1. India approves world's largest food storage scheme in co-operative sector
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Union Cabinet on 31st May approved forming and empowering an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to create the “world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector” by converging 8 ongoing schemes of three ministries.
An overview of the news
This ₹1 trillion scheme will be the world's largest grain storage scheme in the cooperative sector.
The scheme will help cooperatives set up decentralized storage facilities across the country, which is likely to reduce the burden on the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
This will reduce wastage of agricultural produce and help farmers to plan their sales better.
Implementation of the scheme
An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Cooperation Minister.
The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Minister of Food Processing Industries and concerned Secretaries will be the members of this Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC).
The Ministry of Cooperation will implement a pilot project in at least 10 selected districts of different States/UTs of the country.
8 Schemes identified for convergence
Schemes of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Schemes of Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME)
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
Schemes of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Allocation of food grains under the National Food Security Act
Procurement operations at Minimum Support Price
2. Bureau of Indian Standards notifies 31 Indian Standards related to AYUSH herbs, products
Tags: National National News
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standard body of India, has recently introduced 31 Indian standards pertaining to Ayush herbs and products.
An overview of the news
The 31 Indian standards encompass various aspects of Ayush, including 30 herbs and one product, namely the stainless steel neti pot.
These standards were recently made public through a gazette notification issued by the AYUSH ministry.
In order to emphasize its commitment to Ayush, BIS has established a separate department to focus specifically on Ayush-related matters.
BIS plays a crucial role in standardization, marking, and quality certification activities.
By taking this step towards standardization in the field of Ayush, BIS aims to enhance the quality and credibility of Ayush products and services.
The Ministry of Ayush states that the implementation of these standards will facilitate international trade by ensuring the quality of Ayush products and services.
About Bureau of Indian Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
Established- 23 December 1986
3. Bureau of Indian Standards notifies 31 Indian Standards related to AYUSH herbs, products
Tags: National National News
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standard body of India, has recently introduced 31 Indian standards pertaining to Ayush herbs and products.
An overview of the news
The 31 Indian standards encompass various aspects of Ayush, including 30 herbs and one product, namely the stainless steel neti pot.
These standards were recently made public through a gazette notification issued by the AYUSH ministry.
In order to emphasize its commitment to Ayush, BIS has established a separate department to focus specifically on Ayush-related matters.
BIS plays a crucial role in standardization, marking, and quality certification activities.
By taking this step towards standardization in the field of Ayush, BIS aims to enhance the quality and credibility of Ayush products and services.
The Ministry of Ayush states that the implementation of these standards will facilitate international trade by ensuring the quality of Ayush products and services.
About Bureau of Indian Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
Established- 23 December 1986
4. UPI hits record 9 billion transactions worth Rs 14 lakh crore
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) registered more than nine billion transactions in May 2023 amounting to over 14 lakh crore rupees.
An overview of the news
According to the National Payments Corporation of India NPCI, UPI recorded a total 9.41 billion transactions in May 2023.
UPI had recorded 8 billion transactions in January this year, followed by 7.5 billion in February, 8.7 billion in March, and 8.89 billion in April.
In Financial Year 2022-23, the payment system processed a total of 83 billion transactions, amounting to a value of 139 lakh crore rupees.
India's homegrown payments system UPI is one of the globally accepted payment systems and has emerged as a trusted payment mode ever since its launch in 2016.
The report titled "The Indian Payments Handbook - 2022-27" said that the share of UPI in the total transaction volume in the retail segment during 2022-23 was around 75 per cent.
The Indian digital payments market is expected to reach 411 billion transactions in FY 2026-27 from 103 billion in FY 2022-23.
About UPI
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a single platform that integrates various banking services and facilities under one umbrella.
It is developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
The names of the top UPI apps currently are – PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM.
NPCI launched UPI in 2016 with 21 member banks.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
NPCI, an umbrella organization for operating retail payment and settlement systems in India, has been initiated by the 'RBI' and the 'Indian Banks' Association' (IBA) under the 'Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007'.
It is a 'not-for-profit' company established under the provisions of Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (as amended in 2013), with the objective of providing physical and electronic payment infrastructure to the entire banking system in India.
5. UAE withdraws from US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Tags: International News
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Recently the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a maritime alliance.
An overview of the news
A few weeks ago, Iran seized two tankers within a week in Gulf waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
The second tanker, Niovi, was on its way from Dubai to the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE was disappointed by the lack of US response to the recent tanker seizures, saying it was a "misrepresentation" of the talks between the two countries.
Why did UAE withdraw from this alliance?
The UAE did not give any specific reasons for withdrawing from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in an official statement.
This could be part of a broader strategy by the UAE to assert its own regional influence, pursue independent foreign policies, or rebalance its relations with China and Iran.
About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
It was established in 2002.
Its objective is promoting security, stability, and prosperity across maritime regions.
Member Nations - 34 member nations: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.
Its main operations are counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, suppressing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation.
Focus Areas - Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and surrounding areas.
In April 2022, India had announced that it would join the CMF as an Associate Partner.
6. South Korea launches first commercial-grade satellite
Tags: Science and Technology International News
South Korea to launch its first commercial-grade satellite on May 25, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The commercial-grade satellite was launched by the Naro Space Center in Gohang, South Korea, using a Launch Nuri rocket.
The main satellite, called "Next Generation Small Satellite 2", was accompanied by seven cube-shaped satellites.
The main satellite objectives include verifying imaging radar technology and observing cosmic radiation in near-Earth orbit.
South Korea's Science Minister Lee confirmed the successful launch of all seven secondary satellites from the rocket.
South Korea plans to launchthree more Nuri rockets by 2027.
In the past year, South Korea became the 10th country to send a satellite into space using its technology, with a "performance verification satellite" launched via a Nuri rocket.
South Korea
It is an East Asian nation located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
It shares a heavily militarised border with North Korea.
President - Yoon Suk Yeol
Capital -Seoul
Prime minister -Han Duck-soo
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
