1 Arts and Culture  There are special arrangements for monks to meditate, similar to the Kanheri and Wai caves.

 Two of the caves have shared dwellings while third was perhaps occupied by one monk.  Caves also have images of Buddha & Bodhisattvas and sculptures with designs of Indo-Greek architecture.

Note: The Buddhist sculptures and Caves of Trirashmi Hill: Archaeological caves (in Nashik) are a significant Survey of India (ASI) has found three caves example of “Indian rock-cut in Buddhist Caves Complex in Nasik, architecture” which represents Maharashtra. Hinayana tradition of Buddhism.

Highlights: About Trirashmi caves:

 These new caves are being  Trirashmi or Pandav Leni caves discovered about two centuries caves were earlier called as after the British military officer ‘Trirashmi caves’. documented Tri-Rashmi Buddhist  These caves are a group of 25 caves, caves, which is also called as carved out of Tri-Rashmi Hill Pandav Leni. between 2nd century BC and 6th  The antiquity of the caves is yet to century AD. be established.  Vihara and the Chaitya are the  The archaeologists studying them, main caves among 25 caves. however, believe they could be  Complex of the cave was older than the Trirashmi caves. documented in 1823 by Captain  These caves may have been James Delamaine. dwellings of Buddhist monks.  It is an ASI protected site and a famous tourist destination. About the discovered caves: About The Archaeological Survey of  These caves were discovered on India (ASI): opposite side of the current complex. They are about 70-80 feet  The ASI is an Indian government above the existing complex and agency attached to the Ministry of have been carved out of a steep hill. Culture that is responsible for  They look like monks’ dwellings archaeological research and the and older than the current conservation and preservation of complex. cultural monuments in the country.  All the caves have verandahs and  ASI was founded in 1861 by the characteristic square stone Alexander Cunningham- the first platform for monks. Director-General of ASI.

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 Alexander Cunningham is also  Streaming will be done on Films known as the “Father of Indian Division website and Youtube Archaeology”. channel.  It administers more than 3650 Green Package: ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national Films under ‘green package’ include: importance.  Its activities include carrying out  Jungle Man Loiyaa– This movie surveys of antiquarian remains, highlights the story of Loiya exploration and excavation of Ngamba who is a nature lover from archaeological sites, conservation Manipur. It is a story of reorienting and maintenance of protected man’s relationship with nature. monuments etc.  My Son Neo– This movie is about, how a five-year-old boy grows up amidst natural environment.  Living the Natural Way– This movie is about Mishing tribes from small Brahmaputra Island and highlights how changing climate & environment has shattered their traditional way of living.  Plastic World– This is an animated movie which portrays vast and arid Oasis of Hope: It is an online festival dystopian landscape of future, called Oasis of Hope organized by the Film covered in plastic waste and alerts Division on the occasion of World over hazardous effects of plastic. Environment Day (WED) 2021. About Films Division: About Oasis of Hope Festival:  It was established in 1948.  Oasis of hope festival will be  It is the oldest of the four units. organized on 5th and 6th June 2021  It was created primarily to produce to mark the importance of WED. documentaries and news magazines  It will celebrate the spirit of key as publicity for government words of WED namely, programmes and to keep a “REIMAGINE, RECREATE, cinematic record of Indian history. RESTORE”.  This is a 2-day festival which will showcase films giving strong

message on reviving environment Defence and reimagining nature’s co- \\ existence.  It will also suggest several ways to DEFENCE:National restore inseparable relationship of human being and nature.

www.civilserviceindia.com50 New Kendriya Vidyalaya to be setup through the country

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("green water") or river ("brown water") environments.  They are commonly found engaged in various border protection roles, including anti-smuggling, anti- piracy, fisheries patrols, and immigration law enforcement.  They are also often called upon to participate in rescue operations.

Classification of Patrol Boats: Sajag: National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, has recently commissioned  The patrol boats are broadly Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel classified as inshore patrol vessels Sajag. (IPVs) and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Key Points:  They are warships of smaller size  Sajag has been built by Goa and include fast attack craft, missile Shipyard Limited for the Indian boats and torpedo boats. Coast Guard (ICG).  The Offshore Patrol Vessel is a  Sajag is the third in the series of 105 highly versatile ship, designed to m offshore patrol vessels (OPV) perform Economic Exclusion Zone indigenously designed in line with (EEZ) management roles, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's the provision of maritime security 'Make in India' vision. to coastal areas and effective  Sajag was commended by NSA for disaster relief. indigenously developing ships for  The offshore patrol vessels are Maritime Armed forces with state- usually the smallest ship in a navy's of-the-art machinery, latest fleet that is large and seaworthy technology sensors and equipment. enough to patrol off-shore in the open ocean. About Patrol Boat:  Smaller inshore patrol vessels also known as coastal patrol craft or  A patrol boat is a relatively small coastal patrol boats. naval vessel generally designed for coastal defence, border protection, About Indian Coast Guard ICG: immigration law-enforcement, search and rescue duties.  ICG is an armed force that protects  It is also referred to as a patrol India's maritime interests and craft, patrol ship or patrol vessel) enforces maritime law, with  They may be operated by a nation's jurisdiction over the territorial navy, coast guard, police force or waters of India, including its customs and may be intended for contiguous zone and exclusive marine ("blue water") or estuarine economic zone.

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 IGC was founded on 18 August 1978 and officers of all ranks in a variety by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of of disciplines. Parliament of India an independent  The centre provides education in Armed force of India. both combat and non-combat  It is headquartered in New Delhi. operations.  The moto of IGC is Vayam  AEC provides challenging “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning opportunities to motivated young “We Protect”. men and women with right attitude  The Coast Guard works in close and a passion for teaching. cooperation with the Indian Navy,  The Corps' facilities are located in the Department of Fisheries, the Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh Department of Revenue (Customs)  Major General Devesh Gaur ADG and the Central and State police MT (AE) is the current Colonel forces. Commandant of AEC.  The Director General of IGC is History: Krishnaswamy Natrajan, PTM, TM, and the Additional Director  The history of the AEC dates back General is Krupa Ram Nautiyal, to 1921 when the mass scale of PTM, TM. illiteracy amongst the Indian soldiers was prevalent.  Since then, many remarkable developments have seen AEC grow over the years adapting seamlessly to the rapid growth of education and technology as also the organisational needs.  On June 1, 1947, it was re-named as Indian Army Education Corps, and

when India became a Sovereign Army Educational Corps (AEC): Indian Republic on Jan 26, 1950, the Army, on 1st June 2021 celebrated the 100th decision to drop titles like Royal or anniversary of the raising of Army Indian as prefix to Indian units and Educational Corps (AEC). corps was taken.  On November 1, 1950 Indian Army On this occasion, Maj Gen Devesh Gaur, Education Corps became the Army Additional Director General Army Educational Corps. Education and Colonel Commandant, AEC laid wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all ranks of the Army.

About AEC:

 The Army Education Corps (AEC) of India is a program run by the Indian Army that develops soldiers

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551B, INAS 300 as well as the premier Air Base INS Hansa. . He was also appointed Indian Defence Advisor (Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles) from 2005 to 2008. . On promotion to Flag rank, he has held key assignments of Assistant Controller Carrier Project & Assistant Controller Warship Vice-Admiral Ravneet Singh: Vice- Production and Acquisition at IHQ Admiral Ravneet Singh, Ati Vishisht Seva MoD(N), Flag Officer Goa Area/ Medal (AVSM), and Nausena Medal (NM) Flag Officer Naval Aviation at Goa holder assumed charge as the Deputy Chief and Flag Officer Commanding of Naval Staff. Western Fleet at Mumbai. . In the rank of Vice Admiral, the He relieves Vice Admiral MS Pawar, a Flag Officer has tenanted the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), appointments of Chief of Staff at AVSM, Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) holder, Headquarters Western Naval who superannuated on May 31. Command, Mumbai, Director General Project Seabird and Chief About Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh: of Personnel at IHQ MoD (N). . Jalandhar-born Vice Admiral . Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh was Ravneet Singh was commissioned awarded Commendation by the into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1983 Chief of the Naval Staff in 2000 and and specialised in aviation. has been decorated with the . The Flag Officer is a qualified flying Nausena Medal (Gallantry) in 2004 instructor with Master Green and AtiVishishtSeva Medal in 2017. instrument rating. Chiefs of Army Head of India: . He has flown HT-2, Kiran HJT 16, TS 11 Iskra, Hunter, Harrier Gr 3, Jet  Chiefs of Army Staff: Manoj Provost, Chetak, Gazelle, Hawk, Mukund Naravane and Mig 29 KUB aircraft during his  Chief of Navy Staff: Admiral illustrious career. Karambir Singh . The Admiral has held various  Chief of Air Staff: Rakesh Kumar challenging Staff, Command, and Singh Bhadauria Diplomatic assignments during his distinguished naval career, and has had wide-ranging experience onboard diverse platforms. . He has commanded various frontline ships and Naval Air Squadrons including INS Himgiri, INS Ranvijay, INS Ranvir, INAS

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. His recent Operational and Staff appointments include General Manager (Refit) at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam and Principal Director (Ship Production). On being elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral, the officer was appointed as Additional Director General (Technical) at Headquarters, Project Seabird. . The Mega Project involves creation of a futuristic Naval Base at Karwar,

with four self-contained townships, Rear Admiral IB Uthaiah: Rear Admiral a Naval Air station and a 400 bed IB Uthaiah, VSM recently took over as the tertiary care Hospital. Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, . An alumnus of the Naval War Visakhapatnam from Rear Adm Sreekumar College, he was awarded the Vishist Nair, NM at a formal ceremony held at Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished ENC headquarters. service at Naval Dockyard and was instrumental in concluding major About Rear Admiral IB Uthaiah: Warship construction contracts . He was commissioned into the with Russian and Indian Shipyards Indian Navy in Nov 1987. as Principal Director. . The Admiral holds a B Tech Degree . On handing over the helm at Naval in Marine Engineering, an M Tech Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, Rear Degree in Mathematical Modelling Adm Sreekumar Nair, NM would and Computer Simulation and an M take over as Director General Naval Phil Degree in Strategic Studies. Project at Visakhapatnam, on . In his 33 years of service, the promotion to Vice Admiral. Admiral has served the Indian Navy in various capacities, with appointments at the Warship Design Directorate, Training Academies, Naval Dockyard and at the Command and Naval Headquarters. . His key Staff appointments cover areas of Warship Design, Building and Acquisition; Warship

Operation, Maintenance and Repair; Officer Training and Project Lt. Gen. Pradeep Chandran Nair: Management of a mega Marine and Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandran Nair Civil Infrastructure Project. took over as the 21st Director General of

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the Assam Rifles (popularly known as Services Staff College, besides Sentinels of the North-East). serving in the Army Headquarters as a Colonel. . Lt Gen Nair who was earlier the . He has also served as Brigadier Director General Recruiting of the General Staff in Maharashtra, Indian Army, is the 21st DG of the Gujarat and Goa Area and was also Assam Rifles, India's oldest with the Defence Intelligence paramilitary force. Agency. . He took charge as Assam Rifles . In his last assignment at the Army chief at a ceremony at the Shillong- Headquarters, he was the Director based ARDG headquraters in General Recruiting, responsible for Meghalaya. recruiting officers and jawans in the About Lt Gen Nair: Indian Army. . He was decorated with the Ati . Lt Gen Nair has a rich experience Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) during with Assam Rifles and the North his command as the Inspector East, having been an Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in General and also Company Nagaland, Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) Commander in Assam Rifles (AR) during his command of a Brigade in and commanding AR battalions as a Manipur and the Chief of Army Brigade Commander. Staff Commendation Card on three . He was commissioned into the Sikh occasions. Regiment in 1985. . He is an alumnus of Sainik School About Assam Rifles: Satara, National Defence Academy, . The Assam Rifles is the oldest Defence Services Staff College, paramilitary force of India. College of Defence Management . The unit can trace its lineage back and Indian Institute of Public to a paramilitary police force that Administration. was formed under the British in . In a career spanning three and a 1835 called Cachar Levy. half decades, he has commanded . Since then the Assam Rifles have his battalion (18 Sikh) in the undergone a number of name Siachen Glacier and has served changes—the Assam Frontier extensively in the North East, Police (1883), the Assam Military where he served as a junior officer Police (1891) and Eastern Bengal in Manipur and Sikkim, as a and Assam Military Police (1913), Battalion Commander in Assam, a before finally becoming the Assam Brigade Commander in Manipur as Rifles in 1917. also as the Inspector General of . It was founded in 1835. Assam Rifles in Nagaland. . Its headquartered in Shillong, . He has been an instructor in India. Infantry School, Mhow, Indian . Since 2000, they are guarding the Military Training Team, Bhutan Indo-Myanmar Barrier under “one and a Directing Staff at Defence

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border one force” policy of Seoul to set up new CBG Plants Government of India. across the country. . Its governing body is the Ministry  The minister laid the foundation of Home Affairs and Ministry of stones of 5 upcoming CBG Plants. Defense of India.  He also inaugurated the first . Its Motto is 'Sentinels of the North injection of CBG into the CGD East'. pipeline network at Govardhannathji Energies into

Gujarat Gas CGD network at Economics Nadiad Kheda Distt., Gujarat. This is in line with the recently issued policy guidelines by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on CBG ironment injection in the CGD network.

About SATAT scheme:

 The SATAT scheme aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make CBG available in the market for use as a green fuel.

 'SATAT’, launched on 1.10.2018, SATAT initiative: Union Minister of envisages targeting production of 15 Petroleum & Natural Gas recently presided MMT of CBG from 5000 plants by over a virtual ceremony in which a number 2023. of initiatives were launched to provide  Besides the potential to boost major fillip to the SATAT (Sustainable availability of more affordable Alternative Towards Affordable transport fuels, better use of Transportation) initiative. agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, the 5000 Highlights: CBG plants will provide an  The landmark event included investment of 1.75 lakh crore, an signing of a Cooperation additional revenue source to Agreement by Oil and Gas majors farmers, and 75,000 direct job including Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL, opportunities and lakhs of indirect GAIL and IGL, for the promotion jobs. and development of the SATAT scheme.  During the event, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas also signed MoUs with Essar Capital Limited, XEMX Projects, Knowledge Integration Services, and Global Green Growth Institute,

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Seed Minikit Programme: Union marketing cooperatives for Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh agricultural produce in India. Tomar recently launched a seed Minikit  It was founded on the auspicious programme by distributing high-yielding day of Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October varieties of seeds of pulses and oilseeds to 1958. farmers.  It is registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act. About the Seed Minikit Programme:  Agricultural farmers are the main  This mission was launched to members of this body. increase production of oilseeds and  Its main objective is to promote Co- pulses. operative marketing of Agricultural  The Seed Minikits programme is a Produce to benefit the farmers major tool for introducing new across the nation. varieties of seeds in the farmers National Seeds Corporation (NCS): fields.  It will also help in increasing the  National Seeds Corporation Ltd. seed replacement rate. (NSC) is a Schedule 'B'-Miniratna  Under the programme, Mini-kits Category-I company wholly owned are being provided by National by Government of India under the Agricultural Cooperative Marketing administrative control of Federation of India (NAFED), Department of Agriculture National Seeds Corporation (NCS), Cooperation & Farmer's Welfare, and Gujarat State Seeds Ministry of Agriculture and Corporation. Farmers Welfare.  It is wholly funded by Government  NSC was established in March-1963 of India (GoI) through National to undertake production of Food Security Mission. foundation and certified seeds.  Under the mission distribution of  The NSC was established to serve seeds will continue till June 15, 2021. two main following objectives: Thus, farmers will get seeds before i. Firstly, to promote the commencement of Kharif sowing development of a seed season. industry in India and  About 20,27,318 seed minikits of ii. Secondly, to produce and pulses, more than 74000 minikits of supply the foundation seeds groundnut and 8 lakh for soybean of various crops. minikits will be provided free of Gujarat State Seeds Corporation: cost to the farmers directly under National Food Security Mission.  Gujarat State Seeds Corporation About NAFED: Ltd., was established in April 1975.  It is popularly known by its brand  National Agricultural Cooperative name “GURABINI.” Marketing Federation of India Ltd  GURABINI is serving in the larger (NAFED) is an apex organization of interest of farmers from more than

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three decades with farmer’s faith Before this appointment, Mohapatra was brand loyalty, quality assurance, serving as the principal chief commissioner dedicated service and sustainable of Income Tax for the Andhra Pradesh and contribution for upliftment of Telangana region. farmers with Glorious achievements. About J B Mohapatra:  It is primarily engaged in  Odisha-born Mohapatra has held production, processing and several positions including marketing of seeds of more than 30 commissioner in the income tax crops and 100 varieties and hybrids department in Delhi, Mumbai and in almost all categories i.e. Cereals, other regions. Pulses, Oilseeds, Fibre Crops,  He was posted as principal chief Fodder, and Green Manuring commissioner of Telangana and Crops. Andhra Pradesh before being given the charge of member in the CBDT.

About CBDT:

 It is an acronym of the Central Board of Direct Taxes.  CBDT is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.

 It was established in 1924. CBDT: Jagannath Bidyadhar Mohapatra, a  The officials of the Board in their 1985-batch Indian Revenue Service officer ex-officio capacity also function as a has recently been appointed as the interim Division of the Ministry dealing chief of the Central Board of Direct Taxes with matters relating to levy and (CBDT) for three months. collection of direct taxes.  It functions as a division of the Highlights: Ministry of Finance under the He has been appointed in place of the Department of Revenue. incumbent chairman Pramod Chandra  Its functions include formulation of Mody whose extended tenure ended on policies, dealing with natters May 31. relating to levy and collection of direct taxes, and supervision of the The government along with Mohapatra functioning of the entire Income also appointed Anu J Singh and Anuja Tax Department. Sarangi as members of the body.  The CBDT is headed by a chairman and can have six members. Anu J Singh and Anuja Sarangi are 1985 batch of Indian Revenue Service income  All of these officers are in the rank tax cadre officials. of special secretary.

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 The measures are designed to provide fresh lending support to vaccine manufacturers, hospitals or dispensaries, pathology labs, manufacturers and suppliers of Oxygen, Ventilators, importers of vaccines and Covid related drugs New loans to Mitigate Impact of logistics firms and patients for Corona: Public sector banks in India have treatment. recently announced various support  PSBs would provide unsecured measures and launch of new loan products loans of up to 5 lakh rupees to to mitigate the impact of COVID individuals. pandemic.  Loan can be utilized to meet their Highlights: and family members’ treatment cost.  Three new loan products were  IBA and SBI announced that all the jointly announced by The Indian salaried, non-salaried and Banks Association (IBA) and State pensioners’ individuals can get an Bank of India (SBI) in Mumbai on unsecured personal loan from ₹ 30 May 2021. 25,000 to ₹ 5 lakh to look after  These are based on various COVID-19 treatment. measures announced by the  Repayment tenure is 5 years. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and  SBI will charge interest of 8.5% per Government of India (GoI). annum and other banks can also  Apart from individual loan for decide their interest rate. treatment, the two other loans are: 1. Healthcare Business Loan of up to 2 crore rupees. Healthcare business loan will be provided to set up oxygen plants under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECGLS).

2. Business loans for Healthcare Facilities of up Gopal Ratna Awards: Union Minister for to 100 Crore rupees. Loan Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, for Healthcare Facilities will Giriraj Singh recently chaired a virtual be provided to set up or program organized on the occasion of expand healthcare World Milk Day which is observed on 1st infrastructure and to June every year. healthcare products manufacturers. On the occasion, the Minister announced the launch of the National Awards for the

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Cattle and Dairy sector, the Gopal Ratna Note: The dairy sector provides Awards. livelihood support to 8 crore dairy farmers engaged in dairying mainly About Gopal Ratna Awards: small & marginal and landless The award has three categories – labourers.

1. Best Dairy farmer. Milk sector in India: 2. Best Artificial Insemination  India is the largest milk producer in Technician (AIT). the world. 3. Best Dairy Cooperative / Milk  India accounts for over one-fifth of Producer Company / FPO. the global milk production. Eligible farmers/dairy cooperative  This is followed by the US, China, societies/ AI technicians can apply for Pakistan and Brazil. award online and portal for award will  During 2019-20, India produced open from 15th July 2021. Winners for the 198.4 million tonnes of milk. award will be announced on 31st October  Value of output of milk is more 2021. than Rs 7.72 lakh crore during 2018- 19 at current prices which is more He also announced integration of e Gopala than the value of output of wheat App with UMANG platform so that 3.1 and paddy together. Crore users of Umang platform will get  Milk Production has grown at an access to App. average annual growth rate of 6.3% per year during last 6 years whereas About e-Gopala app: world milk production is growing at  e-Gopala app (Generation of wealth the rate of 1.5% per year. through Productive Livestock) is a  Percapita availability of milk has breed improvement marketplace increased from 307 grams per and information portal for the person per day in 2013-14 to 406 direct use of farmers. grams per person per day in 2019-  The app is a digital medium which 2020 that is y 32.24%. helps livestock owners to choose Evolution of Dairy Sector in India: advanced livestocks.  This app gives all information  In the initial phases of India’s related to productivity, health and independence (in 1955) India’s diet to the cattle owners. butter imports were 500 tons per  The main objective behind year. launching these schemes is that the  However, by 1975, India became villages should become the strength self-sufficient in milk production of 21st century India, energy and and all imports of milk and milk self-reliant India. products were stopped.  e-GOPALA app had been launched  The medal of success of milk by Hon’ble PM on 10th September production in India goes to Dr 2020. Verghese Kurien who is also known

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as the Father of the White first time that Sri Lanka is borrowing Revolution in India. from a SAARC country other than India.

Bangladesh:

 Bangladesh is a country which is bordered by the Indian states of West Bengal to the west and north, Assam to the north, Meghalaya to the north and northeast, and Tripura and Mizoram to the east.

 To the southeast, it shares a Currency Swap Facility: Bangladesh boundary with Myanmar (Burma). recently approved the currency swap  The southern part of Bangladesh facility to Sri Lanka. opens into the Bay of Bengal.  Its Capital is Dhaka. Dhaka decided to extend the facility after a  request by Sri Lankan Prime Minister The currency used her is Bangladeshi Taka. Mahinda Rajapaksa to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is Sheikh Hasina. Highlights: Sri Lanka:  The Central Bank of Bangladesh approved a $200 million currency  Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic swap facility for Sri Lanka. Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia.  It will assist the Sri Lanka in dealing with its foreign exchange crisis.  It is located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal What Bangladesh-Sri Lanka currency and to the southeast of the Arabian swap mean? Sea.  The Capitals of Srilanka Colombo  A currency swap is essentially a and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. loan given by Bangladesh to Sri  Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the Lanka in dollars with the legislative capital while Colombo is agreement that the debt will be the largest city and center of repaid in Sri Lankan rupees with commerce. The currency used here interest. is Sri Lankan rupee.  For Sri Lanka, this is cheaper than  The current President and Prime borrowing from the market. Minister of Srilanka are Gotabaya  The duration of the currency swap Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa will be specified in the agreement. respectively. Note: This may be the first time that

Bangladesh is extending a helping hand to another country and this is also the Environment

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 The Litoria Mira has a well-known relative which is the common green Environment & Geograpy tree frog of Australia called Litoria cerulean.  The two seem alike except for the colour of their skins.  Litoria mira can be distinguished from all other Litoria by its unique combination of moderately large size, webbing on hand, relatively short and robust limbs, and small violet patch of skin on the edge of its eyes.

A link from the past: Litoria Mira: An Australian scientist has discovered a new species of frog in the  The reason that the chocolate frog rainforest swamps of New Guinea. from New Guinea and the Australian green tree frog are Highlights: similar is that some 2.6 million years ago, Australia and New  Steve Richards, a frog specialist at Guinea were once linked by land so the South Australia Museum, first they share many biotic elements. spotted the cocoa hued amphibian  Since the Torres Strait flooded in in 2016. and separated Australia from New  Later, scientists at the Queensland Guinea, the two lands have become Museum gave it the moniker of vastly different. “chocolate frog” due to its brown  New Guinea is dominated by coloured skin, a feature that rainforest while Australia is now distinguishes it from other tree primarily a savannah. frogs.  Animals in each land have thus  The cocoa-coloured frogs have adapted to very different turned out to be a new species. environments.  This ‘chocolate frog’ is called "Litoria Mira" which is inspired by About New Guinea: the Latin adjective mirum.  The word mirum means surprised  New Guinea is an island of the or strange, which rightly states that eastern Malay Archipelago, in the the scientist was surprised after western Pacific Ocean, north of discovering a predominately Australia. Australian Litoria genus of tree  It is the world's second-largest frogs. island and the largest island in the Southern Hemisphere. About Litoria Mira:  It is separated by the Torres Strait from the Australian continent.

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 It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean  At the summit, MoEFCC Minister to the north, the Bismarck and underlined the importance of water Solomon seas to the east, the Coral conservation by adopting Sea and Torres Strait to the south, conservation technologies and and the Arafura Sea to the changing water use habits.’ southwest.  He said that the availability of  Numerous smaller islands are water is continuously declining and located to the west and east. agriculture sector alone consumes  The eastern half of the island is the 85% of available water. major land mass of the independent  Thus, water conservation methods state of Papua New Guinea while should be used in Agriculture to the western half, known as Western manage available water resources New Guinea or West Papua, forms efficiently. a part of Indonesia and is organized About World Sustainable Development as the provinces of Papua and West Papua. Summit: The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

The WSDS brings together Nobel laureates, political leaders, decision-makers from bilateral and multilateral institutions, business leaders, high-level functionaries from the diplomatic corps, scientists and

researchers, media personnel, and WSDS 2021: The Union Minister for members of civil society; on a common Environment, Forest and Climate Change platform to deliberate on issues related to (MoEFCC), Prakash Javadekar recently sustainable development. addressed the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS). Aim of the WSDS:

WSDS was organized on June 4, on the eve WSDS aims to provide long-term solutions of World Environment Day. for the benefit of the global community by assembling the various stakeholders on a Theme of Summit: single platform and initiating a step in the direction of achieving constructive action World Sustainable Development Summit in combating issues pertinent to the future 2021 was held under theme “Redefining of humanity. our common future: Safe & Secure Environment for All”. Sustainable Development Leadership Award: Highlights:

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In 2005, The Energy and Resources  Pakistan will make some important Institute established The Sustainable announcements related to Development Leadership Award to initiatives that it has taken to felicitate the efforts of global leaders in the mitigate the effects of climate field of sustainable development. change, including the 10 Billion Trees Tsunami Programmed, Clean World Environment Day 2021: Green Pakistan, the Electric Vehicle  World environment day is Policy, National Parks, and Green celebrated on June 5 every year. jobs.  It is a flagship day of United Note: In 2018, India hosted WED with a Nations (UN) to promote focus on plastic pollution. worldwide awareness and action on environment.  On the occasion of WED, UN  This year, Pakistan is hosting the kicked off “UN Decade on world environment day in Ecosystem Restoration (2021- partnership with UN Environment 2030)”, which is a global mission to Programme (UNEP) under the revive billions of hectares of forests, theme ‘ecosystem restoration’. farmlands, mountains ecosystem and marine ecosystem.

Theme of WED 2021:

The theme for World Environment Day 2021 is 'Ecosystem Restoration.'

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration following a proposal and resolution for action by over 70 countries around the globe. World Environment Day 2021: World Environment Day (WED) also called Eco The UN Decade runs from 2021 till 2030, Day or Environment Day is celebrated which is also the deadline for the annually on 5 June across the globe. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the timeline scientists have identified Highlights: as the last chance to prevent catastrophic  WED is hosted by different climate change. countries around the globe. It has a About WED: participation of over 143 countries annually.  World Environment Day offers a  This year, Pakistan for the first time global platform for inspiring is hosting the WED 2021 in positive change in the environment. partnership with UN Environment  It pushes individuals to think about Programme (UNEP). the way they consume the ecosystem and gives them a chance

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to take action to build a greener  Even though WED celebrations future. have been held annually since 1974,  It is the United Nations' principal in 1987 the idea for rotating the vehicle for encouraging awareness center of these activities through and action for the protection of the selecting different host countries environment. began.  First held in 1974, it has been a What does Ecosystem restoration platform for raising awareness on mean? environmental issue such as marine pollution, human overpopulation,  Ecosystem restoration means global warming, sustainable preventing, halting, and reversing consumption and wildlife crime. the damage caused by human Significance of WED: activities and finally healing our nature.  WED has become more significant  Healthier ecosystems, with richer amid the ongoing covid-19 biodiversity, yield greater benefits, pandemic. such as more fertile soils, bigger  The world has been fighting the yields of timber and fish, and larger pandemic for 1.5 years. stores of greenhouse gases.  The Pandemic has proved how How can restoration take place? disastrous ecosystem loss can be.  As the area of natural habitat for  Restoration can take place in many animal is shrinking and pathogens ways. For example: like coronavirus are easily  Saving and using less water spreading.  Buying energy-efficient appliances  Thus, only healthy ecosystems can  Recycling the e-waste properly enhance livelihoods, counter  Actively planting more and more climate change and stop collapse of trees biodiversity.  Getting together with friends and History: neighbors for a clean-up activity in their areas  World Environment Day was  Cleaning up the local beaches established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment (June 5-16, 1972), that had resulted from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment.  Two years later, in 1974 the first WED was held with the theme "Only One Earth".

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Jayanti: A new species of Cricket named  Insects have a lock-and-key model 'Indimimus jayanti' was recently found in genitalia structure which is unique the Kurra caves of Chhattisgarh. to each subgenus.

Highlights: Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897:

 The new subgenus was named . Arachnomimus is the genus name Jayanti after Professor Jayant given by Swiss Entomologist Henri Biswas, one of the leading cave Louis Frédéric de Saussure in 1878 explorers in the country. to crickets that resembled spiders.  It was discovered by a TEAM of Fun Fact: The word Arachnomimus is research scholars of Zoology derived from two Ancient Greek words department at Panjab University, arakhne means “spider” and mimos, along with their counterparts in means “imitator, actor”. Chhattisgarh.  The discovery was acknowledged in . Crickets of this group are the international research paper, commonly called spider crickets Zootaxa. because of their smaller body size  The National Museum of Natural and long legs. History, France, also acknowledged the discovery. Significance of the Discovery:

About the New Spider Cricket: . It can help in designing hearing aids for humans.  Jayanti has become the twelfth . Normally, crickets are noticeable subgenus, or species, of cricket for their loud calls, especially at identified under the genus night. Male crickets produce this Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897. sound by rubbing their wings against each other to attract Note: Arachnomimus is the genus name females. given to crickets that resembled . But the males of the new Jayanti spiders. subgenus cannot produce sound  Jayanti has led to the new subgenus and their females don’t have ears. 'Indimimus'. . The crickets were found on the  Males of the new Jayanti subgenus walls of the Kurra caves which don’t cannot produce sound and their have light inside. They may be females don’t have ears. communicating by beating their  However, the newly discovered abdomen or any other body part on subgenus, Indimimus, is different the cave walls. from the two subgenera, . Vibrational communication is one Arachnomimus and of the softest but fastest modes of Euarachnomimus, because of the signal transmission. male genitalia structure. . Further studies on their skills of vibrational communication may help in designing hearing aids for

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human which can capture quietest Kharg: Kharg is Iran’s largest warship signals and amplify to an audible which recently caught fire and later sank in hearing range. the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, a strait between the Persian Gulf About Crickets: and the Gulf of Oman. . Crickets are insects in the order The warship Kharg is named after the Orthoptera. island that serves as the main oil terminal . Scientific name of cricket is for Iran. Grylloidea. . They are related to bush crickets, About Kharg Island: and, more distantly, to . Kharg or Khark Island is an island grasshoppers. in the Persian Gulf belonging to . Cricket, any of about 2,400 species of leaping insects are found Iran. . The island is located 25 km (16 mi) throughout the world and off the coast of Iran and 483 km distinguished by the male's musical chirping. (300 mi) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. . Their bodies are mostly cylindrical, . Khark Island provides a sea port for with round heads and long antennae. the export of oil and extends Iranian territorial sea claims into . A smooth, robust pronotum is the Persian Gulf oil fields. found behind the head. . Crickets are easily identified by . Located on Khark Island is Khark, their loud calls, especially at night. the only city in the Khark District . Male crickets make this sound by rubbing their wings together in National order to attract females. . Females use their legs' ears to listen to these calls and approach males for mating and reproduction.

Geography:

WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award: World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan with 'WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award' for his

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accomplishments in the area of tobacco The following steps have been taken in control. India to control tobacco:

 Every year, WHO recognizes o Tobacco control legislation in India individuals or organizations in each dates back to ‘Cigarettes Act, 1975’ of the six WHO Regions for their which mandates display of accomplishments in the area of statutory health warnings in tobacco control? advertisement and on cartons and  This recognition takes the form of cigarette packages. WHO Director-General Special o A Central Legislation banned Recognition Award and World No smoking in public places in 2002, Tobacco Day Awards. on the directions of Supreme Court. o This was followed by World No Tobacco Day’ Event: comprehensive tobacco control legislation in 2003 [Cigarettes and  Meanwhile, Dr. Harsh Vardhan other Tobacco Products recently chaired an event to mark (Prohibition of Advertisement and the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on Regulation of Trade, Commerce, May 31, 2021 and led the pledge by Production, Supply and everyone present to abstain from Distribution) Act –COTPA, 2003] tobacco. which aims to provide smoke free  The theme for 2021 is “Commit to public places and also places Quit.” restrictions on tobacco Impact of Tobacco in India: advertisement and promotion. o The ‘Prohibition of Electronic  In India, over 1.3 million deaths are Cigarettes Bill, 2019’ prohibits attributable to tobacco use every Production, Manufacture, Import, year amounting to 3500 deaths per Export, Transport, Sale, day, imposing a lot of avoidable Distribution, Storage and socio-economic burden. Advertisement of e-Cigarettes.  Smokers face a 40-50% higher risk o The National Health Policy 2017 has of developing severe disease deaths set an ambitious target of reducing from COVID-19. tobacco use by 30% by 2025.  As per the WHO study titled o Tobacco Quitline service -1800-112- “Economic Costs of Diseases and 356 was initiated in 2016, that was Deaths Attributable to Tobacco Use expanded in September, 2018. in India”, the economic burden of diseases and deaths attributable to tobacco use of tobacco in India was as high as Rs. 1.77 lakh crores, amounting to approx 1% of GDP.

What steps have been taken in India to control Tobacco?

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 Now, this partnership under the One-Nation-One-Standard mission, RDSO of Indian Railways and BIS will be jointly defining the parameters to ensure quality goods and services for the Railways.

About One Nation, One Standard Scheme:

The ‘One Nation, One Standard’ scheme RDSO: Research Design and Standards was launched in 2019 with the objective to Organization (RDSO), Lucknow, has develop one template of standard for one become the first standards body in the given product in the country, instead of country to join the ‘One Nation, One having multiple agencies set it, thereby Standard’ scheme of the central building a ‘Brand India’ identity in the long government. run.

Highlights: About RSDO:

 RDSO, Lucknow, is the the sole  The Research Designs & Standards R&D wing of the Railways Ministry. Organization (RDSO) is an ISO It is one of India’s leading Standard 9001 research and development formulating Body undertaking organization under the Ministry of standardization work for railway Railways of government of India sector. (GoI).  It has now been recognised as a  It was founded in 1921. SDO (Standard Developing  It is headquartered in Lucknow, Organiszation)’ by the Bureau of Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian Standards (BIS), for a three  It functions as a technical adviser years period. and consultant to the Railway  BIS is the implementing agency for Board, the Zonal Railways, the the ‘One Nation, One Standard’ Railway Production Units, RITES, scheme. RailTel and Ircon International in  To attain “ Nation One Standard” respect of design and vision of Govt. of India, Bureau of standardization of railway Indian Standards (BIS), the equipment and problems related to National Standards Body launched railway construction, operations a scheme which provides for and maintenance. “Recognition of SDO”.  RDSO is headed by the Director-  RDSO took the initiative to seek General who ranks equivalent to recognition as a Standard the general manager of a Zonal Developing Organization (SDO) Railway. The present Director under the BIS SDO Recognition General is Virendra Kumar Scheme. About BIS:

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 A new Bureau of Indian standards which can be auto-renewed for 5 (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified years at a time. on 22 March 2016, has been brought Significance of the MoC: into force with effect from 12 October 2017.  The MoC will promote strong, deep  The Act establishes the Bureau of and long-term bilateral cooperation Indian Standards (BIS) as the in the field of Sustainable Urban National Standards Body of India. Development between the two  BIS is responsible for the countries. harmonious development of the  It is expected to create employment activities of standardization, opportunities in listed areas of marking and quality certification of sustainable urban development goods and for matters connected including Urban Planning, therewith or incidental thereto. affordable housing, rental housing, Smart Cities Development, Urban Flood Management, water management, Sewerage & Waste Water Management, Disaster Resilient development and Urban Transport (including Intelligent Transport Management System, Transit-Oriented Development and Multimodal Integration).

Objectives of the MoC: India and Japan: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri  The main objective of the MoC is to Narendra Modi approved Memorandum of facilitate and strengthen India- Cooperation (MoC) on Sustainable Urban Japan technical cooperation in field Development between India and Japan by of Sustainable urban development suspending the existing MoU of 2007 on and other listed areas such as Urban Development. Urban Planning, Smart Cities Development, Affordable Housing Implementation: (including rental housing), Urban  A Joint Working Group (JWG) will Flood Management, Sewerage and be constituted to strategize and Waste Water Management, implement programmes on Intelligent Transport Management cooperation under the framework System, Transit-Oriented of the MoC. Development, Multimodal  The JWG will meet once in a year, Integration, Disaster Resilient alternately in Japan and in India. development as mutually identified  Cooperation under MoC will by both Sides. continue for a period of 5 years,

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 It will also enable exchange of key Selection of Start-ups: learning and best practices in above  listed areas. The start-ups will be selected on the basis of innovative products and services, which they should be able to provide across sectors such as health, housing, care centers.  Their selection will also be based on technological access linked to finances, food and wealth management, and legal guidance.

Facilitator of the Scheme:

 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be the facilitator to enable elderly to SAGE Initiative: The Minister of Social access products through these Justice and Empowerment, Shri identified and verified start-ups. ThaawarchandGehlot virtually launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Survey: Engine) initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons on June 4, 2021.  As per surveys, the share of elders, as a percentage of the total SAGE programme and SAGE portal have population in the country is been launched with a view to help such expected to increase from around persons who are interested in 7.5 per cent in 2001 to almost 12.5 entrepreneurship in the field of providing per cent by 2026. services for elderly care.

Key Points:

 The SAGE portal seeks to select, support and create “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services provided by credible start- ups.  The Project was formulated following the recommendations of Hisaab Ki Kitaab: Union Minister of State empowered expert committee for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Anurag report on start-ups for elderly. Singh Thakur recently launched the six  The SAGE portal is now opened for modules of short films of Investor applications from 5th June, 2021 Education & Protection Fund Authority onwards. (IEPFA).  Start-ups can apply to be a part of it through dedicated portal.

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These six modules are titled “Hisaab Ki  The Authority is entrusted with the Kitaab”. responsibility of administration of the IEPF, make refunds of shares, About Hisab Ki Kitaab: unclaimed dividends, matured  Hisab Ki Kitaab is a series of 6 short deposits/debentures etc. to films/modules of Investor investors and to promote awareness Education & Protection Fund among investors. Authority (IEPFA).  The Chairperson of the Authority is  It has been developed by Common the Secretary Ministry of the Services Centers(CSC) eGov as a Corporate Affairs. part of their training tool. International  There are 6 short films/ modules are of 5 minutes duration each.  They highlight the importance of International budget, saving, importance of

Insurance schemes, various social security schemes of the government etc. thus promoting Financial literacy.  The modules also portray the consequences of a common man falling prey to the schemes and how they should protect themselves from Ponzi schemes.  These short films will be used by IEPFA and its partnering Organization of Islamic Cooperation organisation for Investor Awareness (OIC): Organization of Islamic Programs across the country. Cooperation (OIC) has recently called About IEPF Authority: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to establish a permanent  Investor Education and Protection commission to report on human rights Fund Authority (IEPF) has been violations in Israel, Gaza and the West established under under the Bank. provisions of section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. The move comes in the wake of the latest  IEPF was established by the surge in violence in the Israel-Palestine Government of India (GoI) in 2016 conflict. for promotion of investors' Proposed Permanent Commission: awareness and protection of the interests of investors.  The Proposed Commission will be  The Authority is under the Ministry an independent, international of Corporate Affairs. commission of inquiry.

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 It will be appointed by the UNHRC  UNHCR is an inter-governmental president to investigate violations body within the United Nations of international humanitarian and system responsible for human rights law in Israel and strengthening the promotion and Palestinian areas. protection of human rights around  The Commission will authorize the world. “commission of inquiry (COI)”  It was founded on 15 March 2006 by which is the highest level of the UN General Assembly scrutiny. Resolution 60/251.  The commission would also  It replaced the former United investigate all underlying root Nations Commission on Human causes of recurrent tensions, Rights. instability and protraction of  The UNHRC works closely with the conflict including discrimination Office of the High Commissioner and repression. for Human Rights (OHCHR).  The Council comprises of 47 Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States, which are elected (OCI): by the UN General Assembly.  OIC is the second-largest  The Council's Membership is based intergovernmental organization on equitable geographical after the United Nations. distribution.  It was established upon a decision  The members of the Council serve of the historical summit which took for a period of three years and are place in Rabat, Kingdom of not eligible for immediate re- Morocco, in 1969. election after serving two  It is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi consecutive terms. Arabia.  Its main task is to investigate  It comprises of 57 states as its allegations of breaches of human members. rights in UN member states. It also  It represents the collective voice of addresses important thematic the Muslim world. human rights issues such as  It works for the protection of the freedom of expression, women's interests of the Muslim world in the rights, LGBT rights, and the rights spirit of promoting international of racial and ethnic minorities. peace and harmony among various Note: India was elected to the Council people of the world. for a period of three years beginning 1st Note: India is not a member of the OIC. January 2019. However, India was invited as a guest of honour at the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in 2019.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR):

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 World No Tobacco Day has been observed every year on 31st May since 1989.

Aim:

 This yearly celebration aims to raise awareness amid the global citizens about not only the dangers of using World No-Tobacco Day: Every year, on tobacco but also the business 31st May, the World Health Organization practices of tobacco companies, (WHO) and global partners celebrate what WHO is doing to fight the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). tobacco epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim  The day is celebrated to draw global their right to health and healthy attention to the tobacco epidemic living and to protect future and the preventable death and generations. disease it causes. Facts about tobacco, heart and other WNTD Theme of 2021: cardiovascular diseases:  This year theme of the 2021 WNTD  Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) kill is “Commit to quit.” more people than any other cause  Under this theme, the WHO aims of death worldwide. to promote tobacco cessation  The use of tobacco and second- through supporting robust tobacco hand smoke exposure contribute to cessation policies, improving access approximately 12% of all heart to cessation services, raising disease deaths. awareness about the tactics of the  tobacco industry and supporting Tobacco use is the second leading people who want to quit tobacco cause of CVD, after high blood via Quit and Win initiatives. pressure.  The global tobacco epidemic kills History: more than 7 million people each year, of which close to 900 000 are  In 1987, the World Health Assembly non-smokers dying from breathing passed Resolution WHA40.38, second-hand smoke. calling for April 7, 1988, to be "a  Nearly 80% of the more than 1 world no-smoking day." billion smokers worldwide live in  In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was low- and middle-income countries, passed, calling for the celebration where the burden of tobacco- of World No Tobacco Day, every related illness and death is the year on May 31. heaviest.  This date was chosen as it was the 40th anniversary of the World About WHO MPOWER Measures: Health Organization.

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The WHO MPOWER measures are in line  The main objective of WHO is "the with the WHO Framework Convention on attainment by all peoples of the Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and can be highest possible standard of used by governments to reduce tobacco health." It plays an essential role in use and protect people from NCDs. These the global governance of health and measures include: disease.  Its mission is to improve people's  Monitoring tobacco use and lives, to reduce the burdens of prevention policies. disease and poverty, and to provide  Protecting people from exposure to access to responsive health care for tobacco smoke by creating all people. completely smoke-free indoor  The WHO is governed by two public places, workplaces and decision-making bodies, the World public transport. Health Assembly and the Executive  Offering help to quit tobacco (cost- Board. covered, population-wide support,  The current Director-general of including brief advice by health WHO is Tedros Adhanom. care providers and national toll-free quit lines).  Warning about the dangers of tobacco by implementing plain/standardized packaging, and/or large graphic health warnings on all tobacco packages, and implementing effective anti- tobacco mass media campaigns that inform the public about the harms World Milk Day 2021: The World Milk tobacco use and second-hand Day is observed every year on 1 June to smoke exposure. recognize the importance of milk as a  Enforcing comprehensive bans on global food. tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. The main objective of this day is to focus  Raising taxes on tobacco products on activities that are connected to the dairy and make them less affordable. sector.

About WHO: History:

 World Health Organization (WHO)  The World Milk Day was was created in 1948 by member established by the Food and states of the United Nations (UN) Agriculture Organization (FAO) of as a specialized agency with a broad the United Nations in 2001. mandate for international public  The date, 1 June was chosen health. because many countries were  It is headquartered in Geneva, observing the milk day during that Switzerland. time of the year.

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 Since then, the benefits of milk and  He is therefore known as “Father of dairy products have been active the White Revolution” in India. through campaigns, events, and  He is known for his efforts in programs across the world. turning India into largest producer from milk deficient country. Theme:  He led to establishment of  The theme of World Milk Day 2021 institutions like Gujarat is “sustainability in the dairy sector Cooperative Milk Marketing with messages on nutrition”. Federation Ltd and National Dairy  Amid the pandemic, the theme Development Board. focuses on sustainability in the  Both of these institutions played a dairy sector along with empowering significant role in shaping Dairy the environment, nutrition, and Cooperative movement. socio-economic. Film Manthan:  The objective is to spread the importance of milk and dairy  Manthan was made with the efforts products in the diet regularly. of Dr Kurien in 1976.  It was directed by Shyam Benegal Significance of World Milk Day 2021: while script of film was written by  Despite being a great source of Dr Kurien and Vijay Tendulkar. nutrition for millions of people,  About 500,000 farmers donated ₹ 2 milk and dairy products are also a to produce Manthan. It traces the means of livelihood. origins of largest dairy development  Looking into economical value and programme of world. standards, the dairy products market is an important component of the global economy.

Significance of Dairy Sector in India:

 The day also notifies special importance for India as it is one of the largest producers of milk across the world. World Bicycle Day: United Nations  Dairy sector supports livelihoods of celebrates World Bicycle Day on 3rd June millions of people in the country. every year. Additional Info: Highlights: White Revolution in India:  World Bicycle Day is observed to  White Revolution in India was advance the use of the bicycle as a started by Dr Verghese Kurein in means of fostering sustainable 1970. development and also as cycling

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has tremendous health benefits for  The bicycle is a symbol of all age groups, according to experts. environmentally friendly  The day aims to strengthen transportation that also saves education for children and young money on gas. people, preventing disease,  Bicycling contributes to mitigation promoting health, promoting of carbon dioxide emissions as it tolerance, mutual understanding possesses an intrinsic zero-emission and respect and facilitating social value. inclusion and a culture of peace. Interesting facts about the bicycles:  It also aims to promote the bicycle among all members of society.  The concept of the bicycle was laid  It is observed every year to down by Karl Drais in 1818. encourage member nations to give  But this bicycle was quite heavy. particular attention to the bicycle  In the year 1839, Kirkpatrick in cross-cutting development Macmillan, a blacksmith by strategies and to improve road profession, introduced the pedals safety and integrate it into and the bicycle got its first and the sustainable mobility and transport most important feature. infrastructure planning and design.  In 1866, the first American patent History: application was filed by Pierre Lallement for the pedal bicycle.  The United Nations General  Harry Lawson and English engineer Assembly declared June 3 every year designed the Safety Bicycle in 1876. as World Bicycle Day in April 2018.  Since then, this is the most Leszek Sibilski's crusade and the common bicycle option available. support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries to recognize World Bicycle Day resulted in the creation of the Day. Numerous activities are held across the world on this day, including at UCI's own World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle.

Benefits of Bicycling: Isaac Herzog: Veteran Israeli politician, Isaac Herzog, has been elected as the  Bicycling is a simple, reliable, and President of the country. environmentally beneficial way of transportation. Highlights:  Bikes are free to ride and a stress-  He was elected on June 01, 2021, free mode of travel. during the 120 members  The bicycle can serve as a tool for parliamentary election for 2021. personal development as well as a  The 60-year-old Herzog will be the means of gaining access to 11th President of Israel, assuming education, health care, and sports. office with effect from July 09, 2021.

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 He will be succeeding Reuven  Its most sacred sites are in Rivlin, who is set to complete his Jerusalem which is also the Capital tenure in July 2021 after seven years of Israel. in office.  The currency used here is Israeli Shekel. About Isaac Herzog:  The current President and Prime  He is a former Labor leader who Minister of Israel is Benjamin will be the first Israeli President Netanyahu. who is the son of a former

president.  His father Chaim Herzog served as Israel’s Head of State between 1983 and 1993.  He is currently the head of the Jewish Agency – a nonprofit that works with the government to promote immigration to Israel.  He has served as a lawmaker in the Israeli Knesset between 2003 and 2018, also serving as minister with China's Family Planning Policy: China various portfolios. on 31 May 2021 relaxed its family planning  His grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak policy, allowing couples to have up to three Halevi Herzog, was both the first children. chief rabbi of Ireland, for over a decade, and then Ashkenazi chief Key Highlights: Rabbi of British Mandatory  Palestine from 1936 until 1959. The decision to increase the existing limit of two children was  The President-elect began his taken at a Politburo meeting political career as the Cabinet chaired by President Xi Jinping. Secretary to Prime Minister Ehud  Barak between 1999 and 2000. The decision came after a Census, conducted every 10 years, showed About Israel: that China’s population grew at its slowest rate in decades. In the last  Israel formally known as the State 10 years, the population rose by of Israel is a country in Western only 72 million, or 7.2 crore. Asia.  As per the decision, the policy  It is located on the southeastern change will come with "supportive shore of the Mediterranean Sea and measures, which will be conducive the northern shore of the Red Sea. to improving China’s population  It is regarded as the biblical Holy structure, fulfilling the country's Land by Jews, Muslims and strategy of actively coping with an Christians. ageing population".

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Background:

 China implemented its one-child policy which had been imposed in the late 1970s to control a population explosion.  It was enforced in a variety of ways, including financially incentivizing

families to have only one child, making contraception widely International Day of Innocent Children available, and imposing sanctions Victims of Aggression: The International on those who violated the policy. Day of Innocent Children Victims of  It was scrapped in 2016 to allow Aggression is observed globally on 4th June couples to have two children. every year.  However, experts believed that the  This day affirms the UN’s two-child policy did not have the commitment to guard the rights of effect needed to counter the ageing children. problem.  It is sad reality that in some About China: situations children are affected and violations that occur may be use of  China, officially the People's children in war, killing, sexual Republic of China, is a country in violence, abduction, attacks on East Asia. schools etc.  It is governed by the Communist  This day is to acknowledge the pain Party of China. suffered by children throughout the  It is a recognized nuclear weapons planet who are the victims of state and has the world's largest physical, mental and emotional standing army, the People's abuse. Liberation Army (PLA), and the second-largest defense budget. Aim:  The capital of China is Beijing.  The main aim of celebrating today  The currency used here is Yuan is to spread the notice about the (CNY) and Renminbi (RMB). pain and sufferings faced by the  The Yuan is the unit of account of victims as children. the country's economic and  This day affirms the UN's financial system while Renminbi is commitment to protect the rights the official currency of China where of children. it acts as a medium of exchange.  Its work is guided by the  The current President of china is Xi Convention on the Rights of the Jinping. Child, the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.

History:

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 On August 19, 1982, during an economic and finance, and People to emergency session on the question people and cultural exchanges. . All member countries adopted and of Palestine, the UN General released the ‘BRICS Joint Ministerial Assembly, appalled at the amount Statement on Strengthening and of innocent Palestinian and Reforming of the Multilateral System’. Lebanese child victims of Israel’s . The Ministers also reiterated their acts of aggression, decided to commitment to establishing BRICS Vaccine Research and Development commemorate 4 June of every year Center. because of the International Day of . The Ministers reaffirmed the following: Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. 1. The need to use all relevant measures during the pandemic. 2. Supporting ongoing consideration in the WTO (World Trade Organization) on a COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property rights waiver. 3. The use of flexibilities of the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) agreement and the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit 2021: agreement and public health. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 4. Apart from the support at the recently chaired BRICS (Brazil, Russia, WTO, the Foreign Ministers India, China and South Africa) foreign also expressed support for the ministers meeting through video “comprehensive strengthening conferencing. and reforming” of the UN Note: India is the Chair of BRICS for Security Council, the General 2021, when the organization completes Assembly, the UN Secretariat its 15th year of existence. and the Economic and Social Council. The virtual meeting was attended by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, About BRICS: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Brazil Foreign Minister Carlos Alberto Franco . It is the acronym coined for an and South African Minister of International association of five major emerging Relations Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor. national economies which are Brazil, Key highlights of the BRICS Foreign Russia, India, China and South Africa. Ministers 2021: . Originally the first four were grouped as “BRIC”, before the induction of South . In the meeting, the global leaders Africa in 2010. exchanged views on not just Covid-19 . The BRICS members are known for their pandemic but also issues of global and significant influence on regional affairs. regional concerns like sustainable . All are also members of G20. development and countering terrorism. . Since 2009, the BRICS nations have met . The Ministers agreed to cooperate on annually at formal summits. the pillars of political and security, . BRICS headquarter is situated in Shanghai, China.

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. BRICS members are known for their  DMCRC is formed as per the influence in regional affairs. mandate of the Information Technology (Intermediary

Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics India Polity Code) Rules, 2021.  The move was done to bring together the broadcasters and OTT (over-the-top) platforms.  The Council constitutes prominent personalities from the Media & Entertainment industry and Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs), with experience in IPR, programming and content creation. DMCRC: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) recently announced the appointment of former Supreme Court judge Justice Vikramjit Sen as the Chairman of its newly formed self- regulatory body Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC).

 Besides, six other eminent industry members which include filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, writer and director NHRC: President Ram Nath Kovind Tigmanshu Dhulia, filmmaker and formally appointed Justice Arun Kumar writer Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, content Mishra as the Chairman of the National producer and distributor Banijay Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Group CEO and founder Deepak Highlights: Dhar are also to be a part of the self-regulatory body.  Justice Mishra's name was  This Council also includes - Sony recommended by a high-powered Pictures General Counsel Ashok selection panel. Nambisan and Star and Disney  The selection panel consisted of India Chief Regional Counsel Mihir Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rale. Home Minister Amit Shah, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Note: IBF, the apex body of Harivansh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om broadcasters, had earlier renamed IBF Birla and the Leader of the as Indian Broadcasting & Digital Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Foundation (IBDF). Mallikarjun Kharge. About DMVRC: About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

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 The NHRC of India is a Statutory create awareness campaigns public body constituted on 12 through various mediums, and October 1993 under the Protection encourage the work of NGOs. of Human Rights Ordinance of 28 Composition: September 1993.  It is a statutory organization  The NHRC consists of a established under the Protection of Chairperson, four full-time Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 as Members and four deemed amended by the Protection of Members. Human Rights (Amendment) Act,  The Chairperson should be retired 2006. Chief Justice of India or a Judge of  It is in conformity with the Paris the Supreme Court. Principles, adopted at the first international workshop on national Appointment: institutions for the promotion and  Section 2 Sections 3 and 4 of protection of human rights held in TPHRA lay down the rules for Paris in October 1991, and endorsed appointment to the NHRC. by the General Assembly of the  The Chairperson and members of United Nations by its Regulations the NHRC are appointed by the 48/134 of 20 December, 1993. President of India, on the  The NHRC is an embodiment of recommendation of a committee India’s concern for the promotion consisting of: and protection of human rights. o The Prime Minister  It is headquartered in New Delhi. (Chairperson) Functions: o The Home Minister o The Leader of the  The NHRC is responsible for the Opposition in the Lok protection and promotion of Sabha (Lower House) human rights, defined by the Act as o The Leader of the "Rights Relating To Life, liberty, Opposition in the Rajya equality and dignity of the Sabha (Upper House) individual guaranteed by the o The Speaker of the Lok Constitution or embodied in the Sabha (Lower House) International Covenants and o The Deputy Chairman of enforceable by courts in India". the Rajya Sabha (Upper  The purpose of the NHRC is, suo House) moto or through the petition of a person, to investigate the violation Note: Justice Ranganath Misra was the of human rights or the failures of first chairperson of NHRC from 1993 till the state or other to prevent a 1996. human rights violation.  The commissions may also take on research about human rights,

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The President nominates renowned personalities to the Upper House on the advice of the government.

The nominated members are drawn from fields such as literature, science, sports, art and social service.

About Rajya Sabha:

Swapan Dasgupta: Former journalist  The Rajya Sabha or Council of Swapan Dasgupta, who who had resigned States is the upper house of the from his nominated membership of the bicameral Parliament of India. Rajya Sabha to fight the elections on a BJP  It is a permanent body and is not ticket was re-nominated to the Upper subject to dissolution. House.  At present the Rajya Sabha has a maximum membership of 245, of Noted lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani was also which 233 are elected by the nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the legislatures of the states and union President. territories using single transferable Notification: votes through Open Ballot while the President has the power to  A notification by the Centre said appoint 12 members for their that President Ram Nath Kovind contributions to art, literature, "In exercise of the powers conferred science, and social services. by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of  The Upper House was founded on 3 article 80 of the Constitution of April 1952 by the Constituent India, read with clause (3) of that Assembly of India. article, the President is pleased to  It is headquartered in New Delhi. renominate Shri Swapan Dasgupta  Its Chairperson is Venkaiah Naidu. to the Council of States to fill the seat which has fallen vacant due to his resignation for his reminder term viz - 24-04-2022," according to a Home Ministry notification.  In a separate notification, Mr Jethmalani has been nominated to Rajya Sabha to fill the seat that has fallen vacant due to the demise of Raghunath Mohapatra for the reminder his (Mohapatra's) term i.e Maratha Reservation: Maharashtra till 13-07-2024. cabinet recently decided to provide reservation to the community under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category in Maharashtra.

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Key Points: Additional News:

 In a bid to extend relief to the  Other approvals by the Maratha community in the State, Maharashtra State Cabinet: the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi  The Maharashtra state Cabinet gave (MVA) government in Maharashtra its approval to a project for the extended the benefits of reservation preservation and conservation of for the Economically Weaker ancient temples in the state. The Section (EWS) to the Socially and state PWD department will Economically Backward Class implement the project. The (SEBC). announcement for preservation and  A government order (GO) to this conservation of ancient temples effect was issued by the General was made by Chief Minister Administration Department (GAD) Uddhav Thackeray in the recently- in Mumbai. held winter session of the state  Previously, the government had legislature. decided that the Maratha  The Cabinet also decided to mark community could not take January 3 as "Women's Education advantage of the 10% EWS category Day" to commemorate the birth as Maratha reservation was in force anniversary of social reformer in the State. Savitribai Phule.  The Supreme Court, however,  In another decision, the Cabinet scrapped the SEBC reservation in gave its consent to waive the jobs and education, making it license fees for liquor shops for the possible for the State government period of their closure during to extend the benefit of the EWS the coronavirus-induced quota to the Marathas. lockdown.  As per the government resolution, a Maharashtra: person fulfilling the criterion for EWS would be eligible for 10 per  Maharashtra is a state in the cent reservation in educational western peninsular region of India institutes, barring minority occupying a substantial portion of institutes. the Deccan Plateau.  This would also be applied for State  It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to government recruitment. the west, the Indian states of  The resolution said the reservation Karnataka and Goa to the south, would be above the existing Telangana to the southeast and reservation. Chhattisgarh to the east, Gujarat  It also stated that the benefit would and Madhya Pradesh to the north, be available from September 9, and the Indian union territory of 2020, when the apex court brought Dadra and Nagar Haveli and an interim stay on the reservation, Daman and Diu to the north west. to May 5, 2021, when the final  It was formed on 1 May 1960. verdict was announced.

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 It was formed by merging the Highlights: western and south-western parts of  the Bombay State, Berar and The International Technical Vidarbha, and the north-western Advisory Board comprises 12 individuals from the domains of parts of the Hyderabad State and research, policy making, and splitting Saurashtra (in present-day Gujarat) by the States teaching. Reorganisation Act.  Disale will be joining 11 others on the World Bank's recently launched  Its capital is Mumbai. Global Coach Programmes.  The Chief Minister and the  He will be an advisor to the World Governor of Maharashtra are Bank till December 2024. Uddhav Thackeray and Bhagat Singh Koshyari respectively. About Global Coach Program:

 The World Bank has recently launched a new Coach initiative Persons in News that aims to accelerate student learning by improving in-service teacher professional development Appointments: (TPD) programs and systems.  This program forms part of the World Bank’s broader agenda to tackle the global learning crisis (WDR, 2018).  The Coach focuses on supporting countries improve in-service TPD through a two-pronged approach.  The Coach Program focuses on helping countries transform their TPD programs and policies to ones that adhere to a set of four key principles that have been shown to Ranjitsinh Disale: Ranjitsinh Disale, who be linked to improved teaching is a primary school teacher from Paritewadi quality. in Solapur in Maharashtra, has recently  The objectives of this program are been appointed by the World Bank as an as follows: Advisor to the World Bank. i. To increase the level of  Disale, 32, was named the winner of educational attainment the Global Teacher Prize 2020 in of children around the recognition of his efforts to world. promote girls' education and trigger ii. To bring more a quick-response (QR) coded coherence in the in- textbook revolution in India. service training program

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for teachers around the world. iii. To provide timely training to teachers. iv. To develop leadership qualities in teachers through training.  Disale’s work through the Advisory Board will impact the work World Bank on the ground, currently Christine Wormuth: US Senate confirms supporting over 18 million teachers Christine Wormuth as first female Army around the world. secretary. About World Bank: Highlights:  The World Bank is an international  Christine Wormuth was confirmed financial institution that provides unanimously by the Senate to be loans and grants to the the first female secretary of the governments of poorer countries Army. for the purpose of pursuing capital  Wormuth, who led President Joe projects. Biden’s transition team at the  It comprises two institutions which Pentagon, got an overwhelmingly are the International Bank for warm reception from members of Reconstruction and Development, the Senate Armed Services and the International Development Committee during a hearing this Association. month.  It is headquartered in Washington,  Her confirmation sets her up as one D.C., United States. of the more powerful officials in a  It was founded on July 1944 by John defence establishment long Maynard Keynes and Harry Dexter dominated by men. White.  She is the second woman named to  Its main aim is providing financing, a top Pentagon role by Biden. advice, and research to developing  The deputy secretary of defence is nations to aid their economic Kathleen Hicks. advancement.  The bank predominantly acts as an About United States: organization that attempts to fight poverty by offering developmental  The United States of America assistance to middle- and low- (USA), commonly known as the income countries. United States (U.S. or US) or  The current President of World America, is a country consisting of Bank is David Malpass. 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.

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 The 50 states covers a vast swath of  The grievance officer shall address North America, with Alaska in the the complaint within 24 hours and northwest and Hawaii extending dispose of the complaint within 15 the nation’s presence into the days. Pacific Ocean. About WhatsApp:  The currency used in USA is United States dollar - USD also abbreviated  WhatsApp Messenger, or simply US$. WhatsApp, is an American  The capital of US is Washington, freeware, cross-platform D.C. centralized messaging and voice-  The current President of US is Joe over-IP service owned by Facebook, Biden Inc.  It allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content.  It was founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton.  It is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, United States. Paresh B Lal: The Facebook-owned  The WhatsApp Parent organization messaging app WhatsApp has recently is Facebook. appointed Paresh B Lal as the Grievance  The client application was created Officer for India. by WhatsApp Inc. of Mountain View, California, which was Key points: acquired by Facebook on 19 February 2014.

Awards:  WhatsApp has updated the details on its website for how to contact Mr Lal because, under the IT law, social media companies are required to display the names and other details of their grievance officers on their websites.  The appointment is in line with the government’s new IT order that requires all the tech companies, like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp to appoint a grievance officer, nodal International Booker 2021: French officer and a chief compliance Novelist David Diop recently won the officer from India. International Booker prize for translated

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fiction with At Night All Blood Is Black, his first novel translated into English.

 He has become the first French novelist to win the prestigious award.  Diop, the author of two novels, and his translator Anna Moschovakis split the £50,000 annual prize, which goes to the best author and International Business Book of the Year translator of a work translated into Award 2021: Notion Press authors Nitin English. Rakesh and Jerry Wind recently won the International Business Book of the Year About David Diop: Award 2021.  Born in France and raised in Highlights: Senegal, Diop teaches 18th-century literature at the University of Pau in  The authors made history this week southern France. by winning the prestigious International Business Book of the About International Booker Prize: Year Award for 2021 for their  The International Booker Prize is recently launched book an international literary award “Transformation in Times of hosted in the United Kingdom. Crisis”, published by Notion Press.  The International Booker Prize was  Their book Transformation in formerly known as the Man Booker Times of Crisis brings International Prize. entrepreneurs and business owners  The introduction of the the knowledge that can help their International Prize to complement business thrive even in a crisis. the Man Booker Prize was Nitin Rakesh: announced in June 2004.  The International Booker Prize is  Author Nitin Rakesh is a winner of awarded each year to the best book the ‘Gold Stevie Award’ for Tech translated into English and Innovator of the Year in 2019. published in Britain or Ireland.  He is a distinguished leader in the  It has been awarded since 2005 Technology and Financial services when it was won by Albanian writer industries and is the CEO and Ismail Kadare. Executive Director of IT major Mphasis, since 2017.

Jerry Wind:

 Jerry Wind is an internationally renowned academician and is currently Lauder Professor

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Emeritus and Professor of T.M. Kaliannan: T.M. Kalliannan Marketing at the Wharton School, Gounder, the last surviving former member University of Pennsylvania. of the Indian Constituent Assembly  He is a recipient of various awards, recently passed away at the age of 101. including the following four major He served as a Member of the Legislative marketing awards: Council in Tamil Nadu and also as an MLA 1. The Charles Coolidge Parlin thrice, between 1952 and 1967. Award (1985) 2. The AMA/Irwin He was reportedly the youngest member in Distinguished Educator the Constituent Assembly then and also a Award (1993) member of India’s first provisional 3. The Paul D. Converse parliament. Award (1996) 4. The Buck Weaver Award (2007)

About Business Book Awards:

 The Business Book Awards is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the calendar for business book writers all over the world.  It highlights leadership, change, and sustainability in business through the promotion of business Anerood Jugnauth: Anerood Jugnauth, books and their authors. the longest-serving Prime Minister of  The organizers receive over 150 Mauritius, passed away on 4 June 2021, at submissions from top authors and the age of 91. their publishers every year, making this achievement all the more Two days of mourning has been declared, special. with the nation’s flag lowered to half-mast on all public buildings. Orbituaries: About Anerood Jugnauth:

 Born on 29th March 1930, Jugnauth, also popularly known as SAJ was a Mauritian politician and barrister.  He entered politics in 1963 when he was elected to parliament.  In 1965, Jugnauth participated in a historic conference in London that paved the way for the adoption of a constitution in the then-British

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colony, and independence some  Grand Officier de l'Ordre de la three years later. Légion d'Honneur (France) in 1990.  He became one of the most  He was made Queen's Counsel in remarkable and respected 1980 and was made a member of politicians of the country by serving the Privy Council in 1983. Mauritius twice as President of the  He was knighted by Queen Republic and six times as Prime Elizabeth II in 1988 when Mauritius Minister. was still one of the Queen's realms  He was Member of Parliament for and the Queen was titular head of Piton & Riviere Du Rempart. state.  In the years under his rule, About Mauritius: Mauritius developed from a poor, agriculture-based economy into  Mauritius, officially the Republic of one of Africa’s richest countries, a Mauritius, is an island nation in the miracle often attributed to Indian Ocean about 2,000 Jugnauth. kilometres (1,200 mi) off the  He resigned in January 2017 and southeast coast of the African was succeeded by his son Pravind continent, east of Madagascar. Jugnauth as Prime Minister.  Physiographically, it is part of the Awards: Mascarene Islands.  The island of Mauritius is volcanic  He was honoured with Pravasi in origin and is almost entirely Bharatiya Samman Awards for his surrounded by coral reefs. continued support for India's  The capital of Mauritius is Port causes and concerns and for Louis. strengthening India's relationship  In 1965, three years before with Mauritius. It was under his Mauritius became independent; the leadership that the India-Mauritius UK split off the Chagos Archipelago collaborations grew more from Mauritian territory, and also substantive than ever. split off the islands of Aldabra,  In 2020, Jugnauth was awarded Farquhar, and Desroches from the Padma Vibhushan, India's second Seychelles, to form the British highest civilian award,as a token of Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). affection from 130 crore Indians for  It is the only country in Africa his continuous efforts towards where Hinduism is the religion deepening friendship between India with the most adherents. and Mauritius.  The current President of Mauritius  He was also honoured as the First is Prithvirajsing Roopun. Class Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) in 1988.  Dr Honoris Causa, University of

Aix-en-Provence in 1985.

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. The Union Cabinet had approved Places in news proposal of setting up GIFT. . Later, Chief Minister of Goa late Manohar Parrikar had discontinued State Planning Board from April 1, 2017 after union government discontinued Planning Commission at national level. . Announcement to constitute GIFT was made by Pramod Sawant in his budget speech. . The chairman of GIFT shall be the Chief Minister. . GIFT was earlier named as “State

Institution for Transforming Goa GIFT: The Government of Goa government (SIT-Goa)”. has recently established “Goa Institution Planning Commission: for Future Transformation (GIFT)” on the line of NITI Ayog. . It is institution of Government of India (GoI). About GIFT: . The commission is best known for . GIFT will function on the lines of formulation of India’s Five-Year NITI Aayog. Plans. . It will assist, advice and guide . It was dissolved in 2017 after Prime government on policy making, its Minister Narendra Modi formulation and implementation. announced to dissolve the . It will also help in monitoring commission in his first sustainable development goals and Independence Day speech in 2014. evaluation of several development . Ex officio members of the plans, programmes and schemes. Commission were Finance . The notification was issued by the Minister,Home Minister, Directorate of Planning, Statistics Agriculture Minister, Health and Evaluation. Minister, Chemicals and Fertilisers . It will be backed up under Article Minister, Law Minister, 309 of Constitution of India to Information Technology Minister, attain autonomy. Minister of state for Planning and . GIFT will also serve as knowledge Human Resource Development hub Goa, showcasing best practices Minister (HRD). suited for sustainable development About Goa: of the State. . Goa is a state in western India with Background: coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea.

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. It is surrounded by the Indian . Citizens can participate in states of Maharashtra to the north afforestation activities by and Karnataka to the east and registering on the Vayudoot app, south, with the Arabian Sea which was launched by the state to forming its western coast. manage the activities of the . It is India's smallest state by area "Ankur" program. and the fourth-smallest by population. About Madhya Pradesh: . The capital of Goa is Panaji. . Madhya Pradesh (MP) is the second . The current Chief Minister and the largest Indian state by area. Governor of Goa are Pramod . It borders the states of Uttar Sawant and Bhagat Singh Koshyari Pradesh to the northeast, respectively. Chhattisgarh to the southeast, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest. . Its capital is Bhopal. . The current Chief Minister and Governor of Madhya Pradesh is Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Anandiben Patel respectively.

Ankur Scheme: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently initiated a program called "Ankur", under which citizens who plant trees during the monsoon will be rewarded.

. Citizens participating in the program will receive a Pranvayu

award to ensure public participation in the program. Bell of Faith Scheme: The 'Bell of Faith' scheme is a safety project conceived under About the scheme: Kerala’s Community Policing Scheme. . The saplings will be planted during Highlights: the rainy season. . Participants must upload a photo . The scheme will now be while planting the sapling and then implemented for elderly people upload another image after 30 days who live alone in villages. of caring for the sapling. . Previously, this scheme had been . Winners will be selected from each successfully implemented in a district after verification to receive number of urban Kerala the Pranvayu Prize. households.

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. It has been under implementation who fought for the formation of a separate in Kerala since 2018. state outside of Andhra Pradesh. . In an emergency, it will assist The state of Telangana officially came into elderly citizens in attracting the existence under the Andhra Pradesh attention of their neighbours by using a loud, remote-controlled Reorganisation Act of Parliament in 2014. alarm. History of Telangana Formation Day:

About Kerala: . The Telangana Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in February 2014 by . It is a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. It was the Congress Working Committee and the BJP. formed on 1 November 1956, . The bill was placed on the table of following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining the Parliament of India in 2014 and it was in the same year when Malayalam-speaking regions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act erstwhile states of Travancore- Cochin and Madras. got its clearance. . The President of India gave assent . It is bordered by Karnataka to the to the bill and it was published in north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the the gazette on March 1, 2014. . The bill stated that the state of Lakshadweep Sea to the west. Telangana would be formed by . Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram. . The current Governor and Chief taking in ten districts from north- western Andhra Pradesh. Minister of Kerala are Arif . The northwestern part of Andhra Mohammad Khan and Pinarayi Vijayan respectively. Pradesh was divided, and the 29th state of Telangana was formed, with Hyderabad as its capital. . K Chandrashekhar Rao was elected as the first chief minister of the state.

The current Governor and Chief Minister of Telangana are Tamilisai Soundararajan and K. Chandrashekar Rao respectively.

Telangana State Formation Day: Telangana recently celebrated its seventh formation day on 2 June 2021.

Telangana Formation Day is celebrated on 2 June to mark the contribution of people

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the national and state highway network. . It will improve the connectivity and also boost the economic activities in the state.

Background:

. In 2011, the ADB-funded North Project Readiness Financing Eastern State Roads Investment (PRF)Agreement : The Asian Program was launched to improve Development Bank (ADB) and the road connectivity in Sikkim. Government of India (GoI) recently signed . The state agencies will prepare an agreement for financing road up- detailed engineering designs of gradation project in Sikkim. selected sub-projects and do feasibility studies. About PRF Agreement: . Sikkim’s road network requires regular up-gradation due to The ADB (Asian Development Bank) will frequent landslides and erosion. give a $2.5 million (approx Rs 18.23 crore) project readiness financing (PRF) loan to About ADB: support projects related to upgradation of major district roads in Sikkim. . The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development Objectives: bank established 1966. . It is headquartered in The objectives of PRF agreement are as Mandaluyong, Philippines. follows: . It is owned by 68 members—49 . To support the Sikkim state from the region. government's priority in improving . It is committed to achieving a road connectivity in the hill state prosperous Asia and the Pacific, through planning and designing of while sustaining its efforts to major districts and other roads and eradicate extreme poverty. bridges. . The current President of ADB is . To help improve connectivity to Masatsugu Asakawa important towns, rural areas, and About Sikkim: pilgrimage and tourist destinations in the north-eastern state. . Sikkim is a state in northeastern . To upgradate all-weather roads as India. frequent landslides and erosion . It borders China in the north and damage roads and disrupt intra northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal state connectivity. in the west, and West Bengal in the . The PRF will help in connecting the south. major district and other roads with . It is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states

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and is also located close to India's 53 clusters selected for the Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. programme. . Sikkim became the 22nd state of  The programme will benefit about the Indian Union on 16 May 1975. 10 lakh farmers and is expected to . Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. attract an investment of Rs. 10,000 . The current Governor and the Chief crore when implemented in all the Minister of Sikkim are Ganga 53 clusters. Prasad and Prem Singh Tamang  It will address all major issues respectively. related to the Indian horticulture sector including pre-production,

India Policy production, post-harvest management, logistics, marketing and branding.  The programme is expected to converge with other initiatives of the Government such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund which is a medium - long term financing facility for investment in projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets and will leverage the central sector scheme Horticulture Cluster Development of the Ministry for Formation and Programme (CDP): To ensure holistic Promotion of 10,000 Farmers growth of horticulture, Union Minister of Producer Organizations (FPOs). Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar on 31 May 2021, About National Horticulture Board virtually launched the Horticulture Cluster (NHB): Development Programme (CDP).  National Horticulture Board (NHB) Highlights: was set up by the Government of India in 1984 as an autonomous  It is a central sector programme. society under the Societies  It will be implemented by the Registration Act 1860. National Horticulture Board (NHB)  NHB was set up with a mandate to of the Ministry of Agriculture and promote integrated development in Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW). horticulture, to help in  The CDP aims at growing and coordinating, stimulating and developing identified horticulture sustaining the production and clusters to make them globally processing of fruits and vegetables competitive. and to establish a sound  In a pilot phase, the programme infrastructure in the field of will be implemented in 12 production, processing and horticulture clusters out of the total marketing with a focus on post

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harvest management to reduce  The Craftsmen Training Scheme losses. (CTS) was introduced by the Government of India (GoI) in year About MoA&FW: 1950.  The Ministry of Agriculture and  GoI established about 50 Industrial Farmers' Welfare is a branch of the Training Institutes (ITIs) for Government of India (GoI). imparting skills in various  It is the apex body for formulation vocational trades. and administration of the rules and  It is implemented by the regulations and laws related to Directorate General of Training agriculture in India. (DGT), under the aegis of Ministry  The three broad areas of scope for of Skill Development & the Ministry are agriculture, food Entrepreneurship. processing and co-operation.  Its main objective is to ensure a  It was formed in 1947 and is steady flow of skilled workers in headquartered in New Delhi. different trades for the domestic  Currently the agriculture ministry industry. is headed by Minister of Agriculture Note: Vocational Training is a Narendra Singh Tomar and the concurrent subject of both Central and Minister of State in the Ministry of State Governments. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is Parshottam Rupala. The development of training schemes at National level, evolution of policy, laying of training standards, norms, conducting of examinations, certification, etc. are the responsibilities of the Central Government, whereas the implementation of the training schemes largely rests with the State Govts./UT Administrators.

Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, announced results of the All India Trade Test (AITT) held in December 2020, for CTS Academic session 2020-2021.

About Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): Model Tenancy Act: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri

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Narendra Modi has approved the Model archaic rental laws of India and to Tenancy Act for circulation to all States solve housing availability deficit. and Union Territories for adaptation by  Act will help in achieving the target way of enacting fresh legislation or of “Housing for All by 2022”. amending existing rental laws suitably. The Model Tenancy Act seeks to It will help overhaul the legal framework implement the following rules: with respect to rental housing across the country, which would help spur its overall 1. Formation of Rent Authority growth. department. 2. Residential housing security Key Points: deposit is capped at two months and one month for non-residential  The approved act will help in tenancy. rebuilding legal framework on 3. Penalty on tenants for refusing to rental housing in India which in vacate the premises after the turn boosts overall growth. tenancy agreement expires or is  The main aim of the Act passed is mutually terminated. creating a vibrant, sustainable and 4. Landlord must provide access to inclusive rental housing market. basic essentials and utilities, and  It will help in creating adequate cannot hike the property rent in the rental housing stock for all income middle of an ongoing tenancy term. groups and address the issue of 5. Every executed tenancy agreement homelessness. has to be reported to the Rent  It will also enable Authority within two months, and a institutionalization of rental unique identification number will housing by shifting it towards be issued. formal market. 6. Terms of the agreement will be  It will facilitate unlocking of vacant binding on the successors of both houses for rental housing purposes the landlord and the tenant. and give a fillip to private 7. Tenants cannot sublet the property participation in rental housing as a without permission from the business model. This will help in landlord. addressing huge housing shortage. 8. Existing tenancies will not be impacted by the Act. About Model Tenancy Act:

 The Model Tenancy Act, 2019 is a proposed tenancy law by the Government of India (GoI), designed to overhaul the tenancy market in India.  Creation of the act was first announced in budget speech of 2019 by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It seeks to replace

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 The Airports Authority of India or AAI is a statutory body (created through the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994) working under the jurisdiction of Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India (GoI).  AAI was constituted by an Airports

Authority of India Act, 1994 of the Flying Training Academies: India is set Parliament. to get 8 new Flying Training Academies  It came into being on 1st April 1995 under the liberalized Flying Training by merging erstwhile National Organization (FTO) policy of the Airports Airports Authority and Authority of India (AAI). International Airports Authority of India. Key Points:  It is responsible for creating,  This initiative will help the Indian upgrading, maintaining and flying training sector in becoming managing civil aviation more self-sustaining under the infrastructure in India. Atmannirbhar Bharat initiative.  The authority will set up these academies will be set up at Belagavi, Jalgaon, Kalaburagi, Khajuraho and Lilabari.  The setting up of these 8 FTOs is aimed at making India a global flying training hub and to prevent the Indian cadets leaving the country to get training at foreign FTOs.  In addition, these FTOs will also be designed to cater the flying training Bonded Labourers & Migrant Workers: requirements of cadets in India’s National Human Rights Commission neighbouring countries. (NHRC) has recently issued advisories on  To make FTOs attractive for bonded labourers & migrant workers amid bidders, AAI has reduced the covid-19 cases. minimum annual rental significantly to Rs.15 lacs. Key points:  Furthermore, the concept of airport royalty was scrapped to make these  The advisories were issued to ventures business-friendly. ministries and states to look after adverse impact of covid-19 on About Airports Authority of India (AAI):

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labourers and migrant informal and media sensitivity in reporting & sector workers. promoting research.  The NHRC, keeping in view the Advisory on Identifying, releasing and adverse effects of the pandemic on rehabilitating bonded labourers: different sections of society issued three fresh advisories to Centre,  The Commission has divided the states and union territories under specific recommendations divided its “2.0 series of Covid-19 pandemic into five key categories of advisories.” prevention, identification, rescue,  The Advisories include: rehabilitation and repatriation and 1. Right to mental health. legal aid to the district 2. Identifying, releasing and administration. rehabilitating bonded  In addition it has given 11 more labourers. specific recommendations to the 3. Safeguarding the rights of Centre and state governments and informal workers. UTs.  NHRC has asked to implement these recommendations given in Advisory on Safeguarding the rights of advisories on which centre and informal workers: state will have to report to NHRC  NHRC observed, because of closure within four weeks. of employment opportunities in Why were the recommendations made? urban areas amid lockdowns, informal workers or unorganized  NHRC issued advisories after it sector workers, migrants into towns observed that; covid-19 pandemic & cities have severely impacted. and covid-19 induced lockdown  All these situations and evidence have led to “adverse mental health points towards deep economic outcomes among vulnerable crisis of job loss, reduced wages and groups. shrinking of economy & manufacturing sector. About: NHRC: Advisory on Right to Mental Health:  The NHRC of India is a Statutory  The advisory on right to mental public body constituted on 12 focuses on 10 key areas of required action. October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 28  These are access to mental September 1993. healthcare, grievance redressal and  review board, dissemination of It is a statutory organization established under the Protection of information, awareness, support for special groups, suicide prevention, Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 as amended by the Protection of health insurance, extending Human Rights (Amendment) Act, outreach of mental health support 2006.

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 The NHRC is responsible for the (NBRC), an advanced research and protection and promotion of development centre based at Kalol human rights, defined by the Act as Unit. "Rights Relating To Life, liberty,  This new Nano Urea Liquid that equality and dignity of the has been indigenously developed individual guaranteed by the through a proprietary technology is Constitution or embodied in the in line with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' International Covenants and and 'Atmanirbhar Krishi'. enforceable by courts in India". Production and Rollout:  The commissions may also take on research about human rights,  IFFCO has informed that the create awareness campaigns production of Nano Urea Liquid through various mediums, and will commence by June 2021. encourage the work of NGOs.  The commercial rollout will start soon thereafter.  IFFCO has planned a massive

Science and Technology countrywide campaign exercise to demonstrate and train the farmers

about its usage and application.  Nano urea will be primarily available to farmers through its cooperative sales and marketing channel apart from its sale on IFFCO's e-commerce platform.  The liquid is now included in Fertiliser Control Order (FCO, 1985) on the basis of multi- location and multi-crop trials undertaken Nano Urea Liquid: Indian Farmers under National Agriculture Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Research System (NARS) at 20 the premier farmers’ cooperative, on May ICAR research institutes, State 31, 2021, introduced the world’s first Nano Agriculture Universities and KVKs Urea Liquid fertilizer. on 43 crops.

Highlights: Benefits of Nano Urea Liquid:

 The world's first Nano Urea Liquid The following are the benefits of Nano was unveiled in IFFCO's 50th Urea Liquid. annual general body meeting held  These nanostructured formulations in the online-offline mode in India. have been found effective and  The ‘Nano-technology’ based efficient for plant nutrition which product has been researched and increases the production with developed at the IFFCO Nano improved nutritional quality. Biotechnology Research Centre  The products are meant to:-

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o Improve soil health, provided by one bag of o Reduce emission conventional Urea. greenhouse gases o This will reduce the input o Ensure upto 15-30% increase cost of farmers and due to in crop production its small size, it will also o Reduce the requirement of significantly bring down the conventional chemical cost of logistics and fertilizer by 50% warehousing too. o Boost the plants immunity o The 500 ml bottle of Nano against harmful pathogens Urea will be priced at Rs o Help increase the activity of 240 for the farmers, which is plant growth hormone and 10% cheaper than the cost improves overall plant of a bag of conventional growth and development. Urea. o It will also have a huge What is Nano urea? positive impact on the quality of underground  Urea that is produced from nano- water, very significant technology to improve the reduction in the global efficiency of the nutrients of the warming with an impact on crops is called as nano urea. climate change and  The nano urea liquid seeks to sustainable development. replace conventional Urea and can  The effectiveness of Nano Urea curtail its requirement by at least Liquid has been tested in over 50 percent. 11,000 farmers’ fields for 94 crops like rice and wheat. About IFFCO:  It is more effective than the  Indian Farmers Fertilizer conventional granular urea which Cooperative Limited, also known as when used the excess urea causes IFFCO is a Multi-state cooperative environmental pollution, harms soil society engaged in the business of health, and makes plants more manufacturing and marketing of susceptible to disease and insect fertilizers headquartered in New infestation, delayed maturity of the Delhi, India. crop and production loss.  It was founded on 3 November 1967  It will prove very beneficial for with 57 member cooperatives it is farmers. The benefits are as follows: today the biggest co-op in the o It will be cost-effective as it world by turnover on GDP per is cheaper and it will help in capita with around 35,000 member increasing farmers' income. cooperatives reaching over 50 o Nano urea contains 40,000 million Indian farmers. ppm of Nitrogen in a 500 ml bottle, which is equal to  It is headquartered in New Delhi, nitrogen nutrient impact India.

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 The current chairman and  It is particularly interested in CEO/MD are B.S Nakai and Dr. U.S making sure that minerals taken Awasthi respectively. from the moon or elsewhere in space are used sustainably.

New Zealand Space industry:

 California-based company Rocket Lab, which specializes in putting small satellites into orbit began commercial launches in 2018.  It made history in New Zealand four years ago when it launched a

test rocket into space from the Space Agreement: New Zealand recently remote Mahia Peninsula. became the latest country to sign “space agreement with NASA”. Artemis Accords:

Key Points:  Artemis accords are an international agreement and  New Zealand became the eleventh American-led effort which seeks to signatory to the Artemis Accords. relaunch humans to Moon by 2024.  Artemis Accords is a blueprint for  The Agreement was signed by space cooperation and supporting governments participating in the U.S. space agency's plans to Artemis programme with the return humans to the moon by objective of expanding and 2024 and also to launch a historic deepening space exploration. human mission to Mars.  It was drafted under the aegis of NASA. Note: The other signatories to the  It provides a framework for accords are the US, Australia, Britain, cooperation in civil exploration and Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, peaceful use of Mars, Moon and South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, other astronomical objects. and Ukraine.  The accord was signed on October Objective: 13, 2020.

 The agreement was signed with an objective to boost the nascent space industry of New Zealand.  The country wants to ensure the next phase of space exploration is conducted in a safe, sustainable and transparent manner and in full compliance with international law,”.

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AmbiTAG: Indian Institute of Technology  Apart from perishable items like (IIT) Ropar in Punjab has developed met, vegetables, and dairy products “AmbiTAG” which is India’s first it can monitor temperature of indigenous temperature data logger animal semen during transit. developed for cold chain management.

Ambitag has been developed under Technology Innovation Hub – AWaDH About AWaDH: (Agriculture and Water Technology  AWaDH is a research center at IIT Development Hub) and its Startup Ropar. ScratchNest.  It was established with support of About AmbiTAG: Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Science &  AmbiTAG is shaped as USB device. Engineering Research Board  It continuously records (SERB). temperature of its immediate  It carries out extensive research in surroundings. agriculture and water.  The recorded data can be retrieved by connecting the USB with any computer.  It can detect temperatures “from - 40 to +80 degrees” in any time zone for 90 days on a single charge unlike other devices available in market that record data only for

duration of 30- 60 days. Asia-Pacific Cybersecurity Council: Significance: Microsoft has recently launched its first  AmbiTag records real-time ambient ever “Asia Pacific Public Sector Cyber temperature during the Security Executive Council”. transportation of perishable It was launched with the aim of building products, vaccines and even body strong communications channel to address organs and blood. cyber threats and to share best practices  That recorded temperature further among participating countries. helps to know whether that particular item transported from About the Council: anywhere in the world is still usable  Cybersecurity Council comprises of or perished because of temperature policy makers and influencers from variation. countries like Indonesia, Korea,  This information is particularly Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, critical for vaccines including Philippines, and Thailand. Covid-19 vaccine, organs and blood  It is supported by cybersecurity transportation. professionals. Council was set up

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with the aim of accelerating public- Albuquerque, New Mexico, United private partnerships in States. cybersecurity, and share threat  It is headquartered in Redmond, intelligence. Washington.  It is considered one of the Big Five Reason for setting up the Council: companies in the U.S. information  Council was set up to build strong technology industry, along with coalition and to strengthen cyber Google, Apple, Amazon, and security defense. Facebook.  It was launched in the view that the  It develops, manufactures, licenses, above mentioned countries supports, and sells computer experience higher-than-average software, consumer electronics, encounter rate of malware and personal computers, and related ransomware attacks. services.  They experience 1.6 times higher malware attacks and 1.7 times higher ransomware attacks as compared to other countries.

What are the functions of Council?

The following are the functions of the Council.

 The Council will meet virtually on a quarterly basis so as to NASA"s Robotic Mission to Venus: The continuously exchange information National Aeronautics and Space Agency on cyber threats and related (NASA) recently announced its plans of cybersecurity solutions. launching two new scientific missions to  They will learn from Microsoft Venus between 2028 and 2030. security certification trainings, hands on lab sessions and About the Mission: dedicated workshops to improve  The missions have been awarded digital skills of workforce. about $500 million under NASA’s  It will in turn help in reducing Discovery Program. talent gap in cybersecurity.  Each one is expected to launch in About Microsoft: the 2028-2030 timeframe.  The two new robotic missions are  Microsoft Corporation is an dubbed as Davinci+ and Veritas. American multinational technology  Both the mission to Venus are company. aimed at examining atmosphere  Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and geological features on the and Paul Allen on 4 April 1975 in planet.

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 The two missions to the Earth’s  It will also investigate how it sister planet by NASA which will be developed differently than Earth. it's first one in decades aims to  It will use a form of radar to understand how Venus became an investigate surface elevations and inferno-like world capable of will discover if volcanoes and melting lead at the surface. earthquakes are still happening.  These two missions were selected Background: after a peer-review process.  They were chosen on the basis of  The US and the former Soviet their potential scientific value and Union sent multiple spacecraft to feasibility of their development Venus in the early days of space plans. exploration. About Davinci+ Mission:  In 1962, NASA’s Mariner 2 performed the first successful flyby.  The first mission Davinci+ is an  In 1970, the Soviets’ Venera 7 made acronym for “Deep Atmosphere the first successful landing. Venus Investigation of Noble  In 1990, NASA used a space shuttle gases, Chemistry, and Imaging”. to send its Magellan spacecraft into  It will measure atmosphere of orbit around Venus. Venus to gain insight into how it  The European Space Agency put a formed and evolved. spacecraft around Venus in 2006.  It also seeks to determine whether Venus ever had an ocean. About Venus:  DAVINCI+ will also consist of a fly-  Venus is the hottest planet of solar by spacecraft and an atmospheric system and second planet from the descent probe. sun.  It is expected to return the first  It is Earth’s closest planetary high-resolution images of the neighbor. unique geological characteristics on  It is similar in structure to Earth Venus called ‘tesserae’. but slightly smaller, with a  Scientists have believed that those diameter of about 12,000 kilometres features may be comparable to the (7,500 miles). continents of Earth and suggest  Its surface temperature is 500 that Venus has plate tectonics. degree Celsius which is hot enough Veritas Mission: to melt lead.

 The second mission, Veritas (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) will map surface of Venus to understand its geologic

history.

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10,000 while both the silver and bronze medal winners take home USD 5,000

and 2,500 respectively.

Sports Note: Previously, the 2021 edition of the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships was to be held in

New Delhi, India, but shifted to Dubai due to the current Pandemic situation.

The following are the Medal Winners:

In Women's Category:

Gold Medalist:

Defending champion Pooja Rani won the gold medal in the 75kg Women's category. 2021 ASBC Asian Boxing Championships: The Indian boxing  Tokyo Olympics-bound Pooja contingent recently achieved its best- defeated Mavluda Movlonova of ever show at the ASBC Asian Boxing Uzbekistan 5-0. Championships in the UAE. Silver Medalists: The 19-member Indian contingent concluded the campaign on high with Legendary pugilist MC Mary Kom, the highest-ever 15 medals including 2 Lalbuatsaihi and Anupama finished gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze. with silver.

Highlights:  Mary Kom, lost to two-time world champion Nazym The championship was held in dubai, Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan in the UAE. final of the 51kg category. It was organized by the Boxing  Tournament debutant Federation of India (BFI) in association Lalbuatsaihi also settled for with UAE Boxing Federation. silver medal after losing a hard- fought women's 64kg final The International Boxing Association against Kazakhstan's Milana (AIBA) has allocated USD 4,00,000 Safronova via split decision 2-3. prize money for this Championships.  Anupama also bagged a silver The gold medalists of men's and medal after losing to women's categories are awarded USD Kazakhstan's Lazzat

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Kungeibayeva in the Women's tournament history to secure Heavy 81kg final. five medals.

Bronze-medalists: Bronze-medalists:

 Simranjit Kaur (60kg), Lovlina  Vikas Krishan (69kg) and Borgohain (69kg), Jaismine Varinder Singh (60kg) secured (57kg), Sakshi Chaudhary bronze medals. (54kg), Monika (48kg) and Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC): Saweety (81kg) secured bronze medals.  The Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) is the Asian governing In Men's Category: body in amateur boxing. Gold Medalist:  The President of the ASBC and Vice-President of the India’s pugilist Sanjeet Kumar won a International Boxing Association gold medal in the 91 kg weight Men’s (AIBA) is Mr. Anas Alotaiba. category. Indian Boxing Federation (IBF):  He pulled off a massive upset as he defeated five-time Asian  Indian Boxing Federation is the Championships medallist and Indian national governing body Rio Olympic silver medalist for Olympic boxing and is the Vassiliy Levit of Kazakhstan. India's member organization of the International Amateur Silver-medalists: Boxing Association (AIBA). Amit Panghal (52kg) and Shiva Thapa  It is headquartered in Gurugram, (64kg) lost their respective bouts on Haryana. split decisions and took home silver  IBF is also known as all India medals. Boxing Association.  Its current President is Ajay  Amit lost 2-3 to World and Singh Olympic champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan in the 52kg final.  Shiva Thapa lost 2-3 to Mongolia's Baatarsukh Chinzorig in the 64kg final, taking home a silver medal. This was Thapa's fifth successive medal at the event, making him the first Indian male boxer in the

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 The award was established in 1984.  A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from throughout the United States and Canada votes on the recipient.

:

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson recently won the 2020-21 Kia NBA Sixth Man Award for his contributions in a reserve role.

Highlights:

 This is the first Sixth Man UEFA Champions League: Chelsea honour for Clarkson, who recently won the Champions League for becomes the first player to win the second time. the annual award with the Jazz. Highlights:  Clarkson became the first player in Jazz franchise history to win Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1–0 the award and was presented the in the final, to lift the 2020-21 UEFA trophy by his teammate and Champions League title, on May 29, fellow Sixth Man of the Year 2021, played at the Estádio do Dragão in Finalist Joe Ingles. Porto, Portugal.  He received 65 first-place votes and earned 407 total points from German forward Kai Havertz scored the a global panel of 100 only goal of the football match. sportswriters and broadcasters. Chelsea won the first Champions About the Award: League title in 2012.

 The National Basketball Association's Sixth Man of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1982–83 NBA season to the league's best performing player for his team coming off the bench as a substitute.

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Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup: The  It organises world championship International Cricket Council (ICC) events such as Cricket World recently announced that the Men’s Cup, Women's Cricket World Cricket World Cup in 2027 and 2031 will Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, ICC once again be a 14-team, 54-match Women's T20 World Cup, ICC tournament. Champions Trophy and Under- 19 Cricket World Cup.  Earlier in the 2019 World Cup,  The current Chairman of ICC is only 10 teams contested, Greg Barclay and the CEO is compared to 14 teams in the 2015 Manu Sahney. World Cup.  These 14 teams will split into two groups of seven.  Top three from each group will be progressing to a Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and final.  ICC has also decided to expand the men’s T20 World Cup to 20 teams. Belgrade open: World No. 1 Novak  The tournament will take place Djokovic recently captured the 83rd every two years from 2024-2030. title of his career with victory on home About ICC: soil at the Belgrade Open.

 It refers to the International He is two short of equalling his 'Big Cricket Council. Three' rivals' Rafael Nadal and Roger  ICC is the world governing body Federer's record of Slam wins. of cricket. Both Nadal and Federer are tied at the  It is headquartered in Dubai, top with 20 Slams so far. United Arab Emirates.  It was founded as the Imperial The Serbian superstar lost his serve Cricket Conference in 15 June three times in the first set before 1909 by representatives from changing his game to defeat Slovakian Australia, England and South qualifier and first-time ATP Tour Africa. finalist Alex Molcan 6-4, 6-3 in 88  It was renamed as the minutes at the Novak Tennis Center. International Cricket Conference

in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989.  The ICC, currently, has 104 member nations.

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