Daily GK Update- 23rd June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Railways, USAID/India Indian sign MoU for Renewable Energy: Indian Railways has signed an MoU with the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) for collaboration on Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency. It was signed in the presence of the Chairman of the Railway Board, Anil Kumar Lahoti. As Indian Railways is proactively working towards the achievement of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030. As part of its commitment to reduce carbon footprints, Indian Railways is taking several initiatives.

 

2. PM-KISAN mobile app introduces face authentification feature : Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has unveiled a new feature on the PM-Kisan mobile app. Farmers can be registered by scanning their faces without a one-time password or fingerprint, by using the "face authentification" feature on the mobile application. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), eligible farmers are provided with a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each every four months.

 

3. Defense Minister inaugurates Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’: Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ in Kochi, Kerala. The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously-built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy. These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience in navigation, fleet operations, and Naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilized for training of personnel from friendly countries.

 

4. Milk processing plant in collaboration with NDDB in Kangra: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed that the Himachal Pradesh government will collaborate with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to set up a state-of-the-art milk processing plant at Dagwar in Kangra district. The dairy development board’s assistance would be taken for its operation and marketing. The Dagwar plant’s capacity would range from 1 lakh to 3 lakh liters, in which high-quality milk products would also be prepared.

 

5. Centre allocates ₹145 crore to Nagaland for Unity Mall: The Central government has allocated ₹145 crore for the construction of a Unity Mall in Dimapur, Nagaland. Aim: For promoting and showcasing the state’s One District One Product offerings The allocation is part of the Union Budget 2023-24, which has earmarked ₹5,000 crore for the establishment of Unity Malls. The announcement was made during an ODOP Sampark event, which was organized by the DPIIT, Invest India, and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland.

 

6. Jharkhand government launches panchayat-level medicine scheme: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has launched the state government’s ambitious panchayat-level drugs shop scheme, aimed at making essential medicines available in remote areas. Hemant Soren inaugurated the scheme in Chatra district by handing over licences to three persons for operating the medicine shops in panchayats. A total of 15 people have been selected for licences in the district so far. Essential medicines will be now be available here, so that villagers living in remote areas do not have to run from pillar to post for medicines The CM also laid foundation of 177 projects worth around Rs 364 crore for Chatra district. He inaugurated 42 projects to the tune of nearly Rs 14.6 crore on the occasion. The programs like ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ will be restarted to establish a “real connection with people

 

7. Mahendra Lodha appointed interim MD & CEO of PFS: Mahendra Lodha has been appointed as interim MD & CEO of PTC India Financial Services Ltd (PFS). The move comes after the current MD & CEO Pawan Singh has been sent on leave. The PFS is an Indian non-banking financial institution promoted by PTC India (PTC) to make principal investments across the energy value chain.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Global Liveability Index 2023 released : According to the Global Liveability Index 2023 published by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), Vienna in Austria has topped the ranking of the most liveable cities. While Copenhagen in Denmark placed second on the list, followed by Melbourne and Sydney. Damascus in Syria and Tripoli in Libya remained at the bottom of the liveability index. From India, New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st position and Chennai at 144th.

 

2. GE Aerospace, HAL signs MoU to produce fighter jet engines for Tejas Mk2: US-based GE Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2. The development comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US. It is part of an effort to improve defense- and technology-sharing between the India and US.

 

3. International Widows Day 2023: 23rd June: International Widows Day is observed annually on June 23 to spread awareness about the plight of millions of widows facing poverty. 2023 theme: Innovation and technology for gender equality The first-ever International Widows Day was established by The Loomba Foundation back on June 23rd, 2005. In 2010, the UNGA recognized the importance of this day and they officially adopted International Widows Day to share its importance on a global level.

 

4. Eddie Wu named as the new CEO of Alibaba: A Chinese e-commerce company, Alibaba Group Holding, Eddie Wu (the chairman of Alibaba’s core Taobao) will take over as the chief executive of the company. He is one of the co-founders of Alibaba, who first served it as a technology director back in 1999. While Joe Tsai will take over as chairman on September 10th, 2023. He was appointed as the company's CFO until 2013. The present CEO and Chairman Daniel Zhang is planning to step down this year.

 

5. International Women In Engineering Day 2023: 23rd June: International Women in Engineering Day is observed every year on June 23 for improving the participation of young girls in the field of engineering. The theme of the special day this year is ‘Make Safety Seen’. In 2014, the United Kingdom officially dedicated June 23 to lead a national campaign for women in the engineering field. In 2017, UNESCO celebrated this day for the first time, to mark the vigilant efforts of women in the engineering society.

 

6. Surat sets Guinness World Record for largest gathering on Yoga Day: The Yoga Day event organized in Surat city of Gujarat has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering for a yoga session at one place with 1.53 lakh people joining the program. The previous world record was set in 2018 in Kota city of Rajasthan when 1,00,984 people participated in a Yoga Day session in one place. The participants were given wristbands with QR codes for accurate counting. The QR code data confirmed the participation of 1.53 lakh people surpassing the previous record. Nearly 2.20 lakh people registered themselves through an online link created for this purpose.

 

7. Petteri Orpo elected as new PM of Finland: Petteri Orpo, the leader of the conservative party in Finland, has been elected as the country’s prime minister by the parliament. Orpo will replace Sanna Marin of the Social Democrats, who finished third in the polls. Orpo’s election was supported by 107 members of parliament, while 81 opposed and 11 abstained.

 

8. 23 June – United Nations Public Service Day: United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on 23 June. Commemorated on June 23, this special occasion aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role played by public servants. It also seeks to honor the commendable work of these dedicated individuals and inspire the younger generation to embark on meaningful careers within the public sector. On December 20, 2002, the General Assembly of the United Nations officially designated June 23 as Public Service Day through the adoption of resolution 57/277. In order to enhance the recognition of this important day and highlight the significance of public service, the United Nations launched the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program in 2003. In 2016, the program underwent a review to align its objectives with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

9. 23 June – International Olympic Day: World Olympic Day or International Olympic Day is celebrated all around the world on June 23. The day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and promote the values of the Olympic Movement. This day is marked by sports activities such as runs, exhibitions, music, and educational seminars involving athletes from all nations. In 1948, World Olympic Day was established to commemorate 23 June 1894, when the modern Olympic Games were born at the Sorbonne in Paris. The IOC encourages National Olympic Committees (NOCs) around the world to organize events and activities to promote sports and Olympic values on this day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. CM Yogi unveils the first ticket for the first race of ‘MotoGP India’ 2023: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has unveiled the first ticket for the first race of MotoGP 2023, to be hosted by Uttar Pradesh. For the first time, the motorbike race is being held in India. The event is scheduled to be held at the Buddha International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24, 2023. The event would firmly establish ‘Brand Uttar Pradesh’ at the global level. This is the first time the event is being held outside Europe.

 

2. Cristiano Ronaldo receives Guinness World Record award: Portuguese football player, Cristiano Ronaldo has received the Guinness World Record Award certificate to become the first men’s player to make 200 international appearances. He celebrated the milestone by scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute as Portugal beat Iceland in European Championship qualifying. He received a Guinness World Records certificate before the game. The closest to Ronaldo's tally is Bader Al-Mutawa, who was capped by Kuwait on 196 occasions.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Airtel Payments Bank ties up with Care for health insurance: Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Care Health Insurance to offer health insurance products to its customer via the Airtel Thanks app. The offerings will include coverage for pre-existing ailments and daycare treatment. Customers can opt for health insurance services through the Airtel Thanks app and pay using an APB account. According to the NITI Aayog report, nearly 30% of India's population is devoid of any health insurance backup.

 

2. UK’s Lloyds Banking Group to set up tech center in Hyderabad: The UK-based Lloyds Banking Group has decided to invest in a new technology centre in Hyderabad. The Lloyds Technology Centre is a part of the group’s £3 billion strategic investment over the next three years to transform its digital offering. The group, with over 20 million digitally active users will initially employ around 600 highly skilled specialists in technology, data, and cyber security roles. Lloyds Technology Centre will not provide any banking services but will focus on using technology and digital, data and analytics capabilities to drive innovation and end-to-end product delivery and is a step forward in the group’s approach to international resourcing.

 

3. Axis Bank launches ‘One-View’ feature: Axis Bank has launched the ‘one-view’ feature on its mobile application which enables account management across multiple bank accounts, including non-Axis accounts. The feature has been launched using the open banking principle leveraging the account aggregator (AA) ecosystem—an industry-first initiative. AA or data aggregator platforms provide secure sharing of information while maintaining customer consent and data privacy. Customers can link their non-Axis Bank accounts and get a comprehensive view of their balance, transactions and statements on a real-time basis, thus simplifying the process of managing finances and providing access to multiple bank accounts on one platform. The feature will eliminate the need for multiple mobile banking applications and also allow customers to download and e-mail transaction details from their linked accounts.

 

4. Fitch raises India’s GDP forecast to 6.3% from 6% for FY24: Ratings agency Fitch has raised India’s GDP forecast for the financial year 2023-24 to 6.3 percent from 6 percent. The revision is based on a stronger first-quarter performance and positive momentum in the near term. In FY23, the growth forecast compares with a 7.2% GDP expansion. The economy had a growth of 9.1% in FY22. The growth forecast compares with 7.2 percent GDP expansion in FY23. In the previous fiscal year (FY22), the economy had grown 9.1 percent.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. WHO DG Tedros Ghebreyesus awarded Olympic Order by IOC: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the Olympic Order to Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The award was given to Dr. Tedros for his efforts in holding the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympic Order was presented to Dr Tedros, for his support of the cooperation agreement between the IOC and the WHO signed in 2020, by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach at the Olympic House here.

Daily GK Update- 22nd June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hasmukh Adhia appointed as the chairman of GIFT City, GACL and GMDC: Former Union Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has been appointed as chairman of GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City. In addition to this role, he was also appointed as the Chairman and Director of the Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL) and the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC). He replaced Sudhir Mankad, to take the helm of GIFT City. He has also served as the Principal advisor to Narendra Modi when he was CM of Gujarat.

 

2. UNDP partners with DAY-NULM towards empowering women entrepreneurs: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined hands with India's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). Reason: To empower women to make well-informed career choices in the field of entrepreneurship The partnership will provide support for women looking to start and expand their own enterprises, particularly in sectors such as the care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, food packaging, and more

 

3. Retired Allahabad HC judge Umesh Kumar appointed chairman of DERC: Former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar was appointed the chairman of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), by the President of India. President Droupadi Murmu has exercised the powers conferred by Section 45(b) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, read with sub-section 2 of Section 84 of the Electricity Act, 2003. He served as the justice of Allahabad High Court till July 2022.

 

4. Petteri Orpo elected as new PM of Finland: Finland's parliament elected conservative Petteri Orpo as prime minister at the head of a four-party coalition. Parliament voted in favor of Orpo, who won the April elections. He was formally appointed as prime minister by President Sauli Niinisto. He took over from Sanna Marin, whose Social Democrats finished third behind Orpo's National Coalition Party and the Finns Party. The new coalition is made up of the smaller Swedish People's Party and Christian Democrats.

 

5. Agriculture Ministry and APPPC organize workshop on Fruits Flies Management: The Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission unanimously elected India as chair of the Standing Committee on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the biennium 2023-24 during their 32nd Session held in Bangkok in November 2022. The APPPC Workshop on Systems Approach for the management of fruit flies on mango has been scheduled from 19-23 June 2023 in Navi Mumbai.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the workshop.

 

6. NHAI launches ‘Knowledge Sharing Platform’ for development of Highways: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a Knowledge Sharing Platform for inclusive development of National Highways. This initiative will help the authority to collaborate with experts and citizens who want to share knowledge and insights related to topics such as road design, construction, road safety, environment sustainability and related fields. The platform will encourage sharing of best practices from around the world and will contribute towards holistic development of the National Highway infrastructure in the country.

 

7. Cabinet approves Micron’s $2.7 bn semiconductor packaging plant: The Indian cabinet has given its approval to Micron Technology’s plan to invest $2.7 billion in setting up a semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat. The government will provide production-linked incentives worth Rs 11,000 crore ($1.34 billion) for the semiconductor plant. This investment is expected to boost India’s semiconductor industry and aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a global hub for semiconductor production. The new facility is anticipated to create jobs and enhance India’s capabilities in the sector, contributing to its digital ambitions and self-reliance in advanced technologies.

 

8. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 4 National Highway projects in Haryana: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 4 National Highway projects at Sonepat, Karnal, and Ambala in Haryana. The construction of 11 flyovers on 8-lane National Highway 44 from Delhi to Panipat in Sonepat at a cost of Rs 890 crore with a total length of 24 km will provide better connectivity to the economic nodes of Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The construction of national highways, Karnal Greenfield 35 km 6-lane Ring Road at a cost of Rs 1690 crore is not just a road but will become the lifeline for the development and prosperity of the region in times to come. Gadkari also Inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 2 NH projects worth Rs 1255 Crore in Ambala, Haryana.

 

9. BEL receives orders worth Rs 5900 crore for Akash Missiles: Bharat Electronics (BEL) has received orders worth Rs 5,900 crore, of which Rs 3,914 crore of orders are from the Akash Prime Weapon System. BEL received a work order for 2 regiments of Improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) with upgrades from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), another defence PSU, for a value of Rs 3,914 crores. Akash is an all-weather, point/area air-defense weapon system for defending vulnerable points/areas against threats emanating from low, medium and high altitudes. The system uses high-mobility vehicles for mobile application. The improvements incorporated include high altitude operation, simultaneous engagement of multiple threats over 360 degrees, missiles fitted with RF Seeker and reduced footprint.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India ranks 127 in Gender Gap Index 2023: According to a Gender Gap Index 2023, released by World Economic Forum, India has been ranked 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, up by 8 positions from 135 in 2022. The report reflects an improvement of 1.4% points. India's neighboring countries rank: Bangladesh (59), Bhutan (103), China  (107), and Pakistan (142) For the 14th year running, Iceland (91.2%) takes the top position. While Norway ranked 2nd, followed by Finland, and Sweden.

 

2. India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched: India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in Washington DC, USA on 21st June 2023. The INDUS X event was co-organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Ministry of Defence, and the US Department of Defence (DoD) and hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC). Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion), MoD, Anurag Bajpai led the Indian delegation in the two-day INDUS-X event.

 

3. Surat has set a new Guinness World Record in the Yoga event: The city of Gujarat, Surat has set a Guinness World Record with over 1.53 lakh people participating in a yoga event at one place on the International Day of Yoga (IDY), organized on 21st June. Guinness officials handed over the certificate to chief minister Bhupendra Patel at the venue. Two 4km-long stretches of roads, each around 300 meters wide, connecting the Y junction were covered with carpet for participants The participants were divided into groups of 1,000 each

 

4. Estonia becomes 1st Baltic nation to legalize same-sex marriage: Estonia’s parliament approved a law legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first central European country to do so. The law will come into effect in 2024. The bill received 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament, from the coalition of liberal and social democratic parties. 53 percent of the population supported same-sex marriage in a 2023 poll by the Centre for Human Rights. Same-sex marriage is legal in much of Western Europe but not in central European countries which were once under communist rule and members of the Moscow-led Warsaw Pact alliance but now members of NATO and, largely, the EU.

 

5. Himalayan Glaciers on Track to Lose up to 75% of Ice by 2100: Report: According to a new report, Glaciers in Asia’s Hindu Kush Himalaya could lose up to 75 percent of their volume by the century’s end due to global warming. Global warming is causing dangerous flooding and water shortages for the 240 million people who live in the mountainous region. A team of international scientists has found that ice loss in the region, home to the famous peaks of Everest and K2, is speeding up. During the 2010s, the glaciers shed as much as 65 percent of ice, which was faster than they had in the preceding decade, according to the assessment by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The Hindu Kush Himalaya stretches 3,500 km (2,175 miles) across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. At 1.5 degrees Celsius or 2 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial temperatures, glaciers across the entire region will lose 30 percent to 50 percent of their volume by 2100.

 

6. Europe is world’s fastest-warming continent: climate report: Europe should brace for more deadly heatwaves driven by climate change, said a sweeping report, noting the world’s fastest-warming continent was some 2.3 degrees Celsius hotter last year. Crop-withering drought, record sea-surface temperatures, and unprecedented glacier melt are among the consequences laid out in a report by the WMO and the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Since the 1980s, Europe has been warming twice the global average and witnessed its warmest summer on record last year as countries like France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom faced their warmest year on record. Since the mid-1800s, the world has warmed at an average of around 1.2C, leading to a devastating cascade of extreme weather, which includes more severe droughts in a few areas, more intense heatwaves and storms which will be made more ferocious by rising seas.

 

7. 22 June – World Rainforest Day: World Rainforest Day is observed every year on 22 June. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of rainforests, their biodiversity and the urgent need for their preservation. Theme 2023 – Conserve Restore Regenerate. The roots of World Rainforest Day can be traced back to 2017 when the Rainforest Partnership, a non-profit environmental organization based in Austin, Texas, launched the global event. This initiative was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of rainforests and their invaluable contributions to the planet.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India beat Bangladesh to win the 2023 Women's Emerging Asia Cup title: The India U-23 women's team won the 2023 Women's Emerging Asia Cup T20 title after defeating Bangladesh in the final held at the Mission Round Ground in Hong Kong. India has scored 127 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. India's Kanika Ahuja was named the Player of the Match, who stayed not out on 30 off 23 with four fours in the final. While India's Shreyanka Patil was named the Player of the Series, as she was the highest-wicket taker.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank launches 'One-View' feature: Axis Bank has launched its latest feature ‘One-View’, on Axis Mobile Application. It also becomes the first private sector Bank to introduce this new-age banking feature leveraging the Account Aggregator ecosystem. Aim: To create a seamless banking experience for its customers It helps in managing finances for customers, by providing them access to multiple bank accounts on a single platform It also enables them to track their balances and spending on a real-time basis.

 

2. UK's Lloyds Banking Group to set up tech center in Hyderabad: Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest financial services providers, would set up a technology center in Hyderabad. The group, which has brands such as Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland under its belt, is planning to expand its digital capabilities through the tech center. It won’t offer banking services in the country, rather it will focus on using technology and digital data, and analytics capabilities to drive innovation and end-to-end product delivery Fitch raises India's GDP forecast to 6.3%: Fitch Ratings has raised its forecast for India's economic growth to 6.3% for the current fiscal year 2023-24 from 6%. This is primarily because of a stronger outturn in the first quarter and near-term momentum. The growth forecast compares with a 7.2% GDP expansion in FY23. It estimated growth of 6.5% each for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years. The Fitch stated that the GDP growth in January-March was higher than expected.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Amul Girl creator, Sylvester daCunha passes away: Sylvester daCunha, the man behind the iconic Amul Girl 'utterly butterly' campaign, passed away. He conceived the 'Utterly Butterly' campaign for Amul, the brand owned by Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), in 1966. In 1969, daCunha solidified his legacy by establishing daCunha Communications. The 'Utterly Butterly' campaign for Amul had celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016.

Daily GK Update- 21st June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first mRNA-based Omicron-specific booster vaccine approved: Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd informed that its mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India. The vaccine, 'GEMCOVAC-OM' is approved against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. GEMCOVAC-OM has demonstrated robust immune responses in phase 3 clinical trials conducted at 20 centers across 13 cities in India. Presently approved vaccines used as precautionary/ booster doses.

 

2. NHAI launches ‘Knowledge Sharing Platform’: National Highways Authority of India has launched a ‘Knowledge Sharing’ platform. This platform will help the authority to join hands with experts and citizens who want to share knowledge and insights related to topics such as road design, environmental sustainability, and related fields. Aim: To encourage sharing of best practices from around the world This platform will also contribute towards the holistic development of NH infrastructure in the country.

 

3. Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani donates ₹315 crores to IIT Bombay: Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has donated ₹315 crores to IIT Bombay. Reason: Fostering world-class infrastructure, stimulating research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and nurturing a deep tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay An MoU was signed between Nandan Nilekani and Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay. His contribution will catalyze philanthropic contributions towards advancing research and development at universities in India.

 

4. Govt approves $2.7-billion Micron's chip plant: The Indian cabinet has granted approval for US chipmaker, Micron Technology to proceed with its $2.7 billion plan for a semiconductor testing and packaging unit. It has also sanctioned production-linked incentives worth 110 billion rupees for the plant in Gujarat. The necessary approval stems from the significant size of the incentive package. Micron Technology's venture coincides with the White House's efforts to encourage U.S. chip companies to invest in India.

 

5. Reliance emerges as Most Valuable Private Company in India: As per Hurun India's 2022 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd is the most valuable private company in India, with a whopping value of Rs 16.4 lakh crore. TCS with Rs 11.8 lakh crore ranked second in India, followed by HDFC Bank with Rs 9.4 lakh crore. The value of Reliance decreased by 5.1% in the last six months, while the total value of TCS increased marginally by 0.7% and HDFC Bank increased by 12.9%.

 

6. Indian Army takes delivery of Mahindra Armado armoured vehicle: Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra has started delivering Armado to the Indian armed forces. It is an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle, which is designed by and developed by Mahindra. It has been designed keeping in mind a variety of roles the armed forces may use it for. It gets ballistic protection up to B7, Stanag Level II. It can be utilised in counter-terrorist operations by facilitating patrolling in conflict-hit areas.

 

7. Jharkhand government launches panchayat-level medicine scheme: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren launched the panchayat-level drugs shop scheme to make essential medicines available in remote areas The scheme was inaugurated in Chatra district by handing over licenses to three persons for operating the medicine shops in panchayats. A total of 15 people have been selected for licenses in the district so far. The programs like ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ will be restarted to establish a “real connection with people”.

 

8. Karnataka’s free power scheme, ‘Gruha Jyothi Scheme’: Karnataka government has launched a free power scheme named ‘Gruha Jyothi scheme’ for providing free electricity up to 200 units a month. The scheme also extends to tenants living on rent if their electricity consumption matches the scheme’s criteria. Registration to the scheme is done on the Seva Sindhu portal under a special custom-made page. Registration to the scheme is done on the Seva Sindhu portal under a special custom-made page The E-governance department has made the registration process very simple. The consumer must enter the electricity bill’s customer ID, their Aadhar number, and mobile number. The registration simultaneously started at Karnataka One, Grama One and Bengaluru One centre across the state. The beneficiaries will get a ‘zero bill’ starting August 1 if usage is within their entitlement.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The number of refugees globally stood at 35.3 million by the end of 2022: According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report, the number of refugees globally stood at 35.3 million by the end of 2022. It also shows an increase in the number of more than 8 million from the year before. Around 52% of all refugees came from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. According to international law, refugees are people who are forced to flee their home countries to escape persecution or a serious threat to their life or freedom.

 

2. International Day of Yoga 2023: 21st June: The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on June 21 since 2015. This year, the theme for International Yoga Day is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". This year's theme highlighted beautifully encapsulates collective aspiration for "One Earth, One Family, One Future." On 11 December 2014, the UN proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India.

 

3. 21 June – International Yoga Day: International yoga day is celebrated every year on 21 June.

Objective – To promote awareness of the benefits of the ancient practice known as yoga Theme 2023 – Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam This year we will be celebrating the 9th edition of the International Day of Yoga, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a yoga session at the UN Headquarters for the first time on 21 June 2023. It was in 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of a dedicated yoga day during his address to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly on 11 December 2014 and he was supported unanimously by all the 193 UN member states who agreed to observe the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The inaugural celebration took place on June 21, 2015.

 

4. 21 June – World Music Day 2023: World Music Day is observed every year on 21 June. This global event encourages individuals to appreciate and actively engage with all forms of music, irrespective of genre, style, or language. Theme 2023 –Music on the Intersections Music is an important part of each of our daily lives, serving as an important instrument for stress relief, motivation, emotional expression and as a connecting force with others. The origins of World Music Day have been traced back to 1982 when French Minister of Culture Jack Lang proposed the idea of celebrating a day of music or Fête de la Musique (festival of music). As per another theory, World Music Day has been celebrated since 1976 when Joel Cohen proposed the idea of an all-night music festival to celebrate the beginning of summer solstice.

 

5. 21 June – World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day is marked annually on June 21. Objective – To increase public awareness and understanding of hydrography’s role in ensuring safe and efficient navigation, sustainable marine resource management, and coastal zone development This day holds great importance as it serves as a platform to highlight the crucial work carried out by hydrographers worldwide and to promote the significance of hydrography itself. Theme 2023 – Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the ocean The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) was established in 1921, serving as a prominent entity focused on addressing various aspects of marine life. Headquartered in Monaco, the organization played a crucial role in advocating navigation-related concerns, setting technical standards, and protecting marine environments, engaging directly with governments. Through various activities and events organized on this day, the IHO aims to increase public awareness and understanding of hydrography’s role in ensuring safe and efficient navigation, sustainable marine resource management, and coastal zone development.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bhavani Devi creates history by winning India’s first medal in Asian Fencing Championships: Bhavani Devi has won the bronze medal in the women’s sabre event at the Asian Fencing Championships held in Wuxi, China. Bhavani lost her semi-final match against Uzbekistan’s Zainab Daybekova with a score of 14-15. In the quarterfinals, Bhavani defeated defending world champion Misaki Emura of Japan by a score of 15-10. Bhavani’s next challenge will be the World Championships to be held in Milan from July 22 to 30.

2. Satwik-Chirag become men’s doubles champions at Indonesia Open 2023 : Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty became the first Indian pair to win the doubles title at a BWF Super 1000 event at the Indonesia Open 2023. Indonesia Open 2023 took place at Istora Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia. They defeated the Malaysian world champion pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the final. The win made them the first doubles team from India to win the Indonesia Open. They also became the first pair from the country to win India’s first Badminton World Federation Super 1000 title.

 

3. 37th National Games’ mascot ‘Moga’ unveiled: Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched ‘Moga’ at a launch ceremony held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao, Goa. The 37th edition of the national games of India will be held in various locations in the state of Goa in October 2023. It will feature competitions in a total of 43 disciplines. It will also feature ‘Gatka’, a traditional martial art form associated with Punjab.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government appoints Swaminathan Janakiraman as RBI Deputy Governor: The government has appointed Swaminathan Janakiraman as a deputy governor of Reserve Bank India for three years. He would succeed Mahesh Kumar Jain, who was serving as a deputy governor since 2018, is set to retire. Prior to this role, he held various assignments across Corporate and International Banking, Retail and Digital Banking, Finance, and Assurance functions with SBI. He also served as a Nominee Director of SBI on the Boards of Yes Bank and Jio Payments Bank

 

2. Union Bank launches four new deposit schemes: Union Bank of India has launched four bank account schemes targeting women, women entrepreneurs and professionals, pensioners, and cooperative housing societies. The bank has launched Union Unnati specifically designed for women entrepreneurs and professionals. This account offers free cancer care coverage and personal accident cover. Union Samriddhi has targeted women. The third product is Union Samman, a savings account aimed at pensioners.

 

3. IndusInd Bank collaborates with Wise to offer low-cost & fast inward remittance to India: IndusInd Bank has forged a strategic partnership with Wise, a global technology company specializing in secure money transfers. The collaboration aims to provide convenient and efficient online inward remittance services specifically tailored for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing in the United States and Singapore. Through this partnership, IndusInd Bank’s customers can transfer funds from these two major global markets. The remittance service, known as Indus Fast Remit (IFR), will integrate with the Wise Platform, allowing NRIs to enjoy a multi-currency inward remittance service. Through this partnership, IndusInd Bank’s customers can transfer funds from these two major global markets. The remittance service, known as Indus Fast Remit (IFR), will integrate with the Wise Platform, allowing NRIs to enjoy a multi-currency inward remittance service. One of the primary benefits for customers utilizing the “Indus Fast Remit – Wise” service is the ability to avail highly competitive forex rates.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IndiGo bags World Aviation Awards 2023: IndiGo has won a top award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia at the prestigious 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show. It is the thirteenth time that IndiGo has won this award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia. Recently, IndiGo has placed a firm order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, which will provide IndiGo with a further steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035.

 

2. Acharya Gopi to be conferred with Prof. Jayashankar Award : Eminent poet, literary critic, and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient, Acharya N. Gopi has been selected for Kothapalli Jayashankar Award instituted by Bharat Jagruthi, a cultural organization and extended arm of Bharat Rashtra Samithi. The award would be presented to Acharya Gopi at an event to be organized at Telangana Saraswatha Parishath in Abids. The award has been instituted earlier this year for honouring the littérateurs every year. Acharya Gopi has so far penned 56 books including 26 compilations of poems, 7 compilations of essays, 5 translations and 3 research books. His books were translated to several Indian languages as also into foreign languages such as German, Persian, Russian and others. He worked as the Vice-Chancellor of Telugu University and acted as the in-charge V-C of Kakatiya and Dravida Universities in the past.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Kerala Minister M.A. Kuttappan passes away: Congress leader and former Kerala minister Dr. M. A. Kuttappan passed away at the age of 76 in Kochi. He began his career as a doctor at Alappuzha Medical College and Cochin Port Trust Hospital. Later he become a four-time MLA in the Kerala assembly and was a member of the AK Antony ministry in 2001 as minister for the welfare of backward classes and SC/ST. He was elected to the state assembly from Wandoor, Chelakkara, and twice from Njarakkal constituencies.