Current Affairs GK 12th July 2024

                                                                CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 July, 2024

1. UTTAR PRADESH DEFENCE CORRIDOR BOOSTS INDUSTRIAL GROWTH –

• The Uttar Pradesh government has secured over 154 defence manufacturing deals worth Rs 25,000 crore, marking a significant stride in bolstering India’s defence production capabilities. These initiatives are part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), spanning Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, and Agra districts.
• The corridor is set to create 40,000 new jobs and has already acquired 1,700 hectares of land for industrial development. Companies like Adani Defence, BrahMos Aerospace, and Tata Technologies are among the major stakeholders investing in projects totaling nearly Rs 8,000 crore.
• These efforts aim to enhance self-reliance in defence production and contribute to India’s defence exports, which saw a significant rise of over 32% in the past year. Projects like the Kalashnikov AK-203 rifle assembly in Amethi and the upcoming BrahMos missile manufacturing facility in Lucknow further solidify Uttar Pradesh’s role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

2. EVERY YEAR ON JULY 10TH, INDIA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FISH FARMER’S DAY –

• Every year on July 10th, India celebrates National Fish Farmer’s Day to honour the invaluable contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture professionals, and stakeholders in the fisheries sector.
• This day serves as a platform to recognize their efforts in ensuring a sustainable and thriving fishing industry, which plays a crucial role in India’s economy and food security.
• The date holds historical importance, commemorating the groundbreaking work of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi. On this day in 1957, they successfully demonstrated the induced breeding of Indian Major Carps using the hypophysation technique, sparking a revolution in inland aquaculture.
• To mark this significant occasion, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is organizing the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ on July 12th, 2024, at the IDA Scrudder Trade Centre in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This event underscores the government’s commitment to the fisheries sector and its stakeholders.

3. GAGAN NARANG APPOINTED AS INDIA’S CHEF-DE-MISSION FOR PARIS OLYMPICS 2024 –

• Four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Gagan Narang has been appointed as India’s Chef-De-Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision comes after Mary Kom’s resignation from the position due to health issues.
• Narang’s elevation from deputy chef-de-mission to the chief role was described by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as a natural progression following Mary Kom’s departure.

The role of Chef-De-Mission is crucial for the Olympic contingent. Key responsibilities include:

1. Overseeing athletes’ well-being
2. Serving as the primary point of contact with organizing committees
3. Liaising with sporting members of the contingent

4. DR. SOUMYA SWAMINATHAN APPOINTED AS PRINCIPAL ADVISER FOR NATIONAL TB ELIMINATION PROGRAMME –

• Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Adviser for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. This high-profile appointment underscores the Indian government’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis as a public health threat.
• The appointment is on a pro bono basis, which means Dr. Swaminathan will serve in this role without compensation. This gesture highlights her dedication to public health service and her commitment to India’s fight against tuberculosis.

5. ISRO SELECTS 2 GAGANYAAN ASTRONAUTS FOR INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION MISSION UNDER AXIOM-4 –

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with United States’ NASA later this year, according to officials in the know of the matter.
• Only one of the shortlisted astronauts will go on the mission which is supposed to take place “no earlier than October 2024,” according to the information available on NASA website.
• The mission will take place “no earlier than October 2024,” according to the information available on NASA website. The astronauts will have to go to the United States ahead of the mission to train on the specifics of the ISS.
• “While they have general training for space-fairing, much of their training in India focussed on Gaganyaan modules. They will have to be familiarised with ISS modules and protocols,” the official said.