1. Centre announces four important initiatives to strengthen Urban Co-operative Banks in country
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
To realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahakar se Samridhi, four important initiatives have been taken to strengthen 1,514 Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) in the country.
An overview of the news
After detailed discussions with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Governor, Reserve Bank of India, RBI has notified these important measures to strengthen Urban Cooperative Banks.
Four initiative
In order to expand their business, Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) can now open new branches
UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI in their approved area of operation.
In order to avail this facility, UCBs have to get the policy approved by their board and comply with the Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) Norms.
UCBs can also do One Time Settlement at par with Commercial Banks
RBI has notified a framework governing this aspect for all regulated entities including Urban Co-operative Banks.
Now co-operative banks through board-approved policies may provide a process for technical write-off as well as settlement with borrowers.
This has brought cooperative banks at par with other commercial banks now.
Revised timelines for PSL targets given to UCBs
The Reserve Bank of India has decided to extend the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e. up to March 31,2026.
Designating a Nodal Officer in RBI
In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has recently notified a nodal officer as well.
What are Urban Cooperative banks (UCB)?
It refers to primary cooperative banks located in urban and semi-urban areas.
These are registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of, either the State Cooperative Societies Actof the State concerned under the provisions of the or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
It is regulated by the Registrar of Cooperatives and also by the RBI.
The Reserve Bank regulates and supervises the banking functions of UCBs under the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
2. Government of India constituted peace committee in Manipur
Tags: committee National News
Government of India has constituted a Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor, Manipur Anusuiya Uikey on 10 June.
An overview of the news
The constitution of the Peace Committee in Manipur was announced by Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, during his visit to the state from May 29th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023.
Members of Peace Committee
The committee consists of the chief minister, state government ministers, members of parliament (MPs), members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and leaders of various political parties.
The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups.
Mandate of the Committee
The primary mandate of the Peace Committee is to facilitate the peace-making process among different ethnic groups in Manipur.
This involves promoting peaceful dialogues and negotiations between conflicting parties or groups.
The Committee aims to foster social cohesiveness, mutual understanding, and cordial communication between the various ethnic groups in the state.
The objective of the committee is to resolve conflicts, redress grievances and promote reconciliation among the various communities in Manipur.
3. Sarbananda Sonowal launches 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
Tags: National National News
In a significant move to accelerate the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system on 12 June.
About 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
This will help in making the seas and port clean. With this, real time information on dredging will be available.
This system has been developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) the technological arm of MoPSW.
The new technology Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) system is a significant improvement over the older system.
The 'Sagar Samriddhi' monitoring system aims to bring synergy among various input reports, including the daily dredging report and pre and post dredging survey data.
By integrating and processing these reports, the system can generate real-time dredging reports, providing valuable insights and information.
Capabilities of ‘Sagar Samriddhi’
Real time dredging progress report
Daily and monthly progress Visualisation
Dredger performance and downtime monitoring
Easy location track data with snapshot of loading, unloading and idle time
National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC)
NTCPWC was established under the Sagarmala program of MoPSW at IIT Madras with a total investment of Rs 77 crore.
It was inaugurated on 24 April 2023 by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
It aims to enable research and development for the maritime sector, while enabling solutions towards achieving the goal of building a strong maritime industry in the country.
4. Sarbananda Sonowal launches 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
Tags: National National News
In a significant move to accelerate the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system on 12 June.
About 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredging monitoring system
This will help in making the seas and port clean. With this, real time information on dredging will be available.
This system has been developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) the technological arm of MoPSW.
The new technology Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) system is a significant improvement over the older system.
The 'Sagar Samriddhi' monitoring system aims to bring synergy among various input reports, including the daily dredging report and pre and post dredging survey data.
By integrating and processing these reports, the system can generate real-time dredging reports, providing valuable insights and information.
Capabilities of ‘Sagar Samriddhi’
Real time dredging progress report
Daily and monthly progress Visualisation
Dredger performance and downtime monitoring
Easy location track data with snapshot of loading, unloading and idle time
National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC)
NTCPWC was established under the Sagarmala program of MoPSW at IIT Madras with a total investment of Rs 77 crore.
It was inaugurated on 24 April 2023 by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
It aims to enable research and development for the maritime sector, while enabling solutions towards achieving the goal of building a strong maritime industry in the country.
5. First edition of India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise begins
Tags: Defence International News
The first edition of the India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise began in the Gulf of Oman.
An Overview of the News
The exercise includes the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, as well as French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The exercise focused on a wide range of naval operations, including surface combat, tactical firing, missile engagement on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercises and boarding operations.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and address conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment.
The exercise serves as a platform for sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices in maritime security.
The participating navies aim to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding and promote regional security and stability in the maritime domain.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
Government -Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President -Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Oman:
Capital - Muscat
Currency - Omani Rial
Official language - Arabic
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq
Crown Prince - Thiazin bin Haitham
6. NTPC Kanti launches Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023
Tags: National National News
NTPC Kanti launched Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023 as part of its CSR initiative.
An Overview of the News
The program is a four-week residential workshop aimed at empowering 40 underprivileged rural girls from Kanti Block.
This initiative is the first of its kind organised by NTPC Kanti.
The primary objective of the GeM program is to provide academic training, skill development and overall personality enhancement to the participants.
The program focuses on inculcating curiosity among the participants and developing better communication and social skills.
By empowering underprivileged rural girls, NTPC Kanti aims to contribute to their holistic development and provide them opportunities for a better future.
The GeM-2023 program reflects NTPC Kanti's commitment to social welfare and dedication to support marginalised communities.
Bihar:
It is a state located in eastern India and shares its border with Nepal.
This region is divided by the river Ganga.
Bihar is known for its important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a revered site.
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor -Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha -40 seats
7. NTPC Kanti launches Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023
Tags: National National News
NTPC Kanti launched Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GeM)-2023 as part of its CSR initiative.
An Overview of the News
The program is a four-week residential workshop aimed at empowering 40 underprivileged rural girls from Kanti Block.
This initiative is the first of its kind organised by NTPC Kanti.
The primary objective of the GeM program is to provide academic training, skill development and overall personality enhancement to the participants.
The program focuses on inculcating curiosity among the participants and developing better communication and social skills.
By empowering underprivileged rural girls, NTPC Kanti aims to contribute to their holistic development and provide them opportunities for a better future.
The GeM-2023 program reflects NTPC Kanti's commitment to social welfare and dedication to support marginalised communities.
Bihar:
It is a state located in eastern India and shares its border with Nepal.
This region is divided by the river Ganga.
Bihar is known for its important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a revered site.
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor -Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha -40 seats
8. 'Har Ghar Jal' Program highlights significant impact on Public Health - WHO report
Tags: Reports National News
A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the 'Har Ghar Jal' program on public health and economic savings.
An overview of the news
Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.
Highlight of the report
The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.
Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.
This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.
This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.
The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India's total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.
Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.
The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.
'Har Ghar Jal' Program
Launched - By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019
Implementation - By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
Aims - To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps.
SDG 6.1 - Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
Achievement - 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.
9. IICA and RRU sign MoU for academic and research collaboration
Tags: National National News
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on 9 June.
An overview of the news
The objective of the MoU is to synergize the professional capabilities of IICA and RRU towards capacity building, education, research and consultancy in the areas of internal security, financial crime, law enforcement, corporate fraud and other subjects.
The MoU also provides for exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for conducting research, training and consultancy.
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
It was registered as a society on September 12, 2008 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It is an autonomous institute, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to deliver opportunities for research, education, and advocacy.
It is a think-tank, capacity building and service delivery institute.
10. IICA and RRU sign MoU for academic and research collaboration
Tags: National National News
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on 9 June.
An overview of the news
The objective of the MoU is to synergize the professional capabilities of IICA and RRU towards capacity building, education, research and consultancy in the areas of internal security, financial crime, law enforcement, corporate fraud and other subjects.
The MoU also provides for exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for conducting research, training and consultancy.
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
It was registered as a society on September 12, 2008 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It is an autonomous institute, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to deliver opportunities for research, education, and advocacy.
It is a think-tank, capacity building and service delivery institute.
