Current Affairs - June 19, 2024 Current Affairs

The Bonn Climate Conference 2024 concluded in Bonn, Germany, focusing on critical climate action issues ahead of the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. Discussions primarily addressed unresolved matters like carbon market guidelines and climate finance goals under the Paris Agreement. The conference highlighted ongoing challenges and the need for international cooperation to address climate change effectively.

Ashwani Kumar, an IAS officer belonging to the 1992 batch of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by the Ministry of Home Affairs. His appointment follows his tenure in various key positions within the Delhi government, including Chief Secretary in Puducherry and Principal Secretary in the Home Department. With his extensive administrative experience, Ashwani Kumar is set to lead MCD, one of the largest municipal bodies globally, serving approximately 20 million citizens in Delhi.

The Nalanda University Act, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Nalanda University, was passed in the year 2010. Recently, on June 19, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Rajgir, Bihar. This event marked a significant milestone in the revival of this historic institution, originally thriving for 800 years until its destruction in the 12th century. The Act was instrumental in formalizing decisions taken during the East Asia Summits in 2007 and 2009, underscoring India's commitment to restoring its legacy as an international centre of learning and cultural exchange.

Dhruva Space's Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 satellites were launched by ISRO's PSLV C54 in November 2022. These satellites completed 15,000 orbits around Earth as part of their mission, marking a significant achievement for the Hyderabad-based space tech startup in satellite technology and deployment.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was enacted in the year 1967 to enhance the prevention of certain unlawful activities, including those related to terrorism and acts challenging India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This legislation provides legal measures for investigating and prosecuting individuals and associations involved in unlawful activities across the country. The Act passed after the promulgation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Ordinance in 1966, aims to safeguard national security and maintain public order by empowering agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to handle cases under its provisions.

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed globally on June 19 each year. It aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, a group of genetic disorders affecting red blood cells. The day serves to highlight the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and advocates for improved treatment and support services worldwide. The theme for 2024 is "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally," emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance care and management of this condition, particularly among vulnerable populations like socially and economically marginalized communities.

Delhi Airport launched India’s first self-service mechanism for check-in luggage, known as Self-Service Bag Drop (SSBD). This initiative allows passengers to drop off their luggage, collect tags, and print boarding passes independently, enhancing efficiency and reducing check-in times significantly. The system, implemented across Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in collaboration with airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express, aims to streamline the check-in process by integrating advanced technology for a seamless passenger experience.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on June 19. This day serves to raise awareness about the issue of sexual violence during conflicts worldwide and promotes efforts to end these crimes.

The Indian National Ultimate Frisbee team secured a historic silver medal at the 2024 Asia Oceanic Beach Ultimate Championships in Shirahama, Japan. This achievement marks their first appearance in the finals of such a prestigious international event, underscoring the team's growth and prowess in Ultimate Frisbee. The tournament featured teams from across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, with India's journey highlighted by a notable victory over Japan in the semi-finals before facing the Philippines in a competitive final match.

Subbiah Nallamuthu, a distinguished wildlife filmmaker, received the 18th V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to non-feature and wildlife documentary filmmaking. Presented at the Mumbai International Film Festival, this prestigious award recognizes Nallamuthu's extensive body of work, including acclaimed documentaries like “Tiger Dynasty” and “Living on the Edge.” His career is marked by five National Film Awards and various international accolades, reflecting his profound impact on wildlife filmmaking globally.

Ajith Kumar KK, known for his extensive 36-year career at Federal Bank, including roles such as Chief HR Officer and President, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank. His appointment, approved by the bank's board and subject to shareholder approval, marks a strategic move to leverage his deep expertise in banking operations and leadership to steer Dhanlaxmi Bank forward.

Vinod Ganatra, an eminent children's filmmaker from India, was honoured with South Africa’s prestigious 'Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award' for his exceptional contributions to children’s cinema. He became the first Indian to receive this distinguished award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, highlighting his illustrious career and numerous international accolades.