1. Bangladesh Navy Inks Deal for 'Made in India' 800-Ton Ocean-Going Tug with GRSE
Tags: International Relations
Bangladesh Navy signs a contract for a "Made in India" 800-tonne ocean-going tug with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
An Overview of the News
This is the second contract for GRSE this month, following a $16.6 million deal with the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA) to build a dredger.
Admiral Tripathi's Visit
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi visits Bangladesh for a four-day official visit.
The visit coincides with the contract signing between Bangladesh Navy and GRSE.
Bilateral Relations and Agreements
The visit follows Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's bilateral visit to India on June 21-22.
Agreements were signed to strengthen ties in the maritime sphere and blue economy.
Bangladesh decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), a forum promoted by India for collaborative solutions to common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit aims to consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Bangladesh.
Exploration of new avenues for naval cooperation.
2. PM Modi Releases Three Books on Venkaiah Naidu's Life and Journey
Tags: Books and Authors National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released three books on the life and works of former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu via video conferencing on June 30.
An Overview of the News
The event was held in Hyderabad, coinciding with Mr. Naidu’s 75th birthday.
PM Modi stated that Mr. Naidu's life journey is a source of inspiration for younger generations.
The three books released are:
Venkaiah Naidu: Life in Service: A biography by S. Nagesh Kumar, former resident editor of The Hindu’s Hyderabad edition.
Celebrating Bharat: The Mission and Message of Shri M Venkaiah Naidu as 13th Vice-President of India: A photo chronicle compiled by I.V. Subba Rao, former secretary to the Vice-President of India.
Mahaneta: Life and Journey of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu: A pictorial biography in Telugu authored by Sanjay Kishore.
Other books by Venkaiah Naidu
Articles in newspapers on the subjects of political and public interests and books
‘Moving on...Moving forward: A Year in Office’
‘Selected Speeches of Venkaiah Naidu : Volume 1’
‘Listening, Learning and Leading’ A chronicle of the Vice President of India’s two Years in office
Connecting, Communicating, Changing……Vice President’s third year in office
Other Books for 2024
The Idea of Democracy - Sam Pitroda, 2024
2024: India in Free Fall - Sanjay Jha
The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir - Ramachandra Guha
Thread by Thread: The S.Kumar's Story - Sathya Saran
Just a Mercenary? Notes from My Life and Career - D. Subbarao
3. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Inaugurates Mumbai Conference on India's New Criminal Laws
Tags: National News
A conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ was inaugurated in Mumbai on June 30th.
An Overview of the News
The conference introduced three new criminal laws scheduled to come into effect on July 1st.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, emphasized during the inaugural session that the new laws prioritize 'justice' over 'punishment', a departure from colonial-era legislation.
These laws were developed after extensive consultations with lawmakers, legislators, academia, and the general public.
Audience and Objectives:
Stakeholders: Judges, Prosecutors, Advocates, Law Enforcement and Investigating Agencies, District Administration Officials, Academia, Students of Law, and Citizens.
Participants in Inaugural Session:
Chief Justice: Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya of Bombay High Court.
Secretary: Dr. Rajiv Mani from the Department of Legal Affairs, among other dignitaries.
About three new criminal laws
On 21 June 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P) announced the enactment of three new criminal laws effective from 1 July 2024.
Enactment of three new criminal laws effective from 1 July 2024
Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita (BNSS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam Act, 2023
These new laws replace the British-colonial era laws:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973
The Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872
President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to these laws on 24th December 2023.
On 19th June 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) proposal for the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
The scheme has a budget of over Rs 2200 crore for the period from FY25 (2024-25) to FY29 (2028-29).
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA):
Union Minister: Amit Shah (Lok Sabha constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS): Nityanand Rai (Lok Sabha constituency: Ujiarpur, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS): Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Lok Sabha constituency: Karimnagar, Telangana)
4. CAG has Inaugurated the Chadwick House Museum in Shimla
Tags: National News
Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, inaugurated the 'Chadwick House Navigating Audit Heritage' Museum in Shimla.
An Overview of the News
Chadwick House, a historic landmark in Shimla, hosted Mahatma Gandhi during the 1946 Cabinet Mission.
After independence, it housed a training school for the Indian Audit and Accounts Service until neglect led to its near demolition in 2018.
Restoration and Establishment:
The Supreme Audit Institution of India intervened to preserve Chadwick House's heritage.
An MoU with Prasar Bharati in December 2020 initiated its transformation into a museum.
Museum Features:
The museum showcases the evolution, achievements, and milestones of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) institution.
It comprises ten galleries exploring various aspects of CAG's history through artefacts, documents, and interactive displays.
Exhibits include historical documents, artefacts, and photographs documenting CAG's role in governance and audits.
Inaugural Address and Purpose:
Murmu highlighted the museum's role as a knowledge repository and an inspiration for future auditors.
Chadwick House and its museum symbolize dedication to public service and governance integrity.
Educational and Historical Value:
The museum uses multimedia and artefacts to educate visitors about CAG's contributions to India's governance.
It aims to preserve and showcase the historical significance of auditing in India.
5. MoE Launches Nationwide Campaign on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)
Tags: National News
The Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI), under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), has initiated a nationwide campaign focused on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI).
An Overview of the News
The Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, MoE, has issued a comprehensive advisory to all States/UTs regarding compliance with the ToFEI Guidelines outlined in the ToFEI Implementation Manual.
The ToFEI Implementation Manual, launched on World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2024), will play a critical role in guiding the transformation of all educational institutions across India into "Tobacco Free" zones.
Implementing Tobacco-Free Zones: Key Steps for Schools and Surrounding Areas
Display signage stating "Tobacco Free Area" and "Tobacco Free Education Institution."
Ensure no presence of tobacco-related evidence such as cigarette/beedi butts, discarded gutka/tobacco pouches, or spitting spots on premises.
Post awareness materials about tobacco harms within the institution.
Organize at least one tobacco control activity biannually (every 6 months).
Nominate 'Tobacco Monitors' and prominently display their names, designations, and contact numbers on signage.
Include guidelines against tobacco use in the institution's code of conduct.
Mark a 100-yard (300 feet) area from the outer boundary of the educational institute.
Prohibit tobacco sales within 100 yards of any educational institution.
Conduct anti-tobacco pledges as outlined in Annexure-III of the ToFEI Implementation Manual.
6. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Elevated to 'Navratna' Status by Government
Tags: National News
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has been granted 'Navratna' status by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
An Overview of the News
Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a PSU under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), has received 'Mini RATNA (Category-1)' status from the Department of Public Enterprises.
During the Golden Jubilee celebration of CEL at its Ghaziabad campus in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) Independent Charge (IC), MoST, announced the grant of Mini Ratna status for CEL.
About Navratna CPSE
It is a select group of public sector enterprises in India that have been granted greater autonomy in decision making and financial management by the government.
The term "Navratna" means "Nine Gems" in Hindi and refers to the original nine CPSEs that were granted this status in 1997.
Navratna CPSEs are also subject to certain obligations, such as achieving certain performance targets and maintaining minimum levels of public shareholding
Some examples of Navratna CPSEs include Bharat Electronics Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.
Criteria for Navratna Status:
Must be a Miniratna-I or Schedule 'A' company.
Should have received an 'excellent' or 'very good' rating in at least three of the last five years under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) system.
Must achieve a composite score of 60 or above in six specified performance indicators.
Should report a net profit of over Rs 5,000 crore for three consecutive years.
Must maintain an average annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore for three years, or an average net worth of over Rs 15,000 crore for three years.
Benefits of Navratna Status:
Financial Autonomy: Can make investments up to ₹1,000 crore without seeking government approval.
Investment Flexibility: Allowed to invest up to 15% of their net worth in a single project or 30% of their net worth in a fiscal year, capped at ₹1,000 crore.
Capital Expenditure: Can spend on new items or replacements without a monetary ceiling.
Strategic Initiatives: Permitted to enter into technology joint ventures or strategic alliances.
List of Navratna companies:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
Engineers India Limited (EIL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC)
Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC India)
National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC)
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL)
Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF)
IRCON International Limited
RITES Limited
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)
National Fertilizers Limited
Central Warehousing Corporation
Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL)
7. South Korea, US, Japan Launch First Trilateral Exercise
Tags: International News
South Korea, the US and Japan on June 27 began their first trilateral multi-domain exercise, codenamed Freedom Edge.
An Overview of the News
The exercise is taking place over three days on Jeju Island in South Korea.
It aims to enhance security cooperation against threats posed by North Korea and its deepening relationship with Russia.
Areas of focus include ballistic missile defense, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue operations, maritime interdiction, and defensive cyber training.
Previously, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Pyongyang, resulting in a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. This treaty includes provisions for military assistance in case of an attack on either party.
Jeju Island
It is the largest island in South Korea, with an area of 1,833.2 km².
It constitutes 1.83% of the total land area of South Korea.
Jeju Island, along with its outlying islands, forms Jeju Province.
Situated in the Korea Strait, it lies south of the Korean Peninsula and South Jeolla Province.
South Korea
It is located in East Asia on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula.
It shares one of the world's most heavily militarized borders with North Korea.
Capital - Seoul
Currency - South Korean won
President - Yoon Suk Yeol
Prime Minister - Han Duck-soo
Japan
Capital: Tokyo
King: Prince Naruhito (The reign of the 126th king will be known as 'Riwa'.)
Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
Currency: Japanese Yen
United States
Capital - Washington, D.C.
President - Joe Biden
Vice President - Kamala Harris
8. Ministry of Coal Initiates India's First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot Project in Jharkhand
Tags: National News
The Ministry of Coal has initiated India's first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Jharkhand.
An Overview of the News
The project aims to revolutionize the coal industry by converting in-situ coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Objectives
Transform economically unviable coal resources through advanced gasification technologies.
Produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks, fertilizers, and industrial products from converted gases.
Project Details
Location: Kasta coal block, Jamtara District, Jharkhand.
Led by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada.
Two-year project divided into two phases: feasibility study and pilot-scale gasification.
Phases
Phase 1 (Started June 22, 2024): Conducting borehole drilling and core testing to prepare a Technical Feasibility Report.
Phase 2: Implementation of coal gasification at a pilot scale.
Benefits
Enhances energy security and promotes sustainable development.
Demonstrates efficient utilization of India's coal reserves, contributing to energy self-reliance.
Showcases innovative coal gasification technologies tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions.
Strategic Importance
Aligned with the Ministry of Coal's policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas.
Supported by the CIL R&D Board to foster R&D and innovation in the coal sector.
Future Outlook
Expected to set new standards in coal resource utilization and pave the way for similar projects in India.
Aims to establish India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies.
9. Kozhikode Named India's First UNESCO 'City of Literature'
Tags: State News National News
On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became India's first UNESCO "City of Literature."
An Overview of the News
PA Mohammed Riyas, Kerala's Tourism Minister, unveiled the UNESCO "City of Literature" logo.
The "City of Literature" Day of Kozhikode was declared, starting from 2024, to be celebrated annually on 23rd June across Kerala.
MB Rajesh, from the State Local Self Government Department (LSGD), made this announcement during an official event in Kozhikode.
Background and UNESCO Creative Cities Network:
On 31st October 2023, Kozhikode and Gwalior were the only Indian cities among 55 cities globally designated in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Kozhikode was named UNESCO "City of Literature," while Gwalior was designated UNESCO "City of Music."
UCCN includes 350 cities from over 100 countries across seven creative fields, including Literature.
About Kozhikode:
Formerly known as Calicut during British rule, Kozhikode is historically significant as the city of Zamorins.
It served as a crucial gateway to India for foreigners, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans, notably Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Kozhikode boasts over 500 functioning libraries and has been a hub for literary activities, home to renowned Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair.
About UNESCO:
Director General (DG):- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Established:-1945
10. National Consultation on One Health Legal Framework Launched in New Delhi by Dr. V. K. Paul
Tags: National News
Dr. V. K. Paul, NITI Aayog Member, inaugurated the 'National Consultation on Legal Environment Assessment for One Health Activities in India' in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The event was also attended by Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
The workshop spanned two days and aimed to evaluate the current legal framework concerning One Health activities in India.
Key objectives included identifying strengths, gaps, and overlaps in existing laws and regulations affecting One Health initiatives.
Dr. Rajiv Mani from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Leena Nandan from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Isabelle Tschan, UNDP India Representative, were among the notable attendees and stakeholders.
Overview of One Health Approach:
One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment.
It has gained significance due to increased interactions between people, animals, plants, and the environment.
Factors Contributing to One Health Importance:
Population Dynamics: Growing human populations are expanding into new areas, increasing contact with wild and domestic animals.
Role of Animals: Animals serve multiple roles such as food, companionship, and economic livelihoods, fostering close human-animal interactions.
Environmental Changes: Climate change, deforestation, and intensive farming alter landscapes, creating new opportunities for disease transmission among animals and humans.
Globalization: Increased travel and trade facilitate rapid spread of diseases across borders and continents.
Impact of Zoonotic Diseases:
Zoonotic diseases, which transfer between animals and humans, pose significant global health challenges.
Examples include rabies, West Nile virus, Ebola, and various bacterial infections like Salmonella and Brucellosis.
Animals can serve as early indicators of potential human health threats, as seen with diseases like West Nile virus.
Collaborative One Health Approach:
Involves collaboration among experts from various fields such as disease control specialists, veterinarians, physicians, and environmental scientists.
Aims to enhance the health of both humans and animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Focuses on integrated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health to prevent and mitigate disease outbreaks.
