First International Dairy Federation Asia-Pacific Summit

• The inaugural IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 commenced in Kochi on June 26, 2024, and will continue until June 28, 2024.
•  The conference is hosted at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty, and expects over 1,000 delegates from more than 20 countries, featuring influential leaders and experts.
• Titled "Farmer-centric Innovations in Dairying," the event focuses on critical issues in the dairy sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
• Its primary objectives are to boost production, ensure transparent milk collection practices, and promote environmentally sustainable methods amidst climate change.

Paraguay became 100th Full Member of ISA

•  Paraguay became the 100th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on June 26, 2024.
• Paraguay submitted its Instrument of Ratification during a meeting between Ambassador Fleming Raul Duarte and Joint Secretary Abhishek Singh in New Delhi.
• Paraguay's accession highlights growing global participation in sustainable energy initiatives led by the ISA.
• The ISA, proposed by PM Narendra Modi and launched at the Paris Climate Conference on November 30, 2015, promotes global solar energy.
•  The alliance underscores international collaboration in advancing solar technology and mitigating climate change impacts.

India’s 18th Navratna Company:- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders' shares soared 7.5% to a record high of ₹4271.20 on June 26, 2024, after being conferred 'Navratna' status by the Department of Public Enterprises.
•  This recognition elevates Mazagon Dock as the 18th PSU to achieve 'Navratna' status, joining others like Engineers India, CONCOR, Bharat Electronics, and Hindustan Aeronautics.
• As a Navratna company, Mazagon Dock can invest up to Rs 1,000 crore annually without central government approval, or up to 30% of its net worth, whichever is lower.
• Additionally, Navratna companies have the flexibility to form joint ventures, establish alliances, and set up subsidiaries abroad.

Spectrum Auction concluded Successfully

• The spectrum auction held on June 26, 2024, aimed to fulfill Telecom Service Providers' new spectrum needs and renew expiring licenses to sustain and expand mobile services successfully concluded.
•  The Ministry of Communications confirmed that all available spectrum across various bands including 800 MHz to 26 GHz was up for auction.
•  Significant bidding activity was observed in bands such as 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2500 MHz during the seven-round auction.
•  He emphasized that Telecom Service Providers are keen on acquiring spectrum for both service continuity and expanding their offerings, albeit with limited volume left from previous auctions.

Meta AI Launches in India

• Meta has launched its Llama 3-powered AI chatbot, Meta AI, to all users across India starting June 26, 2024.
• The chatbot is accessible on Meta.AI's website and platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook.
• Previously limited to a select group in specific countries, its availability expanded following the recent general elections.
• During testing phases, Meta AI exhibited biases in generating images, often depicting Indian men wearing turbans and stereotypical Indian scenes, despite its advanced technology.
•  Meta acknowledges these shortcomings and asserts ongoing improvements and updates to enhance the model's accuracy and inclusivity over time.

3D Hydrogel to study TB research developed by IISc

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have achieved a significant breakthrough in tuberculosis (TB) research as of June 26, 2024.
•  The Department of Bioengineering has developed an innovative 3D hydrogel culture system that mimics the lung environment of mammals.
•  This advancement aims to enhance the study of tuberculosis infections and the efficacy of treatments.
• Traditional methods rely on flat, two-dimensional culture plates which do not accurately replicate the three-dimensional complexity of lung tissues, resulting in less precise data.
•  In contrast, IISc’s new approach utilizes collagen, a key component of lung cells' extracellular matrix (ECM), to create a more realistic model.

DRDO Handed Medium Range Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy (Defence)

• DRDO transferred the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy during a ceremony in New Delhi on June 26, 2024.
• Developed by DRDO's Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, this technology obscures radar signals by creating a protective microwave shield, reducing radar detection around platforms and assets.
• The MR-MOCR contains specialized fibers and generates a microwave obscurant cloud when launched, effectively covering a significant area in space.

Hockey India announced 16-member squad for Paris Olympics 2024

• Hockey India announced the 16-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics on June 26, 2024.
•  Led by drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, the team includes five Olympic debutants and vice-captain Hardik Singh. Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh also joins the squad.
• Defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay form the defensive line, while midfielders Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad are included.
• The forward line features Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.
• Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, and defender Jugraj Singh are named as alternate athletes.

Indian swimmers qualify for Paris Olympics 2024

• The Swimming Federation of India announced on June 26, 2024, that Dhinidhi Desinghu and Srihari Nataraj have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics through the Universality quota.
• Dhinidhi Desinghu, 14, set a new 'Best Indian Time' in the girls' 100m freestyle event at the 11th Asian Group Aquatics Championships, surpassing Olympian Maana Patel and Shivangi Sarma.
•  Srihari Nataraj, a national record holder in 200m freestyle, secured gold in the men's 100m backstroke at the same championships.
•  The Universality quota aims to diversify Olympic participation by providing opportunities to athletes from countries with smaller delegations.

D Gukesh

• In the Superbet Chess Classic in Romania on June 26, 2024, D. Gukesh started strongly by defeating Bogdan-Daniel Deac with the white pieces in the opening round.
• Despite encountering difficulties in the early middle game,D. Gukesh capitalized on his opponent's severe time pressure to gain a decisive advantage and secured a comfortable victory.
• Following their wins in the first round, D. Gukesh and US Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana are now jointly leading the tournament.

Om Birla

• Om Birla, a senior BJP MP, was unanimously re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha through a voice vote on June 26, 2024.
•  The opposition, represented by Congress MP K. Suresh, did not call for a division.
• Following his election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted Om Birla to the Speaker’s chair.
• Om Birla had previously held the position of Speaker in the preceding Lok Sabha term.

Mark Rutte

• The North Atlantic Council appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO on June 26, 2024.
• Mark Rutte, set to begin his duties on October 1, 2024, gained unanimous support from all 32 member countries after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the race on June 19, 2024.
• Mark Rutte, aged 57, will become the fourth Dutch national to lead the 75-year-old alliance, with his long tenure as Dutch Prime Minister concluding shortly.

Itanagar Woman Police Station awarded with ISO Certificate

• The Woman Police Station in Itanagar achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification on June 26, 2024.
• Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh emphasized that this accreditation underscores the station's dedication to handling crimes against women and children with care and efficiency.
•  ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard indicating the establishment of a thorough quality management system.

Jaipur Military Station became Second Military Station to Have Plastic Waste Road

• Jaipur Military Station became the second military station in India to inaugurate a road constructed from recycled plastic waste on June 26, 2024.
•  This initiative supports the Indian Army's commitment to establishing sustainable and eco-friendly military installations.
•  The road was built under the supervision of GE (South), CE Jaipur Zone, in collaboration with Deep Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
• Compared to conventional roads, those made from plastic waste are more durable, experience less deterioration, reduce water infiltration, and promote sustainability.
•  The first military station to implement a plastic waste road was Narangi Military Station in Guwahati, Assam, established in 2019.