Daily Current Affairs 14 June 2024

1. Odisha govt introduced ‘Swayam’ Scheme for Youth Empowerment

• The Odisha government has introduced the ‘Swayam’ scheme to empower youth through skill development, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.
• This initiative aims to enhance the employability of young people by providing training in various sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and services.
• Additionally, the scheme promotes entrepreneurship by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and startup incubation services.
• ‘Swayam’ focuses on bridging skill gaps, reducing unemployment, and fostering innovation among the youth.

2. PM Narendra Modi to participate in G7 outreach summit at Italy

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit in Apulia, Italy.
• This summit aims to strengthen international cooperation on key global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, economic recovery, and global health.
• As a special invitee, PM Modi will join leaders from the G7 nations to discuss strategies for addressing these challenges.
• His participation underscores India’s growing role on the global stage and its commitment to multilateralism.

3. IGNCA signs MoU with Sansad TV

• On 13 June 2024, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sansad TV.
• This collaboration aims to promote and disseminate India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic traditions through the platform of Sansad TV.
• This partnership is expected to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the arts, while also providing a wider reach for IGNCA’s initiatives, fostering a deeper connection with the nation’s cultural roots.

4. Ajit Doval was reappointed as India’s National Security Advisor (NSA)

• On 13 June 2024, Ajit Doval was reappointed as India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), continuing his influential role in shaping the country’s security policies.
• Known for his strategic acumen and extensive experience in intelligence and national security, Doval has been pivotal in addressing various internal and external security challenges.
• His reappointment signals continuity in India’s security strategy and reinforces the government’s trust in his capabilities.
• Doval’s tenure has been marked by significant initiatives in counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defense diplomacy, strengthening India’s security architecture and international standing.

5. NCRB launched mobile app ‘NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws’

• On 13 June 2024, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) launched a mobile app titled ‘NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws’.
• This app aims to provide easy access to comprehensive information on criminal laws in India, including sections from the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and other relevant legal provisions.
• Designed for law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and the general public, the app offers a user-friendly interface for quick reference and legal research.
• By enhancing accessibility to legal information, the NCRB Sankalan app seeks to promote better understanding and application of criminal laws across the country.

6. 13-Member delegation from Nepal visit CBFC office in Mumbai

• On 13 June 2024, a thirteen-member delegation from Nepal visited the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) office in Mumbai.
• The visit aimed to foster cultural exchange and collaboration between the film industries of India and Nepal.
• During their visit, the delegation engaged in discussions on film certification processes, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in filmmaking.
• The interaction provided an opportunity to explore potential partnerships, enhance bilateral ties in the entertainment sector, and understand the role of CBFC in promoting responsible and culturally sensitive content.

7. Ariarne Titmus sets world record in Women’s 200m Freestyle

• Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus set a new world record in the Women’s 200m Freestyle at the Australian Swimming Trials 2024 in Brisbane.
• She finished the race in 1 minute, 52.23 seconds, breaking the previous record of 1:52.85 set by her compatriot Mollie O’Callaghan.
• This achievement adds to her impressive record, as she now holds world records in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events.
• The trials were conducted to select the Australian Dolphins swimming team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

8. Chief Minister Stalin launched Soil Health Scheme in Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom’ scheme to improve soil health across the state.
• The scheme, with an outlay of ₹206 crore, aims to preserve soil fertility through the use of green manure.
• In the first phase (2024-25), green manure seeds will be distributed, covering about 2 lakh acres and benefiting over 2 lakh farmers.
• Additionally, the scheme includes a program to provide agricultural equipment at a nominal rent to farmers2. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu.

9. IIT-M and NASA study pathogens on ISS

• Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are studying multi-drug resistant pathogens on the International Space Station (ISS).
• The focus is on Enterobacter bugandensis, a prevalent nosocomial pathogen found on surfaces within the ISS.
• The study reveals that microbes in the ISS mutate faster to adapt to the extreme environment.
• These findings hold promise for applications in controlled settings on Earth, including hospital ICUs and surgical theatres where multidrug-resistant pathogens pose significant challenges to patient care.

10. Visakhapatnam Port achieved top 20 ranking in World Bank’s CPPI

• The Visakhapatnam Port has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 18th place in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023.
• The CPPI assesses the efficiency of ports based on vessel time in port.
• This achievement highlights the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of Visakhapatnam Port.
• The port’s ranking is higher than Mundra Port, which is ranked 27th.
• The container terminal at Visakhapatnam Port is run by Visakha Container Terminal Pvt Ltd.

11. Adani Defence and EDGE Group Forge Global Defence partnership

• Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of the Adani Group, has entered into a significant global partnership with the UAE’s EDGE Group.
• This collaboration aims to enhance defence capabilities and introduce advanced technologies to bolster national security frameworks.
• The partnership will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber defence systems, and advanced weaponry.
• This strategic alliance is expected to significantly enhance national security for both India and the UAE, and promises to stimulate local industries and contribute to the economic growth of both nations.

12. “Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story” to Open Mumbai Film Festival

• The documentary “Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story” by National Geographic will open the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2024.
• The film, directed by Charlie Hamilton James, tells a heartwarming story of a man who befriends a wild otter in the remote Shetland Islands.
• The film explores the profound bond between them, showcasing the transformative power of companionship.
• The festival is scheduled from 15 to 21 June 2024, and the film will be screened simultaneously in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune on 15 June.