Current Affairs One - Liner : 11th July 2024

According to a recent study by InterNations, Vietnam is the most affordable country for expatriates, securing the top spot out of 53 destinations. Meanwhile, India ranks 6th in the list. Southeast Asia features prominently, with Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines also among the top 10 expat destinations.

The 7th India-Japan Medical Product Regulatory Sympoium was successfully held at the FICCI Convention Hall in New Delhi on 10th July 2024. Organized by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, this symposium aimed to enhance collaboration between India and Japan in medical product regulations.

On July 8, 2024, the India-Taiwan Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organically produced goods came into force. This agreement facilitates trade by recognizing organic certifications between the two countries, allowing products to be sold with the respective “India Organic” and “Taiwan Organic” logos.
Bangladesh has officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as its fifth member state. The CSC is a strategic grouping that includes India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives. The welcome was extended during the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting, which was hosted virtually by

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched India’s first Oil & Gas Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), the ICICI Prudential Nifty Oil & Gas ETF. This ETF aims to track the performance of the Nifty Oil & Gas TRI, which represents companies in the oil and gas sector. With a minimum investment of ₹100, investors can participate in this opportunity. The NFO will close on July 18, 2024.
Federal Bank partnered with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance on July 8, 2024. This collaboration will offer Federal Bank customers a wider range of life insurance products through the bank's branches. The partnership aims to provide customers with convenient access to financial security solutions.
The Golden Years Pension Plan by Ageas Federal Life Insurance offers two options: the Classic Option and the Golden Waiver of Premium Option. It includes features like an Early Investment Booster, flexible premium payment, guaranteed loyalty booster, market-linked returns, and tax benefits.

Moody’s has maintained its GDP growth forecast for India at 6.8% for 2024. This projection reflects strong domestic and international demand, supporting growth across emerging markets. In March, Moody’s upgraded India’s growth projection from 6.1% to 6.8% for 2024

Türkiye successfully launched its first domestically produced communication satellite, TURKSAT-6A, on July 8, 2024. Developed by ASELSAN, the satellite will provide communication services to a vast region, including Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Indian scientists have recently developed an open-source tool for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) that generates an infrared star catalogue. This tool is specifically designed to enhance the TMT’s Adaptive Optics System (AOS), which continuously senses and adjusts for atmospheric changes to produce high-quality astronomical images.

The Central Government has constituted a single-member Committee, chaired by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to Government of India to verify the candidature claims and other details of Ms. Puja Manorma Dilip Khedkar, a candidate of Civil Services Examination-2022 and earlier CSEs.
The 16th Finance Commission has established a five-member Advisory Council to aid in its deliberations. Led by Poonam Gupta from NCAER, the council comprises renowned economists from various institutions. Its role includes advising on the Commission's Terms of Reference, conducting research, exploring international best practices, and enhancing the impact of the Commission's recommendations.

India's Tasnim Mir and Tharun Mannepalli clinched the women's and men's singles titles respectively at the Saint-Denis Reunion Open 2024. The tournament took place in Saint-Denis, Reunion Island, from 3rd to 7th July 2024.
Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2024. His exceptional performance during the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament, was instrumental in India's victory and earned him this prestigious recognition.

On the 10th of July 2024, we celebrated the 24th National Fish Farmer’s Day. This special day honors the remarkable contributions of fish farmers, aquapreneurs, and fisherfolk to India’s thriving fisheries sector.
National 7-Eleven Day, also known as Free Slurpee Day, is celebrated in the United States on July 11 every year. This day commemorates the establishment of the largest convenience store chain in the US, 7-Eleven.

On July 12, 2024, Mahabaleshwara MS was appointed as an Independent Director of TFCI Ltd. This appointment reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing its governance and strategic decision-making.
Rajat Sharma, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, has been unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA). The NBDA is the largest organization of news broadcasters in India, representing almost all major news networks in the country.
PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medalist and ace badminton player, recently announced her partnership with the Gurugram-based wellness brand Hoop. She has joined Hoop as both an investor and a brand ambassador.
Lt Gen Shankar Narayan took charge as the Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R) on July 10, 2024. He is a renowned pediatrician with expertise in neonatology and pediatric liver transplantation.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently released two coffee table books titled “Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu: Worship, Tradition and Custom” and “Forts of Tamil Nadu: A Walk-Through.” These books were brought out by The Hindu Group of Publications in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department and Tourism Department.

Questions:

1 What GDP growth forecast has Moody's maintained for India in 2024?

2 Who won the women's singles title at the Saint-Denis Reunion Open 2024?