1. Finance Ministry announces launch of Rs 75 special coin
Tags: National News
The Center will launch a new ₹75 coin on May 28 to mark the inauguration of the new Parliament.
An Overview of the News
- The coin is being issued to commemorate the inauguration of the new Parliament House of India.
- The coin will be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28 and coincides with the celebration of 75 years of India's independence.
- The obverse of this coin has the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar and the words "Satyamev Jayate" below it.
- The coin also bears the inscription "Bharat" in Devanagari script on the left and "India" in English on the right.
- It displays the rupee symbol below the Lion Capital and the denomination value of 75 in International Numerals.
- The obverse of the coin depicts the image of the Parliament Complex and the reverse bears the inscription "Sansad Sankul" in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and "Parliament Complex" in English on the lower periphery.
About Rs. 75 Coin
- Diameter: A coin with a diameter of 44 millimetres and 200 serrations for added aesthetics.
- Weight: Weighing in at 35 grams, a coin that offers a solid and substantial feel.
- Alloy Composition: A four-part alloy composition of 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc for durability and value.
2. NTCA forms new committee to oversee Cheetah project
Tags: National News
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) set up an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering Committee.
An Overview of the News
- The committee works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Rajesh Gopal, general secretary of the Global Tiger Forum, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee.
- The decision to form the committee was taken after the death of six cheetahs involved in the translocation project.
- The objective of the committee is to address the challenges and issues related to the Cheetah Translocation Project.
- The committee includes 10 other members with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Cheetah Project Committee Members:
- Rajesh Gopal (Chairman): Experienced in wildlife conservation and management.
- RN Mehrotra: Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajasthan.
- PR Sinha: Former Director of Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- HS Negi: Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF)
- PK Malik: Former faculty member of Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- GS Rawat: Former Dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Mittal Patel: Social worker based in Ahmedabad
- Qamar Qureshi: WII Scientist and Inspector General of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Madhya Pradesh
- Chief Wildlife Warden
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- It was established in December 2005.
- The establishment of NTCA was based on the recommendation made by the Tiger Task Force.
- The primary objective of the NTCA is to reorganise the management of Project Tiger and India's many tiger reserves.
- NTCA plays a key role in formulating policies and guidelines for the conservation of tigers, their habitats and prey species.
- NTCA oversees the management and administration of various tiger reserves located across India.
3. Mega 'Yoga Festival' in Hyderabad
Tags: National News
On May 27, 2023, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Union Ministry of AYUSH organized a mega 'Yoga Festival' at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad.
An Overview of the News:
- Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan was the chief guest at the Yoga Festival being organized at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad on May 27.
- This event was organized 25 days before the Yoga Festival to be held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of 'International Yoga Day' on June 21, 2023.
- Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal announced the theme of International Day of Yoga this year as 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
- According to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on June 21, the ocean will become a ring of yoga when yoga exercises will be carried out on several ports and ships by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Yoga will also be done in the region from Arctic to Antarctica, in which countries on or near the Prime Meridian line will also participate in Yoga.
- Many other countries are also likely to join the programme. Yoga practice will also take place in the North and South Pole regions.
- Himadri - Svalbard, the Indian research station in the Arctic and Bharti - the third Indian research station in Antarctica are also expected to join the celebration along with millions of others across the world.
International Day of Yoga (IDY):
- The idea of IDY was proposed by India during the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.
- The UNGA, in December 2014, passed a resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
- The first 'IDY' was organized in the year 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi.
4. India will open its new consulate in Brisbane
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the community event in Sydney during his Australian visit informed that a new consulate will be constructed in Brisbane.
An Overview of the News:
- The main objective of setting up the Consulate in Brisbane is to fulfill the long standing demand of Indian expatriates in Australia.
- This was announced during Prime Minister Modi's address at the Kudos Bank Arena in Sydney, which was attended by over 21,000 people across Australia, along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
- Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albanese also declared Harris Park as "Little India" during the reception for Prime Minister Modi.
- Harris Park is a center in western Sydney where the Indian community celebrates Indian festivals and events including Diwali and Australia Day.
India-Australia business partnership:
- Australia was the 17th largest trading partner of India in the year 2022 and India is the 9th largest trading partner of Australia.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at US$ 27.5 billion in the year 2021, which is likely to reach around US$ 50 billion in the next five years.
- In this context, both the countries are moving fast in the field of concluding a free trade agreement.
Australia:
- Capital: Canberra
- King: King Charles III
- Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese
- Currency: Australian Dollar
5. 76th World Health Assembly held in Geneva
Tags: International News
The 76th World Health Assembly was inaugurated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 21 May 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
An Overview of the News:
- This ten-day 76th World Health Assembly is being organized from 21 to 30 May 2023.
- In this, India is being represented by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- It serves as a platform for representatives of all WHO member states to come together and address health issues affecting people around the world.
- Appreciating India's health priorities, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, praised India's progress in chairing the G20 as well as its efforts to advance digital health and traditional medicine.
- Theme of the 76th World Health Assembly: WHO at 75: Saving Lives, Driving Health for All.
World Health Assembly:
- The World Health Assembly serves as the decision-making body of the WHO.
- Its primary functions include key aspects of the organization's operations.
- These set policies that guide global health initiatives. Along with this, it also appoints the Director General.
World Health Organization (WHO):
- It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with the Ministries of Health of its member states.
- Establishment : 1948
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Members: 194 countries
- WHO started functioning from 7th April, 1948.
- World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7th April.
- WHO has offices in 150 countries as well as six regional offices.
6. Third advance estimate of production of major crops for 2022-23
Tags: National
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar released the third advance estimates of production of major crops for the agricultural year 2022-23. In which food grains production has been estimated at 3305.34 lakh tonnes in the current agricultural year.
An overview of the news:
- In this, record production of rice, wheat, maize, soybean, rapeseed and mustard and sugarcane has been estimated.
- As per the 3rd Advance Estimates for 2022-23, the estimated production of major crops is as follows:
- Total food grain production: 3305.34 lakh tonnes (record). This is 149.18 lakh tonnes more than the previous year 2021-22.
Main food grains :
- Rice: 1355.42 lakh tonnes, which is 60.71 lakh tonnes more than last year.
- Wheat: 1127.43 lakh tonnes
- Bajra: 111.66 lakh tonnes
- Nutri/Coarse Cereals (Shri Anna): 547.48 Lakh Tonnes
- Maize: 359.13 lakh tonnes
- Total pulses: 275.04 lakh tonnes
- Gram: 135.43 lakh tonnes
- Moong: 37.40 lakh tonnes
- Oilseeds: 409.96 lakh tonnes
- Groundnut: 102.82 lakh tonnes
- Soybean: 149.76 lakh tonnes
- Rapeseed and mustard: 124.94 lakh tonnes
- Cotton: 343.47 lakh bales (170 kg per bale)
- Sugarcane: 4942.28 lakh tonnes
Jute and Mesta: 94.94 lakh bales (180 kg per bale)
7. INSV Tarini crew back home after 188 days
Tags: Defence National News
The crew of INSV Tarini, who returned after an inter-continental voyage, were accorded a grand welcome at the flag-in ceremony in Goa.
An overview of the news
The crew returned home on 23 May after an arduous voyage of 17,000 nautical miles.
Two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, were involved in the entire operation.
Lt Cdr Dilna is a Logistics Officer in the Navy.
Roopa, who hails from Puducherry, has graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Chennai. He is a Naval Armament Inspection Officer.
Both Dilna and Roopa are currently posted at INS Mandovi in Goa.
The historic voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town was completed by INSV Tarini in 188 days.
It reflects an exemplary display of gallantry, courage and tenacity by the crew and highlights the role of the Indian Navy as a pioneer in the country in ocean sailing.
8. Union AYUSH Minister inaugurates PCIM&H 'e-office' and online portal
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated "PCIM&H e-Office Portal" and an online portal.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the online portal is to facilitate easy access of Pharmacopoeia Monographs to the stakeholders across the globe.
During his visit to the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (PCIM&H), the Minister inspected various laboratories: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Microbiology, Herbal Garden, and Raw Drug Repository of ASU&H drugs.
PCIM&H, under the Ministry of AYUSH, is actively involved in standardisation and quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathic (ASU&H) drugs, and publishes standards in the form of Pharmacopoeia.
In addition, the Minister released the monthly newsletter published by PCIM&H.
Advisor (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH - Dr. Kaustubh Upadhyay
PCIM&H Director - Dr. Raman Mohan Singh
About Ministry of AYUSH
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
9. Union AYUSH Minister inaugurates PCIM&H 'e-office' and online portal
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated "PCIM&H e-Office Portal" and an online portal.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the online portal is to facilitate easy access of Pharmacopoeia Monographs to the stakeholders across the globe.
During his visit to the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (PCIM&H), the Minister inspected various laboratories: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Microbiology, Herbal Garden, and Raw Drug Repository of ASU&H drugs.
PCIM&H, under the Ministry of AYUSH, is actively involved in standardisation and quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathic (ASU&H) drugs, and publishes standards in the form of Pharmacopoeia.
In addition, the Minister released the monthly newsletter published by PCIM&H.
Advisor (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH - Dr. Kaustubh Upadhyay
PCIM&H Director - Dr. Raman Mohan Singh
About Ministry of AYUSH
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
10. Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has launched UDAN 5.1 on 24 May, a special edition of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, with a special focus on helicopter routes.
The main features of UDAN 5.1
For the first time under Regional Connectivity Scheme RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for helicopter routes.
There will be an increase in the scope of operations for the operators, which will now also allow routes where one of the origin or destination points is in the priority zone.
The airfare ceiling has been reduced by 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) cap for single and twin-engine helicopter operators has been substantially increased to enhance the financial viability for operating the routes.
So far 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under the scheme, benefitting many hilly and North East states and UDAN 5.1 is targeting coverage of a much larger number of routes.
About UDAN Scheme
Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Its objective is to make affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes available to the common man even in small towns.
It seeks to improve air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities through revival of unused and underused airports.
The scheme will be jointly funded by the central government and state governments.
The scheme will run for 10 years and can be extended thereafter.
