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By admin: June 21, 2023

International Yoga Day - 21 June

Tags: Important Days

International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June.

An Overview of the News

• The day aims to promote the many benefits of practicing yoga.

• The date chosen coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

• International Yoga Day encourages physical, mental and spiritual harmony.

• The theme chosen for International Day of Yoga 2023 is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam".

• The theme represents the shared desire of "One Earth, One Family, One Future".

• Yoga promotes meditation, stress reduction, and overall health and vitality.

• In 2023, the International Day of Yoga took place on June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• This is the first time that a yoga session was organized by the Prime Minister at this place.

History of International Yoga Day

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of a dedicated Yoga Day in 2014 during his speech at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

• On 11 December 2014, all 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously agreed to observe 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.

• The inaugural ceremony of International Day of Yoga took place on June 21, 2015.

• International Yoga Day has received global recognition and is celebrated in more than 190 countries.

June 2023 Days and Themes

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) marked its 20th Foundation Day

Tags: National National News

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day on 19th June.

An overview of the news

• The day reaffirms NIXI's unwavering dedication towards building India's Internet infrastructure.

Objective of NIXI

• NIXI's primary objective is to increase Internet penetration and adoption in India. 

• It achieves this by focusing on facilitating infrastructure aspects related to the Internet.

About the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

• NIXI is a not-for-profit organization registered on 19th June 2003 under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.

• It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India. 

• It aligns with the ministry's vision of 1000 days, which encompasses various initiatives to promote and enhance the country's electronic and information technology landscape.

• As a not-for-profit organization, NIXI operates with the goal of serving the public interest rather than generating profits. 

Infrastructure Facilitation

• NIXI plays a crucial role in facilitating the development and maintenance of Internet infrastructure in India. 

• It works towards establishing robust and efficient exchange points, managing Internet protocol (IP) addresses, and promoting the use of local Internet traffic exchange.

Amit Agarwal takes over as CEO of UIDAI

Tags: Person in news

Amit Agarwal has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

An Overview of the News

• Amit Agarwal is a senior IAS officer of 1993 batch of Chhattisgarh cadre.

• He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

• He has held important positions at the Center and in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

• Before becoming the CEO of UIDAI, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

About Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

Establishment and Authorization:

• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a government department established on 12 July 2016.

• It works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

• UIDAI is a statutory authority created under the Aadhaar Act 2016.

Objectives and Functions:

• UIDAI provides a 12 digit unique identification number called "Aadhaar" to all Indian residents.

• Aadhaar serves as a universal identity for residents across the country.

• UIDAI links the Aadhaar number with basic demographic and biometric information of residents.

• This information includes a photograph, ten fingerprints and two iris scans.

• The data is stored in a secure, centralized database managed by the UIDAI.

List of New Appointments in May 2023

North India's first Skin Bank inaugurated at New Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital

Tags: National National News

North India's first Skin Bank was inaugurated at New Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on 20th June.

An overview of the news

• This facility serves as a repository where deceased donors can donate their skin, which can be utilized in the treatment of burns.

• Deceased donors can donate their skin within six hours of death. Once donated, the skin undergoes a processing procedure and can then be used for treating burns and trauma patients.

Benefits for Patients

• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that the Skin Bank facility will be a significant benefit for patients. 

• It will contribute to providing a better quality of life for individuals suffering from severe burns and injuries.

Skin Bank in India

• There are a total of 16 skin banks in the country where the skin of dead persons can be donated.

• Out of the 16 skin banks, seven are located in Maharashtra, four in Chennai, three in Karnataka, and one each in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. 

• These skin banks are spread across different regions of the country.

• Maharashtra has the highest number of skin banks, with a total of seven.  

Estonia becomes first Central European nation to allow same-sex marriage

Tags: International News

Estonia's parliament passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first Central European nation to do so.

An Overview of the News

• Same-sex marriage is prohibited in several former communist Central European countries that were once part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.

• In 2014, Estonia legalized same-sex partnerships.

• In 2016, the government passed an anti-discrimination law to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, education, and other areas.

About Estonia Same-sex Marriage Bill:

• The bill was passed by 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament, with the support of a coalition of liberal and social democratic parties led by Prime Minister Kailas, who will win the 2023 election.

• The new law will go into effect in 2024.

• A recent poll by the Center for Human Rights found that 53% of Estonians support same-sex marriage, compared to 34% a decade earlier.

• The Estonian parliament voted on the bill and it passed, making Estonia the first country in the Baltic region to legalize same-sex marriage.

Why Same-sex marriage in Estonia?

• According to the government, half of Estonians in the LGBTQ+ community have recently experienced harassment.

• Tomas Jermalavicius, head of studies at the International Center for Defense and Security, believes that Estonia's successful legalization of same-sex marriage was aided by changing public opinion and Kailas' strong electoral victory.

• Latvia and Lithuania, the other two Baltic nations formerly annexed by the Soviet Union, have not yet legalized same-sex marriage.

• Same-sex partnership bills in Latvia and Lithuania are stuck in their parliaments.

• Same-sex marriage allows same-sex couples to formalize their commitment and build a stable foundation for their families.

UNDP partners with DAY-NULM towards empowering women entrepreneurs

Tags: National National News

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) recently have joined forces in a collaborative partnership. 

An overview of the news

• The objective of this partnership is to empower women to make career choices in the field of entrepreneurship.

• The partnership aims to provide support to women who are interested in starting or expanding their own enterprises. 

• It focuses on sectors such as the care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, food packaging, and more.

Entrepreneurship Development and Enterprise Growth

• The project, which spans three years and is extendable beyond 2025, is centered around fostering entrepreneurship development and accelerating enterprise growth. 

• In the initial phase, it will cover eight cities.

On-Ground Mobilization and Business Development Services

• UNDP and DAY-NULM will work together to engage in on-ground mobilization activities. 

• This includes identifying areas of urban poverty and potential entrepreneurs. 

About The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 

• It is the leading agency of the United Nations.

• It works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality in 170 countries and territories.

• It helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

• Its work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

China blocks proposal to declare 26/11 attacks accused Sajid Mir global terrorist

Tags: International News

China has blocked a proposal by India and the U.S. at the United Nations to designate Sajid Mir, a Pakistan-based LeT terrorist, as a global terrorist on 20th June. 

An overview of the news

• The proposal aimed to blacklist Mir under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, subjecting him to asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

Involvement in Mumbai Terror Attacks

• Sajid Mir is wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which took place in November 2008. 

• He is considered one of India's most wanted terrorists, with a bounty of 5 million US dollars placed on his head by the U.S.

China's Obstruction

• China had previously put a hold on the proposal to designate Mir at the UN in September of the previous year. 

• However, Beijing has now officially blocked the proposal, preventing his designation as a global terrorist.

Imprisonment and Doubts

• In June, Sajid Mir was sentenced to over 15 years in jail in a terror-financing case by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan. 

• Previously, Pakistani authorities had claimed that Mir had died, but Western countries remained unconvinced and demanded proof of his death. 

• This issue became a significant concern during the Financial Action Task Force's assessment of Pakistan's progress on their action plan.

Role in Mumbai Attacks

• Mir is a senior member of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organization. 

• The U.S. State Department has stated that he was LeT's operations manager for the Mumbai attacks, playing a leading role in planning, preparing, and executing the terrorist acts.

Salman Rushdie wins German Book Trade 2023 Peace Prize

Tags: Awards

The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2023 has been awarded to British-American author Salman Rushdie.

An Overview of the News

• Birth and Background: Salman Rushdie was born on June 19, 1947 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.

• The Satanic Verses: Rushdie achieved international recognition through his controversial 1988 novel, The Satanic Verses.

• Inspiration and controversy: The novel attracted widespread attention and generated significant controversy in Muslim society for its portrayal inspired by the life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

• Fatwa issued: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issues a fatwa against Salman Rushdie because of the publication of The Satanic Verses.

History of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade

• It was established in 1950 and the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of international understanding between nations and cultures through their literary works.

• The prize is endowed with €25,000 ($27,300).

• The award ceremony takes place in October during the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and most important book fairs in the world.

• The purpose of the award is to encourage efforts to promote peace, dialogue and cooperation.

• Past recipients of the award include Margaret Atwood, Orhan Pamuk, Susan Sontag, Amos Oz, and Vaclav Havel.

• Last year, the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade was awarded to Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan.

List of famous books by Salman Rushdie:

• Midnight's Children

• Shame

• The Satanic Verses

• fury

• Shalimar The Clown

• The Golden House

• Quichotte

• Victory City

Acharya Gopi to be conferred with first Prof. Jayashankar Award

Tags: Awards

Acharya N. Gopi, a renowned poet and literary critic, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar Award. 

An overview of the news

• This award is instituted by Bharat Jagruthi, a cultural organization affiliated with Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and aims to honor accomplished literary figures.

• Acharya Gopi's felicitation ceremony was held on 21 June at the Telangana Saraswat Parishad in Abids to remember his contribution to literature.

Acharya Gopi's Literary Accomplishments

• Acharya Gopi has an impressive literary career with a total of 56 books to his name. 

• His works encompass various genres, including 26 collections of poems, 7 compilations of essays, 5 translations, and 3 research books.

• Acharya Gopi's literary works have garnered widespread acclaim, leading to translations into several Indian languages, as well as foreign languages such as German, Persian, and Russian. This showcases the global recognition of his writings.

About Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar

• Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar, popularly known as Professor Jayashankar, was an Indian academic and social activist. 

• He played a crucial role as an ideologue in the Telangana Movement, advocating for a separate state. 

• Prof. Jayashankar actively fought for a separate state for Telangana, starting from 1952. 

• He was a key figure in raising awareness about the socio-political issues faced by the region and advocating for its separate identity.

• Prof. Jayashankar served as the former Vice-Chancellor of Kakatiya University and remained an activist throughout his career, dedicated to the cause of the Separate Telangana Movement.

Integrated Simulator Complex 'Dhruv' inaugurated by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh

Tags: Science and Technology

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) 'Dhruv' at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi on June 21, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• ISC 'DHRUV' hosts state-of-the-art indigenously built simulators.

• Simulators greatly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy.

• The simulators provide real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and naval tactics.

• Simulators will be used for training personnel from friendly countries.

Visiting Simulators

• Raksha Mantri visited the Multi-Station Handling Simulator (MSSHS), Air Direction and Helicopter Control Simulator (ADHCS) and Astronavigation Dome, envisaged at the Integrated Simulator Complex.

• Ship handling simulators manufactured by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, exported to 18 countries.

• The Astronavigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first of its kind in the Indian Navy.

• ADHCS, developed by the Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis, provides real-time operational environment scenarios.

Significance and Export Potential

• These simulators are indicative of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

• The simulator has great potential for defence exports.

• Other indigenously developed simulators in the complex include Combat Management System and Maritime Domain Awareness Lab.

Oman Creates History as First Foreign Government to Promote Country through Yoga

Tags: International Relations International News

The Indian Embassy in Oman has introduced a unique video titled 'Soulful Yoga, Serene Oman' on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga 2023. 

An overview of the news

• This initiative is considered pioneering and showcases the beauty of Oman while featuring yoga enthusiasts from different countries.

• The video stands out as it is a collaborative effort between the Indian Embassy and 'Visit Oman,' a subsidiary of Oman's Ministry of Tourism. 

• This partnership marks the first instance of a foreign government using yoga to promote its own country, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.

• The video not only demonstrates the increasing popularity of yoga worldwide but also highlights its growing prominence in Oman. 

• With a significant Indian community of 700,000 in Oman, yoga has gained considerable traction in recent years.

Promoting Yoga through Initiatives

• The Indian Embassy has been actively involved in promoting yoga in Oman through various initiatives. 

• In 2022, they organized the 'Muscat Yog Mahotsav,' a 75-day celebration featuring over 75 yoga events across major cities in Oman. 

• This initiative was timed with the 75 years of India's independence celebrations.

Oman Yoga Yatra 

• This year, the Embassy launched the 'Oman Yoga Yatra,' a five-month-long journey leading up to a large-scale celebration of the International Day of Yoga 2023. 

• The event, scheduled for June 21, 2023, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from diverse backgrounds.

About Oman

• Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said

• Capital - Muscat

• Official Language - Arabic

• Official Religion - Islam

• Currency - Omani rial

Swaminathan Janakiraman named as new deputy governor of RBI

Tags: Person in news

Swaminathan Janakiraman has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by the Government of India.

An Overview of the News

• Swaminathan Janakiraman will replace Mahesh Kumar Jain, whose term ends on June 22.

• Janakiraman is currently the Managing Director in State Bank of India (SBI).

• He has served as a nominee director of SBI on the boards of Yes Bank, Jio Payments Bank and NPCI.

• He has also represented SBI as a director in Bank of Bhutan, a joint venture with SBI.

About Reserve Bank of India

• It was established on April 1, 1935 as per the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

• Sir Osborne Smith was made the first Governor of RBI.

• The central office of the Reserve Bank was established in Kolkata which was permanently shifted to Mumbai in the year 1937.

• It was nationalized in 1949 and now the Government of India owns the RBI.

• It has the power to regulate banks under the Banking Regulation Act 1949.

• It has the power to regulate Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the RBI Act 1934.

Headquarters: Mumbai

Governor: Shaktikanta Das

World Music Day - 21 June

Tags: Important Days

World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is celebrated annually on 21 June.

An Overview of the News

• The program emphasizes the impact of music and its ability to connect people universally.

• Musicians from different genres come together to showcase their talents in public areas.

• World Music Day promotes a vibrant and inclusive environment for people around the world to appreciate music.

• The theme for World Music Day 2022 was "Music at the Intersections".

• The theme aims to explore and appreciate music at an intersectional level, highlighting the diverse influences and connections within music.

History of World Music Day:

• The concept dates back to 1982, when French Minister of Culture Jacques Lang proposed the idea of a day dedicated to music.

• An alternative theory suggests that the festival can be traced back to 1976 when Joel Cohen proposed an all-night concert to celebrate the summer solstice.

• The first World Music Day event took place in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians performing in different parts of the city.

• Musicians of all genres and backgrounds took to the streets, parks and concert venues to share their passion for music at the opening ceremony.

Number of refugees globally stood at 35.3 million by end of 2022: UNHCR

Tags: International News

According to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), by the end of 2022, the global number of refugees will reach 35.3 million.

An overview of the news

• This figure represents an increase of more than eight million refugees from the previous year.

Most affected countries

• More than half of all refugees worldwide,52 percent, originated from three specific countries.

• These countries are Syria with a refugee population of 6.5 million, Ukraine with 5.7 million and Afghanistan with 5.7 million refugees.

Definition of refugee

• According to international law, refugees are persons who are forced to flee their home countries because of persecution or the presence of a serious threat to their life, physical well-being, or personal liberty.

• These persons seek protection in other countries.

World refugee day

• To draw attention to the plight of refugees globally, the United Nations designated 20 June as World Refugee Day.

• This annual festival serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the challenges faced by refugees around the world.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• It is an international organization mandated to protect and support refugees, as well as finding durable solutions to their displacement.

• It was established in 1950 to address the needs of refugees after World War II.

• It operates in various countries around the world, providing protection, assistance, and advocacy for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. 

• Headquarter - Geneva, Switzerland