DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 18, 2023

India, EU agree to coordinate policies in strategic semiconductor sector

Tags: International News

India and the European Union have entered into an agreement to coordinate their policies in the semiconductor sector.

An overview of the news

• The joint statement was issued after the first India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held in Brussels.

• It aims to enhance cooperation, foster innovation and strengthen competitiveness in this vital industry.

• The agreement emphasizes collaborative research and development activities between Indian and European companies, research institutions, and universities. 

• By pooling their expertise and resources, both parties aim to drive technological advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and applications.

• Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the agreement focuses on promoting skill development initiatives in the semiconductor sector. 

• India and the EU will jointly work towards training programs, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to nurture a talent pool equipped with cutting-edge skills.

• The agreement signifies the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the EU in the semiconductor sector. 

What are Semiconductor Chips?

• It is a material which has conductivity between conductor and insulator.

• Compounds of silicon or germanium or gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide are used in this.

• Why are semiconductors or chips so important?

• It serves as the centre and brain of all modern electronics and information and communication technology products.

• The chips are used as data-storing memory chips, or logic chips that run programs.

• Manufacturing of chips requires a lot of precision as well as investment.

• This requires special conditions where even small disturbances around or inside the manufacturing unit can hamper production.

About European Union

• The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.

• The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.

• It was founded on 1 November 1993

• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium

India bags 16 gold medals at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023

Tags: Sports Sports News

The three-day international event South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concluded in Itanagar on May 17. 

An overview of the news

• In this event more than 100 athletes from six countries Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal participated.

• Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt. General KT Parnaik, (Retd.) attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest at Dorjee Khandu Indoor Stadium, Itanagar.

• The hosts India won all the gold medals on offer on the last day at the Dorjee Khandu Indoor Stadium on 17th May.

• Besides, the Indians also bagged four silver medals in the singles. 

• Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives were also among the medals, while Bhutan, who participated only in the singles events, drew a blank.

• On the second day of the championships, the Indians won three gold medals in the U-15 Boys, U-19 Girls and U15 Girls, while Nepal claimed the U-19 Boys gold.

• In the Under-19 Boys singles, Ankur Bhattacharjee defeated Payas Jain 4-2 to claim the gold. 

Results (All Finals)

• U-19 Boys Singles: Ankur Bhattacharjee (India) beat Payas Jain (India)

• U-19 Boys Doubles: Divyansh Srivastava/Jash Modi (India) beat Ridoy Mohutasin Ahmed/Bawm Ramhim Lian (Bangladesh) 

• U-19 Girls Singles: Suhana Saini (India) beat Yashashwini Ghorpade (India) 

• U-19 Girls Doubles: Yashaswini Ghorpade/Suhana Saini (Ind) beat Mishka Mohamed Ibrahim/Fathimath Dheema Ali (Maldiv) 

• U-19 Mixed Doubles: Payas Jain/Yashaswini Ghorpade (Ind) beat Akhyar Ahmed Khalid/Fathimath Dheema Ali (Maldiv) 

• U-15 Boys Singles: Priyanuj Bhattacharya (India) beat Abhinand (India) 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9.

• U-15 Boys Doubles: PB Abhinand/Priyanuj Bhattacharya (India) beat Hasib Abul Hashem/Rahman Mohd. Mahtabur (Bangladesh) 

• U-15 Girls Singles: Jennifer Varghese (India) beat Avisha Karmakar (India) 

• U-15 Girls Doubles: Jennifer Varghese/Avisha Karmarkar (India) beat Sushmita Khadka/Subhashree Shrestha (Nepal) 

• U-15 Mixed Doubles: Abhinand/Jennifer Varghese (India) beat Mohammed Akram Md. Shafiullah/Kavindya Tamadi Alagiyawadu

US court approved extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India

Tags: International News

A US court has approved the extradition of26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Pakistani-origin Canadian Tahawwur Rana to India.

An overview of the news

• California District Court Judge Jacqueline Chooljian has approved the Indian government's request for Rana's extradition.

• Rana was arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed over 160 people, including six Americans.

• India has charged Rana with offenses including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, waging war, murder and forgery.

• Rana was convicted in Chicago in 2011 of providing material support to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which planned the Mumbai terror attacks.

• India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing his role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in 2008.

What is Extradition?

• Extradition is the formal process of surrendering a person from one state to another.

• The purpose of this process is the prosecution or punishment for offences committed by a person within the jurisdiction of the requesting country.

• The extradition of a fugitive criminal to India is regulated under the Indian Extradition Act, 1962.

• The Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division, Ministry of External Affairs is the central/nodal authority to administer the Extradition Act.

• Extradition process can be initiated in case of under-investigation, under-trial and convicted criminals.

UP holds 2nd position in GI tagged products

Tags: State News

After getting GI tag for three more One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, Uttar Pradesh has now come second in the country in terms of maximum number of items with Geographical Indication tag.

An overview of the news

• The ODOP crafts which have got GI tag include Mainpuri Tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura Stone Craft and Sambhal Horn Craft.

• Tamil Nadu leads with 55 GI-tags, followed by UP and Karnataka with 48 and 46 GI products, respectively.

• However, UP ranks first in terms of GI-tagged handicrafts, with 36 crafts to its credit.

• With this achievement, UP has overtaken Karnataka to become the second state with the highest number of GI-tags in the country.

• Handicrafts in UP also have the highest number of GI tags.

About GI Tag

• It is the short form of Geographical Indication and it is a unique identification of any region, town or state.

• The tag is given in the name of certain products or signs that symbolise the uniqueness of that particular region.

• When a GI tag is given to a particular product, it certifies that the product is made by traditional methods, has special qualities.

• The Geographical Indication came into force on 15 September 2003.

• Darjeeling tea was given the first GI tag in India in 2004–2005.

• GI tag is given to products related to agriculture, handicrafts, food items, spirit drinks and industrial products.

• The rules and regulations of the GI tag are governed by the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights at the international level.

PM Modi launches railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha

Tags: State News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated several railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha on 18th May via video conferencing. 

An overview of the news

• During the event, Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah. 

• The train will cover a distance of 500 km and will pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts of Odisha and Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur districts of West Bengal.

• The train will provide fast, comfortable and convenient travel experience to rail users, promote tourism and spur economic development in the region.

• Regular operation of Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will start from May 20. The train will run six days a week.

• The train will leave Howrah at 6.10 am and reach Puri at 12.35 pm and in return it will leave Puri at 1.50 pm and reach Howrah at 8.30 pm.

Projects dedicated by the Prime Minister

• PM Modi also dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha.

• He dedicated the doubling of Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line, a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda, the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichupali-Jhartarbha.

About Odisha

• Capital- Bhubaneswar

• Governor- Ganeshi Lal

• Chief Minister- Naveen Patnaik

Parshottam Rupala launches Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V

Tags: National National News

The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam  Rupala launched the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V in Karanja, Raigad, Maharashtra on 17th May. 

An overview of the news

• The Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V would be proceeding towards coastal regions are like Gateway of India, Karanja (Raigad District), Mirkarwada (Ratnagiri District), Devgad (Sindhudurg District), Malvan, Vasco, Mormugaon, Canacona (South Goa).

• Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V commencing from 7th May, 2023 and ending at Canacona, Goa on 19th May, 2023.

• The Yatra will cover various fisheries schemes and programmes, including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card.

• After successfully completing four phases covering 19 locations in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra and Karnataka, this groundbreaking initiative is garnering widespread support.

Sagar Parikrama Phase-I

• It was started on March 5, 2022 from Mandvi, Gujarat to Okha-Dwarka, and concluded at Porbandar on 6 March covering 3 locations. 

• The programme was a huge success, with more than 5,000 people physically attending the event.

Sagar Parikrama Phase-II

• It was held on September 23-25 2022 and covered seven locations. 

Sagar Parikrama Phase-III

• Phase-III was held on February 18-21 2023 and covered coastal districts of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Sagar Parikrama Phase-IV

• The fourth phase of the Sagar Parikrama program took place from March 18-19 covering three coastal districts of Karnataka.

• It covered three districts Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka.

About Sagar Parikrama

• It is a maritime evolutionary journey tour to be organized in all coastal states/UTs through sea route to show solidarity with all fishermen, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders.

• It aims to address the issues of fishermen and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs like PMMSY.

Phase-3 trial for Panacea Biotech’s Dengue Vaccine

Tags: Science and Technology National News

The phase-3 trial of a dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is likely to begin in August or September 2023.

An overview of the news

• Phase-III clinical trial is being done for evaluation of efficacy, along with safety and immunogenicity of tetravalent dengue vaccine.

• Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotech have applied for expression of interest for clinical trials for indigenous manufacturers of dengue vaccine.

What is Dengue?

• Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.

• It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.

• The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.

Causes of Dengue

• It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

• The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.

• The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.

Symptoms of Dengue

• Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.

• Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for dengue.

• Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.

• Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.

Mosquito-borne diseases

• Malaria - This disease is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito.

• Malaria fever is caused by a virus called Plasmodium vivax.

• Dengue - Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue is the most widely spread disease by mosquitoes worldwide.

• Chikungunya - Chikungunya, like dengue, is caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.

• Yellow Fever - This disease is caused by the bite of a human from the Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti.

• Yellow fever is caused by flavivirus.

Next five years expected to be hottest on record: UN

Tags: International News

The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the next five years will be the warmest period on record due to the combined effects of El Niño and greenhouse gases.

An Overview of the News

• The WMO predicts that global temperatures are likely to exceed a 1.5°C increase by 2027, with a 98 percent chance of setting new heat records in at least one of the next five years.

• There is a two-thirds chance that the more ambitious target set by the Paris climate agreement will be exceeded within one of the next five years, indicating that global temperatures are set to rise further.

• The years between 2015 and 2022 are among the warmest ever recorded, and temperatures are expected to rise as climate change accelerates.

• The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the global average temperature in 2022 was already 1.15°C higher than the average measured between 1850 and 1900.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations and the organisation facilitates cooperation among member states.

• It promotes international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology and geophysics.

• It supports research and development in atmospheric science, which includes the study of Earth's atmosphere and its properties.

• WMO focuses on understanding long-term weather patterns and climate variability.

Formation - 23 March 1950

Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland

WMO Secretary General - Peteri Talas

Arjun Ram Meghwal appointed as the new Law and Justice Minister

Tags: Person in news

Arjun Ram Meghwal was appointed as the new Law and Justice Minister and the previous Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju was assigned the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

An Overview of the News

• Meghwal will also continue in his current position as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture.

• Arjun Ram Meghwal will replace Kiren Rijiju in the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Ministry of Law and Justice:

• The Ministry of Law and Justice is a cabinet ministry in the Government of India.

• It is responsible for the management of legal affairs, legislative activities and administration of justice in India.

• The ministry consists of three departments: Legislative Department, Department of Legal Affairs and Department of Justice.

• The Department of Legal Affairs advises various Ministries of the Central Government.

Formed - 1833

Headquarters - Cabinet Secretariat Raisina Hill, New Delhi

Government sets up fast track Corporate Exit Processing Center

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

The government established the Expedited Corporate Exit Processing Center (C-PACE) and C-PACE is under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

An Overview of the News

• The C-PACE aims to streamline and speed up the process of winding up defunct companies.

• It centralises the process of winding up companies, making it easier and more efficient.

• This relieves the burden on the registry and ensures a clean and accurate database.

• Its establishment is part of the MCA's commitment to promote Ease of Doing Business and facilitate smooth exit of companies.

• It functions under the Registrar of Companies (ROC) as per sub-section (1) of section 396.

• The C-PACE office was inaugurated on May 1, 2023.

• The office is supervised by the Director General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA) in New Delhi.

Director of Inspection and Investigation in MCA - RK Dalmiya

AK Jain appointed as new chairman of PNGRB by the government

Tags: Person in news

AK Jain was appointed as the new chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) by the government.

An Overview of the News

• The appointment was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and the post of chairman was lying vacant since December 2020.

• AK Jain is replacing former PNGRB chief DK Saraf, who retired on December 3, 2020.

• Former coal secretary AK Jain will serve as the chairman of PNGRB for a period of five years.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB):

• It was established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (No. 19 of 2006).

• The purpose of setting up the Board is to protect the interests of consumers and entities involved in activities related to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas.

• PNGRB is responsible for promoting competitive markets and addressing matters related to the petroleum and natural gas sectors.

• One of the major objectives of PNGRB is to ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas throughout the country.

Dr. Manoj Soni took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as the Chairman of UPSC

Tags: Person in news

Dr Manoj Soni took the oath of office and secrecy as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 16 May.

An Overview of the News

• The oath was administered by Smita Nagraj, the senior-most member of the commission.

• Dr. Manoj Soni became the Member of the Commission on June 28, 2017 and was later appointed as the Chairman under Article 316(A) of the Constitution of India on April 5, 2022.

• Prior to joining UPSC, Dr. Soni studied Political Science with specialisation in International Relations Studies and holds a Doctorate degree in "Post-Cold War International Systemic Transition and Indo-US Relations" from Sardar Patel University.

• He served as Vice-Chancellor of MS University of Baroda for one term and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Gujarat for two terms, making him the youngest Vice-Chancellor in independent India.

UPSC:

• It is a constitutional body established under Articles 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II of the Constitution of India.

• It discharges its duties, functions and obligations assigned under Article 320.

• It is responsible for conducting examinations and interviews for the appointment of civil servants in the Central Government.

Union Government approves signing of Project Cooperation Agreement between DHR and WHO on Assistive Technology

Tags: National Science and Technology National News

The Union Government approved the signing of a Project Collaboration Agreement between the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Assistive Technology.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement aims to draw global attention to access to assistive technology, promote research and innovation, and develop training programs.

• The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) was approved during the meeting.

• The MoU focuses on promoting and strengthening cooperation in competition law and policy through information exchange, sharing of best practices and capacity building initiatives.

• The objective of the MoU is to develop and strengthen the relationship between the CCI and the ECA and to facilitate learning and cooperation in the enforcement of competition law.

• The Union Cabinet approved the signing of an MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Chartered Accountants of Maldives.

• The objective of the MoU is to establish mutual cooperation for the advancement of accounting knowledge, professional and intellectual development, and development of the accounting profession in Maldives and India.

World Health Organization (WHO):

• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that focuses on global public health.

• The headquarters of WHO is in Geneva, Switzerland.

• It operates through six regional offices and 150 field offices around the world.

• It was established on April 7, 1948 with the aim of addressing international health issues.

Department of Health Research (DHR):

• It was created in September 2007 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• Its creation was notified through an amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.

• It was formally launched on 5 October 2007.

• DHR functions as a separate department within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• Its primary objective is to take modern health technologies to the masses through research and innovation.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National Ayush Mission Conclave in New Delhi

Tags: National National News

On 18 May Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National AYUSH Mission (NAM) Conclave in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• The two-day conclave will pave the way for better coordination among stakeholders and strengthen the functioning of AYUSH health and wellness centres.

• The objective of the mission is to increase the availability, reach and quality of AYUSH health services across the country through AYUSH Health Wellness Centers as part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Government of India.

• The government had approved operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH health wellness centres by upgrading existing AYUSH dispensaries and health sub-centres under the broad umbrella of NAM in a phased manner.

• More than 8500 such centres have been established across the country and are serving the communities.

About Ministry of AYUSH

• It is a government ministry in India.

• It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.

• AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.

• The ministry provides educational and training programs.

Establishment - 2014

Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State

Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary

Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India

Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector and the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through cooperation".

An Overview of the News 

• The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these additional FPOs.

• Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.

• Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.

• Activities like bee-keeping and mushroom cultivation will be included as income-generating options for these societies.

• The aim of setting up the FPO is to provide the necessary market linkages to the farmers.

• Its objective is to ensure remunerative prices for the produce of the farmers.

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):

• It is a statutory corporation established on March 13, 1963, by an Act of the Parliament of India.

• The objectives of NCDC include planning and promoting cooperative programs for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, food items, industrial goods, livestock and other specified goods and services.

• NCDC works on the basis of cooperative principles, emphasising cooperation and collective efforts for the development of cooperatives.

Headquarters - New Delhi, India