Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 3rd June 2024

National News 

1. Adani Ports signs 30-year deal to operate Tanzania's 'Dar es Salaam Port' 

• Adani International Ports Holdings Private Limited (AIPH), a whollyowned subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has signed a 30-year agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority to operate and manage Container Terminal-2 (CT2) at Dar-es-Salaam Port. 
• Dar es Salaam Port is an important gateway port in East Africa, a port that is also connected by a good network of roads and railways. With this agreement, Adani Ports has also entered Tanzania. This agreement has been done with the Tanzania Ports Authority. 
• According to the report, Container Terminal-2 (CT2) has four berths. It has an annual management capacity of about 1 million TEUs. It has managed 0.82 million TEUs containers in 2023. This accounts for about 83% of Tanzania's total container volume. 
• EAGL has signed a USD 39.5 million deal with Hutchison Port Holdings Limited and Harbours Investment Limited to acquire a 95 per cent stake in Tanzania International Container Terminal Services Limited (TICTS), according to a statement from APSEZ. 
• East Africa Gateway Limited (EAGL) is incorporated as a joint venture of AIPH, AD Ports Group and East Harbour Terminals Limited (EHTL). APSEZ will be the controlling shareholder and will consolidate EAGL on its books. 
• In 2023, CT2 handled 0.82 million TEU containers, representing about 83 per cent of Tanzania's total container volume. This reflects the importance of the port in facilitating trade and economic activities in the region. 
• As part of the deal, the Adani Portsled consortium, East Africa Gateway Limited (EAGL), will acquire the project company in Tanzania for USD 39.5 million. 

2. Central Government appoints Badminton star PV Sindhu as brand ambassador for tobacco control

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India organized an event to celebrate World No Tobacco Day 2024. Indian Badminton star Ms. PV Sindhu was named as the brand ambassador for tobacco control to inspire young children and youth to stay away from tobacco. 
• In a captivating video message, Ms. Sindhu urged everyone to unite in the campaign against tobacco use, encouraging people to lead a tobacco-free life and adopt healthy alternatives for a better tomorrow. 
• This year’s theme, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” highlights the urgent need to protect youth from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. 
• She unveiled key focus areas for tobacco control initiatives in 2024, including strict adherence to India’s National Tobacco Control Law – COTPA 2003, intensification of public awareness campaigns against tobacco, growth of tobacco-free educational institutions, and establishment of tobacco-free villages nationwide. 
• Smt. V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that in 2023, the Government of India will extend the TV and film regulations to OTT platforms on the official gazette and become the first country globally to regulate antitobacco warnings on streaming or OTT media platforms. 

Key Awards 

• The World Health Organization World No Tobacco Day Award for the year 2024 was presented to the State Tobacco Control Cell, Odisha and the Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award for 2024 was presented to Dr. Mir Mushtaq Ahmad, Nodal Officer Kashmir, National Tobacco Control Programme and Generation Saviour Association, Punjab. 
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has enabled the online “No Tobacco Pledge” through the MyGov platform. 
• England’s Ecclestone becomes fastest woman to reach 100 ODI wickets England spinner Sophie Ecclestone became the fastest woman to reach 100 wickets in One Day International (ODI) cricket after taking three wickets in a 178-run win over Pakistan. 
• She reached the 100-wicket mark after bowling in 63 matches, breaking the previous record held by Australian fast bowler Katherine Fitzpatrick, who had taken 64 innings to reach this total. 

International News 

3. Philippines court bans commercial production of 'Golden Rice and BT Eggplant' 

• A court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant. Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice. 
• It has been developed by the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Bacillus thuringiensis/Bt brinjal was developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 
• In 2021, the Philippines was the first country to approve commercial production of the rice variety. However, non-profit organizations like Greenpeace and local farmers protested against this decision. 
• The decision is being broadcast in the international media, as proponents of GM crops have claimed that the decision could have devastating consequences for children with vitamin A deficiency. 
• A petition for a 'Kalikasan Writ' was filed on October 17, 2022 by a coalition of nonprofit corporations, local farmers, scientists, and nongovernmental organizations and "advocates for the sustainable use of biodiversity, concerned consumers, and citizens." 

Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant 

• Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice to contain higher levels of the micronutrients iron and zinc as well as produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. 
• The World Health Organization classifies vitamin A deficiency as a public health problem, affecting nearly one-third of children aged 6 to 59 months in 2013, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa (48 percent) and South Asia (44 percent). 

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

• IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations with support from the Philippine government. Headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, the institute has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa. IRRI South Asia Regional Center is located in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). 
• India banned the cultivation of Bt brinjal in 2010 after serious health concerns were revealed during field trials. Furthermore, the Indian Supreme Court has already placed a temporary ban on the cultivation of the controversial GM mustard crop. 

4. UNDP and GEF launch 'Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme' 

• UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched a new $135 million ‘Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme’ (BGI-IP) during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). 
• In partnership with UNEP, FAO, the World Bank, WWF-US, IUCN and UNCCD, this initiative will provide an important and substantial means of support for sustainable economic diversification and job creation. 
• The initiative aims to emphasize the vital role of nature and expand nature-based solutions to combat environmental degradation in three key sectors: urban development, food production and tourism. 
• Targeting fifteen SIDS, the program seeks to promote nature-positive transformations. Managed by UNDP and funded by the GEF and partners, this effort represents a new wave of support for SIDS as they embark on the Decade of Action from 2024 to 2034. 
• The program will support sustainable agriculture and fisheries, promote nature-friendly tourism, reduce pollution and increase resilience to extreme weather events. 
• With invaluable support from the Global Environment Facility, the Blue and Green Islands Program will scale nature-based solutions in the food, tourism and urban sectors that will help transform key regions from nature-negative to nature-positive – improving the daily lives of people in small islands and revitalizing the health of our natural world. 
• There are a total of 15 SIDS: Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cuba, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Seychelles, Timor Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. 

5. NSE launched India's first 'EV index' 

• NSE Index Limited, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India, has introduced India's first electric vehicle (EV) index. The Nifty EV and New Age Automotive Index EV tracks the performance of companies and advanced automotive vehicles and related technology. 
• The launch of the index is aligning with the Government of India promoting EV and its construction in the country, India aims to draw investment from global EV manufacturers to support the Make in India initiative. 
• The base date for the Nifty EV and the New Edge Automotive index is April 2, 2018, the base price is set on 1000. This index will undergo a semi-annual reorganization and quarterly regeneration, which will ensure its relevance and accuracy in tracking the dynamic EV market landscape. 
• Nifty EV and New Age Automotive index include EV manufacturer, new era automotive vehicles, electric batteries; EV or electric battery components producers and companies that produce or supply raw materials to EV and autonomous vehicle technology. 
• Sector representation of Nifty EV and New Edge Automotive Sector loads - automobile and auto components - 72.13 percent, information technology - 11.31 percent, chemicals - 10.63 percent, capital goods - 6.39 percent, oil, gas and consuming fuel - 3.37 percent and consumer services - 0.18 percent. 
• Top component in Nifty EV and New Age Automotive is at the forefront of the Bajaj Auto 7.08 percent weight, followed by Tata Motors Limited with 6.49 percent. Mahindra & Mahindra holds 5.83 percent stake, while Maruti Suzuki India Limited holds 5.28 percent stake. 
• Currently there are 17 thematic index on NSE, such as Nifty Commodities, Nifty India Consumption, Nifty CPSE, Nifty Energy and Nifty Infrastructure. 
• In addition to the themetic index, the NSE Broad Market Index (such as Nifty, Nifty Next 50, Nifty 100, Nifty 100 etc.) and Nifty Banks, Nifty Bank, operates 15 sectoral index including Nifty IT and Nifty Auto. 

6. Indian artist Krishna Kanhai organized ‘The Golden Krishna’ exhibition in Dubai, UAE. 

• Renowned Indian artist Krishna Kanhai unveiled his latest collection, “The Golden Krishna” at a grand opening ceremony on 31 May 2024. The exhibition displayed Kanhai's exquisite new works focusing on Lord Krishna. The exhibition will run till June 2, 2024. 
• The highlight of the exhibition is an amazing life-size, threedimensional painting of Tirupati Balaji, meticulously crafted from 24 carat gold and measuring 5 feet by 8 feet. 
• This masterpiece exemplifies Kanhai’s distinctive style, which has captivated art lovers around the world. Padma Shri awardee Kanhai has organized exhibitions in major cities like Hong Kong, London and countries like the Philippines and the United States. 
• Now, Dubai enthusiasts have the opportunity to experience a unique blend of his art depicting the divine essence of Krishna. The exhibition features a striking selection of contemporary paintings incorporating gold leaves along with traditional themes that evoke the intense emotions associated with Krishna. 
• Visitors are invited to embark on a three-day journey through the spiritual world of Kanhaiya, where his artworks celebrate love, peace and tranquility. 

Banking and Financial News

7. Axis Bank and Mastercard Introduce NFC Soundbox 

• Axis Bank has partnered with Mastercard to launch NFC Soundbox. 
• The new soundbox will act as an all-in-one solution that will allow the users to accept Bharat QR, UPI, Tap & Pay and Tap + Pin payments. 
• This device aligns with the Bank’s asset lite strategy to provide products/solutions of superior quality at an affordable price. 
• The NFC Soundbox will help the Bank further penetrate the small merchant segments with cost-effective and simple payment solutions that are secure and compliant with PCI standards. 
• The device will be powered with a dual confirmation feature, providing audio cues through its speaker and visual feedback on the screen in more than seven languages, ensuring a smooth and reassuring transaction experience for both merchants and consumers. 

Recent MoUs Signed in Banking Sector 

• Capital Small Finance Bank, ICICI Lombard enter into bancassurance tie-up 
• Airbus Helicopters, SIDBI sign MoU for helicopter financing in India 
• SBI General Insurance signs bancassurance partnership with Jana SFB to increase insurance penetration 
• Tata Motors’ arms partner with Bajaj Finance to provide financing to passenger 
• PhonePe has partnered with LankaPay to allow its users to pay using UPI across Sri Lanka Science 

8. ISRO and Wipro 3D Collaborate on 3D-Printed Rocket Engine 

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Wipro 3D have successfully manufactured a 3D-printed rocket engine, the PS4, set to power the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). 
• This groundbreaking achievement, lauded by Dr. V. Narayanan, Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at ISRO, marks a paradigm shift in space manufacturing, ushering in the era of additive manufacturing for space exploration. 
• The PSLV, ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle for earth observation and scientific satellites, relies on its fourth stage, the PS4, for precise orbital placement. 
• This stage is crucial for missions related to remote sensing, oceanography, cartography, and disaster warning, among others. The successful integration of the 3D-printed PS4 engine signifies a transformative step in enhancing the PSLV’s capabilities. 

Sports News

9. Nishant Dev becomes first Indian male boxer to qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics 

• World Championship bronze medallist Nishant Dev became the first Indian male to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after defeating Moldova’s Vasile Cebotari by unanimous 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the men’s 71kg category at the World Boxing Qualifiers in Bangkok. Now he became the fourth Indian boxer to qualify for the Paris Olympics, earlier Nikhat Zareen (women's 50 kg), Preeti (54 kg) and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg) have confirmed their place by winning bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Games. 
• 23-year-old Nishant is a World Championship bronze medalist for the 2023 edition to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He came into the limelight when he reached the quarter-finals of the Elite World Boxing Championship in his first international tournament in 2021. 
• Hailing from Karnal district of Haryana, Nishant started boxing in 2012 inspired by his uncle, who was a professional boxer. He used to train at the Karan Stadium under the guidance of coach Surender Chauhan. 

Indian Boxing Federation becomes member of World Boxing 

• The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to become a member of the World Boxing Association. World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst said that India is a very important country in international boxing. 

World Boxing was launched in April 2023. 

• Currently, it has 30 members including USA, Great Britain, Netherlands, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Canada and Brazil. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had derecognised IBA in 2019, as it had long-standing financial, sports integrity and governance issues. 
• Boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be overseen by the IOC. This will be the second consecutive time after the Tokyo Olympics, when IBA will not be involved in the bouts at the mega event. 

Tanvi Sharma won women's singles title of Bonn International Badminton Tournament 

• India's Tanvi Sharma won the women's singles title at the Bonn International Badminton Tournament in Germany. The young Indian shuttler defeated Wang Pei Yu of Taiwan 21-19, 22-20 in straight sets. This is the first senior title for the 15-year-old Tanvi. 
• 15-year-old Tanvi from Punjab, who made headlines by winning a gold medal at the Senior Asian Championships in Malaysia, came back from behind in the final set to beat her opponent. 

DP Manu wins gold medal in javelin throw in Taiwan Athletics Open 

• India's DP Manu and Nitya Ramraj won a gold and a silver medal respectively at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 on 1 June 2024. Asian Athletics Championships silver medalist DP Manu recorded a distance of 81.58m in his final attempt in the javelin throw final to top the podium. 
• Chinese Taipei's Cheng Chao-Tsun, who holds the Asian record of 91.36m, won the silver medal with a best effort of 76.21m while his compatriot Huang Chao-hung won the bronze with 71.24m. 

10. India’s DP Manu wins gold in javelin throw at Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 

• DP Manu from India won the gold medal in Javelin throw at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024, achieving a distance of 81.58 meters. 
• Initially, he started with a throw of 78.32 meters, then improved to 80.59 meters in the third attempt. 
• However, he clinched the top position in the competition during his sixth and final attempt, surpassing his previous mark. 
• Chao Tsun Cheng of Chinese Taipei earned the silver medal with a throw of 76.21 meters. 
• Chao-Hong Huang, also from Chinese Taipei, clinched the bronze medal with a throw of 71.24 meters. 

11. Tanvi Sharma bags women’s singles title of Bonn International Badminton Tournament 

• India’s Tanvi Sharma bagged the women’s singles title at the Bonn International Badminton Tournament in Germany. 
• The young Indian shuttler defeated Wang Pei Yu of Taiwan in straight sets, 21-19, 22-20. 
• This is the first senior title for the 15-year-old Tanvi. 

Important day 

12. 3 June – World Bicycle Day 

• World Bicycle Day is celebrated every year on 3 June. 
• This day highlights the importance of the bicycle as a simple, affordable, clean, and sustainable means of transportation. It encourages using bicycles for a healthy lifestyle and promotes their role in building a greener environment. 
• In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly announced that World Bicycle Day will be celebrated every year on June 3. 
• The theme this year, the designated theme for World Bicycle Day is Promoting Health, Equity, and Sustainability through Cycling. 

13. 3 June – World Cyder Day 

• World Cyder Day is observed every year on 3 June. 
• The World Cider Day on June 3rd is an international declaration of love for the popular cult drink. It symbolizes the beginning of the apple cider season all over the world. 
• The Apple Cider Day aims to generate publicity for the wide variety and characteristics of apple cider, to whet people’s appetite for apple cider, to provide information about apple cider. 

14. 3 June – World Clubfoot Day 

• World Clubfoot Day is observed every year on 3 June. 
• Globally believed to have been designated by the Ponseti International Association or the PIA, in commemoration of the birthday of Dr Ignacio Ponseti (1914-2009), the developer of the Ponseti Method for treating clubfoot. 
• According to Ponseti International, clubfoot is the most common “musculoskeletal birth deformity, affecting 2,00,000 newborn children each year, 80 per cent in the developing countries”. 

Ranks & Reports News

15. Amul milk price hiked by 2 per liter from today 

• The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets milk and milk products under the brand name of Amul, has increased the price of fresh milk by 2 a liter effective from June 3, 2024, in all markets across the country.

'Higher input cost' 

• The federation has attributed the hike to the rise in input costs. With the revision, Amul buffalo milk will cost ₹73 a liter and cow milk 58 a liter.