CURRENT AFFAIRS 23-and-24-06-2024

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India announced a medical e-visa facility for Bangladesh citizens

• India introduced a medical e-visa facility specifically for Bangladeshi citizens.

• India and Bangladesh signed 10 agreements covering various areas such as defence, digital partnership, and maritime cooperation.

• The medical e-visa facility for Bangladeshi citizens will soon be available.

• India plans to open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to serve the northwestern region.

• The agreements between India and Bangladesh include digital partnership, green partnership, maritime cooperation, blue economy, space cooperation, railway connectivity, oceanography, defence, and strategic operation studies.

• This marks the first bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since the formation of the new Indian government.

• A technical team will visit Bangladesh to assess the protection and management of the Teesta River.

• Bangladesh plays a key role in India's Neighbourhood First policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision.

• The sixth rail link between India and Bangladesh has been inaugurated, connecting Jakhoda and Agartala.

• The Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite is expected to strengthen bilateral relations.

• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina was on a two-day official visit to India.

Tajikistan government passed a bill to ban hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing.

• The government of Tajikistan has passed a bill banning the hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing.

• The law was approved by Tajikistan's parliament, with the upper house, Majlisi Milli, and the lower house, Majlisi Namoyandagon, both passing the bill.

• This legislation officially bans the Islamic hijab, which had been unofficially restricted for years.

• The Tajik government began enforcing the removal of the hijab in 2007 when the Ministry of Education banned Islamic attire and Western-style miniskirts for students.

• In recent years, the Tajik government has actively promoted traditional Tajik clothing through various campaigns.

IMPORTANT DAYS

United Nations Public Service Day 2024 celebrated on June 23

• United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated annually on June 23.

• This day highlights the essential role of public service in fostering community development and welfare.

• The theme for the 2024 United Nations Public Service Day is 'Fostering Innovation amid Global Challenges: a Public Sector Perspective.'

• The United Nations General Assembly declared June 23 as Public Service Day on December 20, 2002.

• The United Nations Economic and Social Council established the United Nations Public Service Awards, which are presented on Public Service Day.

• These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to enhancing the role, prestige, and visibility of public service.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

China and France launched a satellite to study farthest explosion of stars.

• China and France successfully launched a jointly developed satellite to study the most distant explosions of stars.

• The satellite was carried by a Long March-2C rocket, which lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

• This advanced astronomical satellite, named Space Variable Objects Monitor, is equipped with four instruments—two French and two Chinese.

• The mission marks the first collaborative venture in astronomy between China and France.

• Previously, in 2018, China and France launched the China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSat).

• In 2011, the United States imposed a ban on direct collaboration between NASA and Chinese entities.

Pushpak – ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle, Clears Landing Test

• ISRO successfully conducted the third and final landing experiment of its reusable launch vehicle 'Pushpak' on June 23.

• The experiment took place at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

• Known as RLV LEX-03 (Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment 3), this test re-demonstrated Pushpak's autonomous landing capability under more severe wind conditions.

• Pushpak was released by a Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 kilometres from the runway.

• After aerial release, Pushpak performed cross-range correction manoeuvres and executed a precise horizontal landing on the runway centerline.

• Pushpak achieved a speed of 320 kmph during the landing, compared to a normal fighter aircraft's speed of 280 kmph, due to its lower lift-to-drag ratio.

• The vehicle used multi-sensor fusion technology, incorporating inertial sensors, radar altimeter, flush air data system, pseudolight system, and navigation system.

SPORTS

Four officers from India’s Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) won a record 32 medals.

• Four officers from India's Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) achieved an impressive feat by securing a total of 32 medals at the prestigious 43rd World Medical and Health Games held in Saint-Tropez, France, from June 16 to 23, 2024.

• Lt Col Sanjeev Malik: He excelled in the above 35 years male category, clinching five gold medals.

• Maj Anish George: In the under 35 years male category, Maj Anish George demonstrated remarkable prowess with four gold, six silver, and two bronze medals.

• Capt Stephen Sebastian: Capt Stephen Sebastian dominated the under 35 years male category, securing an impressive tally of six gold medals.

• Capt Dania James: Capt Dania James showcased exceptional talent in the under 35 years female category, earning four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

• Established in 1978, the World Medical and Health Games attract over 2,500 participants annually from more than 50 nations worldwide.

• This year's event highlighted India's AFMS officers' exemplary skills and dedication in competitive healthcare sports.

INDEX AND RANKINGS

• India saw a significant shift in its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) landscape in 2023, dropping to the 15th position globally from 8th place in 2022.

• FDI inflows into India experienced a notable decline of 43%, amounting to $28 billion during the year.

• Despite this decline, India maintained its stature among the top five destinations for FDI, excelling in both greenfield projects and international project finance deals.

• In contrast to the previous year when FDI inflows rose by 10% to $49 billion, India's performance in 2023 reflected a different trend.

• However, India retained its position as the fourth-largest recipient of greenfield project announcements globally.

• According to UNCTAD, several developed countries, including France, Australia, China, the US, and India, observed substantial decreases in FDI inflows, influenced by multinational enterprise financial transactions.

• In Asia, FDI declined by 8% to $621 billion, with China remaining the world's second-largest recipient of FDI.

• India, along with Bangladesh, China, Singapore, and Thailand, implemented supportive policies aimed at bolstering the banking industry amidst these economic shifts.

AWARDS

The Golden Thread’ Awarded As Best Documentary In International Category With Golden Conch Award

• 'The Golden Thread', directed by Nishita Jain, clinched the Best Documentary accolade in the international segment at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival, an event graced by actress Poonam Dhillon.

• Edmond Ranson's 'Life In Loom' was honored with the Best Short Film award in the 'India in Amrit Kaal' category, while Sreemoyi Singh received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director for her work 'And, Towards Happy Alleys'.

• Within the National Competition, '6-A Akash Ganga' emerged victorious as the Best Documentary, 'Salt' claimed the Best Short Fiction award, and 'Nirjara' was recognized as the Best Animation film.

• Internationally, 'Zima' from Poland was celebrated with the Best Animation award, and 'Sour Milk' from Estonia took home the Best Short Fiction award.

• The Mumbai International Film Festival's 18th edition witnessed a diverse array of cinematic achievements, highlighting outstanding contributions from both Indian and international filmmakers.

• Actress Poonam Dhillon played a pivotal role in presenting the awards, underscoring the festival's commitment to honoring excellence in global cinema.

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