Current Affairs One - Liner : 19th June 2024

Siddhesh Sakore, a farmer from Maharashtra, has been recognized as a Land Hero by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). His innovative practices in sustainable agriculture and waste management contribute to combating land degradation. The announcement was made on World Desertification and Drought Day, which takes place annually on June 17th.

On 16th June 2024, Manav Rachna University (MRU) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first university in Delhi NCR to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver on its campus. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
On June 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. The university is a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The event was attended by the Head of Missions from 17 countries, emphasizing Nalanda’s significance as a symbol of India’s academic heritage and cultural exchange.
The Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi opened this first-of-its-kind skin bank facility within the Armed Forces Medical Services on June 18, 2024. This initiative is expected to revolutionize the treatment of severe burn injuries and other skin conditions for service members and their families.

Ukraine has established the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), the world’s first standalone military branch dedicated solely to unmanned and robotic systems. The USF aims to coordinate the deployment of air, sea, and ground unmanned systems, enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and response options.

As of June 17th, 2024, gross direct tax collections have risen by 22.19% compared to the same period last year. This could be due to a growing economy or improved tax collection efforts.

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is a joint venture between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It aims to launch a radar satellite equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. NISAR will provide global measurements of land surface changes, including earthquakes, soil moisture, and ice sheets.

Sumit Nagal, the Indian tennis player, finished runner-up at the ATP Challenger 125 in Perugia, Italy, on June 19, 2024. His performance underscores his talent and dedication to the sport.

India’s first joint doctrine for cyberspace operations was released by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting held on June 18, 2024, in New Delhi. This keystone publication guides commanders on conducting cyberspace operations in today’s complex military environment.

The International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed on June 18, aims to raise awareness about the impact of hate speech and promote tolerance, understanding, and respect among diverse communities. It serves as a reminder to combat discrimination, prejudice, and harmful rhetoric that can lead to violence and division.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day was observed on June 18, 2024. It's a day to raise awareness about how our food choices can impact the environment and to promote more sustainable practices in the culinary world. This year's theme was "More Taste, Less Waste" focusing on reducing food waste.
World Sauntering Day, also known as International Sauntering Day, is celebrated on June 19 each year. The purpose of this day is to remind people to slow down and enjoy life rather than rushing through it. It encourages individuals to walk, ramble, and meander, appreciating the world around them at a leisurely pace .

Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director on the board of Paytm on June 17, 2024. His appointment was based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was appointed as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on 19th June 2024. He was previously serving as the Delhi Divisional Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Home) for the Delhi government.

Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varier, a big name in Ayurveda from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, got an honorary science doctorate! This is a special award for his amazing work in Ayurveda.
Globally-acclaimed filmmaker Vinod Ganatra has made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ from South Africa. This remarkable honor recognizes his significant contributions to the world of cinema, particularly in the realm of children’s films.
Wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival for his outstanding contributions to wildlife filmmaking. His expertise spans tiger-centric international documentaries, including “Tiger Dynasty,” “Tiger Queen,” and “The World’s Most Famous Tiger.”

Questions:

1 The new campus of Nalanda University is a collaboration between India and which group of countries?

2 Which country has established the world’s first standalone military branch dedicated solely to unmanned and robotic systems?