News360 - 13th June , 2023 | Daily Current Affairs

 

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National & International News :

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Inaugural National Training Conclave for Civil Servants

On 11th June 2023, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India inaugurated the first-ever National Training Conclave aimed at strengthening the training infrastructure for Civil Servants across India at an event held at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi.

- The Conclave was being hosted by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and is organised under the authority of the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) - 'Mission Karmayogi' .

Important :

- The iGOT Karmayogi platform has created equal opportunities for everyone to receive training, leveling the playing field.

- The Karmayogi Mission aims to enhance the mindset, orientation, and approach of government personnel.

- The Conclave featured eight-panel discussions addressing key concerns in Civil Services training institutes, including faculty development, training impact assessment, and content digitization.

- Over 1500 representatives from diverse training institutes, including Central, State, Regional, and Zonal Training Institutes, as well as Research institutes, attended the event.

- Participants in the discussions included Civil Servants from Central and State governments, local governments, and experts from the private sector.

2. MoP and MNRE Collaborate to Launch 'Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research' for Power Sector Transformation through Emerging Technologies

The Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) have jointly launched a national mission named “Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research” (MAHIR).

Objective : To quickly identify emerging technologies in the power sector and leverage them indigenously, at scale, for deployment within and outside India.

- The Mission will be funded by pooling financial resources of the MoP, MoNRE and the Central Public Sector Units (PSUs) under the two Ministries of MoP and MNRE.

3. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected 5 new non-permanent member of UN Security Council

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected five countries, namely Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

- These countries will serve as non-permanent members for a two-year period, starting from January 2024 and ending in December 2025.

- The newly elected countries will take the place of the outgoing non-permanent members: Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

- The terms of the outgoing members will conclude on December 31, 2023.

About UN Security Council :

Formed in : 1945 

HQ : New York

Permanent Members : 5 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States)

Non - Permanent Members : 10

4. ADB Approves USD 130 Million Loan for Horticulture Development in Himachal Pradesh

On June 8, 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a USD 130 million loan agreement.

- The loan is intended for the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving irrigation access, and promoting horticulture agribusinesses in Himachal Pradesh, India.

- The agreement is a result of ADB's project readiness facility, which demonstrated subtropical horticulture production across 200 hectares and prepared the draft Water User Association (WUA) act and the draft State Horticulture Development Strategy.

- The project aims to increase the income and climate change resilience of at least 15,000 farm households across seven districts : Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmour, Solan, and Una.

- Approximately 6,000 hectares of farmland will benefit from improved on-farm irrigation and water management through the rehabilitation or construction of irrigation schemes, as well as strengthening the capacity of water user associations (WUAs).

- To facilitate access to subtropical horticulture markets, the project will establish cluster-wide Community Horticulture Production and Marketing Associations (CHPMAs) and district-wide CHPMA cooperative societies.

- Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) will manage CHPMAs and handle tasks such as business plan development, agribusiness promotion, and the design of value-addition facilities like sorting and packaging centers, as well as storage and collection centers.

About Asian Development Bank :

President : Masatsugu Asakawa

Headquarters : Manila, Philippines

Established : 1966

Banking and Finance News :

1. SIDBI Launches Mission EVOLVE to Provide Financing for MSMEs in the Electric Vehicle Sector

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) launched mission EVOLVE (Electric Vehicle Operations and Lending for Vibrant Ecosystem) in a tie-up with the Niti Aayog, World Bank, Korea-World Bank partnership facility, and Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to finance MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in the electric vehicles space.

Objective : The objective of mission EVOLVE is to provide affordable commercial financing for EV loans to MSMEs, including hosting telematics and reducing financing costs.

- Under the partnership, Niti Aayog will give technical support to SIDBI, and financial assistance would be provided by the World Bank, the Korea-World Bank partnership facility and the Korean EDCF.

About SIDBI :

Founded in : 1990

HQ : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Chairman & MD : Sivasubramanian Ramann

2. ICAI and IBA Collaborate to Establish Unified Platform for Balance Confirmations

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) plans to set up a Common Platform for Balance Confirmations which will be jointly controlled by both entities.

- The platform’s development and maintenance will be handled by Mumbai based PSB Alliance in collaboration with Hyderabad based Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT).

- The PSB Alliance is a joint venture umbrella corporation that was founded and owned by all 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

3. INDIA 100 2023 Brand Finance Report

The brand valuation firm Brand Finance released its INDIA 100 2023 : The annual report on the most valuable and strongest Indian brands- June 2023 report in which the Tata Group has retained its 1st position as India’s most valuable brand at USD (United States Dollar) 26,381 Million in 2023.

- It has shown a growth at 10.3% as compared to 2022.

A. List of top 5 India’s Most Valuable Brands :

B. List of Top 5 India’s Strongest Brands :

C. Most Valuable Indian Brands in 2023 in Different Categories :

4. Insurance gets IRDAI Approval to Carry Life Insurance Business in India

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted the Certificate of Registration (CoR) to Go Digit Life Insurance Limited (Go Digit) to carry out life insurance business in India.

-  The approval brings the total number of insurers in the Indian life insurance segment to 26.

5. First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG) to deepen partnerships between lenders and fintechs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG) framework, allowing fintech to partner with banks

and non-Banking financial companies (NBFCs).

- The central bank has allowed a 5% default loss cover for bank-fintech deals.

[ FLDG :  A first loss default guarantee is a lending arrangement between a regulated entity and a financial technology company or a lending services provider, wherein the latter agrees to compensate up to a certain percentage of default in the loan portfolio. ]

Other News :

1. International Archives Day 2023 -  9th June

Every year on June 9th, International Archives Day is globally celebrated to raise awareness about the significance of archives, advocate for their protection, promote free access to archives, and emphasize the need to support archives and the archival profession.

- The observance highlights the crucial role archives play in ensuring administrative accountability and transparency, safeguarding the rights of individuals and organizations, and preserving society's cultural heritage.

- The International Council on Archives (ICA) initiated the day to commemorate the establishment of the Council in 1948.

- The inaugural International Archives Day took place on June 9, 2008.

2. World Day Against Child Labour 2023 - 12th June

Every year on June 12th, the United Nations (UN) observes the World Day Against Child Labour worldwide, aiming to raise awareness about the issue of child labour, highlight the necessary actions and efforts to eliminate it, and encourage the global movement against child labour.

Theme : The theme for the World Day Against Child Labour 2023 is " Social Justice for All. End Child Labour ! "

- This year marks the 21st anniversary of the World Day Against Child Labour.

- The inaugural World Day Against Child Labour was observed on June 12, 2002.

News Highlights :

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National & International News :

1. MoPSW launched ‘SAGAR SAMRIDDHI’, an Online Dredging Monitoring System

On 9th June 2023, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), launched “Sagar Samriddhi - Waste to Wealth”, an online dredging monitoring system to accelerate ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative of the MoPSW.

The system is developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), the technological arm of MoPSW.

Introducing Sagar Samriddhi :

(a) Key Capabilities :

- Real-time monitoring and reporting of dredging progress.

- Visual representation of daily and monthly progress.

- Monitoring of dredger performance and downtime.

- Easy tracking of location data, including snapshots of loading, unloading, and idle time.

(b) Notable Features :

- Sagar Samriddhi represents a significant improvement over the previous system, the Draft & Loading Monitor (DLM) system.

- It brings together various input reports such as daily dredging reports and pre/post-dredging survey data, allowing for real-time dredging reports.

- This technology enhances productivity and contract management while promoting the efficient reuse of dredged material through the waste-to-wealth concept.

(c) Implementation :

- Currently, the Sagar Samriddhi system has been adopted by Cochin Port in Kochi, Kerala, and Mumbai Port in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

- The system is being trialed at New Mangalore Port in Mangaluru, Karnataka, and Deendayal Port in Kutch, Gujarat.

- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has made it mandatory for all Major Ports and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (lWAl) to utilize this system for monitoring dredging activities, with customization provided by NTCPWC.

>> About Waste to Wealth Mission : 

Waste to Wealth Mission is one of the 9 scientific missions of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

Aim : 

- To identify, develop, and deploy technologies to treat waste to generate energy, recycle materials, and extract resources of value.

- To identify and support the development of modern technologies that promise to create a clean and green environment.

2. Centre takes 5 significant decisions for strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

On 8th June 2023, the Government of India has taken 5 more important decisions revolving around Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), a basic unit and the smallest cooperative credit institution in India works on the grassroots level (gram panchayat and village level).

The Five Decisions :

(i) There are approximately 100,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) operating across India. Through mapping, we will identify PACS that are not currently functioning as fertiliser retailers and encourage them to gradually transition into retailers based on feasibility.

(ii) PACS that are not currently operating as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSK) will be brought under the scope of PMKSK. It is important to note that PMKSK aims to cater to the needs of farmers in India by providing agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and implements, as well as testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers.

(iii) PACS will be connected with the marketing of organic fertilisers, with a particular emphasis on Fermented Organic Manure (FoM), Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), and Phosphate-enriched Organic Manure (PROM).

(iv) PACS can also be engaged as drone entrepreneurs for the purpose of spraying fertilisers and pesticides. Drones can also be utilized for property surveys.

(v) Fertiliser companies will act as aggregators for small-scale bio-organic producers to facilitate the marketing of their end products. This will be done under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Fertilisers. PACS will be included as wholesalers/retailers in the supply and marketing chain of bio-organic fertilisers.

3. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off MV Empress, India’s 1st  International Cruise from Chennai

On 5th June, 2023, The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the India’s maiden International Cruise Vessel - MV Empress - from Chennai to Sri Lanka in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). It is built at a cost of Rs.17.21 crores.

- The cruise service is the result of an Memorandum of understanding(MoU) signed during the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/S Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise service.

- The modern cruise terminal developed at Chennai Port is spread over an area of 2,880 square metres with an ability to host 3,000 passengers at a time.

- The cruise service will go to three ports in Sri Lanka, Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankekanturi.

4. Government of India constitutes Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor, Manipur

The Central government has established a peace committee in Manipur, with Governor Anusuiya Uikey serving as the chairman.

- The committee comprises a diverse group of members, including the Chief Minister, several state government ministers, Members of Parliament (MP), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), political party leaders, former civil servants, educators, literary figures, artists, social workers, and representatives from various ethnic groups.

Objective : The primary goal of this committee is to foster the process of peace-building among different ethnic communities in the state. It aims to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between conflicting groups, strengthen social cohesion, promote mutual understanding, and facilitate harmonious communication among all stakeholders.

5. Union Cabinet approves continuation of  ‘Exploration of Coal and Lignite Scheme’

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme called "Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme."

- The scheme will be implemented from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, and will require an estimated expenditure of Rs 2980 crore.

- The exploration for coal and lignite under the scheme is conducted in two broad stages : (i) Promotional (Regional) Exploration and (ii) Detailed Exploration in non-Coal India Limited blocks.

- An outlay of Rs 1,650 crore will be provided for promotional (Regional) exploration and Rs 1,330 crore for detailed drilling in non-CIL (Coal India Limited) areas.

6. India Army signed its 2nd Procurement Contract with Astrome Tech Pvt Ltd for “Tactical LAN Radio systems”

On 9th June 2023, the Indian Army signed a contract with Astrome Technologies Private Limited, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based start-up company to procure the indigenously-developed "Tactical LAN (Local area network) Radio" for reliable and interference-free communication in remote and difficult terrain.

- It is the second procurement contract that the Indian Army has signed in order to furthering its commitment to the "Make in India" Campaign through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

- Tactical LAN Radio is a state of the art high bandwidth backhaul wireless radio equipment designed to provide reliable and fail-safe communication.

LAN Radio Key Features :

(i) The LAN Radio solution provides an extended communication range and includes an embedded frequency hopping mechanism to minimize interference and enable long-range point-to-multipoint high-bandwidth communication.

(ii) It incorporates advanced safety features and has the capability to operate continuously for 48 hours on a single set without experiencing any breakdowns.

(iii) Astrome, a technology company, has developed an innovative wireless product called 'GigaMesh' to address the internet connectivity challenges faced in rural areas of India.

- In 2022, Astrome received a pilot project from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) and successfully deployed Multi-Link E-band radios, which Astrome claims to be the world's first system of its kind for providing broadband internet connectivity in rural Karnataka.

iDEX :  iDEX framework, formulated and approved by the Ministry of Defence, was launched by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India in April 2018, during Defence Expo India 2018, aims to create an ecosystem to foster innovations and encourage technological advancements in Defence and Aerospace.

About Astrome Technologies Pvt. Ltd :

Incorporated on : 20th May 2015

Chairman & Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) : Prasad Laxminarayana Horabailu

Co-Founder & CEO : Neha Satak

Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka

7. 1st ACTCM Barge of the series of LSAM 15 (Yard 125) delivered to Indian Navy at NAD (Karanja), Mumbai

On June 9, 2023, the first barge of the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) series LSAM 15 (Yard 125) was delivered to the Indian Navy (IN) at the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) in Karanja, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

- The construction contract for the 11 ACTCM Barges was awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, located in Thane, Maharashtra. This company is a Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME), aligning with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives of the Government of India.

>> Key Information about the barge :

(i) The barge was built in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and is expected to have a service life of 30 years.

(ii) The major and auxiliary equipment utilized in the barge is sourced from indigenous manufacturers.

(iii) The availability of the ACTCM Barges will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles or ammunition to IN Ships. This includes operations both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.

8. PESB Recommended Sanjay Swarup as the Next CMD of CONCOR

On 7th June 2023, the Public Enterprises Eelection Board (PESB) recommended Sanjay Swarup for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways.

- Currently, Sanjay Swarup is serving as the Director (International Marketing & Operations) at CONCOR, India’s biggest rail hauler of containers.

- The recommendation of PESB is yet to be signed off by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

- V Kalyana Rama, the current CMD, is set to be step down from the role in September 2023.

About Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) :

Incorporated in : March 1988 and

Started Operations from : November 1989

Chairman and MD : V. Kalyana Rama

Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi

9. IEA report : Global Renewable Capacity Additions to increase by 107 GW in 2023

According to Renewable Energy Market Update – June 2023 of International Energy Agency (IEA), the Global renewable capacity additions are set to increase by 107 gigawatts (GW), the largest absolute increase ever, to more than 440 GW in 2023.

- Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, including both large utility-scale and small distributed systems, accounts for two-thirds of 2023’s

projected increase in global renewable capacity.

- Global renewable capacity additions could reach 550 GW in 2024 in our accelerated case, almost 20% higher than in the main forecast.

- The utility-scale solar PV capacity additions (made up mainly of capacity awarded in auctions) of India in 2022 reached to 14 GW, accounting for over two-thirds of RE growth in India.

10. IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships 2023

3 Indian boxers, Deepak Kumar, Mohammed Hussamuddin and Nishant Dev, have won the bronze medal at the 22nd edition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Men’s Boxing Championships (2023), held at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

>> Medals List - Top 3 and India :

1. Uzbekistan - 9 (Gold - 5, Silver - 2, Bronze - 2)

2. Kazakhstan - 5 (Gold - 4, Silver - 1)

3. Russia - 6 (Gold - 2, Bronze - 4)

12. India - 3 (Bronze - 3)  &  Spain - 3 (Bronze - 3)

>> Awards :

1. Best Team Award -  Uzbekistan

2. Best Boxer award -  Hasanboy Dusmatov,Uzbekistan

3. Best Judge and Referee Award - Tamim Sultani,Afghanistan

>> Indian Medalists :

1. Flyweight (51KG) - Deepak Bhoria

2. Light Middleweight (71 KG) - Nishant Dev

3. Featherweight (57 KG) -  Mohammad Hussamuddin

Banking & Finance News :

1. Samco launches India’s 1st Actively-managed momentum fund, SAMCO Active Momentum Fund

SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, the Investment Manager of SAMCO Mutual Fund, has introduced SAMCO Active Momentum Fund, which is India's first actively-managed momentum fund.

- The fund follows a momentum theme and is an open-ended equity scheme with the Nifty 500 Index TRI as its benchmark index.

- The New Fund Offering (NFO) for SAMCO Active Momentum Fund starts on June 15, 2023, and concludes on June 29, 2023.

- The Minimum Application Amount for investment in the fund is Rs 5000, and subsequent investments can be made in multiples of Rs 1/- .

- Investors can also opt for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with a minimum investment amount of Rs 500, and subsequent investments in multiples of Rs 1/- .

- SAMCO Active Momentum Fund invests only during periods of momentum, while staying out of the markets during periods of anti-momentum.

- The fund's investment decisions will be overseen by Paras Matalia, the designated fund manager, who will work towards maximizing returns for the investors.

2. Federal Bank launches ‘I am Adyar, Adyar is me’ campaign in Chennai

Aluva(Kerala)-based Federal Bank Limited has undertaken the ‘I am Adyar, Adyar is me’ campaign in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN) and transformed an entire bank branch into a living museum of local stories.

- The campaign has handpicked 40 compelling stories of individuals, which are showcased in an exclusive exhibition at the Adyar branch of Federal Bank.

- This art exhibition will run for two weeks between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

- Over 100 auto-rickshaws have been decorated with the campaign’s branding.

[ In February, 2023, the Bank had emphasised its focus on human connection with the campaign, “Rishta Aap Se Hai, Sirf App Se Nahi”. ]

3. ICAR signs an MoU with Amazon Kisan to Empower Farmers

On June 9, 2023, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Amazon Kisan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine strengths and create synergy between the two organisations to guide farmers who are enrolled on Amazon’s ‘Kisan store’ on scientific cultivation of different crops and help them achieve optimum yield and income.

Important Points :

(i) The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and Amazon involves collaboration in technologies, capacity building, and knowledge transfer. ICAR will provide technological support to farmers through Amazon's network, aiming to improve livelihoods and enhance crop yield.

(ii) The partnership between farmers and Amazon's Kisan program, as part of the MoU, establishes a Public-Private-Peasants-Partnership (PPPP). It aims to ensure access to high-quality fresh produce for consumers across India, including through Amazon Fresh.

(iii) ICAR and Amazon will jointly organize farmer engagement programs at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), including demonstrations, trials, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts will focus on improving farming practices and profitability.

- Amazon will offer training support and assist farmers in marketing their produce through its online platform, enabling direct connections with consumers.

- KVKs will play a crucial role in strengthening a broader group of farmers by leveraging technological advancements through the transfer of technology and capacity-building programs.

(iv) The MoU stems from a pilot project conducted in Pune, Maharashtra, between ICAR-KVK and Amazon. The successful outcomes of the collaboration prompted the expansion of the partnership to further disseminate precise agricultural practices developed through extensive research.

Other News :

1. Renowned Doordarshan anchor, Gitanjali Aiyar passes away

Gitanjali Aiyar, one of India’s first English news presenters on national broadcaster Doordarshan(DD) passed away.

- She worked with DD for over 3 decades since 1971 and was awarded the best anchor 4 times.

- She was honoured with the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989.

News Highlights :

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National & International News :

1. MoP & MNRE jointly launch "Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research" to leverage emerging technologies in power sector

The Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) have launched a collaborative national initiative called "Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research" (MAHIR).

- The primary objective of MAHIR is to quickly identify emerging technologies in the power sector and leverage them on a large scale, both domestically and internationally, in India.

- The mission aims to actively support the implementation of these emerging technologies, considering them as the main drivers of future economic growth and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.

- MAHIR follows the Idea to Product approach and is initially planned for a duration of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

- The central focus of MAHIR is to facilitate indigenous research, development, and demonstration of the latest and emerging technologies within the power sector.

- The funding for the mission will be obtained from the combined financial resources of the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the Central Public Sector Units (PSUs) associated with the two ministries.

- In case additional funding is required, the Government of India's budgetary resources will be mobilized to support MAHIR's objectives.

>> Eight specific areas have been identified for intensive research as part of MAHIR. These areas include :

- Alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries

- Modifying electric cookers / pans to suit Indian cooking methods

- Green hydrogen for mobility (High Efficiency Fuel Cell)

- Carbon capture

- Geo-thermal energy

- Solid state refrigeration

- Nano technology for EV battery

- Indigenous Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) technology

Through the comprehensive exploration and advancement of these research areas, MAHIR aims to pave the way for a technologically advanced and sustainable power sector in India.

2. Union Cabinet Approves Third Revival Package For BSNL

The cabinet has approved the third revival package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) with a total outlay of Rs 89,047.82 crore that includes allotment of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion.

- The authorized capital of BSNL was increased from Rs. 1,50,000 crore to Rs. 2,10,000 crore.

- The Union Government had approved the first revival package for BSNL/Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in 2019 amounting to Rs. 69,000 Crore.

- In 2022, the Government approved a second revival package for BSNL/MTNL amounting to Rs 1.64 Lakh Crore.

3. (a) MoU signed between Microsoft and Indian Govt to train youth in digital and cybersecurity skills

A MoU has been signed between Microsoft and the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, to train 6000 students and 200 educators at government-led Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skills Training Institutions (NSTIs).

- This training is being conducted under the CyberShikshaa programme and will be expanded to students and educators at 10 NSTIs for women.

(b) Microsoft, AirJaldi launch connectivity program to offer internet access to 5 lakh underserved people

Microsoft India and AirJaldi Network signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide internet access for underserved communities in 12 states.

- Titled "Contentful Connectivity" , the program aims to expand access to high-speed internet and meaningful connectivity in rural regions of India by partnering with private, public, and non-profit sectors.

- Under this program, AirJaldi Networks will expand into 3 new states - Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

About Microsoft :

ESTD : 1975

HQ : Washington, United States

CEO : Satya Nadella

4. NHPC and Torrent Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra for pumped hydro projects

NHPC Limited (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) and Torrent Power Limited have entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Maharashtra.

- The purpose of these MoUs is to collaborate on the development of pumped hydro storage projects in Maharashtra.

- The MoUs are specifically focused on the development of four pumped storage projects, with a combined capacity of 7,350 MW (megawatts). These projects include Kalu (1,150 MW), Savitri (2,250 MW), Jalond (2,400 MW), and Kengadi (1,550 MW), as well as other renewable energy source projects in Maharashtra.

- Torrent Power has also signed an MoU with Maharashtra for three pumped storage hydro schemes, totaling 5,700 MW in capacity. These projects require an investment of Rs 27,000 crore and will be executed over a period of five years.

- The locations for these projects include Karjat (3,000 MW) in Raigarh District, Maval (1,200 MW), and Junnar (1,500 MW) in Pune District, Maharashtra.

About NHPC :

Founded : 1975

HQ : Faridabad, Haryana

Chairman & Managing Director : Rajeev Kumar Vishnoi

5. Punjab Police launches OPS Clean

Punjab Police has launched a massive state-wide operation named “OPS Clean” wherein 650 police teams comprising over 5,000 personnel raided more than 2,000 locations across the state.

Aim : To keep a tab on activities of people involved in the smuggling of commercial quantities of drugs.

6. Prathapa Reddy took charge as Chairman of APGVB

K Prathapa Reddy took charge as the Chairman of Warangal (Telangana)-headquartered Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB), Regional Rural Bank sponsored by SBI, Operating in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

- He took charge from K. Praveen Kumar, the outgoing chairman of APGVB.

7. French company Alstom to make 100 Vande Bharat trains

Alstom, a prominent French railway company, has been identified as the lowest bidder for the production and maintenance of 100 aluminum Vande Bharat train sets, with an estimated value of Rs 30,000 crore.

- The initial manufacturing cost will be paid upon the delivery of the train sets, while the remaining amount, approximately Rs 17,000 crore, will cover the maintenance expenses for a duration of 35 years.

- The Vande Bharat trains are expected to have a speed capability of 200 km per hour.

8. 1st India-France-UAE Trilateral Maritime Exercise held in Gulf of Oman

On June 7, 2023, the first edition of India, France and UAE (United Arab Emirates) Maritime Partnership Exercise was held in the Gulf of Oman.

Aim :

- To enhancing trilateral cooperation between the three navies

- To address traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime environment

>> INS (Indian Naval Ship) Tarkash (a second Talwar-class frigate commissioned in 2012), French Ship Surcouf both with integral helicopters, French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft are participating in the exercise.

9. According to SDG7 tracking, 2.3 billion individuals rely on polluting fuel sources, while 675 million people lack access to electricity

As per the report titled "Tracking SDG7 : The Energy Progress 2023," approximately 2.3 billion individuals worldwide continue to rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking purposes, while around 675 million people lacked access to electricity in 2021.

- The report highlights that the world is not making sufficient progress to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by the target year of 2030.

- It is estimated that around 71% of the global population had access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in 2021.

- According to the report, approximately 1.9 billion people worldwide will still lack access to clean cooking facilities by 2030.

- The global access to electricity witnessed an average annual growth of 0.7% between 2010 and 2021.

- In 2010, 84% of the world's population had access to electricity, which increased to 91% in 2021.

- Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face a significant deficit in electricity access, with over 80% of the population without electricity, amounting to around 567 million individuals in 2021, similar to the situation in 2010.

10. Jagdish Bakan, Ramanathapuram DFO, wins UNESCO’s 2023 Michel Batisse Award

Jagdish Sudhakar Bakan, the wildlife warden and District Forest Officer (DFO) of Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, has been honored with the prestigious Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2023.

- Notably, he is the first Indian to receive the Michel Batisse Award.

>> About the Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management :

- The award was established in 2005 and is bestowed once every two years.

- The prize money associated with the award amounts to USD 12,000.

- In 2021, the recipient of the award was Sharon Wright from Australia.

About UNESCO :

Founded : 16 November, 1945

HQ : Paris, France

Director-General : Audrey Azoulay

Banking & Finance News :

1. RBI's Monetary Policy Announcement

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the second monetary policy of this financial year on 8 June.

- There has been no change in the repo rate for the second time in a row.

- After the meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, the RBI announced the monetary policy, saying that the repo rate would remain unchanged at 6.5%.

>> Current policy rates :

Repo Rate : 6.50%

Reverse Repo Rate : 3.35%

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) : 6.25%

Marginal Standing Facility Rate : 6.75%

Bank Rate : 6.75%

Cash reserve ratio (CRR) : 4.50%

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) : 18.00%

2. ICAI and IBA collaborate to establish a shared platform for balance confirmations

The Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) have collaborated to establish a Common Platform for Balance Confirmations. This platform will be jointly controlled by both organizations.

- The development and maintenance of the platform will be undertaken by PSB Alliance Pvt. Ltd. (PSB Alliance), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in partnership with the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

- PSB Alliance operates as an umbrella corporation, founded and owned by all 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

Other News :

1. World Brain Tumour Day 2023 –  8th June

World Brain Tumour Day is annually observed on the 8th of June across the globe.

Theme : The theme for World Brain Tumour Day 2023 is “ Protect yourself- keep away from stress ” .

2. World Accreditation Day 2023 -  9th June

World Accreditation Day(WAD) is annually observed across the globe on 9th June to promote the value of accreditation, a review process to determine if educational programs meet defined standards of quality.

Theme : The theme of World Accreditation Day 2023, observed on 9th June 2023, is “Accreditation : Supporting the Future of Global Trade”. 

- The first ever World Accreditation Day was observed on 9th June 2008.

Highlights :

Daily Current Affairs by Eduguide360

News360 - 8th and 9th June , 2023 | Daily Current Affairs

 

                       Visit Our Blog Site : https://eduguide360news.blogspot.com/

National & International News :

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled two initiatives, namely Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI Yojana, with the aim of rejuvenating wetlands and mangroves

On World Environment Day 2023 (June 05, 2023),  Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched two schemes named Amrit Dharohar Yojana and MISHTI Yojana (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), to revive wetlands and mangroves across India.

- As per the statement of PM, the number of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India have increased almost three times in the past nine years.

>> Amrit Dharohar Yojan : The scheme was launched to conserve the existing Ramsar sites and achieve sustainable ecosystem development through publicparticipation over the next three years.

>> MISHTI Yojana : The scheme envisages to comprehensively explore the possible area for the development of mangroves covering nearly 540 sq km,spreading across 11 states and two union territories over 5 years, starting from FY24.

About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) :

Union Minister : Bhupender Yadav (Rajya Sabha -  Rajasthan)

Minister of State (MoS ) : Ashwini Kumar Choubey

2. The collaboration between Meta and MWCD has resulted in the launch of the Amrit Generation Campaign, which aims to empower young individuals

The Amrit Generation campaign, a joint initiative by Meta (formerly known as Facebook) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), has been launched to empower and engage the youth of India, specifically targeting the age group of 16-18 years. This campaign, commencing on June 8, 2023, aims to provide a platform for young individuals to express their aspirations and dreams for the future. The campaign was officially inaugurated by Smriti Irani, Union Minister of MWCD, on June 7, 2023.

- Under the Amrit Generation campaign, young people are encouraged to unleash their creativity and share their aspirations by creating Reels on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #AmritGeneration. By utilizing these social media platforms, the campaign intends to amplify the voices of the youth and promote their visions for a better tomorrow.

- As part of the campaign, 50 outstanding entries will be selected for further recognition. The chosen participants will have the incredible opportunity to visit the Meta office in Gurugram, Haryana, and engage in meaningful interactions with senior policymakers and industry leaders in New Delhi, Delhi. This initiative aims to provide a platform for the youth to network, gain insights, and further nurture their potential.

3. The acquisition of a 4.04% shareholding in Acko Tech by GASACK has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of an additional 4.04% shareholding of Acko Technology and Services Private Limited (Acko Tech) by General Atlantic Singapore ACK Pte. Ltd. (GASACK).

- The CCI has approved the proposed combination subject to compliance with amendments jointly provided by GASACK and GAP Bermuda, LP pursuant to Regulation 19(2) of the Rules of the Competition Commission of India (Procedure in Commercial Transactions Related to Combinations), 2011.

4. Competition Commission of India approves deal involving Manipal Group

On June 6, 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), an impartial regulator responsible for ensuring fair trade practices and fostering competition in the market, granted clearance for the proposed transaction involving Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Limited (MHEPL) and Manipal Education and Medical Group India Pvt Limited (MEMG India).

- Transactions that exceed a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which oversees and monitors unfair business practices while promoting fair competition in the marketplace.

- MHEPL operates a network of multi-speciality hospitals under the renowned brand name 'Manipal Hospitals.' On the other hand, MEMG India serves as a wholly-owned subsidiary of RSP Trust India and is part of the esteemed Pai family group.

5. CCI approved minority Stake Acquisition in Lenskart Solutions

The acquisition of a minority stake in Lenskart Solutions by Dove Investments, Defati Investments Holding BV, and Infinity Partners has been approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) through the green channel route.

- The proposed combination pertains to the acquisition of a minority equity shareholding in Lenskart by Dove Investments, Defati Investments Holding BV, and Infinity Partners. The green channel route allows for the expedited approval of transactions that are unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on competition. Once the transaction is communicated to the antitrust/fair-trade regulator, it is deemed approved.

- Lenskart Solutions Pvt Ltd (LSPL) is involved in the manufacturing, sale, and wholesale trading of eyewear products. On the other hand, Dove Investments, Defati Investments Holding BV, and Infinity Partners are private equity investors.

6. The central Government sanctioned Rs. 12,911 crore for the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh (AP)

The Central government sanctioned Rs 12,911 crore to Andhra Pradesh (AP) for completing the first phase of the Polavaram Project, which includes an additional Rs 2,000 crore for the construction of the diaphragm wall, which was washed away due to the Godavari floods.

- The Polavaram Irrigation Project is on the river Godavari near Ramayyapeta village of Polavaram Mandal in Eluru district, where Godavari emerges out of the last range of the Eastern Ghats and enters the plains in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

>> The Polavaram Project encompasses several key aspects :

(i) The primary component of this project involves the construction of a 2,454-meter Earth cum Rock fill dam, which includes three gaps.

(ii) This extensive irrigation project serves multiple purposes and aims to irrigate agricultural lands spanning an area of 436,825 hectares.

(iii) Additionally, the project incorporates a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity to generate 960 MW of power through twelve 80 MW units.

(iv) Furthermore, the project aims to provide drinking water to a population of 2.05 million individuals residing in 611 villages.

- In terms of river linking, the Polavaram Project facilitates the interlinking of the Godavari and Krishna rivers. It achieves this by diverting 80 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to the Krishna river basin.

About Andhra Pradesh :

Chief Minister : Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy

Governor : S. Abdul Nazeer

Wildlife Sanctuaries : Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary, Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Bihar & AAI signs MOUs to construct new Civil Enclaves at Darbhanga & Purnea Airport

On June 5 2023, The Government of Bihar signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the construction of Civil Enclaves at Darbhanga Airport and Purnea Airport in Bihar.

- Under this MoU, the Bihar government will provide undisputed land at free of cost to AAI for both the airports.

- The construction will take place on 76.65 acres of land for New Civil Enclave and installation of CAT-II approach lights in Darbhanga and 52.18 acres of land for Civil Enclave in Purnea.

8. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has achieved a successful test of the "Agni Prime" Ballistic Missile off the coast of Odisha

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of Agni Prime or Agni-P, a New Generation Ballistic Missile, on June 7, 2023. The test took place from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated off the coast of Odisha.

- This remarkable achievement marked the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users of the missile. The successful flight test follows three previously successful developmental trials, further affirming the system's precision and dependability. The results of this test validate the accuracy and reliability of Agni Prime, positioning it for potential future deployment.

[ Agni Prime :  It is a 2 stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system.

- It has a range between1000 to 2000 km (Kilometre) and was test-fired for the first time in June 2021.

- It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.

- Agni series of missiles includes the Prithvi short range ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft, which constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons delivery. ]

9. Indian Navy partners with QNu Labs to Procure Quantum Encryption Systems

QuNu Labs Private Limited (QNu Labs), a leading quantum technology startup company, partners with the Indian Navy for the procurement and deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based systems.

- With this collaboration, Indian Navy becomes India’s 1st agency to procure large-scale Quantum-based encryption systems.

Objective : The objective of this collaboration is to enhance the security of sensitive communication networks employed by the Indian Navy, bolstering their defense against evolving cyber threats. A primary focus is to fortify the security of the communication networks that play a crucial role in mission-critical operations and facilitate the secure exchange of sensitive information. By doing so, this partnership aims to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of vital naval communications while mitigating potential risks posed by cyber threats.

About QNu Labs :

Founded in : 2016

Co-Founder & CEO : Sunil Gupta

Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka

10. Sixth edition of India-Maldives Exercise ‘Ekatha’ begin in Maldives

The sixth edition of the annual Naval Exercise ‘Ekatha’ between India and Maldives was scheduled to be conducted from 4th June to 3rd July, 2023 to enhance interoperability in diving and special operations.

- Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos went to Maldives to participate in the exercise along with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Economy :

1. World Bank trims India’s Growth Forecast to 6.3% for 2023

World Bank (WB) in its Global Economic Prospects Report - June 2023 lowered India’s growth outlook to 6.3% for 2023, a 0.3 percentage point downward revision from 6.6% in January 2023.

- For 2024, WB expects GDP growth rate at 6.4%. While for 2025 forecast, the growth rate is expected at 6.5%.

Banking & Finance :

1. SBI launches project Kuber in Bengaluru

State Bank of India(SBI), launched ‘Project Kuber’, which includes the establishment of four Transaction Banking Hubs and one Corporate Salary Package Hub in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

- A professional team will facilitate business partners and customers in availing digital banking services such as Yono Business, e-Payments, Cash Management Products.

About State Bank of India (SBI) :

Established in : 01 July 1955

HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra 

Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara

2. IFC & NaBFID Signed MoU to Develop PPP Projects and Strengthen Infrastructure

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a part of the World Bank Group, and National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) signed a MoU to develop a pipeline of investment-ready public-private partnership (PPP) projects in infrastructure across India.

- The initial projects are expected to mobilize around USD 2 billion in private investment over the next few years in national priority sectors, including renewable energy, energy storage, urban infrastructure, and others.

[  NATIONAL BANK FOR FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT (NaBFID) :  The NATIONAL BANK FOR FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT (NaBFID) operates as an All India Financial Institution (AIFI) and is regulated and supervised by the Reserve Bank under Sections 45L and 45N of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It is recognized as the fifth AIFI following the EXIM Bank, NABARD, NHB, and SIDBI.

- The NaBFID Act was established to establish the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development with the purpose of facilitating the growth of long-term non-recourse infrastructure financing in India.

- The authorized share capital of NaBFID is set at 1 lakh crore rupees, divided into ten thousand crores of fully paid-up shares, with each share valued at ten rupees. These shares may be held by various entities, including the Central Government, multilateral institutions, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurers, financial institutions, and banks. The Central Government is mandated to maintain a minimum ownership of twenty-six percent of the shares at all times.

🔘 IFC part of the world bank group) is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries ]

About International Finance Corporation :

Formed in : 1956

HQ : Washington, D.C.

MD : Makhtar Diop

3. Kotak Private has introduced a savings program called "Réserve" specifically designed for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs)

Kotak Private Banking has launched a savings programme named ‘Reserve’ exclusively for its UHNIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) and HNIs (High Net Worth Individuals) comprising entrepreneurs, business families, and professionals.

- The savings programme Reserve is applicable for an individual who is having a 7.5 Crore Relationship Value and a minimum savings bank account balance (Average Yearly Balance) of Rs 50 lakhs.

- Ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI) are people with investable assets of at least USD 30 million. HNWI -  1 Million US$

About Kotak Private :

HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra

CEO : Oisharya Das

4. BoB Launches ICCW facility for cash withdrawals using UPI on its ATMs

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) facility, which enables customers to withdraw cash from the bank's ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) using UPI (Unified Payments Interface) without the need for a physical debit card.

- With the launch of this service, BoB has become the first public sector bank to offer the ICCW service, enhancing convenience for its customers. The facility allows for a maximum of two transactions per account per day, with each transaction limited to a withdrawal amount of Rs 5,000. By leveraging UPI, customers can now access cash securely and seamlessly without relying on a physical debit card.

About Bank of Baroda :

Established in : 1908

HQ : Vadodara, Gujarat

Tagline : India’s International  Bank

MD & CEO : Sanjiv Chadha

5. YES Securities & WatchYourHealth Partners to offer Investment Solutions to Healthcare Professionals

YES Securities (India) Limited (YSL) is partnering with WatchYourHealth (WYH) to provide investment solutions to healthcare professionals through the ‘Wealth- Where Investments and Health Unite’ program.

- YSL will provide free-of-cost demat and trading accounts, financial planning products.

6. JPMorgan Partners with 6 Indian banks to trial blockchain-based USD settlement

In a collaborative effort, JPMorgan Chase & Co has partnered with six prominent Indian banks to initiate a pilot program aimed at testing a blockchain-based platform for interbank settlement of US Dollar transactions.

- The six Indian banks involved in this initiative are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, and JPMorgan's own banking subsidiary located at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

- As part of the pilot program, these six Indian banks will establish on-chain Nostro accounts in conjunction with JPMorgan's branch in GIFT City. This innovative approach leverages blockchain technology to streamline and enhance the settlement process for US Dollar transactions between the participating banks.

[ Nostro Account : A nostro account, derived from the Latin word for “ours,” is an account held by a bank in a foreign currency at another bank.

Vostro Account : A vostro account is an account held by a foreign bank in the local currency at another bank. Vostro accounts, derived from the Latin word for “yours”. ]

7. SIDBI signs pact with HDFC Bank to offer Financial Solutions to MSMEs

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HDFC Bank Limited under which both entities will work together to provide complete financial product and services to the customers under MSMEs.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) :

Founded in : 1990

HQ : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Chairman & Managing 

Director : Sivasubram Ramnn

8. Bajaj Finserv Launches its MF Business, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited

Following the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) approval in March 2023, Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS) has officially launched its mutual fund (MF) business under the name 'Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited.'

- With this launch, Bajaj Finserv becomes the 43rd Asset Management Company (AMC) in India and the sixth company to enter the MF industry since 2021. The introduction of their MF business demonstrates Bajaj Finserv's commitment to expanding their financial offerings and providing investment opportunities to their customers.

About Bajaj Finserv Limited :

Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra

Chairman & Managing Director : Sanjiv Bajaj

Other News :

1. World Food Safety Day 2023 -  7th June

The United Nations(UN)’s World Food Safety Day(WFSD) is annually observed across the globe on 7th June to create awareness about the importance of maintaining food standards and to promote actions to prevent foodborne diseases at all levels.

- 7th June 2023 marks the observance of the 5th World Food Safety Day.

Theme : The theme of WFSD 2023 is “Food standards save lives” and the slogan of WFSD 2023 is “Food safety is everyone's business” .

2. World Oceans Day 2023 - 8th June

United Nations(UN) World Oceans Day is annually observed across the globe on 8th June to create awareness about the importance of the oceans, a life source which supports the sustenance of humanity and every other organism on earth.

- The first-ever World Oceans Day was observed on 8th June 2009.

Theme : The theme of World Oceans Day 2023 is “Planet Ocean : tides are changing”.

News Highlights :