Daily Current Affairs 16 & 17 June 2024

1. 18th Mumbai International Film Festival: Film Producer Apoorva Bakshi Inaugurated DOC Film Bazaar

• The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the first-ever Documentary Film Bazaar by film producer Apoorva Bakshi.
• This initiative, held from 16 to 18 June 2024, at the NFDC complex, aimed to connect documentary filmmakers with buyers, sponsors, and collaborators.
• The event showcased nearly 200 projects from 10 countries, highlighting its international scope.
• Notable attendees included Prithul Kumar, MIFF Festival Director and NFDC Managing Director, and Smita Vats Sharma, ADG PIB (West).

2. IAF contingent participated in exercise Red Flag 2024

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, from 4 June to 14 June.
• This advanced aerial combat training exercise, hosted by the United States Air Force, is held four times a year and represents a significant opportunity for international air forces to train together.
• The IAF’s participation in this second edition of the year’s exercise underscores its commitment to enhancing combat readiness and international cooperation.

3. Indian Railways enter its name into Limca Book of Records

• Indian Railways has made its way into the Limca Book of Records for hosting the largest public service event across multiple venues.
• On 26 February 2024, an event organized by the Ministry of Railways witnessed a record-breaking attendance of 40,19,516 people at 2,140 locations.
• This achievement highlights Indian Railways’ capacity for large-scale coordination and public engagement, setting a national record for the most people attending a public service event simultaneously.

4. India won its first medal at the BRICS Games in Kazan, Russia

• India secured their first medal at the BRICS Games in Kazan, Russia, with the women’s table tennis team winning bronze.
• The team, consisting of Poymantee Baisya, Moumita Dutta, and Yashini Sivasankar, faced China in the semi-finals and lost 1-3.
• Yashini Sivasankar won her first game but China prevailed in the subsequent matches.

5. 2nd meeting of initiative on critical and emerging technologies between India & US

• The second meeting of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) between India and the US is set to begin in New Delhi.
• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan will lead discussions over two days, focusing on strategic ties and technology cooperation.
• This high-level engagement aims to review progress and deepen collaboration in critical sectors, marking a significant step in Indo-US relations.

6. India set to launch Deep Sea Mission

• India is poised to launch a pioneering deep sea mission, aimed at exploring ocean resources and developing sustainable technologies for their use.
• The mission, endorsed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is part of India’s Blue Economy Initiative and will include the deployment of a manned submersible to study deep-sea biodiversity and resources.
• This ambitious project places India among a select group of nations with advanced underwater exploration capabilities.

7. First direct flight launched between India and Cambodia

• Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia’s national flag carrier, has launched the first-ever direct flight service between Cambodia and India, starting from 16 June.
• The inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in the aviation sector, enhancing connectivity and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
• The service operates four times a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday – linking Phnom Penh with New Delhi.

8. Vice President inaugurated Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Complex

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated ‘Prerna Sthal’ in the Parliament House Complex, a new space dedicated to national icons and freedom fighters.
• This area now collectively displays statues that were previously dispersed throughout the premises.
• The inauguration of Prerna Sthal is a tribute to the luminaries who have shaped India’s history and is intended to inspire current and future generations.
• The initiative also aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Parliament complex and provide a consolidated venue for reflection on India’s rich heritage.

9. Father’s Day 2024

• Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June in many parts of the world.
• Father’s Day 2024 is celebrated on Sunday, June 16th.
• It is a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring fathers, grandfathers, and father figures for their invaluable role and contributions in our lives.
• Traditionally, it involves expressing gratitude through cards, gifts, and spending quality time together.

10. 2024 Kavli Prize awarded in Astrophysics, Nanoscience & Neuroscience

The 2024 Kavli Prize has been awarded to distinguished scientists in three categories:

• Astrophysics: David Charbonneau (Canada/USA) and Sara Seager (Canada/USA) for pioneering the measurement of exoplanet atmospheres and advancing the search for signs of life.
• Nanoscience: Robert S. Langer (USA), Armand Paul Alivisatos (USA), and Chad A. Mirkin (USA) for their significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology.
• Neuroscience: Nancy Kanwisher (USA), Winrich Freiwald (Germany), and Doris Tsao (USA) for their groundbreaking work in understanding the brain’s organization and function.

The Kavli Prize honors these scientists for breakthroughs that have transformed our understanding of the vast, the minuscule, and the complex aspects of our universe.

11. India surpassed Hong Kong to reclaim 4th spot in Global Equity Market

• India has reclaimed its position as the fourth-largest global equity market, surpassing Hong Kong.
• The combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges reached USD 4.33 trillion, edging out Hong Kong’s USD 4.29 trillion.
• This milestone reflects India’s robust stock market performance and increased global investment interest.

12. India is world’s 2nd largest emitter of Nitrous Oxide

• India ranks as the world’s second-largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas.
• In 2020, India contributed nearly 11% of global man-made N2O emissions, with China leading at 16%.
• N2O heats the atmosphere significantly more than carbon dioxide.
• The top five country emitters of anthropogenic N2O in 2020 were China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Russia.
• This highlights the need for effective measures to control and reduce such emissions to mitigate climate change impacts.