Current Affairs - July 5, 2024 Current Affairs

The Divya Kala Mela & Divya Kala Shakti event, celebrating the talents of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs, will take place at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This event aims to showcase and promote the creative achievements of individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and the "Vocal for Local" initiative in India.

The PM's ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ Scheme aims to empower women in the agriculture sector by training them to operate agricultural drones. The initiative targets 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups to use drones for activities like crop monitoring, fertiliser spraying, and seed sowing. It is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rural Development, and the Department of Fertilizers, highlighting its focus on enhancing women's participation and capability in agricultural practices.

Russia has set out plans to build its own orbital station by 2033. This project includes launching modules, conducting flight tests of new spacecraft, and developing necessary infrastructure both in space and on Earth. The decision comes as Russia prepares to gradually withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) partnership by 2028, aiming to enhance its capabilities in space exploration and national security through independent orbital initiatives.

The Smart Cities Mission in India, originally scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2024, has been extended until March 31, 2025. This extension reflects the government's commitment to further developing technologically advanced and sustainable urban environments across the country. The mission aims to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainability, and improve the quality of life for citizens through innovative urban solutions.

Laos is gearing up to host the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in its capital, Vientiane, from July 21 to 27. The preparations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, aim to ensure smooth logistics and arrangements for ministers and delegations from over 34 countries attending the regional event. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort by Laos within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing its role in facilitating regional cooperation and dialogue among member states.

Charulatha S Kar has been appointed as Executive Director at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), effective July 1, 2024. With a career spanning over three decades at RBI, she brings extensive experience in areas such as Payment and Settlement Systems, Information Technology, and Government Banking. Her new role includes oversight of the Department of Communication, among other responsibilities. Charulatha S Kar's appointment underscores her expertise and leadership within RBI, focusing on enhancing communication strategies and managing key institutional functions in India's central banking system.

Piyush Pandey, a journalist, authored the book "Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography". The biography provides readers with an insightful portrayal of Manoj Bajpayee's journey in Bollywood, focusing on his determination, artistic choices, and contributions to Hindi cinema. It explores Bajpayee's career from his origins in Bihar to his ascent as a respected actor known for his commitment to meaningful roles, making it a compelling read for fans of Indian cinema and aspiring actors alike.

The 24th SCO Summit convened in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, hosted this significant event where leaders from SCO member states, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, gathered to address regional cooperation and security challenges. As the host nation, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presided over the summit, underscoring Astana's role as a diplomatic hub for international dialogues within the SCO framework.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Executive Committee (CCEXEC) session, attended by India's CEO of FSSAI, is held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. This location serves as a central hub for global discussions and initiatives concerning food safety standards and practices.

Dhirendra K Ojha, a senior Indian Information Service (IIS) officer of the 1990 batch, has been appointed as the principal spokesperson of the central government. Alongside this role, he will also serve as the principal director general of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), playing a crucial role in managing government communications and interactions with the media. His appointment aims to enhance the government’s information dissemination strategy and streamline communication across ministries and departments.

Justice Sheel Nagu has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, succeeding Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia. His appointment follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium and fills the vacancy left after the retirement of Chief Justice RS Jha. Justice Nagu previously served as Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and has a distinguished career marked by numerous reported judgments and contributions to the judiciary in India.

Robert Towne, celebrated for his impactful contributions to American cinema, notably penned the screenplay for "Chinatown," a landmark neo-noir film. His distinguished career spanned decades, earning him accolades such as an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and multiple nominations. Towne's ability to merge personal storytelling with cinematic artistry left an indelible mark on Hollywood, solidifying his legacy as a revered screenwriter whose influence extends far beyond his lifetime.