Current Affairs - June 30, 2024 Current Affairs

France collaborated with China in launching the Space Variable Objects Monitor satellite, aimed at studying gamma-ray bursts. This joint effort follows their previous collaboration on the China-France Oceanography Satellite in 2018, highlighting France's involvement in space exploration initiatives with China.

Didymocarpus janakiae, a newly discovered plant species, was found in the sub-tropical forests of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. Named in honour of Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, an eminent Indian botanist, this species belongs to the genus Didymocarpus within the Gesneriaceae family. The discovery underscores Arunachal Pradesh's biodiversity richness and highlights the conservation challenges faced by rare plant species due to habitat degradation in the region.

Corporate Infotech Private Limited (CIPL), a Noida-based IT company, is developing 'Gov-Drive', a cloud-based platform designed specifically for over 50 lakh government employees. This platform aims to enhance the speed and confidentiality of file exchange among various governmental entities, including ministries, departments, judiciary, and advisory bodies. The initiative seeks to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency within the central government through modern digital solutions.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a 3D hydrogel culture system that replicates human lungs, enhancing tuberculosis (TB) research capabilities. This innovative model, made from collagen, enables prolonged observation periods and provides a more accurate representation of human lung tissue compared to conventional 2D models. The advancement aims to facilitate detailed studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection dynamics and efficacy of TB drugs, potentially leading to improved treatments and insights into combating this infectious disease effectively.

The Indian Army inaugurated the Khalubar War Memorial in Ladakh to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Located in the Aryan Valley, this memorial commemorates the bravery of soldiers, including Captain Manoj Pandey, who played a crucial role in reclaiming the area during the Kargil War. The opening ceremony featured a 'Trek to Battle Site,' underscoring the significance of the location in India's military history.

The Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education was recently inaugurated at Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar. This centre is dedicated to advancing research and education related to the Olympics, focusing on training methodologies, sports science, and athlete development. The inauguration marks a significant step towards bolstering India's sports infrastructure and knowledge base in Olympic sports.

India and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their naval training collaboration through the integration of 76 trainees from the King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) into the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This initiative aims to bolster bilateral naval cooperation and foster mutual understanding between the two nations. The training program encompasses various activities such as seamanship, simulator exercises, and sail training onboard, enhancing operational skills and inter-naval camaraderie between India and Saudi Arabia.

International Asteroid Day is observed annually on June 30th. This day aims to raise awareness about the potential hazards posed by asteroids and other near-Earth objects (NEOs). It commemorates the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, a significant asteroid impact in Siberia. The objectives include educating the public, promoting asteroid research, and developing global communication strategies in case of NEO threats.

The International Day of Parliamentarism is observed annually on June 30th. This day recognizes the role of parliaments in democratic governance and emphasizes their contribution to international peace and cooperation. The theme for 2024, "Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding," highlights the efforts of parliamentarians in promoting dialogue and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024 has ranked Vienna, the capital city of Austria, as the best city to live in for the third year in a row. This index evaluates cities based on various factors including stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure, highlighting Vienna's consistently high performance across these criteria.

H.E António Costa, a Portuguese lawyer and politician who previously served as the 118th prime minister of Portugal, has been elected as the President of the European Council. He is set to assume this role in December 2024. The European Council plays a crucial role in defining the European Union's overall political direction and priorities, focusing on strategic decisions rather than legislative matters within the EU framework.

World Rainforest Day is observed annually on June 22nd to emphasize the significance of rainforests and promote their conservation. The day, initiated by the Rainforest Partnership in 2017, aims to raise awareness about the critical roles rainforests play in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and their cultural importance to indigenous communities. The theme for World Rainforest Day 2024, "Empowering the World in Defense of Our Rainforests," underscores the global effort needed to protect these vital ecosystems for the benefit of all life on Earth.