25th June, 2024

1. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has concluded her official state visit to India.
2. The Government of India has decided to impose stock limits on Wheat.
3. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu has inaugurated the CAG’s Audit Heritage Museum in Chadwick House in Shimla.
4. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced 2 new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024.
5. Kozhikode or Calicut district of Kerala was officially declared as India’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ‘City of Literature’.
6. The Ambubachi festival commemorates the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
7. Recently Srinagar (capital of Jammu and Kashmir) has become the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC), following its designation as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts three years ago.
8. The world’s first conservation and breeding center for the critically endangered Asian king vulture is set to open in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district.
9. Recently the Russian government has approved the draft Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) with India.
10. India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was launched in June 2023 to act as a defence innovation bridge between two countries under initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
11. The iPhone maker firm Apple has become the first tech company to be charged under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) passed in the year 2022.
12. One97 Communications (OCL), the company that operates brand Paytm, announced a partnership with global travel aggregators including SkyScanner, Google Flights and Wego, as it focuses on its travel segment.
13. Bengaluru-based biopharma firm Biocon Biologics (BBL) has been granted approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to produce biosimilar Bevacizumab at its newly established drug facility in Bengaluru.
14. Recently the United Nations (UN) has released its annual report on Children and Armed Conflict
15. China successfully launched the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM), a space science satellite, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, China.
16. Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar qualify for Paris Olympics 2024.
17. For the first time in 12 years, India will be sending a full six- member archery contingent to the Paris Olympics 2024, making them eligible to compete in all the five Archey events at the Paris Games.
18. The Vice captain of India’s women’s cricket team and batter Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming a woman player with the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
19. The United Nations (UN)’s International Widows Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd June.
20. International Olympic Day 2024 is celebrated on June 23
21. The United Nations (UN) Public Service Day is annually observed across the globe on 23 June
22. The India Affiliate of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has licensed Sri Sri
    University (SSU), Odisha to set up India’s first Global Centre for
    ‘Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)’.
23. Prabdev Singh, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s bank in India, has stepped down before the end of his term.
24. Union minister for Health and family welfare, and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
25. The central government has extended the tenure of Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka by one more year until June 2025.

National News

1. Highlights of State Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India
   • What: The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has concluded her official state visit to India.
   • This will be the first incoming bilateral State Visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
   • Tell me more:
     • During her visit, several key Memorandum of Understandings, and initiatives were launched between the India and Bangladesh.
     • The list of MoU is as follows:
       • Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership, Green Partnership
       • MoU on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy
       • Renewal of MoU between NDMA and Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief for cooperation in the field of Disaster Management, Resilience and Mitigation
       • Renewal of MoU for cooperation in Fisheries
       • MoU between Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN- SPACe) and Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Government of Bangladesh for Collaboration on a Joint Small Satellite Project
       • MoU between Ministry of Railways, Government of India and Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh for railway connectivity
       • MoU for Cooperation in Oceanography between Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) and India’s National Institute of Oceanographic Institute (NIO) under CSIR
       • MoU for cooperation concerning Military education in the field of strategic and operational studies
     • Several other key announcements were also made:
       • Muktijoddha Scheme for medical patients with an upper ceiling of INR 8 lakh per patient
       • Bangladesh joined Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
       • Commercial agreement between NPCI and Bangladesh Bank for launch of UPI
         Source: MEA

2. Centre imposes stock limit on Wheat until 31st March 2025 in all States and UTs
   • What: The Government of India has decided to impose stock limits on Wheat.
   • Why: In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation,
   • Tell me more:
     • Applicability: Traders/Wholesaler, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors for all States and Union Territories.
       • It will be applicable until 31st March 2025 for all States and Union Territories.
     • Compliance Deadline: If stock levels exceed the prescribed limits, entities must reduce their stock to within the limits within 30 days of the notification issue date.
       Source: PIB

3. CAG opens its first audit museum at Shimla’s Chadwick House
   • What: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu has inaugurated the CAG’s Audit Heritage Museum in Chadwick House in Shimla.
   • The museum will showcase the evolution, achievements, and milestones of the institution of CAG.
   • During the freedom struggle, Chadwick House was a favoured residence of Mahatma Gandhi, in Shimla.
   • To establish it as a museum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the then owner Prasar Bharati (All India Radio) in December 2020.
     Source: CAG

4. BIS introduces two new standards to enhance Safety and Quality of Electric Vehicles in India
   • What: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced 2 new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024.
   • Why: It aims to enhance Electric Vehicles (EVs) safety and quality in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • These standards are applied to the L (2-wheelers), M (4-wheelers), and N (goods trucks) categories of EVs.
     • With these new standards, the BIS now has 30 Indian Standards (IS) dedicated to EV and their accessories, including charging systems
       Source: PIB
     
     

   
   

State News

1. Kozhikode gets recognition as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature
   • What: Kozhikode or Calicut district of Kerala was officially declared as India’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ‘City of Literature’.
     • In October 2023, UNESCO announced Kozhikode as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ and placed it under the literary category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
   • Why it was given: Kozhikode has a robust literary foundation with over 500 libraries and more than 70 publishers.
   • Tell me more:
     • Kerala has announced that June 23 will be celebrated as “City of Literature” day for Kozhikode throughout the state.
     • Note: In 2012 it was given the tag of “City of Sculptures” (Shilpa Nagaram) because of the various architectural sculptures located in various parts of the city.
     • The 2024 UCCN annual conference to be held in Braga under the theme “Bringing youth to the table for the next decade”.
       Source: The Hindu

2. Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Assam has started
   • What: The Ambubachi festival commemorates the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
     Source: News18

   
   
3. Srinagar gets tag of ‘World Craft City’, fourth from country
   • What: Recently Srinagar (capital of Jammu and Kashmir) has become the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC), following its designation as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts three years ago.
   • Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore are the other Indian cities that have previously been recognised as World Craft Cities.
     Source: Indian Express

   
   

4. World’s first Asian King Vulture center to be inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh
   • What: The world’s first conservation and breeding center for the critically endangered Asian king vulture is set to open in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district.
   • The center, named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC).
     • the JCBC aims to raise at least 40 vultures in captivity over 15 years to ensure the sustainable conservation of the species.
   • The species has been on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List since 2007 because it is in grave danger. This project aimed to save it.
     Source: India Today

International News

1. Russia approves the draft Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) with India
   • What: Recently the Russian government has approved the draft Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) with India.
   • It would enable the militaries of both countries to access logistics and support facilities at each other’s bases and ports.
     • It would facilitate the replenishment of fuel, rations, spare parts and berthing for troops, warships and aircraft while operating away from home ports and bases during the war
       and peacetime missions.
   • Other countries with which India has similar agreements are the US, Japan, Australia, France, Singapore and South Korea.
     Source: The Hindu

2. US-India INDUS-X initiative marks one-year anniversary
   • What: India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was launched in June 2023 to act as a defence innovation bridge between two countries under initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
   • INDUS-X facilitates partnerships among U.S. and Indian defense companies, incubators and accelerators, investors, and universities.
   • Note: The third INDUS-X Summit will take place in Silicon Valley (California) in September 2024 with a focus on harnessing private capital for defense innovation.
     • The summit will be co-hosted by the U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University.
     • The last (second) summit was hosted by the India in New Delhi.
       Source: Economic Times

     
     
   
   

Banking and Economy

1. Apple becomes first company to be charged under EU tech law
   • What: The iPhone maker firm Apple has become the first tech company to be charged under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) passed in the year 2022.
   • Allegations: The EU accused Apple of violating the following norms:
     • Apple’s App Store rules hinder developers from directing consumers to alternative ways of purchasing products and accessing content outside the Apple ecosystem.
     • Additionally, the EU is examining whether Apple’s technology fee for third-party developers violates the new law.
   • Tell me more:
     • It gives European Union authority to force the companies to change their business practices.
     • The European Commission, is also the EU’s antitrust and technology regulator
       Source: Economic Times

   
   
2. Paytm ties up with Skyscanner, Wego to expand travel segment
   • What: One97 Communications (OCL), the company that operates brand Paytm, announced a partnership with global travel aggregators including SkyScanner, Google Flights and Wego, as it focuses on its travel segment.
   • The Noida-based firm also onboarded three new international carriers such as Cambodia Angkor Air, SalamAir, and FlyDubai.

     Source: CNBC TV18

   
   
3. Biocon gets EMA approval for biosimilar cancer drug
   • What: Bengaluru-based biopharma firm Biocon Biologics (BBL) has been granted approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to produce biosimilar Bevacizumab at its newly established drug facility in Bengaluru.
   • Bevacizumab is used to treat various forms of cancer.
   • Approval by the EMA will enhance the capability to meet patient needs across European markets
     Source: Business Line

   
   

Report and Indices

1. Secretary-General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict
   • What: Recently the United Nations (UN) has released its annual report on Children and Armed Conflict.
     • The report is released annually by UN Secretary- General, António Guterres and is presented at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
   • Tell me more:
     • The report has added the Israel Armed Forces, Hamas’s Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades to the list of gross violators of children’s rights.
     • Additionally, Sudan’s Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been blacklisted for killing and maiming children and attacking schools and hospitals amid their ongoing conflict.
     • Affected Regions: The highest numbers of grave violations occurred in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan.
     • Grave Violations: In 2023, a staggering 32,990 grave violations were verified against 22,557 children. These violations included recruitment and use of children, attacks on schools, abduction, and sexual violence.
     • Child Casualties: A heartbreaking 11,649 children were killed or maimed, representing a 35% increase compared to the previous year. This translates to nearly 15 children killed every day.
       Source: UN

     
     

Science and Technology

1. China and France launch satellite to better understand the universe
   • What: China successfully launched the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM), a space science satellite, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, China.
   • Tell me more:
     • Developed by: It was co-developed by China National Space Administration (CNSA) in partnership French space agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
     • Why launched: It will monitor the gamma-ray bursts in the space.
       Source: Franc 24

Awards

1. Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar qualify for Paris Olympics 2024
   • What: Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar qualify for Paris Olympics 2024.
   • Aditi Ashok, who finished fourth in the quadrennial event in Tokyo three years ago, will represent India in the women’s golf competition.
   • Diksha Dagar, a hearing-impaired professional golfer, will also compete at the Olympics after securing her qualification via world rankings.
     Source: India Today

   
   
2. India secures Olympic team births in Archery
   • What: For the first time in 12 years, India will be sending a full six- member archery contingent to the Paris Olympics 2024, making them eligible to compete in all the five Archey events at the Paris Games.
   • This was made possible after the Indian men and women secured the team quotas based on the updated world rankings.
   • The last time India fielded a six-member team at Olympics was in London 2012.
   • Note: The Archery mixed team event was introduced in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
     Source: Sportstar

3. Smriti Mandhana made record of becoming highest women run scorer in three match series
   • What: The Vice captain of India’s women’s cricket team and batter Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming a woman player with the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
     • She has scored 343 runs in the three-match series.
   • Mandhana accomplished this feat during India’s third ODI against South Africa at Bengaluru.

Source: India Today

Important Days

1. June 23: International Widows Day
   • What: The United Nations (UN)’s International Widows Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd June.
   • Theme: ‘Accelerating the achievements of Gender Equality’.
     Source: Quint

2. June 23: International Olympic Day
   • What: International Olympic Day 2024 is celebrated on June 23
   • Theme ‘Let’s Move and Celebrate’
     Source: Quint

3. June 23: UN Public Service Day
   • What: The United Nations (UN) Public Service Day is annually observed across the globe on 23 June to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community and emphasise the contribution of public service in the development process.
   • The 2024 UN Public Service Forum and Awards Ceremony takes place from 24 to 26 June 2024 in Incheon, Republic of Korea, under the theme ‘Fostering Innovation amid Global Challenges: a Public Sector Perspective’.
     Source: Radio Pakistan

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IRM India Affiliate Licenses to SSU to Setup India’s First Global Centre for ERM
   • What: The India Affiliate of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has licensed Sri Sri
     University (SSU), Odisha to set up India’s first Global Centre for
     ‘Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)’.
   • Tell me more:
     • This center will provide students with access to IRM’s global resources and training, enabling them to develop skills in risk-informed business leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate management
     • Note: IRM, which is headquartered at United Kingdom (UK), is the world’s leading professional certifying body for ERM qualifications, exams and memberships.
       Source: PTI
2. SAMEER, AND MCTE, signed MoU FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
   • What: The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous Research & Development (R&D) institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) signed a MOU with Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army,
   • Why: To promote collaboration in “Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army”.
   • Tell me more:
     • This partnership aligns with the vision for 2024 as the “Year of Technological Absorption for the Indian Army,” declared by the Chief of Army Staff.
     • The incubation center will support the development of military-specific innovative solutions, from conceptualization to large-scale production, including support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.
       Source: PIB

Appointments

1. JPMorgan India Bank CEO quits
   • What: Prabdev Singh, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s bank in India, has stepped down before the end of his term.
     Source: Hindustan Times

2. J.P Nadda named leader of House in Rajya Sabha
   • What: Union minister for Health and family welfare, and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
   • He was preceded by Union minister for Commerce and Industry and his party colleague Piyush Goyal, who is now a member of the Lok Sabha from Maharashtra’s North Mumbai.
   • Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is the current leader of opposition in the Upper House.
     Source: Hindustan Times

3. Tapan Kumar Deka gets a one-year extension as Intelligence Bureau chief
   • What: The central government has extended the tenure of Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka by one more year until June 2025.
   • He replaced Arvind Kumar as the IB chief.
     Source: India Today

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