Current Affairs - June 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Nvidia, a prominent American technology company specializing in GPUs and AI hardware, recently achieved the status of the world's most valuable company, surpassing Microsoft. This milestone reflects Nvidia's significant market capitalization growth driven by its leadership in AI technologies and chip manufacturing.

Health officials in Japan are closely monitoring nearly 1,000 cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a severe bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. This infection triggers rapid and severe symptoms, including fever, and muscle aches, and can progress to organ failure and even death if untreated. The Japanese authorities have heightened preventive measures, emphasizing good hygiene practices and awareness to curb the spread of this contagious disease through respiratory droplets and direct contact.

Nine major ports of India achieved recognition in the Global Top 100 in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, a report compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence. This achievement underscores India's progress in port modernization and efficiency enhancement under the Sagarmala programme, contributing to improved operational metrics like turnaround time and container handling efficiency across these ports.

Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin star and reigning Olympic and World Champion, clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 held in Turku, Finland. Known for his impressive opening throw of 83.62m and a best effort of 85.97m in the third round, Neeraj demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the competition. His victory further solidified his status as a dominant force in the sport of javelin throw, highlighting his ability to perform at the highest level on the global stage.

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of a new major port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra's Palghar District. With a projected cost of ₹76,220 crore, this Greenfield deep draft port aims to enhance maritime infrastructure and contribute significantly to India's economic growth and trade capabilities.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has partnered with Ria Money Transfer to offer innovative remittance services in rural India. This collaboration aims to provide accessible, affordable, and secure financial services directly to customers in remote areas, leveraging IPPB's extensive postal network and Ria Money Transfer's global expertise in cross-border money transfers. The partnership facilitates international inward money transfer services at thousands of Post Office locations, enhancing financial inclusion and economic opportunities for rural communities across India.

Axis Bank has approved a proposal to acquire additional equity shares in Max Life Insurance for up to ₹336 crore, increasing its collective shareholding from 19.02% to 19.66%. This move is part of Axis Bank's strategy to strengthen its presence in the insurance sector, following previous investments aimed at enhancing its strategic position and influence within Max Life Insurance.

World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20th. This day serves to raise awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide, honour their resilience, and advocate for their rights and support. The theme for World Refugee Day 2024 is "Everyone is Welcome," emphasizing global unity and inclusion in welcoming refugees into communities and supporting their journey towards safety and dignity.

The United Kingdom (UK) has overtaken China to become India’s fourth-largest export market as of May 2024, according to Commerce Department data. India's exports to the UK grew significantly, reaching $1.37 billion, driven by various sectors including machinery, food items, pharmaceutical products, textiles, jewellery, iron, and steel. This shift reflects evolving trade dynamics and the strategic importance of the UK market for Indian exports amidst global economic changes and recovery phases.

NHAI plans to enhance the green cover along National Highways by implementing Miyawaki Plantation, a method known for its rapid growth and biodiversity benefits. This Japanese afforestation technique focuses on creating dense and native forests using indigenous plant species, which are well-suited to local climate and soil conditions. The Miyawaki Plantation method not only accelerates forest growth but also helps in groundwater recharge, acts as a barrier against sound and dust, and promotes ecological restoration effectively.

The Indian Army launched a state-of-the-art skin bank at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) to provide advanced care for severe burn injuries suffered by armed forces personnel and their families. This facility will serve as a central hub for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing skin grafts, ensuring high-quality care with stringent safety standards.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited North Korea, marking his first visit to the country in 24 years. North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is located in East Asia and shares borders with China and Russia to the north, and South Korea to the south at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Pyongyang serves as its capital, and the North Korean Won is its official currency. This visit underscores diplomatic relations and geopolitical dynamics in the region, impacting global politics and security concerns.

CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) collaborated with Mastercard to strengthen cybersecurity within India's financial sector. This partnership focuses on improving incident response capabilities, capacity-building initiatives, and conducting advanced malware analysis. Mastercard, a global leader in payment technology and financial services, brings its expertise to bolster cybersecurity measures, aiming to safeguard financial infrastructure against cyber threats in collaboration with CERT-In, the Indian government's cybersecurity agency.