Daily Current Affairs 21 June 2024

1. International Yoga Day 2024

International Yoga Day 2024 is celebrated on 21 June. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.
The theme for 2024 is “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizing the dual benefits of yoga practice: enhancing personal well-being and contributing to a healthier society.
Yoga, with its roots in ancient Indian tradition, promotes mental, physical, and spiritual wellness across cultures and geographies.
Millions of people worldwide participate in yoga classes, workshops, and talks, all driven by a desire for holistic health and inner peace.

2. New plant species Petrocosmea Arunachalense discovered from Mandala region of West Kameng District

A team of researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) recently discovered a new herbaceous plant species in the Mandala region of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
This remarkable find has been named Petrocosmea arunachalense and belongs to the family Gesneriaceae.
Notably, it is only the second known species of the genus Petrocosmea found in India.
The discovery underscores the rich flora of Arunachal Pradesh and highlights ongoing efforts to explore and document unique plant biodiversity in the region.

3. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to arrive in New Delhi

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is embarking on a two-day state visit to India.
This visit holds significance as it marks the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since India’s new government formation.
During her visit, Sheikh Hasina will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, security, and connectivity.
India considers Bangladesh an important partner under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, emphasizing cooperation in multiple domains.

4. Indian Railways successfully conducted trial run on World’s Highest Rail Bridge

Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first trial run on the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge.
This remarkable engineering feat stands 1,178 feet above the Chenab River, surpassing the height of Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower.
Located between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
Once operational, it will enhance connectivity in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, linking Katra to Banihal. Rail services on this iconic route are set to begin soon.

5. ADB approved $170 Million for India’s Health System Preparedness

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $170 million policy-based loan to enhance India’s health system preparedness and capacity to respond to future pandemics.
This initiative, known as the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems, aligns with India’s National Health Policy 2017.
It aims to fill gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance, ensuring universal access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
The program will strengthen disease surveillance, establish laboratory networks, improve data systems, and reform health workforce regulations.

6. NHAI signed MoU with IIIT Delhi to enhance Road Safety through AI

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has partnered with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Delhi) to enhance road safety using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Under this collaboration, IIIT Delhi will conduct surveys to collect imagery and data related to road signages on selected National Highways stretches, covering approximately 25,000 km.
The collected data will be processed using AI for accurate identification and classification of road signs.
The survey report will include geo-stamped inventory of existing road signs, their condition, and other relevant data.

7. 18th Mumbai International Film Festival concluded, showcased 314 films from 59 countries

The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) recently concluded, featuring an impressive lineup of 314 films from 59 countries, spanning 61 languages.
Notable highlights include 8 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 18 Asia premieres, and 21 India premieres.
The festival’s theme, “India in Amrit Kaal,” resonated throughout the diverse screenings.
Renowned international filmmakers participated in masterclasses, panel discussions, and open forums, fostering artistic expression and global cinematic dialogue.
MIFF serves as a vital platform for filmmakers, offering opportunities for networking, marketing, and collaboration in the dynamic world of cinema.

8. Cabinet approved Rs 76,200 Cr Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra

The Vadhavan Port, approved by India’s Cabinet, is a greenfield deep draft major port in Palghar District, Maharashtra.
It will be India’s deepest sea port and one of the world’s top 10 ports.
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 76,220 crore, will be developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
It will feature nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth.
The port’s capacity is projected to be 298 million metric tons per annum, contributing to India’s logistics sector and economic growth.

9. DGCA issued advisory for Gender Equality in Aviation by 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory circular to enhance gender equality in India’s aviation sector.
The circular aims for a 25% female representation by 2025.
It encourages stakeholders to support women’s leadership, address stereotypes, and promote a balanced work-life environment.
The move reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the industry, recognizing the valuable contributions of women in civil aviation.

10. S. Tripathy appointed as the first director of UVCE

The State government has appointed S. Tripathy, a professor from the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, as the first director of the University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE).
This appointment is significant for UVCE, which became a state autonomous public university in 2022.
Tripathy’s leadership will contribute to excellence in engineering education at the college.

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