Current Affairs 21 June 2024

Current Affairs 21 June 2024

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1. Sudhakararao Papa Appointed Director (Enterprise) at BSNL
  • Sudhakararao Papa has been appointed as the Director (Enterprise) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), following a rigorous selection process by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on June 15, 2024. Currently serving as the Chief General Manager of Chennai Telecom District Circle at BSNL, Sudhakararao Papa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
  • His appointment is pending final vigilance clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Papa emerged successfully from a competitive pool of 11 candidates interviewed during the selection meeting, showcasing his leadership qualities and strategic vision for BSNL’s enterprise operations. His tenure as Director (Enterprise) is expected to further bolster BSNL’s position in the telecommunications sector, driving innovation and operational excellence across the enterprise division.
Foot Notes:
About BSNL:
Founded: 15 September 2000
Headquarter: New Delhi
CEO: Pravin Kumar Purwar
2. India ranks 63rd on Energy Transition Index, Sweden on top
  • India has been ranked 63rd on a global Energy Transition Index released on Wednesday by the World Economic Forum, which said the country has shown significant improvement across energy equity, security and sustainability. European nations dominated the top ranks with Sweden topping the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and France in the top five.
  • The Global Energy Transition Index, published annually by the WEF in association with Accenture, evaluates nations’ progress and preparedness in building an equitable, secure, and sustainable energy future. It tracks government policies and their effectiveness in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, promoting non-fossil-based power sources, and enhancing energy efficiency.
3. International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on 21st June
  • The International Day of Yoga is a day in recognition of Yoga, that is celebrated across the world annually on June 21, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.  As Yoga exercises have shown significant benefits for physical and mental well-being, it was considered important by the UN to globally promote this wellness practice, which originated in ancient India.
  • This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day.
4. Thailand passes Southeast Asia's first same-sex marriage bill
  • Thailand's Senate has passed a marriage equality bill in a move to make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill was supported by an overwhelming majority of upper house lawmakers in a vote Tuesday. The legislation will be submitted for royal endorsement and is expected to come into force 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette by the end of this year. The House of Representatives had passed the bill in March
  • Under the law, same-sex couples will be granted the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples, including the rights to adopt children and inherit assets. The law uses gender-neutral terms, referring to married couples as "two individuals" rather than "a man and a woman."
Foot Notes:
About Thailand:
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Thai Baht
Prime Minister: Srettha Thavisin
5. Karnataka Governor Inaugurates First National Yoga Olympiad In Mysuru
  • Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the National Yoga Olympiad in Mysuru. The Governor recalled during his inaugural speech that it was during the National Youth Festival in January last year that a massive yoga event was organised in the state to set a new Guinness World Record. He informed that the state is working towards making Karnataka the leading yoga-literate state of India through Har Ghar Yoga. The Governor observed that Yoga prescribed by our ancient scriptures has now gained global recognition, establishing Bharat as the Guru of Yoga.
  • He pointed out that Yoga practice ensures physical, mental and emotional health. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Governor said that Yoga introduced India’s rich heritage to the world. He explained that Yoga is a holistic tool that enhances the overall growth of the practitioner, including spiritual well-being. The National Yoga Olympiad is being held in Mysuru for the first time.
Foot Notes:
About Karnataka:
Capital: Bengaluru
Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot
Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
6. GWEC India appoints Girish Tanti of Suzlon Group as new Chair
  • As Global Wind Day is celebrated across the world, GWEC India has announced that Mr Girish Tanti, Vice-Chairman of Suzlon Group, has been appointed as the Chair. The position plays a key role in driving GWEC India’s work with national and state government’s that assist government and industry’s efforts for building the right momentum and establishing policy frameworks that will ensure India delivers on its enormous wind energy and supply chain potential, both onshore and offshore. Mr Tanti steps up to the position to take a dual role with GWEC, having assumed the position of Vice-Chair with the Global Wind Energy Council earlier this year.
Foot Notes:
About GWEC:
Founded: 2005
Headquarter: Brussels, Belgium
7. NHAI Signs MoU with IIIT Delhi to Enhance Road Safety by deploying Artificial Intelligence
  • Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Delhi, a Technical University established by the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to enhance road safety. This collaboration aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solutions to improve the availability of road signs on National Highways.
  • As part of the agreement, IIIT Delhi will undertake extensive surveys to collect imagery and other relevant data concerning the availability and condition of road signages along selected National Highway stretches. This project will encompass an approximate length of 25,000 kilometres. Through these surveys, IIIT Delhi aims to gather comprehensive information that will aid in assessing and improving the state of road signs, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency on the National Highways.
8. Akashvani News Recognized As India’s Most Trusted News Brand In 2024 Reuters Survey
  • Akashvani News has been recognized as one of the most trusted news brands in India. A recent survey conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University has confirmed Akashvani News’ preeminent position in the nation’s media landscape. Released as part of the Digital News Report 2024, this annual publication revealed that Akashvani News received a trust score significantly higher than that of other prominent media houses in the country.
  • Reacting to this remarkable feat Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal called it a validation of the unwavering commitment of Akashvani News to broadcasting the truth under all circumstances.
Foot Notes:
About Akashvani News:
Founded: 8 June 1936,
Headquarters: New Delhi
CEO: Shri Gaurav Dwivedi
DG : Ms Maushumi Chakravarty
9. Pat Cummins registers first hat-trick of T20 World Cup 2024
  • Just a few hours after he was presented the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for winning the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year award 2023, Pat Cummins took a hat-trick against Bangladesh in their T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at Antigua.
  • Patrick James Cummins (born 8 May 1993) is an Australian international cricketer who captains the Australia men’s national cricket team in Test and One Day International cricket. He is also the current captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Cummins is widely regarded as an all-time great fast bowler in Test cricket and one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation. He is also known for being a handy lower-order batsman.
10. The Hunger Games’ Actor Donald Sutherland Dies at 88.
  • Donald Sutherland, whose acting career spanned six decades and included starring in such highly acclaimed films as Don’t Look Now, M*A*S*H and The Hunger Games, has died aged 88. He died in Miami after a long illness, confirmed by his representatives.
  • His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, also shared the news on X. “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” he wrote. “I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
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