Current Affairs One - Liner : 4th July 2024

Karnataka recently extended social security benefits to unorganized transport workers. The Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Allied Workers' Social Security and Welfare Act, 2024 was introduced for this purpose. Workers can register on a digital portal to avail benefits funded by a Social Security Fund.

The Smart Cities Mission in India, which aims to develop sustainable and inclusive cities, has been extended until March 31, 2025. Originally set to conclude on June 30, 2024, this extension allows cities to complete ongoing projects and contribute to urban transformation.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) issued an advisory on July 3rd, 2024 requiring advertisers in the food and health sectors to submit a Self-Declaration Certificate (SDC) annually. This is an update to a previous broader requirement, and now only applies to food and health products.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad on July 1, 2024. This marks a significant step for the IAF as the WSS aims to train officers of the newly formed Weapon Systems (WS) branch.

ICICI Bank offers a student-friendly prepaid card called the Student Sapphiro Forex Card specifically designed for Indian students studying abroad. Launched on July 3rd, 2024, this card allows students to load funds in 15 currencies and offers benefits like free international airport lounge access, an international SIM card, Uber vouchers, and an ISIC membership, all totaling up to ₹15,000 in value.
Axis Bank and Piramal Finance partnered for a co-lending business targeting middle and low-income borrowers in rural and semi-urban areas. This collaboration leverages Axis Bank's financial expertise and Piramal Finance's reach to offer loans at competitive rates and bridge the credit gap in India.
On July 2nd, 2024, India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement for $170 million specifically to strengthen India's health system's ability to prepare for and respond to future pandemics. The loan aims to address weaknesses in India's healthcare system and improve its ability to handle outbreaks.

In May 2024, the coal sector exhibited significant growth, recording a robust increase of 10.2% (provisional), making it the leading performer among the eight core industries according to the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries.

On July 4, 2024, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Spices Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a project focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect and classify large cardamom diseases. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector by integrating AI solutions with e-governance applications.

A new species of forest-dwelling horned frog, Xenophrys apatani, was recently discovered at the Tale Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched the Lokpath Mobile App on July 2, 2024. With this app, citizens can report road problems by uploading photos of potholes directly from their mobile phones. The app ensures that road issues are addressed within seven days.

Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States on July 4th, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain and the birth of the United States. It's a day of patriotism and festivities with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and other outdoor activities.
World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated on July 2nd every year. In 2024, it falls on a Tuesday. This day recognizes the important role that sports journalists play in our lives, whether they cover pastimes or make a living out of sports reporting.

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has recently re-designated its Chairman, Siddhartha Mohanty, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), effective from June 30, 2024. This announcement was made public through an official filing with the stock exchanges.
The association has appointed Dr B N Gangadhar as the National Medical Commission (NMC) new chairperson. He served as the interim NMC chairperson following the end of Dr Suresh Chandra Sharma's tenure in September 2023. Besides, he was the preceding president of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB).
On July 3, 2024, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan, paving the way for JMM executive president Hemant Soren to return to the top post. Hemant Soren is set to become Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the third time.
Former R&AW chief Rajinder Khanna was appointed as the new additional National Security Adviser (NSA) on July 3, 2024. Khanna, a 1978-batch IPS officer from the Odisha cadre, previously served as the R&AW chief from December 2014 to December 2016.
Puma India recently announced Riyan Parag and Nitish Kumar Reddy as their new brand ambassadors. This news came out on July 1, 2024. It reflects Puma's commitment to supporting young Indian talent and connecting with the country's youth culture.

P. Geetha was honored with the inaugural K. Saraswathi Amma Award on June 29, 2024. This prestigious award, instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports) Kerala, recognizes significant contributions to feminist studies and gender justice work.

Ismail Kadare, the celebrated Albanian novelist and poet, passed away on July 1, 2024, at the age of 88. His death was mourned by Albania and the literary world at large.

Questions:

1 What was the percentage increase in the coal sector as per the Index of Eight Core Industries in May 2024?

2 Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC)?