Current Affairs - June 26, 2024 Current Affairs

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on June 26th. This day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about torture and show solidarity with its victims worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the global commitment to eradicate torture in all its forms, emphasizing its illegality and the need for universal condemnation.

Rahul Gandhi is poised to assume the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The position has remained vacant since 2014, and according to the norms, it is held by the parliamentary chairperson of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, which must command at least 10% of the seats in the house.

Smriti Mandhana achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to score consecutive centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). She accomplished this feat during the second ODI against South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Mandhana's outstanding performance not only set a new record but also highlighted her prowess as a top-tier batswoman in international women's cricket, contributing significantly to India's success in the bilateral series against South Africa.

The 'Chadwick House: Navigating Audit Heritage' Museum, India's first of its kind, was inaugurated in Shimla by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. This museum commemorates the historical significance of Chadwick House, a landmark in Shimla where Mahatma Gandhi stayed in 1946. The museum aims to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of the institution, highlighting its contributions to governance and the training of auditors. It serves as a repository of knowledge and inspiration for future generations, ensuring the legacy of public service and governance integrity is upheld.

China achieved a historic milestone by successfully retrieving samples from the far side of the moon through its Chang’e 6 spacecraft mission. This accomplishment marks China as the first nation to achieve a sample return from this rarely explored lunar region, positioning itself prominently in the global competition for space exploration and lunar research. The samples retrieved from the moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin are expected to provide valuable insights into lunar geology and history, advancing our understanding of the moon's evolution and potential for future exploration missions.

Indian wrestlers achieved a remarkable feat at the 2024 U-17 Asian Wrestling Championship held in Amman, Jordan, securing a total of 11 medals. These included four gold medals won by women wrestlers across different weight categories, highlighting India's strong performance in the competition.

The 64th International Sugar Organisation (ISO) Council meeting is currently taking place in New Delhi, India. Chaired by India, this meeting has convened delegates from over 30 countries to discuss global issues pertaining to the sugar and biofuels industries. As the host nation and current chairman of the ISO, India plays a significant role in facilitating discussions and decisions aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities within these sectors on a global scale.

World Drug Day, also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is observed worldwide every year on June 26th. Established by the United Nations in 1987, this day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The 2024 theme, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention," emphasizes the importance of using scientific evidence to prevent drug problems before they escalate, advocating for global cooperation in combating these issues.

Jagat Prakash Nadda, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Minister, has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. He takes over from Piyush Goyal, who recently transitioned to the Lok Sabha after winning the parliamentary election. As Leader of the House, Nadda will play a crucial role in organizing government proceedings and business in the Upper House of Parliament, representing the majority party in the Rajya Sabha.

Simon Mak, an international strategist and multiple award-winning professor, has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of India’s first artificial intelligence university, Universal AI University (UAIU). Mak, who holds academic credentials from institutions like MIT and SMU Cox School of Business, is the first non-Indian to serve as the founding vice-chancellor of an Indian institution. His appointment aims to elevate UAIU’s academic stature globally, focusing on an innovative AI-driven curriculum and upholding the highest ethical standards in education, ensuring the university’s role in producing future global leaders and entrepreneurs in AI technology and business.

The ULLAS scheme, known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), aims to empower adults aged 15 and above who have missed formal schooling. It focuses on achieving Full Functional Literacy among this demographic, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 objectives. Ladakh's achievement of becoming the first administrative unit to attain Full Functional Literacy under this scheme underscores its success in addressing educational gaps among adults who lacked formal schooling opportunities.

Srinagar has been designated as the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a 'World Craft City' by the World Craft Council (WCC). This recognition highlights Srinagar's rich cultural heritage and its centuries-old tradition of producing exquisite crafts such as shawls, carpets, and papier mache. The World Craft Council aims to promote and support craftspersons worldwide, fostering economic development through craft-related activities and cultural exchange programs.