Current Affairs - June 29, 2024 Current Affairs

Assam has introduced its inaugural Witness Protection Scheme under the approval of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative aims to protect witnesses from threats throughout legal proceedings, employing measures such as in-camera trials, security devices at homes, close protection, temporary relocation, and provision of government vehicles on hearing dates.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement with Thales Group to manufacture 70mm rockets locally in India. This collaboration supports the Indian government’s "Make in India" initiative and aims to enhance self-reliance in defence production. Thales Group, headquartered in Paris, France, specializes in designing and manufacturing electrical systems, devices, and equipment for the aerospace, defence, transportation, and security sectors globally.

Vikram Misri, currently serving as the Deputy National Security Advisor and former Indian ambassador to China, has been appointed as India's new Foreign Secretary. He will assume office on July 15, 2024, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Known for his expertise in India-China relations and previous diplomatic postings, including ambassadorial roles in China and Myanmar, Misri's appointment is expected to bring a strategic focus to India's foreign policy initiatives.

The Central Railway has installed a floating solar plant of 10 MWp capacity in Igatpuri Lake, located in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks the first-of-its-kind installation on the Indian Railways network, aiming to harness renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. The project is part of Central Railway's broader efforts towards achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy goals.

National Statistics Day is celebrated in India every year on June 29th to honour the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a pioneer in statistics and economics. The day emphasizes the importance of accurate data in shaping socio-economic policies and decision-making processes. In 2024, the theme is “Use of data for decision-making,” highlighting the critical role statistics play in informed governance and development planning.

The Rhisotope Project, launched in 2021, aims to combat rhinoceros poaching in South Africa by enhancing the detectability of rhino horns at international borders. Scientists inserted radioactive chips into the horns of rhinos, making them identifiable by radiation sensors without harming the animals or the environment. This innovative approach addresses the severe poaching crisis in South Africa, where rhino horns are illegally trafficked due to demand primarily from Asian markets for traditional medicinal purposes.

SpaceX has been awarded an $843 million contract by NASA to develop a spacecraft designed to safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) by approximately 2030. This contract marks a significant step in NASA's plans to manage the controlled deorbiting of the ISS at the end of its operational life, ensuring a safe re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and minimizing space debris.

The second edition of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League will be held in London, England, from October 3rd to 12th, 2024. The venue for this anticipated event is Friends House, situated in central London. This league, a collaboration between FIDE and Tech Mahindra, aims to innovate the chess fan experience globally by introducing a unique team format where male and female chess champions compete together, making it the world’s first and largest official franchise league of its kind.

India ranks 72nd in the IMF's Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index 2024, which evaluates 174 economies worldwide based on their readiness for artificial intelligence adoption and development. The index highlights Singapore, Denmark, and the United States as top performers in advanced economies (AEs), while India is categorized as an emerging market (EM) with a readiness score of 0.49.

Dr Usha Thakur has been honoured with the 12th Vishwa Hindi Samman for her exceptional contributions to Hindi literature and her efforts in fostering cultural ties between India and Nepal. The award ceremony took place during a specially organized Hindi Samvad event at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, recognizing her significant achievements in the field of linguistics and literature.

The Reserve Bank of India announced the SAARC Currency Swap Framework for the period 2024-27. This framework aims to facilitate bilateral swap agreements with SAARC central banks, providing a backstop line of funding for short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or balance of payment crises among SAARC member countries. The initiative underscores India's commitment to regional financial stability and cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.

The International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29. This day aims to highlight the diversity and significance of tropical regions worldwide, emphasizing their critical role in global ecosystems and human societies.

The bioplastic park initiative announced by the Uttar Pradesh government is located in Lakhimpur Kheri district. This ambitious project aims to promote the production and use of biodegradable plastics, addressing environmental concerns while fostering local economic growth. The park, spread across 1,000 hectares in Kumbhi village, Gola Gokarnnath tehsil, involves a significant investment and is developed as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by Balrampur Sugar Mills Firm, with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.

India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating South Africa in the final, marking their second T20 World Cup title after their first win in 2007. Virat Kohli's crucial innings of 76 runs and Jasprit Bumrah's stellar performance throughout the tournament, earning him the Player of the Tournament award, were instrumental in India's victory. This win ended India's 11-year trophy drought in T20 World Cups, showcasing their dominance in international cricket.