NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Kerala
topped the 5th State Food Safety Index among the large states: Union Minister for Health, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has unveiled
the 5th State Food Safety Index on the occasion of World Food Safety
Day 2023. Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking,
followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Smaller states: Goa, Manipur and Sikkim
UTs: J&K, Delhi and Chandigarh The index has evaluated the
performance of states and UTs across six different aspects of food
safety. He has also unveiled Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal.
2. Government
approves over Rs 89,000 crore revival package for BSNL: Union Cabinet has approved the third revival package for
BSNL with a total outlay of 89,047 crore rupees, includes an
allotment of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion. The authorised
capital of BSNL will be increased from 1,50,000 crore rupees to
2,10,000 crore rupees. BSNL will emerge as a stable telecom service
provider focused on providing connectivity to the remotest parts of India.
First revival package approved in 2019, amounting to 69,000 crore rupees.
3. Cabinet
approves continuation of Exploration of Coal and Lignite Scheme: The union cabinet has approved the continuation of the Central
Sector Scheme of “Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme”. It has been approved
with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 2980 crore from 2021-22 to
2025-26 co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission cycle. Two broad
stages conducted under this scheme: (i) Promotional (Regional)
Exploration (Outlay: Rs.1650 crore), (ii) Detailed Exploration in
Non-Coal India Limited blocks (Outlay: Rs.1330 crore)
4. Centre
agrees to sanction Rs 12,911 crore for Polavaram Project: The Andhra Pradesh government has informed that
the central government has agreed to sanction Rs 12,911 crore to Andhra
Pradesh for completing the first phase of Polavaram Project. The sanctioned
amount of Rs 12,911 crore also includes Rs 2,000 crore for the
construction of the diaphragm wall, which was washed away due to flood. Polavaram
Project is an under construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the
Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
5. UP govt launches Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme: Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Nand Baba Milk
Mission scheme at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. This scheme provides milk
producers the facility of selling their milk at a reasonable price in villages
through dairy co-operative societies. Under this mission, it is proposed to
form a Dairy farmer producer organization (Dairy FPO) in order to facilitate
the sale of milk in producers’ villages itself. UP is a leading state in the
field of milk development and milk production.
6. Madhya Pradesh launches ‘CM Learn and Earn’ scheme: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has
launched Learn and Earn scheme to teach employable skills to the
youth. In the scheme, 703 work areas have been identified for training. At
least one lakh youth will be provided training under the scheme The most
important aspect of this learn-and-earn scheme is that along with learning
skills, the youth will also be given an allowance of Rs 8,000 to 10,000. As per
the schedule, the registration of establishments providing training to youth
will start from today and the registration of youth willing to learn work will
start from 15th June.
7. Nirmala Laxman appointed as the new chairman of The
Hindu Group: Nirmala Laxman has been
appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group
Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL) for a period of 3 years. He succeeds
Malini Parthasarathy, who stepped down after completing her three-year term at
the board meeting on June 5, 2023. Nirmala Laxman is the founder and curator of
Lit for Life, a literary festival organized by The Hindu. She also previously
served as the chairman of Kasturi Media Limited (KML), the publisher of The
Hindu Tamil Thisai.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Mumbai
most expensive city for expats in India:
According to the Mercer's Cost of Living survey 2023, Mumbai has
ranked the most expensive city in India for expatriates. After Mumbai, cities
like New Delhi and Bengaluru fall on the second and third place in
the most expensive list for expats list in India. In global ranking, Mumbai has
been positioned at 147, New Delhi (169), Chennai (184), Bengaluru (189), and
Pune (213). Hong Kong and Singapore are the most expensive cities for
international employees this year.
2. World
Ocean Day 2023: 8th June: World Oceans Day is observed every
year on 8 June to create awareness about the significance of oceans, and
importance of preserving and conserving oceanic resources. 2023 theme: Planet
Ocean: Tides are Changing The concept was originally proposed by Canada’s
International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada at
the Earth Summit in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This day was officially
recognised by the United Nations in 2008.
3. World
Brain Tumor Day 2023: 8th June: World Brain Tumor
Day is celebrated annually on June 8 for creating awareness
about brain tumors Theme 2023: Protect yourself – keep away from stress Brain
tumor is characterised by abnormal growth of cells in the brain, it can be
grown in any part of the brain or skull including the underside of the brain,
brainstem and nasal cavity among others Researchers have identified more than
120 types of brain tumors which are based on the brain tissue that it impacts
4. 2.3
billion people globally use polluting fuel to cook: Report: According to a report, up to 2.3 billion people around the world
are still using polluting fuels to cook and 675 million don't have
electricity. Report by: IEA, International Renewable Energy Agency, U.N.
Statistics Division, World Bank, and WHO The report also highlighted
that 1.9 billion won't have clean cooking opportunities by 2030. The global
access to electricity increased from 84% in 2010 to 91% (2021), but the
pace of growth slowed in 2019-2021
5. Microsoft,
AirJaldi Networks collaborate to provide internet access: Microsoft and AirJaldi network signed a three-year
MoU to provide internet access for underserved communities in 12
states. Aim: To advance access to high-speed internet and meaningful
connectivity, build solutions for broadband adoption and digital transformation
The program will expand AirJaldi Networks into three new states namely,
Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, with an increase in the number of
network locations from 40 to 62 in 12 states.
6. GalaxEye
to launch world’s 1st multi-sensorearth observation satellite: An IIT-Madras-incubated space-tech startup, GalaxEye, is building
the world’s first multi-sensor earth observation satellite It will launch
its first satellite ‘Drishti Mission’ in 2024. It is being build with
the help of a visible spectrum camera providing synchronised imaging that
can take multiple images at the same time. GalaxEye is working
on deploying a satellite constellation to provide the comprehensive
imagery dataset from space.
7. Israel tests first autonomous flying taxi: Israel has begun conducting initial tests of autonomous
drones that could one day serve as public transportation. The drones are
part of Israel’s National Drone Initiative to ease traffic congestion. Israel
hopes autonomous Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft will
help to ease its worsening traffic problems. The aircraft being tested now will
be able to bypass traffic jams and ease congestion by removing cars and trucks
from the roads, in conjunction with air traffic management systems. The
initiative is a partnership between govt entities and the country’s Civil
Aviation Authority.
8. Five new countries elected as non-permanent members of
the UN Security Council: Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and
Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security
Council for a two-year term. The newly elected members will take up their new
responsibilities on 1 January 2024 and serve till 31 December 2025. Slovenia
defeated Belarus by a vote of 153 to 38, while Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone
and the Republic of Korea were elected unopposed. These new members will
replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates at present
when their two-year term ends on 31 December 2023.
9. Mazagon Dock signs deal with Germany to build diesel
submarines: German shipbuilder
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has signed an agreement with India’s
biggest warship yard, Mazagon Dock (MDL), to cooperate
in building six advanced submarines for the Indian Navy. These submarines
will be powered by a new technology called air-independent propulsion (AIP).
They will be built under a Rs 45,000-crore programme called Project 75-I. The
Project 75-I is being pursued under the so-called “strategic partner” model of
equipment acquisition. This requires the Ministry of defence (MoD) to identify
Indian firms that have the capability and capacity to build and supply a
particular weapons platform – such as a submarine, warship, fighter aircraft or
tank.
OTHER UPDATES:
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI
keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5%: The RBI's Monetary Policy
Committee in its second bi-monthly monetary policy meeting of FY24 has kept
the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. Aim: Focus remains on withdrawal of
accommodation The RBI also retained FY24 GDP growth forecast at 6.5%,
while expects FY24 CPI inflation to be at 5.1% (from 5.2%).
Other
rates:
· Standing Deposit Facility Rate: 6.25%
· Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
· Bank Rate: 6.75%
· Foreign exchange reserves(as on June 2): $595.1 billion
2. Bangladesh
receives USD 858 Million World Bank Financing:
The World Bank and Bangladesh signed two financing
agreements totaling USD 858 million to
enhance climate-resilient agricultural growth, and improve road safety The
World Bank will provide USD 500 million to Bangladesh for Program on Agricultural
and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience. USD
358 million will be provided to Bangladesh for Road Safety Project, a
first dedicated road safety project in South Asia supported by the World Bank
3. SIDBI
signs pact with HDFC Bank to offer financial solutions to MSMEs: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed an
MoU with HDFC Bank for providing financial solutions to MSMEs. Under
the MoU, SIDBI and HDFC Bank will work together to provide complete
financial product and services to the customers under MSMEs. Aim: To
facilitate providing complete financial solutions to MSMEs in a seamless manner
This arrangement will enable MSMEs to avail financial products and services of
both the banks.
4. Kotak Bank launches Réserve premium account: A division of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, Kotak Private
Banking has unveiled Kotak Réserve, a Savings Programme curated
exclusively for UHNIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) and HNIs (High
Net Worth Individuals). This by-invite programme extends beyond banking
services, offering a range of exclusive amenities to provide clients with an
unparalleled luxury banking experience. The Kotak Réserve Savings Programme
aims to deliver a premium banking experience by offering exclusive lifestyle
benefits in areas such as travel, health and wellness, and entertainment. Key
offerings of Kotak Réserve include an Epicure Privileged Membership by Taj,
Lafayette Luxury Concierge services, BookMyShow vouchers, preferential pricing
on services, and the Kotak White Reserve credit card. These privileges
encompass a spectrum of services such as luxury stays, dining experiences, spa
treatments, customized lifestyle solutions, access to exclusive
Michelin-starred restaurants, and more. CEO of Private Banking at Kotak
Mahindra Bank Ltd. – Oisharya Das
5. HDFC Bank introduces Millennia Credit Card: HDFC Bank has introduced a
new credit card — Millennia — offering cashback. The card comes with
contactless technology allowing customers to ‘tap and pay’ via POS machine. The
HDFC Millennia Credit card offers cashback and reward points on Amazon,
Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms. In addition, the card also offers 1
percent cashback on offline purchases, smart EMI, and lounge access for free,
among others. Eligibility to obtain HDFC Millennia Credit card
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Jagdish S Bakan bagged Michel Batisse award 2023: An IFS officer, Jagdish S Bakan has won the
prestigious UNESCO Michel Batisse Award 2023 for biosphere reserve
management. The 2017 batch officer of the Indian Forest Service is currently
the director of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The USD 12,000 award is
given in memory of Dr. Michel Batisse for outstanding achievement in the
management of biosphere reserves in line with the recommendations of the
Seville Strategy. He will receive the award from UNESCO in Paris on June 14,
2023.
OBITUARIES
1. Award-winning Doordarshan news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passes away: Gitanjali Aiyar, one of India's first English female news presenters on national broadcaster Doordarshan, passed away. Aiyar joined Doordarshan in 1971 and was awarded the best anchor four times. She also won the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989. She was a diploma holder from the National School of Drama (NSD). She had also been a popular face in several print advertisements and even acted in Sridhar Kshirsagar's TV drama "Khandaan".
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