Dubai Conclave for India-UAE Digit Payments

• The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), together with representatives from the National Payments Corporation of India and the RBI, showcased advancements in digital payments at a conclave held at the Taj Dubai on June 7, 2024.
• This event highlighted the introduction of the local currency settlement (LCS) framework, a significant outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the UAE.
• This cross-border settlement mechanism, utilizing the stability of the Indian rupee and advanced digital payment technologies, aims to lower transaction costs, enhance financial transparency, and provide convenience.
• The objective is to establish a seamless financial ecosystem benefiting businesses and consumers, fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations.

National Workshop on Ethical AI

• The UNESCO South Asia Regional Office and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India jointly organized the National Stakeholder Workshop on Safe, Trusted, and Ethical AI at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi on June 7, 2024.
• Following the approval of the IndiaAI Mission by the Indian Government marks a significant stride in enhancing India's AI ecosystem, with a substantial budget allocation exceeding ₹10,000 crore.
• The workshop delved into the ethical dimensions and societal impacts of AI, as well as strategies for its ethical implementation in India.
•  Discussions covered AI fundamentals, UNESCO's role in AI ethics, and the landscape of India's AI policies.
• The workshop aimed to facilitate informed policy development in line with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Rohit Sharma

• Rohit Sharma on June 7, 2024 achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first cricketer globally to hit 600 sixes in international cricket.
• Additionally, Rohit Sharma surpassed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's record to become the most successful Indian captain in T20I cricket, securing 42 wins in 55 matches under his leadership.
• Below is the data of top cricketers based on their number of sixes in international cricket:

AJT Johnsingh

• A prominent wildlife field biologist and a trailblazer in wildlife conservation in India, AJT Johnsingh, passed away in Bengaluru on June 7, 2024.
• Initially employed as a Zoology lecturer in Sivakasi during the early 1970s, Johnsingh's passion for wildlife led him to pursue a Ph.D. in wildlife studies, sparked by his frequent forest expeditions.
•  His groundbreaking research on elephants in the early 1980s played a pivotal role in the establishment of Project Elephant by the Indian Government.
• Additionally, he organized an international conference gathering elephant experts worldwide at Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
• He was affiliated with esteemed organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society, the Corbett Foundation, and the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru.

William Anders

• A retired astronaut William Anders, renowned for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photo during NASA's Apollo 8 mission passed away on June 7, 2024.
• He served as the backup pilot for both the Gemini XI mission and the historic Apollo 11 mission, which marked the first human landing on the moon on July 20, 1969.
• After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving as an Air Force pilot, Anders commenced his tenure with NASA in 1963 as a member of the third astronaut group.
• Additionally, he played a significant role during the Apollo 8 mission's Christmas Eve broadcast, wherein the crew recited passages from the Book of Genesis while transmitting images of the lunar surface back to Earth.

Dilip Bose Lifetime Achievement Award

• The All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced that coach Nar Singh would receive the Dilip Bose Award for Lifetime Achievement from June 7, 2024.
•  Established in 2002, this award honors contributions to tennis and includes a cash prize of ₹50000.
• The award will be presented during the 11th National Coaches Workshop at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Pune.
• Dilip Bose, a former professional tennis player from India, played for the Indian Davis Cup team and won the Asian Championship.
• At 65, Nar Singh, who has dedicated many years to coaching and education, will be the 11th recipient of the award.
• Additionally, Rohini Lokhande also a recipient of the Dilip Bose Lifetime Achievement Award has become the first female tennis instructor qualified by the National Institute of Sports.

Age Cap Removed on Farmer Aid Scheme in Haryana

• The Haryana government on June 7, 2024 announced significant changes to the “Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana,” a financial assistance program for farmers and farm workers.
• These changes decided in a recent meeting led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture Minister Kanwar Pal, removed the age restrictions previously imposed on the scheme’s beneficiaries.
•  Before this change, only individuals aged 10 - 65 were eligible for compensation.
• People outside these age groups, including children under 10 and adults over 65, can benefit from the scheme.
• This expansion aims to provide a broader safety net for all agricultural workers, ensuring they receive financial support in case of accidents involving farm machinery.
• This update is part of a wider strategy to enhance agricultural and horticultural initiatives under the Chief Minister's directive for prompt and effective implementation.

Ramsar Status to Bihar Bird Sanctuaries

• Bihar's Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries were designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on June 7, 2024 underscoring India's commitment to wetland conservation.
• With these additions, India now boasts 82 Ramsar sites, marking a significant milestone in its environmental protection efforts.
• Located in the Jamui district, the Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries were created as irrigation ponds.
• Over time, these areas have evolved into vital habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna, particularly bird species, some of which are endangered.
• Covering 791 and 333 hectares respectively, the sanctuaries are surrounded by dry deciduous forests and hills.
•  Nagi Bird Sanctuary hosts over 1300 bird species, including the rare Indian Pitta, and is crucial for Sarus crane conservation.
• Nakti Bird Sanctuary plays a vital role during migration seasons, providing refuge to species like the Sarus Crane, Indian Skimmer, and various ducks.

Plastic Export Excellence Award to Mumbai

• Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais presented the 'Plastic Export Excellence Award' from the Plastics Export Promotion Council, a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in Mumbai on June 7, 2024.
• P. Tapadia was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Arvind Goenka, former council president, received special recognition. A total of 75 plastic exporters were recognized.
• Governor Bais highlighted India's robust economic growth amid global slowdowns and emphasized the plastic industry's significant role in providing livelihoods for over 5 million people.
•  He urged the Plastic Export Promotion Council to collaborate with universities in the state to educate students about industry prospects and the employment opportunities available.

World Food Safety Day 2024

• The World Food Safety Day was observed on June 7, 2024. It is an annual occasion commemorated every June 7.
• Its purpose is to increase awareness about the significance of food safety and encourage efforts to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne hazards.
• This day underscores the crucial role of food safety in ensuring universal access to safe, nutritious, and adequate food.
• The concept of World Food Safety Day was initially suggested by the United Nations (UN) in 2016.
• The theme for World Food Safety Day 2024, “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” underscores the necessity of readiness for food safety incidents, regardless of their severity, and underscores the importance of food and water security in any circumstance.