Current Affairs - June 17, 2024 Current Affairs

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually on June 17th. This day serves to raise awareness about the challenges of land degradation and the importance of sustainable land management practices worldwide.

India is poised to become the sixth country globally to launch its own Deep Sea Mission. This initiative aims to explore ocean depths, develop indigenous technologies like the Matsyayaan 6000 submersible, and advance ocean sciences for sustainable marine resource management. The mission underscores India's commitment to pioneering deep-sea exploration and enhancing its capabilities in oceanographic research and technology development.

Indian Railways achieved a milestone by being recognized in the Limca Book of Records for organizing the largest public service event, attended by a staggering 40,19,516 people across 2,140 venues. The event, which took place on February 26, 2024, marked the inauguration of several railway infrastructure projects, including road over/under railway bridges and the laying of foundation stones for new railway stations, underscoring Indian Railways' significant role in national development and public service initiatives.

Fossils of the new dinosaur species, Musankwa sanyatiensis, were discovered along the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. This herbivorous dinosaur lived approximately 210 million years ago during the Late Triassic period and is notable as the first dinosaur named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin in over 50 years, highlighting Zimbabwe's significance in paleontological discoveries.

Chinese scientists utilized the CHASE (Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer) satellite to identify a novel pattern in the rotational dynamics of the solar atmosphere. Launched in October 2021 with a planned operational span of three years, CHASE orbits Earth in a fixed position relative to the sun, enabling continuous observation of solar phenomena and contributing valuable insights into solar physics and atmospheric dynamics.

Cyril Ramaphosa was reelected for a second term as President of South Africa on June 14, following a coalition agreement with a former political opponent just hours before the parliamentary vote. He secured 283 votes against Julius Malema's 44, marking his continuation in office after first assuming the presidency in 2018. This reelection underscores his political leadership and coalition-building efforts in South Africa's evolving political landscape.

Punjab Police initiated 'Mission Nishchay' in the Fazilka district of Punjab, collaborating with BSF and Village Defence Committees to combat drug trafficking along the India-Pakistan border. This initiative aims to gather intelligence and engage local communities in efforts to curb drug-related activities, focusing on areas with significant border proximity and historical drug trafficking incidences.

The Malabar River Festival 2024, featuring the International White Water Kayaking Championship, will be hosted in Kerala's Kozhikode. This event will showcase the thrilling sport of white-water kayaking across several rivers including Thusaharagiri, Chalipuzha, and Iruvazhinjipuzha, attracting participants from around the world.

Siddhesh Sakore, recognized as a Land Hero by the UNCCD, is celebrated for his innovations in natural farming and waste management. His efforts, highlighted on World Desertification and Drought Day, emphasize sustainable agriculture practices and solutions for soil degradation, benefiting farmers and ecosystems alike.

The theme of the 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is "India in Amrit Kaal". This theme reflects the focus of the festival on showcasing India's cultural, social, and artistic richness during a period of prosperity and creativity, emphasizing innovation and creativity in documentary filmmaking. The festival also inaugurated its first Documentary Film Bazaar, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their documentaries and compete for awards, including a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, along with a trophy and certificate.

Oracle has collaborated with Tamil Nadu to implement the Naan Mudhalvan program, aiming to train over 200,000 students in advanced IT skills such as cloud computing, AI, data science, ML, and blockchain. This partnership emphasizes Oracle's role in enhancing youth employability by providing training and certifications in cutting-edge technologies through digital and campus-based learning initiatives.

The G7 Summit in 2024 took place in southern Italy’s Apulia region. This annual summit gathers leaders from the G7 countries along with the European Union to discuss global challenges and formulate joint initiatives on issues such as the global economy and regional affairs.