1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. UK launches new landmark trading scheme for developing countries
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
The UK launched the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) on 19 June.
An overview of the news
This trade scheme provides a significant opportunity for India and 65 other poor and developing countries.
The scheme simplifies trading rules and cuts tariffs on products entering the UK from 65 developing countries, including Bangladesh.
About Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
This is a preferential trading program that has been introduced by the United Kingdom.
The DCTS replaces similar arrangements that were previously in place during the UK's membership in the European Union.
The primary objective of the scheme is to support trade and promote economic growth for 65 poor and developing countries.
Through the DCTS, these countries are granted preferential treatment in terms of trade, with reduced or eliminated tariffs on certain products imported into the United Kingdom.
By providing favorable trading conditions, the DCTS aims to enhance market access for these countries, stimulate economic activity, and foster mutually beneficial trade relationships.
Benefits of the scheme
It creates opportunities for businesses and supports livelihoods by facilitating trade between participating countries and the United Kingdom.
By lowering trade barriers and providing preferential treatment, the scheme aims to create employment opportunities for individuals in participating countries.
It plays a role in diversifying local and international supply chains, which contributes to job creation and economic growth in these countries.
Through increased market access and favorable trading conditions, the scheme helps participating countries to access the UK market and expand their export capabilities.
By increasing exports, countries can diversify their economies and reduce their dependence on limited products or markets.
10. Center launches 'Dakshta' course suite on iGOT platform to enhance skills of young professionals
Tags: National News
The Central Government has introduced a new collection of courses called "Dakshata" on the iGOT Karmayogi platform announced by the Ministry of Personnel.
An Overview of the News
The course, known as "Dakshta" (Development of Attitude, Knowledge, Skills for Holistic Change in Administration), aims at enhancing the skills of young professionals.
To oversee the core objectives of the initiative, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has set up Karmayogi Bharat, a government-owned non-profit special purpose vehicle.
Karmayogi India is responsible for owning, managing, maintaining and improving the iGOT Karmayogi Platform.
Mission Karmayogi, which is the national program for civil services capacity building, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating a developed and empowered India.
The mission aims to create a smart, citizen-friendly and future-ready public workforce in line with the government's thrust on skill development and holistic transformation.
About iGOT Karmayogi
It is an online platform for capacity building of civil service officers.
It combines five functional centres: online learning, competency management, career management, discussion and networking.
The platform enables officials to deliver more effectively, enhancing government execution capabilities.
It offers online, face-to-face and blended learning opportunities.
Occasional forums facilitate discussion among officers.
It helps manage career paths and provides reliable competency assessments.
