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CURRENT AFFAIRS BOOSTER : 28th JUNE 2023
Current Affairs
28th June 2023
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1) MoA & FW Signed an MoU with Pixxel Space India Pvt. Ltd. to Develop Geospatial Solutions
On 26th June 2023, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA
& FW) in New Delhi, Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Pixxel Space India Pvt. Ltd. based in Bengaluru, Karnataka to
develop geospatial solutions for the Indian agriculture ecosystem on a free of
cost basis using Pixxel’s hyperspectral dataset.
·
The project will focus on crop mapping, crop stage discrimination, crop
health monitoring, and soil organic carbon assessments.
The MoU was signed by C. S. Murthy, Director, Mahalanobis National Crop
Forecast Centre (MNCFC) on behalf of Government of India (GoI),
and Abhishek Krishnan, Chief of Staff represented M/s Pixxel Space
India Pvt. Ltd in the presence of the Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Pramod Kumar Meherda,
Additional Secretary, DA&FW.
Hyperspectral remote sensing technology:
i.It measures spectral data in narrow wavelength bands, can detect
changes in chlorophyll content, canopy moisture status, and soil reflectance to
assess crop health and soil nutrient mapping.
ii.This technology will also contribute to crop risk management, early
detection of crop stress, and accurate diagnostics of pest, disease or
water-related issues.
iii.It also reduces dependence on time-consuming and
error-prone manual surveys and measurements.
About Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA
& FW):
Union minister – Narendra Singh Tomar (Constituency – Morena, Madhya
Pradesh)
Minister of state – Kailash Choudhary (Constituency – Barmer, Rajasthan)
2) GoI extends timeline for Loan/Completion of Ethanol Projects till September 30, 2023
Government of India (GoI) has extended the timeline for the
disbursement of loans for the completion of ethanol projects up to 30
September 2023 in a move to strengthen ethanol production in India under
the ‘scheme for extending financial assistance to sugar mills for augmentation
of ethanol production capacity’.
·
The extended timeline for ethanol projects tends to boost the agricultural
economy, reduce fossil fuel dependency, save foreign exchange on account of
crude oil imports and reduce air pollution.
Background:
i. GoI extends soft loan through banks to the mills for setting up new
distilleries, expanding existing ones and installation of incineration boilers
or installation of any method as approved by Central Pollution Control Board
for Zero Liquid Discharge.
ii. Previously, the deadline for loan disbursement for ethanol projects
was set on March 31, 2023.
Key Features:
i. Under the scheme, the government provides interest subvention for the
disbursed loans and has now extended the loan disbursement timeline until
September 30, 2023. This extension applies to all schemes that were notified
during the period from 2018 to 2021.
ii. The decision to extend the timeline was prompted by challenges faced
in processing loan applications and coordinating with multiple agencies.
iii. Many project proponents were unable to observe the original
deadline, resulting in delayed loan disbursements and incomplete projects and
the government recognized the need for an extension to address this issue.
iv. The central government provides financial assistance in the form of
interest subvention at a rate of 6% per annum or 50% of the interest charged by
banks, whichever is lower.
·
This benefit is applicable for a period of five years, including a one-year
moratorium.
v. The primary objective behind these measures is to increase ethanol
production and supply for the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme,
particularly during surplus seasons.
vi. Over the years, Government policies have led to a remarkable
expansion in both molasses-based and grain-based distilleries.
Note: The capacity of molasses-based distilleries has increased from 215
crore litres in 2014 to 811 crore litres in 2023. Similarly, capacity of
grain-based distilleries has grown from 206 crore litres in 2013 to 433 crore
litres. As a result, India’s national ethanol production capacity has reached
an all time highest to 1244 crore litres in 2023.
Ethanol Supply:
i. The impact of these efforts is evident in the supply of ethanol to
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Note: In 2013-14, the supply was 38 crore litres with a blending level
of 1.53%. By 2020-21, the production and supply of fuel-grade ethanol to OMCs
had increased by eight times.
ii. In the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21, India achieved a historic
milestone by producing 408 crore litres of ethanol, achieving a blending rate
of 10.02%. By 11th June 2023, during ESY 2022-23, India had already recorded
310 crore litres blended, reaching a blending rate of 11.70%. The target for
the current ESY 2021-22 is a 12% blending rate.
iii. To achieve the ambitious goal of 20% blending by 2025, India’s
ethanol production capacity needs to be expanded to 1700 crore litres.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
3) Highlights of Key Initiatives Launched during PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to the USA June 20-24
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi made a 5-day visit to the United States
of America from 20th to 24th June 2023, at the invitation of President of USA
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr (Joe Biden) and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
So far, PM Modi has visited the USA 6 times(2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 &
2021) in his capacity as the PM of India. However, the June 2023 visit marks
his first ever ‘state visit’ to the USA, which, as per diplomatic protocol, is
the highest-ranked visit.
Key Initiatives:
i.On June 23, 2023, during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the US,
World’s leading aircraft engine maker, GE Aerospace signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in
Washington to produce fighter jet engines in the country for the Indian Air
Force (IAF).
ii.The Union Cabinet of India has approved U.S. chipmaker Micron
Technology’s USD 2.75 billion plan to build a new semiconductor testing and
packaging facility in Gujarat, India.
iii. India and USA signed agreements – Artemis Accords and Joint
Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, on
cooperation in Space Research, which will take the bilateral relations to a new
height.
iv.As per the joint statement issued by PM Narendra Modi and US
President Joe Biden, the United States and India announced a USD 2 million
grant program for artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
v.Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) started exporting
the world’s 1st Nano liquid Urea invented & manufactured indigenously in
India by IFFCO to the USA through signing an agreement with California-based
Kapoor Enterprises Inc.
BANKING & FINANCE
4) SEBI unveils ASBA-like facility for Trading in Secondary Market
i.The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced ASBA
(Application supported by Blocked Amount)-like the process for trading supported by Blocked Amount in the secondary market w.e.f. January 1, 2024. This move is aimed to safeguard investors’
cash collateral.
ii.This method utilizes the funds held in the investor’s bank account,
rather than requiring upfront transfer to the trading member. It integrates the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Unified Payments Interface (UPI) mandate
service of single-block-and-multiple-debits with the secondary market trading
and settlement process and the ‘UPI block facility’.
iii.SEBI also comes out with disclosure formats for compliance reports
on governance and annual secretarial for emerging investment vehicles — Real
Estate Infrastructure Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts
(InvITs) which will come into force from FY 2023-24 onwards.
About Securities Exchange Board of India(SEBI):
Chairperson -Madhabi Puri Buch
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment – 12 April 1992
5) Canara Bank Becomes 1st PSB to launch UPI payments to merchans via RuPay Credit Cards
On June 26, 2023, Canara Bank became the first Public Sector Bank (PSB)
in India to introduce the facility of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payments
to merchants through RuPay Credit Card, in association with NPCI (National
Payments Corporation of India).
·
This facility is made available at ‘Canara ai1’ Banking Super App of the
Bank.
Key Points:
i.Notably, currently only Merchant Payments are allowed using this
facility, and Person-to-Person, Card-to-Card, or Cash-Out Transactions will not
be permitted for UPI payments from RuPay Credit Cards.
ii.This facility enables the bank customers to make UPI payments to
merchants from their RuPay Credit Cards.
iii.They can also link their Canara Bank RuPay Credit Cards to their UPI
IDs.
iv.The transaction limits applicable for UPI transactions shall continue
for UPI payments using RuPay Credit Card.
About Canara Bank:
MD and CEO– K Satyanarayana Raju
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka
Tagline– Together We Can
6) World Bank Approves USD 391 Million in Financing for Assam and Tripura
On 26th, June, 2023, World Bank approved USD 391 million in financing to
improve healthcare services and economic opportunities in India’s northeastern
states of Assam and Tripura. The funding aims to enhance access to high-quality
healthcare services and economic development in these regions of northeast
India.
i. The World Bank’s support for these projects underscores its
commitment to the development efforts of the Government of India in the
northeast region.
ii. By improving healthcare access and promoting economic development,
these initiatives will contribute to a better quality of life and increased
productivity in Assam and Tripura.
World Bank Grants USD 300M Loan to Improve Education in Chhattisgarh
On 27th june, 2023, The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan, with
maturity of 18.5 years along with a grace period of 5 years, to enhance the
quality of education in government-run schools in Chhattisgarh, India under the
project CHALK (Chhattisgarh Accelerated Learning for a Knowledge Economy Operation)
which aims to benefit 4 million students, particularly those from poor and
vulnerable communities.
About Assam:
Chief Minister – Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria
National Park – Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
7) S&P projects India’s GDP at 6% for FY24, Fastest Growing in Asia Pacific
On June 26, 2023, the S&P Global Ratings released its quarterly
economic update for Asia-Pacific namely ‘Economic Research: Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q3 2023: Domestic Demand,
Inflation Relief Support Asia’s Outlook‘ stating India as the fastest growing economy among
Asia Pacific nations.
·
In this, the S&P Global Rating retained its forecast for India’s
economic growth unchanged at 6% for fiscal year 2023-2024.
·
GDP is projected to rise to 6.9% for 2024-25 and 2025-26 and rise to 7.1%
in 2026-27.
·
India leads, with an average growth of 7% in 2024-2026.
·
India, Vietnam, and the Philippines continue to lead, with average growth
of 6.7%, 6.6%, and 6.1% in 2023-2026.
Inflation:
i.Retail inflation is likely to soften to 5% in 2023 (FY2023-24) from
6.7% in 2022 (FY2022-23) citing normal monsoon and softer crude prices as
primary reasons.
ii.It will be 4.5% in 2024 (FY 2024-25) and 2025 (FY2025-26), and 4.8%
in 2026 (FY 2026-27).
iii.The update expected India’s policy rate for 2023 at 6.25%, and 5.25%
in 2024, 5% in 2025 and 2026.
Key Points:
i.India’s retail inflation eased to a 2-year low of 4.25% in May 2023 on
an annual basis as against 4.70% in April 2022.
ii.In India, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand, external
deficit trends have improved this year as oil prices have declined.
iii.The Asian emerging market economies remain among the fastest growing
ones in our global growth outlook through 2026.
Regional Scenario: Asia
A GDP growth of 3.8% is projected in Asia in 2023 for Asia-Pacific excluding
China, after 4.7% in 2022. Inflation and external deficits are receding;
pressure on central banks to raise rates has diminished.
About S&P Global:
President and Chief Executive Officer– Douglas L. Peterson
Headquarters– New York, United States
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
8) DBS Bank India Appoints Rajat Verma as Managing Director of Institutional Banking Group
On 26th June 2023, DBS Bank India Limited appointed Rajat Verma
as Managing Director(MD) and head of DBS Institutional Banking Group,
India.
·
Institutional banking refers to the services provided by banks to large
organizations such as corporations, government entities, and non-profit organizations.
These services typically include business loans, commercial mortgages, and
lines of credit.
i.Rajat, who has 26 years of banking experience will be succeeding Niraj
Mittal.
ii.Niraj Mittal will be taking up a new role as country head of DBS Bank
in Australia as part of the bank’s continued talent and leadership
development program by focusing on DBS franchise linkages with South-East Asia
and South Asia.
NOTE-Rajat Verma formerly served as MD and country head of
commercial banking at Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC)
India.
About DBS Bank India Ltd:
DBS Bank India Limited, a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of DBS Bank
Limited, Singapore.
Managing Director and Chief executive officer(CEO)– Surojit Shome
Headquarters – Mumbai,Maharashtra
Established – 1994
9) Jhulan Goswami, Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan Joins MCC World Cricket Committee
Jhulan Goswami, former Indian woman cricketer, Heather
Knight, captain of the England women’s cricket team and Eoin Morgan,
former England Men’s cricketer have joined the MCC (Marylebone Cricket
Club) World Cricket Committee (WCC).
·
The trio has joined the committee ahead of its upcoming meeting at Lord’s
cricket ground in London, the United Kingdom (UK), known as the Home of Cricket,
which is owned by the MCC.
About Jhulan Goswami:
i. The seamer enjoyed a career spanning two decades include 12 Tests,
204 ODIs and 68 Twenty-Twenty (T20) Internationals from 2002 to 2022, picking
over 355 wickets across formats, the most by any bowler in women’s
international cricket.
ii. JhulanGoswami, a Padma Shri (2012 – for her services to
sports), and Arjuna Awardee (2010 for the Sport – Cricket), is often regarded
as one of the fastest bowlers in women’s Cricket and retired from international
cricket in 2022.
iii. She was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in April 2023.
Note: The final appearance of Jhulan Goswami was at Lord’s in the
One Day International (ODI) against England in 2022.
About Heather Knight:
The England women’s team won the ODI world cup led by Heather Knight in 2017.
About Eoin Morgan:
The England Men’s team won the ODI world cup led by Eoin Morgan in 2019.
Note: Both Eoin Morgan and Heather Knight led their teams to the ODI
World Cup at the Lord’s Cricket ground.
MCC World Cricket committee:
i. It is an independent body of current and former international
cricketers, umpires, and officials from across the world.
ii. The committee, funded entirely by the MCC, conducts research,
particularly into technological advances and the biomechanical elements of the
game.
iii. The committee signifies the growth of the female representation on
the committee with the growth that women’s cricket has enjoyed in recent years.
iv. JhulanGoswami and Heather Knight join Clare Connor (Former English
Cricketer) and Suzie Bates (New Zealand Cricketer), who can all offer direct
insight into women’s Cricket.
v. WCC will meet on Monday and Tuesday at Lord’s ahead of the second
Men’s Ashes Test between England and Australia.
Note: 3 new members were added to the WCC in February 2023, when Clare
Connor, Justin Langer and Graeme Smith joined ahead of the meeting in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Committee Members:
The 14 member committee, chaired by Mike Gatting, Former English Cricketer,
includes,
Mike Gatting (Former English Cricketer) (Chair), Jamie Cox (Australian
Cricketer), Suzie Bates, Clare Connor, Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lankan Cricket
Umpire), Sourav Ganguly (Former Indian Cricketer), Justin Langer
(Australian Cricket Coach), Ramiz Raja (Former Pakistani Cricketer), Kumar
Sangakkara (Former Sri Lankan Cricketer), Graeme Smith (Former South African
Cricketer), Ricky Skerritt (West Indian Cricket Board President)
10) Aarti Holla-Maini of UK appointed as Director of UN Office for Outer Space Affairs
On 26th June 2023, United Nations (UN)
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Aarti Holla-Maini, an
Indian-origin satellite industry expert from the United Kingdom (UK), as
the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
·
Aarti Holla-Maini will succeed Simonetta Di Pippo of Italy, who
served as the Director of UNOOSA from 2014 to 2022.
·
Niklas Hedman of Sweden, who has been serving as the Acting Director of UNOOSA since
March 2022, will continue in the post until Aarti Holla-Maini assumes the
position.
About Aarti Holla-Maini:
i.She served as the Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators
Association for 18 years.
ii.Aarti Holla-Maini served as a member of the World Economic Forum’s
Global Future Council on Space.
iii.She has served as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global
Future Council on Space; a member of the Advisory Group of the Space
Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de
Lausanne (EPFL) Space Center; a member of the Advisory Board of the
Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Adviser to
Forum Europe and as Expert Adviser on Space Traffic Management for European
Union studies 2021-2023.
iv.She was also a key architect of the Crisis Connectivity Charter,
which was formed in 2015 for emergency satellite communications with the UN
World Food Program’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.
Haoliang Xu of China appointed as new Under-Secretary-General
& Associate Administrator for UNDP
On 26th June 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Haoliang Xu
of China as Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
·
Haoliang Xu will succeed Usha Rao-Monari of India, who has
been serving as the Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the
UNDP since 17th February 2021.
About Haoliang Xu:
i.Prior to the appointment, he has been serving as the Assistant
Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme
Support since 2019.
ii.He also served as the Assistant Administrator and Director of the
UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific from 2013 to 2019.
iii.He has held various roles in UNDP, working in field and headquarters
assignments in Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, including assignments in
Iran, Timor-Leste, Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
11) Piramal Enterprises to sell entire 8.34% stake in Shriram Finance
According to block deal data available on the National Stock Exchange, on
21st June 2023, Piramal Enterprises divested its entire 8.34% stake in
non-banking financial company Shriram Finance for Rs 4,824 crore through an
open market transaction. As of March 2023, Piramal Enterprises held the
stake-sale comprising Rs.3.12 crore shares while Shriram Capital held 18%.
This comes after TPG India Investments, the United States of America
(USA)-based private equity firm offloaded its entire 2.65% stake, or 99.2 lakh
shares, in the Piramal Enterprises via several block deals at Rs.1,401 per
share for Rs.1,390 crore.
Note:
The sale by Piramal will be the third large exit since the three-way merger of
Shriram City Union Finance and Shriram Capital with Shriram Transport Finance
to create Shriram Finance in December 2022.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
12) Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, launched NANDI Portal
On 26th June 2023, Parshottam Rupala , Union Minister of
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched a NANDI– (NOC
(No Objection Certificates) Approval for New Drug and Inoculation
System) Portal at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi to timely process the
applications and grant NOC for veterinary drugs and vaccines.
NANDI Portal:
i. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) developed this
portal through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to
enhance the regulatory approval process and ensure transparency in assessing
and examining veterinary product proposals.
ii. The integration of the NANDI portal with the SUGAM portal, an
e-Governance solution for the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
(CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health will streamline the approval process
further.
iii. The launch of the NANDI portal marks an important step taken by the
DAHD in realising the objectives set out in its Animal Pandemic Preparedness
Initiative (APPI).
Highlights:
i. Following the animal vaccination coverage initiative and Mobile
Veterinary Units (MVUs), the launch of NANDI Portal would not only facilitate
regulatory processes but also provide valuable support to researchers and
industries from a commercial perspective.
ii. This initiative is a significant step towards advancing Government
of India’s Digital India and promoting the well-being of livestock and the
livestock industry by creating awareness among livestock rearers and improving
logistical facilities.
·
The consumption of veterinary drugs is expected to increase.
iii. The crucial role of veterinary vaccines in safeguarding animal health,
boosting production, ensuring safe food supplies, and preventing the
transmission of infectious diseases from animals to humans has been
acknowledged.
iv. The DAHD has consistently worked towards accelerating the regulatory
approval process, which is crucial for the availability of veterinary drugs and
vaccines in India.
v. In order to achieve this goal, the DAHD has established empowered
committees, such as the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH), chaired
by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), GoI.
Note: ECAH focuses on building resilient, farmer-centric animal health
systems in India and proposing changes to enhance the long-term success of the
livestock sector. Additionally,
vi. The Regulatory Subcommittee, composed of veterinary experts from the
industry and academia, has been set up under the ECAH to comprehensively
deliberates, takes efficient actions, and provides recommendations and policy
inputs on a veterinary vaccine, biological, and drug submissions.
vii. The portal aligns with the Digital India vision initiated and
embodies the principles of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance by
leveraging Information Technology (IT) systems.
ENVIRONMENT
13) Hasarius mumbai: New Species of Jumping Spider found in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A new species of jumping spider named ‘Hasarius mumbai’
was recently discovered from the rocks lying close to the streams at the Bombay
Natural History Society’s (BNHS) conservation education centre (CEC) in
Goregaon East, Mumbai (Maharashtra). The species is named after Mumbai,
where it was found.
·
The 33-acre nature reserve, inhabit to the ‘jumping spiders’, is “one of
the few pristine mixed moist deciduous forest types in India” and shares its
boundaries with the biodiverse landscapes of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
and Film City in Aarey Milk Colony (AMC) of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Note: This is the 3rd species of the genus Hasarius from India. The other
2 are H. adansoni, found across India including in urban areas, and
H. kjellerupi, documented from the Union Territory (UT) of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
Genus and Species:
i. The word “Hasarius” refers to a genus that ranks the species of
“jumping spiders” belonging to the Salticidae
ii. The ‘Salticidae’ family of spiders as per existing literature
contains over 600 different genera and over 6,000 described species of spider.
iii. These spiders are known for their unique hunting technique (Stalk
and hunt the prey by pouncing), different from traditional spiders that rely on
webs.
Note: This genus, first discovered in the year 1826, occurs primarily in
warm climates.
Researchers involved:
Rishikesh Tripathi (Lead) Christ College, Kerala; and researchers
from the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia;
and the BNHS, Mumbai (Maharashtra), have published their findings in the latest
issue of the International, peer-reviewed journal Arthropoda Selecta.
Note: This is the first time since September 2021 that a description of
a new biological species from Mumbai city has been published.
Features:
i. The colour of the new species is Carapace brown, with white lateral
bands of nearly uniform thickness. Eye field black, mid-anteriorly with a
streak of white hairs.
ii. A shield-like plate on the front of the head densely covered with
intermixed white and rusty coloured hairs forming a continuation with the
lateral white stripes of carapace.
iii. Their multiple eyes provide a 360-degree view of their
surroundings, helping in their hunting strategy.
SPORTS
14) Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023: India won 202 medals
The Indian team won 202 medals (including 76 Gold, 75 Silver, 51
Bronze) in Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 held in Berlin, Germany
from 17th June 2023 to 25th June 2023.
·
The Berlin 2023, the 16th edition Special Olympics World Games Berlin
witnessed the participation of 7000 special Olympic Athletes from around 190
countries competing in 26 sports.
Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023:
2023 Mascot: Named as ‘Unity’, it represents the emotions the
athletes feel about the World Games: joy, togetherness, pride, and excitement.
2023 Motto: ‘unbeatable together’
i.Indian Athletes won six medals in the track events (including 2 Gold,
3 Silver and 51 Bronze).
· Aanchal Goyal (400m, Level B Female) and Ravimathi Arumugam (400m, Level C Female) won gold medals for India in track events.
IMPORTANT DAYS
15) Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2023 – June 27
The United Nations (UN)’s Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized
Enterprises (MSME) Day is annually observed across the world on 27th
June to raise awareness about MSME’s contribution in achieving the 2030
Agenda of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
27th June 2023 marks the 6th Anniversary of MSME Day.
·
The global celebration of MSME day is led by the International Trade Centre
(ITC).
Background:
i. On 6th April 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted
the resolution A/RES/71/279 and proclaimed the 27th June of every year as the
Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day.
ii. The first-ever MSME day was observed in collaboration with
the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), the Permanent Mission of
Argentina to the UN on 27th June 2017.
Udyami Bharat- MSME Day 2023 in India:
On the eve of United Nations (UN)’s MSME Day (27th June 2023), the Ministry of
MSME, Government of India (GoI) is celebrating ‘Udyami Bharat
(Enterprising India) -MSME Day’ on 27th June, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi, Delhi.
·
The Ministry of MSME launched various initiatives for growth and
development of MSMEs such as CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal and Mobile App for
Geo-tagging of Cluster Projects and Technology Centres at the event.
About International Trade Centre (ITC):
Founded in– 1964
Executive Director– Pamela Coke-Hamilton
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
16) World Vitiligo Day – June 25 2023
World Vitiligo Day is celebrated annually across
the globe on 25th June to raise awareness about vitiligo, a chronic skin
condition that causes the loss of pigmentation in patches of the skin.
·
The goal of World Vitiligo Day 2023 is to spread knowledge, promote
research and to recognize bullying, psychological trauma, social neglect of
people affected by vitiligo.
World Vitiligo Day 2023: Theme
i.The theme for World Vitiligo Day 2023 is “Vitiligo: Looking into
the Future” and the campaign headquarters will be hosted by Kazakhstan under
the guidance of Dr. Aliya Kassymkhanova.
ii.The city of Tampa, Florida, (United States of America) USA
has designated June as Vitiligo Awareness Month.
iii.The day is also known as Vitiligo Awareness Day or Vitiligo
Purple Fun Day, as purple is the official color representing the condition.
History:
i.World Vitiligo Day was first observed on 25th June, 2011, on
the initiative of Steven Haragdon, the founder of the Vitiligo Friends
Network, and further developed by Ogo Maduewesi, a Nigerian
vitiligo patient and the Founder and Executive Director of the Vitiligo Support
and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF).
ii.The date was chosen to commemorate the death of Michael Jackson,
the popstar who discussed his struggles with Vitiligo.
iii.Vitiligo Friends Network is taking effort to recognise 25th June as
“World Vitiligo Day” by the United Nations to provide various campaign with a
wider platform to reach and create awareness throughout the globe.
Causes of Vitiligo:
Vitiligo occurs when the cells responsible for producing melanin stops
functioning and caused by involving a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and
environmental factors.
STATE NEWS
17) West Bengal govt ties up with Dun&Bradstreet for MSMEs
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) India has partnered with the West
Bengal (WB)government to issue Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Numbers to
exporters and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the state.
Key points:
i.D&B assigns a unique 9-digit (D-U-N-S) number to a specific MSME
firm or an exporter which comprises various financial health indicators and
also captures firmographic data, corporate relationships and credit scores of a
specific business entity.
ii.It helps identify, validate, and link businesses worldwide and
lenders can seek a credit report about a business by using the number assigned
to it.
NOTE: West Bengal is among the top 10 states in terms of coverage
of business in the D&B database, with the majority being MSMEs.
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