Current Affairs - June 9, 2024 Current Affairs

The Netherlands became India's third-largest export destination in 2023-24, following the US and UAE. Despite a slight decline in India's overall merchandise shipments, the trade surplus with the Netherlands increased significantly, reaching USD 17.4 billion in the last fiscal year, up from USD 13 billion in 2022-23.

The Institute of Advanced Virology in Kerala has developed non-infectious Nipah Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), which are crucial for vaccine production and monoclonal antibody development. These particles, devoid of infectiousness, offer significant advantages in laboratory research, diagnostics, and immunity induction.

South Korea has officially launched its space agency, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), to lead policy and industrial development in its aerospace sector. The establishment of KASA aims to streamline policy and development functions within the country's aerospace industry and propel South Korea into the ranks of the world’s top five space powers.

Adani Ports, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports Group and East Harbour Terminals Ltd, has secured a 30-year concession agreement to operate and manage Container Terminal 2 at the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania. This agreement, signed with Tanzania, allows Adani Ports to take control of the terminal's operations, equipment, and manpower, further expanding its global port operations portfolio.

The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has launched the "Bank Clinic" initiative to provide guidance and assistance to bank customers with grievance redressal in accordance with RBI guidelines on retail banking. This initiative operates as a non-resolving advisory platform, offering advice on remedies available as per RBI guidelines and functions alongside the traditional Banking Ombudsman process.

The two bird sanctuaries, Nagi and Nakti, from Bihar, were added to the Ramsar Sites list, marking a significant addition to India's wetlands of international importance. These sanctuaries, situated in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui District in Bihar, were included in the Ramsar Sites list on World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th.

DP Manu clinched the gold medal in the javelin throw at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 with a remarkable effort of 81.58 meters. Meanwhile, Nithya Ramraj secured the silver medal in the women's 100-meter hurdles event with a timing of 13.23 seconds. This showcases India's prowess in athletics, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional skill and performance on the international stage.

The groundbreaking non-invasive heart surgery on a 7-year-old beagle named Juliet took place at Max Hospital in Delhi. This Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Mitral valve disease marks a significant milestone as the first surgery of its kind by private practitioners in Asia and the second globally. The innovative procedure offers a safer alternative to traditional open-heart surgeries, providing hope for dogs with heart conditions worldwide.

The discovery of the blue-colored ant species, Paraparatrechina Neela, was made in the biodiverse region of Siang Valley. This valley is situated within the state of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its rich biodiversity. The metallic blue hue of the ant species distinguishes it from others in its genus, making it a significant find for researchers studying the region's insect diversity.

PV Sindhu, the renowned Indian badminton player, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This appointment aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for measures to protect children from the influence of the tobacco industry, aligning with the theme of "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" for World No Tobacco Day 2024.

The 18th International Film Festival, with a record submission of 1018 films from 38 countries, will primarily be held in Mumbai from June 15th to June 21st, 2024. Though there will be parallel screenings in other cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune, Mumbai serves as the main venue for the festival.

Portugal intends to modify its golden visa scheme to aid migrants by permitting affluent foreigners to invest in property, thus introducing a "solidarity visa" alongside the existing program. This adjustment aims to offer residency rights to non-EU nationals who invest in Portugal. Since its inception in 2012, the golden visa scheme has successfully attracted over 7.3 billion euros ($7.94 billion) in investment funds.