Current Affairs - June 14, 2024 Current Affairs

Jammu & Kashmir expanded its Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with New Zealand into a comprehensive strategic agreement on June 12. This partnership aims to enhance the sheep and goat sectors through New Zealand’s expertise in breeding technology, sustainable farm management, and advanced disease control measures. The collaboration includes extensive training programs, genetic innovations, and workshops conducted by New Zealand experts in Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on optimizing value chains and implementing cutting-edge agricultural practices to boost sector efficiency and profitability.

According to the Global Peace Index 2024 published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India is ranked 116th among 163 countries evaluated. This ranking reflects India's position in terms of peacefulness compared to other nations worldwide, considering various factors such as levels of violence, militarization, and ongoing conflicts.

The new criminal laws compiled in the "NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws" app are scheduled to come into force from July 01. This mobile app, launched by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), serves as a comprehensive guide to the updated laws including Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. It aims to facilitate easy access and understanding of these laws for various stakeholders such as the general public, legal professionals, and law enforcement officers, providing essential information offline as well.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, recently sanctioned Rs 100 crore under the Chief Minister's Social Security Scheme (CMSSS). This scheme, initiated in 2019, aims to provide financial assistance through pensions to elderly citizens above 60 years, widows, and persons with disabilities (divyang jan). The approval is expected to benefit approximately 80,000 individuals across the state of Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing social security measures under the state government's flagship programme.

Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, declared the country's intention to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), citing grievances over the alliance's response during the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan criticized CSTO members for allegedly favouring Azerbaijan during the military clashes and indicated Armenia's departure from the security pact, which Russia oversees.

NIIMH, located in Hyderabad, has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine Research. This designation underscores NIIMH's role in standardizing terminologies and advancing research in traditional medicine, leveraging digital platforms and scholarly publications to preserve and promote India's medical heritage.

World Blood Donor Day 2024 will be observed on June 14th. This annual event acknowledges the crucial role of voluntary blood donors worldwide and celebrates their contributions to saving lives. The theme for 2024, "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!", underscores two decades of gratitude towards those who selflessly donate blood, emphasizing the ongoing importance of regular blood donation to meet global healthcare needs.

Tata Communications has entered into a significant five-year agreement with World Athletics to provide broadcasting services for premier events such as the World Athletics Indoor Championships, World Athletics Relays, and World Athletics Road Running Championships. This partnership underscores Tata Communications' role as a key supplier in enhancing global coverage and audience engagement through innovative broadcasting solutions, starting from the Tokyo World Championships onwards.

Vedanta's subsidiary, Western Cluster Ltd (WCL), a fully-owned entity of Vedanta Ltd., intends to invest $2 billion in Liberia to enhance the country's mining sector and overall economic development. This investment initiative reflects Vedanta's strategic commitment to expanding its operations in West Africa, specifically aimed at socio-economic upliftment in Liberia under the government's developmental agenda.

Shruti Vora, riding Magnanimous, achieved a historic feat by winning the CDI-3 Grand Prix event in Lipica, Slovenia, scoring 67.761 points. This accomplishment marks her as the first Indian equestrienne to achieve victory at a three-star Grand Prix event in Dressage, showcasing her skill and dedication in competitive equestrian sports.

Wipro has launched the Lab45 AI platform, leveraging generative AI, machine learning, and deep learning technologies to boost efficiency in HR, sales, marketing, and operations. This platform integrates advanced AI capabilities, including state-of-the-art large language models, to provide innovative solutions through both pre-built and custom applications, supporting various industries with enhanced productivity and automation.

Pema Khandu, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took the oath as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive term on June 13, 2024. His swearing-in ceremony marked a significant event attended by several prominent leaders, underlining his political prominence and support within the state.