MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED ON FACTS AND EVENTS

JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS PART1 BY MAYANK KUMAR SINGH

1. Tibet-China Dispute Act Passed by US Congress: US Congress recently, passed the
“Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act,” aimed at countering
China’s historical claims over Tibet and promoting dialogue between Beijing and
the Dalai Lama.The Act states that US policy requires the Tibet-China dispute to be
resolved peacefully through dialogue, in accordance with international law and the
UN Charter. It supports the Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way Approach,” which envisions
Tibet remaining part of China while granting Tibetans meaningful autonomy.
2. RBI’s Financial Stability Report (FSR): The latest 29th issue of the Financial Stability
Report (FSR) reveals encouraging trends in India’s banking sector as of March-end
2024.
Scheduled commercial banks reported a notable decline in their Gross Non-
Performing Assets (GNPAs) and Net NPA ratios, reaching multi-year lows of 2.8%
and 0.6% respectively.
The Financial Stability Report (FSR), issued biannually (every six months) by the
RBI, provides a comprehensive assessment of financial stability and the resilience
of India’s financial system. Prepared by the Sub-Committee of the Financial
Stability and Development Council (FSDC), chaired by the Governor of RBI, the
report evaluates risks impacting the financial sector.
3. Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI): The International Monetary Fund
(IMF) released the AIPI Dashboard, ranking Singapore 1st and India 72nd.
The AIPI Dashboard tracks AI readiness in 174 economies based on digital
infrastructure, human capital and labour market policies, innovation and economic
integration, and regulation and ethics.
Countries are categorized as Advanced Economy (AE), Emerging Market Economy
(EM), and Low-Income Country (LIC).
4. Annual World Drug Report (2024): The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) released a report on World Drug Day, observed annually on June 26th
since 1987 to promote action against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.Key highlights
include a rise in drug abuse, with 292 million users in 2022, and cannabis being the
most abused drug, followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and
ecstasy.Regions most affected by drug-related criminal activity include the Triple
Frontier area (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay) and the Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar,
Thailand).

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 5. Migration and Development Brief 2024: The World Bank released a brief
highlighting key trends in remittance and migration. Remittance flows to low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) reached $656 billion, with India receiving the
most at $120 billion, followed by Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Top
migration destinations include the US, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UK,
with the largest number of emigrants from India (18.7 million), followed by
Ukraine, China, Mexico, and Venezuela. The largest migration corridor is from
Mexico to the US.
6. Bhuvan Panchayat Portal and National Database for Emergency
Management:Recently two new Geoportals developed by ISRO: ‘BhuvanPanchayat
(Ver. 4.0)’ for rural land records and ‘National Database for Emergency
Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)‘ were launched.
 BhuvanPanchayat Portal: Support decentralized planning; Empower
grassroots citizens. Digitizes land records; Reduces dependency on local
administration Minimizes corruption.
 NDEM Ver. 5.0 Portal: Provide space-based inputs on natural disasters
Aid in disaster risk reduction.
7. International North-South Transport Corridor: India-Russia trade has advanced
with the first-ever shipment of Kuzbass coal from Siberia to India via the
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The 7,200 km-long INSTC, a multimodal network of sea, road, and rail, offers the
shortest route from St Petersburg to Mumbai.
The INSTC is part of Russia’s strategy to redirect trade flows from Europe to Asia
and the Middle East due to Western sanctions.
This corridor will benefit several countries, including Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, the
Baltic, Nordic nations, and 11 Central Asian countries.
8. AI washing: AI washing,” a term popularized by the US Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), refers to companies exaggerating their use of AI to appeal to
consumers.
This phenomenon has surged following the release of OpenAI’sChatGPT in 2022,
leading to a significant rise in startups and companies claiming to use AI.
However, only a small percentage actually integrate AI into their operations.
9. Sennaspectabilis: The Kerala Forest Department has partnered with Kerala Paper
Products Limited (KPPL) to remove invasive species like Sennaspectabilis from the
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
10. James Lawson:James Lawson, an American non-violence activist who passed away
on June 9, 2023, at age 95, played a pivotal role in integrating Gandhian non-

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 violence principles into the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr.
regarded Lawson as a crucial figure in the movement and a global leader in
nonviolence strategy.
11. SanthalHul: Hul Divas is observed annually on June 30 in memory of tribal leaders
— Sidho and KanhuMurmu — who led the Santhalhul (rebellion) on June 30, 1855,
at Bhognadih in Sahebganj district (now Jharkhand).
12. eSankhyiki portal: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI) has launched the eSankhyiki portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in) to
enhance user experience and facilitate easier access to official statistics, on the eve
of Statistics Day (29th June). The portal features two modules:
 Data Catalogue Module: Provides centralized access to major datasets
including National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, and more, with
over 2291 datasets available. Users can search, download, and visualize data
along with specific metadata.
 Macro Indicators Module: Offers time series data on key macro indicators
like National Accounts Statistics and Consumer Price Index, allowing data
filtering, visualization, and API sharing for increased data reusability.
13. Eco-friendly supercapacitors: Researchers at the Government College for Women,
Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a method to create eco-friendly
supercapacitors using activated carbon derived from coconut husks, a prevalent
agricultural waste in Kerala.Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or
electrochemical capacitors, are energy storage devices that store electrical energy
via electrostatic charge separation at the interface between electrode and
electrolyte. Unlike traditional capacitors, they can store much larger amounts of
charge per unit volume and have the ability to charge and discharge rapidly. They
complement batteries by providing bursts of power and extending battery life.
14. Shyok River (Ladakh):It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern
Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan.
Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at
the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu. The river, fed by glacial
meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning
approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River.
15. Agenda for the 16th Finance Commission: The 16th Finance Commission (FC)
focuses on the devolution of the consolidated fund, with a mandate to support
panchayats and municipalities as per Article 280 and the 73rd and 74th
constitutional amendments.The Government of India, under Article 280(1) of the
Constitution, established the Sixteenth Finance Commission, with

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 Dr.ArvindPanagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and Professor at
Columbia University, as its Chairman.
16.

17. 9 Years of Digital India Initiative: The Prime Minister praised the successful
completion of 9 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in enhancing
‘Ease of Living’ and transparency.Launched in 2015, the Digital India Initiative (DII)
aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge
economy. It covers various projects from Central Ministries, Departments, and
States/UTs. Key focus areas include:
Digital infrastructure; Governance; Services on demand; Digital empowerment of
citizens.
18. MSP: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a minimum price for any crop at which
the government purchases it from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at least
one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.

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 19. ‘JaduiPitara’: ‘JaduiPitara’ -a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for
children between the age group of 3-8 years
Developed under the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (part
of the implementation of the New Education Policy 2020)
Available in 13 Indian languages
Includes playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, and worksheets
that reflect local culture and social contexts.

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 20. Colombo Process: India chaired the first meeting of the Colombo Process in
Geneva, marking its first time at the helm.
About the Colombo Process: It is a regional consultative forum comprising 12
Asian member states and aims to share best practices related to overseas
employment for South and Southeast Asian countries that send migrant workers
abroad. The member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China,
India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The forum, founded by 10 of these states, makes non-binding decisions by
consensus.
21. Project Nexus: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, an
international initiative aimed at enabling instant cross-border retail payments by
linking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) of multiple countries. India’s
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be connected with the FPSs of Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with potential expansion to more countries.
Project Nexus, conceptualized by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Innovation Hub, aims to standardize the connectivity between various instant
payment systems (IPS) globally.
22. Megafauna: A 41,000-year-old ostrich nest was discovered by archaeologists in
Andhra Pradesh, providing significant insights into the extinction of megafauna in
India. Megafauna, generally animals weighing over 50 kg, include the mega
omnivorous ostrich.
23. Snowblind malware: Snowblind is a new Android malware that targets banking
credentials by exploiting a built-in Android security feature called ‘seccomp’ (secure
computing), part of the Linux kernel and Android OS.Discovered by security firm
Promon, Snowblind repacks apps to evade detection of accessibility features,
allowing it to extract sensitive information and gain remote access.
24. Minami-Torishima island (Japan): Researchers discovered 230 million tons of
minerals, including cobalt and nickel, off a remote island 1,200 miles from Tokyo.
This find could supply Japan’s EV battery needs for over a decade. The seabed near
Minami-Torishima Island contains 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric
tons of nickel.
25. New World Soil Health Index:UNESCO announced the New World Soil Health Index
at an international conference in Morocco to standardize soil quality
measurements and identify degradation or improvement trends. Additionally, a
pilot program for sustainable soil management will be launched in ten Biosphere
Reserves to implement best practices globally. Soil degradation is the decline in
soil health, resulting in reduced capacity to provide essential ecosystem services. In

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 India, 32% of land is degraded, and 25% faces desertification, caused by
deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, industrial pollution, and natural erosion.
26. Responsible AI for All (RAI) on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT): By NITI Aayog
This White paper examines Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) under NITI Aayog’s
RAI principles to establish a framework for its responsible and safe use in India.
FRT identifies or verifies individuals using AI algorithms based on images or videos.
It performs three main functions: facial detection, facial extraction, and facial
recognition.
Applications include security (surveillance, law enforcement) and non-security uses
(contactless services, authentication).
Recommendations for responsible FRT use emphasize the need for robust data
protection to ensure privacy and security. It is crucial to implement measures that
ensure transparency and address AI biases to uphold accountability.
27. Palm Trees: Odisha plans to plant 1.9 million palm trees and restrict cutting to
reduce lightning deaths, targeting areas heavily affected during pre-monsoon and
monsoon seasons. Palm trees are part of tropical forest ecosystems and include
varieties like Coconut, Oil Palm, Arecanut, and Palmyrah. Palmyrah is the State Tree
of Tamil Nadu. They act as natural conductors during lightning strikes, preventing
loss of lives.
28. Desert Moss: Syntrichia caninervis: Scientists have discovered Syntrichia
caninervis, a desert moss capable of surviving Mars-like environmental conditions.
Syntrichia caninervis is found in harsh locations like Antarctica and the Mojave
Desert. It is considered a potential pioneer species for Mars colonization.
29. Li-Fi technology: The Defence Ministry has adopted Velmenni’s Li-Fi technology to
tackle communication challenges in the Indian Navy. Li-Fi, developed by Velmenni,
uses light for secure wireless communication, supported by a grant under India’s
iDEX initiative. LiFi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology using
visible light, specifically LED bulbs, to transmit data. Invented by Professor Harald
Haas in 2011, LiFi offers high-speed, bidirectional mobile communication similar to
WiFi but with faster speeds, lower latency, and greater bandwidth (thousands of
terahertz).
30. Rudram-1: India successfully test-fires its first Indigenous anti-radiation missile,
‘Rudram-1’. It was developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force and is an air-to-
surface anti-radiation missile launched from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. It features
INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing Head for accurate targeting of radiation-
emitting sources. With an effective range of 500 meters to 15 km in altitude and up

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 to 250 km in distance, Rudram-1 significantly enhances the IAF’s capability to
suppress enemy air defences and neutralize critical installations.
31. Hathras Stampede: The Hathras stampede, which tragically claimed over 100 lives,
highlights the multifaceted causes and necessary prevention measures for such
disasters.Stampedes in India are primarily caused by structural failures, such as
collapsing makeshift bridges and narrow streets with few exits, as well as fire and
electrical issues, like unauthorized fireworks and faulty equipment. Crowd
behaviour also contributes significantly, with panic triggered by rumours or
competition, as seen in the Hathras Stampede. Security issues, including under-
deployment of staff and lack of surveillance, exacerbate the problem. Additionally,
poor coordination among agencies and inadequate infrastructure and resources
hinder effective crowd management.
32. SampoornataAbhiyan: The NITI Aayog has launched the ‘SampoornataAbhiyan,’ a
nationwide campaign aimed at achieving 100% saturation in 12 key social sector
indicators.
Overview: A 3-month campaign by NITI Aayog.
Objective: To achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in Aspirational Districts (ADP)
and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Programs:
ADP: Targets 112 Aspirational Districts.
ABP: Targets 500 Aspirational Blocks.
The campaign emphasizes collaboration among local and state governments,
central ministries, and NITI Aayog officials to support and guide local governance.

The Aspirational Districts Programme, launched in 2018 by NITI Aayog, aims to

transform 112 districts focusing on Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture &
Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure,
measured across 81 development indicators.

The Aspirational Blocks Programme, launched in 2023, targets 500 blocks in 329
districts to achieve saturation of essential government services in Health &
Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, and
Social Development, measured across 40 indicators.

33. Aditya-L1 Mission: The Aditya-L1 spacecraft has successfully completed its first
halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L1. This journey requires precise
modelling of dynamics and an understanding of perturbing forces. The successful

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 execution of these manoeuvres has validated the state-of-the-art flight dynamics
software developed by URSC-ISRO.
34. NOMADIC ELEPHANT: The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT began in Meghalaya.
35. INDIA- THAILAND JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE MAITREE, Additionally, the Royal
Thailand Navy and Indian Navy have conducted Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) in
the Indian Ocean since 2005.
36. Producer Price Index: The DPIIT is finalizing a new model of the Producer Price
Index (PPI) to better capture input prices in the economy.Producer Price Index
measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods and
services sold in the domestic market or exported. It includes two types: Output PPI
for goods and services leaving production sites, and Input PPI for goods and
services entering production processes.
37. Stablecoins:Recent volatility in the stablecoin market, such as the collapse of
TerraUSD, has drawn attention to the challenges facing these digital
assets.Stablecoins are digital cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value
by pegging their worth to assets like fiat currencies (e.g., USD, EUR), commodities
(e.g., gold), or other cryptocurrencies. They aim to minimize price volatility, making
them suitable for transactions and as a store of value within the volatile
cryptocurrency market.
38. 3D hologram technology: Japan has introduced new yen banknotes equipped with
3D hologram technology to combat counterfeiting.3D hologram technology creates
three-dimensional images that appear to have depth and motion without the need
for special glasses. It uses principles of interference and diffraction. It uses lasers to
record light patterns reflected from an object, producing a realistic holographic
image that changes perspective as the viewer moves. These holograms are used for
security in currency, authentication of products, and immersive displays in
entertainment and education.
39. Money Mule: A money mule is a person who allows their bank account to be used
by criminals to transfer illegally obtained money. Banks have observed a rise in
mule accounts, particularly among new accounts less than a year old, prompting
cautious approvals and transaction limits.
40. India’s Indigenous Defence Production:India’s indigenous defence production
reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, growing 16.7% from the previous
year, per the Defence Ministry.Indigenous defence production refers to the
development and manufacturing of defence equipment and technology within a
country’s own borders, using its own resources, skills, and industries. This approach

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 aims to achieve self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign imports for
defence needs.According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI), India was the world’s largest importer of major arms between 2019 and
2023, accounting for 9.8% of global arms sales.
41. Thazhakara creates People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR): Thazhakara, a gram
panchayat in Alappuzha and one of the first in Kerala, has created and published a
People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), involving local communities. The PBR serves
as a comprehensive record of biodiversity, including habitats, domesticated
animals, micro-organisms, and local biological knowledge, as mandated by the
Biological Diversity Act (2002). Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
oversee the development of PBRs across India, aiming to conserve biodiversity,
promote sustainable use, and protect traditional knowledge.
42. Aphelion Point: Aphelion is when Earth is farthest from the Sun in its elliptical
orbit, approximately 152 million kilometres away. This occurs annually in early July,
contrasting with perihelion in early January when Earth is about 147 million
kilometres close. Despite the 5 million kilometre difference, the tilt of Earth’s axis
primarily determines seasons, with aphelion receiving about 7% less sunlight
compared to perihelion.
43. Sea Groynes: Coastal residents in Ernakulam district, Kerala, protested against sea
incursion and incompletion erection of Sea Groynes, by blocking the Fort Kochi-
Alappuzha State Highway near Kannamaly.Sea groynes are structures built
perpendicular to the shoreline, extending into the sea. They are designed to reduce
coastal erosion by trapping sand and sediment carried by currents, thereby
stabilizing the beach and protecting the coast from the sea’s impact.
44. SEHER program: The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion
CIBIL launched the SEHER program. The SEHER program aims to empower women
entrepreneurs in India with financial literacy and business skills. It focuses on
improving awareness about accessing and managing credit, helping women
entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contributing to economic development.
45. Credit-Deposit (CD) ratios: The RBI is concerned about banks with high Credit-
Deposit (CD) ratios, notably exceeding the industry average of 80%.The Credit-
Deposit (CD) ratio is a financial metric that shows the percentage of a bank’s total
deposits that are given out as loans. A higher CD ratio indicates that a larger
portion of the bank’s deposits is being used for lending, which can impact liquidity
and credit risk.
46. Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN):Union Minister Dr
Jitendra Singh launched the Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network

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 (InFLiMeN) to prevent and cure metabolic liver diseases. It is a collaborative
initiative launched to prevent and treat metabolic liver diseases. It aims to address
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other related conditions through joint
efforts by Indian and French experts. The program focuses on developing low-cost
diagnostic tests and India-specific solutions to manage liver diseases effectively.
One in three Indians has fatty liver, a condition that predates Type 2 Diabetes and
other metabolic disorders.The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right
abdomen, responsible for various functions including detoxification, protein
synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
47. Rajasthan becomes the first state to adopt a 10-year Road Safety Action
Plan:Rajasthan will become the first state in India to adopt a 10-year road safety
action plan aimed at reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030.
Status of Road Accidents in India:
 According to WHO estimates, an estimated 300,000 road-related deaths
occur in India annually, contributing to economic costs between 5% and 7%
of the national GDP.
 A maximum number of cases were reported in Tamil Nadu.
 Reasons: Speeding accounted for over half of all deaths, while dangerous and
careless driving caused over 42000 deaths.
 India has the highest number of total persons killed due to road accidents,
followed by China and the United States.
48. UNESCO Adds 11 New Biosphere Reserves Globally:UNESCO recently added 11
new biosphere reserves worldwide, spanning countries like Colombia, Italy,
Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea.
There are now 759 reserves in 136 countries, including 24 transboundary sites.
India has 18 internationally recognized Biosphere reserves, with the Nilgiri reserve
being the first. The latest addition is Panna in Madhya Pradesh.
Twelve of the eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB)
Programme list. November 3 is celebrated as World Biosphere Reserve Day (to
raise awareness of the importance of biosphere reserves)

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 49. Project PARI: The Ministry of Culture has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India)
to coincide with the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from
21-31 July 2024.It is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India,
executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art. It aims to
stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, enriching India’s cultural landscape.
50. Denisovans:A study reveals that Denisovans, an extinct human species, occupied
the Tibetan Plateau 160,000 years ago.Bone remains found in Baishiya Karst Cave
indicate Denisovans survived there for millennia, enduring both cold and warm
periods between the Middle and Late Pleistocene eras.
51. Digital Bharat Nidhi: The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has introduced
the draft Telecommunications (Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 under Sections 26
and 56 of the Telecommunication Act, 2023.It aims to expand telecom networks in
underserved areas where private companies hesitate due to low profitability. Funds
will support universal service, R&D in telecom, pilot projects, and connectivity
improvements. The DBN will be managed by an administrator selecting
implementers through bidding, ensuring non-discriminatory network sharing.
52. Cave painting: Scientists have discovered the world’s oldest-known cave painting
in the LeangKarampuang cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. This artwork,
created at least 51,200 years ago, depicts three human-like figures interacting with
a wild pig.The painting, made with dark red pigment, portrays a pig standing
upright, surrounded by three smaller human-like figures, suggesting a narrative
scene.
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 53. Anand Marriage Act: The Anand Marriage Act is a law that allows Sikhs to register
their marriages under a separate act, rather than the Hindu Marriage Act.It
recognises the Sikh marriage ceremony called Anand Karaj.
54. Zombie Start-ups: Koo, the Indian social media platform created to rival Twitter, is
shutting down due to unsuccessful deals with larger companies and media houses.
“Zombie start-ups” refer to companies that, while technically still in operation, are
struggling to grow, innovate, or generate significant revenue. These businesses are
often stuck in a state of stagnation, unable to attract further investment or reach
profitability, yet they continue to exist due to prior funding or minimal operational
costs.
55. Regenerative braking: Regenerative braking in electric vehicles is a system that
converts kinetic energy from the wheels into a storable form of energy, increasing
efficiency. Traditional braking methods, such as disc and induction brakes, convert
kinetic energy to heat. In regenerative braking, the electric motor that propels the
vehicle acts as a generator during braking, converting mechanical energy back to
electrical energy, which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery.
56. Camcopter S-100: India is set to enhance its naval capabilities through a deal with
Austrian company Schiebel for their Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial system
(UAS).The system can operate in various extreme climates and has a high
endurance, making it ideal for the Indian Ocean Region.The Indian Navy has begun
using the S-100 for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations,
which previously required manned helicopters.
57. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement: The Union Cabinet
has approved India’s signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
Agreement. This decision aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity
in areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the “High Seas.” The Ministry of
Earth Sciences will lead the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
58. About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement:The BBNJ
Agreement, also known as the “High Seas Treaty,” falls under the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).It addresses the protection of marine
biodiversity in the high seas through international cooperation and sustainable
practices.The agreement prohibits sovereign rights over high seas resources and
promotes the fair sharing of benefits, an inclusive ecosystem-centric approach, and
the use of traditional and scientific knowledge.It also aims to minimize
environmental impacts and support the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goal 14 (Life Below Water).The BBNJ Agreement will become the third

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 implementation agreement under UNCLOS, alongside agreements on mineral
resources and fish stocks.
59. Pearl spot fish:The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) is set to
launch a genome editing mission to enhance the breeding and seed production of
pearl spot fish.
60.INDIA RUSSIA RELATIONS ( See notes given earlier)
61. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle: The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle,
Russia’s highest civilian honour, was awarded to Prime Minister NarendraModi
during his visit to Russia.
62. Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan has completed the 420-meter-long bridge at the zero
line of the Kartarpur Corridor after a delay of two and a half years.The bridge was
necessary due to the area’s susceptibility to flooding, ensuring a safe passage for
visitors to the GurdwaraDarbar Sahib. The corridor Connects Darbar Sahib
Gurdwara in Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab.
63. Planet on the Move REPORT: By IUCN. It calls for a reimagined conservation
approach that addresses the nexus among migration, environmental change, and
conflict.Environmental changes drive migration, leading to resource conflicts and
further environmental degradation. Current migration policies often treat human
and wildlife migration separately.
64. Financial Inclusion Index: The RBI released the Financial Inclusion Index for March
2024, with a value of 64.2, up from 60.1 in March 2023 (meaning higher Financial
inclusion). This comprehensive index measures financial inclusion across banking,
investments, insurance, postal, and pension sectors, reflecting the extent of
inclusion in the country.It ranges from 0 (complete exclusion) to 100 (full inclusion)
and includes three parameters: Access (35%), Usage (45%), and Quality (20%). The
index is published annually in July.
65. Digital Economy Report 2024: By UN Trade and Development (Established in 1964).
It aims to help developing countries integrate into the global economy and has 195
member nations.It highlights the urgent need for sustainable strategies in the
digitalization lifecycle. With internet users rising from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.4 billion
in 2023, the environmental footprint of digitalization is significant. The ICT sector
accounted for 1.5–3.2% of global GHG emissions in 2020, and e-waste surged by
30% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes globally.
66. International Maritime Organization (IMO):At the 132nd session of the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, India led global
maritime discussions.The delegation proposed the establishment of the South
Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT),

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 aiming to advance environmentally sustainable and technologically proficient
maritime practices in the region.
67. Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products: India and Taiwan
have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic
products.This MRA, the first bilateral agreement for organic products between the
two nations, involves the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA) of India and the Agriculture and Food Agency
(AFA) of Taiwan.
68. MeDevISplatform :The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched MeDevIS
(Medical Devices Information System), an online platform designed to provide
global open access to information on medical devices.
This platform supports governments, regulators, and users in selecting, procuring,
and using medical devices for diagnostics, testing, and treatment of various health
conditions.
MeDevIS covers 2301 types of medical devices addressing health issues like
reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, and infectious diseases such as
COVID-19.

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Dhyeya Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. (15) Current Affairs by Mayank Kumar Singh