Published on: June 20, 2024
Snippets : 20 JUNE 2024
Snippets : 20 JUNE 2024
- Air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, with significant impacts in India (2.1 million deaths) and China (2.3 million deaths), accounting for 54% of the global disease burden, and was notably linked to child mortality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) due to PM2.5 and ozone pollution, necessitating urgent action as highlighted by the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF
- Rohith Shankar and Sahana H Murthy won the U-19 boys’ and girls’ finals, respectively, in the 1st State Ranking table tennis tournament, with Rohith defeating Varun B Kashyap and Sahana beating Himanshi Chowdhary, after overcoming their semifinal opponents Teshub Dinesh and Preksha T Tilawat
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced Karnataka’s goal of achieving 15-16% annual industrial growth to reach a $1 trillion GDP by 2032, with plans to promote balanced regional development and attract global investors through the Global Investor Meet 2025 and international roadshows. Large and Medium Industries Minister launched ‘ventuRISE 2025’, announced the drafting of Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025-2030 with top incentives to attract investors, and revealed plans for global roadshows and visits to Japan and South Korea to promote Karnataka’s manufacturing ecosystem and invite industry leaders for the Global Investors Meet.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near its ancient ruins in Rajgir, Bihar, emphasizing Nalanda’s role as a symbol of India’s academic heritage and cultural exchange. He noted that the university, re-established by the Nalanda University Act of 2010 following decisions from East Asia Summits, had begun in 2014 with 14 students and started construction in 2017. The event was attended by representatives from many countries, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and 17 Ambassadors. Modi highlighted the renaissance of Nalanda University as showcasing India’s potential and linking Asia’s heritage. The ancient Nalanda, founded in the 5th century, thrived for 800 years before being destroyed in the 12th century.
- South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second full term as President after his weakened African National Congress (ANC) struck a hard-won government coalition deal to remain in power.
- Recently, health officials in Japan are on high alert after close to 1,000 cases of a deadly infection were reported across the country. The disease, known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS).
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India’s Gopalpur regional centre recently discovered a new species of snake eel named ‘Ophichthus Suryai’ in Odisha.
- The Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with a budget of Rs. 2254.43 crore, focusing on establishing campuses and labs for forensic sciences, especially to meet increased demand due to new criminal laws and a shortage of trained personnel. This scheme aligns with India’s aim of a 90%+ conviction rate by enhancing forensic capabilities and ensuring scientific examination of evidence.
- The Union Cabinet has greenlit the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, with a budget of Rs. 2869.65 Crore. The project aims to increase passenger capacity to 9.9 million per annum, including a new terminal, apron, runway extension, and taxi track. The airport design focuses on cultural heritage and sustainability, incorporating energy optimization, waste recycling, and solar energy utilization. Varanasi airport is set to become a model for environmental sustainability in aviation infrastructure.
- The Cabinet approved the development of a Greenfield deep draft Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with a total cost of Rs.76,220 Crore. This project, led by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), aims to establish a top-tier global port. It will feature nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, and modern infrastructure for efficient trade flow. Additionally, road and rail connectivity enhancements will be undertaken to support the port’s operations. The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti program and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and boost economic activity in the region.
- Karnataka Transport Minister inaugurated a Command and Control Centre in Bengaluru for Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices, aimed at enhancing security in public transport, especially for women and children. This initiative, part of the Nirbhaya Framework, mandates the installation of tracking systems in various types of vehicles. The system allows real-time tracking and alerts in case of emergencies, with a dedicated team for 24/7 monitoring.
- The Union Cabinet approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Offshore Wind Energy Projects in India, with key components including installation and commissioning funds, port upgradation grants, and private sector involvement through transparent bidding. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will coordinate the implementation aligned with the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015), aiming for economic benefits, CO2 emission reduction, and significant renewable electricity production.
- Prime Minister recognized over 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP). The program empowers rural women as para-extension workers through certification courses and training modules covering agricultural practices, communication skills, and more. So far, 34,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified, with training underway in 12 states and opportunities for employment in various agricultural schemes.
- The Union Cabinet raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, including paddy, following recommendations by the CACP. This increase aligns with the 1.5 times cost of production policy from the 2018 Union Budget. Notably, the hike comes amidst surplus rice stocks, political significance before state elections, and ongoing farmer protests.
- A “double sun halo,” a rare celestial event, was observed in Ladakh, featuring an inner (22 degrees) and outer (46 degrees) halo formed by ice crystals refracting and reflecting sunlight. This phenomenon is significant for both its breathtaking beauty and scientific insights into atmospheric conditions and ice crystal properties, aiding in weather forecasting and atmospheric optics understanding.
- A 26-year-old writer from Vivek Nagar, Jakranpally mandal, Nizamabad district, received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for Telugu literature. The award, instituted in 2011, recognizes young writers under 35 in 24 languages for their original works. Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, operates independently and was inaugurated in 1954.
