1. UNGA adopts Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers
Tags: International News
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently unanimously adopted a resolution to set up a new memorial wall for dead peacekeepers, which was moved by India.
An overview of the news
The adoption of this resolution is a significant achievement for India and reflects the confidence of the international community in India's contribution and intention.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented the draft resolution titled 'Memorial Wall for Fallen United Nations Peacekeepers' at the UN General Assembly Hall.
The resolution received widespread support and a record 190 co-sponsorships, demonstrating global recognition of India's efforts in peacekeeping.
About the Memorial Wall
The Memorial Wall will symbolize the UN's commitment to peacekeeping and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by fallen peacekeepers.
It will stand as a constant reminder of the price paid for global decisions and the importance given to peacekeeping operations by the United Nations.
The installation of the Memorial Wall for the Deceased Peacekeepers underlines India's commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and recognizes the selfless dedication and sacrifice made by peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security across the world.
It serves as a tribute to his memory and as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance of the international community for his service.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
It is the United Nation’s chief policy-making and representative organ and was created in 1945.
It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
It serves as the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations.
Its powers, structure, functions and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.
Its main functions are to prepare the budget of the United Nations, appoint non-permanent members to the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General of the United Nations, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations system, and make recommendations through resolutions.
2. Akashvani and Doordarshan emerge as most trusted electronic media organization in country
Tags: National National News
According to Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2023, DD India and All India Radio have been recognized as the most trusted electronic media organizations in the country.
An overview of the news
The report highlights that although overall trust in news has decreased marginally by 3 percentage points, public broadcasters and print brands have managed to maintain a relatively high level of trust among the public.
DD India and All India Radio have been specifically described as electronic media organizations with the highest degree of trust.
This recognition reflects the credibility that these public broadcasters have established among their audiences.
Their longstanding presence in the media landscape as well as their commitment to providing accurate and unbiased news coverage has contributed to their strong reputation as reliable sources of information.
Being recognized as the most trusted electronic media organizations reflects the belief that the public space in DD India and All India Radio highlights their importance in the media ecosystem and the role they play in shaping public opinion.
About the Reuters Institute Digital News Report
The Digital News Report of the Reuters Institute is an annual publication.
It provides valuable insight into the evolving landscape of digital news around the world.
The report is widely recognized as a comprehensive and reliable source of information on news trends and media patterns.
The report aims to examine the changing dynamics of news, the impact of digital technologies on news and the emerging role of news organizations in the digital age.
3. Akashvani and Doordarshan emerge as most trusted electronic media organization in country
Tags: National National News
According to Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2023, DD India and All India Radio have been recognized as the most trusted electronic media organizations in the country.
An overview of the news
The report highlights that although overall trust in news has decreased marginally by 3 percentage points, public broadcasters and print brands have managed to maintain a relatively high level of trust among the public.
DD India and All India Radio have been specifically described as electronic media organizations with the highest degree of trust.
This recognition reflects the credibility that these public broadcasters have established among their audiences.
Their longstanding presence in the media landscape as well as their commitment to providing accurate and unbiased news coverage has contributed to their strong reputation as reliable sources of information.
Being recognized as the most trusted electronic media organizations reflects the belief that the public space in DD India and All India Radio highlights their importance in the media ecosystem and the role they play in shaping public opinion.
About the Reuters Institute Digital News Report
The Digital News Report of the Reuters Institute is an annual publication.
It provides valuable insight into the evolving landscape of digital news around the world.
The report is widely recognized as a comprehensive and reliable source of information on news trends and media patterns.
The report aims to examine the changing dynamics of news, the impact of digital technologies on news and the emerging role of news organizations in the digital age.
4. World Bank launches its first road safety project in South Asia
Tags: International News
The World Bank (WB) launched its first dedicated road safety project in South Asia with a USD 358 million financing agreement signed in Dhaka with the government of Bangladesh on 14th June.
An overview of the news
The project seeks to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries from road crashes in selected cities, high-risk highways, and district roads
Implementation on National Highways
The project will focus on two national highways in Bangladesh: Gazipur-Elenga (N4) and Natore-Nawabganj (N6).
These highways will serve as the primary sites for implementing various road safety measures.
The aim is to achieve a substantial reduction of over 30 percent in road traffic deaths on these two highways.
Infrastructure Enhancements
To enhance road safety and reduce accidents and fatalities, the project will include the construction of essential infrastructure elements along the Gazipur-Elenga and Natore-Nawabganj highways.
These improvements will encompass the installation of road signs, dividers, footpaths, zebra crossings, speed breakers, and bus bays.
By implementing these measures, the project aims to create safer road environments in the five divisions of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
Emergency Services and Trauma Care
The project will introduce innovative emergency services, including the use of bike-ambulances equipped with a toll-free number.
These services will ensure swift transportation of road crash victims to hospitals, improving their chances of receiving timely medical attention.
Additionally, trauma care facilities in selected district hospitals and Upazila Health Complexes will be upgraded to enhance the quality of care provided to accident victims.
Speed Control Measures and Institutional Strengthening
To regulate speed and curb reckless driving, the project will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems along the roads and develop an electric messaging system.
It will also allocate resources for patrol vehicles and crash site cleaning equipment.
Furthermore, the project aims to support the Bangladeshi government in strengthening its institutions to effectively manage road safety across the country.
5. U.S. Will Rejoin UNESCO in July
Tags: International News
The United States will rejoin UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organization, in July 2023.
An overview of the news
The move ends Washington's more than ten-year dispute with the UN cultural agency after the US left UNESCO in 2018.
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma submitted a letter to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay last week to formalize plans to rejoin.
In addition, the US will also pay an outstanding balance of over $600 million.
America's reason for being out of UNESCO
The United States exited UNESCO primarily due to the induction of Palestine as a member in 2011.
This move resulted in the US suspending its funding to the agency, which amounted to millions of dollars, during the presidency of Barack Obama.
The reason behind the US halting funding was that Palestine is not recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations.
While Palestine was granted non-member observer state status in 2012, enabling its participation in General Assembly proceedings, it did not possess voting rights.
Why did the USA rejoin UNESCO?
The absence of the United States from UNESCO allowed China to gain greater influence within the organization.
Recognizing the need to maintain a strong international presence and influence, the US has sought to re-engage to counter China's growing authority.
By rejoining, the US is seeking to regain its role in shaping and influencing UNESCO's policies.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General: -Audrey Azoulay
Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.
6. Fourth warship of Indian Navy 'Sanshodhak' launched
Tags: Defence National News
The fourth Survey Vessel Large (SVL) of the Indian Navy, named 'Sanshodhak', was launched at Kattupalli, Chennai on 13th June.
An overview of the news
The launch ceremony, held on June 13, was attended by Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, as the chief guest.
Tanvi Arora launched the ship while an invocation from the Atharva Veda was chanted, following naval maritime traditions.
About 'Sanshodhak' warship
The ship's name, meaning 'Researcher', reflects its primary role as a Survey Vessel.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the launch of the fourth SVL as a testament to India's commitment to indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
The project, undertaken by L&T/GRSE for the Indian Navy, demonstrates the nation's resolve in promoting self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
Purpose and features of SVL ships
The SVL ships are designed to replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships and are equipped with new-generation hydrographic equipment to collect oceanographic data.
These ships have a length of 110 meters, a width of 16 meters, and a displacement of 3,400 tons.
The hull of the ships is constructed using DMR 249-A steel, an indigenously developed material manufactured by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
With over 80 percent indigenous content by cost, the SVL project promotes defense production by Indian manufacturing units, contributing to employment generation and enhancing warship building capabilities in the country.
Construction and launch timeline
The contract for building four SVL ships was signed between the MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on October 30, 2018.
As per the build strategy, the first ship was built at GRSE, Kolkata, while the construction of the remaining three ships up to the outfitting stage was sub-contracted to L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.
The first three ships, named Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, and Ikshak, were launched on December 5, 2021, May 26, 2022, and November 26, 2022, respectively.
7. SIDBI launches EVOLVE mission with NITI Aayog
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) launched the Electric Vehicle Operations and Lending for Vibrant Ecosystem (EVOLVE) mission.
An Overview of the News
The mission has been launched in collaboration with NITI Aayog, World Bank, Korean-World Bank and Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Its main objective is to provide financial assistance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the electric vehicle sector.
The collaboration between SIDBI, NITI Aayog, World Bank, Korea-World Bank and Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) highlights the importance of public-private partnership.
The EVOLVE mission contributes to the promotion of sustainable transportation solutions in India.
By supporting MSMEs in the electric vehicle industry, the initiative aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for electric vehicles.
EVOLVE Mission Aim:
Its primary objective is to provide funds for the purchase of 50,000 Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Sanction letters have been sent to companies such as Aristo Securities and Muffin Green Finance to achieve this goal.
These companies have been tasked with facilitating the introduction of around 5,000 two-wheeler and three-wheeler electric vehicles on the roads in the near future.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
Apex regulatory body for micro, small and medium enterprise finance companies in India.
Responsible for licensing and regulation in this sector.
Jurisdiction:
Under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
The headquarters is located in Lucknow.
Establishment:
Established on 2nd April, 1990 by the Government of India.
Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of IDBI Bank.
Delinked from IDBI Bank on March 27, 2000.
8. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was in power for 17 years, dies
Tags: International News
On 12 June 2023, former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi passed away at the age of 86.
An Overview of the News:
- Berlusconi previously served as Prime Minister of Italy four times, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011.
- Berlusconi was Italy's longest-serving prime minister despite allegations of corruption.
- Berlusconi was admitted to the hospital on 9 June for treatment of chronic leukemia. He was also suffering from heart disease, prostate cancer for a long time and was hospitalized in 2020 after getting infected with Kovid-19.
Italy:
- Capital: Rome
- President: Sergio Mattarella
- Prime Minister: Georgia Meloni
- Currency: Euro
9. Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department signed agreement with private sector to generate employment
Tags: National News
The Directorate General of Rehabilitation (DGR), Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Union Ministry of Defense signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited on June 12, 2023 in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News:
- The objective of this MoU between DGR and the Company is to bring Corporate Companies and Ex-Servicemen on a common platform to generate employment opportunities for the respected Ex-Servicemen retired from Defense Services.
- This partnership will provide greater visibility for ex-servicemen to the industry and corporate world and help in achieving the objectives of providing skilled manpower and providing a dignified second career to ex-servicemen.
M/s Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited:
- Mahindra Kotak Life Insurance, a 100% subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, was established in 2001.
- Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance is one of the fastest growing insurance companies in India with over 34.8 million life insurance covers across the country as of December 2021.
10. G20 Third Framework Working Group meeting held in Kochi
Tags: National News
The G-20 Third Framework Working Group meeting is currently held in Kochi, Kerala under the G20 Presidency of India.
An Overview of the News
- More than 75 delegates from G-20 member states, invited countries and international/regional organisations participated.
- The meeting was jointly chaired by Dr V Ananth Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser, Union Ministry of Finance and Tom Hemingway, Deputy Director of the UK Treasury.
- The focus of the meeting includes discussions on the global economic outlook, the macroeconomic impact of food and energy insecurity, and the impact of climate change and transition pathways on the economy.
- The purpose of the meeting is to facilitate a shared understanding of member countries' policy experiences and to identify areas where global cooperation can support national efforts.
- A panel discussion on “Financial Globalization - Opportunities and Risks” was organised along with the working group meeting.
About the G20
- It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
- Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
- The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Official Bird - Great Hornbill
Governor - Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
Origin of rivers in Kerala
- Periyar River
- Bharathapuzha River
- Pamba River
- Chaliyar River
- Chalakudy River
India's longest lake - Vembanad, Kerala
