Current Affairs - June 16, 2024 Current Affairs

The International Day of Family Remittances is observed globally on June 16th each year. This day acknowledges the crucial contributions of over 200 million migrants who send money back home to support their families. Family remittances play a vital role in providing financial stability and meeting essential needs such as healthcare and education for millions of people worldwide. This observance underscores the importance of facilitating secure and affordable money transfers to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment among migrant communities.

Saurabh Sharma, hailing from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district, achieved remarkable success by clinching two gold medals in the World Para Athlete Grand Prix held in Nottwil City, Switzerland. Competing in the T12 category, Sharma displayed outstanding performance in both the 155-meter and 5000-meter races. Prior to this international triumph, Sharma had already secured seven gold medals at the national level, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication in para-athletics.

Reetika Hooda secured a silver medal in the women's 76kg category at the Budapest Wrestling Series. Despite facing tough opponents, including former world champion Justina Di Stasio, Hooda emerged victorious in three out of four matches. However, she faced defeat against Tatiana Renteria in the final match. This tournament played a crucial role in determining the seedings for the Paris 2024 Olympics, making Hooda's achievement significant in the context of her Olympic aspirations in wrestling.

Ashis Kumar Dash, an officer of the Indian Trade Service (ITradeS) from the 2008 batch, has been appointed as Director of NITI Aayog. His appointment was recommended by the Department of Commerce. This role signifies Dash's responsibilities in contributing to policy formulation and strategic planning within NITI Aayog, an apex government body tasked with fostering cooperative federalism and promoting sustainable development goals across various sectors in India.

Kolkata has been chosen as the venue for the conference titled "India's Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System," organized by the Ministry of Law and Justice. The conference aims to delve into the details of three new laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. It serves as a platform for legal experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and raise awareness about these new legislations, highlighting their impact on the administration of criminal justice in India.

The Uttar Pradesh government has agreed to host the MotoGP Bharat event at the Buddha Circuit in Greater Noida's Gautam Buddha Nagar district from 2025 to 2029. A contract will be signed between the state government, Dorna Sports, and its Indian partner, Fairstreet Sports, for the organization of this prestigious event. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to promoting sports and tourism in the region, with an allocated budget of ₹80 crore through the Invest UP department, as announced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Father’s Day 2024 will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16. This day is observed annually on the third Sunday of June to honour and appreciate paternal figures for their love, guidance, and support. Originating from the United States in the early 20th century, Father’s Day has become a global celebration to recognize the importance of fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and other fatherly figures in nurturing families and contributing to society. It is a day for families to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate the special bond between fathers and their children.

Puja Tomar created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a victory in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She achieved this milestone by defeating Rayanne dos Santos from Brazil at UFC Louisville 2024. Hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Tomar has a background in mixed martial arts and has also clinched the straw-weight title twice in the Matrix Fight Night tournaments.

Australia will permit non-citizen permanent residents residing in the country for at least 12 months to enlist in its armed forces from July 2024. This decision comes as Australia faces challenges in meeting its military recruitment targets. The preference will be given to citizens from the Five Eyes countries, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This initiative aims to bolster Australia's military capabilities amid perceived threats, particularly from China, and to address the current shortfall in defence personnel.

Jyoti Vij has been appointed as the new director general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). She brings extensive experience, currently serving as the additional director general at FICCI. Her educational background includes graduating from Shri Ram College of Commerce in 1988 and earning a master's degree in business economics from the University of Delhi in 1990. This appointment underscores FICCI's commitment to leadership continuity and advancing its strategic initiatives under Vij's stewardship.

The UN has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to raise awareness and promote advancements in quantum technologies. This initiative aims to harness quantum science for various sectors including renewable energy, medicine, finance, and communications, highlighting its potential for sustainable development and global innovation.

Sub Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev made history by becoming the Indian Navy’s first woman helicopter pilot. Her achievement was celebrated during a passing out parade held at the naval air station INS Rajali in Arakkonam. This milestone underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and expanding career opportunities for women in the armed forces.