Anti-Paper Leak Law Notified by Center

• The government introduced a stringent law aimed at preventing paper leaks during competitive examinations like NEET and UGC-NET on June 21, 2024.
•  Named the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, this legislation imposes severe penalties to deter malpractices.
• Under the new law, those found guilty could face imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines reaching ₹1 crore.
• The law targets various competitive exams conducted by bodies such as the UPSC, SSC, and NTA, aiming to curb cheating effectively.
•  It includes provisions for a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment for individual instances of cheating, escalating to five to ten years for organized cheating activities, coupled with substantial financial penalties.

To enhance Road Safety using AI NHAI signed an MoU with IIIT Delhi

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) partnered with IIIT Delhi to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhancing road sign availability and safety on National Highways on June 21, 2024.
•  This collaboration aims to cover approximately 25000 km of highways. IIIT Delhi will conduct comprehensive surveys to collect imagery and data on road signages along selected highway stretches.
•  The collected data will be processed using AI for accurate identification and classification of road signs, resulting in a geo-stamped inventory detailing their categorization and structural condition.
• IIIT Delhi will also perform a gap analysis by comparing survey findings with the approved road signage plans, addressing the latest Codal Provisions relevant to high-speed corridors to ensure improved safety standards.

Global Gender Gap Index 2024

• India occupies the 129th position out of 146 countries in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index as of June 21, 2024.
• This consistent placement within the bottom 20 underscores the persistent challenges in addressing gender disparities across various domains.
• India’s score of 39.8% ranks 142nd, highlighting significant gender gaps in the workforce and managerial roles, despite minor improvements.
• India stands at 112th place in education, with a 96.4% gender gap closed. While educational equality has improved, it still falls below global standards.
•  India’s 142nd position reflects substantial gender disparities in health outcomes.  India ranks 65th in political inclusion, bridging the gender gap by 25.1%.
•  Iceland maintains its top position, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to achieve gender parity.

 Best performing currency of Asia according to Bloomberg Report

• Despite nearing its lowest ever level, the Indian rupee has emerged as Asia's top-performing currency after Hong Kong, buoyed by inflows into domestic government bonds as of June 21, 2024.
•  Foreign investors' purchases of rupee-denominated bonds have supported the currency amid a broader decline against the US dollar, which saw it close at Rs 83.65 per dollar, a record low.
• Unlike most Asian currencies, including a weakened yuan, the rupee has depreciated only marginally by 0.45% this year, contrasting with a 3.31% rise in the US Dollar Index.
• Analysts note the rupee's relative resilience, albeit in a weakening trend, especially with significant inflows exceeding ₹1 lakh crore into government bonds following their inclusion in JPMorgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets.

Hurun India Fortune Unicorn List

• The ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2024 reports India having 67 unicorns, 46 gazelles, and 106 cheetahs, compared to 68 unicorns, 51 gazelles, and 96 cheetahs in 2023 as of June 21, 2024.
• The index includes 38 new entrants this year, comprising 7 gazelles and 31 cheetahs. Peak XV Partners leads in investments with stakes in 47 potential unicorns, followed by Accel with 25.
•  The total worth of India's future unicorns has risen to $58 billion, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
• Notable advancements include Ixigo, formerly a cheetah, achieving unicorn status through its successful IPO with a 48% premium.
• Zepto, Porter, and Incred Finance also joined the unicorn club. Additionally, 10 cheetahs were promoted to gazelles, underscoring the robust growth in India's startup ecosystem.

First of Its kind Skin Bank Facility in Delhi for Armed Forces (Defence)

• The Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi inaugurated a cutting-edge skin bank facility on June 21, 2024, marking the first establishment of its kind within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
• According to the Defence Ministry, this pioneering initiative seeks to transform the treatment of severe burn injuries and other skin-related ailments among military personnel and their families.
• Lieutenant General Arindam Chatterjee, Director General Medical Services and Colonel Commandant, hailed the launch of the skin bank as a demonstration of steadfast commitment to the health and welfare of service members.
•  He emphasized that the facility will not only elevate healthcare standards but also bolster support for those affected by serious injuries.
• The newly established skin bank aims to function as a centralized center for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing skin grafts, serving as a vital resource for military medical facilities nationwide.
• The Ministry underscored that the facility will uphold stringent standards of quality control and safety to ensure the reliability and integrity of the skin grafts.

Russia and North Korea new Defense Pact

• Russia's President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang on June 21, 2024, marked a significant development.
• Both nations agreed to offer "immediate military support in case of armed aggression against either country."
• This event signals a major shift in global politics, strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea amid increasing international isolation.
• The new agreement encompasses various areas of cooperation, particularly in defense assistance and technology, echoing provisions similar to the 1961 treaty's mutual defense clause.
• Article 4 stipulates prompt military aid in the event of aggression. South Korea and Japan, already concerned about North Korea's military capabilities, view this pact as a heightened security threat.
•  Consequently, they are likely to bolster defense strategies and enhance military alliances with the US. NATO and Western allies perceive the agreement as potentially destabilizing global peace and security.

Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran declared a terrorist Organization

• Canada officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under its Criminal Code, following increasing pressure over several years on June 21, 2024.
• Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, made the announcement, emphasizing that this decision underscores Canada's commitment to combating the terrorist activities of the IRGC.
• The designation through the Criminal Code listing regime signifies Canada's intent to utilize all available measures against the IRGC, particularly highlighting its association with known terrorist entities like Hizballah and Hamas.
•  This move aims to send a clear and robust message regarding Canada's stance on terrorism, reinforcing its determination to address threats posed by organizations involved in terrorist activities globally.

Pat Cummins

• Fast bowler Pat Cummins led Australia's bowling attack with a remarkable hat-trick, while David Warner’s unbeaten fifty ensured a smooth chase, resulting in a comfortable victory over Bangladesh in their 'Super 8s' Group 1 match of the T20 World Cup on June 21, 2024.
• Pat Cummins, known for his exceptional skills, captains the Australia men’s national cricket team in both Test and One Day International cricket.
• He also serves as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 Indian Premier League.
•  Widely considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket history, Pat Cummins is recognized as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, consistently demonstrating exceptional prowess and leadership on the field.

Ankita Raina

•  India’s Ankita Raina was eliminated from the WTA Veneto Open tournament after losing to Switzerland’s Susan Bandecchi in the Women’s singles quarter-final on June 21, 2024.
• Ankita Raina was defeated 4-6, 7-6, 3-6 at Gaiba in Italy. Prior to this, in the pre-quarterfinal, Ankita had secured a victory against Irina Bara of Romania with a score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.
• The Veneto Open is a WTA 125-level professional women’s tennis tournament, attracting competitive players from around the world.
• Despite her earlier success, Ankita’s journey in the tournament came to an end in the quarter-final stage against Susan Bandecchi.

S Tripathy

• S Tripathy, a notable professor from the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, was appointed as the first director of UVCE on June 21, 2024.
• This appointment marks a significant step in the college's pursuit of excellence in engineering education.
• Profs Tripathy's term as director has specific conditions: it will last for 4 years from the date he assumes office, or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever comes first.

Nelson D’Souza

• Rear Admiral Nelson D’Souza assumed the role of Commandant of Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Vivek Blouria on June 21, 2024.
•  A distinguished graduate of Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and Naval War College in Goa, Rear Admiral D’Souza has held significant positions in the Indian Navy since joining in March 1991.
•  His priorities include enhancing MILIT’s academic programs, promoting joint training across the tri-services, and fostering closer ties with industry and academia, especially in niche technologies.
• MILIT aims to continue producing highly skilled officers capable of leading India’s armed forces into the future.

Blue Planet Prize 2024

• The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was honored with the Blue Planet Prize on June 21, 2024, for its efforts to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
•  Established to enhance global sustainable development initiatives, IPBES has been pivotal in guiding policymakers to align with international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Awarded annually by Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation, the Blue Planet Prize recognizes significant contributions to addressing global environmental challenges, offering a prize amount of $500000 to recipients.
• The 2024 award ceremony will take place on October 23 in Tokyo, Japan, accompanied by additional events and lectures in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Caste Survey to be conducted in Jharkhand

• The Jharkhand government, under Chief Minister Champai Soren's leadership as of June 21, 2024, has decided to initiate a comprehensive caste-based survey across the state.
• This decision emerged from a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister himself. Champai Soren has directed the personnel department to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for conducting this survey.
• The objective of the caste-based survey is not only to document the demographic composition of various communities in Jharkhand but also to assess the social and economic challenges faced by different segments of the population.
• This initiative mirrors the approach adopted in Bihar, where a similar data collection effort was conducted from January 7 to October 2 the previous year.

International Yoga Day 2024

• International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2024, marking the 10th anniversary of this global event.
• This special day honors yoga, an ancient Indian practice that enhances physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• Annually observed, it gathers millions worldwide for yoga classes, workshops, and discussions.
• From tranquil mountain retreats to lively city squares, people come together in pursuit of holistic health and inner peace.
• The theme for 2024, "Yoga for Self and Society," emphasizes the transformative impact of yoga on individuals and communities.
• It encourages practitioners to recognize how yoga can improve personal well-being and contribute to the betterment of society.

World Hydrography Day 2024

•  World Hydrography Day was celebrated on June 21, 2024.
•  Organized by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), this day aims to highlight the importance of hydrography in understanding our seas and oceans.
• The theme for 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities.”
• This theme underscores the evolving landscape of navigation, such as e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and emission reduction efforts.
• World Hydrography Day 2024 emphasizes the crucial role hydrography plays in maritime safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
•  With advancing technology and growing environmental concerns, the need for accurate hydrographic information is becoming increasingly essential for the future of our oceans and seas.