DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: June 7, 2023

Five new countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council

Tags: International News

Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council on 6 June for a two-year term.

An overview of the news

• The newly elected members will take up their new responsibilities on January 1, 2024 and serve till December 31, 2025.

• Slovenia defeated Belarus by a vote of 153 to 38, while Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea were elected unopposed.

• These new members will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates at present when their two-year term ends on 31 December 2023.

Election of non-permanent members

• Voting is done by secret ballot and candidates have to get a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes.

• In all, 192 countries voted to fill five seats on the council allocated to the Africa and Asia-Pacific groups, and one each to Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

• It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.

• It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.

• The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.

• It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collectively known as the P5. 

• Any one of them can veto a resolution.

• Headquarters - New York

MP Govt to launch CM Learn and Earn scheme

Tags: Government Schemes State News

In Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister's Learn and Earn scheme is set to be launched with the aim of providing employable skills to the youth.

An overview of the news

• Chief Minister's Learn and Earn scheme in Madhya Pradesh focuses on providing training, financial support, and employment opportunities to the youth.

• By identifying numerous work areas and involving various industries, the scheme aims to equip the young workforce with the necessary skills to enhance their employability and contribute to the state's development.

Salient Features of the Scheme

Work Areas Identification

• A total of 703 work areas have been identified for training purposes under this scheme. 

• These work areas cover a wide range of industries and sectors, ensuring diverse opportunities for skill development.

Allowance Provision

• A significant aspect of the Learn and Earn scheme is that it not only focuses on skill acquisition but also provides financial support to the youth. 

• Participants in the scheme will receive a monthly allowance ranging from Rs 8,000 to 10,000.

• This allowance aims to assist the youth in meeting their financial needs while they learn and work.

Government's Commitment

• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed the government's continuous efforts to bridge the gap between youth and employment. 

• The Learn and Earn scheme is a proactive measure taken by the government to address the issue of unemployment by equipping young individuals with necessary skills.

Training Opportunities

• The scheme targets the training of at least one lakh youth. 

• To facilitate this, the registration process will commence for establishments providing training to the youth, starting today.

• Simultaneously, registration for the youth interested in acquiring work-related skills will commence from 15th June. 

• The selected youth will commence their work from 1st August, thereby creating a structured timeline for skill development and subsequent employment.

Madhya Pradesh

• In terms of area, it is the second largest state of India after Rajasthan.

• According to the Indian Forest Status Report-2021, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum forest cover in the country in terms of area.

• 25.14% of its area is covered by forests.

• Governor - Mangubhai Patel

• Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan

• Capital -Bhopal

NHPC inks MoU with Maharashtra Government

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

State-owned NHPC Limited has announced its collaboration with the Department of Energy, Maharashtra government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 7 June. 

An overview of the news

• The primary objective of this partnership is to establish Energy Storage Systems, specifically Pumped Storage Systems, alongside other Renewable Energy Sources like Solar, Wind, and Hybrid, with a total combined capacity of 7,350 MW.

• The introduction of energy storage systems, such as Pumped Storage Systems, is crucial for storing excess energy during periods of low demand and utilizing it during peak hours. 

• These systems play a vital role in ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. 

• They contribute to grid stability, enable efficient energy management, and facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the power grid.

• By combining pumped storage systems with solar, wind, and hybrid power generation, this collaboration aims to optimize the utilization of renewable energy resources. 

NHPC Limited

• NHPC Limited, formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, is a state-owned company in India.

• It was incorporated in 1975.

• Its objective is developing, operating, and maintaining hydroelectric power projects in India.

• It is a government-owned company, with the majority of shares held by the Government of India. 

• It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power.

• Some of its major projects include the Indira Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh, the Teesta Low Dam Project in West Bengal, and the Parbati Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh.

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

Tags: Government Schemes National News

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 June, has approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme called "Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme." 

An overview of the news

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

• The scheme focuses on the exploration of coal and lignite through two main stages: Promotional (Regional) Exploration and Detailed Exploration in Non-Coal India Limited (CIL) blocks.

• The approved funding includes Rs 1650 crore for Promotional (Regional) Exploration and Rs 1330 crore for Detailed Drilling in Non-CIL areas. 

• The scheme aims to cover approximately 1300 sq. km under Regional exploration and approximately 650 sq. km under Detailed exploration.

Significance of the scheme

• Exploration for Coal and Lignite is essential to ascertain and estimate the available coal resources in the country.

• It plays a crucial role in preparing detailed project reports required to initiate coal mining operations. 

• The geological reports generated through these exploration activities are utilized in the auctioning of new coal blocks. 

• The cost of exploration is subsequently recovered from successful allocatees.

• The continuation of the Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme will contribute to the assessment and identification of coal and lignite reserves, facilitating future coal mining operations. 

• It ensures the availability of reliable geological data for the auctioning process, promoting transparency and efficiency in the allocation of coal blocks.

AIIMS Nagpur first AIIMS in country to get NABH accreditation

Tags: National National News

AIIMS Nagpur, the branch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, has emerged as the first AIIMS in India to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH).

An overview of the news

• This accreditation places AIIMS Nagpur at par with the world's leading hospital standards in terms of quality and patient care.

• AIIMS officials proudly announce this achievement and emphasize their commitment to provide the highest quality of patient care, ensure safety and maintain organizational efficiency.

• The NABH accreditation serves as validation of their efforts in these fields.

• Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised the institute for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced infrastructure and remarkable contribution in patient care, academic activities and research.

What is NABH accreditation?

• The NABH accreditation is a voluntary and internationally recognized certification that signifies a healthcare organization's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services and ensuring patient safety.

• NABH has developed a set of rigorous standards that cover various aspects of healthcare delivery, including patient care, infrastructure, infection control, patient rights, medication management, safety protocols, and more. 

• These standards are designed to ensure that healthcare providers adhere to the best practices and deliver superior quality care.

India Sri Lanka Defense Seminar cum Exhibition to be held at Taj Samudra in Colombo

Tags: International News

India Sri Lanka Defence seminar cum exhibition to be held on 6 June at Taj Samudra in Colombo.

An overview of the news

• The seminar seeks to identify potential areas of cooperation for economic revival and capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. 

• It aims to strengthen the partnership between India and Sri Lanka in defence-related matters.

• The event will feature a comprehensive exhibition that showcases the capabilities of both countries in defence equipment manufacturing. 

• The exhibition will be open to the public, offering them an immersive experience of various defence equipment on display.

• The exhibition promotes exchange of ideas and promotes dialogue and encourages meaningful partnerships in the defense sector.

Objective of the event

• The event aims to highlight and celebrate India's prowess in defence manufacturing while fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean region. 

• It aligns with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Successful Utilization of Indian Defence Equipment

• The Sri Lankan Armed Forces have successfully utilized a wide range of Indian defence equipment, including the Indra Radar, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels, L 70 Guns, Dornier Aircraft, and Army training simulators. 

• This highlights the effectiveness and reliability of Indian defence technology.

Mutual Benefits

• The Indian armed forces have also benefited from the use of Fast Interceptor Crafts and the refit of a Floating Dock in Colombo. 

• In line with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, the Government of India has committed to supplying additional equipment such as a Floating Dock, a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and Dornier aircraft. 

• This commitment further strengthens the capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

Significance of the Event

• The India-Sri Lanka Defence Seminar and Exhibition hold great importance as a landmark event. 

• It fosters greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations, ultimately contributing to regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.

Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

• With the Sri Lankan Armed Forces utilizing Indian defence equipment, the seminar and exhibition are likely to provide a boost for indigenous defence manufacturing. 

• It showcases India's technological capabilities and encourages self-reliance in defence production.

PM Modi launches Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI schemes for wetland, mangrove conservation

Tags: Environment Government Schemes

On the occasion of World Environment Day (5 June), PM Narendra Modi launched two schemes--Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes)--aimed at reviving the country's wetlands and mangroves.

An overview of the news

• PM said in the last nine years, the number of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India has increased almost three times as compared to earlier

• India currently has 75 Ramsar sites which are wetlands of international importance and have been designated under the norms of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

• India also has about 3% of South Asia's mangrove population.

• Apart from Sundarbans in West Bengal, Andaman region, Kutch and Jamnagar regions in Gujarat have substantial mangrove cover.

Amrit Dharohar Yojana

• The scheme was first announced by the Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2023-24 Union budget.

• The scheme will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimum use of wetlands and enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, ecotourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.

• It will emphasise on the importance of lakes and their conservation.

• Amrit Dharohar aims to achieve sustainable ecosystem development over the next three years with the help of local communities.

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes)

• The scheme was first announced by the Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2023-24 Union budget.

• This will facilitate mangrove plantation on salt lands along the sea coast of India.

• The scheme will operate through “convergence between MGNREGS, Campa Fund and other sources”.

• It aims at intensive afforestation of coastal mangrove forests.

• There are such forests on both the east and west coasts of India, with the Sundarbans in Bengal being one of the largest mangrove forests.

• Initially the mangrove cover will be restored in nine states across the country. 

• The scheme envisages the development of mangroves covering nearly 540 sq km, spreading across 11 states and two union territories over five years, starting from FY2023-24.

• The Centre will cover 80% of the project cost, while state governments will contribute the remaining 20%. 

Siddharth Chowdhary wins gold in men's shot put event at U-20 Asian Athletics Championships

Tags: Sports Sports News

Siddharth Chowdhary, representing India, won the gold medal in the men's shot put event at the Under-20 Asian Athletics Championships held in Yecheon, South Korea.

An Overview of the News

• He achieved this feat by recording a personal best throw of 19.52 metres.

• Indian athletes Sharuk Khan earned a silver medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase event, Shivam Lohakare a silver medalin the javelin throw and Sushmitaa silver medal in the long jump event.

• Apart from this, Shakeel finished third in the 800 meter race by securing a bronze medal.

• The Indian mixed relay team also put up a commendable performance, bagging another bronze medal.

• India's total medal tally has gone up to nine at the Under-20 Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.

Asian Athletics Championships

• It is organised by the Asian Athletics Federation.

• It serves as an annual event for track and field athletes from Asian countries.

• Inauguration - 1973

South Korea:

• It is an East Asian nation located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

• It shares a heavily militarized border with North Korea.

• President: Yoon Suk Yeol

• Capital: Seoul

• Prime Minister: Han Duck-soo

Government launches Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR

Tags: National National News

The government launched the Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR, in the power sector.

An Overview of the News

• The objective of the mission is to identify emerging technologies and develop them indigenously for use within and outside the country.

• It focuses on facilitating indigenous research, development and demonstration of latest technologies in the power sector.

• It aims to leverage these technologies for future economic growth and make India a global manufacturing hub.

• The mission is planned for an initial period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

• Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy - RK Singh

Make in India:

• Launched on 25 September 2014.

• Objective: To facilitate investment, promote innovation and create best-in-class infrastructure.

• Goal: To make India a manufacturing, design and innovation hub.

Startup India:

• Launched on January 16, 2016.

• Objective: To nurture and support startups, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Benefits: Tax exemptions, simplified rules and access to funding opportunities.

KFON internet connectivity launched by Kerala government

Tags: State News

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government officially launched the Kerala Fiber Optical Network (KFON) on 5 June.

An Overview of the News

• Kerala is the first state to declare the right to internet as a fundamental right.

• The main objective of KFON is to bridge the digital divide and ensure high-speed broadband internet access to all households and government offices in Kerala.

• KFON uses fibre optic technology to provide fast and reliable internet connection.

• The Government of Kerala aims to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion through the implementation of KFON.

• The initiative aims to create a robust digital infrastructure that fosters innovation, economic growth and social development.

• By providing high-speed internet connectivity, KFON strives to ensure a level playing field for all citizens in accessing digital services.

Kerala Fiber Optical Network (KFON)

• It is an optical fibre cable network spanning 30,000 km with 375 Points-of-Presence (PoPs) across Kerala.

• The KFON infrastructure is shared with cable operators and all service providers.

• KFON services will be provided through local ISPs, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Cable TV providers.

About Kerala

Capital - Thiruvananthapuram

Official Bird - Great Hornbill

Governor - Arif Mohammad Khan

Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan

Origin of rivers in Kerala

• Periyar River

• Bharathapuzha River

• Pamba River

• Chaliyar River

• Chalakudy River

India's longest lake - Vembanad, Kerala

Nirmala Laxman appointed as the new chairman of The Hindu Group

Tags: Person in news

Nirmala Laxman has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL) for a period of three years.

An Overview of the News

• He succeeds Malini Parthasarathy, who stepped down after completing her three-year term at the board meeting on June 5, 2023.

• Nirmala Laxman During her time as joint editor of The Hindu, she was instrumental in re-launching and setting up new features sections, including 'The Hindu Literary Review', 'Young World' and 'The Hindu in School'. played an important role.

• Nirmala Laxman is the founder and curator of Lit for Life, a literary festival organized by The Hindu.

• In addition to his current appointment, he previously served as the chairman of Kasturi Media Limited (KML), the publisher of The Hindu Tamil Thisai.

The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL):

• It is a media company.

• It is the publisher of The Hindu, a national daily newspaper, as well as other publications including Frontline, Sportstar and Hindu BusinessLine.

• THGPPL operates the digital assets including the website and mobile app of The Hindu.

• The company was founded in 1878 by G. Subramania Iyer as The Hindu Religious and Public Trust, which focused on religious and educational material.

• In 1905, the Trust acquired The Hindu newspaper, shifting the company's focus to journalism.

• Headquarters - Chennai, India

World Food Safety Day - 7 June

Tags: Important Days

World Food Safety Day is observed annually on 7 June to highlight the importance of maintaining food standards and protecting consumers from foodborne illnesses.

An Overview of the News

• The theme of World Food Safety Day 2023 is "Food Standards Save Lives".

• The theme emphasises the important role of food safety standards in ensuring the well-being of individuals.

• World Food Safety Day encourages cooperation among nations and raises awareness of the importance of food safety standards in protecting public health.

History of World Food Safety Day

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) proposed the observance of World Food Safety Day in 2016.

• In July the following year, the 40th session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) adopted a resolution endorsing the idea.

• On December 20, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 73/250 established the World Food Safety Day.

• The inaugural World Food Safety Day was observed on June 7, 2019, marking an important milestone in global efforts to address food security challenges.

• The establishment of this day strengthens global efforts to maintain food security and ensure the consumption of safe food.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Headquarters - Rome, Italy

Establishment - 16 October 1945