DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: June 9, 2023

Kerala launched the Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON)

Tags: State News

The Kerala government June 5 officially launched the Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON), one of its flagship projects envisaged during the first term of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

An overview of the news

• Through KFON, Kerala, which is the first state to declare the right to internet as a fundamental right, aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring high-speed broadband internet access to all households and government offices.

• It also aims to promote e-governance and accelerate Kerala's journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.

What is Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON)? 

• In the first phase of KFON, the government will provide connectivity to 30,000 government offices and 14,000 BPL households in the state.

• Till June 5, connectivity has been provided to 17,412 government offices and 2,105 households and a cable network has been laid to provide connections to 9,000 households.

• Kerala Vision Broadband, an initiative of cable TV operators, is providing internet service in many districts of Kerala.

• Private service providers will also benefit from KFON's infrastructure as they can use its cable network.

• Internet connectivity to the households will be provided by the local ISP/TSP/Cable TV providers.

Stakeholders of KFON

• The Rs 1,611-crore KFON project is a joint venture between the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Kerala State IIT Infrastructure Limited.

• The project was announced in 2017 but work started in 2019.

• The project implementation was done by a consortium led by Central PSU Bharat Electronics Limited.

• PricewaterhouseCoopers is the advisor to the project.

• Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) would be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the project. 

• Bharat Electronics (BEL) is the system integrator for the KFON project. 

• The project is fully funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Haryana CM to launch integrated Water Resources Action Plan-2023-25

Tags: State News

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal will inaugurate the integrated Water Resources Action Plan-2023-25 under the Amrit Jal Kranti initiative.

An overview of the news 

• This plan, aimed at conserving water resources, represents a significant and proactive step in addressing water conservation in the state.

Water conservation seminar 

• Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, a two-day water conservation seminar was conducted in Panchkula on April 26-27.

• The seminar witnessed the participation of various departments from Haryana, along with experts from India and abroad, who shared their research and insights on water conservation.

• Taking into account the suggestions and inputs received during the water conservation seminar, all the departments have collaborated to prepare an action plan for water conservation. 

• This plan reflects the collective efforts and expertise of multiple departments in tackling the challenges related to water resources.

Previous Initiatives by the Chief Minister

• Chief Minister Manohar Lal has been actively involved in initiatives promoting water conservation.

• Under his guidance, the successful implementation of the Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Yojana has garnered recognition and appreciation from other states. 

• These initiatives have delivered significant outcomes in the realm of water conservation.

Kerala’s FarmersFZ start-up chosen for UN’s Accelerator Programme

Tags: State News

Farmers Fresh Zone (FarmersFZ), a Kerala-based startup, has achieved recognition by being chosen for the United Nations' 'Accelerator Programme.' 

An overview of the news

• This program, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, aims to support and develop agri-food startups worldwide.

Inclusion in the List of 12 Agri-Food Startups

• FarmersFZ has been included in a select list of 12 agri-food startups worldwide, curated by the UN body. 

• The Kochi-based multichannel marketplace platform, operating under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), aims to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

• FarmersFZ operates under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which serves as the nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state of Kerala, India. 

• KSUM promotes and supports startup initiatives across various sectors, including agriculture and food technology.

Participation in the UN Event 

• Pradeep P.S., the CEO of FarmersFZ, will attend the UN event in Rome next month. 

• This event, known as the 'UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment,' will take place at the premises of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from July 24 to 26, 2023. 

• The program provides an opportunity for FarmersFZ to showcase its model to countries from different continents.

FarmersFZ's Mission

• FarmersFZ acts as a bridge between rural farmers and urban consumers, offering healthy, premium-quality, and pesticide-free vegetables within 24 hours of harvest. 

• The platform connects over three lakh consumers and 2,000 farmers in Kerala, facilitating direct farm-to-table delivery.

Cyclone Biparjoy

Tags: National National News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently issued an advisory for all the ports of Gujarat.

An overview of the news

• In the advisory, it has been directed to issue a Distant Warning (DW 2) signal in case a deep pressure in the Arabian Sea intensifies into a cyclonic storm Biperjoy.

• According to IMD, the storm has shifted northwards and could pose a potential risk to the coastal areas.

• In light of this weather phenomenon, fishermen have been warned not to venture into the deep sea.

How was Cyclone Biparjoy named?

• The cyclone was named "Biparjoy" by Bangladesh. 

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) follows an alphabetical order for naming tropical cyclones, with member countries submitting names. 

• Bangladesh proposed the name "Biparjoy," which translates to "Disaster" in Bengali.

• The next cyclone after Biparjoy will be named ‘Tej’ based on India’s suggestion.

Cyclones in the Arabian Sea

• The month of June is considered favorable for the formation of cyclones in the Arabian Sea. 

• This is due to specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to cyclone development during this time.

• Cyclones form as a result of low-pressure systems that develop over warm ocean waters. 

• The warm sea surface temperatures provide the necessary energy and moisture for the formation and intensification of cyclones.

• While the Bay of Bengal is generally known for its higher temperatures, the Arabian Sea is also experiencing increasing water temperatures due to climate change.

• The rising temperatures contribute to the overall warming of the Arabian Sea, creating a favorable environment for cyclone formation and intensification.

NATO plans German-led air force exercise, "Air Defender 23"

Tags: Defence International News

NATO is set to commence its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe, known as "Air Defender 23," according to German and US officials. 

An overview of the news

• The exercise will span approximately 10 days, starting from 12th June, and will involve the participation of around 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.

• The exercise will be conducted across Germany, with some of the training taking place at Ramstein Air Base, one of NATO's largest air bases.

Air Defender 23

• The exercise is purely defensive in nature. 

• Its primary objective is to enhance the defense capabilities of participating nations and ensure preparedness to respond to potential security challenges.

• The exercise also intends to send a message to other countries including Russia.

• The demonstration of NATO's unity and collective defense posture serves as a reminder of the Alliance's commitment to address potential threats and maintain regional stability.

• By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.

• By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.

About NATO

• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

• It was created during the Cold War as a defence pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.

• The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

• NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg

India & Serbia agree to set bilateral trade of 1 Billion Euros

Tags: International Relations International News

President Droupadi Murmu and her Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on 8 June in Belgrade agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 320 million euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade.

An overview of the news

• President Draupadi Murmu is on a three-day state visit to Serbia from June 7 to 9.

• During the visit, President Draupadi Murmu highlighted that the relations between the two sides have a shared understanding of each other's core interests.

• In a joint press statement, President Murmu highlighted the positive outcomes of the delegation-level talks and the resolve of the two countries to work on diverse areas of potential cooperation.

Official talks

• President Murmu's official engagements in Serbia included a guard of honor at the Serbia Palace, restricted-level talks, delegation-level talks, a joint media address, and a business event. 

• These engagements aimed to foster closer ties and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

• During the bilateral interactions, both leaders emphasized their commitment to the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity of nations.

Fraternal Relations

• President Vucic described Serbia's relationship with India as a fraternity, emphasizing the strong bond between the two countries. 

• He expressed that India should consider Serbia as a second motherland, underscoring the warmth and depth of their bilateral ties.

Areas of Cooperation

• President Vucic identified six major areas of cooperation between India and Serbia, including defense and military technology cooperation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, and cultural cooperation, including film production. 

• These areas present potential avenues for collaboration and mutual benefits.

About Serbia

• Serbia is a landlocked country in the west-central Balkans. For most of the 20th century, it was a part of Yugoslavia.

• Prime Minister: Ana Brnabic

• Capital: Belgrade

• President: Aleksandar Vučić

• Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)

Federal Bank launches 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' campaign

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The campaign 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' was launched by the Federal Bank in Chennai on 6th June.

An Overview of the News

• The campaign aims to honour and celebrate the local community of Adyar.

• The Adyar branch of Federal Bank has been converted into a living museum for the campaign.

• Vibrant paintings depicting the vibrant spirit of Adyar now adorn the walls of the branch.

• The campaign features a special exhibition showcasing 40 compelling stories of the individuals who made Adyar special.

• The campaign aims to capture the essence of Adyar and promote its rich culture and heritage.

• It fosters a sense of pride and belonging among local residents.

• The 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' campaign is an innovative initiative by Federal Bank to honour and recognize the Adyar community.

Federal Bank Limited:

• It is an Indian private sector bank headquartered in Aluva, Kochi, Kerala.

• The bank operates 1,370 branches in various states of India.

• Federal Bank has representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Dubai.

• The bank provides a wide range of financial services to its customers including retail banking, corporate banking, treasury operations and wealth management.

• It emphasises a customer-centric approach and strives to provide efficient and convenient banking solutions.

Founder - K.P Hormis

Establishment - 23 April 1931, Nedumpuram

CEO - Shyam Srinivasan

About Tamil Nadu

• The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.

• It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

Capital - Chennai

Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi

Chief Minister - MK Stalin

Assembly seats - 235 seats

Rajya Sabha seats - 18

Lok Sabha seats - 39

Author Shantanu Gupta launches his new graphic novel 'Ajay to Yogi Adityanath'

Tags: Books and Authors

Author Shantanu Gupta launched a new graphic novel titled "Ajay to Yogi Adityanath" for young readers.

An Overview of the News

• Shantanu Gupta has earlier written two bestseller titles on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

• The graphic novel was launched in 51+ schools across Uttar Pradesh on 5th June, on the occasion of Yogi Adityanath's 51st birthday.

• More than 5000 children from different districts of Uttar Pradesh participated in the book release.

• The simultaneous launch at multiple locations with multiple participants has earned this event a place in the Asia Book of Records.

Other Books for 2023 

• Vijay Darda - “Ringside”

• Aditya Bhushan - "Guts Amidst Bloodbath: The Anshuman Gaekwad Narrative"

• Ruskin Bond - “The Golden Years”

• Amitabh Kant - "Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise"

• Shri Narayanan Vaghul - “Reflections”

• Amitav Ghosh - “Smoke and Ashes”

• Boria Majumdar - “Sachin@50 - Celebrating a Maestro”

World Accreditation Day - 9 June

Tags: Important Days

World Accreditation Day is a day celebrated annually on 9th June.

An Overview of the New

• It is a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

• 2023 Theme: "Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Business."

• Objective: To raise awareness of the value and importance of recognition.

• Promotes the quality, safety and reliability of products, services and systems.

• Lowers trade barriers and promotes innovation.

• The ILAC/IAF mutual recognition arrangement enhances supply chain efficiency.

• Accreditation confirms that conformity assessment bodies (CABs) meet standards.

• CABs provide services such as testing, inspection and certification.

History of World Accreditation Day:

• World Accreditation Day (WAD) was established in 2008 by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

• WAD aims to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation in ensuring quality, safety and reliability.

• It is observed annually on 9 June, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in 1994.

• ILAC is an agreement between MRA accreditation bodies that enables mutual recognition of accreditation across countries.

• ILAC facilitates international trade by fostering trust and confidence in MRA conformity assessment results.

• The WAD serves as a forum for activities and initiatives to increase public understanding of recognition.

Sunil Kumar wins decathlon gold at Asian U20 Athletics Championships

Tags: Sports Sports News

Sunil Kumar, representing India, won the gold medal with a score of 7003 points in the men's decathlon event at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Yecheon, South Korea.

An Overview of the News

• In the women's high jump event, Pooja won the silver medal with a jump of 1.82 metres.

• Bushra Khan earned a silver medal in the women's 3000m race.

• The Indian women's 4x100m relay team won the bronze medal with a timing of 45.36 seconds.

• Siddharth Chowdhary won the gold medal in the men's shot put event with a throw of 19.52 metres.

• In the javelin throw event, Shivam Lohakare won the silver medal with a throw of 72.34 metres.

• Sharuk Khan added another silver to India's tally in the men's 3000m steeplechase with a timing of 8:51.74.

• Sushmita earned a silver medal in the long jump event.

In the medal table, India has secured the third position in the overall ranking.

• India has earned a total of 12 medals.

• Japan topped the rankings with 10 gold medals and 17 medals in total.

• China is second in the rankings with a total of 14 medals.

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 militarised border with North Korea.

• President - Yoon Suk Yeol

• Capital - Seoul

• Prime Minister - Han Duck-soo

Doordarshan anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passed away

Tags: Person in news

Four times Best Anchor Award winner DD anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passed away.

An Overview of the News

• She was India's first English woman news presenter on Doordarshan.

• She was suffering from Parkinson's disease.

• She joined Doordarshan in 1971 and won the Best Anchor award four times.

• In 1989, she received the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women.

• Iyer was also known for his appearance in print advertisements and his role in the TV drama "Khandaan" directed by Shridhar Kshirsagar.

About Doordarshan

• It is an Indian public service broadcaster and was established by the Government of India.

• It is owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• Doordarshan is one of the two divisions of Prasar Bharati.

• It aims to provide informative, educational and entertaining content.

• Doordarshan has been operating since 1959.