07th June, 2024

1. The 18th Lok Sabha (LS) elections (2024 elections) have resulted in 74 women being elected, which accounts for 13.6% of the total Lok Sabha seats (543 seats).
2. In a first, the Ministry of Railways has asked its production unit, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, to manufacture two trains that can run at 250 km per hour (kmph).
3. Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Bihar’s Jamui district are now recognized under the Ramsar Convention, bringing India’s total Ramsar sites to 82, equaling China.
4. final blast to complete the 11.8 km long Head Race Tunnel for the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in the Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal.
5. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever fatal human case of the H5N2 strain of bird flu. This case was reported in Mexico, where a 59-year-old individual passed away
6. Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited has launched a campaign titled ‘Insure today for a safe tomorrow.
7. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Zurich Insurance Company’s acquisition of a 70% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company for an amount of ₹5,560 crore.
8. The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2024-2028) is annually released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and it provides a summary of climate predictions for the upcoming year and decade.
9. A Nature Geosciences study has projected an average rise of 2.1 degrees Celsius in Groundwater temperature between 2000-2100 due to climate change.
10. The Boeing Starliner spacecraft made its first trip to the International Space Station (ISS) with two National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.
11. World Pest Day is annually observed globally on 6 June.
12. The United Nations (UN)’s Russian Language Day is annually observed on the 6th of June.
13. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on 5th June.
14. Sunil Chhetri(39 years old), legendary Indian Footballer and the captain of the Indian National football Team since 2012, retired from international football.
15. French energy company Total Energies Limited has signed two agreements with Indian Public Sector Enterprise (PSE), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and a South Korean firm named Korea South-East Power Co Ltd
16. Software Technology Park of India (STPI) has signed two MoUs

National News

1. 74 women elected to 18th Lok Sabha, accounting for 13.6% representation in Lok Sabha
   • What: The 18th Lok Sabha (LS) elections (2024 elections) have resulted in 74 women being elected, which accounts for 13.6% of the total Lok Sabha seats (543 seats).
     • This is a slight decrease from the 17th Lok Sabha (2019 elections), where 78 women were elected (14.4% representation).
     • The representation of women MPs was 62 (11.4%) in the 16th LS (2014), 58 (10.7%) in the 15th LS (2009), 45 (8.3%) in 14th LS.
   • Tell me more:
     • Total women contested: 797 women
     • In states, West Bengal leads with 11 female MPs, followed by Maharashtra (7) and Uttar Pradesh (7), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, at five each
       • Trinamool Congress (a political party from West Bengal) fielded 12 women candidates, out of which 11 won.
     • Party wise, BJP fielded the most female candidates at 69
     • 30 or 43.4% won women candidates won the election
       Source: Hindustan Times

   
   

2. Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory to Develop India’s First 250 kmph Train
   • What: In a first, the Ministry of Railways has asked its production unit, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, to manufacture two trains that can run at 250 km per hour (kmph).
   • Tell me more:
     • The trains will have a maximum speed of 250 kmph but will run on a speed of 220 kmph.
       • Note: The top speed of Vande Bharat trains is 180 kmph
     • Deadline: March 2025
       Source: Economic Times

State News

1. Two bird sanctuaries of Bihar added to Ramsar list
   • What: Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Bihar’s Jamui district are now recognized under the Ramsar Convention, bringing India’s total Ramsar sites to 82, equaling China.
     • The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List embodies the government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to ensure that its ecological character is maintained.
     • Chilika lake (Odisha) was the first Ramsar site in India.
     • The number of Indian sites in the list has increased from 26 to 82 in the last ten years, of which 40 sites have been added in the last three years.
   • Tell me more:
     • This significant recognition came on World Environment Day (5th June).
     • The Nakti Bird Sanctuary was developed primarily for irrigation through the construction of Nakti Dam. Since the dam’s construction, the wetland and its surrounding area have provided habitat for over 150 species of birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles and amphibians.
       • They include globally threatened species, including the endangered Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) and a vulnerable native catfish (Wallago attu).
       • In 1984, the wetland was designated as a Bird Sanctuary,
     • “The Nagi Bird Sanctuary was created following the damming of the Nagi River, which enabled the gradual formation of water bodies with clear water and aquatic vegetation.
       • Due to its importance for migratory bird species, the Site was recognized locally as a Bird Sanctuary in 1984, and internationally as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International,”
       • Overall, the wetland and its fringes provide habitat for over 75 bird species, 33 fish, and 12 aquatic plants.
       • Notably, the site hosts one of the largest congregations of bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) on the Indo-Gangetic plain.
         Source: Economic Times

International News

1. Nepal set off the final explosion to complete the Tunnel of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project
   • What: The Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, triggered the final blast to complete the 11.8 km long Head Race Tunnel for the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in the Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal.
   • Tell me more:
     • Project executed by: SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is developing it on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis.
       • Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis means a private company builds and owns a project, operates it for a specified period, and then transfers ownership to the government.
     • Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project
       • It is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of Eastern Nepal.
         • Run-of-the-river is hydroelectric system that harvest energy from flowing water to generate electricity in absence of a large dam and reservoir.
           Source: PIB

   
   
2. WHO confirms first fatal human case of H5N2 bird flu
   • What: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever fatal human case of the H5N2 strain of bird flu. This case was reported in Mexico, where a 59-year-old individual passed away.
   • It’s important to note that this is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of the H5N2 strain globally and the first-ever reported case in Mexico.
     Source: Reuters

Banking and Economy

1. Universal Sompo launches the ‘Insure today for a safe tomorrow’ campaign
   • What: Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited has launched a campaign titled ‘Insure today for a safe tomorrow.
     • It is a Joint venture (JV) of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL), Dabur Investments, and Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.
   • Why: To raise awareness about the importance of insurance in safeguarding against unforeseen risks.
   • Tell me more (The campaign includes key initiative, like)
     • Collaboration with Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking to spread insurance awareness in Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047”.
       Source: Hindu Business Line
2. RBI approves Zurich Insurance’s majority stake acquisition in Kotak General
   • What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Zurich Insurance Company’s acquisition of a 70% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company for an amount of ₹5,560 crore.
   • Kotak General is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
   • The acquisition plan involves Zurich Insurance initially acquiring a 51% stake through fresh growth capital and share purchase, followed by an additional 19% stake later on.
     Source: Economic Times

Report and Indices

1. WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2024-2028)
   • What: The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2024-2028) is annually released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and it provides a summary of climate predictions for the upcoming year and decade.
   • Tell me more:
     • There is an 80% chance that the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal will be breached during at least one of the next five years (based on annual average temperature).
     • Additionally, there is an 86% chance that at least one of these years will set a new temperature record, surpassing 2023, which is currently the warmest year on record.
     • The global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2024 and 2028 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.9°C higher than the 1850-1900 baseline.
       • The global mean near-surface temperature refers to the average temperature of the air near the Earth’s surface across the entire globe
     • It predicts reductions in sea-ice concentration in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk.
       Source: WMO

2. Global groundwater warming due to climate change
   • What: A Nature Geosciences study has projected an average rise of 2.1 degrees Celsius in Groundwater temperature between 2000-2100 due to climate change.
   • Status of Groundwater
     • India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
     • As per Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment 2022, 14% of assessed units are overexploited and 4% are critical.
       • Overexploited: Groundwater extraction exceeding annually replenishable groundwater recharge.
       • Critical: Groundwater extraction is between 90-100 % of
         annual extractable resources available.
         Source: Nature

Science and Technology

1. Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight
   • What: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft made its first trip to the International Space Station (ISS) with two National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.
   • Tell me more:
     • Indian Origin American Sunita Williams has become the first woman to pilot a spacecraft on its inaugural crewed test flight to space.
       • She has spent 322 days in space in her previous space missions.
     • This mission marks Butch Wilmore’s and Sunita Williams’ 3rd mission into space.
       Source: DNA

Important Days

1. June 6: World Pest Day
   • What: World Pest Day is annually observed globally on 6 June.
   • Why: To raise awareness about the critical role of pest management in addressing pest-related challenges and protecting public health, food safety, and ensuring a safe, pest-free environment.
   • The 2024 theme: “Global Solutions, Local Impact: Mapping Success in Pest Management.”
   • Organized by: The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC)
     Source: ETV Bharat
2. June 6: The United Nations (UN)’s Russian Language Day
   • What: The United Nations (UN)’s Russian Language Day is annually observed on the 6th of June.
   • In 2010, the UN announced the launch of “Language Days at the UN”, a new initiative to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity.
     Source: UNESCO

3. STPI celebrates 33rd Foundation Day
   • What: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on 5th June.
   • Theme of the event: “Positioning Bharat as a Tech Product Nation”.
   • Tell me more (Highlights of the Event)
     • STPI launched two new web portals:
       • Sayuj Net: A networking and resource discovery platform
       • STPI-Workspace: It is an STPI Workspace portal, to strengthen the tech startup ecosystem in terms of networking and affordable incubation space in India.
     • Why launched: These portals aim to bolster the tech startup network and offer affordable incubation initiatives in India.
     • STPI also announced its new initiative under the brand name “Ananta”
     • Why: To develop a strong cloud network made by Indians for Indians.
       • This will offer various cloud computing services such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Graphical Processing Unit (GPU).
         Source: PIB

Sports

1. Legendary Indian footballer, Sunil Chhetri retires
   • What: Sunil Chhetri(39 years old), legendary Indian Footballer and the captain of the Indian National football Team since 2012, retired from international football.
     • His last game was against Kuwait for a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal.
     • The match ended with a 0-0 draw.
       • India will next travel to Qatar to play its last match of second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
   • Tell me more (achievements of Sunil Chhetri):
     • Matches played: He is India’s most capped (151 matches) player and also the country’s top goal-scorer (94).
       • He played his 150th game against Afghanistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier and scored his 94th international goal.
     • He has debut at 20 years of age, begun his professional football career with Indian football club Mohun Bagan in 2002
     • He has scored his first international goal during his debut match in 2005 against Pakistan.
     • In the Indian Super League (ISL), He has played for Mumbai City FC in 2015 and 2016 and joined Bengaluru FC in 2017.
       • With 61 goals in 155 matches, he is the highest Indian goal-scorer in the Indian Super League and the first Indian to have hit a hat-trick in ISL.
     • Awards won by him:
       • Chhetri has won AIFF Player of the Year award seven times (latest in 2022)
       • Only footballer to receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (in 2021)
       • Won Padma Shri in 2019
       • In 2018, the continental governing body of football in Asia, the Asian Football Federation (AIFF) awarded the title “Asian Icon” to Sunil Chhetri.
     • Achievements
       • He was a part of the Indian team which won the Nehru Cup for the first time in 2007.
       • First Indian to score 50 international goals
       • Only Indian to score a hat-trick in the final of an international tournament – AFC Challenge Cup at New Delhi in 2008
       • Fourth-highest active goal scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals in 205 matches), Ali Daei (108 goals, 148 matches), Lionel Messi(106 goals, 180 matches), Sunil Chhetri (94 goals, 150 matches).
         • But he is third active goal scorer in terms of active players (as Ali Daei was retired from the game in 2006)
       • He holds the record as the first Indian player to play in three continents (Asia; America and Europe)
     • International accolades:
       • Chhetri’s England Chance: Sunil Chhetri had signed for English club Queens Park Rangers back in 2009. However, the contract did not go through, and he was denied a permit because India were not in the Top 70 of the FIFA Rankings
       • First Indian to Play in Major League Soccer of USA: Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian to play Major League Soccer after Kansas City Wizards acquired him in 2011.
         • He became the third Indian footballer after Mohammad Salim and Bhaichung Bhutia to play in a foreign league.
       • He has also represented Sporting CP, Portuguese sports club based in Lisbon, and made three appearances.
         Source: Sport star

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Total Energies Inked LNG Deals with IOC Limited and Korea South-East Power for LNG Supply
   • What: French energy company Total Energies Limited has signed two agreements with Indian Public Sector Enterprise (PSE), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and a South Korean firm named Korea South-East Power Co Ltd
   • Why: To supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) gas.
     • Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Limited: Total Energies signed a sales and purchase agreement to deliver up to 8 lakh Metric Tons Per Annum (MTPA) of LNG to India for ten years starting from 2026.
     • Korea South-East Power: An agreement was signed with Korea South-East Power to supply up to 5 lakh MTPA per annum of LNG to South Korea for five years beginning in 2027.
       Source: Reuters

2. STPI Signed Two MoUs to bolster Skill Development & Startup Ecosystem
   • What: Software Technology Park of India (STPI) has signed two MoUs.
   • Why: To develop and nurture a holistic ecosystem to foster the next generation of tech startups in India.
   • Tell me more (Details of the MoUs)
     • STPI signed a MoU with the Sabudh Foundation to create skill development initiatives and nurture an entrepreneurial training ecosystem in DeepTech for Engineering Graduates.
       • Punjab-based SABUDH is a non-profit organisation which trains, educates and innovates data enthusiasts to become changemakers of society using Data Science.
     • Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based STPINEXT initiatives and DBS Bank India Private Limited signed a MoU to strengthen the tech startup ecosystem in India.
       Source: PIB

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