National News

1. JP Nadda launches National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda has launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 at a function in New Delhi.
He launched the campaign by distributing oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets to children in presence of Minister of States for Health Anupriya Patel and Patraprao Jadhav.
The two-month campaign will begin from the 1st of July and continue till the 31st of August.
The goal behind the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign is to attain zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea. While the existing diarrhoea strategy entailed a two-week campaign, the new strategy involved a two-month long campaign with the pre-positioning of two ORS packets and zinc as a co-packaging for under-5 children.

2.Jitendra Singh launches ‘One Week One Theme’ Campaign

Jitendra Singh has launched “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) campaign showcasing recent success stories of India in different streams of science and technology.
‘One week One Theme’ is the brainchild of Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. ‘OWOT’ is built on the legacy and success of the ‘One Week One Lab’ (OWOL) initiative started last year.
OWOT program aims to promote their achievements and foster collaboration with industry to empower MSMEs, SHGs, Agripreneurs and Startups.
In second term, Om Birla will preside over a more evenly balanced Lok Sabha ·
Much has been written about the fact that Lok Sab ha Speaker Om Birla's record-breaking second term as presiding officer is part of a message of continuity being reinforced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and yet, Mr. Birla's tenure has seen individualistic flourishes as the Parlia- ment's keeper of records as well as a record-breaker. ·
He went from being a back-bencher in the large Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ranks in Parliament since 2014 to breaking the long-held record by Balram Jakhar of being elected Lok Sabha Speaker for two successive terms. ·
This rise has seen other records being broken as well in the very first session he presided over as Speaker, in 2019, all first-time members got an opportunity to speak, and during the first session's Zero Hour, members raised 1,066 subjects a record for any one session in the history of the Lok Sabha. ·
His tenure also saw a record number of Opposition MPs being suspended in the Parliament's Winter Session of 2023. He is the Speaker who oversaw the shift from the old Parliament building to the new one. He also sought out Pramila Bisoyi, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP who was fluent only in Odia, and arranged a Hindi-to-Odia translator for her to overcome her hesitancy in speaking. ·
Mr. Birla, born in 1962 in Kota, Rajasthan started early in public life, having been active in student politics in school, and later as district president in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, and still later serving as the State unit president of the outfit. He first entered the Rajasthan Assembly in 2003, repeating the feat twice more before contesting his first Lok Sabha election from Kota in 2014, holding on to the seat for a third term in the current Lok Sabha. ·
Known for his philanthropic work in his constituency, Mr. Birla, despite the Treasury benches having an overwhelming majority in his previous term, presided over a turbulent period of dealing with a pandemic, the construction of a new Parliament House, and a feisty Opposition. With the numbers more evenly balanced in the 18th Lok Sabha, it will likely be a tougher term for Mr. Birla this time around.

3.L&T win deals for 185 MW solar plant in Bihar

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a major order for setting up a grid-connected 185 megawatt (MW) solar PV plant along with a 254 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Kajra in Lakhisarai district of Bihar.
The project cost is estimated to be in the range of ₹2,500-5,000 crore.
The BESS, with a capacity of 254 MWh will enable storing solar energy during low-demand periods and discharging when the demand peaks.
In addition, the BESS will also help smooth the fluctuations in generation, frequency regulation and voltage support. It comes with a black start capability to the grid that will facilitate quick re-energization after an outage.

4.Kerala’s Kozhikode becomes India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’

Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was officially declared as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’.
The state government also announced that from coming year, June 23 will be celebrated as the ‘City of Literature’ Day of Kozhikode.
In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in the ‘Literature’ category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
While Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh made it to the coveted list in the ‘Music’ category, Kozhikode earned the place in the ‘Literature’ category.
These cities join the list of places which received tags from the UNESCO including Bukhara – Crafts and Folk Art, Casablanca – Media Arts, Chongqing – Design, Kathmandu – Film, Rio de Janeiro – Literature, and Ulaanbaatar – Crafts and Folk Art. About Kerala
Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan

International News

5.India is looking at 'potential' institutional reforms:

U.S. officialUS. has sought 'accountability' from the Indian govt. on the Pannun issue and has 'consistently' asked for updates on the committee probing the matter, says Campbell; he adds that both countries are seeking to develop deeper technological ties ·
india is looking at "potential" institutional reforms against the backdrop of the 1 кагор sue Panning is and alleged assassination attempts, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell said on Wednesday, adding that the U.S.. seeks "accountability" from the Indian government and has "consistently asked for updates on the committee investigating the matter. ·
"We have had constructive dialogue with India on this topic and they have been responsive to our concerns. We made clear that we seek accountability from the Government of India, and we have consistently asked for updates on the Indian committee... We raised this issue directly with the Indian government at the most senior levels between our two countries," Mr. Campbell said. ·
"We also believe that Indian colleagues are looking carefully at what potential institutional reforms might be necessary in the wake of some of these allegations and reports... Those discussions continue between the U.S. and India." · Mr. Campbell was speaking at a virtual briefing on the second India U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) dialogue that was chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries last week. The External Affairs Ministry set up a "high-level" inquiry committee on November 18 into the alleged assassination plot against the U.S.-Canadian Khalistani separatist leader Gurpal wants Singh Pannun in May 2023. ·
The investigation into the case by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Ad- ministration (DEA) has led to a chargesheet against an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, 52, who allegedly hired a hitman to target Khalistani separatists in the U.S. and Canada at the behest of a senior Indian security official. ·
Mr. Gupta was extradited to the U.S. from the Czech Republic last week and has since been produced in a New York court. India-Russia ties To a question on India-russia ties amid the deepening India-U.S. technological cooperation, Mr. Campbell said the U.S. and India have a "full and frank" dialogue and also discuss mutual relationships, including India's relationship with Russia. ·
"We are seeking to develop a much deeper and stronger technological relationship between the U.S. and India. We have been clear which areas are affected by the continuing relationship between India and Russia, militarily and. technologically... We have expressed some concerns. ·
But at the same time we have confidence and trust in India, Mr. Campbell stated. Further, he underscored that that the U.S. and India are both "great powers" and have many areas of alignment. The U.S. Deputy Secretary said the U.S.-India relationship has reached escape velocity and India will be a key U.S. partner in the 21st century, while noting the broad, bipartisan support for ties with India.

6. Paraguay becomes 100th member of International Solar Alliance

Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member.
The South American nation officially handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi.
The ISA, co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, aims to promote solar energy deployment worldwide.
It serves as a collaborative platform for member countries to increase energy access, ensure energy security, and drive the transition towards sustainable energy sources.
The alliance has gained significant traction since its inception, with 119 countries now signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement. Of these, 100 have completed the ratification process to become full members, with Spain joining as the 99th member in May this year.
The ISA’s primary goal is to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy technologies. About Paraguay
Capital- Asunción
Currency – Guarani
President – Santiago Peña

State News

7.India's largest leopard safari opens at Bannerghatta ·

South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari was in- augurated by Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday at the Bannerghatta Biological Park. ·

As per Central Zoo Authority guidelines for safaris, an area of 20 hectares has been demarcated and fenced for the safari. Eight leopards have been released for the safari in the open forest area. ·

According to park officials, Bannerghatta is home to a good population of free ranging leopards (Panthera pardus), and highlighting these predators is vital. ·

The facility has been created at a cost of ₹4.5 crore. The leopard safari area is made up of undulating terrain with natural rocky out- crops and semi-deciduous forest. This whole area is covered with a vertical chain-link mesh which is 4.5 metres high, and MS sheets have been placed at a 30 degree inclined angle of 1.5 metres. ·

The officials added that owing to increasing human-animal conflict in recent times, the park receives many leopard cubs res- cued across the Karnataka. "These cubs will be raised and shifted to the leopard safari to help visitors learn about these big cats, the reasons for the growing human-animal conflicts, and the ways to protect the animals," said the officials. ·

The officials added that four acres within the safari area have been separated, using a solar fence, to help the animals acclimatise to their new environment. ·

During his visit to the park, Mr. Khandre also inaugurated a number of initiatives, which included a renovated elephant weaning centre, a baby care room at the butterfly park, a children's play area, an entrance arch, and he al- so flagged off electric buggies and zoo instillations. ·

The Minister also named a male elephant calf Swaraj and set free six hamadryas baboons for public display. ·

The park officials said that during this financial year new naturalistic enclosures have been pro- posed for emus and rheas at a cost of ₹50 lakh. ·

A hunting cheetah enclosure at an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore; a hamadrya and olive baboon enclosure at ₹1.5 crore, and an Indian grey wolf enclosure at ₹1.5 crore have also been proposed. Skywalks are also being developed to establish connectivity between the zoo and the butterfly park, they added.

Appointment

8.Sam Pitroda reappointed Overseas Congress chief ·

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday reappointed Sam Pitroda chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, weeks after he resigned from the post following a controversy in the middle of the Lok Sabha election. ·

Mr. Pitroda, a close aide of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, had courted controversy during a podcast When he cited ethnic and racial identities such as Chinese, Africans, Arabs,and Whites to describe the physical appearance of Indians from different parts of the country. ·

The Bharatiya Janata Party had termed Mr. Pitroda’s controversial remarks “racist”, prompting the Congress leadership to gently nudge him to step down. Mr. Pitroda had resigned from the post on May 8.

9.Tapan Kumar Deka gets one-year extension as IB Chief

Counter-terrorism expert IPS Tapan Kumar Deka has been given an extension as Intelligence Bureau chief for one year beyond June 30, 2024.
Deka, known for his pivotal role in combating northeast insurgency and dismantling the Indian Mujahideen.
He is an 1988 batch Officer for Himachal Pradesh.
During his tenure as IB chief, Deka took the fight to the left-wing extremists in Central India with the Maoists now confined to Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
A highly competent, Deka has served in the US and was the main force behind India taking down the Pak-sponsored Indian Mujahideen group.
He has investigated the 26/11 Mumbai massacre and brought culprits to justice.

Recent Appointment in Defence Sector

Chief of the Army Staff – Upendra Dwivedi (replace Manoj C Pande)
First Woman Helicopter Pilot – Anamika B. Rajeev
Additional Directors in CBI – A.Y.V. Krishna and N. Venu Gopal
Chief of Personnel (CoP) of Indian Navy – Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla
DG of National Security Guard (NSG) – Nalin Prabhat (replace Daljit Singh Chaudhary)

10. NATO names Dutch PM Mark Rutte as next chief ·

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's next head, handing him the job at a crucial moment with Russia on the march in Ukraine and U.S. elections looming. ·
Mr. Rutte will take over from Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on October 1 after major powers spearheaded by the United States wrapped up his nomination ahead of a summit of NATO leaders in Washington next month. ·
"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Mr. Stoltenberg said on social media after NATO ambassadors approved the appointment. "I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he added. ·
Mr. Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Mr. Stolten- berg once his decade at the helm of NATO ends. "Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he wrote online. ·
The seasoned Dutch leader, whose 14-year tenure in charge of the Netherlands is set to end within weeks, is seen as a safe pair of hands capable of stewarding NATO through perilous times. His appointment was welcomed by leaders across the 75-year-old alliance, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called it "a good choice for freedom and security". ·
The 57-year-old faces the spectre of a possible re- turn by former U.S. Presi- dent Donald Trump to the White House. After staking a claim for the NATO post following the collapse of his coalition last year, Mr. Rutte had to use all his diplomatic skills to win over reluctant allies Turkiye and Hungary. He finally clinched the race last week when his sole challenger, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, dropped out.

11.Aditya Birla AMC reappointed A Balasubramanian as MD & CEO for 3 years

Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company (ABSLAMC) has reappointed A Balasubramanian as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for three years, effective from July 25, 2024.
Balasubramanian, who brings over three decades of extensive experience, has been associated with ABSLAMC since 1995.
to assuming the role of CEO in 2009, he served as Chief Investment Officer from 2006 to 2009. Under his leadership, ABSLAMC currently oversees assets under management exceeding Rs 3.20 lakh crore.

About Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC is co-owned by Aditya Birla Capital and Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc., and serves as the primary investment manager for Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund.

Beyond mutual funds, the company operates various alternative investment strategies including portfolio management services, real estate investments, and alternative investment funds.

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector

Chairperson of Sa-Dhan – Paul Thomas
CMD of New India Assurance Company – Girija Subramanian
Non-executive Independent Director of Paytm – Neeraj Arora
MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank – Ajith Kumar KK
DG of ESIC – Kamal Kishore Soan

Important day

12.26 June – International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26 June. This day is popularly known as World Drug Day.
Objective – To raise awareness about the global fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Theme 2024 – The evidence is clear: invest in prevention
The United Nations established the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 7 December 1987.

13. 26 June – United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is celebrated every year on 26 June.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment generally known as the Torture Agreement, entered into force on June 26, 1987.
This was a step towards recognising that torture is universally banned. Ten years later, on June 26, 1997, the United Nations General Assembly formally designated the day as the International Day.

14. 27 June – MSME Day

Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day is observed every year on 27 June.
The day highlights the contribution of the MSME sector to a country’s economic development and employment generation.
Theme 2024 – MSMEs and the SDG.
On 6 April 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe 27 June as the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day.
The first MSME Day was observed on 27 June 2017.
According to the United Nations, MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of Gross Domestic Product worldwide.

Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 27th June 2024