Daily GK Update- 26th June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Telangana CM inaugurates Medha Rail Coach Factory at Sangareddy: Telangana Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has inaugurated the Medha Rail Coach Factory in Sangareddy district. It is the largest private coach factory in India. Medha signed an MoU with the Government of Telangana in 2017. The objective of the MoU is to set up a coach factory in the state. The land was allotted by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC). Medha and Swiss railway rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail signed a joint venture (JV) agreement. The joint venture Telangana unit is meant to cater to its tenders from the Indian market and exports from customers in the Asia Pacific region. The joint venture aims to serve tenders from the Indian market and export to the Asia Pacific region.

 

2. Amit Shah lays foundation stone of ‘Balidaan Stambh’ in Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the construction of the ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

The ‘Balidan Stambh’ is a part of the Srinagar Smart City project and serves as a tribute to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The ‘Sacrifice Pillar’ is a monument that is being built as part of the Srinagar Smart City project.

 

3. Rajasthan govt brings PCTS mobile app to ensure better healthcare: The Rajasthan Government launched the Pregnancy, Child Tracking & Health Services Management System (PCTS) app to monitor the health of pregnant women, obstetricians, and infants online. The PCTS app allows every ASHA Sahyogini in the state to reach women and infants in their respective areas and file reports on a daily basis. The ASHA Sahyoginis can use the PCTS app to access information about various health-related services. This strengthens healthcare services for women and children and contributes to the improvement in the health of women and child.

The department officials can directly obtain progress reports by communicating with any ASHA or ANM in the state.

 

4. IIT-Madras proposes sports quota with aim to boost diversity: The IIT Madras has proposed a sports quota in IITs with an aim to boost diversity in the country’s premier engineering institutions and to provide an opportunity to students performing well in the field of sport at state, national, and international levels. Currently, the IITs don’t have a sports quota. Many of the country’s premium universities, including Delhi University, do. The council, the apex body of the IITs is now looking at what this would mean. “In this regard, detailed implementation modalities and timelines for academic session 2024-25 may be prepared in consultation with JEE Apex Board (JAB)). JAB is responsible for deciding guidelines for the conduct of JEE (Main) examination, and also coordinating the conduct of JEE (Advanced) exam for admissions to IITs.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 2023: 26th June: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26 to spread awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse. Various campaigns, rallies, and awareness programs are held worldwide on this day. This is observed to honour Lin Zexu, who played a key role in the demolition of the opium trade in the Guangdong region of China. 2023 theme: People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention

 

2. Global competitiveness index 2023 released: According to the Global competitiveness index 2023, published by International Institute for Management Development (IMD), India has ranked 40 out of 64 economies in its annual report. Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland took the top three places. Switzerland ranked fourth, followed by the Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sweden, the USA, and UAE. The report uses a combination of surveys, statistical data, and trends to benchmark competitiveness around the world.

 

3. 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023 held in Mumbai: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023 in Mumbai. The theme for the Summit was, ‘Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and Quality’. The two-day Summit brought together industry leaders, global regulators, quality experts, and stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange and deliberate on areas of importance in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape in India. India played the role of pharmacy for the world during COVID-19 by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality medicines and vaccines to the world. The Indian pharmaceutical industry has demonstrated its potential both in terms of quality and quantity.

 

4. India and UAE signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators: India has signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement with United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Authorized Economic Operators. The agreement was formally inked today on the sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Customs Co-operation Council meeting held in Brussels. The Mutual Recognition Arrangement establishes a framework that enables the recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both countries. The Mutual recognition arrangement comes as the continuation of historic India-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed between the two nations on 18 February 2022 and officially came into force on 1 May 2022. CEPA is expected to increase the total value of bilateral trade in goods to over 100 billion US Dollars and trade in services to over 15 billion US Dollars within five years.

 

5. TIMES Asia Rankings 2023: IISc best among Indian universities: A total of eighteen Indian universities featured in the top 200 positions on the Times Higher Education’s (THE) annual Asia university rankings 2023. Overall, India has only one university in the top 50, about four in the top 100, and a total of 18 universities in the top 200. The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, secured the 48th rank this year, becoming the best among Indian higher education institutions, despite falling six positions as compared to last year. As per the 11th edition of THE Asia University Rankings 2023 list, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, secured the second highest position among Indian universities with 68th spot. Jamia Millia Islamia University ranked 128th on the list while Jawaharlal Nehru University, which ranked 167th in 2022, failed to secure a rank among the top 200. China’s Tsinghua University topped the rankings followed by Peking University and the National University of Singapore.

 

6. 25 June – International Day of the Seafarer: International Day of the Seafarer is observed every year on 25 June. This annual event aims to acknowledge the crucial role played by seafarers in international trade, the global economy, and society as a whole. Furthermore, it emphasizes their significant efforts in safeguarding the marine environment. Theme 2023 – MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on The Day of the Seafarer was established through a resolution passed during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, where the revised STCW Convention was adopted. The resolution encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners, and other relevant parties to actively promote and appropriately celebrate this significant day.

 

7. 26 June – World Drug Day: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day is observed every year on June 26. It aims to strengthen action and cooperation against drug abuse to achieve a world free of this menace. Theme 2023 – People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of treating people with drug problems with respect and empathy.

The event began after the adoption of a resolution in December 1987 at the United Nations. The resolution recognized the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

 

8. 26 June – UN International Day In Support Of Victims Of Torture: United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is celebrated every on June 26. According to the United Nations, torture exists in all parts of the world, despite the total ban under international law. According to all relevant instruments, it is absolutely prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment generally known as the Torture Agreement, entered into force on June 26, 1987. This was a step towards recognizing that torture is universally banned. Ten years later, on June 26, 1997, the United Nations General Assembly formally designated the day as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in order to help survivors and raise awareness about its effects.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Hasaranga becomes first ODI spinner to take 3 consecutive 5-wicket hauls: Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka has achieved a remarkable feat in cricket by becoming the first spinner and second overall player in history to take three consecutive 5-wicket hauls in the One Day Internationals (ODIs). It was achieved, when Sri Lanka bundled out Ireland at 192 to secure the Super Six spot in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers match. He has placed himself equal to the legendary Pakistani bowler Waqar Younis.

 

2. Indian women's doubles pair clinches WTT Contender tournament title 2023: The Indian women's doubles pair of Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee won the 2023 World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender tournament in Tunis. The Indian pair won the title after beating the Japanese pair of Miyuu Kihara and Miwa Harimoto. The pair also became the first Indians to win a Contender title this year. Meanwhile, the Indian mixed doubles pair as well as the men's doubles duo had lost their respective semifinal matches.

 

3. Anurag Thakur flagged off “Bharat in Paris” campaign: Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the campaign with a short marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has launched the “Bharat in Paris” campaign to create awareness and promote sports across India ahead of the Paris Olympics games. The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme was launched in 2014-15 and the government bears all the expenses of boarding, lodging, and training of top athletes in their country and abroad. Recently the hockey junior teams, men and women both, won the Asia Cup, the shooters performed very well in the World Championship while the doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag reached sixth place in the world badminton rankings.

 

4. Cristiano Ronaldo sets Guinness World Record for 200 international caps: Cristiano Ronaldo set a Guinness World Record by achieving 200 international caps for Portugal. The legendary forward is making his 200th appearance for A Selecao das Quinas in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland. The 38-year-old has broken another record and is the most-capped player in international football. Ronaldo is also the all-time top goalscorer in international football, with 122 goals in 200 games.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB to provide 400 million US dollars in loans to Bangladesh: The Asian Development Bank has signed an agreement with Bangladesh to provide a 400 million US dollars loan for the construction of 102 km-long dual gauge railways between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar to promote trade, investment, and tourism. Aim: To transport 2.9 million passengers annually between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar by 2024 Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Railway is part of the Trans-Asia Railway network, an initiative led by the UN.

 

2. Infosys wins $454-million deal from Danske Bank: Infosys has bagged a $454-million deal for the digital transformation of Denmark’s Danske Bank. The deal is for a period of five years, which could be ramped up to $900 million and also renewed for up to another three years. The collaboration with Infosys would help achieve its strategic priorities regarding customer experience and operational excellence. Infosys was selected to help with the bank's technology transformation, optimize access to talent and capabilities.

 

3. Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance launches 'Nishchit Pension Plan': Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited has launched 'Nishchit Pension Plan'. It is a non-linked, non-participating individual pension plan that enables the policyholders to plan for their retirement. Under this plan, the insurer provides accrued guaranteed additions during the policy term and loyalty addition at the end of the policy term. The policyholders will be able to accumulate a 100% guaranteed corpus at desired retirement age.

 

4. IOB signs MoU with the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM) to foster the growth of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the State and provide them with vital financial support. Under the terms of the MoU, TNSRLM will facilitate eligible SHGs for credit linkage with IOB. This strategic collaboration aims to streamline access to financial resources for SHGs, enabling them to undertake entrepreneurial activities, expand their ventures, and contribute to the economic development of the State. The collaboration is expected to catalyse the growth of SHGs targeting ₹1,875 crore and increase the disbursal under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission) during this fiscal, effectively doubling the impact of financial assistance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Modi conferred with Egypt’s highest state honour 'Order of the Nile': Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has conferred the ‘Order of the Nile’, the highest honour of Egypt to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ‘Order of the Nile’ was instituted in 1915, which is conferred upon heads of state, crown princes, and vice presidents who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services. Over the last 9 years, PM Modi has received many international awards and this is the 13th highest state honour conferred upon PM Modi.

 

2. Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate in UK: Noted singer and music composer, Shankar Mahadevan was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in London, England. Reason: To celebrate his contribution to music and the arts He was honoured by the BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden at the ceremony. He was accompanied by fellow musicians Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin at the ceremony. He is best known for songs like 'Breathless', 'Mitwa' and 'Lakshya'.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Nobel laureate John Bannister Goodenough passes away: Co-inventor of lithium-ion batteries and co-winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, John Bannister Goodenough passed away at 101. He shared the 2019 Nobel Prize with Stan Whittingham, a British-American scientist, for discovering that lithium may be held within sheets of titanium sulphide. He was also instrumental in the invention of computer RAM (Random Access Memory). He also worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Oxford University.

Daily GK Update- 25th June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha cabinet approves Rs 1,000 cr for transforming Puri: The Odisha cabinet approved an additional outlay of over Rs 1,000 crore for the ABADHA Yojana. In 2019, the Odisha government allocated Rs 3208 crore under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme in three years to transform Puri into a world heritage city. Now, the State government decided to raise the amount to Rs 4224.22 crore. Similarly, the Odisha cabinet also approved the implementation of the MMSY-Connecting Unconnected Villages in Difficult areas for a period of 2 years i.e. from 2023-24 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 976 crore. The Cabinet has approved the execution of projects with a length of 361.34 km approximately targeted to be taken up in 2023-24 & 2024-25. The Odisha State Cabinet has also approved a projected outlay of Rs 3354.40 crore for the “Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana (MSPY)”. The yojana is aimed at transforming nutrition outcomes of adolescent girls (15-19 years), pregnant women & lactating mothers, SAM, MAM, and severely underweight children of under 6 years of age across the state over a period of five years commencing from FY 2023-24.

 

2. IIT Kanpur successfully conducts test flight for cloud seeding: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding. Cloud seeding involves the utilisation of various chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, common salt, and other elements with the aim of enhancing the probability of rains. The project was initiated a few years ago and is headed by the Computer Science and Engineering Department of IIT Kanpur. The flight went up to an approximate height of 5,000 feet. It landed on the IIT Kanpur lab airstrip after successfully completing the test ride. The experiment was conducted with due approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

 

3. A.K. Bhattacharya wrote a new book titled “Finance Minister of India: Journalist A.K. Bhattacharya wrote a new book titled “Finance Ministers of India: From Independence to the Emergency (1947-1977)”. The book is published by Penguin Business an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book is divided into three main parts:

 

4. India’s first hydrogen-powered train to run from Jind district, Haryana: The first hydrogen-powered trains in India are expected to start from the Jind district of Haryana by the end of this year, 2023. The officials informed that the plant development has entered the final phase and hydrogen will be produced from water. The Hydrogen fuel-based train of eight bogies will be environment-friendly. Presently, trains are being run on diesel and electricity. The officials claimed that hydrogen-powered trains are running only in Germany.

 

5. REC Limited to provide ₹ 3,045 Crores financial assistance to BMRCL: REC Limited has decided to extend financial assistance of Rs. 3,045 crores to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Reason: For establishment and development of Metro Lines under the Phase-II project of Bangalore Metro The Phase-II project of Namma Metro will enhance connectivity and ease traffic in the densely populated city of Bengaluru. REC is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Google Cloud has launched Anti Money Laundering AI (AML AI) to help financial institutions detect money laundering more effectively and efficiently.: The product utilizes machine learning to assist banks and other financial institutions in meeting regulatory requirements for identifying and reporting suspicious activities. The tool is designed to aid global financial institutions to detect money laundering more effectively and efficiently. The risk score is based on the bank’s data including network behavior, and Know Your Customer (KYC) data.

 

2. Global Gender Gap Index 2023: India ranked 127; topped by Iceland: According to Gender Gap Report 2023, India has been ranked 127 out of 146 countries in Gender Gap Report 2023. In 2022, India was on 135. The Global Gender Gap Index was established in 2006 and this is its 17th edition. It is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Iceland has been ranked first as the most gender-equal country in the world for the 14th consecutive year with a score of 91.2%. While Norway ranked 2nd, followed by Finland and Sweden. Among India’s neighbouring countries, Pakistan is at 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115, and Bhutan at 103. Iceland is the only country that has reduced the gender gap by more than 90%.

 

3. Ruby Sinha appointed as the President of BRICS CCI WE: Ruby Sinha has been appointed as the president of BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) for a three-year term. Sinha takes over from Shabana Nasim, who has become the Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE. An entrepreneur herself, Ruby Sinha is the founder of SheAtWork, a knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs, and Kommune Brand Communications. BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry works towards promoting active trade, commerce and entrepreneurship between the BRICS and other friendly nations. BRICS CCI is a parent organisation that promotes commerce and industry in the BRICS and other friendly nations. The chamber, founded in 2012, is a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation. BRICS CCI is a registered body under the Societies Registration ‘Act 1860, Government of India and empanelled with Niti Aayog. The Women Vertical of BRICS CCI has been created with a prime focus on women empowerment initiatives and policies across geographies. The objective of the women’s wing is to create an enabling support system for women entrepreneurs and professionals across geographies.

 

4. 24 June – International Day of Women in Diplomacy: International Women’s Day in Diplomacy (IDWID) is observed annually on 24 June. It is a day to honor and recognize notable women in the field of diplomacy and decision-making globally. Theme 2023 – Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development IDWID was created just last year, at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which began on September 14, 2021 and concluded on September 13, 2022. The resolution was adopted by the UNGA on June 20, 2022. It recognised that as part of the 2030 SDG target, highlighting women’s contributions in diplomacy, the need for equal participation of women in decision-making was a vital need. To this end the UNGA declared June 24 as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

 

5. India, US sign global Artemis accord: India has signed the Artemis Accords with the USA with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond. Artemis Accord is a US-led effort to send humans to the moon again by 2025. Aim: To build a permanent presence in lunar orbit and on the surface after the Apollo missions ended It will boost the cooperation between the two nations and explore the domain beyond the boundaries of Earth. India has become the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords.

 

6. German Parliament approves new immigration law: The German Parliament has approved a new immigration law designed to attract skilled workers to the country. Reason: The nation is suffering from an unprecedented labour shortage The law was initiated by the governing center-left coalition of the Social Democrats, the liberal Free Democrats, and the Greens. The law includes a points-based system that lowers entry hurdles for work visa applicants according to their professional qualifications, age, and language skills.

 

7. Harish Bhat is ranked 10 on Forbes list of top 50 global CMOs: Forbes has ranked Tata Group’s brand custodian Harish Bhat as among the top ten most influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) for the second consecutive year. Last year, he was in the ninth position. William White, CMO of Walmart has topped the Forbes list of most influential CMOs 2023. While Ashimita Dubey, chief digital and marketing officer at L'Oreal, is ranked 21 and Infosys chief marketing officer Sumit Virmani is at 41.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Diksha Dagar wins record second ladies European tour event title: Indian golf player, Diksha Dagar has secured her second Ladies European Tour (LET) at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open 2023. In the final, she defeated Trichat Cheenglab of Thailand. She hails from Jhajjar in Haryana.

In 2019, she won her first LET title at the South African Women's Open, held in Cape Town. After Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar is the only other Indian woman golfer to have won two or more LET titles. She represented India at the Tokyo 2022 Olympics.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank approves USD 255.5 million loan to improve technical education: The World Bank has granted its approval for a USD 255.5 million loan to enhance the quality of technical education in government-run institutions across India. This funding will support approximately 275 selected government-run technical institutions over the course of the next five years. The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project will focus on improving student skills and employability through various measures.

 

2. LIC launches new non-linked period plan 'Dhan Vridhhi': Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) launched a new close-ended plan Dhan Vridhhi. It is a non-linked, non-participating, individual, savings, single premium life plan, offering a combination of protection and savings. This plan provides financial support to the family in case of unfortunate death of the life assured during the policy term. It also provides a guaranteed lump sum amount on the date of maturity to the assured. Minimum assured sum: Rs 1,25,000

 

3. IOB, Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission ink MoU: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM) to foster the growth of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the State and provide them with vital financial support. TNSRLM will facilitate eligible SHGs for credit linkage with IOB. Aim: To streamline access to financial resources for SHGs, enabling them to undertake entrepreneurial activities, expand their ventures, and contribute to the economic development of the State

Daily GK Update- 24th June, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HM Amit Shah lays foundation stone of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has laid the foundation stone of Balidaan Stambh' (martyr's memorial) at Pratap Park, near the Lal Chowk city centre the commercial hub of Srinagar city. Home Minister has laid the foundation stone in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The memorial, a project under the Srinagar Smart City, is a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

 

2. Paytm collaborates with Arunachal Pradesh to Foster Startup Ecosystem: Paytm Payment Services Limited signed an MoU with Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park to create a startup ecosystem for the youth. Under an MoU, Paytm Incubation Centre will provide its product to early-stage startups at a discounted price. It also offers free credits through the Paytm Startup toolkit to aid youths' business ventures in their early growth stage. This will nurture the startup ecosystem in the state and motivate young entrepreneurs

 

3. IFFCO starts exporting world’s first Nano urea invented in India: IFFCO has started exporting the world’s first Nano urea invented and manufactured indigenously in India to the US. An agreement to export Nano urea was signed between IFFCO and Kapoor Enterprises Inc of California. The nano urea is a revolution in the agriculture sector as it has the potential to reduce storage space and money. A 500 ml bottle of IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid has the capacity to replace at least one bag of conventional Urea.

 

4. IIT Kanpur successfully conducts test flight for cloud seeding: IIT Kanpur has successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding. The project was initiated at IIT Kanpur a few years ago and is headed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal from the Computer Science and Engineering Department. The experiment was conducted with due approval from the DGCA. Cloud seeding involves the utilization of various chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, common salt, and other elements with the aim of enhancing the probability of precipitation.

 

5. Narendra Tomar launches PM Kisan Mobile App with Face Authentication: The PM-Kisan Mobile App with Face Authentication Feature was launched by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Through this App, remote farmers can do e-KYC by scanning their faces without OTP or fingerprint. PM-Kisan is an innovative scheme whose benefits are being given by the central government to the farmers without any middlemen. PM-Kisan is a very comprehensive and ambitious scheme of the Central Government and due to the support of States, the Centre is in a position to pay the installment to about 8.5 crore farmers after the completion of their KYC. PM Kisan is one of the world’s largest DBT schemes in which farmers get six thousand rupees directly transferred through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts in three installments in a year. Two lakh 42 thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the accounts of more than 11 crore farmers till date.

6. Odisha cabinet approves Rs 1,000 cr for transforming Puri: The Odisha cabinet approved an additional outlay of over Rs 1,000 crore for the ABADHA Yojana. In 2019, the Odisha government allocated Rs 3208 crore under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme in three years to transform Puri into a world heritage city. Now, the State government decided to raise the amount to Rs 4224.22 crore. Similarly, the Odisha cabinet also approved the implementation of the MMSY-Connecting Unconnected Villages in Difficult areas for a period of 2 years i.e. from 2023-24 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 976 crore. The Cabinet has approved the execution of projects with a length of 361.34 km approximately targeted to be taken up in 2023-24 & 2024-25. The Odisha State Cabinet has also approved a projected outlay of Rs 3354.40 crore for the “Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana (MSPY)”. The yojana is aimed at transforming nutrition outcomes of adolescent girls (15-19 years), pregnant women & lactating mothers, SAM, MAM, and severely underweight children of under 6 years of age across the state over a period of five years commencing from FY 2023-24.

 

7. IndiGo makes historic order for 500 Airbus planes worth USD 50 billion: India’s largest airline by market share, Indigo has placed an order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft in the largest purchase agreement in aviation history. This historic deal is pegged at $50 billion at list prices and the airline will take delivery of these new aircraft between 2030 and 2035. The current order comprises a mix of A320 neo, A321 neo, and A321 xlr aircraft The engine selection for this order will be done in due course and so will be the exact mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. At the moment IndiGo operates over 300 aircraft and has previous orders totaling 480 aircraft which are expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. With this additional firm order of 500 aircraft for 2030-2035, IndiGo’s order book has almost 1,000 aircraft yet to be delivered well into the next decade. Currently, IndiGo operates flights to 26 international destinations, serving 75 international city pairs. With its fleet of over 300 aircraft, the airline is operating well over 1,800 daily flights connecting 78 domestic destinations.

 

8. Vitasta Mahotsav celebrated in J&K: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah addresses the Vitasta Mahotsav organized by the Ministry of Culture as the chief guest in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The objective of Vitasta Mahotsav is to acquaint the whole country with the great cultural heritage, diversity and uniqueness of Kashmir. The festival focuses on the folk beliefs associated with the Vitasta (Jhelum) river.

 

9. Umesh Kumar appoints as Chief of DERC: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed former Allahabad high court judge Umesh Kumar as the new chairman of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). This appointment comes after justice (retired) Rajeev Kumar Shrivastava (Madhya Pradesh high court), who had been proposed for appointment as DERC chairperson by the GNCTD. The President of India has appointed him under the sub-section 2 of Section 84 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

 

10. GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines: American firm General Electric has signed an MoU with India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorisation for this. Once cleared, HAL will carry out the work at its Engine Division facility in Bengaluru and the co-production will not be through a joint venture. The F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2. Eight F414 engines have already been delivered as part of an ongoing development program for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, UAE signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement: India and UAE formally inked an agreement on the sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of the World Customs Organization's Customs Co-operation Council meeting held in Brussels. Both countries have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators. Aim: To promote greater trade facilitation and ease of doing business The agreement establishes a framework that enables the recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both countries.

 

2. Google to invest 10 billion dollars in India's digitisation fund: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy, and Boeing CEO David Calhoun in Washington DC. After the meeting, it was informed that Google is investing 10 billion dollars in India's digitization fund and will open Google's global fintech operation centre in GIFT City, Gujarat. While Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy has already invested 11 billion dollars and with an intention to invest another 15 billion dollars.

 

3. Dr Vanessa Kerry appointed as WHO DG Special Envoy for Climate Change: WHO has appointed Dr Vanessa Kerry as the first-ever WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. She is a renowned global health expert and medical doctor and CEO of Seed Global Health. She will play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging and undertake high-level advocacy. Climate change is emerging as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, impacting various aspects of human well-being.

 

4. Google Cloud launches anti-money-laundering tool for banks: Google Cloud has launched Anti Money Laundering AI (AML AI) to help financial institutions detect money laundering more effectively and efficiently. The product utilizes machine learning to assist banks and other financial institutions in meeting regulatory requirements for identifying and reporting suspicious activities. The tool is designed to aid global financial institutions to detect money laundering more effectively and efficiently. The risk score is based on the bank’s data including network behavior, and Know Your Customer (KYC) data.

 

5. Global Gender Gap Index 2023: India ranked 127; topped by Iceland: According to Gender Gap Report 2023, India has been ranked 127 out of 146 countries in Gender Gap Report 2023. In 2022, India was on 135. The Global Gender Gap Index was established in 2006 and this is its 17th edition. It is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Iceland has been ranked first as the most gender-equal country in the world for the 14th consecutive year with a score of 91.2%. While Norway ranked 2nd, followed by Finland and Sweden. Among India’s neighbouring countries, Pakistan is at 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115, and Bhutan at 103. Iceland is the only country that has reduced the gender gap by more than 90%.

 

6. Ruby Sinha appointed as the President of BRICS CCI WE: Ruby Sinha has been appointed as the president of BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) for a three-year term. Sinha takes over from Shabana Nasim, who has become the Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE. An entrepreneur herself, Ruby Sinha is the founder of SheAtWork, a knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs, and Kommune Brand Communications. BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry works towards promoting active trade, commerce and entrepreneurship between the BRICS and other friendly nations. BRICS CCI is a parent organisation that promotes commerce and industry in the BRICS and other friendly nations. The chamber, founded in 2012, is a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation. BRICS CCI is a registered body under the Societies Registration ‘Act 1860, Government of India and empanelled with Niti Aayog. The Women Vertical of BRICS CCI has been created with a prime focus on women empowerment initiatives and policies across geographies. The objective of the women’s wing is to create an enabling support system for women entrepreneurs and professionals across geographies.

 

7. 24 June – International Day of Women in Diplomacy: International Women’s Day in Diplomacy (IDWID) is observed annually on 24 June. It is a day to honor and recognize notable women in the field of diplomacy and decision-making globally. Theme 2023 – Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development IDWID was created just last year, at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which began on September 14, 2021 and concluded on September 13, 2022. The resolution was adopted by the UNGA on June 20, 2022. It recognised that as part of the 2030 SDG target, highlighting women’s contributions in diplomacy, the need for equal participation of women in decision-making was a vital need. To this end the UNGA declared June 24 as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Madhya Pradesh won13th Ind Junior Men National Championship: Hockey Madhya Pradesh won the 13th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2023 after defeating Hockey Chandigarh in the Final at the iconic Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Chandigarh by 4-2 in the Final. Meanwhile, Hockey Haryana defeated Hockey Association of Odisha to finish third in the competition. The goalscorers for Hockey Madhya Pradesh were Shreyas Dhupe (17’, 46’), Mohd Konain Dad (25’), and Ali Ahmad (52’). Meanwhile, Sumit (9′) and Surinder Singh (31′) scored for Hockey Chandigarh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Manipal Technologies, Indian Bank joined hands to offer banking products: Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL) has partnered with the Indian Bank to drive financial inclusion by offering customized banking products. Aim: To build a sustainable network of corporate business correspondents (CBCs). It will enhance the availability, affordability, and accessibility of financial services, particularly in underserved markets and rural areas. MTL will work closely with Indian Bank to offer tailor-made banking products in rural locations.

 

2. RBI fines J&K Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Axis Bank: The Reserve Bank has imposed a penalty of Rs 2.5 crore on Jammu and Kashmir Bank for non-compliance with directions related to time-bound implementation and strengthening of SWIFT-related operational controls. A penalty of Rs 1.45 crore was also imposed on Bank of Maharashtra for non-compliance with Loans and Advances Statutory and Other Restrictions' and Advisory on Man in the Middle Attacks in ATMs'. The RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Axis Bank. 

 

3. RBI imposes Rs 2.5 crore penalty on Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Axis Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty on three private and public sector lenders. The central bank charged Jammu & Kashmir Bank with ₹2.5 crore penalty, while the Bank of Maharashtra faced a fine of ₹1.45 crore. Axis Bank received the least amount of penalty among them to the tune of ₹30 lakh. RBI imposed a ₹2.5 crore penalty on J&K Bank for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Creation of a Central Repository of Large Common Exposures-Across Banks. The RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.45 crore on Bank of Maharashtra for non-compliance with specific directions issued by the RBI. Axis Bank has been levied a monetary penalty of Rs 30 lakh by the RBI for non-compliance with certain provisions of the RBI’s directions on Prudential Norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification, and Provisioning pertaining to Advances – Credit Card Accounts.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Priya A.S. received Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 for children’s literature: Indian writer, Priya A S has been named the prestigious (Kendra) Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023. She was awarded for children’s literature in Malayalam for her 2018 novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal. She won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Children’s Literature for the same novel in 2020. The book was featured in the Sammanapothi series by Poorna Books.

Bal Sahitya Puraskar consists of a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque.

 

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.