NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. OTT
platforms mandated to show anti-tobacco warnings:
The Union health ministry has amended the Cigarettes and Other
Tobacco Products Act, 2004, to mandate the display of anti-tobacco
warnings and disclaimers on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. India has become
the first country to make it mandatory for OTT platforms Features:
To display anti-tobacco health spots of a minimum of 30
seconds each at the beginning and middle of a program An audio-visual
disclaimer of a minimum of 20 seconds on the ill effects of
tobacco use
2. NGEL,
UPRVUNL collaborate for development of Renewable Energy Power Parks: NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya
Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) signed an MoU in Lucknow.
Aim: To collaborate in the development of Renewable Energy Parks and
Projects Signed by: Mohit Bhargava (CEO, NGEL) and Nidhi Kumar Narang
(Director (Finance) UPRVUNL) NTPC is India’s largest Power Utility, with a
total installed capacity of about 72 GW. UPRVUNL was constituted to set up
and operate Power-generating stations in UP.
3. IIT-Kharagpur
partners HCLTech for collaboration in petroleum engineering: IIT Kharagpur and HCLTech signed an MoU for collaboration in
the field of petroleum engineering and earth sciences. Aim: To develop
innovative and sustainable solutions to address critical challenges of the
petroleum industry, which include reduction of carbon footprint, and provide
significant sustainable solutions towards net zero HCLTech will
provide opportunities to IIT-Kharagpur students and research scholars to
undertake projects and internships at the company.
4. P
Upadhyay INAS takes over as Director General of Naval Armament: INAS, P Upadhyay assumed charge as Director General of Naval
Armament (DGONA) on June 1, 2023, and replaced KSC lyer, who
superannuated on 31 May 2023. He is an alumnus of the Naval Defence
College of NDC-53. He belongs to the 1987 batch of the Indian Naval Armament
Service. He joined the Naval Armament Organization of the Indian Navy in 1989. He
is specialized in Missile and Torpedo Maintenance besides having vast
knowledge of the disposal of ammunition.
5. India
conducts successful training launch of Agni-1 ballistic missile: India successfully launched the Medium-Range Ballistic
Missile, Agni-1 from the APJ Abdul Kalam Islands, Odisha.
It
was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command, which is responsible
for the management and administration of the country's tactical and nuclear
assets Agenda: To validate all operational and technical parameters of the
missile Agni series of missiles includes Agni-1(700km), Agni-2 (2000),
Agni-3 (3000), Agni-4 (4000), and Agni-5 (5000)
6. BIS
introduces 31 Indian standards related to Ayush:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced 31 Indian standards
related to Ayush, encompassing 30 herbs and one product, the stainless steel
neti pot. BIS has established an additional department with a
dedicated focus on Ayush for strengthening its standardization
framework. A Working Group on 'Traditional Medicine'
established within the ISO/TC-215 'Health Informatics'. BIS also initiated
efforts to formulate international standards in collaboration with ISO
7. Amarendu
Prakash takes charge as SAIL chairman:
Amarendu Prakash has taken charge as a Chairman of Steel Authority of
India Limited (SAIL) on May 31, 2023. Prior to this, he was Director in
charge at Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL). He is a metallurgical engineer from BIT
Sindhri and joined SAIL in 1991 as a Management Trainee (Technical). He also
took on additional charge as Director In-Charge of the Rourkela Steel Plant,
IISCO, and Durgapur Steel Plant.
8. Union
Minister For Jal Shakti launched portal for GOBARdhan: The Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched
the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan. Aim: One-stop
repository to assess investment and participation in the Biogas/CBG sector at
the pan India level and streamline the process of setting up CBG/Biogas plants GOBARdhan
refers to Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan. It is an initiative of
the Government of India, that aims to convert waste to wealth towards
promoting a circular economy.
9. Ahmednagar to be named after Ahilyabai Holkar: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced
that Ahmednagar district will be named after warrior queen Ahilyabai
Holkar. The announcement was made during a program organized at the birthplace
of Ahilyabai Holkar on her 297th birth anniversary at Chondi village in
Ahmednagar district. Ahilyabai Holkar, born in 1725, was a famous ruler of the
Indore kingdom, known for her wisdom and compassion. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief
Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the Bandra-Versova sea-link bridge would
be named ‘Veer Savarkar Setu’.
10. 1,275 Railway Stations to be upgraded under Amrit
Bharat Station Scheme: The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for
the Ministry of Railways has resolved to upgrade 1,275 railway stations under Amrit
Bharat Station. The decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi. The meeting
was chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The catering services were
given to passengers through either static or mobile units, adding that there
were 473 pairs of trains with pantry cars/mini pantries and 706 pairs of trains
with a train-side vending facility. It added that there were 9,342 minor and
582 Major Static units of Indian Railways which included the Jan Aahaars
outlets, Food Plazas, and Refreshment Rooms.
11. Rajesh Kumar Anand VSM takes over as Air
Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA): Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand took over as the Air
Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA). An alumnus of the National Defense
Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned as Air Marshal in the administrative
branch of the Indian Air Force. In a career spanning over 36 years, the Air
Marshal has held various field and staff appointments. Prior to his present
appointment, he was the Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters,
New Delhi. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva
Medal by the President of India in January 2022.
12. Bidyut Bihari Swain sworn in as UPSC member: Former Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) secretary Bidyut Bihari Swain was sworn in as a member of
the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Swain, a 1988 batch Indian
Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, was administered the
oath of office and secrecy by UPSC chairman Manoj Soni. He served in various
capacities within the Gujarat government from 1989 to 2018, holding significant
positions such as CEO of the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board,
Secretary of Primary Education, Industries Commissioner, Vice Chairman, and
Managing Director of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, and Chief
Electoral Officer of Gujarat State. In 2018, he joined the Government of India
as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, overseeing Special Economic
Zones and trade negotiations with CIS countries. He also served in positions
such as Chairman of the Kimberley Protocol and Commissioner General of India
for the World Expo-Dubai. From January 2021 to May 2023, he served as the
Secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India’s
GCC market size to hit $60 billion by 2025: Report:
According to the report titled “GCC 4.0 – India Redefining the
Globalization Blueprint”, released by NASSCOM – Zinnov, India's
Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem will expand with over 1,900
GCCs and a market size of $60 billion by 2025. As of FY23, India is home
to 1,580 unique GCCs, with several global MNCs opting to establish their first
global center outside of their headquarters in India. The GCC market size in FY
23 was $46 billion.
2. NHPC,
VUCL sign MoU for Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project: NHPC Limited and Vidhyut Utpadan Company Limited (VUCL),
Nepal signed an MoU in New Delhi for the development of the Phukot
Karnali Hydro Electric Project (480MW) in Nepal. The MoU was signed in the
presence of PM Modi and Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. The project
will use the flow from the Karnali River for power generation and
the generated power will be fed into the integrated power system
of Nepal. The installed capacity of the project shall be 480 MW.
3. India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue: The 3rd India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held
in New Delhi. Both sides discussed ways to better maintain the marine
environment which is helpful for the inclusive development of both countries. They
also reviewed maritime cooperation initiatives and avenues of reinforcing
international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security. Senior
officials from ministries and services dealing with maritime affairs
participated in the dialogue.
4. French company Alstom to make 100 Vande Bharat trains: French railway major Alstom has emerged
as the lowest bidder for manufacture and maintenance of 100 aluminium
Vande Bharat trainsets, valued at Rs 30,000 crore. The company, which
is a major player in the Indian railway and urban transport sector, bid Rs 150.99
crore as the cost to manufacture one trainset, followed by a consortium of
Swiss rolling stock company Stadler Rail and India’s Medha Servo, which quoted
Rs 169.9 crore to build one trainset. The basic manufacturing cost would be
paid upon delivery of the trainsets, while the remaining portion of close to Rs
17,000 crore would be paid for maintenance for a period of 35 years. The train
is pegged to have a speed capability of 200 km per hour.
5. 3rd Employment Working Group meeting organized in
Geneva: The Indian G20
Presidency is organizing the third Employment Working Group EWG
meeting at the International Labour Organization ILO headquarters in
Geneva, Switzerland. It is a G20 tradition since the inception of the EWG, to
organize an Employment Working Group at the side-lines of the ILO’s annual
International Labour Conference in Geneva. 78 delegates from twenty G20 member
countries, nine guest countries and four International Organizations are
attending the meeting. The Ministry of Labour and Employment’s international
knowledge partners, ILO, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
OECD, International Social Security Association ISSA, World Bank and a domestic
knowledge partner, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship are
attending the meeting to provide their technical expertise to the Group.
6. South Korea launches first commercial-grade satellite: South Korea has launched its first
commercial-grade satellite. The commercial-grade satellite was launched by the
Naro Space Center in Gohang, South Korea, using a Launch Nuri rocket. The main
satellite objectives include verifying imaging radar technology and observing
cosmic radiation in near-Earth orbit. The main satellite, called “Next
Generation Small Satellite 2”, was accompanied by seven cube-shaped satellites.
South Korea also plans to launch three more Nuri rockets by 2027.
7. 2 June – International Sex Workers’ Day :
International Sex Workers’ Day is observed
every year on 2 June. This day is dedicated to all sex workers, and it
aims to raise awareness of the exploited working conditions of sex workers
globally. According to the latest data, there are around 3 million sex workers
in India between the age group 15-35 because of the emphasis on physical
appearance and endurance capacity to entertain multiple customers. Globally,
the number of sex workers is 40-42 million, of which 80 percent are females and
range in age between 13-25. The movement started in 1975 on June 2 when nearly
100 sex workers occupied the Saint-Nizier Church in Lyon. The women occupied
the church for eight days, demanding an end to police discrimination against
sex work and asking for decent working conditions. The protest by the women was
sparked by sex workers facing increasing violence. The movement brought the
plight of sex workers to national attention.
8. 2 June – Telangana Formation Day: Telangana
Formation Day is celebrated on June 2 every year, marking the
day when the state of Telangana was formed in 2014. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization
Act 2014 bill was passed in the Parliament in February 2014 for the formation
of the Telangana state. The bill was then passed by the President of India on
March 1, 2014, and the state of Telangana was finally formed on June 2. The
creation of Telangana was a complex and lengthy process. The demand for a
separate Telangana state emerged in the early 1960s, eventually leading to the
passing of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act in 2009. This act paved the
way for the formation of Telangana. Since its establishment, Telangana has
experienced positive developments, including increased investment and growth.
The state has also witnessed improvements in poverty reduction and employment
opportunities.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. India
defeated Pakistan to win Junior Men's Asia Cup Hockey in 2023: The Indian hockey team defeated Pakistan in the final of
the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023, held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex
Stadium in Salalah, Oman. This was India’s fourth title at Men's
Junior Asia Cup, after winning in 2004, 2008, and 2015. With this title
win, India has become the most successful country in the
history of the Men's Junior Asia Cup. While Pakistan is the
second-most successful team in the tournament with three titles.
2. India’s
Esow Alben wins bronze medal in Bahnen-Tournee cycling 2023: Indian cyclist Esow Alben has bagged the bronze medal in
the elite men's keirin event at a UCI Class 1 Event-Finale Bahnen-Tournee
2023 cycling competition in Germany. He has also listed himself in being
the first cyclist from India to participate in the UCI Champions League. Alben
was also the first Indian who won a medal in a cycling world championship.
Apart from Alben, Indian cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam finished 10th in
the men’s sprint event at Germany meet.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI,
IIT Madras to launch voice-banking solution:
Reserve Bank Innovation Hub has partnered with IIT Madras Research
Park and Incubation Cell to launch voice-banking solutions to
eliminate language barriers It will assist the illiterate and the visually
impaired in their banking needs. Aim: To conduct the basic banking
transactions through voice controls in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English, in
the initial stage SBI, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra, and IDFC First conducted
a code fest on voice banking called ‘Vaulter Voice’
2. Bajaj Allianz Life launches term insurance plan for Type 2 diabetics: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has launched an exclusive term plan Bajaj Allianz Life Diabetic Term Plan Sub 8 HbA1c. This is a first-of-its-kind protection plan in the Indian life insurance industry designed especially for Type 2 diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals. The plan offers coverage by factoring in the nuances of the health condition of those having diabetes. For pre-diabetic or Type 2 diabetic individuals whose HbA1c is up to 8 percent, the comprehensive plan will enable them to provide financial security. The insurer offers a 10% premium reduction for individuals trying to achieve health goals and other health management services. The policy term ranges from five to 25 years and premiums can be paid monthly/annually.
No comments:
Post a Comment