Visit Our Blog Site : https://eduguide360news.blogspot.com/
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 |
No comments:
Post a Comment