21 June 2024 Current Affairs

National News

NHAI Signs MoU With IIIT Delhi To Enhance Road Safety Through AI

The Government has said that an agreement aimed at enhancing road safety through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence was signed between the National Highways Authority of India and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi.

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said that this initiative will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions for improvement in the availability of road signs on National Highways.
• As a part of the agreement, IIIT Delhi will conduct surveys to collect imagery and other related data related to the availability and condition of road signs on selected National Highway stretches.
• Around 25,000 km of tentative length of Highways stretches will be covered under this project. The data collected through surveys will be processed by IIIT Delhi through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence for accurate identification and classification of road signs.
• The survey report based on the results will include geo-stamped inventory of existing road signs with the categorisation, broad structural condition of the road signs, and other ancillary data.

National highway authority of india:

• Head: Santosh Kumar Yadav, IAS
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1988 

Cabinet green signals a greenfield major port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra

• The government of India has approved the construction of a new major port at Vadhavan, situated in the Dahanu taluka of the Palghar district of Maharashtra. The approval for the project was given by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 June 2024. The development of a new port, Vadhavan, is in alignment with the PM Gatishakti programme.
• The Union cabinet also approved a proposal to establish road connectivity between the Vadhavan  Port and National Highways and rail linkage to the existing rail network and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor.

Developer of the Vadhavan Port 

• The proposed all-weather Greenfield Vadhavan Port is to be India’s largest deep draft port. It will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL). The VPPL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
• The JNPA has a stake of 74 per cent in the SPV, while the MMB stake in the SPV is 26 percent. 

Cost of the Vadhavan Port: The total cost of the Vadhavan project is Rs.76,220 crore. This includes the cost of land acquisition, development of core infrastructure, Terminals, and other commercial infrastructure. The project will be built in the public-private partnerships (PPP) mode. 

Significance of the Vadhvan port 

• The port being developed on the west coast of India will be a modern port with all the facilities to boost foreign trade. The Port is expected to boost foreign trade through the proposed IMEEC (India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor) and INSTC (International North South Transportation Corridor). 
• The port is also expected to tap into the international shipping lines between the Far East, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. 
• The government aims to make the Vadhavan Port one of the top 10 major ports in the world.
• The project is expected to give a boost to the local economy by providing direct and indirect employment to 12 lakh people.

Cabinet Approves National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the Central Sector Scheme titled “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)” with a comprehensive financial allocation of Rs. 2254.43 crore spanning from 2024-25 to 2028-29. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to bolster India’s forensic capabilities through strategic investments in infrastructure and manpower.

Key Components of NFIES

• Establishment of National Forensic Sciences University Campuses: New campuses across the country to expand educational facilities for forensic sciences.
• Creation of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs): Setting up new CFSLs nationwide to augment forensic examination capacities.
• Enhancement of Delhi Campus Infrastructure: Upgradation of infrastructure at the Delhi campus of the National Forensic Sciences University

CCRYN in Collaboration with Svyasa Organizes Conference on “Yoga for Space” in Bengaluru

The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), in collaboration with Svyasa, Deemed to be University, organized a Conference on “Yoga for Space” at S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru, in observance of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024 with the theme “Yoga for Self & Society.” This conference brought together experts from various fields to enhance societal health, including astronauts, by exploring the benefits of yoga in extreme conditions and space environments.

• The conference commenced with a prayer and proceeded with keynote addresses from representatives of Indian institutions such as the Human Space Flight Centre, ISRO, IIT Delhi, and the Institute for Aerospace Medicine. Dr. Manjunath NK, Vice Chancellor of Svyasa University, highlighted the significance of yoga in fostering a healthy society, citing classic literature and discussing the journey of S-Vyasa’s founder, Dr. H.R. Nagendra. Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director of CCRYN, emphasized the inclusivity and diversity of IDY, showcasing yoga practices in various extreme conditions.

International News

112th International Labour Conference at Geneva, Switzerland

The 112th International Labour Organization (ILC) was held in Geneva from 3-14 June 2024. It was attended by more than 4,900 delegates – representing Governments, and Employers’ and Workers’ organizations. The 113rd ILC will be held in June 2025.

112th annual International Labour Conference

• The International Labour Organization will hold its 112th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva from 3–14 June 2024.
• Worker, employer and government delegates from the ILO’s 187 Member States will tackle a wide range of issues, including: a standard-setting discussion on protection against biological hazards, a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and rights at work and a general discussion on decent work and the care economy.
• The Conference will also elect members of the Governing Body for the 2024-27 term of office. 

International labour conference:

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded: 1919
• Head: Gilbert F. Houngbo

Award News

Akashvani News Recognized As India’s Most Trusted News Brand In 2024 Reuters Survey

• Akashvani News has been recognized as one of the most trusted news brands in India. A recent survey conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University has confirmed Akashvani News’ preeminent position in the nation’s media landscape.
•  Released as part of the Digital News Report 2024, this annual publication revealed that Akashvani News received a trust score significantly higher than that of other prominent media houses in the country.
•  Reacting to this remarkable feat Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal called it a validation of the unwavering commitment of Akashvani News to broadcasting the truth under all circumstances. 

Akashvani news

• Director General of Akashvani News: Maushumi Chakravarty
• It was established in 1936.

Ranks And Report News

Sweden tops, India at 63rd rank on Global Energy Transition Index: WEF

• According to the Global Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum(WEF) on 19 June 2024, India has been ranked 63rd out of 120 countries surveyed in the index. Last year, India was ranked 67th, an improvement of three ranks.
• Sweden has again topped the Index, just like last year.

According to the WEF, India has shown considerable improvement across energy equity, security, and sustainability.

Who prepares the Global Energy Transition Index?

The Global Energy Transition Index is published by the WEF in its annual report ‘Fostering Effective Energy Transition’. The annual report is published by the WEF in association with Accenture. 

World Economic Forum 

• German economist Klaus Schwab founded the World Economic Forum in 1971 as a non-profit international organisation to provide a platform to promote collaboration between all stakeholders of global society to find common solutions to global issues. 
• Headquarters of WEF: Cologny, Switzerland

Report Released by WEF

As a research organisation, it releases a number of reports. 

• Global Gender Gap Report,
• Global Competitiveness Report,
• Energy Transition Index,
• Global Travel and Tourism Report,
• Global IT Report in collaboration with INSEAD and Cornell University.

9 Major Ports of India Makes It to Global Top 100 by World Bank, First for The Country

• In a significant boost to the India’s port development programme, as many as 9 ports of India made it to the Global Top 100 in the latest edition of Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023. This report is prepared by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence).
• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal gave credit to the ambitious Sagarmala programme, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for modernisation of the ports and improving their efficiency.

Performance of Vishakhapatnam Port:

• Indian maritime sector will further improve resilience and efficiency of Maritime gateways and boost port led economic development. 
• Vishakhapatnam Port has showcased strong performance with 27.5 moves per crane hour, a turnaround time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, and minimal berth idle time.
• These metrics highlight the port’s efficiency in handling container ships and significantly influence customer preference. 
• Seven other Indian ports, which secured ranks in the top 100, are Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80) and Jawaharlal Nehru (96). 

Science And Tech News

Shri Chirag Paswan and Shri Ravneet Singh launch Website and Mobile App for World Food India 2024

• As a precursor to the 3^rd edition of World Food India, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, launched the website and mobile application for World Food India 2024.
• During his keynote address, Shri Chirag Paswan highlighted the vital role of the food processing sector in reducing agricultural wastage, promoting value addition, ensuring food security, and strengthening the supply chain from farm to fork. The Government of India through its whole-of-government approach has placed a great emphasis on the holistic development of the value chain across the food & allied sectors and is working towards the goal of Atma Nirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
• Shri Paswan added that the Ministry has been implementing flagship schemes Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) to support and sustain the growth of this sector.
• He mentioned that the Ministry is organizing, World Food India − the nation’s largest food event, to foster collaboration and partnerships among global and Indian food sector stakeholders from 19^th to 22^nd September 2024. Additionally, this year, to give impetus to the growing startup ecosystem and foster innovation, the Ministry is launching the 2^nd edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in collaboration with Startup India.   World Food India 2023 was a resounding success witnessing 1,208 exhibitors, 715 international buyers from 90 countries, 24 states, and 75,000 attendees. The mega event also featured over 16,000 B2B/B2G meetings, roundtable discussions, 47 thematic sessions, MoU signing, exhibitions, a start-up grand challenge, and more, showcasing India’s prowess in the food processing and allied sector on the global platform.

Defence News

Indian Army to induct Indigenous ASMI submachine gun

• The Northern Command of the Indian Army has ordered 550 indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured ASMI submachine guns worth Rs 4.26 crores. This is the first such indigenously designed and manufactured weapon to be inducted into the Indian Army. 
• The ASMI submachine gun has been manufactured by the Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machine Limited.

Features of the ASMI Submachine Gun 

• The AMSI is short for Asmita, which means pride. It was designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Pune-based laboratory Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the Indian Army.
• The design was handed over to Lokesh Machine Limited, a CNC (computerised Numerical Control) machine maker for manufacturing.
• Lokesh Machine Limited manufactures the ASMI submachine gun at its Toorpan factory located in the Medak district of Telangana using aerospace-grade aluminium.

Sports News

Neeraj Chopra Shines at Paavo Nurmi Games 2024

• Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra added another feather to his cap by clinching the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 in Turku, Finland. The Paavo Nurmi Games is a prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold level) event, and Neeraj’s victory further solidifies his position as a dominant force in the sport.

     Neeraj’s Winning Throw

• The reigning Olympic and World Champion kicked off the competition with an impressive opening throw of 83.62m. However, he was briefly overtaken by local favorite Oliver Helander, who had a second-round throw of 83.96m, while Neeraj could only manage 83.45m

Important Days

World Refugee Day 2024, Date, Theme and History

Every year on June 20th, the world comes together to observe World Refugee Day. This day is dedicated to the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. It serves as a powerful reminder of their plight and a call to action to support and welcome refugees into our communities.

• The theme for World Refugee Day 2024 is “Everyone is Welcome.” This theme highlights the need for global unity and inclusion in supporting refugees. It envisions a world where refugees are actively embraced, offered assistance, and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

History and Significance of World Refugee Day

• World Refugee Day has its roots in Africa, where it was first established in 1970 to honor refugee rights defined by the United Nations (UN) in 1951. Recognizing the global refugee crisis, the UN General Assembly later took a more worldwide approach in 2000, designating June 20th as World Refugee Day.
• Over the years, this day has become a crucial platform to raise awareness, build support, and celebrate the contributions of refugees everywhere. It sheds light on the immense human impact of conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters, fostering empathy and understanding for those forced to flee their homes.