Daily Current Affairs 04th July 2024

National News

NITI Aayog Launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ for Holistic Development

• NITI Aayog is set to launch the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on July 4, 2024.
• This significant three-month campaign aims to achieve complete saturation in key development indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks.
• This initiative marks a crucial step in India’s journey towards inclusive growth and the development of its most challenging regions.

India to Host 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session

• India will host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 21-31, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• This notable event in cultural diplomacy will gather delegates from around the world to discuss and make decisions on global cultural matters.

India Chairs ‘Colombo Process’ Meeting in Geneva

• India chaired its first meeting as Chair of the ‘Colombo Process’ at the Permanent Representative Level in Geneva.
• This marks a significant moment in regional migration cooperation.
• The Colombo Process, which includes 12 Asian member states, aims to enhance governance and opportunities for overseas employment.
• Under India’s leadership, the focus will be on financial sustainability, membership expansion, and collaboration with regional bodies like the Abu Dhabi Dialogue.

International News

Ex-Spy Chief Becomes New Dutch PM with Focus on Curbing Asylum

• Former spy chief Dick Schoof has been sworn in as the new Dutch prime minister, leading a right-wing coalition with a mission to implement the “strictest-ever” immigration policy.
• Schoof, 67, who previously headed the Dutch Secret Service, succeeds Mark Rutte, who served 14 years in office.

States News

UP Cabinet Approves UP NIRMAN Bill-2024

• The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the draft for the Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024.
• This initiative, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is part of a broader strategy to elevate the state’s economy to the one trillion dollar mark.

Appointments News

Dr. B.N. Gangadhar Appointed Chairperson of the National Medical Commission

• The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has announced significant appointments to the National Medical Commission (NMC), including Dr. B.N. Gangadhar as the Chairperson.
• These appointments are expected to bring new perspectives and expertise to India’s apex medical education regulator.

Ex-R&AW Chief Rajinder Khanna Named Additional NSA

• The government has bolstered the National Security Council (NSC) with several high-profile appointments.
• Former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Rajinder Khanna has been promoted to Additional National Security Adviser (NSA).
• Additionally, T V Ravichandran and Pavan Kapoor have been appointed as Deputy NSAs.

SBI General Insurance Appoints Naveen Chandra Jha as MD & CEO

• SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. has named Shri Naveen Chandra Jha as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
• He takes over from Shri Kishore Kumar Poludasu, who was nominated by the State Bank of India.

Business News

Paytm Introduces ‘Health Saathi’ Plan for Merchant Partners

• One 97 Communications Limited, the parent company of Paytm, has launched ‘Paytm Health Saathi’, an affordable healthcare and income protection plan for its merchant partners.
• Priced at ₹35 per month, this initiative is available through the ‘Paytm for Business’ app and aims to support the well-being and business continuity of Paytm’s extensive network of merchants.

Science and Technology News

ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Completes First Halo Orbit

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on June 2 that India’s first solar mission has completed its halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point as of July 2.
• This significant milestone was achieved following a station-keeping maneuver that transitioned the mission into its second halo orbit.

Awards News

P. Geetha Receives Inaugural K. Saraswathi Amma Award

• Writer, critic, and feminist activist P. Geetha has been honored with the first K. Saraswathi Amma Award.
• Instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports) Kerala, this prestigious award recognizes significant contributions to feminist literature and social discourse.

Sports News

George Russell Wins Dramatic Austrian Grand Prix 2024

• George Russell of Mercedes secured a stunning victory at the Austrian Grand Prix 2024, held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
• This race was marked by unexpected twists and showcased the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing and the skill of drivers who can seize sudden opportunities.

USA Independence Day 2024

• On 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th an official holiday. In July 1776, the U.S. was a country of 2.5 million people.
• It is now a country of 336 million, the U.S. Census reports. These days, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and other festivities