Current Affairs: June 2023 | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

WHO and ICH collaborate to enhance global sharing of regulatory information on medical products 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) collaborate to enhance the registry and sharing of regulatory information on medical products worldwide.  
• The collaboration will help establish a unified language that streamlines global regulatory decision-making involving the safety and efficacy of medical products while offering insights into the scope, causes and consequences of diseases and mortality worldwide, as per WHO.  
• Dr Robert Jakob, WHO Team Lead, Classifications and Terminologies Unit, said, the collaboration paves the way for enhancing medical treatment and patient safety. 
• Also, it aids in the overall improvement of health policies.  
• MedDRA, the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, is a highly specific standardised medical terminology developed by ICH to facilitate sharing of regulatory information internationally for medical products used by humans. It is used for registration, documentation and safety monitoring of medical products before and after a product has been authorised.

Vienna, the most liveable city' Economic Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index report

• According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s - ETU report on global livability index 2023 Austria’s capital city Vienna tops the indix. Despite slipping in the rankings during the pandemic in 2021, Vienna bounced back and reclaimed the top spot in 2022, maintaining its position in 2023.
• The city's exceptional combination of stability, well-developed infrastructure, quality education and healthcare services, and rich cultural and entertainment offerings contributed to its continued success.
• Austria, has retained its position as the most liveable city in the world. Denmark's Copenhagen, secured the second spot, while Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, ranked third and fourth, respectively. While Canada's Vancouver occupied the fifth spot.
• 
  
• India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched in Washington DC 
• India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in Washington DC, USA on 21 June 2023. The INDUS X event was co - organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence, and US Department of Defence (DoD) and hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC).
• Shri Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion), MoD, led the Indian delegation in the two-day INDUS-X event on 20-21 June 2023. A reception for Indian and US Government representatives, defence start-ups, think tanks, incubators, investors, industries and other stakeholders was orgainsed on 20 June 2023. Amb. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, gave the keynote address. Mr. Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air Force, gave the opening keynote address on 21 June at the INDUS-X event.
• The Joint Secretary stressed on the co-development and co-production of advanced technologies by Indian and US start-ups. He further asked the participants to develop mechanisms for future collaboration across industries, academia, and investors. The Joint Secretary also gave an overview of the Make in India initiative, focussing on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the philosophy of “Make in India, for the world”. The event also saw a first-of-its-kind joint showcasing of innovative technologies by Indian and US start-ups. 15 Indian start-ups and 10 US start-ups, from multiple domains of maritime, AI, autonomous systems, and space, showcased their technologies to Indian and US stakeholders

United Nations adopt first-ever treaty to protect marine life in high seas 

• Representatives from all 193 UN member nations joyfully approved the first-ever treaty to safeguard marine life in the high seas. UN Secretary -General António Guterres lauded the historical agreement for giving the ocean a chance to fight against the numerous threats that menace it.
• With unanimous support, Guterres highlighted the significant timing, noting that the oceans are experiencing a critical and multifaceted threat. 
• He emphasised the treaty’s significance in addressing these dangers and urged all nations to make an effort to sign and validate it as soon as possible.
• For over 20 years, the treaty explicitly designed to secure biodiversity in waters outside of the national borders-known as the high seas-covered almost half of the earth’s surface, yet efforts to achieve consensus had repeatedly failed in the past.

Ethiopia-Lebanon labour agreement contains little protection for domestic workers 

• Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian workers in Lebanon could be left without legal protections and minimum wage requirements, as revealed by a recently signed bilateral labour agreement between the two countries.
• The undisclosed agreement, signed in April, was publicly promoted by officials from Ethiopia and Lebanon, but a leaked 12-page draft and eight-page worker contract seen by Middle East Eye has raised concerns regarding the rights of workers.
• The document does not include a minimum wage, relies on Lebanese laws that exclude protection for migrant workers, and may allow for passport confiscation.  
• Human Rights Watch has reviewed the agreement and stated that it provides “weak and non-existent” privileges and protections for Ethiopian workers compared to other foreign nationals in Lebanon.

IREDA participates in “Intersolar Europe 2023” Exhibition

• IREDA, a Mini Ratna (Category – I) enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, participated in the prestigious three-day “Intersolar Europe 2023” exhibition held in Munich, Germany.
• The inauguration of the pavilion was carried out by CMD, IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das, who expressed the firm’s dedication towards a greener future. 
• During the exhibition, IREDA officials attended meetings with KfW Development Bank and Commerz Bank to review current progress and explore partnership opportunities.
• IREDA officials also visited RCT GMbH to discuss the technology, milestones, and costs related to the Indosol Solar Manufacturing project. 
• IREDA’s participation highlights their ongoing dedication to the global Renewable Energy landscape and sustainable development practices, contributing towards India’s Renewable Energy goals and climate change challenges.

UK Names Jane Marriott As First Woman Envoy To Pakistan 

• The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of senior diplomat J ane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan, making her the first female British envoy to Islamabad. Prior to this appointment, Jane Marriott, 47, was the high commissioner to Kenya since September 2019. She would be replacing Dr Christian Turner, who left Pakistan in January after serving as the envoy since December 2019. Ms Marriott brings a wealth of thematic and regional experience to her new role having joined the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2001, following roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office.
• The appointment of a female British High Commissioner to Pakistan is a significant milestone. It is a sign of the UK’s commitment to gender equality and to strengthening its relationship with Pakistan.  
• Marriott is a well-respected diplomat with a wealth of experience. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights and has worked to promote gender equality in her previous roles.

World Bank launches its first road safety project in South Asia 

• The World Bank (WB) launched its first dedicated road safety project in South Asia with a USD 358 million financing agreement signed in Dhaka with the government of Bangladesh. The project seeks to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries from road crashes in selected cities, high-risk highways, and district roads.
• Two national highways of Bangladesh, Gazipur-Elenga (N4) and NatoreNawabganj (N6), will be taken up for the implementation of this project. The project will pilot comprehensive road safety measures, including improved engineering designs, signage and marking, pedestrian facilities, speed enforcement, and emergency care. These measures will help reduce road traffic deaths by more than 30 percent on these two highways
• Road signs, dividers, footpaths, zebra crossings, speed breakers and bus bays will be constructed on the two highways passing through the five divisions of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Mymensingh to reduce accidents and fatalities.
• The project will pilot Ambulance services, including bike-ambulances, with a tollfree number to take road crash victims to the hospital quickly. Further, the project will upgrade trauma care facilities in selected district hospitals, and Upazila Health Complexes
• To control speed, the project will Install CCTV on roads, and construct an electric messaging system. It will make provision for patrol vehicles and crash site cleaning equipment. It will also support the government to strengthen institutions to effectively manage road safety across the country

India, France, UAE joint maritime exercise held at Gulf of Oman 

• The first-ever India-France-UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise recently took place in the Gulf of Oman from 07 -08 Jun 23. This exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening trilateral cooperation among the navies of India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 
• With the objective of improving joint strategies and ensuring maritime security, the exercise witnessed the participation of several naval assets and the execution of various operations. 
• During the maiden edition of the exercise, a wide spectrum of operations at sea such as surface Warfare involving tactical firing and drills for Missile engagements, close quarter manoeuvres, Advanced Air Defence Exercise with French Rafale and UAE Dash 8 MPA, Helicopter Cross Landing Operations, Drills for Replenishment at sea were undertaken by the participating units. 
• The exercise also saw cross embarkation of personnel that facilitated exchange of best practices.

UAE to Host World’s Largest Conservation Conference in 2025 

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has won the bid to host the 2025 World Conservation Congress (WCC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 
• The WCC is the world’s largest and most important gathering of conservationists, and it is expected to draw more than 10,000 delegates from over 160 countries.
• The UAE has a long history of environmental protection, and it is home to a number of important conservation initiatives, including the Sheikh Zayed Des ert Learning Center and the Al Ain Oasis. 
• The 2025 WCC will be held in Abu Dhabi from October 10-21, 2025. The event will be an opportunity for conservationists from around the world to come together and discuss the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in valedictory function of Delhi University’s centenary celebrations 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the valedictory Ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Delhi University today. Prime Minister will address the gathering on the occasion. In a tweet, Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to joining the University of Delhi’s centenary celebrations. Mr Modi said, as a premier centre of learning, Delhi University has been nurturing talent and fostering intellectual growth for a century. He congratulate d the DU fraternity on this milestone.
• During the programme, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Delhi University Computer Centre and the building of the Faculty of Technology, and the Academic Block which will be built in the North Campus of the University.
• The University of Delhi was established on 1st May 1922. In the last hundred years, the University has grown and expanded immensely and now has 86 departments, and 90 Colleges. Over six lakh students have passed out from the University so far.

Yogi Adityanath launched "Operation Conviction" in Uttar Pradesh 

• The Uttar Pradesh Police has recently initiated a comprehensive program named ‘Operation Conviction‘ to combat criminals and organized crime in the state. This strategic initiative aims to expedite the conviction process, particularly in cases related to heinous crimes such as rape, murder, cow slaughter, re ligious conversion, and those registered under the POCSO Act. By ensuring immediate arrests, robust evidence collection, meticulous investigations and effective representation in courts, the authorities seek to minimize the time taken for criminals to face justice
• A web portal is currently under development to facilitate the weekly review of identified cases. This portal will enable senior police officials at the Directorate General of Police (DGP) office in the state capital to closely monitor the progress of these cases. The portal’s real-time updates and comprehensive data will help identify any bottlenecks and enable prompt actions to maintain the momentum of the conviction process.

1000-year-old pillars with Jain sculptures found near Hyderabad 

• Two 1000-year-old square pillars with sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras (a saviour and spiritual teacher of the dharma), were found on the outskirts of the city in Rangareddy district’s Moinabad village.
• The information about the pillars was first shared by P Srinath Reddy, a young archaeologist and heritage activist, following which a senior archaeologist E Sivanagireddy inspected the spot , He said the two pillars, including one granite and another black basalt, were carved with four Jain Tirthankaras namely, Adinatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha and Vardhamana Mahavira.
• The pillars bore inscriptions in Telugu-Kannada language, where the visible part of the inscription refers to a Jain Basadi (monastery) located close to Chilkur village. Sivanagireddy opined that the pillars might have been brought from a local dilapidated Jain temple and fitted to the sluice some 100 years ago.

India’s first hydrogen-powered train to run from Haryana’s Jind district 

• Shobhan Choudhary, General Manager (GM) of Northern Railway, recently visited the country’s first hydrogen plant, which is set up in Jind, Haryana. This will be the first hydrogen-powered train in the country and is expected to run from Haryana’s Jind district by the end of this year.
• The officials claimed that hydrogen-powered trains are running only in Germany, and the whole world is watching the project to see how India will start such trains. 
• India’s first hydrogen plant is being set up near the railway junction in Jind district. Officials said that the development of the plant has reached the final stage and that hydrogen will be produced from water. The first prototype of the hydrogen train is expected to be introduced in the financial year 2023 -2024 between Jind and Sonipat on the Northern Railway. The hydrogen fuel-based train of eight bogies will be environmentally friendly.

DRDO and L&T Join Hands For AIP System For Navy's 'Kalvari' Class Submarines 

• Larsen and Toubro and DRDO have signed a contract for the realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system modules for 'Kalvari' class submarines of the Indian Navy.
• The contract documents were exchanged between Arun T Ramchandani, Executive Vice President and Head-L&T Defence, and PT Rojatkar, Director of the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), L&T informed stock exchanges on Thursday.
• L&T is the recipient of the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for this Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed system On realisation and integration of these modules in the submarines, India will join an elite club of a handful of nations that have indigenously developed fuel cell-based submarine 'AIP' technology, which is critical for increasing the endurance of conventional submarines.
• The manufacturing, integration, and factory acceptance trials of the systems will be undertaken in L&T's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Surat.

Amit Shah lays foundation stone of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar 

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, shortly today, Saturday, June 24. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was also present at the park near the Lal Chowk city centre – the commercial hub of Srinagar city.
• The memorial, a project under the Srinagar Smart City, is a tribute to the martyrs' who sacrificed their lives for the nation, The minister also visited the Karan Mahal – the residence of the last Yuvraj of Jammu and Kashmir, Karan Singh. Shah also met some select people at the Police Golf Course overlooking the Dal Lake here, before going back to Delhi.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates integrated simulator complex 'Dhruv' at Southern Naval Command

• Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh inaugurated DHRUV, an Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC), at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
• It hosts state-of-the-art indigenously built simulators, which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy. These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilised for training personnel from friendly foreign countries
• The ISC ‘Dhruv’ features a range of modern simulators aimed at enhancing practical training for naval personnel. These simulators will enable trainees to gain hands-on expertise in various aspects of naval operations. Among the simulators showcased during the inauguration were the Multi-Station Handling Simulator (MSSHS), Air Direction and Helicopter Control Simulator (ADHCS), and Astronavigation Dome.

Estonia becomes first central European country to allow same-sex marriage 

• Estonia‘s parliament passed a law legalising same-sex marriage, making it the first central European nation to do so. While much of western Europe has already legalised same-sex marriage, it remains prohibited in many former communist central European countries that were once part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.
• The bill was passed with 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament, with support from the coalition of liberal and social democratic parties led by Prime Minister Kallas, who won the 2023 election.
• The new law will become effective in 2024. A recent poll by the Centre for Human Rights found that 53% of Estonians support same-sex marriage, compared to 34% a decade ago.
• However, many still consider homosexuality to be unacceptable, including a significant portion of the ethnic-Russian minority, which makes up one quarter of the country’s population.

National Yoga Olympiad organised in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) 

• The National Yoga Olympiad, a prestigious event showcasing the best of yoga, is currently being organised in Madhya Pradesh leading up to the main event on the 9th International Yoga Day on June 21st in Jabalpur.
• The three-day Olympiad was ceremoniously inaugurated by Governor Mangu Bhai Patel in Bhopal on the previous day.
• Interestingly, this is the first time that the National Yoga Olympiad is being organised outside of New Delhi, the national capital. 
• This event promises to be a wonderful display of the art and practice of yoga and is sure to captivate all those in attendance. 
• International Yoga Day has been celebrated on June 21 every year since 2015. This day was declared as International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, recognizing the importance of yoga in promoting healthy living and overall wellbeing. 

146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath starts in Ahmedabad 

• The 146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with tight security measures in place. A large number of devotees gathered along the 18-kilometer procession route to catch a glimpse of the deity. This year, the Gujarat Police employed advanced 3D mapping technology to monitor the entire route and utilized anti-drone technology to prevent the unauthorized use of drones during the event
• In the morning, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the ‘Pahind Vidhi,’ a symbolic ritual of cleaning the path for the chariots, using a golden broom. Subsequently, the chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra, and sister Subhadra began the yatra from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple located in Jamalpur. These preparations were made prior to the commencement of the annual event.

India beat Iran in final to win eighth title of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 

• India emerged victorious in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 held in Busan, Korea on 30th June defeating Iran with a score of 42-32.
• Kabaddi-ChampionshipIndia emerged victorious in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 held in Busan, Korea on 30th June defeating Iran with a score of 42-32. This victory marks India's eighth title out of nine editions of the championship, highlighting their dominance in the sport.
• Pawan Sehrawat, the captain of the Indian team, played a crucial role by securing a super 10, leading the team to success. In the earlier league stage of the tournament, India showcased their prowess by defeating Hong Kong with a comprehensive scoreline of 64-20
• Six teams, including India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, participated in the championship. India finished the league stage undefeated, winning all five matches and securing the top position in the points table. Iran, having only lost to India during the league stage, secured the second position and advanced to the final.
• The Indian kabaddi teams will now focus on the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled from September 23 to October 8, where they will face a tough challenge from defending champions Iran, who defeated India in the semi-finals in Jakarta in 2018. 

India’s historic win over Pakistan: 2023 SAFF Championship, and more 

• In SAFF Championship 2023, the Indian men’s football team defeated arch-rival Pakistan 4-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru last night. For India, captain Sunil Chhetri scored a hat-trick while Udanta Singh Kumam scored the fourth goal in the 81st minute. Chhetri scored the first goal in the 10th minute, the second goal in the 16th minute and the third penalty goal in the 74th minute. With this, India has begun its tournament journey on a winning note.
• Earlier in the day, Kuwait defeated Nepal 3-1 in the tournament opener. The eight teams, which are taking part in the 14th edition of the SAFF Championship, have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises India, Kuwait, Nepal and Pakistan while Group B consists of Lebanon, Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Sunil Chhetri-led India are the highest-ranked team in Group A. They are 101st in the FIFA rankings. Kuwait are world No. 143 followed by Nepal at 174. Nepal were the runners-up in the last edition in 2021. Pakistan are ranked lowest at 195th.

India beats Lebanon to win Intercontinental Cup title 2023 

• India lifted the Intercontinental Cup as it tamed a young Lebanon side by two second-half goals at the Kalinga Stadium. India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar to win the title. Sunil Chhetri’s 46th minute goal broke the deadlock before Lallianzuala Chhangte made it 2-0 in the 66th minute as India beat Lebanon for the first time since 1977.
• India made a strong start to the match, dominating 57% possession in the first half. It was in the first minute of second half that the deadlock was broken, with Lallianzuala Chhangte providing an assist for Sunil Chhetri. Chhangte turned scorer in the 66th minute as India increased their lead. This was also the Indian team’s sixth consecutive clean sheet, equalling a record dating back to 1952. This is India’s first win over Lebanon since 1977.
• There are two Intercontinental Cups in football. One was an annual competition between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores, from 1960 to 2004. The other is a four-nation tournament organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in India, from 2018 to present.

Asia Cup 2023 jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka 

• The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 is set to ignite the cricketing world as arch - rivals India and Pakistan resume their epic rivalry ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has accepted the hybrid model, an d the tournament will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With a total of 13 thrilling One Day International (ODI) matches scheduled, the Asia Cup promises to be a captivating cricketing spectacle.
• The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place from 31st August to 17th September, offering nearly three weeks of intense cricketing action. The tournament will feature a hybrid model, with matches being held in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Four matches of the Asia Cup will be hosted in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches will be played in Sri Lanka. The distribution of matches showcases the collaborative effort between the two countries to provide an exciting tournament for cricket enthusiasts.

ICC Player of the Month for May 2023 

• Harry Tector has been voted the ICC Men's Player of the Month after a stunning month in May, Ireland's first Men's POTM award. He beat out tough competition from Pakistan superstar Babar Azam, and Bangladesh's young rising batter Najmul Hossain Shanto.
• On the other hand, the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2023 has been awarded to Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand), a talented 19-year-old player. She follows in the footsteps of her compatriot Naruemol Chaiwai, who won the award last month.

Asia Cup 2023: India clinches maiden Women's Junior title 

• The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team achieved a remarkable triumph in the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023, which took place in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They secured the championship title by defeating Korea in a captivating final match on Sunday.
• For India, Annu and Neelam scored a goal each while Park Seoyeon breached t he net once for Korea. 
• At the end it was a combined efforts of the entire team that ultimately paved the way for their victorious outcome in this crucial encounter.
• In a remarkable feat, the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team has achieved their first-ever victory in the Women's Junior Asia Cup, marking a historic milestone. 
• In acknowledgment of the team’s exceptional performance and their undefeated streak in the tournament, leading them to secure a spot in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 in Chile, the Hockey India has declared a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for each player, while the support staff will receive Rs 1 lakh each as a token of appreciation.

Australia wins the World test championship :2023 

• Australia won the title of World Test Champions 2023 in a commanding fashion, securing a resounding 209-run victory over India in the thrilling WTC Final at The Oval.
• Travis Head and Steve Smith’s remarkable centuries in the first innings laid the foundation for Australia’s early control of the Test. Despite India’s valiant response, the match extended to a fifth day, but they fell short of an extraordinary record chase, ultimately being bowled out for 234. Australia scripted history on Sunday, June 11 as they became the first men’s team in world cricket to win an International Cricket Council (ICC) world title in all three formats.
• Player of the Match: Travis Head (163 off 174 balls in 1st innings, 18 off 27 ba lls in 2nd innings). Australia won the ICC Test Championship mace for the first time, and were also awarded the cash prize of US$1.6 million, while India won US$800,000.

French Open: Iga Swiatek of Poland wins Women's Singles title 

• In French Open tennis, World No 1 and top seed Iga Swiatek of Poland has won the Women's Singles crown. She defended her title against unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. This is her third French title in just 5 years. She also became the first woman since 2007 to win back-to-back French Open titles.
• The 22-year-old Swiatek is just the third woman in the Open era to win each of her first four Grand Slam finals.Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka are the only other players to achieve this feat.

Serbia and USA win FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023 

• Serbia’s men defended their title to win their sixth crown in eight editions of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup after defeating USA (21-19) in the final, in Vienna, Austria. The “Maestro” Dejan Majstorovic had a game-high 7 points in the thriller against the US. Latvia defeated Brazil 22-12 to claim the bronze medal. The duo of Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis combined for 13 points in the game before Agnis Čavars scored the two to hand Latvia the victory.
• In the women’s category, USA took home gold for the third time with a 16-12 win against last year’s champions France. Stars Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick combined for 14 points to carry their side to victory. Cameron Brink was the centerpiece of their offense, finishing the tournament with 39 points, which earned her the title of World Cup MVP. Laetitia Guapo (France) and Marena Whittle (Australia) also featured in the Team of the Tournament.

India lift Men’s Junior Asia Cup : Hockey for fourth time, defeating Pakistan 

• In Hockey, the Indian hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 2-1 at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex Stadium in Salalah, Oman.
• With this title win, India become the most successful country in the history of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup.
• Angad Bir Singh and Araijeet Hundal Singh scored for the champions before Pakistan got one goal through Basharat Ali’s strike. This was India’s fourth title at Men’s Junior Asia Cup, having won it previously in 2004, 2008 and 2015. Pakistan are the secondmost successful team in the tournament with three titles but their last win came 27 years ago in 1996.
• Earlier, India and Pakistan, pitted in the same pool, remained undefeated in the group stage after India vs Pakistan hockey match ended in a 1-1 draw. India, however, managed to top the group as they had a better goal difference over second -placed Pakistan. In the semi-finals, India trounced the Republic of Korea 9-1 while Pakistan defeated Malaysia 6-2. 

Narayan Rane launches ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’, ‘Mobile App 

• Shri Narayan Rane launches ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’, ‘Mobile App for Geotagging of Cluster Projects,Technology Centers’ and 'MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0' for women entrepreneurs
• On the occasion of International MSME Day, The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, MSME celebrated ‘Udyami Bharat-MSME Day’ .The Union Minister for Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Narayan Rane graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the programme along with the Union Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma as Guest of Honor. 
• The event showcased the launch of various initiatives of the Ministry of MSME, dedicated towards growth and development of MSMEs such as ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’ and ‘Mobile App for Geo-tagging of Cluster Projects and Technology Centers’ by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor. Further, results for 'MSME Idea Hackathon 2.0' were declared and 'MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0' for women entrepreneurs was launched.

Rajasthan govt brings PCTS mobile app to ensure better healthcare for mothers, infants 

• Rajasthan Medical & Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena launched the PCTS mobile app for online tracking, reporting and monitoring of health services being provided to pregnant women, mothers & infants in the state where he also released a poster related to it. 
• Through the PCTS mobile app, more than 53 thousand ASHAs of the state will be able to do day-to-day reporting of health services related to women & children of their area on mobile and effective monitoring of this work can also be done
• The Health Minister said that through this app, ASHA workers of the state will be fully updated with the health services provided to children & women. They will know on which day children and women are to be vaccinated or given the benefit of any other service.
• This will further strengthen the health services for women and children and consequently improve the health indices. Through this app, the officials of the department can get the progress report by talking directly to any ASHA and ANM of the state. Online entry of other services including vaccination of women and children can be done through this. 

Scientists from Gujarat institute develop biodegradable paper supercapacitor from seaweed

• Scientists at Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) have developed the thinnest, lightweight and biodegradable paper-based supercapacitor. A supercapacitor is an electrochemical charge storage device with a fast charging/discharging cycle, high power density and a longer lifecycle.
• This supercapacitor which can fully charge a device within 10 seconds, has been developed from seaweed (marine macroalgae). The device is of high tensile strength and performance, as well as cost-effective, according to the researchers.The product can be used in electronics, memory backup systems, airbags, heavy machines, electric vehicles, etc.; hence, it holds a huge business prospect.
• Scientists Priyank Bhutiya and Syed Zaheer Hasan extracted cellulose nanofibers from seaweed and reduced them into graphene oxide and zinc oxide. Nanowires were grown over the extracted seaweed cellulose nanofibers using hydrothermal methods to get the anodic paper supercapacitor.

World’s most powerful Hypersonic wind tunnel opens in Beijing, China 

• China has recently completed the construction of the most powerful wind tunnel in the world, located in the mountainous Huairou district of northern Beijing. The wind tunnel, called JF-22, has a diameter of 4 metres (13 feet) and can generate incredibly high airflow speeds of up to 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) per second. This makes it capable of simulating hypersonic flight conditions up to Mach 30, which is 30 times the speed of sound.
• China’s hypersonic ambitions - The Institute of Mechanics, which owns the facility, stated that the JF-22 wind tunnel will play a crucial role in advancing China's hypersonic ambitions. The tunnel will support research and development efforts for China's space transport system and hypersonic aircraft, as well as for military purposes. The Chinese government has set ambitious goals to deploy a fleet of hypersonic aircraft by 2035, capable of carrying passengers into space and reaching any point on Earth within an hour.

Tata Elxsi partners with ISRO to develop crew recovery models for Gaganyaan Mission 

• Tata Elxsi has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. 
• The leading global engineering company has designed and developed the crew module recovery models (CMRM) for the recovery team training of the space mission. 
• ISRO's Gaganyaan project envisions a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching the crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission and safely bringing them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters.
• One of the key requirements of this project is the safe recovery of the crew, which must be carried out with minimum lapse of time. This is where the CRRMs come into use. 

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Hardwar Dubey Passes Away 

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader and Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh Hardwar Dubey breathed his last on Monday morning in New Delhi. He was a sitting MP elected to the Rajya Sabha in November 2020.
• The late Dubey, 74, was also elected as a member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Agra Cantonment assembly segment in 1990s and served as a minister in the Kalyan Singh ministry in 1991. The late Dube y, who was closely associated with the Sangh parivaar and its affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was made state spokesperson and vice-president of the BJP in 2011 and 2013 respectively, before being elevated as a Rajya Sabha member.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of the BJP MP and described him a hardworking leader. “Deeply saddened by the demise of hardworking BJP MP Hardwar Dubey ji. He was such a grassroots leader, who will always be remembered for his important contribution in the development journey of Uttar Pradesh. May God give strength to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. om Shanti,”

Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked 'Pentagon Papers,' dies at 92 

• Daniel Ellsberg, a U.S. military analyst, passed away at the age of 92. He became known for leaking the “Pentagon Papers,” which exposed how the U.S. government deceived the public about the Vietnam War. This revelation sparked a significant fight for freedom of the press. Ellsberg’s actions, predating figures like Edward Snowden and Wikileaks, revealed that the government could mislead and lie to its citizens. Later in life, he became an advocate for whistleblowers and his story was depicted in the movie “The Post” released in 2017. 
• Ellsberg took a secret action in 1971 to share important information with the media, hoping to help bring an end to the Vietnam War more quickly. However, this made him a target of attacks by the Nixon White House, which tried to harm his reputation. Henry Kissinger, who was an important advisor to the president at the time, even called him “the most dangerous man in America” and wanted to stop him at any cost. 

Award-Winning DD Anchor Gitanjali Aiyar Passes Away 

• Gitanjali Aiyar, one of India's first English female news presenters on national broadcaster Doordarshan, passed away. She was in her mid-70s. 
• Aiyar is survived by a son and daughter Pallavi Aiyar, who is also an award-winning journalist. 
• After completing graduation from Kolkata's Loreto College, she had joined Doordarshan in 1971 and was awarded the best anchor four times. 
• She also won the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989. 
• She was also a diploma holder from the National School of Drama (NSD) Apart from presenting news programmes, she had also been a popular face in several print advertisements and even acted in Sridhar Kshirsagar's TV drama 'Khandaan'. 
• In her decades-long illustrious career, she was also associated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Veteran actress Sulochana Latkar passes away at 94 

• Veteran actress Sulochana Latkar, known for her iconic roles in over 250 Hindi and 50- odd Marathi films, and revered as the screen mother to many top stars, passed away here at the age of 94. She breathed her last at a private hospital on Sunday evening – June 4. 
• Her condition had worsened back in March as well. She was hospitalised and was discharged after three weeks. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised to bear all the expenses of her treatment and also gave Rs 3 lakh to the hospital for immediate treatment from the Chief Minister's fund back then. 
• About: Sulochana Latkar - Sulochana Latkar has been a part of 300 films, including Hindi and Marathi.She had played the mother to most Bollywood actors. Sulochana was awarded the Padma Shri Award in 199 and the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2009 from the Government of Maharashtra. Some of her popular films include Ab Dilli Dur Nahin, Sujata, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Dil Deke Dekho, Aasha, and Majboor, Nai Roshni, Aayi Milan Ki Bela, Gora Aur Kala, Devar, Bandini amongst others.

Singer KK passes away at 53 

Singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, who made people groove to his melodious songs, like ‘Pal’, ‘Yaaron Dosti’, ‘Tadap Tadap’ and ‘Aan khon Mein Teri’, passes away due to a sus-pected cardiac arrest shortly after performing to a packed audience at a college fest in south Kolkata’s Nazrul Mancha, He was just 54 years old.
About: Krishnakumar Kunnath / KK - Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, was an Indian playback singer. He recorded songs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati. KK began his career by singing advertising jingles and made his film debut in 1996 on an A. R. Rahman soundtrack.

Indian-origin satellite expert Aarti Holla-Maini appointed as UN Outer Space Affairs director 

•  Indian-origin satellite industry expert Aarti Holla-Maini has been appointed as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Aarti HollaMaini will succeed Simonetta Di Pippo of Italy
• The primary objective of UNOOSA is to foster global collaboration in the peaceful utilization and exploration of outer space, as well as the effective application of space science and technology to achieve sustainable economic and social progress
•  Aarti Holla-Maini has over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector including managerial and advocacy functions.
• Before she was appointed as the Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, she was Executive Vice-President Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space.

Rohit Jawa took over as MD and CEO of HUL as Sanjiv Mehta retires

• Rohit Jawa is all set to take over the corner office at Hindustan Unilever tomorrow 30 June - a day after Sanjiv Mehta retires as managing director and chief executive officer. 
• Known for transforming the consumer goods major's China and Philippine business, Jawa serves as the chief of transformation in his London-based role. The 56-year-old Unilever veteran's career has spanned over 35 years since he joined as a management trainee in 1988
• In his new role as the MD and CEO of Hindustan Unilever, Jawa is likely to get an annual remuneration of Rs 21.43 crore, according to the company's annual report. He will also receive a sum of Rs 4.83 crore as mobility -linked allowances in FY24
•  According to the annual report, Mehta’s salary was 164 times higher than that of an average HUL employee. Now, Jawa’s pay package will exceed what Mehta had received in FY23. He took home Rs 22.36 crore in annual remuneration last fiscal.

Conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis wins second term as Greek’s PM 

• Greece's conservative New Democracy party chief Kyriakos Mitsotakis secured a clear parliamentary majority, winning a second four-year term as Prime Minister of Greece on Sunday, CNN reported. The 55-year-old leader emerged victorious with more power as his party achieved a resounding victory in the elections.
• Mitsotakis, in his victory speech, said that "We have high targets that will transform Greece...Today we will celebrate our victory, tomorrow we will roll up our sleeves," according to CNN.
• Mitsotakis' New Democracy party received over 40 percent of the vote, securing at least 158 seats in the 300-seat parliament with around 96 percent of the votes counted. The main leftist opposition party, Syriza, was far behind in the early results, receiving over 17 percent of the vote. 

Kamal Kishore Chatiwal appointed managing director IGL 

• Kamal Kishore Chatiwal has been appointed the new managing director of Indraprastha Gas Ltd – IGL, Chatiwal, a Chemical Engineer from IIT Delhi, has over 32 years of Oil & Gas Sector experience, particularly in Project Execution and Commissioning of Mega Petrochemical Projects, Operation & Maintenance of Gas Processing units, Natural Gas Compressor Station and cross-country LPG Pipeline. Chatiwal worked as Executive Director (O&M-JLPL) & Head of Zonal Marketing of GAIL in Jaipur previous to joining IGL.
• About: Indraprastha Gas Ltd - Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) is one of the leading natural gas distribution companies in India. Established in 1998, IGL is a joint venture between GAIL India, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and the Government of Delhi. 

Kamal Kishore Chatiwal takes over as IGL Managing Director 

• Kamal Kishore Chatiwal began his role as Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL), the country’s largest CNG distribution company with City Gas Distribution networks operating across 30 districts in four states, including NCT of Delhi. 
• Chatiwal, a Chemical Engineer from IIT Delhi, has over 32 years of Oil & Gas Sector experience, particularly in Project Execution and Commissioning of Mega Petrochemical Projects, Operation & Maintenance of Gas Processing units, Natural Gas Compressor Station and cross-country LPG Pipeline. Chatiwal worked as Executive Director (O&M-JLPL) & Head of Zonal Marketing of GAIL in Jaipur previous to joining IGL.  Chatiwal also has experience in Corporate planning and strategy, 
• Project Development and Corporate training. Sanjay Kumar previously held the role of Managing Director and has taken on the role of Director (Marketing) in GAIL (India) Ltd. IGL is a collaboration between GAIL (India) Ltd. and BPCL, while the Govt. of NCT of Delhi owns a 5% equity stake. 

International Widows Day 

• International Widows Day (IWD) is observed annually on 23 June. The day is recognised to create awareness among people about the difficulties and challenges faced by widows worldwide, 
•  History - International Widows Day was first recognised and established by the United Nations on June 23, 2011. 
• The day was officially recognized through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, acknowledging the hardships faced by widows globally and the need to address their rights and welfare.  
• The establishment of International Widows Day was driven by the efforts of various organizations, including the Loomba Foundation, an international charity that advocates for the rights of widows. 
• The foundation, led by Raj Loomba, worked tirelessly to bring attention to the challenges faced by widows and campaigned for a designated day to raise awareness and promote action.

United Nations Public Service Day 

• Every year, the United Nations celebrates the tremendous importance and noble nature of public service on June 23. 
• This particular anniversary, strives to highlight the contribution of public officials and reflect on how they contribute to development and progress. It also aims to recognise their outstanding efforts and inspire the next generation to pursue professions in the public sector.  
• History - On 20 December 2002, the General Assembly designated 23 June as Public Service Day by adopting a resolution, To boost the recognition of this day, the United Nations established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) programme in 2003, which was reviewed in 2016 to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
• Theme - There is no specific theme chosen for United Nations Public Service Day 2023. The day revolves around the value and virtue of public service to the community.  Significance - This day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world. 

World Rainforest Day 

•  June 22nd is celebrated as, World Rainforest Day. 
• This global observance reminds us of the immense value and significance of rainforests, which are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also vital for the health of our planet. 
• Today, we come together to celebrate these lush green ecosystems and raise awarene ss about the urgent need to protect and preserve them. Join us on this journey as we explore the wonders of rainforests, their essential role in maintaining biodiversity, and the collective responsibility we hold to ensure their survival.  
• History - The roots of World Rainforest Day can be traced back to 2017 when the Rainforest Partnership, a non-profit environmental organization based in Austin, Texas, launched the global event. 
• This initiative was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of rainforests and their invaluable contributions to the planet.  
• Theme - The theme for this year’s World Rainforest Day is “Conserve. Restore. Regenerate." It encapsulates the collective efforts required to ensure the long - term thriving existence of rainforests. The theme emphasizes the need for everyone to participate in the conservation and restoration of rainforests to guarantee their survival for centuries to come. 

International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice:21st June 2023 

• Each year on June 21, the International Day of Celebration for the Solstice is observed. This holiday was established by the United Nations in order to raise awareness about various solstice celebrations across religions and cultures. Many cultures and religions have their own unique way of celebrating the solstice.  
• While the significance, interpretations, and meanings behind the solstice (which occurs when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days) may differ based on culture, the International Day of the Solstice is a universally celebrated occasion that takes place during the summer solstice, between June 20 and 22.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: 19th June 2023 

• International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is a United Nations observance on June 19 to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence. 
• The theme of this year is “Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence“.
• This day is commemorated every year to mark the date of adoption of first UN Security Council resolution to recognize conflict-related sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security. 
• It highlights the issue of conflict related to sexual violence and inspire efforts to prevent it.
• According to the United Nations, ‘conflict-related sexual violence’ includes sexual slavery, forced prostitution, rape, forced pregnancy, forced marriage, enforced sterilization, forced abortion and other forms of sexual violence that are carried out against men, women, girls or boys.

World Oceans Day 

• World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on 8 June to create awareness among people regarding the significance of oceans, and the importance of preserving and conserving oceanic resources.
• World Oceans Day is a necessary reminder to realise and appreciate the contribution of oceans in our lives, from providing food to regulating and supporting biodiversity and the climate. 
• History - World Ocean Day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to be celebrated worldwide, annually on June 8 to resolve the problems of Oceans and also to save Ocean water.
• Theme - The theme for 2023’s World Ocean Day is 'Planet Ocean: tides are Changing' which presents the paradox of hope and concern for oceans. Although more individuals are becoming aware of the harm that humans have done to the oceans, the degradation of the ocean ecosystems is still happening one by one as a result of the effects of our activities. World Ocean Day is an occasion to nurture public interest to protect the oceans and to engage various key international stakeholders to help implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to conserve and manage ocean resources in a balanced manner.

2nd meeting of India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee held in Arusha 

• The second edition of Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania was held in Arusha on June 28 & 29, 2023. The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, inc luded senior officials from Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania Shri Binay S Pradhan also attended the meeting.
• During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of opportunities for collaboration with a view to enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian delegation highlighted the growing prowess of the Indian Defence manufacturing to export to friendly countries. A five-year roadmap for defence cooperation was also agreed to between the two sides, which covers initiatives ranging from customised training & capacity building to maritime cooperation, infrastructure building and collaboration in defence equipment and technology. 
• Representatives from Defence PSUs also accompanied the Indian delegation. They held extensive meetings with the stakeholders from the Tanzanian Forces on the sidelines of the JDCC meeting. 

Assam signs MoU with Caspian Impact Investment to boost rural infrastructure and agribusiness

• The Government of Assam, through the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services (ARIAS) Society, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caspian Impact Investment Adviser (Caspian Equity) to establish an investment fund aimed at enhancing agricultural growth and employment opportunities in the state. 
• The collaboration between the government body and the venture capital institution marks a significant step towards strengthening rural infrastructure and fostering agricultural productivity.
• The partnership entails the establishment and implementation of the Assam Agribusiness Investment Fund (AAIF), a contributory and determinate investment trust. ARIAS will act as the nodal agency for the fund, while Caspian Equit y will serve as the fund manager
• The AAIF, with an initial corpus of INR 250 crore, will primarily focus on investing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the agribusiness and allied sectors, aiming to achieve accelerated growth.
• The World Bank, through the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), will provide anchor funding for the AAIF. As a Category II Alternative Investment Fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the AAIF represents a unique sector-specific fund initiated by a state government in India, with the objective of boosting agricultural productivity and generating employment opportunities.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed a MOU with Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited 

• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed a MOU with Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited in the presence of the Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW, Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW and other senior officers of the Ministry at New Delhi.
• Shri C. S. Murthy, Director, MNCFC signed the MOU on behalf of Government of India, where as Shri Abhishek Krishnan, Chief of Staff represented M/s Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited.It aims to develop various geospatial solutions on pro bono basis for the Indian Agriculture Ecosystem using Pixxel’s hyperspectral dataset.
• The project focuses on leveraging sample hyper-spectral data from Pixxel’s path finder satellites to develop analytics models focused on crop mapping, crop stage discrimination, crop health monitoring, and soil organic carbon assessments. This will enable the Government to develop use cases with hyperspectral data provided by PIXXEL. MNCFC on behalf of the DA&FW will associate with Pixel team for developing and implementing the suitable methodologies.

GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL, to produce fighter jet engines for Tejas Mk2 

• US-based GE Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. As per the new agreement, Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2. The development comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US
• The agreement “includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India". The US company said that it was still working with the goverment “to receive the necessary export authorization" for the same
• The announcement will also advance GE Aerospace's earlier commitment to build 99 engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 program.

GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL for production of fighter jet engines for IAF

• US-based GE Aerospace on Thursday (June 22 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The announcement is a major milestone amidst Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official stat e visit to the US and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries
• GE Aerospace stated the agreement includes the potential joint production of its F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorisation for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. For the unversed, US-based GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft.

A two-day G20 Labour Engagement Group meeting begin today ( 22 June ) in Patna, Bihar

• The two-day meeting of the G-20 Labour Engagement Group begins today at Patna in Bihar. Around 150 delegates from G-20 members and eight guest countries are going participate in the meeting. Governor of Bihar Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar inaugurated the function organised at Ashoka Convention Centre in Patna.
• Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupendra Yadav and State Labour Resource Minister Surendra Ram also addressed the Inaugural session. The Chairman of L-20 Group, Hiranmaya Pandya told media persons that besides several issues the main agenda of discussion will be the universalisation of social security and enhancement of women’s participation in the workforce which is around 32 per cent globally.

Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate in UK 

• Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) in England, Shankar Mahadevan's honorary doctorate is in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of music and the arts
• Shankar Mahadevan is 56 years old and a prominent member of the music composition trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University.
• About: United Kingdom: - It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: Engand, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.The Capital city of UK is London, Current Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak and Emperor - Charles III 

Gandhi Peace Prize 2021 to be conferred on Gita Press: Govt 

• The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 will be conferred on Gita Press, Gorakhpur, in recognition of its “outstanding contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods”, the ministry of culture announced. The decision to confer the award on Gita Press was taken by a jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Government of India in 1995, on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as a tribute to the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender
• The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item. The past awardees include organisations such as ISRO and Ramakrishna Mission.
• The past awardees include organisations such as ISRO, Ramakrishna Mission, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, Akshaya Patra, Bengaluru, Ekal Abhiyan Trust, India and Sulabh International, New Delhi among others.

Historian Ramachandra Guha’s book wins Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography 2023 

• Historian and writer Ramchandra Guha’s book Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom has won the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography 2023. Guha has been awarded £5,000 (₹5 lakhs approximately) and a bound copy of Elizabeth Longford’s memoir. The jury was chaired by Roy Foster. The judging committee also included Antonia Fraser and Flora Fraser (daughter and granddaughter of Longford respectively), Richard Davenport-Hines and Rana Mitter.
•  Rebels Against the Raj shows how historical biography can illuminate the temper of the times through immersion in individual lives. As Guha points out, oppression does not disappear with the ending of colonial rule, and the ideas and priorities incisively drawn out in this book deserve urgent attention in today’s India,”. The book has been published by Penguin Random House in India, William Collins in the U.K., and Alfred Knopf in the USA.

Guwahati railway station awarded 'Eat Right Station' certification by FSSAI 

• The Guwahati Railway Station of N F Railway has been awarded ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) in recognition of providing high-quality, nutritious food to passengers.
• The station has been able to qualify the guidelines established by FSSAI and becomes the first railway station in N F Railway to get this status. This certification has been awarded for the period of June 2, 2023 to June 2, 2025. Further, in its endeavour to ensure safe and hygienic food to passengers, N F Railway has planned to take up more stations in future like Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia, Alipurduar Jn. and Katihar to qualify as ‘Eat Right Station’.

Indian origin Joyeeta Gupta awarded ‘Dutch Nobel Prize’ 

• Indian-origin professor Joyeeta Gupta has been awarded the Spinoza Prize, the highest distinction in Dutch science, for her scientific work focusing on a “just and sustainable world”.
• Gupta, Professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the University of Amsterdam since 2013, was chosen by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) selection committee for her “incredibly broad and interdisciplinary” research. Also referred sometimes as the ‘Dutch Nobel Prize’, the award will give Gupta 1.5 million euros to spend on scientific research and activities related to knowledge utilisation. 
• Gupta’s research involves solution to issues arising from climate change through good governance. At the core of her research is an attempt to unravel the connections between the climate crisis, global water challenges, possible solutions and justice.

ICICI Lombard and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance jointly launch ‘iShield’ 

• Lombard and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance jointly launch ‘iShield’  CICI Lombard General Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance have jointly launched an insurance solution, “iShield”, which will provide customers with both, health and life insurance. The plan will enable customers to take care of expenses required for medical treatments. Besides, it will also provide a lump sum amount to the family in case of the unfortunate demise of the policyholder.
•  iShield, with its two-in-one benefit, will provide customers with the convenience of managing their health and life insurance needs through a single proposition instead of purchasing separate products for each of them. Customers can easily purchase this solution by filling in a single application and undergoing a medical check-up. Besides the vast agent network, multiple easy-to-use touchpoints such as the company website or the mobile app will provide customers with a hassle - free purchase and premium payment experience.

RBI imposes 30 Lakh penalty on Standard Chartered Bank and others 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on Standard Charter ed Bank, four credit bureaus, and seven cooperative banks for various violations. Standard Chartered Bank was fined ₹30 lakh for non-compliance with KYC directions. The credit bureaus, including Experian, TransUnion CIBIL, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark, faced penalties totaling ₹1 crore for inadequate maintenance of accurate credit information. Additionally, the RBI penalized seven cooperative banks, including UP Co-operative Bank, for violating certain provisions.
• Deficiencies in Regulatory Compliance The penalty is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and does not question the validity of any transactions or agreements between the bank and its customers.

Manipal Technologies partners with Indian Bank to offer customized banking solution

• Manipal Technologies Limited has stated that it has partnered with state -owned Indian Bank to drive financial inclusion by offering customised banking products.
• The partnership aims to build a sustainable network of corporate business correspondents (CBCs) that will enhance the availability, affordability, and accessibility of financial services, particularly in underserved markets and rural areas, it said in a release.
• As part of this association, Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL) will work closely with Indian Bank to offer tailor-made banking products in rural locations. The initial focus will be serving more than 600 locations and gradually expanding the presence in newer regions in states such as Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab.

ADB approves USD 295mn loan to improve transport connectivity in Bihar 

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $295 million loan to widen and upgrade around 265 kilometers of state highways, improving transport connectivity and safety in the state of Bihar in India, The highways will be upgraded with climate - and disasterresilient design, road safety elements, and other features that will respond to the needs of the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities.
• The project will also encourage women’s participation by providing employment to female workers in construction works. Trainings in livelihood as well as awareness on road safety, health and hygiene, and abuse and harassment will be offered to women from communities in the project areas.
• Initiatives to strengthen transport planning, safety, and sustainabilit y within Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited will be implemented. These include developing a road asset management system which includes climate change and disaster risk information, establishing research laboratories with training equipment in the Bihar Road Research Institute, conducting studies on congestion management and climate adaptation, and creating guidelines for gender-inclusive practices in road safety measures.

World Bank approves $150-million loan for Resilient Kerala programme 

• The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $150-million loan to support the Resilient Kerala programme designed to strengthen Kerala’s preparedness for natural disasters, climate change impact, and disease outbreaks. 
• ’This additional financing will further deepen Kerala’s resilience in the critical areas of coastal erosion and water resource management,’‘ the World Bank said in a statement.  
• The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a final maturity of 14 years, including a grace period of six years. It complements the World Bank’s earlier investment of $125 million and the overall support is expected to protect nearly 50 lakh people from the impact of floods, the bank said. 
•  “Through this additional financing, the World Bank will continue supporting Kerala in increasing its resilience to climate change,” Auguste Tano Kouame, the bank’s Country Director for India said.
•  “The project will focus on addressing coastal erosion along vulnerable areas of the State – impacting millions of lives