WEEKLY

CURRENT
AFFAIRS

JUNE, 2023

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CSE, ESE, PSUs, State Services Exams,
SSC and Banking Exams
2 Week-1 01st June - 07th June

About CLN
    1st JUNE, 2023
• CLN, which is part of the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), consists of 15
GOBARdhan
partner facilities from 13 countries.
• Context: The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti recently
• It plays a crucial role in supporting CEPI’s mission
unveiled the unified registration portal for
‘GOBARdhan,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at to accelerate the development of vaccines against
promoting the biogas sector in India. emerging infectious diseases.
• CLN aims to identify vaccine candidates with
Key highlights the highest potential for combating emerging
• The portal will serve as a centralized platform to infectious diseases and supports the development
evaluate investment opportunities and participation of sustainable regional outbreak preparedness
in the biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) sector. infrastructure.
• The unified registration portal allows any government,
cooperative, or private entity operating or intending
National Mission for Mentoring
to establish a biogas, CBG, or Bio CNG plant in India
• Context: Recently, a capacity building workshop
to obtain a unique registration number.
was organized by the National Council for Teacher
• This registration number will serve as a key identifier
Education (NCTE), under National Mission for
for entities involved in the biogas sector, facilitating
Mentoring (NMM).
their engagement and access to various benefits and
support from the ministries and departments of the About National Mission for Mentoring (NMM)
Government of India.
• National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) was
launched in pilot mode on 29th July 2022. As part
About GOBARdhan Initiative
of this initial phase, a select number of central
• GOBARdhan initiative has the objective to convert
schools were chosen to implement the program and
waste into wealth and energy. It encompasses a
provide valuable insights for its future expansion
wide range of schemes and programs under different
and refinement.
ministries and departments.
• The primary purpose of the NMM is to facilitate the
• GOBARdhan initiative plays a pivotal role in promoting
continuous professional development of school
a circular economy, where waste materials are
teachers through mentoring.
transformed into valuable resources.
• It aims to create a robust system of mentorship
that empowers teachers to enhance their teaching
Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN)
practices and overall effectiveness in the
• Context: India has recently become a member of
classroom.
the Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN), a global
• To ensure the effectiveness of the NMM, 60
collaboration aimed at testing vaccines during
outstanding professionals with expertise in various
pandemic and epidemic disease outbreaks.
domains were onboarded as mentors.
Key facts • These mentors possess specialized knowledge
and skills in areas such as instructional leadership,
The Indian Council of Medical Research-National
Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) is among the new digital education, socio-emotional learning,
members contributing to the global efforts in testing inclusive education, professionalism and ethics,
vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. classroom management, and more.
 01st June - 07th June Week-1 3

• This substantial capacity will enable the generation of

    2nd JUNE, 2023
approximately 2,448 GWh of electricity annually.
• The project aims to leverage the flow of the Karnali
PM SVANidhi Mobile App River to harness hydroelectric power and contribute
• Context: Recently, the government unveiled PM to the energy needs of the region.
SVANidhi mobile app specifically designed for street • The Phukot Karnali project is designed as a
vendors to ease their loan application process. Peaking Run-of-River (PRoR) type scheme. This
scheme allows for the optimal utilization of river flow
Key highlights variations by storing water during high-flow periods
• It provides vendors with a user-friendly platform to
and releasing it during peak demand periods. This
apply for loans conveniently.
ensures a stable and reliable power supply while
• By streamlining the loan application process,
minimizing the impact on the river’s ecosystem.
the app eliminates unnecessary paperwork and
• NHPC and VUCL aim to drive the development of the
administrative complexities, ensuring a smooth
Phukot Karnali hydroelectric project and strengthen the
and efficient experience for street vendors seeking
power sector cooperation between India and Nepal.
financial assistance.

About PM SVANidhi
    3rd JUNE, 2023
• PM SVANidhi scheme provides crucial support to
street vendors in India during the challenging times Helmand River Dispute
brought on by the pandemic. • Context: Iran and Afghanistan have been involved in
• The primary objective of the PM SVANidhi scheme a longstanding conflict concerning the distribution of
is to provide handholding support to street vendors water resources from the Helmand River.
during pandemic-induced economic stress.
• This scheme offers a working capital collateral-free Key highlights
loan of ₹10,000. This financial lifeline enables vendors • Recently, clashes between Iranian and Taliban troops
to meet their immediate business needs and sustain along the border, have further escalated tensions
their livelihoods during uncertain times. between the two countries.
• With subsequent loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 also • The Helmand River serves as a crucial water source
available, street vendors have access to increased for both Afghanistan and Iran, supporting agriculture,
financial resources that can help them expand and livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region.
stabilize their businesses. • Originating near Kabul in the Hindu Kush Mountain
range, the river flows for approximately 1,150 kilometers
(715 miles) before emptying into Lake Hamun, which
Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project
straddles the Afghanistan-Iran border. Unfortunately,
• Context: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
Lake Hamun, once the largest freshwater lake in Iran,
(NHPC) and Vidhyut Utpadan Company (VUCL)
has suffered immensely over time.
have signed an initial pact for the development of the
Phukot Karnali hydroelectric project.
About Helmand River Treaty
Key highlights To regulate the allocation of river water, Iran and
• The Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project is expected Afghanistan signed the Helmand River Treaty in 1973.
to have an installed capacity of 480 MW. It is located However, the accord was not fully implemented, leading
in Kalikot district, Karnali Province of Nepal. to ongoing disagreements and tensions.
4 Week-1 01st June - 07th June

Agni-I Ballistic Missile • The proposal, which has gained support from the
• Context: The Strategic Forces Command recently steel ministry, has received a recommendation of
launched Agni-I missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam a 19% duty from the Directorate General of Trade
Island in Odisha. Remedies, a body operating under the commerce
ministry.
Key highlights
• The launch verified and confirmed the operational About Countervailing Duty (CVD)
and technical aspects of the missile. • The CVD is a measure typically employed to shield
• With the ability to strike targets with a remarkable local companies from the adverse effects of cheap
degree of precision, the Agni-I missile showcased its imports that benefit from subsidies provided by
effectiveness and showcased India’s dedication to exporting nations.
enhancing its strategic deterrent capability. • By levying a duty on such imports, the aim is to restore
a level playing field and prevent unfair competition
About Agni-I Missile: that could harm domestic manufacturers.
• The medium-range Agni-I ballistic missile has a strike • The decision to reintroduce the CVD comes after its
range from 700-1200 kilometres and weighs around removal in the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2021-
22.
12,000 kilograms.
• It is also capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000
kg. GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation
• Agni-I was first tested in 1989 at the Interim Test (GAGAN)
Range in Chandipur, but they were Short-range • Context: Using GPS Aided GEO Augmented
ballistic missiles (SRBM). Navigation (GAGAN) satellite technology, India
• Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force Command successfully carried out the first-ever performance-
(SFC) of the Indian Army. based navigation demonstration for helicopters in
Asia, with a flight from Juhu in Mumbai to Pune.
    4th JUNE, 2023
About GAGAN
• GAGAN, an acronym for GPS Aided GEO Augmented
Countervailing Duty
Navigation, is an Indian Satellite-Based Augmentation
• Context: In order to safeguard the interests of
local manufacturers and counter the influx of System (SBAS).
cheap imports, India is considering the imposition • Developed jointly by the Indian Space Research
of a countervailing duty (CVD) on stainless steel Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of
imports. India (AAI), GAGAN has transformed the way aircraft
navigate the skies.
Key highlights • It was certified by the Directorate General of Civil
• The surge in cheap imports has had a detrimental Aviation (DGCA) in 2015, marking a significant
effect on domestic steelmakers in India. These imports milestone for the Indian aviation sector.
have distorted the steel market by flooding it with • Notably, only four space-based augmentation
subsidized products. As a result, local companies, systems exist worldwide, with GAGAN being the first
especially smaller ones, have been compelled to put developed for India and neighboring countries in the
their hiring and expansion plans on hold. equatorial region.
 01st June - 07th June Week-1 5

UGC (Institutions Deemed to be • Deemed universities meeting specific criteria, such

as minimum ‘A’ grade or being ranked from 1 to 100
Universities) Regulations, 2023
in the “Universities” category of NIRF rankings, are
• Context: The Union Government has recently released
eligible to establish off-campus centers.
the UGC (Institutions deemed to be Universities)
Regulations, 2023, bringing about significant changes
in the eligibility criteria for institutions aspiring to be     5th JUNE, 2023
deemed universities.
Lavender Festival
Key highlights • Context: Recently, Union Minister Jitendra Singh
• These revised guidelines aim to establish more inaugurated the two-day “Lavender Festival” in
quality-focused deemed universities in the country. Jammu and Kashmir, celebrating the region’s
• The new guidelines replace the previous 2019 success in promoting lavender cultivation and
guidelines and align with the National Education nurturing agri-startups.
Policy (NEP) 2020.
• One of the major changes is the simplification of
Key highlights
• The Bhaderwah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir has
eligibility criteria, which now emphasizes multi-
become a hub of lavender cultivation, earning it the
disciplinarity, NAAC grading, NIRF ranking, and NBA
prestigious title of the lavender capital of India.
grading. Institutions that meet specific requirements
• The festival, organized by the Council of Scientific
in these areas can apply for deemed university
and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative
status.
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), is part of their ‘One Week One
• As per the updated guidelines, a multi-disciplinary
Lab Campaign’.
institution is eligible to seek deemed status when
• The Lavender Festival exhibits the impressive
it possesses valid NAAC accreditation with a
advancements achieved in cultivating lavender and
cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of no less
the beneficial influence it has had on the nearby
than 3.01 for three consecutive cycles.
community.
• The guidelines also allow a cluster of institutions
• Lavender cultivation has thrived in Bhaderwah due
managed by multiple sponsoring bodies or societies
to its ideal conditions, including favorable land and
to apply for deemed university status. This provision
climate.
enables collaboration and collective efforts in
• This region has witnessed the birth of India’s purple
establishing quality-focused institutions.
revolution, where lavender crops have transformed
• The revised guidelines raise the faculty strength
the lives of farmers and opened up new avenues for
requirement from 100 to 150, ensuring a strong
development.
academic base for deemed universities.
• In the case of private institutions, the corpus fund
requirement has been increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 Derailment in Indian Railways
crore, promoting financial stability and sustainability. • Context: A report titled “Derailment in Indian Railways”

• To promote academic flexibility and student mobility, was released in 2022 by the Comptroller and Auditor

the revised guidelines make it mandatory for deemed General of India (CAG). This report is in the news

universities to register on the Academic Bank of due to recent derailment of three trains in Balasore,

Credits (ABC). Odisha, killing over 250 passengers.

6 Week-1 01st June - 07th June

Key highlights of report Key highlights

• This report flagged several shortcomings and • With a budget of Rs 1,000 crore, this initiative aims
provided multiple recommendations to improve the to empower milk producers and provide them with
safety of the railways. opportunities to sell their milk at reasonable prices
• One of the significant shortcomings highlighted in through dairy co-operative societies.
the CAG report was the failure in conducting proper • The primary objective of the Nand Baba Milk Mission
inspections. The report revealed that inspections by is to empower milk producers in Uttar Pradesh.
Track Recording Cars, which are crucial in assessing • By establishing dairy co-operative societies, the
the geometrical and structural conditions of railway mission aims to provide producers with a fair and
tracks, experienced shortfalls ranging from 30-100%. reasonable price for their milk, thereby ensuring their
• The report also flagged failures in submitting and economic well-being.
accepting inquiry reports after accidents. This lack • As part of the Nand Baba Milk Mission, there is a
of proper documentation and analysis hindered the proposed plan to set up Dairy Farmer Producer
ability to learn from past incidents and implement Organizations (Dairy FPOs) in 5 districts of the
necessary preventive measures. state. These organizations will play a crucial role
• Another concerning aspect was the inadequate in facilitating the sale of milk directly in producers’
utilization of the dedicated railway fund. The report villages.
pointed out that the fund, meant for priority tasks
related to safety, was not fully utilized.
MV Empress: India’s First International
• The report also highlighted a decline in funding
for track renewal, which was linked to a significant Cruise Vessel
number of derailments. • Context: India’s first international cruise vessel, MV
• Approximately 289 derailments, accounting for Empress, embarked on its maiden voyage from
26% of the total incidents from 2017 to 2021, were Chennai.
attributed to track renewals.
• Among the factors contributing to derailments, Key highlights
the report emphasized the role of bad driving and • Alongside the launch of this significant cruise service,
overspeeding. It stated that 154 accidents, out of a total another landmark event took place at the Chennai
of 1129 derailments, were attributed to the loco pilots. Port – the inauguration of an international cruise
• CAG report presented several recommendations tourism terminal.
to improve the safety of India’s train system. It • The newly inaugurated international cruise tourism
stressed the importance of strict adherence to terminal at the Chennai Port is a remarkable addition
scheduled timelines for accident inquiries to ensure to India’s maritime infrastructure.
timely resolution and implementation of preventive • Developed at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore, this state-of-
measures. the-art facility spans across a sprawling 2,880 square
meters.
    6 JUNE, 2023th
• It has been designed to cater to the needs of cruise
passengers, offering a host of modern amenities and
Nand Baba Milk Mission Scheme conveniences.
• Context: In an effort to enhance milk production in • MV Empress cruise will make three exciting ports of
Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has call in Sri Lanka, including Hambantota, Trincomalee,
launched the Nand Baba Milk Mission. and Kankesanturai.
 01st June - 07th June Week-1 7

• The launch of India’s first international cruise • The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru
vessel and the opening of the international cruise emerged as the leading university, reaffirming its
tourism terminal mark a significant milestone in the commitment to academic excellence. Additionally,
development of the country’s cruise tourism sector. IISc Bangalore was recognized as the second-best
institution in the overall category. Jawaharlal Nehru
The Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
secured the second and third spots, respectively.
Star
• IIT Madras emerged as the top performer in the
• Context: President Droupadi Murmu became the first
Engineering categories for the second consecutive
Indian to receive the Grand Order of the Chain of
year.
Yellow Star, the most prestigious state decoration in
• In the field of management, the Indian Institute of
the Republic of Suriname.
Management (IIM) Ahmedabad secured the top spot.
• The NIRF rankings also acknowledge the top performers
Key highlights
in other domains such as Pharmacy, Colleges, Medical,
• The award holds great significance and is awarded to
Research Institutions, Innovation, Law, Architecture,
individuals who have made meritorious contributions to
Dental, and Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
the Surinamese people or nation. In a historic moment,
• The Order was established in 1975, coinciding with
Importance of NIRF Rankings
Suriname’s independence, and replaced the Dutch
• The NIRF rankings play a crucial role in evaluating
Order of the Netherlands Lion.
and improving the quality of higher education in
• The Order recognizes both Surinamese citizens
India.
and foreigners who have demonstrated exceptional
• By providing a comprehensive assessment and
service and dedication. It serves as a symbol of
comparison of institutions, the rankings help students
honor and appreciation for their contributions to the
make informed decisions about their academic
welfare and progress of Suriname.
pursuits.

    7th JUNE, 2023

Antardrishti Dashboard
• Context: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das recently
National Institutional Ranking launched a financial inclusion dashboard called
Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 ‘Antardrishti’, marking a significant step towards
• Context: The National Institutional Ranking Framework promoting financial inclusion in India.
(NIRF) Rankings 2023 were recently released.
Key highlights
Key highlights • The primary objective of the Antardrishti dashboard
• NIRF rankings serve as a significant benchmark to is to evaluate and track the advancements made in
assess the quality and performance of educational financial inclusion across the country.
institutions across the country. • By analyzing key metrics and indicators, it
• The NIRF rankings encompass four major categories: enables policymakers and stakeholders to gain a
Overall, Colleges, Universities, and Research comprehensive understanding of the current state of
Institutions. financial inclusion.
• In the overall category, the Indian Institute of • This real-time monitoring allows for targeted
Technology (IIT) Madras secured the top position, interventions and initiatives to address areas with
maintaining its success from the previous year. limited access to financial services.
8 Week-1 01st June - 07th June

• One of the key advantages of the Antardrishti dashboard is its ability to facilitate greater financial inclusion
through a multi-stakeholder approach.
• By involving various entities, such as financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers, in the decision-making
process, the dashboard promotes collective efforts to enhance financial inclusion.

About Financial Inclusion Index

• In 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) devised the Financial Inclusion (FI) Index as a reliable means to
accurately gauge the level of financial inclusion.
• The FI Index encompasses multiple sectors, including banking, investments, insurance, postal services, and
pensions.
• The index lists various aspects of financial inclusion into a single numerical value that ranges from 0 to 100. The
score of zero signifies total exclusion from financial services, whereas a score of 100 signifies comprehensive
inclusion in the financial system.

NHAI’s First ‘Sustainability Report’

• Context: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently released its inaugural ‘Sustainability Report for
FY 2021-22’.

Key Highlights
• The Sustainability Report provides insights into NHAI’s governance structure, emphasizing transparency and
accountability in its operations. It also highlights the involvement of various stakeholders in NHAI’s sustainability
initiatives.
• NHAI’s report showcases significant progress in reducing direct emissions. From FY 2019-20 to 2021-22, direct
emissions decreased by 18.44% primarily due to reduced fuel consumption.
• The report highlights a commendable decline in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In FY 2020-21, GHG
emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel saw a reduction of 9.7%, followed by a 2%
decline in FY 2021-22.
• NHAI has made remarkable strides in improving energy efficiency during its operations. In FY 2020-21, energy
intensity measured in Giga Joules per kilometer reduced by 37%.
• To mitigate man-animal conflicts and protect wildlife, NHAI has created more than 100 Wildlife Crossings across
20 states in the last three years. These crossings serve as crucial measures for safeguarding wildlife habitats and
promoting sustainable development.
• Through a performance-based management system, NHAI has achieved a 7.4% increase in female hiring and
an overall 3% increase in its workforce over the past three financial years.