Current Affairs - July 8, 2024 Current Affairs

Karnataka has introduced the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill to regulate social security and welfare for platform-based gig workers, making it the second state after Rajasthan to do so. This bill aims to establish a Welfare Board, grievance redressal mechanisms, and mandates for aggregators to ensure timely payments and safe working conditions for gig workers. It seeks to provide a structured framework for the gig economy, addressing issues such as contractual rights, social security schemes, and penalties for non-compliance.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered with Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (AHFL) through a $60 million financing agreement aimed at providing housing loans to low-income women in India. This initiative addresses the financing gap in affordable housing and promotes financial inclusion, particularly in states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. ADB's support underscores its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific region, focusing on critical sectors such as housing and infrastructure.

India recently unveiled the 'Zorawar' light tank, developed in collaboration with DRDO and Larsen & Toubro. Named after General Zorawar Singh, the tank is designed for high-altitude operations and features advanced weaponry and protection systems. It marks a significant advancement in India's defence capabilities, particularly aimed at enhancing military presence in challenging terrains like Ladakh, Sikkim, or Kashmir, following strategic requirements highlighted during recent geopolitical tensions.

In India, children up to 14 years of age are considered child labour according to regulations aimed at protecting their rights and ensuring their welfare. The declaration of Jharkhand's mica mines as 'child labour-free' by NCPCR underscores efforts to eliminate underage labour from hazardous industries like mining, where children were historically involved in collecting mica.

Belarus has recently become the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as confirmed during the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. This expansion highlights the organization's increasing influence and appeal across Eurasia, originally established in Shanghai in 2001 and headquartered in Beijing, China.

Project PARI (Public Art of India), initiated by the Ministry of Culture, focuses on exhibiting the rich artistic heritage of India through various forms of public art installations. This project, involving over 150 visual artists, integrates traditional Indian art forms with contemporary themes, aiming to enrich urban landscapes and promote cultural inclusivity. The initiative underscores India's commitment to preserving and promoting its diverse cultural heritage on a global platform, particularly showcased during significant events like the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) intends to raise ₹7,500 crore through Additional Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds by March 2025. This capital-raising initiative is aimed at fulfilling regulatory capital requirements and supporting the bank's growth objectives. BoB's strategy includes issuing these bonds in multiple tranches, potentially including the overseas market based on favourable market conditions, as approved by its board of directors.

ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, has shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to participate in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This private spaceflight mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, aims to advance commercial activities in space and conduct various scientific experiments in microgravity. The mission is scheduled for 2024 and will utilize a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, highlighting ISRO's involvement in international space collaborations.

The 'Mitra Van' initiative aims to plant 35 crore saplings across 35 districts, including those along the Uttar Pradesh and Nepal border, as part of the Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024. This initiative focuses on increasing green cover and promoting environmental sustainability in the region.

World Kiswahili Language Day is celebrated annually on July 7th. This date was designated by UNESCO to honour the cultural and linguistic significance of Kiswahili, also known as Swahili. The theme for this day in 2024 is "Kiswahili: Education and Culture of Peace," underscoring its role in promoting harmony across diverse cultures. The celebration typically includes events at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and around the world, highlighting Kiswahili's widespread usage as a lingua franca in Africa and its contributions to global cultural diversity and dialogue.

Lewis Hamilton achieved a historic victory at the British Grand Prix 2024, marking his ninth win on any track and extending his all-time Formula 1 record to 104 wins. This win was significant as Hamilton continued to solidify his legacy in the sport, competing closely with his rivals like Max Verstappen.

Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist lawmaker and cardiac surgeon, has been elected as Iran's president. His victory signals a shift towards pragmatic policies domestically and potentially in international relations, despite challenges posed by hardliners and the supreme leadership. This election outcome may influence Iran's stance on regional issues and impact its relationships, including with countries like India, particularly concerning economic ties and regional security initiatives.