Current Affairs - June 27, 2024 Current Affairs

The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, were originally established in the year 1972. These rules have been recently amended to extend maternity and child care leave provisions for government employees involved in surrogacy, allowing commissioning mothers 180 days of maternity leave and commissioning fathers 15 days of paternity leave. This amendment marks a significant update to regulations that were instituted over five decades ago, reflecting evolving policies to support parental responsibilities among government servants.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) received the "Sustainable Governance Champion Award" at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024. This accolade underscores GRSE's steadfast commitment to sustainable practices and governance excellence. Established in 1884 and based in Kolkata, GRSE is renowned for constructing and servicing commercial and naval vessels, and it holds the distinction of being the first Indian shipyard to have built 100 warships.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) and delivered it to the Indian Navy. This technology, developed by DRDO’s Jodhpur lab, creates a microwave obscurant cloud in space to protect against threats equipped with radio frequency seekers. The rocket's effectiveness in reducing radar detection was validated through Phase-I and Phase-II trials conducted on Indian Navy ships, demonstrating its strategic significance in naval operations.

Mark Rutte, the outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of NATO. Known for his extensive experience and diplomatic skills, Rutte's appointment comes at a crucial time for NATO as it navigates complex global security challenges. His leadership is expected to strengthen transatlantic relations and foster consensus within the alliance, building on his 14-year tenure as the Dutch Prime Minister.

Paraguay recently achieved full membership status in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant milestone in global efforts to promote solar energy. By joining ISA, Paraguay aligns itself with initiatives aimed at accelerating solar energy deployment worldwide, addressing climate change through sustainable energy solutions. This move underscores ISA's mission, launched jointly by India and France during COP21, to facilitate technology transfer, finance mobilization, and capacity building for solar energy projects globally.

Arundhati Roy, the Booker Prize-winning author, received the Pen Pinter Prize for 2024 in recognition of her significant literary contributions. Established by English PEN to celebrate impactful literature and defend freedom of expression, the Pen Pinter Prize honours the memory of Nobel-Laureate playwright Harold Pinter. The award underscores Roy's role in addressing critical social issues through her writing, amidst challenges to freedom of expression, highlighting her courage and literary prowess.

Tata Sons secured approval from the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet to construct a ₹650 crore 'Museum of Temples' in Ayodhya, funded through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. This project aims to showcase the history and architecture of India’s temples and boost tourism in Ayodhya. The initiative underscores Tata's commitment to cultural preservation and community development through significant investments in heritage and tourism infrastructure.

The joint military exercises involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan are named "Freedom Edge". These drills are designed to enhance capabilities in ballistic missile defence, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and defensive cyber training. Conducted annually, they aim to showcase solidarity among the three nations in response to North Korea's nuclear threats and China's growing influence in the region, underscoring strategic cooperation and readiness among allies in East Asia.

The first International Dairy Federation Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 is taking place in Kochi from June 26 to 28. Organized by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, NDDB, and IDF, the summit focuses on 'Farmer-centric innovations in dairying' and has attracted over 1,000 delegates from more than 20 countries. The conference aims to address significant issues in the dairy sector and promote One Health principles, highlighting Kochi as a key hub for discussions on dairy industry advancements and global collaborations.

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) forecasts India's GDP growth rate for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) to potentially reach around 7.5%. This outlook suggests optimism about the resilience and growth momentum of the Indian economy, supported by various high-frequency indicators showing robust performance across sectors.

ICICI Bank recently joined the elite club of Indian companies with a market capitalisation exceeding $100 billion. As of June 25, 2024, ICICI Bank's market cap reached approximately Rs 8.4 lakh crore, driven by a significant rise in its share price over the past year. This milestone underscores ICICI Bank's position as the second largest bank in India by market capitalisation, trailing only HDFC Bank among Indian banks.

Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day is observed annually on June 27. This day acknowledges the pivotal role MSMEs play in economies worldwide, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and fostering local development. The celebration aims to raise awareness about their importance and promote policies that support their growth and sustainability.