Current Affairs: June 2023 - 2 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Appointments and Resignations

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. 

Important Days

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.

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

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.

Awards

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.

Banking and Economy

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.