1. Cyril Ramaphosa Re-Elected South African President
Tags: International News
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of South Africa.
An Overview of the News
This follows a landmark coalition deal between his African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.
The new government combines Ramaphosa’s ANC, the centre-right Democratic Alliance, and other smaller parties.
Parliament Vote
Ramaphosa won convincingly in a Parliament vote.
He received 283 votes against Julius Malema’s 44 in the 400-member house.
Malema is the leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters.
Crucial Agreement
Ramaphosa secured his second term after an agreement with the Democratic Alliance.
This agreement was struck just hours before the presidential vote.
The ANC lost its 30-year majority in Africa’s national assembly.
Election Results
In the recent elections, the ANC’s vote share dropped to 40%.
The Democratic Alliance emerged as the second-largest party with 22% of the votes.
Co-Governance
The parties will now co-govern South Africa.
This marks the first national coalition where no party has a majority.
About South Africa
It is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent and is known for its diverse ecosystems.
Capital:- Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
Largest city:- Johannesbur
2. IGNCA Signs MoU With Sansad TV
Tags: National News
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Sansad TV have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
An Overview of the News
The agreement aims to enhance accessibility to Indian art and culture through collaborative efforts.
IGNCA will produce programs that will be telecast on Sansad TV as part of this initiative.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Rajat Punhani, CEO of Sansad TV, signed the MoU.
Dr. Joshi expressed satisfaction at the collaboration, highlighting the potential for joint programs.
Mr. Punhani emphasized the benefits of the agreement, including the use of IGNCA’s archival content on Sansad TV.
About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA):
Establishment: Founded on 19 November 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Purpose: Aims to study and promote various forms of arts, including literature (written and oral), visual arts (architecture, sculpture, painting, graphics), material culture (photography, film), and performing arts (music, dance, theatre).
Autonomy: Operates as an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Culture.
Activities: Hosts cultural performances and events like the 'Kathakar: International Storytellers Festival'.
Trust: Governed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts Trust, registered in New Delhi on 24 March 1987.
President:- Ram Bahadur Rai
About Sansad TV
It is an Indian government television channel established in March 2021.
It was created by merging two existing house channels: Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV.
The channel broadcasts the proceedings of the two Houses of Indian Parliament (Bharatiya Sansad).
Separate satellite channels are maintained for each House to broadcast their respective proceedings.
Sansad TV also features programming focused on public affairs in addition to parliamentary sessions.
CEO:- Rajit Punhani
Headquarters - 23, Mahadev Road, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Language(s) - Hindi, English
3. India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Papua New Guinea
Tags: International Relations International News
India dispatched a flight with 19 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies to Papua New Guinea.
An Overview of the News
Response to Disaster: The aid is in response to a devastating landslide in Enga province, Papua New Guinea.
Aid Details
Disaster Relief Material: 13 tons of supplies, including temporary shelters, water tanks, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals.
Medical Supplies: 6 tons of emergency use medicine and medical equipment, including dengue and malaria diagnostic kits and baby food.
Geographical Background Of Papua New Guinea:
New Guinea, the world's second-largest island, covers an area of 785,753 km2.
Situated in Oceania, it lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Australia, separated by the Torres Strait.
The island is surrounded by numerous smaller islands to the west and east.
India-Papua New Guinea Relations:
Diplomatic ties between India and Papua New Guinea were established in 1975 upon PNG's independence from Australia.
India opened its resident mission in Port Moresby in 1996, reciprocated by PNG with a resident mission in New Delhi in 2006.
Both nations, being Commonwealth countries, share warm relations, aligning closely on various global issues.
Collaboration extends to international forums like the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations Organization.
Humanitarian Aid and Assistance:
India extends humanitarian aid and disaster relief to PNG periodically.
In 2023, assistance included drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.
A grant-in-aid totaling US $760,000 provided computers and peripherals to PNG in 2017-18.
Capacity-building efforts involve training through programs like Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and the Colombo Plan.
Ongoing implementation of aid proposals in various fields submitted by PNG under the annual grant-in-aid.
A Centre of Excellence in Information Technology was established at the University of PNG with Indian financial and technical assistance.
In 2018, Government of India provided assistance of US$1 million for earthquake relief in areas affected by the PNG earthquake.
4. NCB Commences 'Nasha Mukth Bharat Pakhwada' to Fight Drug Abuse
Tags: National News
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Pakhwada' to fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the country.
An Overview of the News
This observance runs from June 12th to the 26th of the month, coinciding with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The goal is to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
NCB aims to encourage widespread participation in an 'e-pledge' against drug abuse.
The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to achieving a 'Drug Free India'.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is recognized annually on June 26th by the United Nations General Assembly.
About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
NCB is an Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency.
It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It helps in combating drug trafficking as well as use of illegal substances as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
It coordinates drug-related matters with state governments and other central departments in India.
Established:- 1986
5. Harsh Malhotra Takes Charge as Minister of State for Corporate Affairs in New Delhi
Tags: Person in news National News
Harsh Malhotra has taken up the role of Minister of State for Corporate Affairs in New Delhi on June 12.
An Overview of the News
Upon assuming office, Malhotra received a briefing on the major initiatives and policy matters within the Ministry and its associated bodies.
He was informed about the current ongoing issues and the anticipated hurdles ahead.
Malhotra is a representative from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.
About Harsh Malhotra
Malhotra, aged 60, is a first-time Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) from East Delhi in the 18th Lok Sabha.
Malhotra holds a science degree from Hansraj College, Delhi University.
Career Highlights in Public Service
Elected Councillor from Welcome ward in 2012
Mayor of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) in 2015
General Secretary of BJP's Delhi unit
6. Prime Minister releases 17th installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
Tags: National News
Narendra Modi started his third term as Prime Minister. Immediately after taking office, the Prime Minister approved the release of the 17th installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
An Overview of the News
Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated in this installment, which will benefit about 9.3 crore farmers. This reflects the government's unwavering dedication towards farmer welfare.
Prime Minister's commitment:
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his government's pledge to give priority to farmers and agriculture.
Vowed to continue strong support for the agriculture sector in the future.
PM-KISAN Scheme Overview:
Launched in 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme aims to provide income support to all landholding farmer families across the country.
Eligible families receive a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year.
Implemented as a central sector scheme with full financial support from the central government.
Direct Benefit Transfer:
Funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Disbursed in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
Over 11 crore farmer families have benefited from the scheme so far, with total transfers exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore.
7. Newly-Formed NDA Government Convenes First Cabinet Meeting in New Delhi
Tags: National News
The newly-formed NDA government held its first cabinet meeting in New Delhi on 10th June.
An Overview of the News
The government will provide assistance for house construction to an additional three crore rural and urban households.
This decision addresses the housing needs due to an increase in the number of eligible families.
The central government has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana since 2015.
The scheme provides assistance to eligible rural and urban households for constructing houses with basic amenities.
Over the last ten years, 4.21 crore houses have been completed under the scheme for eligible poor families.
Houses constructed under the scheme include basic amenities such as household toilets, LPG connections, electricity connections, and functional household tap connections.
These amenities are provided through convergence with other schemes of the Central Government and State Governments.
About NDA
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint training institute for the Indian Armed Forces.
Cadets from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force train together at the NDA.
After NDA, cadets proceed to their respective service academies for further training before commissioning.
Established:- 7 December 1949
Commandant:- Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM
8. Supreme Court of India Revamps Gender Sensitization Committee
Tags: National News
The Supreme Court of India has restructured its Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) to align with the 2013 regulations on Gender Sensitization and Sexual Harassment.
An Overview of the News
This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing gender issues.
Committee Leadership
Led by the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Hima Kohli appointed as chairperson.
Justice BV Nagarathna and Dr. Sukhda Pritam appointed as members.
Leadership combines legal and academic expertise for enhanced effectiveness.
Membership Composition
Includes representatives from:
Supreme Court Bar Association
Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association
Supreme Court Bar Clerks’ Association
Notable members appointed by the Chief Justice of India:
Shruti Pandey
Jaideep Gupta
Dr. Leni Chaudhuri
Dr. Menaka Guruswamy
Ensures a multidisciplinary approach.
Continuity and Forward Planning
Justice Hima Kohli's leadership ensures stability and continuity.
Her experience is crucial for fair handling of gender sensitization and sexual harassment complaints.
Structured approach reinforces the committee’s role in promoting gender equality in the judiciary.
Facts about the Supreme Court of India
Establishment and Structure
Established: January 28, 1950.
Location: New Delhi, designed by Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, the first Indian chief architect of CPWD.
Initial Judges: 8
Current Judges: 34
Significant Aspects and Contributions
First Judgment: Delivered in 1950 in State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh.
Symbol: Features the Scales of Justice superimposed on Ashoka’s Lion Capital.
Notable Case: Ayodhya land dispute, the longest hearing lasting 40 days.
Emergency Period (1975-1977): Supreme Court’s powers were significantly curtailed.
Legal and Social Impact
Retired judges are prohibited from practicing law in any court or before any authority in India.
Enhanced gender sensitivity by permitting women to serve at night in previously restricted professions and spaces.
9. Indian Diaspora Artists Curate a Unique Art Showcase Centered around Paramount Classics
Tags: International News
The PaintBrush Art Community, consisting of Indian diaspora artists in the UAE, organized the "Retro Revival" exhibition.
An Overview of the News
This collaborative artistic venture unites 22 artists hailing from 8 different countries, aiming to honor the iconic Paramount movies from Hollywood's golden era.
Artistic Homage
Vibrant paintings revisit beloved films such as The Terminator, Titanic, The Godfather, Sleepy Hollow, Tomb Raider, and Top Gun.
The artworks aim to capture the essence and magic of these classic movies, transporting viewers to a time of cinematic excellence.
Cultural Icons Depicted
"Retro Revival" extends beyond cinema, encompassing artistic representations of legendary personalities such as Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley.
These artworks serve as a homage to the cultural giants and the eras they defined.
Inspiration from Paramount Pictures
The exhibition draws inspiration from Paramount Pictures, one of the oldest and most influential film studios globally.
UAE as a Hub for the Arts
The UAE has witnessed a significant rise as a hub for the arts, fostering a dynamic environment for creative expression.
Government-backed initiatives, including world-class museums, galleries, and renowned events like World Art Dubai and the Sharjah Biennale, contribute to this vibrant scene.
This focus on arts and culture has attracted not only Indian artists but has also empowered the local art community.
10. Philemon Yang Elected President of the Upcoming General Assembly Session
Tags: International News
Philemon Yang of Cameroon was elected President of the upcoming General Assembly session.
An Overview of the News
Philemon Yang served as the President of the African Union’s Panel of Eminent Africans.
Theme of the 79th Session
Proposed theme: “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for all everywhere.”
Dialogue and consensus: Yang highlighted the importance of dialogue, consensus and collective problem-solving.
Session dates
Event: The 79th session of the General Assembly will begin on 10 September.
High-level debate: The general debate will begin on 24 September 2024.
About UN
The United Nations (UN) is a diplomatic and political international organization.
Its stated purposes are:
Maintain international peace and security.
Develop friendly relations among nations.
Achieve international cooperation.
Serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
It is the world's largest international organization.
Founders:- United States, India, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Iran
Founded:- 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States
Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
Secretary‑General - António Guterres
