Current Affairs - June 22, 2024 Current Affairs

Recently, a team of herpetologists discovered the presence of the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve for the first time. This elongated, limbless amphibian belongs to the order Gymnophiona and is typically found in moist tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, making its sighting in Kaziranga a significant ecological discovery.

Manoj Jain has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a prominent Indian defence electronics company. With a career spanning over three decades at BEL, Jain has held various key positions, including Director (R&D) and Director (Bangalore Complex), before assuming his current role. His appointment signifies continuity and leadership in driving BEL's strategic initiatives and technological advancements in the defence sector.

Atul Kumar Chaudhary, an Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer of the 1989 batch and currently serving as Deputy Director General (DDG) at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has been appointed as the Secretary of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Chaudhary's extensive experience in telecom and administrative roles, including at BSNL and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), makes him well-suited for overseeing regulatory matters and policy implementation in the telecommunications sector in India.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) collaborated with the Australian Government to launch the Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural skills through pilot projects in various Indian states, focusing on 5 critical job roles identified through extensive consultations. The project intends to scale this model to other sectors beyond agriculture, fostering bilateral cooperation in skill development between India and Australia.

International Widows' Day is observed annually on June 23rd by the United Nations to draw attention to the often overlooked challenges faced by widows worldwide. It aims to promote their rights, support their unique needs, and raise awareness about their experiences, particularly in the context of global events like armed conflicts, displacement, migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This day serves as a call to action for achieving full rights and recognition for widows globally.

The Hemis Festival, known as Hemis Tsechu, is celebrated annually in Ladakh, India. This vibrant cultural event honours Guru Padmasambhava and features the iconic Chaam dance performed by monks at the Hemis Monastery. It showcases traditional Buddhist rituals, thangka exhibitions, and local handicrafts, highlighting Ladakh's rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.

As of April 2024, India holds the third position in the global domestic airline market, marking a significant rise from its fifth position a decade ago. This achievement is attributed to India's robust growth in airline seat capacity, infrastructure development, and the dominance of low-cost carriers (LCCs) like IndiGo, which have contributed to the country's prominence in the global aviation sector.

The e-Shram portal, aimed at organizing India's informal labour sector, was presented at the 112th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. This conference serves as the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) principal decision-making forum, where global labour standards and policies are discussed among representatives from 187 member states, including governments, workers, and employers. The e-Shram portal, launched in 2021, aims to create a comprehensive database for unorganized workers in India, facilitating their access to various social security schemes and government benefits.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, currently serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in an additional capacity. This decision follows the removal of Subodh Kumar Singh amid controversies regarding exam irregularities. Kharola, an IAS officer of the 1985 batch, will oversee NTA's operations until a regular incumbent is appointed or further orders are issued by the government.

Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term Lok Sabha member and former member of the BJD who recently joined the BJP, has been appointed as the pro tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The pro tem Speaker is appointed temporarily to conduct essential duties until a permanent Speaker is elected by the House.

United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated annually on June 23rd worldwide. This day serves to recognize and celebrate the contributions of public servants to society, promote the value of public service, and inspire young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

Tajikistan's parliament recently passed a law prohibiting hijabs and other traditional Islamic clothing, categorizing them as "alien garments." The law imposes significant fines for violations, reflecting the government's stance on promoting traditional Tajik attire and cultural practices. This legislative move has sparked debates within Tajikistan's predominantly Muslim population and has a historical context dating back to earlier restrictions on Islamic attire in public institutions since 2007.

Federal Bank has introduced the RuPay Wave Credit Card, leveraging NPCI's UPI technology for seamless transactions. This card allows customers to conduct payments via mobile devices using the FedMobile application. It features benefits such as no annual fees, cashback on initial UPI transactions, and bonus reward points for quarterly expenditures exceeding ₹50,000, enhancing customer convenience and transaction efficiency.