Current Affairs - June 23, 2024 Current Affairs

The Truenat, a rapid molecular diagnostic test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, received recognition at the 77th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. This portable device provides test results in less than an hour and is instrumental in India's National TB Elimination Programme, used across primary health centres and private laboratories. The World Health Assembly acknowledged India's efforts in TB elimination, underscoring the global importance of innovative diagnostic tools like Truenat in combating tuberculosis worldwide.

The 'Young India Group' in Raipur undertook an initiative to create a mini-forest using the Miyawaki Method, planting more than 2,500 saplings in Gandhi Udyan. This method, originating from Japan, focuses on maximizing plant density in small areas to combat air pollution effectively. The initiative aims to boost oxygen levels and reduce pollution in urban spaces, with plans to expand this green initiative across the city of Raipur.

India collaborated with China and the UK to develop a superhydrophobic activated carbon catalyst aimed at reducing the production costs of biodiesel. This collaboration resulted in a catalyst derived from biomass, significantly lowering the cost of biodiesel production to approximately 37 cents per litre from the previous ₹100. The catalyst's development marks a significant advancement in making sustainable energy solutions more economically viable and accessible, potentially impacting global efforts towards renewable energy adoption.

ZSI scientists discovered Pisodonophis kalinga, a new species of eel, in the Palur canal located in Odisha's Ganjam district. Named after ancient Odisha, this snake-like eel species belongs to the Ophichthidae family and order Anguilliformes. It is notably found in the Chilika lagoon and the adjacent Palur canal and has been commonly referred to as the Kalinga snake eel by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Discovery of new species enriches biodiversity studies and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in regional ecosystems.

Manav Rachna University (MRU) partnered with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and NARL (National Atmospheric Research Laboratory) to install Delhi NCR's first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. This collaboration aims to boost research in atmospheric and space sciences at MRU, providing students from engineering and science departments with practical experience in satellite navigation technology.

AIIMS Delhi made medical history by performing India's first foetal blood transfusion, a groundbreaking procedure that helped save a baby with a rare blood disorder. This milestone procedure, which involved using O D phenotype red cell units sourced from Japan, was performed on a woman from Haryana who had experienced seven previous unsuccessful pregnancies. The successful outcome underscores AIIMS Delhi's advanced capabilities in managing complex medical cases and pioneering new treatments in the field of maternal and foetal healthcare.

India secured the 176th position among 180 countries in the 2024 Environment Performance Index. This ranking reflects challenges such as high emissions, poor air quality, and biodiversity-habitat concerns. India's heavy reliance on coal significantly impacts its environmental performance, leading to poor air quality and high projected emissions, which contributed to its low ranking in the index. The country's specific rankings were 177th in air quality and 172nd in projected emissions by 2025, highlighting areas needing urgent attention for environmental improvement.

Harpal Singh Bedi, who passed away at the age of 72, was a veteran sports journalist known for his extensive coverage of Indian sports over more than four decades. He held prominent roles such as sports editor of UNI and consulting editor for Statesman. Bedi also served as the press attaché for India's Olympic contingent in 2012. His influence extended beyond reporting, as he mentored numerous young journalists, leaving a lasting impact on sports journalism in India.

Kalash Gupta, a Computer Science Engineering student at IIT Delhi, emerged as the winner of TCS CodeVita Season 10, defeating over 100,000 participants from 87 countries. This prestigious competition, recognized by Guinness World Records, showcases the programming prowess of global talent, with Gupta receiving recognition from IIT Delhi Director, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, for his achievement.

World Hydrography Day is celebrated annually on June 21st worldwide. Organized by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), this day aims to promote awareness about hydrography and its significance in marine activities. The theme for 2024, "Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities," underscores the evolving role of hydrography in modern navigation practices and environmental sustainability efforts across seas and oceans.