Current Affairs One - Liner : 18th June 2024

India accounts for 1% of the global antibacterial R&D pipeline, with 4% of antibacterial agents in clinical development located in the country. The WHO report released on June 16, 2024, points out a significant innovation gap, as the majority of R&D is concentrated in high-income countries.

The ‘Prerna Sthal’ in the Parliament House complex was inaugurated on June 16, 2024, by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. It is a dedicated space housing statues of India’s prominent leaders and freedom fighters, aimed at inspiring visitors and lawmakers alike.
The central government has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) by one year. This scheme is for digitizing patients’ health records and linking them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). Initially launched on January 1, 2023, it will now remain in effect until June 30, 2025.

The Reserve Bank of India cancelled the license of Purvanchal Co-op Bank, Ghazipur in June 2024 due to insufficient capital. The bank is now closed and depositors can claim insurance up to Rs 5 lakh from DICGC.

Fitch Ratings has indeed raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7.2%. This upgrade is attributed to elevated consumer confidence expected to drive spending and increased investments. For FY26 and FY27, the growth forecast remains unchanged at 6.5% and 6.2%, respectively.

Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, met with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on June 17, 2024, in Chukha province, Bhutan. They signed an MoU with Druk Green Power Corporation to establish a 570 MW green hydroelectric plant, marking a significant step in India-Bhutan bilateral relations.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Report reveals that the world is lagging in achieving the 2030 SDGs. Challenges include funding gaps, geopolitical conflicts, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critical areas such as poverty, hunger, and environmental protection are behind schedule, necessitating increased global cooperation and policy reform.

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024 ranks 180 countries on environmental health and ecosystem vitality. India placed 176th with a score of 27.6, just ahead of Pakistan, Viet Nam, Laos, and Myanmar. Estonia leads the index with a score of 75.3. The EPI is released by Yale University and assesses performance on 58 indicators across 11 categories .

Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia won the BWF Australian Open 2024 on 16 June in Sydney. He secured the title after defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in a closely contested men’s singles final. This marks his second major win of the season.

The International Day of Family Remittances is observed on June 16th to honor migrant workers’ financial contributions to their families and countries. The 2024 theme is “Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction,” focusing on leveraging digital solutions to enhance financial access and lower remittance costs.
World Crocodile Day, observed on June 17, is a global event to celebrate crocodiles and raise awareness about their conservation. It encourages learning about crocodiles, their habitats, and the efforts to protect these ancient reptiles.
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on June 18th to honor the identity and diversity of autistic individuals. The 2024 theme, “Taking the Mask Off,” promotes authenticity and the acceptance of natural behaviors. It’s a day of awareness, self-affirmation, and societal acceptance for those on the autism spectrum.

Dhanlaxmi Bank announced the appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as its MD and CEO on June 18, 2024. He will assume his new role from June 20, 2024. The decision was made during the bank’s recent board meeting and has been communicated in a regulatory filing.

“Ed Finds a Home” is Alia Bhatt’s children’s book about a dog, Ed, and a girl, Alia, who find friendship and a sense of belonging with each other. Released on Father’s Day 2024, it’s a tale of hope, love, and discovering one’s inner strength, illustrated by Tanvi Bhat.

Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare passed away on June 15, 2024, at the age of 95. He served as the Governor of Odisha from 2007 to 2013. His demise has been condoled by current Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and former CM Naveen Patnaik among others.
Srinivas Hegde, the mission director of Chandrayaan-1, passed away on June 14, 2024, at age 71. He played a pivotal role in India’s first lunar mission which discovered water on the Moon. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Questions:

1 What is the rank of India in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024?

2 What has Fitch Ratings done for India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25?