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Assam Current Affairs – June 27-30, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 27-30 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 27- 30, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 312: June 2022, Week 4 | Watch Video Quiz Video

June 27-30, 2022

Tapan Kumar Deka appointed as new Director of Intelligence Bureau

Tapan Deka has been appointed as the new Chief of the Intelligence Bureau for a tenure of two years. He will succeed incumbent Intelligence Bureau Director Arvind Kumar. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Tapan Kumar Deka.

About Tapan Kumar Deka

  • Tapan Deka, is a 1988 batch Himachal Pradesh Cadre officer.
  • He is currently serving as the Special Director of Intelligence Bureau and he is also in charge of counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • He has given preference to an officer over some four seniors in the Intelligence Bureau with the objective of adding more strength to the Intelligence Agency.

Global Liveability Index 2022

Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) launched the Global Liveability Index for 2022. A total of 173 cities were ranked by EIU based on a range of criteria, including the availability of green space, infrastructure, crime rates, political stability, and health care.

Key points 

  • The first place on the list is acquired by Vienna followed by Copenhagen in second place and Zurich in third place.
  • The cities in India have fared poorly in the list of the world’s most liveable cities. India’s national capital New Delhi has been ranked 112th on the list while Mumbai is ranked at 117th position.
  • The Pakistani city of Karachi and Bangladesh capital Dhaka are among the least liveable cities in the world.
  • Several of the top 10 cities have the minimum COVID-19 rules. Museums, Schools, eateries, and shops have all resumed operations.

Top 10 liveable cities 

1.Vienna, Austria 

  1. Copenhagen, Denmark 
  2. Zurich, Switzerland 
  3. Calgary, Canada 
  4. Vancouver, Canada 
  5. Geneva, Switzerland
  6. Frankfurt, Germany 
  7. Toronto, Canada 
  8. Amsterdam, Netherlands 
  9. Osaka, Japan and Melbourne, Australia (tie)

Least 10 liveable cities 

Tehran, Iran 

Douala, Cameroon 

Harare, Zimbabwe 

Dhaka, Bangladesh 

Port Moresby, PNG 

Karachi, Pakistan 

Algiers, Algeria 

Tripoli, Libya 

Lagos, Nigeria 

Damascus, Syria

Nitin Gupta appointed as the new chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) 

Nitin Gupta has been appointed as the new Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman. 

He is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1986 batch of the Income Tax cadre, is currently serving as member (investigation) in the CBDT and is scheduled to retire in September next year.

 About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) 

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the administrative body for the Income Tax department.
  • It was established as per the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
  • It is administered by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
  • It is headed by a Chairman and can have six members who are in the rank of special secretary. 
  • It deals with matters related to levying and collecting Direct Taxes and formulation of various policies related to direct taxes.

Partners in the Blue Pacific’ initiative

Recently, the United States and allied countries namely Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have – launched a new initiative called ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’ for “effective and efficient cooperation” with the region’s small island nations.

About Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) 

  • It is an initiative of a five-nation “informal mechanism” to support Pacific islands and to boost diplomatic, economic ties in the region. 
  • It speaks of enhancing “prosperity, resilience, and security” in the Pacific through closer cooperation among the member nations. 
  • Member countries would cooperate in areas including climate crisis, transportation, connectivity, health, maritime security & protection, prosperity and education. 
  • The initiative members will “elevate Pacific regionalism”, and forge stronger ties with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Reasons behind the PBP Initiative 

  • As China signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, the deal flagged serious concerns about the Chinese military getting a base in the southern Pacific, close to the US island territory of Guam, and right next to Australia and New Zealand.
  • China’s quest to dominate crucial shipping lanes pushed 10 Pacific nations to endorse a game-changing agreement called the “Common Development Vision”. 
  • Common Development Vision is a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development, to build a closer China-Pacific Island Countries community with a shared future. 
  • The vision is to follow cooperative and sustainable security measures and promote regional peace – strengthening dialogue and cooperation in governance and cybersecurity.

Efforts of the US and its allies to counter China

  • Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF):  US and its partners had launched “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)”  before the launch of Partners in the Blue Pacific Initiative. It is a trade-boosting framework, launched in association of 13 member countries; namely, Brunei, India, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Fiji.
  • G7 announced a plan- Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative by promising to raise 600 billion dollars to fund development projects in low and middle-income countries.
  • Asia-Africa Growth Corridor: A collaboration between India and Japan for development, connectivity, and cooperation between Asia and Africa.

Indian Army and DRDO successfully tests Ingeniously- developed Anti Tank Guided Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the final deliverable configuration of an indigenous Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) 

The Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army at KK Ranges with support of Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar

The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from the 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun. 

With the trial, the ATGM’s capability to engage targets from minimum to maximum range has been established. Earlier trials have been successful for maximum range.

Vijay Amritraj honored with 2021 Golden Achievement Award

Vijay Amritraj has been named the 2021 recipient of the Golden Achievement. The award is annually presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and International Tennis Federation. 

He is the first recipient from India and he joins an esteemed list of tennis leaders who have received the honour, including Brian Tobin of Australia, Eiichi Kawatei of Japan, and Peachy Kellmeyer of the United States.

The Golden Achievement Award 

  • The award is selected from a pool of nominations submitted by tennis federations and individuals from around the world. 
  • The annual honouree is selected by the Golden Achievement Award Committee, which is comprised of tennis administrators. 

Iran and Argentina apply to join BRICS

Recently , Iran and Argentina submitted an application to become a full member of BRICS. As per Iran’s Foreign Minister Spokesperson, Iranian membership in BRICS will result in added values for both sides. 

BRICS is a grouping of 5 powerful economies joining which will provide Iran and Argentina an international platform to present their regional and economic issues. 

China hosted the most recent 14th BRICS summit on 24 June 2022 virtually. Theme of the 14th BRICS Summit is Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development.

India is the chair for 2021.

About BRICS

  • BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. 
  • In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term BRIC to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
  • BRICS powers had their first summit in 2009 in Russia and South Africa joined in 2010.
  • The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers’ in 2006.

Ambubachi Mela 

Four-day Ambubachi Mela begins in Guwahati’s Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal Hills. 

This annual festival is held in the middle of June, when the Brahmaputra River is at its highest flow, during the monsoon season, which also happens to fall within the Assamese month of Ahaar.

About Ambubachi Mela

  • The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu mela held at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
  • It is the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Kamakhya.
  • It is believed that the presiding goddess of the temple, Devi Kamakhya, the Mother Shakti, goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this time stretch.
  • The temple remains closed for three days during the mela for it is believed that the goddess rests for three days like the traditional women’s menstrual seclusion. 
  • After three days devi Kamakhya is bathed and other rituals are performed to ensure that the devi retrieves her purity. Then the doors of the temple are reopened[and prasad is distributed.
  • On the fourth day the devotees are allowed to enter the temple and worship devi Kamakhya.

Salt Sector Crisis 

Recently, the Salt Industry is facing enormous challenges in meeting the demand and handling the crisis faced by salt farmers and workers.

Farmers are facing low prices as there is no minimum support price, Workers are also in distress due to a lack of a proper system for wages and social security.

Issues 

  • Indian Salt Manufacturers Association(ISMA) has demanded the classification of salt production as an agricultural activity under the Ministry of agriculture. 
  • This is because mining produces hardly 0.5% salt. 99.5% of salt is produced either from sea water or from subsoil water and the whole process is done by seeding, farming and harvesting. 
  • Unseasonal rains and floods are resulting in demand for Minimum Support Prices for the Salt industry. 
  • Salt companies have replaced cooperatives and they decide the wages of these workers and the production of farmers. Most of them are migrant labourers with no minimum wages or social security.
  • Moreover, projects such as Rann Sarovar, a freshwater lake construction project in 5,000 square kilometers of this area, will render about 50,000 people jobless.

Salt Industry in India 

  • India is the third producer of salt in the world next to the USA and China. 
  • Initially, the farmers were getting ₹ 17/per tonne which touched up to ₹70 by 1991.
  • Salt is a central subject listed as item number 58 of the Union List of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
  • Gujarat produces about 28.5 million tonnes of salt per year which is more than 80% of the country’s total production. 

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 312: June 2022, Week 4 | Watch Video Quiz Video

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Assam Current Affairs – June 23-26, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 23-26 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 23- 26, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 312: June 2022, Week 4 | Watch Video Quiz Video

June 23-26, 2022

India’s GSAT-24 satellite successfully launched

ISRO successfully launches India’s Communication satellite GSAT-24 satellite from Kourou in French Guiana (South America).  

GSAT-24, built by ISRO for New Space India Limited (NSIL), was launched by French company Arianespace. 

The satellite was successfully placed into geostationary orbit by the Ariane 5 rocket, operated by French company Arianespace, from Kourou in French Guiana (South America) .

GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite weighing 4180 kg with pan-India coverage for meeting DTH application needs. It was the first “demand driven” communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms.

New Space India Limited (NSIL) has leased the entire satellite capacity to Tata Play.

 Lisa Sthalekar becomes first woman president of international cricketers’ association

Former Australia international Lisa Sthalekar is the first woman appointed president of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations. Her appointment was made at a meeting of the organisation’s executive committee in Switzerland. 

She joins a shortlist of former cricketers including Barry Richards, Jimmy Adams and Vikram Solanki to have held the post of FICA president.

Sthalekar played for the Australian women’s team from 2001 to 2013 before becoming a broadcast commentator. She has also worked with the Australian Cricketers’ Association. 

India to Have its First-Ever Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh

A part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh is going to become a Dark Sky Reserve, which will help promote astronomy-tourism and also give a boost to local tourism through science. 

The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Bengaluru and the Ladakh Administration and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh. 

About Dark-sky reserve (DSR)

  • A dark-sky Reserve (DSR) is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory that restricts artificial light pollution.
  • The lighting protocol for a dark-sky reserve is based on the sensitivity of wildlife to artificial light at night. 
  • An International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) was founded in 1988 to reserve public or private land for an exquisite outlook of nocturnal territories and starry night skies.
  • In 1993, Michigan became the first state in the United States to designate a tract of land as a “Dark Sky Reserve” at the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area. 

First India-Nepal Bharat Gaurav tourist train flagged off from New Delhi

The first India-Nepal Bharat Gaurav tourist train was flagged off from the Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi. 

The train started its first Shri Ramayana Yatra for 18 days from June 21. It will provide an opportunity to people from across the countries to explore the architectural, historical and cultural marvels of the country.

About Bharat Gaurav tourist train

  • Bharat Gaurav trains is an attempt of showcasing the rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage of India to its people.
  • The train has 14 coaches and the exteriors of some of the coaches also promote various classical and folk dance forms, attires, popular festivals, delicacies of the country.
  • Every coach of the train has been designed as a kaleidoscope of ‘Pride of India’ highlighting the various facets of India such as monuments, cuisines, attires, festivals, flora and fauna, folk art etc. 
  • The Ramayana Circuit is one of the 15 thematic circuits identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Tourism of India. 

Indira Gandhi International Airport has become the first airport in the country to run entirely on hydro and solar power

Indira Gandhi International Airport or Delhi Airport has become the first airport in the country to run entirely on hydro and solar power from this month.

It is a major step toward achieving the ambitious goal of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030. 

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Infrastructure Limited-led consortium, which manages and operates the Delhi Airport, has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a Himachal Pradesh-based hydropower producing company for the supply of hydroelectricity for the airport until 2036.

Key points

  • Approximately 6 percent of the airport’s electricity requirement is met from the onsite solar power plants while as much as 94 percent of the total demand is now being met through renewable energy use from the hydropower plant since June 1, thus ending its dependency on non-renewable power. 
  • DIAL has been working relentlessly towards environmental sustainability and has set its target to make Delhi Airport a Net Zero Carbon Emission airport by 2030, way ahead of the global target of 2050. To achieve this, DIAL has adopted a Green Transportation program recently and now we achieved another milestone of the Green Energy Program.

Parameswaran Iyer appointed as CEO of NITI Aayog

Parameswaren Iyer has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog for 2 years. He will succeed Amitabh Kant.

About Parameswaren Iyer

  • Parameswaren Iyer, a 1981-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and a well-known sanitation specialist.
  • He entered the Indian Administrative Service in 1981 and took voluntary retirement in 2009 to join the water and sanitation initiatives at the World Bank. 
  • In 2016, Iyer returned to India and was appointed by the government to head the drinking and sanitation department and lead the Swachh Bharat Mission.
  • In 2021, Iyer resigned as Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation at the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Ruth Ozeki wins Women’s Prize for Fiction

Renowned US-Canadian author, film-maker, and Zen Buddhist priest Ruth Ozeki has won the Women’s Prize for Fiction this year for her novel ‘The Book of Form and Emptiness’.

Ozeki’s fourth novel, ‘The Book of Form and Emptiness’ tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy who, after the tragic death of his father, starts to hear the voices of objects speaking to him. 

She was announced as the winner of the £30,000 prize at a ceremony in London, beating nominees including Elif Shafak, Meg Mason and Louise Erdrich.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 312: June 2022, Week 4 

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Assam Current Affairs – June 19-22, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 19-22 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 19- 22, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Video Quiz Video

June 19-22, 2022

Mongolia’s Khuvsgul lake added to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Khuvsul Lake National Park of Mangolia has been added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO. 

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO covers internationally designated protected areas called biosphere reserves. These reserves are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between nature and people. They are created under Man and the Biosphere Programme.

About Khuvsgul Lake

  • The Khuvsgul Lake is located in northern Mongolian province of Khuvsgul, near to Russian border. 
  • It is the largest fresh water lake of Mongolia, by volume. In terms of area, it is the second largest lake in Mongolia. 
  • It holds 70 per cent of freshwater of Mongolia or accounts for 0.4 per cent of world’s total. 
  • This lake is located around 1645 meters above the sea level. It is a 135 km long and 262-meter-deep lake. 
  • A total of nine sites from Mongolia have so far been registered in the network, according to the ministry. 
  • The lake is located at about 200 km west of Lake Baikal. It is nicknamed as “Younger sister” of two “sister lakes”. It freezes over completely in winter.

Sunil Chhetri becomes joint 5th highest goalscorer in international football history

Indian Men’s football team captain, Sunil Chhetri became the joint fifth highest goalscorer in international football history.

He scored his 84th goal during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash against Hong Kong . 

He has now equalled legendary Real Madrid and Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas goals scoring exploits on the international level. 

Earlier in October 2021, Chhetri also surpassed legendary football player Pele’s record of 77 goals. He is now third on the list of active international goalscorers, just behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

China launches third aircraft carrier Fujian

China launched its third aircraft carrier  named ‘Fujain’, the country’s most advanced as well as the first “fully domestically” built naval vessel.

The launching ceremony for the carrier named Fujian was held in Shanghai’s Jiangnan shipyard.

The third aircraft carrier built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices.The aircraft carrier has the name of China’s eastern coastal province of Fujian. 

China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was a refit of a Soviet-era ship commissioned in 2012, followed by the indigenously built second aircraft carrier Shandong in 2019.

Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Kuortane Games in Finland

Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal with a best throw of 86.69m at the 2022 Kuortane Games in Finland.

Keshorn Walcott won silver with a throw of 86.64m. Peters was third with a throw of 84.75m. 

Sandeep Chaudhary, who was also training at the Kuortane Olympic Training Centre along with Chopra, also took part in the competition and finished eighth with a best throw of 60.35m.

PM eVidya wins UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize

The “PM eVidya” scheme has been awarded with the UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education for the year 2021. 

Key points

  • The “PM eVidya” scheme has been initiated as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan by the  the Ministry of Education in  2020. 
  • The scheme unifies all efforts related to digital/online/on-air education to enable multi-mode access for imparting education by using technology to minimise losses.
  • It offers multifarious educational resources in multi-platform mode viz., digital / online, TV, radio, community radio, podcast, etc.

About UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize

  • Established in 2005, with the help of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • The award recognises innovative approaches in leveraging new technologies in a bid to expand educational and lifelong learning opportunities for all. It is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 4 on Education. 
  • It rewards individuals and organisations which are implementing outstanding projects and promoting creative use of technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and overall educational performance in digital age.
  • Each prize winner receives US$ 25,000, a medal and a diploma during a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris”, which this year will be held on 24th June, 2022.

West Seti Power Project

India will be taking over an ambitious hydropower project in Nepal West Seti nearly four years after China withdrew from it. 

India’s National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has already begun preliminary engagement of the site in far-western Nepal following the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Lumbini.

Key points

  • It is a proposed 750-megawatt Hydropower Project, which is to be built on the Seti river in far-western Nepal.
  • West Seti and Seti River, a joint storage project, with the capacity to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity. 
  • This storage or reservoir will fill up during the monsoon season and the water will be drawn to generate power during peak hours each day in the dry season. 

India-Nepal Power relations

  • Mahakali treaty was signed back in 1996, to produce 6,480 MW, but India has still not been able to come out with the Detailed project Report. 
  • The Upper Karnali project, for which the multinational GMR signed the contract, has not made any headway for years. 
  • Three cross-border transmission lines were completed recently with GoI assistance: 400 kV Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line (2016); 132 kV Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur lines (2017).
  • India’s success in executing the 900-MW Arun Three project in eastern Nepal’s Sankhuwa Sabha, and whose foundation was laid in 2018 and which is set for completion by 2023 has helped build faith in India recently.

The Union government launched a new scheme called “Agnipath” for recruitment of youth in the armed forces

The government has recently unveiled its new Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers across the three services. Recruited Soldiers will be called “Agniveers”. 

About Agnipath Scheme 

Agneepath Army Bharti Scheme is a central government scheme for all Indian candidates.  Through Agnipath, one can serve in the combat forces and approximately 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited every year for the service term of just four years.

After completion of the tenure, 25% of Agniveers will be retained or re-enlisted into regular cadre. 75% will be demobilised with an exit package.  This has sparked protests because protestors are of the view that, this scheme will limit the opportunities for permanent jobs in defence forces, that provide fixed salaries, pensions along with other benefits. 

Central Government has explained to the youths that, youths will get a generous exit package of Rs 11.71 lakh, after four years. They will be given priority in government services like CAPFs, state police forces.  However, to calm down the protestors, government has introduced several changes to the new scheme.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles, after completing four years. Thus, the upper age limit for CAPFs now stands at 26 years.

Government has also increased the upper-age limit for recruitment to 23 years from 21 years for 2022. 

The National institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) under Department of school education, has announced to start a special programme, to enable 10th pass Agniveers to further their education and obtain 12th class pass certificate through customised courses.

The education ministry also announced a special, three-year skill-based bachelor’s degree programme for serving defence personnel that will recognize the skill training received by Agniveers during their tenure in the defence establishments.

International Day of Yoga

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world annually on June 21 since 2015 to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga. This year it is the 8th edition of the International Yoga Day. This year’s theme : ‘Yoga for Humanity’.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. 

Yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual exercises which originated in ancient India, involves mindful and controlled breathing and various body movements to rejuvenate the body and calm the mind. 

It emphasises the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverance.

The idea of an International Day of Yoga, initially proposed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and was promoted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.

Ruchira Kamboj named as next Permanent Representative of India to the UN

Ruchira Kamboj has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at New York. Currently she is Indian ambassador to Bhutan

She will succeed TS Tirumurti and is expected to take up the assignment shortly as the Indian ambassador to the United Nation. 

About Ruchira Kamboj

  • She joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1987, was the All India women’s topper of the 1987 Civil Services batch and the topper of the 1987 Foreign Service batch.
  • She began her diplomatic journey in Paris, France, where she was posted as the Third Secretary in the Indian Embassy to France from 1989-91 and learnt French there. 
  • She has been Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO in Paris, Indian High Commissioner in South Africa, and Chief of Protocol in New Delhi. 
  • From 2011-2014, she was India’s Chief of Protocol, the first and only woman diplomat so far in the Indian government to have held this position. 
  • She has also served in Mauritius, Cape Town in South Africa as India’s Consul General, and at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Video Quiz Video

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Assam Current Affairs – June 17-18, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 17-18 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 17- 18, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Quiz Video

June 17-18, 2022

World Competitiveness Index 2022

Institute for Management Development recently released the annual World Competitive Index 2022. India ranked 37th as per World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY). 

Key points

  • India has witnessed the sharpest rise among the Asian economies, with a six-position jump from 43rd to 37th rank, mainly due to gains in economic performance.
  • Denmark has topped the 2022 ranking featuring a 63-nations list from the third position last year.
  • Switzerland dropped from the top position to second position and Singapore regained the third spot from fifth.
  • Others in the top 10 include Sweden at the fourth position, followed by Hong Kong SAR (5th), the Netherlands (6th), Taiwan (7th), Finland (8th), Norway (9th) and the USA (10th).

About World Competitiveness Index

  • The World Competitiveness Yearbook is an annual report published by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD) on the competitiveness of nations and has been published since 1989.
  • It examines and assesses countries based on how effectively they manage their competencies in order to create long-term value.
  • Based on a comprehensive study, it provides benchmarks as well as patterns, and also statistics, and survey data.

Haryana- Israel sign joint declaration on Water Management

Recently, the government of Haryana and Israel have signed a joint declaration in the field of integrated water resources management and capacity building as India and Israel are celebrating 30 years of full diplomatic relations. 

Key points

  • Under the agreement, the government of Haryana and Israel expressed their willingness to strengthen existing relations in the water management sector, improve public health in the region and preserve water resources in public water areas in Haryana. 
  • Both the countries also seek to cooperate and coordinate efforts in protecting the water resources.
  • Israel will share its most advanced and cutting-edge water technologies, expertise and know-how with the government of Haryana. 
  • Israel will work closely with all of its partners in India, in order to continue enhancing the strategic relations between both the countries.

India successfully test-fired Prithvi-II Ballistic Missile 

India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed, nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile from an integrated test range in Chandipur, Odisha. 

This missile is an indigenously developed, surface-to-surface missile. Its range is 350 km and can carry one-ton payload. The system is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. 

About Prithvi-II 

  • The missile is capable of carrying 500-1,000 kilogram of warheads.
  • It is powered by liquid propulsion twin engines.
  • It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory to hit its target
  • The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the entire launch was carried out by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the Army and monitored by the scientists of the DRDO as part of a training exercise. 
  • The missile trajectory was tracked by radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations by the DRDO along the coast of Odisha. 
  • The downrange teams onboard the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown.

Centre to set up ‘PM Shri Schools’ to prepare students for future

The Centre is planning to set up “PM Shri Schools” that will aim at preparing students for future and will be the laboratory of new National Education Policy (NEP). 

Key points

  • PM Shri Schools will fully equip the students with 21st-century knowledge and skills to prepare them for the future. 
  • The steps for preparing global citizens of the 21st century are, 5+3+3+4 approach of the NEP covering pre-school to secondary school, Emphasis on Early Childhood Care & Education Program (ECCE), Teacher training & adult education, Integration of skill development with school education and Prioritising learning in the mother tongue. 
  • Best practices in education coming from different states and UTs will act as a cumulative force in transforming India’s youth as ‘Vishwa-Manavs’ (global citizens).

Coursera Global Skills Report 2022

  • India ranked 68th – As per the Coursera Global Skills Report (GSR) 2022. The report states that India’s proficiency in data science has reduced from 38% in 2021 to 26% in 2022, leading to a 12-rank drop. 
  • In terms of overall skills proficiency, India has slipped 4 places to be ranked 68th globally and 19th in Asia. 
  • However, the report states that India has improved its technology proficiency levels from 38% to 46%, improving its position by six spots. 

Key points

  • West Bengal leads the Indian states in terms of skills proficiency with the state showing the highest levels of digital skills proficiency in the country. 
  • Andhra Pradesh is among the top three performing states with high proficiency in business and technology skills.
  • The report is based on the data collected from over 100 million Coursera users from over 100 countries who learned a new skill during the past year.

 

FIFA announces 2026 World Cup venues across U.S., Canada and Mexico

  • FIFA announces matches for the 2026 World Cup will be held in 11 US cities as well as three host sites in Mexico and two in Canada.
  • The 16 host cities will be: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.

Key points

  • It will be the first time that 48 teams will feature in the tournament, an increase from the 32 that will contest in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 from November 21 – December 18. 
  • Sixty matches will take place in the US, including all matches from the quarter-finals onward, while Canada and Mexico will host 10 games each.

India’s first desalination plant for industries inaugurated in Dahej

  • India’s first government desalination plant only for industrial use was inaugurated at Dahej in Bharuch.
  • The seawater desalination plant with a capacity of 100 MLD (million litres per day) has been set up by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) with an investment of Rs 881 crore.
  • The plant can desalinate 100 million litres of water per day. It will supply water to the industries in the area. The price of 1,000 litres of treated water will be Rs 26.” 

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Quiz Video

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Assam Current Affairs – June 15-16, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 15-16 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Quiz Video

June 15-16, 2022

PM Modi inaugurates underground ‘Gallery of Revolutionaries’ at Maharashtra Raj Bhavan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated an underground ‘Gallery of Revolutionaries’ museum dedicated to the luminaries of the freedom struggle, at the Raj Bhavan.

The gallery includes information on the freedom movement heroes, their role in the movement, sculptures, rare photographs, murals and details on tribal revolutionaries drawn by school-kids.

The gallery has come up in the subterranean network of 13 pre-World War-I British era bunkers, discovered in the Raj Bhavan campus in August 2016 during the tenure of the then Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao.

Russia becomes India’s 2nd biggest oil supplier

Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-biggest supplier of oil behind Iraq as refiners snap up Russian crude available at a deep discount following the war in Ukraine. 

Key points

  • After the U.S. and China, India is the world’s third-largest consumer of oil, over 85 percent of which is imported. 
  • India has taken advantage of discounted prices to ramp up oil imports from Russia at a time when global energy prices have been rising.
  • Iraq remained the top supplier to India and Saudi Arabia is now the third biggest supplier.

Neeraj Chopra Sets New National Record With 89.30 Metre Javelin Throw at Paavo Nurmi Games

Neeraj Chopra set a new national record as he threw 89.30 metres at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. 

He shattered his previous record of 88.07 m which he had set in Patiala in March last year. 

Despite setting a new record, Neeraj couldn’t take the gold as he ended up second in the contest. Finland’s Oliver Helander went ahead with a throw of 89.83 metres.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Biotech Startup Expo – 2022

Prime Minister Shri Narendra inaugurates the Biotech Startup Expo – 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.  It is a two day event being held on 9th and 10th June. The theme of the Expo is ‘Biotech Startup Innovations: Towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. 

It is being organised by the Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to mark completion of ten years of setting up of BIRAC. 

The Expo will act as a platform to connect entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, bio-incubators, manufacturers, regulators, government officials, etc.

UNGA adopts India-sponsored resolution on multilingualism

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted an India-led resolution on multilingualism mentioning Hindi language for the first time. The resolution also mentions Bangla and Urdu for the first time.

The resolution passed encourages the UN to continue disseminating important communications and messages in official as well as in non-official languages, including in Hindi language. 

Key points: 

  • India has been coordinating with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) since 2018 by consolidating news and multimedia content in Hindi languages and providing extra-budgetary contribution to the mainstream. 
  • As part of these efforts, ‘Hindi @ UN’ project was launched in 2018 with an objective to enhance the public outreach of the United Nations in the Hindi language, and to spread greater awareness about global issues among millions of Hindi-speaking populations around the world. 
  • Multilingualism is an essential factor in harmonious communication among peoples and an enabler of multilateral diplomacy. It ensures effective participation of all in the Organization’s work, as well as greater transparency and efficiencies and better outcomes.
  • Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the six official languages of the United Nations; English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

India ranks third in Renewable Energy Installations in 2021

India ranked third in renewable energy installations in 2021, after China and Russia as per Renewable 2022 Global status report.

The report was published by REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century).

Highlights of the Report

  • India increased its hydroelectric capacity by 843 MW in 2021, bringing the total to 45.3 GW.
  • India was the second largest market in Asia for new solar PV capacity and third globally (13 GW of additions in 2021).
  • India ranked fourth for total installations (60.4 GW), overtaking Germany (59.2 GW) for the first time.
  • India ranked third globally for the total installed capacity of wind power (40.1 GW), behind China, the US and Germany.

About REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century)

  • It is a think tank and a multistakeholder governance group launched in June 2004 as an outcome of the International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn, Germany.
  • It aims to facilitate policy development, knowledge exchange, and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.
  • It brings together governments, non-governmental organisations, research and academic institutions, international organisations, and industry to learn from one another and advance the adoption of renewable energy.

New species of bamboo-dwelling bat found in Meghalaya

  • Scientists have discovered a new species of bamboo-dwelling bat named Glischropus meghalayanus in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
  • The species was found near the forested patch of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary. This discovery is the first report of a thick-thumbed bat not only from India but also from South Asia. 
  • Thick-thumbed bats of the genus Glischropus are currently composed of four recognized species from Southeast Asia, two of which were described in recent times. 
  • The species is small in size and has a dark brown colour with a sulphur-yellow belly. 
  • Bamboo-dwelling bats are a particular kind of bats living in the internodes of bamboos with specialised morphological characters that help them to adopt to the life inside a bamboo.  With this new discovery, the total number of bat species known from India stands at 131.
  • Meghalaya harbours the highest bat diversity in the country with 67 species, which is about 51% of total bat species in the country.

India ranked 7th in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 2021

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India ranked 7th among the top recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) 2021.  

Highlights of the Report

  • India is ranked seventh despite a 30% decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.
  • The United States ($367 billion) remained the top recipient of FDI. 
  • China ($181 billion) and Hong Kong ($141 billion) also retained second and third position respectively.
  • In its latest World Investment Report, UNCTAD said FDI inflows intoIndia declined to $45 billion in 2021 from $64 billion in the preceding year. 
  • Outward FDI from India rose 43 percent to $15.5 billion in 2021.

About United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

  • It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964 as an intergovernmental organization. It is part of the UN Secretariat. 
  • It aims to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology. 
  • It reports to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, but has its own membership, leadership, and budget. 

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 311: June 2022, Week 3 | Watch Quiz Video

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Assam Current Affairs – June 13-14, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 13-14 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

June 13-14, 2022

Rhino reintroduction in Assam

According to the last census, the one-horned rhinos of Assam’s Manas National Park, have an age structure pyramid, indicating higher life expectancy but need translocation support.

Key findings of the 14th Assam rhino estimation

  • The rhino census was carried out in all three ranges: Bhuyanpara, Bansbari and Panbari comprising 71 estimation blocks. 
  • The current rhino population in the park was estimated at 40. 
  • The park’s rhinos have a male-female sex ratio of 1:1. 
  • The number of calves born in the wild reflects the availability of welfare factors to foster rhinos in Manas National Park. 

Methodology: Rhino census was carried out by ‘Total count or Direct count method’. Total count method is preferred, when a single species is targeted to be counted in specific area. This method assumes detection probability as one, meaning that every animal has a 100% chance of being seen during counting period.

Limitations of this method: Undercounting as the assumption of a detection probability of 1 is unrealistic.

Total count requires high visibility to observe the animals from far off, which is not possible in case of “shy, cryptic animals”. The level of precision cannot be measured in total counts either.

Reasons for translocation: The one-horned rhinos of western Assam’s Manas National Park, bordering Bhutan, have an age structure pyramid, indicating higher life expectancy and significant growth in the population. 

The Indian side of the park does not have a wider representation of calves and sub-adults to sustain the population structure unless it is supplemented through conservation translocations.

National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment 2021 Report

Recently, the Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions released the second edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2021. 

Key Findings 

  • Amongst all the States and UTs, Kerala had the highest overall compliance score. 
  • Among Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir ranked the highest with an overall compliance of nearly 90%.
  • Among the North-East and Hill States, Meghalaya and Nagaland are the leading State Portals with an overall compliance of more than 90% across all assessment parameters. 
  • Among the Remaining States, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh had a compliance of more than 85%. 
  • Among the focussed Central Ministries, Home Affairs, Rural Development, Education, and Environment, Forest & Climate Change are the leading Ministry Portals with an overall compliance of more than 80% across all assessment parameters. 
  • Ministry Portal of Home Affairs had the highest overall compliance score. 
  • The Central Public Procurement Portal, Digital Police Portal, and Bhavishya Portal are the leading Ministry Services Portals with an overall compliance of more than 85% across all assessment parameters.

About National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA)

  • National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) is a biennial study that assesses States, Union Territories (UTs), and focuses on Central Ministries on the effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery.
  • Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) had constituted the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) in 2019 as part of its mandate to boost the e-government endeavours and drive digital government excellence. 
  • It helps the respective governments improve their delivery of citizen centric services and shares best practices across the country for all States, UTs and Central Ministries to emulate.
  • The assessment covered 56 mandatory services for each States & UTs and 27 services for the focus Central Ministries.
  • It covers services across seven sectors – Finance, Labour & Employment, Education, Local Governance & Utility Services, Social Welfare, Environment and Tourism sectors.

World Day Against Child Labour 2022

World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12, every year to raise awareness regarding detrimental consequences of the Child Labour. 

The theme for 2022 is “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”. It calls for investments into social safety nets and programs to protect children from being forced into child labour.

The day was first launched in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness and activism to prevent child labour. The day is held every year in a bid to foster movement against child labour worldwide. 

The day focuses on providing dignity to the life of children affected by child labour and ensuring support for their education, medical services and other needs. 

India’s first COVID-19 vaccine Anocovax launched for animals 

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the country’s first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine “Anocovax” for animals. It was developed by Haryana-based ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRC). 

About Anocovax Vaccine

Anocovax is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Delta (COVID-19) vaccine for animals. 

This vaccine is effective and capable of neutralising both Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The vaccine contains inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Delta) antigen with Alhydrogel as an adjuvant.

This vaccine is safe for dogs, lions, leopards, mice and rabbits.

India’s first display manufacturing plant to be set up in Telangana

The Telangana government signed an MoU with Karnataka-based Elest for the proposed fabrication unit with an investment worth Rs 24,000 crore. It will be set up under the India Semiconductor Mission Programme of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Elest was incorporated specifically for the purpose of manufacturing next generation displays for smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops. It would set up the display fabrication unit with technology inputs from and in technological association with most advanced and finest research centres worldwide.

The government is confident that the setting up of the Gen6 AMOLED Display manufacturing facility will generate a global interest and ensure future technology growth in our country.

India’s life expectancy rose to 69.7

India’s life expectancy at birth has reached up to 69.7 during 2015-2019, data from the sample registration system (SRS) shows. The data released by the demographic survey. 

Key Findings 

  • Data suggests that high under-five mortality and infant mortality could be one of the reasons that India finds it difficult to increase life expectancy at birth. 
  • Gap between life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at one year or five year is largest in states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where there is highest infant mortality rate (IMR). 
  • Madhya Pradesh has the highest IMR of 43. Uttar Pradesh has second highest IMR of 38, and the life expectancy on completion of first year, increased the highest by 3.4 years. 
  • Gaps between life expectancy at birth and at year one can also be witnessed in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat, and Odisha.
  • India has added 20 years to its life expectancy at birth from 49.7 in 1970-75 to 69.7 in 2015-2019.
  • Among states, Odisha has seen the highest rise from 45.7 to 69.8, followed by Tamil Nadu, where it has increased from 49.6 to 72.6. 
  • Uttar Pradesh, having had the lowest life expectancy at birth of just 43 years in 1970-75 has increased to 65.6 in 2015-2019 – albeit ranking the second lowest life expectancy after Chhattisgarh’s 65.3.
  • The data shows a considerable divide in life expectancy at birth across states and between urban and rural areas. 
  • Urban women in Himachal Pradesh had the highest life expectancy at birth of 82.3 years while at the other end, rural men in Chhattisgarh had the lowest, just 62.8 years, a gap of 15.8 years. 
  • In Assam, the gap in life expectancy between rural and urban areas is nearly eight years, followed by Himachal Pradesh with a five-year gap.
  • Bihar and Jharkhand remained the only states where male life expectancy was higher than for women in both urban and rural areas. 
  • Kerala is the only state where the rural life expectancy at birth was higher than urban for both women and men. 

Haryana won Khelo India Youth Games 2021

Haryana won the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2021 title with 52 gold medals which was held at Panchkula, Haryana. This was Haryana’s second KIYG title. 

Haryana won the inaugural title in 2018 but finished second to Maharashtra in the next two seasons. This was the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

Key Points

  • Haryana topped the medal tally with a total of 137 medals with 52 gold, 39 silver and 46 bronze medals. 
  • Maharashtra finished second with a total of 125 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver and 40 bronze medals.
  • Karnataka with 22 gold, 17 silver and 28 bronze medals finished third with 67 medals.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

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Assam Current Affairs – June 11-12, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 11-12 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

June 11-12, 2022

Australia – India Water Security Initiative (AIWASI)

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Government of Australia have signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Technical Cooperation for Australia –India water Security initiative (AIWASI).

Key points

  • MoU will enable both sides to learn about technological advancements gained by two nations in key areas of urban water security.  
  • It would strengthen institutional capacities at all levels for urban water management; improve accessibility, affordability & quality of water and sanitation services. 
  • It will promote a circular economy of water & water secure cities. 
  • Encourage climate resilient water management practices. 
  • Enhance community participation in water management and improve social inclusion through initiatives for accessible infrastructure. This project will help towards realisation of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

About Australia-India Water Security Initiative(AIWASI)

  • AIWASI is a project Under South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia. 
  • It aims to work towards the Water Sensitive City vision which is based on holistic management of the integrated water cycle.
  • This project is also a ‘living laboratory’ with multiple educational, social and environmental benefits like water literacy of students and the community, creation of green spaces etc. 

Government has launched the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal

The Union Government has launched the ‘Rashtriya Puruskar Portal’ to invite nominations for various awards, in order to bring all the Awards of different Ministries or Departments or Agencies under one digital platform. 

It aims to facilitate citizens to nominate individuals and organizations for various awards instituted by the Government of India.

This portal will help in ensuring transparency and public partnership (Jan Bhagidari).

Nominations/recommendations for the following Awards are open: 

  • Padma Awards- Nomination open till 15/09/2022 
  • Sardar Patel National Unity Award- Nomination open till 31/07/2022 
  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award- Nomination open till 16/06/2022 
  • Jeevan Raksha Padak series of Awards- Nomination open till 30/09/2022 
  • Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award- Nomination open till 16/06/2022.

Thailand ​​becomes the first country in Asia to legalise Marijuana

Thailand becomes the first Asian country to legalize the growing of marijuana which is also known as Cannabis. 

It has legalized Marijuana with the aim of boosting its agriculture and tourism sectors. The government plans to give away a million plants as cash crop to encourage farmers to take up its cultivation.

Under decriminalization, it is no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana and hemp products, or use parts of the plant to treat illnesses. But the recreational use of the drug remains illegal.

Thailand, which has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, legalised medicinal marijuana in 2018. 

Amandeep Singh Gill appointed as UN Chief’s envoy on technology

Amandeep Singh Gill has been appointed as UN Chief’s envoy on technology by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 

The UN described him as a “thought leader on digital technology” who has a solid understanding of how to leverage the digital transformation responsibly and inclusively for progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Previously, Amandeep Singh Gill was India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva from 2016 to 2018. 

Currently, he is the chief executive officer of the International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR) project at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992 and served in various capacities in disarmament and strategic technologies and international security affairs, with postings in Tehran and Colombo. He was also a visiting scholar at Stanford University.

The Reserve Bank of India decided to increase the Policy Repo Rate by 50 basis points to 4.9 per cent

Recently, Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to increase the Policy Repo Rate by 50 basis points to 4.9 per cent. 

Key points:

  • MPC members voted unanimously to hike rates and to continue the withdrawal of the accommodative stance. According to MPC, inflation is likely to remain above the 6 per cent mark for the first three quarters of the current financial year.
  • In May 2022, RBI increased the repo rate or short-term lending rate by 40 basis points, to check spiraling inflation.
  • The standing deposit facility (SDF rate) also stands adjusted to 4.65% and the marginal standing facility (MSF rate) and bank rate to 5.15%. 
  • The MPC has retained India’s GDP growth forecast for FY23 at 7.2 percent, with risks evenly balanced. 
  • According to the provisional estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on May 31, 2022, India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021-22 was 8.7 per cent. 

Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated National Museum of Customs and GST in Goa

Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated the National Museum of Customs and GST “Dharohar” in Goa. It was inaugurated as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Iconic week of the Ministry of Finance. 

Key Highlights

  • The Finance Minister removed the golden sand from single rock art installed at the centuries-old heritage building in which the museum is housed. 
  • The two-storey ‘Blue building’, which was earlier known as Alfandega, during the period of Portuguese rule in Goa, has been standing on the banks of the Mandovi River in Panaji for more than 400 years.
  • Dharohar is one of its kind museums in the country that showcases not only the artifacts seized by Indian Customs but also depicts various aspects of work performed by the Customs Department. 
  • GST Gallery is a brand new addition to the Dharohar Museum. A first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, this GST Gallery takes one through the long and arduous journey of GST spanning two decades.

AR Rahman appointed ambassador of Indo-UK culture platform

AR Rahman has been appointed as ambassador of The Season of Culture. The initiative was launched to celebrate India’s 75th anniversary. It was officially launched by Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner to India Jan Thomson and Director (India) of the British Council Barbara Wickham.  

The Season of Culture aims to strengthen India-UK collaboration in the areas of arts, English and education.

People in both nations will get the opportunity to see unique and exciting creative work by UK and Indian artists.

Ministry of Power has notified Green Open Access Rules, 2022

Recently, the Ministry of Power has notified Green Open Access Rules, 2022 to further accelerate our ambitious renewable energy programmes in India. 

Key points:

  • The notified Rules enable simplified procedure for the open access to green power. 
  • It aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all.
  • These rules are notified for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants. 
  • According to the rules, green open access is available to any customer, and the open-access transaction maximum for green energy has been dropped from 1 MW (megawatt) to 100 kW in order to allow small users to acquire renewable energy through open access.
  • It will enable faster approval of Green OA, Uniform Banking, Voluntary purchase of RE power by commercial & industrial consumers, Applicability of OA charges etc.
  • Transparency in the approval process of the open access application. Approval to be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been approved subject to fulfilment of technical requirements. It will be through a national portal. 
  • Discom Consumers can demand for supply of Green power to them.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

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Assam Current Affairs – June 07-08, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 07-08 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 309: June 2022, Week 1 | Watch video explanation

June 07-08, 2022

Assam celebrates Baikho festival

The Baikho festival is celebrated in the state of Assam. This festival is celebrated by Rabha tribes of India. This festival is celebrated annually. 

It is celebrated to bring in auspicious harvest season and to fill it with abundant crops and good health. 

This is a celebration of a good harvest. However, people from other communities also harmonise in the celebrations.

During this festival, various rituals are carried out for warding off evil spirits, for bringing good will to the community and sparking ample rains. 

In the afternoon, people dress in traditional attire and dance to the drum beats. In the evening, they set alight a tall structure made from bundles of bamboo. After the sun sets, priests offer prayers to the God of harvest. After the prayers priests run over hot coals, which are left simmering by the fire. 

This act is meant to honour the harvest deity. Later, women wash the feet of priests and serve them food. In another unique customs, Rabha Tribes smear their faces with rice flour and pour rice beer for others.

Asia University Rankings 2022

Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2022 was released by the Times Higher Education (THE). India is the third most-represented country behind Japan and mainland China with 71 institutions. 17 Indian universities topped the list under top 200.

In comparison to the positions achieved in 2021, all the Indian institutes that were placed in the top-100 have slipped down. Among the top 200, there are 17 Indian universities in this year’s rankings whereas in 2021 there were 18.

Among the list of these 17 universities, 14 universities were ranked in the 2021 edition. Positive note is that 8 universities have upgraded themselves.

Ranks of the Indian Universities

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore- 42 

JSS Academy- 65 Indian Institute of Technology Ropar- 68 

Indian Institute of Technology Indore- 78 

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar- 120 

Alagappa University- 122 

Thapar Institute – 127 

Saveetha University- 131 

Mahatma Gandhi University- 139 

Delhi Technological University- 149 

Banaras Hindu University- 153 

Institute of Chemical Technology- 158 

Jamia Millia Islamia- 160 

Jawaharlal Nehru University- 167 

International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad- 174 Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology- 177 

Panjab University- 197

Japan is the most-represented nation on this list, with 118 institutions making it this year, up from 116 in 2021. The top two universities on this list are from China. They are Tsinghua and Peking universities holding the first and second places, respectively.

Rafael Nadal wins 2022 French Open

Rafael Nadal won the 2022 French Open in men’s singles. He beat Norwegian Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the final held at Paris’ Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Ruud was leading the second set 3-1 but Nadal came back from the deficit to take a 6-3 win in that set, lowering his Norwegian opponent’s guard on the clay court. 

With this victory, Nadal claimed his 14th championship at Roland Garros and 22nd Grand Slam title overall.

State of India’s Environment Report 2022

The State of India’s Environment Report 2022 was recently released by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE). The report is an annual compendium of environment-development data and is derived from public sources.

India has slipped three spots to rank 120 on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted as a part of the 2030 agenda by 192 United Nations member states in 2015. In 2021 India ranked 117 among 192 nations. 

India’s rank dropped primarily because of major challenges in 11 SDGs including zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, gender equality and sustainable cities and communities.

The overall Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) score of India was 66 out of 100.

State-wise rankings 

According to the report, Jharkhand and Bihar are the least prepared to meet the SDGs by the target year 2030.

Kerala topped, with Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh in second position. Karnataka, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh tied for third place. 

Union Territory Rankings

According to the report, Chandigarh topped among the Union Territories, followed by Delhi, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep in second place, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the third position.

Environment Performance Index 2022

Recently, the World Economic Forum has released the Environment Performance Index (EPI) 2022. India has been ranked at 180th position, bottom of the 2022 Index. The index measured the environmental performance of all the 180 countries. 

India scored 18.9 and has been ranked last. India has also scored low on rule of law, control of corruption and government effectiveness, according to EPI. India was ranked 168th in EPI-2020, with a score of 27.6.

Denmark has been ranked 1st with EPI score of 77.90 followed by United Kingdom with a score of 77.70. Finland is ranked 3rd, followed by Malta and Sweden.

About Environment Performance Index (EPI)

  • The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is an international ranking system of countries based on their environmental health.
  • It was developed to evaluate environmental sustainability relative to the paths of other countries.
  • It is a biennial index and was first published in 2002 as Environmental Sustainability Index by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network.
  • It was designed to supplement the environmental targets set forth in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

PM Narendra Modi launches new series of coins with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav design

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a special series of coins that are also ‘visually impaired friendly’. 

The coins of Re 1, Rs 2, 5, 10 and 20 denominations will have the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) design celebrating 75 years of independence. They are not commemorative coins and will be part of circulation.

These new series of coins will remind people of the goal of amrit kal and motivate people to work towards the development of the country.

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is celebrated annually on 8 June. The day is celebrated to remind people the importance of the oceans and the major role they play in everyday life. 

The day is also observed to make raise public awareness of the ocean and its resources in order to promote global ocean and resource sustainability. “World Oceans Day” was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008.

The theme for World Oceans Day 2022 is “Revitalization: collective action for the ocean”

The idea of celebrating World Ocean Day was first proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 309: June 2022, Week 1 | Watch video explanation

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Assam Current Affairs – June 09-10, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 09-10 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 09- 10 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

June 09-10, 2022

NHAI creates Guinness World Record by constructing 75 kms lane on NH-53 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created a Guinness World Record for constructing the longest bituminous lane of 75 kms in 105 hours and 33 minutes on the National Highway-53 between Amravati and Akola Districts in Maharashtra.

The lane was laid in 105 hours and 33 minutes.  The work on the 75 km single lane concrete road in Maharashtra started on June 3, 2022, and was completed on June 7, 2022 (under 5 days), breaking Qatar’s record. 

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated the team workers.  He said, the Amravati to Akola section which is a part of NH-53 in Maharashtra is an important east-east corridor that connects the major cities such as Raipur, Kolkata, Surat, and Nagpur. Once completed, the national highway will play a major role in easing the movement of traffic and freight on this route.

The previous Guinness World Record for the longest continuously laid bituminous was for building the 25.275 kms of road that was achieved in Doha, Qatar in February 2019. The task was completed in 10 days.

India and Vietnam signed “Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030”

India and Vietnam have signed the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’, which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation.

Both the countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Logistics Support and also agreed on the early finalisation of the $500 million Defence Line of Credit extended to Vietnam.

India will gift two simulators and a monetary grant towards the setting up of Language and IT Lab at the Air Force Officers Training School for capacity building of the Vietnamese Armed Forces.

India and Vietnam “share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016 and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership.” It is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision” and the two countries “share a rich history of civilisational and cultural linkages spanning over 2,000 years.”

Avani Lekhara wins gold in Para Shooting World Cup 2022

Avani Lekhara won the medal gold at the Para Shooting World Cup with a world record score of 250.6 in women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in Chateauroux, France. 

She broke her own world record of 249.6 to secure her a spot at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Emilia Babska bagged the silver medal with a total of 247.6, while the bronze went to Anna Normann of Sweden after she shot 225.6.

Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna has won a gold medal with a world record score of 253.1 in mixed 10m air rifle SH2 at the ongoing Chateauroux Para Shooting World Cup. With this he has secured a spot at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

Union Health Minister releases FSSAI’s 4th State Food Safety Index

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the 4th State Food Safety Index on the occasion of World Food Safety Day. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) compiled the report to assess states’ performance across five food safety categories. 

Key Points 

  • Tamil Nadu topped the State Food Safety Index followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. 
  • In the category of small states, Goa has been ranked first followed by Manipur and Sikkim. 
  • Among UTs, Jammu & Kashmir has been ranked first, followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with the aim to promote and protect public health by means of various regulations and supervisions of food safety.  
  • It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. 
  • It is headed by a non-executive chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Rajesh Bhusan is the current chairperson for FSSAI and Shri Arun Singhal is the current chief executive officer for FSSAI.

About State Food Safety Index

  • The index was developed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) in 2018-19 to measure the performance of states on five significant parameters of Food Safety.
  • The parameters include Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing facility, Training & Capacity Building and Consumer Empowerment. 
  • The Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.

Ramkrishna Mukkavilli becomes the first Indian to be recognised as Global SDG Pioneer by UNGC

  • Ramkrishna Mukkavilli has become the first Indian to be recognised as the Global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Pioneer for water stewardship by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This is for the first time that an Indian has been recognised for the position.
  • He has been recognized for his work in building water security with nature-based water solutions across India and 27 countries. 
  • The United Nations Global Compact has named 10 new SDG Pioneers, who are corporate leaders who are excelling in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing the UN Global Compact Ten Principles on human rights, environment, labour, and anti-corruption.
  • Ramkrishna Mukkavilli is the founder and the Managing Director of Maithri Aquatech, a Make-in-India company. The company’s unique solution- Meghdoot, is based on an alternative water concept which is known as Atmospheric Water Generation that taps into a vast, renewable water resource- AIR, which contains six times as much fresh water as all the rivers on the planet combined.

World’s First ‘Right To Repair’ Law For Digital Electronics Passed by New York Legislature

The New York State Legislature in the United States has passed the world’s first ‘Right to Repair’ law For Digital Electronics.  

The “right to repair” bill enacted by requiring digital electronics makers to make parts, tools, information, and software available to customers and independent repair businesses. 

After government pressure to safeguard customers’ rights to repair and refurbish their purchased products, the “Fair Repair Act” was enacted. 

The “Fair Repair Act” comes after federal pressure to enforce consumers’ rights to repair and refurbish their purchased goods.

This bill will not include motor vehicles, home appliances, medical devices, public safety communications equipment like police radios, agricultural equipment, and off-road equipment.

As per the survey, 59 percent of independent repair firms claimed they could have to close their doors, according to a recent poll.

China releases world’s most detailed map of the moon

Recently, China releases world’s most detailed map of the moon, which is expected to make a great contribution to the scientific research, exploration, and landing site selection on the moon. 

It is the most detailed to date, registering even finer details of the lunar surface than mapped by the US in 2020. 

Key Points

  • The Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has led the project, along with other organisations such as Chinese Academy of Geological Science, China University of Geosciences and Shandong University. 
  • The most detailed map of the moon was published by Science Bulletin on May 30, 2022.
  • The new comprehensive geological map of the moon released by China is to a scale of 1:2,500,000. It is the most detailed moon map to date. 
  • The moon map includes the 12,341 impact craters, 17 rock types, 81 impact basins, and 14 types of structures. 
  • The new significant details of moon map have provided abundant information about the geology of the moon and its evolution.

Himachal Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to approve a policy for drones

  • The ‘Himachal Pradesh Drone Policy 2022’ was approved by the chief minister Jai Ram Thakur. 
  • It mainly focuses on creating drone-enabled technology, creation of manpower through the establishment of training schools, startup and innovation schemes. 
  • The policy aims to propagate the use of drone-enabled technology in different sectors such as defence, transport, health, agriculture etc. 
  • The policy envisions creating a holistic drone ecosystem built upon the foundation of Governance and Reforms Using Drones (GARUD). 
  • With this new drone policy, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to formally acknowledge the public use of drones.
  • The Himachal Pradesh government has already designated ITI Shahpur for training personnel to use drones for successful implementation of drone policy in the state.
  • The Department of Information Technology has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian drone companies such as Skye Air and TechEagle to deliver medical and agri commodities within the state.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

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Assam Current Affairs – June 07-08, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 07-08 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 07- 08 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – May 2022

 

June 07-08, 2022

NHAI creates Guinness World Record by constructing 75 kms lane on NH-53 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created a Guinness World Record for constructing the longest bituminous lane of 75 kms in 105 hours and 33 minutes on the National Highway-53 between Amravati and Akola Districts in Maharashtra.

The lane was laid in 105 hours and 33 minutes.  The work on the 75 km single lane concrete road in Maharashtra started on June 3, 2022, and was completed on June 7, 2022 (under 5 days), breaking Qatar’s record. 

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated the team workers.  He said, the Amravati to Akola section which is a part of NH-53 in Maharashtra is an important east-east corridor that connects the major cities such as Raipur, Kolkata, Surat, and Nagpur. Once completed, the national highway will play a major role in easing the movement of traffic and freight on this route.

The previous Guinness World Record for the longest continuously laid bituminous was for building the 25.275 kms of road that was achieved in Doha, Qatar in February 2019. The task was completed in 10 days.

India and Vietnam signed “Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030”

India and Vietnam have signed the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’, which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation.

Both the countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Logistics Support and also agreed on the early finalisation of the $500 million Defence Line of Credit extended to Vietnam.

India will gift two simulators and a monetary grant towards the setting up of Language and IT Lab at the Air Force Officers Training School for capacity building of the Vietnamese Armed Forces.

India and Vietnam “share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016 and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership.” It is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision” and the two countries “share a rich history of civilisational and cultural linkages spanning over 2,000 years.”

Avani Lekhara wins gold in Para Shooting World Cup 2022

Avani Lekhara won the medal gold at the Para Shooting World Cup with a world record score of 250.6 in women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in Chateauroux, France. 

She broke her own world record of 249.6 to secure her a spot at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Emilia Babska bagged the silver medal with a total of 247.6, while the bronze went to Anna Normann of Sweden after she shot 225.6.

Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna has won a gold medal with a world record score of 253.1 in mixed 10m air rifle SH2 at the ongoing Chateauroux Para Shooting World Cup. With this he has secured a spot at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

Union Health Minister releases FSSAI’s 4th State Food Safety Index

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the 4th State Food Safety Index on the occasion of World Food Safety Day. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) compiled the report to assess states’ performance across five food safety categories. 

Key Points 

  • Tamil Nadu topped the State Food Safety Index followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. 
  • In the category of small states, Goa has been ranked first followed by Manipur and Sikkim. 
  • Among UTs, Jammu & Kashmir has been ranked first, followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with the aim to promote and protect public health by means of various regulations and supervisions of food safety.  
  • It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. 
  • It is headed by a non-executive chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Rajesh Bhusan is the current chairperson for FSSAI and Shri Arun Singhal is the current chief executive officer for FSSAI.

About State Food Safety Index

  • The index was developed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) in 2018-19 to measure the performance of states on five significant parameters of Food Safety.
  • The parameters include Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing facility, Training & Capacity Building and Consumer Empowerment. 
  • The Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.