2nd August, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
India Retains Eighth Position in Global Agriculture Exports in 2023

• India held onto its position as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite a decline in exports from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. This stability comes amid a general decrease in agricultural exports among seven of the top ten exporting nations.
• The WTO’s Trade Statistics 2023 report highlights that only three countries among the top ten—Brazil, the European Union (EU), and Thailand—increased their agricultural exports in 2023. Brazil saw an increase of 6% to $157 billion, maintaining its third place, while the EU’s exports rose by 5% to $836 billion, preserving its top spot. Thailand’s exports grew by 0.2%, although it remains outside the top three.
• India’s export decline can be attributed to geopolitical issues such as the Red Sea crisis and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which affected global trade dynamics. Additionally, India imposed export bans on wheat (May 2022), non-basmati rice (July 2023), and sugar (October 2023), contributing to the overall decrease in agricultural exports.

INTERNATIONAL
India and Vietnam Partner on Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal

• India and Vietnam have partnered to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) inLothal, Gujarat, reflecting their deep maritime connections. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi marks a significant step in this collaborative effort, which aims to preserve and celebrate the shared maritime heritage of both nations.
• The Government of Gujarat has allocated 400 acres in Saragwala village for the NMHC, with phase 1A already more than 55% complete. The complex is expected to open to the public next year.

US President Biden reaffirms commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran

• US President Joe Biden discussed new American military deployments to counter Iranian threats of direct attack against Israel during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The White House said in a statement after the call that President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Together with this commitment to Israel’s defence, the US President also stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region. US Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.
• Meanwhile, the Israeli army has geared up for any Iranian assault against Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Sources in the Israeli Defence Minister’s office said after Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s remarks about a retaliatory attack on Israel to avenge the killing of Haniyeh, the Israel Defense Forces has prepared itself for any eventuality.

Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage

• UNESCOhas inscribed several iconic South African sites associated with Nelson Mandela as World Heritage Sites. This recognition, announced during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in preserving the memory of South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy.
• The newly recognized World Heritage property, officially named “The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites,” encompasses 14 locations intricately linked to Nelson Mandela’s life and South Africa’s liberation struggle. These sites stand as powerful symbols of the country’s tumultuous history and its eventual triumph over oppression.

Also Read: Top 30 MCQs on Ministries and Their Portfolios 2024: Who handles the Ministry of Heavy Industries?

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 AWARDS
Google CEO Sundar Pichai Honored with Honorary Doctorate from IIT-Kharagpur

• Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai were honored by their alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The ceremony, held in San Francisco, marked a significant milestone in the couple’s already illustrious careers and underscored the global impact of India’s premier technological institutes.
• In 2013, Pichai took on the management of Android, further cementing his crucial role in the company. His exemplary leadership and vision led to his appointment as CEO of Google in August 2015, a position he has held with distinction, overseeing the company’s expansion and innovation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.