1. What is train ‘Kavach’ and why is it trending after the Odisha train accident?
Tags: National Science and Technology
The Odisha triple-train accident, which resulted in 290 deaths and 1,175 injuries, brought into focus the Kavach initiative that aims to make the Indian Railways safer.
An overview of the news
The Kavach system has not yet started on the Odisha route.
Railways confirmed that no 'Kavach' system has been installed in the trains to prevent them from colliding with each other.
The government is being severely criticized for neglecting railway safety.
Coverage of Kavach
To prevent incidents of accidents, the government announced in 2022 that it would launch a new avatar of Kavach on a trial basis, initially covering a distance of 2,000 kilometers and then expanding the coverage further.
Only 1,455 km of railway routes under South Central Railway have been brought under Kavach by January 2023.
The government plans to expand it from 4,000 to 5,000 km in FY24.
For reference, Indian Railways has a total route coverage of around 1.03 lakh km.
A little over 1% of the route of the Indian Railways is protected by Kavach as of now.
What is Kavach?
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
It was developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), an Indian Railways department, way back in 2002.
The Kavach system is designed to prevent collisions of trains – a leading cause of railway accidents in India.
It is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well as the tracks.
They communicate with each other using ultra high radio frequency to control the brakes of the trains and also alert the drivers.
While there have been 58 railway accidents in the last 10 years, the Odisha accident is the deadliest.
This protection system is aimed at avoiding accidents arising out of driver-related or technical errors, as well as aid drivers (loco pilots) in running the trains safely even in inclement weather conditions.
It activates the train braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as per the speed restrictions.
2. Sarbananda Sonowal flags off maiden International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress in Chennai
Tags: International Relations Defence
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first international cruise vessel - MV Empress, from Chennai to Sri Lanka on June 5.
An overview of the news
This is the launch of the International Cruise Tourism Terminal at Chennai built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore, ushering in a new era of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.
On the occasion of Environment Day, Sonowal along with the port officials also planted 2,500 saplings at the port.
The launch of the first cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka has opened a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country.
This is the result of an MoU signed during the Incredible India International Cruise Summit in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/s Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise services.
International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress
It is a renowned and luxurious cruise ship that operates globally.
It offers passengers a unique and unforgettable experience on the open seas, combining comfort, entertainment, and leisure.
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and safety features, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all on board.
Its elegant design and modern amenities make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a premium cruising experience.
3. RBI Governor launches financial inclusion dashboard Antardrishti
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das launched a financial inclusion dashboard named 'Antardrishti' on 6 June.
An overview of the news
The dashboard will provide necessary insights to assess and monitor the progress of financial inclusion by capturing relevant parameters.
The progress of financial inclusion will be assessed against set parameters through an Antardrishti dashboard. Along with this, it will also help in monitoring.
With the help of the dashboard, the areas of lack of financial services on a large scale in the country can be detected and then work will be done on the basis of this.
Currently, the Antardrishti Dashboard will be used internally by RBI.
Multi stakeholder approach will be adopted for the Antardrishti Dashboard to enhance financial inclusion in future.
Financial Inclusion Index
The Financial Inclusion Index was launched in 2021 to measure financial inclusion.
In this, financial inclusion is measured on the basis of access, utility and quality.
This index also includes information related to banking, investment, insurance and postal services etc. of an area.
This index ranges from 0 to 100.
0 indicates complete financial exclusion, while 100 indicates complete financial inclusion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Reserve Bank of India was set up under the Reserve Bank of India act 1934. It started functioning from 1 April 1935.
It was nationalized in 1949 and now the government of India is the owner of RBI.
It has the power to regulate Banks under the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
It has the power to regulate the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the RBI act 1934.
RBI is also the regulator of the digital payment system under the Payment and settlement act 2007.
Headquarters of RBI: Mumbai
Governor of RBI : Shaktikanta Das
4. 3rd Health Working Group Meeting at Hyderabad
Tags: National Summits National News
The third meeting of the G20 Health Working Group (HWG) was held at Hyderabad from June 4 to 6.
An overview of the news
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharti Praveen Pawar addressed the 3rd Health Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency.
The 3rd meeting of the HWG held a main event focusing on cooperation in R&D of Medical Counter Measures (MCMs).
Highlights of the event
Co-branded events
The meeting included co-branded events with the Global Vaccine Research Collaborative and the Joint Finance Health Task Force meeting.
The objective of these events is to increase cooperation in the field of healthcare.
Participant
The meeting was attended by representatives of 19 G20 member states, 10 invited countries and 22 international organizations.
Proposed deliverables
The HWG has proposed a number of deliverables, including a mapping of ongoing initiatives in health emergencies, prevention, preparedness and response.
The launch of a Climate Change and Health Centre, regional networks for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics (VTD) research and development, and the creation of a global medical countermeasure coordination platform were also discussed.
Global Initiative on Digital Health
Another proposed 'Global Initiative on Digital Health' was launched.
The initiative aims to establish an institutional framework for convergence of existing digital health initiatives.
Past HWG Meetings
Health priorities were introduced and discussed in detail during the HWG meetings held in Thiruvananthapuram and Goa earlier this year, emphasizing the importance of advancing health objectives.
Showcasing India's Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Delegates will have the opportunity to visit 'Genome Valley' in Hyderabad, a well-known hub for global life science companies.
The visit will highlight India's expertise in life science research and drug manufacturing.
Genome Valley is responsible for 33% of global vaccine production, including vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19, polio and rotavirus.
5. 3rd Health Working Group Meeting at Hyderabad
Tags: National Summits National News
The third meeting of the G20 Health Working Group (HWG) was held at Hyderabad from June 4 to 6.
An overview of the news
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharti Praveen Pawar addressed the 3rd Health Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency.
The 3rd meeting of the HWG held a main event focusing on cooperation in R&D of Medical Counter Measures (MCMs).
Highlights of the event
Co-branded events
The meeting included co-branded events with the Global Vaccine Research Collaborative and the Joint Finance Health Task Force meeting.
The objective of these events is to increase cooperation in the field of healthcare.
Participant
The meeting was attended by representatives of 19 G20 member states, 10 invited countries and 22 international organizations.
Proposed deliverables
The HWG has proposed a number of deliverables, including a mapping of ongoing initiatives in health emergencies, prevention, preparedness and response.
The launch of a Climate Change and Health Centre, regional networks for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics (VTD) research and development, and the creation of a global medical countermeasure coordination platform were also discussed.
Global Initiative on Digital Health
Another proposed 'Global Initiative on Digital Health' was launched.
The initiative aims to establish an institutional framework for convergence of existing digital health initiatives.
Past HWG Meetings
Health priorities were introduced and discussed in detail during the HWG meetings held in Thiruvananthapuram and Goa earlier this year, emphasizing the importance of advancing health objectives.
Showcasing India's Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Delegates will have the opportunity to visit 'Genome Valley' in Hyderabad, a well-known hub for global life science companies.
The visit will highlight India's expertise in life science research and drug manufacturing.
Genome Valley is responsible for 33% of global vaccine production, including vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19, polio and rotavirus.
6. UAE to Host World's Largest IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
Tags: Environment Summits International News
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The next International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress will be held from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
An overview of the news
The United Arab Emirates was selected as the host country based on a rigorous evaluation process of its candidature.
The United Arab Emirates has a long-standing collaboration with IUCN, with seven IUCN Member organizations and the National Committee based there.
The country is home to 50 scientific and policy experts who are members of IUCN Commissions.
The selection of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) as the venue was supported by a broad range of governmental authorities and civil society organizations.
About IUCN World Conservation Congress
The IUCN Congress is the world's largest conservation event, held every four years.
The Congress brings together leaders from government, civil society, Indigenous peoples' organizations, business, and academia.
Its purpose is to determine the world's most pressing environmental and development challenges and develop actions to address them.
The Congress will focus on delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by over 190 countries in December.
The Framework includes targets to enhance the conservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
Previous IUCN World Conservation Congress
The previous IUCN World Conservation Congress was held in 2021 in Marseille, France.
It had almost 6,000 people attending on-site and over 3,500 participants online.
During the congress, 148 resolutions and recommendations were adopted, including calls to protect 80% of the Amazon by 2025 and halt deep-sea mining across the oceans.
The global community was urged to adopt an ambitious One Health approach.
The IUCN Climate Crisis Commission was established during the congress.
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
It is an international organization that works towards the conservation and sustainable use of nature and natural resources.
It was established in 1948 and is the world's largest and most diverse environmental network.
It brings together governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and experts from around the world.
The primary mission of the IUCN is to encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature.
It strives to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and support actions that tackle pressing environmental challenges.
7. NIPCCD organized a Refresher Training Programme on Mission Vatsalya
Tags: Government Schemes National News
NIPCCD organized a Refresher Training Programme on Mission Vatsalya from 29- 31 May, 2023 at NIPCCD Regional Centre, Mohali. 33 participants attended the training Programme.
The programme involved discussions on the following themes:
Improve functioning of statutory bodies
Strengthen service delivery services
Upscale Institutional care/ services Encourage non-intuitional community based care
Training and Capacity building of duty holders
About Mission Vatsalya
It promotes family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult situations based on the 'principle of institutionalization of children' as a last resort.
Before the year 2009, three schemes were implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for children in need of protection -
1. Juvenile justice programs for children as well as children in need of care and protection
2. Integrated Program for Street Children
3. Child Home Assistance Scheme
In theyear 2010, these three schemes were merged into a single scheme which is known as Integrated Child Protection Scheme.
In the year 2017 its name was changed to "Child Protection Services Scheme" and in the year 2021-22 it was also changed to Mission Vatsalya.
It aims to ensure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in the country.
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)
It is an autonomous organisation and its Headquarter is in New Delhi.
It functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Its objective is to take a comprehensive view of child development and develop and promote programmes in pursuance of the National Policy for Children.
8. IRDAI issues draft Bima Vahaks guidelines
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
IRDAI recently came out with draft guidelines for 'Bima Vahaks (BV)'.
An overview of the news
It seeks to establish a dedicated distribution channel at the level of Gram Panchayats.
The guidelines propose Corporate Bima Vahaks and Individual Bima Vahaks for the distribution channel.
Corporate Bima Vahak would be legal personsregistered in accordance with the respective laws and engaged by an insurer. Individual Bima Vahak could be any individual appointed by an insurer or appointed by a Corporate Bima Vahak.
The BVs, both corporate and individual, would be authorised to undertake activities like the collection of proposal information, and KYC documents and coordinate claims-related services.
As per the draft, every insurer will have to provide alternative mode for payment of premium by prospects or policyholders.
Objective of the guidelines
This initiative aims to improve accessibility and availability of insurance in every nook and corner of the country.
Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
IRDAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in India.
It was set up to promote and regulate the insurance sector in India.
It was established on April 1, 2000, under the provisions of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
The primary role of the IRDAI is to regulate and promote the insurance industry in India.
9. India’s first deluxe train Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service
Tags: National National News
The Deccan Queen, the first deluxe train service of the Indian Railways, completed 93 years of service on June 1, 2023.
An overview of the news
The train was introduced on June 1, 1930, and was considered a significant milestone in the history of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway.
Known as the "Queen of Deccan" or "Dakkhan ki Rani," the Deccan Queen operated between Mumbai and Pune.
Initially, the train consisted of seven coaches, offering first and second class accommodations. The third class was introduced in 1955.
On January 1, 1949, the first-class accommodations were discontinued, and the second class was upgraded to first class. The third class was later redefined as the second class in April 1974.
In 1966, the coaches of the Deccan Queen were replaced with anti-telescopic and steel-bodied integral bogies. The interior furnishings were improved for enhanced passenger comfort.
The Deccan Queen is equipped with modern pantry facilities, including a toaster, deep freezer, and microwave oven.
The dining car of the train is well-furnished with cushioned chairs and carpets, offering table service to 32 passengers.
Over the years, the Deccan Queen has become an iconic train and a symbol of pride for Indian Railways, serving as a popular mode of transportation for passengers traveling between Mumbai and Pune.
10. India’s first deluxe train Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service
Tags: National National News
The Deccan Queen, the first deluxe train service of the Indian Railways, completed 93 years of service on June 1, 2023.
An overview of the news
The train was introduced on June 1, 1930, and was considered a significant milestone in the history of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway.
Known as the "Queen of Deccan" or "Dakkhan ki Rani," the Deccan Queen operated between Mumbai and Pune.
Initially, the train consisted of seven coaches, offering first and second class accommodations. The third class was introduced in 1955.
On January 1, 1949, the first-class accommodations were discontinued, and the second class was upgraded to first class. The third class was later redefined as the second class in April 1974.
In 1966, the coaches of the Deccan Queen were replaced with anti-telescopic and steel-bodied integral bogies. The interior furnishings were improved for enhanced passenger comfort.
The Deccan Queen is equipped with modern pantry facilities, including a toaster, deep freezer, and microwave oven.
The dining car of the train is well-furnished with cushioned chairs and carpets, offering table service to 32 passengers.
Over the years, the Deccan Queen has become an iconic train and a symbol of pride for Indian Railways, serving as a popular mode of transportation for passengers traveling between Mumbai and Pune.
