1. Latvian parliament elects Edgars Rinkevics as new president
Tags: Person in news International News
In 2011, Edgars Rinkevics, Latvia's foreign minister, was elected as the new president by the 100-seat Saimaa legislature.
An Overview of the News
In a close vote, Edgars Rinkevics secured 52 votes, more than the minimum needed to win the election.
Edgars Rinkevics, aged 49, has previously held positions such as State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and worked as a journalist with Latvian Radio in the 1990s.
Latvia:
It is a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia.
The capital of Latvia is Riga, known for its remarkable woodwork and Art Nouveau architecture.
Riga's mediaeval Old Town contains St. Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination.
Capital - Riga
Prime minister - Krišjānis Kariņš
Official language - Latvian
2. Argentina's Celeste Saulo becomes first female Secretary-General of World Meteorological Organization
Tags: Person in news
Celeste Saulo of Argentina has been appointed as the first female Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
An overview of the news
Saulo won a landslide victory at the Congress of the United Nations Climate and Weather Agency in Geneva.
She will take over from the outgoing secretary-general Petteri Taalas of Finland on January 1.
Saulo has served as director of Argentina's National Meteorological Service since 2014.
He said that at a time when inequality and climate change are the biggest global threats, WMO should contribute to strengthening meteorological and hydrological services to protect populations and their economies.
The leader of the World Meteorological Congress is elected every four years.
The agency plays an important role in coordinating international meteorological operations.
It relies on satellites and thousands of weather stations to measure key parameters of the atmosphere, land and sea.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
It was established in 1873 by the International Meteorological Organization.
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
On March 23, 1950, the World Meteorological Organization became a specialised organisation of the United Nations.
This organisation uses the latest information on meteorology, climatology, hydrology and related geophysical research to contribute to the safety and welfare of society.
3. Mission Olympic Cell approved Neeraj Chopra's proposal to train in Kuortane, Finland
Tags: Person in news Sports News
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) on 28th May approved Olympic Gold Medallist Neeraj Chopra’s proposal to train in Kuortane, Finland.
An overview of the news
Neeraj will train at the Kurtane Olympic Training Center in Finland.
He is scheduled to compete in several World Athletics events next month.
The MOC members also approved paddler Payas Jain's proposal for an advanced training camp in Taiwan.
Proposals to get Indian table tennis stars Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran's personal trainers Aman Balgu and Raman Subramaniam for a number of events were also approved by the MOC.
The ministry said that the financial assistance will cover air travel expenses of the players, camp expenses, boarding and lodging expenses, medical insurance and pocket money apart from other expenses.
Neeraj, who recently became the first Indian Javelin thrower to become World Number One, followed a similar training plan in 2022 as well.
4. Amarendu Prakash takes charge as new SAIL chairman
Tags: Person in news
Amarendu Prakash took charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) with effect from 31 May.
An Overview of the News
He was earlier Director (In-Charge) of SAIL's Bokaro Steel Plant.
SAIL had experienced three years of losses from FY16 to FY18.
Prakash is heading the Bokaro Steel Plant as Director-in-Charge from September 2020.
Under Prakash's leadership, Bokaro Steel Plant achieved remarkable production records in FY22 and FY23.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL):
It is a leading steel making company in India.
SAIL is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India.
SAIL aims to promote the development and production of steel in the country.
The history of SAIL begins with India's First Five Year Plan (1951–1956).
Hindustan Steel Limited (HSL) was established in 1954, which later became the flagship company of SAIL.
In the 1970s and 1980s, SAIL embarked on a significant expansion plan to increase its steel production capacity.
New steel plants including Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand, Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant in Karnataka, Salem Steel Plant in Tamil Nadu and Alloy Steel Plant in West Bengal were established.
Establishment - January 19, 1954
Headquarters - New Delhi
CEO - Soma Mondal
5. Bidyut Bihari Swain takes Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, UPSC
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Bidyut Bihari Swain, IAS (GJ:1988) was administered the oath of office and secrecy as a member of UPSC by Dr. Manoj Soni, Chairman, UPSC.
An Overview of the News
Bidyut B. Swain joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1988 in the Gujarat cadre.
Between 1989 and 2018, he served the Government of Gujarat in various positions at the district and state levels.
In 2018, he joined the Government of India as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, overseeing Special Economic Zones and trade negotiations with CIS countries.
He also served in positions such as Chairman of the Kimberley Protocol and Commissioner General of India for the World Expo-Dubai.
In 2020, he was promoted to Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, responsible for the Trade Policy Division and the CIS and OCEANIA Divisions.
He also served as the Director General of Trade Remedies.
From January 2021 to May 2023, he served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
About UPSC
It is the central recruitment agency in India for Group 'A' officer posts under the Government of India.
It is established as a constitutional body under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
UPSC conducts competitive examinations for recruitment to various civil services including IAS, IPS and IFS.
It is responsible for the selection and placement of candidates in All India Services like IAS, IPS and IFS.
UPSC also conducts exams for recruitment to other central services like IRS, IAS, IRTS and others.
Establishment - 1 October 1926
Founder - United Kingdom Government
Headquarters - New Delhi
6. Govt appoints Ashwani Kumar as UCO Bank MD & CEO
Tags: Economy/Finance Person in news
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ashwani Kumar, Executive Director, Indian Bank, as the Managing Director and CEO of UCO Bank.
An overview of the news
Ashwini Kumar will replace Soma Shankar Prasad, who retired on May 31.
The Center had appointed Prasad as the MD and CEO of UCO Bank in December 2021.
Ashwani Kumar will head the public sector bank for a period ofthree years from June 1.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Kumar will also be eligible for extension of office for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, after review of his performance.
Kumar, a Chartered Accountant, has served in various offices of five public sector banks - Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank.
His work experience includes working as the Head of the Wholesale Banking Division and several branches (including industrial finance branches).
About UCO Bank
UCO Bank is a leading public sector bank in India with a rich history dating back to 1943.
It was established as the United Commercial Bank and later renamed UCO Bank in 1985.
UCO Bank is a government-owned bank and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
It is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and complies with banking regulations and guidelines.
UCO Bank has a widespread branch network across India, serving customers in both urban and rural areas.
7. Parminder Chopra becomes first woman head of Power Finance Corporation
Tags: Person in news
Parminder Chopra was appointed as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
An Overview of the News
Parminder Chopra is the first woman appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of a Maharatna company.
Joined PFC in 2005 and currently serves as Director (Finance) & CFO.
Power Finance Corporation (PFC):
Incorporated in 1986, Largest infrastructure finance company for power sector.
Ministry of Power, under the administrative control of the Department of Public Enterprises.
Awarded 'Maharatna' status, 11th PSU to receive this recognition.
Harsh Jain - President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI):
Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain has been elected as the chairperson of IAMAI.
He will replace Google India Vice President and Country Manager Sanjay Gupta.
Rajesh Mago, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, was elected as the Vice Chairman of IAMAI.
R Dinesh - President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):
TVS Supply Chain Solutions EVP R. Dineshbecame the President of CII for 2023-24.
Sanjiv Puri, MD of ITC, has been appointed as the chairman.
Dinesh Bajaj replaced Sanjiv Bajaj, CMD of Finserv Limited.
8. Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand VSM takes over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA)
Tags: Defence Person in news
Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand, Vishisht Seva Medal took over as the Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) on 1 June 2023.
An overview of the news
An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned as Air Marshal in the administrative branch of the Indian Air Force.
In a career spanning over 36 years, the Air Marshal has held various field and staff appointments.
Prior to his present appointment, he was the Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.
For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India in January 2022.
Role of Air Officer-in-Charge Administration
Air Force Officer-in-Charge Administration is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of the Indian Air Force.
It includes the management of human resources, logistics, infrastructure, welfare and other administrative aspects of the organization.
The AOA plays a critical role in driving modernization efforts and improving administrative efficiency within the Indian Air Force.
9. P Upadhyay INAS takes over as Director General of Naval Armament
Tags: Defence Person in news
P Upadhyay, INAS has taken over as Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) from KSC Iyer, who superannuated on 31 May 23.
An overview of the news
P Upadhyay is an officer of the 1987 batch of Indian Naval Armament Service.
He joined the Naval Armament Organization of the Indian Navy on 12 July 1989.
An Electrical Engineering Graduate from SGSITS Indore, he earned his Post Graduate degrees from Devi Ahilya University in Electrical Engineering with specialization in 'Digital Techniques and Instrumentation' in 1988.
He is postgraduate in Mechanical Engineering from University of Pune with specialisation in 'Guided Missiles', in 1995.
In a span of 34 years, he has held various important assignments at NAD (Visakhapatnam), NAD (Karanja), NAD (Trombay), NAD (Alwaye).
He is an alumnus of Naval Defence College of NDC-53.
He is also adept at missile and torpedo maintenance apart from having expertise on ammunition disposal.
Naval Armament
The Naval Armament Directorate is responsible for the development, procurement, and maintenance of armament systems for the Indian Navy.
It plays a vital role in equipping the naval forces with advanced weaponry and supporting their operational readiness.
It plays a crucial role in promoting indigenous development and self-reliance in armament systems.
P. Upadhyay will contribute to the Indian Navy's "Make in India" initiative by supporting indigenous research, development, and production capabilities.
10. Recep Tayyip Erdogan becomes the President of Türkiye
Tags: Person in news International News
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan became the President of Turkey.
An Overview of the News
In the parliamentary elections, the AK Party and its allieswon 323 out of 600 seats.
Erdogan has been in power for two decades after becoming prime minister in March 2003.
Erdogan won the presidential election, defeating Kemal Kilikdaroglu, the opposition leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Erdogan's government aims to prioritise fighting inflation and dealing with the aftermath of the devastating February 6 earthquake.
About Türkiye
It is officially known as the Republic of Turkey, a transcontinental country.
It is located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
Ankara is the capital of Türkiye.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and serves as the main financial center.
President - Fuat Octay
Assembly Speaker -Mustafa Sentop
Chief Justice - Zuhu Arslan
Official languages - Turkish
