1. Vice-President to be Chief Guest at International Day of Yoga, 2023
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The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar has been invited as the chief guest for the International Day of Yoga (IDY 2023) celebrations in Jabalpur on June 21, 2023.
An overview of the news
He will address the gathering and lead a mass yoga performance at the event.
The motto of IDY 2023 is "Yoga for 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'", which emphasizes on treating the world as one family.
The United Nations recognized June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014, and this year marks the ninth anniversary of the global celebration.
The global celebration of IDY 2023 will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States.
The International Yoga Day 2023 event in Jabalpur will be attended by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, among other dignitaries.
The celebration of IDY aims to promote yoga worldwide, highlighting its many benefits for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
2. Nusrat Chowdhary will become the first Muslim woman federal judge in US history
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Nusrat Chowdhry, a civil rights lawyer, has been confirmed by the US Senate for appointment as the first Muslim female federal judge in US history.
An overview of the news
She became the first Bangladeshi American and the first Muslim American woman to become a federal judge.
She will serve as a federal judge in Brooklyn federal court in New York after receiving a 50-49 vote along party lines.
Endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), she currently holds the position of Legal Director for the ACLU of Illinois.
Chowdhary previously served in the ACLU National Office and was the Deputy Director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program.
Chowdhury has a notable academic background, having graduated from Columbia, Princeton and Yale Law Schools.
He has also served as clerk to chief justices in the US District Court and US Circuit Court of Appeals.
Earlier, in 2019, Zahid Qureshi became the country's first federal Muslim judge when he was confirmed to serve as a district court judge in New Jersey.
3. Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ravi Sinha selected as new chief of Research and Analysis Wing
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Ravi Sinha, a 1988 batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been selected as the next chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
An Overview of the News
Sinha will take over from current chief Samant Kumar Goel, whose term ends on June 30, 2023.
Presently, Ravi Sinha is holding the post of Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat.
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW):
It is the foreign intelligence agency of India.
RAW's primary function is to gather foreign intelligence.
It is responsible for counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation efforts.
RAW advises Indian policy makers on strategic matters.
Established - 21 September 1968
Founder - RN Kao, Indira Gandhi
Headquarters - New Delhi
Officeholder - Samant Goyal (Director of Intelligence Agency)
4. Daniel Ellsberg, Renowned Whistleblower of the Pentagon Papers, Passes Away at 92
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Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers, passed away at the age of 92.
An overview of the news
Ellsberg's actions, which exposed the government's deception and doubts regarding the Vietnam War, had far-reaching consequences and played a role in President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Ellsberg revealed his terminal illness with pancreatic cancer in February.
Until the early 1970s, Ellsberg was an influential member of the government and military establishment.
As a Harvard graduate and self-described "cold warrior," he served as a consultant on Vietnam, risking his life and holding the highest security clearances.
He gained the trust of officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations.
The Pentagon Papers, a comprehensive study commissioned by then-Defense Secretary Robert S McNamara in 1967, became the catalyst for Ellsberg's whistleblowing.
5. Britain appoints Jane Marriott as first female envoy to Pakistan
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The United Kingdom appointed Jane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan, making her the first female British envoy to Islamabad.
An Overview of the News
Jane Marriott previously served as the High Commissioner to Kenya since September 2019.
She will replace Dr Christian Turner, who held the position of British Ambassador to Pakistan since December 2019.
Prior to his diplomatic career, he held roles in the Cabinet Office and the Home Office.
About United Kingdom
It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Capital - London
Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
Emperor - Charles III
About Pakistan
Capital - Islamabad
Chairman - Arif Alvi
Prime Minister - Shahbaz Sharif
President of the Senate - Sadiq Sanjrani
6. Renowned novelist Cormac McCarthy passed away
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Renowned Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Cormac McCarthypassed away at the age of 89.
An Overview of the News
McCarthy, best known for such acclaimed novels as "The Road" and "No Country for Old Men," was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1933.
He began his fiction writing journey in the early 1960s and published his first novel "The Orchard Keeper" in 1965.
Throughout his career, McCarthy wrote more than 20 novels, including such notable works as "Blood".
In recognition of her literary achievements, McCarthy was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007 for her novel "The Road".
Additionally, his novel "No Country for Old Men" was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 2007.
Pulitzer Prize
It is an award administered by Columbia University.
It was established in 1917 by provisions of the will of Joseph Pulitzer.
The award recognizes achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United States.
The award covers various categories such as newspaper reporting, investigative journalism, editorial writing, feature writing, commentary, criticism, photography, fiction, drama, history, biography, poetry and music.
7. Mission Olympic Cell approves Mirabai Chanu, Bindayarani Devi's proposal to train in USA
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The Mission Olympic Cell of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports approved Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi's proposal for an overseas training camp.
An Overview of the News
Target Olympic Podium Scheme athletes Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi will train under the guidance of Dr. Aaron Horschig at Squat University in St. Louis, USA.
The aim of the training camp is to focus on rehabilitation and strength training for the upcoming Asian Games.
Mirabai Chanu, Bindayarani Devi, Indian head coach Vijay Sharma and physiotherapist Tesnim Zayed will be part of the camp and it will run for 65 days.
The government will bear various expenses including air travel, boarding and lodging, medical insurance, local transport, gym fees and doctor's consultation.
About Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS):
Launch: Tops was launched in September 2014 and got a facelift in April 2018.
Objective: The objective of the scheme is to provide support and assistance to athletes for Olympic Games/ Paralympic Games and other major international tournaments to win medals.
Support Services: TOPS provides financial support, training support, coaching, scientific and technical support, sports equipment and access to facilities.
Collaboration: TOPS promotes coordination between sports federations, NSDF, SAI and other organisations.
Goal: TOPS aims to help athletes excel in international competitions and bring glory to the nation.
8. Rashmika Mandanna becomes the brand ambassador for Epson India
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Printer company Epson India has signed popular actress Rashmika Mandanna as its brand ambassador.
An overview of the news
Mandanna will collaborate with the company in a multi-media campaign to promote its 'EcoTank' printers this month.
Epson India aims to leverage Rashmika Mandanna's popularity and diverse fan base across Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil cinema to reach a wider audience, particularly the younger generation, through the campaign.
The company believes her association will help spread awareness about their products and the benefits they offer.
Epson India's perspective
Tushad Talati, the Director of Brand and Communication at Epson India, expressed the company's enthusiasm for having Rashmika Mandanna as their brand ambassador.
Through the campaign, they aim to reach a wider audience and raise awareness about the printers and their advantages.
Mandanna's other endorsements and industry trends
Rashmika Mandanna is also associated with brands such as PlayerzPot, 7Up, TTK Healthcare's Eva, and others.
9. Uttam Lal appointed as Director (Personnel) of NHPC
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Uttam Lal has been appointed as Director (Personnel) in National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd.
An Overview of the News
NHPC Limited is India's leading hydropower company.
Uttam Lal earlier served as Chief General Manager (HR-CSR/R&R/LA) in NTPC Limited.
Uttam Lal is known for his expertise and experience in the power sector.
Uttam Lal did his PG Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Xavier Institute of Social Sciences (Ranchi) and also obtained LLB degree from Ranchi University.
NHPC Limited:
It is a Government of India Hydropower Board and operated under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
It was incorporated in 1975 with an authorised capital of ₹2,000 million.
Its objective is to plan, promote and organise the integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power.
It is currently classified as a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise of the Government of India.
NHPC is one of the top ten companies in India in terms of investment.
The first project commissioned by NHPC was Baira Suil Power Station in Salooni Tehsil of Chamba District.
10. Amit Agarwal appointed CEO of UIDAI, Subodh Kumar Singh named DG NTA
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Amit Agarwal and Subodh Kumar Singh, both senior IAS officers, have been appointed to key positions in the Government of India.
An Overview of the News
Amit Agarwal, a 1993 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Agarwal is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Subodh Kumar Singh, a 1997 batch IAS officer, has been named the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Subodh Kumar Singh is at present Additional Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Both Amit Agarwal and Subodh Kumar Singh belong to the Chhattisgarh cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Important Appointments:
Richa Sharma was transferred from the Ministry of Environment to the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Rashmi Chowdhary was appointed as the Secretary in the Central Information Commission.
Shyam Jagannathan will be the Director General (Shipping) in the Ministry of Ports.
Sanjeev Kumar Chadha has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Wumlunmang Wulnam was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs.
Ramesh Krishnamurthy was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
L S Changsan will be Additional Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
R Anand was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Land Resources.
Maninder Kaur Dwivedi has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Maninder Kaur Dwivedi also holds the additional charge of Managing Director, Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium.
Vipin Kumar has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Sunil Kumar Barnwal has been made Additional Secretary in the Higher Education Department.
Sanjay Sethi and Krishna Kumar Dwivedi were temporarily promoted to the additional secretary level in their respective ministries.
