4th July, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Ex-R&AW Chief Rajinder Khanna Appointed New Additional NSA

• The government has recently strengthened the National Security Council (NSC) by making several high-profile appointments. Former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Rajinder Khanna has been promoted to Additional National Security Adviser (NSA). T V Ravichandran and Pavan Kapoor have also been appointed as Deputy NSAs.
• The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with NSA Ajit Doval serving as its secretary. Doval, a 1968-batch IPS officer, has been India’s NSA since 2014 and is a key aide to the Prime Minister, especially on policy matters. Doval has advocated for jointness and interoperability among central armed police forces, similar to the ongoing plans for the defense forces.

India Hosts 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session

• In a landmark event for India’s cultural diplomacy, the nation is set to host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 21-31, 2024. This prestigious gathering will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together delegates from around the world to discuss and decide on matters of global cultural significance.
• The World Heritage Committee plays a crucial role in safeguarding humanity’s most precious cultural and natural sites. Key facts about the committee include:
• Comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention
• Elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO
• Current members include diverse nations such as Argentina, Belgium, India, Japan, Kenya, and Ukraine
• Responsible for implementing the World Heritage Convention
• Decides on inscriptions to the World Heritage List
• Allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund

NITI Aayog Launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’: A Drive Towards Holistic Development

• NITI Aayog is set to launch the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on July 4, 2024. This ambitious 3-month campaign aims to achieve saturation in key indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks, marking a new chapter in India’s journey towards inclusive growth.
• The ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’, which translates to “Completeness Campaign”, represents a concentrated effort to bring about holistic development in areas that have historically lagged behind. By focusing on six crucial indicators, the campaign seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in India’s progress story.
• Antenatal Care Registration: Increasing the percentage of pregnant women registered within the first trimester.
• Diabetes Screening: Enhancing the screening rate for diabetes among the targeted population.
• Hypertension Screening: Improving the screening rate for hypertension in the block.
• Supplementary Nutrition: Ensuring pregnant women receive regular nutrition under the ICDS Programme.
• Soil Health Cards: Generating soil health cards against the collection target.
• Self-Help Groups: Providing revolving funds to a higher percentage of SHGs.

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INTERNATIONAL
Ex-Spy Chief Sworn In as New Dutch PM with Mission to Curb Asylum

• Former spy chief Dick Schoof is the new Dutch prime minister, leading a right-wing coalition with a focus on implementing the “strictest-ever” immigration policy. Schoof, 67, previously headed the Dutch Secret Service and takes over from Mark Rutte, who served 14 years in power.
• Geert Wilders’ far-right party, the Freedom Party (PVV), secured five ministerial posts.
• Wilders stepped back from his own prime ministerial ambitions to maintain coalition stability.
• Schoof, a former Labour Party member, was chosen as a compromise candidate due to his extensive government experience.
• The coalition’s 26-page agreement, “Hope, Courage, and Pride,” outlines strict asylum and migration policies.

Hungary Takes Over Rotating Presidency of EU Council

• Hungary has assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next six months. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary aims to prioritize EU competitiveness, defense policy, migration control, and agricultural reform. The presidency’s motto, “Make Europe Great Again,” reflects a stance emphasizing unity and proactive global engagement.
• Hungary’s presidency comes amid ongoing tensions with the EU regarding democratic principles and rule-of-law concerns. Despite criticisms, Hungary pledges to act as an “honest broker” during its presidency, collaborating with all member states and institutions.
• The presidency’s logo features a Rubik’s Cube, symbolizing Hungarian ingenuity and the complexity of European affairs. It highlights unity among EU member states, represented by the cube’s interconnected elements.

ECONOMY
Japan Introduces Holographic Technology in New Banknotes

• Japan will introduce new banknotes featuring what it claims to be the world’s pioneering use of advanced holography.
• This technology creates the illusion of historic figures’ portraits rotating in 3D on the bills, serving as a key anti-counterfeit measure. This marks the first redesign of the banknotes in 20 years.
• Japan is set to unveil a new series of banknotes, marking the first significant redesign in two decades. This update to the ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 notes incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies and features prominent historical figures. Since the country issued its first banknote in 1885, there have been 53 different designs. This latest update, effective from July 3, comes as a measure to enhance security and usability amid evolving technological advancements.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Completes First Halo Orbit

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on June 2, announced that India’s inaugural solar mission has completed its halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point on July 2. This significant breakthrough was achieved after a station keeper manoeuvre made its transition into the second halo orbit.
• The Aditya-L1 mission is an Indian solar observatory installed at the Lagrangian point L1 and was launched in September 2023. ISRO observed that the Aditya-L1 spacecraft completed circling the L1 point in the halo orbit in 178 days. The spacecraft was positioned into the intended halo orbit by ISRO on January 6, 2024.
• The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Sun’s upper atmosphere, focusing on the chromosphere and corona. Its objectives include investigating heating mechanisms, ionised plasma physics, coronal mass ejections, and flares. It is sent to observe the particle and plasma environment, examine solar corona physics, diagnose plasma properties, and study the development of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The mission also aims to identify processes leading to solar eruptions, measure magnetic fields in the corona, and investigate space weather drivers like the solar wind.
• Aditya-L1’s journey around the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point requires careful planning and understanding of various forces that can push it off course. By studying these forces, ISRO could accurately plot the spacecraft’s path and plan necessary adjustments.

SPORTS
George Russell Triumphs in Dramatic Austrian Grand Prix 2024

• The Austrian Grand Prix 2024 will be remembered as a day of unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a stunning victory for George Russell of Mercedes. This race, held at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, showcased the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing and the skill of drivers who can capitalize on sudden opportunities.
• George Russell, who started the race in third position, drove a flawless race and was perfectly positioned to take advantage when the leaders encountered trouble. His win marks Mercedes’ first victory since November 2022, when Russell himself won in Brazil.

AWARDS
P. Geetha Receives Inaugural K. Saraswathi Amma Award

• In a significant recognition of feminist literature and studies, writer, critic, and feminist activist P. Geetha has been awarded the first K. Saraswathi Amma Award. This prestigious accolade, instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports) Kerala, marks a pivotal moment in the acknowledgment of feminist contributions to literature and social discourse.
• K. Saraswathi Amma, the inspiration behind this award, was a trailblazer in feminist writing.
• Saraswathi Amma began her literary journey in 1938 with her first published short story. Her work on gender equality was revolutionary, especially considering the societal norms of her time.

Published date : 05 Jul 2024 01:15PM