INTERNATIONAL NEWS
World's oldest cave painting has been discovered in Indonesia.
• The world's oldest cave painting has been found in Indonesia on the island of Sulawesi.
• The artwork shows three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig on the ceiling of a limestone cave.
• Scientists used a novel scientific technique to establish the minimum age of the painting in Leang Karampuang cave.
• This painting is at least 51,200 years old, making it the oldest known cave painting in the world.
• The artwork includes a pig standing upright, about 36 inches by 15 inches, along with three smaller human-like figures.
• Painted in a single shade of dark red pigment, the cave also contains other images of pigs.
• Researchers believe the painting represents a narrative scene.
• Previously, the oldest known cave painting was in Leang Tedongnge Cave, dated to around 45,500 years old.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Zoonoses Day 2024 observed on 6 July
• World Zoonoses Day Observed annually on 6 July to raise awareness about diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
• Inaugurated on 6 July 1885 to highlight zoonotic diseases; commemorates Louis Pasteur's first successful rabies vaccine administration on the same date.
• A CDC study reveals approximately 60% of current diseases are zoonotic, with 70% of emerging infections originating in animals.
• Caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria, and fungi; they can transmit to humans through direct contact or via contaminated food, water, or environments.
• Common Examples: Include Plague, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Scabies, and Roundworms.
• Awareness and Precautions: Essential to comprehend the human health impact of zoonotic diseases and implement necessary preventive measures.
APPOINTMENTS
Justice Sheel Nagu has been appointed Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• Justice Sheel Nagu has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• His appointment will be effective from the date he assumes office.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his name following the retirement of Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, who retired on October 13, 2023.
• Prior to this, Justice Sheel Nagu served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
• Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva has been appointed as the new Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
• Justice BR Sarangi was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on July 3.
• The changes follow recent retirements and new appointments within the judiciary.
NATIONAL NEWS
The Union government has reconstituted eight Cabinet committees.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security remains unchanged, with members including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also remains unchanged, comprising Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, and is responsible for appointing bureaucrats.
• HD Kumaraswamy and Lalan Singh have been added to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
• This committee is responsible for decisions related to industrial policies, big-ticket investment proposals, and major infrastructure projects.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will head the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which includes nine other ministers.
• Prime Minister Modi will head the Cabinet Committees on Investment and Growth, as well as on Skill, Employment, and Livelihood.
SPORTS
Neeraj Chopra will lead the Indian track and field contingent at Paris Olympics.
• Neeraj Chopra has been chosen to lead the Indian track and field team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as announced by the Athletics Federation of India.
• Three years ago, Neeraj Chopra made history by becoming India's first track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.
• The track and field events will take place at the Stade de France from August 1 to August 11.
• Milestone for Indian Athletics: Jyothi Yarraji will make history as the first Indian 100-meter hurdler to compete in the Olympics.
• 2024 Paris Olympics: Scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, the Games will showcase global athletic talent.
• Official Theme Song: "Parade," composed by Victor Le Manse, serves as the official theme song for the 2024 Paris Olympics.