18th June, 2024

1. The Assam Secretariat (Named Janata Bhawan) has become the first state government headquarters in India to fully operate on solar power.
2. Recently, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) selected NEC Corporation India Private Limited (formerly known as NEC Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.) as System Integrator (SI) for a period of 6 years.
3. Recently the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024 was released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Sydney (Australia).
4. The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will be held in August 2024, and is likely to see the participation of ten countries, in addition to a few others acting as observer countries.
5. India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand attack helicopters.
6. The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is honoring the illustrious wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu by conferring upon him the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award.
7. The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi under the Chairmanship of its President, Sri Madhav Kaushik approved selection of 23 writers who will receive the prestigious Yuva Puraskar across as many languages.
8. Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2024 is an annual award established in 2010.
9. The United Nations (UN)’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 17 June.
10. The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is annually observed on 16 June.
11. World Crocodile Day is observed on June 17 every year to raise awareness about the plight of crocodiles and alligators and protect them from extinction.
12. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani has signed a MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation for a 570 MW hydroelectric plant in Chukha province of Bhutan.
13. IBS Software has appointed Somit Goyal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
14. Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced the appointment of Abdelaziz Toumi (Abdel) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its newly formed subsidiary, Lupin Manufacturing Solutions (LMS).
15. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sacked Igor Stimac who was in charge of the senior men’s team since 2019.
16. Bollywood Actress, Alia Bhatt, has launched her debut children’s picture book series titled `Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home’.
17. Former spokesperson for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Mrs. Alpana Killawala has authored a memoir titled ‘A Fly on the RBI Wall: An Insider’s View of the Central Bank’.
18. Srinivas Hegde, Former Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) Scientist & Mission Director of Chandrayaan-1 (the 1st lunar mission of India launched in 2008), Passed Away.
19. Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare passed away.

State News

1. Assam secretariat becomes India’s 1st eco-friendly state govt headquarters
   • What: The Assam Secretariat (Named Janata Bhawan) has become the first state government headquarters in India to fully operate on solar power.
     • A total of 2.5 MW solar energy will be generated by it.
   • Cost of project: 12.5 crore
     Source: Business Standard

Banking and Economy

1. PFRDA Selected NEC Corporation as System Integrator
   • What: Recently, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) selected NEC Corporation India Private Limited (formerly known as NEC Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.) as System Integrator (SI) for a period of 6 years.
   • The company will act as SI for PFRDA- Tracking, Reporting, Analytics, and Compliance e- Platform (TRACE) as part of Technology Architecture (TARCH) project.
     • It will play pivotal role in digital transformation journey of PFRDA.
   • Tell me more (About PFRDA-TRACE)
     • It will serve as a comprehensive tool for intermediaries to submit regulatory and supervisory compliance reports and share data with PFRDA.
     • It will monitor functions and facilitate workflow for PFRDA departments to review and track submissions.
       • This includes enabling communication of observations and remarks, along with a validation process for reports and data submitted by intermediaries.
     • The PFRDA (TARCH) project will include four modules:
       • Website Revamp and Chatbot
       • PFRDA Online Intermediary Supervision Engine (POISE)
       • PFRDA Repository and Information Systems Management (PRISM) data and analytics platform
       • PFRDA Intranet (PINTRA) for internal digitization.
     • About the System Integrator (SI), It will be responsible for:
       • Studying existing processes
       • Proposing improved workflows
       • Providing design, development, customization, implementation, and maintenance services for PFRDA-TRACE.
         Source: Business Line

Report and Indices

1. 18th edition of Global Peace Index 2024
   • What: Recently the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024 was released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Sydney (Australia).
   • The GPI uses 23 indicators to measure the state of peace across three domains:
     • Societal Safety and Security
     • Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
     • Militarization
     • However, this year it introduced a new measure of global military capability that incorporates military sophistication, technology, and battle readiness into a single measure.
   • Countries ranked: 163 covering 99.7 percent of the world’s population.
   • First released: 2008
   • Tell me more:
     • Currently, there are 56 active conflicts, the most since the end of the Second World War.
     • Fewer conflicts are being resolved, either through military means or peace agreements.
     • The percentage of conflicts ending in decisive victory dropped from 49% in the 1970s to 9% in the 2010s.
     • The percentage of conflicts ending through peace agreements fell from 23% in the 1970s to 4% in the 2010s.
     • Rankings:

• Key Findings:
  • The index shows that the average level of country peacefulness deteriorated by 56%. This is the fifth consecutive year that global peacefulness has deteriorated.
  • This is the 12th decline in peace in the last 16 years, with 65 countries improving and 97 deteriorating in peacefulness.
    • This is the highest number of countries to show a decline in peacefulness in a single year since the origin of the index.
  • The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remained the world’s least peaceful region with major crises in Yemen and Sudan becoming the reasons of its poor rating.
  • Yemen (163) is now the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan (162), South Sudan (161), Afghanistan (160), and Ukraine (159).

• Positive Trends
  • Europe has been the most peaceful region in the world and is home to eight of the ten most peaceful countries since the start of the GPI.
  • El Salvador (107) saw the largest improvement on the index, due to notable improvements in the homicide rate indicator and citizens’ improved perceptions of safety over the past few years.
• India – Overview:
  • In 2023: India secured 126th rank with a score of 2.314, however in 2024, India has climbed 10 positions to 116th rank in 2024.
  • India is far behind Bhutan (21), Nepal (80), China (88), Bangladesh (93) and Sri Lanka (100).
  • However, countries like Myanmar (148) and Pakistan (140) are listed behind India.
• The Economic Impact of Violence:
  • The global economic impact of violence was USD 19.1 trillion in 2023 (USD 158 billion increase from 2022), equivalent to 13.5 % of global GDP, or USD 2,380 per person.
  • Ukraine, Afghanistan, and North Korea incurred the highest economic cost of violence in 2023.
  • Military and internal security expenditure accounts for over 74% of the total economic impact of violence wherein military expenditure alone accounts for 44% of the total at USD 8.4 trillion.
    Source: GPI

Defence News

1. India to host its first multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in August 2024
   • What: The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will be held in August 2024, and is likely to see the participation of ten countries, in addition to a few others acting as observer countries.
   • Why: The exercise aims to foster professional interactions, among the participating forces, and facilitate the exchange of valuable insights.
   • Tell me more:
     • The exercise was earlier planned to be held at the end of 2023 but got deferred.
     • Exercise will be scheduled in two phases – first will be held in southern India and the second will be in the western India.
     • Participating countries: Countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UAE, UK, and the US are expected to send contingents
     • This exercise by the Indian Air Force is inspired by the Red Flag exercise hosted by the U.S. Air Force.
       • The Red Flag exercise 2024 edition, concluded at the Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This was the second edition of Red Flag this year; the exercise is hosted four times a year by the USAF.
         Source: The Hindu

2. Defence ministry issues RFP for procurement of 156 light combat helicopters
   • What: India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand attack helicopters.
     • MoD has issued this RFP in terms of Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015

• This significant development follows the Indian Army’s establishment of its first attack squadron equipped with LCHs in Bangalore in 2022.
• Tell me more:
  • Total cost: Rs 45,000 crores
  • The plan is to establish a total of seven squadrons, each equipped with ten helicopters.
• Out of this 156 LCHS, 90 is for the Indian Army (IA) and remaining 66 is for the Indian Air Force(IAF)
• About Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):
  • The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran.
  • This is the world’s only attack helicopter that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft).
    Source: Economic Times

Awards

1. Wildlife Filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 18th MIFF
   • What: The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is honoring the illustrious wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu by conferring upon him the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award.
   • He gained prominence with his work on Living on the Edge, India’s longest-running Panda Award-winning environment series.
   • Notable works: Tiger Dynasty (2012-2013), Tiger Queen (2010) and The World’s Most Famous Tiger (2017).
   • He is also one of the first to use 4K resolution for wildlife filming in India.
   • He has also won five National Film Awards. He is a regular jury member of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and has also served as the jury chairman of the Indian Panorama Film Festival (2021).

Source: PIB

2. Sahitya Akademi Announces SAHITYA AKADEMI YUVA PURASKAR 2024
   • What: The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi under the Chairmanship of its President, Sri Madhav Kaushik approved selection of 23 writers who will receive the prestigious Yuva Puraskar across as many languages.
     • Each writer represents one schedule language, as per 8th schedule of the Indian constitution.
     • English is not a schedule language.
     • Eighth schedule lists the 22 official languages of India. Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in Article 343 and 351.
   • Tell me more:
     • English writer K Vaishali has received for, Homeless: Growing up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India (Memoir)
     • Hindi author Gaurav Pandey, has receievd for Smritiyon Ke Beech Ghiri Hai Prithvi (Poetry)
     • Telugu writer Ramesh Karthik Nayak, has received for Dhaavlo (Short Stories)
       • He is the first and youngest (26 years of age) tribal writer to win the award
         Source: PIB

3. Sahitya Akademi Announces SAHITYA AKADEMI BAAL PURASKAR 2024
   • What: Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2024 is an annual award established in 2010.
   • This annual award recognizes writers for their contributions to children’s literature in any of the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
   • The book must be creative one not a work of translation or an anthology of multiple authors and is meant for the target readership of 9 to 16 years age group.
   • The Akademi announced 24 winners in this category.
   • Tell me more:
     • Announced by: The National Academy of Letters.
     • Devender Kumar has received in Hindi Language for his book 51 Baal Kahaniyaan.
     • Nandini Sengupta has receievd for English language The Blue Horse and Other Amazing Animal Stories from Indian History”.
       Source: The Hindu

Important Days

1. June 17: UN World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD)
   • What: The United Nations (UN)’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 17 June.
   • Why: To raise awareness and combat international issues linked to Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD).
   • Tell me more:
     • 17th June 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, which was established on 17th June 1994.
     • The 2024 theme of WDCDD is, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.
       • The 2024 theme highlights the transformative power of sustainable land management to ensure global stability and prosperity.

     • 2024 event hosted by: Government of the Federal Republic of Germany
       Source: UN

2. June 16: UN International Day of Family Remittances
   • What: The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is annually observed on 16 June.
   • Why: To honor the dedication of millions of migrants who support their families and communities through remittances.
   • Tell me more:
     • The theme of the IDFR 2023-2024: “Digital Remittances Towards Financial Inclusion and Cost Reduction.”
     • What is Remittances: A remittance is a transfer of money by a person abroad to their family or community in their home country.
       Source: UN

3. June 17: World Crocodile Day
   • What: World Crocodile Day is observed on June 17 every year to raise awareness about the plight of crocodiles and alligators and protect them from extinction.
   • Tell me more:
     • The global day was started by the Crocodile Research Coalition in collaboration with Belize Zoo in 2017.
     • India launched its Crocodile Conservation Project in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park in 1975 with the assistance of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
       Source: Down To Earth

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Adani group signs MoU for Bhutan’s 570 MW green hydro plant
   • What: Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani has signed a MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation for a 570 MW hydroelectric plant in Chukha province of Bhutan.
   • Tell me more:
     • About Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC): DGPC, is the only power generation firm in Bhutan, it is a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI).
       • DGPC was formed in December 2007 to develop and manage Bhutan’s hydropower resources and assets.
     • About Adani Group: Adani Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate founded by Gautam Adani in 1988.
       • It is a diversified organisation in India, headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
         Source: Hindustan Times

   
   

Appointments

1. IBS Software Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer Somit Goyal
   • What: IBS Software has appointed Somit Goyal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
   • Somit succeeds Anand Krishnan, who served as CEO of IBS Software since 2018.
     Source: IBS
2. Lupin appoints Abdelaziz Toumi CEO of new subsidiary
   • What: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced the appointment of Abdelaziz Toumi (Abdel) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its newly formed subsidiary, Lupin Manufacturing Solutions (LMS).
   • LMS is engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
     Source: Lupin
3. AIFF sacks men’s football team coach Igor Stimac
   • What: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sacked Igor Stimac who was in charge of the senior men’s team since 2019.
   • Why he was sacked: He was removed with immediate effect after India had failed to make the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
     • India was out from the second qualification round after defeat from Qatar.
       Source: Hindustan Times

Miscellaneous

1. Alia Bhatt launches her debut children’s book “The Adventures of Ed Finds a Home”
   • What: Bollywood Actress, Alia Bhatt, has launched her debut children’s picture book series titled `Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home’.
   • Ed Finds A Home is the first in the series inspired by her kids wear brand Ed-a-Mamma.
     • It is a heartwarming tale of a dog meeting a little girl called Alia.
   • Alia founded kids wear and maternity wear brand Ed-a-Mamma in 2020.
     Source: Hindustan Times
2. A Book titled “A Fly on the RBI Wall” Authored by Alpana Killawala
   • What: Former spokesperson for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Mrs. Alpana Killawala has authored a memoir titled ‘A Fly on the RBI Wall: An Insider’s View of the Central Bank’.
   • It is a collection of anecdotes that provide an account of her experiences at the RBI.
   • The book is published by Rupa Publications India.
   • She was the head of the Department of Communication at the RBI.
     Source: Business Standard
3. Srinivas Hegde, Chandrayaan-1 mission director, passes away
   • What: Srinivas Hegde, Former Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) Scientist & Mission Director of Chandrayaan-1 (the 1st lunar mission of India launched in 2008), Passed Away.
     Source: The Hindu
4. Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare passes away
   • What: Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare passed away.
   • He has served as Governor of Odisha from August 2007 to March 2013.
     Source: The Hindu

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