Monthly Current Affairs June 2024 - National Affairs

A religious festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, honoring the goddess Mahalaxmi. It typically includes processions, chariot construction, and festive activities like playing with vermillion.

India's contribution of $500,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, which underlines India's commitment to combating terrorism globally, particularly in Africa.

Chad's military leader, Mahamat Deby Itno, has won the presidential election, according to provisional results. His main rival, Prime Minister Succès Masra, contested the election.

A 20-year power purchase agreement between Sri Lanka and Adani Green Energy, where Adani will receive 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour for wind-generated electricity.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's call for increased funding for Rohingya assistance, urging the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to find new sources of funding.

The inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park in Nagaland, India, jointly by the Nagaland Chief Minister and Japanese Ambassador to India.

A visa waiver agreement between Moldova and India, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visas for diplomatic and official purposes.

A long-term agreement between Sri Lanka and Adani Green Energy, where Adani will receive 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour for wind-generated electricity.

TI Clean Mobility, a subsidiary of Tube Investments of India (TII), received Rs 580 crore in funding from GEF Capital Partners LLC. This funding includes equity and compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS).

The Indian government approved the export of 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Mauritius. The export is facilitated through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), as stated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB India) partnered with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. This collaboration aims to enhance the financial market ecosystem and foster skilled professionals, ultimately positioning GIFT IFSC as a ‘Global Finance Hub’.

KKR, a global investment firm, acquired Bengaluru-based medical devices company Healthium Medtech from an affiliate of funds advised by private equity firm Apax Partners. The value of the acquisition is estimated to be Rs 6,500-7,000 crore (around $839 million).

Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, former BharatPe COO, launched Eternal Capital, a venture capital fund. The fund plans to raise Rs 120 crore, with an option to raise an additional Rs 120 crore. Over the next three years, Eternal Capital aims to support 40 early-stage startups across various sectors.

Adani Green Energy Ltd secured a $400 million green loan for its ongoing solar projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The lenders involved are DBS Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, MUFG Bank, Rabobank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on three co-operative banks for rule violations. This action occurred on May 2nd, 2024.

The bank’s statement highlights the positive impact of the funding on the ease of making everyday payments.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has increased its projection for India's economic growth in the fiscal year 2024-25 by 40 basis points to 6.6%. This positive outlook is attributed to strong public investment and improved business confidence, boosting India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Research published in the journal Science has established a connection between the temperatures of the Indian Ocean and the global prevalence of dengue outbreaks. This discovery has led to the development of the Indian Ocean Basin-wide (IOBW) index, which can potentially predict dengue epidemics, allowing countries to prepare and respond effectively.

Sahul, a prehistoric supercontinent, existed during the last ice age (approximately 70,000 years ago). It connected present-day Australia with Papua New Guinea to the north and Tasmania to the south. This discovery was made by archaeologists.

Japan has witnessed the launch of the world's first 6G prototype device by a consortium. This device boasts a staggering data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) over a distance of more than 300 feet.

Pasqal, a French quantum computing company, has partnered with Aramco, a major energy company, to install the first quantum computer in Saudi Arabia by 2025. This collaboration represents a significant step towards advancing quantum computing in the region.

The Indian Institute of Petroleum & Energy (IIPE) has devised a novel “Surface Modification Technique of Membrane” to address water pollution and enhance water treatment efficiency. This eco-friendly approach involves using non-toxic gases to treat the membrane surface, increasing its performance and lifespan.

Sanjeev Nautiyal has been appointed as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the bank for a period of 3 years, starting from 1 July 2024.

Atanu Chakraborty has been re-appointed as the Part Time Chairman of HDFC Bank for a three-year term starting from 5 May 2024.

Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court, has been appointed as the President of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) for a four-year term.

Geetika Sharma, an IAS officer, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Mines for four years.

Pratima Singh, from the IRS C&CE batch of 2009, is now Director at the Office of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Delhi.

Sarvadanand Barnwal, a 2010 Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer, has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Land Resources in Delhi for a five-year tenure.

Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar assumed the role of Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on 29 April 2024. His appointment by the Government of India spans a four-year term.

KVS Manian, previously re-designated as the Joint MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank on 1 March 2024, has stepped down from his post with immediate effect.

The individual who will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at the company, succeeding the previous CEO.

Dan Rosensweig's new position after stepping down as CEO, which involves providing guidance and oversight to the company.

Maushumi Chakravarty, a senior Indian Information Service officer, is appointed as the head of Akashvani News.

Pratima Singh, an IRS officer, is assigned to lead the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

India's ranking on the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index improved to 39th in 2024.

The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index ranks the world's 1,000 largest cities across various parameters. Delhi, the national capital of India, is ranked 350th in this index.

Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani are among the top 15 wealthiest individuals globally, holding positions on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Cristiano Ronaldo's annual earnings, primarily from football salaries and endorsements, are the highest compared to all other athletes, placing him at the top of Forbes's highest-paid athletes list.

NASA has appointed David Salvagnini as the first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, expanding his role as Chief Data Officer. This appointment signals NASA's commitment to leveraging AI.

Avendus Wealth Management has appointed Apurva Sahijwani as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Nitin Singh who left the firm last year.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal has been elected as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for the fourth time. He secured 1,066 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Pradeep Rai. This marks a significant milestone in his legal career.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Pradeep Natarajan as the Whole Time Director of IDFC First Bank for a period of three years.

Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, has assumed office as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2024-25, succeeding R Dinesh.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Khamenei also declared five days of national mourning for Raisi.

President-elect Lai Ching-te of Taiwan took the oath of office on 20 May 2024, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen after serving as Vice President for the past four years.

Senior IPS officers A.Y.V.Krishna and N.Venu Gopal have been appointed as Additional Directors in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).