Current Affairs - June 11, 2024 Current Affairs

Priyanka Jarkiholi made history by becoming the youngest tribal woman to win a Lok Sabha seat from an unreserved constituency in Karnataka. She achieved this milestone by securing victory in the Chikkodi constituency, defeating the incumbent MP Annasaheb Jolle. Priyanka's win is notable for breaking barriers and highlighting her political prowess within the state's electoral landscape.

Inder Pal Singh Bindra, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He succeeds Anupama Anand and is expected to serve a three-year term in this role. The CCI, established to enforce the Competition Act, of 2002, plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and preventing practices detrimental to market competition in India.

Bank of India has acquired a 6.125% stake in Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (IFSC) for ₹6.125 crore. This strategic move aims to strengthen the bank's presence in GIFT City IFSC, aligning with its goal to enhance operations and contribute to the financial ecosystem. The acquisition underscores Bank of India's commitment to expanding its footprint and influence within the global financial hub at GIFT City.

Prem Singh Tamang, the leader of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for the second consecutive term on June 10. Administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, the oath ceremony included 11 other Ministers from the SKM party. Tamang's reelection follows SKM's landslide victory in the state's recent elections, securing 31 out of 32 seats in the assembly. His leadership is pivotal as the state progresses under SKM's governance for another term.

The International Day of Play 2024 was celebrated worldwide on June 11. This day signifies the significance of play in nurturing creativity, resilience, and social skills, particularly among children. It also emphasizes the recognition of play as a fundamental right according to international standards, promoting its benefits across communities and cultures.

India has set its sights on managing the Mongla Port in Bangladesh as part of its strategy to expand overseas port operations and enhance regional connectivity. This move aims to counter China's influence in the region and strengthen India's commercial and security interests, similar to its endeavours at Chabahar in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar. The initiative underscores India's proactive approach to securing vital maritime routes and fostering strategic partnerships with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) is expanding its global presence by establishing a representative office in Dubai. This strategic move aims to strengthen PNB's international footprint and is part of its broader strategy to increase profitability through portfolio expansion and revenue diversification. The office, expected to be operational within the current financial year pending regulatory approvals, reflects PNB's commitment to enhancing customer service and fostering business growth in key global markets.

GAIL, India's premier natural gas company, is set to establish India’s largest Ethane Cracker Project with a capacity of 1,500 KTA (kilotons per annum) in Madhya Pradesh (MP), specifically in Ashta, Sehore district. This ambitious project, expected to require an investment of approximately Rs 60,000 crore, underscores GAIL's strategic initiative to enhance India's petrochemical capabilities. The Madhya Pradesh state government has allocated around 800 hectares of land for the project, facilitating its development and contributing to the region's industrial growth and employment opportunities.

Visakhapatnam Port achieved the 19th position in the Container Port Performance Index 2023, surpassing Mundra Port. Managed by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics, the port's efficiency in vessel time and operational metrics contributed to its high ranking. This recognition underscores Visakhapatnam Port's role as a key player in India's maritime sector, highlighting its operational excellence and adherence to global standards in container handling.

IIT Madras has partnered with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to conduct a study on multidrug-resistant pathogens aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This collaboration aims to explore the behavior, adaptation, and evolution of these pathogens in the unique space environment, situated approximately 400 km above the Earth’s surface. The findings from this research hold significant implications for understanding microbial behaviour in extreme conditions, offering insights that could potentially influence healthcare practices and antimicrobial strategies on Earth.

Nepal's House of Representatives recently approved the proposal to ratify the framework agreement for International Solar Alliance (ISA) membership. This decision reflects Nepal's commitment to harnessing solar power as a clean energy source to support its national development goals and combat climate change. As part of its renewable energy strategy, Nepal aims to significantly increase its solar power capacity, with plans to develop up to 30,000 MW of electricity from solar sources by 2035, showcasing its proactive stance towards sustainable energy solutions.

The 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) took place in Geneva, Switzerland. This conference, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), convenes annually to discuss and set international labour standards, aiming to promote social justice and economic welfare globally. Delegations from 187 member states, including India led by Secretary Sumita Dawra, participate in addressing key labour-related issues during this significant event in Geneva.

Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, clinched his third consecutive victory at the Canadian Grand Prix 2024. Held at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, this win marked Verstappen's 60th Formula 1 victory and highlighted his dominance in the 2024 F1 season, where he secured six wins out of nine races so far. His performance underscores his skill and determination in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1 racing.

The state of Rajasthan, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has committed Rs 100 crore towards the development of the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit. This initiative aims to bolster tourism by enhancing infrastructure and preserving cultural heritage sites associated with Maharana Pratap, such as Udaipur, Chawand, Haldighati, and others. The investment underscores Rajasthan's effort to promote its rich historical legacy and attract more visitors to these significant locations.

Sumit Nagpal clinched the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 ATP Challenger Tennis tournament in Germany, marking his sixth ATP Challenger title. His victory over Alexander Ritschard of Switzerland in a competitive final affirmed Nagpal's status as India's top-ranked men's singles player. This achievement not only enhances Nagpal's career profile but also qualifies him for participation in the upcoming 2024 Summer Paris Olympics, highlighting his rising stature in professional tennis.