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General Awareness

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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

20 Jun 2023

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Xi Jinping, Blinken Agree to Stabilise US-China Relations

  • China and the United States agreed to stabilise their intense rivalry so it doesn't veer into conflict but failed to produce any major breakthrough during a rare visit to Beijing by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
  • The top US diplomat and Xi both stressed the importance of having a more stable relationship, as any conflict between the world's two largest economies would create global disruption.
  • However, China refused to entertain Washington's bid to resume military-to-military communication channels and cited US sanctions as the obstacle. The two sides appeared entrenched in their positions over everything from Taiwan to trade, including US actions toward China's chip industry, human rights and Russia's war against Ukraine.
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ENVIRONMENT

Europe Becomes Fastest Warming Continent in World

  • A climate report claimed that Europe needs to brace itself for more deadly heat waves which are led by climate change, emphasising that it emerged as the fastest-warming continent of the world, with its temperature rising by 2.3 degree Celsius 2022 compared to that in pre-industrial times.
  • As per the report, prepared by the World Meteorological Organisation and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, released in 2023, the increasing temperature will lead to record sea-surface temperatures, unprecedented glacier melt and crop-withering drought.
  • Since the 1980s, Europe has been warming twice the global average and witnessed its warmest summer on record in 2022 as countries like France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom faced their warmest year on record.

UN Adopts Historic High Seas Treaty

  • The United Nations adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a historic achievement.
  • The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.
  • The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March.
  • The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.
  • The United Nations High Seas Treaty is a legally binding instrument the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It is an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty or the BBNJ treaty.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Kotak Mahindra Bank Launches 'ActivMoney', Auto Sweep Account

  • Private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank's new auto sweep facility ActivMoney for customers with savings accounts will enable them to earn fixed deposit (FD)-like interest up to 7 per cent per annum. Moreover, customers will also be able to withdraw their funds anytime.
  • Once customers avail ActivMoney feature in their savings account, it automatically transfers the amount — above the default minimum threshold of Rs. 25,000 — in multiples of Rs. 10,000 to an FD of 180 days during which the amount earns 7 per cent interest. The amount in the savings account continues to earn 3.5 per cent interest per annum.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank also extended the offer to current accounts, which are opted by businesses such as MSMEs, with a minimum threshold of Rs 50,000 over which the surplus funds earn 7 per cent interest.
  • The auto sweep facility essentially refers to transferring funds in excess of a threshold amount from a customer's account to a deposit that offers a better return.

Bangladesh Floats Currency for the First Time to Access IMF Funds

  • In a historic move, Bangladesh's central bank decided to allow its currency, the taka, to float freely for the first time. The decision came in response to demands from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and aims to unlock additional funds from a $4.7 billion loan program. While Bangladesh is not heavily indebted, the country joins a growing list of nations, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon, that have opted to loosen control over their local currencies to secure financing from the Washington-based lender.
  • The new market-driven exchange rate regime is expected to bring greater transparency and efficiency to foreign exchange transactions, benefiting businesses, individuals, and the overall economy. Despite concerns of depreciation, the central bank does not anticipate a significant decline in the value of the taka, which has already experienced a slight 5% decrease in 2023.
  • Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has relied on fixed exchange rates to manage volatility and ensure affordable imports. With the adoption of a unified exchange rate regime between the taka and the dollar (or any other foreign currency), the country aims to bridge the gap between formal and informal markets. From July 1, the central bank will cease selling foreign exchange at a discounted rate, and by the third quarter of 2023, all international transactions will be based on the new exchange rate structure.

IndiGo Seals Biggest-ever Deal in Aviation History

  • Indian budget carrier IndiGo ordered a record 500 A320 planes from French manufacturer Airbus. The latest purchase eclipsed Air India's purchase of 470 jets earlier this year (2023) and has set a new record. The multi-billion dollar purchase is the largest ever by number of aircraft.
  • The deal has come through after months of negotiations. The planes will be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
  • The order also makes IndiGo Airbus' largest customer for A320 planes. IndiGo is racing to expand as travel rebounds in India in the post-pandemic period.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indonesia, SpaceX Launches Satellite to Boost Internet Connectivity

  • Indonesia and SpaceX launched the country's largest telecommunication satellite from the United States, in a $540 million project intended to link up remote corners of the archipelago to the internet.
  • Roughly two-thirds of Indonesia's population already uses the internet, but connectivity is limited in far-flung, underdeveloped eastern islands of the Southeast Asian country.
  • Satellite technology will accelerate internet access to villages in areas that cannot be reached by fiber optics in the next 10 years.
  • The 4.5-tonne Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia (SATRIA-1) was built by Thales Alenia Space.
  • The satellite will occupy the orbital slot above Indonesia's eastern Papua region. It has a throughput capacity of 150 gigabytes per second and will provide internet access to 50,000 public service points.
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SPORTS

Goa CM Launches Mascot for 37th Edition of Indian National Games

  • The official mascot and jersey of the 37th National Games to be held in Goa in October 2023, was launched by the state's Chief Minister. On the occasion of Goa Revolution Day, the move was carried out at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao, Goa. The unveiling of the official mascot 'MOGA,' a bison representing the distinct identity of Goa, embodied the connection between the Games and the state's heritage.
  • Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Indian Olympic Association Chairperson P.T. Usha, ace boxer M.C. Mary Kom and others, were also present on the occasion.
  • The last National Games edition was held in Kerala in 2015, and Goa was to host the 36th edition in November 2016. However, due to interruptions in 2018 and 2019, given the state's inability to provide the needed infrastructure, the Games were further postponed to 2020. But then again the COVID pandemic had taken over, leading to further uncertainties and postponements.
  • National Games in India are organised by the Indian Olympic Association.
  • The Indian sports ministry affirmed that the National Games will be held every two years, except in years where the Olympics and Asian Games are held.

Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: India Crowned Champions

  • The Indian men's football team beat Lebanon 2-0 and won the Intercontinental Cup 2023 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. It was India's first win over Lebanon in 47 years and second in eight meetings.
  • Indian captain Sunil Chhetri gave the home team the lead in the first minute of the second half. Forward Lallianzuala Chhangte scored in the 66th minute and doubled India's lead. He also assisted in the first goal and was declared man of the match.
  • The Lebanese football team, 99th in the FIFA rankings and two places above India, had their moments in the match but the visitors lacked finishing in the final and could not get on the score sheet.

Bhavani Devi Scripts History, Wins India's First ever Medal at Asian Fencing Championships

  • Olympian Bhavani Devi created history by securing India's first-ever medal, a bronze after losing in the semi-finals of the women's sabre event at the Asian Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China.
  • Bhavani lost to Uzbekistan's Zaynab Dayibekova in a hard-fought semi-finals 14-15, but ensured India its maiden medal in the prestigious event.
  • Bhavani had earlier stunned reigning world champion Misaki Emura of Japan 15-10 in the quarter-finals to script history.
  • Misaki had won the women's sabre gold medal at the 2022 World Fencing Championships held in Cairo.
  • It was Bhavani's first win over Misaki as she had lost all her matches against the Japanese in the past.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

UP Prisons to Be Known as 'Reform Homes'

  • The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, made a significant decision to reform the prison system in the state. During a high-level meeting where he reviewed the conditions of the current prisons, Adityanath issued crucial guidelines that emphasised the importance of prisoner rehabilitation.
  • One of the most notable guidelines was the renaming of Uttar Pradesh's prisons to 'Sudhaar Grah' or Reform Homes.
  • This move implied a shift from the current approach to prisons, as it went beyond the mere detention of prisoners and aimed to foster a culture of reform and rehabilitation.
  • By renaming Uttar Pradesh's prisons as 'Reform Homes,' Chief Minister Adityanath signalled his commitment to a novel approach to criminal justice that prioritised rehabilitation and reform above mere retribution.
  • The chief minister also announced that the state government has introduced a new parole policy that will enable more inmates to be released from prison on parole, subject to certain conditions.
  • The policy aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and enable more prisoners to be rehabilitated into society.

Jitan Ram Manjhi's Ham Announces Withdrawal of Support to Nitish Govt.

  • Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) withdrew its support to the Nitish Kumar government in the state and a letter to the effect was handed over to Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Manjhi, who met the governor along with his son Santosh Suman, the national president of HAM, also said that he will be in Delhi for the next few days during which he will try to meet leaders of the NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to explore future options.

Jammu and Kashmir Completes 5-year Central Rule

  • Jammu and Kashmir completed five years without an elected government, prompting a scathing attack from the mainstream National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party over the delay in restoration of democracy in the Union Territory.
  • On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
  • PDP president Mehbooba Mufti resigned from the post of the Chief Minister on June 19, 2018 after alliance partner BJP withdrew support to her coalition government.
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DEFENCE

India to Gift Corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam

  • India will gift Vietnam an in-service warship as a gesture of friendship and expanding military ties between the nations. Missile Corvette INS Kirpan - a Khukri class warship commissioned in 1991 - will soon be handed over to the Vietnam People's Navy.
  • The announcement was made during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Gang in New Delhi. The focus of the visit was on enhancing military ties, with maritime security and defence industrial cooperation key to the discussions.
  • India has been steadily expanding defence ties with Vietnam over the years, with a landmark military logistics sharing pact signed in 2022 to enhance interoperability and jointness.

Indian Army Contingent Participates in Multinational Joint Exercise Ex Khaan Quest 2023′ in Mongolia

  • As per a release by the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army contingent is participating in the Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise 'Ex Khaan Quest 2023' in Mongolia, which is scheduled from June 19 to July 2, 2023.
  • The Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise 'Ex Khaan Quest 2023' featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries commenced in Mongolia.
  • Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the Hon'ble President of Mongolia inaugurated the Exercise in a ceremony organised at the exercise location in Mongolia. The exercise is co-sponsored by Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
  • The Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the Garhwal Rifles. The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the participating nations, for sharing experiences and training uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).

Ravi Sinha New RAW Chief

  • Senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha was appointed as the new chief of India's external intelligence agency RAW.
  • Sinha is a 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre.
  • Sinha, who has had an over two-decade-long stint in the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), is at present the second-in-command in the organisation. Before being promoted, he was looking after the operations wing.
  • Sinha has served in Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast and foreign countries in the past.
  • His predecessor Goel was appointed R&AW chief for two years in June 2019. He was later given two extensions of one year each in 2021 and June 2022.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

World Refugee Day

  • World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20. It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees worldwide. This significant day serves as a platform to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or terror.
  • World Refugee Day dates back to December 4, 2000, when the United Nations General Assembly established it through Resolution 55/76. The resolution aimed to raise awareness about the increasing number of refugees worldwide and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
  • The 1951 Refugee Convention, adopted in the aftermath of World War II, established the legal framework for the protection and rights of refugees. It defined who qualifies as a refugee, outlined their rights, and outlined the obligations of nations to provide them with safety and assistance.
  • World Refugee Day was first celebrated on June 20, 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
  • 'Hope Away from Home' is the theme for World Refugee Day 2023.
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

India's First Device to Turn Eye Signs into Speech Developed by Amrita University Researchers

  • Researchers at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham's Humanitarian Technology (HuT) Labs achieved a groundbreaking innovation by developing India's first-ever device that enables individuals with a speech impairment to communicate using simple eye signs.
  • The device, named 'Netravaad', incorporates advanced technology and a customised AI algorithm to convert eye signs into alphabets, words, and sentences, revolutionising communication for those with speech disabilities.
  • This breakthrough invention has the potential to transform the lives of millions of individuals who face challenges in verbal expression.
  • Netravaad, designed by the talented team at HuT Labs, comprises essential components such as a camera, display, speaker, controller, and rechargeable battery.

Delhi Education Minister Explores Partnership with University College London to Transform MCD Schools

  • Delhi Education Minister Atishi embarked on a visit to the United Kingdom with a significant agenda: exploring a potential partnership with University College London (UCL) to revolutionise the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools.
  • The collaboration aims to introduce the best pedagogical and educational practices to the classrooms, thereby elevating the standard of education in the national capital.
  • The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has long prioritised education, and now the focus extends to MCD schools. The aim is to transform these institutions into world-class educational establishments.

AI, Data Science to be Introduced in Himachal's Tech Colleges Curriculum

  • Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, announced that Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Mechatronics Engineering are among the new-age courses which will be introduced in technical colleges in Himachal Pradesh from the new academic session.
  • The state government has taken the decisive step of introducing a range of courses across various institutions from August 2023.
  • Government Hydro Engineering College Bilaspur will offer the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
  • This course has been approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU).
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Airbnb, Ministry of Tourism Tie up to Promote Heritage Tourism in India

  • Online accommodation hosting platform Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Tourism to showcase India's heritage stays and promote cultural tourism.
  • The company partnered the ministry in its vision to promote inbound tourism as a part of its 'Visit India 2023' initiative and under the MoU, it will launch a dedicated 'Soul of India' micro-site for the global audience showcasing India's rich culture and built heritage.
  • Additionally, Airbnb will also offer support to hosts in untapped tourist areas, assist them in promoting their home stays, build host capacity, and foster a culture of responsible hosting.
  • Under the MoU, Airbnb will endeavour to train hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in emerging destinations that are part of the ministry's flagship scheme. It would also share travel and home-stay insights with the ministry for informed responsible tourism policies and training requirements.
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LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Madras High Court Constitutes Special Bench for Implementation of POCSO Act, JJ Act

  • Taking in view the importance of implementation of the provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the High Court of Madras constituted a Special Bench for the purpose.
  • The Division Bench of Justice Sunder Mohan and Justice N. Anand Venkatesh directed the Registry to inform all the associations of lawyers and advocates in both Chennai (principal bench) and Madurai to assist the court in dealing with the subject matter, given the importance of the issue.
  • The High Court further instructed the Director General of Police (DGP), Pondicherry and the Tamil Nadu DGP to submit before it, all data related to the children in conflict with law and survivors below 18 years of age.
  • It also sought details of all cases pending before the police for investigation and before the court for adjudication under the JJ Act and the POCSO Act.
  • The Special Bench, comprising Justice Mohan and Justice Venkatesh, was constituted in line with an administrative order dated April 4, 2023, passed by the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, T. Raja.
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