Daily Current Affairs- 19 June 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 19th June 2024

INTERNATIONAL

US and India to launch NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar to combat climate change

• India and the United States (US) are preparing to jointly launch NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar to combat climate change and other global challenges, The White House also announced the launch of - a new partnership between the US Space Force and the Indian startups, 114ai and 3rdiTech.
• The NISAR (NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is a joint NASA-Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Earth-observing mission – is nearly complete, and a launch readiness date will be determined at the end of April. The spacecraft will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast. NISAR, the first hardware collaboration between NASA and ISRO on an Earth-observing mission, is a uniquely powerful and trailblazing satellite. 

India refuses to sign Ukraine's declaration at Swiss conference

• India has refused to endorse the communique issued after the end of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine was hosted by Switzerland at Burgenstock on June 15 and 16. The summit ended with many countries supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and calling upon all the parties to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
• India has a close defence and strategic relationship with Russia. Russia is the main weapon supplier of weapons to the Indian Armed Forces.
• Russia refused to attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine which was attended by over 90 countries from Europe, Asia,Africa and Latin America and four international organisations.. Russia said that attending the meeting was a waste of time and refused to attend the meeting.
• India said that there can be abiding peace in the region if the peace solution is acceptable to both parties. India’s stand was that without the participation of Russia, there could be no peace in the region and since the communique was issued without taking into account the view of Russia, India refused to sign the communique. 

NATIONAL

HAL Received RFP from Defence Ministry for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore

• HAL Receives Request for Proposal from Defence Ministry for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore: The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), valued at ₹45,000 crore. This move is a significant step in bolstering India’s defense capabilities with homegrown technology. Read about this news in detail through this article. 

PM Modi Inaugurates New Campus of Nalanda University in Bihar

• On June 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, an international institution of learning near the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Rajgir, Bihar.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the inauguration of the campus of Nalanda University, close to the ancient ruins of Nalanda, symbolised the beginning of the golden era for India and an introduction of the country’s ability to recreate its glorious history. 

IFC commits $105 million for Brookfield’s Bikaner solar power project

• The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed to invest $105 million to partially finance a 550 MW solar power project. To be located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the project is currently being developed by Brookfield Asset Management. The funding will involve long-term non-convertible debentures allocated to the special purpose vehicles which will be responsible for executing the project.
• The project will be integrated to the inter-state transmission system of India’s green energy corridor. Brookfield will supply solar power to commercial and industrial consumers at competitive rates through long-term power purchase agreements and also participate in merchant markets through power exchanges. 

SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

MRU install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, in a partnership with ISRO

• In a pioneering collaboration, Manav Rachna University (MRU) has become the first university in Delhi NCR to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, thanks to a partnership with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This significant development was marked by the setup of a GNSS and Space Weather Laboratory at the MRU campus.
• A distinguished team of NARL-ISRO scientists, including Dr. Nirvikar Dashora and Himanshu S. Sethi, oversaw the installation of the GNSS infrastructure. The setup includes a GNSS receiver, antenna, 30M RF cable, laptop, and iron mast. This initiative is part of NARL’s cooperative research programs, which involve GNSS receiver networks at various national institutes and universities. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Actor Theo James named / appointed UNHCR global goodwill ambassador

• UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced the appointment of the British actor Theo James as its newest global Goodwill Ambassador.
• British actor, producer and model Theo James has been a High Profile Supporter of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since 2016. Theo has supported UNHCR’s work through visiting Greece and following the story of a Syrian refugee, as well as attending fundraising and advocacy events, and lending his talents to UNHCR projects. 

Dhanlaxmi Bank Appoints Ajith Kumar KK As the new MD & CEO

• The Board of Directors of the Bank, at its meeting held on June 18, 2024, approved the appointment of Shri. Ajith Kumar K. K as Managing Director & CEO of the Bank for a period of three years with effect from June 20, 2024 and on such remuneration as approved by RBI vide letter
• Ajith Kumar KK’s career at Federal Bank has equipped him with a robust understanding of banking operations and strategic leadership, making him well-suited to lead Dhanlaxmi Bank as its new MD & CEO. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Sickle Cell Day

• Every Year 19 June is observed worldwide as World Sickle Cell Day, Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder, and the day seeks to raise awareness about the disease amongst the public, government and other stakeholders.
• The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2008 to observe 19 June as World Sickle Cell Day. The resolution recognised Sickle Cell disease as a public health issue and the need to create awareness amongst the stakeholders to take necessary preventive measures, The theme of the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day Is Hope through progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.” 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Vinod Ganatra conferred Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award

• Eminent children's film-maker Vinod Ganatra has been conferred with South Africa’s prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his contribution to films.
• Vinod Ganatra becomes the first Indian to be honoured with the ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award. Vinod Gantra was conferred with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival for his outstanding contribution to children's cinema,
• Globally renowned filmmaker and editor Vinod Ganatra of Gujarat but now based in Mumbai has been active in Film & Television Production from 1982.