1. FCI becomes leading recruiter in recent years
Tags: National National News
The Food Corporation of India (FCI), a prominent Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has emerged as one of the leading recruiters in recent years.
An overview of the news
FCI plays a crucial role in ensuring the food security of the nation and recruits a significant number of young individuals annually.
FCI follows a transparent and genuine recruitment process, conducting examinations solely through online mode.
The vacancies are widely advertised in Employment News, as well as leading national and local newspapers.
The selection is based on open competition and merit, strictly adhering to the rules and regulations of the Corporation and the Government of India.
Recruitment of FCI
The recruitment includes various categories, namely Category I, II, III, and IV.
In 2020, FCI successfully recruited 3,687 Category III officials, followed by 307 Category II and 87 Category I officers in 2021.
FCI has advertised 5,159 posts for Category II & III in 2022.
The recruitment process has witnessed the participation of around 11.70 lakhs candidates.
Two phases of the online exams have already been completed, and the final stage of the recruitment process is expected to conclude soon.
FCI is actively filling up existing vacancies within the organization to ensure efficient operations and address the shortage of human resources.
About Food Corporation of India (FCI)
It is a prominent Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in India.
It was established in 1965 to ensure food security and support the nation's public distribution system.
FCI's primary mandate is to procure, store, and distribute food grains across the country.
It aims to maintain an adequate buffer stock of essential commodities and provide timely and affordable food grains to the vulnerable sections of society.
FCI undertakes the procurement of food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) declared by the government.
It procures crops such as wheat, rice, and coarse grains directly from farmers through designated procurement centers.
2. South Korea offers KSS-III batch-II submarine to India
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Recently South Korea has made an exclusive offer to provide its advanced KSS-III Batch-II submarines to India.
An overview of the news
The proposal comes at a time when Germany is about to complete India's submarine acquisition programme, Project 75I.
About KSS-III Batch-II submarine
The KSS-III is the largest submarine to ever be built by South Korea, is being developed in two phases, Batch-I and Batch-II.
It is part of the Korean Attack Submarine program and represents a significant advancement in the country's naval capabilities.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine is an advanced version of its predecessor submarine in terms of combat management system, firepower and sonar capabilities.
It is jointly developed by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
The KSS-III submarine is a series of diesel-electric attack submarines.
Features of KSS-III batch-II submarine
It is equipped with advanced technologies and facilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
The submarine has a length of approximately 84 m (275 ft) and a submerged displacement of approximately 3,000 tonnes.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine utilizes a combination of air-independent propulsion (AIP) system and diesel-electric propulsion.
The submarine is capable of reaching speeds of over 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour)while submerged.
The submarine is equipped with a range of armaments and sensors to fulfill its mission requirements.
It includes torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare,anti-ship missiles for surface engagement, and land-attack capabilities.
The submarine also features advanced sensor systems, such as sonar and radar, to detect and track underwater and surface targets.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine has a crew capacity of around 50 personnel.
Export Potential
South Korea aims to promote the KSS-III Batch-II submarine for potential export to other countries.
The advanced features, operational capabilities, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their naval forces.
3. Edinburgh University launches Hindi course
Tags: International News
The University of Edinburgh and the Indian Consulate in the UK collaborated to create the first open access course in the Hindi language.
An Overview of the News
The course, entitled "Climate Solutions", was developed with the help of translators and in partnership with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and the Government of India.
Professor Dave Ray, Executive Director of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, and other climate change experts collaborated to design and deliver the course.
The Climate Solutions Course syllabus is available in Hindi, English and Arabic.
It focuses on the causes, implications and solutions related to climate change in India.
University of Edinburgh:
It is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It was established in 1582 by the city council under a royal charter granted by King James VI.
United Kingdom:
It is an island nation located innorthwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Capital - London
Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
Emperor - Charles III
4. Sakhalin-1 Project
Tags: International News
ONGC Videsh, a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, recently said that oil production from the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia is back from zero to a high of around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd).
An overview of the news
ONGC expressed confidence that it would be able to retain its 20 per cent stake in the Sakhalin-1 project.
ONGC last year applied to the new Russian operator of Sakhalin-1 to retain its stake in the oil and gas project in the country's Far East.
ONGC Videsh also has a 26% stake in Russia's Vankorneft, a company that owns Vankor Field and the North Vankor licence.
ONGC, which has set a net zero target by 2038, is expecting gas production from its Mozambique project to begin by 2026-27.
About Sakhalin-1 project
The Sakhalin-1 project is an oil and gas exploration and production project located on the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island in Russia.
It is one of the largest foreign direct investments in Russia's energy sector.
The Sakhalin-1 project is estimated to have significant oil and gas reserves.
Consortium: The project is operated by Exxon Neftegas Limited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, in cooperation with other international partners, including Rosneft, ONGC Videsh Limited, and SODECO (a consortium of Japanese companies).
Technological Challenges: The project faced numerous technological challenges due to its location in a remote and harsh environment.
The offshore fields are located in the subarctic region, where ice and extreme weather conditions pose significant operational difficulties.
Socio Economic Impact: The Sakhalin-1 project has had a significant socioeconomic impact on the region and Russia as a whole.
It has contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and technology transfer, stimulating economic growth in the area.
Future Expansion: Additional exploration activities are being conducted to identify new reserves and expand production capacity.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The Sakhalin-1 project serves as an example of successful international collaboration in the energy sector.
It has brought together major international oil companies and Russian partners to leverage their expertise, resources, and technology.
About ONGC Videsh
ONGC Videsh Limited is a Miniratna Schedule "A" Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
It is a wholly owned subsidiary and overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
ONGC Videsh Limited's primary business is to explore possibilities for oil and gas production outside India, including exploration, development and production of oil and gas.
5. India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Vietnamese officials held the third Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi on 31st May.
An overview of the news
Both sides discussed ways to better maintain the marine environment which is helpful for theinclusive development of both the countries.
Senior officials from ministries and services dealing with maritime affairs participated in the dialogue.
The two sides also reviewed initiatives for maritime cooperation and ways to strengthen international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security.
The second India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was to be held in virtual format in April 2021 after the first round was held in Hanoi in March 2019.
India, Vietnam Relation
Vietnam has become an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision as both countries have disputes with China.
Vietnam is involved in a dispute with China on the South China Sea Island. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea islands, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
India favours free and open navigation right in the South China Sea which is threatened by China.
India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. India and Vietnam are boosting their maritime security cooperation in the last few years to protect common interests.
In 2016, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam, the bilateral relations were further elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
India and Vietnam signed an important Joint Vision Statement on defence partnership during the visit of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam on 8 June 2022.
During the defence minister's visit India provided a $500 million defence loan to Vietnam.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Capital: Hanoi
President: Vo Van Thuong
Currency: Dong
6. PM Modi to chair SCO Summit virtually
Tags: Summits National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 22nd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State on 4th July.
An overview of the news
It will be held in the virtual format. India assumed the rotating Chairmanship of SCO at the Samarkand Summit on 16 September last year.
All the SCO Member States, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have been invited to attend the Summit.
In addition, Iran, Belarus and Mongolia have been invited as observer states.
As per SCO tradition, Turkmenistan has also been invited as the Guest of the Chair.
In addition, heads of six international and regional organizations have also been invited.
The theme of the summit is 'Towards a Secure SCO'.
The SECURE acronym was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2018 SCO summit which refers to security, economy and trade, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and environment.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) :
It is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
It was founded in 2001.
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and came into force in 2003.
It is a Eurasian political, economic and military organization.
Its aim is to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
China, Russia and four Central Asian states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – were founding members of the SCO.
Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Official Languages - Russian and Chinese
Chairmanship - On the basis of rotation for a year by Member States
7. 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
8. Sri Lanka's National Poson Week begins
Tags: Festivals International News
In Sri Lanka, the National Poson Week began on 31 May.
An overview of the news
The Posan festival will be held till June 6 and will be centered around the holy city of Mihinthalaya, Thanthirimalaya and Anuradhapura.
The festival celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 236 BCE by Arhat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka.
A large number of devotees are expected to visit Anuradhapura for the festival this year and steps have been taken to provide all facilities to the devotees.
Due to economic crisis and lockdown in the last few years the festival could not be celebrated on a large scale.
Apart from this, the traffic police have implemented a special traffic plan to make travel easier in Anuradhapura.
About Poson Festival
Posan, also known as Poson Poya, is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.
The festival is the most important Poya (full moon) holiday of the year and the second most important Buddhist holiday of the year.
Posan is celebrated throughout the island, with Anuradhapura and Mihintale holding the most important celebrations of the festival.
The festival is held in early June, coinciding with the June full moon.
9. Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sworn in as President
Tags: Person in news International News
Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President of Nigeria on 29 May.
news overview
Tinubu was inaugurated at Eagles Square in Abuja, which was attended by local and foreign dignitaries.
Tinubu's presidency is marked by economic crisis, security concerns, and the need for political stability.
Economic challenges in Nigeria include the need for diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
Nigeria
It is an African country located on the Gulf of Guinea.
Capital -Abuja
Vice President - Kashim Shettima
Senate President - Ahmed Lawan
House Speaker - Femi Gbazbiamila
Chief Justice - Olukayode Arivula
10. India's defence exports increased 23 times since 2014
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
India's defence exports have grown 23-fold since 2014, reaching an all-time high of nearly Rs 16,000 crore in the last financial year.
An Overview of the News
The development reflects India's progress in the global defence manufacturing sector.
The country's defence industry has shown its capability in design and development by exporting to more than 85 countries.
Presently, 100 firms are exporting defence products from India.
The Government has implemented policy initiatives and reforms in the last nine years to boost defence exports.
The Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative encourages indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment, thereby reducing dependence on imports in the long run.
Expenditure on defence purchases from foreign sources has declined from 46% in 2018-19 to over 36% in December last year.
India currently exports aircraft (Dornier-228), artillery guns, BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rockets and launchers, radars, simulators and major platforms such as armoured vehicles.
There is a growing global demand for India's indigenous products including LCA-Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter, Aircraft Carrier and MRO activities.
'Atmanirbhar Bharat':
Atmanirbhar Bharat translates to 'self-reliant India' and is a concept promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the economic development of India.
It aims to make India more efficient, competitive and resilient in the global economy.
Modi first used the term in 2014 while focusing on national security, poverty alleviation and Digital India initiative.
Educational institutions like Visva-Bharati University played a role in furthering self-reliance in education.
