IMPORTANT DAYS

Celebration of 18th Statistics Day on 29th June, 2024

• India celebrates Statistics Day on June 29 every year to honor the contributions of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.

• The 2024 theme, "Use of data for decision-making," focuses on the critical role of data in modern governance.

• The day commemorates Mahalanobis's pioneering role in applying statistics to socio-economic planning and policy formulation.

• Statistics Day was first observed during the tenure of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, recognizing Mahalanobis's impact on India's economic planning.

• The observance highlights the significance of statistics in driving evidence-based decision-making in various sectors.

• This annual celebration aims to raise awareness about the importance of statistics in shaping effective policies and strategies.

APPOINTMENTS

Vikram Misri appointed new Foreign Secretary of India.

• Vikram Misri has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary of India.

• The Government of India officially announced Misri's appointment to this significant diplomatic position.

• Misri will take over from Vinay Mohan Kwatra, whose extended term ends on July 14, 2024.

• On July 15, 2024, Misri, who is currently the Deputy National Security Adviser, will begin his new role.

• He has previously served as Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers: Inder Kumar Gujral (1997), Manmohan Singh (2012), and Narendra Modi (2014).

• Misri's extensive experience in various key governmental roles makes him well-suited for the position of Foreign Secretary.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India’s outstanding outcome in the FATF mutual evaluation 2023-24:

• India achieved an outstanding result in the Mutual Evaluation conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the period 2023-24.

• India was classified under the regular follow-up category in its Mutual Evaluation Report, a distinction shared by only four other G-20 countries.

• The Mutual Evaluation Report of India was adopted during the FATF plenary session held in Singapore from June 26-28.

• India demonstrated a high degree of technical compliance with the FATF's standards, highlighting its robust framework against financial crimes.

• The report noted India's positive outcomes from its anti-money laundering (AML), countering financing of terrorism (CFT), and counter-proliferation financing efforts.

• Despite the positive evaluation, the FATF identified the need for stronger oversight and preventive measures in several non-financial sectors.

• India has been a member of the FATF since 2010 and is also part of the organization's steering group.

• Founded in 1989, the FATF is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

STATE NEWS

'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme has been announced by the Maharashtra government.

• Maharashtra's Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has announced the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme.

• This new scheme will provide financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month to all women aged 21 to 60, starting from July 2024.

• The Maharashtra government has allocated a budget of Rs 46,000 crore for the implementation of this scheme.

• The initiative appears to be inspired by the Laadli Behna scheme from Madhya Pradesh.

• The scheme aims to support women financially and is part of the government's broader efforts to empower women in the state.

• Under the CM Anna Chhatra Yojana, the state will also provide three free cylinders annually to families of five members.

• Furthermore, the government will continue to offer a Rs 5 per litre bonus to milk-producing farmers in Maharashtra.

First plastic waste road inaugurated at Jaipur Military Station

• Jaipur Military Station inaugurated its first plastic waste road, a 100-meter stretch from Sagat Singh Road Under Bridge to Cubes Corner Complex.

• Jaipur Military Station is the second military station to construct a plastic waste road and the first to integrate it into its maintenance programme.

• The Narangi Military Station in the North East was the first to build a plastic waste road, completed in 2019.

• Major General RS Godara, General Officer Commanding of the 61 Sub Area, inaugurated the road and planted a tree to symbolize development.• The construction was carried out under the supervision of GE (South), CE Jaipur Zone, aligning with the Indian Army's policy of sustainable and green military stations.

• The construction was carried out under the supervision of GE (South), CE Jaipur Zone, aligning with the Indian Army's policy of sustainable and green military stations.

UP government to establish a Bioplastic Park in Lakhimpur Kheri district.

• The Uttar Pradesh government plans to establish a Bioplastic Park in Kumbhi village, Lakhimpur Kheri district, to combat environmental pollution.

• This initiative will involve an investment of Rs 2000 crore, spearheaded by Balrampur Sugar Mill Firm.

• The park is expected to generate numerous job opportunities in the region, boosting local employment.

• The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) will act as the nodal agency overseeing the park's development.

• Bioplastic, made from natural materials like corn, sunflower, and sugar beet, will be a primary focus of the park.

• The park will emphasize developing and researching various plastic-related technologies to enhance effective use and recycling.

INDEX AND RANKINGS

Artificial Intelligence readiness of 174 countries mapped by IMF.

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index (AIPI) dashboard on June 25, mapping the AI readiness of 174 countries.

• The index categorizes each country as an advanced economy (AE), emerging market economy (EM), or low-income country (LIC).

• Singapore is ranked 1st with a score of (0.80), Denmark is ranked 2nd (0.78), and the United States is rankeed 3rd (0.77) are the top-ranked advanced economies in AI readiness.

• India is ranked 72nd with a score of 0.49, while Bangladesh (0.38) is 113th, Sri Lanka (0.43) is 92nd, and China (0.63) is 31st. South Sudan is ranked last at 174th.

• The ratings are based on an assessment of four key areas: digital infrastructure, human capital and labor market policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation.

• The AIPI dashboard aims to provide insights into each country's preparedness to adopt and integrate AI technologies.