DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: June 10, 2023

'Har Ghar Jal' Program highlights significant impact on Public Health - WHO report

Tags: Reports National News

A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the 'Har Ghar Jal' program on public health and economic savings.

An overview of the news

• Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.

Highlight of the report

• The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.

• Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.

• This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.

• This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.

• The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India's total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.

• Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.

• The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.

'Har Ghar Jal' Program

• Launched - By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019

• Implementation - By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti

• Aims - To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps. 

• SDG 6.1 - Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water 

• Achievement - 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.

Paris Diamond League: India's Murali Sreeshankar finishes third in long jump

Tags: Sports Sports News

India's Murali Sreeshankar finished third with an impressive effort of 8.09m in the men's long jump event at the Paris Diamond League 2023 in France on June 9.

An overview of the news

• Murali made his best jump on the night of 8 June in his third attempt.

• An effort of 8.09 m placed him in second place, only behind reigning Olympic and Diamond League champion Miltiadis Tantoglu of Greece who won the Paris Diamond League with a jump of 8.13 m.

• A foul by Murali in the fourth attempt and a jump of 8.11m by Switzerland's Simon Ehmer pushed the Indian long jumper to third place.

• This was Sreesankar's second appearance in the Diamond League.

• Last year in Monaco, he finished sixth with an effort of 7.94m.

• His personal best jump is 8.36m which he did last year.

• Notably, India's national record in the men's long jump is held by Jessvin Aldrin, who cleared 8.42m earlier this year.

• The 24-year-old Sreeshankar entered the Paris leg of the Diamond League on the back of three gold medals in a row.

• He had won the World Athletics Continental Tour bronze in Kallithea, Greece last month with a season's best jump of 8.18m.

Paris Diamond League 2023 men’s long jump results

Centre announces four important initiatives to strengthen Urban Co-operative Banks in country

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

To realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahakar se Samridhi, four important initiatives have been taken to strengthen 1,514 Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) in the country. 

An overview of the news

• After detailed discussions with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Governor, Reserve Bank of India, RBI has notified these important measures to strengthen Urban Cooperative Banks.

Four initiative

1. In order to expand their business, Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) can now open new branches

• UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI in their approved area of operation. 

• In order to avail this facility, UCBs have to get the policy approved by their board and comply with the Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) Norms.

2. UCBs can also do One Time Settlement at par with Commercial Banks

• RBI has notified a framework governing this aspect for all regulated entities including Urban Co-operative Banks. 

• Now co-operative banks through board-approved policies may provide a process for technical write-off as well as settlement with borrowers. 

• This has brought cooperative banks at par with other commercial banks now.

3. Revised timelines for PSL targets given to UCBs

• The Reserve Bank of India has decided to extend the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e. up to March 31,2026.

4. Designating a Nodal Officer in RBI

• In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has recently notified a nodal officer as well.

What are Urban Cooperative banks (UCB)?

• It refers to primary cooperative banks located in urban and semi-urban areas.

• These are registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of, either the State Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned under the provisions of the or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. 

• It is regulated by the Registrar of Cooperatives and also by the RBI.

• The Reserve Bank regulates and supervises the banking functions of UCBs under the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Government of India constituted peace committee in Manipur

Tags: committee National News

Government of India has constituted a Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor, Manipur Anusuiya Uikey on 10 June.

An overview of the news

• The constitution of the Peace Committee in Manipur was announced by Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, during his visit to the state from May 29th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023. 

Members of Peace Committee

• The committee consists of the chief minister, state government ministers, members of parliament (MPs), members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and leaders of various political parties.

• The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups.

Mandate of the Committee

• The primary mandate of the Peace Committee is to facilitate the peace-making process among different ethnic groups in Manipur. 

• This involves promoting peaceful dialogues and negotiations between conflicting parties or groups. 

• The Committee aims to foster social cohesiveness, mutual understanding, and cordial communication between the various ethnic groups in the state.

• The objective of the committee is to resolve conflicts, redress grievances and promote reconciliation among the various communities in Manipur.

Sarbananda Sonowal launches 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system

Tags: National National News

In a significant move to accelerate the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system on 12 June.

About 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system

• This will help in making the seas and port clean. With this, real time information on dredging will be available.

• This system has been developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) the technological arm of MoPSW. 

• The new technology Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) system is a significant improvement over the older system.

• The 'Sagar Samriddhi' monitoring system aims to bring synergy among various input reports, including the daily dredging report and pre and post dredging survey data.

• By integrating and processing these reports, the system can generate real-time dredging reports, providing valuable insights and information.

Capabilities of ‘Sagar Samriddhi’

• Real time dredging progress report

• Daily and monthly progress Visualisation

• Dredger performance and downtime monitoring

• Easy location track data with snapshot of loading, unloading and idle time

National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC)

• NTCPWC was established under the Sagarmala program of MoPSW at IIT Madras with a total investment of Rs 77 crore.

• It was inaugurated on 24 April 2023 by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

• It aims to enable research and development for the maritime sector, while enabling solutions towards achieving the goal of building a strong maritime industry in the country.

IICA and RRU sign MoU for academic and research collaboration

Tags: National National News

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on 9 June.

An overview of the news

• The objective of the MoU is to synergize the professional capabilities of IICA and RRU towards capacity building, education, research and consultancy in the areas of internal security, financial crime, law enforcement, corporate fraud and other subjects.

• The MoU also provides for exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for conducting research, training and consultancy.

Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs

• It was registered as a society on September 12, 2008 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• It is an autonomous institute, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to deliver opportunities for research, education, and advocacy.

• It is a think-tank, capacity building and service delivery institute.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research signs a MOU with Amazon Kisan to Empower Farmers

Tags: National National News

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) signed an MoU with Amazon Farmer on 9th June.

An overview of the news

• The MoU aims to create synergy between these two organizations to guide farmers on scientific cultivation of various crops for optimum yield and income.

• ICAR will provide technical support to farmers through Amazon's network.

• This collaboration will enable farmers to access valuable agricultural knowledge and resources, improve their livelihood and increase crop yield.

• By adopting these practices, farmers can improve their income and overall profitability.

• The objective of this MoU is to ensure access to high quality fresh produce for consumers across India.

• Through initiatives such as Amazon Fresh, consumers will have reliable access to fresh farm products.

Expansion of cooperation on the basis of successful pilot project

• A successful pilot project between ICAR-KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) in Pune and Amazon has decided to expand the collaboration.

• The precision farming practices developed through extensive research will be disseminated for the benefit of a wider group of farmers.

Empowering farmers through technology transfer

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras under ICAR, will play an important role in empowering farmers by taking advantage of technology transfer.

• This would include sharing of technological advancements and implementing capacity building programs to empower farmers with knowledge and skills.

Training & Marketing Support

• Amazon will provide training support to the farmers, helping them improve their understanding of modern farming practices.

• Additionally, Amazon will assist farmers in marketing their produce by creating a direct connection between farmers and consumers through its online platform.

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research

• It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.

• Headquarters - New Delhi

• Established - 1929

• The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh Tomar.

• ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)

  • RRU is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

  • It is a pioneering national security and police University of India.

First edition of India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise begins

Tags: Defence International News

The first edition of the India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise began in the Gulf of Oman.

An Overview of the News

• The exercise includes the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, as well as French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

• The exercise focused on a wide range of naval operations, including surface combat, tactical firing, missile engagement on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercises and boarding operations.

• The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and address conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment.

• The exercise serves as a platform for sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices in maritime security.

• The participating navies aim to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding and promote regional security and stability in the maritime domain.

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

• Capital - Abu Dhabi

• Official language - Arabic

• Government - Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy

• President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

• Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

• Vice President - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Oman:

• Capital - Muscat

• Currency - Omani Rial

• Official language - Arabic

• Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq

• Crown Prince - Thiazin bin Haitham

Anantharaman appointed new chairman of TransUnion CIBIL

Tags: Person in news

Veteran banker V Anantharaman has been appointed non-executive chairman of credit bureau TransUnion CIBIL.

An Overview of the News

• Anantharaman has extensive experience in the banking industry and has held leadership positions in corporate and investment banking teams at renowned international firms such as Standard Chartered Bank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America.

• Anantharaman has also served as a senior advisor to the UK's development finance institution British International Investment (formerly CDC).

• In addition to his new role at TransUnion CIBIL, Anantharaman also serves on the boards of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Axis Asset Management Company, IIFL Home Finance Limited and Ecom Express Limited.

• He also provides advisory services to Lighthouse Funds, a mid-market private equity firm focused on the consumer and healthcare sectors.

• Anantharaman takes over from Shri M V Nair, who steps down after more than eleven years as the Chairman.

TransUnion CIBIL Limited

• It is an Indian credit information company.

• It operates within India and is one of the four credit bureaus in the country.

• The company maintains credit files on approximately 600 million individuals and 32 million businesses.

• TransUnion CIBIL is a subsidiary of TransUnion, an American multinational conglomerate.

• The company provides loan related information to lenders, financial institutions and individuals seeking loan assistance.

Establishment - 2000

Headquarters - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Managing Director - Rajesh Kumar

NTPC Kanti launches Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023

Tags: National National News

NTPC Kanti launched Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023 as part of its CSR initiative.

An Overview of the News

• The program is a four-week residential workshop aimed at empowering 40 underprivileged rural girls from Kanti Block.

• This initiative is the first of its kind organised by NTPC Kanti.

• The primary objective of the GeM program is to provide academic training, skill development and overall personality enhancement to the participants.

• The program focuses on inculcating curiosity among the participants and developing better communication and social skills.

• By empowering underprivileged rural girls, NTPC Kanti aims to contribute to their holistic development and provide them opportunities for a better future.

• The GeM-2023 program reflects NTPC Kanti's commitment to social welfare and dedication to support marginalised communities.

Bihar:

• It is a state located in eastern India and shares its border with Nepal.

• This region is divided by the river Ganga.

• Bihar is known for its important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

• The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a revered site.

Formation - 22 March 1912

Capital - Patna

District - 38

Governor -Rajendra Arlekar

Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar

Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav

Rajya Sabha - 16 seats

Lok Sabha -40 seats

Havildar Alby D'Cruz, the first Keralite to receive the Ashoka Chakra, passed away

Tags: Person in news

On 6 June 2023, Havaldar Alby D'Cruz, the first Keralite to receive the Ashoka Chakra, passed away at the age of 87.

An Overview of the News

• In 1962, he received the Ashoka Chakra (3rd Class) from President Rajendra Prasad. Later the name of this award was changed to Shaurya Chakra.

• D'Cruz served in the Indian Army as a Lance Naik in the Assam Rifles.

• His battalion was assigned the task of countering the Naga rebels.

About Ashoka Chakra

• Its third grade was established on 4 January 1952, by the President of India from 15 August 1947.

• On 27 January 1967, the statutes were revised and the decoration was renamed the Shaurya Chakra.

• The Shaurya Chakra is awarded to individuals for acts of valour and valour in the face of the enemy.

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