Current affairs 05 July 2024

Poverty in India dropped to 8.5% in 2022-24: NCAER Report.

• Poverty in India declined from 21.2% in 2011-12 to 8.5% in 2022-24, despite pandemic challenges, according to National Council of Applied Economic Research's paper Rethinking Social Safety Nets in a Changing Society.
• This report has been authored by Sonalde Desai of NCAER.
• Economic growth and poverty reduction demand adaptable social protection systems to address evolving societal needs.

South African scientists made rhino horns radioactive to curb poaching.

• South African scientists injected radioactive material into rhino horns to make them detectable at border posts and useless for human consumption.
• This initiative aims to curb poaching driven by high demand for rhino horns in traditional medicine.
• The radioactive dose is safe for rhinos and the environment, lasting five years and reducing the need for frequent dehorning.

India to Chair and Host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee Session.

• India will host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.
• Over 2,500 delegates from 195 countries, including State Parties, advisory bodies, diplomats, heritage experts, scholars, and researchers, will attend.
• Vishal V Sharma - India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO.

BTS’ Jin Chosen as South Korea’s Torchbearer at Paris Olympics 2024.

• BTS member Jin will represent South Korea as the torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics, promoting themes of harmony and peace through the Olympic torch relay.
• The torch relay symbolizes global unity and the spirit of sport, starting from Olympia, Greece, and traveling across nations before reaching the host city.
• The Paris Summer Olympics will kick off on July 26.

FCI Procures 266 LMT Wheat in RMS 2024-25.

• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) procured 266 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat during the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2024-25, surpassing last year's 262 LMT.
• Over 22 lakh farmers benefited from the procurement, with Rs. 61 lakh crore credited directly to their bank accounts under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme.
• Uttar Pradesh (9.31 LMT) and Rajasthan (12.06 LMT).