candidates.

 

4. Centre appoints Atul Kumar Chaudhary as Secretary, TRAI: The government has appointed Atul Kumar Chaudhary, as the new Secretary, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). He replaced V Raghunandan who retired on May 31. Chaudhary is a graduate from IIT-Rookkee and did his Master Diploma in Public Policy & Administration from IIPA Delhi. He has worked in various capacities in Personnel, HR, Administration, Licencing, Vigilance wing of BSNL and Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

 

5. Kerala’s Kozhikode – India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’: The UNESCO honored Kozhikode as India’s first “City of Literature” on June 23. According to this status, the city’s cultural history should be celebrated and used to help develop literary ability. The Mayor of Kozhikode and the Kerala Institute of Local ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. RBI Governor addresses second edition of Global Conference on Financial Resilience: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the transformative potential of advanced and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics in financial institutions. The second edition of the global conference on financial resilience was organized by the College of Supervisors (CoS) of RBI in Mumbai. Governor Das highlighted the importance of the financial sector adopting an adaptive and forward-looking approach to navigate emerging challenges. Mr Das assured that the Reserve Bank will continue to fine-tune the regulatory architecture and supervisory rigour as needed to promote the long-term resilience and stability of the financial system.

 

2. Energy Transition Index: India at 63rd, topped by Sweden: According to the Global Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked 63rd out of 120 countries surveyed in the index. Last year, India was ranked 67th, an improvement of three ranks. European nations dominated the top ranks with Sweden topping the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and France in the top five. China was ranked 20th. According to the WEF, out of 120 countries 107 countries have demonstrated progress on their energy transition journeys in the past decade. However, the pace of energy transition has slowed down due to economic volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.

 

3. India Ranks 63rd in the Global Energy Transition Index: The World Economic Forum (WEF) just released the Global Energy Transition Index on June 19, 2024. It shows that the global energy transition scene has changed in big ways. After falling to 67th place, India moved up to 63rd place.

 

4. India Ranks 3rd-Largest Domestic Aviation Market: The Indian aviation market has grown to become the third biggest in the world. It has moved up from fifth place a decade ago to this important accomplishment. The success made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows an.

 

5. Srinagar – ‘World Craft City’ by World Crafts Council: Srinagar, the largest city of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently been designated as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, shared this.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Most successful teams in the Copa America: Argentina and Uruguay jointly share the honour of being the most successful countries in the Copa America Cup. Both countries have won the trophy fifteen times each. Brazil has won the tournament 14 times. Argentina are the defending champions. They defeated the host, Brazil, in the final of the 2021 Copa America.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Pushpak – ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle, Clears Landing Test: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully carried out the third Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) on June 23 at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. This was a big step forward in space technology.

 

2. What is AlphaFold?: In the past few years, the creation of AlphaFold, a tool that has greatly sped up the process of understanding protein structures, has been a huge step forward in biological study. Molecular biology is used in medicine, agriculture, and many.

 

3. Indian Scientists Discover Two New Plant Species: Indian botanists have recently identified two new plant species in distinct bio-geographic hotspots: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh. These results show how diverse India’s plants are and how important it is to keep up protection efforts. Discovery ..

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd June, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 76,000-Crore All-Weather Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet has approved the development of greenfield deep draft port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra for Rs 76,200 crore. The port will have nine container terminals, each 1000 meters long, four multipurpose berths, including the coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth. The port will further aid export and import through the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and International North South Transportation Corridor. The mega project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively.

 

2. Times Of India No. 1 news brand in country: Times of India is the most trusted major news media brand in India, according to a 47-country survey conducted by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ), Oxford University. The survey, released as part of Digital News Report 2024, an annual publication by the institute, found TOI had a trust score of 71. TOI had also topped the survey in 2021 and 2022. The most trusted brand in the UK, BBC News, had a trust score of 62 and the most trusted paper in that country, Financial Times, scored 57. Similarly, in the US, local TV news had the highest trust score of 62 while New York Times (50), Wall Street Journal (49), CNN (48) and Washington Post (46) scored much lower.

 

3. Girija Subramanian appoints as CMD of New India Assurance Company: The government has appointed Girija Subramanian as chairman and managing director (CMD) of the largest general insurer, New India Assurance. Subramanian holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics. She is a fellow member of the Insurance Institute of India and also an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London. She is a fellow member of the Insurance Institute of India and also an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London.

 

4. Indian Post Office Act, 1898: The Indian Post Office Act of 1898 was thrown out on June 18, when the Post Office Act was signed into law. This major change to the law is meant to bring India’s postal services up to date and fit.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Energy Transition Index: India at 63rd, topped by Sweden: According to the Global Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked 63rd out of 120 countries surveyed in the index. Last year, India was ranked 67th, an improvement of three ranks. European nations dominated the top ranks with Sweden topping the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and France in the top five. China was ranked 20th. According to the WEF, out of 120 countries 107 countries have demonstrated progress on their energy transition journeys in the past decade. However, the pace of energy transition has slowed down due to economic volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.

 

2. 21 June – World Music Day: World Music Day is observed every year on June 21. The day celebrates music in all its forms, encompassing classical, contemporary, traditional, and experimental genres. By providing an inclusive space for artists to share their talents, World Music Day underscores the importance of self-expression and creativity, reminding us of the profound impact music has on bringing people together. The concept of World Music Day originated in France in 1981, when Jack Lang, the French Ministry of Culture, along with music composer Maurice Fleuret, and a radio producer and music journalist, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to music. The first Fête de la Musique took place in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians performing throughout the city.

 

3. 21 June – World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day is celebrated every year on 21 June. Objective – To raise awareness about the significance of hydrography and the invaluable contributions made by hydrographers worldwide. Theme 2024 – Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities

 

4. World’s Oldest Termite Mounds Discovered in Namaqualand:
In Namaqualand, South Africa, the heuweltjies are old termite mounds that take up about 20% of the land. The southern harvester termite (Microhodotermes Viator) lives in these sandy formations. They are home to termites for the longest period, going back ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. 2024 Copa America football tournament begins in USA: The 48th edition of the Copa America football tournament kick off in the United States. This is the second time in the 108-year history of the Copa America Cup that the event is being held outside South America. In 2016, the United States hosted the Copa America Cup.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NHAI signs MoU with IIIT Delhi to Enhance Road Safety by deploying AI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a MoU with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi, a Technical University established by Government of National Capital Territory (NCT), to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions for improvement in the availability of road signs on National Highways. This initiative will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions for improvement in the availability of road signs on National Highways. As a part of the agreement, IIIT Delhi will conduct surveys to collect imagery and other related data related to the availability and condition of road signs on selected National Highway stretches.

 

2. What is Balon Protein?: Recently, scientists made a big finding in microbiology. It involves a special protein called Balon. This protein helps the bacterium Psychrobacter urativorans go into and come out of a dormant state when its environment changes. This new study, which came ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. 67th Global Environment Facility Council: The 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility concluded on June 20, 2024, resulting in significant financial commitments. A total of $736.4 million was approved to support 34 nature conservation and renewal projects globally. Allocation of Funding Many types of.

 

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 76,000-Crore All-Weather Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet has approved the development of greenfield deep draft port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra for Rs 76,200 crore. The port will have nine container terminals, each 1000 meters long, four multipurpose berths, including the coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth. The port will further aid export and import through the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and International North South Transportation Corridor. The mega project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively.

 

2. Times Of India No. 1 news brand in country: Times of India is the most trusted major news media brand in India, according to a 47-country survey conducted by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ), Oxford University. The survey, released as part of Digital News Report 2024, an annual publication by the institute, found TOI had a trust score of 71. TOI had also topped the survey in 2021 and 2022. The most trusted brand in the UK, BBC News, had a trust score of 62 and the most trusted paper in that country, Financial Times, scored 57. Similarly, in the US, local TV news had the highest trust score of 62 while New York Times (50), Wall Street Journal (49), CNN (48) and Washington Post (46) scored much lower.

 

3. Girija Subramanian appoints as CMD of New India Assurance Company: The government has appointed Girija Subramanian as chairman and managing director (CMD) of the largest general insurer, New India Assurance. Subramanian holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics. She is a fellow member of the Insurance Institute of India and also an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London. She is a fellow member of the Insurance Institute of India and also an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London.

 

4. Indian Post Office Act, 1898: The Indian Post Office Act of 1898 was thrown out on June 18, when the Post Office Act was signed into law. This major change to the law is meant to bring India’s postal services up to date and fit.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Energy Transition Index: India at 63rd, topped by Sweden: According to the Global Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked 63rd out of 120 countries surveyed in the index. Last year, India was ranked 67th, an improvement of three ranks. European nations dominated the top ranks with Sweden topping the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and France in the top five. China was ranked 20th. According to the WEF, out of 120 countries 107 countries have demonstrated progress on their energy transition journeys in the past decade. However, the pace of energy transition has slowed down due to economic volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.

 

2. 21 June – World Music Day: World Music Day is observed every year on June 21. The day celebrates music in all its forms, encompassing classical, contemporary, traditional, and experimental genres. By providing an inclusive space for artists to share their talents, World Music Day underscores the importance of self-expression and creativity, reminding us of the profound impact music has on bringing people together. The concept of World Music Day originated in France in 1981, when Jack Lang, the French Ministry of Culture, along with music composer Maurice Fleuret, and a radio producer and music journalist, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to music. The first Fête de la Musique took place in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians performing throughout the city.

 

3. 21 June – World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day is celebrated every year on 21 June. Objective – To raise awareness about the significance of hydrography and the invaluable contributions made by hydrographers worldwide. Theme 2024 – Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities

 

4. World’s Oldest Termite Mounds Discovered in Namaqualand:
In Namaqualand, South Africa, the heuweltjies are old termite mounds that take up about 20% of the land. The southern harvester termite (Microhodotermes Viator) lives in these sandy formations. They are home to termites for the longest period, going back ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. 2024 Copa America football tournament begins in USA: The 48th edition of the Copa America football tournament kick off in the United States. This is the second time in the 108-year history of the Copa America Cup that the event is being held outside South America. In 2016, the United States hosted the Copa America Cup.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NHAI signs MoU with IIIT Delhi to Enhance Road Safety by deploying AI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a MoU with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi, a Technical University established by Government of National Capital Territory (NCT), to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions for improvement in the availability of road signs on National Highways. This initiative will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions for improvement in the availability of road signs on National Highways. As a part of the agreement, IIIT Delhi will conduct surveys to collect imagery and other related data related to the availability and condition of road signs on selected National Highway stretches.

 

2. What is Balon Protein?: Recently, scientists made a big finding in microbiology. It involves a special protein called Balon. This protein helps the bacterium Psychrobacter urativorans go into and come out of a dormant state when its environment changes. This new study, which came ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. 67th Global Environment Facility Council: The 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility concluded on June 20, 2024, resulting in significant financial commitments. A total of $736.4 million was approved to support 34 nature conservation and renewal projects globally. Allocation of Funding Many types of.