DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: June 26, 2023

Assam's first underwater tunnel to be constructed between Numaligarh and Gohpur

Tags: State News

The first underwater tunnel in Assam will be constructed between Numaligarh and Gohpur at an estimated cost of Rs 6,000 crore.

An overview of the news

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the tender for the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) will open in the next month.

• The idea of an underwater tunnel arose from the many bridges built over the Brahmaputra River to facilitate the movement of both vehicles and railways.

• Discussions were held to determine the location and it was decided that the tunnel would be built between Numaligarh and Gohpur.

• The tender for the DPR will open on July 4 and Sarma expressed hope that work on the tunnel could begin during his tenure as chief minister.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the project, and once the tunnel is completed, it will bring the two banks, north and south, of the Brahmaputra river closer together.

About Assam State 

• Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria

• Number of Districts - 33

• Lok Sabha seats - 14

• Rajya Sabha seats - 7

• State Animal - Indian Rhinoceros

• State Bird - White Winged Duck

• National Parks – Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate in UK

Tags: Person in news

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) in England.

An Overview of the News

• Shankar Mahadevan's honorary doctorate is in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of music and the arts.

• Shankar Mahadevan is 56 years old and a prominent member of the music composition trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

• He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University.

• The ceremony took place in Birmingham.

United Kingdom:

• It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• Capital - London

• Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak

• Emperor - Charles III

Union Environment Ministry gives final nod for 'Kalaignar Pen Monument' in Bay of Bengal

Tags: place in news State News

The Union Environment Ministry granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval to the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to build the Muthmiz Arignar Dr Kalaignar Pen Monument in the Bay of Bengal, off Marina beach in Chennai, with 15 conditions.

An Overview of the News

• In its letter to the Public Works Department (PWD) dated 19 June 2023, the Union ministry said the approval was given based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (CRZ) and the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority.

• Environmental statement to be submitted to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board every year and compliance status to be uploaded on PWD website.

About Dr. Kalaignar Pain Monument

• The Dr. Kalaignar Pain Monument is a proposed offshore memorial and is dedicated to Late M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

• Karunanidhi was a prolific writer, poet and orator, known as Kalaignar (artist).

• He wrote over 100 books including novels, short stories, biographies, essays and memoirs.

• The memorial will symbolize his contribution to Tamil literature, culture and his political legacy.

• The project was announced in 2022.

Launch of 'Legal Aid Defense Counseling System (LADCS)'

Tags: State News

The Uttar Pradesh government launched the 'Legal Aid Defense Counseling System (LADCS)' on 22 June 2023.

An Overview of the News

• LADCS is implemented under Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority.

• This program will be effective for two years.

Objective of LADCS:

• LADCS aims to provide free legal aid to the needy, especially in criminal matters.

• This program operates in districts or headquarters under Uttar Pradesh.

Legal Aid Services:

• LADCS offers representation, trial and appeal in all Sessions, Special, Magistrate and Executive Courts.

• The primary focus is on providing legal aid services in criminal matters.

Legal Advice and Assistance:

• LADCS provides legal advice and assistance to persons appearing in the District Court/Office for their defence.

• This provision ensures guidance and support throughout the legal process.

Appeal in Criminal Cases:

• LADCS assists individuals in filing appeals at various stages of criminal cases.

• It includes pre-arrest, post-arrest, bail, trial and remand phases.

• This assistance is provided under the National Legal Services Authority scheme.

Benefits of LADCS (Legal Aid and Community Development Scheme):

• Direct benefits to SC/ST and victims of illegal acts

• Assistance to Industrial Workers

• Assistance to people in police custody

• Assistance to persons affected by disasters (ethnic violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster)

• Support for mentally ill persons (in safe homes, mental hospitals or nursing homes)

• Inclusion of low income individuals (annual income < ₹3,00,000).

About Uttar Pradesh

• It is a state located in the northern part of India.

• It has a population of over 240 million, making it the most populous state in India as well as the most populous subdivision in the world.

• The state was officially established in 1950.

Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath

Capital - Lucknow (Executive Branch)

Governor - Anandiben Patel

Rajya Sabha - 31 seats

Lok Sabha - 80 seats

World Drug Day - 26 June

Tags: Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June.

An Overview of the News

• World Drug Day aims to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.

• This year's campaign focuses on treating individuals involved in drug use with empathy and respect.

• The campaign aims to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by drug users through respectful and non-judgmental language and approach.

• The theme for World Drug Day 2023 is "People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention."

• The theme emphasizes a people-centred approach to drug policies with a focus on human rights, compassion and evidence-based practices.

Background of World Drug Day

• The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Vienna in 1987 recommended a day to be celebrated annually to commemorate the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

• On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

• The objective of this festival is to support the efforts to make the society drug free and to raise awareness about the prevention of drug abuse.

• June 26 was chosen as World Drug Day to commemorate the abolition of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong by Lin Zexu on June 25, 1839.

June 2023 Days and Themes

Greece's conservative New Democracy party wins landslide election victory for second 4-year term

Tags: International News

Greece's conservative New Democracy party has emerged victorious in the parliamentary election, securing another four-year term for reformist Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Prime Minister.

An overview of the news

• According to interior ministry figures with most votes counted, New Democracy, a centre-right party, led with 40.5 percent of the vote, securing 158 seats in the 300-seat parliament.

• New Democracy's lead of more than 20 points over Syriza, a radical leftist party that governed Greece from 2015 to 2019 during a severe debt crisis, marked a significant victory for Mitsotakis.

• Mitsotakis, a former banker, has pledged to boost revenue from Greece's crucial tourist industry, generate employment opportunities, and raise wages to approach the European Union average.

• The election result dealt a humiliating blow to Syriza, which suffered the loss of over 30 Members of Parliament.

• This election was the second within five weeks, as the initial poll on May 21, conducted under a different electoral system, failed to grant any single party an outright majority in Parliament.

About Greece

• Greece is the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.

• Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited.

• President - Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou

• Prime Minister - Kyriakos Mitsotakis

• Capital - Athens

• Currency - euro

IAF conducts Rannvijay exercise with focus on integrated operations

Tags: Defence National News

The Indian Air Force recently conducted Exercise Ranvijay, a series of integrated wargames aimed at enhancing the skills of fighter pilots through day and night operations involving combat aircraft like Su-30s.

An overview of the news

• The exercise took place in the UB Hills and Central Air Command Area of Responsibility from June 16 to June 23. 

• It involved the execution of full spectrum operations by all combat assets, with a particular emphasis on integrated operations and the optimal utilization of the Indian Air Force's electronic warfare capabilities.

• The exercise was carried out from various air bases under the Central Air Command, which is headquartered in Prayagraj.

• Different commands within the Indian Air Force, along with the Army and Navy, have been conducting wargames to enhance coordination and strengthen integration among the forces.

• After addressing various concerns, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have reached a consensus to proceed with the plan for establishing theatre commands, which will further enhance coordination and synergy among the three services.

REC to provide ₹3,045 cr finance to Bangalore Metro

Tags: Economy/Finance State News

REC Limited, a Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power, has announced its decision to provide financial assistance of Rs 3,045 crore to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for the Phase-II project of Bangalore Metro.

An overview of the news

• The assistance was approved by the REC Board during a meeting. The Ministry of Power released a statement confirming the extension of financial support to BMRCL.

Phase-II project of Namma Metro

• The Phase-II project of Namma Metro includes the extension of the existing East-West Corridor and North-South Corridor of Phase-I, as well as the addition of two new lines: RV Road to Bommasandra and Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara.

• These new metro lines will help alleviate traffic congestion in high-traffic areas of Bangalore. 

• Upon completion of Phase-II, the Namma Metro network will cover a total distance of 114.39 km and have 101 stations.

About REC Limited

• REC Limited, as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on power sector financing and development, is expanding its involvement in funding infrastructure development by providing financial assistance to BMRCL.

• REC Ltd offers financial support for various types of projects in the power sector, including generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy.

• In its fiscal fourth quarter results, REC reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 3,065.37 crore for the quarter ending March 2023, marking a 33% increase compared to the same quarter last year.

• The company's total revenue from operations stood at Rs 10,243.06 crore, reflecting a 6.3% growth compared to the previous year's corresponding period. 

• Total expenses for the quarter were Rs 6,353.40 crore, a decrease of 6.5% compared to the previous year.

PM Modi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour

Tags: International Relations Awards International News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Order of the Nile,' Egypt's highest honor, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a ceremony at the Presidential palace in Cairo on 25th June.

An overview of the news

• The 'Order of the Nile' was established in 1915 and is bestowed upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who have rendered invaluable services to Egypt or humanity. 

• This is the 13th highest state honor conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.

• During the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years, India and Egypt elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' following extensive discussions between Modi and El-Sisi. 

Political and security cooperation

• The talks focused on enhancing political and security cooperation.

• Modi and El-Sisi signed a strategic partnership document, which encompassed various areas of collaboration such as political and security cooperation, defense collaboration, trade and investment ties, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.

• The two countries signed three more pacts covering agriculture and allied sectors, protection and preservation of monuments and archaeological sites, and competition law.

• Modi and El-Sisi also discussed further cooperation within the G-20 framework, emphasizing issues such as food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the need for the Global South to have a unified voice. 

• Modi extended an invitation to El-Sisi to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in September.

Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque

• Before returning to India, Modi visited Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to the 11th century. 

• The mosque has been restored with the assistance of India's Dawoodi Bohra community. 

• Modi admired the intricate carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which was constructed in 1012. 

• Al-Hakim Mosque is the fourth oldest mosque in Cairo and the second Fatimid mosque built in the city.

About Egypt

• Egypt is a country located in North Africa.

• Egypt is home to famous monuments such as the Giza Pyramid Complex. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza are located on the banks of the Nile River. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BC.

• Capital - Cairo

• President – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

• Currency - Egyptian pound

INS Sunayna visits Mombasa, Kenya to strengthen bilateral ties

Tags: Defence International News

INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya, with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties with maritime neighbors under the theme of Ocean Ring of Yoga.

An overview of the news

• The Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna held a meeting with Brigadier Y S Abdi, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, and emphasized the significance of Yoga in fostering unity and bringing the world closer together.

• On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2023, a joint Yoga session was conducted onboard INS Sunayna, involving Indian Navy personnel and members of the Kenyan Defence Forces.

• A Maritime Partnership Exercise took place between the Indian and Kenyan navies, where drills related to firefighting, damage control, boarding exercises, asymmetric threat simulations, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations were carried out during the harbor phase.

• An onboard Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capsule was also conducted to enhance the capabilities of the Kenya Navy.

• In honor of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Kenyan Defence Forces, a reception was hosted onboard INS Sunayna by Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. 

• The event was attended by Namgya Khampa, the High Commissioner of India in Nairobi.

• As a symbol of goodwill, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff gifted 200 life jackets to Major General Jimson Muthai, Commander of the Kenya Navy.

• Prior to departure from Mombasa, INS Sunayna conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kenya Naval Ship Jasiri on June 23, 2023, further strengthening the maritime cooperation between the two navies.

Indian women's doubles pair of Sutirtha and Ayhika clinches WTT Contender tournament title in Tunis

Tags: Sports Sports News

Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee, theIndian women's doubles pair, emerged victorious in the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender tournament held in Tunis on 25th June.

An overview of the news

• In the final, they defeated the Japanese duo of Miyuu Kihara and Miwa Harimoto with a score of 3-1 (11-5, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11) in a challenging match.

• This win makes Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee the first Indians to secure a Contender title in the current year.

• Prior to reaching the final, the Indian pair faced a tough last-four battle against the Korean duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihi, which they won 3-2 (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9).

• On the other hand, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Manika Batra and G Sathiyan, as well as the men's doubles duo of Manav Vikash Thakkar and Manush Utpalbhai Shah, were unable to progress to the finals as they lost their respective semifinal matches.

Asian Development Bank to provide 400 million US dollars in loans to Bangladesh

Tags: Economy/Finance International News

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement with the government of Bangladesh to provide $400 million for the construction of a dual gauge railway between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

An overview of the news

• The purpose of the railway project is to promote trade, investment, and tourism in Bangladesh.

• The new rail link is expected to open this year and aims to transport approximately 2.9 million passengers annually between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar by 2024.

• The ADB is supporting the government's shift from road to rail transport, as rail is considered a climate-friendly, safe, affordable, and efficient mode of transportation.

Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway

• The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway is part of the Trans-Asia Railway (TAR) network, which is an initiative led by the United Nations. 

• The TAR network aims to establish seamless rail links between Asia and Europe to enhance connectivity between people and markets.

• The TAR network covers a total of 128,000 kilometers and passes through 28 countries. 

• It was formalized through an Inter-governmental Agreement on Trans-Asian Railway network in 2009.

• The assistance provided by ADB for the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway Project is the third part of a $1.5 billion loan package for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) initiative.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• It is a regional multilateral financial institution which focuses on the countries of Asia and Pacific region.

• It was set up after a resolution was passed at the first Ministerial Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in 1963.

• It started functioning from 19 December 1966 with 31 member countries.

• At present it has 68 members—of which 49 members are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.

• Japan is the largest shareholder of the ADB and a Japanese has always been the head of the ADB.

• President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa 

• Headquarters: Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines