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By admin: June 28, 2023

India's first hydrogen powered train will run from Jind district of Haryana

Tags: State News

India's first hydrogen-powered train will start its journey from Jind district of Haryana.

An Overview of the News

• Hydrogen trains use fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.

• They offer a clean and eco-friendly alternative to diesel trains.

• The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and tackle pollution.

• Hydrogen-powered trains produce zero direct emissions, with water vapour being the only byproduct.

About Haryana

• It is a state located in North India, which is bordered by New Delhi on three sides.

• The eastern boundary of Haryana is formed by the Yamuna River, which separates it from the state of Uttar Pradesh.

• It shares its western border with the state of Punjab.

• Haryana has Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, which is located in Chandigarh.

• Rock Garden is located in Chandigarh, which displays sculptures made using recycled materials.

• Capital - Chandigarh

• Governor - Bandaru Dattatreya

• Chief Minister - Manohar Lal Khattar

Important Points 

• General Manager of Indian Railways - Shobhan Choudhary

• Germany's 'Coradia iLint' is the world's first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

• India's first green hydrogen plant has been commissioned by Oil India Limited (OIL) at Jorhat Pump Station in Assam.

US decision to introduce in-country renewable of H-1B visas

Tags: International News

The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) has welcomed the US announcement to start in-country renewal of H-1B visas, saying it will facilitate the movement of Indian IT professionals and boost services exports.

An overview of the news

• The decision will make on-site customer engagement easier for in-house IT professionals.

• Quick travel to client locations abroad allows them to better understand client requirements, establish strong relationships, and provide tailored solutions.

• The US is a major market for India's IT exports, and this decision will have a significant positive impact on IT services exports from India.

• This will contribute to the timely completion of visa renewal projects in the country, ensuring high quality outcomes and meeting customer expectations.

• It also enhances India's reputation as a reliable IT service provider, thereby creating more export opportunities.

About H-1B Visa

• The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.

• It is designed to allow skilled foreign workers to come to the United States and work for American companies.

• This requires theoretical or technical expertise.

Other Visa Categories

• L-1B - For Specialized Employees

• L-1A - For Managers and Executives

• E-2 - Treaty Investor Visa

• E-1 - Treaty Trader Visa

• E-3 - for Australians etc.

Divya Kala Mela will be organised at Jaipur

Tags: Festivals State News

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing a special event called 'Divya Kala Mela' from June 29, 2023, to July 5, 2023, at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Rajasthan. 

An overview of the news

• This event aims to showcase the products and craftsmanship of entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities from across the country.

• The 'Divya Kala Mela' will offer visitors an exciting and vibrant experience with a wide range of products from different parts of the country. 

• These products will include handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works, packaged food, and more. 

• The event provides a unique platform for marketing and showcasing the skills and products of individuals with disabilities.

• This initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is part of their efforts towards the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.

• The 'Divya Kala Mela' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the sixth event in a series that started in 2022, with previous editions held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, and Indore.

• Around 100 artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs with disabilities from approximately 20 states and Union Territories will participate in the event, presenting their products and skills. 

• The products will fall under various categories such as home decor and lifestyle, clothing, stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, toys and gifts, and personal accessories like jewelry and clutch bags.

Center extends financial incentives to 12 states to accelerate power sector reforms

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

Centre has provided financial incentives to 12 states to accelerate power sector reforms. These states will receive over 66 thousand crore rupees incentives for reforms in the power sector.

An overview of the news

• This initiative aims to support and motivate states in implementing reforms that enhance the efficiency and performance of the power sector.

• The announcement regarding this initiative was made in the Union Budget 2021-22 by the Union Finance Minister.

• As part of the initiative, states are granted an additional borrowing space of up to 0.5 percent of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) annually for a period of four years, from 2021-22 to 2024-25. 

• Based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Finance has granted permission for the reforms undertaken by 12 state governments in the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

• As a result, these states have been allowed to raise financial resources of Rs 66,413 crore through the additional borrowing permissions over the past two financial years.

Each State as an incentive to embark on the reform process is as follows:

International Conference on Green Hydrogen to be held in New Delhi

Tags: Summits National News

The Government of India is hosting the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) from 5th to 7th July 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

An overview of the news

• The conference provides a platform for stakeholders in the sector to explore the evolving landscape of green hydrogen and innovative solutions. 

• Specific discussions on hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and applications, the conference will address topics such as green financing, upskilling of human resources, and startup initiatives in the sector.

• The conference will facilitate the sharing of international best practices and provide opportunities for learning from global experiences in the field of Green Hydrogen.

Objective of the Conference

• The primary objective of the conference is to examine the establishment of a Green Hydrogen ecosystem and promote a systemic approach to achieve global decarbonization goals through the utilization of Green Hydrogen. 

• The conference aims to bring together global experts from the scientific and industrial communities to discuss the latest advancements and emerging technologies in the field of green hydrogen.

Organiser of the Conference

• It is organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• The aim of the National Green Hydrogen Mission is to enable India to meet its climate change target of net zero carbon emission by 2070 and make India a production and export hub of hydrogen fuel. 

Aims of National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Achieve the capacity to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030  ,

• Capacity addition of 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

• Reduction in carbon dioxide emission of nearly 50 Million Metric Tonne per annum by 2030.

• Reduction in fossil fuel imports worth Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030.

• To attract investment over Rs.8 lakh crore in the sector.

• Target of creation of over 6 lakh jobs in the sector by 2030.

Indian-origin Aarti Holla-Maini appointed as director of UNOOSA

Tags: Person in news

Indian-origin satellite industry expert Aarti Holla-Maini has been appointed as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

An Overview of the News

• UNOOSA also focuses on the effective application of space science and technology to promote sustainable economic and social progress.

• The Vienna-based UNOOSA plays a key role in facilitating international cooperation for space-related activities. His appointment follows the tenure of Italy's Simonetta Di Pippo.

• The primary objective of UNOOSA is to promote global cooperation in the peaceful exploration and uses of outer space.

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):

• It promotes and facilitates peaceful international cooperation in outer space.

• UNOOSA aims to establish or strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for space activities.

• It helps developing countries to harness space science and technology for sustainable socio economic development.

• It was established in 1958 to aid and advise the Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

• COPUOS was created by the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the scientific and legal aspects of space exploration and uses.

• UNOOSA serves as an advisory body to the Standing Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

• UNOOSA has undergone structural changes and in 1993 it was transferred to the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria.

Hemis Monastery Festival

Tags: Festivals

In Ladakh, two -day long annual Hemis Monastery Festival, known as Hemis Tseschu is being celebrated with great religious fervor and gaiety.

About Hemis Monastery Festival 

• It is a significant annual event celebrated in Ladakh, India. 

• The festival spans over two days and is observed with immense religious fervor and joyous celebrations.

• The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

• Grand prayers, sacred mask dances and thanks for mural paintings are performed on the occasion. 

• It holds great cultural and spiritual significance, attracting a large number of foreign tourists to Ladakh. Visitors from around the world come to witness the mesmerizing performances, immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the rich traditions of the region.

• With its centuries-old history, the festival has become one of the major highlights of Ladakh, captivating the attention and interest of both locals and tourists alike.

Yogi Adityanath launched "Operation Conviction" in Uttar Pradesh

Tags: State News

Yogi Adityanath launches 'Operation Conviction' for cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh

An Overview of the News

• The program aims to convict 20 cases in each district within 30 days of framing of charges.

• It focuses on crimes such as rape, murder, cow slaughter, religious conversion and offenses under the POCSO Act.

• The initiative is aimed at expediting the conviction process and ensuring speedy punishment for criminals.

• The emphasis is on immediate arrest to prevent suspects from evading legal process.

• Strong evidence collection is a priority to strengthen the prosecution's case.

• A thorough investigation will be conducted, including the examination of witnesses and the uncovering of organized crime networks.

• Effective representation in courts for cases related to cow slaughter will be ensured.

POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act:

• This act was implemented in 2012.

• This act has been mentioned in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

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

• Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh - Vijay Kumar

India end Special Olympics World Games campaign with whopping 202 medals

Tags: Sports Sports News

The 194-member Indian team ended its campaign on a high note in the Special Olympics after bagging a whopping 202 medals in the tournament. The Special Olympics were played in Berlin across nine days from June 17 to June 25.

An overview of the news

• India bagged 76 gold, 75 silver and 51 bronze medals in this global multi-sport event.

• The Indian contingent comprised 198 athletes and unified partners, along with 57 coaches, who competed across 16 different sports, representing the nation with passion and dedication.

• The Indian athletes concluded their exceptional performance at the Special Olympics with a remarkable tally of six medals in track events on the final day.

• Aanchal Goyal and Ravimathi Arumugam secured gold medals in the 400m race, while Saket Kundu achieved a silver medal in mini javelin and a bronze in the Level B 400m race, showcasing their talent.

About Special Olympics World Games

• The Special Olympics was established in the year 1968, marking its foundation and initiation of its impactful work.

• The primary mission of the Special Olympics is to offer comprehensive sports training and athletic competition throughout the year. 

• This includes a diverse range of Olympic-style sports specifically designed for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• The organization aims to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities continuous opportunities to enhance their physical fitness, demonstrate bravery, experience happiness, and actively engage in the sharing of talents, skills, and friendships. 

• It seeks to promote the acceptance, respect, and integration of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Priya A.S. Received Sahitya Akademi Children's Literature Award 2023

Tags: Awards

Priya A.S. Received the Sahitya Akademi Children's Literature Award 2023 in the Malayalam language for his novel "Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal" (The Children Who Were Never Withered).

An Overview of the News

• This prestigious award recognizes the talent and creativity of Priya A. S. in the field of children's literature.

• In 2020, Priya A. S. also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Children's Literature for the same novel, "Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal".

• The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 reaffirms Priya A. S.'s ability to connect with young readers and inspire a love of reading and storytelling.

About the novel "Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal"

• Priya A. S.'s novel "Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal" has received recognition and acclaim since its publication in 2018.

• The novel takes inspiration from the devastating floods in Kerala in 2018.

• Priya AS worked in the relief camps set up by the Department of Instrumentation of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi during the floods.

Awards: Sahitya Akademi Translation Award (2014)

• Priya A. S. received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2014.

• The award was given for the Malayalam translation of Arundhati Roy's novel "The God of Small Things".

• "The God of Small Things" is a Booker Prize winning novel.

About Sahitya Akademi Children's Literature Award

• Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar is a prestigious literary award.

• It is awarded by the Sahitya Akademi in recognition of excellence in children's literature.

• The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque.

• A three-member panel is responsible for selecting the winners in each language.

• For Malayalam, the jury members were Dr. Paul Manalil, BS Rajeev and Mundoor Sethumadhavan.

• The winner is selected from among ten recommended books considered for the award.

Parshottam Rupala launched the ‘Report Fish Disease’ App

Tags: National National News

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala launched the 'Report Fish Disease' (RFD) app at Krishi Bhavan on 28 June to enhance the farmer-based disease reporting system and improve the reporting of aquatic animal diseases in India.

An overview of the news

• The RFD app has been developed by ICAR-NBFGR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources) under the National Surveillance Program for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD).

• NSPAAD is funded by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

• The primary objective of the RFD app is to assist farmers in improving their reporting methods, obtaining scientific guidance, and minimizing losses caused by diseases.

• This, in turn, helps increase farmers' income and overall profitability.

Benefits of RFD App 

• The RFD app enables farmers to report disease incidents in finfish, shrimps, and mollusks on their farms, allowing them to connect with field-level officers and fish health experts. 

• This facilitates the exchange of information and provides farmers with scientific advice for effective disease management.

• The app stores data related to diseases on a temporal and spatial scale, enabling the mapping of disease cases. 

• The implementation of the Fish Disease Reporting App has a significant impact on fish disease management. 

• It promotes early detection of diseases, facilitates rapid response measures, fosters collaboration among stakeholders, and facilitates knowledge sharing.

• By mitigating the negative impacts of fish diseases on fish populations, the industry, and ecosystems, the app contributes to the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems.

MSME Ministry launches ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’, ‘Mobile App’ and 'MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0'

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) celebrated 'Udyami Bharat-MSME Day' on International MSME Day (27th June).

An overview of the news

• The event was attended by Narayan Rane, the Union Minister for MSME, as the Chief Guest, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, the Union Minister of State for MSME, as the Guest of Honor.

• The occasion marked the launch of various initiatives by the Ministry of MSME to support the growth and development of MSMEs. 

• These initiatives included the 'CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal' and the 'Mobile App for Geo-tagging of Cluster Projects and Technology Centers', which were launched by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor.

• The results for the 'MSME Idea Hackathon 2.0' were announced, and the launch of 'MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0' specifically for women entrepreneurs took place.

• During the event, both Union Ministers presented certificates to Gold and Silver ZED-certified MSMEs, motivating and recognizing their achievements.

• Additionally, a digital release of a subsidy worth 400 crore rupees was made to 10,075 beneficiaries of the new Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) units.

Significance of MSMEs in India's GDP 

• Narayan Rane highlighted the significance of MSMEs in India's GDP and exports. 

• He expressed his hope that MSMEs would contribute to 50% of the country's GDP by 2030. 

• He congratulated all stakeholders and encouraged them to work towards making India a USD 5 trillion economy.

• Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma acknowledged the role of Indian MSMEs in the growth of the country's economy.

• He mentioned that since 2014, India's GDP ranking has significantly improved, moving from the 10th position to the 5th position.

Indian author Rupa Pai wrote a new book called "The Yoga Sutras for Children"

Tags: Books and Authors

A new book titled "The Yoga Sutras for Children" by Indian author Roopa Pai was published by Hachette India on 27 June.

An Overview of the News

• Roopa Pai's book,"The Gita for Children" was an award-winning bestseller.

• "Yoga Sutras for Children" focuses on uncovering the secrets of Patanjali's 2,000-year-old treatise on yoga.

• It aims to bring out the best in children by connecting yoga to their everyday experiences.

The essence of the book

• This book explores Maharishi Patanjali's techniques for nurturing energy and attitude.

• The book includes black-and-white artwork by painter Sayan Mukherjee.

• It is designed to engage young readers and help them deal with their increasingly complex lives.

• The book aims to instil positivity and confidence in young readers.

Other Books for 2023

Sarbananda Sonowal launches New CSR guidelines ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, has introduced a set of new corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines called 'Sagar Samajik Sahayog' by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

An overview of the news

• The purpose of these guidelines is to enable ports to effectively address local community issues in a collaborative and efficient manner.

CSR funding guidelines

• Under the new CSR guidelines, ports in India will allocate a specific percentage of their net annual profit towards CSR activities. 

• The allocation will be based on the turnover of each port for the year.

• Ports with an annual turnover of less than Rs 100 crores will allocate 3-5% of their net annual profit towards CSR initiatives.

• Ports with a turnover between Rs 100 to 500 crores will allocate 2-3% of their net annual profit for CSR activities.

• Ports with a turnover exceeding Rs 500 crores will allocate 0.5-2% of their net annual profit towards CSR initiatives.

• Additionally, two percent of the total CSR expenses will be dedicated to project monitoring by the ports. 

• This allocation ensures effective implementation and monitoring of the respective CSR projects undertaken by the ports.

• 20% of CSR expenses must be earmarked to Sainik Kalyan Board at district level, National Maritime Heritage Complex and National Youth Development Fund.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Under CSR, companies integrate social and environmental concerns with their business partners with their stakeholders.

• It is regulated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

• India is the first country in the world to make CSR mandatory.

• The provision of CSR is applicable to companies whose net worth is more than ₹ 500 crores or turnover is more than ₹ 1000 crores or net profit is more than ₹ 5 crores.

• Certain categories of profitable companies are required to spend at least two per cent of their annual average net profit for three years on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

CSR Activities

• Promotion of education

• Gender equality and women empowerment

• Eradication of poverty and hunger

• Preparing to fight HIV and other diseases

• Ensuring environmental balance

• Improvement in infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate in the country.

• Contribution to Prime Minister's National Relief Fund

• Promoting sports, Slum area development etc.

CCI approves acquisition of TCNS Clothing by Aditya Birla Fashion

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 27th June approved the acquisition of TCNS Clothing Co Limited by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.

An overview of the news

• ABFRL is a listed company and a part of the Aditya Birla group of companies.

• It operates in the retail industry, specifically in the apparel, footwear, and accessories segments.

• The company sells branded products through various channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and e-commerce marketplaces.

• TCNS Clothing is another listed company that specializes in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of women's apparel, jewelry, footwear, and beauty products.

• It owns several brands such as W, Aurelia, Wishful, Elleven, and Folk Song.

• In May of the current year, ABFRL announced its plan to acquire a 51% stake in TCNS Clothing.

• The deal involved a combination of cash and equity and valued the promoter stake at approximately Rs 1,650 crore.

• ABFRL reported a loss of Rs 186.94 crore in the fiscal fourth quarter of FY 2022-23, compared to a profit of Rs 43.59 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) 

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India. 

• It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002

• It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

• It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition in India. 

• CCI also approves combinations under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.

• Headquarter - New Delhi

• Current Chairman - Ravneet Kaur