World Day Against Child Labour 2022 observed on 12th June
World Day Against Child Labour 2022
12 June marks the World Day Against Child Labour under the theme “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour.” On this day, the ILO, together with its constituents and partners, is calling for increased investment in social protection systems and schemes to establish solid social protection floors and protect children from child labour. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are about 152 million children globally who are engaged in child labour, 72 million of whom are in hazardous work.
World Day Against Child Labour 2022: Theme
The 2022 theme of the world day calls for increased investment in social protection systems and schemes to establish solid social protection floors and protect children from child labour. 2022 Theme: “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”.
World Day Against Child Labour: History
The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the worldwide extent of kid labour and therefore the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, this Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, also as many people from around the world to spotlight the plight of kid labourers and what are often done to assist them.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Headquarters of International Labour Organization: Geneva, Switzerland;
- President of International Labour Organization: Guy Ryder;
- International Labour Organization Founded: 1919.
Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan launches Polyversity
Michigan, USA-based IT Services & IT Consulting company Information Data Systems (IDS) has unveiled the Bharat Blockchain Network (BBN) (Academic Blockchain Consortium) & Polyversity (Educational Metaverse). Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI) launched the initiatives in the presence of officials from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) at an event held at the AICTE Auditorium in New Delhi.
Key points:
- IDS is building Bharat Blockchain Network (BBN)- India’s Nationwide hybrid blockchain Network visioned to enable blockchain projects of academic interest around Governance, Issuance of verifiable credentials, Skill badges, Student transfer & Audit Trail along the lines of NEP (National Education Policy) 2020.
- IDS is working with 100 plus academic partners. The Bharat Blockchain Network (BBN), India’s first nationwide hybrid blockchain network, is built by IDS.
- Polyversity, a virtual university, is India’s Largest Educational Metaverse, with over 100 Academic Partners establishing virtual campuses, including the AICTE’s campus.
About the Polyversity:
Polyversity is India’s Largest Educational Metaverse, with over 100 Academic Partners establishing virtual campuses to make education more accessible, immersive and meaningful. Land parcels will be assigned to academic partners in Polyversity.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- All India Council for Technical Education Founded: November 1945;
- All India Council for Technical Education Headquarters: New Delhi;
- All India Council for Technical Education Chairperson: Anil Sahasrabudhe.
UNCTAD’s World Investment Report: India ranked 7th
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India jumped one position to 7th among the top recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last calendar year (2021) despite FDI inflows into the country declining. In its latest World Investment Report, UNCTAD said FDI inflows into India 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.
While 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. Among the top 10 host economies for FDI, only India saw a decline in its FDI inflows.
RBI cancelled licence of Mudhol Co-op Bank, Bagalkot, Karnataka
The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of “The Mudhol Co-operative Bank Limited, Bagalkot (Karnataka)”, thus restricting it from repayment of deposits and acceptance of fresh funds. The bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said while announcing the cancellation of licence. RBI also said that bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full.
Why this step taken by RBI?
- RBI said that bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full.
- As per the data submitted by the bank, RBI said more than 99 per cent of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
- On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount up to Rs 5 lakh from the DICGC.
- DICGC has already paid Rs 16.69 crore of the total insured deposits based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank, the RBI added.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- DICGC Chairperson: Michael Patra;
- DICGC Headquarters: Mumbai;
- DICGC Founded: 15 July 1978.
Indian diplomat Amandeep Singh Gill appointed as UN Chief’s envoy on technology
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed senior Indian diplomat Amandeep Singh Gill as his envoy on technology to coordinate programmes for international digital cooperation. The UN describing 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.
Experience of Amandeep Singh Gill:
- Amandeep Singh Gill has been India’s permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva from 2016-to 2018. He is now 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.
Career of Amandeep Singh Gill:
- Gill 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.
- Gill holds a Ph.D in Nuclear Learning in Multilateral Forums from King’s College, London, a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Electrical Communications from Panjab University in Chandigarh and an Advanced Diploma in French History and Language from Geneva University.
In Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi inaugurates IN-SPACe
The Indian National Center for Space Promotion and Authorization (IN-SPACe) was established in Ahmedabad by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, was also present at the ceremony. After inaugurating the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed its headquarters.
KEY POINTS:
- PM Modi had previously met his high school teacher in Vadnagar, Gujarat’s Navsari. In Navsari, PM Modi also opened the AM Naik Healthcare Complex and the Nirali multi-specialty hospital.
- They have emphasised a holistic approach to improve the country’s health system for the past eight years. They have attempted to modernise the treatment facilities as well as emphasis on themes such as better diet, a healthy lifestyle, and health prevention.
- PM Modi emphasised Gujarat’s progress, calling the state’s tremendous development over the last two decades its “pride.”
- Prior to becoming Prime Minister in 2014, PM Modi held the title of Gujarat’s longest-serving Chief Minister, holding the position from October 2001 to May 2014.
- According to PM Modi, the administration has prioritised the poor’s upliftment during the last eight years.
- Prime Minister Modi lay the foundation stone for a number of development projects in Gujarat totaling Rs 3,050 crores.
- According to the Prime Minister’s Office, these projects would assist improve the region’s water supply while also increasing connection and making life easier.
N J Ojha appointed as MGNREGA ombudsman
N J Ojha has been appointed as ombudsman for a two-year term under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Ojha has the power to investigate allegations by MGNREGA staff, consider them, award awards within 30 days of receipt of the complaint.
Power of MGNREGA ombudsman:
An ombudsman has the power to receive complaints from MGNREGA workers, consider such complaints, pass awards within 30 days from the date of receipt of complaint and issue direction for conducting spot investigation and also initiate proceedings ‘suo motu’ if there are any grievance including on issues related to delayed payment of wages or non-payment of unemployment allowance.
About the MGNREGA scheme:
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 or NREGA, later renamed as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act or MGNREGA in 2009, is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’.
All details about India’s first satellite: Aryabhatta
Aryabhatta Satellite: About
India’s first satellite Aryabhatta was named after the mathematician and astronomer of 5th-century Aryabhatta. It was India’s first satellite and was launched on 19th April 1975 from Kapustin Yar, a Soviet rocket launch and development site in Astrakhan Oblast using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. ISRO built the Aryabhatta Satellite and launched it through the Soviet Union as a part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme, it provided access to space for friendly states.
Aryabhatta Satellite: launch
It was launched on 19th April 1975, from Kapustin Yar, a Soviet rocket launch and development site in Astrakhan Oblast using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. The launch was successful because of the agreement between India and the Soviet Union directed by UR Rao and the agreement was signed in 1972. The agreement allowed the USSR, to use the Indian portals for tracking ships and launching vessels and in return if allowed India to launch various Satellites. The satellite was built for helping India for experimenting with X-ray astrology, agronomy, and solar physics. The satellite was a 26- sided polyhedron that was 1.4 meters in diameter. Except for the top and bottom, all the faces of the spaceship were covered with solar cells. For almost four days the experiment was halted and 60 orbits with all signals from the satellite were lost after five days of the operation. Until March 1981, the mainframe of the spaceship remained active.
Aryabhatta Satellite: Details
1. Aryabhatta Satellite was under the Astrophysics mission type.
2. The operator and inventor of Aryabhatta Satellite were ISRO.
3. The orbit parameters of the Aryabhatta Satellite were perigee altitude of 563 km, Apogee altitude was 619 Km, time was 96.46 minutes, and the Inclination of 50.7 degrees.
FAQs related to Aryabhatta Satellite
1. What was the purpose of the Aryabhata Satellite?
Ans. Aryabhatta Satellite was established for performing experiments in X-ray astrology, agronomy, and solar physics, by ISRO. It carried scientific experiments to the atmosphere of space.
2. Who launched the first satellite in India?
Ans. India’s first satellite Aryabhatta was launched by ISRO, on 19th April 1975.
3. Who was India’s first satellite named after?
Ans. India’s first satellite Aryabhatta was named after the Indian mathematician and astronomer of the 5th center Aryabhatta.
4. How many Satellites does India has?
Ans. India has 53 operational Satellites which are used for various purposes like communication, navigation, and observation.
Andhra Pradesh govt launched YSR Yantra Seva scheme
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched YSR Yantra Seva Scheme and flagged off the distribution of tractors and combine harvesters at Chuttugunta Centre in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy flagged off the state-level mega distribution of tractors and combine harvesters under YSR Yantra Seva Pathakam in Guntur.
Key points of the schemes:
- Around 3,800 tractors and 320 combined harvesters would be made available at Rythu Bharosa Centres (RBKs) across AP. A subsidy of 175 crores has been credited into 5,260 farmer group bank accounts.
- The government of Andhra Pradesh aims to establish a total of 10,750 YSR Yantra Seva Kendras (CHCs).
- YSR Yantra Seva Pathakam initiative was taken up to overcome the shortage of farming machinery to farmers and to provide them with the much-needed support in renting machinery at affordable prices which will help reduce the input cost.
- These farm-related machinery will be available at respective village RBK level CHCs.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Andhra Pradesh Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan;
- Andhra Pradesh Chief minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy.
Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland Elected to the UNSC
Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland were elected to the United Nations Security Council as non-permanent members for the 2023-2024 term, and took over the horseshoe table from India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, and Norway on January 1, 2023. India has been at the vanguard of the 15-nation Council’s reform efforts for years.
KEY POINTS:
- India’s two-year stint as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council will finish in December 2022, when it will simultaneously hold the Presidency of the powerful UN body.
- India has been at the vanguard of the 15-nation Council’s reform efforts for years, claiming that it is entitled to a permanent seat on the body, which in its current configuration does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century.
- On the question of “categories of membership,” the G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan have stated that the Council’s decisions can only reflect the interests of the entire membership if permanent seats are enlarged.
2nd Edition of the DSDP Excellence Awards held in New Delhi
In New Delhi, the 2nd edition of the Awards for Excellence in District Skill Development Planning, DSDP, was held, with the top 30 districts in the area being recognised for their unique best practises in skill development. The top three districts in the competition were Rajkot in Gujarat, Cachar in Assam, and Satara in Maharashtra. District Collectors, District Magistrates, and other officials from 30 states attended the award ceremony to share their views and experiences, as well as to exhibit the skill development work that respective districts had done at the grassroots level.
Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, spoke at the event and urged District Collectors, District Magistrates, and other officials to conduct demand mapping of the skilled workforce and raise awareness about skill development initiatives at the local level. District Collectors, he said, should support the entire continuum of skill development and endeavour to build the skill development ecosystem at the district level through innovative planning.
Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:
- Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Dharmendra Pradhan
ICICI Bank Partners with ZestMoney to Expand ‘Cardless EMI’ Facility
ICICI Bank has announced that it has partnered with digital EMI/pay-later platform ZestMoney, to expand its ‘Cardless EMI’ facility for purchases on retail and e-commerce platforms. The partnership enhances affordability of customers of the Bank who can use pre-approved cardless credit to instantly buy products/ services using ZestMoney and take care of the cost into Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).
How does it work?
- Customers can convert transactions up to Rs 10 lakh into EMIs by simply putting their registered mobile number, PAN and OTP (received on registered mobile number) at the check-out of the e-commerce website/app or at the PoS machine in retail outlets, without using cards.
- The facility, in partnership with ZestMoney, is live on select e-commerce websites and will soon be available at retail stores.
- With this partnership, the Bank’s customers will be able to use ZestMoney’s wide merchant base. They will also be able to use ZestMoney’s flagship ‘Pay-in-3’ offering, where they can split the bill into three EMIs without extra cost.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ZestMoney CEO & Co-Founder: Lizzie Chapman;
- ZestMoney Established: 2015;
- ZestMoney Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
India’s first COVID-19 vaccine for animals ‘Anocovax’ launched
Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has launched the country’s first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine “Anocovax” for animals, developed by Haryana-based ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRC). Anocovax is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Delta (COVID-19) vaccine for animals. The immunity induced by Anocovax neutralises both Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Key points:
- The vaccine contains inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Delta) antigen with Alhydrogel as an adjuvant. It is safe for dogs, lions, leopards, mice and rabbits, it added.
- The COVID-19 vaccine for animals, Anocovax, is effective and capable of neutralising both Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Antibody Detection Kits for Animals:
- The Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar also launched ‘CAN-CoV-2 ELISA kit’, an antibody detection kit against SARS-CoV-2 for animals.
- It is a sensitive and specific nucleocapsid protein-based indirect ELISA kit.
- The antibody detection kit has also been indigenously developed in India and a patent has been filed for it.
China releases world’s most detailed map of the moon
China has released a new geological map of the moon, which it says is the most detailed to date, registering even finer details of the lunar surface than mapped by the US in 2020. The new map, which has details of craters and structures not charted before, will assist in further research of the moon. The world’s most detailed map of the moon released by China is expected to make a great contribution to the scientific research, exploration, and landing site selection on the moon.
Moon Map Released by China: Key points
- 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.
- The most detailed map of the moon was published by Science Bulletin on May 30, 2022.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- China Capital: Beijing;
- China Currency: Renminbi;
- China President: Xi Jinping.
