Daily Current Affairs and GK | 24 June 2023

Topic: MoUs and Agreements

1. A contract has been signed between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 22.

• This contract has been signed for realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Modules for Kalvari Class of submarines of the Indian Navy.
• The AIP module enhances the endurance of conventional submarines and is an exclusive technology possessed by only a few countries.
• These modules form the core of the fuel cell-based AIP system, which has been indigenously developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) along with L&T as a prime industry partner.
• Energy Modules (EMs) consisting of fuel cells produce the required electricity along with on-board hydrogen production.
• L&T has received Transfer of Technology (TOT) for the AIP system from DRDO and the ToT documents were handed over to L&T during Aero India 2021.
• In January, DRDO and the French Naval Group signed an agreement to fit an indigenous fuel cell-based AIP system on INS Kalvari.
• Subsequently, it is planned to install AIP modules on all Scorpene submarines.
• Six Scorpene submarines are being built by MDL under Project-75 under transfer of technology from French Naval Group under a $3.75 billion deal signed in October 2005.

Topic: International Appointments

2. Alibaba announced new Chairman and CEO as part of a major change.

• Joseph Tsai, executive Vice President and co-founder of Alibaba (BABA), has been appointed as the Chairman.
• Joseph Tsai will succeed Daniel Zhang as chairman.
• The chairman of e-commerce unit Taobao and Tmall Group, Eddie Wu will succeed Zhang as chief executive officer of Alibaba.
• In September, both the appointments will be effective and Zhang will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of cloud unit of Alibaba.
• In March, the company announced that they were splitting into six separate units including cloud, e-commerce, logistics, media and entertainment.
• Each unit is now overseen by its own CEO and board of directors.
• Alibaba:
  • It is China's largest e-commerce company, with more than 900 million annually active users on its Taobao and Tmall platforms.
  • It also operates the country's largest cloud computing and digital payments platform.
  • It was founded on 28 June 1999.

Topic: National Appointments

3. Umesh Kumar has been appointed as chairperson of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

• President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice (Retired) Umesh Kumar of Allahabad High Court as the chairperson of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
• Earlier, the name of Justice (Retd) Rajeev Kumar Shrivastava of the Madhya Pradesh HC was proposed by the AAP government.
• This is the first appointment after the promulgation of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.
• AAP government claimed that ‘Electricity’ is a subject under the jurisdiction of the state government.
• The AAP government will move the Supreme Court (SC) against the appointment of Umesh Kumar as chairperson of DERC.
• The Government of National Capital Territory (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, was promulgated on May 19, 2023. It amends the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
• Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023:
• It was promulgated after SC ruled that the Delhi government has the power to legislate and manage civil services.
• It has provision of forming a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) comprising Chief Minister as chairperson, and the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secretary as Member and Member Secretary
• National Capital Civil Service Authority will control civil servants except working public order, police, and land.

Topic: International News

4. India joined the Artemis Accords for space exploration.

• On 22 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the Artemis Accords to make India a global space power.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have also agreed to launch a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
• By signing the Artemis Accords, India can collaborate with the US in future Moon missions. It will also enable the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
• The Artemis Accords are a set of principles for cooperation in space exploration and the use of the moon, mars, comets, and asteroids for peaceful purposes.
• The principles are non-binding multilateral arrangements between the US government and other governments.
• The Artemis program of NASA is mainly focused on new scientific discoveries and expanding the exploration of the lunar surface.
• Artemis program is also aiming to land the first astronauts on Mars and to other planets and celestial bodies.
• Additionally, the Artemis Accords aims to create a foundation for peaceful and cooperative space exploration. It ensures that space exploration should be done while upholding ethical and responsible practices.
• The principle of the Artemis program includes conducting all activities in space peacefully and with full transparency, sharing findings, registering space objects, and releasing scientific data.
• Artemis Accords was established in 2020 by NASA in association with the US Department of State. It is the agreement between the United States and seven other founding member nations.
• Israel, Romania, Bahrain, Singapore, Colombia, France, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic have joined the accords in 2022.

Topic: International News

5. The submersible vessel Titan imploded near the site of the sinking of the British passenger liner, the Titanic, in 1912.

• All five members onboard the vessel Titan have been declared dead.
• The Titan set out on an expedition to the Titanic shipwreck site, nearly 13,000 feet below sea level.
• The names of five members onboard the vessel Titan are given below.
  • Founder and CEO of US-based firm OceanGate Expeditions, Stockton Rush
  • British billionaire Hamish Harding
  • Renowned French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet
  • Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman
• The submersible vessel was owned by US-based firm OceanGate.
• Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron has completed 33 dives to the wreck.
• James Cameron is the director of the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic.
• OceanGate made two expeditions to the Titanic site in 2021 and 2022.
• Titanic sank in 1912 on its first trip from England to New York.

Topic: International Appointments

6. Ruby Sinha has been appointed as President of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) women vertical for three years.

• Ruby Sinha is the founder of SheAtWork. She takes over from Shabana Nasim.
• Shabana Nasim has become the Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE.
• BRICS CCI WE is the women’s vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI).
• SheAtWork is a knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs.
• BRICS CCI:
  • It promotes commerce and industry in the BRICS and other friendly nations.
  • It was founded in 2012. It is a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation. It is empaneled with Niti Aayog.

Topic: International News

7. India and UAE signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for authorised economic operators (AEOs) of both countries.

• The agreement has been signed on the sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Customs Co-operation Council meeting held in Brussels.
• The Mutual Recognition Arrangement establishes a framework for the recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both countries.
• By signing the agreement, India and UAE will streamline and expedite customs procedures. It will help in reducing administrative burdens and costs for authorized businesses.
• It will reduce clearance time and increase efficiency in cross-border trade.
• This agreement will foster cooperation between India and UAE and support the growth of bilateral trade.
• It is in line with improving the ease of doing business, and encouraging investments between both countries.
• The Mutual recognition arrangement is the continuation of the historic India-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed on 18 February 2022 by both countries.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Sports

8. "Bharat in Paris" campaign has been flagged off by Union Minister Anurag Thakur at JL Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

• The "Bharat in Paris" campaign has been launched by Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
• Its main objective is to spread awareness and promote sports across India before the Paris Olympics games.
• Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the Target Olympic Podium Scheme was launched in 2014-15. Under this scheme, government bear all expense of top athletes lodging and training.
• The 2024 Olympics will be organized from 26 July to 11 August in France, at Paris.
• The name of the Paris Olympic 2024 mascot is Olympic Phryge. It is based on Phrygian cap.
• “Games Wide Open” is the official slogan of the 2024 Olympics.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: National News

9. BIS released standards for agricultural by-product utensils.

• To reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainability, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released standards for agricultural by-product utensils.
• The newly-developed Indian Standard (IS 18267:2023) will be for Agri By-Product Utensils.
• IS 18267: 2023 standard covers various aspects, including raw materials, manufacturing techniques, performance, and hygiene requirements for the production of biodegradable utensils.
• It specifies the use of agricultural by-products like special leaves and sheaths as the preferred material for making utensils like plates, cups, bowls etc.
• The use of biodegradable agri by-product utensils will contribute to environmental safety, conservation of natural resources and promotion of a circular economy.
• It also recommends to use of appropriate parts of plants and trees and provides manufacturing techniques like hot pressing, cold pressing, moulding, and stitching.
• It also emphasizes the use of smooth surfaces, without sharp edges, and restricts the use of chemicals, resins, and adhesives.
• These utensils will be free from harmful additives and ensure consumer well-being. It will also help in creating economic opportunities for farmers and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
• In 2020, the Disposable plate’s market size was valued at USD 4.26 Billion and is expected to reach USD 6.73 Billion by 2028.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
  • It is an Indian national standard body that works under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
  • It is a statutory body that was established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

10. Sahitya Akademi has announced the winners of Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar for 2023.

• The number of recipients of Bal Sahitya Puraskar is 22 and the number of winners of Yuva Puraskar this year is 20.
• Suryanath Singh won the Bal Sahitya Puraskar in the Hindi language category for his collection of short stories, ‘Kotuk App’.
• Eknath Avhad has won the Bal Sahitya Puraskar in the Marathi language category for his ‘Chhand Dei Aanand’.
• Vishakha Vishwanath is the recipient of the Yuva Puraskar for ‘Swatahala Swataviruddh Ubhe Kartana’.
• Sudha Murty is the recipient of Bal Sahitya Puraskar for her collection of stories titled ‘Grandparents’ Bag of Stories’.

• Other prominent Yuva Puraskar awardees include Anirudh Kanisetti for ‘Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from Chalukyas to Cholas' and Atul Kumar Rai for the novel ‘Chandpur ki Chanda’.
• The Sahitya Akademi will later announce the recipients of the Yuva Puraskar for Manipuri, Maithili and Sanskrit.
• The recipient of Bal Sahitya Puraskar for Manipuri will also be announced later.
• Sahitya Akademi did not announce any Yuva Puraskar winner for Odia and Bal Sahitya Puraskar for Kashmiri language.
• The recipients of both awards will get a copper plaque and a cheque of Rs 50,000 each at a ceremony to be held later.

Topic: Economy/Banking/Finance

11. Apple has plans to launch its credit card, Apple Card, in India.

• It is planning to partner with HDFC Bank to bring Apple Card to India.
• According to the sources, CEO Tim Cook met with HDFC Bank CEO and MD Sashidhar Jagdishan in April.
• Apple Inc executives have also held talks with the RBI about the legalities of the card.
• Apple card is presently available in the USA. It was launched in joint collaboration with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard. It is made up of titanium metal.
• Features of Apple Card:
  • A user gets 1% cashback on making regular purchases with the physical card by using the Apple Card.
  • Cashback increases to 2% if payment is carried out using Apple Pay.
  • Apple does not charge late fee to Apple card holders. It does not charge on foreign transaction, returned payment, or annual credit card fees.
  • Apple card owners can open savings account without any minimum balance limit to deposit their daily cash.
• Apple Inc:
  • It is an American multinational technology company.
  • It is the largest information technology company by revenue.
  • Tim Cook is the current CEO of Apple Inc.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

12. IIT Kanpur successfully carried out a test flight for cloud seeding.

• The project is headed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal from the Computer Science and Engineering Department.
• The experiment was carried out with due approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
• The test flight reached an approximate height of 5000 ft.
• After successfully completing the test ride, the flight returned back to the IIT Kanpur Flight Lab airstrip.
• In the IIT Kanpur’s experiment, a Cessna aircraft was flown from the IIT Kanpur’s Flight Laboratory with cloud seeding attachments.
• The cloud seeding attachments were procured from a manufacturer in the US. 
• The test flight spread the chemical agents using a flare.
• Cloud seeding is the use of chemical agents like silver iodide, dry ice, common salt, and other elements for improving the probability of precipitation.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Corporates/Companies

13. US chip maker Micron will invest $825 million to build chip assembly and test facility in Gujarat.

• The combined investment by Micron and the Central and Gujarat governments will be $2.75 billion.
• Phased construction of the new assembly and test facility in Gujarat is expected to begin in 2023.
• During Phase 1, 5 million square feet of planned cleanroom space will be included, which will be operational in late 2024.
• Micron will get financial support of 50% of the total project cost from the Government of India and 20% incentive of the total project cost from the Government of Gujarat.
• The move will create 5,000 new direct jobs and 15,000 community jobs over the next several years.
• India-US partnership on key emerging technologies including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum and high-performance computers will create at least 80,000 jobs.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/Meetings

14. 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023 organized in Mumbai on June 22 and 23.

• On 23 June, the 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit was addressed by Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
• He said that during COVID-19, India played the role of pharmacy to the world by ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality medicines and vaccines to the world.
• The Indian pharmaceutical industry has proved itself in terms of both quality and quantity.
• During Covid, India not only developed vaccines for itself but also provided vaccines to 150 other countries and no country has complained about the quality of Indian vaccines.
• He said that the world wants India to manufacture medicines and vaccines and we should take advantage of this opportunity by using our brand power and manpower.
• On 23 June, the 8th Global Drug Quality Conference concluded successfully.
• During the two-day conference, key players in pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulators and experts discussed ways to reshape pharmaceutical manufacturing in India with patient centricity in mind.