Daily Current Affairs Updates: 12 June 2014

1) World Cup Football 2014 kicked off in Brazil: The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday in Brazil, bringing together die-hard soccer fans around the world as well as protesters. Brazil have beaten Croatia 3-1 in the opening match of the World Cup. The game looked destined to be overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions until a late goal from Oscar put the result beyond any doubt. Neymar scored twice and Oscar added a third on Thursday as Brazil ran out 3-1 winners in the first match of the 2014 World Cup. The hosts struggled early against a lively Croatian side, but late-game quality and some kind refereeing ensured the Brazilians didn't disappoint in front of their home crowd.

2) Vishal Sikka appointed as Infosys CEO & MD; Narayana Murthy steps down:  Vishal Sikka, a former SAP AG executive board member was on Thursday appointed as Infosys' Chief Executive Officer and MD. With his appointment, Sikka becomes the first non-founder CEO of Infosys. The company also announced that Executive Chairman NR Narayana Murthy and Executive Vice Chairman S Gopalakrishnan would step down on June 14. Rohan Murty will also leave company on June 14. Sikka will take over from current Chief Executive SD Shibulal, one of the engineers who founded Infosys, on August 1, the company said in a statement to the stock exchanges. Commenting on the appointment Sikka said, "I am honoured to lead Infosys which is an iconic co built by pioneers.

3) PM released commemorative postage stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup: The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Thursday released commemorative postage stamps on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on the occasion, he said sports bring about a spirit of amity and belongingness among nations of the world. May the FIFA World Cup become a bridge for connecting nations together, he said. Stating that India is preparing to host the under-17 FIFA World Cup, the Prime Minister said India had a glorious history in football, and it was at one time a prominent sport across the country. He urged the Department of Posts to also develop a website on the history of Indian football.

4) MS Dhoni only Indian and cricketer to feature in Forbes’ list of top 100 highest paid athletes: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only Indian and cricketer who was listed in the top 100 highest paid athletes’ list announced by Forbes on Thursday. Dhoni, who is on the 22nd spot in the list has total earnings of USD 30 million and endorsements worth USD 26 million. His salary and winnings total USD four million as of June 2014, Forbes said. The list is headed by boxer Floyd Mayweather, and includes sportspersons from various sports such as Golf, Tennis, Football, Racing and few more.

5) 12 June- World World Day Against Child Labour: The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

6) Gujarat gets approval to raise height of Narmada dam: In a major boost to Gujarat which has been regularly facing water woes due to deficient rains, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Thursday announced that they have got approval to raise the height of Narmada dam to 138.72 metres (455 feet). The Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has given the approval to raise the height of the dam to 138 metres," Patel said in Junagadh while she was there to attend a function.

7) Mukul Rohatgi appointed Attorney General: Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi was on Thursday appointed as the new Attorney General (AG) and will have a tenure of three years. The Law Ministry issued a formal notification appointing him as the top law officer of the NDA government. The government has already appointed Ranjit Kumar as the Solicitor General. Six Additional Solicitors General have also been appointed. Mr. Rohatgi took over from G.E. Vahanvati as the 14th AG of the country. Mr. Vahanvati had resigned following a change of the government at the Centre.