Current Affairs - July 10, 2024 Current Affairs

IIT-Jodhpur has announced that it will offer BTech programs in both Hindi and English for its new batch of students. This initiative, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, allows first-year students to choose their preferred language of instruction, leading to the batch being divided into two sections accordingly. The inclusion of remedial English classes aims to support students in potentially transitioning to the English medium, ensuring a smooth academic experience for all enrolled students.

The Supreme Court appointed former Chief Justice of India, Uday Umesh Lalit, as the chairman of the search and selection committee for appointing vice-chancellors in West Bengal’s state-run universities. This decision was made by a division bench of the Supreme Court on July 9, 2024, following a special leave petition by the West Bengal government.

Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, is leading the Indian delegation to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The forum focuses on the role of parliaments in advancing global development and security through multilateral cooperation. Birla's leadership underscores India's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and its active participation in international forums aimed at fostering equitable global development and enhancing global security measures.

Gagan Narang, a four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist has been appointed as India’s Chef-De-Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Narang’s elevation to this role follows Mary Kom’s resignation due to health reasons. As Chef-De-Mission, Narang will oversee the well-being of the Indian Olympic contingent, serve as the primary liaison with organizing committees, and coordinate with athletes and officials during the Games.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that Sharath Kamal, a veteran table tennis player, will serve as the male flag bearer for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside PV Sindhu. This decision aligns with the International Olympic Committee's push for gender equality in sports. Kamal's selection highlights his significant contributions and achievements in table tennis, making him a key figure in representing India on the global stage.

Surya Kant, a key leader from Tata Sons, has joined the Board of Directors of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). Known for his influential role in expanding TCS's North American operations significantly, Kant's appointment underscores his expertise in fostering strategic partnerships and business growth between India and the United States. His leadership in scaling TCS's revenues and securing major sponsorships, such as the New York City Marathon, highlights his capability to drive impactful initiatives on a global scale.

The Adani Group, chaired by Gautam Adani, has been announced as the principal sponsor for the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This sponsorship signifies a significant commitment by the conglomerate to support Indian athletes and promote national pride through sports. The #DeshkaGeetAtOlympics campaign launched by Adani Group aims to celebrate the dedication of Indian athletes and inspire patriotic fervour among the public, highlighting the importance of representing India on the global stage of sports.

In a special ceremony in the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin of Russia conferred "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle," Russia's highest national award, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant contribution to strengthening India-Russia ties. This award, announced in 2019, marks PM Modi as the first Indian leader to receive this prestigious honour, highlighting the depth of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The original Haj Committee Rules, which have now been amended by the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024, were established in 2002. This amendment reflects the administrative shift from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. According to the new rules, officers from the ministries of external affairs, home affairs, finance, and civil aviation will be nominated as ex-officio members of the Haj Committee. This inclusion ensures a comprehensive approach to managing the committee's activities.

Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Adviser for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her role is on a pro bono basis, emphasizing her dedication to public health service and her commitment to eradicating tuberculosis in India. In this capacity, she will provide strategic guidance, technical advice, and policy direction, and shape the research strategy to enhance the program’s effectiveness.

The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) board has approved the reappointment of Satyanarayan Goel as its Chairman and Managing Director for a new three-year term starting August 10, 2024. Goel’s extensive knowledge in the power sector and over 40 years of experience were key factors in this decision. His current term was set to end on August 9, 2024, due to the age limit specified in the Companies Act, 2013.

The Azerbaijan Army has participated in the "Birlestik-2024" joint military exercises in Kazakhstan. These exercises, involving several Central Asian nations, aim to enhance regional defence cooperation and readiness through joint operational planning and training scenarios. The participation of Azerbaijan underscores its commitment to regional security and collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries in defence and military operations.