1. Union Cabinet approves continuation of ‘Exploration of Coal and Lignite Scheme’
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 June, has approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme called "Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme."
An overview of the news
The scheme will be implemented from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, and will require an estimated expenditure of Rs 2980 crore.
The scheme focuses on the exploration of coal and lignite through two main stages: Promotional (Regional) Exploration and Detailed Exploration in Non-Coal India Limited (CIL) blocks.
The approved funding includes Rs 1650 crore for Promotional (Regional) Exploration and Rs 1330 crore for Detailed Drilling in Non-CIL areas.
The scheme aims to cover approximately 1300 sq. km under Regional exploration and approximately 650 sq. km under Detailed exploration.
Significance of the scheme
Exploration for Coal and Lignite is essential to ascertain and estimate the available coal resources in the country.
It plays a crucial role in preparing detailed project reports required to initiate coal mining operations.
The geological reports generated through these exploration activities are utilized in the auctioning of new coal blocks.
The cost of exploration is subsequently recovered from successful allocatees.
The continuation of the Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme will contribute to the assessment and identification of coal and lignite reserves, facilitating future coal mining operations.
It ensures the availability of reliable geological data for the auctioning process, promoting transparency and efficiency in the allocation of coal blocks.
2. AIIMS Nagpur first AIIMS in country to get NABH accreditation
Tags: National National News
AIIMS Nagpur, the branch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, has emerged as the first AIIMS in India to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH).
An overview of the news
This accreditation places AIIMS Nagpur at par with the world's leading hospital standards in terms of quality and patient care.
AIIMS officials proudly announce this achievement and emphasize their commitment to provide the highest quality of patient care, ensure safety and maintain organizational efficiency.
The NABH accreditation serves as validation of their efforts in these fields.
Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised the institute for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced infrastructure and remarkable contribution in patient care, academic activities and research.
What is NABH accreditation?
The NABH accreditation is a voluntary and internationally recognized certification that signifies a healthcare organization's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services and ensuring patient safety.
NABH has developed a set of rigorous standards that cover various aspects of healthcare delivery, including patient care, infrastructure, infection control, patient rights, medication management, safety protocols, and more.
These standards are designed to ensure that healthcare providers adhere to the best practices and deliver superior quality care.
3. AIIMS Nagpur first AIIMS in country to get NABH accreditation
Tags: National National News
AIIMS Nagpur, the branch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, has emerged as the first AIIMS in India to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH).
An overview of the news
This accreditation places AIIMS Nagpur at par with the world's leading hospital standards in terms of quality and patient care.
AIIMS officials proudly announce this achievement and emphasize their commitment to provide the highest quality of patient care, ensure safety and maintain organizational efficiency.
The NABH accreditation serves as validation of their efforts in these fields.
Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised the institute for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced infrastructure and remarkable contribution in patient care, academic activities and research.
What is NABH accreditation?
The NABH accreditation is a voluntary and internationally recognized certification that signifies a healthcare organization's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services and ensuring patient safety.
NABH has developed a set of rigorous standards that cover various aspects of healthcare delivery, including patient care, infrastructure, infection control, patient rights, medication management, safety protocols, and more.
These standards are designed to ensure that healthcare providers adhere to the best practices and deliver superior quality care.
4. Government launches Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR
Tags: National National News
The government launched the Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR, in the power sector.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the mission is to identify emerging technologies and develop them indigenously for use within and outside the country.
It focuses on facilitating indigenous research, development and demonstration of latest technologies in the power sector.
It aims to leverage these technologies for future economic growth and make India a global manufacturing hub.
The mission is planned for an initial period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy - RK Singh
Make in India:
Launched on 25 September 2014.
Objective: To facilitate investment, promote innovation and create best-in-class infrastructure.
Goal: To make India a manufacturing, design and innovation hub.
Startup India:
Launched on January 16, 2016.
Objective: To nurture and support startups, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Benefits: Tax exemptions, simplified rules and access to funding opportunities.
5. Government launches Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR
Tags: National National News
The government launched the Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, MAHIR, in the power sector.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the mission is to identify emerging technologies and develop them indigenously for use within and outside the country.
It focuses on facilitating indigenous research, development and demonstration of latest technologies in the power sector.
It aims to leverage these technologies for future economic growth and make India a global manufacturing hub.
The mission is planned for an initial period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy - RK Singh
Make in India:
Launched on 25 September 2014.
Objective: To facilitate investment, promote innovation and create best-in-class infrastructure.
Goal: To make India a manufacturing, design and innovation hub.
Startup India:
Launched on January 16, 2016.
Objective: To nurture and support startups, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Benefits: Tax exemptions, simplified rules and access to funding opportunities.
6. India Sri Lanka Defense Seminar cum Exhibition to be held at Taj Samudra in Colombo
Tags: International News
India Sri Lanka Defence seminar cum exhibition to be held on 6 June at Taj Samudra in Colombo.
An overview of the news
The seminar seeks to identify potential areas of cooperation for economic revival and capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
It aims to strengthen the partnership between India and Sri Lanka in defence-related matters.
The event will feature a comprehensive exhibition that showcases the capabilities of both countries in defence equipment manufacturing.
The exhibition will be open to the public, offering them an immersive experience of various defence equipment on display.
The exhibition promotes exchange of ideas and promotes dialogue and encourages meaningful partnerships in the defense sector.
Objective of the event
The event aims to highlight and celebrate India's prowess in defence manufacturing while fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean region.
It aligns with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Successful Utilization of Indian Defence Equipment
The Sri Lankan Armed Forces have successfully utilized a wide range of Indian defence equipment, including the Indra Radar, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels, L 70 Guns, Dornier Aircraft, and Army training simulators.
This highlights the effectiveness and reliability of Indian defence technology.
Mutual Benefits
The Indian armed forces have also benefited from the use of Fast Interceptor Crafts and the refit of a Floating Dock in Colombo.
In line with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, the Government of India has committed to supplying additional equipment such as a Floating Dock, a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and Dornier aircraft.
This commitment further strengthens the capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Significance of the Event
The India-Sri Lanka Defence Seminar and Exhibition hold great importance as a landmark event.
It fosters greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations, ultimately contributing to regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
With the Sri Lankan Armed Forces utilizing Indian defence equipment, the seminar and exhibition are likely to provide a boost for indigenous defence manufacturing.
It showcases India's technological capabilities and encourages self-reliance in defence production.
7. Five new countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council
Tags: International News
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Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council on 6 June for a two-year term.
An overview of the news
The newly elected members will take up their new responsibilities on January 1, 2024 and serve till December 31, 2025.
Slovenia defeated Belarus by a vote of 153 to 38, while Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea were elected unopposed.
These new members will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates at present when their two-year term ends on 31 December 2023.
Election of non-permanent members
Voting is done by secret ballot and candidates have to get a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes.
In all, 192 countries voted to fill five seats on the council allocated to the Africa and Asia-Pacific groups, and one each to Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.
About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.
It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.
The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collectively known as the P5.
Any one of them can veto a resolution.
Headquarters - New York
8. Oil tanker breaks down in Egypt's Suez Canal
Tags: International News
On 4 June, an oil tanker broke down in the Suez Canal, a major global waterway, disrupting traffic and temporarily halting the transit of other ships.
An overview of the news
As a result of the breakdown, eight other vessels in the convoy were affected by the disruption.
The Seavigour was part of the north convoy, which moves from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal Authority deployed three tugboats to tow the stranded tanker away from the single-lane area.
The goal was to move the tanker to a double-lane section at the 17 kilometer mark, allowing other vessels to continue their transit.
About Seavigour
According to MarineTraffic, the Seavigour is a tanker built in 2016, measuring 274 meters (899 ft) in length and 48.63 meters (159 ft) in width.
Previous Incidents in the Suez Canal
The recent incident adds to a series of vessels encountering difficulties in the vital waterway.
Notably, inMarch 2021, the Panama-flagged Ever Given, a massive container ship, blocked the canal for six days, causing significant disruptions to global trade.
About Suez Canal
The Suez Canal, operational since 1869, serves as a crucial link for oil, natural gas, and cargo transportation.
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway running north to south from the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
This canal separates the continent of Africa from Asia.
It provides the shortest sea route between Europe and the lands surrounding the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.
The Suez Canal is one of the busiest trade routes in the world. About 12 percent of the world's total trade passes through this canal daily.
9. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin
Tags: International Relations International News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held discussions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in New Delhi on 5th June.
An overview of the news
The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation in various areas, including aligning strategic interests and enhancing security cooperation.
During the talks, Minister Singh emphasized the significance of the India-US partnership in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
He expressed India's commitment to closely collaborate with the United States across different domains, aiming for capacity building and further strengthening strategic partnership.
Both ministers explored opportunities to build resilient supply chains and identified areas for co-development of new technologies and co-production of existing and new systems.
Facilitation to enhance cooperation between the defense start-up ecosystems of the two countries was also discussed.
A roadmap for US-India defense industrial cooperation was agreed upon, which will shape their cooperation in the years to come.
They welcomed the recent dialogues focused on Defense Artificial Intelligence and Defense Space.
Regional security issues were also discussed, reflecting their shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Defense including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane and DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr Sameer V Kamat.
India America relations
Historical Background
The establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the United States dates back to 1947.
Both countries share common values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law.
Strategic Partnership
India and the United States have developed a strong strategic partnership based on shared interests and values.
The partnership has seen significant growth in various areas including defence, trade and technology.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense cooperation between India and the US has expanded significantly in recent years.
Both countries engage in joint military exercises, defense equipment cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Defense ties have been strengthened by the signing of the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Economic and trade relations
Economic relations between India and America have grown steadily.
The US is one of India's largest trading partners and bilateral trade has grown over the years.
Both the countries have signed various agreements to enhance economic cooperation and promote investments.
Technology and Innovation
India and the US cooperate in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Cooperation has been promoted in areas such as space exploration, clean energy and information technology.
The US has supported India's initiatives like Digital India and Skill India.
10. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin
Tags: International Relations International News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held discussions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in New Delhi on 5th June.
An overview of the news
The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation in various areas, including aligning strategic interests and enhancing security cooperation.
During the talks, Minister Singh emphasized the significance of the India-US partnership in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
He expressed India's commitment to closely collaborate with the United States across different domains, aiming for capacity building and further strengthening strategic partnership.
Both ministers explored opportunities to build resilient supply chains and identified areas for co-development of new technologies and co-production of existing and new systems.
Facilitation to enhance cooperation between the defense start-up ecosystems of the two countries was also discussed.
A roadmap for US-India defense industrial cooperation was agreed upon, which will shape their cooperation in the years to come.
They welcomed the recent dialogues focused on Defense Artificial Intelligence and Defense Space.
Regional security issues were also discussed, reflecting their shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Defense including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane and DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr Sameer V Kamat.
India America relations
Historical Background
The establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the United States dates back to 1947.
Both countries share common values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law.
Strategic Partnership
India and the United States have developed a strong strategic partnership based on shared interests and values.
The partnership has seen significant growth in various areas including defence, trade and technology.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense cooperation between India and the US has expanded significantly in recent years.
Both countries engage in joint military exercises, defense equipment cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Defense ties have been strengthened by the signing of the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Economic and trade relations
Economic relations between India and America have grown steadily.
The US is one of India's largest trading partners and bilateral trade has grown over the years.
Both the countries have signed various agreements to enhance economic cooperation and promote investments.
Technology and Innovation
India and the US cooperate in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Cooperation has been promoted in areas such as space exploration, clean energy and information technology.
The US has supported India's initiatives like Digital India and Skill India.
