1. Prime Minister mentioned India’s efforts to create ‘green jobs
Tags: National News
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister mentioned India’s efforts to create ‘green jobs.
What are Green Jobs?
It refers to a class of jobs that directly have a positive impact on the planet, and contribute to overall environmental well-being.
Jobs that ensure renewable energy, conservation of resources, and energy efficient means are classified under this category.
It aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of economic sectors and advance the process of creating a low-carbon economy.
India and green jobs
The Skill Council for Green Jobs was launched by the Central Government on 1 October 2015.
It was promoted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Awareness and training of green jobs skills will ensure individuals limit greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste and pollution, protect and restore ecosystems, and support adaptation to the effects of climate change.
As per the ILO, India is moving strongly towards a green economy by the next decade, with the renewable energy sector alone creating about 3 million jobs.
According to ILO data, the renewable energy sector created about 47,000 new jobs in 2017, representing a growth of 12% over a period of one year.
2. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates CPSEs exhibition in Gandhinagar
Tags: National Economy/Finance
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 9 June inaugurated a Mega exhibition on Nation Building and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar Gujarat.
The event has been organised as part of the ongoing celebrations of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
During this, the Finance Minister was apprised about the various major initiatives of CPSEs and their contribution in nation building.
During this four day exhibition all the participating CPSEs will showcase their contribution in the development of the country to achieve self-reliant India.
About 75 CPSEs are participating in this exhibition.
Some CPSEs including NTPC and BEL will inaugurate the activity related to converting their townships into mini smart cities at Solapur and Bengaluru.
These townships will be part of 27 townships belonging to 15 CPSEs which are being converted into mini smart cities.
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
These are those companies in which the direct holding of the Central Government or other CPSEs is 51% or more.
As on 31 March 2020, there were 366 CPSEs (excluding insurance companies).
Objectives of Setting up CPSEs
generate better quality of employment
creation of an industrial base in the country
development of basic infrastructure in the country
promotion of exports and reduction of imports
providing resources to the government
To reduce inequalities and accelerate the economic growth and development of the country.
3. NCPCR launches “CiSS application” under Baal Swaraj portal
Tags: Popular National News
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has launched a “CiSS Application” under Bal Swaraj Portal to help in the rehabilitation process of Children in Street Situations (CiSS).
About CiSS Application
It is used to collect data of children found abandoned on roads from all states and union territories.
The application tracks their rescue and rehabilitation process.
This initiative has been started under the direction of the Supreme Court of India.
This program is in conformity with the provision given in Article 51(a) of the Constitution of India.
This platform serves to collect data and report to the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) for taking necessary action for such children.
It also provides a platform for professionals and organizations to provide any help to children in need.
Its working framework
It categorises any child under ‘Children in Street Situation’ if the child -
is living on the streets alone
is living on the streets during the day
or living on the streets with the family.
The root cause of this phenomenon is the migration of families from rural to urban areas in search of better living standards.
4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hands over 12 High Speed Guard Boats to Vietnam
Tags: International News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over 12 high speed guard boats to Vietnam during his visit to Hong Ha Shipyard in Hai Phong on June 9, 2022.
The boats have been built under the Defence Line of Credit of US$ 100 million from the Government of India for Vietnam.
The initial five boats were built in India at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard and the other seven at Hong Ha Shipyard.
The speed boat will be operated by the Vietnamese Border Guard Force.
This project is a vivid example of India's 'Make in India - Make for the World' mission.
The Defence Minister said, India would be very happy if close friends like Vietnam bring about a transformation in its defence industry through increased defence industry cooperation.
Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Vietnam.
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5. Cabinet approves increase in MSP for various Kharif crops
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Union Cabinet on June 8 approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various Kharif (summer) crops for the year 2022-23.
In the cabinet meeting, the MSP of 14 kharif crops was approved.
The approved rates are at least 1.5 times the All India Weighted Average Cost of Production.
MSP of common grade variety of paddy - increased to ₹2,040 per quintal for the 2022-23 crop year from ₹1,940 in the previous year.
The support price of 'A' grade variety of paddy - increased to ₹2,060 per quintal from ₹1,960.
The increase in MSP over the previous year is recommended by -
Sesamum 523 rupees per quintal
Moong 480 rupees per quintal
Sunflower seed 385 rupees per quintal
Tur, Urad and Groundnut 300 rupees per quintal
Cotton (Medium Staple) 354 rupees and Cotton (Long Staple) 355 rupees
Farmers benefit from increase in MSP
It will provide assured remunerative prices to the farmers and will help in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
It will also lead to more investment and production.
It will empower crores of farmers of the country.
What is the Kharif Season?
It starts in June and ends in October where monsoon crops are cultivated and harvested.
Some important Kharif Crops
Bajra
Jowar
Maize
Millet
Rice (paddy and deepwater rice)
Soybean
What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
MSP is the rate at which the government buys food grains from farmers.
This is based on the calculation of at least one and a half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
The Government of India fixes the MSP for 24 items twice a year.
When the market price falls below the declared MSP, the government buys food grains from the farmers at the MSP rate.
6. PM Modi inaugurated Biotech Startup Expo 2022
Tags: Popular National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Biotech Startup Expo – 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 9 June.
The Biotech Startup Expo – 2022 is a two-day event being held on June 9 and 10.
The organiser of the expo is the Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
This expo is being organised to commemorate the ten years of the establishment of BIRAC.
The theme of the Expo - ‘Biotech Startup Innovations: Towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.
The expo will act as a platform to connect entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, bio-incubators, manufacturers, regulators, government officials, etc.
Around 300 stalls will be set up at the expo, showcasing the applications of biotechnology in various sectors such as healthcare, genomics, biopharma, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, waste-to-value, clean energy.
The event will also witness the launch of an e-portal of 750 biotech products.
About Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
It was set up by the Department of Biotechnology on 20th March, 2012.
It is an industry-academia interface agency to strengthen and empower the emerging biotech enterprise.
It conducts strategic research and innovation while addressing nationally relevant product development needs.
DBT and BIRAC have been at the forefront of India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by intervening in the development of indigenous vaccines etc.
India ranks among the top 12 biotechnology destinations in the world and third in the Asia-Pacific.
7. Bajram Begaj has elected as the new President of Albania
Tags: Person in news International News
Bajram Begaj, who held the post of Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF), has been elected as the new President of Albania country.
He is the 8th President of Albania and the third President by military rank.
Bajram Begaz will be sworn in as the new President on 25 July 2022 to replace the incumbent President 'Ilir Meta', who will remain in office till 22 July 2022.
About Albania
The Republic of Albania is a country located in northeastern Europe.
Albania is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the European Organisation for Security and Cooperation, the European Council, the World Trade Organisation, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, etc.
The national and ethnic symbol of the Albanian people is "eagle".
In 1967, Albania became the first atheist country in the world.
The capital of the country is "Tirana".
8. Environmental Performance Index 2022
Tags: Popular National News
Recently, India has been ranked 180th out of 180 countries in the 'Environmental Performance Index' released biennially by 'Yale University'.
The 'Environmental Performance Index' is a joint initiative of Yale University's Centre for Environmental Law and Policy and Columbia University's Centre for International Earth Science Information Network.
The 'Environmental Performance Index'(EPI) is prepared in collaboration with the 'World Economic Forum'.
The EPI scores 180 countries based on climate change performance, environmental health and ecosystem status using 40 performance indicators across 11 categories.
Denmark tops the list
Denmark topped the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), followed by Britain and Finland.
These countries have received the highest scores for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in recent years.
India ranks lowest
According to the report, India stood at the bottom (180th) with the lowest score (18.9).
India's neighbouring countries have performed better, with Pakistan at 176th and Bangladesh at 177th.
Ranking of other major countries
In the Environmental Performance Index, America was ranked 43rd, France 12th, Germany 13th, Australia 17th, Italy 23rd and Japan 25th.
China has been ranked 161 in the report with 28.4 points.
Top 10 countries
Country | Ranking |
Denmark | 1 |
United Kingdom | 2 |
Finland | 3 |
Malta | 4 |
Sweden | 5 |
Luxembourg | 6 |
Slovenia | 7 |
Austria | 8 |
Switzerland | 9 |
Iceland | 10 |
9. India, Vietnam sign joint vision statement on defence partnership for 2030
Tags: International Relations
India and Vietnam signed a 'Vision' document to further widen the "scope" of defence ties by 2030 and a 'Logistic Support' agreement to allow the armies of the two countries to use each other's installations.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to the south-east Asian country.
The MoU on mutual logistics support was inked by both sides.
The two countries also agreed to expeditiously finalise India's defence line of credit of $500 million to Vietnam.
Implementation of the projects through the LoC will significantly enhance Vietnam's defence capabilities and help in taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Make in India, Make for the world'.
India also announced two 'simulators' and funding to set up a language and IT laboratory at the Air Force Officers Training School to improve the capabilities of the Vietnamese Armed Forces.
India, Vietnam relation
Vietnam is an important member of ASEAN (Organisation of Southeast Asian Nations) and has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region.
India is undertaking oil exploration projects in Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea.
India and Vietnam have been working together to enhance their maritime security cooperation over the years to protect common interests.
Vietnam has become an important partner in India's 'Act East Policy' and 'Indo-Pacific Vision'.
The two countries share a rich history of civilizational and cultural ties dating back more than 2,000 years.
The relations between the two countries were accorded the status of "strategic partnership" during the visit of the then Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung to India in July 2007.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016, this status was raised to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".
10. NHAI created World Records for laying 75 Km long Bituminous Concrete Road in record 5 days
Tags: International News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors entered the Guinness World Records for laying 75 km long continuous bituminous concrete road in a record 5 days.
The work was carried out in a single lane on the NH-53 section between Amravati and Akola in West Vidarbha.
This section was constructed by private contractor Rajput Infracon.
Earlier also Rajput Infracon had created a world record by building a road between Sangli and Satara in 24 hours.
The NH-53 highway passes through the mineral rich region of India.
It connects major cities like Kolkata, Raipur, Nagpur, Akola, Dhule and Surat.
Earlier this record was held by the Public Works Authority of Qatar - Ashghal on February 27, 2019.
The road was part of the Al-Khor Expressway and took 10 days to complete.
