1. Government of India constituted peace committee in Manipur
Tags: committee National News
Government of India has constituted a Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor, Manipur Anusuiya Uikey on 10 June.
An overview of the news
The constitution of the Peace Committee in Manipur was announced by Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, during his visit to the state from May 29th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023.
Members of Peace Committee
The committee consists of the chief minister, state government ministers, members of parliament (MPs), members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and leaders of various political parties.
The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups.
Mandate of the Committee
The primary mandate of the Peace Committee is to facilitate the peace-making process among different ethnic groups in Manipur.
This involves promoting peaceful dialogues and negotiations between conflicting parties or groups.
The Committee aims to foster social cohesiveness, mutual understanding, and cordial communication between the various ethnic groups in the state.
The objective of the committee is to resolve conflicts, redress grievances and promote reconciliation among the various communities in Manipur.
2. Sarbananda Sonowal launches 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
Tags: National National News
In a significant move to accelerate the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system on 12 June.
About 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
This will help in making the seas and port clean. With this, real time information on dredging will be available.
This system has been developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) the technological arm of MoPSW.
The new technology Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) system is a significant improvement over the older system.
The 'Sagar Samriddhi' monitoring system aims to bring synergy among various input reports, including the daily dredging report and pre and post dredging survey data.
By integrating and processing these reports, the system can generate real-time dredging reports, providing valuable insights and information.
Capabilities of ‘Sagar Samriddhi’
Real time dredging progress report
Daily and monthly progress Visualisation
Dredger performance and downtime monitoring
Easy location track data with snapshot of loading, unloading and idle time
National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC)
NTCPWC was established under the Sagarmala program of MoPSW at IIT Madras with a total investment of Rs 77 crore.
It was inaugurated on 24 April 2023 by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
It aims to enable research and development for the maritime sector, while enabling solutions towards achieving the goal of building a strong maritime industry in the country.
3. First edition of India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise begins
Tags: Defence International News
The first edition of the India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise began in the Gulf of Oman.
An Overview of the News
The exercise includes the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, as well as French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The exercise focused on a wide range of naval operations, including surface combat, tactical firing, missile engagement on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercises and boarding operations.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and address conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment.
The exercise serves as a platform for sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices in maritime security.
The participating navies aim to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding and promote regional security and stability in the maritime domain.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
Government - Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Oman:
Capital - Muscat
Currency - Omani Rial
Official language - Arabic
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq
Crown Prince - Thiazin bin Haitham
4. NTPC Kanti launches Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023
Tags: National National News
NTPC Kanti launched Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023 as part of its CSR initiative.
An Overview of the News
The program is a four-week residential workshop aimed at empowering 40 underprivileged rural girls from Kanti Block.
This initiative is the first of its kind organised by NTPC Kanti.
The primary objective of the GeM program is to provide academic training, skill development and overall personality enhancement to the participants.
The program focuses on inculcating curiosity among the participants and developing better communication and social skills.
By empowering underprivileged rural girls, NTPC Kanti aims to contribute to their holistic development and provide them opportunities for a better future.
The GeM-2023 program reflects NTPC Kanti's commitment to social welfare and dedication to support marginalised communities.
Bihar:
It is a state located in eastern India and shares its border with Nepal.
This region is divided by the river Ganga.
Bihar is known for its important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a revered site.
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor -Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha -40 seats
5. 'Har Ghar Jal' Program highlights significant impact on Public Health - WHO report
Tags: Reports National News
A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the 'Har Ghar Jal' program on public health and economic savings.
An overview of the news
Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.
Highlight of the report
The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.
Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.
This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.
This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.
The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India's total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.
Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.
The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.
'Har Ghar Jal' Program
Launched - By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019
Implementation - By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
Aims - To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps.
SDG 6.1 - Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
Achievement - 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.
6. IICA and RRU sign MoU for academic and research collaboration
Tags: National National News
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on 9 June.
An overview of the news
The objective of the MoU is to synergize the professional capabilities of IICA and RRU towards capacity building, education, research and consultancy in the areas of internal security, financial crime, law enforcement, corporate fraud and other subjects.
The MoU also provides for exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for conducting research, training and consultancy.
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
It was registered as a society on September 12, 2008 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It is an autonomous institute, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to deliver opportunities for research, education, and advocacy.
It is a think-tank, capacity building and service delivery institute.
7. Indian Council of Agricultural Research signs a MOU with Amazon Kisan to Empower Farmers
Tags: National National News
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) signed an MoU with Amazon Farmer on 9th June.
An overview of the news
The MoU aims to create synergy between these two organizations to guide farmers on scientific cultivation of various crops for optimum yield and income.
ICAR will provide technical support to farmers through Amazon's network.
This collaboration will enable farmers to access valuable agricultural knowledge and resources, improve their livelihood and increase crop yield.
By adopting these practices, farmers can improve their income and overall profitability.
The objective of this MoU is to ensure access to high quality fresh produce for consumers across India.
Through initiatives such as Amazon Fresh, consumers will have reliable access to fresh farm products.
Expansion of cooperation on the basis of successful pilot project
A successful pilot project between ICAR-KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) in Pune and Amazon has decided to expand the collaboration.
The precision farming practices developed through extensive research will be disseminated for the benefit of a wider group of farmers.
Empowering farmers through technology transfer
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras under ICAR, will play an important role in empowering farmers by taking advantage of technology transfer.
This would include sharing of technological advancements and implementing capacity building programs to empower farmers with knowledge and skills.
Training & Marketing Support
Amazon will provide training support to the farmers, helping them improve their understanding of modern farming practices.
Additionally, Amazon will assist farmers in marketing their produce by creating a direct connection between farmers and consumers through its online platform.
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Established - 1929
The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh Tomar.
ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)
RRU is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It is a pioneering national security and police University of India.
8. Cyclone Biparjoy
Tags: National National News
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently issued an advisory for all the ports of Gujarat.
An overview of the news
In the advisory, it has been directed to issue a Distant Warning (DW 2) signal in case a deep pressure in the Arabian Sea intensifies into a cyclonic storm Biperjoy.
According to IMD, the storm has shifted northwards and could pose a potential risk to the coastal areas.
In light of this weather phenomenon, fishermen have been warned not to venture into the deep sea.
How was Cyclone Biparjoy named?
The cyclone was named "Biparjoy" by Bangladesh.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) follows an alphabetical order for naming tropical cyclones, with member countries submitting names.
Bangladesh proposed the name "Biparjoy," which translates to "Disaster" in Bengali.
The next cyclone after Biparjoy will be named ‘Tej’ based on India’s suggestion.
Cyclones in the Arabian Sea
The month of June is considered favorable for the formation of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
This is due to specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to cyclone development during this time.
Cyclones form as a result of low-pressure systems that develop over warm ocean waters.
The warm sea surface temperatures provide the necessary energy and moisture for the formation and intensification of cyclones.
While the Bay of Bengal is generally known for its higher temperatures, the Arabian Sea is also experiencing increasing water temperatures due to climate change.
The rising temperatures contribute to the overall warming of the Arabian Sea, creating a favorable environment for cyclone formation and intensification.
9. NATO plans German-led air force exercise, "Air Defender 23"
Tags: Defence International News
NATO is set to commence its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe, known as "Air Defender 23," according to German and US officials.
An overview of the news
The exercise will span approximately 10 days, starting from 12th June, and will involve the participation of around 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.
The exercise will be conducted across Germany, with some of the training taking place at Ramstein Air Base, one of NATO's largest air bases.
Air Defender 23
The exercise is purely defensive in nature.
Its primary objective is to enhance the defense capabilities of participating nations and ensure preparedness to respond to potential security challenges.
The exercise also intends to send a message to other countries including Russia.
The demonstration of NATO's unity and collective defense posture serves as a reminder of the Alliance's commitment to address potential threats and maintain regional stability.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
About NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defence pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
10. Federal Bank launches 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' campaign
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The campaign 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' was launched by the Federal Bank in Chennai on 6th June.
An Overview of the News
The campaign aims to honour and celebrate the local community of Adyar.
The Adyar branch of Federal Bank has been converted into a living museum for the campaign.
Vibrant paintings depicting the vibrant spirit of Adyar now adorn the walls of the branch.
The campaign features a special exhibition showcasing 40 compelling stories of the individuals who made Adyar special.
The campaign aims to capture the essence of Adyar and promote its rich culture and heritage.
It fosters a sense of pride and belonging among local residents.
The 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me' campaign is an innovative initiative by Federal Bank to honour and recognize the Adyar community.
Federal Bank Limited:
It is an Indian private sector bank headquartered in Aluva, Kochi, Kerala.
The bank operates 1,370 branches in various states of India.
Federal Bank has representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Dubai.
The bank provides a wide range of financial services to its customers including retail banking, corporate banking, treasury operations and wealth management.
It emphasises a customer-centric approach and strives to provide efficient and convenient banking solutions.
Founder - K.P Hormis
Establishment - 23 April 1931, Nedumpuram
CEO - Shyam Srinivasan
About Tamil Nadu
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Capital - Chennai
Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister - MK Stalin
Assembly seats - 235 seats
Rajya Sabha seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats - 39