Current Affairs - Places

The Truenat, a rapid molecular diagnostic test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, received recognition at the 77th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. This portable device provides test results in less than an hour and is instrumental in India's National TB Elimination Programme, used across primary health centres and private laboratories. The World Health Assembly acknowledged India's efforts in TB elimination, underscoring the global importance of innovative diagnostic tools like Truenat in combating tuberculosis worldwide.

The e-Shram portal, aimed at organizing India's informal labour sector, was presented at the 112th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. This conference serves as the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) principal decision-making forum, where global labour standards and policies are discussed among representatives from 187 member states, including governments, workers, and employers. The e-Shram portal, launched in 2021, aims to create a comprehensive database for unorganized workers in India, facilitating their access to various social security schemes and government benefits.

The Bonn Climate Conference 2024 concluded in Bonn, Germany, focusing on critical climate action issues ahead of the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. Discussions primarily addressed unresolved matters like carbon market guidelines and climate finance goals under the Paris Agreement. The conference highlighted ongoing challenges and the need for international cooperation to address climate change effectively.

Mumbai has been identified in the Mercer 2024 Cost of Living Survey as India’s most expensive city for expatriates, maintaining its position despite economic challenges. The city ranks 136th globally and 21st in Asia, reflecting high costs in transportation, personal care, and other essential living expenses for expatriates living there.

The G7 Summit in 2024 took place in southern Italy’s Apulia region. This annual summit gathers leaders from the G7 countries along with the European Union to discuss global challenges and formulate joint initiatives on issues such as the global economy and regional affairs.